Majapahit, Saka 1237 (1315 CE)
Dust rose behind Ra Semi's steed as he rode with quiet determination. Once the war general of Majapahit, he urged his horse forward, yet his mind wandered far. At times, he slowed down, allowing his eyes to sweep across the green rice fields glistening with the sparkle of flowing water. It was a beautiful sight—but it could not ease the weight etched onto his face. Sorrow clung to his gaze, tangled with confusion and a simmering fury pressing against his chest.
The gates of Majapahit's capital loomed ahead. Ra Semi drew a deep breath and halted at the city's threshold. Your kingdom, my late King Sanggramawijaya... it has grown vast and magnificent, he whispered silently, lifting his eyes to the sky.
But the thought hung heavy—And yet... I no longer know where it is headed, he murmured with unease, dread coiling around his heart.
The horse pressed forward, carrying him through the bustling roads of the capital. His destination lay within the palace grounds—an old corner few now remembered. At the end of a winding path stood a gate of stone, carved with intricate motifs. Its grandeur, however, was shadowed by an air of solemnity that raised goosebumps. Once, this place had been sacred.
Ra Semi paused again, staring intently at the gate. This place… the memories here are too strong. It was you, my King, he thought mournfully, you who created the Dharmaputra… and forged us into what we are.
A bitter question surfaced: If you were still here, would you have commanded the same as your son, Prabu Jayanegara? Doubt and sorrow churned in his heart. I no longer know what to believe, my King...
The image of Sanggramawijaya rose vividly in his mind—the wise founder of Majapahit, father to Jayanegara. He had ruled not by fear, but with a heart that flowed like an endless river, his wisdom vast as the sky.
None had ever questioned his rule. From commoners to noblemen, all revered him. When he saw the fire burning in young Semi—his martial prowess, strategic mind, and shrewd grasp of state affairs—Sanggramawijaya had chosen him without hesitation. Together with six other gifted youths, Semi was appointed to the elite corps: Winehsuka Dharmaputra.
But Dharmaputra was never just a military unit. To Sanggramawijaya, they were his sons. Groomed, trained, and raised under his direct care, they were the crown jewels of the empire—his legacy made flesh.
Ra Semi exhaled, the memories striking like a double-edged blade. His longing for that noble king only deepened his unease toward Prabu Jayanegara's current rule.
Shaking off the thoughts, Ra Semi inhaled sharply, steeling his heart. I must see them. With steady steps, he passed through the gate of the Dharmaputra Hall.
Inside, familiar faces awaited.
"Kakang Semi," greeted Ra Kuti gently, concern in his eyes as he looked upon his brother-in-arms.
Ra Wedeng, the brawniest of them, and Ra Yuyu, the youngest and mute member of their order, approached to offer their respects.
"Our respects, Kakang Semi," Ra Wedeng said with a nod. His eyes, however, hinted at curiosity.
"Hgggh..." Ra Yuyu bowed deeply, a quiet hum his only reply.
"Kuti, Wedeng, Yuyu," Semi returned their nods. "Forgive me for keeping you waiting." His voice was heavy, signalling the weight of the news he bore.
"Kakang," Kuti stepped closer, his tone solemn. "You wouldn't come in person unless it was something urgent. What's troubling your heart?"
Semi took a breath before replying. "Lately… I've been looking into a series of troubling events." He paused, letting the word troubling echo in the room.
Wedeng and Yuyu exchanged glances, both falling silent.
"Troubling?" Kuti repeated, frowning. "What exactly do you mean?"
Before Semi could answer, a familiar raspy voice cut through the tension.
"Kukuku… Looks like Kakang Semi's been doing a lot of thinking."
Ra Banyak emerged from the shadows, his signature grin intact.
"Watch your words, Banyak!" Ra Pangsa, standing beside him, elbowed him sharply.
"Don't get so riled up, Pangsa," Banyak chuckled. "I'm just joking." Then, bowing mockingly, he added, "Forgive our tardiness, Kakang Semi. Kakang Kuti."
Pangsa bowed as well, more respectfully. "Our greetings, Kakang Semi and Kakang Kuti."
Ignoring their banter, Kuti asked, "Where's Tanca? Is he tending to someone again?"
Almost on cue, Ra Tanca stepped through the entrance, his expression tired yet composed. "Apologies, brothers. The royal family needed care."
"No need to explain," Semi nodded, understanding. "As the palace physician, you must be in high demand." He then surveyed the room. "Now that we're all here, please listen closely to what I'm about to say."
"You all remember," Semi began, his voice deep and solemn, "the rebellion during the time of His Majesty Nararya Sanggramawijaya?"
"Lembu Sora's revolt?" Wedeng replied, after a pause.
"And Ranggalawe's uprising too," added Kuti.
Semi sighed. "Yes… Ranggalawe, Lembu Sora…" he said their names with regret. "They were the ones who fought beside Raden Wijaya, long before he became king."
"They were pillars of Majapahit's foundation…" he trailed off, his gaze distant.
Tanca furrowed his brow. "Why bring them up now, Kakang?"
"You're not planning to rebel, are you?" Banyak grinned, chuckling again. "Kukukuku…"
"Silence, Banyak!" Pangsa snapped.
Semi raised a hand to calm them. "This is no laughing matter," he said sharply, his eyes on Banyak.
The jest vanished from Banyak's face. "S-sorry, Kakang."
Kuti turned the conversation back on track. "What is it, Kakang? What are you trying to say?"
Semi hesitated before posing a question that had long tormented him. "Why do you think comrades—those who once fought side by side—end up rebelling?"
Tanca thought deeply. "Perhaps… it's a matter of diverging interests."
"Mmm…" Semi murmured, almost in agreement.
Tanca continued, "During times of struggle, people unite under a shared goal. But once that goal is achieved…"
"…they no longer share the same path," he concluded. "Each begins to pursue their own cause."
"If that's true…" Semi nodded slowly, "then whose cause is right? And whose is wrong?"
Tanca gave a sorrowful shrug. "That depends… on who's telling the story."
He added, quietly, "The dead cannot speak. The living shape the tale."
"Exactly…" Semi agreed grimly. "Especially those in power."
He drew a breath. "And the next question… was it truly rebellion? Or merely a tale told by the victors?"
The question hung in the air—accusatory, heavy with doubt.
"Forgive me, Kakang Semi," Kuti interrupted, voice low and wary. He scanned the room. "We must be careful with our words… even here. The walls have ears."
Pangsa nodded. "He's right. Let's not invite accusations of treason."
Even Banyak, ever the jester, looked uneasy. "Kakang… you may no longer be Rakryan Tumenggung, but I'm sure many still keep eyes on you," he whispered. "Especially now that the Bhayangkara are rivaling us, hungry for the king's favour."
Ra Semi fell silent, reflecting on the burden he once carried.
"That title…" he said softly, "was heavy on my shoulders."
"I saw too much—more than I wanted to know."
"As the Tumenggung, my loyalty lay with the King," he admitted, his voice laced with pain. "But as a knight… I could not ignore the truth."
Tanca's gaze sharpened.
"I began to wonder," Semi continued, eyes distant, "if those who gave everything could still fall to ruin…"
"…then what chance do we have? We're merely tools."
Silence filled the hall. The air grew heavier with unspoken fears.
"I'm convinced now…" Semi spoke again, quieter, but resolute. "History will repeat itself."
His voice dropped, foreboding.
"Soon… Majapahit will lose another hero."
Kuti froze. His eyes widened. "A hero…?" His throat tightened. "You don't mean… Mpu Nambi?!"
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Glossary & Historical Background
Glossary of Titles and Terms
1. KakangA respectful Javanese term meaning "older brother."In this story, it is used as a title of respect and camaraderie among male comrades, especially within the elite Dharmaputra guard. Comparable to "Brother" in English, it expresses both seniority and close bonds.
2. PrabuA royal honorific used to address or refer to a reigning king.It conveys both reverence and sovereignty, comparable to "His Majesty" or simply "the King."
3. MpuAn honorific title in Old Javanese, used to refer to a venerated elder, sage, scholar, spiritual master, or nobleman.In the Majapahit era, this title denoted highly respected individuals who contributed greatly to the kingdom's founding and governance. Comparable to "Lord" or "Master" depending on context.
4. RakryanA formal title for high-ranking court officials in the Majapahit administrative system.These figures held significant power and responsibilities in governance, military, and regional leadership.
5. RaAn abbreviated form of Rakryan, used as a title before the names of officials (e.g., Ra Semi, Ra Kuti).
6. Rakryan TumenggungA specific title referring to the Royal War General or Chief Commander of the Army.This position held immense influence in both military and political affairs, acting as the king's right hand in times of war.
Historical Background
1. The Founder of MajapahitNararya Sanggramawijaya, also known as Raden Wijaya or Dyah Wijaya, was the founder of the Majapahit Kingdom. Upon coronation, he received the regnal name:Sri Kertarajasa Jayawardhanantawikramattungga, also known as Sri Kertarajasa Jayawardhana or Sri Maharaja Nararya Sanggramawijaya.
2. The Second King of MajapahitSri Jayanegara, son of Raden Wijaya, ascended the throne at age 15 following his father's death in 1309 CE. His royal title was:Sri Maharaja Wiralandagopala Sri Sundarapandya Dewa Adhiswara.
3. The Dharmaputra WinehsukaAn elite royal guard unit created by Sri Kertarajasa, composed of seven chosen youths. More than soldiers, they were trained as loyal protectors of the kingdom and the royal family.
4.BhayangkaraThe royal palace guard and elite security force tasked with protecting the king and the royal family. In historical Majapahit, they were known for their discipline and loyalty, functioning as both bodyguards and internal protectors of the court.
5. Ra SemiA former member of Dharmaputra and later promoted to Rakryan Tumenggung (Royal War General). After the death of Sri Kertarajasa, he stepped down and returned to Dharmaputra service.
6. Saka and Common Era (CE)The Saka calendar lags 78 years behind the Gregorian (Masehi) calendar.For example, Saka 1237 = 1315 CE.