Pandawa - Chapter 2(2) - Test

Though the endless noise of Majapahit’s festival echoed through the air, my mind wandered elsewhere. I sat still, staring blankly at the open field where dancers performed an elaborate theater play—retelling the story of how Majapahit was first founded.

“Isn’t the Mahapatih, Gajah Mada, supposed to be here today?”

“No idea. I haven’t seen him around the palace for almost a week now.”

“Me neither. It’s strange—he’s been completely absent lately.”

“Maybe he’s gravely ill? Just like ten years ago.”

“Well, it’s not surprising. He’s in his thirties now.”

“Or perhaps there’s trouble with the King again. You know, they once—”

“Hey! Watch your tongue! Do you want your head chopped off for saying that?”

Their whispers rippled through the crowd long before I even reached the royal courtyard. By the time I took my seat, the rumors had already filled every corner of the square like a restless wind. It seemed the talk about Mahapatih Gajah Mada’s disappearance had spread too far to be contained.

“Look! They’re here!” shouted one of the spectators.

At once, everyone—royal guests, nobles, and commoners alike—rose to their feet, their applause roaring across the courtyard to welcome the arrival of the contestants.

Each participant of the royal contest wore distinct attire, proudly representing their land of origin. Five of them stood before us, each making their entrance in their own unique way.

One man was carried upon a palanquin by four soldiers, his chest bare, his legs wrapped in fine cloth, his body gleaming with gold-painted ornaments that shimmered beneath the sun.

Another arrived on foot, accompanied by three attendants, his form concealed beneath a long robe that covered him from neck to toe—a style I faintly remembered seeing when I was a child.

Then came a man leading his horse by the reins, walking beside an elderly figure—his teacher, perhaps—judging by the way the older man matched his pace. The younger one wore a totopong, a clear sign he hailed from the western lands of Java. Still, there was no mistaking it—the contestant was not the old man.

And finally, the last to appear—a figure of the Ardha-Mhriga, half-man, half-lizard in form. I blinked in disbelief. I never imagined that one of the Ardha-Mhriga race would dare to take part in a contest… to win the hand of a woman born of humankind.

.

.

.

They all stood before the crowd — some bowed with respect, others remained silent, and a few even chuckled.

Perhaps they thought of this contest as nothing more than a grand show for amusement.

The cheers faded instantly when King Jayanegara rose from his throne.

A conical instrument was brought forth, and the royal shaman, Wirogeni, began chanting his incantations.

King Jayanegara’s gaze swept over the audience.

“My people, and all who have gathered here—thank you, for being present at the Third Majapahit Tournament.

An event we hold every year to celebrate the day our great kingdom was founded. The day when my Father, Arya Tadah, Gajah Mada, and . . .”

My fist clenched tightly.

“ . . . built this nation from nothing. The day when Mongolian Kingdom, alongside Jayakatwang, struck down Singasari—

and yet we rose again!

A new family!

A new kingdom!

The Kingdom of Majapahit!”

The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers once more.

“As I have promised,” the king continued, his voice strong and echoing across the courtyard,

“whoever wins this tournament will receive a grand reward! Now, let the competition begin!”

I glanced around the royal square.

In the front row sat King Jayanegara himself, alongside the royal queens—Queen Gayatri, Queen Tribhuwaneswari, Queen Narendraduhita, and Queen Prajnadhari.

Behind them were the royal princesses, Sri Gitarja and Dyah Wiyat, accompanied by myself, Gagak Enggon, Gagak Bongol, Adityawarman, and Nambi—standing guard beside the two princesses.

And in the final row were the high officials, rakrian, war generals, elders, and other noble figures of the kingdom—including Uncle Arya Tadah, Arya Wiraraja, and Ra Tanca—each flanked by Majapahit’s royal guards.