The Engkanto Quartet: Voyage to the East

A father's blessing

The stream’s gentle burbling created a piece of music to soothe the weary souls of everyone seated at the gray marble table set up in a backyard garden. Bubuy, wearing a crimson dhoti topped with a simple white shirt, sat at the one end. On the other end was Velmer, in a white shirt with a gray jacket and gray trousers, holding a cup of tuba. Beside him was Tikloi in his traditional Engkantean clothes — a seamless light green shirt topped with a deep green jacket, deep green pants, and deep green leather boots.

The gathering of four people was formal yet intimate. Konradus was in a traditional costume of his country located in the central parts of the Plains of Luconia — a hand-weaved orange shirt, red pants, and white pair of shoes. He also put on an iron breastplate that was the pride of his tribe.

Although the place had a relaxing ambiance, the conversation was tense but level-headed, fitting for grownups. “We all know that what’s happening in Ragua has to do with your son. Lor Marius’ son. I’m sure you do,” the dwarf said, holding his long gray bird that matched the color of his directionless hair. He was about four feet and a half and round like an oak barrel. His eyes were deep, but they sparkled wisdom of the ages and knowledge of ancient lores. 

“He has nothing to do with it. I mean, the war that’s going on. It’s expanding and has reached the island,” Bubuy replied. “Lor Gorgo’s forces are advancing to the south as we speak.”

“You might have forgotten something about the boy. Lor Gorgo wants him. The war has taken a steep turn. I understand your love for Ragua. But keeping people from knowing what’s going on in the world is a sure recipe for disaster. We’ve seen it the past couple of weeks. What do you think is the reason why I’ve gone this far? You know the truth as I do.”

“We all know the truth that this war is going to cost millions of lives. Since the Battle of the Firetree Forest, it has been dragged for too long. No one is winning, while everybody’s losing.”

“But we cannot stop the fight against the darkness that caused all this. What I know — at least, this is what I think is a good guess — is that the key to winning the war and defeating Lor Gorgo is in our hands. He is our only hope.”

“How can you be so sure about it? You’ve made a mistake in the past by convincing the king of Engkanto to go to war and win decisively against Lor Gorgo in the Firetree Forest. I still hold that that was a mistake.”

“It might be a mistake in hindsight, but I also stand by that decision. That was the right thing to do at the time. There are always casualties in a war. It only happened that the commander fell at the hands of the enemy. The enemies outnumbered us because Gongdi the Dictator tricked us into believing that he’s our ally.”

“In a war between light and dark, you cannot ally with people treading on the gray line,” the merchant offered his wise counsel. “Especially with dictators who kill their people and subject those who survive into submission and forced labor.”

“That was tragic. But we can make it right this time,” Velmer said. “I am yet to figure out what exactly is the reason why they’re coming after the boy. What I heard is that Lor Gorgo has mobilized his forces to find him.”

“So, are you going to get my son back?”

“He’s better protected in the kingdom than on a small, isolated island. But still, it should be for him to decide. We can’t force him to leave Ragua. You are his father; you still are. We settled that thing already. Maybe you can do something about it.”

“He’s only a boy. You know that. He might be twenty-one. This ceremony is only a formality to fulfill a tradition. But he’s just a kid,” said Bubuy. He was going to release Rakly and give his blessings. It was a tradition in Ragua that once a young man turned twenty-one, the parents must release him and be his own man. That’s also the time that he’s allowed to sail beyond the Isle of Safety. The ceremony was delayed because of the unfortunate incidents on the island. And at that moment, it was to be made a secret with a handful of witnesses around.

“At twenty-one, for natural beings, that’s the age of a man. I understand. For his kind, he’s still very young. I agree. But he’s a lot more like you. It’s because of how you brought him up.”

“You know how dangerous it was to get out of the northern seas. And Lor Gorgo has already expanded his reach southward. Once his spies know your location, it is easier for them to catch you in the open waters.”

“We don’t have a choice because even if Tikloi kills all the creatures Lor Gorgo sent to this island, another batch will arrive at your shores. That’s for sure.”

“I hear you. From here on, the boy will be your responsibility. As I’m weighing the consequences down based on recent events, I don’t want this island to become depopulated and barren.”

“You can trust me on this, not because I’ve been here for a long time, but there are things in the world we must give up for greater returns. We are not going to hand your son over to the enemies. We’re here to protect him — and there’s no other place in the world where he is better protected than the land where he should be right now.”

Bubuy emptied his cup for another wine; Velmer did the same. “It’s dark in the open seas,” the merchant said. “I haven’t seen that in my entire life until now.”

“It will only grow darker and darker as days, months, and years pass by — as long as the enemy remains in control of the north.”

When Rakly arrived, Konradus stood up to offer him a seat. Bubuy, Velmer, and Tikloi were on their feet to greet the young man. “What’s all this about?” he wondered, referring to their faces, and then he smiled. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s the right time,” said the merchant. “Let’s begin.” 

The air was gentle, and soft green light filtered through the leaves illuminated their faces with a mixed expression of gladness and gloom. And Isuk, who hurried to the backyard upon seeing Rakly, quickly pulled a chair. “He went to visit a woman,” he quipped.

“Since I was not around on your birthday,” Bubuy continued, “I will formally pronounce my blessings before the eyes of these witnesses.” 

Everybody was on their feet. Isuk, who also turned twenty-one a month after Rakly, was the first to kneel. Konradus poured the blood of a white rooster on his head that trickled down to the young man’s white shirt and white trousers. Then he was formally pronounced a free man by the island’s chieftain.

Rakly, also in a white shirt and white trousers, followed. This time, it was the dwarf who poured the blood. Then Bubuy placed his right hand on the young man’s head. “Today, my son, you’re released. You can sail beyond the Isle of Safety. Receive my blessings. You are free like the seagulls in the sea.”

There was a round of applause when Rakly got back to his feet. Finally, the cage broke. He could fly wherever he liked to go.

And then Isuk brought the food and wine to the table for everyone. Seated beside his son, Bubuy said, “You might not have expected this. The manner’s not the grandest according to tradition, but I assure you it’s the same thing. It’s gloomy in Ragua, our home island, and you know what to do.”

“Now that it’s official, how do you proceed from here?” Velmer asked.

“I’ll leave this place, but not for good. The island remains to be my home. Setting sail is just an adventure.”

“Life is more than an adventure. I will show you the world’s treasures that people desire to possess. Since you have to leave Ragua in some way or another, I’ll take this chance to lead you to the East.”

“I feel like leaving but not yet. But if my stay would endanger the lives of Raguans, I would rather go as soon as possible.”

“Having second thoughts on this decision might have more consequences you might regret in the end.”

“I’m thinking about my options. Certainly, it’s temporary. Not that I’m scared, but I’m cautious.”

“And that’s the reason why I’m persuading you to make up your mind.”

The ceremony quickly ended, but they stayed on for the food and palm wine until dark. Before the night was getting late, everyone walked back to their quarters except for Rakly, who slipped to the beach to spend more time alone watching the stars in a clear sky. 

“Does it mean we’re all set?” Isuk asked. He’s crawled to the seaside with a bottle of liquor in hand. “I got something special for you here,” he continued. “Let’s try this. It’s a gift from Dimi.”

“Yes, why not?” Rakly took a shot. “This is the best I’ve ever tried.”

It’s a juniper-flavored gin brought to Ragua from the Mainland. “Maybe we can drink more of this in the future, huh,” Isuk said.

“Do you assume you’re traveling with me? Not that I don’t like the idea, but Ragua needs you to stay.”

“Well, in my opinion, going with you is better than staying on this island,” Isuk countered.

“But it would not make us safer. It’s dangerous out there, I guess, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I understand, but I insist.”

“Anyway, let’s drink,” Rakly sighed. 

Little did they know that, in the north, there’s not a glimmer of light shining above the darkened skies.