Maharlika

A tale from long ago stirs once more, through whispers of the old and frail, we shall unravel what has yet to be told. So, keep close to the fire, child—lean in and listen well— for tonight, the past lives again. Dug.Dug.Dug. The drums thundered in succession, each strike dug the earth with force. The fire burned high, writhing against the darkness while the shadows of men and women swayed to the rhythm of the kudyapi, its tune tumbling quickly, like laughter spilling over land, their movements flickering against the golden sand. The smell of resin drifted through the air as smoke curled towards the shore, where dozens of ships approached. Balangay—as what we call them—were a sight to behold. They glided across the silver waves like ancient beasts, their hulls glinting beneath the moonlight. Each carried silks, gold, treasures beyond counting... and the proud names of Lakans and Sultans from distant lands. It is no secret what they came for. Sandugo. To be chosen by the gods. To be Maharlika—the purest blood of all. Yet while some bathed in grandeur, there were those who could only hunger for the taste of it. Amidst the crowd of servants working along the shore, a young man stood barefoot. The light of fire caught his face, reflecting gold and flame in his wide eyes, his calloused hands still burnt with the weight of work. He stood still, afraid that the sight before him would vanish before he could even dare to dream of it. Beside him, an older servant took notice and shook his head in pity. “Better look away, boy,” he said. “The likes of us were not born for gods to notice and you are no exception.” But the young man could not look away. Out on the shore, from the grandest of ships, one figure shone brighter than the rest, a young man who looked the same age as him, yet was so far beyond his reach. The son of a Rajah, draped in crimson, gold decorating his taut skin, the apparent victor.The chosen. As the drums thundered once more, the young man whispered to himself, “then I’ll make them notice me.” The fate was sealed, The heavens have heard, The tale shall begin once again...