The Thousand Mask Warrior

Semarang

As it is known that the Mataram Sultanate was not a coastal kingdom. This kingdom is located in the interior of Java island. But in fact he controlled almost all coastal countries that had important ports and arranged everything from the interior.

Call it Tuban conquered by Mataram in 1619 AD, following Gresik in 1623 and Surabaya in 1625 AD.

At this time, during the reign of Sultan Agung, the coastal region of Mataram was divided into two major parts, the, namely coastal kulon or western coastal tlatah and coastal tlatah wetan or eastern seaboard whose parts are led by a regent.

The port of Japara, or also often called Jepara, became the capital of the coastal area that is important for the supply of wood for the manufacture of ships and combat goods, as well as the sale of rice to areas outside the island of Java such as Mangkasar. The Japara Regent was also tasked with overseeing tributes from Mataram vassal states in the opposite regions such as Jambi in the Malay lands.

While as one of the areas with a trading port in the coastal area of Wetan, the regent of Semarang was handed the task of taking care of tribute from the kingdom of Sukadana on the island of Tanjung Pura.

Actually, it had been cleared in Jayaseta's mind to directly depart from the port of Semarang to Sukadana later. This is because Semarang has a shipping relationship in the field of business and trade, as well as sending tribute to Mataram.

With all he met with Almira, the desire again became stronger.

Almira himself has now become a Nyai rice businessman from the wealthy Mataram. His efforts included departing and returning Mataram-Semarang carrying rice and earth-based pedicures to be sold to Semarang or to other countries through the port of Semarang.

As he and his late brother set out from Blambangan first, they passed the East road that passed through the gate of Bongar, where they had to pay taxes. As for Semarang, it passes only the easiest and shortest way, passing through the northern gate and the border for tax withdrawal is located in Taji.

Almira was rightly the daughter of an Arab skilled in business. The blood of the merchant Amir was flowing thickly within his body.

After the death of his brother, merchant Amir, he decided to stay in Kotagede, Mataram with his uncle.

In the big house of the uncle of his mother's family, he also learned many things in the field of trade and business.

He even then decided to come with his uncle to go to various places to trade, including to Semarang.

His uncle was astonished that Almira did not become afraid to travel after his brother died. Instead, he was so eager to study and become a businessman like his father and uncle.

After a series of persuasions, appeals to heavy discussion, Almira was allowed to follow the work trip and trading activities of the uncle.

Indeed, their departure was not just a trip. Security is done beyond the first brother, even though the distance traveled closer and tend to be safer.

There were twenty fully armed bodyguards with capable martial skills. The half were Banyumas warriors employed by the uncle, as well as other Javanese who were skilled in bedyls and arrows.

Jaka Pasirluhur was one of the warriors of the Banyumas group who worked for Almira and his uncle. However, his bad habits in drunkenness is one of his biggest weaknesses.

After disappearing from the entourage to go to the palm shop, Jaka Pasirluhur meets Jayaseta and complains of devotion. Soon he was given a proper lesson. While the three other warriors who initially fought with him did not have time to feel the pain of Jayaseta because suddenly Almira came with his uncle and a group of other warriors, making a chord of their guts, making a chord of their guts, although basically they are also not sure they can face Jayaseta who came suddenly.

***

"Almira, after hearing my story, I hope you understand that I am in a bad state. Not only was the threat of my behavior and actions as a warrior always causing danger, but inside my body was a poison so deadly and dangerous," jayaseta said to Almira when they were at the inn in downtown Semarang.

Jayaseta has been trying to tell the fullest story possible about her experiences since she last met with Almira.

"I understand, brother. However, I don't think you need to go back to Giri. Stay with me for a while in Semarang. When the Eastern wind season comes, the kakang can go to Sukadana on a freight ship or join the soldiers who are assigned there to take tribute," almira said with sparkling eyes but a little faint because of a deep longing.

However Jayaseta's heavy burden was that as soon as possible he would still have to leave Almira for a second time. The same with Almira who must be ready if Jayaseta returns. Even without the curse poison suffered by his loved ones, Almira understood Jayaseta's personality as a swordsman and traveler who had always been a traveler to forge himself to gain the meaning of life and identity.

Not without reason Almira then excited and intend to become a trader and entrepreneur. He wants to be mature, independent and strong. She did not want to be seen as a weak woman Jayaseta and always had to be protected.

By becoming a Nyai, a master, he has his own power, though not in canuragan science. He can decide what kind of person he is and forge his personality.

He will prove to Jayaseta that he is not whiny, even though Jayaseta must still go back from his presence.

Jayaseta was stunned by Almira's words. He knew that Almira was reluctant to part from him, just like him. But from the beginning he met her, Almira never whined or tried to get more attention from her. Everything he does is always enough and not exaggerated.

Jayaseta looked at the girl. Enjoying the beauty of Almira: the fine hair on her forehead, her thick eyebrows, her sharp nose, and her smooth and radiant skin.

"Almira, I have to meet your uncle" Jayaseta said suddenly.

"Of course, brother. What would you talk to my uncle? Sorry, not presumptuous, but I also play a role in the affairs that my uncle holds. Maybe I can help you, brother Jayaseta."

"alright. I'll ask you first, Almira. Once I get an answer from you, I'll stay with your uncle" Jayaseta said.

This made Almira even more curious. What business did Jayaseta suddenly want to do with her uncle?

"I want to meet your uncle for the purpose of proposing to you, Almira," Almira's heart suddenly stopped. He could not prepare for this statement.

"But you yourself said that business with your uncle you also need to know. After all, there's something about you too. Well, will you marry me, Almira?"

Almira looked down deeply. He could not hold his face that was red. Her strands of hair fell from behind her veil.

"I'll probably be gone long enough to make you belong to someone else. I never dared to think that you had the same feelings as me, but this is the most knightly act I have ever done after a long time as a swordsman" Jayaseta said.

Almira tried to raise her head slightly and stole a glance towards Jayaseta. Heart melos.

"If you accept my proposal, I still have enough time to truly be with you as husband and wife until the time comes the East wind that takes me sailing to Sukadana. So, I don't want to give up this opportunity, this opportunity with you. If you refuse, I'll still go to your uncle as guardian, so he may convince you that marrying me is the right choice."

Almira held Jayaseta's hand and grasped it tightly, "There is no need for my uncle to convince me, sis. You have and always managed to convince me that I deserve to be your wife. I accepted your proposal. Go face uncle, we get married in Semarang, right now."

The clouds were split apart by the sunlight that illuminated the hearts of these two humans. A warrior as tough as Jayaseta was subdued in the charm of an Almira though the girl who felt defeated by Jayaseta's good looks and the warmth of love that he offered.

On the other side of the island of Java, Pratiwi woke up from his sleep. He dreams of his beloved Jayaseta marrying a woman he is not. In the dream he saw the woman was far less beautiful than himself, did not have the science of kanuragan anyway and only capitalized on a pair of dense and large breasts.

This silly dream is actually amazingly annoying for a Pratiwi. He looked at his own chest, then got up and hit the brick wall where he lived.

The wall was broken in one fist, making Walanda soldiers who guarded around the building inside the Betawi city wall surprised half***** to see this incident.

"Any woman who dares to take Jayaseta's leg will kill me and I will kill all her family and those closest to her" he said furious and full of anger.