6.2 DOG'S LUCK

  A thousand league from Ulay, the carabao-driven cart galloped on the rough road, leaving a cloud of dust behind it. All the while, Sri Kihod's eyes looked further ahead, looking until the path they followed curved to the treeline.

  The manghihiwit sat proudly on the stolen cart. He could've use the fiend inside him to move faster and reach his destination. But relying too much on something so unstable was a risk he was not willing to make.

  Well, not yet.

  Sri Kihod glanced at his companion, sitting at his side. A while ago she was singing the tragic tale of Paran the son of Anoranor. An interesting song to sing for a child as young as her. But she was her mother and her father's child. Not so surprising if he thought about it. Now, her sudden silence peaked his curiosity.

  He smiled, the warmest he could offer. "What is on your mind, little Ukok Suranggaon?"

  "Nothing, sir." Ukok sat with her hands on her lap, avoiding his eyes.

  "You know it's not nice to lie. And no one thinks of nothing. Everyone always thinks of something." He paused. "Okay, to be fair... let me share what I'm thinking, right now."

  Ukok glanced at him, making him smile.

  "I'm thinking of how nice a day it is. The sun above the rolling silky clouds... the caress of the gentle wind. I'm thinking of how a day such as this is often taken for granted. Often easily dismissed. It begs the question, must we experience the opposite to cherish this small freedom?" A span of silence spread between them before he burst into laughter. "Pardon, my long-winded diatribes. How about you, little one?"

  "I'm just bored," Ukok said, having a problem with enunciating the last word.

  "Boredom. Yes, the true enemy of us all." Sri Kihod laughed. "And here I was... putting so much meaning into things. Boredom is indeed a problem little one. It often becomes a torture too when you got all the time in the world to spare."

  Ukok shifted. "I... I think that's not true."

  "How so?"

  "When I get bored I usually do something I like and I usually end up happier."

  Sri Kihod smiled. "Your have your mother's wisdom, Suranggaon. Again, that is also true. The mind was never meant to be idle... and so are the hands. Things must have a goal in mind. A purpose of sorts. And boredom can sometimes be the key to that."

  She turned her head towards him. "Why do you keep calling me that, no one really calls me Suranggaon."

  "Well, your mother gave you that. When you were still at her womb... she would call you that. And I think it's a lovely name for a lovely child like you. Do you remember her, your mother?" He waited for her reaction, reading all the minute signs on her face to validate his guess. Was it a draft for forgetting or perhaps a simple spell to erase memories?

  Maybe the latter.

  Sri Kihod smiled as he patiently waited. He knew how flawed he was. He knew he wasn't a good man even before his stint in Gadlum but the Black Dog... Oh, the Black Dog...

  Sri Kihod studied her face and found his answer. He couldn't believe how ruthless Tikum could be sometimes. Erasing all her daughter's memory of her mother was not just petty, but also cruel. Granted she might be too young and not have that many memories of Amburukay. Still. Sri Kihod's former timawa always had a single-minded approach on things, rendering the himself blind. And it was only one of the many aspects of the Black Dog he knew he should worry about. His more nefarious traits made Tikum much more dangerous as well. Far too dangerous than the worst monsters in Buglas or anywhere in Vijayas. A man who had a knack for chaos.

  Ukok shook her head. "Do you know her? My mother?"

  He nodded. "She's a close friend of mine a long... long time ago. I might tell you about her when we get to Mount Laon. How's your head? Is it still aching?"

  She shook her head. "How about bapa? Where is he? Is it really true that he's waiting for us?"

  "Oh, yes." Sri Kihod smiled. "My friend, Tikum, has gone to the next town first, to prepare a feast for us and give you a surprise."

  A span of silence grew between them before Ukok muttered a word.

  "Okay."

  "You seem in doubt."

  "Bapa always told me that he'll never leave me. He said, he'll bring me to Ananipay. He said we're going to live there with my granny." Ukok's lips twisted into a pout. "I don't know why he left me."

  "So, he was going to take you... to Ananipay."

  "Yes. Did something happen to him? Bapa was sick a few days back when the giant snake bit him. Is he okay? Maybe–"

  "Oh, don't worry." Sri Kihod nodded.

  So, the Black Dog was planning on returning whom. After all these years. It wasn't that surprising. Sri Kihod's face turned stoic, remembering the Usurper's War a long time ago in Ananipay.

  With it, memories of previous battles greeted him. They were not to his liking. Many of his allies went back to the mud during that war. But what irked him the most was how much he lost after. Back then, he was favored. A powerful man to be reckoned with. He was envied, respected, even feared. And he loved it. It was the perk of being the Makaporos na Datuk's consort. But everything ended.

  His hands trembled, face twisting into a scowl. A pulse deep inside him shook his core. He murmured a curse as a faint sound followed the tremor. Slowly, it grew and grew into something recognizable. It was a voice– cold and deep.

  It spoke of his fears and it encouraged his hatred. The gadlumanon, he caught himself thinking. The creature from the shadow realm, even though, caged by his powerful psyche, was still trying its best to free itself. Sri Kihod centered his mind, suppressing its dark influence. It would prey on his weaknesses. He thought of the good things. Those he can still remember. Moments of personal triumph. Moments of victory. He thought in gratitude for past shortcomings, failures that shaped him to become the man he is... or was.

  Can he still say that? Was he still be called a man? Or is he something else? His grip on the reins tightened.

  He still wasn't used to his new form. It felt like he was watching himself from afar. So, removed and isolated. Yes, the face was his, albeit younger. Yes, it was his own mind controlling his own body. But he could sense something strange coursing through his veins. Something alive. To a degree, it made things far better. He felt more open to his surroundings now. He could almost feel every soul in every creature and object around him. But then with all of it was the living emptiness inside. And now, it grew restless. The closest word he could use to describe it was hunger. But all considered, it wasn't too bad. It gave him power. It had its uses against his enemies. His apprentice, Amburukay, would not deny it. The power straight from Gadlum was intoxicating and the monster inside him was using it as bait.

  Sri Kihod clenched his fist. This was true power. This was the power he was searching for. But how can he set it free? How can he let the other buruhisans like him tap into it? Many questions had to be answered. Then, there was also the fragility of controlling it. Of mastering the living power inside him...

  A loathing laughter inside him answered. The gadlumanon was mocking him. The way he mocked it before. Years ago, he was dead sure he wouldn't escape the Bone Gates' shackles but opportunity rose and now their roles were reversed. He smiled at a thought. Tikum and Amburukay all contributed to his freedom. Such irony. Their betrayal has now come to collect debts. Their daughter, Ukok, shall grant Kihod his grand legacy.

  "Full circle," he whispered. Just like the giant serpent bakunawa eating its own tail. The beginning was near. It was so close for Sri Kihod.

  The gadlumanon tried again, enticing him to use his powers. Strength flowed through his body, waiting for him to use it. He shook his head. He won't be tricked easily, he thought. For a moment, he went into another meditative state. One of the few tricks of his manghihiwit trade. Inch by inch the darkness inside him was diminished and the loud laughter faded... but the voice and its faint whispers was still there, coming from the recesses of his mind. For now, it was enough.

  Eventually, he'll have to devise a spell to nail the gadlumanon inside him to its proper place. Or permanently cut it away from him. To do that, he had to be near a place of power. A region where magic is in its strongest. But it can wait a bit. Now, he needs to focus on gaining Ukok's trust first.

  Sri Kihod pulled the reins and the pair of carabao stopped. "So, what do you do to pass time, Ukok?"

  Ukok thought for a moment, biting at her lower lip. "Bapa tells me stories. Do you have any? I like stories with Atis in it.

  "Ah, the ati people..."

  "Yes! My teacher is an ati! Her name is Jurah, she has many stories too. She thought me of Paran and his father and about the shark god. And also about Kaptan and his children. I like Lisuga! I also like the story about Alunsina. Mistress Jurah is really nice. I also have a friend, her name's Mendang. She likes stories too–"

  "So, stories." Sri Kihod stared at Ukok and she nodded. He urged their mount to hasten. The roads of Buglas seemed to go on forever. But he knew better. It all ended in one place. The place where all roads meet. He smiled, thoughts on somewhere else.

  Ukok held on to the cart's seat. "Do you like stories, too?"

  Sri Kihod turned to her. "Sure, I have stories too, Suranggaon. Everyone has one. It is what makes us who we are... stories. Do you want to hear mine?"

  "Okay." She nodded.

  "Then, let me tell you about the tale of Mount Laon first... and the Bone Gates at its feet."

  "Where is that?"

  "Oh, we're nearly there. You'd really love Mount Loan, Suranggaon. You'd feel at home there."

  "Have you traveled there before?"

  Sri Kihod nodded. "Of course, all buruhisan must go there at least once in their life. You see, Kang Laon's volcano is not just beautiful. It is also one of the few places of power here in Vijayas."

  ***

  As per Noram's instruction, a pair of grizzled timawas escorted Tikum and his companions. Her reason was that they were strangers and not to be trusted. The fear of them cheating was also raised soon after.

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  Tikum sighed. It made things harder for him. How was he going to explain himself to his friends? Harder still, was concocting a new plan to get himself out of his present predicament. He thought of tiring their guards, leading them to the bustling market place. With quick strides, Tikum tried his best to escape Noram's men but hiding behind a kiosk selling fresh water crab quickly failed. The timawas were already at his side before he could take a breather. They knew the ins and outs of the town all to well, making a fool of the Black Dog. It was useless.

  Tikum kicked a basket made of rattan fiber in exasperation, but soon regretted it after seeing the basket trader's look. The warrior serfs motioned towards him, but relaxed as soon as he dropped down near a basi wine vendor, offering his apologies to the mumbling basket trader. He was out of stupid ideas and his patience was chipping away.

  Tikum sighed, sitting cross-legged while the rest of his allies tried to distract themselves with the wares of the market.

  It was a bit amusing and bizarre for him to still see traders of all sorts conduct business just a day after their town was invaded and their leader killed. But business must go on. People needed to barter their trade to have food. Many hungry mouths had to be fed, leaderless or not. He didn't know what to call it. Was it resilience? Or plain callous indifference?

  Things almost looked back to normal up until a surly warrior serf apprehended a middle-aged man accused of pilfering his neighbor's sack of wild maize. The man protested and apologized, but his neighbor wanted none of it. He was dragged and tied up on a pole, to await the sentence of the soon-to-be chieftain. He wouldn't wait long, thought Tikum.

  The Black Dog slowly shook his head.

  His outburst almost cost them. He had to play with the rules here. Milong and the rest would be punished if he did an awful thing like that. But what was he to do? Running and escaping came to his mind. He could leave them and find Ukok all on his own. He could do that. Being brave was damn hard sometimes. Staying firm was drastically harder too but what of Sri Kihod? What will he do if they end up fighting? And then, there's Amburukay. If he abandon them, she would not forgive him with another betrayal. No. He had to stay. He needed them more than they needed him and running will only make new enemies for him.

  Staying felt right. For now.

  Tikum smiled, watching the manghihiwit take a closer look at a display of black clay jars beside him. Of course, it was just pretense. Her very face showed the truth. She had this tic where her eyes narrowed and her lips would twist– a look of utter impatience. And it was getting the better of her, but she still held it down. She was trying her best to give him a chance. It was her trusting his judgement. Even after all they've been through she was still willing to give that to him– all for Ukok. All for their daughter. He felt a little guilty, a tinge of it the made him realized there was still hope. As long as he can he'll get her daughter back.

  Amburukay walked passed him and inspected a stall selling ornaments and jewelries. And when their eyes met, her earlier guess was confirmed.

  He had to make his move now. Or he could expect the manghihiwit to strangle him in his sleep in no time.

  Tikum chatted with the basi vendor, a boisterous fellow who was quite proud of his sugarcane wine. After appealing to the vendor's vanity, Tikum soon had a pair of bamboo cups filled to the brim. He smiled. Building rapport came easy to a man like Tikum and sometimes he wondered why. Quick-witted as he was, he made use of the libations, offering it to the timawas guarding him. He then promised them of more to come if they joined him. After an hour and a few more drinks (far to many in his opinion) the warrior serfs lowered their guard down, giving Tikum a chance to slip away. He left them busy slurping their drinks as the basi vendor went on and on about his own marital mishap.

  Tikum casually walked towards the jewelry craftsman table and pretended to take a closer look at the baubles he made but he had other plans. He needed to communicate with the others as soon as he could. He took a quick glance and realized that his position was good enough. It enabled his allies to get close enough for them to talk without the guards suspecting anything. But before he could signal any of them, Amburukay spoke first.

  "So, that was your plan?" she said. "Reinstating the deposed heir of this town is quite ambitious. But you should've seen the complications. You could've avoided this if you told me earlier."

  Tikum sighed. "Well, yes. But hear me out first–"

  "Is your self more important than your daughter?"

  Tikum gritted his teeth. She had a point, but she didn't have to rub everything on his face right now. He bit his tongue, deciding not to answer back.

  Milong shook his head, carrying Mendang on his arms, pretending to study the fake Yliguenes sculptures in the next stall. "That was uncalled for."

  Tikum nodded. "I'm sorry." He took a deep breath. "I was thinking it would help you."

  The jewelry vendor made a face, confused by their interaction. He was about to scold Tikum for scaring his customers away but the Black Dog showed him a toothy smile reserved only for wandering loons.

  "How long have you known about us?" Mendang said.

  Tikum too a deep breath, before he faced the princess. "Not long ago. It's not important."

  Mendang sighed. "To us... it was."

  Tikum lowered his head. "My intentions were not wholly selfish. I wanted you to get what you deserved. I heard of your father in Madia-as a long time ago. I heard Datu Arjah was a just ruler. Had one too many enemies because of it. But a good chieftain is a good chieftain. And you're of his blood, I know you'll be a good leader too. I understand if you resent what I did."

  "I do. We had planned everything out. We already talked to supporters willing to fight for our cause. But we also needed to convince the other elders and Ma-aram to legitimize my claim. Datu Magung's influence is strong on some of them and that needed time and resources to nullify. But your actions wasted all of it. You left us exposed and unprepared."

  "Apologies–"

  The binukot sighed. "If not for Ukok, I would not forgive you."

  Tikum lifted his head. "I'm sorry to hear that, but to be honest... I'll do all this over and over again for Ukok, princess Ramendang. She's the only one I got."

  Mendang nodded. "As long as you win you'll have a chance of getting her back."

  "Well, yes."

  "I would be at fault if I hinder that. Ukok is my only friend too."

  "You sound like you're willing to take this risk with me."

  Milong nodded. "My princess and I have no choice. You also have none. It would only benefit us all if you win. And that needs us all working together. But you're, pardon my tongue princess, in a load of hot shit right now, Tikum."

  "Well, you don't need to worry about that," he lied. He couldn't tell them he had nothing in line yet. But he was confident he could make an impromptu plan. He was good at it. He'd always found a way to a solution. It was a matter of time.

  "Is it better than your first one?" Amburukay shook her head. "You know we're running out of time. If you need help–"

  Tikum glared at her. "What I need you to do is stay put for now. Work on getting your magic back. That's the only way to level the odds against our master. I'll settle all of this on my own–"

  Their talk was punctuated as a blaring horn resounded. It was the Umalohokan blowing his conk shell. The grizzled timawas guarding them quickly ushered Tikum and his companions west of the town to answer the beckoning of the town crier. Along with them, the traders seemed to be magnetized to where the horn was. With the last blaring echoes, they closed their stalls and hid their belongings for safe-keeping, following the growing crowd that led to the pit.

  ***

  Tikum, with armed guards by his side, followed the procession of Ulayans down west to the river. At the head of their march was the nobles' horse-driven carts. Old Noram shared hers with other elders as they chatted about Ulay's future. While the towering figure of her daughter could barely fit on her own cart as it followed close by. Tikum swallowed the clump on his throat.

  It wouldn't be an easy fight, but his mind was already working on a strategy against her. Tugnawon had strength but it was clear to see that she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. She was, for the lack of a better word, slow. Almost plodding. All Tikum needed to do was weave in and out and weaken her. Swift action for a swift victory. He knew carrying all that muscle wasn't easy. But making his plan work was the real question. The various aches on his body had other things in mind too.

  After a league or so, the Black Dog saw there destination unfold. Overgrown ferns and vines surrounded the so-called 'pit'. The whole structure was immense but compared to the other chieftains' handiwork in this region, it was unremarkable, if not crude. But the crowd seemed to approach it with reverence. As though it was a temple for the most benevolent devata. The structure itself was made of varnished kawayan hardened by fire and expertly woven with each other. Tikum, at first, thought it was just part of the town' perimeter wall. He tried to see it in its entirety but the timawas' gleaming blades didn't encouraged his idleness. As he walked closer he realized that the 'wall' was twice taller than the town's gate and thrice the width of the town hall of Ulay. As the people milled in he saw the giantess make her way first. Tugnawon had to bow low as she went inside its lone entryway, reminding Tikum just how wrong and unfair this fight would be. If only he was in a better shape, he would at least have a fighting chance, but alas, as the saying goes, there was no rest for the wicked.

  Poked by sharp spears, Tikum entered and proceeded to climb one of the pits ladders. He took a deep breath when he reached the top of the wall, for only then did he realized that it was a ring of some sort. A giant arena made of kawayan.

  A wide catwalk about four or five arm span in width made of bamboo linked one end to the other. One of the timawa gestured for him to proceed. So, he climbed over its railings and tested the flimsy-looking bridge. But then things came forth as clear as a nice sunny day in Vijayas. It wasn't just a bridge to link the opposite sides. Below the walkway was a very vast hole filled with murky water of unknown depth. It perimeter was surrounded be sharp jagged stones to keep the things inside the people contained. And that was what perturbed the Black Dog.

  The acrid-looking waters rippled and moved as creatures in its depths swam. The first question that came to his mind was what was on the pit? His heart began to beat faster as the slow realization finally answered him.

  "Buwayas," he whispered to himself when he finally saw one of the creatures surface to gulped in air.

  The pit was filled with large salt water crocodiles the size of wooden canoes.

  "Gi-atay!"

  He knew some tribes in the region saw them as gods while others as great capricious water dragons. It was just his tough luck to see them in person. He whispered a curse. They all looked cranky and hungry as they splashed water using their reptilian tails. Perhaps, their menu for the day would be dog meat. Stranger still was the color of the buwayas. They were white as alabaster from snout to tail with eyes as red as blood rubies. Albinos, he thought. The rarest creatures in Vijayas.

  He whistled in awe as more of them breached the surface for air. He once heard from a shaman that the buwayas bring in blessing from the devatas. But, of course, only after you gain their favor. And one way to appease these creatures were to feed them human souls. And how did the people who venerate this creatures get all those souls? His scanned the whole fighting arena and cleared his throat. Through human flesh, of course, by way of ritual offerings and dark sacrifices.

  "Gi-atay, what the hell did I get myself in to..."

  ***

  The rest of Tikum's companions, as per Old Noram's advice, were separated. Jurah was left with the Raguetanon sisters in the town hall to mend them. While Amburukay, Milong and Mendang were given seats at the top of the 'pit' opposite of Old Noram's and the elders of Ulay to witness a beating.

  The sun was already up high when Old Noram took her position at the center of the bamboo bridge. Someone had to start the ceremonies before the fight. So he took the honor for herself. She opened her arms, addressing the people as they took their seats.

  "Bless all of you. May the god of the great rivers, Kasaraysarayan sa Silgan, bless you this day! For those of you who have just joined us, make yourself comfortable... For you are all about to witness the most important fight in this very vaunted venue! The fight to decide the rulership of Ulay!"

  The crowd murmured as she continued, "It shall be between yours truly and Ramendang, daughter of Arjah. But since we are not of the fighting variety..." The crowd laughed as she gestured to herself. "We have chosen our champions!"

  The crowd erupted in applause.

  "So, first, let me introduce to you the most fearsome warrior to grace the pit! My daughter, Tugnawon!"

  The giantess took her position opposite of Tikum with the grace of a stampeding gang of buffaloes. She then grumbled a guttural cry in reply to the cheering crowd, pounding at her wide chest. All of their screams mingled with each other, turning into a deafening howl. Like hungry hounds the crowd shouted for death, all the while, Tikum the Black Dog Kadlum stood as straight as an umalagad idol filled with cold fear. He felt brittle as though anything he'd do would just break him apart like glass.

  Old Noram raised a hand to quiet the crowd's newly found blood-thirst. "And of course, her opponent, Tikum Kadlum of Ananipay." She gestured towards Tikum.

  The silence was defeaning as the Ulayans were caught between confusion and outright ignorance. Only one person cheered for the Black Dog. Tikum turned to find out it was Milong, sitting with Amburukay, who was herself egging him on. But more in a mocking tone. Tikum thought she should be in his place right now since he killed Magung in the first place. That would've been fitting. Then the uripon stopped as half of the crowd glared at him.

  After the introductions, the timawas gave the combatants their weapon. Tikum chose the spear while Old Noram's daughter chose a handy stone hammer. When they were deemed ready, a gong was struck and its bellowing echoes drowned all the murmuring noise from the audience. Old Noram smiled at them.

  "Then, let us begin!"

  "Wait! First of all," Tikum addressed old Noram as she took her seat behind her daughter's imposing figure. "I did not volunteer for this–" He tried to continue, but a sudden bright glare hit Tikum's eyes and an explosion of darkness followed. He didn't know what it was because before he could see, Tugnawon grabbed him by his ankle and unceremoniously slammed him down the kawayan railing. A frightened cry came out from his mouth as the giantess lifted him again.

  Tugnawon's lips parted into a smile. "A mere mortal, you are," she whispered. "I am heavens above you. I have the might of the river when the rains flood it. I am the bite of the buwayas! I violence personified!

  Tikum's jaw dropped open as he recognized intelligence in the eyes of the giantess. She placed a finger on his lips.

  "You are all the jest of the gods. Flawed and weak in a world so dangerously indifferent and brutal. But I will give you mercy. I will give you your much needed respite." She drew her fist and struck Tikum on the gut. He gritted in pain as his sucked in air, blood running down his head. Not satisfied, she shook him like a rag doll, sending their audience wild. Then, the giantess faced the crowd, pointing at the Black Dog as they call for his death.

  "Scream and show me your glee and I, Tugnawon, will end him swiftly." She drew him closer and whispered, "Say, hello to the devatas in heaven for me, Little Tikum!"