A Quiet—But Unquiet—Morning
Dawn had just crept over Ardhanusa when Ardhana entered the ironworks.
The hot air, the sound of metal clashing, and the scent of burning coals made the place feel like the beating heart of a kingdom.
The workers bowed respectfully.
Empu Wangsita immediately approached.
"Young master, we have tried the new formula as you ordered."
Ardhana nodded silently.
He walked over to a large table where pieces of test iron were laid out.
The iron looked different:
denser
shinier
and much heavier than ordinary iron.
Ardhana lifted one piece.
"This… is almost close to primitive steel."
Empu Wangsita wiped away sweat.
"It's still not perfect. But its quality far surpasses any kingdom in Java."
Ardhana patted Empu Wangsita on the shoulder.
"Good. Majapahit will soon be pressuring us.
They need to see that we are not as fragile as they think."
---
Secret Strategy—Paper, Wind, and Knowledge of the Past
That afternoon, Ardhana gathered with Rakai Darma, Empu Wangsita, and two of his most loyal advisors.
On a long table lay:
a map of Ardhanusa
a new weapon design
and a list of required raw materials.
Rakai Darma opened the conversation.
"Majapahit's envoys are bringing political pressure.
If they send troops, Ardhanusa might not survive."
Ardhana smiled faintly.
"Therefore, we won't wait for them to attack first."
Rakai Darma and his advisors tensed.
"Are you going to attack Majapahit?"
Ardhana shook his head.
"No. We're attacking… their fear."
Everyone was confused.
Ardhana then unrolled a large scroll of paper—a weapon design the likes of which the world had never seen before.
It was slender, long, with a large bow drawn by a pulley mechanism.
"What is this…?" whispered Empu Wangsita.
Ardhana patted the picture.
"Long-range iron throwing.
A weapon that can penetrate a wooden shield from twice the distance of a regular arrow."
Rakai Darma sighed heavily.
"This… could change the battle."
Ardhana nodded.
"It's called the Panah Angin.
If Majapahit wants to test the strength of our iron… they will see it firsthand."
---
First Attempt—A Miracle in Sound
In the open field behind the palace, Ardhanusa's small army gathered.
The first Panah Angin had been assembled—standing majestically as tall as a human chest.
Ardhana stood beside it, his face serious.
"Rakai Darma, prepare the target."
The target, a thick shield, was planted in the distance.
100 paces.
150 paces.
200 paces.
People whispered.
"It can't possibly go that far…"
"A normal arrow won't even reach…"
Ardhana pulled the trigger himself, then stepped to the side.
The coastal breeze blew gently.
"Release."
TWANG!
The deep sound of a bowstring boom echoed.
The iron arrow shot like lightning—a silver streak through the air.
DUGG!
The shield shattered in a single blow.
The wood split like cracked earth.
All was silent.
No one made a sound.
Only the sound of the passing wind.
Then, Rakai Darma straightened his body.
"…This isn't just a weapon."
He stared at Ardhana with sparkling eyes.
"This is… a revolution in war."
Ardhana sighed slowly, gazing at the sea beyond.
"Majapahit, Valendrick, or any other kingdom…"
"If they want to oppress Ardhanusa—they should think again."
---
Shadows from the North—Majapahit Moves Again
That night, while the people slept, Ardhanusa's spies came rushing in.
"Sir! From the north!
Majapahit has sent additional envoys…
and this time, no ordinary envoys."
Ardhana sat up straight.
"Who?"
The spies swallowed.
"The entourage of the Young Chancellor from the Waringin Hall."
"And… there are elite guards who don't wear royal insignia."
Rakai Darma tensed.
Ardhana stood slowly.
"The wind is turning…" he said in a low voice.
"Majapahit is starting to get serious."
He stared at the smoking ironworks far behind.
"Let them come."
He held up the piece of pure iron refined today.
"Because from now on… Ardhanusa is no longer a child in the shadow of Majapahit."