The Old Tree Dwellers

Always Alert

Much different from the atmosphere in the cottage, in the house of Aulia's parents, the situation there looked fine. Since Nang's defeat, Aulia and her mother's condition has looked better.

Nang's movements were also invisible there. It seemed, right now, he was with his allies, completely gone. Hopefully, the interference from them can be stopped temporarily.

Returning to the cottage, Bayu was finally able to recover from the genie's attack which fortunately only came to convey Jaka's message. Didn't mean to stay and disturb Bayu's soul.

"Yai, the day is near dawn, I want to leave, want to be ready, morning prayers," said Bayu.

""Please. After that, you can rest again. Let's get you in shape, get better."

Bayu nodded, hearing kyai Sarwa's talk. His body was tired and uncomfortable.

"I, too, farewell, Kyai."

Ustad Amir also joined. Just like Bayu, Kyai Sarwa also gave the same message.

After their departure, Madi cleaned up all the drinking utensils and took them to the kitchen. Soon the dawn will reverberate, he must hurry, so as not to miss the congregational dawn prayer.

In one of the sheltered places, Jaka is seen dealing with a hunchback Grandma. They were both involved in serious discussions. Not far from there, the granddaughter of the stooped grandmother, sat down, with her hands still wrapped in cloth. His hand was still sprained by Madi's gyrations last night.

"Hey, what other strategy are we going to do? As of now, no one has met the point of success."

Jaka, looking at the hunchback granny sharply. There is an upset feeling that is raging because it has not succeeded in overthrowing Kyai Sarwa.

"Calm down, Jaka! Slowly. We keep sending those astral beings to the hut, bothering the santri."

"Yes, Nyai. But, if we can, we send creatures that can make the students scared and not feel at home in the cottage!"

"All can be arranged, Jaka. Provided, you're still subject to the deal"

Jaka nodded. It's already wet. He didn't give up on the way. Whatever the way, he should be able to get rid of Kyai Sarwa. Even for that, he had to be willing to ally with the demons, those unsightly creatures.

"Good, Jaka. Now, we'll let them go first. When we are careless, we use the astral beings again to cause a commotion among the students.

As Jaka and grandma had planned, the cottage was left quiet for a while. There is no movement from astral beings, their allies.

Madi and Kyai Sarwa, feel this as a warning. They must remain on standby, because at any time the enemy will come, attacking while being off guard.

"Kyai, today, it seems like Jaka is not moving. Unseen their movements today."

"Yes, Madi. We must remain vigilant, even if there are no signs of their presence."

Madi nods. His body is very tired. The fight against Nang and his allies, draining his energy.

"Kyai, the creature trapped in that painting, is it left there?"

Madi asks, while reminding Kyai Sarwa, that there are still some Jaka's surrogate creatures, which are still in the painting.

"OK, Kyai. Maybe, from those creatures, we can tell, what their plans are."

Kyai Sarwa nodded, agreeing with Madi's words. There must be a certain purpose, why Jaka let the cottage without interruption.

At Madi's house, people went back to the scene, seeing one victim fall. Once again a young pregnant woman. What an abomination, the deeds of those who have allied themselves with the inhabitants of the old tree, for the sake of a moment's enjoyment. Wealth quickly.

Madi was told by one of her neighbors, Salu, whose house was about 200 meters from Madi's house.

'Assalammualaikum, Madi. How are you, how long have you not been seen?' there was a voice from across the street, this morning. His voice sounded a bit quivering, maybe he was worried about the fall of the victim again.

'Waalaimumsalam. Thank God, fine, Salu. I'm in the cabin, now. Aulia while I'm at her parents' house.'

'In front of your house, near the old tree, found again this, the corpse of the woman, again pregnant, Madi. Exactly, like the discovery of a woman's corpse some time ago."

Madi, silent for a moment, heard Salu's words. Salu's worries may have a point. With the discovery of the victim again, it means not closing the possibility, there will be more victims next.

'So, how's the bag, Salu? Do the people there still like to come to the old tree, put offerings?"

'It's still, Madi. Not only our citizens, but also people from outside. It seemed they were convinced, that the old tree dwellers could give them a lot of wealth."

Madi took a long breath. Miris, when she heard Salu's words. If only, no one had come to give offerings to the creatures, of course no casualties.

'Better yet, you must be careful, Salu! Do not be tempted to do things that will endanger yourself!'

'Yes, Madi. Thank ye. Later, I khabari again, if there is any further development. I heard the anger of some residents who wanted to cut down the old tree.'

Salu ended the conversation by telephon. The news is quite surprising, because the inhabitants of the old tree are still in action. Moreover, there is a plan, residents to try to cut down the old tree again.

For ordinary people, it will not be easy to cut down the old tree. In the past, it has been several times, it has been tried, but, let alone fallen, even those who intend to cut down the tree, suddenly fell ill.

Maybe, later, when the problem is finished in the cottage, Madi can go home, and help the residents there, expel the inhabitants of the old tree, so as not to bother anymore.

"Why, Madi? Is something going on?" suddenly, Kyai Sarwa has been beside Madi. A smile was given Madi, welcoming the presence of the boarding school.

"Yes, Kyai. In front of Madi's house, this morning another victim was found. A young pregnant woman!"

"Hm .... Truly, it is intolerable that their actions are no longer, Madi!"

There was a furious tone from Kyai Sarwa's words. The act of sacrifice that toppled the lives of others for the sake of momentary pleasure, was strongly opposed so far.

"Right now, we can't do much, Madi. Just thicken, magical lines, around your house, so as not to be made a nest by them!"

Madi nods. For now, the advice of Kyai Sarwa earlier, is the best. Madi, has not been able to go home, because he still has to help Kyai Sarwa face Jaka, who is willing to ally with the jinn, his allies.