Semua Bab The Timawa's Daughter : A Tale of Power and Legacy: Bab 21 - Bab 30

(raja lontok's pov) I sat on my throne, my eyes scanning the room as a soldier rushed in, bowing low. "Raja Lontok, Hara Dayang Kalangitan," he said, his voice urgent. "I bring grave news. Our scouts have reported that the soldiers of Tambobong are mobilizing, armed and ready for war. They seek to take our kingdom by force." My wife's eyes narrowed, her grip on the armrest tightening. "What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "Have they given us warning or reason for this aggression?" The soldier swallowed hard. "No, my queen. They seem to have been secretly gathering their forces. Our scouts only recently discovered their plans." I leaned forward, my mind racing. "How many men do they have? What is their strategy?" The soldier hesitated before answering. "They have a large force, Raja Lontok. Hundreds of men, armed with swords and shields. They plan to attack from the north, using the river to their advantage." Hara Dayang Kalangitan's face was set in determination. "W

( Hara Dayang pov) I smiled as I received the reports from my emissaries. The alipins were thriving, their newfound freedom bringing a sense of joy and contentment to their lives. I had sent them to check on the alipins and timawas working and trading in the market, and their words filled me with happiness. "Your Majesty, the alipins are doing well," one of them said. "They're working with renewed purpose, and their faces are filled with hope. The market is bustling with activity, and trade is flourishing." I nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction. My decision to elevate the alipins' status to aliping sagigilid had been the right one. They were finally free to live their lives as they saw fit, and it showed in their demeanor. But today, I had more pressing matters to attend to. The Tambobong leader had finally agreed to our conditions, and we were set to formalize the annexation of Tambobong as one of Tondo's districts. I turned to Raja Lontok, who stood beside me. "It's ti

(Hara Dayang pov) As the weeks passed, Raja Lontok's health continued to decline. He grew weaker and weaker, until he was unable to move his own body. I stayed by his side, talking to him even when he was sleeping. I told him about my day, about the kingdom's affairs, and about my fears and hopes. I knew he couldn't respond, but I believed that somehow, someway, he could hear me. At night, I would sneak away to the west bay, where I would dance for the anitos. I would cry out to them, pleading for mercy and healing for my beloved husband. I would dance for hours, my feet bare and my hair flowing in the wind. I would call out to the spirits, asking them to spare Raja Lontok's life, to give him strength and vitality. "Anitos, please," I would cry, my voice echoing across the water. "Have mercy on us. Heal my husband, give him back his strength and his vitality. I will do anything, just please don't take him from me." As I danced, I felt a sense of desperation wash over me. I was wil

(Hara Dayang's pov) Two months had passed since Raja Lontok's passing, and yet, it still felt like a dream. I would wake up every morning, hoping that it was all just a nightmare, that he would be lying beside me, smiling and warm. But it wasn't a dream. The pain and emptiness were real, and I had to face them every day. Despite my grief, the kingdom was still thriving. The trades were good, the alliances were strong, and the people were content. Raja Lontok had left a legacy of stability and prosperity, and I was determined to build on that. As I sat on the throne, I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I was now the ruler of not one, but two kingdoms. I had to ensure that both kingdoms continued to prosper, that the people were happy and safe. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to rise to the challenge. I spent every waking moment attending to the affairs of the kingdom, making decisions, and meeting with advisors. I was determined to prove myself as a ca

(raja lontok's pov) I emerged from the water, gasping for air. My lungs burned, but I didn't have time to catch my breath. I had to find Dayang Kalangitan. I sprinted towards the palace of Tondo, my feet pounding the ground. As I ran, I noticed people staring at me in disgust. They covered their noses, and some even spat on the ground as I passed by. I realized that I must smell terrible – the stench of death and decay clinging to my skin. I didn't care. I had to find Dayang Kalangitan. I burst through the palace gates, and ran towards the throne room. But the guards blocked my way, their faces twisted in revulsion. "Who are you?" one of them growled. "What do you want?" I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse and barely audible. I cleared my throat and tried again. "I... I'm Raja Lontok," I croaked. But my words fell flat. No one believed me. To them, I was just a filthy, undead thing. The guards pushed me back, and I stumbled. I fell to my knees, my strength waning.