A Full O

Went hunting at the western part, which is also hilly, and within, the highest hill in the island. It was quite a journey as up and down we trekked and through thick forest.

As Temasek is a very small island, a small area, comparatively with Palembang. Travelling from west to east would take a full day - sunrise untill sunset - by horse and slightly less from north to south, whereas it would require 3 full days from west to east in Palembang. Hence, having in mind the size of the island, i decided to venture into the area where it's most hilly. As the hills are where all the excitements are.

Upon reaching the hills, we hiked up the highest point for a panaromic view of the island. The furthest we could see would require travelling from sunrise till midday, also by horse. It's really a low hill. We were up in a jiffy, before i even break sweat. And seeing the high density on the north side from the hill, i decide to explore it.

Down we go and into the forest. After bashing through many many trees, i turned left without informing, as i thought my convoy would be closely following behind me, or at least haolian would. Apparently, i was wrong. None of them did, because they were busy helping each other to untangle from the torns, roots, and bush that wrapped around certain part of their bodies. With a knife in hand, i simply chop anything off in my way. Realising that i'm alone, i shouted but there was no response. I figured that the forest was too thick for any sound to travel far enough, at the same time not willing to backtrack for sighting a waterfall ahead of me. I continued, thinking my trail would lead them to me.

The waterfall was a small one with water falling, onto a flat rock, into the small circular pond. I took a mouthful of water and felt my mouth froze for a second. It was cold and refreshing under the hot sun. Seeing that it's only midday, i went for a swim and some waterfall therapy. I had such a great time that time passed unknowingly.

Feeling hungry, i went to search for food in my sack. It carries no food. Seeing the sun setting soon. I quickly dressed up and backtrack. But, i cant find the trail. This struck me hard that im lost. Decision decision decision. I decided to head back to the waterfall for the night and find my way out the next morning. This is only logical and rational. While trekking, i saw a banana tree and pluck some to satisfy the hungry stomach.

Darkness soon overwhelm my entire surrounding. It was pitch dark. I couldnt even see my hands. All i can hear is the sound of the waterfall, which was extremely soothing and fell asleep while listening to the it.

Then i heard a voice, it said and faded away, "Utama, you can have the kingdom but lose your soul. Behold of what is important and dont lose it. With kingdom, you control your territories. With soul, you have the respect of your people. Remember, each of us has it's limits. Act wisely."

Awaken by the croaking sound of the frogs, i look around but saw no one with the sun rising. It was only me, the frogs, the waterfall, the forest and the sun. I washed myself and find my way out of the forest by the flow of the stream. Soon after, i reached a village and back home safely. Everyone was worried back in the Istana but i assured them the everything is fine or even better, because i have found something i lost.