The night is not yet getting late. The wind blew hard spreading dewdrops, accompanied by thick fog that covered the entire Bukit Arang Lawu. The goddess of the night peeked out from behind the pitch-black clouds. The light was so dim, as if it could not illuminate this world.
Lightning flashed several times, splitting the sky, deafening the ears and dazzling the eyes. Tonight the nature around Bukit Arang Lawu seems to be angry. However, the unfriendly natural conditions did not stop dozens of people who were on the hillside. Two groups of humans are fighting for their lives.
"Knock it off, kill it, goooo...!"
Loud, uplifting screams echoed to break the silence of the night, mingling into one with the clink of clashing weapons interspersed with shrill screams. And all this was accompanied by bodies covered in blood. Drops of rain began to fall, adding to the gloomy atmosphere of the night.
The situation around the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill became ravaged like hundreds of giants were raging. Small trees felled. The rocks shattered. Not to mention the corpses of humans and horses overlapping each other aimlessly. The rancid smell of blood wafts through the nose. But this situation did not dampen the spirits of the two groups that were fighting. They no longer paid attention to the increasingly heavy rain pouring down from the sky.
"Retreat...!" suddenly a loud scream rang out.
You can see a group wearing uniforms like royal soldiers moving backwards while continuing to defend. Meanwhile, another group, mostly wearing loose red clothes, continued to attack.
"Retreat... Retreat...!"
The group wearing soldier uniforms immediately ran backwards to save themselves. While the rain was getting heavier, followed by the roar of thunder that struck.
"Enough!" a loud voice suddenly snapped.
One of them was wearing a loose red robe, holding his hands up high. A staff curved like a snake clasped in his right hand. The man's face was not visible, because it was blocked by a red cloak that covered his entire head and face.
"Come on, come back!" he ordered.
The people, some of whom wore red robes and some of them were dressed normally like martial arts people, stepped hastily off the slopes of Bukit Arang Lawu. They headed to the top of a dark hill covered in thick black fog.
Meanwhile the other group, all wearing uniforms like soldiers, descended the hillside. They only stopped after arriving at a fairly wide plain. On that plain, stood several white tents. One of the largest tents stood out among the other tents that surrounded it.
The survivors of the battle rushed into the tents, taking cover from the growing rain. Two dashing men were seen entering the biggest tent. Inside the tent was apparently waiting for a young man dressed in beautiful clothes with beads of pure gold and silver.
The young man has olive skin. His face is clean and handsome as innocent. Her eyes were clear and gentle, but radiated the light of a leader's authority. The two well-built men who were soaking wet immediately sat cross-legged after saluting by pressing their palms together in front of their noses.
"Servant facing, Gusti Prince Kandara Jaya," said one while worshiping.
"I already know, Uncle Lawawi Girang. It's not easy to fight people who have been possessed by a demon," Prince Kandara Jaya's voice was low and authoritative.
"Forgive me, Gusti Prince," said Lawawi Girang.
"Never mind, there is still time to start over. Hm..., yes. How about you, Uncle Karpa-tala? How many of your soldiers died?"
"I haven't gotten the certainty yet, Gusti. But I estimate that there were around fifteen people. Meanwhile, the soldiers led by Adi Barong Geti were all killed. Adi Barong Geti himself was seriously injured. That's all I can report now, Gusti Prince," said Karpatala while addressing worship.
"Ahhh..." Prince Kandara Jaya let out a long sigh. His gaze was blank straight ahead.
They had been on the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill for three nights. For the first night of this attack, they suffered quite a heavy loss. Nearly fifty warriors died. Not to mention those who were seriously or lightly injured, while the rest were now in a state of exhaustion. Prince Kandara Jaya took several breaths.
The task he carried out this time was indeed quite heavy. But all of them were accepted with an open heart. He knew that what he would face this time would not be ordinary people or soldiers from other kingdoms. But people who have supernatural powers are quite high. And again, on average, they have knowledge of kanuragan sports that is not low. For this reason, Prince Kandara Jaya needs to bring two courtiers who have a fairly high level of intelligence as well.
"You two had better rest. I will ask the Almighty for guidance," said Prince Kandara Jaya with authority.
"I beg your pardon, Gusti," said Lawawi Girang as he inched backwards.
"Hm, please," Prince Kandara Jaya raised his hand forward.
The two courtiers came out of the big tent occupied by Prince Kandara Jaya. The prince who was only twenty-five years old remained seated cross-legged in his place, with his hands on his knees. Her eyes were closed.
Prince Kandara Jaya tried to get in touch with the Creator, to ask for guidance so that this difficult task could be carried out as desired by King Balaraga's father. Indeed, some of the tasks given by his father can be carried out properly and satisfactorily. But this one task. Prince Kandara Jaya felt that he would face difficult obstacles.
From several spies that were deployed, it was reported that the Red Castle gang was a group of demonic humans who always wreaked havoc on the territory of the Mandaraka Kingdom. The way they work is really just like the devil. Comes and goes like a shadow, but always leaves chaos and disaster for the people. The activities of this demon gang became the talk of the palace. King Balaraga also ordered to quell the mob that was troubling the people.
That is why Prince Kandara Jaya is on the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill. Indeed, according to ciphers that spread to all corners of the country, the Puri Merah Horde is nesting at the top of Arang Lawu Hill.
***
Early in the morning Prince Kandara Jaya came out of the tent. He walked slowly around the tents that filled the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill. Remnants of last night's rain are still stagnant in several places. The grass around it is also not yet dry. The fog was still quite thick shrouding the surroundings. Blocking the sunlight peeking from behind the hill.
Two spearmen accompanied the young prince from the tent. Prince Kandara Jaya stopped walking when he saw a man standing straight looking at the top of the hill which was shrouded in thick fog.
At his waist hung a sword with a hilt decorated with five red stones,
"Uncle Lawawi Girang..." Prince Kandara Jaya called.
"Oh!" the man who turned out to be Lawawi Girang, quickly turned around and clasped his hands in front of his chest.
"What are you doing here, Uncle?" asked Prince Kandara Jaya as he stepped closer. He stopped again when he was only three and 10 steps away from Lawawi Girang.
"I'm thinking of a way to reach the top of the hill, Gusti," said Lawawi Girang.
"Have you found that way yet?" "Not yet."
"Well, it is indeed difficult to reach that place," sighed Prince Kandara Jaya slowly.
"But I intend to go there myself."
"Ah! It's too dangerous, Uncle Lawawi Girang. Even with a hundred soldiers we haven't been able to reach the top! What's more, you're the only one? No, Uncle! Don't go through that danger alone!"
"According to me, that's the only best way. I will sneak in to investigate their strength. That's all, Lord. It's impossible that I alone will take care of them. But we will not be able to complete this task, while we are still blind to their strength," Lawawi Girang explained the reason.
"But don't go alone, Uncle," Prince Kandara Jaya could accept the reason put forward by his retainer.
"If Gusti Prince doesn't mind, I will invite Gusti Adi Kitri Boga."
Prince Kandara Jaya did not immediately answer. Lawawi Girang's request made him think twice. Kitri Boga is a young courtier inexperienced in battle. Besides that, Kitri Boga is also the second son of Maha Patih Sangga Buana. It was hard to allow Kitri Boga to take that deadly journey.
Indeed, Kitri Boga has received his father's blessing to participate in this dangerous task. But Prince Kandara Jaya still doubted the ability of the young man who was only twenty years old. After all, Kitri Boga's safety is in his hands. Meanwhile, he has promised Maha Patih Sangga Buana to take care of his son's safety.
"I know Gusti will not allow Gusti Adi Kitri Boga. But I am sure that the son of Maha Patih Sangga Buana has abilities to be reckoned with," said Lawawi Girang in a low voice.
"Uncle Patih Sangga Buana is indeed a powerful and knowledgeable person. But that doesn't mean that his son is also like his father, Uncle. He has never entered the battlefield. And actually, it's hard for me to accept him in this task," said Prince Kandara Jaya.
"I understand, Lord." "Isn't there anyone else who can accompany you?" Prince Kandara Jaya provided another option.
"I don't think so, Gusti," said Lawawi Girang after thinking for a while.
Prince Kandara Jaya was silent for a few moments. His heart still feels heavy to allow Kitri Boga to join Lawawi Girang to break through the top of Arang Lawu Hill. The young prince stared at the mist-shrouded hilltop for a moment, then let out a long, heavy sigh. His gaze shifted back to Lawawi Girang who was still waiting for his lord's decision.
"You need to know, Uncle Lawawi Girang. I promised Uncle Maha Patih Sangga Buana to take care of Kitri Boga's safety. That's why I also didn't allow him to join the fight last night. But I gave him another task that doesn't pose a big danger," said Prince Kandara Jaya is slow but sounds firm and full of authority.
Lawawi Girang bowed his head. He looked like he was deep in thought, but he didn't know what he was thinking at the time. However, from the look in his eyes, he still hoped that his lord would give Kitri Boga permission to go to the top of Arang Lawu Hill.
"I will allow Kitri Boga to come with you, as long as you promise to protect his safety with your life," continued Prince Kandara Jaya firmly.
"I swear, Gusti," said Lawawi Girang beaming.
"Fine. When are you leaving?"
"If Gusti permits, I will leave right now," said Lawawi Girang firmly.
"Remember, Uncle. You have to keep Kitri Boga safe. And I only give you three days. More than that, I will go to the top of Arang Lawu Hill alone!" Prince Kandara Jaya's words were very firm.
"I will always remember Gusti's words," said Lawawi Girang.
"Go, my prayers are with you." "I beg your pardon, Gusti," said Lawawi Girang.
After saluting, Lawawi Girang walked towards the tent. Prince Kandara Jaya took a deep breath. He had made a really tough decision. The actual decision was completely against his own conscience. The young prince's gaze was fixed on the top of Arang Lawu Hill. He had just turned around when he heard footsteps approaching.
It seemed that Lawawi was excited with a handsome white-skinned young man walking up to Prince Kandara Jaya. The handsome young man had a sword on his back. His shirt was tight white, so that it charted his stocky and well-built body. The two people immediately saluted after arriving in front of Prince Kandara Jaya.
"You go to carry out the royal sacred duty. Within three days you do not return, I will follow," said Prince Kandara Jaya.
Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga returned to salute, then quickly left. Prince Kandara Jaya kept looking at the two people who started climbing the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill. He only turned his body when Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga's backs disappeared from his sight. For a moment the young prince took a deep breath, then his legs swung slowly back towards his tent.
"Ah, why is my day so bad...?" whispered Prince Kandara Jaya in his heart.
Prince Kandara Jaya's head shook, trying to get rid of the bad thoughts that suddenly hit his mind. Never felt anything like this in previous assignments. For some reason, his heart suddenly became restless and uncertain. Is this a sign of something to come? Again Prince Kandara Jaya shook his head. He didn't want to think about the things that made him less day in carrying out the task assigned to King Balaga. He must be able to control himself and have a calm mind in order to act correctly with careful calculation.
--myrna--
Meanwhile, the journey that Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga are going through is getting more difficult. They have to pass through ravines and climb steep rock walls that can collapse at any time. Not to mention the thick forest that blocks their way. But the two people did not give up easily. They continued walking tirelessly, now the sweat had soaked their clothes, even though the air on Arang Lawu Hill was very cold and shrouded in mist.
Their journey came to a halt when in front of them stretched a wide and deep ravine. So deep that you can't see the bottom of the abyss. Only thick fog and darkness could be seen within the abyss. They stood tall on the edge of the abyss. Meanwhile, they still have a long way to go.
"We can't jump over this cliff, Uncle," said Kitri Boga.
Lawawi Girang just sighed. It was impossible for them to jump over such a wide chasm. The knowledge of lightening the body that is owned will not be able to cross the chasm with just one jump. Need a support to be able to bend the body to reach the other side. While in the middle of the abyss it was empty. There is not a single plant that can be used as a foothold.
"If they can cross this chasm, of course there are means that can be used," said Kitri Boga half muttering.
"Ah! Right, right!" Lawawi Girang gasped as if reminded "There must be something that can be used as a tool to cross this chasm."
"Maybe they used mines," said Kitri Boga, guessing.
"Maybe," Lawawi muttered excitedly. "Or a stake stuck in the middle."
"Then we must walk along the edge of this ravine, Uncle."
"It could take a long time, Gusti. Meanwhile, the time given by Gusti Kandara Jaya was only three days."
"We split up, and meet again here," suggested Kitri Boga.
"Don't! It's better to be together," Lawawi Girang argued.
"Why? Isn't that a waste of time?"
Lawawi Girang did not answer. There was no way he would leave Kitri Boga alone in this dangerous area. He had sworn to keep this young man safe with his life. Lawawi Girang looked around. His brain was spinning hard to find a way to cross this chasm without leaving even Kitri Boga.
"Uncle "
"One moment, Gusti," Lawawi Girang interrupted quickly. Lawawi Girang suddenly jumped up
tree. His hand grabbed a few tendrils
that hung down from the big trees around the edge of this ravine. He came back with some long and strong tendrils
"With these tendrils, we can cross the ravine," said Lawawi Girang.
Kitri Boga frowned.
"I think twenty tendrils are enough to reach the other side," continued Lawawi Girang while connecting the ends of the tendrils.
Kitri Boga only pays attention. Lawawi Girang connects more than twenty long tendrils. The tendrils did look strong, and enough to get to the other side.
Lawawi Girang tied one end of the tendrils to a tree on the edge of the ravine. Then the other end is tied to his left wrist. Lawawi Girang took a piece of bark that was quite large in size, then stood upright on the edge of the ravine.
"What will Uncle do?" asked Kitri Boga.
"I will jump over this cliff," said Lawawi Girang.
"Crazy! This chasm is so wide! You won't make it across!" Kitri Boga jerked surprised.
"Indeed. But with this bark, I can get to the other side," Lawawi Gi rang replied very calmly
"Don't be desperate, Uncle. What if -two jumps aren't enough?"
"Gusti can jerk these tendrils hard, so that I can be attracted back here by borrowing Gusti's power," Lawawi said Girang.
Kitri Boga began to understand Lawawi Girang's way of thinking. Then he took two pieces of bark. Lawawi Girang looked at him with a slightly wrinkled brow.
"What are the barks for?" asked Lawawi Girang.
“Just in case,” replied Kitri Boga. "If you fail, instead of having to go back, I'd rather throw this bark under your feet. And you can use this bark as a pedestal to increase your propulsion! How?"
"Good!" praised Lawawi Girang smiling. Meanwhile, Lawawi Girang took his steps
take a swing, then jump high in circles
air across a huge gaping chasm. Before he reached the middle, Lawawi Girang's body slid down. Quickly he released the bark that was in his hands, and with the tips of his feet stepped on the bark. Back his body bounced into the air, spinning several times.
As Kitri Boga guessed, Lawawi Girang swooped down again before reaching the other side of the abyss. As fast as lightning, Kitri Boga threw bark at Lawawi Girang's feet. The courtier deftly tapped the bark under his feet. His body bounced back into the air, then landed right on the edge of the cliff.
Kitri Boga gave a high thumbs up. Then he jumped, and ran over the stretched tendrils held by Lawawi Girang. It was so beautiful that Kitri Boga was running on the vines that stretched across the gorge. The young man then bounced beautifully and set his feet next to Lawawi Girang. The retainer then tied the end of the vine he was holding to the tree. He really admired Kitri Boga's knowledge of lightening the body.
"Let's continue again, Uncle," said Kitri Boga. "Come on, Gusti," said Lawawi Girang.
"Where are we headed now?" asked Kitri Boga.
"The top of the hill is to the east. We'd better head east," said Lawawi Girang.
"Come on, it's almost night. We have to get to the top before dark."
"Impossible, Gusti. At least, tomorrow morning we can reach that peak."
"We'll use the science of sprinting, Uncle. I don't think the journey eastward is any less difficult."
'But we must be vigilant. I believe they set traps around the top of this hill."
"Fine, but we have to hurry!" "Come, Lord."
The two people immediately moved towards the top of Bukit Arang Lawu. Lawawi Girang was forced to keep up with Kitri Boga who uses fast running skills. Actually he did not agree, but forced to follow too. Lawawi Girang has always been by this young man's side. He didn't want to get ahead or be left behind. This young man's safety was more important than his own life.
***
Not far from Arang Lawu Hill, you can see a group of horsemen galloping towards a village near the foot of Arang Lawu Hill to the west. No less than fifty horses are being driven by people wearing red robes.
The sound of hooves with boisterous shouts mingled into one. It was seen that the villagers were running in fear to save themselves with items that could be saved. The horse troupe drew nearer, and began to enter the village. The red-robed people, all of whom had their weapons drawn, immediately ravaged the entire village.
It doesn't matter if they are old, women or children, they slaughter them without mercy. Screams and screeches of death were heard blaringly greeted each other. Add to this the cheers and thunderous shouts of orders.
"Burn it! Spend it, don't leave anything left...!"
Several riders in red robes started throwing torches at the rooftops. The fire blazed quickly and devoured the houses of the villagers, which were mostly made of planks and bamboo booths.
The frenzied atmosphere was getting out of control again. Some residents who have big balls, put up resistance with makeshift weapons. But they only waste lives for nothing. Those red robed people were extremely vicious and vicious. Anyone who dared to approach, would surely collapse in blood.
Already countless, how many corpses covered in blood. In just a short time, dozens of houses and hundreds of residents were killed." The fire grew bigger, spreading to other nearby houses. The rioting continued, as if it would never be overcome again.
Satisfied, the red-robed men spurred their horses back to leave the village that had been ravaged. Some of them had taken away young women. Not to mention the valuables that they managed to rob from people's homes.
The riots passed so quickly. The atmosphere in the village is now calm again, although the situation is really sad. Not a single house is still intact. Everything is falling apart. Not even a little was burned to charcoal. The fire was still burning, devouring anything that could burn. Corpses were strewn all over the place. There were no more signs of life in the ill-fated village.
Towards dusk, the situation in the village to the west of Bukit Arang Lawu was still quiet. Meanwhile, the burning houses were just ruins, emitting a thin layer of smoke. Wild beasts that smelled of blood started to come out of the forest. Soon the ravaged village will become a feast for wild beasts.
However, before the wild animals invaded the village, two people were seen walking quietly towards the village. They are young. One is a man, and the other is a beautiful woman in a blue tight dress forming a beautiful and slender body.
Judging from their clothes and faces, they are Rangga or the Sacred Eagle Warrior and Pandan Wangi or Death Fan. The two young swordsmen continued to walk calmly towards the village which was in an intangible mess. Their steps suddenly stopped when they saw the pitiful sight in front of them. Their mouths gaped at the sight of bodies lying strewn about, and houses burning to the ground.
"Savage! Which demon did all this?" Rutuk Rangga growled.
"We'll see, Big Brother. Maybe there are still people alive," Pandan Wangi asked.
They stepped back hastily. Rangga swore several times, facing the corpses lying everywhere. Hardly believed the sight he witnessed. No one is alive. All of them died with terrible wounds.
"I can't believe a sane human did all this!" Rangga snorted while shaking his head.
"No one is still alive," muttered Pandan Wangi.
"Absolutely barbaric! Abominable!" "There are lots of horse hooves, Kakang," said Pandan Wangi, squatting.
Rangga examined the traces of horse hooves that mingled with human ones. So many, in fact, that it is difficult to determine the number of horses whose hooves were imprinted on the ground. The two warriors followed the clearly marked horse tracks. Along the trail of itir, there are always corpses whose bodies are injured.
Rangga snorted in annoyance, because the hoofs of the horse were in every corner of the village. Even to the outskirts of the village, the hooves of horses are still clearly visible. Unknowingly he was separated from Pandan Wangi. Rangga continued to trace the footprints of the horses on the ground, while observing every body that was lying on it in case someone was still alive.
"Brother...!" suddenly Pandan Wangi's voice called out.
"What's wrong, Panda?" shouted Ranga. "Come here quickly!"
Rangga immediately jumped towards the direction of the sound earlier. With just a few jumps, the Sacred Eagle Warrior was already beside Pandan Wangi. The girl was seen crouching on the ground.
"What is it?" asked Ranga.
"The horse's footprints lead to the forest," said Pandan Wangi, standing up.
Rangga traced his gaze following the footprints of the horses that continued towards the outside of this village. The tracks did indeed lead into the dense forest that bounded the village. this with Bukit Charcoal Lawu. But the traces are countless. It was difficult for Rangga to determine how many people on horseback had destroyed this village.
The rancid smell of blood stung his nose even more. Several coyotes started to arrive. His voice was very noisy scrambling for human flesh that lay unkempt. Pandan Wangi immediately took Rangga's hand and asked him to leave the village. He could not bear to see bodies lying strewn to be eaten by ravenous hungry wild dogs. The two young warriors walked following the horse's footprints which were clearly marked on the ground and grass.
While dusk continues to creep down. The sun just peeked coquettishly on the western horizon. Its reddish light refracts gently welcoming the arrival of the mist. Rangga and Pandan Wangi continued to walk deeper into the forest, towards the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill. They don't care anymore about the wild animals that are feasting and enjoying the abundant meal.
***
Black clouds came rolling over the Mayapada. The wind blew hard, making a roaring sound, shaking the trees around the slopes of Bukit Arang Lawu. Lightning began to flash accompanied by deafening thunder. Rangga stopped his steps when he felt the raindrops start to fall to the earth one by one.
The head of the Sacred Eagle Warrior looked up. Lightning flashed again, illuminating the pitch-dark realm in the twinkling of an eye. Drops of rain that fall often hit the earth. j Rangga stretched his eyes against the darkness of the night. His head turned right and left. I Then he withdrew Pandan Wangi's hand when he saw a stone cave when lightning sparked again.
Just as the two young warriors entered the small and narrow cave, heavy rain fell as if it was pouring down from the sky. Rangga pulled Pandan Wangi's hand to go deeper into the cave. Strong winds bring rainwater into the cave. They only stopped when they were no longer exposed to rainwater carried by strong winds.
"Do you have a lighter, Pandan?" asked Ranga.
"Yes," said Pandan Wangi, handing over the lighter stone.
Rangga received the fire-lighting stone, then his hands groped the ground around it. He found several dry twigs which were then collected together. With the lighter, Rangga lit a fire on the dry branches. The pitch-dark cave now became ablaze. Rangga collected dry twigs which seemed to be scattered on the floor of this cave. Pandan Wangi was already sitting hugging his knees by the fire. Occasionally a twig is added to the fire.
"Cold...?" asked Rangga as he positioned himself in front of Pandan Wangi. Only the bonfire limited them.
"He-eh," said Pandan Wangi shivering slightly. "Your clothes are wet, just open them to dry," said Rangga
"What...?!" Pandan Wangi glared.
"Sorry, I forgot that you..." Rangga grinned. "Huh! Not funny!" Pandan Wangi muttered. But on his lips flashed a small smile, barely perceptible.
He shifted his seat closer to the girl. He added a twig to the fire. The sparks when devouring the branches caught Pandan Wangi's attention. He didn't care about Rangga who was now close beside him. Pandan Wangi scratches a branch on the slightly damp cave floor.
"How long have we been together?" muttered Rangga as if asking himself.
"I don't know, I've never counted," Pandan Wangi said with a sigh.
"Sometimes I like to think..." Rangga did not continue his words. His gaze fixed on the beautiful face beside him.
Pandan Wangi turned his head. For a moment their gazes met at one point. The girl immediately turned her gaze in another direction. Suddenly he felt his heart beating wildly. Really dead, the first time he felt like this. I don't know how long I've been with this young man, but this is the first time I have another feeling in my heart. Something that is difficult to describe in words.
Pandan Wangi feels awkward and awry being stared at continuously. Sitting also became restless. Never before had I felt such disturbing anxiety. Often they are in the cave, not once or twice in an inn room. But never before has Pandan Wangi felt like it does now.
"Why do you keep looking at me?" Pandan Wangi said a bit curtly too.
"Ah, no... it's okay," said Rangga nervously. Rangga hastily threw away all kinds of thoughts that entered his heart. Pandan Wangi already regarded him as his own brother. He had said in his heart that this girl was his sister.
A nobody, and nothing more than a little brother! Rangga threw away the strange thoughts and strange feelings that crossed his heart and mind. He didn't want to drift away in his feelings.