Domain of the Orient

Chapter 3

It was passed midnight when Llandra decided to go home, he is both physically and mentally exhausted just from thinking things and staying here doesn't help him.

The beat of the drum continued to echo around as he walked. There are still few members remaining on the Fire pit, when they saw him they stop drinking their wine and said that they will also go home but he said to them to enjoy the feast and continue what they are doing, he even took a sip of their wine just to settle things, after that he nodded to them and take his leave.

The house where he live is located to the south of the Fire pit where the main village lie. Lights flickered ahead like fireflies on top of trees as he walked through the open fields. This village is the largest on the island and it is located on the center while the other four is located on northeast, northwest, southwest and southeast.

The huts are elevated to the ground by tree trunks and lamps are hanging on it. The lights coming from it make it easier to see things around but Llandra doesn't need it because he has a good vision and knows the place very well.

After walking for a few more moments, he finally arrived on the steps of their home. Their house can be easily identified by any stranger. It is the largest and grandest on the island. They call it the Ancestral house of the Chiefs, their home while they are alive and the destination of their spirit after their death.

He took a lamp on the stilt of the house, walked on the wooden steps and opened the door. As usual, only the ornaments and furniture of the big room greeted him. The Chief currently has three wives and four children but only the first family can live on this house. His mother died giving birth to him and the previous Chief; his Grandfather sacrifice himself on the battlefield so that others can safely retreat back. Thus only Llandra, his Father and Grandmother are the only one living here.

He place the lamp on the table and be seated on the window, there he watch the horizon and gazed the stars.

"Is there something bothering you young one?" an old familiar voice asked

Llandra follow the voice with a smile and he saw his grandmother standing outside of her room "The wine make me dizzy" he answered

His grandmother walk on the table and take a seat. She was small, lean and old. Her skins where wrinkled and her grey hair seems to shine from the light of lamp. She tightened her scarf as the cold breeze blew "I only got home today and the first thing I will hear will be a lie" she said while looking on the lamp "what a shame"

Llandra smiled bitterly. He seated beside her and voice out what he really felt "I'm scared Grandma"

Her grandmother look at him with caring eyes "It is okay to be scared child" her voice was solemn "just don't let it dictate you on your life"

"I'm trying to encourage myself but... but what if I fail" he said "the tribe may perished because of me"

"Poor child" she patted Llandra's hand "Young yet already tasked on a heavy responsibility"

As she speak, Llandra can feel the warmth through her gentle wrinkled hand

"I know it is hard but you must not fall in despair" she said "don't let the whisperers control your mind"

His Grandmother was a shaman. Her abilities are top notch on the island and she was chosen as their representative member for the council. As a shaman they are engaged to a battle with the cult who worshipped the Whisperers.

Llandra smiled "I am not scared of them because of you are here Grandma" he said

"You are right with that" she answered as she clasped both of her hand "No one can dream of hurting you as long as I am alive"