The Engkanto Quartet: Voyage to the East

Noontime decision

It was late morning in Sitio Lasang. The village was no more, or rather, the people were gone. Although some livestock — chickens, goats, and pigs — stayed, most of them had gone to the wild. Earlier that day, Rakly had also visited the graves in Sitio Patag and Tinago. The message of those prematurely transferred to the other side of the world was this: We will not be at peace until there is justice. 

And by justice, in Rakly’s understanding, it meant vengeance. Although, he did not know how the people of Engkanto would interpret the idea of justice. Perhaps it was something more than revenge. Ragua was a peaceful island, and it would not take a life for a life taken. But that’s a rule for human beings. That it was monstrous creatures that wrought havoc on the island, justice was not the right word, so was vengeance. It was more of divine judgment against the monsters that took the lives of over a hundred people. 

The sunlight passed through the leaves, bouncing off the stone altar where the specters of villagers were moving back and forth, gesturing that he better go. Whether it’s to go away from the village or leave the island, his interpretation was simple. It was to go out and fulfill their demand for justice. He piled seven small round stones on the altar, which signified that he made a promise to do what he could to avenge their untimely deaths. And he uttered a prayer to the lost souls to guide and protect him along the way.  

Upon leaving the village in the forest, he walked back to the main town with a decision. And it was final. After days and weeks of reflecting things through, he finally made up his mind. He also listened to the perspectives of other people, which was a rare trait of young men. He must say goodbye to Bubuy and the island of Ragua. It was the right time to go.

Bubuy was with the guests in the dining room — the dwarf, the Engkantean warrior, and Konradus. “Come, join us, son,” the merchant said. They’re feasting on some roasted chicken, grilled tuna, and boiled green banana. A special wine was also served. “I brought this from the south,” he continued as he drank from the wooden cup. “It’s been a while since we had this in the Mainland.” 

“Absolutely,” Velmer agreed as he poured another cup. “The alcohol they have in the north is stronger. But this one is mild, just perfect for my tastebuds.”

“Come, help yourself,” Bubuy said to Rakly, who was standing by the door.  

“We leave the first day at dawn,” the young man answered.

Everyone at the table was looking at him. But no one was surprised. They knew it would come any time soon. And that it finally happened that day was what Velmer also expected. “That’s what I thought,” he said. “There’s no point in staying longer.” 

“And I agree, the sooner, the better. We can’t afford to tarry,” joined Tikloi.

“I knew that one day what I feared was about to happen, that you’d be leaving. I’m glad you have made a decision. You’re a real man, after all,” Bubuy said. “I didn’t think it would be this soon. But ask for whatever you need, and everything will be ready. Ship. Food supplies. What else?”

“Konradus must stay. Only the three of us will sail — me, Velmer, and Tikloi. It would be a difficult journey, but we can make it. We can’t bring more men,” the young man said. “Sailing with many men could easily attract attention.”

“I might be old, but I’m still strong, and I can kill a thousand Northmen. Let me go with you,” Konradus said.

“As much as I would like to, but you are most needed here, I suppose. We can’t leave Ragua naked,” Rakly replied. He was decisive, showing manliness, and straightforward, which was an Engkantean trait. Velmer saw the young man’s father in him as one who spoke with authority. He mirrors that strength of his father, the dwarf thought, which was impressive.  

Everybody agreed with what the youngest man in the room said. There was still uncertainty on the island. The people lived in terror as the fallen villagers remained in their collective memory. 

Rakly had convinced Konradus to stay. He thought that his teacher could help organize and train a group of men to protect the island from the enemy. The old man agreed, but he admitted that it would take time because there’s a lot of work to do. It was a sound decision to let him stay on the island, nevertheless.

“That’s settled then,” Bubuy said. “Remember, you are fishermen. I will have The Whaler prepared. I have many fond memories with her during our past voyages. She’s old, but she remains a reliable ship. Still swift like the wings of time. The sea, the sky, and the wind will be your guide, but I’ll give you a sea chart to follow. But when you reach beyond the Isle of Safety, what you will see is not what they seem. Sail with your head, not with your eyes. I trust she will bring you to your destination safely.” 

“The enemy will know the fate of his Tiktiks very soon. No one, I mean, no other creatures should know we’re leaving. Fishermen don’t attract attention,” Velmer added.

“Whatever happens in this journey is my responsibility, and I place my fate in the hands of the gods,” Rakly said as he hugged Bubuy. “You are a good father to me. You will always be. I wish mother’s here.”

Bubuy wrapped his arms around the young man tightly. “The ship will be ready at dawn,” he said. “But don’t get full of yourself. Responsibility is a big word. Just get things done, and be safe.”

Konradus handed Rakly an amulet. It’s a piece carved from the horn of a white deer from the far eastern mountains. “It protects you from evil spirits,” the wandering warrior said as he picked a blackish gel wrapped in dried deer’s balls skin out of his pouch. “And here’s some more. It helps against the poison of the northern tribes. It saved me twice. I believe it will come in handy.”

“I will remember your stories,” the young man replied.

The old man extended his hand, and he pulled Rakly and hugged him. “When you see her in the plains, you will know her. You know what I mean,” whispered Konradus.

Rakly tapped his back. “I will tell her about you.”

The cool breeze whispered on the island that the darkness would be over. It was noontime, yet the clouds in the sky quickly banded together to cover the sun, rendering the atmosphere of the island whitish with shades of gray and foreboding. 

Inquietude was brewing in Rakly. He knew that it was not only a dangerous journey but one that would define the history of Ragua. Although, the dwarf had something else in mind. For him, it was a journey that would tip the balance between night and day, favoring life over the power of evil that turned the world into a bleak wasteland. “The north star is supposed to guide us, but it’s throwing us into confusion. We must look to the east. Sunrise is waiting,” Velmer said with a prophetic overtone. 

There’s a mix of excitement, anticipation, and anxiety. Sailing beyond the Isle of Safety was Rakly’s dream. The mere mention of sailing beyond the iron gates of the mind would always make his blood pumped up. But he was anxious because the circumstances surrounding the journey were not what he imagined them to be. It was not a pure adventure at all but an escape from the reaching hands of Lor Gorgo. It was all to save the island. It was a journey into the land closer to the enemy’s territory, which would spoil the fun of a youthful adventure. His companions were two strangers in a dwarf and a warrior who was as mysterious as he was, and he did not know about them other than what Bubuy told him. He thought that somehow life offered a different path than what he planned for years, and he could not do anything but embrace it.  

“You have my blessings,” Bubuy said. “May the gods be with you.”

“I promise I will come back.”

“Keep it, son. Your promise,” Bubuy said, knowing that the road ahead was rough, and the ocean’s waves were raging with the strong winds and everything else in between. He knew it would not be an easy road ahead for the young man. “I’ll do what I can to help you succeed. The rest is up to you. Be assured that no matter what happens, I know your companions will always stand by you.”

Velmer and Tikloi raised their cups, then followed Konradus and Bubuy, who declared, “To life! To Rakly! To the Kingdom of Engkanto!”