Episode 042: Sawerigading Dengan We Tenri Abeng

Long ago, in a land steeped in ancient prophecies, a grave decision was made concerning two royal infants, Sawerigading and We Tenriabeng. In the hushed halls of Ale Luwu, Datu Palinge' implored the nobles, "We must protect these twins. They are our future." La Togeq Langi' voiced his apprehension, "What if they meet? We know the danger." Datu Ale Luwu affirmed, "Batara Guru’s guidance is clear: they must be raised apart to prevent the fated love."

Two years later, a silent chasm had formed between them. Sawerigading grew into a brave, handsome youth. We Tenriabeng, a clever princess, flourished in her distant palace. Both were unaware of the other.

One day, Sawerigading, driven by an adventurous spirit, decided to explore the eastern territories. He told his loyal guards, "Find this settlement. Do not reveal my name to anyone." He wished to observe life beyond his known domain, disguised as a common traveler.

After several days traversing dense forests, his guards discovered a bustling village. "There is a beautiful maiden who leads this place," one guard reported, his voice filled with awe, hinting at her noble stature.

Sawerigading, intrigued, smiled. "Let us proceed to the cockfighting arena. I wish to test my rooster's prowess there." He hoped to blend in among the villagers, observing their customs firsthand.

Upon reaching the arena, Sawerigading mingled with the common folk. In the ensuing tournament, his rooster, though initially struggling, fought with remarkable spirit, finally securing a decisive victory. The crowd roared with excitement as its triumph became apparent.

Suddenly, a spectator exclaimed, "That is the rooster of General Ale Luwu!" A hush fell over the arena. This unexpected revelation, echoing through the crowd, piqued the curiosity of We Tenriabeng, who had been observing the festivities from her palace.

Driven by a strange pull, We Tenriabeng descended from her royal chambers. Her regal presence commanded attention as she approached the arena, her gaze sweeping the throng until it landed upon the mysterious young man.

Their eyes met across the vibrant arena, and in that fleeting moment, a profound, unspoken connection ignited between them. A powerful, mutual attraction surged, a feeling of destiny that transcended their conscious understanding. Neither spoke, yet both felt an undeniable pull.

"Who is that man?" We Tenriabeng inquired of her guard, her voice barely a whisper, her mind already captivated. The guard, unaware of the deeper significance, simply replied, "He is merely a warrior, Princess."

Sawerigading, utterly mesmerized, quickly commanded his troops to retreat. "We must return home without delay," he declared, although his thoughts were now entirely consumed by the enigmatic woman he had just encountered.

On the journey back, Sawerigading's face glowed with a new, fierce resolve. "I shall return to discover her identity," he murmured to himself. He vowed in his heart, "Whoever that woman may be, I am resolved to make her mine!" This desire would surely unfold the ancient prophecy.