Memories of a Thousand Years
Strategies

Nirmala and Bayu take shelter in a cottage. Warm themselves up and dry their wet bodies in the rain. Bayu took out all the drugs he had. Nirmala sat on a bench drying her body with a towel and cleaning the blood on her arm.

"Take off your clothes."

"Huh?"

"I'll treat your wounds" Bayu pointed at his bleeding left waist."

"No, there's no need. I can do it myself"

"I'm a healer, remember? no need to worry"

"not that but.." his pale face instantly reddened.

Bayu smiled amusedly looking at that. "I understand how you feel. You're female. But you're also a patient of mine. There's no shame. I'm not gonna think like that"

Exactly, that was what Nirmala was thinking. As if she could read his mind. But Nirmala does need treatment. Bayu saw the wound on nirmala's waist was quite large. 

"This way you didn't tell me?"

"I'm fine"

"You're as pale as a dead body still saying okay? You're stubborn"

"Thank you"

"For this treatment?"

"For Everything"

"Stop talking like that, you're gonna die."

Nirmala smiled "From now on call me Rinnaya"

"Rinnaya? that's your name?"

Rinnaya Nodding. "Nirmala's name is Too Pure for a Bandit to wear"

"You're not a part of them."

"Why do you talk like that?"

"Eitherway. Just hunch. Can I ask you something?"

"Mn, ask what?"

"Precious things are yours. What's it say?"

"Everything I have, ah, hurts, can you be a little gentler, please,?

"Why do I just see a worthless stone?"

"Huh?"

Bayu pulled out the small pouch that Rinaya had placed on him and looked into Rinaya's eyes. "I saw the contents. I don't understand what a stone's worth."

"Don't I tell you not to open it?"

"It's open on its own. I'm sure you opened it yourself. When trapped in the cave kulon. Aye right?"

"....."

"Something strange happened to me, that's when I knew that someone had done something to me"

"What do you mean?"

"When we were both trapped in Kulon's cave, what did you do to me?"

"A..what am I doing?"

"I'm sure it has something to do with this stone. Rinnaya, you've always been a mysterious figure to me. Even though you've been open to me a lot. But I always felt you were mysterious. Moreover, if it is related to the Jade of Light. Rinnaya, is that jade on you? Or is it me? Or is it in the hands of Mr Wilis?"

"...I.i..."

"Rinnaya I love you. I also believe you love me. Open to me. Because I don't want to feel sorry"

Rinnaya lowered her head and smiled "When did you realize that?"

"Three days after the Wijaya family's attack"

Rinnaya remembered that moment. When Bayu staggered close to the Valley of Souls. He was surrounded by dog-shaped creatures. As if he wanted to mwnerkamnya. Some arrows were pinned to help Bayu. At that time Rinaya saw it from the top of the cliff. But he lost track of it. As if Bayu vanished in twlan earth.

"Please don't be mad at me Bayu."

"...."

"I'm sorry. Without your permission I did something to you. At that time I wanted you to be safe. Your injuries are so bad. It's penetrating your heart. If the heart stops. Then you'll die. I don't want that to happen. Baras gave me the Jade he told me to use it for the person who meant the most. I used it to heal your wounds."

"Because that's why as long as I don't realize two weeks you're still waiting?"

Rinnaya said, "I want to make sure the Jade really works. I waited until you were fully aware. Please don't be mad at me."

A thread of tears flowed down Bayu's cheeks. How could he be angry when his life was saved. If it wasn't for him maybe Bayu was dead.

"Is the Jade really useful to you Bayu? I can't take orders. Because the Jade is now yours. Only you can take it off."

"What you ordered him to do"

"Protect this body, heal every wound, until this man takes it off himself. Now you are his. Obey my orders until he takes you off himself"

Bayu hugged Rinnaya with tears. "I'm grateful to meet you. Thanks."

Bayu took off his embrace and clasped his arm. Rinaya asked, "You're not angry, are you?"

"You saved me how could I be angry? The situation at that time you were badly injured but you chose to save others."

"Does that Jade have anything to do with that Wolf?"

Bayu smiled "Nothing. If it wasn't for the Jade, they might have swallowed me"

The sun is shining brightly. As bright as Rinnaya's smile. The lady entered without knocking on the door again. It was as if I knew what Rinnaya was doing. The window that Rinnaya had just opened blew out a neatly-grooved strand of her hair.the baby was stunned to see her glance at the eyes. Rinnaya looks so beautiful. Bayu kept the tray he carried.  "O-drugs for you. Drink it before you go."

Rinaya looked at the contents of the tray. Herbs that have been brewed, and a plate of snacks. Instantly he smiled happily "ooh, snack!!" Not long after he ate the snack. And finish the medicine. Bayu sat on the chair across from his desk. And smile.

"Wood. What are you gonna do after this?"

"Eitherway. I will take care of the rest of my family. I don't want to be weak."

"I remembered one thing. Yesterday that... Is Mr Wiriya okay? He even had a meeting with Mr. Wilis as if nothing had ever happened to their family. Haris joined there. Is there anything I'm missing?"

"The Wilis family had power up to the Capital. It's hard to drop it. Even if there is an attack, we will still be blamed for the opposition. But instead, the assault on two families was a punishment for Mandalika."

"Isn't that so unfair. What is the response from the Capital Palace?."

"Nothing"

"That's weird. What kind of government is that. Looks like there's a big war here and they won't move."

"I think that's what Mr. Budhi is investigating."

"Huh?"

"He's back in the capital. He said the state of the capital was also in chaos. But of course. A big problem like yesterday should the capital take action."

"Not just yesterday. But before it was the same. This is a very serious problem. What is possible ....."

"What's wrong?"

Rinnaya shook her head "ah it's nothing"

***

Rinnaya walked alone down the street. Pass back a wooden bridge next to the waterfall. Somehow he wanted to stop by for a while to see the ever-present rainbow. Rinnaya was stunned to see the beautiful young man standing looking at the waterfall. Rinnaya smiled and approached him

"Waiting someone?" Ask him to the young man, Dhika.

"waiting you. I wish you'd cross this bridge again."

"waiting me? What's up?"

"Are you okay?"

"...."

"Is he okay?"

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything"

"About the baby?"

"Mrs"

"I'll tell you. About what?"

"The wolf...."

"If it is, I don't know. It's just that I made a mistake with him. I just want him to stay alive."

"Why did he choose that path?"

"I don't know. I'm sure there's a reason. I believe him."

"How can I hide it?"

"...."

"Protect him from the world."

"Dhika's...."

Dhika looks very worried. But what can he do.

"I'm glad he has a friend like you."

"Nurma...!"

"Call me Rinnaya. That's my name"

"You're going? You haven't told me everything."

"You'll know soon enough. Wait out. I'll be back."

To Dhika Rinaya is a mysterious figure. So long they were with Rinaya still feels mysterious to him. Not much he knows about her. 

Rinaya returns to the Halimun group settlement in the dense forest. Everyone seems to be busy. Preparing weapons and so on. Jaka paced back and forth and shouted instructing something to his comrade. 

"Jaka? Why is everyone so busy. What's up?"

"Where have you been. Don't you see the situation is very precarious?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you say you'll be back yesterday afternoon? You should have kept it."

"There's something unexpected so..."

"You've always been like that. When it comes to both of them you always put them first. You're part of this group try to care more."

"The Mongol army is near. We have to prepare to confront them. If no. They'll be in town soon."

"Mongolian Forces? So, the creature was just a distraction? Which way are they coming from?"

"From north. The chief ordered us to prepare for a major war. They're over three thousand people."

"But our numbers are limited. How can we deal with that number?"

"Because that's why you're supposed to be home since yesterday."

"Where's chief?"

"Since morning he's gone. The decision is in your hands."

"Huh?"

"...."

"Protect him from the world."

"Dhika's...."

Dhika looks very worried. But what can he do.

"I'm glad he has a friend like you."

"Nurma...!"

"Call me Rinnaya. That's my name"

"You're going? You haven't told me everything."

"You'll know soon enough. Wait out. I'll be back."

To Dhika Rinaya is a mysterious figure. So long they were with Rinaya still feels mysterious to him. Not much he knows about her. 

Rinaya returns to the Halimun group settlement in the dense forest. Everyone seems to be busy. Preparing weapons and so on. Jaka paced back and forth and shouted instructing something to his comrade. 

"Jaka? Why is everyone so busy. What's up?"

"Where have you been. Don't you see the situation is very precarious?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you say you'll be back yesterday afternoon? You should've kept it."

"There's something unexpected so..."

"You've always been like that. If you transport those two people you always put them first. Don't care about the others. Princess, you are part of this group. Can't you care more?"

"Is there really?"

"The Mongols are anchored. Soon they will reach this place."

"What's? The mongols? Why did it arrive once. Wait, that means yesterday's event was just a distraction?" Rinaya is spinning her brain faster than usual. Something unexpected this is really a big deal.

"Where is the chairman?"

"Have been gone since morning. He asked me to prepare for a great war."

"Great war?"

"They may have brought more than three thousand troops. Everyone has to be ready."

"Where's the chairman going?"

Jaka shook his head "He just said he would look for reinforcements. He told me he would not come back. And hand this group over to you."

"What's? But..."

"He gave you a choice. There is no need to interfere in their battles then we will all be safe. Or join the fight but we're all done."

"......" Rinnaya was a little surprised by the departure of the chairman who was very arriving. In just one second the entire life of the group was in his hands. I don't know what decision he'll make.

"It's all in your hands."

"So, I'm not a competent person to determine the lives of others. L'm... I'm.."

"Not to worry. We've all been discussing."

The entire members who had been busy, slowly approached around the two of them. The sparks in their eyes seemed to smolder like flames. 

"Some will stay and they will stay. Some will join the battle. For humanity. For the land of Pasundan. We are on the same ground. Now we're just waiting for your decision."

Hearing the sentence from Jaka made him aware of one thing. Bhineka Tunggal Ika. Different but still one. That's the motto that has always been embedded since the days of the ancestors. We are on the same ground. It will not guarantee that we will live if we lose or win the war. One thing is for sure they don't want to die without a fight.

"Gather in the hall!!" A sentence of command from Rinaya. Move everyone. To discuss. To hunch. Plan everything carefully. Some of the people had already dispersed spreading the news to all parties and training huts. Also to Mandalika Palace. Whether they believe it or not. They should be prepared from this moment on. If it was too late there might not be a chance for them to fight back. 

All information has been shared. With a letter that was thrown with an arrow. Dhika receives a special letter with the writing Rinaya used to write. To convince him if the news is true. So that he could convince the others to prepare.

The next day they gathered in the grasslands of the city border. Before reaching the city, the mongol army must have passed through the field. Rinaya, Jaka and two colleagues came to their camp to talk about their strategy.

Dhika was already waiting for him the outskirts of the camp. 

"Rinaya are you sure about this information?"

Riinaya said, "I have to talk about this with the others. Please take me to them"

Dhika nodded and turned around. Rinaya and Jaka followed behind. They entered one of the largest tents standing there. It looks like an important person is talking about something. With information boards between them. A map is neatly open. Mark some points. But they haven't started the meeting yet. They wait. Rinaya's.

Dhika bowed respectfully so did Jaka and Rinaya. Again there were only a few great family heads and lodge leaders. Mandalika or her representative was not in the room. 

Rinaya "Mandalika is not participating? I don't see any of his troops."

Haris smiled cynically "Maybe he ran away."

Mr. Baskara "May still be on his way."

Jaka "If this is our only army I'm sure we'll lose."

Mr. Wiriya "We'd better start on a plan"

Some of the people there watched and helped. They also have their own training camp. No less big than the Wiriya Family training cottage. They introduced themselves. 

"I will help you in this war. Introduce me Kanta from Kurnia Training lodge."

"I'm Bagas from Samurni's training lodge"

"I'm Gugun from Pancaru's training lodge"

Rinaya "Have we met before? the face of the master seems familiar to me."

Bagas "Maybe, this city is not too broad we must have passed before. It's just that maybe you don't get to know each other."

Rinaya "right" too"

Rinaya "Jaka will explain the situation. Who's leading?"

"I" Someone stepped forward. He was fully clothed with armor on his hands and shoulders. Mr. Baskara. The younger brother of the head of the Wiriya family. He looks very handsome. 

Jaka stepped forward "Let me explain the situation." 

Jaka clearly told everyone about the details. He was like a great intel who could always gather information in detail. 

"They came from the north. Reportedly the port and its surroundings were already under their control. The number of troops is estimated at 3000. Complete with archery weapons, swords, and rifles. If my calculations are correct then, they will pass this path. The chances of them arriving are tomorrow afternoon or maybe they'll wait until night."

Jaka explained in great detail. Referring to several locations on the map displayed on the information board. 

"We just need to know their weaknesses and strengths so that we can take into account how much we can win. Especially if our army numbers are just like this. Our tactics and tactics must be properly mature."

"Are my troops not counted?" Someone is standing in the doorway. Bayu. Bersender on a pavilion made of bamboo. While chewing sapodilla fruit that out of nowhere he got.

Everyone is petrified to hear that. Everyone is scared. The creatures that he made allies are not creatures that are easily controlled. Of course everyone was worried if they would turn around to attack.

Mr Wiriya "are you sure you can control it?"

Sayu "didn't you guys see her the other day?"

Bayu smiled "excuse my sass at that time. This time I'll help."

Jaka sighed "we do need a lot of troops. Use it if the situation is already very precarious 

Bayu "ah well. I understand what you're saying."

Rinaya "i have a bad feeling about this war."

Jaka "don't say it's a princess."

Mr Wiriya "a bad feeling? Likewhat?"

Rinaya's "tempo attack may just be a distraction until we don't know what their plan really is. I don't know why I doubt the number of their troops is just a tigaribu. I feel like it's gonna be more than that."

Jaka was unsettled to hear that "we really have to add troops"

Mr Wiriya "Is there anything serious about that? Isn't it just a hunch."

Jaka "You may not know sir. If he felt that way, it would be like that. Especially if he's already talking."

Mr. Wiriya "Are you really a psychic?"

Rinaya "Sometimes we can't ignore premonitions. It will lead us to something. It's just that you may never realize it."

Bayu "maybe you shouldn't talk about that you scare them."

Rinaya "can no one else join us?"

Mr. Baskara "We are still convincing the capital to send aid."

Rinaya "I don't understand.This kind of situation they have a hard time sending help? Is the capital really that precarious?"

"Indeed is precarious but not as bad as here. Let me and my men join. After all the capital has not been able to give that order." Someone came arriving from the outside connecting their conversation. 

Rinaya "mr Budhi!"

Mr Budhi "so what information do we have about them?"

Jaka "they used a new weapon. Rifle."

Mr. Budhi megenai it looks like we can already estimate. What are their weaknesses?"

Jaka "guerrilla warfare system is our advantage. We can use that." 

Mr. Budhi "I think that's the expertise of your troops. Then Mr Baskara what strategy will we use?"

Mr. Baskara is an expert on war strategy. It's just that he would rather work in government than be directly involved in war. But this time the situation is different. Everyone is forced to work together. The deployment that was going to happen this time was the thing that they were all most afraid of.

Jaka and the other bandits acted like bandits. Stooping, lurking and attacking in silence. One of the suggestions from Bayu. That they have to drop the opponent mentally to be able to win more easily. A sneaky but effective way for this kind of thing. Mongol soldiers did not know the terrain they were taking. Mountain bandits are experts. Spread far to near the mongol army. Making terror and other mystical things. Awareness is weakness. That's how they'll attack. 

The bandit made a puff of smoke join the fog. Such a mountainous terrain would not make them aware of any poison in those droplets of fog. Blurring the vision into an illusion. Fear everyone with their own fears. Night approaching. It's time for the bandits to act. As much as possible do it very quietly and quietly. Those affected by hallucinations will not have readiness for a surprise attack. But their tactics are not assaults.

The bandits pulled one by one the soldiers out of their safe distance. Try to reduce the amount as much as possible. It will make those who are not hypnotized become riled up and feel insecure. 

The night beast began to make a sound. Of course they are also investigating it. To convince the enemy that they are entering an area that is not safe for humans. As much as possible not to make the victim fall. Because the real battle might still be long.

The sun rising high the mongol army continued its journey calmly. For some people, his many lost warriors was a warning. Indeed the number is not the most but it is enough to knock the enemy mentally. 

The first stage is finished. The second stage is not much different. The previous bandits quickly set up many trap traps. With the same goal of reducing the number of enemies and knocking out the opponent mentally. All this was done so that no casualties would fall on their side. That's an effective way. That way they are increasingly convinced that the area they enter is not safe. But the number of three thousand troops was indeed not small. That process of elimination would bring the remaining ones on the battle directly. It was at this stage that the strength of the entire army was deployed.