Dawn, Maundy Thursday, Human Realm, Pan-ay Island, Visayas, Philippines
The sun was barely peeking behind the horizon, painting the sky with a bright red-orange hue mixed with the receding blues of the night. Apo Lakay stood still, heart pulsing while gazing at the golden boot going out of the Lantawan.
As the tall and majestic figure of King Ramiro walked out of the portal, Apo Lakay put his right arm on his left shoulder and bowed to the royalty. "Apo Lakay, ruler of the unified Kingdom of Madja-as welcome King Ramir of Kanlaon, Second Descendant from the line of Aragorn."
"Rise human, Lakay, Descendant of the demigod Datu Puti, one of the seven who was tasked to guard this land, this humble servant of Bathala expresses his delight in your welcome."
King Ramiro moved forward, clapped Apo Lakay on the shoulder, and hugged the man. Behind him, his son followed his every move while the army they gathered continued to pour out of the Lantawas and into the mountain. Green-eyed Encantos and brown-eyed humans bowed in respect. Their hearts beating one tune, and that is to prepare the world for the impending war.
"I feel conflicted that we met under such circumstances. Although the thinning of the veil between the worlds signals an impending war between good and evil, I also feel joy because the coming of Bathala is near." King Ramir told Apo Lakay.
"Although humans now have a shorter life span compared to our forefathers, I believe that the actions that we do today will impact the future. We can only hope that our descendants will continue to be warriors of the Light," replied Apo Lakay.
"Yes, the coming will not happen in our generation, but I look forward to reuniting with you when Bathala combines the worlds again."
King Ramir then turned towards his son, then looked back to Apo Lakay, and said "This is my son, Kadir. He will not participate in the ritual of protection, he will just observe with you and I hope that you allow him to stay by your side to protect the chosen."
"As you wish King Ramiro. We are still waiting for the other realms to cross over. The Babaylans of other tribes will probably arrive tomorrow evening to summon the others down below. I don't want to talk too much, the trees have ears, and the wind gossips."
"I understand. We have about two days to prepare. I will take my men to rest in the Balete. We will convene when everyone from the Upper Realm and the Middle Realm arrives." King Ramir replied then turned to motion his men towards a nearby Balete Tree. Golden light enveloped their bodies and in the blink of an eye, thousands of fireflies were before Apo Lakay. The transformed Encantos then hid themselves underneath the leaves of the Balete tree.
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Hi everyone!!! I would like to ask your opinion on something. The terminologies here are from Philippine Mythology. We have three options:
1. I will make a separate chapter and make a sort of Glossary about the creatures/ foreign terms mentioned here and their meaning.
2. I will define the meaning of the terms after I've mentioned them , i.e. Lantawan*
(*Lantawan means portal); or
3. I will put the definition at the end part of the chapter after the line separation just like this one?
Please let me know about your thoughts below. Thank you!!!
This is for today's Mass Release. I will have another one scheduled on Friday, September 6, 2024. Hope you enjoyed today's update!!!
P.S. After Volume 1 is done, Mass release would be after we meet the weekly/monthly goal. So don't forget to read the author's notes and share your thoughts!!! Thank you!!