"Abba's tits," Datu Butod said. "Now what?" He sighed, shaking his head. "All our planning has gone to naught with Mingming's action. If the Sultan knows about this-"

  Datu Sandawili interrupted him before he could finish. "Fuck. We need to act before this whole thing blows like a lantaka on our faces." She stood, hands on her blackened short spear and turned to Pulaco, who was in deep thought. "Butod and I complement each other's fighting style. So, it'll be best if we stick together. What say you, Pulaco?"

  Salip Pulaco snapped his head up when Sandawili repeated his name. He was still reeling from Mingming's actions and couldn't think straight.

  "What did you say?"

  "I said it'd be better if me and Butod go together but I think it would be good if one of us come with you, instead."

  "No...you're right. We'll have to split our forces," Pulaco said. "Both you and your men must guard the beach. It's a large area to protect but the reef and the rocks may give you some time to properly make use of your men." He turned to her daughter's soon-to-be husband. "Lam, go with them."

  "But I'd like to go with you-" Lam blurted but Pulaco cut him off.

  "It would be best if you follow what I say. Or you can leave us now. I am in no mood for another insubordination."

  Lam only nodded. It wasn't in him to question his friend's decision, especially when he's in a foul mood.

  "Do you have any idea where Mingming hid the cache?" Pulaco said.

  "Of course," Lam said after he realized what Pulaco planned to do.

  "Go and take five men with you to gather all of it. Then, hand it to Sandawili and Butod's men."

  Pulaco drew a rough map on the ground with a stick. "There's only two ways to approach the island. First, is the beach and the other one is the pass. But there's a strong chance they'll come and use the trail their emissary used to get here and surprise us. So I'll muster my serfs to the south to intercept them." He added as he drew a line in the sketch where the lip of the pass opened up towards their village. "I'll secure the Narrows and rely on the cliffs to keep them away. If given a chance, I will try to negotiate with them. If not, then I'll slow them down as best as I can."

  "There's a reason our folks call it the Narrows." Datu Sandawili said, agreeing to Pulaco. "The place's a natural funnel. Their numbers won't matter there if this goes south. And yes, if they come through there we'd have a chance to delay their invasion of Mandawili and the surrounding villages."

  Pulaco nodded. "Exactly, But if their last raid is any indication the Magalos may use the beach to accommodate their whole fleet. We'll have to cover all angles against them as soon as we can."

  "Then, will have to go. Now, time's of the essence," Datu Sandawili said as she turned to Butod, who was bowing his head up and down.

  "What the hell are you doing?"

  "Praying, dammit," Butod answered, eyes still closed.

  "Praying to who?"

  "To anyone that's willing to listen to me," said Datu Butod, bobbing his head.

  Datu Sandawili stood, clearly exasperated. "Ah, shit. Let's go, you're just wasting our time."

  Butod relented and stood up. Then, both datus nodded and bid farewell to Pulaco. They left the smith's shed and went to their respective men. A moment later they started their way to the beach, each followed by a hundred or so warrior serf.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  "May Kaptan, Abba, and the anitos guide you backs," Pulaco whispered as he stayed and watched them all marched on.

  Salip Pulaco sighed as he stood near the kiln. He felt alone and helpless once more. The pain, the insecurity, and the inadequacy tempted him.

  He couldn't recognize himself anymore. The anger he hid inside him almost took over again. Awhile ago, he even thought of striking Mingming down. His own brother-in-arms. Just one strike to end it. How could he even think like that? But he knew the answer. Because it was way too easy, he answered. It was a course any man bound to their rage would take. But then, he would have proven all those who said that he was nothing but a killer, a battle-hungry warlord. The only thing that stopped him was that Ming's words were in fact truthful.

  He shook his head. It was the only way. Or was it? He breath out a heavy sigh. How could all of this happen? he asked himself and could not find the right solution. "Where did I get it wrong this time?"

  A long time ago, all he wanted was to be the greatest warrior and bagani that he could be. He traveled, fought and triumphed against the best. People from different tribes respected and feared the man they called Kalipulako. Foolish and naive, he went on with this for years, gaining himself other names. Names he was not proud of. Names that defined him truly. Then, more men sought him to prove their mettle, feeding his dark reputation even more. Some did not deserve death at all. While others needed to be brought back to the mud. And as time went by he made more and more enemies along the way. And it all lead to Angga's demise. It all lead to misery. All because he was selfish. All because he hounded glory for its own sake. He tried to do his best to avoid it ever happening again. He made peace with his enemies. Tried his best to do what's right. He already learned the hard way. So, he desperately chased peace and clung on to the idea that it was the answer. The only answer. But in a blink of an eye, everything he cared for was in danger once again.

  "How could this happen to me? Why?"

  He sighed and closed his eyes. He was going in circles. It was too late to cast the blame. Too late to justify anything. Too late to undo what was already set. All he could do is take it like a man. All he could do is think of now. And right now, he has to face an old enemy. An enemy he loathed and despised. But this time around it'll be more difficult. He eyed the glowing fire on the smiths kiln, looking for answers to his dilemma. Looking for a way to protect his people and still maintain peace. Its radiant heat didn't do any good against the mind numbing cold he felt inside him.

  "Will we all burn because of this?"

  The blue flame only hissed and crackled at him. Then, Malaya and his seven young sons approached Pulaco. They crowded around their father, faces visibly shaken and afraid. Malaya broke the silence and asked the question they've all wanted to ask.

  "Is it true, father? What Lam told me...? Are the destroyers coming? Will we fight the Magalos again?"

  Pulaco nodded. "It is a possibility, but don't fear," he said as he placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I already taught you all I know against them. I'm sure you'll handle things just fine."

  Malaya nodded.

  "It would be safe for you to go to your grandmother. You could stay there-"

  "Don't worry about us," Malaya cut him off and hugged him tight enough that lancing pain crossed his injured shoulder. The rest of his young sons followed suit.

  Pulaco felt as though they were an island in the middle of a raging sea. A sanctuary in a tempestuous time.

  "Uncle Ming sent the twins to escort us," Malaya said. "We'll be fine. Be careful out there, father. And show them what you're made of."

  Pulaco only nodded as he hugged his children one last time. He thought of all the happy times they spent together when his wife, Angga, was still alive. He remembered their sadness when she died. He'll never let it happen again. He let go before succumbing to his emotions. It felt like it was their last farewell. One by one, they went their way towards Sikaran and Dumog, leaving Pulaco behind. Alone once again. He sighed. He wanted to hold them once more time but he shook his head. Next time I meet you I promise...

  He should have felt forsaken. He should have felt fear. It was a fine reason to break down and crumble. But it only gave the chief of Mandawili a goal to aspire to. A challenge to face. Something to chase. He took the kampilan that he sharpened earlier that day and placed it inside its wooden scabbard. The single-edged sword hissed as its hilt kissed the scabbard's tip. It was the newest and finest blade in the armory. And it'll have its taste of blood on the on-coming battle if his predictions were right.

  Pulaco tried all the shields in the shed one by one, taking his time but none of them had the right balance. Nor the right heft. None of them fit, except one. He held the shield that Mingming left behind. It was heavy but not as heavy as the shield that his father gave him. It will be enough for now, he thought. He shook his head as he remembered the old saying his mother used to say when his father got himself into a fight.

  "Sword and shield go together like folly and pride."

  What an apt thing to say for the moment at hand. Apt and true. He took a step and walked towards his men, knowing he may never come back to his village. Knowing that he may fail again... but he also knew that he'll do whatever it takes to do what must be done. And this time around he knew things were different. Things had changed.