Chapter 10

I woke up with a start. It was still dark outside and I wonder where Senapati was. He didn't return after our conversation. He's probably dreading facing me again anytime soon. For a while, I contemplated laying silently and weighing my options. I was busy formulating my next course of action when I heard somebody call for Diwata. It must be an emergency. They wouldn't seek her at this hour if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

Lira, the maidservant, talked to the leader of the group. They gestured hurriedly while I perched quietly hidden by the window. It was dark inside the house. I had no chance of being seen. Unfortunately though, I couldn't hear a thing they were talking about.

Finally, the young alipin went inside to seek the elderly healer. The latter has become weaker over the years but it hasn't stopped people of all status from seeking her. I have been working closely with her as her apprentice and I could treat people on my own unguided. But my skills still don't compare with hers. She says I have good intuition. And that was extremely crucial in diagnosing illness and deciding the course of treatment. When it comes to experience though, I must admit that I still have a long way to go.

I was still by the window, observing the men impatiently waiting.

"Diwata says you have to go", Lira told me.

"What?", I asked. "I don't want to".

Besides being apprehensive regarding the possible patient, I was anxious about the young lakan. For one, the sick must be someone of high standing to have these mighty men seek out a well-known healer way before sunrise. Two, I don't know what the problem was so I might probably take the whole day and by the time I returned home, I will have missed the opportunity to clear things up with Senapati. He might spend the night somewhere else again and Bathala knows when I'll be able to see him again.

"She says you can handle a delivery on your own by now", the maid added. "And she's not feeling well too. I had to assist her to sit up".

Feeling guilty, I finally relented. Besides, I've aided in numerous childbirths for over several years by now that I know I will be done by noon. But of course, that depends on the state of the mother and the child.

Not wasting another second, I gathered all my necessary supplies. Good thing I have them ready in one basket every night before going to bed. You never know when the need will arise.

I was about to exit the door when Lira enveloped me in Diwata's shawl.

"Thanks", I said. "Just her smell in this would help me do the right thing".

The young woman just smiled, waving for me to go.

"Oh you know exactly what to do", she rebuked me. "Just don't let other matters distract you".

At her words, I hastily walked along the manservant tasked to fetch help.

We walked quietly and the streets became vaguely familiar. It was only when we entered a wide yard when I realized it was the new rajah's abode. How could I forget? I was around the area just the other night. I took notice of the arrow I fired. It was still attached to the post where I last saw it. General Dula didn't want it removed to remind him of the daring traitor who threatened his kingdom.

I was led to a smaller hut adjacent to the main building. It must be someone in the royal family who was giving birth. The rani is way beyond childbearing years by now. Although I don't think it's impossible. But according to what I've heard, the rajah barely even looks at her these days. If he was not busy dealing with uprisings in the borders, he is spending time with his younger and prettier concubine. If it was she giving birth, it wouldn't be much of a surprise. But I might get recognized by the rani if in case I run into her. She knew my mother after all. I carefully readjusted my veil and let my wrap fall to my shoulders. It would only hinder my movements later.

The sun has already risen but it was still quite dark inside the house. I instructed the maids to open the windows to allow light and air in. I immediately felt better. A young woman around my age was writhing in agony on a wooden bed. I approached her with as much confidence that I can muster. There was absolutely something wrong with the baby. I placed my hands on her belly and felt her stomach harden with contractions. I pressed a little firmly and knew what the problem was.

"Your baby is not in the right position", I told her.

"What do you mean?", she asked in between breaths.

I explained that the baby's head was above, instead of being towards her birth canal. I had to perform some maneuvers to correct its position for easier delivery.

"It's going to be painful though", I told her.

"I don't care", she gasped. "Just save my baby".

After an excruciating hour, a little boy was finally released into the world. I was about to sigh with relief when it dawned on me that the newborn was bluish. He wasn't breathing.

"What's wrong?, the mother cried.

I opened the tiny one's mouth and checked for blockage. There was none. I rubbed his back until my arm was sore and his delicate back was red but to no avail. I continued the same motion on his chest until finally, a loud piercing wail filled the air.

We all sighed in relief. The new rajah's concubine was too tired from her labor but she couldn't stop from repeating words of thanks and gratitude.

"I'll never forget you", she said. Then proceeded to ask my name.

"Danaya", I replied, giving her my real one. Feeling a sudden rush of exhaustion, I gathered my belongings and began to head home.

I was about to leave the courtyard when somebody called me. I expected it to be the manservant from earlier. My legs suddenly felt heavier than rocks when I turned and was face to face with General Dula himself.

I felt bile rise up to my throat and it was all I could to stop myself from hurling my dagger into his chest. I was not here to kill him after all. I just helped birth his son. Right now, I'm his ally. The day when I become his worst enemy hasn't arrived yet.

"Thank you very much", he spoke. "I heard you saved my son".

I just nodded in acknowledgement, afraid my voice would betray my true emotions. He must have seen my hesitation behind my veil and head covering.

"Tell me, how could I repay you?", he offered. "I can give you as much gold as your eyes can see if that's what you desire".

I scoffed. How dare him offer me gold? It's not even his to begin with! He stole it from the previous rajah. All the newly mined gold he makes sure goes to him as well. And the taxes! More than half of the harvest goes to him. Most of which he trades for weapons and the remaining to feed his army.

"No need", I declined. "I have been paid substantially".

I told him I was just doing my job, part of which is instructing the young concubine's maid how to concoct her medications. It was a difficult childbirth after all. She needed all the help she could have to recover and care for her newborn.

The new rajah persisted and offered his sword. This time, I didn't hesitate to accept it. How ironic it would be to be killed with weapon that he gifted me? I couldn't suppress a smile from forming. He took notice of it despite having my face partially hidden and smiled back.

I finally reached home a while later and decided to sit beneath the palm tree before changing my clothes. I was exhausted after all. My arms hurt from fixing the baby's position and my legs from having to walk afterwards. Taking out Dula's sword from it's sheath, I began to trace the intricate patterns which began on the blade and continued to its hilt. The handle was covered in a serpent, the symbol of General Dula's clan.

I was preoccupied with admiring the blade and fantasizing about the best way to slay its previous owner when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Astonished, I lost my grasp on the sword and it fell between my feet barely missing my left big toe.

"What were you even thinking about?", I screamed. "I almost cut off my toe because of you!"

It felt like cold water was poured over my body when I realized it was Senapati. I removed my head cover and lifted my veil to see him better.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you", I apologized, ashamed this time.

"I was my fault", he replied. "I mistook you for Diwata".

It was the elderly woman's shawl I was wearing after all. And I was wearing women's clothing too-an old but clean blouse and skirt. I didn't know what else to say so I just sat there silently, waiting for him to leave or say anything first. Whatever he does wouldn't matter. I'd only end up getting hurt, as I am now. He wouldn't have approached me if he didn't think I was somebody else.

Just then, my stomach growled. He looked at me and smiled for the first time since last night. I felt my heart drop to my stomach. Really, I was helpless around this man.

He picked up the sword, placed it back in it's sheath and motioned for me to come inside.

There was nobody else in the kitchen so I began scooping rice from the pot. He took the bowl from my hand and told me to sit and wait. I protested despite feeling my arms tremble due to fatigue. I couldn't let the future rajah serve my food! It should be the other way around.

"I was told you had to deliver a baby", he began. "You must not have eaten yet".

I told him I was fine and began to reach for my bowl of food.

"I've known you for five years. I've lived with you, eaten with you, slept in the same room with you", he reminded me. "I can look at you for one second and know exactly how you feel".

I dropped my hand to my side and avoided his gaze. He placed my food in front of me and silently ate his.

Unable to think of any possible counter, I began to dig in as well. It was fish cooked in a stew of greens and spices. It has gone cold but my hunger didn't stop me from devouring everything. I was down to my last bite when I heard him speak.

"What's your name?", he asked. His face was devoid of any emotion. I can feel his gaze penetrating into my soul, revealing every flaw and every dream I've ever had of him.

"Lawin", I answered. My focus on the almost empty bowl before me.

"Your real name", he insisted.

I took a deep breath and said, "Naya".

"So Naya", he went on. I could feel his eyes studying me. I exhaled and raised head to look at him.

"Tell me why you refuse to marry me", he finished.

I quickly stood up in surprise. Wrong move. I felt my knees give out below me and I fell with a thud against the wooden chair. He immediately reached for my hand to steady me. I pulled away as if accidentally touching a burning coal. He refused to let go and held my hand tighter instead. He leaned into me as a result and I could feel his warm breath against my face. The familiar minty scent engulfed me and I couldn't stop myself from taking a deep breath. The dining table was the only thing between us but I couldn't help but be carried away by his presence.

"Naya?", he said my name for the first time. It sounded like music to my ears.

"Yes", I whispered faintly.

"Why do you not want to marry me?", he repeated his query.

"I never said that I don't", I bravely said.

"What do you mean?". His eyebrows were furrowed in confusion.

"I will be your wife, if that is what you want", I barely answered.

A smile suddenly appeared on his face. I felt all my exhaustion escape my body as his lips descended to meet mine.