Mukhalis: Hero of Bentala
9. Child in Forecast

The sun was shining brightly accompanied by the clouds that flashed across the horizon. The carriage of horses passed by as well as the man who was pacing around with his affairs colored the density of the city. Currently Suluh was where he was battered, Asarania City, the main area of the Niskala Akbar House.

The Akbar house itself has five and represents the respective regions of the Bentala continent. In the North there is the House of Akbar Ganendra, the West is managed by the House of Akbar Darsana, the South is occupied by the House of Akbar Arnawama, the East where Suluh is located, the House of Akbar Niskala, and the, and the one in the middle was the House of Akbar Indrayana; uniting them all in the imperial flag.

Sabrina was very enthusiastic to see what was going through, occasionally Suluh had to advise her to always be careful not to overdo it when reacting. Currently they are in an open dock, about to meet at the house of Sekar.

"Well, look at that guy!" scream Sekar until the man who wears strange clothes and makeup that originally played the attraction turned his head. "Hi, clown!"

Sekar waved his hand with enthusiasm, similarly replied by the clown. Sabrina's expression exuded joy making Suluh also cringed. The train continued to carry them into the city, occasionally passing through unavoidable traffic jams. Moreover, the rise of automobile vehicles that are being developed adds to the increasingly crowded atmosphere.

Suluh suddenly realized the place they stopped, spoke then, "Sir, we're down here."

"Eh?" Sabrina was flabbergasted, not expecting that it would be this fast. "Have you arrived at Sekar's house?"

"Not yet" Sulah went down first and reached out with a hand wrapped in a long arm, guiding her sister. "But it's close."

The woman held the hand made by her brother, jumped right in the arms of Suluh and then stepped on the ground. One thing that does not provide comfort when Sabrina comes down is the congestion of the sidewalk. Lots of people pass by not occasionally caring around. While the boy pays and pulls Sabrina somewhere. To their favorite food.

"Sabrina doesn't know yet, does she, Sabrina's favorite steamed cake?" said Suluh enthusiastically.

His sister nodded quickly and responded, "Are we there, brother?"

Sulah smiled as she told the location of the shop with the direction of the head, "Yes, we can see it from here."

It appears that there is one buyer in line, Ms. Sahira with a spirit of service. The smell of the cake spreading in the air made the people who passed by it gulp. No exception Sabrina who was impatient to order, repeatedly saw the menu attached to the store. The fat-bodied woman who originally focused on making cake batter was hysterical when she realized the presence of Suluh.

"Well, Son of Suluh," said Bu Sahira, giving a cake and receiving coins from a tall man in front of Suluh. "It's a good fit, thank you!"

"Well, this is Ms. Sahira" exclaimed Suluh introducing the mother to Sabrina.

"Are you Sabrina's son?" from her intonation, Ms. Sahira sounded cheerful. "You're so sweet!"

Sabrina who was praised like that instead became, "Thank you, Mother is also beautiful!"

Bu Sahira laughed out loud at Sabrina's behavior, the boy followed the atmosphere. While Suluh opened his voice, "Where are you going to buy?"

The woman hurriedly chose, thinking which one would taste the most delicious. He then said, "Two chocolate-flavored steamed cakes and pandan, Mom!"

"Well, four in total, yes," said Bu Sahira just make sure. "So soon I'll make it."

They had talked about something, especially the sorrow of Bu Sahira that befell Suluh. The news spread quickly to the city of Asarania and they began to question the special child who can play four aids in his body. Maybe if Suluh did not wrap all the machines, people would suspect him and put the appeal of the local community.

After that, Suluh and Sabrina said goodbye and went back to the Sekar house which was only a few meters away. Passing through the dark, seedy narrow alley there, Suluh was silent for a moment staring at the gloomy memory that haunted the mind. Memories and strong feelings made the child fleetingly able to feel his two artificial hands being trampled, crushed. Until at any time will not be forgotten.

"Big brother why?" sabrina awakens Suluh from daydreams.

"There is nothing" said Suluh turned to the big house that was in front there. "That's Kak Sekar's house, we're almost there."

After a few steps, in front of them presented a charming luxury house. The astonished Sabrina immediately shouted, "Well, that's beautiful! Brother Sekar turned out to be from among the people, yes! Worth the nice clothes."

"What do you want to be there?" Suddenly a slightly rude sounding voice approached them from within the gate. "There's need?"

"Yes, sir," Simpal spurned aloud while taking out a letter from his white clothes. "We were actually invited by Sekar for a purpose."

The letter went into the sidelines of the iron fence, received by the burly guard as quickly as possible to check its authenticity. From the look on his face he hesitated a little and then exclaimed, "Alright, please come in. I'll call the lady."

"How's the trip going?" the melodious voice shocked the sister and sister there, turning around simultaneously. "What's fun?"

In the glass doorway, Sekar stood in a white canal dress below the knee, looking casual with only a brown belt wrapped around the stomach. Sabrina without warning immediately ran to embrace Sekar, pouring out all her excitement.

"Sister Sekar! I saw a clown on the street! There are so many cool vehicles! And, and I brought this cake for Brother!" sabrina exclaimed without rest.

"Well, thank you, Sabrina," Now she wrapped her hand over the ten-year-old's shoulder, guiding him inside. "Let's go in. Mama's been waiting for you, Suluh."

From the beginning of the letter was the request of Sekar's parents to come here, discuss something very important. So important it might be about the future of Suluh. Inevitably he had to leave, find out what they were really trying to tell him.

Sabrina and Sekar didn't take long to play each other. Share stories and experiences, even learn alchemy and medicine. Sabrina, who knew a little, became more and more interested in the discoveries of Sekar, amazed at his ability. While Suluh was sitting from a distance just watching, until the soft voice made her gasp.

"My husband is not at home at the moment," exclaimed Rahayu in a red graceful outfit sitting next to Suluh as she brought a drink. "How much provision do you give, is that enough?"

All travel costs here are the result of Rahayu's gift inserted in the letter. They bothered to pay for everything they needed, Suluh was unable to say except, "Thank you, Madam. That's more than enough."

"Please drink," said Rahayu turned to two girls who were busy experimenting. "They turned out to be more familiar than I thought."

"Right, Madam," Simpal said after sipping tea that this time was sweeter than it used to be. "I'm also surprised they quickly adapted to each other."

Rahayu smiled turning to Suluh. "I heard from Sekar that you want to go to school in Padepokan Cenderawasih, is that true?"

Rejected, "Yes, Madam! I'm gonna sign up this week and take a series of tests."

"Then I have something for you" Rahayu took out an object from her clothes pocket, gave the envelope to Sulah. "Open up."

Carefully the boy opened the paper which turned out to contain a serifikat. Printed letter of recommendation and under it there is the name of Suluh. The boy was drunk and said, "What does this mean, Madam?"

"It was a letter of recommendation" Rahayu sipped the drink before continuing. "Give it at registration in Cenderawasih, you will be prioritized and free of school fees as long as they do not revoke it."

"But, Madam," Sulah still did not understand Rahayu's intention to give the paper. "Why is Madam so good? I didn't even do anything to the Madam's family?"

"Not yet" she put the cup back on the table. "Do you know anything about Mukhalis?"

The black-haired boy then shook his head clumsily, making Rahayu explain the details. "You know, that the five houses of Akbar are not doing well. Their relationship is stretched, no longer getting along."

Rahayu paused and continued, "I was informed that Ganendra had occupied Indrayana. That way they will be easier to access and exploit Niskala and Arnawama. For both houses of Akbar is much needed industry."

Suluh tried to digest, not knowing at all about the conflict that was happening. Rahayu exclaimed, "Sooner or later they will dredge up our natural resources and most likely the king will not remain silent."

"If it is like that, war may be inevitable and if it happens," Rahayu occasionally sighed deeply. "This place, this city, will be a sea of fire."

"However, according to the ancient prophecy, Mukhalis will arrive," the woman now stared intently at Suluh. "He arrived with flaws that made it difficult for him to move but simultaneously carried great power in his body."

"Thus, he stopped the damage in Bentala and during that time his name will continue to be remembered," said Rahayu seriously, never he emanated such a mimic. "Have my eyes misjudged you, Suluh?"

"There's only one way to prove it" the woman took her cup back. "With you attending school in Cenderawasih, you will get to know Prana faster. Faster to master it."

"And when you have sensed their presence," Rahayu sipped her tea a few gulps. "You know that you're no ordinary child."

"Because I am sure that you are the Mukhalis."

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