SRI CAHYA
FIRST SNAPSHOT:
Five years earlier:
The horror on Cahya's face lingers, even after hearing the long explanation from Sri Dewi, the Mage Master. Cahya can barely breathe after absorbing the stunning request.
“What about Mage Bimo? You’ve been grooming him for this position for three years. I can’t take that away from him. A schism on the High Council would result.” Dizzied, he collapses on a chair as objections pelt his mind with the fury of a monsoon downpour. “You wanted someone younger.”
“The Kanekes leader was adamant. He’s given me only two weeks to settle the transition before I…die.”
Die? Cahya scowls at the Mage Master, not comprehending her words. They talk on and on until Cahya is numb from having each of his reservations trumped.
“He’ll visit shortly after I’m gone,” the Mage Master concludes. “If you’re willing to accept the responsibility, I’ll announce your nomination tomorrow. Jawa will fall without your leadership.”
Swallowing, Cahya looks at his feet, his head swimming in confusion. He uncurls tight fists digit by digit, counting: Bimo will never forgive me. Vidya will side with him. Randika will support me. Satha? Unpredictable. Kanti? Only if the Mage Master pushes hard enough. But will her support sway the needed three-fourths vote of the general assembly?
He inhales deeply, dreading the storm he’s about to face. The guilt of taking Bimo's place is a weight he’ll carry for years. Knowing he can’t ignore the Kanekes, Cahya forces a feeble grin.
“So be it,” he whispers, the words barely escaping his quivering lips.
SECOND SNAPSHOT:
One week after the "First Snapshot" (above):
“Tell me, Mage Cahya, what are you planning to do with the Jimber once I’m gone?” the Mage Master asks weakly, her visage pale with fatigue.
“I've been studying Dahat’s plans as they unfold against us,” Cahya begins, unsure if the Mage Master is merely curious or if she’s testing him. “I’d say we need to cast the recruiting net as wide as possible and bring in our island's most talented youths. That means we have to look farther than Priangan villages.”
“The educators there aren’t going to like losing their place of prominence.” The Mage Master grins, shaking her head. “But a bold and necessary move. How far will you go?”
“I’ll go to the central highlands, to the coastal tribes—even the Jupami or Slamet peoples. I'll even travel to other islands—to Suvarna, Pura, or Wali if we can’t find the talent we need.”
“That would be a first,” the Mage Master laughs. “Can you imagine the reaction if we invited a Jupami to the Academy?”
“They’ll probably be ruffled by a lot more than that before my time in office is done,” Cahya declares, self-confidence rising.
Five years earlier:
The horror on Cahya's face lingers, even after hearing the long explanation from Sri Dewi, the Mage Master. Cahya can barely breathe after absorbing the stunning request.
“What about Mage Bimo? You’ve been grooming him for this position for three years. I can’t take that away from him. A schism on the High Council would result.” Dizzied, he collapses on a chair as objections pelt his mind with the fury of a monsoon downpour. “You wanted someone younger.”
“The Kanekes leader was adamant. He’s given me only two weeks to settle the transition before I…die.”
Die? Cahya scowls at the Mage Master, not comprehending her words. They talk on and on until Cahya is numb from having each of his reservations trumped.
“He’ll visit shortly after I’m gone,” the Mage Master concludes. “If you’re willing to accept the responsibility, I’ll announce your nomination tomorrow. Jawa will fall without your leadership.”
Swallowing, Cahya looks at his feet, his head swimming in confusion. He uncurls tight fists digit by digit, counting: Bimo will never forgive me. Vidya will side with him. Randika will support me. Satha? Unpredictable. Kanti? Only if the Mage Master pushes hard enough. But will her support sway the needed three-fourths vote of the general assembly?
He inhales deeply, dreading the storm he’s about to face. The guilt of taking Bimo's place is a weight he’ll carry for years. Knowing he can’t ignore the Kanekes, Cahya forces a feeble grin.
“So be it,” he whispers, the words barely escaping his quivering lips.
SECOND SNAPSHOT:
One week after the "First Snapshot" (above):
“Tell me, Mage Cahya, what are you planning to do with the Jimber once I’m gone?” the Mage Master asks weakly, her visage pale with fatigue.
“I've been studying Dahat’s plans as they unfold against us,” Cahya begins, unsure if the Mage Master is merely curious or if she’s testing him. “I’d say we need to cast the recruiting net as wide as possible and bring in our island's most talented youths. That means we have to look farther than Priangan villages.”
“The educators there aren’t going to like losing their place of prominence.” The Mage Master grins, shaking her head. “But a bold and necessary move. How far will you go?”
“I’ll go to the central highlands, to the coastal tribes—even the Jupami or Slamet peoples. I'll even travel to other islands—to Suvarna, Pura, or Wali if we can’t find the talent we need.”
“That would be a first,” the Mage Master laughs. “Can you imagine the reaction if we invited a Jupami to the Academy?”
“They’ll probably be ruffled by a lot more than that before my time in office is done,” Cahya declares, self-confidence rising.
