PRINCESS ZELIA

Scene I.  The town square.  Caidon, Princess Zelia, and Batkay.

Enter a lady carrying a basket of food and other parcels.  Caidon walks into her knocking her purchases all over the ground.

Caidon

Pardon me, Lady.” ( Helping her put some fruit back into her basket.)  Are you hurt?

Princess Zellia

No, sir.  I’m just fine.

Caidon

Allow me to carry your parcels to your horse.

Princess Zelia

But my horse is right over there.

Caidon

I insist.

Princess Zelia

Alright, then.

(they walk to her horse and he secures her parcels)

Caidon

My name is Caidon.  I’m just passing through this fine town of yours.

Princess Zelia

Oh?  Where are you going?

Caidon

Nowhere in particular.  I go where the spirit moves me.  As of now, I think I will head east.

Princess Zelia

Where are you from?

Caidon

I hail from Davao.

Princess Zelia

I see.  (suddenly becoming despondent)

Caidon

I was born in Mancala.  We are lucky to have such a wise and compassionate king.

Princess Zelia

That’s what I hear.

Caidon

His only daughter is missing.

Princess Zelia

How do you know about these things?

Caidon

It’s all over the kingdom.

Princess Zelia

Then I hope they find her.

Caidon

I have a feeling she’ll turn up soon.

Princess Zelia

Well, good day, sir.

Caidon

Please.  Call me Caidon.

Princess Zelia

Have a good day, Caidon.

Caidon

Yes.  Til we meet again.

(she gets on her horse and rides off.)

Enter Batkay.

Batkay

So how did it go, sir

Caidon

It went quite well.  I don’t think this will prove very difficult at all.  The king will pay us dearly for her safe return.  What’s this fool’s name she ran off with?

Batkay

It’s Pindar.  And it’s a good thing there’s a war going on between this country and Pampanga for he has gone off to battle and left the princess alone.  She has a maid.  The king gives me money to pay her off to get information.

Caidon

That is excellent. Did you mark she’s shed all evidence of royalty?  I daresay she passes for a commoner.

Batkay

Yes.  She disguises herself well.  She seems content with domestic life.

Caidon

It appears so, Batkay.  She must truly love this Pindar.  Unfortunately for her, he’s her father’s enemy’s son.  It breaks the king’s heart.  I can’t say I blame him.

Batkay

How will we get her away from him?

Caidon

We’ll make her think that he’s betrayed her.

Batkay

How will we do that sir?

Caidon

You’ll show up and you tell us you just came back from Pampanga and you know Pindar.  You’ll say he got married.  How long has he been away?

Batkay

It’s been one year.

Caidon

She is a patient woman.

Batkay

And devoted, to say the least.  She has had many suitors since he’s been away.

Caidon

We’ll see about that.  How does she survive?

Batkay

The blacksmith has been supporting her.

Caidon

How did you get this information?

Batkay

The king sent me ahead of time to do some surveillance.  He also gives me money to pay off her maid for daily information on the princess.  By trade Pindar is a blacksmith like his father.  They own a shop in town.  His father is still working there.

Caidon

Perhaps we should pay him a visit.

Scene II.  At the blacksmith shop.  Enter Caidon.

Caidon

Good afternoon, sir.

Blacksmith

Good afternoon.  How may I help you today?

Caidon

I’ve come to seek employment.

Blacksmith

Do you have any experience in blacksmithing?

Caidon

No, I do not.  However, I wish to learn.

Blacksmith

Well, I am in need of assistance. You see, my son is off to war.

Caidon

Yes, I heard about the war with Pampanga.  I passed through there to get here.

Blacksmith

It’s over territory.

Caidon

It always is, sir.

Blacksmith

It appears you’re not from these parts.

Caidon

I come from Davao.

Blacksmith

Davao!  That blasted country.

Caidon

What of it, kind sir?

Blacksmith

The king is my sworn enemy.  I curse his name.  What business do you have in Cebu?

Caidon

I plan on taking up residency here.  At least for now.  

Blacksmith

So you are transient.

Caidon

I am travelling.  I am on my way to Masagana.  My brother lives there.

Blacksmith

I see.  That is a long journey. When can you start then?

Caidon

I can start right now if you should be so kind as to hire me.

Blacksmith

Okay.  Follow me.  Go to the back and fetch some coal.  Then put it in the forge.

Caidon

Yes, sir.

Blacksmith

When you have finished I will show you how to use the bellows.

(after the coal is in the forge, the blacksmith approaches Caidon and shows him the bellows.)

Blacksmith

This is how you increase the temperature by fanning the flames.  This is required to make steel weapons.  Normally an apprentice starts at the age of fifteen, like my son, who is now a master blacksmith like myself.  What is your trade, sir?

Caidon

Please, call me Caidon.  My father died in battle when I was a young boy, so I entered my mother’s trade.  She is a seamstress.

Blacksmith

A seamstress?  Hah!  A far cry from smithing.  No matter, I am merely looking for an assistant to do menial work.  I chose not to join the local guild and therefore I work for myself.  I make swords, horseshoes, keys and other tools.  I stopped making weapons long ago.

Caidon

I see you have a thriving business.

Blacksmith

Yes, I am very busy especially since my son has gone away to war.

Caidon

I am glad to assist you in any way that I can, sir…so how is it that you are acquainted with the  king of Davao?

Blacksmith

We have known each other for a long time.  My father was the blacksmith of the castle.  We  lived within the fortress.  Before he was king, Andor and I were childhood friends.  Then he inherited the throne and I became master blacksmith with a guild of fifty smithies.  We provided all the weapons and armor for the men at arms.

Caidon

How did you get to be enemies?

Blacksmith

It was over a maiden.  What else?  I was very much in love with that lass.  Her name was Florizelle.  She was the daughter of the famous portraitist, Vlameer.  Of course, I never professed my love to her, but Aldor knew how I felt about her.  He pursued her anyway and married her.  God rest her soul, she died in childbirth.  She gave birth to a girl.  He never married again.  But when I found out she was betrothed to the prince, I confronted him.  He merely laughed and said it was folly that a girl would choose to become a sooty blacksmith’s wife to becoming princess of the land.  He said a lady-in-waiting deserved to be with a man of a higher station than myself.  So I left the castle and took all my men with me and moved here to Cebu.

Caidon

And he was your friend.

Blacksmith

Even as a boy he was always competitive.  I always bested him in everything from sports to chess.  He would do whatever it took to win.  He had no scruples growing up.  The moment I left the castle with all my tools and my men, we ceased to be friends.  Davao was on the verge of war with Wanaque.  They were lucky that they were well armed.

Caidon

What of the daughter?  What became of her?

Blacksmith

She looks exactly like her mother.  She reminds me of her mother; witty, intelligent, sharp as a tack.  I often wonder what would have happened if I courted her in spite of Aldor’s words, if she would choose me over him.  I guess you would have to be a fool to choose a sooty blacksmith to royalty.  Anyway, she died at a young age.  I was sadder for her daughter than I was for Aldor. There was a slew of ladies to raise her and world-famous tutors to educate her.  But despite all that, Caidon, I have gotten my revenge.

Caidon

How’s that, sir?

Blacksmith

His daughter, Princess Zelia, went missing.  She ran off with my son, Pindar.  They are betrothed.  When the king heard the news, he almost lost his senses.  I have men in the king’s employ who keep me apprised of what’s happening in the castle.  Do you see the irony of it all?  It is with the lowly blacksmith with whom royal blood has found love.  Love knows no stations.  O, sweet irony.

Caidon

If Pindar is off to war, who stays with the princess?

Blacksmith

Of course she stays at my son’s house. She has a maid and i give her an allowance.  She is a delightful lass.  Very humble.  I could not be happier for the both of them.  Her origins are, of course, secret.

Caidon

Yes, of course.

Blacksmith

Are the people of Davao aware that the princess is missing?

Caidon

Yes, we are.  I heard she was betrothed to king of   …, a tyrant. I see now why she ran away.  The king is not well.  The people think his heart grows weaker.

Blacksmith

That is unfortunate.  Well, Caidon, I am about to close shop. Come in tomorrow at 8 o’clock.

Caidon

Yes, sir. And thank you.

Exit caidon.

Scene III.  The inn.  Caidon and Batkay.

Batkay

How did it go?

Caidon

Excellent.  I am gainfully employed at the blacksmith’s shop.  He told me how he and the king got to be enemies.  I will give you one guess.

Batkay

Don’t tell me.  It was over a woman.

Caidon

Yes.  Evidently, the queen was the love of his life and the king stole her away from him.

Batkay

That’s reason enough, I daresay.  Does he know who Princess Zelia is?

Caidon

Yes.  He wouldn’t stop gloating over it.  It’s the irony that amuses him so.  He loves her.  He’s so happy for the two of them.

Batkay

I should think so. I discovered that the princess visits the blacksmith on Thursdays to bring him something to eat.

Caidon

Then that is how I will become acquainted with her and earn her trust. I will also earn the blacksmith’s trust so that I may get close to her.

Batkay

Those are clever designs, sir.

Scene IV Blacksmith shop.  Enter Zelia carrying basket of food and other parcels.

Zelia

It’s you!

Caidon

It is I.

Zelia

What are you doing here?

Caidon

I work here.

Zelia

Where is the blacksmith?

Caidon

He went to Hillburn to buy wrought-iron.

Zelia

How long have you been working here?

Caidon

Oh, just a couple of days.

Zelia

I thought you were going east.

Caidon

I am.  I just haven’t left yet.

Zelia

Does the blacksmith know that you are from Davao?

Caidon

I told him when I first met him.  He displayed great hostility toward the king.

Zelia

I’m surprised he didn’t sic the dogs on you.

Caidon

Why would he do that?

Zelia

Nevermind.  I brought him food.

Caidon

You’re just on time.  I’m famished.  What are we having?

Zelia

This is not for you.

Caidon

It will be cold when he gets back.  He will probably get something to eat while he’s there since he told me he would be gone all day.

Zelia

Fine.  Help yourself.

Caidon

Thank you, kind lady.

Zelia

I’ll take my leave.

Caidon

Tarry.  Where do you have to go?

Zelia

I am going to visit a friend for tea.

Caidon

You never properly introduced yourself.  What is your name?

Zelia

My name is Annabella.

Caidon

That’s a pretty name.  You look like a Zelia.

Zelia

What did you say?

Caidon

I said you look more like a Zelia.

Zelia

What do you mean by that?

Caidon

I mean nothing, Lady.  You seem a little edgy this morning.

Zelia

Forgive me.  I don’t know why…

Caidon

We all have bad days.

Zelia

I should go.

Caidon

Stay.  You just got here.   Besides, I’m alone and I would like to speak with you.

Zelia

I suppose I could spare a few minutes.

Caidon

The blacksmith tells me you are betrothed to his son.

Zelia

I am.

Caidon

He’s a lucky man.  He also told me he went to battle.

Zelia

Yes.  He’s been away for so long.  I don’t even know if he still lives.  I haven’t received word of his status.

Caidon

How long has he been gone?

Zelia

Almost a year now.

Caidon

You must remain optimistic.

Zelia

Yes.

Caidon

I passed through Pampanga before I arrived here.  I have a friend who is fighting in the war.  Cebu is doing quite well in the war.  I hear they will be sending men home in the next few months.

Zelia

Would it were.

Caidon

My friend wants to stay.  He does not want to return to Cebu.  He’s met someone.  I guess that’s how it goes.

Zelia

Is she a native of Pampanga.

Caidon

Yes.  She’s a lovely girl.  She had to leave her home because her father does not approve.  He is considered the enemy after all.

Zelia

I can understand how difficult it was to pick her lover over her father.  No girl should have to make that kind of choice.

Caidon

I do believe the choice is in favor of the lover especially if your father is the king.  You would also be forsaking the kingdom.  It’s a good thing you don’t have that problem.  The blacksmith speaks fondly of you.

Zelia

He has been so kind to me.  He treats me as though I were his daughter.

Caidon

What of your parents?

Zelia

I never knew my mother.  She died in childbirth when I was born.

Caidon

That is so tragic.  I’m sorry.

Zelia

Don’t be.  I don’t miss her.  I never laid eyes on her.

Caidon

How about your father?

Zelia

He’s a proud man.  Fair.  Has good judgement.  He is also very kind.

Caidon

What business is he in?

Zelia

He is a chancellor.

Caidon

How fortunate for you that he approves of you being with a blacksmith.

Zelia

I suppose so.

Caidon

Is he not fearful that you live in a country that is at war?

Zelia

I don’t know.

Caidon

Don’t you speak to him?

Zelia

You ask too many questions.  How brazen of you.

Caidon

Forgive me, Lady.

Zelia

I must go now.

Caidon

Until we meet again, Lady Annabella.  Enjoy your tea.

Exit Zelia.

Scene V.  Caidon and Batkay at the inn.  Enter Batkay.

Batkay

How goes it, sir?

Caidon

All is well.  I have succeeded in making the princess uncomfortable enough that she may suspect I know her true identity.

Batkay

You are very sneaky, sir, if I may say so.

Caidon

Deception is my specialty.  You know, deception is what wins war.

Batkay

You are wise, as well.

Caidon

She told me her name is Annabella.  I told her she looks like a Zelia.

Batkay

There is no end to your cleverness.

Caidon

She told me her father is a chancellor.  I told her how liberal her father is for giving her his blessings on being a blacksmith’s wife.

Batkay

She must know you are on to her, sir.

Caidon

She said I was brazen for asking too many questions.

Batkay

That is too amusing.  Will you out her?

Caidon

Not just yet.  She does not know that the blacksmith told me everything.  If she doesn’t know by now that I know who she is then she is in denial.  She is not good at deception.  She is very transparent.  I think it will be easy to break her.

Batkay

Do you still plan on convincing her that Pindar has betrayed her?

Caidon

Yes.  Let’s stick to the plan.

Batkay

I know what to say when the time comes.

Caidon

There is the blacksmith.  He is enjoying his revenge on the king.  He will just have to become collateral damage.

Batkay

That cannot be avoided, sir.  That’s just the way.

Caidon

We  could tell him that his son is betrothed to another and that he does not plan on returning to Cebu.  You could say that he has set up a blacksmith’s shop and makes weapons for the soldiers of Pampanga.

Batkay

That is committing treason!

Caidon

Isn’t it great?

Batkay

Why don’t you just forge a sword and stab him in the back with it?

(both are laughing hysterically and toasting one another)

Caidon

Let us devise a plan.  You come and see me at the blacksmith’s shop and come with news that the war is over.  It is over, isn’t it?

Batkay

It is a rumor.

Caidon

Let’s just say that it’s over and that Pindar has defected and wedded a blacksmith’s daughter.

Batkay

I could say he helped the enemy make weapons because the blacksmiths were captured.

Caidon

That is an excellent idea.  I will let you improvise the rest.  It will be news to me, so I need not feign surprise at the developments.  But first I must see the princess.  I have to coincidentally bump into her again.

Batkay

The maid tells me she is going to town to meet her friend for tea tomorrow at two.

Caidon

That’s perfect. I am suddenly in the mood for tea and pastry.

Outside the tea shop.  Caidon runs into Zelia coincidentally.

Caidon

Good afternoon, lady.  What brings you to town?

Zelia

Hello Caidon.  I was going to meet my friend for tea but she couldn’t make it.

Caidon

Would you like to join me for tea?

Zelia

(hesitates) alright then.

Caidon

How are you feeling today?

Zelia

I’m just fine.  Why do you ask?

Caidon

The last time I saw you, you were having a bad day.

Zelia

Oh, that.  Yes, I wasn’t feeling well that day.

Caidon

I am glad you are feeling better today.

Zelia

Why aren’t you at work?

Caidon

Today is my day off.

Zelia

How lucky for you

Caidon

I think your betrothed may be coming home soon.  They are starting to send some men home.  It is rumored that the war is over.

Zelia

He is probably dead.

Caidon

You musn’t say things like that.

Zelia

I haven’t heard from him in over a year.

Caidon

Still, as I said, you must be optimistic.

Zelia

You’re right.  I’m just frustrated and worried.  What if he is injured or maimed?

Caidon

Will you love him less?

Zelia

No, I suppose not.

Caidon

So what do you do with your time, Annabella?

Zelia

I visit with friends, I go into town to go shopping or visit the blacksmith and I paint.

Caidon

I didn’t know you paint.  What do you paint?

Zelia

I paint landscapes and flowers, ordinary objects.

Caidon

Do you paint portraits?

Zelia

No.  I have no patience for that. I wouldn’t want to stare at someone for hours and see all their flaws.  Painting is a solitary activity for me.

Caidon

I would like to see some of your artwork if that is possible.

Zelia

I don’t know.  They’re not very good.

Caidon

I doubt that.

Zelia

Maybe.  I don’t know.

Caidon

Don’t you trust me?

Zelia

Not really.  Should I?

Caidon

I think you know me by now.

Zelia

I suppose so.  Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?

Caidon

I would love to.  What time should I be there?

Zelia

Come at six.

Caidon

Excellent.  I will see you then.

At the inn.  Caidon and Batkay

Batkay

I cannot believe you are going to her house tonight.  How did you manage that?

Caidon

Natural charm and charisma.  (both laugh).  She paints and I asked to see her paintings.

Batkay

Beautiful and artistic.  What more can you ask for?

Caidon

That she is.

Batkay

Will tonight be the night?

Caidon

Pindar is dead to her.  This puts me at an advantage.

Batkay

That is quite convenient, sir.  You should take the opportunity to fill the void.

Caidon

You and I think alike.  I will bring her flowers and a bottle or two of wine.  As the famous saying goes, “in vino veritas.”

Batkay

Yes, ‘in wine there is truth,’.  Perhaps she will profess her love for you.  (both laugh).  You must ply her with wine then, sir.

Caidon

I mustn’t be so hasty.  I must earn her complete trust.  I know that after a couple glasses of the wine she will lose her inhibitions and not be so austere.

Batkay

Yes, she will probably be a lot friendlier then.

At Zelia’s.

Caidon

You look beautiful tonight, Annabella.

Zelia

Thank you, Caidon.  Shall we open the wine?

Caidon

Allow me.  I would like to make a toast.  To new friends.

Zelia

Cheers.

Caidon.

So can I see those paintings now?

Zelia

Okay, but they’re not very good.  Let me get them. They are upstairs.

(goes upstairs.)

Caidon

These are lovely.

Zelia

They are from the pond outside.  This one was done in the springtime, and this was done in the fall.  I will begin the winter one on a day that it snows.

Caidon

You are very talented.  They’re fit for a wall in a castle.

Zelia

You’re too kind.

Caidon

There’s no such thing as too kind.  Shall we have some more wine?

Zelia

Yes. Please.

Caidon

( Caidon pours the wine.  They repair to the divan and make idle chit-chat.  Zelia is giddy.

Zelia

When I first met you, I thought you were crude.  I suspected you were stalking me when I saw that you had been employed at the blacksmith’s shop.  Now I know you were stalking me.

Caidon

I must tell you that when I first bumped into you at the square I thought you were stunning.

Zelia

You make me blush.  I am betrothed.  If I had met you at another time.

Caidon

Why do you say that?

Zelia

You look like the kind of man that would make a woman feel safe.

Caidon

We might have met in Davao two years ago, but, alas, you have been living in Cebu all this time.  Don’t you miss your home?

Zelia

I do.

Caidon

Why don’t you just go then?

Zelia

It’s complicated.

Caidon

Tell me about it.

Zelia

I’d rather not talk about it.  I am enjoying myself with your company.  Besides we are here now.  Let’s just enjoy the present moment.

Caidon

Those are wise words, lady.

(pours more wine)

Zelia

I really shouldn’t drink anymore.  It’s gone straight to my head.

Caidon

You don’t have to be anywhere, do you?

Zelia

No, I don’t

(starts snuggling up to Caidon.)

Caidon

What are you doing, lady?

Zelia

Please.  Call me Annabella.  I suddenly feel the urge to be close to you.

Caidon

You are betrothed.

Zelia

He’s not here.  He may never come back.  I’ve been so lonely, Caidon.

Caidon

As much as I want to possess you, I cannot violate your honor, Annabella.

Zelia

It pleases me that you are a gentleman.  However, we are alone. Will you pour me another?

Caidon

I think we both had enough to drink.  I must take my leave of you.

Zelia

I wish you would stay.

Caidon

I must be at the blacksmith’s early tomorrow.

Zelia

Alright then. Kiss me before you go.

Caidon gives her a soft kiss on her lips.

Exit Caidon.

Scene ix.  the blacksmith’s shop.  Caidon, blacksmith

Enter Batkay

Batkay

Caidon.  I have been looking all over for you.  The innkeeper told me I could find you here.

Caidon

Well, hello Batkay.  Sir, this is my good friend, Batkay.  He’s just come back from Pampanga.

Blacksmith

Pleasure.

Caidon

What news?

Batkay

Looks like the Pampangans are withdrawing from Ilo-Ilo.  We’ve conquered the territory.

Caidon

That’s great news.

Blacksmith

Indeed.

Caidon

Where do you stay?

Batkay

I have a room at the inn.

Caidon

That is very auspicious.  We can celebrate at the inn tonight.  Would you like to join us, sir?

Blacksmith

Yes.  That would be just fine.  In fact, let’s close early today.  It’s time for celebration.

At the inn.  Caidon, Blacksmith, Batkay, Innkeeper, barmaid.

Innkeeper

Blacksmith.  What brings you to my humble inn?

Blacksmith

Haven’t you heard?  The war is over.  We acquired Ilo-Ilo.

Innkeeper

Give us a round of your finest grog.

They sit at a table in the corner.  Barmaid brings drinks.

Blacksmith

How are you this evening, Lassie? (smacks her on the a*s.)

Barmaid

Keep your hands to yourself dirty old man.

Blacksmith

Aren’t you happy to see me?  It’s been a while.

Barmaid

Yes. And you never left me a tip the last time you were here making a fool of yourself.

Blacksmith

Do not fret.  We are celebrating tonight.  Be extra nice, and I’ll have something extra for you.

Barmaid

Hm! We’ll see.

Exit barmaid.

Caidon

Thank you for the drinks, sir.

Batkay

Yes, thank you.  You are very kind, sir.

Blacksmith

No need to thank me.  Tell me the details, sir.

Batkay

Batkay, please.  Ironically enough, they ran out of weapons.  We captured their entire guild of blacksmiths and had them make weapons for us.  They had to hire amateurs to forge weapons for them but they were of inferior quality.

Blacksmith

That’s brilliant!  Our king is well-versed in the art of war.

Caidon

(aside.  wait ‘til he hears what blacksmith took over for them.)  Let’s make a toast.  To the King!

Blacksmith

Here!  Here!

Batkay

They retaliated by capturing our own blacksmith to head their replacements.

Blacksmith

What!  Who?  What is this blacksmith’s name?

Batkay

His name is Pindar.

Blacksmith

That is my son!  What have they done to him?

Batkay

Nothing, sir.  They treat him quite well.  They collected the men and put them under his apprenticeship.  Sadly, they were incapable of forging weapons of good quality.  That is how the Cebuanos dominated the Pampangans and eventually outnumbered them.

Caidon

What became of Pindar?  Does he live?

Batkay

Yes, he lives.  He lives with his new bride.

Blacksmith

What!  How can he forsake his father and his kingdom?  And what of the princess?  I cannot allow this.  He is betrothed to a princess.  Who has he married?

Batkay

They say he naturally married the blacksmith’s daughter much to her father’s consternation.

Caidon

Does he not find Pindar, a fellow blacksmith, worthy of his daughter?  As though he were a king.

Blacksmith

And what is wrong with marrying a blacksmith?  My son is honorable, and son to a master blacksmith.

Caidon

Sir, that is not the issue.  We must think about Princess Zelia.  Who will tell her?

Blacksmith

How will I tell her about these turn of events?  Not only has he betrayed the poor girl, but he has stabbed me in the heart.  I cannot take the disloyalty.

Caidon

I should be the one to tell her and return her to her father.

Batkay

I agree, sir.

Blacksmith

But my revenge.  It is foiled.  Andor will have the satisfaction of getting his daughter back.  And my son is a traitor.  Batkay, are you sure it is my son who has committed these atrocities?

Batkay

I was at his wedding.

Blacksmith

I cannot believe he would keep this from me.  What if I have grandchildren?

Batkay

I would take you to him but they have gone away from her father.

Blacksmith

Like what the princess had done for him.  An ironic change of fortune.

Batkay

It is similar, sir.

Blacksmith

How will I ever see him again?

Batkay

There is a chance that you could see him.

Blacksmith

How do you mean, Batkay.  Now is not the time for games.

Batkay

He told me that if you send the princess back to her father he would come home.

Blacksmith

Then I will leave that up to Caidon.

Batkay

A wise decision, sir.

10

At Zelia’s house.  Opens door.

Zelia

Caidon.  What are you doing here?

Caidon

I just came to pay you a visit.

Zelia

Won’t you come in for tea?

Caidon

Yes, thank you, lady.

Zelia

You can call me Annabella.

Caidon

I think I will call you Zelia.  Princess Zelia.

Zelia

How did you discover my true identity?

Caidon

I always knew who you were.

Zelia

But how?

Caidon

I was at the castle and saw a portrait of you.  It does not do you justice, Princess.

Zelia

What were you doing at the castle?

Caidon

I had business with your father.  When I saw your portrait I fell in love with you instantly.  The king asked me to find you.  Then I learned that you were betrothed to this blacksmith who was at war.  It was not difficult to find you, Princess Zelia.

Zelia

I refuse to return to Davao.  This is my home now.  I belong to another.  I cannot believe your tenacity these past couple weeks, sir.

Caidon

Princess…

Zelia

Just stop calling me princess.  I am a princess no longer.  Call me Zelia, then, if you must.

Caidon

Zelia, I am afraid I have some news.

Zelia

What news?

Caidon

It concerns Pindar.

Zelia

What of Pindar?  Is he dead?

Caidon

It’s worse.

Zelia

Get on with it.

Caidon

He has a wife in Pampanga.

Zelia

That’s a lie!  He is betrothed to me.  I don’t believe you.

Caidon

It is true, Zelia.  My friend just got back from Pampanga.  He knows Pindar.  He was at their wedding.

Zelia

No!  it isn’t true.  Are you trying to hurt me?

Caidon

Why would I want to hurt you?  I love you.

Zelia

You fool.  Did you think that just because Pindar has been away that I would betray him?

Caidon

Of course not.  Have I ever been disrespectful of you, Zelia?  I only want what’s best for you.  It is with regret that I must inform you that Pindar is with another.

Zelia

I must see for myself.

Caidon

That is not a good idea.

Zelia

Why not?

Caidon

He has absconded with his wife because her father did not approve.

Zelia

So he runs from me, too.  He cannot even face me.  The coward!

Caidon

Go back to Davao.  Your father misses you terribly.  If not for me, then for the king. There is nothing for you here now. You won’t have to see me again if you don’t want to.

Zelia

I don’t know what to do.  My heart is broken and you tell me that you love me.  And this whole time you knew who I was.  You even got yourself employed at the blacksmith’s.  Why did you let me continue with this charade and make me look like a fool?

Caidon

It is I who is a fool.

Zelia

Leave me.  I want to be alone

Caidon

Whatever pleases you, Princess.

at the inn with batkay.

Batkay

How did she take it, sir?

Caidon

I cannot say that she was devastated.  She was saddened, though.

Batkay

It must be his long absence.  Her heart grows colder only she doesn’t realize it yet.

Caidon

Yes, it’s as though she has been in denial for a long time now.  I have succeeded in planting the seed.  She refused to believe it at first, but then she accepted it.

Batkay

What should we do about the blacksmith?

Caidon

You told him that Pindar would come home if he sent the princess away.  He eventually will come home and when he does we will be long gone.

Batkay

We can only hope for the best.  I don’t know which I worry about more, Pindar actually coming home any day now or that word will get out that the war is not really over.

Caidon

We must make haste before any of that happens.

Batkay

You will have to expedite matters along with the princess.  I have already handled the blacksmith.  He is happy to be rid of her.

Caidon

I have to give her a little time to let this all soak in.  I have a feeling it won’t be long.

Batkay

It’s hard to break someone if they are in denial, sir.

Caidon

I have successfully wooed her. She’s vulnerable right now, so it’s the right time to move in.

Batkay

I do agree.  How very vulpine of you, sir.

Caidon

How did you come up with the capture of the blacksmiths? It’s genius.  The scary part is that it is a feasible tactic.  It is something the king should know about in order to end this war.  Well, it works for us and that is all that matters.

Batkay

Not only will you get the money but you’ll get the girl, too.

Caidon

We have to make sure she never learns about the reward on her return.

Enter Zelia.

Caidon

Well, Princess, to what do we owe the honor of your presence?

Zelia

I told you to call me Zelia.

Batkay

Good evening, Princess Zelia.

Zelia

You may call me Zelia, too, Batkay.

Caidon

Is there something I can do for you, Zelia?

Zelia

The blacksmith just came to see me and he told me to go back to Davao.  You were right, Caidon,

there is nothing left for me here in Cebu.  The war is over and Pindar chooses to stay in Pampanga.  I have been scorned.  I feel like a  fool.

Caidon

There was no way of knowing that Pindar had deserted you a long time ago.  I must take you back to the king posthaste.  It sounds as though the blacksmith means to be rid of you as soon as possible.

Batkay

He blames you, Zelia, for Pindar having deserted him.  This is what he confided to me.

Zelia

I don’t want to go back to the castle.  How can I face my father after what I’ve done?

Caidon

He loves you.  He said he’d give up the kingdom if he could only see you again..

Zelia

Is this true, Batkay.

Batkay

It is true Zelia.  I was present when he said it.

Zelia

Can we leave tomorrow?

Caidon

Of course.

Zelia

That’s just fine.  I will go home now and pack up my things.  Good evening, gentlemen.

Exit Zelia.

Batkay

Things are going exactly how we planned, sir.

Caidon

Excellent.

Enter a stranger carrying bags.

Stranger

Good evening, sirs.  Are you acquainted with the blacksmith?

Caidon

We are.

Stranger

How does he fare?

Caidon

He is well.

Stranger

Does he still own the shop?

Caidon

He does.  I work for him.  Who inquires?

Stranger

He is my father.  I am Pindar, the blacksmith’s son.  I just arrived from Pampanga.  They are starting to send the men home.  The war is dwindling.

Caidon

(aside) drat it! My plans are foiled! )  what great news.  It’s about time.

Batkay

Yes, that’s wonderful news.

Pindar

We have captured Ilo-Ilo.  The Pampangans are withdrawing.  It was a long, arduous battle.  Are you from around here?  I’m sure I am acquainted with everyone in this town.  It is a small town.  I don’t believe we’ve met before.

Caidon

We’re passing through.  We are from Davao.

Pindar

I see.

Batkay

We are headed there now.

Pindar

You must be acquainted with Annabella.  We are betrothed.

Caidon

Yes.  We met her through the blacksmith.  She says you’ve been away for close to a year now without word. She thinks you are dead.

Pindar

It was impossible to get any missives out of the country.  It was difficult enough to get arms and rations from here.  Messengers were closely guarded.

Batkay

So what are your plans now that you are back from the war?

Pindar

I plan on marrying my intended.  But first I must go to my father’s house.  It is too late to go to my abode.  That is where Annabella stays.  I will see her first thing in the morning.

Caidon

I’m sure your father will be shocked to see you.  He thought you were dead.

Pindar

I cannot blame him.  I hope he is not angry with me.

Batkay

I doubt that very much.

Pindar

Gentleman.

Caidon

Have a good night.

Exit pindar.

Caidon

What are we going to do now?

Batkay

We could take her away tonight.

Caidon

But why the urgency?

Batkay

We could say that we saw the blacksmith and he said he does not want to see her still living in Pindar’s house.

Caidon

Let us go to her then.  We should bring swords just in case.

Exeunt  

Zelia’s house.  Zelia and Pindar.

Zelia

Where’s your wife?

Pindar

What are you talking about?  Who told you I got married?

Zelia

It doesn’t matter.  I know everything.

Pindar

I’ve been fighting a war.  You are the last woman I’ve seen since I had gone to Pampanga.

Zelia

You don’t send me a single letter in a year.  I thought you were dead.  Now I find out you are married.  I wish you really were dead.

Pindar

I love you.  I would never betray you.  I have remained faithful to you all this time.  I came straight here when I arrived because I could not wait to see you.

Zelia

I am going back to Davao.  I refuse to stay here another day.

Pindar

I don’t understand what has gotten into you.  Whoever told you I was married is   lying.  That would never happen.

Zelia

How can you expect me to believe anything you say.  I had given up on you because I thought you were dead.

Knock at the door.  Zelia answers.

Zelia

Caidon.  What are you doing here?  You won’t believe who is here right now.

Caidon

Pindar.

Zelia

How did you know?

Caidon

I met him at the inn this evening.

Pindar

Who is it?

Zelia

It’s Caidon.

Pindar goes to the door.

Pindar

So you were the one telling her lies about me.

Caidon

Does it matter?  You did not leave any indication that you were still alive.   Your father thought you were dead.  

Pindar

Zelia, I am sorry I did not write to you.  I had no means of writing.  I was in battle on the field.  It was impossible to send a letter.  I understand that you would think me dead, but to be married to another?  That is absurd. (turns to Caidon) What business is  any of this yours?  You dare feed her these lies?

Caidon

I am taking her home to her father.  She is going of her own free will and accord.

Pindar

Is this true?  You really mean to go back to Davao?

Zelia

It is true.  I am going home.

Pindar

That is unacceptable.  I forbid you.

Caidon

You can’t forbid her to do anything.  She is not a child.  If she wants to leave you then you cannot do anything about it.

Pindar

It’s him isn’t it?  He induced you to return to Davao. Have you no loyalty? Do you love this man?

Zelia

I just want to see my father.

Pindar

I assure you Zelia, this man has designs.  Your father, the king, probably offered him a reward to bring you back to Davao because he knows I am off to war.

Caidon

That is a lie, Zelia. I love you truly.

Zelia

You deceived me, Caidon.  Everything you told me was a lie. Pindar was never untrue to me.

Caidon

It’s true that your father sent me to return you to Davao.  But when i saw you i knew i wanted you for myself. I don’t care about the reward. I vowed not to take that money. If Pindar loved you he wouldn’t have left you for so long without word and make you think he was dead. It was not fair to you. He chose valor over loving you. Do you want to be second for the rest of your life?

Pindar

Enough. Caidon you are a liar and an opportunist.  Zelia is naive and you took advantage of that. Fight for her love.  (draws his sword.)

Zelia

Please. Pindar. I thought you were dead before Caidon arrived.  I lost my faith i would ever see you again.

Pindar

Do you love Caidon?

Zelia

I love him.

Pindar draws his sword to smite Caidon but Zelia jumps in front of him and gets pierced by the blade.  All are stunned for a moment. Caidon draws his sword and a fight ensues. Caidon gets slain.

moribund, Caidon and Zelia are lying side by side and gazing at each other. Caidon takes her hand and whispers ‘Ilove you,’ Zelia replies in kind and both expire.