The rush of the wind slicing through the dense wilderness seemed to become the accompanying music for Tama's footsteps. However, something was different this time. The playful face usually filled with a mischievous grin now appeared harder, his jawline firm, and his gaze pierced straight through the forest mist.
Behind him, a magical sight unfolded: dozens of Borneo's native animals—from nimble mousedeer and graceful clouded leopards to troops of long-tailed macaques—ran alongside him as if escorting the prince of nature.
On a curved branch directly above Tama's head, a giant Great Slaty Woodpecker flapped its majestic wings, letting out a resounding call.
"Tama, dengat auhku! Ela langsung muke Timur. Ikau parlu manalih Barat helo, manuju Kerajaan Dayak Sanggau. Intu hete tege pambelum je tau manolong ikau mambuka jalan."
(Tama, hear my voice! Don't go straight to the East. You need to go West first, toward the Sanggau Dayak Kingdom. There lies a key of life that can help you open the way.)
Tama slowed his pace for a moment, looking up with a thin smile full of confidence.
"Sanggau, iye? Tarima kasih, kawan. Aku tau tege kawan sakti melai hete. Laju itah!"
(Sanggau, is it? Thank you, friend. I know there is a powerful ally there. Let's move fast!)
With a single stomp of his foot that emitted a golden glow of light, Tama shot off like lightning, disappearing behind rows of giant ironwood trees, followed by dust and the clamor of the forest animals faithfully trailing him.
Meanwhile.
Far in the West, in a palace built from finely carved belian (ironwood) with motifs of coiling dragons, the atmosphere felt deeply mystical. Thin incense smoke rose in the throne room.
There sat the King of the Sanggau Dayak, an old man with long white hair radiating an aura of profound wisdom. His eyes, though physically blind, seemed able to see through time.
Before him knelt a gallant young man whose body was covered in sacred rajah (tattoos), his name was Bujang. He was the crown prince known for his extraordinary strength and highly ambitious nature.
"Bujang, dengar pesan Ayah tok. Kelak ndak lama agik, bakal datang sorang budak muda ke istana kito. Dio tu pembawa cahayo, singgah ke sini nak mintak petunjuk buat nyelamat Kalimantan dari roh roh jahat Atiu."
(Bujang, hear this message from your Father. Before long, a young man will come to our palace. He is the bringer of light, stopping here to ask for guidance to save Kalimantan from the evil spirits of Atiu.)
Bujang looked up, his brows furrowed. His voice sounded slightly resentful, though he tried to maintain his respect.
"Tapi Ayah, bukannya dalam ramalan tu disebut budak yang paling kuat? Siape agik yang lebih kuat dari kito di tanah Barat tok? Aku dah latihan betahun tahun, nak nguasai ilmu rimbo. Masak budak asing tu pulak yang jadi penyelamat?"
(But Father, doesn't the prophecy mention the strongest youth? Who else is stronger than us in this Western land? I have trained for years to master the knowledge of the jungle. How can a foreign boy be the savior?)
The King smiled calmly, his wrinkled fingers stroking the wooden staff in his hand.
"Kekuatan tu bukan cuma soal otot dan ilmu batin, Bujang. Tapi soal siape yang dipilih oleh alam. Budak tu bise ngomong samo burung, bise dengar bisikan tanah. Dio pembawa pedang cahaya yang dah lamo ilang."
(Strength is not just about muscle and spiritual power, Bujang. It is about who is chosen by nature. That boy can talk to birds, he can hear the whispers of the earth. He is the bearer of the light sword that has long been lost.)
Bujang clenched his fists over his knees. His heart surged between curiosity and wounded pride. In his mind, he had long considered himself the hero who would liberate Borneo from Atiu's darkness. To him, the arrival of the "foreigner" his father mentioned was merely an interference with his own destiny.
"Mun emang dio sehebat tu, Ayah... kito liat nanti. Aku nak nengok sorang, apo dio emang layak dipanggil penyelamat, atau cuma budak yang pandai bepusing ajak."
(If he really is that great, Father... we shall see. I want to see for myself if he is truly worthy of being called a savior, or just a boy who is good at talking.)
The King only nodded slowly; he knew that the meeting between Tama, who was as free as the wind, and Bujang, who was as hard as a rock, would spark a great flame. Yet, that was the path that had to be taken to unite all the tribes of Borneo.
"Siapkan dirimu, Bujang. Bau angin dah berubah. Dio dah dekat."
(Prepare yourself, Bujang. The scent of the wind has changed. He is near.)
Outside the palace, black clouds began to cluster in the distance, signaling that Tama's journey West was not just about finding allies, but also the first test of his soul as a future protector of the Nusantara earth.
Until.
A giant belian wood gate stood firm before Tama. The sharp carvings of the Aso motif seemed to watch every foreign step that approached. Two guards with spears in hand immediately crossed their weapons, staring at Tama who looked disheveled after his long journey, despite being surrounded by a flock of forest birds perching on the trees around the gate.
"Stop! Who are you? What is your business in this land of Sanggau?" asked one of the guards in stiff Indonesian, attempting to be wary of outsiders.
Tama smiled widely, he took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the Sanggau land enter his lungs. The natural power he possessed allowed his soul to translate every dialect of the earth.
"Tenang bang, aku tok budak sini jugak. Dah lamo merantau ke ujung sungai, baru tok lah bise balek nak nengok keluargo. Rindu benor rasenye hati tok,"
(Calm down, Brother, I'm a local boy too. I've been wandering to the end of the river for a long time, only now can I return to see my family. My heart truly misses them,)
Tama answered with a very thick and smooth Sanggau accent.
Hearing the language spoken so fluently, the two guards looked at each other and immediately lowered their spears. Their faces softened, assuming the youth before them was a local resident returning from a long odyssey.
"Ooo, budak kito rupenye. Masoklah, maafkan kitorang tok, maklomlah sekarang agik banyak hantu rimbo berkeliaran, jadi kitorang musti jago jago. Sila masok, sampaikan salam buat keluargomu,"
(Ooo, our boy after all. Come in, forgive us, you see there are many jungle ghosts roaming lately, so we must be on guard. Please enter, give our regards to your family,)
the guard said while opening a small gate.
Tama stepped inside. The view within the Sanggau Lewu was a feast for the eyes. Stilt houses were neatly arranged, men were drying tree bark, and women were pounding rice with a rhythmic beat. This peaceful atmosphere reminded Tama of his own home, though a longing for Agattha remained tucked in the corner of his heart.
While enjoying the sights, he crossed paths with a beautiful girl carrying a basket of ripe forest oranges. Tama's eyes sparkled—his playful instinct returned. He wanted to ask for directions to the palace, but with a slightly startling flair.
Wush!
With lightning speed, Tama appeared right beside the girl in a single blink.
"Beautiful Princess, may I taste one of your sweet oranges?"
The girl was startled out of her wits. She thought an evil spirit had suddenly appeared. Without a second thought, her hand—accustomed to pounding rice—swung quickly.
PLAK!
A hard slap landed right on Tama's right cheek, leaving a very clear red mark. Several oranges scattered on the ground.
"Eh, budak gilo! Siape kau tok?! Nak nyari mati kau ye, berani-beraninya ngejutkan aku!"
(Hey, crazy boy! Who are you?! Do you want to die, having the nerve to startle me!)
the girl shouted, her face flushed red with irritation.
Tama winced while holding his burning cheek.
"Ouch... her hand is small but her strength is like a forest bull," he muttered.
"Tama? En sabujur e jetuh ikau?!"
(Tama? Is it really you?!)
a loud voice broke the small commotion.
Tama turned and saw a sturdy youth with signature Sanggau tattoos on his arms, but his way of speaking was very familiar to Tama's ears.
It was Rasya, Tama's old friend who had lived for three years in the Dayak Ngaju kingdom to study medicine before returning to Sanggau.
Rasya ran closer, laughing at the red mark on Tama's cheek. Because they were very close and Rasya was fluent in the Ngaju language, they immediately spoke in their old tongue.
"Tama! Narai gawimu intu hete? Aku dia percaya mita ikau sampai intu Sanggau, apalagi sambil i-tempeleng ulih bawi!"
(Tama! What are you doing here? I can't believe I'm seeing you all the way in Sanggau, especially while being slapped by a woman!)
Tama embraced his old friend while laughing sheepishly.
"Rasya! Aduh, nasibku lagi dia hoki. Aku handak batanya jalan, malah i-anggap hantu. Sakit tutu tangan e, kilau i-pukul kayu ulin!"
(Rasya! Gosh, my luck isn't in. I wanted to ask for directions, but I was mistaken for a ghost. Her hand really hurts, like being hit by ironwood!)
Rasya put his arm around Tama's shoulder, leading him away from the crowd of villagers who were starting to watch.
"Luar biasa ikau jetuh. Ayo, buli ka humaku helo. Itah mander hete sambil kuman. Narai sabujur e maksudmu manalih Barat?"
(You are extraordinary. Come on, go to my house first. We'll talk there while we eat. What is your true purpose for coming West?)
While walking toward Rasya's family stilt house, Tama told him everything about Atiu's awakening, the Langsuir's message, and his sacred mission to find the Veil of Aji Talopo. Tama's funny antics, acting out how Keriya dragged him during training, made Rasya burst into laughter along the way, momentarily forgetting the tension clouding Borneo.
Upon arriving at Rasya's house, the atmosphere became a bit calmer. Rasya looked at Tama seriously.
"Jadi, ikau parlu petunjuk bara Raja itah? Jetuh dia akan mudah, Tama. Bujang, anak Raja, ie dia akan katuju amun tege 'penyelamat' bara luar."
(So, you need guidance from our King? This won't be easy, Tama. Bujang, the King's son, won't like it if there's a 'savior' from the outside.)
Tama only smiled thinly while stroking his still-sore cheek.
"I'm used to facing a storm named Keriya, Rasya. Facing Bujang might just be the extra seasoning for my journey."
The atmosphere inside Rasya's stilt house, which was previously warm with the aroma of sticky rice and grilled fish, suddenly turned chilling. The sound of thumping leather boots and the clinking of sharp weapons surrounded the residence from all sides. Torchlight from outside pierced through the gaps in the wooden walls, creating long, restless shadows.
"Rasya! Keluar kau! Jangan nak nyurukkan budak asing tu di dalam!"
(Rasya! Come out! Don't try to hide that foreign boy inside!)
The voice thundered, heavy and full of authority. Rasya choked, his face deathly pale. He immediately turned to his younger sister, Dara, who was clearing plates in the corner of the room.
"Dara, cepat kau nyuruk ke dalam kamar belakang. Kunci pintu, jangan sekali kali kau keluar sebelum aku manggil!"
(Dara, quickly hide in the back room. Lock the door, don't you dare come out before I call!)
Rasya whispered in a trembling Sanggau dialect. Dara only nodded in fear and disappeared behind a thick cloth curtain.
Tama remained calm. He still managed to chew the last piece of fish before standing up and cleaning his hands. Rasya looked at him with great anxiety, but Tama only winked—a silent "apology" for bringing a storm to his old friend's home.
As the wooden door opened, under the dim light of the blazing torches, stood Bujang with his chest puffed out, surrounded by a dozen fully armed warriors whose eyes seemed hungry for trouble.
"Eh, Bujang... apo mimpi apo kau datang malam-malam begini ke gubuk kitorang tok? Ramai benor bawa orang, nak ngajak makan ker?"
(Eh, Bujang... what dream brings you here in the middle of the night to our hut? You brought so many people, want to invite us to eat?)
Rasya asked, trying to make small talk, though his voice was slightly hoarse from fear.
Bujang did not answer. His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, immediately locked onto the figure beside Rasya. Tama stood with his arms crossed, looking relaxed, yet every muscle was ready to explode into action.
"Siape budak tok, Rasya? Aku tak pernah nengok muke dio di Sanggau tok. Bau badannye pun bukan bau urang kito!"
(Who is this boy, Rasya? I have never seen his face in Sanggau. Even his body scent isn't the scent of our people!)
Bujang asked as he stepped forward, closing the distance until the edge of his shadow stepped on Tama's foot.
Rasya swallowed hard, trying to weave a lie for his friend's safety.
"Tok sepupu aku, Bujang. Dah lamo dio merantau ke hulu sungai, baru tok lah dio balek. Maklum lah muke dio agak beda, dah lamo keno panas ranto urang."
(This is my cousin, Bujang. He's been wandering upriver for a long time, only now has he returned. Naturally his face looks a bit different, he's been under the sun in foreign lands for too long.)
Bujang laughed cynically, a dry and insulting laugh.
"Sepupumu ye? Tapi tadi ado laporan, budak asing tok berani ngejutkan budak daro di pasar, sampai daro tu nampal muke dio. Di Sanggau tok, siape yang berani ganggu daro, dio musti tanggung jawab. Hukum adat kitorang keras, Rasya."
(Your cousin, eh? But earlier there was a report, this foreign boy dared to startle a girl at the market until the girl slapped his face. In Sanggau, whoever dares to bother a girl must take responsibility. Our customary law is harsh, Rasya.)
Rasya began to panic. He knew Bujang was just looking for an excuse. However, suddenly Bujang's gaze turned devious. He glanced toward the curtained room where Dara was hiding. Everyone knew Dara was the village belle of the area.
"Tapi begini ajak lah... aku tau kau sayang samo sepupumu tok," Bujang said with a wicked grin. "Aku bise anggap kejadian tok tak pernah ado. Aku bebaskan budak asing tok. Tapi syaratnye... kau kasi adekmu, si Dara tu, buat jadi bini keduo aku. Macam mane? Adil kan? Satu nyawa asing, ganti satu kecantikan Sanggau."
(But let's do it this way... I know you love this cousin of yours. I can pretend this incident never happened. I'll let this foreign boy go. But the condition is... you give your sister, Dara, to be my second wife. How about it? Fair, right? One foreign life for one Sanggau beauty.)
Rasya stood frozen. His chest felt tight between loyalty to a friend or protection for his sister. In the middle of that agonizing silence, Tama stepped forward.
Tama stood right in front of Bujang. He did not look afraid; on the contrary, his face was very cheeky, with a mocking smile gracing his lips. He looked Bujang up and down as if assessing cheap merchandise.
"Ooo... jadi begini care pangeran Sanggau nyari bini?"
(Ooo... so this is how a prince of Sanggau looks for a wife?)
Tama said with a sharp tone of sarcasm.
"Tak bise ngerayu daro pake hati, jadi pake kuaso? Hebat benor kau tok ye. Gagah badannye, tapi mentalnye macam budak kecik yang nangis minta mainan. Ape kau tak laku sampai musti makse abang kandung nye?"
(Can't woo a girl with a heart, so you use power? You're truly great, aren't you. Sturdy body, but your mental state is like a little kid crying for a toy. Are you that unpopular that you have to force her own brother?)
The warriors gasped. They simultaneously leveled their spears, the sharp tips of the weapons now pointing at Tama's neck.
"Mundur kau budak gilo! Jago mulut kau tu mun tak nak kepalo kau pisah dari badan!"
(Step back, you crazy boy! Watch your mouth if you don't want your head separated from your body!)
one of the guards shouted with a face flushed red.
Bujang actually smiled coldly. He wanted to show who the real ruler was. He raised his massive wooden mace, then slammed it into the ground with extraordinary spiritual strength.
BOOM!
The ground beneath their feet shook violently. Cracks spread from the point of impact, dust flew, making the warriors stumble slightly. However, Tama remained standing tall with one hand on his hip. He didn't even blink. His cheeky smile grew even wider; he even intentionally blew the dust off his bangs.
"Aduh... gempo ker? Aku kire tadi ado nangka jatoh, rupenye cuma gertakan pangeran yang lagi haus perhatian,"
(Ouch... was that an earthquake? I thought a jackfruit fell, turns out it was just the bluffing of a prince thirsty for attention,)
Tama taunted again, this time while patting Bujang's shoulder as if they were old friends.
Bujang fell silent, his eyes flashing with rage. He had never seen anyone as brave or as obnoxious as this in his territory.
The tension in Rasya's yard had reached its peak. Bujang gripped the hilt of his weapon, the muscles in his arms tensing as he prepared to crush the head of the cheeky youth before him. However, just before the bloody clash broke out, the jingle of silver jewelry and hurried footsteps broke the suffocating atmosphere.
"Abang! Hentikan! Ape yang kau buat malam-malam begini?!"
(Brother! Stop! What are you doing in the middle of the night?!)
A girl in elegant noble attire ran closer, followed by several panicked handmaidens. She was Indai, Bujang's younger sister, who happened to be passing by after visiting relatives nearby.
Indai immediately stood between Bujang and Tama. Her eyes glared sharply at her brother, who appeared to be losing his temper.
"Abang Bujang, kau tok pangeran! Malu urang nengok kau ngepong rumah warga macam tok cuma gara-gara urusan kecik. Ayah dah nunggu kau di istano, ado urusan penting katenye!"
(Brother Bujang, you are a prince! It's shameful for people to see you besieging a resident's house like this over a small matter. Father is waiting for you at the palace, he says there's important business!)
Bujang growled, his breath coming in gasps. He looked at Indai with annoyance, then turned to stare at Tama with a gaze that seemed to want to skin the youth alive.
"Kau beruntung malam tok, budak asing. Adek aku datang nyelamatkan nyawamu," Bujang said in a low, threatening voice. "Tapi ingat, Sanggau tok tak luas buat kau nyuruk. Urusan kitorang belom selesai. Mun aku nengok muke kau agik besok, takkan ado yang bise nolong kau!"
(You're lucky tonight, foreign boy. My sister came to save your life. But remember, Sanggau isn't large enough for you to hide. Our business isn't finished. If I see your face again tomorrow, no one will be able to help you!)
Bujang spat on the ground right in front of Tama's feet as a sign of contempt. He then signaled to his warriors.
"Balek! Kitorang urus budak tok besok pagi!"
(Return! We will deal with this boy tomorrow morning!)
The warriors immediately lowered their weapons and turned to follow Bujang's large strides away. Indai managed to glance momentarily at Tama and Rasya with an apologetic look before she, too, left to follow her brother into the darkness of the night.