There was a hint of victory in the Chieftana's smile underneath her stiff cheeks. She was taking the pleasure and pride of having won easily over her enemy. For who would have thought that Enoch—the young gullible chieftain's heir still considers her words and advices despite the fact that he can do anything he wanted if he dares to.

Enoch had the law in his hands but just one word from her and the law crumbles to ashes.

​​

However, she cannot blame how the boy grew up stupid. After all, she had made sure she can control him so she can make the heir her puppet. She just hoped that the boy will not discover the level of cunningness she had to exert in order to make it appear that she was a mother who wanted nothing but the best for their island and the fact that she had schemed not only against him but also against his younger sister.

"My son, if you are having hard time deciding on this then why not let the council decide on it" The Chieftana suggested wisely.

"But Chieftana can't you see we are divided on this matter," One of the Baruk's pointed.

"You may vote for it" She pushed. The Chieftana knew the Baruks, like her, wouldn't approve of roux blooded. Their history with them had already made them too doubtful about strangers from the other side of the world.

"That's so brilliant mother. Thank you!..." Enoch bowed to her and his actions only made a huge sinister smile on the Chieftana's face. Even before the Baruk casted their votes, the Chieftana was already confident of the result.

"Men of our tribe. When the night becomes dark you had always been our light. Please decide on this matter wisely as I cannot dare to give my decision on it. Darryl was my savior and I think with all that he had done for me, I grew some sense of biases in favor of him and I don't want those biases to taint my decision so I am giving the burden to you"

"Alright" The child Baruk responded "Well then I guess, we the Baruks should decide on this matter. Let us vote. Those who are in favor—"

"Wait!" Darryl cut in "Before the council casts a vote, I would like you to know the reason why I want to cross the par line and go to your precious island"

There was silence when the Baruk's heard him. They scrutinized the Lagdameo heir from head to foot, wondering what could a young boy like him sought in their island. Darryl was young and they thought perhaps his will to set foot on the Manggan island was to seek some treasures. But why did he reject their offer of gold?

"Very well…" Baruk Tsu acknowledge "…speak"

"Thank you" Darryl cleared of his throat before he spoke again "…Few months ago, my woman crossed the par line and until now I am blind to what her fate had been. This was the reason why I wanted to go there too, not for anything else but for her alone"

The Baruk's expression softened when they heard the Lagdameo heir's word. They were all bewildered by this new revelation.

"You are seeking for the healer…" One of the Baruk gasped in incredulity. If previously, they looked at the boy with much doubt, now for some reason, they pitied his terrible fate. He was so young suffer such a fate. "…don't you?"

Darryl nod in confirmation and by looking at the Baruk's faces, the Chieftana's confidence faltered. It seemed that her previous assumption fell short just because of a love story. So the boy was after the healer. Nevertheless, for that reason alone, then she must insist further that he shouldn't be given permission.

"You are all correct" Enoch answered further to support Darryl's cause. "He comes here all the time—here at the line hoping she will soon come back even though he knew very well that the healer's fate and life is already tied on the Chieftain's hand"

"Aren't you too young to be in love?" The Chieftana who became very unpleased of how the situation turned to questioned Darryl.

"Love choses no one. Young and old can become its servant" One of the Baruk who gained Darryl's respect reasoned. Apart from being too distrustful with strangers, the Manggan people celebrates love with outmost sacredness as part of their culture and so when they heard Darryl's confession, they kind of drawn to him.

"Foolish!" The child Baruk exclaimed. "Only foolish person believes in love!"

Darryl's story created chaos amongst the Baruk. They confronted and debated against each other, some stood their ground on not allowing Darryl to crossed the par line but some of them adored his courage and pitied him, so the council were once again divided.

The chaos made the Chieftana restless for she knew that the situation was coming out of her control. Never did she once thought the situation will end entirely different than what she expected.

"Enough!" The Chieftana shouted and with shock, the council became silent.

Seeing their bewildered faces, she became aware of how unruly she had been. Never did she once lost self-control but here she was right now, yelling through the most respected men in their tribes as if they were below her.

Enoch became aware too of how the atmosphere became tensed and he sensed some danger from it. Hoping to end the matter before it cause much chaos, he spoke "Let the votes be cast!"

"Those in favor of giving my brother permission, raised your hand..." He instructed and slowly, hands started showing above the council's head. Enoch counted them one by one and held a deep sigh shaking his head. "There are twelve of you. Only six are in favor and the others are not"

"One should break the tie" The child Baruk pointed "According to the rules, when it comes to a divided twelve councils, the Cheiftain's wife should take part of the votes to break the tie"

Hearing the boy's words, Enoch turned to the Chieftana with an expression of outmost trust, "Mother it's your call now"