The Chronicle Of Jawata (Compilation Trial Edition)

9. Magic Flowers (1)

Night covered with dark cloud. The cold wind combing the waters of the Dusk Lake fluttered as red as blood at the end of the horizon. Silence at the end of the eye.

By midnight, dozens of people were flocking along the shore of the lake pier. It seemed that those people were busy preparing something.

Hunting Magic Flowers.

A competition since a year ago was held, but has never been won by a single Tanapura resident. More than that, no one else dared to risk their lives even though the competition was spread almost all over Jawata.

Many people who follow the competition to get a very big reward from Paduka Raghapati, but not without risk for anyone diving in Lake Dusk Tanapura on the night of Mada. One night is sacred and known for many taboos.

Every midnight that everyone dived into the Lake of the Dusk, almost no one returned safely.  Something in the depths of the water became a dangerous specter. It appeared right at midnight until dawn broke. The creatures of the depths of the lake are fierce and love to prey on meat.

But a great gift, hard to ignore. The risk of death is no longer seen for anyone who is determined to pursue a gift from Rajuka Raghapati.

This is the moment we have been waiting for. Mada Night Exact. Dozens of soldiers were about to take off two boats. Two young people were used as bait to hunt the Magic Flower to the bottom of the lake.

Camp was set up for last night. A group of soldiers, led by Chief Sujinsha, took part that night.

”You can swim?” chief Sujinsha asked the two young men, none other than Taja and Lorr En. Both nod.

Chairman Sujinsha let out a long sigh and many times closed his eyes for quite a long time while contemplating his actions.

”Sorry, I absorbed the language skills from Master,” Taja said feeling uncomfortable seeing Chairman Sujinsha feeling dizzy after several times returning Taja's gaze.

”O, yes? Is it a particular skill technique? Who you are, I feel so different. Especially you,” Chairman Sujinsha's attention is on Taja.

”You trust me? I took part in this competition without a mature plan, too sudden and the situation was very precarious. No choice,” said Chairman Sujinsha, staring Taja and Lorr En alternately.

”If not on Master, on whom else do we trust?” Taja asked back, while Lorr En's facial expression looked puzzled. Not understanding the meaning of Taja and Chairman Sujinsha.

”We will face death. I never cared about Magic Flowers before you guys came," the Chief said.

"Follow my plan. I'll stall until dawn. After that it's your turn to act according to my direction."

"As long as you're on the boat, you stay quiet and calm. Don't noise. No sudden movements. It'll attract the attention of the lake creatures."

"You will be hunted by those creatures who will hunt you."

The chief explained to Taja and Lorr En. I looked at the two worriedly.

”Many people want you to fail. They are expecting the death of both of you,” continued Chairman Sujinsha. It certainly makes Taja and Lorr En uncomfortable to hear it.

”We are ready, Sir,” said Taja. On the verge of dangerous risk, it seemed that he was much calmer than the furious Lorr En.

”Whatever happens to me later, you must not act rashly. Just do my word," said Chairman Sujinsha again. He went to prepare the boat to move to the lake immediately.

Taja was silent, digesting something in his mind. Lorr En repeatedly nudged while whispering in the language of Gunggali.

”Explain what the Chairman said to you, I don't understand," said Lorr En. But Taja switched the conversation.

"Magic Flower. Is that really some kind of flower?" Taja seriously thinking about the target of the competition. Something that many people hunt for just for the sake of a great gift from Majesty Raghapati. What kind of flower is that?

Lorr En frowned, "What do you mean?" even back to asking.

"If it's really a flower. Why is it called 'Hunting'. Why not 'Metic'?" that was what astonished Taja's mind.

”Lorr, we move now!” taja said after catching the sign of Chief Sujinsha waving at him. Both are heading towards the end of the dock. Two empty boats were waiting.

”Remember me. Before midnight, your boat stays silent don't falter. Try to stay calm. Wait until dawn breaks," once again Chief Sujinsha reminded.

”Master, there is still time if Mister intends to undo this action,” whispered a subordinate of Chairman Sujinsha. Taja can read the man's lip movements. But Chief Sujinsha shook her head.

"Follow my plan" he replied to his men.

Taja and Lorr En boarded the wooden boat.

”Why do you want to help me?” for a moment Taja had asked Chairman Sujinsha, the boat rope was removed. But Chief Sujinsha did not immediately reply.

Slowly, Taja and Lorr En paddled, the boat moving away from the dock. The soldiers stood on the edge of the pier and looked towards Taja and Lorr En. While the soldiers in the stronghold of Chief Janewa, unceasingly watching Taja and Lorr En were on the boat.

”Reply ...,” said Chairman Sujinsha lirih without anyone hearing it. This is the answer to Taja's question.

Then Chairman Sujinsha followed by another boat. Next, two boats moved to the middle of the lake. The distance between the two was about dozens of feet.

”What would happen?” lorr En murmured, anxious as his eyes caught the faintest shadow in the water. Just relying on a little light reflection of the sky. Dark atmosphere without a hint of light.

”Relax, Lorr ...,” says Taja, but not enough to make Lorr En quiet.

”I'm worried ...,” Lorr En holds on tightly to the control of the boat.

"The Frog Warrior did not tremble the lake," said Taja.

”It's not this lake that worries me. But I saw ...,” said Lorr En, carefully looking at the dark surface of the water.

”Ssst ..., don't move. Remember the direction of Chairman Sujinsha,” Taja reminded.

”You haven't explained to me, where 'know?” Lorr En snorted somewhat annoyed.

”Below us, dozens of ferocious creatures and very hungry. It does not escape paying attention to anything that moves and devours anything that falls into the water" said Taja.

"What?!" lorr En was surprised.

”Tenace. Do not make the boat shaken,” said Taja, holding back sound and movement.

Lorr En glared, round and round, both eyes staring at Taja.

”Chairman Sujinsha deliberately made us bait?” Lorr En understands that he is in danger.

”Not that what it means. He's just trying to help us. The plan, after dawn, we should jump into the water and swim north,” Taja pointed in the intended direction. Far behind the hills that border the lake.

Lorr En pulled Taja's hand plan. The realization, the shadow of his hand in the water, had attracted the creatures, as quickly as it crowded under the boat.

The two young men on the boat, motionless in a tense situation.

Dug ...!

The boat is shaky due to impact from under the boat. Taja, Lorr En and Taja docked to each other in the middle.

”Sst ...”

Taja brandished his index finger at the end of his lips, greeted pairs of eyes Lorr En tense, glancing at the surface of the water looked like a shadow flashing to cause ripples.

"What is that thing?" Lorr En gasped.

...* * *...