In the course of trying to sell some priceless artifacts from a destroyed 'tokong', these bandits must face many difficult situations. From guards of the Protectorate to other bandits, Fung Cheong's group of hired bandits are always on the run, with no safe havens (even the jungle is dangerous). Lots of philosophical talk throughout the novel. Several conversations about fate and destiny crop up; in terms of Guet Imm joining their ranks, the items they are trying to sell, and how their group came to be. Was it their fate to follow this path? Did a "Goddess" guide them along in order to protect her precious items? Or, did they simply stumble in to this banditry life, due to circumstance? There is also a lot of talk about the ravages of war and how people can change completely because of atrocities they witness or are part of. War can also make enemies of friends and show someone's true colours, especially where money and loyalty are involved. Guet Imm acts as the innocent in terms of the war, unaware of the world around her, having just recently come out of seclusion. The bandits are the hardened war experts, who must teach the innocent the ways of the world; however, they are also swayed by her devotion and faith, sometimes finding hope within themselves once more. Guet Imm and Tet Sang have a fun dynamic. At first, there is dislike and mistrust. Yet, they cannot seem to separate themselves from one another, they are drawn together. Their connection proves to be deep, making for a more interesting and entertaining plot development. They act as each others foil, but also as each others protector. They banter is witty and even when you think they may kill each other, they pull another tactic that is surprisingly heart warming. The world of the novella is queer-normative, which adds depth to this wuxia-style, Malaysian inspired novella. TW: war, death, loss, violence, misgendering, threats of rape
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