Borneo Headhunter's daughter

Part 5

Picture above shows the neighbour village in the terrain.

Credit to their own rightful owner. I don't own this picture.

There's sit an old man. Radiate with power aura. He must be the chief. Umang fidgeting with her finger. Nervous.

She never imagine that she will meet the important person, alone without accompany by her father.

"Yes daughter? What can I help you with? " asks the chief. Umang shock from her thought. " Pardon my intrusion sir, I'm Umang daughter of Keling Menoa. I heard that you're his best friend. " says Umang. Maw just keep her head down stand beside Umang, don't know what to do.

" Oh my, what makes you grace me with your presence young lady! Indeed I have been friend with your father since I can't remember when." the chief suddenly clasped Umang shoulder excitedly.

Umang and Maw eyes stare wide upon the chief reaction. Never they in their right mind expect to be welcome to such extent. Cat got Umang's tongue.

Upon seeing their response the chief smile warmly and says "Ops! I'm sorry ladies. I'm just too excited to meet with my best friend daughter. He always talk about you".

"Actually we come here with purpose seeking your advice and helps" blurt Maw. "Yes, my father and team haven't back from their haunting trip for so long almost two full moon." explain Umang.

"It's seems like a bad news." says the chief with fallen face upon hear the news. "Come with me, both of you must be very tired for your journey. We will talk about it later" says the chief.

They have been escorted by a maid to their room. It's really huge room with comfortable king size bed with attached bathroom. Umang exhale with relief at least they will have a roof over their head tonight and they're one step closer to their mission. Maw just can watch Umang trouble expression and comfort her with side brief hug before take a shower. She know better to left Umang alone to her thought for a while.

***

When they are having dinner that night, the chief asks Umang "So far what clue do you have where your father whereabouts?"

"I don't have any idea. I come here with plan to ask you if my father been in contact with you before he go further with his hunting trip. I plan to go on my journey depend on your answer. "explain Umang.

" You will go on your journey with this young lady alone? " ask the chief while now his head towards Maw. " Yes, we are. Because my brother too was in Umang's father hunting team. " answered Maw anything but in calm tone.

" I know what you thinking that we are not capable to protect ourselves. But no worries so far we had survive so I believe we also will survive after this". Umang interrupted before the chief says anything against them.

The chief just smile and nod his head while seem to be in deep thinking. His reaction makes Umang uncomfortable.

"I hope chief can tell me which way they are going then I and Maw will follow them until we meet the next village and ask them about my father there too. It's more than enough to help us. " says Umang with hope in her eyes.

Upon seeing the determination in Umang and Maw eyes he admit defeat. He just can't bear the thought of these two sweet ladies going on a dangerous conquest without any fighting skill to defend themselves.

'Okay, I will let you know which way your father convoy go but but with one conditions. 'says the the chief. "I will give both of you a magic tattoo which will prevent both of you to become wild animals food in this wild forest both of you will encounter soon." explain the chief to Umang and Maw.

Umang was curious. How come a mere tattoo can be that useful and she not really fond of the idea of getting a tattoo. She been saw her father been tattoo before and it's was painful. Maw look paled upon hear what the chief suggestions.

The chief just laughing upon seeing their dread expression. "Haha, don't worry. It will not hurt much. You can drink tuak to numb the effect." says the chief. Tuak is a rice wine which is their tribe favourite beverage during celebration event. It's sometimes use as medical purposes too.

Umang and Maw swallowed their saliva. But they will make sure their cowardice to hinder them from their purpose. "okay, we will do it" says Maw trying to be brave.

***

After getting their new tattoo which is Umang choose to wear her tattoo on her right shoulder while Maw decided to wear her on her wrist they stayed three days more to fully recovered from the pain. It's was hurt like hell.

Then they're ready to go on their way to the west. It is where Umang's father convoy goes to two and a half moon ago. The chief also provide them with food and water supplies which should be enough until they reached the next village which is 1 week walking distance from where they're now.

The chief warned them not to talk with anyone while they're on their journey because in the forest between live many evils spirit which always lead wanderer to stray from their way.

Umang and Maw decided to depart during dawn time when the first virgin dew land on the leaf.

All the villagers know about their conquest wish them good luck and say their farewell to them. Umang and Maw feel very touched by their kindness and promised to come again to visit them in the future.