Episode 8: Rigel Kentaurus

Episode 8: Rigel Kentaurus

                Three days and a couple of nights, the envoy has finally returned from Pinansey-angan territory. Dustin and Lireign led that envoy which I rest assured they’ve handled the task well. Apart from the trusted ones inside the kingdom, they are the ones who have the gentle way of talking and calm appearance that makes them the perfect messengers.

“What do they ask in return?” Felipe queried. We are on a covered area that they’ve created as a conference hall with the barrier separating us from the inside. The leaders of the districts were also present as to this meeting. Sinandaya kingdom was divided into four states, mainly the Abatan of the southern Sinandaya, the Halsema in the east, Ampusungan in the west, and the capital part is Naguey.

“Weaponry, General. They want our advanced pieces of equipment and battle tactics,” Lireign answered.

“Is that their only condition?” Naguey district leader then asked which Dustin shook his head.

“They want an alliance between Sinandaya and Pinansey-angan as well. Before they can give the thing we demand, a formal talk with our highest leader.”

“Then it will be a win-win situation for the both of us, right?” I cut in that they all turn their heads on me. Felipe responded in his warning voice.

“Gaia, alliance between two kingdoms includes political marriage which is possibly an option.”

“To this moment, Pinansey-angan kingdom was ruled by Andrada and his queen Kristina. But we didn’t meet them. The prince, Vander Contejo was the one who received our arrival.”

“That prince highlights the possibility then,” Felipe specified with his chin rested on both of his hands situated on top of the table. “They were also in a war against the Malabi pack, of course, they’ll snatch sudden opportunity with an alliance to strengthen their defenses. are you willing to take the risk, Gaia?”

                        My mouth zipped. There are no other options. But the entire kingdom was bound to fall down if I still am selfish, “Yes, I am. For the sake of the kingdom and the people, I can take risks. I did not raise Sinandaya from ashes just to watch it collapse.”

                        Felipe’s lips hung open that he then closed the moment he saw how determined I am in my words. “Lead a voyage tomorrow back to Pinansey-angan.”

“Today, be it today. Infected cases were rising and that antidote couldn’t wait furthermore,” I again cut in which the four districts leaders approved. Felipe then nodded and sealed the letter.

“We’ll wait for the good news, Gaia. Five days should be enough, you must get enough of the missing components as soon as possible.”

                      A simple smile formed on my lips, I stand up and placed my arm across my chest before finally taking my exit. Mayari followed as soon as she got the sealed letter. Outside of the shift conference hall was the camp the troop had set up, and with my command, they all lined up in 5 columns and 10 rows.

“Half of the troop shall stay and the remaining ones will go on an expedition with me, Pinansey-angan territory is our destination. Buckle up, we’ll go in no less than fifteen minutes.”

                       With that, I left and entered the tent where my armor and weapons were placed. Choosing the steel armor, I quickly dressed up and grabbed the helmet in my hand. Tossing my sword in the air to its scabbard and the balaraw dagger on its sheath behind my waist. The last strand of hair still out freely was pinned in secure to my braids before I exit off the shelter.

“All geared up?” I shouted that all of them formed 5-5 columns and rows set-up.

“Yes, General! Equipped, arrayed, unzipped, the fourth platoon ready for the voyage!” They answered in chorus. I kept an austere manner as I watch how attentive they are, Mayari had cultivated this platoon strictly yet wisely.

*****

“This is the last passage, and on the edge was their entrance.”

                         I nodded as Dustin led the way. Throughout the two days journey, the travel was fine with no bloodshed or wolves that attacked us. Everything went straight with no interruption making the travel twice faster than usual. Rations and supplies were also enough for all of us to continue.

                        Arriving at the entrance that Dustin mentioned, several guards in armor blocked the path. They all have this sun emblem on their protective suits which is perhaps the Pinansey-angan’s symbol. Lireign walked past me and talked with them.

“We are from Sinandaya territory, our attendance is expected by the prince.”

“Show me an affirmation.”

                       Lireign smiled and showed the pendant in the shape of the sun emblem. The guard stared at it for a bit and stippled with some dust-like particles, making it glow like sodalite. Their security wasn’t as bad as what I’d expected earlier.

“Dylan will lead you to the chamber,” he simply uttered and gave the pendant back to Lireign. The metallic bars then rolled up, letting us inside. Greeneries and abundant plants and herbs surround the entire kingdom like you’re in a deep forest.

“Welcome to Pinansey-angan kingdom where the sun rises first!” shouted a little girl that juggles a red ball in her hands. I only turned to her and smiled, the only thing I can do. From then until now, I am not fond of talking or playing with kids to the reason that every time a child walks closer to me, the entire scenery of how my only sister died replays in my head.

                         Tears were uncontrollably falling from her eyes, but she didn’t dare move nor tried to escape from the blades that were aimed at her at that time. Mom and dad were lying lifelessly and only her was left breathing. She knew I was there, witnessing the bloody massacre. One of the werewolves may have sensed my presence so he turned and paced my direction. And Kelly was the one who saved me, she imitated my breathing in able to shift the wolf’s attention to her.

                          She mouthed the word ‘run’ before Kelly took the last glance. And there I saw how her blood splatter on the ground. They cruelly slit off her head like she was just an animal in those beasts’ eyes. And I couldn’t do anything, I’m just someone who holds no power nor strength to fight. I was left helpless, nothing but the pain became my comfort.

“Prince Vander, here are the guests from Sinandaya kingdom,” the guard, Dylan introduced as soon as we entered another gate. An enormous castle was inside, but the guard didn’t lead us inside. The side where wide grass and archery shooting range was what he left us. There I saw the so-called prince, geared on a casual beige long-sleeved shirt and his pants of course.

                  He was holding up a bow loaded with three arrows. Behind the guard’s loud voice, he didn’t even talk or spared a single glance at us. He continued what he was doing like he did hear nothing. Is he bragging about his skills?

“I bet you can’t aim the bull’s eye with that three arrows at the same time,” I spouted with both of my hands crossed and my body leaned on the dark oak tree.

“Oh really? If I proved you’re wrong, are you willing to dance with me tonight?” the Prince replied without again facing us.

“Sure. But if I am right, are you willing to give us what we want with no corresponding conditions?”

“Deal,” he simply nodded and released those arrows.

                My eyes widened in surprise. He really did hit the target all in the bull’s eye. How is that even possible?

“So, you’ll dance with me tonight.” He then turned with his head tilted on the other side, making him look smugly charming. I am not on my territory, so I need to stand up to my words which I accepted his offered hand with a smile on my face.

“No problem. Gaia Vallejo, General of Sinandaya’s army.”

“Pleasure to finally meet you. Vander Contejo, prince regent of Pinansey-angan territory.”

                 I couldn’t stop but to admire his dauntless stance, he has this naturally blonde hair brushed side up and auburn eyes that boasts his charisma. Vander was that three to four inches taller than me that I needed to raise my head to meet his shooting stares.

“I know your beauty matches the stars in the sky, may I take the honor to remove this armor of yours?”

                 Unlike Diego, this man has the sense of seduction… and flowery words as well. I smiled and simply nodded as approval. Vander’s smile twinkled and reached out for my helmet.

“Which star are you referring to, prince Vander?” I asked when he finally get rid of the steel covering my face. His grimace widened and his finger lightly poked my chin.

“Rigel Kentaurus, Sweetie.”