The Trial

When we were little we danced under the patch of colorful grass,

Your fingertips dangled at my hands as you smiled so sweetly.

Under the afternoon sunshine below where the hills rosed and towered above our little silhouettes, we laughed without care.

That time, it's just our pure innocent souls that conversed.

Two little kids who just wanted to have fun and play.

Ever curious about the things the world has to offer.

And now, our age is just right and is apt for marriage.

Well, I never said I did not like you!

The cold breeze is proud but is contracted by me.

Since then, you have to accept my vexation.

Annoying you and disturbing you at every little chance I can,

Why?

I just feel like when I do, I get to be close to you...

More and more as inches are slowly touching,

your breathing connects to mine.

At that time I had no idea,

that its called likeness or should I say am very fond of you?

I wouldn't have guessed,

We are just kids at that time.

Reminiscing those moments,

It's so far away.

You are so far away from me now...

And we met again.

You smile at your mouth,

The first time we met, after a long while.

But I felt a pang of jealousy crawling at my whole body,

that's not me!

It is my body whom you met after a long while,

But my soul is not there.

That's Miguel!

Not me!

And yes,

I love our childhood memories.

Those days we ran around, sneaking outside of our Banwa.

I could still remember the day when I first met you...

It's like a magical day, full of wonder.

Beneath the Golden tree, I saw a little fairy.

Lia...

I am fickle and playful.

And I admit, at my current state I am nothing but a nobody.

My old title served me no purpose anymore.

You are a Saman and I am nothing but an Alipin.

But through my sheer waning wisp of faith,

I'll trust the Gods to lead me to you.

I hope that through my effort, I can fight against the odds and take your hand by force if I must!

I am Argus!

Despite my odds of winning this trial, I will make sure to win the right to marry you.

Just so you wait! I'll be chasing your skirt!

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Argus, who had been drowned by the pool of loud echoing yells from the other warriors, renewed his wavering determination.

Although his main purpose of joining the Trial which the Saman made, is to be freed from slavery, secretly he had some feelings to the Saman, his childhood sweetheart.

Separated by anger due to Saman's Father's doings—Datu Hagat himself,

By killing his father—Datu Sadjar, and burning his old tribe, Argus vowed for revenge which had affected his interactions with the Saman.

Ever since then, they lost contact.

And Argus became a slave after Datu Sadjar became reluctant to kill him.

But all this time, Argus had kept his feelings to the Saman.

But he is reluctant in showing it.

But due to Miguel's coming and interference, fate found itself playing a red thread.

Argus' control over his body has returned and he had a chance to meet Saman Talia or Lia whom he previously had known.

Now that chance has presented itself, Argus is dead set on taking the Saman.

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...

Then the elder announced the specific details of the event...

The platform and the Tribe's square all quieted down, as the crowd listened to the words of the Elder.

Cupping his hands, his voice fell,

"Each trial will be divided into four trials."

"The first trial is to eliminate those who are deemed incapable."

And when they all heard this, most of the burly warriors agreed and nodded.

They thought that it's only apt to weed out the unnecessary.

"The second trial is a ceremonial trial, where you should pray before your ancestors to bless you. Because it will be about your fate and what is in store for you."

"The third trial is a test of the Gods, we need the blessing of our Gods after the blessing of our ancestors right?" The elder with an impassioned tone asked the crowd, which the crowd vehemently answered with great approval.

"AWOO!" beating their chests, they all shouted in unison.

Argus at the corner could only slowly tap his chest, and solemnly thought about the experience he had on that strange place.

He is now more devoted that it's probably the favor from the Gods.

And thinking up to this point, his lips curled and grinned...

Somehow, what he lacked in raw strength can be compensated with his luck from his fate.

Then the Elder raised his hands which signaled the crowd to turn silent.

"And last but not least, the all-time favorite! The fourth trial is a battle divided into two rounds!"

"One round for after each meal!"

"One in the afternoon and one in the evening!"

Cleaning his throat, the elder stopped for a moment.

And the crowd is delighted, jovially beating their own weapons.

The Timawas who are mostly comprised of free people who are warriors and merchants cheered together.

The merchants scattered some kind of grain that looked dark,

It was the first time Argus saw one so he tried to pick a few of the grains.

Examining them close he thought

"What grain is this?" Asking the warrior beside him which the other warrior sneeringly answered,

"Ignorant fool! Stay as an Alipin! You don't deserve to know!"

Shaking his head, Argus could only stand quiet.

"You will see how I will rise from the ranks, after that I'll go find you hmph." He declared inwardly,

Clenching his fist with the grain inside, his eyes laid back towards the Elder.

After a short pause that felt like an hour, the Elder continued

"But after the four trials, the final one would leave you surprised!"

"As for the details, you all should make sure first to reach the fourth before having the right to know hehe"

"And with all of that is said, I announce the start of The Trials!"

Then as the elder's voice ended a loud thud is heard,

And the huge gong is batted and it rang across the crowd who are filled with expectations and different agendas.

Each having their own convictions on why they are willing to join this Trial.

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But behind the surging waves, the tides seem to have risen.

"Banuk-Rhanuk! are we there yet?" A burly man asked.

"Not yet..." Banuk-Rhanuk with a serious expression replied, gazing at the approaching coast from the island.

"This Saon, the Banwa whom you are talking about, do they really have exotic beauties too?"

The burly man beside Banuk-Rhanuk unbashful and blatant as he asked.

Banuk-Rhanuk just shrugged and ignored him, preparing to row the boat faster.

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And the clueless Banwa—community or town, called Saon, where the tribe of Lumin lies, Celebrated the official start of the Trial that can determine who will become the Next Datu and the Husband of their dearest Saman.

[31] Chugging the Bahalina wine, the tribesmen danced and cheered, some had even made small competition on who can drink the most.