Chapter 100 - CONQUERER

Along with Tala's birth mother, they were ridiculed when they appeared in the public proclaiming that Datu Pita has a daughter with her. 

It was a shock for everyone, especially that it was Datu Pita they were talking about. He was a righteous, faithful, and devoted husband to his wife, Ara. Also, he was a magnanimous, pampering, caring, and loving father to his daughter, Yanar. 

Looking back, it seems like yesterday when the tale of their love story touched the hearts of many people across the sea. 

It was the time of the prime of Datu Pita along with Rajah Basi. They are not notorious nor renowned rulers back then. They were just like anyone else, warriors of the nameless island, dreaming to have their land and treasure, admired by thousands of people anywhere. Have hundreds of beauty in their harem and yearning to self-indulging sybarite for the rest of their life. 

Ara was alabay or the apprentice of a babaylan. Babaylan are those who are known to be good at making herbal medicines. And that predicts the future, they are also a vessel that can connect with God. She was a beautiful young lady who firmly believed that she should protect her land. Her home from invaders, so she took a sword, join the bloodbath battle of the men. 

However, she did not expect that the one who won something, was her. Instead of land, she had oppressed the heart of the young mangangayaw named Pita. He throws away his kampilan, the sword symbolizes his power and his life. When he saw her, upon locking their eyes --- he offered everything.

Young Pita was one of the worst people when he was young. He never cared about life, death, status, morality, and etiquette. He was not shackled by any norms, laws, or psychological barriers in terms of others. He was brutal and inhuman. The only thing that could move him is his ambition to rule on every land he sees. 

Young Basi was only half of him. He was not so cruel or harsh but he attended to every impulse and expedition of young Pita. Anyone could distinguish the difference between the young Pita and the Datu Pita because he had drastic changes upon meeting Ara. Unlike before, you could not see his tears, it was only his demonic smile. 

It was at dawn when they had landed unto the shore of the fifth territory that they liked to claim under their name. The island was big, had a lot of gold and a wealth of resources. People residing in this area have a small number, they are well-known as pacifists. Fighting was not in this banwa's vocabulary. 

During the negotiations between the people of this banwa and the messenger that young Pita had to send, the conditions were not met. This banwa, don't want to comply, they say it was too absurd. Because of that, war was about to bluster. 

Ara was one of those who were willing to battle to death instead of surrendering her people of this land to a ruthless ruler. How could she agree to their condition? They wanted every woman and child to become sacrifices! While men on this banwa will become their warriors. How was that negotiation? Obviously, they were the ones at disadvantage in that treaty. 

"Ara, you should hide with the others too. Going on to the battlefield, it's like suicide." One of the warriors condemned her while she was preparing her weapon. 

"Gilan I would rather die for our people and our land than to be caught by those mangangaway." She replied firmly but her hands were shaking out of fear. Who wouldn't be scared? Her life and everyone's life would depend on the result of this day's battle. 

The horn of the invasion was blown. Ara together with the other warriors stood up. They took their weapons; sword, spear, shield, bow, and arrows. 

Total of one hundred men and one woman. Facing the young Pita and his hundreds of soldiers. The outcome was clear, they would die as the result of their vacuous decision of not making amends to the conditions set by Pita. But Ara had a dream that they would be victorious today. Dreams for alabay were significant, although she was just an apprentice at that moment. So, everyone heeded that dream and fought with all their might to protect the land and people they cherished. 

Young Pita was watching on the sideline with young Basi. He had a solemn face as he didn't understand why people in this banwa were being so troublesome. The disquietude he was feeling since this morning got stronger and stronger that he even called back up to defeat these hundred warriors who do not even know how to wield swords properly. 

"Pita, we are already winning, why did you call for backup?" Young Basi asked, but was ignored. Because his attention was caught by a person. On the battlefield, a woman was swinging her sword frantically. Protecting one of the fallen warriors that were pierced by an arrow. 

"Step back!" She yelled, pointing the sword at the enemies. "Gilan! Are you alright?!" She inquired with her friend. When she looked back she saw him trying to stand up. She had a sigh of relief. 

"What is this? A girl in a warzone?" The crowd parted as young Pita entered the scene smirking out of amusement watching from afar. He had encountered rare gems like this one who was so fierce. He wanted to see if he could keep her. 

The woman who was covered in blood and was trembling was pointing her weapon at him. It was supposed to be a hilarious sight for him however he had no intention to laugh at her burning hatred peered straight into his eyes. 

He was stunned at his spot. He had perceived countless glares that if only could kill, he would die thousands of times.. He was not affected by any of that hatred gawking, not at all.