6.3 WHIPPED DOG
Tikum's heart bounced inside his chest. While the color of his face drained away, leaving behind the pale features of a man whose bubble has been abruptly burst. His hastily cobbled-up plan hinged on Tugnawon's obvious dullness. But her little surprise threw all that away in a breath. Now, he had to improvise. He had to or it would be his end. Tikum cursed himself. He had to strike fast. He had to do it now or utterly fail.
But Tugnawon had other things in mind for Tikum. With ferocity, her slam sent him crashing down, breaking his weapon into pieces and leaving him with a meager splintered handle of his spear. Tikum grimaced in pain as he crawled away, feeling the full brunt of her attack on his poor back. Discontented, Tugnawon picked him up again and shook his weapon off from him. Her strength was inhuman and all Tikum could do was grit his teeth, trying his damn best to hold on to the only form of defense he had.
His hands trembled as he doubled his efforts. Still, she was too strong. Far stronger than him or any man at that. But Tikum still had his wile and wit with him. Using her own force he deflected the end of the broken piece of spear towards Tugnawon, drawing blood and leaving splinters behind. A gash from her wrist to her elbow made her pause her assault. Tikum eyed her and in a flash, he felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding.
Things were about to get much... much worse.
The Black Dog froze as a roar from the giantess' maw tore through the noise of the jeering townsfolk. And as clear as day, he saw the intelligence in Tugnawon's eyes change into a beastly glint born out of malice but he couldn't stop himself from smiling even in the face of danger. It wasn't because he finally cracked his head and went crazy. It was because in a short span he realized he could still win after seeing the giantess' reaction.
Say one thing about the Black Dog. Say he really knows how to read people. And he's a damn expert when it comes to exploiting other people's tell.
Tikum knew by then that she was going to be under an angry spell for a breath- a momentary lost of composure as the smart ones call it. The perfect opportunity he was looking for. With her paralyzed with fury, the cogs on Tikum's mind clicked. He turned his head towards her wound and attacked as she shifted her attention on staunching the blood on her injury. But bad luck struck for the Black Dog as a staff of light coming from the elders' general direction flashed at Tikum's eyes for the second time. All Tikum could do was curse his luck. For his failure to strike afforded Tugnawon an opportunity to deal another blow with the dull end of her weapon.
The audience flinched as Tikum felt the brutal blow on his chest. It sent him back to the kawayan railings, making the whole structure shake from the impact. Tugnawon roared again, this time in satisfaction as she let Tikum fall on his own, watching the Black Dog grimacing in agony.
The more verbose member of the audience that consisted the putli heckled Tikum. While a rare few encouraged him to fight back. Whether they were just mocking him or not, he no longer cared. On the other hand, the rest of the onlookers, the commoners, cheered like chaos-driven fiends unleashed to the world of the innocent. They were not the typical crowd... The were more bloodthirsty, to say the least.
They somehow knew that the duel itself was bound to be one of the shortest fracas inside the pit, especially if Tugnawon was the one fighting. The giantess wasn't fond of wasting her time on good-for-nothing nobodies.
Amidst the ruckus, Tikum could only hear a buzzing sound in his ears as he lay prone. All his senses felt like they were all too bruised to do any good. Every breath was labored and every second stretched a little too long as he stayed immobilized. He tried to stand, lifting his head up first. As he picked himself up he stumbled, collapsing back. Fatigue and compounded pain was his new enemy. An enemy few could best. Even for the likes of the Black Dog. He lifted his head again, mind clearly disorientated. All he could see was the sky and the wispy clouds drifting by. He tried to move but lancing pain hit his whole body in full. A seed of doubt grew on Tikum's heart too. Could he continue on? Could he even fight? Or was this his last? All this wasn't supposed to happen. He shouldn't have failed this bad. But when all seemed lost, a voice called from inside him. Buried deep in the darkness, it urged him.
At first, he didn't know who it was. But as it called for him again he smiled. It was Ukok's voice. It was his daughter. He shook his head and slowly let out a breath. Just his imagination. But it was enough for a man like him... For a father like Tikum Kadlum. He nodded to himself. She needed him still. He needed her still. He clenched his fist, mustering his reserves. Tikum had to fight back. He had to fucking win for his daughter. Or die trying. But how? How would he do it? He couldn't rely on the others. Everyone expected him to pull something extraordinary out of thin air. He had to beat the giant. It was expected. He had to do it all on his own. Somehow.
***
Tugnawon addressed the crowd and they replied with a thunderous applause, demanding death. The people weren't fans of underdogs or any other dogs. For them, the weak must yield to the strong. It was the ancient law of the jungles of Buglas and they simply abided. Suffice to say, it was popular here too. For one must abide or perish as the old saying went.
In their minds, there was no mercy for the broken. It was the reason why they abandoned their own babes in the wilderness just for being weak and deformed. Because for them, there was only healthy children in Vijayas. There was only strong Vijayans. Strong or none at all. But then, amidst the savage cacophony of the crowd the Black Dog stood up as straight as he could. He dusted himself while Tugnawon continued to bask at the Ulayan's adoration. His nonchalant gesture turned the gushing screams into a trickle of whispers. Tugnawon's foe was still in the fight. It wasn't over yet.
Tikum shook his head as he kept whispering something to himself, a mantra of sorts. A promise to his Ukok. Yes, Tikum did not exactly know what to do. All he knew was he had to fight on.
A pained look plastered his face with every action he made. "Hey... hey!" he said as he eyed his foe. "Hey!"
His heart was about to burst in terror but those who sat in their comfortable seats saw the simple act as bravery. Maybe, it was that or a fraction of it. Even Tikum did not know for sure. But the sight of a man refusing to give up was enough to silence the riotous audience.
"Not that easy, " Tikum mumbled, tasting his own blood as he took a step. "I... just want to get my daughter back." His voiced was down to a whisper but everybody heard it. And everyone felt it.
Tikum spat blood. "I... just want to go home. You can try to stop me. Yeah, try... But I'm not going back to the mud that easy."
He felt his whole body tremble after uttering the final word. But they were all true. From the singing serpent, Macupo, to the towering bird-of-prey, Minokawa. Tikum did not give up. He wasn't planning to on this one. His body disagreed, but he urged himself. One step at a time, he thought. He wasn't going out that easily. Hate and pride kept him together all those years when Ukok was not yet. Now, things changed, love powered him this time. Love for his daughter. All the pain in the world became bearable. Or it seemed like it was, in that exact moment.
Tugnawon sneered. "Up for more punishment?"
"Not exactly." The Black Dog steadied himself using the railings. "But we're not finish yet. I can still fight. And I... I will win, " he said. Every word he uttered was with conviction. Though it was clearly easier said than done. Tikum still needed to find a way to get close to Tugnawon. That or he could just surrender. He laughed and stopped till his ribs ached. He should've surrendered. A sane man would've. But he wasn't. He smiled. It was already decided. It was already settled long ago.
Tugnawon turned to Old Noram and all he could see was the surprise dawning on the old tumao's wrinkled face. It soon changed to anger as she sprung up, stabbing her fingers towards the Black Dog.
"Kill him now!" Old Noram shrieked.
Tugnawon nodded. And like a force of nature unleashed by the heavens, she leapt towards Tikum. There was no other way to describe the violent intent flowing through her veins as every corded muscle from her biceps and down the latter half of her body burst into motion. It could be called as her very own feral hatred fueling her, but that would be too watered down. Like a landslide crashing towards a helpless fool of a dog, she pounced with her weapon poised and ready. But Tikum was no fool. He was already waiting for it, fist on guard. He dodged Tugnawon's bulk merely on instinct- all muscle memory, after years of fighting to live in the wild lands of Vijayas. Not to be dissuaded, the snarling beast continued and all Tikum could do was weave through all of it. Every miss made Tugnawon more irritated, but it seemed to energize the Black Dog, building his confidence more and more. His spirit was on a high when one swing hit its mark- just a grazing blow that touched his cross guard. He absorbed most of it, letting it flow through him but the force of her attack still sent him scrambling nonetheless.
With Tikum's unsure footing, Tugnawon struck again. Luckily, this time it was too wide a swing and all Tikum did was duck low, uncoiling the muscles on his arm like a spring.
"You missed big bone," he said, proud of his keen sense of timing. But Tikum made a mistake, overreaching his target as he tried to punch the giantess out with the remains of his strength. His legs gave way first before he felt the strike on his chest swell and wrap around his body. Then, everything went numb and cold as he fell down.
Tugnawon grabbed him by his hair, lifting him to eye level. "You're to slow!" she said as she punched him in the gut. "Slow as a snail."
Tikum blacked out momentarily. When he opened his eyes Tugnawon was inches away. After a closer look, Tikum realized that she wasn't ugly per se. Ugly was too dull of a definition. His ears rang louder. She was more like the frightening kind you only see in nightmares...
Tugnawon spat a curse and said something. But Tikum's mind wandered, too beaten up to focus. He eyed her, examining her features. There was fierceness in her eyes that only rabid beasts had. The brutality of her face could've made any man piss himself and Tikum wasn't sure if he hasn't yet. Spittle sprayed as she grumbled something again. Then, Tugnawon held him closer until he could feel the vapor of her breath. And smell it too. He made a face and then he smiled. Spoiled fish came to mind. She grinned back with malice. It was at that moment when he punched Tugnawon's neck. Lancing pain danced on the bones of his fist as it landed. Punching her was like punching a steel plate. But somehow it was enough. Somehow it made a difference as the giant backed away, making choking sounds. Tikum massage his fist as soon a she dropped him. His mind cleared up as he steadied his feet. Good to know she wasn't as invincible as he imagined. Good to know he remembered Amburukay.
"You cunt!" Tugnawon managed to say.
She was clearly in distress but before Tikum could follow suit another blinding light impaired his vision. He staggered away, raising his hand to shade his eyes. Tugnawon chose that time to kick Tikum in the sternum. Luckily, he raised both hands up for protection. But it still sent him tumbling down the kawayan floor and crashing at the end of the bridge. Seeing it coming wouldn't have done Tikum any good. Tugnawon was a deadly warrior. The deadliest in all of Ulay.
Tugnawon rubbed her neck. "I'm going to crack your head like an egg."
Still groggy, Tikum lay immobile. Fast and strong, the giant was a dangerous foe. Too dangerous for Tikum to take on himself. Too dangerous for a man alone. With a bit of his senses back, the Black Dog slowly rose. He can't stop now. He spat blood. Things were getting worse by the breath. He was supposed to be victorious by now. But all the injuries he had argued differently. He hissed, trying to ignore his predicament. Well, he tried to, but the pain lingered.
Another blow would surely be his end, he thought. He was sure of it. He took his time, sucking in breath. Then he patted himself, checking for misplaced parts. Everything was still in place but the agony he bore was another story. Tugnawon goaded him to fight. To attack. To let his rage fuel him. And that's what Tikum did.
He took a step towards her to exact his vengeance. But another white glare coming from behind her foe, struck Tikum's eyes. For a moment, all he could see was white blankness. He shook his head. Not again. Not like this. Still Tikum continued half-blind. But instead of facing the giant, he reeled to the side and staggered to a pause. His body was clearly protesting for him to stop. When he opened his eyes Tugnawon was already in front of him, waiting to drop the killing blow.
"Good bye, little man," Tugnawon said, veins popping and sinews wound ready to let the stone hammer go. But before she could smash the Black Dog, a figure blurred in between them.
Tikum couldn't believe who it was though. But he was glad she did it.
"Enough!" Amburukay said, leaping to the rescue with knife in hand. Tugnawon roared and let the stone hammer fall towards the manghihiwit. But Amburukay was ready.
After watching them fight from a distance, the manghihiwit saw all the patterns and all the flaws of the giantess. Moving one step to the side, she evaded Tugnawon easily. Then, like a tigress, Amburukay pounced on her towering foe in full wrath. She didn't have her magic yet but she was no weakling. She was going to show Tikum that fact. With one quick flick she gauged her foe's eye with her knife, vaulting away before Tugnawon could exact her revenge.
Amburukay rolled down to a stop, wiping the warm blood on her face. "This should be on equal footing."
***
In panic, Tugnawon began her counter attack, striking indiscriminately. Every swing sent her weapon crashing on the railing and the kawayan bridge rained splinters. Tikum tried his best to defend himself but a stray attack grazed him in the chest, staggering him. It sent him over the railing just behind his wife. But things were so fast he didn't have any time to purchase a handhold.
Good thing, the manghihiwit turned and caught his hand. It was just in time before he fell below to the waiting buwayas' jaws. She gritted her teeth as he pulled him back.
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"I think you need help." Amburukay glanced at him and doubled back. "Gods, I didn't know if it were possible but you look worse, my dear husband. Way... Way worse than usual."
"Thanks, for the compliment, " Tikum said breathing heavy and labored.
"Are you okay? Do you need to lie down?"
"Nah, pain is ephemeral. Glory is forever..."
Amburukay paused. "I see you still got your wits with you."
"Can't live without it," Tikum said. "Almost died because of it." He took a step in front of Amburukay.
Tikum glanced back at the manghihiwit as she raised her forearm, shading her eyes as a staff of light almost blinded her. He followed its source but Amburukay already found it in the crowd.
"I see you!" the manghihiwit whispered, throwing her knife at the spectators behind Tugnawon. Old Noram stifled her shriek as she raised her skewered hand. Amburukay's blade glinting red, half-buried on it.
"Crush that bitch! Tugnawon!" the old tumao said.
Tikum growled as he realized what had happened. It was so simple and obvious. She was manipulating her silver bracelets so the sun's light could catch it and blind her daughter's foe. Not as noble as she should be. But it was expected. Tikum spat in anger.
Caught red-handed by the whole audience, Old Noram shed her guise away. "Feed them to the buwayas! Kill them both! Kill them!"
Her eyes bulged, face turning white with fury.
"She's cheating!" Amburukay screamed back as the crowd began booing Old Noram. The manghihiwit took several steps back, stopping beside Tikum, who was sporting an awful-looking swollen eye.
"Nice catch," Tikum said. "But I could've dealt with her on my-"
"You can't do everything all on your own."
"There's still fight left in me." Tikum lied as he wiped the blood off his lips before she could comment. "Wanna bet?"
"Yeah? You're really going with that?" Amburukay gave her a catty smile. "I hope you could use your bravado against that."
The two stood side by side as the giantess raised her stone hammer. She shrieked and everything seemed to stop. Her frightening visage loomed over the two. Tikum thought it wasn't possible but Tugnawon looked more enraged.
Tikum took a deep breath, stepping back and eyeing his ally. "But... it wouldn't hurt if you help," he said to Amburukay.
Angered and hurt, Tugnawon screamed her war cry, swinging her weapon in blurring arcs at the manghihiwit who struck her mother, but Ambu was faster. She pushed Tikum away, barely managing to avoid Tugnawon's strike herself. Using her innate speed, the manghihiwit feinted a slash, making Tugnawon hesitate. Tikum, on the other hand, used the momentum of Amburukay's push to slip and slide between Tugnawon's legs, tripping the giant and sending her own weapon back at her face and knocking her out of the fight in an instant. He was about to say something smart. But Amburukay ignored him and went straight to Old Noram, who was nursing her wound.
The crone protested and pleaded for the other elders to intervene. They should have ordered their timawas to arrest Amburukay and Tikum but they sat unmoved. The manghihiwit lunged and wrestled Old Noram down before the elders changed their minds. All the while, the fickle crowd screamed their lungs out, seeing another fight between the two women break out.
"Let go you cretin! Unhand me!" Old Noram said before the manghihiwit struck her full in the face breaking her nose. "Argh! You bitch!"
"Look who's talking." Amburukay held her up by the collar. "You're a cheating hag!"
Instead of cowering, the tumao resisted, cursing the witch. Old Noram kept on struggling but the manghihiwit's grip was more than strong enough to keep her at bay. "I'll get this filthy hands of yours cut off!" Old Noram said, mouth foaming. "After that... Your serpentine tongue will be next."
"Are you sure you want to threaten me?" Amburukay dangled the tumao above the hungry crocodiles, quieting the crowd. Old Noram's eyes bulged. Then, Amburukay the manghihiwit took Old Noram's bracelet off and raised it for everyone to see. "By your own custom you have doomed yourself! By your very tradition, I judge you as ill-fitting of the chiefdom."
Old Noram spat at her face. "Drop me... And you'll be dead in no time. I am still a tumao. I am still better than you. I'm no more a commoner than you are-"
"Go ahead, finish it."
"You're an abomination, buruhisan. A scum."
The manghihiwit bared her teeth, anger was coursing through her veins. All this delay. All this nonsense was getting her nowhere. This fiasco should have ended earlier. Watching Tikum getting beat up was fun at first, but there was nothing to gain there. She had to get in the mix and stop it. And this old bitch was getting on her nerves. She turned towards Tikum and the fool just stood at the center of the bridge, one foot on Tugnawon's stone hammer. But then, the Black Dog shook his head. It wasn't worth it.
And he was right. This time... He was. Amburukay loosened her grip and dropped Old Noram back to the bamboo bridge. The old woman hissed a curse against her as blood trickled down from her crooked nose.
"Good. Always respect your betters," the old crone said. "Always bow to your elders. Always obey..."
The manghihiwit only raised her chin in victory. Sending her to the buwayas jaws could've made things easier, Amburukay mused. But not today. There was a better way. Ulay's justice will handle her.
"Clouded! Misguided! You should be put back to your place." The old crone grinned, half-expecting to meet her end by the albino crocodiles. "You have missed your one and only opportunity. Never again!"
"Yeah?" Amburukay raised a brow.
She thought differently, Noram was unworthy, even of death by her hands. The manghihiwit realized how power could change one person into a twisted reflection of her herself in that very moment. Noram could've been a good leader but she chose differently. There should be a better way for all of this, Ambu thought. She raised her hand. It was no longer stained by dark magic. People could change. She could change.
She eyed Noram. "I'll let your fellow elders think of a better punishment for all your actions, " Amburukay said. "The Ma-aram of your tribu will know what is wise. They will see it my way." She nodded to Tikum.
But she misjudged how devious Old Noram's ways were. The old crone had other plans. As Amburukay turned her back, the crone charged towards her, intending to push Amburukay off the bamboo bridge and down to the hungry crocodiles. She did not took account of Tikum. As she rushed for Amburukay, the Black Dog threw Tugnawon's stone hammer with the last ounce of his strength.
But it didn't struck home. The weapon landed ahead of its intended target with a loud crash, going through the kawayan platform, punching a wide hole through. Old Noram tried to avoid it but stumbled, unable stop herself she fell to the side. With her own momentum unchecked, the crone went over the damaged railings, falling to the black waters below in a violent splash.
Tikum staggered beside Amburukay at the edge of the bridge, making a face. "I missed," he said as Old Noram gasped for air, crying for help.
Drowning was a noisy business but getting eaten alive by albino crocodiles was louder still.
Tikum shook his head. "I was aiming for the nuggins."
"Mine or hers?" Amburukay gave out a heavy sigh.
Tikum only smiled as he limped his way to the other side of the bridge to meet the Ulayan elders. The crowd, on the other hand erupted in a loud farewell cheer, hooting at the mischievous tumao being eaten alive by the buwayas. Entertained and satiated, all seem to forget that the whole fight was for the rulership of all Ulay.
Tikum halted and glanced back. "Let's go." Amburukay nodded, taking him by the shoulder.
"This was just like Bo-ol," Tikum added, a smile edging on his lips. "Those were the days, huh?"
Amburukay raised a brow. "You and I remember Bo-ol differently."
***
After the fight, the elders honored their custom, giving the winners their due. They then revealed their disdain against Old Noram for being the bigot that she was. They also didn't like how she dealt with foes and friends alike.
So far, all were going well for Tikum and company as the mananambals attended their aches. But a twist in the tale came when the elders also convened that Mendang was too young to have full control of Ulay and all its tribesmen. And a compromise was struck. The elders would rule with her until she reached the right age to marry. Mendang was then tasked to assign advisers of her own. Jurah the ati and Milong were granted the honor without any arguments and a plan for a grand celebration was soon started.
Tikum, on the other hand, was in no celebrating mood. For three days straight he slept. When he woke up, he was not one bit surprised that he was littered with more bruises and scrapes (only his black mane of a hair was left with no bandage). But he wasn't so depressed either. After a few salves and healing enchantments, Mendang agreed to grant him a troop of timawas to help him rescue Ukok. It wasn't the army he was aiming for but it would be enough. The fact that Ulay had nothing else to spare had to be considered too. So, like always, Tikum had to make due with what he had. After all, it was better than nothing.
Several days had passed and the Ulayan seemed to change tact as they began to shower princess Mendang with compliments. It was astounding to see how easily she grew on them. But it wasn't just their fickleness on play. After a few days on her reign, Mendang with the help of Jurah and Milong already showed significant change. She was young and inexperienced but compared to the paranoia Magung cultivated she was ultimately better.
With the Ulayan's behind her, the town's rebuilding started and progress was evident. All seemed satisfied and many wished her years of ruler-ship, except one.
Tugnawon didn't share the town's enthusiasm.
For good measure, the rest of her clan were asked to swear fealty to the new rulers of Ulay. But with disdain, they incited a civil war of sorts. Unfortunately for them, it was quickly snuffed. As a result, they were driven out of Ulay. And all were banished to the dark jungles. Rumors say, that Tugnawon left an oath of vengeance to Mendang and his companions before she left. She said, she would return for the heads of the princess and her champion the Black Dog. Yet another giant out for revenge on Vijayas. But she was a problem for another time.
When Tikum was well enough to travel, princess Mendang gathered all of Ulay for a farewell. Held aloft by a score of timawas on a red palanquin, the princess sat on a carven throne crowned in a silver tiara and dressed in a golden tunic. Fragrant flowers rained on her parade and there was an air of majestic awe as the Ulayan crowd witnessed her approach.
"Well, things look different," Tikum said. He stood aided by a crutch at the gates of the town.
Milong placed a hand on his shoulder. "No thanks to you." The uripon no longer had the yellow of the slaves. Dressed in a black kangan and bahag, he was no longer a servant but a freed man.
Tikum nodded. "Best be sure to guide her well."
Milong nodded. "I may be a free man but I still want to aid princess Ramendang. I already arranged the supplies you asked for. I hope the devatas guide you well, my friend."
Jurah joined them, clad in a silver malong, waist sashed with a green tampi. "Don't worry," she said. "As soon as we convince the elders we'll follow you and find Ukok. Everything will be fine, Tikum. You'll get her back."
Tikum nodded. He understood that the binukot and her advisers still didn't have the clout to sway all of nobles and the elders that most of Ulayans followed. "Don't forget what I told you."
The puyang tightened the loose bandage on Tikum's shoulder. "It'll be hard trying to find your friend in the Dream realm. And I dunno if I can persuade someone of her stature to aid you. I will try my best but I can't promise you anything."
"I expect nothing less from you. Don' t fret though, you've been a great help already. I owe you a lot, Jurah." He bowed his head. "Thank you."
The puyang smiled when Amburukay grumbled something out of earshot.
The manghihiwit was clearly in discomfort, adjusting the tattered black robe on her back for the third time. Wearing a simple white malong sashed in the hip with a red silken cloth suited her. But with everything that was new, there was some getting use to.
Tikum didn't notice it though as he continued, "Before I forget, how are the sisters?"
"The younger one seemed okay," Jurah said. "But I need time to fully clear their minds. Their spirits are at a fragile state but I can mend it. As soon as my spirit-healing take effect they will be alright."
Tikum took a note written on a leaf and passed it to Jurah. "Give them that. Let them read it. Let's see how they'll react." Jurah nodded, hiding his message on the folds of her malong and joined the binukot of Ulay.
***
Princess Mendang stood and everyone bowed their head, kneeling on one knee. She then went to Tikum, embracing the Black Dog. "Be safe, Tikum Kadlum. I hope you return here and I pray you save Ukok. "
Tikum gave her a hug in return. "I will. We will. You should take care of yourself too. Many people expect you to fail but many more pray to the devatas that you succeed. Listen to your advisers and the elders for wisdom but never deny what your heart is telling you."
Princess Mendang's eyes became teary. "May the god, Kaptan, grant you safe passage through the roads of Buglas. Take care, Black dog."
Tikum nodded just as Amburukay lashed her whip at their horses' hind quarters. "I always do."
Taking his cue, Tikum hobbled towards the back of the cart and eased himself on it.
Amburukay glanced back. "We have places to go." She gave their companions a curt nod each as she rode out of the town gates. Then, she pulled the reins and the horses began to gallop away at a steady pace.
"She'll have a lot of things to change," she said.
Tikum nodded. "Things are tough. But I can see her succeeding."
Not long after, they were followed by a troop of timawas, about thirty men strong, on carabao mounts. Most were unwilling but their duty to their leader compelled them to. And well, Princess Mendang also promised them glory and wealth if they accomplished their mission. So, there was that. But the manghihiwit doubted their allegiance. After all, they were the ones who served the tyrant datu. The very men bested by the Raguetanon sisters and herself.
After making sure the warrior serfs behind them could match their progress, she urged their mount and speed on like the wind. "We need to move fast."
"Don't let me stop you," Tikum said, grimacing at the discomfort he was in.
She turned to the carabao-riding timawas behind them. "These people are all spineless. Untrustworthy," she whispered.
Tikum covered his eyes with a cloth, lying on the dried cogon that covered the cart's wooden flooring. "Aren't we all?" He paused. He was tired and a bit antsy to elaborate his point. "Guess we all have to contend with a few changes of minds later."
"Are you sure about not vetting them? They could complicate things against us."
"Worried about them paying you back for defeating them and killing their former master?" He chuckled.
"I can handle them," Amburukay said. "I just don't want the little chance we have... wasted. This has been a long time coming. Time to get Ukok back."
Tikum sat up. "We'll take all the chances. We'll make new ones if we have to. We won't stop until we get her." He clenched his jaw. "Don't worry about them." Tikum looked around. "Wait, where exactly are we going? You said Kihod is going north. Were exactly is that?"
Amburukay turned to him, rolling her eyes. She halted their horses and whistled. The haunting singular tune spread and only the wistful wind and the rustling of the leaves answered her.
Tikum, confused by their sudden pause, studied their surroundings. The trees at the side of the road were immense and imposing. Their gnarled roots twisted against each other, forming an almost impenetrable wall. Even the thick canopy's greenery spread like a thousand fingers, covering the light from the heavens, caging the darkness within.
A good place for an ambush, he mused. A bad place to stay. His knife's blade whispered as he took it from his leather sheath. Unease settled on Tikum as he watched the leaves of the trees stop their movement, unaffected by the cool breeze. Then, he felt the familiar sinking sensation burrow through his skin like a worm. Magic was at play, he guessed. Dark and ancient magic. The manghihiwit's eerie whistle continued and it unnerved Tikum even more, sending the hairs behind his neck standing. "When did you have your powers back?" he said.
Amburukay hushed him and whistled again. This time a buzzing sound came from the shade, growing louder by the breath. A small black creature burst out in to the open, flying up and down and landing on the manghihiwit's open palm. A bagangan. The black beetle circled around her wrist and froze between her thumb and finger.
Tikum made a face. "Are you going to eat that?
Amburukay ignored him and took a strand from her tattered black robe. The black string hardened like a pin. With it, she pierced the bagangan. Then, the manghihiwit closed her eyes, jaws tight. Tapping power from Gadlum or to any source was second nature to any buruhisan. But her channel were all severed through. She was doubtful if she still had time to make the proper offerings and rituals to improve the unstable one that she had. Her breath hitched. Forging new channels had some getting use to. This was her second attempt to trace Kihod.
So, far she already had an inkling where he was going but just to be sure she had to try again. A wave of pain washed all over her body. She concentrated her mind, numbing her senses. This was not easy. She can't just snap her fingers and make things appear. Even the spell she was using right now could kill her if she wasn't careful. She focused her breathing, pacing it with the beating of her heart. Truth was, she didn't know if she can regain all that was lost from her. But she had to try.
Tikum craned his neck, sheathing his blade. "I'm really not joking. We brought provisions. You don't have to eat that."
Amburukay sighed, face paler than usual. "Mount Laon." She turned to him, wiping the the cold sweat on her forehead. "They're going there. I'm sure of it now."
Tikum jerked up, almost falling from the cart. "Mount Laon? The home of the Exalted One?"