3. The Queen Cry Again
Fortunately for Dewi Murti, the bottom of the ravine was overgrown with grass. Therefore, she did not die; in fact, she was not even hurt. But the walls of the ravine were very steep, so she could not get out. There she was, all alone in the deep forest, crying her heart out.
Several fairies who were playing in the trees above her heard her and when they discovered the helpless queen, they felt sorry for her. They flew down and carried her up.
When they heard Dewi Murti’s story, the fairies told the queen about the evil spirit Nikin who wanted so much to have a human husband.
“It must be Nikin who tried to kill you, and we’re sure that this moment she has taken your shape, pretending to be you and taking your place beside the king,” the fairies told her.
This news made the queen cry again.
“So now I can’t go back to the palace, or she’ll kill me,” cried Dewi Murti. “And the king doesn’t know that I’m expecting a baby.”
In time you’ll go back to the palace. Have patience,” said the fairies. “Don’t be sad. We shall help you. And don’t be afraid. We shall tell all the wild animals not to hurt you or your child.”
Then the fairies took Dewi Murti deep into the forest where even the bravest hunter did not dare to come. There they built a hut. They cleared a patch of ground around it, so that the queen could plant some vegetables. And until her child was born the fairies often kept her company.
In due time, Dewi Murti brought a baby son into the world. She called him Panjilaras. Now life was less lonely for the queen. Panjilaras kept her busy from morning till evening.
