“What do we do, greatest among birds? They cannot be quelled. I have sent many messengers, but all have been killed,” The dove intoned. “It will not move from its mountain.”
Sumayang Galura preened. “It has exceeded my expectations.”
“Your grace?”
“Which messengers have you sent?”
“They were the Garuda, kingfisher, crane and the Cas-cas.”
“And all have failed to return?”
“The Ngio-ngio have casted their divinations and all they saw was blood.”
“Splendid.”
“What do you mean by that, your majesty?”
“I mean we must harness its power, it will make a grand addition to the Volery.”
“Sire, it is unmoving. It will not listen to reason. It is nothing more than a beast.”
“And I will tell you it is not. It is more cunning than you would assume. I will go there myself.”
“You cannot! Please do not put yourself in harm’s way.”
“Silence! It is my decision to make. Let the Volery’s portals open to Mount Gurayn.”
=——————————————————=
The regent of avians soared through the peaks of the mountain, spotting the cave where the many headed bird was said to dwell. Sumayang Galura screeched, signaling their approach. The bird stepped outside to its domain and immediately attacked the king.
All of its blows failed to land. The Emperor of the skies expected violence to be their first reaction and had planned accordingly. Many spells were cast on Sumayang Galura, giving them the deftness to dodge the many headed bird’s attacks.
The eyes of the bird met with those of the lord of the feather and both disengaged from the battle.
The bird waited for a response and was met with a greeting.
“Bird of this mountain, your better commands you to join us in our sanctuary.”
One of its many heads spoke. “Who are you to tell us what to do? Fight me without your petty magics.”
“I come here in the name of peace.”
“And I will not leave my mountain.”
“You need not divorce yourselves from your home. The portals of the Volery will open and you may travel freely.”
“No.”
“That was my only concession. Join us or we will see you dead.”
“Do you know why the mortals have named me such?”
“The Bird of Mount Gurayn.”
“It is almost laughable. I have been here too long that even I have forgotten my true name.”
“While I have not.”
Silver wisps of magic circled around the nobilis.
They let out a scream that only other avians would understand and all sevenheads raised in attention.
They all said, “How? How did you know?”
“I am not the divinity of our kind for nothing. I have been here since before you hatched and I will still be here after you have perished from mortal hands.”
“You know of him?”
“The human that was said to have killed you? Yes.”
“And do you know why I am still alive?”
“The Ngio-ngio sorcerers of the Volery have let me know the circumstances of your apparent resurrection.”
“Tell me!” All the heads shouted in unison.
“Join me and you will get your answer.”
The bird genuflected.
“My power is now yours.”
“And thus it shall always remain.”
=————————=
Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Adapted from “Mythology of Mindanao” in Philippine Folklore Stories. Cole. 1916. (Full text can be accessed at http://www.sacred-texts.com/asia/pft/index.htm)
Illustration by Yan Tamba used with permission from Rob Martin of Pine Box Entertainment and Secret Garden Games
