In The Arms of a Catalonan

Chapter Two: The Catalonan of Air

The Gat is gone…

Derei sighed. She already knew that the Kumakatok will come for the Gat’s soul tonight. But Dimasupil’s voice echoing inside her head still created an unwelcomed pang that pierced her heart.

The Gat of Li-Han was a beautiful and kind woman. Li-Han loved Gat Maya as much as Maya loved the land.

She heard raindrops suddenly hit her nipa hut’s roof.

The young princess is grieving, said Dimasupil. Derei could only nod.

Nobody else in the world can see and hear her guardian spirit, Dimasupil. Each Catalonan has a spirit guide that only they can see and hear.

Spirit guides, known as Anitos, are the spirits of ancestors. These Anitos are spirits favored or rewarded by the Gods because of something that they did when they were still alive.

Dimasupil was a great warrior. He served Li-Han with all his might when he was still alive until he died of old age. True to his name which meant unconquered, Dimasupil died undefeated.

“The girl…I believe she is…” Derei started, looking at Dimasupil who was sitting at a corner.

I believe so too, said Dimasupil. He’s a tall and muscular spirit. His hair was long and his body was full of marks and symbols which are sign of a great warrior who has won many battles.

“She can control the rain at this young age. Is it possible that she was born to be a Catalonan of water?” asked Derei.

There was no expression in Dimasupil’s face. I believe you know who and what she is.

Derei sighed once more.

She walked towards the open window and looked at the dark sky pouring its contents onto Li-Han.

“So young…” she whispered. “Yet very powerful…”

Nine summers to be exact, said Dimasupil. Just like you were when you became a Catalonan, my child.

“I wish the Great Uruha is still here. She would certainly know what to do. She was wise as she was strong. My knowledge and experiences are nothing compared to hers.”

Uruha’s services as the Chief Catalonan were no longer needed. Indeed, you are still young, about sixteen summers. But the gods and goddesses chose you. It is your destiny Catalonan Chief, to be here…to witness how you own prophecy unfolds.

A tear fell from Derei’s eye. “Is there anything I can do to convince the gods and goddesses to spare Li-Han from its fate?”

 I’m afraid, there’s nothing you can do to stop what is about to happen. You knew it a few years ago…you were there when the daughter of the Moon was born…you were also there when the warrior of the Sun took its first breath of air.

“Such beautiful children,” Derei said. “I can’t believe they are destined to fight.”

An Umalohokan is on his way here, said Dimasupil.

“Perhaps to ask me to go to the Rajah’s dwelling. He may not be aware that the Gat has passed away.”

Will you tell him?

“No,” Derei shook her head. “He’ll find out soon enough. But instead of gearing for a healing ritual, I’ll prepare for a funeral.”

This Umalohokan is different, Dimasupil stood up. He walked towards the window beside Derei. He looked into the dark and muddy pathway leading to their hut.

“You mean it’s not the Umalohokan that Rajah Asel used to send to deliver me messages?” Derei shifted her gaze to where Dimasupil is looking. She waited for a while until a short figure appeared from the shadows of the night.

“I have come for the Great Derei!” a young voice called out.

Derei frowned with displeasure. “The Rajah sent a boy!”

She quickly turned to open the door. “Come in, child!” she said.

The Umalohokan entered the house.

He was much younger than all the Rajah’s Umalohokans, and much more handsome. He’s face looked like he should belong to a Marhalika’s family, or at least a Maginoo.

“How old are you?” asked Derei.

“Twelve summers, Great Catalonan,” the boy answered. His young body was dripping wet because of the heavy downpour outside.

“How reckless of the Rajah to send a young boy. My dwelling is a good two-day run from the village and the path is very dangerous even to a warrior,” Derei eyed the Umalohokan.

“The Rajah sent me because I am the fastest. The Gat of Li-Han is ill,” answered the Umalohokan.

“How did you manage to safely pass the forest full of snakes and wild animals especially at this kind of night?”

“I know the forest well,” said the boy.

He is different, said Dimasupil. The warrior Anito walked towards the boy and looked at him straight to the face. The boy of course cannot see Dimasupil for he is a spirit.

His eyes are sharp and his face is almost unreadable…he has seen Death.

Derei ignored Dimasupil’s remark.

“Who are you, boy?” she asked.

“I am Shail, born from a family of Namamahay slaves.”

“Quite unusual for slaves to become an Umalohokan, especially for a young boy,” she said.

“I am aware of it,” said the boy.

Derei walked to where she keeps her belongings. She pulled out a white cloth, some flowers and herbs and gave them to the boy.

“Hold these for me please,” she said and then she walked toward her bedroom to change her clothing. She chose her most beautiful white dress and started unbraiding her long dark hair.

“But this is…this is for a funeral,” said the boy’s voice from the other room.

“I know,” She answered.

“Does this mean that the Gat is…Oh no!” said the boy.

Derei sighed when she heard the boy started weeping.