FIVE KINGS (The Five Kings)

Chapter 44

King Cee Hoan Kong was surprised, he hurriedly issued an order so that his soldiers would immediately withdraw. As it was getting dark, Cee's army had already lit a torch to light up the path they were about to cross.

But suddenly the torches were extinguished struck by a very strong wind. This incident made the soldiers who were walking collide with each other because of the dark. Even though many times they put back their torches, but always extinguished again blown by the wind.

Koan Tiong follows King Cee Hoan Kong fleeing his horse. But before that he had told his men who were walking ahead to ring the kingpin. Thus Koan Tiong hoped his men could follow them from behind with the help of the sound of the kingpin.

The sky was dark, the air was cold, east, west, north and south, the four corners were invisible. It's all dark. Blindly Cee's soldiers are racing to run as hard as possible. They don't know how far and where? They run away in fear like being chased by a ghost.

After running until half-dead, they only felt somewhat comfortable. The uncomfortable wind was now no longer felt. They sit down to let go of fatigue. In the sky now they could watch the new moonlight appear.

King Cee Hoan Kong issued an order for his soldiers to set up a tent while waiting for dawn.

When the red light began to shine in the eastern horizon, the sound of birds chirping began to sound boisterous, a sign of the morning. Soon King Cee Hoan Kong inspects his army and generals. It turned out that all of his commanders and soldiers were safe, except for Kho Hek who was invisible. But their soldiers and horses were partly destroyed.

Seeing that his army base was on the edge of a dangerous mountain gorge and it was very quiet, Koan Tiong was worried that the enemy was coming to attack, it was very dangerous. So Koan Tiong ordered his soldiers to find a way to leave the place.

The order was immediately executed. After the army tents were torn down, Cee's troops left the place. But it was strange, they walked towards the dead-end east, turned towards the closed west, and walked around the same. They have walked for a long time and many are exhausted, but they have not found a way to get out of it.

At that time Cee Hoan Kong's face turned pale, because his mind was very tangled.

The intelligent and not easily discouraged Koan Tiong said to Cee Hoan Kong.

"Hamba has heard the story of people, he said the old horses in this area can recognize the streets.in the country of Bu Ciong and San-jiong. The horses are mostly from the north. Just tell Houw Ji Pan to pick some old horses. Then the horses we let go. We follow where the horses go. Then we will be able to go out and find the right way" said Koan Tiong.

King Cee Hoan Kong followed the suggestion, ordering Houw Ji Pan to carry out the scheme.

"O, what a pity for Cee's soldiers who bear misery. Where did General Hong Hoa mislead Cee's forces?" I thought Koan Tiong. "Hong Hoa must have escaped his horse so quickly. Where did General Kho Hek take him?"

**

Hong Hoa's journey with Kho Hek.

After walking for so long, Kho Hek looked back. He was shocked because he did not see the King Cee's numerous army behind them. He requested that Hong Hoa would wait for a while to be together.

General Hong Hoa did not comply with Kho Hek's request, instead he ordered his soldiers to walk faster.

General Kho Hek became suspicious. He held his horse unwilling to follow Hong Hoa's will. But Hong Hoa immediately withdrew and urged Kho Hek to follow his will. At that time Kho Hek realized that Hong Hoa had evil intentions. Kho Hek put up a fight but it was too late that Hong Hoa had already ordered his men to capture Kho Hek which they soon tied his legs and hands. Then they continued their journey and their Kho Hek was taken prisoner.

When Hong Hoa reached Yan-san Mountain, he immediately met Tap Li Oh. This Kho-tiong King seemed happy to see Hong Hoa coming with a beaming face.

"How, have you managed to lure them?" ask King Tap Li Oh.

"Sure, milord!!" hong Hoa said with a laugh.

"Thank God!" tap Li Oh said.

"But, where's King Bit Louw?" tap Li Oh was surprised. "Why didn't King Bit Louw come? Is he surrounded by enemies?"