Chapter 4

+ CHAPTER 4 +

 

Tudor Lions & Golden Tigers

 

“I demand a halt to this ridiculous matter!” said Sir Holloway.  “Now, simmer down, gentlemen! Let us not resort to barbarity and settle this as civilised gentlemen.”

 

Soon, the brawl stopped. 

 

“Alright, gentlemen!  Come here, you lot!” shouted Darren.  “I instruct you not to cause further commotion here!  Do you understand me?”

 

“Yes, young master,” said all the troublesome men.  

 

“Good evening, sirs.  How are you?” Fei-Hong greet Darren in a friendly manner. 

 

Instead, Darren returned him with the cold, prejudiced looks. 

 

“I need not to converse with filthy Chinese coolies,” said Darren rudely to Fei-Hong, as if he was chasing domestic animals away. 

 

“We’re market gardeners, not coolies!” said Fei-Hong.

 

“Get out, you bloody Chinks!” said Keith. 

 

He was one of the O’Bannon but he was with Darren. 

 

“As you wish,” said Fei-Hong, returning a cold stare. 

 

“Out of our sight!” shouted Darren.

 

Darren, Keith and the man gave icy stares at each other.  A few minutes later, he walked out Kedai Makan silently with his assisting daughter.

 

“Excuse me, Darren and Keith – can you both see me for a moment?” asked Sir Holloway, calling them to meet him near the entrance door. 

 

“Darren, we are members from the high society,” said Sir Holloway.  “We must act gentlemanly to uphold our reputation in high society, and by interacting with high society, I expect the same from you, Keith.  If you choose to behave otherwise, I would prefer both you gentlemen refrain yourselves from society.  Is that understood?”

 

“Yes, father,” replied Darren.

 

“Yes, Sir,” replied Keith.

 

“I apologise for the lack of propriety these young men showed,” said Sir Holloway.

 

“We appreciate your help to degenerate the brawl,” Pak Ujang replied.  “Is there any way we can repay our appreciation?”

 

“We shall pay the damages,” replied Darren.  “Meanwhile, my father has a paramount matter to publicly announce here.”

 

I acknowledge the inappropriateness of withholding this restaurant business and I apologise,” replied Sir Holloway in his snotty accent.  “Therefore, I must speak plainly, Mister Ujang Sulong.  As of today, I am rather grief to inform you all that I shall have to impose the double taxation on all fellow Malmesburyers.”

 

Everyone gave a loud displeased ‘oh’ sound to show that they were astounded with the statement. 

 

“I disincline acquiesce to that absurd tax imposition, Your Excellency!” Pak Ujang protested.  “We have inadequate money to pay such unreasonable amount with the present incomes we have.  Besides, where is the document proving this incredulous double monthly taxation scheme?”

 

“Just as I have suspected as to your inquiry of this matter – I have here the letter that has met approval with the New South Wales Governor himself, who authorised my taxation scheme,” said Sir Holloway.

 

A red-stamped letter of approval from the Queensland Colonial Government has been shown with his signature below, in which its contents involve addressing the people of Malmesbury and all residents of the colony of Queensland to mandatorily abide the double taxation scheme.  A constant noisy wave of babbles shortly followed it.

 

“Now, calm down and draw your attention to this,” said Daniel.  “If you can succeed over this one option, we shall consider its withdrawal.  I insist we have a football competition in three months.  If your team manage to win, then the double taxation scheme shall be removed.  However, if you cannot, you must continue to adhere to that discontenting scheme.  I suggest you think this thoroughly.”

 

Within the constant murmurs, Demang, Niall and Megat had discussions amongst themselves about it.  Finally, the noise came to an abrupt end.

 

“Well, have we reached an agreement yet?” asked Daniel. 

 

“Very well, MisterDaniel Holloway and Your Excellency, we accept the offer and we agree to your conditions,” Demang finally replied. 

 

“I have completely made up my mind to join them,” said Niall, who stood beside Demang.

 

“Very well, my team shall agree to meet you in the next three months,” said Daniel with an air of snobbishness, upon shaking hands.  “Best wishes for you all.”

 

“Gentlemen, I trust that you all have made a wise decision for yourselves.  Now, everyone – we must excuse ourselves and call it a night,” said Sir Holloway, before leaving with Daniel and his friends.

 

“Good night, Your Excellency,” said Pak Ujang, who did not look too happy.

 

“Wretched people!  Their arrogance disgusts me!” said Megat.

 

“Simmer down, my dear brother,” said Demang.  “With a meticulous but simple plan to comprehend, God willing, we shall soon be among the victors in history.” 

 

“Do not despair easily – they have yet to see our potential,” said Mak Delima.  “As the Malay saying goes, ‘Do not think there are no crocodiles in the calm waters.’”

 

“I find it rather amusing to conceive those Malays could defeat us in even a single game of football,” replied arrogant Jonathan, of Daniel’s high society friends.  “How will those savages succeed in football?  We’re extremely prepared against them.”

 

Many ‘yeahs’ were given from amongst the team as a demonstration of approval.

 

“We are completely assured to have no fear for those savages,” replied Daniel.   “However, do not underestimate them, for they are not as simpleton as you may conceive, and if we aren’t careful, they might succeed in their motivations for victory.”

 

Eleanor had soon begun her career teaching a class full of Malay youths and adults alike.  In order to make the Malays, who still seemed to live in the Middle Ages, reach the standard that Europeans see fit as civilised, she willingly offered to provide Western education to guide the people into the Industrial Age.  Pak Demang and Mak Delima were impressed with her job as they observed her conduct. 

 

In her Science class, she demonstrated the egg falling into the heated water cauldron, explaining its effect in detail in a scientist’s point of view. 

 

Melor was the first student to demonstrate to the whole class in plain English.

 

“First of all, I need to fill up this beak with water until it is half-full.  Secondly, place it above Bunsen burner and then light its fire to have the water boiled.  Thirdly, place the egg on the peak of the beaker.  Finally, as the steam begins to moisten the egg’s shell, the egg gradually finds its way down into the beaker.” 

 

She was awarded full marks for that.

 

Megat and Demang had a considerable knowledge on those subjects but there were keen to learn more from Eleanor, as she could afford some of the best education, and exposed to public schooling.  She taught them the Common law that the British had brought since the First Fleet of convicts in 1788. 

 

Niall felt he was on the same level as Melor, learning new things from the Western education.  However, when it came to strategic combat based on police training, he knew what to expect.

 

Then, it was time for Eleanor to have a story-telling session with the children.  She stood in front of them and expressed the story with dramatic effects through the use of her hand, body and leg movements.

 

“How is it possible that we have our men compatible enough with Holloway’s men in football?” asked Melor.  “This training would normally take more than three months for perfection.”

 

“Simply put it this way,” Megat replied.  “Remember the moist steam around the egg’s shell, enabling it to enter the boiled beaker.  Now, place your thoughts on the diligent ants that can build their giant nest faster together than they expected it to be.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  God willing, our training shall be a tremendous successful over them during the Football (a.k.a. Soccer in contemporary Australia) Cup – with our self-confidence, teamwork and persistence.”

 

There was a cluster of soothing green trees surrounding the fresh green field and a picturesque mountain in the background.  It was an extraordinary breath-taking beauty.   The environment was soothing for the mind and body, making it fit for meditation.  A kangaroo was hopping around with their cubs in its front pouch, and an adorable grey koala bear was climbing up a tree.

 

The Malay New South Wales Football Association began their preparations to have its team’s triumphs with many ambitious young men fighting against the racist buggers. 

 

The Golden Tigers had a strong sense of teamwork; with the frequent passing between one player to another, finding strategies to avoid the duelling team from getting the ball during the practise and managed to score many goals.

 

The team even sent undetected spies to report the situation on the Tudor Lions and to observe any special movements from them. 

 

A beautiful brown horse led a black horse carriage and man was whipping it a few times.  They were heading towards the field on the dirt path.  The man got off his seat in front and climbed down from it.  He headed towards the carriage’s door.  He opened it and held a lady’s hand to help her descend from the carriage.  She was wearing a long-sleeved gown and a hat and she had brown hair.  The Malays provided a wooden horse water bunk for the horse to satisfy its thirst.  They even asked if the driver would like to request for some drinks. 

 

“It is beneficial for you to have some refreshing drinks.  You may be feeling thirsty and weary after staying here for long, waiting for the dear young lady.” 

 

“Thank you for your hospitality but I am not dehydrating,” said the coachman, kindly declining to the offer.

 

Eleanor was reading a book under the tree whilst she sat on a crate.

 

Demang frequently took the pleasure of caring for Eleanor.  He asked her whether she would like some drinks. 

 

“Would you care for a beverage, Eleanor?” asked Demang.  “We have here coffee, tea and water.”

 

Eleanor replied, “I would like to have some tea please.” 

 

Demang made her a cup of tea for Eleanor.  His parents were heavy tea drinkers. 

 

“Please stay with me for a while, Demang.  I enjoy the privilege of having your company,” she said whilst reaching out her hand to hold onto Demang’s hand.

 

Demang smiled blushingly, and took his hand away.  “I conceive that this girl feels lonely,” he said in his mind. 

 

At first, he was thinking about his guarding reputation, as he was not meant to be with a girl unrelated to him in a secluded place.  However, since that they were at an open field, he sat down next to her on her big picnic cloth.

 

“Unfortunately, we have no sugar here with us, Eleanor,” Demang replied. 

 

“It is fine,” Eleanor responded.  “It is healthier to consume drinks without so much sugar.  If the insulin level keeps increasing to its peak and pushes out continuous, this causes diabetes.  I am not a physician and may not provide the best advice, but I recommend that sugar intake should be reduced, say, once in three days a week.  Anyway, thank you for serving me the tea, Demang.”

 

“The pleasure is mine, Eleanor,” Demang replied.  “You sure know a lot about medicine, Eleanor.  How do you tend to have a great deal of knowledge on health issues?”

 

“I would say that I have only gained sufficient knowledge on health issues, for I am not a doctor,” Eleanor replied.  “I’ve simply been trying to further my research and broaden my knowledge on this field.  I’ve learnt most of it from my Science teacher in school, who was a medical student graduate at Oxford University in England.” 

 

“Interesting,” said Demang.  “What is his reason not to be a practicing doctor after his graduation?”    

 

“To my knowledge, after graduation, his employment letter as a doctor got rejected and thus resulted him to end up being a Science teacher here at my school in Malmesbury,” replied Eleanor. 

 

Demang said, “I perfectly understand where you persist to gain such knowledge.  Insulin is your body’s blood sugar level.  Diabetes is any metabolism disorder with excessive thirst and massive urination.  I also find out that if you have no regular exercise after having not only sugar, but also carbohydrate intake like rice, will turn into sugar and you will eventually get diabetes.  Yet, I suppose we do need a little bit of sugar for energy to keep us motivated throughout the day.”  

 

“You have made a perfect statement on the cause of diabetes with the imbalance lifestyle you have aforementioned.  How do you know all those?” Eleanor said, seemingly very surprised. 

 

“I have learnt it all from my English educated parents,” Demang said.  “They brought various academic books from Europe during their exile from Malaya and they have incorporated all the knowledge they have onto Megat and me.  They taught us Mathematics, Science, English, alongside Malay and herbal medicine.  I suppose the only major difference is that you seem to know more about the British legal system than we do.  We would love to learn more of that from you.”

 

“Well, Megat and you are qualified to be teaching alongside me then?” asked Eleanor.

 

“Eleanor, we do not have the passion for teaching, unlike you,” said Demang.  “My brother and I have been homeschooled, whereas you have been guided by a schoolmaster with many students.  So, we are not as exposed to teach many people at once like you.  Therefore, we are not as articulate in retaining everyone at the same pace.”

 

“I perfectly understand you.  I love the weather today.  My friends and I would normally play badminton at this very moment.  I would also read a book on a bench in this astonishing weather.  I would love to see you and the others play this rather exciting new gentlemanly game of football.  I think it is also the perfect time for us to know one another well,” Eleanor replied with smiling and gazing deep into Demang’s sparkling emerald eyes. 

 

“Yes, it is quite true,” Demang replied, smiled blushingly and lowered his gaze.  He took his hand away from hers once again.  “Eleanor, I have to be straight with you on this subject matter and I mean no offense – it is taboo for me to have physical contact with a lady unrelated by blood to me.  I only mean well to prevent any misconception of promiscuity coming from my society.  However, I suppose handshakes would be fine as a way to illustrate respect to European custom here – as long as you have good intentions with that person.  Kissing and hugging are out of the question.”

 

“Forgive me for my ignorance, but I do now understand, and I respect your opinions as well as your customs,” said Eleanor.

 

She had just found her diary, which had a black cover.  It was the same book that she read.  She then decided to write something more in it. 

 

“Pardon me for my intrusion, but what are you writing in your diary, Eleanor?” Demang asked. 

 

“Not at all – I see your intrusion as gaining my attention, Mr. Demang,” replied Eleanor.  “Currently, I am simply recording my wonderful experience of the wonderful moments I’ve spent with the Malay community.”

 

“Have you written anything in my regard?” Demang asked. 

 

“Yes, I have, but I can assure you it is absent from any repulsive remarks,” Eleanor replied.  “I have described you as a remarkable gentleman and I am honoured of your hospitality.” 

 

“Thank you, Eleanor,” said Demang.  “I am greatly flattered to receive your compliments from my own ears.  I recall hearing from Melor you are a gifted badminton player.  I am delighted to play it someday.  Will you teach me?”

 

“Yes, certainly, Demang, I shall definitely teach anything to the people I like, especially you, darling,” Eleanor replied, smiling.  “I used to play badminton with my brother Darren and his friend Keith.  At the moment, the wealthy English girls have formed the women’s championship in badminton.  I have been winning many cups and I am somehow happy with it.  I heard you are a fabulous sepak takraw player.  Is there a woman’s team for that traditional Malay sport?” 

 

“Unfortunately, there is no women’s team in this particular sport.  It rather has a patriarchal tradition to it.  My father passed his skills onto Megat and me.  We often play sepak takraw with our friends almost every day when we are free and have the energy to play that sport after working in the sugarcane fields.  Similarly, during the Sepak takraw Championships, both Megat and I often win the matches for our team.  Niall has just started joining our team.  However, I can teach you some day.  Unfortunately, that gown would have to go due to its inconveniency to play.”

 

“That is understandable.  I am determined to play it someday,” said Eleanor. 

 

They continued on with their short conversations with one another, even when they strolled around the green grass field, enjoying the nearby beautiful plant species, birds, butterflies and some other domestic animals seen at a distance.

 

Megat and Melor were sitting on a log horizontally on the grassy ground.

 

“I have read a book about the opium smuggling into China and how it badly affected the Qing Imperial officials and ordinary people,” Melor said.  “As a result, it had been officially declared illegal in China.  I know for the fact that excessive smoking causes lung cancer due to the absorption of smoky particles into your lungs.  However, I still wonder, is opium an extremely unhealthy to us?  I heard that it would destroy our minds.”

 

“Any improper use of drug for your body shall bring deadly effects upon you, and this includes opium,” replied Megat.  “Opium can be a medicine that cures illnesses if you acknowledge its limitations.  However, its addiction will destroy your brain cells, and I perceive this is why China bans opium-smoking.”

 

“I am aware that my intelligence has given the ability to learn new things quickly, especially as a student, and I thank God for that,” said Melor.  “However, I am greatly amazed of your far advanced scholastic knowledge than many of us.  How do you manage to become a man with such intellect?”

 

“Pak Ujang and Mak Delima have raised Demang and me with such scholastic knowledge,” Megat replied.  “They stressed the importance of education for us.  Mak Delima said if she had a daughter, she will also teach her all the knowledge of the world she has – in Mathematics, Science and other types of education.”

 

“It is wise of them to have done so unto you and Demang,” Melor said.  “In fact, God has commanded us all to seek knowledge and to teach others once they gain it.”

 

“I heard that you play badminton well,” said Megat.  “I have seen you playing it with Eleanor.  I hope you would not mind coaching me some time.” 

 

“I will certainly coach you, Megat,” replied Melor.  “You simply have to strike the ball with the netted part of the racquet when the ball comes up to your side.”

 

“Wonderful!” Megat replied.

 

“I have here a gift for you.  Please shut your eyes,” said Megat.  

 

Megat was placing something around the base of her neck from her back. 

 

“You can now open up your eyes,” Megat said, who was then standing next to her. 

 

“It is a beautiful coral necklace.  Where did you get this?” asked Melor.

 

“I made it myself, just for you,” replied Megat.

 

“You do not have to do this for me but thank you anyway.  I accept your generosity.”

 

“My pleasure, noble girl,” Megat replied. 

 

Megat and Demang soon joined the Malay boys to play soccer with, as substitutes.  There were six players for each of the two teams, including the two goalkeepers – one per team, standing in between two wooden poles.  Sometime later, there were a couple of goals made.   

 

A familiar redheaded boy turned up to see the Golden Tigers playing, practicing on their soccer skills.

 

“Hello there, how are you?  Are you not the boy I once met selling shortbread biscuits with his mother in town?” asked Eleanor. 

 

The young man replied, “Yes, Miss, I am indeed the boy you are after.”

 

“May I enquire as to your name?” asked Eleanor. 

 

“I am Angus McDougall,” replied the boy.  “And you are?”

 

“I am Eleanor Holloway, and, it is an honour to meet you again,” said Eleanor, shaking hands with him.

 

“It is also an honour to meet you again, Ms. Holloway,” said Angus.

 

“You may address me as Eleanor,” said Eleanor.  “How is your mother, Mr. McDougall?”

 

“Angus would do, Eleanor,” Angus replied with his thick Glaswegian accent.  “She is fine.  She is cookin’ somethin’ special at home for our dinner.”

 

“What is she cooking for dinner?” Eleanor asked. 

 

“She cannot tell me that.  She refers it as a mother’s top confidentiality, in which a child must not know,” Angus replied. 

 

“By the way, we are pleased to meet you too, Angus,” replied Demang.  

 

Angus shook hands with Demang, Niall and Megat. 

 

“The pleasure is mine,” Angus responded. 

 

“What have brought you here, Angus?” asked Megat.

 

“The Tudor Lions have rejected me on behalf of an unknown man they refer to as the Superior,” replied Angus.  “I need to find a team to play with and I am keen about football.  May I please join yer team?”

 

“Angus, you have come to the right place,” responded Megat.  “Welcome to our team.  Come and join us in the fields.”

 

“I am delighted to do so.  Thank you, gentlemen,” replied Angus.

 

“You are welcome, Angus,” replied Niall. 

 

The others then excused themselves to get ready for the game, turned around and started to walk away.  

 

“Are you girls intending to play football as well?” asked Angus.

 

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous, Angus.  We would not want to trip over on our beautiful skirts and ruin ourselves in the mud,” said Eleanor.

 

“Oh God – ladies are dreadful with their fashion statements,” Niall murmured to Angus, and he in turn, snickered.

 

“I heard that.  We indeed like our clothes very much and care for them like we do to ourselves,” said Eleanor.

 

“Well, you girls certainly spend a lot of time playing outdoor games at the badminton court,” said Angus.  “Therefore, I find it no good reason why you cannot play football.”

 

“Badminton and football are different sports played at different locations,” replied Melor.  “Badminton courts have drier grounds compared to those muddy football fields.  Therefore, it would be of no concern to us to have dirt staining our dear beloved clothes.”

 

“Beloved clothes?” asked Niall.  “Good Lord, I would rather address me lady companion as ‘me beloved’!  Regardless, it remains the same issue getting your clothes dirty when you drop onto the ground during a sporting match, wouldn’t it?”

 

“I see that you have made your point well, and I may consider it,” Melor replied.

 

“I certainly have,” said Niall.

 

Demang asked Eleanor, “May I ask – who do you think is the Superior?”

 

“I have no idea of such person,” Eleanor replied.  “To our knowledge, Darren is the captain of his football team, and thus, such title could possibly refer to him.  Who else is leading the Tudor Lions other than Mr. Darren Holloway himself?”

 

Niall was standing next to Megat.  Angus wore a confused facial expression.  He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him and that he was under hallucination.  After a few blinks, he realised that Niall was Megat’s perfect clone in reality. 

 

“Where is your father, Angus?” Demang asked in curiosity. 

 

“My father passed away when I was five years old,” Angus gravely replied.  “Since then, my single mother has to work extra hard to take good care of us.”

 

“My condolence upon hearing that, Angus,” Demang responded.  “Well, you can come and play with us in ten minutes.  We are delighted to observe your skills and we will consider whether any improvement is needed from you.”

 

“That would be a great pleasure,” said Angus, giving a happy smile. 

 

“I am pleased to acknowledge that your family and yourself do not seem bothered mingling with those with different social status to yours, particularly a wealthy lady like me,” said Eleanor.

 

“Eleanor, defining oneself in a social class is simply human pride and ego that are used to distinguish oneself from another,” said Demang.  “Everyone is born unclothed and they will not be able to carry their wealth with them upon death.  While I do not deny that some are wealthier than others, it should be the duty of the more affordable people to initiate in aiding the poor and needy through charity.  Prayer, charity, showing kindness to others and being highly moral are what my religion teaches in building a better society.”

 

“What does your religion teach about treatment of other races?” Eleanor asked.

 

“According to the Scripture, humans are created as males and females, as well as into different nations and tribes so that we would recognise one another, not to despise one another,” replied Demang.  “Righteous acts are the most important before God.”

 

“In other words, your covenant with God is determined by your righteous actions rather than your race,” responded Eleanor, shedding with tears of joy.  “This is one of the noblest matters I have ever heard.”

 

Angus had gone into the fields and began passing the ball around to the other players.  He was determined to play and improve his soccer skills each time he realised there was a mistake. Angus once kicked the ball against the tree, it bounced back and hit hard against a player’s head that the boy blacked out.  Angus felt guilty and he splashed some water on the player and asked whether he was all right and apologised to him.  Megat helped him to realise his football potential during the training.

 

Angus once fell down on the ground and had quite a long cut on his right leg.  Demang came to his rescue and led him out of the field. 

 

Demang said to him, “Poor Angus.  My friend, do not worry.  Alas!  It is not a serious injury, but a tiny wound.  You can still play with us.” 

 

Megat continued, “You will have a fast recovery.  I guarantee you can succeed in this game.” 

 

Demang and Megat both helped out one another to bandage a strip of cloth around Angus’s leg.  Demang placed crushed leaves and Megat mixed them with oil on his leg.  After that, they both tied the cloth around together to ensure it has been tied around well and would not come off easily. 

 

“Thank you, Demang and Megat,” said Angus.  “You are kind to do so with your encouragement and fair treatment.”

 

“My pleasure, Angus.  It is my duty to assist those in need as best as I can,” Demang replied, smiling.

 

He had finally encouraged him to continue playing after a short break by patting his back, in which Angus finally did. 

 

Demang and Megat helped to carry him up so that he can stand up straight. 

 

“Now, go out there in the field and fight like a brave growling tiger!” Niall said.  “We know you can do well.”

 

“Your persistence brings you positive outcomes, Angus,” Megat said.  You have the potential to succeed this.”

 

Finally, after observing one another’s skills, they played almost at a professional level.  Niall and Demang were impressed.  Megat, Demang, Niall, Eleanor and Melor got to know Angus better and began to steadily appreciate him.  For the day’s training, Niall and Demang have duelled against Angus and Megat.  Niall, Demang, Megat and Angus all took turns to score goals.  When they did, they cheered it up with the rest of their teams.  The four boys often talked and got along splendidly with each other.  The two girls walked behind them: they were whispering about something and giggled amongst themselves.  Sometimes, they would take walks while conversing to one another, as a way to keep their blood circulation running.

 

Megat was playing a bamboo flute with nine holes and he was facing the refreshing wavy sea.  Niall was listening to the song he was playing.  It was a mystically soothing music, making him think of the fairyland up in the skies above. 

 

“That was a fantastic piece of music, Megat.  It is a delight to listen to it for meditation, as it appears to have brought me an utmost healing touch.  What is that wind instrument called?” Niall asked in curiosity. 

 

“This wind instrument is called the serunai,” replied Megat.  “Demang and I often play this flute as one of our ways to release our stress and think of happy thoughts.” 

 

“You played that flute well, Megat,” said Melor.  “I bet Demang and you can accompany my father’s music band whilst I sing a song.” 

 

“That is modestly thoughtful of you, Melor,” replied Megat. 

 

“God willing, some day we would play together and form a happy lively music band.  You make a perfect singer,” Demang added. 

 

“Thank you, boys,” Melor responded. 

 

A familiar voice of a man was heard.  Whoever he was, he wasn’t Pak Ujang.

 

“It is splendid that you were talking about our music band.” 

 

Everyone turned around.  Melor was startled.  There was a raven-haired man with hismatching moustache and beard.     

 

“Ayah, I did not realise you were behind me,” responded Melor, followed by a bow and kiss on her father’s hand. 

 

“Tok Kencana, how are you?” Megat and Demang asked, during their turn getting closer to Tok Kencana, clasping their hands with Tok Kencana and then place their palms on their hearts – this act is known as the salaam. 

 

This particular greeting indicates the welcoming of a person as a respected guest with one’s pure heart.  The others did the same with him, except for Eleanor, who shook hands with him. 

 

“I am fine, thank you,” Tok Kencana replied. 

 

“We are happy to see you here,” Demang said.

 

“It is also a pleasure to see you here in this beautiful sunny day,” Tok Kencana replied, smiling happily.  “I have been looking for you, Melor.  I have not seen you around the house for quite some time.  You suddenly disappeared into thin air after lunch and I then began to worry about you.”

 

“Please do forgive me, ayah,” responded Melor.  “I was so excited at the thought of the upcoming football match that I have forgotten to tell you about my intended journey.  Our Golden Tigers will compete against the Holloways’ Tudor Lions in the following few months.  I am here to support our football team’s hope for victory.”

 

“Very well, Melor,” said Tok Kencana.  “I shall watch the game with you and I do accept your apology, but next time, please just tell me where you off to before leaving the house, all right?”

 

“Yes, I certainly will do so, ayah.  Thank you for your support on us,” Melor replied happily.

 

“My pleasure, darling,” Tok Kencana replied. 

 

Soon, Pak Ujang and Mak Delima arrived.  Melor greeted them first followed by Eleanor.  Demang and Megat greeted their parents in the usual way they would do at home in the Malay way. 

 

They were introduced to Angus, and in turn, introduced themselves to him.  Eleanor had met the boys’ parents earlier on when she had her first visit to Malay Quarter.  They all had a good conversation with one another. 

 

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