Nyai Dhira was seen pacing back and forth thinking about what medicine could be given to the plague sufferers. If it was true that the disease was caused by rats, the first thing to do would be to avoid the rodents. But, it is common in everyone's house for rats to dwell in the granary. How can we get rid of them?
Rats themselves are not the main cause of the plague, but the bacteria they carry and are then eaten by humans. This means that the human body itself must be able to fight the source of the disease.
Nyai Dhira glanced at Eyang Guru who was also busy with an ancient book. He read the pages carefully. What was he looking for? Nalini was right, if they could read, it would be easier to gain new knowledge.
"Master, what are you looking for?" Nyai Dhira ventured to ask. Eyang Guru stopped for a long time at a page with a picture of an onion. He read over and over the description underneath.
"Mom, look at this. What do you think this is?" Eyang Guru asked another question. He handed the book to Nyai Dhira.
She welcomed it and took a quick look at the picture. "Isn't this garlic, Master?" Nyai Dhira wanted to match her opinion with what Eyang Guru knew.
The man then nodded. "Yes, you are right. It is garlic. Do you know what the properties of garlic are?" Eyang Guru seemed to be testing what the healer already knew.
"Garlic is used for cooking, Master. It can also be used to treat boils," Nyai Dhira replied innocently. She felt a little strange why Eyang Guru was even discussing onions.
"Nyai, you know that garlic has many benefits. Not only for seasoning, but it can also be used as medicine. Medicine for boils you said earlier?" Eyang Guru tried to understand Nyai Dhira with a simple explanation.
Nyai Dhira nodded. "That's right, Master. Then what does garlic have to do with this rampant plague? Can it be used to treat sick people? How can it be used?" The physician asked successive questions.
Eyang Guru smiled patiently. He then tried to give a simple explanation. "Do you know what causes boils? A very small creature that is invisible to our eyes. It makes the skin become inflamed and swollen. Likewise, this plague originated from very small germs carried by rats. I have faith that garlic can control the small creatures in our body," said Eyang Guru at length.
Nyai Dhira was seen nodding her head. She now understood. Garlic can be used as a potent natural antibiotic. "Then, how do I use it, Master?"
Eyang Guru closed his book, his fingers laced together and resting on the table. "It's easy, Nyai. People can chew it directly, or mash it and mix it with warm water, then drink it. Two white bottom cloves a day is enough."
"Yes, Master. I understand now. So, what herbal concoction should I make now?" Nyai Dhira asked again. "I think, people who are sick also need stronger energy and body defense."
"That's right, Nyai. People who are sick also need to strengthen their immune system. What kind of herbs do you think they should drink? Use ingredients that are easily found in people's yards," said Eyang Guru. He knew very well that in times of crisis like this, those with a merchant mentality would exchange the goods they were looking for for a high price.
Nyai Dhira seemed to think for a moment. She then curled her lips upwards, indicating she already knew the answer. "Wedang jahe, Master. Most people grow ginger in their yards. The drink is very effective for warming the body and strengthening the immune system."
Eyang Guru held up his thumb. "You are smart, mother healer. Now, make some ginger for us before we go back to the township," said Eyang Guru.
Nyai Dhira bowed and offered her obeisances, and immediately brought some ginger segments and brown sugar to the hearth. She saw that Nalini was busy blowing wood and lighting the fire.
Eyang Guru's attention then turned to Arya Dipa. He also had a special task for the student. "Come here, Arya. I have a secret task for you to do," said Eyang Guru as he beckoned the young man to come closer.
Arya Dipa, who was studying the map of the kingdom and the spread of the plague, approached where his teacher was. "Ready to carry out orders. Master. I am ready to carry out orders," he said. He put his hands together in front of his chest and bowed in reverence awaiting orders.
Eyang Guru wrote a message on a palm leaf. The order was not too long, but it was clear and firm. "Leave this message to Commander Jayeng Sura, starting tomorrow we must close the roads and restrict the movement of people. Place troops in strategic places. Make sure everyone follows the rules, those who violate them will be punished."
Arya Dipa received the palm leaf and kept it under his black vest. "I will convey this message to the commander upon arrival at the township."
Eyang Guru had a pleased look on his face. His heart was now a little relieved, the big problem he was facing was slowly finding a bright spot. "We will bring the two healers to the township. I still need them. After all, they have nowhere to go."
"Yes, Master. I will gladly escort you on this journey," Arya Dipa said as he returned to worship. The young man then organized the supplies. He packed various medicines needed during the journey.
Not long after, Nyai Dhira and Nalini arrived with a cooked ginger concoction. Smoke was still billowing from the clay cup. The aroma of the drink smelled fresh and appetizing.
Nalini placed the cup in front of Eyang Guru and Arya Dipa. "Please drink it while it's warm. My mother used to make this herb for endurance," she said as she slowly retreated.
Eyang Guru hurriedly prevented him. "Have you drunk it too?" he asked. The man failed to lift his cup when he saw the two women in front of him shaking their heads.
"You must also drink it. Remember, before helping people, you must keep your own bodies healthy." Eyang Guru reminded Nyai Dhira and Nalini.
"Yes, Master. We'll make some more," said Nyai Dhira as she bowed and retreated back to the hearth. They immediately made the same potion and multiplied it as provisions for the journey.
Finished with all the preparations and supplies, Eyang Guru invited the three of them to leave the place. Nalini repeatedly looked back, her heart felt heavy leaving the beautiful hiding place.
"Eyang Guru, can I come here again sometime?" asked Nalini shyly. The cave was lonely and secluded, but Nalini liked the cozy and quiet atmosphere there.
Eyang Guru did not answer immediately. Instead, he laughed and then answered clearly. "Never mind, Nduk. I will take you to a place that is better for you. This place will remain a secret, and I hope you won't tell anyone about it."
"Mercy, Master. Forgive me for being presumptuous. We will keep this secret closely." Nalini bowed respectfully while keeping her face down. She felt that whatever the man said made people unable to argue.
Arya Dipa then pressed the button that opened the door. Slowly the wall shook and the opening opened. The sky looked dark, one or two stars flickering behind the black clouds. "Apparently it's night again," he said.
The four of them then walked out hand in hand. The crevice closed again tightly. Eyang Guru walked in front, followed by Nyai Dhira and Nalini. While Arya Dipa walked at the back as a bodyguard.
Two horses whinnied with joy when they saw their masters reappear from the cave. Those who had been lying on the grass suddenly stood up and stomped their feet. Arya Dipa then untied the horses' ropes.
"They have had enough rest and food. I think we are ready to travel, Master." The young man said as his hands calmed his horse. He then arranged the pile of provisions on the horse's back. "You come, with me." Arya Dipa pointed at Nalini.
The girl did not answer immediately. She turned to her mother for approval. "Mbok, is it okay for me to ride with him?" Nalini whispered. All her life, she had never been close to any man except her father.
"Already, Nduk. It's okay. Just follow along," Nyai Dhira coaxed her daughter. She understood that her daughter was both shy and afraid. She herself harbored the same insecurity of inevitably having to ride Eyang Guru's horse.
Without wasting much time, Eyang Guru jumped onto his horse with a single jerk. His movements were agile and he landed smoothly on the brown horse's back. He then ordered Arya to help Nyai Dira sit behind him.
The well-trained horse bent its hind legs so that Nyai Dhira could mount and sit easily. She stood sideways and held on tightly to the bag of supplies on the right and left sides of the horse.
"Take it easy, Nyai. I'll just walk slowly," said Eyang Guru as he began to pull the horse's reins. The horse began to walk away.
Behind them, Nalini was puzzled to see Arya Dipa's horse so big and tall. How could she jump onto his back? She glanced at the cloth that was tightly wrapped around her body.
Arya Dipa understood Nalini's predicament. But he smiled a little at the beautiful girl's anxiety. The young man with shoulder-length curls jumped onto the horse's back with a small whistle.
Nalini was still silent. She didn't know what to do. Arya Dipa then extended his right hand to Nalini. "Hold my hand, I'll pull you," he said casually.
Nalini shook her head. Her palms began to break out in a cold sweat. She wanted to seek help from her mother, but in vain. Nyai Dhira was already walking far ahead with Eyang Guru.
"Hurry up. Otherwise you'll be left here alone and fall prey to tigers." Arya Dipa scared Nalini. His face was as flat as possible, even though he was laughing inside.
Hearing the word tiger, Nalini was terrified. The place was very dangerous and she did not want to be left alone. So she grabbed Arya Dipa's firm hand.
The young man grasped and pulled her firmly. Nalini felt her body float onto the horse's back. A second later she landed right in front of Arya Dipa's body.
Nalini's heart skipped a beat. Why did he put her in front of him and half-hug her?