The Thousand Mask Warrior

Sabba

Late in 1639 AD, the tension between the Walanda Company centered on the western island of Java, namely Betawi, with another Caucasian nation, Pranggi who controlled Malacca on the Malay Peninsula increasingly thick.

The Walanda Company began to dare to challenge Portuguese rule in the East since the beginning of the 17th century AD. At that time, Pranggi was found to have turned Malacca into an impenetrable and powerful fortress called Fortaleza de Malaca in the Pranggi tongue. The city's fortress controlled the channel to the shipping lanes in the Straits of Malacca and the spice trade there.

Walanda itself began to penetrate the territory and small attacks on Pranggi as a form of challenge to trade power and the army. However, the first serious attempt made by Walanda was the siege of Malacca in 1606 AD by the third VOC troops of the eleven-ship Dutch fort, under Admiral Cornelis skipper Matelief de Jonge that resulted in the outbreak of naval battles at Cape Rachado.

At that time, Walanda was still defeated and made to flee in disarray by Pranggi despite more casualties on the Pranggi naval forces led by Martim Afonso de Castro, the leader of the Pranggi, a Pranggi who was appointed as the Young King of Goa, a kingdom in the country of Hindustan that was conquered by Pranggi since the 16th century AD.

In addition, due to this battle, the Malay forces of the Johor Sultanate formed an alliance with Walanda and later also with the Aceh Sultanate.

Around that time, on the other hand, The Sultanate of Aceh has grown into an archipelago with an impressive naval unity and considers Malacca under Pranggi's rule as a threat that can slowly become increasingly dangerous.

Thus, in 1629 AD, Iskandar Muda of the Aceh Sultanate sent several hundred ships to invade Malacca. However, the attack was a major failure, in which the entire Iskandar Muda ship was destroyed and about 19,000 soldiers were killed.

Today, waiting for some time before 1640 AD, the Sultanate of Aceh, the Sultanate of Johor and the Walanda Company continue to work together and build a force to once again attack Pranggi and seize Malacca.

"I'm not too senile, let alone decrepit, Sasangka. But I'm heading that way. It was inevitable at all" Babah Lau told Sasangka at the sprawling house where he and his wife Lau Siufan lived.

"This business will not be allowed to just disappear. Me and my father before me had built it long ago. I also see that you are a tough and responsible worker. Not only that, you're a swordsman. We have a lot in common, Sasangka," continued the in-laws.

Sasangka was still silently trying to guess the direction of this conversation. Lau Siufan sat down beside him. Her beautiful face became more and more radiant after they got married.

"I plan to raise my wine distillation business and work with the Walanda Company" continued Babah Lau.

I can't refuse to be surprised. He was the one who hated Walanda the most, although he and his wife Lau Siufan lived not far outside the city's fortified fence and all sides of his life were part of the Walanda VOC Company's government. "Dude, I'm so sorry. But is it not enough to sell the wine of the soldiers, officers and officials of Walanda in the fortress without having to work with them?" sasangka said trying to hold his tone so as not to rise.

"We can still expand our wings, Babah. We can sell to the natives or continue to sell wine to Walanda or other Caucasians for a greater amount" continued Sasangka.

"Indigenous? You mean the Javanese champions, robbers, thieves, or men who often fight among themselves?" now even the tone of Babah Lau's voice is up.

Sasangka narrowed her eyes.

Seeing this Babah Lau soon realized the mistake of his words. "Ah, Sasangka. You know that's not what I meant. I do not refer to the natives as criminals. I referred our wine buyers," he said. "Why do you think about how many indigenous people get jobs when our efforts get bigger? Think also of your wife, Siufan, and your future descendants. Wouldn't they have a better life?" babah Lau.

Sasangka nodded slowly. "I understand what Babah means. I'm the one who apologized for thinking nothing of Babah."

"Already, already. Don't you think about it anymore. Now you want to hear my plans?" said the Chinese owner of the tavern and distillery.

"Walanda, Aceh and Johor will surely be able to defeat Pranggi in Malacca in the next two three years. Now they have gathered strength to control Malacca. That is, Walanda will also place offices, officials and soldiers there. Basically, Malacca will become the second Betawi" said the passionate Babah.

"You are the master swordsman and sailor, Sasangka. You also have now become a candidate for the best quality wine distillery in the entire archipelago. Before Walanda conquers Pranggi Malacca, I want you to sail there, Malacca. I want you to pave the way and look for all the news and insights about the sale and distillation of wine there. Unlike Betawi where some wine distillers come from groups of Chinese people like me, in Malacca you will find something special" explained Babah at length.

"There was a village called Sabba built on the banks of the river and built by the Pranggi government. The area is quite far from the City because it is a transition area to the interior of Malacca, where wood and charcoal are brought into the City. There are some Muslim Malay residents who are native inhabitants of Malacca City since before it was conquered by Pranggi, inhabiting swamp areas overgrown with Nipah trees. Therefore, the villagers are famous as makers and distillers of Nipah wine for trade, including Pranggis and immigrants and businessmen who stopped by Malacca by various purposes."

Sasangka began to be able to feel the direction of the purpose of the conversation and the intentions of his father-in-law. Lau Siufan held her husband's hand. Babah Lau saw it. "I'm not asking you to leave now, Sasangka. I know how people who have just gotten married feel. You can leave anytime, two months, three months. Whatever. But I hope you can leave as soon as possible to return as soon as possible before Walanda succeeds in occupying Malacca. Later when he arrived there, learn everything, go to Sabba village and meet the Malays. Work with them so that no matter who the ruler of Malacca will be, they will still get the benefits of selling wine. After understanding the map of the wine trade in Malacca, we will cooperate with Walanda later after they control the city."

"I must have considered it well, Babah. Just give me a little time so Siufan and I can discuss this. I understand that this is not just for us, but for our descendants, my children and their children after that" Sasangka replied. He looked at the three wedhungs neatly in his gallery, placed in rows on a round teak table from Jepara.