The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
The Sacrifice of Nyi Kenikir

"The power of Rajapura was centered on three courtiers. The dukes of Waramukti, Patih Krendawahana and Senopati Gopala were the three men.

The Duke of Waramukti controlled the entire palace of the Duchy along with the rulers of the palace of Rajapura. Patih Krendawahana governs the course of government as well as the Akuwu and Kraman or Lurah wanua throughout Rajapura while Senopati Sagopa is the highest leader in the Rajapura army.

Among the three of them, Patih Krendawahana had the highest martial ability even though he was obedient to the Duke of Waramukti.

All the soldiers who are in the Duchy of Rajapura City I do not know for sure but there are at least about 10 to 15 thousand soldiers who are in this place. In addition, since their movement against the central government in Kadiri, there are hundreds of people and even about 1000 warriors from various streams and places, inhabiting several important places such as near the square, near the palace gate and some are scattered near the entrance of the Duchy of Rajapura.

The most dangerous of them are Ki Junggul Mertalaya from Padepokan Valley of Devils and Nyi Simbar Kencana led by Padepokan Tawang Kencana. Another one, Bogang Sarira the midget swordsman led by Perguruan Gunung Biru is also in this place, Kisanak. You have to be careful when dealing with them", Nyi Kenikir aka Nyi Nila Saroya let out a long sigh after he finished telling about the situation inside Rajapura City.

Hmmmmmm

There was a cold breath coming from Siwikarna's mouth. This made Jaluwesi look towards his sidekick.

"Why Wi?? It seems like something is stirring your mind?", asked Jaluwesi immediately.

"Tempo day, I saw many people dressed in black with red headbands decorated with human skull carvings pacing back and forth outside the city of Rajapura. Just this morning I asked Gusti Tumenggung Landung about their characteristics which turned out to be members of the Devil Valley Padepokan. It is unexpected that they were part of the Duke of Waramukti's rebellion effort. Know that, I will definitely report to Gusti Tumenggung Landung to intercept them outside the city so as not to represent them later on", replied Siwikarna as he rubbed his chin.

"I also had a chance to see the line of people from the Blue Mountain School two days ago. At first I wondered why they entered the city of Rajapura, uh it turns out that the person is a rebel support line" said Jaluwesi slowly.

"Therefore, you must be careful in moving in this place, Kisanak..

Black people are so cruel. Last afternoon, because one of the cenil traders nudged them in this market, they beat the old woman to a pulp. The soldiers turned a blind eye to all their actions. This increasingly makes many people no longer feel at home in Rajapura City", said Nyi Kenikir aka Nyi Nila Saroya.

"That's why I don't like the attitude of black warriors..

Oh yes Nyi, if according to Nyi Kenikir himself, where is the weakest side of Rajapura City? I saw the whole city in the morning of the surrounding wall. Almost like a fortress", Siwikarna looked at the old face of Nyi Kenikir who looked wrinkled because he was thinking hard when he heard Siwikarna's question.

"The whole city is indeed arranged in such a way by the Duke of Warasambu first, just in case of an attack from outside. I've been around this whole town.

The only part of the city that is not walled high is the river that leads to the sea. But the small river is deep and dangerous because there are crocodiles there", replied Nyi Kenikir while scratching his chin.

When they were still busy talking suddenly there was a loud sound from outside the house.

"Old lady!

Get out of your rickety house and bring the foreign guest here!"

Kaget Nyi Kenikir, Siwikarna and Jaluwesi heard the heavy voice. Hurriedly Nyi Kenikir peered towards the outside of her house. From the dimness of the castor oil lamp light installed on the terrace of the house, the, dozens of Rajapura soldiers and two thick-bodied men with red headbands decorated with human skulls stand in the yard of Nyi Kenikir house.

Seeing that, Nyi Kenikir immediately realized that the arrival of Siwikarna and Jaluwesi had been known by the people of Rajapura.

It is true that when Jaluwesi and Siwikarna entered the house, two soldiers who were taking shelter at the edge of the market, saw Nyi Kenikir bringing two people into his house. Feeling suspicious, the two soldiers immediately rushed to report the incident to their leader. Aided by two disciples of the Devil's Valley, the Rajapura soldiers stormed the residence of Nyi Kenikir.

"Okay, apparently the arrival of the two of you has been known by the soldiers of Rajapura", whispered Nyi Kenikir in panic.

"About how many soldiers are here Nyi?", asked Jaluwesi immediately.

"I didn't quite see them but there were at least about 10 soldiers. Furthermore, there were two members of the Demon Valley Padepokan with them. The two people were the ones who beat up the cenil traders at the market this afternoon", replied Nyi Kenikir while trying to calm his chaotic mind after knowing he was being targeted by Rajapura soldiers.

"You don't be stupid, kid. If you lose to them and our lord gets no news regarding the power of the Duchy of Rajapura, not only personal interests but also the peace of the Kingdom of Panjalu is a bet" said the middle-aged woman immediately. Hearing the answer, Siwikarna and Jaluwesi also confirmed Nyi Kenikir's speech in heart.

"Well, how is Nyi now? We also can not give up without a fight is not it?", Siwikarna looked at the face of Nyi Kenikir as if looking for answers to questions that are now spinning in his brain.

"I'll buy time by fighting with them. You two quickly escaped from the back door. Give my salute to Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono. Tell him, I thank him for his will given that there is an old spy Gusti Prince Yuwaraja Jayengrana still useful for the Kingdom of Panjalu", said Nyi Kenikir while pulling out a short sword hidden behind his shirt.

"But Nyi..", Siwikarna had not yet finished his talk, Nyi Kenikir had cut the words of the thick-bodied man.

"For the kingdom of Panjalu and Gusti Prince Yuwaraja Jayengrana whatever I will sacrifice", Nyi Kenikir smiled knots for a moment before opening the door of his rickety little house. The middle-aged woman immediately shot towards the Rajapura soldiers who were now in the courtyard. The sound of clanking guns clashing was immediately heard from the courtyard of Nyi Kenikir's house.

Meanwhile, Siwikarna and Jaluwesi immediately rushed away from the rickety house owned by Nyi Kenikir from the back door. The sound of loud screams from Nyi Kenikir aka Nyi Nila to death was heard in the ears of Jaluwesi and Siwikarna which was a sign that the middle-aged woman was sacrificing herself for their escape. The sacrifice of Nyi Kenikir to save the important things for the Panjalu troops, really burning the spirit of Jaluwesi and Siwikarna to continue to serve the Kingdom of Panjalu.

By exerting all their inner strength and ability to use the science of spying, Jaluwesi and Siwikarna managed to get out of the city of Rajapura. The heavy rain that now remains leaves a drizzle that does not stop, becoming a silent witness to the struggle of Siwikarna and Jaluwesi. As soon as midnight, Siwikarna and Jaluwesi arrived at the place where the Tejo Laksono Panji troops stayed overnight.

Once they go directly to a log cabin located next to the log cabin used as a resting place for Panji Tejo Laksono, Mapanji Jayagiri, Wanyan Lan, Song Zhao Meng aka Dewi Wulandari, Ayu Ratna, Gayatri and Luh Jingga. The wooden hut which is slightly smaller than the overnight place of Panji Tejo Laksono is a temporary resting place for Tumenggung Landung, Tumenggung Ludaka, Demung Gumbreg, Rakryan Purusoma, and Tumenggung Rajegwesi. Coincidentally, the four high-ranking officers of the Kingdom of Panjalu were still awake while still warming their bodies except for Demung Gumbreg who had fallen asleep.

"Although Gusti Tumenggung..

Slave again brought news related to the strength of Rajapura in accordance with what Gusti Tumenggung Landung ordered", said Siwikarna who immediately respect Tumenggung Landung followed by Jaluwesi.

"Speak say whatever you get from Nyi Nila Saroya", Tumenggung Landung immediately raised his right hand, allowing Jaluwesi and Siwikarna to tell a story.

Carefully and meticulously, Siwikarna and Jaluwesi tell all the things they do and meet inside the Duchy of Rajapura City. Also about the story of Nyi Kenikir aka Nyi Nila Saroya about the Duchy of Rajapura City including its weakest side. Do not forget also they told about the situation they had faced when they wanted to go home. Including also about the sacrifice of Nyi Kenikir aka Nyi Nila Saroya in their efforts to escape from the siege of the soldiers of Rajapura.

Mmmmmm..

"What a noble action by Nyi Nila Saroya. I myself did not suspect that the woman still has high loyalty to the Kingdom of Panjalu, Kakang Ludaka", said Tumenggung Landung while turning towards Tumenggung Ludaka who sat on his right.

"Gusti Prabu Jayengrana himself assigned Nyi Nila Saroya to be a spy in Rajapura, Ndung..

Of course this sacrifice we have to pay by conquering Rajapura so that his death is not in vain" replied Tumenggung Ludaka while clenching his hands tightly.

"You're right, Ludaka..

Once Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono has arranged the plan in accordance with the instructions of Nyi Nila Saroya, I myself will spearhead the movement of our troops to conquer Rajapura", said Tumenggung Landung who was anxious to hear the story of Siwikarna and Jaluwesi, accidentally, his feet kicked on the wood feet on the bed of Demung Gumbreg who was asleep.

Krrraaaackdirtkk..

Guubbbrrrraaaaaaatkkkhh...!!

The wooden crate immediately collapsed along with the still sounding Demung Gumbreg. The fattened officer immediately rose from the collapsed wooden cot while stroking his sore waist to hit the wood.

"Oh shucks satan's pedestal...

Who dares to ruin my dream?!!"