“Not until we have delivered the siwaka (tribute) to the sultan at Cotabato. The fire-tree has not yet bloomed in the enemy’s country, and we may yet pass through safely,” Piang replied.
“You have spoken,” said the dato and laid his palms on the youth’s head.
Though the latent passion of battle stirred in the Moros’ breasts, they were compelled to heed. Piang had proved a wise charm boy, and the tribe must obey him. Each season the siwaka must be carried over the steep, treacherous trail down to the coast, and those detailed to accompany the slaves who carried the bags of rice and comoties (sweet-potatoes), dreaded the trip. Added to the pitfalls of the obscure trail, were hostile territories to be traversed, and if the enemies’ fire-tree had bloomed, they would surely be attacked and probably despoiled of their cargo.
“We will need warriors to guard the siwaka, chief,” Piang reminded Kali, and the chief nodded and gave a quiet order. Every man disappeared from the streets. When they returned, in place of the gaudy, tight trousers, they were wearing loose, black pantaloons, the garb of battle. The women, true to the feminine nature, wailed and cried aloud, but in their hearts they, too, were glad that the quiet, monotonous days were over, and that before nightfall they might sleep in some strange cota (fort), slave or wife of the victorious dato.
“Piang,” murmured a soft voice at the charm boy’s elbow, and he turned to find the little slave girl, Papita, timidly looking up at him.
“Chiquita?” (“Little one?”) he questioned.
“Sicto goes with you. Beware of him, for he would kill you!”
“I am not afraid,” proudly answered Piang, “but why would Sicto kill me?”
Solemnly the little girl touched Piang’s breast where lay hidden the sacred charm.
“He would kill you so that he might be charm boy of the tribe,” whispered the girl. Piang laughed gaily, patted his little friend on the arm, and bounded to the head of the forming column. Nevertheless he noticed Sicto’s sly, surly glance as the slaves and warriors bent before him.