The whispers of unity, rekindled by Tiago's journey, swirled through the Visayan League. A council meeting was called, a gathering of representatives from each island, a chance to address the simmering tensions and chart a new course for the League.
The atmosphere in the grand hall, once a symbol of unity, was thick with tension. Rajah Makarion, his face a mask of defiance, sat at the head of the table. Around him, other leaders exchanged nervous glances, their expressions a mix of hope and apprehension.Tiago, invited to address the council despite his lack of official standing, stood before them, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew the weight of history rested on his words."Esteemed leaders," he began, his voice clear and unwavering. "We stand at a crossroads. The echoes of discord threaten to drown out the legacy of our ancestors, the legacy of Lapu-Lapu and the League's founders."He spoke of his journey, of the stories he had heard, and of the shared history that bound them together. He reminded them of the strength they possessed when they stood united, of the innovations that flourished when knowledge was shared, and the victories they achieved when they fought side by side.His words resonated with some leaders, particularly those who remembered the benefits of the League's golden age. But others, swayed by Makarion's whispers of Cebuan dominance, remained skeptical.Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the tension. It was Datu Sandugo, the elder representative from Panay, a man known for his wisdom and sharp wit."Rajah Makarion," he declared, his voice laced with a hint of disapproval, "Cebu's leadership has been... lacking, to say the least. The League thrives on collaboration, not dominance."A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall. Makarion, his face reddening with anger, slammed his fist on the table."The League needs a strong leader, someone who can ensure Cebu's rightful place at the forefront!" he roared.The tension escalated, threatening to erupt into a heated argument. But then a soft voice, almost drowned out by the commotion, spoke up.It was Liwayway, the scholar, who had witnessed the League's rise and decline. Now, as an older stateswoman, her voice carried the weight of experience."Perhaps," she suggested, her gaze sweeping across the room, "the answer doesn't lie in a single leader. Perhaps the League needs a council, a body representing all the islands, to make decisions for the collective good."The idea sparked a flicker of hope. A council—a return to the League's original structure—could ensure more balanced and fair leadership. Discussions followed, heated at times but ultimately constructive. Compromises were made, concessions were offered, and a tentative agreement was reached.The Visayan League wouldn't be ruled by a single Rajah anymore. A council, with representatives from each island, would be established. Decisions would be made through deliberation and consensus, ensuring that the needs of all islands were heard and addressed.The council elected Datu Sandugo, the wise elder from Panay, as the first Speaker—a symbol of neutrality and a leader respected by all islands. Rajah Makarion, his power diminished but his position acknowledged, reluctantly agreed to abide by the council's decisions.The future of the League remained uncertain. The scars of discord wouldn't heal overnight, and challenges would undoubtedly arise. But a seed of hope had been planted. The echoes of unity, once silenced, now resonate within the halls of power.As the council members departed, Tiago stood alone in the grand hall, a sense of quiet satisfaction washing over him. He hadn't envisioned himself as a leader, but he had played his part. He had reignited the flame of unity, and now the future of the Visayas rested in the hands of the council, a testament to the enduring legacy of Lapu-Lapu and the unwavering spirit of a people bound by a shared history and a common destiny. The echoes of an empire might have faded, but the Visayan League, reborn from the ashes of discord, stood ready to face the tides of change, united once more.