3 Chapter 3
As Mergalio comes closer to the city, his wings are slowly fading until it completely disappeared in his body. With much amazement, his warrior suit also changed into ordinary clothes like what the SklavoiS are wearing.
“This is better. I won’t look different from the people here.”, whispered Mergalio.
The moment Mergalio felt the ground on his feet, the cloud instantly disappeared from his sight. He kept on looking everywhere, afraid that someone must have seen him descend from the sky. Luckily, the cloud landed him on an area hidden from many people. There are so many old and fragile houses made from recycled materials. He waited for a few minutes more until he was assured that no one saw him came down with a cloud.
“What happens now? Where will I go now?”, asked Mergalio as he desperately seeks answer right at that very moment. He doesn’t have anything with him. He has no money, not even some food with him. All he holds now are the colorful eggs given by the Divine Power.
“Mergalio, take one hundred fifty steps to your left. Once you get there, turn right and you will see the signage Magnifico. Get inside that small store and you will find someone who will be your guide in this forsaken place.”, instructed the Master.
The mighty warrior did as he was told despite the fear in his heart. As he took one step at a time he tried his best to look calm and ignorant of how the SklavoiS look at him. He disregarded the murmurs that he heard from the people.
“Who is this man?”
“Why is he here?”
“Maybe he is another evil invader?”
Mergalio wanted to stop and talk to those people and tell them that he is there to save them. That he is sent by the Divine Power to redeem them and take them out of the dark. Yet, he knew that it wasn’t the right time for him to do that. He needs to do his mission quietly and carefully for it to be successful.
MAGNIFICO
Despite being a warrior, Mergalio found it hard to enter the small shop. It looked like a haven for drunkards and criminals. He knew that the moment he entered, he wouldn’t be able to come out alive.
“Get in. He is waiting for you.”, urged the Divine Power in his heart.
With a large gulp, Mergalio stepped inside the house only to be greeted by violent drunkards. Everyone was shouting curses at one another and drinks wine like there’s no more tomorrow.
He was praying to the Divine Power that these men wouldn’t pick on him and just let him stay inside without any commotion. He is a warrior alright but being new in this place, he still doesn’t know how to go on with life. He can fight for his life but that would mean killing some of the people whom he needs to redeem.
He kept on praying until he found a vacant chair at the corner of the place. He quickly sat there and patiently waited for a person whom he doesn’t even know. Suddenly, a man clothed in dirty clothes, roughly in his 40’s, slowly approached him with disbelief on his face.
The man sat in front of him without blinking almost memorizing his face.
“Ah, do you know me?”, Mergalio asked when he can no longer bear the awkward situation.
“Y-you’re real. It—it’s you!”, the man stuttered.
“What are you trying to say, Mister?”, Mergalio asked.
“You were in my dream just the other night. The Divine Master told me that you will be coming and that I should guide you as you work on your mission.”, the man stated.
“You were the man that the Master told me about. What’s your name? Do you believe in the Divine Power?”, asked Mergalio.
Odigos paused and smiled at him.
“I’m Odigos. Yes, I believe in Him but this is not the right place to talk. Follow me.”
Odigos led him to a narrow, dark passage. They walked non-stop until they reached a shabby tiny house.
“Quick. Get inside. The violent invaders will be roaming around the city in a minute now. We need to be inside to avoid their wrath.”, explained Odigos.
Mergalio settled on the floor as his eyes looked at Odigos. He lit the small candle and put it at the center of the wooden box that served as his table. There were not so much things inside. Odigos handed a glass of water to him and squatted on the floor.
“Tell me, why do you believe in the Divine Power?”, Mergalio questioned.
“Yes, I believe in Him. Despite what happened to Sklavois, my faith in Him remained firm. I was there when everything was perfect. I was a child when this place was still called The King’s Garden. It was magnificent.”, Odigos recalled.
Mergalio saw the glistening tears of the old man in front of him.
“But because of evil luring in the hearts of most SklavoiS, our city turned into a City of Slaves. Greedy men took advantage of our weaknesses and conquered our place. Despite all of these, I continued to pray to the Divine Power. I asked Him to redeem our place and I’m glad He finally sent you. It is my great honor to serve you, Mergalio.”, said Odigos in a very humble manner.
He was about to kneel and bow to the mighty warrior but Mergalio quickly stopped him.
“You don’t have to do that, my friend. I’m not superior than you. I’m just a servant of the Master of All, the only One who deserves our respect. As your friend, I want to thank you as early as now for all the help that you will offer me in this mission.”, Mergalio sincerely said.
“It will be a long journey, my friend. You must rest now. Tomorrow will be the start of your mission.”, Odigos blew the candle and the small house was now embraced by complete darkness.
Mergalio laid down and put the eggs beside him. And as he uttered a prayer to the Divine Power, he closed his eyes and prepared his entire being for a spiritual battle tomorrow.
