MINDAZA

8. THE GIANT SWORD FISH

Mindaza gazed ahead from the highest point of the vessel, her eyes filled with wonder at the sight before her. The vastness of the mainland of Mindanao exceeded her expectations, as she had been accustomed to the limited space of an island she could easily traverse in a matter of hours. The unending expanse of the mainland's coastline, with its series of headlands and coves, along with the picturesque sandy beaches, left Mindaza in awe. Beyond the shoreline, she observed the gradual ascent of lush green hills, stretching ridge after ridge, eventually leading up to the majestic purple-blue peaks of the mountains in the distance.

"Mindanao" Sulaya said quietly.

Sulaya whispered softly, "The vast landmass where my formative memories were made." She continued speaking as she followed closely behind her daughter, "Is that why I was named Mindaza?"

Sulaya nodded.

"There are so many things out there. There is a part where everyone is living in peace normally like what we have, there is some part where people are living in war, some parts are mysterious places and some parts are forbidden," Sulaya said.

Mindaza was stunned for a moment, wondering why the island's customs and situation were different from her home island.

"Now we will sail as close as possible to the capital and give our message to the king."

Mindaza touched the hilt of her sword. Then she calls out, "But mother..."
Sulaya turned her face to her daughter, "What?"

"I chose the sword, but I don't know how to use it," Sulaya smiled and said, "You were born by the way of the sword, that sword chose you, it's not about choosing it."

"But, how do you know that it's mine?" Mindaza still asked her mother to clear her thoughts about the sword.

"My grandmother told me before, someday a great warrior from her blood will be born, and she will take the warrior's path. The sword you are holding is the sword of your great-grandmother. Her name is "Malaya", they said. She is the great warrior of our bloodline at the same time, she is a healer."

Mindaza chuckled and said, "But I am not a warrior."

Sulaya frowned, then she continued, "Before she died she buried her sword in that cave, situated on the top of the mountain where the said warrior had to climb the mountain cliff. I have faith that you are "the chosen one" after you succeed."

"But, what if I don't want to be a warrior?"
Sulaya raised her eyebrows. "It is in you, it's your destiny,"

"What should I do? How do I fight?"

Mindaza fixed her gaze on her mother's eyes. They were steady and bright, wise with years.

Sulaya patted Mindaza's shoulders and said,

"You will know, but remember this, you must never draw that sword, unless it is at the right time, and in the right way. Defend the weak and the righteous. You must never kill or wound for sport or fun. Do you understand?"

"Aye, Mother" Mindaza said as she bowed her head as a sign of agreement.

"You must never take pleasure in killing, or kill for revenge or cruelty. Fate has granted you a gift, and you must use it responsibly, or the power will drain and turn against you. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Mindaza responded.

"Good girl," Sulaya said. Although Sulaya did not smile, there was a world of compassion on her face.

"You had a choice between a life of sloth and luxury or a life of duty and devotion. You chose the latter. Your name will be known, Mindaza. People will tell tales to the younger generations and bards will sing of your deeds, or you will die in a ditch and the wind will play tunes through your bones. That is the way of the warrior."