The Thousand Mask Warrior

Hooks

"I will take you to Malacca first. I know you guys mind if I have to join the group to Ayutthaya, but there are a few things you need to know before you're determined to leave without me" said the Yellow Gold Grandfather immediately before Jayaseta, Dara Cempaka or the others began to point out his objections.

"I am old. The long journey across the ocean is not my choice anymore, let alone you all know I have just been injured and am still in a period of healing and recovery. But, I understand the true journey through the Malay land such as the Kingdom of Johor, Malacca controlled by Pranggi, to Pattani and Ayutthaya," continued Datuk Mas Kuning.

His guess is clearly correct, Jayaseta could not bear to oppose his intentions and plans. "But Grandfather. Grandpa saw for himself that the servant did not set out alone. There were many servant friends who left together. The servant has incredible resources. Grandpa also must remember that I have made this kind of journey, seeking treatment for my own wounds, then this kind of thing will not be so different," said Jayaseta.

Datuk Mas Kuning shook his head and chuckled. "That's when you left alone, Jayaseta. As a swordsman, the harshness of which could be said, there was no harm. However, this time, you're not acting for yourself, this is for your wife, my granddaughter, Dara Cempaka."

Jayaseta was jolted by the words of the Grandfather which could not be denied the truth. I realized how different the trip was this time.

"Because you might be able to take care of yourself. He mastered martial arts quite well, you became his witness, didn't you, Jayaseya? But put it like that, then what if the magic returned and attacked Dara at the wrong time?" said the Datuk.

Jayaseta and Dara Cempaka looked at each other. Obviously, Jayaseta was goosebumps imagining something bad happening to his wife.

"Alright Grandpa. Then what's Datuk's plan?" Jayaseta opened this opportunity to find the right decision how good.

Datuk Mas Kuning. Everyone in the room was watching solemnly and preparing themselves for what the Grandfather was going to say.

"As I said, we will pass through the land of the Malays. Starting with our departure to the Malay Kingdom of Johor Riau. We will pay a visit to my old friends and colleagues there to get supplies and weapons or important news and information about the direction and path of our journey" continued the Datuk.

"Weapons? Mean Grandpa?" ask Dara Cempaka. "Because they understand that this journey will take time and face many problems, including violence and fighting. Even when we get to Ayutthaya later, not necessarily the people we will meet are willing to help Dara and Jayaseta's brother and entourage. However, why arm ourselves more, Grandfather? After all we still carry weapons like the travelers in the archipelago."

"Yes, Grandpa. Wouldn't it be better to come in peace than to deliberately provoke a fight?" this time Narendra gave his opinion.

Katilapan is also urun rebuk, "We once passed the Malaya strait, sailing and traveling to the land of the Malays. Indeed Bugis, Malay, Japanese and Chinese pirates are many scattered there, Datuk. Not to mention the robbers in the middle of the road, or other problems that when sorted may be endless. We might be dealing with them. Not that we are not sullen and not worried, but with Jayaseta healed, as well as the addition of the troupe, I don't think we need excessive weapons. Isn't that right, Grandpa?"

"You don't understand," said the grandfather as he spread his gaze across the room, especially at people who would obviously follow the group. "We will not face a wise man, or a frail old man like me, or a generous physician. The person we are going to ask for help is Khun Wanchay Na Ayutthaya, an influential figure in the country. However, unlike state officials or public figures, he was known as a landlord, a wealthy businessman but had his own army. He was even suspected of arranging for chartering warriors, champions and troops to fight, kill and destroy the power of someone even countries like Cambodia and Pattani with the appropriate fee. The point is, you're gonna be facing bad guys. You didn't ask for his help, you're going to force him to help you. Therefore, you will use your greatest strength to fight again. War is inevitable, maybe even the only way we can get what we need."

Everyone in the room suddenly fell silent, trying to describe what would happen in their minds.

Jayaseta looked at Dara Cempaka deeply as if trying to say, "Don't worry. I will protect you with all my soul. We're gonna face this together, together."

Dara Cempaka got and understood the message that her husband delivered.

***

Sasangka bare-chested, wearing a black loincloth with a straw rope tied his waist and made in such a way as a place to hang his three wedhung.

He stood up straight, set his breath and ready to pull out his wedhung-wedhung.

His long black straight hair was curled simply, making his beautiful face even more radiant in the morning sun.

Sasangka pulled out the two wedhungs on his left and right waist quickly then advanced into the air, performing a triple dagger.

His movements were fast and trengginas.

The twin dagger moves that must be done three were apparently composed in such a way by Sasangka in order to meet the needs of the three users. To that end, there were many adjustments made by Sasangka himself, including by adding the fighting style of Saam Kuen-thau which he learned from his wife, Lau Siufan.

So, to meet this dagger triad, Sasangka gave a kind of hook on the entire end of his wedhung handle.

When both hands each play a wedhung, one hand will grab the third wedhung by hooking it in the handle. So, now there are three wedhung that are thrust, released and stabbed in the three directions of the wind.

Not only that, deftly, Sasangka can remove the hooks and connect them alternately on his left and right wedhung.

Both hands move like three different pairs of hands. His footsteps changed from short to long, quickly but succinctly, not wasteful of unnecessary attack movements.

Lau Siufan looked at the husband with great love and pride.

***

"You sure it's okay to leave it for a while, Siufan?" sasangka asked as he lay on his wife's thigh in the front yard after the canuragan exercise this morning.

"Rear ... Kakang had not yet bathed instead had stuck to my thigh like this," said Lau Siufan hit Sasangka's chest slowly.

"Do I have to take a bath first and you answer my question, Siufan?" sasangka asked while looking at the wife's face.

Lau Siufan smiled witfully. "It's not like that I mean, brother."

"Then?"

Lau Siufan took a breath and threw him down slowly. A small wind of Lau Siufan gusts hit Sasangka's soft face. "the back knows I won't mind, right? Am I not the first to support all that is not only good for the brother, but also both? Do you remember that I was the one who forced the legion to go to Semarang, helping the wife of a friend from the assassination attempt from the Hell Earth Needle group?"

Sasangka. "Anyway, I have to hear it directly from you, Siufan."

"alright. Now you've got my approval, haven't you? Go to Malacca, kakang. This effort is not a matter of wealth, brother, but responsibility. Your responsibilities as the head of the household, as well as as the son-in-law and members of the Lau family," Lau Siufan said with a smile.