23 1.23: The Chief of Bamboo Village (1/2)

After the feast, we rested back at Stone Village as usual after the revelry of the feast and the beats of the drums slowly subsided. The bonfire had since died down, leaving a smoldering of embers. We quickly settled down at the platform and curled up to sleep as the effects of the bamboo liquor had long taken effect.

During my sleep, I had envisioned the old Sage that appeared in my dreams.

”You had done well and wielded the Keris to uphold justice and banish evil from the face of the earth.”

”Old Sage, if not because of you I would not be able to harness the power that had bestowed upon me.”

”You will continually be upgrading yourself and you will also have my fullest guidance. With this power, continue to be humble and to serve the people around you.”

”Yes Old Sage, I thank you for being able to guide me towards the path that you seem to befit me as your beholder. What other changes will I be looking forward in the future?”

”You will soon see my beholder. You will soon see....”

Soon the rooster began its crowing at the break of dawn. We were awakened and still reeling from the effect of the hangover of last night's drinking session. If not for the feast earlier and our empty stomachs we would definitely fall in a drunken stupor faster than ever.

We quickly washed up and a while later Gao and his servants came by to serve us coffee and light snacks consisting of steamed cassava and Banana. After the quick breakfast, we had our fill and after inquiring about the baby's parents and all, we decided to head back to our own village.

As tomorrow would be a day to hunt down those treasures again.

I pondered upon the dream that I had when I envisioned the Old Sage talking to me in a clear state of voice and clarity.

Upon reaching our village, we made our separate ways as we wanted to catch up with our sleep. Furthermore, we were trudging our way back from Stone Village and literally dragging our feet.

I went to meet Ani who was tending to the 'farm' near the outskirts of the settlement. She was clearing some weeds from the young tendrils of the string beans that had grown; reaching to the top of the and pruning the leaves in order to stun the growth and bear more vegetables in the end.

There's a bunch of purple orchid-like flowers that were blooming indicating that in the next few days the young string beans would emerge once the flowers wilted.

When Ani noticed me approaching the farm, she quickly stood up and ran towards me. The jumped and straight embraced me with all her might as if she had not seen me for ages.

”Abang, Ani missed you so much. I heard about what happened in Stone Village and thanked God that the baby is safe and back to his parents,” whispered Ani as she hugged me tightly. I could feel her heaving soft chest against me as a cling on to me like a barnacle. The sweet fragrance of her skin and hair melted into me as I took in deep breaths of it and was kind of intoxicated from it after a while. I fought against the reaction on my lower part of my body.

”Steady little sister” my thought raced to her

”Steady little brother” my thoughts raced to my bottom half of my body.

”News does spread fast eh?” I managed to reply back. ”The Chief Village wanted to meet with Abang once you return. Why don't you freshen up first and fix you something to eat.” Ani spoke up when she finally released me from her embrace. All the while I can't help but embrace her back and feeling her soft contours fusing with my body. Such a feeling I would prefer to remain etched in my mind.

” Alright, are you done with tending the plantations?” I asked and looked around at the area and found that the plantations were flourishing under her care.

”Yes, let's prepare for you to freshen up first OK?” she said as she led me out from the farm and towards the house. I fetched the sarong for bathing and went to the communal place while Ani went to the house to prep some refreshments.

After my shower bit and having the refreshments prepared by Ani; we headed to the Chief Village. This is my first time stepping into the Majestic Place and to meet the Chief Village. I wonder how he looked like after not being exposed to the sun much as well as mingle with the folks around.

We were ushered by one of the guards at the main entrance and brought into a verandah before the main house. We sat there as per instructed by the guards and went inside to convey to the Chief that the person he waited for had arrived from Stone Village. After that the guard left, he situated himself at the position of the main entrance.

Two sets of guards in light armor soon came out of the house escorting the Chief and he seated himself on a high chair while his two guards stood beside him in each side.