As soon as he entered his senior’s office, Hernando realised something was up. Gone was the atmosphere of congeniality and praise, to be replaced by an austere looking Commandante, whose features looked stern and pinched. As he was ushered to a chair, by the adjutant, Hernando took a deep breath, crisply saluted his superior officer and waited to be instructed to sit down. The order never came though, with Commandante de la Page merely waving his arm to signal Hernando to sit.
Wiping the sheen of perspiration from his forehead, the Commandante pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking. “Ah, de Abreu, yes, I think it is time we had a serious talk about your future in this posting.” Hernando inclined his head to one side and raised his eyebrows slightly, but did not answer. The Commandante gave what could best be described as a “Harumph,” before continuing. “Now look here, young man, you have the makings of a fine soldier. You come from a wonderful aristocratic family – one that has been at the forefront of much of Spain’s phenomenal success over the past several hundred years and I would hate for you to be the one to bring this fine family into dishonour.”
Hernando lifted his head at the reference to dishonouring his family and began to object. “But Sir...”
The Commandante raised his hand to signal Hernando to keep quiet. “You’ll have a chance to speak soon lad, but for now, I need you to listen to me – to learn from one who has been in this hell-hole for a while. I know it’s a terrible place to be, so hot, so sticky and full of terrible insects and snakes, but I want to remind you that you are here for the glory of Spain. Your country, your family and especially your father are relying on you to uphold the glorious traditions of Spanish dominance over these heathen animals.”
Again Hernando tried to speak. “Sir, but they are not heathens, Sir and they are certainly not animals. Why, I...”
This time there was a brusqueness and finality to the Commandante’s response. “De Abreu, I told you before, you will have a chance to speak at the end, now do as you are told and shut up and listen to me.”
Suitably chastened, Hernando sat back in the chair, rested his chin on his clenched hands and bit his lip so hard he could feel the trickle of blood inside his mouth. He was livid at the Commandante’s typical attitude toward the native population. Why can these idiots not see that the Filipino’s are a proud, intelligent, and civilised people? He wanted to scream at his Commandante and call him a stupid, racist pig, but he struggled against his natural proclivities and kept his silence.
Satisfied that Hernando was finally quiet, he continued, his tone softer and more congenial. “Listen, de Abreu... Hernando, I have the utmost sympathy with what you’ve just gone through. One’s first kill, in battle, is never easy and of course, on this occasion, with it being a mere child, I can well understand the pain you must be feeling.” Spreading his hands out and leaning forward sympathetically, he finished. “But, and this is a big but, de Abreu, you must get over it and you must get over it quickly, or so help me, I will have you shipped back to Manila and have you court-marshalled for dereliction of duty. Do I make myself clear, young man?”
Hernando grimaced, but nodded slowly, whispering, “Yes, Sir... crystal.”
The Commandante’s countenance softened markedly and he leaned across the desk conspiratorially, before handing Hernando a piece of paper. “Right! Good man! I knew I could count on you to make the right choices. Okay, so I’ve given you a two-day pass to get some “rest and relaxation”. What I want you to do Hernando is to head into town, get horribly drunk and do what all young, red-blooded Spaniards do when they get a spot of leave if you get my drift.”
Hernando allowed a slight smile to crease his lips but decided to play dumb and make the Commandante work for his penance. “Sir? I’m sorry, Sir, but I’m not quite sure I do.”
“Ahem!” de la Plage coughed. “Ahem! Yes, well, you’re a young man de Abreu, you have needs, I’m sure. Ahem! Go into town and find one of those nice local girls to take care of your needs, yes?”
Hernando’s slight smile became a large grin, as he leaned forward to take the pass from the Commandante’s hands. “Hmmmm, yes Sir, I think I’m following your drift now, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”
“Just make sure when you come back to camp de Abreu that we can put all this foolishness behind us and get back to running this place with the efficiency and style that is the hallmark of the proud Spanish Army. Now get out of here and have some fun, yes? Dismissed!”
Hernando stood and saluted, nodding his head in agreement with the Commandante, as he marched toward the door and two days away from this oppressive environment. He was already looking forward to the opportunities the break would present.
***
He decided that such an opportunity as this deserved another special treat for himself, so he sought out Sergeant Molinero and requested him to organise another hot bath for him. After soaking in the warm water for over an hour, Hernando was feeling wonderful and ready to head out and get away from the camp for a couple of days. Part of him wished he had time to head to Manila and do some sightseeing of the great city, but he knew two days would never be long enough for that and besides at the back of his mind was this nagging desire to seek out Luzviminda again and see if somehow they could test the spark that they’d both clearly felt between them. As he was dressing in his best uniform, it suddenly occurred to him that he had no idea of where to go and what to do, during his little sojourn. He realised he knew absolutely nobody in the town, Luzviminda excepted of course and he had no idea what he could do or where he might stay. Panicking, he called for Sergeant Molinero.
The Sergeant stood before him, stiffly at attention.
“At ease, Sergeant,” he commanded. He explained his situation to the older man, who had shown such compassion toward him recently, hoping he may have some suggestions. The Sergeant’s weathered face creased into a big smile as Hernando outlined his problem.
“Ah Sir, what a wonderful problem to be faced with, eh? Wish I was lucky enough to be confronted by such a large conundrum,” he chuckled. “The problem is, Sir, that I’ve only been here as long as you.” Scratching his chin absentmindedly, he continued, “but I’ll tell you what Sir, I did hear one of the Corporals telling his men, the other day, about an isolated camping site he’d found when on leave. He said it was a wonderful place to unwind.” He smiled at Hernando, “shall I go and get him, Sir?”
Nodding his assent, Hernando waited until Sergeant Molinero had departed his room, before organising his bag for his leave. A knock on the door, after about ten minutes, signified the return of the Sergeant, who had an elderly Corporal in tow.
“Sir, this is Corporal Ramos. He’s been here in Bulacan for two years now and he tells me there’s no place he doesn’t know around this town.” Both men saluted, standing to attention.
“At ease, men,” Hernando instructed them. “So Corporal, you reckon you know a good place for me to get away from it all, do you?”
“Yes Sir,” he grinned back at him.
Hernando couldn’t help but like this smiling, grizzled-looking veteran. “I’ll tell you what, you two, if you can solve my dilemma for me, I’ll make sure you both get a two-day pass yourselves when I return. Now, how does that sound?”
The Sergeant and Corporal both smiled widely at their acceptance of the deal. “I’m assuming Sir that you are not interested in spending the two days, in bed, with one of the local girls... but, if you are, well, I know a very sweet young lady, who’s not only cheap, but also very caring and loving. I know you would enjoy her company for a couple of days,” the Corporal proffered.
Hernando coughed, as the colour rose to his cheeks. “You assume right Corporal. Although the thought does have its merits, I would rather spend the time on my own, somewhere, reflecting and reading.”
“Quite so Sir, I totally understand.” The Corporal then went on to tell Hernando about a beautiful site, just three miles down the river, where he might like to spend some quiet time, just enjoy
ing nature in all its beauty and taking the opportunity to refresh himself in the river whenever the mood took him. “There is a glorious spot there, Sir, where the river bends and creates a deep water pool, beside a massive acacia tree. You could set up your tent under the tree and relax with no interruptions. There’s even a small hot pool, just a few yards away, in the lee of the cliffs that rise from the river valley.” He leant in close to Hernando before adding. “Truth be told Sir, I’ve had more than a couple of days there myself, recently; even taken a young lady with me once. It really is a beautiful sight and so isolated.” He risked digging his Captain in the ribs, before finishing. “You can even swim naked there, Sir... there’s never anyone around.”
Hernando sighed contentedly. “Ah, Corporal, that sounds absolutely perfect. Thank you so much.” He clapped the older man on the shoulder. “I can’t wait to get there.”
Sergeant Molinero grinned broadly, “don’t forget our passes, when you return, Sir.”
“Absolutely Sergeant, absolutely,” Hernando grinned back at them.
By the time he had finished packing his books, his bedroll, food, and some canvas for a cover, should he encounter rain, it was almost midday. As he rode out the gates of the Camp, to the salutes and cheers of the two sentries, he felt the weight he had been carrying on his shoulders for the past few days, just lift. It was the hottest part of the day and the sweat was pooling inside his dress uniform, but he didn’t care. For the first time in a long while, Hernando felt relaxed and ready to enjoy some time alone.
To reach the spot the Corporal had drawn on some paper, for him, Hernando knew he would have to pass through the town. He was wary of doing this for two reasons. Firstly, he was on his own and secondly, because he had so recently murdered one of their beloved sons. He had planned to skirt around the town, although it would add a good hour to his ride, but as he got closer to the first cluster of houses that marked the perimeter, visions of Luzviminda began to enter his head. If I ride through town, he thought, who knows, I might actually see her. Unlikely as that was, it was enough to convince him to chance riding down the main street. He knew the soldiers regularly came into town on leave and certainly, the sight of a Spanish Officer riding through the streets was hardly a rarity, so he convinced himself, whatever small risk might be involved, it was one worth taking.
As he rode down the bustling main street, people did turn to look at him, but mostly they quickly turned away, in fear and hustled away from him and his horse. There was one group of youths loitering outside the blacksmith’s shop, who, not only didn’t turn away from him, they actually advanced toward Hernando, the naked hatred on their faces clearly evident. Almost unconsciously, he reached for the comforting feel of the hilt of his sabre ready to draw it at the first hint of trouble. Although the youths began to jeer him and wave their fists contemptuously, he was pleased when they ceased their advance on him. Hernando didn’t want any trouble. He just wanted to get through the town unscathed and find the paradise Corporal Ramos had so eloquently described to him.
As he drew level with the open-air market, his heart leapt into his throat as he caught a glimpse of a young lady, carrying a big box of what looked like mangoes. Could it be? Was it? It certainly looked like Luzviminda from the side... and then she turned to look directly at him. Oh my God, he thought, it is her and she is as beautiful as ever, the sun shining off her dark hair, almost glowing dark-blue, in the strong sunlight. As their eyes met and the gleam of recognition lit up her deep, dark pupils, Hernando could swear he saw a glimmer of excitement in their hidden depths. He reined his horse to a halt, beside her and slid gracefully from the saddle. Taking his hat off, he bowed deeply, flourishing his hat, in a typically Latin fashion. “Senorita Minda...ah, ahm, how lovely it is to see you again. How are you?”
Minda backed away from Hernando, before stuttering. “C… c… captain, hello again. Yes, I’m fine thank you. I’m sorry, I must run. I’m late getting home.” With that, she turned and ran in the opposite direction, her skirts flying around her ankles and a mango or two falling from the box she was carrying. She was in such a rush she didn’t even stop to pick up the fallen mangoes, which were quickly claimed by some barefoot, young boys in ragged pants and no shirts. Hernando was left standing there gaping at the departed Minda. He became aware of laughter and looking up noticed the group of youths had again gathered around him and were now taunting him.
“Beautiful Filipina girls are too good for the likes of you, you Spanish bastard,” one cocky young man, snarled at him.
Trying his best to keep his dignity and equilibrium, Hernando placed his hat gently back on his head, before inclining his neck toward the young man. “Quite so, quite so.” He smiled widely at the youth, which appeared to disarm him, before mounting his horse and looking directly at the surprised young man, he saluted him, adding, “one day, my good fellow, you may come to realise I am not like all the other Spanish bastards.” He laughed gently before tugging his horse’s reins and trotting down the main street, head held high, and out of town.
By the time Hernando found Corporal Ramos’ little piece of paradise and had set up his camp, it was late in the afternoon. He sat, with his back to the Acacia tree and just gazed across the river at the setting sun. He had shucked his uniform as soon as he had arrived and was now dressed in a loose, white, linen shirt and a pair of comfortable jodhpurs.
He let out a sigh of utter contentment. The Corporal had been absolutely right. This place was a veritable paradise and would be the perfect site for him to regain his sense of balance and to ascertain the answers to the various problems that had been swirling around in his mind, for a long time. Thank you, Corp, he thought. He hadn’t seen a soul since leaving town and for that, he was truly grateful. The only sounds he could hear were the chatter of birds in the tree above him and the burbling of the water as it ran gently toward its ultimate rendezvous with the sea. It was utterly serene and Hernando felt completely at peace with himself and the world. He watched, in wonder, as the sun began to descend toward the mountains far off to the west. The sky began its subtle change, from blue to a darker shade.
He knew once the sun disappeared and before the moon rose, he would be engulfed in complete and utter blackness. He needed to get his fire going, so he wasn’t left sitting there unable to see even a few inches in front of his face, plus, of course, he needed to cook himself some dinner, as his rumbling stomach reminded him.
Fully sated from the delicious stew he had brought with him from the camp, he relaxed in front of his roaring fire and watched the kaleidoscope of colours that lit the sky, as the sun finally disappeared behind the mountaintop. He marvelled at the rich reds, the fiery oranges, the cool blues and the deep purples until finally he was engulfed by a canopy of impenetrable blackness that was the heavenly firmament, illuminated by a billion pinpricks of stars. There was something so reassuring about those familiar stars. They reminded him how immense the universe was and that somewhere in this vast expanse there must be a place for Hernando de Abreu.
As he drifted off to sleep beneath that twinkling canopy, all he could feel was peace... peace, and loneliness.
***
LUZVIMINDA:
Running into Hernando had been such a complete shock for Minda. He had been the last person in the world she had expected to see as she’d exited the market. Once she’d high-tailed it out of there and run all the way home, she was absolutely mortified at the way she had behaved toward her Spanish Officer. Oh my God, she thought, what must Hernando think of me now? He’ll probably be laughing at me or worse telling his men what an immature, little girl I really am. She was lying on her bed, chastising herself for her ridiculous reaction to Hernando’s sudden appearance and wiping the odd stray tear from her cheeks, when her Mother shouted for her to come to the kitchen.
“Yes Mama, what’s wrong?”
Her mother smiled broadly at her. “Nothing to worry about child, just a gentleman-caller to see you… again.” Placing
an arm around her daughter’s shoulder she whispered into her ear. “It’s young Arturo come a-calling sweetheart. I think this boy is smitten with you... hehe.” Minda’s sigh must have been audible when she had meant for it to be inward, as her mother pushed her away to full-length and looked deep into her eyes. “Now Minda, let’s be serious for a minute shall we? This young man is a wonderful catch for you and the sooner you recognise that, the better.” She shook her head softly, before finishing with the words, “the Mayor’s son, no less, Minda. How can you not be happy with that?”
Minda bit her lip. She so wanted to shout at her Mother that it could be the bloody King of Spain’s son for all she cared, but that wouldn’t make her love him. She was not going to marry someone just so the family could be better off. If and it was a big if, if she eventually married someone it would be for love and besides with her new membership of the KKK and her desire to go to University, she just didn’t have the time for romance. Why on earth could her parents just not get that through their heads? Instead, she smiled back at her Mother and mumbled, “yes Mama. Well, you’d better ask him in hadn’t you, so we can find out what he wants?”
Love Beyond: Walang Hanggang Pagmamahal Page 10
