Republic Reborn: Against the Stars and Stripes-Chapter 36: Escolta

"What is happening, Tiyo?" Isidro asked me as soon as the door shut behind him.

I chuckled as I unbuttoned my collar, sitting on the side of the bed. "What do you think, Isidro?"

He scratched his head and glanced at my shoulder straps. "You’re a military officer now? What rank—Colonel?"

"Nope... a rank higher than that." I scooted up on the bed and lay down.

I had just returned to the Tiongson residence from the church and was beginning to feel tired, even as the excitement still lingered in my chest. I didn’t even feel like getting out of my uniform yet.

"General?" he guessed again.

"General de Brigada," I confirmed, liking how the rs in the rank rolled off my tongue. "And in command of three islands—Marinduque, Mindoro, and Romblon."

I watched Isidro’s expression soften as he chuckled in disbelief. "No... there’s no way. How would you have pulled that off?"

"Well... you did see me in the procession. I was riding with the generals." I shrugged. For a moment, I thought about telling him everything that had happened, but I realized I didn’t have the energy for it. "It’s a long story, Isidro. All you need to know is that I’m a general now."

I watched his smile fade. He took another glance at my uniform, then seemed deep in thought. He walked nearer and proceeded to sit at the foot of the bed.

"You do know... this isn’t a decision to take lightly," he said, his voice so somber it caught me off guard. "I think war is going to erupt any day now. Manila’s in chaos. Several individuals suspected of working for Aguinaldo have been apprehended. Security’s been tightened, and American soldiers are digging more entrenchments."

"There’s been tense exchanges between Dewey and Aguinaldo in the papers. And now this event..." He paused, maintaining eye contact.

"What?" I asked, trying to hide how my skin crawled. I knew this was a possibility, but I had hoped for a little more time.

"This declaration by Aguinaldo... which he made sure the whole world would see... the Americans will take this as a declaration of war."

His heavy words were followed by silence. I let my mind process what I’d just heard. War, and all its ugliness, was approaching like a brewing storm in the distance.

Isidro placed a firm hand on my foot. He studied my face. "I’ve always trusted your gut, Tiyo. You grew the family business beyond what it was under Lolo Leon. You’re logical... cautious... and that’s helped you make the right calls." freewebnσvel.cøm

I looked away from him and studied one of my palms. The usual wrinkles and callouses were in their usual places. What wasn’t usual was the trembling. I was truly afraid—and not only for myself.

"Have you thought this through, Tiyo?" he asked.

The honest answer was no. I had come to Malolos out of anger. If I’d given it a few days, I might have calmed down and stayed away from this dangerous affair.

But I had become a bit idealistic—no different from Triviño. There was beauty in this country... in its people and culture... and I found I couldn’t bear to do nothing while outsiders threatened its peace.

I curled my shaking hand into a firm fist and looked back at Isidro and his worried, chubby face. "You’ll have to trust me again this time... Vicente."

He held my gaze for a few moments, then shook his head and chuckled. "Not like I ever had a choice in the first place, Tiyo."

---

I was woken early the next morning, just as the first rays of sun appeared on the horizon.

Outside the door, in the dimness and chill of dawn, stood Heneral Isidoro Torres. This time he wore his rayadillo general’s uniform, unlike the fancier khaki attire from the day before. Alongside his sidearm, a cavalry saber now hung at his side.

"Good morning, Heneral... sorry for the disturbance," he said, removing his cap to reveal his uncombed hair.

"How can I help you, Heneral Torres?" I asked, eyeing the group of soldiers standing at attention in the yard. They were an impressive lot—neat uniforms, polished boots, and Spanish Mausers. All were of sufficient height and broad-shouldered. I counted twenty-five of them, including the officers.

My eyes narrowed when I spotted a familiar face among them. Teniente Ronaldo Dimalanta stood at the front, flanked by two non-commissioned officers.

"I’m here to present your escolta, Heneral," Heneral Torres said, glancing proudly at the men behind him.

"Escolta?" I repeated.

"It wouldn’t be wise for you to travel without a guard, Heneral. And I was told you’d need help carrying the uniforms from Heneral Luna."

I glanced at the crates on the ground. They had already fetched the uniforms from the quartermaster for me. I had been planning to ask Don Tiongson for some servants to help with transport.

He led me closer to the soldiers for a proper inspection. I wasn’t dressed for the occasion—still in the house clothes I’d worn to sleep—but I held my chin high and pushed my shoulders back.

"I know you’re already acquainted... Teniente Dimalanta will serve as second-in-command of your escolta. He insisted on the honor himself, saying you’d considered him for the position," the general said, placing a hand on the young man’s shoulder.

Dimalanta glanced at me nervously, then quickly looked away. I saw the color drain from his face.

"And thanks to you, he told me he’s reconciled with his mother. Señora Dimalanta was reportedly pleased you’d be taking him to the relative safety of Marinduque," Heneral Torres added with an amused smile. "Any mother would be, I imagine."

Talking ahead of himself again. I huffed—and caught Dimalanta swallowing hard. In all fairness, it was gutsy and brave of him.

"I actually said no such thing," I chuckled, causing Heneral Torres’ eyebrows to knit together, "But since he’s already here... it would be inconsiderate of me to deny his mother some relief."

The general slapped his cap against the young man’s shoulder. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... if I had more time, I’d see you punished for that stunt."

Just then, I noticed movement beyond the gate. On the street, more soldiers—nearly a hundred—were gathering. A few carried spades. I figured they weren’t part of my escort.

"Are you heading somewhere, Heneral?" I asked.

Heneral Torres sighed deeply, his shoulders rising and falling. He shook his head slightly. "The Americans seem to be rearing for war, Señor Lardizabal. I’d be surprised if it takes more than a month for something to happen."

"Heneral Luna has ordered the construction of trenches surrounding Manila—the first of a series of trench lines he’s planned. It’ll be a lot of work, and I’m taking as many soldiers as I can."

My chest pounded. Hearing the news from someone other than Vicente made it feel far more real.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Heneral Torres rummaged through his satchel and pulled out two items.

"Here’s your sidearm, Heneral. Courtesy of the President." He handed me a leather holster, heavy with a gun inside.

Then he passed me an envelope, "And here are your orders... courtesy of Heneral Luna."