Chapter 41: Home At Last
I watched the animated shadows around the small cabin and listened to the creaks and groans of the ship.
Having just woken up, I let my mind settle, staying still and silent by the bed.
The three-day journey from Bulacan to the fringes of Cavite was over—and without incident. Isidro had managed to convince Señor Alcantara, and the Diligencia was able to leave port on the morning of the 26th without garnering suspicion. She waited for us offshore of Ternate until dusk.
I still couldn’t believe everything had gone as planned.
I tilted my head, noticing something for the first time. There was no sound of the engine. The ship wasn’t traveling—it was anchored.
I stepped out of the cabin and made my way to the deck. The sun was already out in its full glory. The vessel sat still on the calm waters, gently cradled by the waves.
There was only sky and sea, but somehow, the scene felt familiar to me. I turned toward the starboard side and saw the island of Marinduque in the near distance. That small cluster of houses nestled in a sea of green trees was Boac.
I smiled as a shiver ran down my spine. Home at last.
Leaning against the railings were some of the soldiers, dressed in their casual clothes, their uniforms still filthy with mud and grime. In sharp contrast to the miserable state they’d been yesterday, they were now talking and laughing. While they chatted, they munched on leftover rice cakes and fruits from the generous Caviteños.
Near the captain’s cabin, Dimalanta and Señor Alcantara paused their conversation to look at me.
"How was your sleep, Don Lardizabal?" Alcantara hollered, grinning. "Or should I call you Heneral?"