The tropical sun rose above the bustling villagers of Mandawili in Opon Matan. And with it came the soft breeze from the sea and the song birds rarely seen on the island in this time of the month, but the villagers ignored it all as they busily went back and forth. Leisure wasn't on anyone's mind as they all moved with purpose and efficiency, gathering all the valuable things they could carry.

  Some, especially the warrior serfs, knew the dire need to hasten. Mingming grudgingly briefed them all about an on-coming war in their horizon before dawn came that day. Other villagers were still hesitant to believe the news, but they nonetheless obeyed the orders given by their chief and the leader of the Daragangan.

  In the middle of the village, right inside the sparse town hall, Pulaco sat cross-legged on the bamboo floor, his arm bandaged and poulticed from the elbow up to his shoulder. Its swelling had already subsided and moving it was no longer a painful chore. While Mingming sat behind him, nursing his broken rib. And lastly, Lam seated himself on the other side, adjusting the bandage on his forehead for the fifth time. He eyes never wandered away from his giant sword as it leaned on the wall. He opened a leather pouch but closed it as Mingming glanced at his direction. Lam straightened himself and pretended he was listening to Pulaco when Mingming tried to speak to him.

  Pulaco cleared his throat. "Thank you, for answering my call on such a short notice. I called you here to ask for your help." He stared at the two visitors sitting cross-legged in front of him. Both gave a curt nod.

  Datu Butod smiled and spoke first, "I'll do anything for you, good friend."

  He was wider and rounder than the woman beside him, noted Lam. And he was not imposing for a datu at all. He looked more like someone's funny uncle who had one to many betel nut on his belt. A 'putong' with white and red intricate patterns wrapped his curly long hair in place. The only thing that gave his rank away.

  Datu Sandawili placed her sharp chin on her hand, deep in thought. Of the two visiting datu she conveyed more confidence and ease. Lam noticed something about her. From the patik on her skin he knew that she was a warrior chieftain. A woman at that. Such a rare accomplishment in this region. But there was something more. It was in the way she carried herself. It was in the way she beheld the things around her. It must be the bagani's blood in her vein, the highlander guessed. For Lam could feel that she wore an aura, rivalling even that of Pulaco.

  "I heard you married off your daughter," Datu Sandawili said. "Is this about the wedding? Rest assured that my gifts will come on time... this time around."

  The two visiting datu laughed but Pulaco remained silent. "No, it's something else," he said. "And it concerns all of the datus in Opon Matan,"

  Datu Sandawili and Datu Butod looked at each other.

  "Is it Zullah?" Both cried in unison.

  Datu Butod shifted from left to right to find a comfortable position on the cushions. "I've heard rumors about him worming his way inside Humabara's circle. I think he's planning to usurp all of us here. The snake and the wild boar, what a pair they make!"

  Datu Sandawili stretched her angular built and yawned. "I think that might be true. I've seen his men pass my village a day ago with kampilans and kalasags in hand. Their mustering for something. I thought it was just him giving his men a chance to exercise their trade. A simple sea raid perhaps?"

  "You might be right but no one knows for sure," said Pulaco. "I've spoken to Manang Sabtano and she hinted about a great war coming. I want to prevent it before it happens. I want to speak to him in person."

  Datu Sandawili shook her head. "But why would you want to speak to Zullah? I thought the grudge between you was over?"

  "Why talk to him? To tell him all is well. That I have no ill-feelings about him and that he shouldn't have any against me but I know he'll refuse me or make an excuse if I do it all alone."

  "Refuse the man who saved his life from a Magalos' blade? That seems unlikely," Datu Butod said. "You drove those killers from our land. From his land. The sultan's wazirs still have a bounty on your head because of it."

  "I think he'll feel justified to do so. But I worry that the recent events has change his mind." Pulaco massaged his injured shoulder.

  "Recent events?" Datu Sandawili scratched her head. "The wedding, is it about the wedding?"

  Datu Butod shook his head in irritation. "What's up with you and weddings?"

  "I'm just guessing here." Datu Sandawili yawned again.

  "Yes, it is about the wedding," Pulaco said.

  "See...told you so."

  "I have come to realize that I should let my daughter decide for herself on who she wants to marry. Our old ways grant her that right. And she finds Halang not of her liking."

  Both Datu Butod and Datu Sandawili smiled.

  "I think we know her reason and I agree with you on letting her make the decision," Datu Butod said. "A bold and wise decision. But Zullah won't like this and you know how that man operates, right?"

  Pulaco replied with a shrug.

  Datu Sandawili looked Pulaco in the eye. "Hmmm. Then, you want us to act as intermediaries between you and him?"

  "Yes, it's the best thing I could do for now. I would greatly appreciate it if you do this."

  Datu Butod clasped both hands together. "Of course we'll do it, right Sandawili?" He nudge the datu beside him.

  Datu Sandawili nodded. "Sure, and if he decides to do something nefarious I'd gladly take his ugly head off from his scrawny body for you," the lady datu said without any inflection in her voice. But she sounded more bored than threatening.

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  "I'm hoping to avoid that from happening." Pulaco sighed. "Peace would better suit us than war. After all, we are one people. But I know Zullah might think otherwise. There's a chance he'll maul me first and ask questions later."

  "A very big chance," Datu Sandawili said. "I've seen the man's ways. He's not right in the head. He's not been himself after losing his sons."

  "Then, will do it here," Datu Butod said. "We'll fetch the man himself and talk it out. Be civil and all."

  Datu Sandawili leaned closer. "And Butod and I will also muster our men to your village tonight, just in case."

  Datu Butod nodded. "I like how you think, Sand. If we have the numbers he'll probably behave himself. We can disguise it as a feast for the datus of Opon Matan. A renewal of alliance!"

  Datu Sandawili paused. "So, let's see, I have two tribes under me and Butod's two that makes four." She stared at Pulaco. "If we add the three under your command we'll have seven in total. Seven tribes! I think that'll dither Zullah from thinking otherwise."

  "Yeah...but what if he brings Humabara's men with him?" Mingming blurted and the rest turned their attention to him. "We might unwittingly make the thing we want want to avoid ourselves."

  "Yeah, if that happens that'll be a disaster," answered Datu Sandawili. "Humabara has five tribes under his control. They might be loyal to Sri Piang but I don't see them cowering against our meager lot. Those fools are glory-mongers. And they are definitely well-equipped compared to us. No offense meant."

  "Humabara?" The rotund chieftain shook his head. "I think his men won't join him in battle especially against Pulaco. They all know Sri Piang and Pulaco are quite close after the battle in Zubu. Sri Piang would rather disown his pompous, fat-headed nephew than let his men fight a senseless battle. He won't fight Kalipulako." Datu Butod pointed his finger towards Pulaco.

  "But Sri Piang is not here," Mingming said. "And that's the problem right there."

  "I here plenty gossip around that the Limp may return after his travels," Datu Butod said. "He'll halt Humabara's ill-placed ambitions before that man ruins as all."

  Datu Sandawili nodded. "Well, let's hope you're right, Butod. Best we could do is tell our men what to expect."

  "So, its decided?" Pulaco said. "Tomorrow, we will meet with Zullah here."

  The two Datus agreed and promised both their allegiance to Pulaco and went back to their respective villages followed by their retinue of warrior serfs trailing behind them to prepare for the next day.

  Pulaco, Lam, and Mingming stayed on the town hall, all thinking about their encounter with the giant and all the things they've experienced days ago.

  "What's wrong Pulaco?" Mingming broke the silence.

  "I was just thinking about your mother's predictions and of Siagu."

  "I think you shouldn't worry too much about her. Yes, she's my mother, but I still doubt the things she says. I think they'll never happen. Most of what she predicts never actually happen."

  Lam pulled the bandage on his head lower. "I think her forewarning are true."

  Pulaco turned towards him. "Did she say something important to you? Perhaps, she gave you a hint."

  Lam choked on his own spittle. "If she did I wouldn't hide it from you. I was down and out like you. Never had a chance to speak to her. " He tapped his forehead and did a fake wince followed by a less convincing grimace.

  Pulaco faced both men. "Something's bugging me about her predictions."

  "What about it?" Lam said.

  "I've been thinking about the 'pale strangers'. Who was Manang Sabtano referring to? And if I remembered correctly, Siagu also spoke about them bringing him here with their ship. Maybe it's not Zullah that we should worry about. Maybe something or someone else is out there."

  Mingming's face contorted as he suddenly looked up towards Pulaco. "There's more fucking giants out there? No way!"

  Pulaco shook his head. "No, that's not what I meant. Siagu may have unwittingly brought danger with him."

  "Maybe, Siagu was just speaking about the Chi'ns. Maybe they're the ones who brought that giant here," Lam suggested.

  Pulaco ruminated on Lam's opinion. "That could be a possibility too. But it still doesn't sound right to me. I think we're missing a crucial piece here."

  Mingming took the gourd given by her babaylan mother. He opened it and pinched his nose. He cringed at its smell but still drank the bitter concoction and wiped his lips dry after. "What will you do with Zullah if he refuses to talk to you even with Datu Butod and Datu Sandawili's added efforts. He is after all Halang's father and the rotten fruit doesn't really fall that far from the tree."

  "I'm optimistic that he'll give me my due. I know we might not agree on most things but we, after all, are still 'neighbors'. When push comes to shove, I know we'll still have to rely on each other. That's why we've remained strong all these years."

  "Just like when the Moorish sultans invaded Zubu and Opon Matan?" Lam asked.

  "Exactly," said Pulaco. "You never know what the future might bring. And what the tides might carry to our shores. Relying with each other is the only way."

  Outside the town hall, Malaya helped their neighbor Mother Menang gather her belongings. While the men of the village sharpened their swords and spears against their whetstones, the women and the children were busy storing their meager possessions away.

  Pulaco watched it all through the town hall's window. It was best to hide one's properties so the enemy won't have a chance to steal them when the battle commenced, he thought.

  After a while, Lam stood and excused himself. He went out and approached Malaya with hesitancy on every step. After greeting her with a simple hello, he took something out from the leather pouch on his hip. The sun's light struck the necklace and it sparkled.

  "There he goes," Mingming said. "His been planning to give that to your daughter you know."

  Pulaco turned to his brother-in-law with a smile. "I watched him worked at that gift every night for a month now, sneaking to the smith's shed every time he thinks we're all asleep. Do you think Zullah and Halang know about them?"

  "Yes, with their spies crawling all over the place I'd be surprised if they didn't."

  Pulaco sighed as Lam gingerly made his way towards Malaya and started to talk to her.

  Mingming broke the silence between him and Pulaco. "Those two really reminds me of you and my sister."

  Pulaco stared at her daughter and Lam. "Is that so? I hope not. I'd like to have their grandchildren. I'd like them to grow old together."

  And have what Angga and I didn't have, he almost added. Almost, but didn't.

  "Hey, I didn't mean it like that. I think... I think they truly love each other. You and my sister may have not lasted that long but I knew you truly loved her too."

  Pulaco looked away from Mingming. He shook his head wondering of the time when all was well. He heaved a heavy sigh. I still do, Ming. I still do. And so much more, the brave datu thought. Pulaco stood and leaned on the window, careful to avoid any strain to his injured shoulder.

  "Yes, if only I noticed it much earlier." He paused for a few seconds. "We could have been preparing for their wedding now. Instead, we prepare for the possibility of war and death. So much for a wise datu, right?"

  "Don't blame yourself. I know I wouldn't. Things like this happen."

  "Tomorrow's different from yesterday," the two chorused the words.

  Mingming laughed. "I guess my sister left you with something after all."

  "Yeah," Pulaco smiled, eyes barely holding his emotion in check. "Thank you, brother."

  Mingming only smiled back.

  The sound of the horn reverberated and sliced through the momentary silence. Everyone dropped what they were doing as the umalohokan dashed through them, dodging the human obstacle course in front of him with ease. He entered the town hall, ornate horn shell in hand. He gave a bow to Mingming and then to Pulaco.

  "Salip, we have trouble! Someone's looking for you."

  "Trouble? Who?"

  "The emissary, Salip." The umalohokan pointed towards the south of Mandawili, across the rice paddies. "He's waiting for you in the hill."