Loduvico was depleted. It was the fourth day of the mass healing and he could not see the end yet. People kept coming in, hopeful and eager of his miracle healing. In fairness, he did not disappoint them. After being touched, everyone claimed that indeed, their sickness left them so that they felt not only healed but also renewed in spirit. There was always madness in the crowd while waiting for him, but once Loduvico arrived and took his usual spot at the marketplace, people would instantly behave and the commotion would die down. They remained disciplined throughout the day.
A legion of devoted followers was also formed that Monday. They took charge in securing Loduvico's area so that he could concentrate while healing the sick, making the people form a queue, controlling the crowd, and even offering free food for everyone. There were even rumors that they would urge Loduvico to form a new religious sect and that a petition had been sent to the mayor's office already. Others said that necessary papers were already prepared. It was only a matter of days before concrete plans for the new religion would be made known to the public.
Loduvico knew all that were happening. The voices inside his head kept telling him about them. Though the messages were not always clear, Loduvico could make sense of them to come up with some interpretations. So he knew people would continue seeking his healing touch. He knew that his avid believers were cooking up plans to create a new religions based entirely on him. He knew a chaos would soon happen due to some doubts. Yes, people would doubt him soon after his disappearance. He saw it - his usual spot at the market would be empty despite the crowd gathered around it. They waited until night but he did not arrive. As to why, Loduvico did not know. As to when, he also had no idea. The voices did not told him, but he knew he would vanish.
Presently, the crowd had thinned as night slowly took over Subangdaku. Darkness was eating the market area while people continued to buy and sell merchandises. After the last sick person was sent away, his followers also bade farewell and went home, leaving Loduvico alone. In the chaos of things, Loduvico felt at peace. He was helping people and he was healing them. At whatever cost, he must continue his mission. Despite his exhaustion, Loduvico began his walk home.
Home was just few blocks from the market area. He was used to walking and to walking alone. It pacified his mind, giving him opportunity to reflect and to listen to the voices. But that night, he heard no voices inside his head. There was only silence which mystified him. Silence was not peace; it was listening to the voices that cleared his mind. So while walking home, he was not at peace. His heart was beating wildly while his mind was worriedly weighing possibilities.
No sooner, Loduvico saw the shadow of his lonely hut. It was dark against the illumination of the nearby houses. Not a single light was lit around his humble abode. He hurried his paces, eager for the comfort and safety of his own home.
He was about to enter the gate when he heard gentle footsteps from behind him. His hairs stood on his skin as he felt panic and fear. Before he could turn around, strong arms knotted around his body. It was a tight embrace, possibly coming from a tall burly man. He squeezed hard but the knotted arms held even tighter. Ludovico was strong due to years of hard labor in the market but that night, his strength failed him. He could not loosen the grip and the man who held him did not even move an inch. He was about to shout for help when a large fist jammed his cheek. It was swift and easy that he was out of breath after the punch left his face. Before he could move a muscle, Loduvico was attacked by a barrage of more punches all over his body. It was relentless that he felt like a beaten pulp. In few minutes, his body relaxed and he slumped on the body that held him.
When he regained consciousness, there was pain throughout his body. Even a single movement of his muscle could trigger too much pain that he could cry. Yet, he could not cry because his eyes were blindfolded. He was hanging with each arm tied to opposite posts that he felt like being stretched. On his feet, there were separate knots that connected them to something strong like some concrete posts or huge boulder. He felt like a marionette being controlled by his evil master.
"Where am I?" he asked inaudibly.
Suddenly, a forceful slap hit his face. Loduvico groaned in searing pain.
"You are not allowed to talk unless we tell you so," a voice said from beside him.
A bottle was then put in Loduvico's month. Water poured profusely that it seemed to drown him. He opened his mouth wide as he felt thirst and hunger. He could not waste any more minute so he opened his mouth even wider.
"That's enough!" ordered another man.
Loduvico was gasping for him as the bottle was rapidly removed from his mouth. Fresh blood dripped from his upper lip. He could not believe what was happening to him. He tried to listen to his heart and mind but the voices did not come.
"Loduvico, you will staying in this place for as long as there is an outbreak."
Loduvico stretched his neck and head. The voice was something familiar to him.
"For the meantime, be a good man and do not cross the line. Or else, you will be severely punished."
The man laughed his heart out. His laugh slowly vanished as he walked farthur away. For Loduvico, the voice was familiar. It would only a matter of time before he knew the man behind the voice.....