AMONG THE ILOCANOS
The Valley of Two Flags
In 1899, the Philippine-American War rages across the islands of Luzon. Captain John Blackwood, a decorated veteran of Cuba and the American frontier, believes he understands the nature of war and the meaning of duty.
Everything changes when he is captured by Ilocano revolutionaries deep in the mountains of Northern Luzon.
Initially viewed as a valuable prisoner, a bargaining chip, and a potential source of military intelligence, John struggles to survive among people he once considered enemies. As weeks become months, he learns their language, shares their hardships, witnesses their courage, and slowly discovers the human cost of a war he once believed was righteous.
After risking his life to save the village during a brutal raid and nearly dying from his wounds, John earns the trust of the Ilocanos. He forms an unlikely bond with Maria, a young widow whose husband was killed during the conflict, and with her son Nico, who gradually comes to see him as a father.
When offered freedom, John refuses to leave. Instead, he chooses to remain and train the resistance fighters he once fought against. His decision transforms him into both a hero and a traitor?a respected leader among the revolutionaries and a hunted man in the eyes of the United States Army.
As the war reaches its tragic conclusion with the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo and the gradual collapse of organized resistance, John finds himself caught between loyalty to his birthplace and devotion to the people who have become his family.
Inspired by real historical events, Among the Ilocanos is a sweeping historical novel of love, war, identity, and redemption. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Luzon, it tells the story of a man who crossed enemy lines and discovered that courage, honor, and humanity exist on both sides of every conflict.
