Marky Stories: The Mystery In The Amartel Cave (Part 1)

Although the hill, where the cave is located, is beautiful in the eyes of the villagers of Sikaayo, no one dares to enter it. They call it ‘Amartel’. According to the story of Grandpa Aurelio Meling, no one tried to enter the cave after World War II.

He told the story of the cave where he hid his real name when he was 77 years old.

In the time of Grandpa Meling, he was 17 years old when he saw a tragic scene that he, his friend Mauricio and Cenon and his girlfriend Isabel. The cave became a dumping ground for those killed by the Japanese in the past.

The said cave also became their grave. Often, American and Filipino soldiers were piled up there and then covered with earth in a dugout part of the cave. Then, the Japanese soldiers dumped rocks. The same is true of captives suspected of being rebels or spies against the Japanese.

Continuing the story of Lolo Meling, the Japanese built a base and a fort near the cave. According to him, it is only 200 meters away. Even so, the cave is unthinkable and has hidden secrets and mysteries despite its beauty.

When the Japanese made a zone in their barangay, his parents fled Aurelio. He also included his girlfriend Isabel. His friends Mauricio and Cenon and he obeyed. But, it did not reach the cave as they had talked. He just heard that Cenon was caught and Mauricio was killed when he was caught.

During their escape with Isabel, they stayed in the cave. Aurelio noticed its beauty, from stalactites and stalagmites. Marbles and rocks also change in color when they are exposed to sunlight.

At night, it glows when exposed to the moonlight. Despite knowing the intricate secrets of the cave, the couple decided to stay there. They are not worried because there are many tunnels in Amartel that the Japanese soldiers have never been to. Their concern is to run out of food storage. There is no problem with water because there is a stream near the cave. Also in the oil that is put in the gas so that they have light at night inside.

Once, at midnight, Aurelio decided to get out of the cave and go through a tunnel out the back. He plans to visit their home and find out what happened to his parents and four siblings. Isabel was asleep when she left Amartel.

As he was crossing a narrow passage behind the cave he saw a woman. This old man was sitting in a tree between two large rocky outcrops. Aurelio thought the old man had fled and walked near Amartel. So he approached it.

“‘ Grandma, why are you here? Did you also run away? We are at Amartel. It is safer there, ”said the young man. The woman smiled. Although it is old, it still looks strong.

“Why would I run away from them? Don't worry about me, son. You, what are you doing at night? Don't you know that Japanese soldiers are patrolling now? They know that at this time the civilians are coming out. Go back to where you came from! ” the woman said as if warning Aurelio.

" Is that so? I am careful. I want to know what happened to my parents and siblings. I am worried about them. Then we also have no food stored by my girlfriend. So, I will take fruits and vegetables in our yard, ”the young man replied.

The old man smiled at Aurelio. It was not even marked by fear.

“You stay at Amartel, but you still don't know the ins and outs there? Do not return to your barangay. There are Japanese on guard. Go back to the cave and head to the seventh tunnel on the right. The sign then is the engraved stone snake. Go there because the end of it is wooded. There are fruit trees there and vegetables. There is also a creek there where you can catch fish. Come back immediately, ”said the old man.

"Yes. But, how are you? Maybe you can do it. ”

"Do not worry about me. Because the night will not end with the Japanese surviving my revenge! ”

After the old man said that word, he took a seemingly small cloth bag that was placed on the side of the tree. You only have bread, four pieces of banana, suman, and a piece of mango. The woman also handed him a can of milk with only clean water.

“Eat first before returning to the cave. I know you and your girlfriend are very hungry, ”said the old man while gesturing with his hands up. It also utters words that the young man does not understand.

To be continued...