Soulbound

Soul 54: War

"When this war is over, let's see the sun rise together..."

AVERY

Maaga akong nagising. Hindi pa sumisikat ang araw. Halos dalawang oras lang ang itinulog ko at hindi ko pa rin natatapos basahin ang libro. I was restless. Siguro walang sinuman ang makakatulog nang maayos kung nasa gitna sila ng isang digmaan. It's just normal to be paranoid at these critical times. This was a matter of life and death and sleep was inevitable. We're at the middle of a worst war. Cruel reality.

Agad kong tinipon ang mga kawal ko. I wore my warrior suit made of black iron and gold with a pair of black knee-high boots. When my army saw me on this battle outfit, they seemed scared. Scared for my safety. They didn't want me to fight. Hindi nila gustong ibuwis ko ang buhay ko para sa kanila. But I wanted to do this for them. Sa ganitong paraan lang ako makakabawi sa kanila. Hindi ko pa rin nakakalimutan na iniwan ko sila sa loob ng tatlong taon.

Alam kong marami ang nahirapan at naging alipin dahil sa kapabayaan at kahinaan ko. I would no longer sit and wait on my throne for this war to be over.

They were all gathered in front of the White Mansion. They occupied the enormous garden. Ang ilan ay nasa labas pa ng lavander field. Hangga't maaari, iniingatan nilang hindi masira ang mga bulaklak. Halos lahat sila ay tahimik habang naghihintay sa mga sasabihin ko. They didn't complain for what I did and I didn't know if this was a good thing or not. This just made me feel guiltier.

Maybe when we managed to win this war, my guilt will eventually disappear.

Ayon kay Damon, nakahanda na ang mga kawal ng iba't ibang kaharian upang sumugod. Kapag nagbigay na ako ng hudyat, saka sila magsisimulang umatake. He will send the signal for me. Kinakabahan ako. This war will be surely chaotic. Hindi maiiwasan ang pagdanak ng dugo. Pero minsan, kailangan talagang magsakripisyo para lang makamit ang kapayapaan. And maybe, that's why heroes are there for.

Inilibot ko ang paningin sa bawat isa sa kanila mula sa malawak na balkonahe na kinaroroonan ko. They didn't bow down and held my gaze. I could clearly see the resolve on their eyes. They will fight for me. They will fight to redeem Elfania.

"It's been a while," malungkot ang ngiting wika ko. Malambot ang ekspresiyon ng mukha ko. I must apologize for my shortcomings. For being a disappointment. "Alam kong nahirapan kayo. Alam kong naghanda at naghintay kayo sa pagbabalik ko. Masaya ako na nandito kayo. Na hindi ninyo ako iniwan at sinukuan. You remained loyal no matter what. You're our kingdom's pride and protection," saad ko sa halos nanghihinang tinig. Napansin ko na ang ilan sa mga kababaihan ay naluluha na. Kitang-kita ang tuwa sa mga mata nila dahil sa pagbabalik ko. Some men were still. Hindi nila hinahayaang mabahidan ng kahit anong emosyon ang mga mata nila dahil sinanay sila na maging matigas pero nararamdaman ko pa rin ang saya nila. Pero may ilan din naman na nababasa na rin ng luha ang mga mata.

"I'm sorry that I hadn't bid you all goodbye when I decided to leave. I didn't give you enough warning. But I won't let this chance slip to give you a proper greeting and say hello," dagdag ko pa. Sumeryoso ang mukha ko. I wanted them to see my resolve. I wanted to show them how I wanted freedom. How I wanted to save this kingdom. "Hello because we will start again. We will stand again, together. And I will no longer leave your side. I may not be a god but you all have me by your side. I'm already done being a coward."