[Alipin Ground's Entrance]
After being dragged by the Saman, Miguel together with the two other Sulgos reached the entrance.
At the entrance of the Alipin Grounds, the Saman is staring furiously at Miguel.
"Who is that Alipin?"
Surrounding him were robust guards who can only stand still while quietly waiting for the Saman to make her move.
Miguel scratched his head "Truly a spoiled brat" He mumbled inwardly.
"What took you so long? The two of you are merrily speaking"
Miguel was faced with a barrage of two spiteful questions.
"Can't I leave a farewell to my beloved friend?" Miguel asked with a stern voice.
The Saman was surprised to hear the sudden cold voice emitting from Miguel.
It was the first time she was replied by a nobody like this.
"Hmp." The Saman Hmped as she stared away from Miguel.
She could only shift her gaze towards the two other Sulgo that she recently acquired.
Then, after a while she loudly proclaimed...
"Alright! Let's go! Let's get out of here, I can't wait any longer!"
"Yes! Dearest Saman!"
"You heard our Saman! Open the gates!"
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...
Then, what greeted us were the imposing figures of sturdy men, Timawas—a free man commonly composed of great warriors, allowed to have properties and in return was taxed by the Datu.
Each guard looked menacing, each of them was holding their weapons like a cradled baby.
But to me, that witnessed different kinds of warriors and soldiers alike, their formation is still lacking.
They had uniformed clothing with each wearing at their tops that resembled a red chaleco vest and silk woven black pants. All had golden linings and patterns that are unique to my eyes.
"I can't help but admire our clothing."
I have seen depictions of our people's style and clothing before colonization,
But seeing them up close makes my pride boil.
We seem to have many talented craftsmen.
"The patterns in their clothes is proof."
Miguel seemed to be immersed, witnessing how warriors of his beloved country in the past should have really looked like.
Now he was witnessing history with his very own eyes.
A page in the history that was not clearly recorded.
"Look at those golds... They were covered in gold! From head to toe." Miguel muttered inwardly in a single breath.
"And are you kidding me with those eyes? Those are the eyes that any commander would want to see."
At the outer formation of the group, the warriors are holding a bladed spear with animal bones as its decorations. and at the center were six warriors holding a miniature sized hut that looked like a palanquin.
Four guards with a broad large sword were guarding the palanquin and another two warriors were holding the torch and a giant banner.
The banner had intricate designs that resembled two huge mountains and the blazing sun at its center.
Miguel opened and close his mouth, unable to hide his amazement.
Then one of the warriors slowly approached the Saman with a greeting unique to the warriors.
"Pagtimbaya!" The guard roared as he raised his right fist to his left chest, beat it once, and politely bowed to the Saman.
Which in return the Saman replied with a graceful bow, with her slowly placing both of her arms across her chest, followed by a light bow.
The difference in status was clearly shown.
The guard bowed with his shoulders dropped to the ground while the Saman only tilted her head down.
[16], [17] "Our dearest, Saman. Her ladyship, Dayang Haya, ordered us to fetch you here with the Sankayan."
And while scratching his head the warrior looked at the Saman's feet.
He can't help but cry out!
"Our dearest Saman! What have you done to your feet? Samans are forbidden to touch the naked ground! That would be impetuous to our great ancestor the Saman herself from which your title was taken!"
The guard sternly scolded the Saman. He can't help but instantly bow his head, noticing that the Saman had her brows knitted.
Hearing the long complaint, the Saman just rolled her eyes. For her, she can't be bothered with such custom.
"Those crap just exists to keep me from going out. I hate such a stupid custom!"
The Saman uttered under her breath, she hated it deep in her bones.
But she knew that it was part of their tradition and just furiously stared at the warrior in front.
Right then the Saman did an unexpected thing from the Miguel who had no idea of what is about to come.
Under the watchful eyes of each warrior that was present,
Miguel felt his scalp going numb.
The beautiful Saman suddenly went at his front, she raised her arms like gesturing him to carry her.
When he was dumbfounded by this sudden call, the Saman suddenly exclaimed...
"What are you still spacing out for my Sulgoso?" She looked at the dumbfounded Miguel and smiled haughtily.
"On your knees! Carry me."
Miguel just scratched his head while the warriors made a sharp piercing glare at this unresponsive Sulgoso.
Miguel had no choice but to comply as he made an about-face and bent his knees.
Afterward, the Saman happily hopped with her arms tightly embracing Miguel.
Miguel felt a tingly soft pleasure behind his back, the Saman's bosom was firmly placed at his back as softly as they should!
He had a hard time gaining his balance as he repeatedly scowled himself.
"She is just like my daughter, don't think of anything!" Miguel reminded himself.
But to no avail, his bodily functions were very active as it responded to this unique stimulation.
The body of a young 15-year-old Argus joyfully reacted.
Armed with great tenacity and willpower this thing is nothing compared to the experiences he learned, thought by Miguel as he carried the Saman dutifully towards the Sankayan.
The Sankayan looked like a beautifully decorated miniature-sized hut that showcased the wealth of the Lumin's Tribe.
Gold is everywhere!
When Miguel reached the entrance of which the Saman could enter the Sankayan, the Saman whispered into his ears...
"Thanks.." And with a coy smile, she playfully laughed while slowly entering the Sankayan.
Now the burden had left Miguel.
He sighed while patting his arms.
Miguel shifted his gaze at Toto's little sister.
And as he expected, Toto's little sister looked lifeless and gloomy—still sad by their father's death.
And together with the warriors, they were arranged at the back to follow the Sankayan on a journey back to the Saman's residence.
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...
An enclosed room with large windows that lets the wind freely come and go as it pleased, was a young boy squatting, deep into his thoughts.
Miguel was busily thinking of his plans moving forward.
He thought of the events that recently had transpired and could not help but feel tired.
Just his first day living his life as Argus, already brought him too many troubles.
What more in the succeeding days?
He is still unable to wrap his mind about this whole incident of him returning to the past.
In fact he is still trying his best to look for clues if his theory was actually right.
But ever since he recalled the name Lia in Argus's memories and actually meeting that Lia herself in person... His plans had advanced by leaps and bounds!
The Lia in Argus's memories whom he played with was actually Talia, the Saman of this Lumin's Tribe.
Now, he gained an upper hand, he no longer has to cook his way out of slavery.
But he is still wary of this Saman's intentions.
After all, it was her father that killed Argus's father and decimated their whole tribe.
Well technically, he was still an Alipin but now of that of a higher class.
He can't help but worry about Toto's little sister as he felt indebted towards Toto.
Suddenly he realized that he is slowly getting attached to the people of this world and his thoughts wandered around for those people whom he had left, back in his old world.
He slowly got up and reached the windows.
He observed the ground for a while before stomping it lightly.
"These planks are sturdy, they seemed to be made out of acacia tree."
Miguel muttered under his breath.
He leaned at the window while producing a sigh,
Overlooking at the distance of a mountainous range and trees swaying back and forth.
The breeze of the cold night slowly crept its way towards Miguel's skin.
It was both dark and chilly with only the sound of bugs and crickets disturbing the silence of the night.
As Miguel stared at the vast sky...
The brightly lit crescent moon seemed to look at Miguel in contempt.
In Miguel's eyes, it was a challenge.
And Today marks the start of that challenge!
Miguel smiled patting himself as if to gesture to the previous owner of what his intentions are...
"Do not worry, your life may have ended but your story is about to begin!"
Then the cold breeze slowly quieted down as it left Miguel slowly,
Disappearing and becoming one with the wind.