HESTIA - The Virgin Princess

CHAPTER 6 - The Gold Supplier of Raullo

I

Leeno kept all the gold that he gathered. This amount of gold will already give him tons of money. When he visited the Philippines a month ago, he met a businessman there under the name of Raullo. The latter owns a company that produces different types of jewelry made of gold. He closed a deal with Raullo as his company’s gold supplier. Tomorrow, Leeno will be traveling to the Philippines to deliver the gold to Raullo. It will take him at least two days to sail from Balwarte de Gapo Island to the Philippines, already using his fastest boat. He would land directly at the beach owned by Raullo to avoid any customs checkpoints.

“Father, can I come with you on your journey to the Philippines?" I would like to travel too and see the beauty outside of this island.”, Vista tagged her father’s left arm, as she tried to convince him to let her come along on his trip the next day.

“No Vista. Maybe next time. This journey is risky as I will be bringing more gold. There is a big possibility of meeting pirates while sailing. Hence, some of our best guards will be coming with me,” Leeno explained while thinking about how he would be able to fool the roving guards tomorrow so that they will not notice that he is bringing out more gold in violation of their tribe's rule.

“Nyor Leeno, just a little checking please.” The head of the roving guards interrupted Leeno while their boat is about to exit the island’s passageway.

Leeno smiled and nodded. He put the gold at the bottom of the jar with fruit on top and the other jar with loaves of bread and other varieties of food. It will be difficult for the guards to detect the gold unless they pour out all its contents. A regular amount of gold to show to the guards has been put visibly in a bamboo basket. Leeno is known to the guards and he is also well respected by them, considering that he is married to the second daughter of the Chieftain.

Without any doubt that Leeno was illegally transporting more gold, the head of the roving guards, after a little bit of checking, approved Leeno’s passage.

Leeno waves to the guard after promising to bring them gifts when he returns to the island.

Leeno’s guards laugh after passing through the island’s passageway.

II

Chieftain Forono called on the elders again for a meeting. He needed to discuss the premonitions he saw while he was with Mirku Hananuya doing the ritual. According to the old Mirku, to pacify the Queen Fairy, they need to make some offerings and praise in front of the cave, where the fairies have their Palace.

“We need to make offerings to the Fairies. Bring me a chicken with glossy pure white feathers, owned or taken care of by an 18-year-old virgin in this village, three pieces of gold, and one jar of clean water.” Chieftain Forono relayed to the elders, who in return nodded in agreement.

One elder said, “Let us hope that the Queen Fairy’s anger will subside after our offerings.”

“Aye,” the other elders replied in unison while on their knees vowing.

“Tomorrow, before the sunlight shows, we need to be there in front of the cave to make the offerings,” the Chieftain’s final instruction to the elders before dismissing them.

Vista talked to her Mother about her being the soon-to-be crowned First Virgin Princess of the Balwarte De Gapo Island.

“Vista, I don’t want to give you so much hope, but it does not mean that since Hestia is missing, you can be easily crowned as the First Virgin Princess of our Island. You know the rule.“ Ranela, Vista’s mother, looks at her daughter with adoration and love. She does not like how her daughter sometimes thinks. She is highly influenced by her husband Leeno.

“Inah, I am the next in line to Hestia, right?”

“Yes, Vista, but it will not be that easy.”

“I know the rule, Inah, Hestia should be dead first or the whole tribe should agree before I can be crowned.” Vista’s voice has that determination that somehow made Ranela worry.

“Don’t think too much about that Vista. If that crown is indeed for you, no matter what, even if you just sit inside our home, you will be crowned as the First Virgin Princess of Balwarte De Gapo Island.” Ranela taps her daughter’s head to assure her and let her feel relaxed.

“But sometimes, Inah, there are things to do to make things happen.” Vista’s eyes have a spark of more determination. Ranela’s worries grew more.

The next day, before the sunlight comes out, the Chieftain of the Island together with the twelve Elders are already in front of the cave. They brought with them the offerings discussed by the Chieftain during their meeting yesterday.

Chieftain Forono started to whisper a chant, while the elders bowed their heads with so much respect in their hearts for the Queen Fairy. The offerings are in their front, at the opening of the big cave.

As the offerings were about to finish, cold winds suddenly blew hard, frightening the Elders. Chieftain Forono, on one hand, stays calm, kneeling with open arms and head raised, still whispering a chant.

The Elders were frightened more as the wind blew harder, almost scooping them from the ground.

Chieftain Forono told them to stay still, vow their heads and seek forgiveness to the Queen Fairy, which the Elders did.

As Chieftain Forono continues chanting and the Elders seek forgiveness, the wind’s blowing stops slowly, but then they notice, a cloud of black smoke is slowly coming out of the cave. The wind slowly blows again, scattering the black smoke onto the whole forest.

Chieftain Forono almost cried because he knew what the black smoke meant. Mirku Hananuya told him about it. A famine is coming to their island that might cause destruction to their trees, plants, water, and even to their fish in the sea. However, Chieftain Forono decided not to mention that to the Elders.

III

Raullo’s men were already waiting at the secret area of the beach where Leeno instructed his men to halt their boat. The area is the back side of the beach where no guest is allowed to enter.

Raullo was satisfied with the gold brought to him by Leeno. The gold is of high caliber, he fully knows it. Compared to its true value, Raullo was able to buy it cheaply against Leeno. The latter did not know well the value of his merchandise.

“Leeno, you and your men, can stay in one of my guests’ suites here for free, for two (2) days. Your meals and drinks are also free. Enjoy men and just let me know if you need something.” Raullo said, which made Leeno’s group laugh with excitement.

At the back of Raullo’s mind, two days' free stay is chicken compared to what he will gain if his transaction with Leeno continues. He left the group to the Supervisor of his beach resort, with instructions to bring them to their suite, give them what they needed and assist them with what they wanted.

Leeno's group enjoyed their first day in the resort drinking and eating, and even asked for the resort's most requested Swedish massage with hot stone. They truly enjoyed their day.

On the second day, the group decided to stroll around and visit nearby open resorts. They became curious about the beach resort next to Raullo’s. By looking at it outside, they can conclude how big and beautiful it is; more beautiful than that of Raullo. Unluckily, the resort is not open to the public. It is a very private resort, and according to their lady guide, who is one of the resort’s staff of Raullo, only members of its club, relatives, and friends are allowed to enter the resort.

“Is Mr. Raullo, a member of that resort’s club?” Leeno inquired.

“No Sir, the owner of that resort is Sir Raullo’s competitor both in the gold and jewelry businesses, including this type of hospitality industry,” the lady guide explained.

Leeno and his men were disappointed. They truly wanted to see the inside of the said resort.

“I know someone who can get inside that resort freely, my cousin,” the lady guide said which made Leeno’s group excited.

“But, she is currently off the island and will be back in two days,” Raullo’s supervisor said again to the men.

Leeno and his men were disappointed again as it means that the said cousin of hers cannot take them to the resort they are interested to enter.

“Okay, on our next visit, I hope your cousin can take us there,” Leeno replied. Their lady guide nodded as an assurance.

IV

Hestia strolls again at the beach. She woke up with a heavy heart. As such, she wanted to smell the fresh air and to listen to the waves. These two things always pacify her mind, heart, and soul. She sits on the big rock while looking at the vastness of the ocean. She can see some people swimming nearby, others are even enjoying paragliding and surfing.

“I’m correct in coming here, I have this instinct that most probably you are here,” a male voice surprised Hestia.

“Alex, I thought you were in the city,” the lady asked.

“The meeting did not push through. My friend has got an emergency to attend to.” Alex explained while making himself sits comfortably beside Hestia.

With their nearness, Hestia’s heart was tumbling. She could smell the masculine fragrance of the man beside her. His perfume is soothing to one’s nose.

“Hester, mind if I ask how old are you?”

Hestia suddenly looked at Alex, meeting his eyes with surprise.

“Just turned eighteen, why?”

“Too young,” Alex said while shaking his head.

“Is eighteen still young in here? On our island, I am already considered a mature adult who can even be crowned to rule the place.” Hestia suddenly realized what she was talking about. Her eyes widened as she saw the man’s facial expression upon hearing her words. Alex's face is full of curiosity.

“ I am very curious now about your Island Hester. I hope someday, I can also visit your place. With your stories, I can assume that people there are quite interesting.” Alex smiled at the beautiful woman beside him. In his mind, Alex had this to say, “I am quite interested not only in your place but in you, Hester.”

“Uhhmm, children there mature early because they are being taught how to be a responsible adults at a young age,” Hestia replied with pride in her voice.

“I see, so you are saying that you think and act maturely compared to your age?” Alex seemed joking.

“Well, I believe so.” Hestia’s face was serious.

“For me, you are still young. You are of a similar age to my youngest sister.”

“Really? I hope I can meet her before I leave this place,” Hestia’s voice softens.

“Why would you like to leave this place? Isn’t this a wonderful place to hibernate?” the man’s tone seemed to joke again.

“One day, I need to even if I don’t want to,” the young lady’s face was full of sadness when she said this.

“Hester, I know there is something bothering you. I don’t want to intrude, but I would love to help if you need one. Please remember that.” Alex could not control himself to reach out to the lady beside him. He holds her right hand and softly presses it while trying to catch her eyes with his eyes.

“Hester, look at me.” Alex's soft voice made Hestia shiver.

“Alex,” was all that Hestia could say.

“Hester, do you believe in fate?”

“Yes, of course, why?”

“When I saw you, I felt this familiarity, this connection, I have not felt with any other women.” Alex's eyes were serious.

“Alex,” Hester closed her eyes. She feels too confused about what she’s feeling. This is the first time that she felt this towards a man.

While looking at this beautiful woman with closed eyes, Alex could not help himself. He really wanted to kiss her at that very moment. He automatically shakes his head. He does not want “Hester” to think that he is taking advantage of her.

Hestia’s eyes were still closed. She wanted to savor their nearness. Then she suddenly remembers Balwarte De Gapo Island. Hestia automatically snaps, surprising the man beside her.

Hestia thereafter blurted with confusion fully painted on her face. “Alex, my apology, I am quite confused now. I didn’t even know why, of all places, I would be thrown by the sea in your resort, fate most probably, but I have this destined and planned fate for me already, the very reason why I run.”

Alex frowned at what he heard, “Hester, are you running from a man on your island? Are you supposedly getting married before you run?”

“No!, definitely not!” Hestia became irritated at how Alex surmised what she said.

Alex, on one hand, smiled and became relaxed after hearing the woman’s angry reply.

“That’s good, come you might want to eat something; hmm, the cakes and pastries at the resort’s cafeteria is something that you should taste,” the man was trying to convince the irritated woman beside him.

Hestia’s face suddenly lit. She really wanted to eat. She immediately stood up and walked ahead, while Alex tried to catch her up. A sudden warm feeling overwhelmed his heart while looking at the back of the woman, who was truly beautiful and alluring yet seemed to be hiding so many secrets.