When they heard the conversation, the faces of all Mahapatih's entourage lit up. Only one person in the audience looked gloomy and sour. He is none other than the host himself or Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather. When Mahapatih received the urn offered by Ra Semi, the great-grandfather's eyes seemed to glint with attention. If by chance someone turns around, of course he will be surprised to see the change in his great-grandfather's expression. Luckily at that time no one was paying attention to him because all the attendees were paying attention to Mahapatih Nambi.
After paying close attention to Rakryan Mahapatih handing over the urn to a guard standing behind him, Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather immediately apologized to Ra Semi for his disrespectful reception earlier. "Ah, it's okay, great-grandfather," said Ra Semi, laughing, "I'm actually happy with your attitude of not being quick to believe in every guest who wants to meet a minister in a very high position like Rakryan Mahapatih Nambi."
After the reception, the banquet was immediately served. Food and drinks as well as fresh fruit were like Bengawan water which flowed endlessly to the table, brought by dozens of virgins and men. During the banquet the group of noble guests was entertained with several dances performed by beautiful dancers.
The banquet lasted until evening. The group of grand guests looked happy and satisfied with the welcome given by Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather. During the dance, great-grandfather was seen going back and forth into the kebuyutan building, busy arranging and giving orders to the servants.
It was nearing midnight when suddenly a figure slipped out into the back yard. From behind the tree trunk, a figure appeared to welcome his arrival. They hid behind the tree, "Great-grandfather, has the time come?" shouted the person who greeted the person who had slipped out of the pendopo earlier. And it turns out that person is Kedungpeluk's own great-grandfather.
“The banquet is almost over, I think we should act. "I will offer palm wine as a bedtime drink and to close the banquet," said great-grandfather, but is this powder reliable, Raden?
"Don't worry, great uncle," said the person called the raden, "after drinking the palm wine offering, they will certainly sleep soundly forever..."
"Hm, good," great-grandfather laughed happily, "that way we can report that they ate and drank too much palm wine so their stomachs couldn't stand it."
“Ah, don't bring up great-uncle's excuses. It still lacks strength and suspicion. The central government will certainly send a group of healers, including the famous healer Ra Tanca, to investigate. It would be karma for the entire group to die, of course it would be considered a major crime, an incident of poisoning or poisoning."
Great-grandfather was stunned "Then how should we act, Raden?" he said surrender.
The person called Raden seemed very calm and answered, "No matter what, we cannot avoid responsibility. So the only way to escape punishment is to admit that the incident was poisoning."
"Poisoned?" Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather widened his eyes.
“Yes, poisoning but not poisoning. Poisoning due to eating or drinking that is not known to contain poison. On the other hand, poisoning is intentional or murder using poison."
"O" great-grandfather took a deep breath as if his nervous tension was very strong "then Raden Taruna has prepared to face that problem? “
Raden Taruna is none other than Kebo Taruna. Considering that it seemed that his appearance at the banquet would quickly attract the attention of Mahapatih's entourage, he did not want to show up. In fact, to further protect his traces, the people in the village did not even know that he was coming to the village. He held a secret meeting with his great-grandfather. Grandfather Kalung-peluk, after reading the letter from Patih Aluyuda, looked surprised. He could hardly believe that the governor of Aluyuda would take such a great action. And in line with the shock, he almost didn't dare to carry out the order. However, Kebo Taruna put pressure "Ki Buyut, I know how you feel and I can understand how you are thinking right now. But that is the responsibility of the people who work together with Patih Aluyuda, including myself and my great-grandfather." Kebo Taruna paused for a moment, then "Our position is very difficult and dangerous. Carrying out orders, great danger. Refusing orders is also very dangerous. Rakryan Patih will certainly easily find an excuse to remove the great-grandfather's position, and will even cause great-grandfather's mistakes to be punished. "I guess my great-grandfather would have understood the influence of Rakryan Patih, wouldn't he?"
With a voice stuck in his throat, the great-grandfather agreed. Kebo Taruna then explained, "after considering, between the two dangers, carrying out Rakryan Patih's orders is less dangerous. He then talked about the atmosphere of the royal temple and the king's attitude towards Mahapatih Nambi. “Even so, we must not work carelessly. Therefore, I have prepared a plan to overcome possible dangers that will threaten us." Kebo Taruna also added.
"Say, Raden, so that uncle's heart will soon be free," great-grandfather hurriedly urged.
"You see, uncle," said Kebo Taruna, "you can mix this poison powder into a drink to conclude the banquet. And if the next day the group of noble guests perishes, uncle must immediately send a messenger to the governor of Aluyuda to convey a report of the incident. Besides that, uncle, had to pretend to call people uncle and scold them. Tell them to check the remaining food and drinks. Then the uncle pretended to say that the last drink at the banquet contained very poisonous snake poison. Then uncle mobilized people to look for the poisonous snake in wells, rivers and water sources. Well, tonight I have prepared a poisonous snake carcass which I will put in a hole in the stream, aka the water source. Look for it, of course you will find the snake's carcass. Take the snake's carcass as proof that the death of the group of noble guests from the royal temple was the result of poisoning in the banquet drink. Even though it is still considered wrong, because it is an unintentional mistake, the punishment is certainly light. I will try to urge Rakryan Patih to use his influence to free him or at least. reduce uncle's sentence."
Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather broke out in cold sweat. Even though the plan put forward by Kebo Taruna was quite good, in his heart he still complained. Because if he is punished, it is clear that he will lose his position as the great-grandfather of Kedungpeluk village. However, when he imagined how great the governor Aluyuda's actions would be towards him if he refused to carry out this order, the hairs on the back of his neck bristled.
Apparently Kebo Taruna noticed the change in his great-grandfather's face. He could reveal the doubts that still clouded his great-grandfather's face. “Regarding great-uncle losing his position as great-grandfather, don't think too much about it. Rakryan Patih has promised uncle a higher position."
Great-grandfather stared closely at Kebo Taruna. "Can you promise that, Uncle Trustee, Raden?"
“I am the witness, uncle. If he doesn't keep his promise, we will reveal this secret later. Isn't this secret only we know?"
Hearing that seemed to erase the clouds of doubt in Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather's mind. He accepted the order. So before the banquet was over, he also held a meeting with Kebo Taruna in the back yard. Kebo Taruna immediately handed over the package containing the poisonous powder to great-grandfather. Then they separated. Great-grandfather rushed back to the pendapa. He headed back. After giving orders to the person on duty regarding drinks, he quickly put the poisoned powder into a vase of palm wine. Then he quickly headed out to serve the great guest.
Not long after, he motioned for the palm wine dish to conclude the banquet to be brought out immediately "Gusti Mahapatih and all Gusti Senopati, please allow me to offer respect and devotion to all the people of Kedungpeluk with palm wine made by the people of this village. This palm wine is efficacious in eliminating excess and you can certainly compete soundly..."
The great-grandfather's words were spoken in a slightly trembling tone, but because Mahapatih and his entourage were satisfied with the great-grandfather's reception, they did not pay attention to the tone of the great-grandfather's voice. First the rakryan mahapatih Nambi then the senapati. With every sip, you can hear words of praise for the sweet and delicious wine. After the senopati finished, great-grandfather distributed the drink to the guards, especially the personal bodyguards of Rakryan Mahapatih Nambi.
Ra Semi, who was sitting next to Jaran Bangkal, immediately whispered a few words to Senopati. Jaran Bangkal, who is famous for being brave and honest, has risen to the occasion. "Grandfather, don't give that palm wine to Rakryan Mahapatih's bodyguards!"
Great-grandfather Kedungpeluk was stunned, turned away and frowned. "Why, Lord?" He had been facing the guard so he didn't know who was talking. What he saw was Jaran Bangkal and he didn't know that a few moments ago it was Ra Semi who was whispering Senopati.
"The bodyguards are tasked with ensuring the safety of Gusti Mahapatih and his entourage. "If we sleep soundly and the guards do too, then who will look after Gusti Mahapatih's safety?" exclaimed Jaran Bangkal.
Great-grandfather quickly erased his surprised wrinkles. “Ah, why does Gusti Senopati doubt the loyalty of the people of Kedungpeluk? "Okay, Gusti, Kedungpeluk's great servant will be responsible for the safety of Gusti Mahapatih and all Gusti Senopati."
Jaran Bangkal almost stuttered. As an honest brute, he considered his great-grandfather's statement acceptable. But at that moment Ra Semi interrupted, "Great-grandfather, do not exceed one's rights and obligations. The soldiers guarding Rakryan Mahapatih and the Senopati entourage are obliged to protect the safety of their master. Especially the safety of Gusti Mahapatih Nambi, the highest ranking government official in the Majapahit government after King Jayanagara. If something happens to Gusti Mahapatih, it will certainly have big consequences. Even war disasters might arise because of that. How can you, a great-grandfather, have the right to take over such a heavy task? Wouldn't those guards still be sentenced to death by the government if they were willing to hand over their responsibilities to you, great-grandfather? “
Ra Semi's words were like lightning that struck Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather's feelings to pieces. Ra Semi seemed to give an idea of the consequences and punishment he would receive for poisoning Rakryan, Mahapatih and his entourage. Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather's hands trembled imagining the horror of the fate he would receive. The punishment was beheading for himself and his entire family. Hihh, the great-grandfather suddenly hissed and was about to run away.
“Hi, great-grandfather, why are you here? Why is your face so pale and your molars sound like they're grinding? And where are you going?" Jaran Bangkal scolded, seeing the movements of Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather who was frightened like a dog with a tail."
"No... no where... no where, gusti," the great-grandfather answered in a shaky voice.
Ra Semi stared intently at his great-grandfather's face, "Great-grandfather, it seems that you have suddenly fallen ill?" He stepped forward and before the great-grandfather could open his mouth, Ra Semi quickly snatched the cup containing palm wine from the great-grandfather's hand, which was the wine that was about to be served to Rakryan Mahapatih's bodyguard earlier. And before the great-grandfather had time to know what was going to happen, Ra Semi's left hand had already gripped the great-grandfather's mouth, pressed it so that it opened and then drank the palm wine into his mouth "Drink this palm wine, great-grandfather, so that your illness will disappear..."
At first glance, Ra Semi's actions could indeed be considered an act to help his great-grandfather from a sudden illness. Even after drinking the palm wine, Ra Semi was still seen massaging his great-grandfather's forehead and eyebrows, giving people the impression that the great guest was really providing help.
For a moment the great-grandfather lost his understanding. But at another time, awareness arose in his mind and he knew what would happen to him after drinking the palm wine. "Ah, I'm dead," he groaned to himself. He steadfastly mixed the poison powder into palm wine and served it to Rakryan Mahapatih and the Senopati. He was not afraid to face the consequences of the poisoning. But when he himself drank the poisoned palm wine, something he never expected at all, his guts broke. It is clear that a cold-hearted murderer will still be afraid if he himself faces death...
Fear often clouds peace of mind. Gripped by fear, the great-grandfather lost control of himself and went crazy like a mad buffalo. Ignoring the noble guests who were still in the banquet area, the great-grandfather got up, jumped up and ran out of the hall...
"Eh, what is that great-grandfather like?" exclaimed Mahapatih Nambi in surprise. However, of all the senopati in the group of great guests, only Ra Semi could answer "Ah, maybe he has a relapse of an illness."
“Ah, if that's true, that's really a pity. "After leaving Lumajang, I will invite him to go to the royal temple for treatment at Ra Tanca," said Mahapatih Nambi.
So, because there was nothing more to discuss, the group of noble guests immediately left the banquet area and retired to the building that had been prepared by the host for the night.
While the noble guests were competing to relieve their fatigue, Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather was still running helter-skelter through the darkness of the night. He felt that he would definitely die from drinking palm wine which he clearly mixed with poison powder. The only one who vented his anger was Kebo Taruna "Kebo Taruna! Kebo Taruna! Where are you...!" he shouted while running so that he didn't realize that at that time he was already outside the village area and in a forest. He didn't know where Kebo Taruna was. Anyway, by shouting his name, of course the young man would hear him and appear. He wanted to ask for an antidote.
Without realizing it, he had arrived at the edge of the water channel. Suddenly a figure appeared to greet his arrival "Great-grandfather! You...?” the person exclaimed in surprise.
"Ho, you Raden Taruna, what a shame, Raden, I was forced to drink that poisonous palm wine by Rakryan Semi," great-grandfather quickly answered in a trembling tone, "Give me the antidote, Raden."
Kebo Taruna took a step back, "Why were you forced to drink that palm wine?"
The great-grandfather briefly and accurately explained what happened at the banquet area, "Quickly, Raden, give me the antidote, or else I will . . . I certainly do. . .dead, uh…..” the great-grandfather pressed his throat. He felt his throat starting to itch.
Kebo Taruna was amazed, "Ah, how should I explain to him? "He started rocking. "If I explain that the powder actually does not contain any dangerous poison and only makes the stomach hurt, my secret of replacing the poisonous powder will certainly be revealed. The great-grandfather will of course give a report to Patih Aluyuda's uncle. But if I don't say that, he will definitely whine and ask me for an antidote. Even though I don't have the antidote. Ah, what a shame this great-grandfather is…..”
"Raden, why are you silent?" Suddenly the great-grandfather repeated his request because he couldn't wait to see Kebo Taruna pensive in silence, "Are you really not willing to give me the antidote? Do you really want to harm me? Haven't I helped your business, but why don't you want to return the favor for my soul? Hurry, give it, raden. . . . The great-grandfather stepped forward and extended his hand in front of Kebo Taruna.
Kebo Taruna also took a half step back, "Grandpa, I don't really have the antidote..."
"Oh, you don't want to help my soul?"
“Don't misunderstand, great-ki. I really don't have the antidote." Kebo Taruna was forced to emphasize.
Suddenly the great-grandfather's face turned red. His pair of eyes gleamed with fire, "Kebo Taruna, if you don't want to give me the antidote, you are really responding to breast milk with tubal water. Because you are cruel, I am forced to be cruel to you too..."
“ Great-grandfather Ki; "Actually..." Kebo Taruna meant to look for information that the powder actually did not contain vicious poison. But apparently Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather didn't want to hear anything else except the delivery of the antidote. Thinking that the young man was only going to give a rejection, the great-grandfather could no longer control himself. Simultaneously he lunged at Kebo Taruna, both hands outstretched to strangle the young man's neck.
Kebo Taruna was shocked but he didn't want himself to be a victim of his great-grandfather's mistake. A receding movement then swiveling to the right, could make the great-grandfather hit the wind "Great-grandfather, don't be impudent" but Kebo Taruna didn't have time to finish his words because at that time, with a nimble body turning movement, the great-grandfather was already facing towards Kebo Taruna and He didn't grip but instead landed his fist on Kebo Taruna's chest "You, traitorous young man, be killed......"
For the second time, Kcbo Taruna just avoided it and then wanted to give an explanation. But again he didn't get a chance to speak. Kedungpeluk's great-grandparents attacked him more aggressively and furiously. Not only was it limited to his hands, he also used his feet to knock the young man down. He thought, after the young man collapsed, he would search his body and of course he would get an antidote to the poison.
Facing his great-grandfather who had lost his mind, Kebo Taruna was finally overwhelmed. At first he still didn't want to serve and just played backwards and avoided it. But at that time he was already at the edge of the water channel. There was no way he could go back again. And at that time he had lost his patience seeing the behavior of his great-grandfather who didn't want to give him a chance to talk. In the end, he decided to destroy the great-grandfather first and then explain later.
Suddenly the great-grandfather lunged with a leaping, pouncing motion. And this time it includes all its energy. He was furious and really angry with the young man. If necessary, he will commit murder as long as he can get medicine to help his soul. His stretching fingers seemed to have almost succeeded in reaching the target when suddenly Kebo Taruna's face, which had been in his grip, disappeared. He was also hit by the wind, even though all his strength had been poured into his grip, his body was also pushed forward and he was thrown... he was thrown into the river.
Even though it is not very wide, the water channel is wide enough to accommodate a person's body into it. Because he was not good at swimming, his great-grandfather drank quite a lot of water.
The tributary is located in the lower flow of the water source of Kedung Peluk village. Realizing this, Kebo Taruna jumped up in surprise and quickly tried to pull the great-grandfather's body from the water channel. How anxious he was when he saw the great-grandfather's body convulsing stiffly, his face was bluish red and his eyes were wide open "Great-grandfather, great-grandfather, wake up..." he shook the great-grandfather's body so that he would wake up, "Don't worry, great-grandfather, you are drinking wine. The drink does not contain any toxic powder. . . “
However, the great-grandfather remained silent. Kebo Taruna was busy massaging the great-grandfather's body. A few moments later, the great-grandfather opened his eyes, "Great-grandfather... . . . "By seeing Kebo Teruna beside him, before the young man had time to speak, the great-grandfather was already struggling and grabbing Kebo Taruna Kebo Taruna's clothes, quickly give him an antidote or I'll squeeze your neck...."
Kebo Taruna could no longer escape. His shirt flyer was grabbed by great-grandfather "Great-grandfather, listen to what I'm saying..."
"Give me the antidote first, then talk again," snapped the great-grandfather as he tightened the grip on Kebo Taruna's neck so that the young man was short of breath. “But palm wine does not contain poison……. uh……. "It wasn't until Kebo Taruna said that that his neck felt even louder and louder. Apparently the great-grandfather really didn't want to accept Kebo Taruna's statement except for the delivery of medicine. "Hm, this great-grandfather is really crazy. "If I leave it alone I'll die of giggling," thought Kebo Taruna.
Kebo Taruna quickly moved both hands to grip Kedungpeluk's great-grandfather's shoulders. With all his strength he squeezed it "Huh. . . The great-grandfather groaned in pain and released his stranglehold. Once Kebo Teruna pushed, great-grandfather's body fell to the ground, his head hit the hard ground and he fainted. Kebo Taruna sighed while shaking his head. I don't know how I will deal with this crazy and stubborn great-grandfather..." he muttered to himself.
For a moment of contemplation he suddenly realized "Ah, why don't I just lie to him with..." he looked around the place "yes, that's right, with dry leaves that I crushed finely and I said it was an antidote. If he drinks squeezed dried leaves, he will certainly recover because he is not actually drinking poisonous palm wine."
Kebo Taruna simultaneously got up looking for dry leaves. After kneading it until smooth, then wrapping it in a paper cover from the governor of Aluyuda, then he returned to his great-grandfather's place. He shook and shook his body and head, but the great-grandfather still lay unconscious. He massaged it again. Finally, after some time, the great-grandfather opened his eyes and said in a weak voice, "You are a liar, a traitor....... palm wine is poisonous...."
"Drink this antidote." Kebo Taruna immediately opened his mouth and was about to put in the dried leaf powder. But great-grandfather stretched his eyes full of revenge "In vain... I.. I didn't..." before he could finish his words, great-grandfather's head had slumped and his breathing had stopped...
Kebo Taruna repeatedly shouted at his great-grandfather but in vain. The great-grandfather had died in a tragic situation. His face was bluish, his body convulsed stiffly. "Ah, great-grandfather, you misunderstood." Kebo Taruna sighed with regret. In fact, I had replaced the poisonous powder with powder that did not contain poison. But why are you afraid and don't want to hear my explanation? Ah . You died not because you drank the poisonous wine, but because you drank the water from the river containing the poison of poisonous snakes that I put in the upper flow of the water source. Great-grandfather, although your death was due to your stubbornness, it was indirect. I am the cause of your death. Great-grandfather, I'm sorry. In the future, if I can reach a high rank, I will definitely come to this village to make a beautiful grave for you as a reward..."
After placing the great-grandfather's body in a place where people could easily find it, Kebo Taruna immediately left the village and returned to the royal temple. "A dangerous and complicated task has been handled well. I will report to Patih Aluyuda what is happening in the village, especially the arrival of Ra Semi bringing an antidote to the poison. In this way Uncle Patih will certainly free me from the accusation of not carrying out his orders and pouring out his anger on Ra Semi and Ra Tanca. With one paddle I can reach two shores. Can avoid the task of killing Rakryan Mahapatih Nambi but will still receive rewards from Patih Aluyuda. Hm, I really don't have the heart to kill Uncle Nambi."
When Regent Aluyuda received the report from Kebo Taruna, he was extremely shocked and angry. "How could it be by such a coincidence that Ra Semi could come to bring medicine for Mahapatih, Kebo Taruna?" he began to examine the young man.
"I don't know uncle."
“Impossible, Kebo Taruna. "It's truly an impossible event without betrayal!" Patih Aluyuda made a sharp accusation.
Kebo Taruna's face changed instantly "Uncle accused me of being a traitor? Why should I betray? What is the reward for my betrayal? Is Rakryan Nambi able to provide the valuable reward that Uncle promised? Uncle, I have not been promoted in rank or position, wealth or objects. But what is important for Kebo Taruna's life is Nini Damayanti!"
"Rakryan Mahapatih can give dozens of girls who are prettier than Damayanti," argued Aluyuda,
Kebo Taruna firmly replied, "Even though he is an angel from heaven, Kebo Taruna will not waver in his loyalty to Damayanti. Only Damayanti is the light of Kebo Taruna's life!"
“That's true for every man who wants to get a woman. Before getting it, of course you will make a thousand promises that are beautiful to hear. But after getting it, um, even if you finish off the sweet stuff, it's definitely wasted."
“Uncle, listen to Kebo Taruna's oath. If I waste Damayanti, one day I will be cursed by the gods. And if I betray, I will let my body be chopped to death."
"Hm, but why did Ra Semi know about that plan?" repeated Regent Aluyuda.
"There are two possibilities in this matter," said Kebo Taruna. "First, there was betrayal. And if that's true, it's certainly not someone else but an insider. Presumably people like Rakryan Mahapatih and the Dharmaputera certainly have spies who smuggle in everywhere. And the second possibility is that Ra Semi and Ra Tanca did not take Rakryan Mahapatih's face by offering self-protection medicine. Understandably, the journey from the royal temple to Lumajang was through a jungle that was still full of poisonous snakes. "And by chance, Ra Semi was able to catch up with Mahapatih's rombougan in Kcdungpeluk village."
“Hm,” Patih Aluyuda sighed, “both possibilities are possible. Both are equally dangerous. But in the end, I will definitely find out about it. If it comes from betrayal, I will certainly kill him. If due to the coincidence of the actions of the Dharmaputeras to win Mahapatih's heart, the plan will definitely fail. Hm, don't think that this failure is a defeat for Aluyuda. Aluyuda will not take a step back and will definitely succeed!"