"I think this place is comfortable enough to spend the night," said Rangga trying to divert the conversation.
"Yes, as long as there aren't any disgusting animals," said Pandan Wangi.
"If there are snakes..."
"Don't do anything like that, ah!" said Pandan Wangi, frowning. He was most disgusted with the animals that Rangga had just mentioned. Even though she is a warrior, her instincts as a woman don't just disappear.
"Ha ha ha !" Rangga laughed out loud.
Pandan Wangi glared, but smiled when he heard Rangga's laughter. During his time with this young man, this was the first time he heard Rangga laugh so heartily. His laughter was very melodious to Pandan Wangi's ears. It wasn't easy for Rangga to laugh after that. His life was always filled with violence, making it difficult for him to laugh. And Pandan Wangi was happy to hear the laughter that was short but so loose.
"Aaah...! Sleepy, sleep ah," Pandan Wangi yawned covering his mouth.
"Go to sleep. I'll take care of it," said Rangga.
"Change later, okay?"
"Yes!"
Pandan Wangi takes that place. comfortable, and lay down with his arms bent to support his head. Even though he had laid down, his eyes had not yet closed. Instead, he continued to stare at the handsome young man who was still sitting with his back to him.
Maybe at that time they were talking to each other in their hearts. I don't know what was being whispered about in their day. What is clear is that neither Rangga nor Pandan Wangi are calm. The drowsiness disappeared. They glanced at each other several times, but never met their eyes. Meanwhile outside the cave, the rain continued to fall heavily. It's as if the rain won't stop all night. The night continued to creep deeper and deeper, and silence enveloped the surroundings more and more. The two humans in the cave remained silent, busy with their own thoughts.
At that time, on the other side of the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill, Prince Kandara Jaya was sitting pensively in a big and beautiful tent. It has been two days since Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga have yet to return from their investigation into the Puri Merah gang which is based at the top of Bukit Arang Lawu. Prince Kandara Jaya was increasingly anxious, because there was not the slightest news about Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga. Five ciphers had been sent to look for news, and all of them returned with the same report. Nil.
The five ciphers sent were unable to continue their journey to the top, because they were blocked by a wide and deep ravine. It was impossible for them to cross the gorge, because there was no bridge at all. Indeed they found vines tied together in a tree, but the vines broke in the middle.
"Could Uncle Lawawi Girang and Adi Kitri Boga fall into the abyss?" muttered Prince Kandara Jaya as if asking himself.
"Maybe they also managed to cross the ravine, Gusti," said Karpatala with his legs crossed slightly to the side in front of the young prince.
"If they made it across, then why did the vines break off?"
Karpatala was unable to answer. It is difficult to answer Prince Kandara Jaya's question. The only tool to cross the ravine is a vine that is connected to each other. But in reality now, the vine broke in the middle. It seemed impossible that Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga would make it safely to the other side. And even if they arrive, of course it will be difficult for them to come back here.
"If they haven't appeared by tomorrow morning, I will order the tents to be dismantled immediately and return to the kingdom," said Prince Kandara Jaya. "Lord...!" Karpatala gasped in surprise. "There's no point in waiting here for a long time, while supplies are running low. We tried several times to reach the top, but just got to the slopes, we've been beaten back. Uncle Karpatala, I will not be ashamed to admit defeat to Ayahanda Prabu. They are indeed tough and strong ," said Prince Kandara Jaya firmly.
"I'm sorry, Gusti. Can I make a request?" Karpatala put his hands together in front of his nose, saluting
"Please," said Prince Kandara Jaya. "In my opinion, this place should not be vacated
at all. Servant will remain here
"together with several soldiers, waiting in case Kakang Lawawi Girang and Gusti Kitri Boga return," said Kar-patala respectfully.
"Then, who will lead the soldiers home?"
"Gusti himself. Isn't Gusti the Prince also coming home?" "No!"
Karpatala gasped in surprise at his lord's firm answer. He didn't understand what Prince Kandara Jaya meant, ordered him to return home, and now...
"I won't return to the palace if I don't have Kitri Boga with me!" said Prince Kandara Jaya firmly.
"What does Lord mean?" asked Karpatala not understanding.
"I order you to lead the soldiers back to the palace tomorrow morning, and I will go to the top of Arang Lawu Hill myself."
"Ah!
"I have prepared a letter for Ayahanda Prabu, and it is you who I entrust to deliver this letter. I do not want this letter to not come through your own hands, Uncle."
Kandara Jaya handed over a letter rolled up in a silver sleeve. With shaking hands, Karpatala received the letter. It was useless to whine and melt his lord's heart. Prince Kandara Jaya remained firm. Once you say black, you always stay black. That is the character of Prince Kandara Jaya.
"The letter is stamped with my inheritance ring. It has your name written on it as a messenger, and the punishment you will receive if the letter is not delivered through your hands!" continued Prince Kandara Jaya.
"I'll do it, Gusti," said Karpatala, his voice trembling.
"Go, and get ready to take down the tent tomorrow!"
"I beg you to step down, Gusti," said Karpatala.
"Hm...!"
Karpatala rose to his feet, then saluted before leaving the large tent where Prince Kandara Jaya was resting. After the death of his loyal retainer, Kandara Jaya remained in his place. He was still thinking about Kitri Boga's safety, which should be his responsibility. Again he remembered his promise to Maha Patih Sangga Buana to protect the safety of his son whose fate is now uncertain with Lawawi Girang.
Kandara Jaya deeply regrets its careless decision, allowing Punggawa Lawawi Girang to take Kitri Boga with him. Even though Kitri Boga's safety is in his hands. Whatever happens, he has to go to the top of Arang Lawu Hill. If only he found Kitri Boga's body, that would be enough for him. Kandara Jaya doesn't really hope that Kitri Boga and Lawawi Girang are still alive today. He realized how dangerous it was to climb the top of Bukit Arang Lawu
"Ah, the Great God...," sighed Kandara Jaya softly.
***
Early in the morning the Mandaraka Kingdom soldiers left the slopes of Arang Lawu Hill. Their departure was led by Punggawa Karpatala accompanied by the eyes of Prince Kandara Jaya. In fact, it was difficult for Karpatala to leave Prince Kandara Jaya alone on this dangerous hill. But, the young prince's words and determination were hard to turn back.
The reduced number of soldiers walked quickly down the hillside, returning to the Mandaraka Kingdom. The young heir to the royal throne stood upright with his hands holding the hilt of the sword hanging from his waist, watching his soldiers leave.
"I have to get to the top of the hill immediately," muttered Kandara Jaya slowly.
Kandara Jaya immediately swung his legs quickly up the slope to the top. The young prince walked using the science of lightening the body. His feet moved so lightly, it seemed as if they didn't touch the ground at all. Kandara Jaya continues to walk through forests and steep rock cliffs. Sometimes you have to jump over rivers and small ravines that come your way.
His steps suddenly stopped when his sharp ears heard the sound of someone else's footsteps from the side. Kandara Jaya immediately jumped onto a large rock and took cover behind it. His ears twitched as he listened to the sound of footsteps that were getting clearer and closer. The sound of footsteps without the use of knowledge to ease the collapse is of course very easy to hear.
Not long after, two men and a woman appeared from behind the dense trees. They are Rangga and Pandan Wangi. The two young warriors walked casually while chatting. There was nothing important in their conversation, in fact it was often interspersed with jokes and loose laughter.
"Pandan...," whispered Rangga suddenly.
"What is it?" Pandan Wangi asked, stopping too.
"I feel a subtle breath around here," Rangga said quietly after whispering.
Pandan Wangi tilted his head slightly. He tried to listen to the soft breathing sound that Rangga said earlier. But, even though he had used his knowledge of the discrimination of motion and sound, he still heard nothing but the wind and the sound of his own heartbeat.
"Did you hear that, Pandan?" asked Ranga. "No," said Pandan Wangi.
"Only one, but I think he has very high knowledge. The pull of his makeup is so smooth, I almost don't hear it," muttered Rangga very slowly.
"Isn't that your own breath, Brother?" Pandan Wangi wasn't sure, because he didn't hear anything.
"I can tell the difference between me, you, and other people. Be careful, that person is very knowledgeable."
Rangga took three steps forward. His head tilted to the right and to the left slowly. His knowledge of distinguishing motion and sound has reached the stage of perfection. For him, even the slightest sound is very easy to catch. So, it's not surprising that he is able to hear things that other people can't hear, even though he also has the ability to distinguish motion and sound.
"Kisanak, I don't mean bad to you. And I also don't bother you if you don't have bad intentions towards us," said Rangga. His voice sounded small, but echoed in all directions. Rangga exerted a perfect inner power.
There is not the slightest reply. The surroundings remained silent. Only the swish of the wind answered the words of the Sacred Eagle Warrior.
"Okay. I know where you are hiding. If you don't want to show up, I won't disturb your hiding place either," said Rangga again.
Rangga snapped his fingers, inviting Pandan Wangi to leave that place. Pandan Wangi followed, and walked beside Rangga. The two young warriors continued to walk normally without looking back. But Rangga knew that the person who took cover behind the big rock was watching him.
Prince Kandara Jaya only came out of hiding after Rangga and Pandan Wangi were no longer seen. He glanced at the direction the two warriors had passed. He didn't recognize the two young people who might have been the same age as him. But admittedly, if the men really extraordinary knowledge. His hiding place can be found even though he has practiced the science of lightening the body and regulating breathing perfectly. Kandara Jaya let out a long and heavy sigh. For a few moments he stood still.
"I can't imagine what would happen if that person was one of the Puri Merah group," muttered Kandara Jaya quietly.
"You guessed wrong, mate!"
"Hey!" Kandara Jaya was shocked half to death.
So startled, that he jumped and immediately turned around. On the rock where he had taken refuge earlier, now stood the Sakti Rajawali Warrior. Kandara Jaya was amazed. The warrior's presence was completely unknown to him. His hand moved slowly to touch the hilt of the sword hanging from his waist.
"Whoops!"
Rangga jumped down and stood straight one spear in front of Kandara Jaya. His lips curved into a friendly smile full of friendship. Kandara Jaya shifted his feet to the side, when Pandan Wangi appeared from the direction he had left.
"Who are you?" asked Kandara Jaya.
"I'm Rangga, and that's my younger brother, his name is Pandan Wangi. Beautiful and gentle, but a little naughty and bitchy," Rangga introduced himself.
"Brother!" Pandan Wangi glared.
"Who is this Kisanak?" asked Rangga ignoring Pandan Wangi who was glaring at him with a red face.
"I'm Kandara Jaya," he introduced himself.
"Are you a prince?" inquired Pandan Wangi who had approached Rangga, and stood beside him.
"No, I'm just an ordinary traveler," said Kandara Jaya, hiding his true identity.
"Hm..., it looks like you're a king's son. Or at least a stray noble's son," muttered Pandan Wangi. His eyes were full of inquisition towards the clothes Kandara Jaya was wearing.
Prince Kandara Jaya was also a bit surprised by Pandan Wangi's words. The girl's judgment was correct. But Kandara Jaya doesn't want anyone to know about his true self. Especially to strangers he doesn't know at all.
Kandara Jaya must always be wary of anyone he meets at Bukit Arang Lawu.
"Okay, I can understand that you are reluctant to reveal who you really are. But, may I ask, what are you here for?" Rangga interrupted Pandan Wangi's conversation, who continued to distrust Kandara Jaya.
"Why are you also at Bukit Arang Lawu?" Kandara Jaya even asked back.
"I'm chasing people on horseback who massacred a village yesterday," answered Rangga frankly.
"One village...!?" Kandara Jaya jumped in surprise. "Right. You seem surprised, why?" Pandan Wangi investigated.
"Oh, no. It's okay. I was also surprised to hear that a village was massacred," said Kandara Jaya, a little nervous.
Kandara Jaya became a little anxious when he heard this. Meanwhile, until this morning he and his soldiers were still camping on this hillside. It seems hard to believe that the Puri Merah mob could come down the hill and burn down a village. How could that happen? Where are they coming from? Or are there other groups? Various questions raced through Kandara Jaya's mind. Difficult questions to answer.
The Crown Prince of the Mandaraka Kingdom looked at Rangga and Pandan Wangi questioningly. He still couldn't believe that the two young people were not members of the Puri Merah gang. Kandara Jaya asked several questions which Rangga answered frankly and honestly. All of Kandara Jaya's questions related to the massacre in the village that Rangga had told about.
Hearing the answers which were honest and frank, Kandara Jaya became confused too. What's more, seeing the appearance of Rangga and Pandan Wangi, who were polite and full of friendship. The Puri Merah gang are cruel and sadistic people. Is it true that they are not from Puri Merah? That question always lingers in Kandara Jaya's mind.
***
At that time Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga had arrived at the top of Bukit Arang Lawu. They could hardly believe it when they saw the top of the hill like a fortress with walls made of natural stone forming a circle like a giant ring. The natural stone wall is surrounded by a large grass field, like a carpet spread out. A beautiful view, but has an atmosphere that contains mystery.
"I'm not sure they nest here," said Kitri Boga, half muttering.
"Hm...," Lawawi Girang just mumbled.
His eyes kept wandering around.
"It's really quiet. There's no sign that anyone has ever been here," Kitri Boga said softly.
"But we have to be alert. A calm atmosphere is not necessarily...," Lawawi Girang did not continue his words.
I don't know where it came from, suddenly they were surrounded by no less than ten people wearing red robes. All of them wielded three-bladed spears. Covered from head to toe in a red robe. Only the hands and a little of the face are visible.
Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga were shocked beyond belief. It is difficult to know their presence, where and when. Suddenly they had appeared, as if they had just emerged from the ground.
Drag!
Lawawi Girang immediately drew his sword. Kitri Boga had also taken out his sword hanging from his back. They stood facing each other's backs. Meanwhile, the people in red robes just stood straight without moving an inch.
"Be careful, they are definitely not random humans," whispered Lawawi Girang.
"Yes," said Kitri Boga.
"Don't give it a chance. Kill, while you can!"
Kitri Boga didn't have time to respond, because suddenly he heard a loud shout. Immediately the ten red-robed men simultaneously made movements with their three-bladed spears. And as if on command they jumped, lunging towards the target they were besieging.
Kitri Boga and Lawawi Girang clashed against each other's backs to face the people in red robes. His opponents attacked very quickly and one after another, as if on command, they jumped and rushed towards the target they were surrounding in a very orderly manner!
Battle is inevitable. The red-robed people attacked very quickly and took turns taking turns. And now they have succeeded in separating Lawawi Girang and Kitri Boga, so that one has to fight five people. Lawawi Girang is also worried because he is separated from Kitri Boga.
"Watch out...!" shouted Lawawi Girang when he saw one of the people who ganged up on Kitri Boga throwing a rope from behind his big sleeve.
At the same time, Lawawi Girang was caught off guard, so a hard kick landed firmly on his chest. Lawawi Girang bounced back. Not yet had time to adjust the position of his body one stab of a three-edged spear towards his body. Lawawi Girang swung his sword, parrying the spear that was aiming at his chest.
Tring!
Lawawi Girang was surprised, because his sword was stuck on the tip of the three-pronged spear. And when he was about to release it, suddenly the person holding the spear jerked hard
"Ah!" Lawawi Girang was shocked that his sword had fallen off.
At the same time, one of them jumped while rotating his spear rapidly. Lawawi Girang screamed loudly when the spear hit his head.
Before the pain in his head had disappeared, suddenly the tip of the spear came rushing from the front.