SEA'S BRIDE (PHILMYTHO ROMANCE II)

CHAPTER 39

"You were interested with the Philippine ancient Tagalog God Amanikable, Miss Emalia?" Aya suddenly asked as she glances at one of the books that were left open on a page about Amanikable. It was also a small description about him that I already know so I left it aside. I never expected Aya was already observing me.

"Well, I just happened to be bored I guess. I wish to learn some things." I find my answer irrelevant and weak. But Aya didn't give me any suspicion from my answer. And instead, she handed me a strange book that doesn't have any title yet it has a thick vintage cover, I open it and the papers were so old. I wonder if this one was still from the Spanish era. The scripts were handwritten in intricate calligraphy. Unfortunately, it's in Spanish that I won't be able to understand. Until I came across an ancient illustration of a divine being with a falfeg similar to the Sinalawatan. I have a slight hunch this might be Amanikable.

"Aya, do you have a Spanish dictionary here? Also, could you please give me a piece of paper and pen as well?" I asked of her which she instantly obliges. After a short moment, Aya came back with the things I ask of her. I began translating the passage using the dictionary. I can't believe I'd go the traditional way. Leandro was so old-fashioned to deprive me of using computers and google. They're too scared I might use it to report them to the authorities for keeping me here as a captive for a reason I haven't found out yet.

If I have come to confirm that he is indeed Amanikable, one of my earlier assumptions behind my sudden abduction could be true. That they have taken me either because I am connected to Thalia, which is associated with Mayari. But the only thing that refute the connection of my theory is the fact that Amanikable wants me for his bride. He sounded like he isn't kidding but I won't just freely let him do what he wishes to. I'm not going to be wed to him and that will not ever change.

"Oh, it's indeed about him!" I wasn't able to control the words from my mouth. It was too late to even cover it up since Aya has already heard of it.

"Miss Emalia?" She came back with a query out of curiosity. It's so obvious from the way she looks at me that she's a bit startled by my sudden reaction. It's funny but right now, I believe I am responsible to talk to her about what I discovered. After all, I wish to consider her as a friend than just a mere maid. She seems trustworthy so I better give it a try. "I found an ancient account of Amanikable." I finally told her. I've been really lenient about trusting people so easily. I can't even help it especially when they appear trustworthy before my eyes. My only hope though is that Aya may not end up like the rest of the people in this household.

"You seem so fond about decoding things, Miss Emalia. I'm amazed." She said. It was as if her line just reminded me of Thalia before. Suddenly, looking at her made me remember my dear friend. I wonder if she is having a great time with her dear husband. I never get the chance to see their wedding, it's such a waste having to be their maid of honor yet, I was taken away by some selfish tyrant pre-colonial God of the sea.

"I've been enjoying discovering things, Aya." I told her. My lips lifted after feeling the glee in my chest. It feels so light having this woman beside me. It's strange that despite knowing her just recently, I really find her so light to hang out with. She isn't making me suffocate, unlike the other maids. Perhaps it's because somehow, her presence reminds me of my friend, Thalia.

"You were even able to translate that quickly, miss Emalia." The amusement in her eyes didn't falter even a bit. It's like everything I do is indulging her with fascination and I can't help but showcase her even more.

"Do you want to know what it says?" I asked of her which she eagerly nods for.

I smiled at her genuine answer. "It says here that Amanikable is one of the primordial gods under the court of Bathala. He stands alongside the fiercest and bravest Gods and Goddesses of Kaluwalhatian. He was once known as the God of hunters, protecting all who worship him before their mountain or forest hunting against unseen entities. Until Bathala entrusted the seas under his protection and ruling after the great divine war." I read it until the end and I was sure, not satisfied. Somehow, there were still some missing details about him that I wish to know.

Bathala couldn't just entrust him to the realm of the sea when he has been protecting the hunters already. there might be a definite reason behind that. And what if this reason is also connected to why Amanikable is being like this? And it's possible that an unanswered fact Amanikable might become the reason behind my abduction. I must find out what do I have to do with all of these but first, I have to dig deeper into Amanikable's background to find that out. This is the next thing I must be able to do even if it means raging the master of this household once he finds this out. I trust Aya will not betray me by telling this to their master.

"Aya, there's something I'd like to ask from you." I suddenly came up with an Idea to ask of her and to check if she can be trusted.

"What is it, miss Emalia." She's quick to respond. I wonder if she'll be able to figure out I'm setting her up for a test. Well, if ever she gets caught I doubt she can actually use me for her defenses.

"Well, you said that you are in-charged in the library right? Meaning you can also act as an inventory officer from here. Although Leandro told me that most of the books here have been recently purchased. I'd like to make an inventory check. Check all information here relating to Amanikable and then tore them afterward. Make a report that they have to return to the publisher or provider, and ask Leandro to replenish a new copy from other suppliers. Tell him that it is not satisfying my convenience to read a defective book. make sure though that you'll mix in other books so that It won't be too obvious I was looking for other Philippine mythology and folklore books." I just hope that Aya follows me carefully though. Her facial expression tells me she needed an answer but only refusing herself from directly asking it from me. I feel like she deserved to know before risking her life so I at least wish to tell her superficial details, "I wanted to study about something and I don't want Leandro to intervene. He does it all the time and it's a bit annoying. so I was wondering if this can be kept between us? In this way, you'll really be able to help me continue my studies." Again, I tried manipulating Aya for my plan to work. If my acting skills are really that good then she would buy it with no hesitation.

"I'm so honored to be of help to you, miss Emalia," she answered just as I expected. Aya isn't so hard to convinced after all.

Later that evening, Leandro came into the library before I could even hit on the button to call for him and pick me up. I was enjoying Aya's company that I have completely forgotten about the time.

"Miss Emalia, I have come to pick you for your dinner with my master." Leandro greeted that had my body twitched so quickly. I never had dinner with his master in quite a while so, the frightful feeling and uncertainty just visited me to wave a sardonic hello. After what happened yesterday, I'm not sure if meeting him for tonight's dinner will be a good idea. What if he just scolds me again? I can't stand anywhere near him whenever he gets furious. It's gruesome and scary that thinking of it now makes my knees tremble too.

"So you already met the new librarian." Leandro brought up that quickly diffused the dark cloud of thoughts above my head.

I look back at Leandro and said, "Yes. She's really helpful. Thanks for sending her here. Oh and I left her some task to be done here, please do assist her Leandro." then I quickly glance at Aya for a cue signal of my favor. I'm really hoping she won't get caught by this tricky butler before us.

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