Prologue
Prologue
INTERITUS: FAITH
The sun’s relentless blaze brands the skin with its fiery touch. Interitus gazed up at the sky; beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He shielded his eyes with his palm to avoid the glaring light. He then softly whispers to himself, “Apolaki’s wrathful gaze scorches the skies once more.”
Bowing helplessly, Interitus gently touched the plants, observing as the wilted leaves drifted down onto the parched earth. The realization dawns that all efforts are futile. Despite any rainfall or ample water supply, there remains no hope to alleviate the hunger plaguing his family and tribe.
Internally, a bitterness lingered within him, a feeling of disillusionment. He had diligently adhered to the customs and ceremonies aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest, approaching them with the highest regard. Before cultivating the soil, he positioned himself at the heart of his field, tenderly raising his child and offering prayers to Kahilwayan.
“Lakapati, pakanin mo yaring abang alipin; huwag mo nawang gutumin.”
(Lakapati, feed this poor servant of yours; do not let them go hungry.)
After planting, accompanied by some men from the tribe, they ventured into the forest to hunt. They selected the best of the captured animals and offered them to Dumangan, the god of hunting.
Interitus, a skilled warrior, never sought recognition for his prowess in battle. He always bore the symbol of Apolaki, ensuring that the glory belonged to the god of war.
In the midst of it all, he turned to Kahilwayan, placing his faith and hope in all the gods and goddesses.
Yet, what he now faced was the bitterness of defeat; an unforeseen outcome of his toil and exhaustion. His endeavors, marked by blood and sweat, were thwarted by a harsh drought.
Clutching his palm, the dry leaves crumbled within his grasp. Rising to his feet, he gazed up once more. As he closed his eyes, a sigh escaped his lips.
“Oh, merciful Bathala; the mightiest anito of Kahilwayan. From your throne, cast a glance of mercy upon your humble servants.”
Upon his return home, Interitus is confronted with a heart-wrenching scene. Overwhelmed and paralyzed by shock, the sounds of his tribe’s cries ring in his ears. The air is thick with smoke from the burning huts, and the ground is stained with blood, littered with numerous lifeless bodies. It becomes evident that their tribe is under siege.
Rushing to his abode, he discovers his family motionless. Overwhelmed with grief, he collapses to his knees, his anguished wails reverberating through the mountains. With deep sorrow, he moves towards his beloved bunso and gently extends his touch to his wife, giving them affectionate caresses and embraces in the tragedy.
His teeth clenched. Anger flared in his eyes.
“Cursed be all of Kahilwayan! My vengeance will come upon you!”
glossary:
Anito - the gods and goddesses of Kahilwayan
Kahilwayan - the skyworld; home of the Anitos
