The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 1 5

Since exposing Hiwaga's powers was dangerous to her, as long as the evocation ritual goes on, she is unable to use them. That leaves Amihan to do the summoning ritual on his own, to which he is completely unprepared to do.

They settled on a far enough distance from the compound where the evocation was happening, but still close enough for any spirit that could answer their call. By a thicket of bushes and a dry log, Hiwaga sits and gives Amihan the most condensed yet precise instructions he has ever received.

"Remember," she tells him "the most important thing is protection and to only allow spirits or souls that you trust to communicate with you. It doesn't matter how many, what only matters is that they would not lie to you." Amihan was quite rusty to the Babaylan arts but ever since this journey, Hiwaga had been steadily helping him hone the craft. He almost preens in pride when he finds out that he could actually be a reliable medium with enough practice.

Hiwaga shows him a packet to which Amihan finds out to be salt. She hands him extra rosemary as well as bay leaves. He recognizes the properties and asks, "Should I start the protection circle now?" Hiwaga looked pleasantly surprised and nodded with a small approving tilt of her head.

Amihan, of course, doesn't start ahead. He begins by asking blessings and guidance from his ancestors, as well as protection. The energy within him sings and flows through the earth with a ripple. Amihan begins, "Elementals, ancestors, spirits of this world and beyond, bear witness, give guidance, lay protection on your humble servant." It was a respectful enough beginning to the ritual, and Amihan meditates on the ingredients given to him by Hiwaga.

Once he feels they've been thoroughly charged with intent, Amihan spreads them around in a circle within his vicinity. It starts in layers, first the rosemary, then the bay leaves and finally the salt. Amihan finishes sprinkling the salt and Hiwaga takes a step forward. She tries walking through, but is eventually stopped by an invisible force. She cannot enter the boundary. Hiwaga tries to hide the proud look in her eyes but Amihan catches it. He feels accomplished.

Banawag notices and is immediately curious. He goes to Hiwaga, "You really can't enter?" She gives a curt shake of the head, "No. I am a dark creature. Not only that, but no one can come in unless Amihan gives permission." Banawag gives an amused eyebrow, "Is that so? Impressive, my dear."

Amihan snarks back without heat, "Why the 'my dear'?" Banawag shrugs his shoulders, " 'My dear friend' sounds too long, it's easier like this. If you want, you can give me a nickname too!" Amihan's face wrinkles in faux disgust and Banawag chortles in the background. Amihan sarcastically says "A true darling, you are." Banawag sticks out his tongue at him, and Amihan, not one to back down, sticks his tongue out too.

Hiwaga clears her throat in a very obvious manner as Amihan lets go of their spat. He goes back into the center of the salt circle. He takes a deep breath in and centers himself, making sure he feels anchored enough to be safe while also able to receive any signs from his ancestors. He kneels on the ground, the dust around him slowly covering his clothes.

He begins, "I, Amihan, son of Babaylan Maya, call upon any spirits that wish to communicate with me about the massacre of Ulalong compound 10 years ago." At first, it was nothing, but then almost a flashbang of spirits appeared like a bolt of lightning. It overwhelmed Amihan so much, he sank to his knees. 'How? I'm only supposed to be able to summon one spirit at my capacity!'

Banawag, seeing Amihan on the ground with a barrage of spirits surrounding him, did not think twice before grabbing his whip and barreling straight into the salt circle. Hiwaga sees this and becomes alert. "Banawag, you cannot force your way through this! You're going to cause severe—" Banawag does not hear her, he only focuses on one thing and that is to get to Amihan's side.