The sound of a strange flute sounded in the dim night on the hillside. The sound is indeed strange. Because it's like a combination of two inconsequential flute sounds. One loud rhythmic screeching. Meanwhile, one more rhythm with a sad tone.
It turned out to be blown by two men who looked almost identical to one another. One sat on a rock at a high place, and another played a flute while leaning his back on a bare tree trunk below.
Who are two men.
Which apart from almost the same face, but also the clothes he wore were no different from each other. These two men were known as the Twin Flutes of Death.
Who would have thought that the sound of the flute blowing had disturbed people's ears. At that time, a figure appeared to emerge from behind a boulder. A sliver of illuminating moon can capture this person's face. She was an old woman with white hair, oval face. A pair of sharp eyes lit up when he saw two men comfortably sitting and leaning back playing flutes in the dark night without thinking about other people's ears.
This woman snapped loudly. His other arm brushed the hem of his long dress.
"Knock-drops don't know themselves! Get out of here quickly!" Suddenly the sound of a shrouded flute vanished, and was followed by the startled screams of the twin boys. Because suddenly a gust of strong wind had torn apart the two flutes they were blowing. Even their bodies swayed like a hurricane...
The faces of the Deathly Flute Twins turned pale instantly as they saw before them suddenly an old woman with a sullen face and bulging eyes staring at them one after another standing on her back.
"Who are you? Why are you making noise in the middle of the night?" said this old lady in a heart-piercing cold voice. Knowing that people were angry, in their hearts these two men were secretly overjoyed by the appearance of this old woman even though her appearance had taken them by surprise and was unbelievably surprised, because of the strong wind just now. As if they had promised each other, the two of them grabbed their flutes lying on the ground, and at that moment they had bent their knees before the woman while saying almost in unison.
"Nini Sumbi...! We beg you to become your student!" Of course this made the old woman's eyes widen.
"Two twin rabbits! Who are you?
Why are you suddenly asking me to be your teacher?" he snapped in a hoarse, piercing voice. "We in the martial world have the title Kem-
bar the Flute of Death!" answered the two twin boys in unison. But their heads were still lowered with their noses pressed against the ground. The prostrate attitude of the two men clearly insisted on them wanting to become the old woman's disciples.
"Get up!"
Nini Sumbi's cold snap sounded. His arm moved. And a formidable force had forced the Flute Hill Twins to look up, for a gust of wind rushed at the head. Feels shivering cold wind grabbed. Worried that the old woman lowered her vicious hands to kill them, made their hearts sink, and simultaneously they both raised a pair of arms to meet the attack.
The two currents of energy collided with each other. And... the sound of these two men screamed under their breath. The Twin Death Flutes' bodies staggered backwards. But just as quickly they had jumped to their feet.
"Nini Sumbi...! We beg you to adopt us as your students...!" one said. And again they both fell to their knees.
Even though the Deathly Flutes Twins felt their chests constrict due to the clash of internal energy just now, they still forced themselves to return to their knees. But before that second thing happened, the old woman had flung her sleeves and snapped.
"You guys are really stubborn! Well, die!" It seemed that Nini Sumbi's attack was difficult to dodge. A gust of wind flicked the sleeve of her robe, apparently accompanied by the old woman's right palm that struck out with a death blow.
However, that violent strike actually hit a boulder that was behind the twin boys, and his palm strike that contained the power of a killing punch was suddenly blocked.
Pea-sized cold sweat slid down the Deathly Flute Twins' foreheads. His heart seemed to have fallen apart from its stem. It turns out that the dangerous risk in front of the eyes has passed. Their belief is very strong, that Nini Sumbi could not possibly drop vicious hands on them without cause. Since long before their arrival to this place, they already know the character of this strange, highly educated, educated woman.
"Hm, wake up you two geeks!" said this old woman coldly. But his voice was not as sharp as before.
"Nini Sumbi! We will wake up if you are willing to make us your students!" said the Twin Flutes of Death in unison.
"You guys are really crazy! Why force people like that? What if I don't want to take you as my students?" said that in her heart, Nini Sumbi was secretly happy. The appearance of the two young twins who looked quite dashing was truly like a dream falling from the moon and sun.
"We... we will remain kowtowing to death!" replied the Twin Flutes of Death. Of course that answer made the old woman stunned. But not long after, the sound of laughter was heard cascading.
"What wind has blown you all the way to this place? And why are you so insistent on becoming my disciple?" said Nini Sumbi when she finished laughing which made all of her almost white hair fall down covering part of her face. The old woman's question was answered by one of the twin boys.
"We feel dissatisfied with the knowledge we currently have. We heard the news of the death of a high-skilled Green Forest figure around this valley. That is why we are here, hoping for your generosity in accepting us as students!"
"Heh! How did you know my name?" asked this old woman.
"Someone calling himself the Yellow Butt Demon!" replied the man named Rah Banu, his twin brother named Rah Bono. Hearing that nickname, Nini Sumbi frowned.
"When did you meet my martial brother?" asked Nini Sumbi.
"Two months ago. Master...!" replied Rah Banu who immediately called the teacher to the woman.
"Kunyuk! Who told you to call me teacher? I haven't appointed you as my student yet?" snapped Nini Sumbi prancing angrily.
"Ah, forgive us... Teacher... uh, Nini Sumbi..." said Rah Banu with a pale face. Who would have thought that the woman still showed a fierce attitude. But he also didn't expect that the Yellow Butt Demon was this old woman's martial brother.
"Was he the one who sent you here?" asked Nini Sumbi.
"No, Nini...! We overheard the Yellow Butt Demon's conversation while conversing with a young warrior with the title of Daze God! He mentioned your name who resides in this valley...!" Nini Sumbi gasped at the mention of that title.
"He's talking to the God of Daze? Hm, what are you talking about? Why are you mentioning my name?" asked this old woman with glaring eyes. It seemed that he didn't like his martial brother who had the title of Yellow-Butt Demon. And the name Dazed God made him surprised, because he had heard rumors about the young warrior's actions in the white stream.
This good opportunity was used by Rah Banu, who wanted him to be made by the boarding woman by heating her heart.
"He's talking bad about you, Nini...! And it seems the young swordsman is good at taking things to heart. It's like we weren't looked down upon at the meeting of the white people, so we withdrew at noon...!" Rah Banu said.
"That bastard has never understood me! I also heard about the meeting being held in the King's City. Hm, do you think those people who claim to be white have never committed a disgraceful act? They are white people are really arrogant! High heart, and pretend to be pure! I do not say I am white or black. What is clear is that I do not want to come! And I am free to do what I want, without having to use the procedures required of being a Green Forest! All of that is the initiative of Patih Mangku Jagat who deliberately gathered the Green Forest to be manipulated for his desire to expand the territory, so that he can take face on His Majesty King Pancadriya! I suspect he has ambitions to gain greater influence in the eyes of the people. Even though basically the King is in power, but actually he is the one who rule the government!" said Nini Sumbi.
The Twin Flutes of Death had already looked up and nodded at the old woman's story. As for Nini
When Sumbi said the name Patih Mangku Jagat, his eyes lit up. It seemed he also harbored hatred for the Empire's prime minister. After snorting, this old lady resumed her words.
"Humans have changed a lot! And times have changed! Now I don't care anymore about all kinds of matters related to the Mamenang Kingdom, which has now changed to the name Pengging!But that meeting will have a big influence and narrow my space for freedom! I really don't want to be bound by all kinds of rules. And... you two geeks..." he said, looking at the twin boys. Rah Banu and Rah Bono's hearts were a little uneasy because the old woman was holding back her words.
"You are destined to be the inheritors of my knowledge!" he continued in a firm voice. And in saying those words, a smile appeared on the corners of his lips and two wrinkles appeared in the indentation line on either side of the cheek. Even though she is quite old, this woman still seems to have traces of her beauty.
Of course hearing those words the Deathly Flute Twins immediately fell prostrate, as they said in unison.
"Teacher...!"
The joy of the hearts of the two men, who can still be said to be two young men, was so great that they repeatedly mentioned the teacher.
"Enough! Enough! Tonight you can go-
sleep at my residence!" said Nini Sumbi. Then flashed from there. Needless to say, these two young twins immediately flashed after. In a moment the three bodies disappeared in the dim night...
***
"We promise to carry out the teacher's orders, and will not violate any taboos while studying or after leaving this valley...!" Those words were spoken by the Death Flute Twins by imitating Nini Sumbi's words simultaneously.
"Good! You are officially my students! You have taken an oath with the agreement you made, meaning that I have the right to punish you if you dare to violate it!"
"Yes, Master...!" said Rah Banu and Rah Bono with nods of their heads.
"May I ask a question. Teacher...?" suddenly Rah Banu said.
"Please! What are you going to ask?"
"How long will we study?" asked Rah Banu. Nini Sumbi chuckled then she said in a firm voice.
"You already have the basics of martial arts, even the moves of the two of you and your flute knowledge and inner strength can already be relied upon to simply become a martial artist. However, a feeling of dissatisfaction exists in every human being. Moreover, you are still quite young. So, therefore I will not give you the knowledge of internal energy or the usual silat moves. However, the knowledge that I will pass on to you is a very rare knowledge... And to master that knowledge only takes seven full moons!"
"What knowledge is that. Teacher...?" asked Rah Banu and Rah Bono almost in unison.
"That is the magic of Karang Rogo!" said Nini Sumbi in a voice full of pride.
"Weird name...!" Rah Banu said
hiss.
"When did we start studying it.
Teacher...?" Rah Banu couldn't wait to ask. It felt like he wanted to quickly acquire that knowledge.
"What is so special about the Karang Rogo magic arts, Teacher?" Rah Bono interrupted before the old woman answered Rah Banu's question. Nini Sumbi smiled. Her eyes twinkled. Then answered.
"Be patient! Soon you will know what is special about it. And for you to start learning, wait until the full moon in a few days. While waiting for the full moon night to come you may do meditation. Let me show you the places!"
Rah Banu and Rah Bono immediately followed the old woman following behind her without saying a word. Except for joy, because they finally succeeded in becoming the student of the teacher. Whatever knowledge they will learn is not a problem.
In that valley there are many caves. Stones on the slopes of the cliffs.
Nini Sumbi chose two caves.
The cave on the west is for Rah Banu, and Rah Bono occupies the cave on the east.
After giving space for her two students, Nini Sumbi went to where she was staying. Not long after he was in front of the mouth of the cave where he lives.
"That's it! I have separated my two dashing students. I have to finish my pending business. And... hihik... sob... must be finished before the full moon. The potion I need is still incomplete. I still need two placentas another baby!" muttered this old woman. Then entered the cave room where he stored all kinds of equipment. This secret cave room is located at the top. Through the steps made of new bamboo can get to the cave room.
A large cauldron filled with blood loomed above the furnace. Three skull heads are visible on the shelf including a crocodile skull. I don't know what the skull bones are for. And many other equipment scattered on the stone table.
Nini Sumbi approached the cauldron above the non-flammable stove, then stirred the blood that had been given various potions. It smells more rotten than carrion. This old woman took a coconut shell dipper that was stuck in the rock wall, then scooped up the blood in a large cauldron.
And... without feeling disgusted he drank two or three sips.
"Hihihik... hihik... this magic potion will make me young again. It's a shame it's still incomplete. Today I also have to look for the two placentas I need!" he said with a grin. Nini Sumbi is like a non-human. What he had been doing so far by locking himself in the valley turned out to be making a crazy potion.
Meanwhile, a figure appeared out of nowhere, suddenly at the mouth of the cave. Who this person is is none other than the longish painter. He was named Tejo.
"What cave is this? Hm, a good place for me to stay in this place ..." this young man hissed without knowing that it was a cave. There is
its inhabitants. Of course, the shock cannot be said anymore, because suddenly a loud bang made him flinch in surprise, it felt as if his heart had been ripped out.
"Impudent! Who are you long haired monkey?"
"Well, well...! Turns out it's a gene nest...
gendruwo?" Tejo snapped with wide eyes, seeing a woman with almost white hair suddenly fly up from the ceiling in a corner of the cave.
"I... I... geek! I..." Tejo stuttered and found it difficult to get the words out. Because seeing how the old woman's face was very scary. A pair of shining eyes shuddered, and blood stained lips.
"Am I dealing with a blood-drinking ghost?" said Tejo in his heart. His heart trembled. And his knees immediately buckled. He was only able to swallow hard, because the sound was difficult.
"Damn! Who are you? Are you deaf? Who let you into the cave where I live?" Nini Sumbi snapped with bulging eyes
"Oh, ma... I'm sorry Grandma...! I didn't know that this cave is where you live...! My name is... Tej... Tejo...! I strayed into this valley..." Finally this young man could make a sound, and answered in a stuttering voice. While his legs recede backwards. However, Nini Sumbi knew about her intention to run away. He let out a cold laugh.
"Hm, you have dared to enter the cave where I live, don't expect to get out again before I give permission!" Tejo canceled his intention to leave that place. Even though there was a sinister feeling looking at the old woman, but she clearly saw that before her was not a ghost because her two feet were firmly planted on the ground.
"Hehe... who wants to run away? If I'm allowed to stay here of course I'll be very happy!" said Tejo bravely. Secretly he had prepared for all the eventualities that would happen. Nini Sumbi raised her eyebrows. Her eyes stared at the young man, and crawled from head to toe.
"That's great! Your cut is welcome, young man! If you want to help with my work, you can stay here!" said Nini Sumbi.
"Big disaster! I have spoken carelessly. Hm, let me accept her offer. Under these circumstances it will be difficult for me to escape from the hands of this gendruwo woman. When she is off guard, of course I can escape..." Tejo said to himself. Tejo scratched his head, smirking.
"What jobs can I help you with?" he asked.
"Sigh... sob... a lot! There are lots of jobs that you can help with. If you work well, of course you will get a reward that is not in vain! So, you come with me, Tejo...!"
Nini Sumbi turned around and stepped into the cave room. His arm moved to slide the rock wall of the cave. There appeared a gap the size of two human bodies. Tejo was a bit hesitant to come into the room. But curiosity, as well as fear that he might act violently, would pose an even greater danger. Tejo was forced to half-drag his feet with a bit of a hard heart to follow the old woman into the gap in the cave wall. It turned out that on the other side, about ten steps away, there was another room. It turns out that this is a clean room. To the left against the wall is a wooden platform, covered with red velvet, complete with pillows and bolsters.
Tejo's eyes widened and looked around the room. There is a stone mirror and several sets of women's clothing. A wooden table and chairs from logs covered with animal skins. Also a jug and a glass of clay. The light in the room came from the conical ceiling. About fifteen spears tall. The room seemed to be laid out in such a way that it looked antique and pleasing to the eye.
"You can stay here...! About the work you can help with, I'll show you later. But remember! Don't try to run away from this place, because you will regret it a thousand times...!" said the old woman half threateningly.
"But grandma... who are you really? Is this your room?" asked Tejo. However, the answer was the old woman's cold snap. "Hm, I've been kind to you, I hope you don't ask questions. Well, enjoy your stay in this room, and wait for my orders later!" After saying that, Nini Sumbi flashed quickly into the gap in the rock. Tejo was flabbergasted, and only realized when suddenly the gap had closed again.
"Woe to me! I have fallen into a trap and was trapped in this room...!" complained Tejo with cold sweat condensing on the nape of his neck.
"What should I do now? Hm, just stay in this room for a while, and rest! I'm so tired after endless travels...! Weah...! Until when am I going to continue adventuring? But... I am indeed a adventurer...! Later business is later! Present business is now! My eyes are sleepy, and I need to rest!" Tejo said to himself. He stepped closer to the wooden bed covered with thick red velvet. And lay down his body with yawning mouth...
*
Somehow he fell asleep for a while. When he was awake, his nose sniffed the sweet fragrance. Tej opened his eyes...
What a surprise when suddenly he saw someone who was none other than the old woman who kept him in the room standing in front of the bed. Her face was very close to that of the woman who was now thickly powdered, and her lips were red. The fragrance is the perfume used by Nini Sumbi. What made Tejo's eyes widen was that the woman was not dressed at all, and was looking at him with sparkling eyes.
"Hurry up Tejo...! You have to do your job well...! This is your first task..." said the old woman in a low hissing voice. His arms suddenly stretched out to his bare, sweaty chest. I felt this woman stroking her chest passionately, and her fingers began to move to open her top.
Tejo gasped in surprise. His body was shaking... Cold sweat seeped down the nape of his neck. At that moment he screamed in fear.
"Nooo...! Don't! Don't... don't... aaan..." And Tejo suddenly fell unconscious. Nini Sumbi swore indignantly.
"Damn! Devil! Damn it...!" he said, his face changed, and his honeyed smile vanished in an instant. Quickly put on his clothes, and a moment later he had flashed out of the room...
Tejo slowly opened his eyes. Turns out he was just pretending to faint. The ears are set wide. His heart clenched as he worried that the infatuated old woman would appear again. But he heard nothing. Tejo started to wonder.
"Hm, I hope he leaves... And this is the chance to escape..." Tejo said to himself. A feeling of joy flashed on this young man's face to see the gap in the stone wall was not closed. Presumably annoyed by it, the old woman forgot to close it. Tejo grabbed his mat pocket and then jumped closer to the mouth of the gap. His movements made no sound. Slowly he popped his head to look at the situation outside the room.
"Safe...!" Tej hissed. And in that second he had flashed out of the cave. Soon the young artist was running fast towards the edge of the valley. After a while he was out of the valley, and jumped off into the forest....
Luckily for the young man, until he got out of the valley, there was no sign of Nini Sumbi showing up.