***A Prologue of Sorts***

  "Names are important, they always are... He has many names, more than I could count. The Aginid chronicles called him Dimantag, which means unbeatable, unconquerable, and unquenchable all at the same time. His people called him Salip, which roughly translates to "His Highness" in Malay. The Tausug and Samal-Badjao called him Orang-Laut or "man of the sea", for he was the very best sailor they have come upon. While the Bornean Caliphate called him Maas Ilidji, for they see old wisdom in his eyes.

  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Other chieftains called him Kalipulako, and from what I gather it was because of the linen head-wrap he wore during every battle. They say it is red because he soaks it in the blood of those who fell short to his kampilan blade. His enemies called him a savage, a fool, a pirate, and an insatiable warlord.

  Maybe he earned it all, but this I know for sure: To his chiefdom, he was a good leader. To his late wife, he was a good husband. To his only daughter and his many sons, he was a great father. And for me, well, he was simply a good friend.

  Yes, he's been called many other things, far too many to enumerate and maybe all of them are true. But a changed man? Now, that one is still up for debate."

  By

  LAM-AG SAGPANG BAHA, THE WAYLANDER FROM THE HIGHLANDS