The Musafir

Change of Plan

MANTINGAN wondered in his mind. What if the science of life in the book is applied to martial science?

He believed that every science of life contained in the Book of the Lotus could be applied entirely to martial arts. Is it not impossible if the Book of the Lotus is actually a journal under the guise of a book of science such as philosophy? So of course, the author of the book is an expert swordsman.

Or is the Book of the Lotus really the Book of Science that contains the science of truth, and is not only intended for martial, religious, or even philosophy but for everything?

The mantan remembers that truth is infinite and never changes in the first place. It's just that human understanding of the truth is often fickle.

If what is in the Book of the Lotus is a truth, and the Mantingan is not wrong in interpreting the truth, then it is certain that the science in the book can be applied to everything in life, which is not limited to martial arts only.

However, Mantingan must admit that he is unable to understand the entire contents of the third part of the book in a short time. Moreover, to apply it to martial arts, it takes a very long time from the short word.

The mantle moved from his seat. It is true that he will spend more time studying science, but that does not mean at all that he must sit continuously behind the table while staring at the book of science.

Mantingan had read and tried to understand the book from the early morning until now the sun had risen, his head felt very very full. The mantan needs a little refreshment so that the sciences that have just entered his head can be absorbed properly. If he stays seated and rereads the third part of the Lotus Book, Mantingan is not sure his brain can still digest all that well.

Like the word of a cup that has been filled, but still forced to pour water into it, then the water in the cup will spill out. If it happened to Mantingan, would not what he did only result in futility?

The mantis looked out the window. Remembering that Chairman Rama was coming this morning, it was immediately unthinkable to wait and greet him below. Perhaps while ordering a cup of tea and a plate of snacks in the form of boiled tubers for breakfast.

***

FROM the shop on the ground floor of the inn, Mantingan saw a team of White Mask soldiers walking with horsemen quite quickly towards the White Wind Padepokan. By looking at the shape of their ranks that leave little space in the middle of the guard is concentrated on the outside, then Mantingan know that they are escorting someone.

“Chairman Rama has come,” he murmured slowly to himself.

Now Mantingan think and consider. Should he come to welcome the top leader of the White Wind College? Doesn't Chairman Rama desperately need a break after a long journey?

The mantis sipped the tea inside his cup. May he have thought not to directly welcome Chairman Rama who has just arrived at the port. However, on this day too Mantingan will come to greet him.

The mantel took a piece of steamed cassava on top of his plate. It still feels warm, will be very delicious if eaten like that. However, just as Mantingan was about to put a piece of cassava into his mouth, suddenly his ear caught a whisper delivered by the wind.

“Brother Man, Chairman Rama asks you to visit him at the temple right now.”

Mantingan then put the warm cassava back on his plate. The call sounded so urgent, Mantingan had to leave right now. After shining the Kiai Kedai Sword onto his waist belt, the Mantin immediately flashed swiftly leaving the inn. Fortunately, all the food he ordered was paid in advance.

***

“Has all preparations of the North River Angel for the voyage been completed?” Ask the old man.

“Most of it has been completed, Chairman, but there are some small things that are still not finished.” The man answered politely.

“What if I could if those little things were settled this afternoon?”

Mantingan was clearly astonished by the question. However, it was impolite for him to ask another question before answering the head of his college. So after keeping the astonishment in his mind, Mantingan replied, “If possible, Chairman.”

Chief Rama nodded his head while exhaling a long breath. He said even more earnestly, “Mantingan, his voyage should be carried out tonight anyway.”

Can you imagine how much shock Mantingan felt when he heard the statement?

“Chairman, how ... I mean, what has ....” The mantle stammered without being able to finish even a single sentence, its entire body shaking violently!

Back Chairman Rama nodded his head while sighing long. This time he said with pity, “I know the situation you are going through right now, Son of Man. But this you must go through stoicly.”

“No, Chairman. I really am okay. But ... what makes the cruise time have to be advanced until tonight as well?” Mantingan said with a smile as wide as he could, although still his body still shook violently, and even his palms were slippery by cold sweat.

“Making something unexpected is sometimes necessary, Child ...”

Chairman Rama then explained that such a tactic was intended to outwit the enemy. If the Angel of the North River departs according to the schedule that has been disseminated to the bustling delusion, then it is very likely that the enemy will feel suspicious.

“Telik codenamed Tarumanagara was informed that the combined forces of the enemy had alerted hundreds of warships in a combat-ready state in the Legon area. So whenever the North River Angel departs, our enemy is ready to pursue it in full force. Their action is as a precautionary measure if the North River Angel departs earlier than the schedule has been set.

“This is the reason I went here at full speed, Mantingan. In order to ensure the confidentiality of the plan, I was forced not to notify you earlier.” Chief Rama closed his explanation by exhaling a long breath as his eyes looked at Mantingan with pity.

“Alright, Chairman. Daku will ask Bidadari Sungai Utara to complete all preparations this afternoon as well.” The mantan looked down deeply. When his mouth was opened again to say goodbye, Chairman Rama had already made a sound.

“This time, I hope you did not lie to yourself, Son of Man. The Angel of the North River puts a taste in you. You clearly know it, but you always avoid everything related to love. This time, don't do it.”