The Shadow of Fate

The Watchman's Apprentice

Dagohan's skilled hands moved with practiced precision as he tended to the wounds of the young boy lying before him. The room was filled with the pungent scent of medicinal herbs and the soft crackle of a dying fire, casting flickering shadows across the walls. The boy's body was covered in permanent burn scars, a grim testament to the horrors he had endured.

As consciousness slowly returned to him, the boy cried out in pain, his anguished cries echoing through the room. Dagohan's heart ached at the sight of the shattered child, but he maintained his stoic demeanor, his expression betraying no hint of emotion. Drawing near, he leaned in close, his voice cold and unyielding.

"You weakling," he spat, his words like shards of ice. "Crying like a newborn. If you have any shred of dignity left, you'd do well to stop your whining."

The boy's tears continued to flow, mingling with the echoes of his pain. Dagohan's harsh words cut deep, striking at the fragile heart of the child. Yet, amidst the agony, a seed of determination took root within him.

Days turned into weeks as the boy slowly regained his strength, his resolve hardened by the trials he had endured. Dagohan watched from afar, his silent vigil a testament to the bond that had formed between them.

Finally, as the boy neared recovery, Dagohan presented him with a choice: to leave now that he was almost healed or to stay and serve as the watchman of the newborn princess of Tawalisi, with the caveat that he must forget about his family and the kingdom of Balintataw if he chose to stay. Living as a watchman means dedicating oneself to the protection and service of a royal.

"The choice is yours," Dagohan intoned, his voice devoid of warmth. "But know this: if you choose to stay, there is no turning back."

The boy hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. He had no place to call home and no family to return to. In the end, the innocent boy chose to stay; his decision was born out of necessity rather than desire.

And so, the training began in earnest within the hidden fortress of the royal watchmen, nestled underground away from prying eyes, with its entrance concealed beneath a small hut deep in the forest. Here, Dagohan schooled Maragtas in the art of stealth and vigilance, imparting the skills necessary to serve as the shadowy watchman of the royal family. Among the echoing chambers and dimly lit corridors of the fortress, they practiced tirelessly, honing their abilities in secrecy and silence.

"In every royal born, a watchman is trained," Valerian explained, his voice a low murmur in the quiet of the training grounds. "And for every royal to die, a watchman must die."

Maragtas listened intently, absorbing every word as he prepared himself for the solemn duty that lay ahead. From that moment on, he was known not as Maragtas but as the watchman of her highness, the crown princess of Tawalisi.

As the days passed and the boy's wounds began to heal, a tentative bond formed between him and Dagohan. Despite the initial harshness of his mentor, the boy sensed a flicker of compassion beneath the gruff exterior. In moments of quietude, Dagohan would share snippets of wisdom garnered from a life lived on the edge of shadows, offering glimpses into a world fraught with danger and intrigue. Gradually, the boy's fear gave way to curiosity, and he found himself drawn to the enigmatic figure who had saved him from certain death.

Days turned into months, and months into years. Maragtas honed his skills under Dagohan's watchful eye, mastering the art of stealth and subterfuge with remarkable ease. Despite his slender frame, Maragtas was tall for his age, and his developing muscles were a testament to the rigorous training he underwent. He moved with the grace of a predator, his movements fluid and precise, a testament to his natural talent, nurtured by Dagohan's guidance.

Meanwhile, in the palace above, the young princess grew in solitude, her father's grief casting a long shadow over her childhood. Neglected and forgotten, she sought solace in mischief, her wild antics a cry for attention amidst the cold indifference of her father's rule. Despite her circumstances, the princess blossomed into even greater beauty, her long black hair cascading like silk over her fair skin, her eyes sparkling with a depth that belied her tender age, and her smile, though rare, radiating with a perfection that captivated all who beheld it.

Beneath her tough exterior lay a heart of gold, hidden away from prying eyes. She spoke with the same commanding tone as her father, feared by all who crossed her path. Yet, in the depths of her loneliness, a longing for connection stirred within her—a desire to be seen and understood.

One day, as she roamed the palace grounds in search of adventure, she stumbled upon a hidden passageway—an underground tunnel leading outside the palace walls. Intrigued, she ventured forth, her curiosity guiding her steps as she wandered deeper into the darkness.

Unbeknownst to her, danger lurked around every corner, threatening to engulf her in its grasp. Lost and alone, she wandered further and further from the safety of the palace, her fear mounting with each passing moment.

The princess wandered deeper into the labyrinthine tunnels until she managed to reach the other end. It was then that Dagohan, ever vigilant in his duty, spotted her from afar. With practiced ease, he disguised himself as a humble servant, his steps echoing softly in the darkness as he followed her trail.

As the young princess wandered near a village, Dagohan moved with silent purpose, his presence hidden from view. With each step, he drew closer to the lost princess, his resolve unwavering in the face of danger.

Finally, as she stood on the brink of despair, Dagohan emerged from the shadows, his voice a soothing whisper in the darkness.

"Fear not, my lady," he murmured, his words a balm to her troubled soul. "I am here to guide you home, not to harm you." Despite her lack of trust, the innocent princess followed him.

With steady hands, he led her back to the safety of the palace, his presence a beacon of hope in the midst of uncertainty. And in that moment, as their eyes met in the dim light of the tunnels, Dagohan realized that it was time for Maragtas to take his place as the princess's guardian, to watch over her with unwavering devotion and protect her from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.