Early morning at Samohok tribe. A man was sitting on a wooden chair decorated with gold. It was an elegant chair contrary to the person sitting. He was a square-faced, chubby man in his sixties. If not for his compelling look and glittering jewelry, he was just an ordinary-looking man.
This man was King Anok, the king of this island's strongest tribe. It was still early in the morning yet he was already fuming. For almost a month, he was burning with rage.
"How come, they aren't found yet!"
King Anok yelled at the soldiers who just returned from their failed search.
"Tribe king, we have been searching the entire island but we didn't find them. We have reached the neighboring islands too, but there were no traces of Dari and Prince Aiji."
A middle-aged soldier reported.
"You are all useless! It's just two people and Dari is severely wounded! You are all useless fools outsmarted by two young men!"
"We will do our best, tribe king..." The soldier humbly responded.
"You should, I want you to find them as soon as possible. I've been bearing the shame and insult for almost a month. It's almost a month now! If you fail to find them, I will punish you all!" He roared.
The soldiers exited with fright. They knew how cruel their king was, so they will surely suffer if they fail to find Dari and Prince Aiji.
"Father, it's been almost a month now, but there are no traces of them. What if they already lost their lives while running away. It's their first time going out of their tribe and Dari is severely wounded. They could have been eaten by the wild animals already."
Prince Jeso said. He is King Anok's third son from his second wife and is the only rational and kind-hearted one.
"And what if they are not? Would you allow our father and our younger sister to be an object of mockery and ridicule!"
Prince Gali, the eldest and cruelest son of King Anok, refuted.
"If they will appear, then we will make our move, but now it's better to put our effort and attention to the things that will improve the lives of our tribesmen."
"That's complete nonsense! Jeso, you are not thinking of our father's feelings, aren't you?!"
"How can I not! I just want you to think about the negative effect of the prolonged search. The soldiers that used to hunt are now searching for almost a month. Over half of our soldiers are now searching, what if another tribe will attack us, will we be able to defend our tribe?"
"You are just making unnecessary assumptions!" Prince Gali yelled.
"Enough!" King Anok ordered.
"Continue the search until the end of the month. I will decide what's best after that. Tell Banoy to continue observing the Dahatan tribe. Report to me immediately if King Haji is doing something suspicious."
"Yes, father!" The princes present replied and dispersed.
At the Dahatan tribe. King Haji was sitting under the tree at the hill near their tribe. It was the place he visits whenever he is troubled.
"Father!" An enthusiastic voice called.
"Aki, why are you here? Aren't you accompanying Prince Banoy?"
"I let Lino accompany him to the southern part of the island."
"You look happy, is there something good?"
"Father, when we searched in the western part two days ago, our soldier spotted Aiji and Dari."
Prince Aki happily reported. The old king's face lit up, then turned anxious later.
"Really! What happened? Did Prince Banoy see them?!"
"No, only our soldier caught a glimpse of them. He didn't watch them too long to avoid getting caught by the Samohok soldiers. But, our soldier swore to me it was Aiji and Dari!"
"How did you find them? Are they okay? Is Aiji fine? Tell me!"
"It was in the trader's route in the western part. They were disguised as traders of Datong Tribe. Elder Mino was the one leading them. It was nightbreak and they were at the end of the caravan. When Prince Banoy and I arrived, our soldier was very anxious. He thought Aiji would be captured, but when all the people came forth, he was surprised that Aiji and Dari were replaced by other men."
There was a huge sigh of relief.
"Good thing! Heaven was looking after your brother. Is Aiji looking fine? What did the soldier say"
"The soldier said they were both looking fine."
"Good! Very good! I was nervous and worried. It's their first time outside. Good thing they survived. But who is this elder Mino? Why did he help them?"
"On my way here, I managed to get some information about the elder Mino. He is the youngest brother of the Datong tribe's king. He joined the traders when he was only around twenty. I cannot find any connection between him and us. But a trader said that elder Mino used to follow King Danli before when he was still in his teenage years.
"King Danli!"
"Yes, the famous and mighty King Danli." Prince Aki stressed. "That's all I knew about him. I cannot find any more reason for him helping Aiji and Dari."
"It's fine. I understand everything now. Assigned someone to follow and observe elder Mino. We have to make sure that Aiji is safe."
"Yes, father!".
Prince Aki left. King Haji was left dazed. He looked at the distant dense forest, aimlessly.
"Danli, it seems that our fate is bound tightly... You are long gone but still seeking revenge on me and Anok. You are very capable! It would be interesting if only... our children aren't involved...!"
King Haji was troubled. There was intense anger, hatred, regrets, and sorrow on his face.