The Musafir

Chitra Anggini

The mantle went after making sure nothing was left behind. The bundle now appears full and enlarged due to the addition of dry food as supplies.

Along the road that Mantingan passed quiet by traffic. No one passed by or horses passed by at all, other than Matingan himself there. This kind of atmosphere reminded him of his camp in the heart of the forest.

The sound of the forest is much more soothing than the hustle and bustle of the city. The wind rustled, the trees swayed gently in the wind, the chirping of beautiful unpretentious birds, the screams of monkeys who either wanted to mate or wanted to eat, all that Mantingan enjoy.

But it seems that Mantingan is not allowed to enjoy the atmosphere for too long and so late, a human figure came out of the bush and immediately blocked the steps of Mantingan with unsheathed flexibility.

Without further ado he said, “Heh, leave everything to me or I forcefully drag it all along with your lives!”

The mantle scrunched his forehead as he looked at how the person looked. The man's clothes are black. It was as bright as the cloudy night sky, the edges were double-edged. Her hair was curled up, like men in general. His face was covered in a mask, displaying only his eyes.

Mantingan knew the person in front of him was trying to disguise himself. From his heavy but hoarse voice, Mantingan knew that he was not a man. There was an emphasis and coercion in her voice, her movements and her posture were also the same as that of women. Knowing that, Mantingan just keep quiet and pretend not to know.

“Excuse me, I can't give it.” The mantel said with a smile.

“How dare you say that while smiling anyway!” The black malle is pointed closer to the neck of the Mantingan.

“Good and sweet smelling fragrance, has never been used to injure people, huh?” Mantingan said in a mocking tone.

“You'll be the first blood, don't mess with me!"

Mantingan let out a long sigh and shook his head slowly.

He is still soft because his opponent this time is a woman, especially he looks new in the martial world and the world of robbery. Mantingan understands how in youth, people often choose the wrong way of life. It's not too late to change it.

“What do you need?”

“Is it less clear? Your stuff!”

Manten. “That's what you want. What do you need?”

The woman was in disbelief. “Indeed bored life!"

Kelewang which was originally close to the neck of the mantingan began to move. Mantingan glanced at the kelewang and the woman took turns, he realized there was doubt in his opponent.

The kelewang was fired towards the neck of Mantingan, but it was extraordinary because the kelewang like cutting the wind alone.

Though Mantingan was seen to be silent in place, and the leaver had clearly slashed where his neck was.

The woman was very excited because she thought her weapon of choice was so sharp that it could slash her neck like cutting the wind.

“Don't be happy first, I'm still alive.”

Hearing that Mantingan could still speak with her head hooked, the woman was shocked to death. His body shook violently. He cursed himself who seemed to have picked the wrong opponent.

“How ... can?”

The man smiled without answering. He had dodged the attack with incredible speed, so his body seemed to be still in place even though Mantingan had moved away.

“What do you need?” The mantain returned to his initial question.

The woman thought that Mantingan was an expert swordsman because it was an expert swordsman with a strange attitude. So he no longer dared to rob Mantingan, immediately he bent his knees and worshipped in front of Mantingan.

“Please forgive! Please forgive! The eyes of the servant cannot see the greatness of Brother!”

The woman was still on her knees, though she no longer worshipped. He was afraid that Mantingan would kill him, so he answered honestly. “Hamba only ...”

“Don't call yourself that, I'm not your god.”

The woman gulped her saliva once. “I only need food, clothing, and home, Brother.”

“Do not lie.”

Again the woman choked, he hurriedly replied, “I need money, Brother!”

The mantle is satisfied. “For you to do if you get that money?”

“Sahaya ...” The woman was silent for a moment. “I don't know myself, Brother.”

“You're chasing something you don't know what to do after you get it?”

The woman's head lowered after hearing that. “It's like that, Brother. But I really want to study martial arts even further.”

“Then finally killed?”

“Brothers, in the end we all die, whether it be killed or because of age.”

“Man counts for what he has done in his lifetime, what will you do with that high martial art? Messing up other people's lives and tarnishing your own name?"

The woman decided to speak frankly, for some reason Mantingan looks like someone who is easy to trust. “I want to beat the other warriors, show the audience that I am strong. And in the end, I want to die in a hand stronger than mine.”

“Then, why in your face does it look afraid of death?” Again Mantingan asked, "if you are not ready to die, why speak as if you are seeking death?”

“Brother, please do not insult me further.”

“Alright if that is what you should do. I just want to remind you.” The mantis reached into his coffers, taking out a handful of gold pieces. “I know you need money, accept this. I ask you to consider your way of life again. Since you are young, it won't be too late to turn it in a better direction.”

The young lady remained lowered, unwilling to accept the money from the Mantingan.

“She needs money?”

“I dare not ...”

“Really? If so, do not regret later.” The mantle pulled his hand again.

“Brother, I changed my mind.” The young lady stood up and hurriedly grabbed the golden pieces from Mantingan's hands. “Thank you, Brother. Thank you, I will always remember. Sahaya's name is Jakalambai, please remember Brother.”

The mantle stroked his chin and slightly muttered. “Name that is too male for female, yes?”

Again, the woman was stuck. Realizing his disguise had been uncovered, he no longer dared to change his voice. Her soft female voice came out. “I'm sorry for the danger, really Brother is so clever that he is able to realize my deceit. Sahaya's name is Chitra Anggini, please remember that one day the danger can help Brother.”

The mantle smiled and nodded. “I hope you don't make me regret giving that money.”

Chitra Anggini nodded obediently. “I will use this as my capital to get back on the right one.”

Mantingan nodded in satisfaction then walked away without another glance at Chitra Anggini, continuing his journey west.

While Chitra Anggini looked towards the path of Mantingan even after the young man left. In his heart, Chitra Anggini was determined to get back on the right path. He was always hesitant on the path he chose at the moment, but no one was embracing and resuscitating him. At a time when all the known people shunned him, only Mantingan—the unknown person came and resuscitated him.