The Broken Spell

Yada's mind was filled with sheer admiration. Throughout his life, he had dedicated himself entirely to knowledge. His love for history and the past had led him to conduct various research and encounter many things beyond reason.

While researching an ancient manuscript about one of Indonesia's independence heroes, Yada suddenly fell ill with an unexplained fever for seven days. Not to mention his other research on the various kingdoms in Indonesia that exposed him to different forms of both good and evil magic.

So, when Kamaniya promised a spectacle from the world she came from, Yada was attacked by enthusiasm. There was no fear; in fact, he was thrilled with the surprises Kamaniya had in store.

"Now let's sleep." She scooted towards the bed.

The smile on Yada's face faded instantly. "Wait, does that mean you won't show your powers now?"

"No," Kamaniya replied casually.

Her graceful hand quickly untied a small twig used to hold her hair. Thick strands of silver immediately filled Yada's field of view.

Once again, he was mesmerized. Kamaniya had a unique beauty, unlike the modern-era women he had encountered so far.

And now, that beauty was enhanced by the cascade of shining silver hair, touched by the glow of the traditional lighting. Yada had to swallow and restrain himself from pulling Kamaniya into his arms.

"You'll sleep on the other side," Kamaniya said.

Yada snapped out of his reverie, remembering something.

"Where over there?" His head turned left and right, looking for another bed.

"On the floor."

Yada's eyes widened. "Kama, don't joke! How can I sleep on the floor?"

"Don't be a weak man. All tough warriors sleep on the bare ground." Kamaniya moved briskly to the bed.

Without hesitation, she laid down. The night was quite cool, tempting Kamaniya to slightly loosen her clothing, which was more modest compared to the local residents'.

"Kama, come on. Don't make me sleep on the floor." Yada tried to persuade her.

"In that case, sleep outside. I remember there's a long bench in the courtyard."

Yada felt an urge to strangle Kamaniya. She was proving herself to be an uncompromising elder.

Kamaniya's old-fashioned attitude was beyond Yada's understanding, coming from a man living in the modern era. He could only sigh heavily.

Reluctantly, Yada moved out of the room. He glanced back at Kamaniya, who was already fast asleep.

Yada headed towards the front of the inn. Luckily, the innkeeper gladly provided an empty room after Yada begged, claiming that his wife had kicked him out.

That night, Yada could rest peacefully. As soon as his head touched the pillow, he fell into a deep slumber.

In contrast, Kamaniya's eyes were wide open. After ensuring Yada had indeed left the room, she leaped out the window and climbed up a large tree in the side yard.

Agilely, Kamaniya leaped from one branch to another, moving up towards the top. Using her body lightening skill, her movements were as silent as a cat, leaving no sound behind.

"Ken Dedes," the owner of the blond hair stared at a tightly closed window.

She knew it was Ken Dedes' room. Kamaniya's eyes slowly closed. She began her rapid meditation, falling into a serene and empty world.

During Kamaniya's contemplation, silver tendrils emerged in her mind, gradually forming a ball the size of her fist.

The tightly woven tendrils emitted a soft, silvery glow. In the peaceful recesses of Kamaniya's mind, she directed the silver ball towards the room where Ken Dedes rested.

"Go find the red thread," Kamaniya spoke, opening her eyes.

In the palm of her hand, a silver ball identical to the one in her mind materialized. The ball seemed to come to life as it floated gently through the tightly shut window.

Kamaniya waited and waited. Three minutes later, the bedroom window slowly opened, and Ken Dedes' head appeared.

With a light leap, Kamaniya landed gracefully on the ground, right in front of Ken Dedes' window. The wife of the local ruler did not seem to recognize her. Her gaze was vacant and empty.

"Good job," Kamaniya tapped Ken Dedes' forehead.

Her silver ball slid out from Ken Dedes' forehead and returned to Kamaniya. With a flick of her finger, the ball vanished as if carried away by the wind.

"Now it's time to work," Kamaniya grabbed Ken Dedes' hand, as she remained in an unconscious state.

The silver ball had entered Ken Dedes, holding her soul. The purpose was to ensure that the owner of the body remained unaware of what was happening.

Facing Ken Dedes, Kamaniya's slender fingers searched for something at the princess's wrist. A broad smile appeared when Kamaniya found what she was looking for.

"Now, sleep, Princess. We will meet again tomorrow morning."

Kamaniya tapped Ken Dedes' forehead. The woman closed the window, leaving Kamaniya alone in the darkness of the night.

The next day, Kamaniya and Yada were already waiting at the dining area. The innkeeper had prepared a variety of delicious dishes for their esteemed guests.

"Where is the Princess going?" Yada asked Ken Dedes politely in Javanese.

"To the capital," Ken Dedes replied softly.

Yada glanced at the beautiful princess sitting across from him. Their dining table was now a large circle, with only the three of them present.

Dharsana stood like a statue, leaning against the wall. As a servant, she wasn't allowed to dine with her master.

"What's the occasion in the capital?" Yada asked again when Ken Dedes didn't respond.

"My husband has been summoned to attend a religious ceremony. He left ahead of me, and I'm following him," Ken Dedes replied.

"With just four guards?" Yada furrowed his brow.

"Yes."

"It's strange. For the wife of such a powerful ruler like Tumapel, there should be a lot more guards accompanying you."

Ken Dedes didn't respond to Yada's comment. She refocused her attention on the freshwater fish cooked with red spices.

Under the table, Kamaniya nudged Yada's knee. As she caught his attention, she quickly shook her head and gave him a warning look.

"I've made my decision, Princess," Kamaniya redirected the conversation.

In contrast to Ken Dedes' cold and reluctant attitude towards Yada earlier, the princess now appeared enthusiastic. Her face lit up with a joyful sparkle that she couldn't hide.

"I will help you break the Semar Mesem spell," Kamaniya spoke again.

A faint smile appeared on her lips as she noticed Ken Dedes' gleeful expression.

"In that case, when will we perform the spell-breaking?" Ken Dedes asked.

Kamaniya glanced at Yada. His actions seemed a bit suspicious. Instead of being enthusiastic, Yada appeared somewhat subdued.

"We can do it now," Kamaniya replied straightforwardly.

"Alright then, let's go to my room...."

"No need, Princess. I'll do it right here and now," Kamaniya interrupted, looking at Yada once more.

This time, she had his full attention. Yada's enthusiasm was rekindled, and his previously clouded face started to brighten.

"Here?" Ken Dedes sounded uncertain.

"Yes."

"But... this is a public place."

"Your handmaiden can prevent anyone from coming here," Kamaniya's words referred to the inn's employees, who would likely be moving around the dining area.

Ken Dedes nodded in understanding and immediately instructed Dharsana to clear the room.

Meanwhile, Yada couldn't hide his immense curiosity. He was eagerly anticipating the wonders his partner would perform.

"Watch closely, Yada," the silver-haired woman whispered to the man sitting beside her.

"Sacred Valley Magic?" Yada replied to Kamaniya's warning.

"You could call it that, although I'm not entirely sure if this qualifies as magic or not."

Kamaniya began to close her eyes, entering a state of contemplation to harness the power of nature.

The Earth and the Valley of Virgin were not much different in terms of natural energy. There was still little contamination of the five elements on Earth. Its condition remained relatively pure and able to provide the elements Kamaniya needed.

As she opened her eyes, Kamaniya's sharp gaze locked onto Ken Dedes' eyes. A gust of wind flowed in through the open window, playing with the tips of Kamaniya's silver hair and gently caressing Ken Dedes, causing her hair to stand on end.

"Kama...."

Yada's call went unnoticed by Kamaniya. Her slender hand reached for Ken Dedes' wrist.

There were no chants or incantations. Kamaniya simply raised Ken Dedes' hand and stared at her intently.

Then, the wind blew stronger. Bamboo items hanging on the walls trembled, and some nearly fell from the wind's force.

From Kamaniya's fingertips emerged fine, gleaming silver threads. The strands extended, forming tendrils that wound around Ken Dedes' hand.

Like veins pulsing with life, Kamaniya's silver threads targeted Ken Dedes' pinky finger. Suddenly, a blood-red thread emerged from Ken Dedes' pinky, colliding with Kamaniya's silver thread.

"What is this?" Ken Dedes exclaimed in surprise.

"The Semar Mesem spell is not visible. It disturbs the Princess's mind. Last night, I implanted my silver ball to draw out the toxin from her head."

Ken Dedes widened her eyes, "And this thread?"

"The red thread is the toxin from the Semar Mesem spell. Be prepared, Princess, it might be painful."

Ken Dedes' eyes widened further. Kamaniya continued speaking.

"Only pure love will heal your pain, Princess," Kamaniya added.

Ken Dedes looked puzzled, but Kamaniya didn't explain further.

With one of her hands free, Kamaniya formed a spiral pattern in the air. A dense column of light condensed, forming a small spear the size of her palm.

"Would you like to cut that thread, Yada?" Kamaniya asked.

The man, who was enchanted by his newfound magical experience, was startled. He reflexively pointed at himself.

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"What can I do, Kamaniya?" Yada repeated in panic.

Kamaniya only smiled faintly. The spear floated in front of Yada.

"Try it," Kamaniya gently commanded.

Yada was initially hesitant, but a few seconds later, he swiftly took the small weapon given by Kamaniya.

Still amazed that the object Kamaniya gave him was solid, Yada directed the small spear toward the thread winding around Ken Dedes' pinky.

Kamaniya's silver thread restrained the blood-red thread from re-entering Ken Dedes' body. Without hesitation, Yada cut the thread.

Ken Dedes let out a loud cry of pain. The wind howled louder, and wall decorations started falling.

The door slammed open, and Dharsana rushed in. The handmaiden caught Ken Dedes as she collapsed.

"What happened? What's wrong with Princess Ken Dedes?"