Everyone bowed as three horses galloped across the dusty dirt road. They knew that the three people riding the horse were the rulers of the Limbangan kingdom. The one on the white horse was Panglima Lohgender, while the one riding on the black horse with white stripes on both front legs was a confidant of Panglima Lohgender, as well as his adopted son. The young man with a handsome face and a well-built body is named Arya Duta. The other one is a young man who rides a brown horse named Braja Duta.
Footstepsthe horse stopped in front of a house which was heavily guarded by several soldiers. They rushed down and their respective horses. Two people dressed as soldiers of the Duchy of Karang Asem immediately approached. Panglima Lohgender, Arya Duta and Braja Duta walked hand in hand towards the porch of the big house.
"Gusti Adipati has been waiting for a long time, Gusti Commander," said an old man who immediately greeted him on the porch of the house.
"Hm, where is your gusti?" asked Commander Lohgender with authority.
"It's in the living room, Lord Commander."
The Commander of Lohgender from the Limbangan Kingdom continued to walk towards the living room where Adipati Prahasta was waiting for him. Two door guards immediately bowed in salute.
"Come in, Adi Lohgender!" a big and deep voice greeted the feet of Commander Lohgender through the door leading to the central room.
"What's wrong with you asking me to come to Karang Asem, Big Brother Prahasta?" asked Commander Lohgender
so sit on the chair.
"There is an important matter," said Adipati Prahasta. "Personal?" asked Lohgender while his eyes glanced at Arya
Duta and Braja Duta who were still standing behind the commander.
"No," said Adipati Prahasta "And indeed it should beArya Duta and Braja Duta know about this problem"
The Duke of Karang Asem invited Arya Duta and Braja Duta to sit down. They took their places beside Panglima Lohgender. For a few moments they were silent looking at each other. The Commander of Lohgender seemed to have caught something that was troubling the Duke of Karang Asem.
"I don't see your wife and children. Where are they?" asked Commander Lohgender to break his silence.
"I evacuated to the Duchy of Sedana." said Duke Prahasta
"Was evacuated...?" asked Commander Lohgender aghast."I had to, for their safety."
"Insane! Just because of the chaos did you evacuate your family? Or... ah, explain as necessary, Kakang." Commander Lohgender can already guess.
Adipati Prahasta was silent for a moment, then….
"At first it was just an ordinary incident, robbery, murder, and so on. I have ordered the duchy's soldiers to further strengthen the guard. Indeed there are results, everything can be handled properly. But the last two weeks..." Adipati Prahasta said stop the sentence.
"Keep going," Commander Lohgender asked. "They looted all the property of the duchy's officials. Even their lives. And what's even more shocking, they always kidnap the youths here." continued Duke Prahasta.
"Who are they?"
"I don't know," said Adipati Prahasta. "How could you not know, Brother?"
"They are just like demons. There is no trace, also their arrival is unexpected. You can imagine, Adi Lohgender. The duchy's officials are so restless because of this, three people have even resigned, and five high-ranking families have returned to the king's city."
"Hm..., have you spread the code to investigate?" asked Commander Lohgender as if muttering.
"Yes. But until now there has been no result. In fact, three ciphers died in terrible circumstances"
Panglima Lohgender was silent pensively. His brow was furrowed deeply, a sign that he was deep in thought. He felt astonished and confused by the youths being kidnapped by the rioters. What's more, if he remembered, there were other duchies that were much smaller than the Duchy of Karang Asem, but there were no chaos and kidnappings like what happened in this Duchy.
Commander Lohgender shook his head.It was difficult for him to answer the questions that swirled in his mind.
"Okay, for a while I will stay here for a few days. If things get worse, Braja Duta can bring his chosen soldiers here," said Commander Lohgender.
"Thank you, Adi Lohgender. I have given up on them," said Adipati Prahasta happily.
"Hmmm... how many soldiers of the Duchy of Karang Asem?" asked Commander Lohgender.
"Two hundred people," replied Duke Prahasta "For the time being, I think that's enough to guard against all eventualities."
"In that case, Adi Lohgender should restjust for a moment. It must be very tiring to ride a horse and to travel long distances."
Adipati Prahasta stood up followed by Commander Lohgender and his two adopted children. He himself
directly deliver the warlord of the Kingdom of Limbangan to his resting place. Meanwhile, Arya Duta asked permission to take a walk outside to breathe fresh air.
Arya Duta is the adopted son of Panglima Lohgender. Apart from being a trusted commander in chief, he also has very high knowledge. His supernatural powers even almost matched the Commander himself. Arya Duta took a walk around the duke's large residence with a large, beautifully laid out yard. He took a walk while observing his surroundings, especially the guard arrangements for the soldiers around the residence of the Duke of Karang Asem.
"Hm…, the security here is quite neat," Arya Duta muttered to himself. He was quite satisfied with the guard arrangements within the duchy.
***
The air tonight felt erratic, hot for a moment and a moment later felt so cold by the wind that was blowing hard. The sky was covered with rolling black clouds, then it became bright again. This uncertain weather seemed to give a bad feeling to the Karang Asem soldiers who were on guard around the residence of Adipati Prahasta, whose spirits were again pumped up by the arrival of Panglima Lohgender and his two foster children.
Seen in the backyard of the Adipati's residence, Arya Duta was chatting with two soldiers who, judging by their attire, looked like the head of an army. They are Balungpati and Welut Putih. From his demeanor and way of speaking, it was clear that Arya Duta greatly respected the two of them, even though they held a much higher rank than them.
"Shouldn't the two of you have to take part in guarding the night," said Arya Duta.
just watch."
"On the contrary, Gusti Arya Duta needs to rest. All day long, Gusti takes a long journey on horseback, of course it is very tiring," said Balungpati.
"I've had enough rest this afternoon, Uncle Balungpati." greeted Arya Duta with a friendly smile.
"Oh, yes, why didn't the Commander in Chief bring troops here?" asked Welung Putih.
"Lohgender's father has not felt the need to deploy royal soldiers. I don't know if things are getting worse," said Arya Duta without intending to brag.
"They are not random people, Gusti Arya Duta. I myself have my doubts about the strength of the duchy's soldiers," said Balungpati somewhat muttering.
"Have you ever met them?" asked Arya Duta.
"Once, when a group of troublemakers came to the house of the village head of Karang Asem Wetan," said Balungpati.
"How many people are they?"
"At that time there were only four people, but on average they had very high abilities. Ten of my soldiers were killed, and I myself received quite serious injuries."
"Then what happen?"
"They kidnapped the Village Chief's son.""Only that?"
"Yes. They didn't have time to move any further, because the White Welut and thirty soldiers rushed to come."
Arya Duta looked at Welut Putih.
"Unfortunately, I did not have time to clash with them," said Welut Putih admitted.
"Uncle is not trying to catch up?"
"It's useless, it's like they've disappeared without a trace, you don't know where they went," said Welut Putih.
Arya Duta took a deep breath.His heart already knew that what he would face were people from the martial arts circles who were used to traversing in the free world, a world that was always measured by supernatural powers.
If Arya Duta's conjecture is correct, of course it is impossible to rely only on soldiers who only have knowledge of kanuragan without having the slightest bit of supernatural powers. Even the kingdom's chosen soldiers would find it very difficult to match, let alone duchy soldiers whose abilities were far below average.
When the young man was pensive, his eyes caught a glimpse of a black shadow passing over the fortress wall of the Duchy of Karang Asem, then flashing onto the roof. Arya Duta immediately bounced in the direction of the shadow that had disappeared behind the roof of Balungpati and Welut Putih immediately followed Arya Duta.
"Stop…!" shouted Arya Duta as soon as his feet touched the roof.
The black shadow turned quickly, and immediately two greenish rays rushed towards Arya Duta. The young man was not an empty youth, as fast as lightning he warped his body to avoid that greenish light. And before his feet touched the roof, again two green rays hurtled towards him.
"Whoops!" Tap, tap!
Arya Duta caught the two green rays while spinning in the air, then her feet traced the roof sweetly. But suddenly, when his eyes were glancing at the two green nails in his hands, the black shadow shot quickly down.
"Hey..!"
Arya Duta immediately jumped down to the ground, but the black shadow disappeared as soon as his feet hit the ground. Arya Duta looked around. His sharp eyes seemed to penetrate
night density. Arya Duta then turned his head when his ears heard approaching footsteps. Balungpati and Welut Putih were seen running towards them, followed by Panglima Lohgender and Braja Duta behind them.
"What's wrong, Arya Duta?" asked Commander Lohgender.
"There's someone who seems intentnot good," said Arya Duta.
"Somebody...?"
"Yes, the clothes are all black." Arya Duta held out two green nails with an open palm. Panglima Lohgender watched him for a moment, then took one from his adopted son's hand.
"Father recognized him?" asked Arya Duta.
"No..." said the Commander of Lohgender as if he was unsure of his tone.
Arya Duta was just about to open his mouth to ask another question, when suddenly he heard a cry for help from inside the duke's residence. Arya Duta immediately jumped and ran quickly followed by Balungpati and Welut Putih towards the inner room.
"Balungpati, arrange guard!" cried Commander Lohgender."Okay, Gusti," said Balungpati.
Balungpati deflected his run. Meanwhile, Welut Putih continued to run fast following Arya Duta and Panglima Lohgender who ran fast while exerting knowledge to lighten the body.
***
"Brother, open the door!" shouted Panglima Lohgender while pounding on the door.
The door to the room made of carved teak wood was opened. Adipati Prahasta was seen coming out with an unsteady body and a disheveled appearance. His clothes were drenched in fresh blood pouring from his right shoulder. Commander
Lohgender immediately barged inside. Her eyes widened when she saw the messy state of the room.
"What happened, Kakang'" asked Commander Lohgender."He wants to kill me," said Adipati Prahasta. "He... who is he?"
"I don't know, it's hard to recognize him. His whole body is covered in black clothes."
Arya Duta joined in the inspection to approach the Lohgender Commander. The ten arrows he found stuck in the floor, he handed to his adoptive father. The Lohgender Commander frowned at the green arrow now in his hand. It seemed that the Commander of the Limbangan Kingdom recognized the weapon in his hand, but it seemed difficult to remember who owned this green weapon.
"Did you clash with him, Arya Duta?" asked Commander Lohgender.
"A little," said Arya Duta."how does it look"
"It happened too fast, it's hard to recognize his face," said Arya Duta while remembering.
"Hm…, never mind, you better help Balungpati set up guard outside."
"Fine, Father"
Arya Duta immediately left followed by Braja Duta. After the death of his two foster children, Panglima Lohgender was still pensively staring at the two weapons in his hands. Then he stepped out of the room. His steps stopped when he saw Welut Putih standing in front of the closed door of the room. Panglima Lohgender knew that the room was usually occupied by the son of the duke. And earlier he had seen Adipati Prahasta enter the room guided by Welut Putih.
"Why are you here?" asked Commander Lohgender.
"Gusti Adipati is inside, I was ordered to guard here," said Welut Putih respectfully.
"How's the wound?"
"GodThe duke wants to treat it himself. He said he didn't want to be disturbed."
"All right. Order a few soldiers to stand guard around this room," ordered Commander Lohgender.
"Servant perform Lord Commander"
Commander Lohgender soon left. Welut Putih also quickly left the place. Soon he was back again with ten soldiers. Immediately he set guard around the room. Welut Putih itself took a place not far from the door of the room.
Meanwhile, Panglima Lohgender continued to walk outside. He stood in front of the verandah door while his sharp eyes surveyed his surroundings. While in his right hand he still held a nail and a green arrow found by his foster son. His mind was still shrouded by various mysterious events in the Duchy of Karang Asem.
"I feel like I've known this weapon before, who is it...? Hm... That person must have a very high level of intelligence," muttered Commander Lohgender. His eyes couldn't take off from the two weapons in his hands with deep frowns.
"Father..." suddenly Braja Duta was beside him.
The Commander of Lohgender turned to look at Braja Duta."What is it?" asked Commander Lohgender.
"Two soldiers serving in the rear were killed," Braja Duta reported.
"What...?!" Panglima Lohgender was aghast.
"A green nail stuck in their neck," continued Braja Duta.
"Damn! How could this happen?"
"That person must be from the martial arts community, and his knowledge is certainly very high," said Braja Duta surmisingly.
"Yousure...?" Commander Lohgender seemed to hesitate. "It's impossible for an ordinary person to do it
without us knowing."
Commander Lohgender muttered incoherently. His eyes returned to the two weapons in his hands. He was trying to remember when he was crisscrossing the world of martial arts, before becoming the Supreme Commander of the Limbangan Kingdom. But for a while he was unable to reveal it. He was sure that he had seen this weapon before, but when and where? Who owns it? These are the questions that are always bothering his mind at this time.
"We have to stop it before there are more victims, Father," said Braja Duta.
"If your guess is correct, even a thousand soldiers will not be able to match him, Braja Duta," said Commander Lohgender as if muttering.
"We should ask the people from the martial arts jungle for help too," Braja Duta suggested.
"Such people never want to interfere in royal affairs. For decades I have been wandering in the jungle of martial arts, and I know their characters very well."
"Then what are we going to do?"
Commander Lohgender did not immediately answer. It's difficult when you have to face people from the martial arts. During this time he never again know its development. Royal duties have taken up a lot of time to keep observing current developments in the martial world.
Suddenly Commander Lohgender flinched. He remembered by one name when an incident occurred in Pasir Batang Village, even though he did not experience it himself, but from the stories he had heard, there was a powerful young warrior whose knowledge was very high, hard to match. While he was thinking that, Arya Duta came up to him.
"Arya Duta, have you ever heard of the events in Pasir Batang Village?" asked Panglima Lohgender directly asked Arya Duta.
"Yes, the village that was almost wiped out by King Dewa Angkara." said Arya Duta.
"You must know, who quelled the demon?""Profound Eagle Warrior."
"Correct!"
Arya Duta stared at her father, not understanding. "You're the only one I can rely on, Arya Duta. Go and find out where the warrior is," said Commander Lohgender in a commanding tone.
"You mean...?" Arya Duta still doesn't understand. "Tell him about the state of affairs here. I'm sure
the warrior wants to help," said Commander Lohgender."Where to find him? The warrior's residence is not
erratic. After all, it takes time to look for it, Father. The Duchy of Karang Asem might have been burnt first."
"This is an order, Arya Duta!" Panglima Lohgender suddenly saw that his adopted son was desperate.
"Fine, Father. I'll leave early tomorrow morning," said Arya Duta quickly.
"If necessary, bring some soldiers"
"You don't need anyone. I can do it myself," said Arya Duta angrily at the task which she felt was unreasonable.
"Until you return, I will not leave this duchy," Commander Lohgender said firmly.
Arya Duta said nothing. He didn't argue one bit. He swallowed his bitter saliva. Looking for a warrior, what else is wandering is the same as looking for a needle in a vast field. The task is not difficult, but feels impossible to carry out.
"And you, Braja Duta." Panglima Lohgender continued to his other adopted son. "Immediately return to Limbangan. Prepare selected soldiers. One day I will send a messenger-there."
"Fine. Father." said Braja Duta immediately leavinggo.
***