《Toward the Sun》全部章節：第 11 章 - 第 20 章

Wisnumurti scanned the surroundings. There was never anything about this town he didn’t like. Kenipir felt as much like home to him as Karang Bendan—and, of course, Mount Cakrabuana. He loved the people. He loved the way they could turn anything from the sea into an unforgettable meal.They arrived just as the noon call to prayer echoed from the grand mosque in the center of town.Wisnumurti, Jaladri, and Bajul rode in front on horseback, while Ki Tanu’s family followed behind in a simple horse-drawn cart. Their destination was obvious: Gedong Gede, Ki Gede Nipir’s sprawling residence not far from the town square.According to stories Wisnumurti had heard from the elders, Kenipir had earned its status as a tax-exempt autonomous domain thanks to the late Ki Wanacaya’s role in helping the late Sultan Sindunagara secure the throne more than thirty years earlier. Wanacaya had been one of the Sultan’s most trusted retainers.As a perdikan territory, Kenipir owed neither taxes nor tribute t

Prince Candrakumala glanced over his shoulder.Someone was sitting cross-legged in the audience pavilion, waiting in respectful silence.He rinsed his hands in a brass finger bowl, and then slid off the bamboo dining platform crowded with dozens of plates overflowing with the finest dishes imaginable.“This evening I want horse-meat satay,” he said casually. “Slaughter ten horses.”The palace attendant who had been sat cross-legged beside the platform performs a sembah—his hands were clasped together before his nose as he bowed deeply in a gesture of respect.“At once, Your Highness.”Candrakumala strode toward the pavilion.Two servants hurried after him, struggling beneath the weight of a perfectly cubical block of polished black stone about two feet high. Their bodies swayed under its tremendous weight. They had to move fast and set it down at the exact spot where Prince Candrakumala decided—on a whim—to sit.The prince’s attendants practiced that task relentlessly.Failure meant d

Everyone was on their feet in an instant, blades flashing from their scabbards. Spitting over and over, trying to rid his mouth of whatever remained, Ki Gede Nipir kicked the low dining table so hard it flipped over, scattering dishes in every direction.Jaladri tore off his outer shirt and frantically rubbed Pratiwi’s neck.“You bastard!” Ki Gede pointed at Sawung. “What do you want? Who the hell are you?”Bajul, along with more than a dozen Kenipir guards and the escorts of the four district chiefs, closed in around the two men.Now that they stood together, they looked strangely menacing. More disturbing still, neither showed the slightest concern about being surrounded. They remained utterly relaxed—as if certain none of these people posed any threat at all.“Very well. My name isn’t Sawung,” the tall man said. “It’s Suwung Saketi. Suwung Saketi is also the name of the ultimate strike I perfected a few months ago. And the man beside me isn’t Ceki the stable hand. He’s my sworn you

“I’ve already sent my men to alert the village heads, elders, and district chiefs throughout the northern territories. If anyone spots two suspicious men matching Saketi and Remak's descriptions—especially if they’re traveling with a teenage boy—they'll send word immediately. My guess is they’re heading back to their home village, Margalayu. I don’t know exactly where it is, but you’ll still have enough time—and enough of a trail—to hunt them down.”Wisnumurti fell silent, considering it.“You’re right. And Remak was wounded by Jaladri’s Lintang Abyor, wasn’t he? One hostage and one injured man... Saketi won’t be able to move very fast. Chances are, he’ll spend tonight somewhere in the surrounding forest, treating Remak until he’s fit to travel.”“Exactly. Let’s calm down and think clearly. We’ll make our move at first light.”“How are Pratiwi and Bajul? Bajul looked much worse.”“Pratiwi will be fine. She wasn’t poisoned. She simply took a hard fall after Saketi struck her. She shoul

“When was that?” Pratiwi asked. “Late this morning, or right after dawn?”“Very early,” the old man replied. “Just after the dawn prayer. They stopped here and asked for rice and fried fish. Not nearly as courteous as you two.”“Were they on foot or horseback?” Wisnumurti asked.“On horseback, Young Master. Two horses. The hunchback rode behind the tall man. The younger one had his own horse. He looked injured too. His left eye was badly bruised.”Wisnumurti froze, holding his breath.“But he was all right, wasn’t he?” he asked. “He wasn’t limping or anything?”“No, Young Master. He walked just fine. Stronger than the hunchback, actually.”“Which way did they go?”“When I asked, they said they were heading for Kajoran. Are they enemies of yours? They looked like martial artists... just like the two of you.”Wisnumurti fell silent, searching for a believable answer.“Yes,” he said at last. “We have... unfinished business with them. A debt that needs collecting.”“The fellow who came th