The trench of Shiku, the border between Iblan and Dag-Iw-- two of our neighboring tribes. This trench extends to the east portion of Dagli, which I believe is our current location. A few more miles south of this side, will be Iblan, and the opposite, Dag-Iw.
At least that's what I thought.
"Who are you, people?"
We turn to the person who just spoke and eight arrows are already aiming at our hearts; at least six spears ready, and two swordsmen standing in the middle. They're gathered around us, leaving no room for escape or defense.
"What are you doing in our territory?"
The man's voice was demanding, but kind enough to not sound disrespectful and arrogant. He walked past his guards and stopped a few feet away, facing us.
He's a tall man with a dark yet fair skin complexion; with almond-shaped eyes, and a sharp nose. He looks foreign, but undeniably a native because of the manner he speaks. His clothes screams royalty, too.
"We mean no harm," Ullinen then replied, gently reaching for me and pushing me a little more behind him-- a protective gesture, as he took a step forward to face the man properly. "We lost our way, that's all."
Silence fell between all of us as Ullinen and the man stared at each other, as if they're trying to determine whether the situation should escalate to a combat or just think of each other as travelers that met their way once in all their journeys. The silence was too deafening that if only it wasn't for the violent waterflow below, there wouldn't be any sound.
It took the man a few moments before he raised a hand, signaling his men to lower their weapons along with a sigh of submission.
"I'd be kind enough to believe you, strangers. I'll only ask you to leave this place immediately. I'll tell my men to escort you out if you still hadn't figured out your way back, but please do not ever linger around our land again. Or I will not be friendly the second time."
He then turned his back and walked away, but stopped midway when Ullinen asked, "I didn't know Iblan has already won over this land. May I... speak with your chief?"
The question was immediately answered with a loud sarcastic laugh.
"That's so brave of you," he said and then turned to face us again. His calm completely gone; eyes shooting like daggers thrown at us. He now looks mad, and scary. Even holding his sword ready on his side. "What business do you have that I am required to explain this matter to you? Who are you, people?"
I tried to help regulate the situation by stepping out and saying "We're from Dagli, and I am the chief's--"
"I am Ullinen. I work directly for the chief of Dagli," he cut me off.
"By directly, you mean?" the man trailed.
"I am the first brigade troop captain from Dagli." Ullinen immediately answered, voice with hints of desperation. "If you don't trust me, that's fine. I'll arrange a formal visitation with my chief if I must."
He eyed him, and then after a moment, he smirked and said, "Do that then," before he turned his back and walked towards his horse to leave. His men followed him as we stood there, watching all of them disappear one by one.
I followed them with my gaze, landing my eyes into a breathtaking scenery I've never seen before as I watch them travel south.
When you look in the far south, approximately a few hundred meters, you'll see the distant gates of Iblan. Shiku has an intricate terrain structure, which, perhaps, was the reason why Iblan is called 'the fortress' of the North. Even from a distant, I can vividly see it's high rock formations serving as a protective wall; the gates' pillars are carved in its solid structure, reinforced with a massive steel plate forming the main door and sealing the tribe away from the outside world. Looking from this distance, it's like Iblan is a painted image from a magical ancient tale that was brought to life by the heavens.
"I'll take you home."
His voice dragged me back to my senses. He seemed rather calm, but his muscles are all tensed that I could sense uneasiness. "I was sent by the chief to check up on you ever since you left the meeting. He reckon you'd find an excuse to sneak out and he was right. I apologize for what had just happened, but you shouldn't have followed me here. What if we came across some bandits rather than that guy?"
My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at him in disbelief. "Did you just reprimanded me?"
His eyebrows furrowed, too. "And what if I did?" he asked back. "You clearly, and voluntarily, jumped into some serious trouble."
"Trouble?"
"Yeah. Almost."
Ullinen started walking, trailing the paths back to the marketplace where we came from and I followed him as I snap back with a rebuttal.
"Excuse me? You came out of nowhere, chasing an innocent child like he had killed a person or something, which, somehow, lead us here where we met some fine-looking guy that seemed almost harmless except that he had men whose guards are as high as the gates of that distant tribe--"
"Fine-looking? Seriously?" He halted and faced me with a look that I cannot explain. "You had the time to notice his looks but not the danger that might be lingering right under your nose? Don't you know how dangerous this place is? This is the former settlement of an annihilated tribe! Bandits, rebels, barbarians, and other vicious guys lingers around here, causing trouble, taking lives, while clueless people like you are living normally out there! Is this a joke to you? Are you sure you're fit to be the troop commander?"
Well... I admit I had chosen the wrong words to say that the previous encounter felt nothing serious, but my pride couldn't handle how he said the last line. Is he belittling me?
"I wasn't clueless," I defended. "I know what happened... and what's happening, so don't talk like you're doubting my ability just because I chose to shrug some things off. What I meant earlier was 'it's fine' because first, nothing bad happened. Second, if it ever happened to escalate as a serious matter, I can take care of myself. I didn't become the troop commander just because I wished. I earned my title. You should know better... you're Gugurang's son. I'm sure you've heard about me."
He sneered and took a step closer. "If you're that aware, then good. But as your captain, I am utterly disappointed to have a childish second like you, birthday princess. I guess I expected too much..."
Then he turned his back and walked away.
What? I cannot fully comprehend why this whole damn thing is a big deal. He's paranoid! Has he always been this tensed when he's still at the gates? Is this how he guarded the borders? No wonder no one's ever dared to invade. We've got a grumpy monster on post!
I don't know. But suddenly, my irritation subsided as I laughed at the thoughts that crossed my mind.
The captain has a temper like that of a grumpy old uncle. Haha!
***
I cannot remember the details of my return to the palace except that my chief of a brother welcomed me home with a speech-length bawl out that echoed repeatedly in all corners of my bedchamber. He was so stressed that he almost fainted when he saw me hiding behind Zukii as he scream his lungs out to remind me that I am the only princess that will soon rule Dagli.
"Oh, God!" my brother cried out, massaging his temples as he reached for his men who's standing beside him to ask for support in his stance. "You're such a pain the ass, Mira. You're smart and talented but most of the time you act like a toddler that needs constant supervision. Stop being so immature, for God's sake!"
"T-Tilus--"
"Silence!" he screamed, eyes closed, and a hand raised. "You better talk to her, Zukii before I tie her up myself to make sure she's not going anywhere tonight or tomorrow."
The he left, taking deep breaths in between his steps to calm himself down, and Zukii and I watched him as he disappeared on the hallway.
"W-ell... Zukii--"
"What a troublesome lady you are, Mira," he said as he slowly turn to face me. He laughed as he shook his head and added, "Your poor brother's been worried sick when he realized you're nowhere to be found. We turned the entire capitol upside down looking for you. Don't do that again, Mira."
I can only nod in guilt.
Ever since our parents' passing, my brother have been strict about my security. He'd always made sure that I am safe-- the reason why he appointed Zukii as my personal guard. He even hired someone to taste my food before I eat them, in case someone tries to poison me. I knew how much my brother strives to protect me--his only family, but all I ever did was to make him worry. And;
"I'm sorry..."
Was all I could utter.
***
Weeks passed and I found myself sitting inside a carriage dressed in my royal attire, traveling south to meet an important person. My hair's tied at the back of my head in a neat, braided bun styled with beaded ornaments, complimenting my blue and gold dress I often wear for this kind of occasions.
It was a silent ride. I've spent the past two hours staring at the jade and diamond rings I kept fidgeting with my fingers as they rest above my silk-covered lap. I'm bored, so I pushed the curtains of my left window to the side to let some sunlight and air in and I couldn't help but close my eyes as the fresh, cold morning breeze brushed against my cheeks. I smiled in satisfaction.
"You look pleased, my lady."
I opened my eyes and saw Ullinen outside my window, riding his horse in the same pace as my carriage, wearing his blank face as he kept his eyes straight ahead.
"Why? Is there a reason I shouldn't be?" I asked.
"No," he said before throwing me a glance. "It's just that you look rather normal today."
My gentle smile faded with his remark. "An what does that suppose to mean?"
"You're behaving like a real princess today. Not stubborn. Poised. Behaved."
I rolled my eyes. If it wasn't for my brother threatening to marry me off or send me to Batuan to learn arts instead of letting me hold my position, I would've escaped by now. But I know I have to at least let his anger subside before causing him another headache.
"That's because I have to," I said as I slammed my back against my seat. "I'm a princess... after all."
Ullinen didn't say another word after that, and the rest of the ride has been quiet. I fell asleep and woke up with a gentle tap from him.
"We're here," he said as he held my hand to guide me down the carriage. "Be careful."
I held my skirt up as I went down, but he snaked his arms around my waist protectively and helped me on the way down. He let go as soon as my feet touched the ground.
I looked around. We're already at the palace. The gates are behind us with at least six guards on post. My brother stood two meters ahead, talking to a woman in white royal clothing with long, black silky hair. I heard her introduce herself as the head lady in waiting tasked to welcome the visitors from Dagli. She escorted us inside the palace and lead us to a massive hall where we found a familiar man sitting on the throne, seemingly waiting for our arrival.
"My guests are here," he said as he stood up and walked towards the three of us: Ullinen, my brother, and I.
Ullinen did arranged a visit, and my brother surprisingly did not even think twice to agree. I still don't know the details, but it seems like there's a rather important matter that needs to be discussed between our tribes... something I am yet to know.
The man turned to look at me and gave me a warm, welcoming smile. He was the man we met in Shiku.
"Welcome to Iblan. I am Kayang, the chief of this tribe."