The ground vibrated with the furious pounding of hooves, sending sprays of dust and loose stones into the air. An atmosphere thick with avarice hung over the approaching riders, each man's gaze fixed on the potential treasure that had caused the strange phenomenon.
The heavy thudding of hooves slowed as they neared the barricaded gates, transitioning to a more measured tlot-tlot, then a slower clip-clop as the dozen men reined in their steeds before the territory of the Tala ng Gubat tribe. "Boss," one of his two captains said, tugging nervously at his reins, "we only have a dozen people, and the treasure looks like it's in the hands of a tribe. Maybe we should just forget about this?"
Veyron dismounted with a dismissive wave of his hand, his gaze sweeping over the wooden gates as if they were beneath his notice. "Since we're here, why not try the front gate? Perhaps we can acquire it through trade. I doubt these peasants truly understand the value of a treasure that can cause such a spectacle." Looking down at the tribal settlement nestled within the forest, the bandit leader smirked, confident he could easily swindle them.
As Veyron's group arrogantly approached, a handful of warriors emerged from the gates, their movements cautious as they blocked the way. "Friends of the forest," one of them announced, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon, "our trading market is closed for tonight and tomorrow. You may return the day after for any business." He noted the hardened look of the newcomers, their lack of merchant carriage raising an alarm. 'This was no ordinary trading party.'
Suspicion tightened Veyron's features. 'Looks like it really is a treasure.' He gripped his horse's reins as he faced the warriors. "We are not here for trade. As you can see, we are no merchants. I witnessed the disturbance caused by your tribe's treasure from afar." He met their gazes directly, abandoning any pretense.
The warrior who had spoken earlier immediately drew his sibat[1], the sharpened tip pointing at Veyron's chest. His stance shifted, coiled and ready. The warriors behind him, and those lining the stone walls, mirrored his action, their unity palpable. Sensing the sudden threat, Veyron's men drew their own weapons, the glint of steel flashing in the fading light.
"Hey now," Veyron said, a dangerous edge entering his voice. "No need for aggression. You may outnumber us, but I can still cut you down and be gone before your friends can react." His eyes narrowed, turning predatory as the dark aura he had accumulated from past atrocities washed over the warrior, causing a tremor in his hands and a weakening in his knees.
'Ugh. This person cannot be allowed to enter. I'd rather die than bring such a monster into our home', the warrior thought, forcing himself to stand firm.
Luckily, Rajah Bayani was returning from nearby festivities when he felt the oppressive aura emanating from the gate. His brows furrowed. 'What's going on? I have to turn back! ' He hauled on his steed's reins, the animal responding instantly, galloping back towards the commotion.
Rajah Bayani arrived to the sight of the tense confrontation. "Bantug, what's going on here?" he asked his captain, who stood facing Veyron.
Bantug lowered his sibat and turned to his Rajah, bowing his head respectfully. "These people claim they are not merchants but came because of the disturbance caused by our 'treasure' earlier." The other warriors lowered their weapons slightly at their Rajah's arrival, awaiting his command.
Rajah Bayani's gaze settled on Veyron. "Is this true?"
Veyron carefully studied the newcomer. 'He's strong. But not as strong as me' "My name is Veyron," he replied smoothly, "and we are indeed here to make an offer for the treasure that caused the earlier phenomenon. Surely, we can come to an agreement that would benefit your tribe, wouldn't you say?" He didn't bother to disguise his intent. 'Since stealing it seems unlikely, let's just buy it. These simple folk will probably fall for any trick.'
"I am sorry, but that was not a treasure, but a sacred rite of our tribe," Rajah Bayani explained, his eyes conveying a clear warning. "The phenomenon you witnessed was a blessing from our Goddess and Ancestors upon their people, not a treasure." He saw the avarice in Veyron's eyes; these were not honorable men. Their offer of trade was likely born of necessity, not goodwill.
"Hahahaha!" Veyron roared with laughter, the sound mocking. "If you want to refuse my offer, then just say so! Who comes up with such a lame excuse about Goddesses and Ancestors?" He scoffed. "I'm tired of wasting my time with you peasants. You may look strong, but I doubt any of you are stronger than me!" he bellowed, his demeanor shifting abruptly, revealing a volatile nature. He lunged at Bayani, aiming a brutal punch at his chest.
Caught off guard, Rajah Bayani took the full force of the blow, the impact sending him hurtling back against the heavy wooden gates with a sickening thud that cracked the stone.
"Cough… cough… cough." A ragged cough tore through his chest as he pushed himself up. He felt the slight indentation on his sternum. 'This guy is strong. He broke at least a couple of my ribs.' Despite the pain, his warrior instincts took over as he assessed his attacker, preparing to retaliate.
"Rajah! How dare you, mongrels!" Bantug roared, fury overriding caution. Ignoring the obvious difference in their strength, he thrust his sibat at Veyron's torso.
Whoosh! Crack!
With contemptuous ease, Veyron sidestepped the clumsy thrust, snatching the broken shaft and delivering a sharp punch to the center, splintering the wood in half.
'Too fast!' Bantug thought, scrambling backward, but a brutal kick slammed into his torso, sending him flying. He landed hard, his consciousness fading.
The Tala ng Gubat tribe held a proud history, once boasting warriors as numerous as leaves on the trees. But for reasons lost to time, their strength had waned. Now, faced with an opponent who exuded the power of a higher realm, their only hope might lie with their ancient guardian.
"Hmph, pathetic ants," Veyron sneered, confident in his assessment. "If I had known your tribe was so weak, I wouldn't have wasted my breath negotiating with such worthless peasants."
Rajah Bayani felt a wave of despair wash over him. I' had hoped to restore our tribe to its former glory during my reign. It seems I was dreaming beyond my capacity.' He limped slowly towards Veyron, gesturing for his warriors on the walls to stay put and for the unconscious Bantug to be brought inside.
"Since you are so confident," Rajah Bayani said, his voice strained but resolute, "why don't you meet our guardian and ask if they agree to let you take our 'treasure'?" He reached for a small, twelve-inch horn hanging at his waist, crafted from a material as black as the deepest abyss, with holes pierced on both ends.
Taking a deep breath, Rajah Bayani raised the horn to his lips and blew with all his might!
Bwuaaahhhhh! Oohhh!
The deep, resonant sound echoed through the forest, vibrating in every chest. Then, a low, sinister hiss slithered from the ground, rising, growing, until it erupted into a deafening, guttural roar that shook both friend and foe to their very core.
Hssss-KRAAAHHH!
[1] Philippine Was Spear