The Manggan Tribe and the Ministry met at the middle of the bridge where a line was drawn indicating the par line. On the other end, the tribe lined up with their new tribe leader, Enoch, while on the other side, Darryl stood with the Ministry.

The treaty both parties agreed to was all for the protection and benefits of the tribe. It had been agreed that the government through the ministry will teach the tribe technologies that would help improve their living conditions, while the tribe on the other hand will share with the ministry their tradition and culture as well as introduce to them plants that will help in the advancement of scientific medicine. However, the decision of whom shall be allowed to enter and leave the island was still to be decided by the new chieftain.

The ceremony started and ended smoothly with a new signed treaty. Enoch designated Darryl as their official amba.s.sador of the Manggan Tribe and with Baruk Tam's consent, they made the Somer Isles, as a neutral ground. Meaning, whoever will be allowed to enter in the island can freely stay in the Somer Isles.

When the ceremony ended, Darryl had a little chat with his brother Enoch.

"I haven't seen your Father, I hope he is fine," Darryl said as he tapped Enoch's shoulders.

Enoch gave a bitter smile, "He was so guilty of allowing the healer to leave. He was still mourning for her and could not dare himself to face you knowing you have entrusted the healer to our care,"

"I don't blame anyone for what happened, I'm the only one responsible for it," Darryl was saddened on how the old man took it. Xhemin was one of his favorite princesses and her pa.s.sing had broken so many hearts, including his.

"Don't be hard on yourself brother," Enoch comforted him, "It was not your intention to leave her. I just hope that one of these days you can come to forgive yourself about what happened,"

"I don't think I could ever forgive myself for what happened to my wife and child," Darryl admitted badly and the expression that flushed on his face with their conversation made it hard for Enoch to find the right words to say.

"If it does help you, you can always come and visit to mourn in the Pearl Haven. Your hut still stood strong all through the years that came by," Enoch invited him. He knew how special the place was for Darryl and he was very willing to give him an entrance again as Darryl was already a part of their community and many had been waiting for him to comeback, specially the Somer People.

"I'm sorry Enoch, but I don't think I'm ready to come home," Darryl replied referring to Pearl Haven. "I know someday I have to, but…but—"

"Say no more," Enoch understood Darryl's feelings. The hero of Somer Isles loved his wife so much that it would take him forever to forget her, specially she died in a way that he was not able to protect her. "I clearly understand, but know you are always welcome here,"

"Send my regards to your father," Darryl said, "Tell him to eat well and not to mourn anymore. The healer will surely not like it if she's there,"

"I will," Enoch replied. They made their brotherly gesture before Darryl left, leaving everyone who was still celebrating. The officials and Enoch did not request for him to stay anymore as they know what Darryl was going through, so they continued the festive even after Darryl left.

Darryl went straight to the Loch Cottage where his son was buried. The place had been his home for the last six years and like how Dr. Miles previously did, Darryl withdrew from the limelight and isolated himself in Hamps.h.i.+re. He refused to go back to the capital, neglected his role as the Lagdameo heir and stayed in the Loch for good.

He spent his time finis.h.i.+ng the bridge and when it was done, Darryl busied himself doing furniture to support his little needs. Although Darryl had millions in his bank account, he spent it all in the bridge and never touch any money from L Empire that was allocated on him. He lived as a simple man by then, not anymore, the Lagdameo heir that everyone adored. L Empire tried to bring him back, but all their attempts failed, and they just gave up one day specially that L Empire wasn't running well the past six years.

Every afternoon, he sat in front of his son's grave, talking and playing with him while waiting for the sun to set. His nights were spent on endless regret and mourning for the family he lost. If only he can turn back time then he could have done better, he could have done things differently, ensuring the safety of his wife and child.

"Son, this if for you," Darryl said as he carefully put on his son's grave the little wooden truck he made earlier. It was probably the hundredth toy he made for him and surely will not be the last. Darryl also brought some fresh flower he picked on his way from the bridge and put the same on the grave, "And this is for your mother, tell her I missed her badly,"

Darryl fixated his eyes on the grave and smiled, hoping that somewhere, his wife and son can hear him. He knew he was in some kind of misery that will never end but being there at the Loch, where his wife stayed before she took her life and where his son's grave was made, somehow gave him some sense of comfort.

Darryl stayed there for a while as he always does but his solitude was disturbed by a familiar call,

"Dee,"