The morning sun had not yet crept up to illuminate the earth, when the horse ridden by Arya Duta galloped away from the residence of the Duke of Karang Asem. Along the way he passed, not seen a single resident started his business. Arya Duta continued to gallop his horse to the west from the Duchy of Karang Asem.
When he was about to cross the border, Arya Duta stopped his horse. His ears heard the footsteps of horses following behind. Arya Duta turned his head back. Two horses were galloping fast and getting closer.
"What's wrong Uncle both following me?" asked Arya Duta after the two horsemen were near him.
"Sorry, I was both ordered by the Gusti Panglima to accompany Gusti Arya Duta," said Balungpati respectfully.
"The safety of the Duchy of Karang Asem is more important than coming with me." said Arya Duta. His tone clearly disapproved of his journey being followed by anyone.
"But, Lord…," Welut Putih was about to explain.
"No need to explain, Uncle Welut Putih. Of course you are both awry. But okay, since this order came from the Commander-in-Chief of the Limbangan Kingdom, I can't refuse it anymore," said Arya Duta.
"Thank you Lord." Balungpati said.
Arya Duta then rode his horse slowly, Balungpati and Welut Putih immediately followed. The three horses finally galloped quickly away from the border of the Duchy of Karang Asem. While the sun began to show its light on the eastern horizon. Its reddish rays reflect beautifully off the treetops.
"You know, what is our duty, Uncle Balungpati?" asked Arya Duta as they rode their horses slowly up the steep hill.
"Looking for a Magical Eagle Warrior, Gusti," Balungpati said.
"You know where the swordsman usually lives?" Balungpati did not answer immediately. his eyes
said the White Welut who galloped his horse to the left of Arya Duta. The White Welut shook his head.
"We don't know, Gusti," said Balungpati. They had both heard of the name, but had never met in person.
They were silent for a few moments. They seemed to be tracing each other's train of thought. None of the three of them knew where to start their search. Finding a jungle martial artist is not an easy job, and it is not impossible that you will encounter many obstacles.
For the jungle martial arts, reason is not important. It's hard to say who is friend and who is foe. What is clear is who is close to the opponent, he must also be an opponent.
***
Meanwhile, in a place with valleys and hills, Rangga, aka the Sacred Eagle Warrior, was seen sitting on a rock by the river. The river water flows gently reflecting the sun rays. A rope holding a small bamboo was held in his hand. His gaze could not leave the rope floating on the surface of the water.
"Ugh, that's taking too long. I've only gotten two of them before!" he muttered complaining as he glanced at the two fish in the woven bamboo container.
"How many fish did you get, Brother?" a gentle rebuke suddenly sounded from behind.
Ranga turned and poutedas soon as he saw Pandan
Wangi was heading towards him. He was carrying nearly ten large fish in his hand. In his heart, Rangga admits that he is less clever than Pandan Wangi, who at the same time can catch more fish than he gets.
"Where are your results?" asked Pandan Wangi after getting close"See...!" Rangga pointed with his lips.
Pandan Wangi burst out laughing like he was mockingly looking into a woven bamboo container. Inside the container there are only two small fish. While Rangga only grumbled a little. Know that the result will be like this. I'd better just use the spear earlier, he muttered to himself.
"I made a fire first, okay?" Pandan Wangi said as he put the fish he caught in Rangga's container. Then immediately he ran lightly towards the edge of the forest to look for firewood.
"Don't go far, Pandan!" cried Ranga.
"Yes, Big Brother. Keep fishing so that there are lots of them, ha ha ha...!" said Pandan Wangi, laughing mockingly.
"Damn it!" Rangga cursed fiercely.
Rangga returned to his fishing line. For a moment his eyes glanced at the fish in the container, then shifted to the edge of the forest where Pandan Wangi's body disappeared into his sight. The Sacred Eagle Warrior finally annoyed himself. He had been waiting long enough, but not a single fish would touch the bait. He then got up and threw his fishing rod in annoyance into the river.
"Hmm, you know I didn'tcan fish, even invited!" grumbled Rangga in his heart.
The Sacred Eagle Warrior's feet then stepped towards the edge of the forest. He just realized that Pandan Wangi had been gone too long to just look for firewood. But he had only taken a few steps when he suddenly saw Pandan Wangi running over to him. The face is like a person
confusion.
"What is it?" Rangga asked once Pandan Wangi was near him.
"I saw two horsemen coming this way." said Pandan Wangi, still a little out of breath.
"You can recognize him?"
"No, Big Brother. But they look like soldiers of the Limbangan Kingdom."
"Ah, just leave them be, Pandan. The important thing is they don't disturb us," said Rangga then.
The two lovebirds then walked back to the river bank. But suddenly they saw two horsemen coming out of the forest. Pandan Wangi's guess was right, Rangga recognized the two men from their belts embroidered with jasmine flowers. The embroidery indicated that they were soldiers from the Limbangan Kingdom.
The two horsemen stopped running in front of Rangga and Pandan Wangi. They then jumped down from the back of their horses respectively. With firm steps, one of them approached the Sacred Eagle Warrior and Pandan Wangi, nicknamed the Death Fan.
"Sorry, Kisanak. Can I ask a question?" The soldier's voice sounded polite and friendly.
"Please." said Rangga also politely.
"Did Kisanak see three horsemen crossing this road?" asked the soldier directly. From the epaulets he wore, it was clear that he was a courtier.
Rangga looked at Pandan Wangi. Then they shook their heads almost in unison. Since this morning, they had not seen anyone passing by here. It's even almost a full moon and they haven't seen anyone other than the two of them coming to this forest.
"Hm, do both Kisanak live around this forest?" asked the soldier who held the rank of courtier again.
"Yes," said Ganga
"Excuse me, are both Uncles from the Limbangan Kingdom?" asked Pandan Wangi to make sure.
"That's right, we are soldiers from Limbangan. My name is Garulungan, and my friend is Paringgan. We are the retainers assigned to follow the Deputy Commander of Lohgender named Gusti Arya Duta. He is accompanied by two chiefs of troops from the Duchy of Karang Asem," Garulungan explained.
"The Duchy of Karang Asem is not far from here. Only half a day's ride on horseback," Pandan Wangi muttered.
"That's right, Nini. And we also just came from there before we got the assignment from Gusti Panglima Lohgender," said Garulungan.
"What is the need for Master Retainer looking for him?"Rangga asked politely to this Limbangan Kingdom retainer.
"We have an assignment to deliver something to MrGusti Arya Duta from Panglima Lohgender," said Garulungan again.
"Unfortunately, since this morning no one has passed here. Except for the two of you, Mr. Retainer," said Rangga. "Gusti Arya Duta along with Balungpati and Welut Putih left the Duchy of Karang Asem seven days ago. The three of them are carrying out a special assignment from Gusti Panglima Lohgender." Paringgan follow
eager to explain.
Rangga and Pandan Wangi looked at the courtier who was already standing beside his friend. It looks like Paringgan is younger than Garulungan.
"Oh! Surely they are too far from here," said Rangga.
"Didn't Kisanak and Nini see seven days ago?" asked Garulungan half urgently.
"No," said Ganga firmly.
"Thank you, then we excuse ourselves." said Garulungan somewhat disappointed.
Finished saying that, Garulungan immediately jumped on his horse's back. Paringgan also do the same thing. Their horse neighed a little snorting while stamping its front legs.
"Wait a minute, Lord Retainer!" Rangga called out to prevent Garulungan from chasing his horse.
Garulungan did not bother his horse. He stared a little sharply at Rangga who stood slightly ahead of Pandan Wangi.
"May we know what task Gusti Arya Duta is currently carrying out?" asked Ranga.
"The Commander in Chief assigned him to look for the Sacred Eagle Warrior," said Garulungan.
"If Kisanak knows or sees this warrior, please say that Gusti Panglima Lohgender is waiting for him in the Duchy of Karang Asem!" Paringan continued.
The two courtiers of the Limbangan Kingdom immediately chased their horses. Rangga who heard his nickname called, flabbergasted. He only realized after Pandan Wangi's hand elbowed his ribs. Rangga then directed his gaze towards the forest. But the two courtiers had disappeared behind the dense Forest of Pull.
Rangga turned his gaze to Pandan Wangi. For a while they looked at each other and were silent. Pandan Wangi himself was surprised to hear the name Warrior Sacred Eagle being mentioned earlier. He did not understand, with the task that was carried out by Arya Duta from the Commander-in-Chief of the Kingdom of Limbangan.
"Strange...!What is the royal party looking for me for?" Rangga muttered to himself.
"Not the royal party, Kakang. But Commander Lohgender," Pandan Wangi corrected.
"Same," he snortedRanga.
"No! Now Panglima Lohgender is in the Duchy of Karang Asem. Of course it's not a royal job. Maybe he has personal business with you, Big Brother."
"I don't think soPossible. Pandan. Never met in person."
"Hmm... then, roughlywhat business, huh...? "I dunno," he sighed lazily.
"Shouldn't we just go to the Duchy of Karang Asem, Kakang?" Pandan Wangi suggested.
"Have you finished the Dragon Sewu Book?" Rangga asked again.
"Three days ago," said Pandan Wangi. "Then let's go now!" cried Ranga.
"Just a moment, Big Brother. Don't you want to eat grilled fish?" Pandan Wangi reminded.
"Oh. yes... yes. I forgot. Hurry Pandan, I'm hungry too!"
Pandan Wangi smiled broadly, then walked while carrying dry branches towards a cave that was quite large and clean. In that cave they lived as long as they were in this Tarik Forest.
Ranga followed him from behind. He pushed aside thoughts of Panglima Lohgender who was waiting for him in the Duchy of Karang Asem, and Arya Duta who was currently looking for him. He imagined the grilled fish processed by Pandan Wangi, which of course was very delicious, especially eating it with that beautiful girl....
***
Meanwhile, in a faraway place around the Tarik Forest, Arya Duta and his two companions from the Duchy of Karang Asem were resting and releasing their tiredness. Entering the seventh day of their search, they had yet to find a bright spot to find the Sacred Eagle Warrior. Arya Duta sat leaning against a shady tree with a languid face harboring despair. While Balungpati and Welut Putih sat facing the bonfire which burned three rabbits.
The fragrant smell of grilled rabbit meat wafts through the nose.
Balungpati took one and handed it to Arya Duta. The Lohgender Commander's adopted son accepted him lazily. Then eat slowly without any passion.
"Should we just go back, Lord?" Balungpati suggested.
"That's impossible, Uncle. Lohgender's father will not accept us empty-handed," said Arya Duta.
"Then, how long do we have to be in this Tarik Forest, Gusti?" asked Welut Putih. His tone clearly implied boredom.
"I don't know, I don't know myself," said Arya Duta with a sigh.
"Gusti Arya Duta looks desperate," Balungpati said slowly, as if to himself.
"No..., but it's also possible, Uncle," said Arya Duta without certainty. His eyes then alternately looked at Balungpati and Welut Putih. "I'm thinking about our next direction... maybe it's better if we just forget about the Sacred Eagle Warrior. What do the two of you think?"
The two Arya Duta companions looked at each other for a moment.
"What do you mean Lord?" Balungpati asked.
"I'd rather look for the nest of the intruders,"said Arya Duta.
"Suicide Occupation, Gusti!" said the White Welut.
"That's better than doing work that doesn't necessarily pay off, Uncle."
Balungpati and Welut Putih did not argue. The two only stared at each other for a moment, then the atmosphere between them was silent again. Balungpati and Welut Putih cannot blame Arya Duta. The task he assumed from the Lohgender Commander was almost unreasonable. Rough and hard life full of wandering of
the martial arts made them not expect much to be able to find the Magical Eagle Warrior.
The quiet atmosphere was suddenly broken by the rustling sound of twigs and leaves being stepped on by feet. The sound of the footsteps got closer and clearer. Arya Duta and his two companions immediately stood up.
"Hide!" shouted Arya Duta in a whisper.
Instantly the three of them jumped into the bushes. Not long after, two figures dressed all in black could be seen approaching in front of the embers which were still burning, emitting the fragrant aroma of grilled rabbit meat. One then bowed. For a moment he observed the remaining rabbit meat. The man then looked around.
"Hmmm..., there's a mouse coming in here, Big Brother Screech," he grunted muttering.
"That's right. Be careful, Adi Jaran!" said the person called Pekik.
"Maybe they intercepted the password from the Duchy of Karang Asem, Kakang," Jaran again muttered softly.
"Perhaps, recently there have been a lot of ciphers hanging around this forest."
"Then we must."
Shouted hastily clutched Jaran's mouth. Sharp screeching ears, can quickly hear the sound of rustling twigs and leaves from the direction of the bushes. Then he quickly swung his hand to the right. A streak of green light shot swiftly toward a bush to his right. Immediately three figures jumped out of the bushes. Pekik and Jaran immediately drew his sword. Arya Duta stood straight accompanied by Balungpati and Welut Putih on his left and right.
"Huh! Apparently your guess is right, Adi Jaran. We have three rats from the Duchy of Karang Asem,"
gruntscreech.
"You guys are gnawing at our barns!" Balungpati snapped fiercely.
"Ha... ha... ha..., where do rats have barns?" Jaran burst out laughing.
Immediately the White Welut jumped lunging with a loud scream. Balungpati immediately followed. One on one battle is inevitable. The White Welut sent his deadly moves towards Jaran who had been alert with his flagship sword. Meanwhile, Balungpati began to attack Pekik with agile and fast sweeping movements.
Arya Duta watched the increasingly exciting fight from only a few spears away. Sret..! The White Welut immediately drew his machete, and swung it swiftly at his opponent. But very quickly Jaran dodged it while poking the tip of his sword towards the stomach. The White Welut shifted his leg to the side, and as he fell down, he pushed his leg firmly against the opponent's left leg. Jaran who did not expect it, immediately fell over. His body was slammed hard to the ground face first to kiss the ground. The White Welut did not remain silent, immediately he jumped up. His body immediately floated in the air for a moment, then his two feet hit Jaran's back several times.
Bugs...!
"Aaahh...!" Fresh blood spurted from Jaran's mouth which could only squeal.
For a moment his head rose, then slumped to the ground as the White Welut's machete slashed his neck. Only for a moment Jaran was able to flounder, then he remained silent and did not move anymore. From his mouth and neck flowing fresh blood. The White Welut immediately stepped away from the corpse of his opponent.
"Uncle Balungpati, use weapons!" shouted Arya Duta suddenly.
The White Welut immediately turned towards the fight between Balungpati and Pekik. Balungpati, who did look desperate, immediately drew his sword. Now the battle is back in balance.
Tring!
Two swords clashed in the sky. Sparks glowed from the two weapons that clashed violently. Pekik seemed to jump backwards with a grinning mouth. His right hand seemed to be shaking and blushing saga. He was unable to compete with his opponent's strength.
"You're done, setaaan...!" shouted Balungpati loudly.
At that moment Balungpati jumped like lightning while waving his sword. Balungpati's swift attack made Pekik gasp. He hastily raised his sword to parry.
Tring!
"Ah!" Scream shrieks stifled.
The sword in his hand flew out, flying high into the air. At that very moment, Balungpati spun his sword, and...
Cras! "Aaah...!"
Pekik's body staggered accompanied by a long groan, then collapsed to the ground with fresh blood spurting from his chest which was torn by a sword. Balungpati looked at his opponent's body for a moment, then put his sword back into the scabbard at his waist. A moment later Balungpati turned to face Arya Duta and Welut Putih who were standing beside the young man.
"I'm sure they are troublemakers in the Duchy of Karang Asem," said Arya Duta.
"That's right, Gusti," said Balungpati. "It's just that they're just cocky."
"And for sure, their nest is around this Forest of Pull," continued Welut Putih.
"Hm..., we've been tracking this forest for seven days. But there's no sign of it being used as a nest
troublemaker," Arya Duta muttered quietly. "What do you think, Uncle Balungpati?"
"We'd better explore this forest again. If it's their nest here, we can report it to Gusti Panglima Lohgender," said Balungpati.
"Then let's leave right now," said Arya Duta.
"Okay, Gusti," Balungpati and Welut Putih answered almost in unison.
The three of them immediately continued their journey, re-exploring this Pulled Forest. Arya Duta is now enthusiastic again after he is sure that he will find the intruder's nest. For a moment he could forget his main task, looking for the Sacred Eagle Warrior.