KNIGHTS OF MANAH VALLEY
Persuading

Unknowingly they reached the White River, the river bordering the two villages. They wash their faces and occasionally play water on the banks of the river that is not too deep.

The border gate was clearly visible on the east side, which made them want to immediately set foot. After passing through the rice fields, they arrived at the village border gate, between Lapan Aji Village and Kedhung Wuni— Village where they lived.

The sparrows flew here and there as if welcoming their return. Paddy fields that begin to turn yellow, are ready for harvest. The border gate stood firm just as they had when they left the village.

Every now and then the villagers greet kindly for their return, some are even surprised to see the Manah Valley which turns out to have survived the Pengarip-Arip Gorge. So quickly the news was heard all the way to the village.

Entering the village, they were greeted by a rocky road with the left right of a large tree that made the air more beautiful. Occasionally there was the chirping of finches who were doing their rituals, that afternoon.

Two hours after crossing the village border, they arrived at the central junction of the village. If it is straight, it will go to the Manah Valley house which is at the eastern end of the village. And if it turns left, of course until the Sacred Soul College.

“Friends, it looks like we have to split up in this place. See you and thank you!” exclaim Manah Valley facing Wanapati, Jayadipa and Ni Luh while bowing his body to pay respect.

“Ta—but, hey Valley—!”

“Already Jayadipa, we can not block the Valley of Manah!” sahut Wanapati cut off Jayadipa's words that seemed not to want to part with the Valley of Manah.

“Hey, don't cry, Ni Luh!” said the Manah Valley approached Ni Luh and wiped the long haired girl's tears with both hands. “You are a strong girl!”

“Alright! Looks like it's getting late in the afternoon, we better get home!” close Manah Valley.

Wanapati and Jayadipa took the road to the left, while the Manah Valley walked straight east to return home.

“Hey, Ni Luh's. I'll see when you stand in this place!” wanapati exclaimed to warn Ni Luh who was still glued to look at the body of Manah Valley. “You can visit it anytime, besides the Manah Valley also often visit college!”

Ni Luh wiped her tears and rushed after Wanapati and Jayadipa when the Manah Valley was nowhere to be seen from her sight.

***

The next day as usual, the Manah Valley feeds the cattle, helps pick the chili and of course looks for grass for the cattle.

Returning from searching for grass near the Arip-Pengarip Gorge, Manah Valley was startled by the arrival of Ni Luh, when the young man fed his cattle beside the house. Without excuse, Ni Luh helped feed the cattle belonging to the Manah Valley.

“Ehh, there is a guest apparently!” purwandari exclaimed to see Ni Luh when the old woman was about to pluck chili in the back of her house. “Valley! Why not sign in?”

“It's okay Auntie, just here!” suhut Ni Luh's.

“Ya already, Aunty to the back first!” Purwandari passed to the chili garden with a basket carried on his back.

The atmosphere was so awkward, the Manah Valley did not know what to say first. While Ni Luh was also embarrassed to start the conversation.

“How are you?”

The words of the two of them were almost at the same time, until both of them gave a small laugh at the awkwardness. Ni Luh laughed by covering her lips using her right palm. While Manah Valley did not dare to look at the interlocutor.

“Alright! I'll talk first!” ni Luh said melting the atmosphere. “How are you doing Valley?”

“Actually, emm, I also want to ask like that Ni Luh!” sahut Valley Manah ventured to look at his interlocutor. “As you can see, I'm fine! What do you need to come to my place?”

“Emm, we better sit on the terrace alone Ni Luh!” Manah Valley took Ni Luh to the terrace of her house and was asserted by the girl.

Ni Luh told the Manah Valley about the intent of his arrival. The girl told me that, Ki Tunggul asked the Valley of Manah to return to be part of the Sacred Soul College.

Why did Ki Tunggul suddenly invite Manah Valley to join?

Certainly not without reason Ki Tunggul asked the Manah Valley to join the Sacred Soul College. First, with the joining of the young man, the strength of the college will increase, considering the Manah Valley champion of the young swordsman match.

And the second, of course, wants to compete with the prestige of the White Sword College to support the security of the Duchy of Purwaraja. For this reason, Manah Valley was invited to join by Ki Tunggul.

With some consideration, the Manah Valley finally agreed to Ni Luh's request shortly after discussing with her mother.

“If that's your intention, I can't get in the way, Valley!” purwandari said looking at the face of Manah Valley.

“You can also visit anytime to your house, Valley!” sahut Ni Luh assures the Valley of Manah.

“So like this, the way the Stump teacher persuaded the Manah Valley!”

Suddenly a voice came from the courtyard of the Manah Valley house which was none other than Wanapati who came with Jayadipa.

“Teacher is good too huh, Wanapati. Asking Ni Luh for Valley to join the college, hahaha!” timpal Jayadipa laughs and immediately joins on the terrace of Manah Valley house.

Purwandari offers some boiled sweet potatoes and also warm tea that adds to the atmosphere becoming more familiar.

“Wah, so troublesome Aunty!” wanapati widened her eyes. “But I also want all kok Bi, hehehe!”

“Please, this is all Aunty has!” sahut Purwandari smiled a little.

“It is also more than enough kok Bi!” timpal Jayadipa who immediately took the boiled sweet potato.

Until the day before noon, they were getting more fun chatting. Wanapati and Jayadipa seem to have also been able to accept the Manah Valley. How not? The young man had proven himself in the match between young warriors, that he was worthy of joining the Sacred Soul College.

***

The village gate was clearly visible, as the four of them began to enter the center of the village. After passing through the rice fields they arrived at the center of the village. And the Sacred Soul College, located at the northern end of the village center.

The braids flew here and there as if welcoming the arrival of the Manah Valley in the center of this village. Every now and then the villagers greet kindly when they cross paths with them.

An hour after passing through the center of the village, they finally arrived at the college. For a moment their steps stopped in front of the gate. Wanapati and Jayadipa stood at the front, while Ni Luh was behind the two sturdy men.

While Manah Valley slightly widened the distance with its three friends and hid behind a large mahogany tree, to surprise Ki Tunggul.

It was seen Ki Tunggul and Elders Anggada were giving material in the middle of the college page to the students who did not follow the match. The man stood towards the gate of the college, instantly silently silently looking towards the three students who were standing in front of the gate.

“Wanapati, Jayadipa, Ni Luh's. Is that really you?” yelled Ki Tunggul surprised. “How about Manah Valley?”