Back on The Run

With a light body and constant speed, Jagat Wengi returned to what he mastered best: running. He hadn't understood how to use his newfound ability in real combat yet.

After entering the thicket, he stopped his escape. He had not left his training hut for almost a year. He ignored the pain from thorns and branches that had entangled him. His mind was focused on one thing - escaping from Sawung Bumi and finding evidence to prove his innocence.

Certainly, many things had changed. The landscape of the martial world, divided by black and white sects, must have changed significantly. He didn't know where to go next. Was the Poison Kala sect still based in the same place? Or had it been destroyed?

He had to gather information quickly. Feeling assured that he was far enough, Jagat stood up and walked briskly. He didn't look back. He ran away and kept going farther.

The only sensible place to go was the shops along the crossroads between villages. They were usually frequented by travelers or students from various sects.

But why? Jagat halted his run. He leaned against a large tree trunk, catching his breath. His chest rose and fell rapidly as time passed quickly. It felt like it was only yesterday when Arya Mandana had entrusted him to Ki Wardiman, along with Gendis and her innocence.

He didn't know if he would ever meet that girl again. His body rested for a moment against the massive tree trunk, while he carefully thought over his plans.

Now his decision split into two paths. Should he find Arya Mandana or Poison Kala? He still had time to think about it by closing his eyes. He enjoyed the cool breeze rustling through the leaves.

Until he fell into a deep slumber until the sunlight broke through the foliage.

Then, the noisy sound from behind the bushes startled Jagat. A voice came from behind, surprising him - a little boy holding a long bamboo stick, staring at him. His head peeked out from the bushes, just as tall as his chest.

They looked at each other for a long time. Jagat tried to be friendly and flashed a smile at the little boy. Then, he stood up, paying no further attention to him. But at least, with the presence of this little boy, he knew that the village was not too far from his hiding spot.

After a restful nap, Jagat finally decided to find Arya Mandana. People from the royal court were easier to find than those from the martial world. Especially when Arya Mandana was a mid-level officer.

However, his plan wouldn't go entirely smoothly because, unbeknownst to him, the little boy had reported the encounter to his father.

"Father, there's someone there."

The man, addressed as "father" by the little boy, inquired about Jagat's characteristics. In a smooth and stammering manner, the boy described Jagat's disheveled hair, shoulder-length and wearing black clothes.

The father then relayed the description he heard to his friend, who was up in a tree. It turned out they were egg collectors. The question reaffirmed the village chief's warning to them.

After confirming the father's report, the two hurriedly returned to their village and reported the incident.

Jagat himself had arrived at the village gate. He carefully observed the village, which had gradually become busy with people returning from the fields.

He didn't have a single penny on him, so visiting a shop would be futile unless he encountered royal patrolmen who were usually present in villages. Or, if he was lucky, he might meet tax collectors from the Majapahit kingdom.

As he took five steps past the gate, he already felt that something was off in this village. His new ability allowed him to read a few people peeking from behind walls and windows.

However, Jagat paid no attention to them once again. Being a stranger in the village would naturally attract attention from the locals. He had to find Majapahit soldiers in the village to inquire about Arya Mandana. Usually, they scattered around the corners of the village or gathered at the village chief's house for a feast.

His pace quickened as someone suddenly emerged from behind, following him. Before Jagat obtained the information he sought, he wouldn't flee.

A village chief's house typically had a signboard with the royal seal affixed to it, making it easy to find. Apart from its large and luxurious size, the village chief was always welcoming to visitors.

Before Jagat could find the village chief's house, two horse riders approached him. Their pace wasn't too fast, indicating they were not in a hurry. Luckily, they turned out to be soldiers, which was good news for him.

"Excuse me, sirs," greeted Jagat Wengi. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the person following him become unsure and change direction.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I apologize for interrupting your journey, sirs. I have a question to ask."

"Go ahead. What do you want to know?" One of the soldiers dismounted from his horse, followed by his companion. Jagat's gaze was fixed on their movements, including the concealed dagger on their waists and the royal insignia on their rank bracelets.

"Do you know the whereabouts of Arya Mandana?" Jagat inquired, still keeping an eye on the rank bracelets. "He is a mid-level officer in Majapahit."

One of the soldiers seemed surprised by Jagat's question, but his comrade remained calm and replied, "Of course, who doesn't know the hero of the Tuban battle? He is currently in Kota Daha, Kediri. What business do you have with Lord Arya Mandana?"

"I want to meet him. Very well, I will head to Daha then. Thank you, sirs."

Jagat's friendly demeanor left a good impression on the soldiers, prompting one of them to ask him again, "Wait a moment! It's getting late. I can escort you to meet Lord Arya Mandana. Rest in this village for now."

"Thank you, sirs. I can rest anywhere. Excuse me."

The person who followed Jagat earlier emerged and walked towards the two soldiers. They whispered, causing him to stop Jagat once more.

"Wait a moment!"

This time, the soldier's voice sounded more urgent, and he quickly approached Jagat. "I don't even know your name yet."

It was a question always asked of him. Why did everyone have names? Was it necessary for humans to have names?

"Arya Mandana introduced me as Jagat Wengi."

"Y-you're the one who's with Lord Mandana?" The soldier looked surprised. "It's better if you come with us. The situation is still not safe. Stay in this village for now. I will find a horse for you. You can rest at the village chief's house."

He immediately signaled to his friend to fetch what he had promised to Jagat Wengi. Then, he led Jagat to the village chief's house.

A middle-aged man and his wife rushed out, unaware that their house had been visited by two Majapahit soldiers.

A stern warning from the soldier surprised both Jagat Wengi and the village chief.

"He is my guest. Provide him with suitable clothes and food. Tomorrow morning, we will leave for Daha."

After introducing Jagat Wengi to the village chief, the soldier whispered, "Stay here. There might be spies from Lord Arya Mandana around. I will inform them."

Jagat Wengi didn't have time to ask what had happened to make the soldier appear wary and protective. But he felt Arya Mandana had been thinking about him all this time.

The village chief warmly welcomed him, treating him as an honored guest, although Jagat knew it was out of obligation. He didn't mind as long as he could refresh himself with a bath, new clothes, and a full stomach.

Gradually, his suspicion began to fade with the village chief's treatment. Even though he wasn't accompanied closely by the village chief in the main hall, Jagat felt he had to make the most of this opportunity.

He assumed the person who had followed him was related to Arya Mandana, looking for him. That was it. He just wanted peace of mind. To ask for Arya Mandana's help to find Poison Kala and confront Sawung Bumi.

As simple as that.

However, the arrival of the two men at the village chief's house changed everything. One of them was the person who had followed him earlier that afternoon, and he immediately questioned Jagat without waiting for him to offer a seat.

"Are you really the one called Jagat Wengi?" he asked.

"Yes, why?"

"What's your connection with Arya Mandana?" he inquired.

"We fought together in Tuban."

"Is that so?"

The man looked uneasy and glanced at his companion. He then continued speaking.

"We respect Lord Arya Mandana and his comrades as war heroes, but there's something I want to tell you, Jagat Wengi."

"What is it? Don't keep me in suspense. Just tell me."

"It's about Sawung Bumi. They asked us to capture you."

Jagat Wengi tried not to show surprise at the information. These two men had originally intended to capture him, but seeing the two Majapahit soldiers protecting him, they became conflicted.

They also said that Sawung Bumi had deployed his men throughout the village to capture Jagat Wengi.

"Thank you for informing me, my friends. I will definitely return to meet them, but not too soon."

"I don't know for sure, but I heard they are holding a girl as insurance to ensure you meet them."

"A girl?"

"That's right, my friend."

Gendis? Is Gendis being held captive? Jagat Wengi immediately stood up and requested from the two men,

"Take me to Sawung Bumi, right now."