Chapter 5

"I'm sorry", he apologized.

I couldn't help but feel awful with the way he is looking at me now. Why did he laugh at me in the first place? He shouldn't be doing things he would later have to apologize for. My father used to tell me that all the time. It stuck with me and it became some sort of a mantra. Like a spell a babaylan would chant to ward off evil spirits.

He must've noticed my deliberate silence. I was totally annoyed with the way this guy can make me feel all sorts of emotions in a span of less than an hour. Still, I refused to speak and let out an exaggerated sigh.

I looked at him from head to toe judgingly and he began to feel uncomfortable. Great! At least I can affect him too. A small consolation for all the waves of feelings he has caused me during our short meeting.

"I didn't mean to insult you", he said. A hint of pleading on his tone. "It's just that I found it really funny with the way you said it".

I harrumphed, enjoying his apparent state of distress.

"Really? What could a young lad like me do against an experienced warrior such as General Dula?",he explained.

"I've only ever been to one battle and it didn't even last longer than a full day. And you said you'll help me? I even had to carry you here just so you could breathe."

He wasn't wrong. The way he put it made it really seem like a preposterous idea. But I wasn't about to admit that. I just raised an eyebrow.

"Will you please forgive me, Lawin?", he whispered.

He said my male name. That brought me back to reality. I was just another servant boy to him. One he has offended. But what lakan begs for forgiveness from an alipin? Is this normal for him? Is this the way his mother taught him? Then Rani Amihan must have done a great job. Too bad she's gone now. But at least he was able to know her. I never had the chance to meet mine. I don't even know how she looks like. My maid Yumi said I looked every bit like her. From my eyes to my lips to my dark brown hair. I even had her small, delicate frame. At this I grew remorseful.

My mind was filled with thoughts of my late beloved mother. I totally forgot about the one in front of me.

He cleared his throat. I quickly focused my gaze on him and noticed the way he fuddled with the hilt of his sword.

His eyes were directed on the ground this time.

"Just forget it", I finally answered.

He looked at me hopefully. A smile crinkling his eyes but not quite reaching his lips.

"Does that mean you're not mad anymore?", he clarified.

"Why would I be mad?", I retorted. "I wouldn't waste such precious emotion on someone who doesn't even value my life".

His face quickly turned sour.

"But you said to forget it...", he stated.

"Yes. Forget it because it's not worth thinking about. More so talking about", I said, turning on my heel.

I slowly headed inside the cave. I couldn't bear another minute facing him. My foot still hurt a bit and if I didn't wrap it with a rag soon, it would double in size. It has already turned red and I could feel it throbbing. My shoulder wound wasn't helping at all either. Spirits! What did I ever do to deserve this? I was limping painfully when I felt him pass ahead of me. I thought he would just leave but I was surprised when he got on his knees and told me to get on his back. If this was his way of apologizing, then I will gladly forgive him.

***

A few full moons have passed by quickly. My ankle has already healed and so has my shoulder. Although when it's cold, I can still feel the scar tissue ache. Summer has been replaced by the rainy season. The rains would have washed away the blood of my family members. But the way they died is still just as fresh in my memory.

Senapati, Yani and I returned to my old home some full moons ago to bury my dead loved ones. At least now they have proper graves and I have a place to go to mourn them. I buried my father near the cliff overlooking the village. It was our secret place. I knew he would like to watch over his beloved tribe even after death.

The young lakan and I would hunt for small animals for meat while Yani would find fruits and roots to dry and store for later. This has been going on for some time and it felt like normal. Like we have always been cave dwellers instead of civilized people. It's not like we have much choice. The new rajah must still be looking for us and we can't risk going to the village to get news. Senapati would be recognized quickly. I wouldn't be, I suspect because not even my two companions have the slightest inclination that I'm actually of the opposite sex. But still, I wouldn't dare go alone. I wouldn't risk my death prematurely before getting close to reaching my goal.

I have kept my training as well. I was a lost cause with archery before but with constant guidance from Senapati, I was able to hit a target from over 50 meters. Although I couldn't do it for so long so as not too cause another injury to my shoulder. I have always been good with swords and daggers but I was taught military tactics this time. Something my father, never had the chance to do.

Everything was going well for some time and I almost believed we could go back to normal. Senapati and I were out hunting for deer when we saw Yani running towards us in fear.

He didn't have the chance to explain as he was soon followed by a flight of arrows. I quickly took cover behind a tree. I saw the young man do the same. Several men were approaching. They must be General Dula's soldiers! How did they find us? Nobody even knows we were still alive.

I scanned the jungle, trying to assess what we were up against. There were ten of them. And among them was the same man who shot me! I will surely kill him this time. I didn't have my sword with me but at least I had my dagger and bow and arrow. I aimed for the one I held a grudge against.

Reaching for an arrow, I saw Senapati do the same. Yani is already safely hidden behind a nearby tree. I aimed for the warrior's throat, pulled the string and let go. He dropped in an instant. I should have learned to do this sooner. It's much easier than wielding a sword or dagger. Thank Bathala I met my rajah. Soon he will be everyone's rajah.

I will just have to aim my arrow at all of his enemies.