Julian's feet finally touch Javanese soil again. However, he returns not as a noble welcomed by a red carpet, but as a rebel leader standing amidst the common folk who are fed up with Friedrich's oppression.
The black sand of Kendal Beach felt cold and wet under Julian's feet, yet the warmth he felt from Adrian's embrace was more real than any palace marble. Around them, hundreds of torches burned, creating a sea of fire that challenged the darkness of the night.
"Kendal is under our control," Adrian whispered, his voice raspy yet full of authority. "The plantation overseers and low-ranking soldiers who still have a conscience have turned to our side after hearing news of the rightful heir's return."
Julian looked at the lines of village youths—farmers, fishermen, and laborers—now holding bamboo spears and captured rifles. "They are gambling their lives for us, Adrian. We cannot fail."
Kartika stepped forward, handing the still-dry evidence box to Adrian. "Inside are documents that will destroy Friedrich's legitimacy in the eyes of the law. But here, on this land, the law is whoever holds the weapons and the hearts of the people."
Suddenly, the sound of galloping horses echoed from the path leading to the city. A weary white horse appeared with a rider carrying a torn blue Van de Berg banner. He was Adrian's spy sent to Semarang.
"Report, Sir!" the rider shouted, jumping down. "Friedrich has declared a state of emergency. Cavalry units from Batavia are moving east. They are ordered to burn any village deemed to be hiding the 'Van de Berg rebels'."
Julian clenched his fists. "He's using scorched-earth tactics. He'd rather destroy this land than let it go."
"Then we will not wait for them here," said Ibu Siti, standing with the dignity of a queen among the warriors. "We will cut their logistics lines in the hills. If they want to burn our homes, they must go through our corpses first."
That night, beneath the shadows of massive teak trees, Julian, Adrian, and Kartika began crafting their guerrilla strategy. They were no longer frightened fugitives; they were the architects of a revolution that would shake the foundations of the Dutch East Indies.
Culture & Language Notes
Mandor: A plantation overseer; historically, their loyalty was often split between the colonial masters and their own people.
Panji (Banner): A symbol of identity and legitimacy; the torn banner represents a broken but resilient heritage.