A Failed Expedition Part 2
“We need to keep moving,” Manuel tries to encourage me to keep going but I’m too tired. We’ve been running for hours and it doesn’t seem like we’re any safer than when Johann died.
My heart is racing. The Mantahungal seems to like playing with its food, Manuel and I can hear the sound of its hooves whenever we try to rest. I don’t know where it is, but I know it’s watching us.
Manuel holds his shotgun close and no matter how smart this thing is, it won’t be a match for a well-placed bullet, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. We already lost Johann and there’s no way we’re going to make any mistakes with that thing around.
It’s already midnight and the moon is full. The added light helps us move through the jungle. Manuel’s leading us toward the coast, there are caves in the area and we can stay in one of them for shelter until the morning comes. I hope by then the Mantahungal gets tired and moves on to something else.
Manuel can see how tired I am and he gives us five minutes to rest before we continue. At this point I can see the moonlight settling on the sand at the beach and I breathe a sigh of relief. We’re going to make it out of here alive after all.
The cave wasn’t hard to find. Within half an hour we were able to set up something resembling a camp and thankfully we still had all our supplies. Manuel and I decided on taking turns keeping watch. We would be able to hear the Mantahungal if it entered the cave, making it easier to defend ourselves.
I take the first shift, the shotgun feels heavy in my hands, but Manuel’s been leading us through the jungle for hours. He deserves a break. I take position by the cave entrance and wait. Sunrise should be in a few hours anyway and we can figure out what we’re going to do then.
“You seem tired.” I hear a woman’s voice from somewhere. I’m probably hearing things. This whole are is supposed to be uninhabited. I’m too tired to think clearly anyway.
“Sssshh. It’s time to go to sleep.” I hear the voice again. This time it sounds a lot calmer. I can hear it echoing through the cave.
“Go rest, everything’s all right.” I can feel my eyelids getting heavier. Even if I am hearing things, a few minutes won’t make a difference. I’ll just wake up right after.
I close my eyes.
The morning sun hits my face and wakes me up. Everything seems to be okay, the entrance is undisturbed and looks like the Mantahungal left us alone. I decide to wake Manuel up and plan our next move.
There’s only one problem.
He’s gone.
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Story continued from the Mantahungal’s Tale
Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Story inspired by ‘The Fairy and the Fisherman’ in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002.
Bulalacao Illustration by Nadine Cabe
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Watercolor by Mykie Concepcion
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