December 1501
Home for the past two weeks, Hernan deftly managed to convince his father that his future did indeed encompass the New World. With the help of his Uncle Juan, Hernan pleaded his case successfully. Plans for his leaving, at the earliest in six months, were being considered.
His duel and subsequent wounding of Gilberto Torres, was another matter. Although not illegal, dueling was frowned upon as a means of resolving disputes. Now his uncle’s influence would have to be used to its utmost. Juan would write a letter to the Alcalde Mayor of Medellin, asking the mayor to intercede on Hernan’s behalf, if the Torres family decided to pursue the matter.
Hernan himself was to personally deliver the letter. Ask the Alcalde to deliver his sincere apologies to Gilberto. Also Hernan promised both his father and uncle to curtail his womanizing.
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Of all that was asked of him, Hernan knew the loss of female companionship would be the hardest to maintain.
Diego, excited at his brother’s return, seemed over his melancholy. He participated in the Hogueras, and was eagerly looking forward to the rest of the Navidad festivities.
Riding to the town of Medellin, their horses slowly trotting along the well worn road, Hernan continued explaining to Diego his plans to travel to the New World. To New Spain.
Across that vast ocean where an immense fortune awaited. He knew he could convince their father of this worthwhile endeavor. Much more important than university!
Diego, somewhat familiar with the New World, strived to understand why Hernan wanted to put himself in such danger.
How much he would miss him. Tio Juan himself had been there.
Both boys had enjoyed tales of Indios, exotic plants, the vast mysterious ocean, and other adventures that their uncle had related. But most important, for Diego, was his need to talk about the Romeros. The reason for their deaths, who were the Jews!
His parents refused to discuss the subject. His aunt and uncle seemed ill at ease when he broached the subject with them. He was sure Hernan would be able to answer all of his questions.
Waiting for his brother to finish, Diego finally blurted out,
“Why did they burn the Romeros?”
“You mean the Converso pigs, they should have been dealt with a long time ago.”
Surprised at Hernan’s reply, Diego asked, “But why, Hernan, why!”
“Because they took false vows. They continued to practice their vile religion, while professing to be Christians. They did it only to save themselves from being expelled.”
“I don’t understand, Hernan, why were they being expelled?
For what reason?”
He patiently explained to his brother the Expulsion Edict, when it took place, and how Jews who wanted to remain in Spain converted to Catholicism. Some took their vows seriously 212
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and became good Christians. While others like the Romeros continued to practice their Jewish religion in secret. That was the reason for the Inquisition. To expose any false Christians.
As Hernan continued to speak, Diego noticed a hardening of his features. An anger he had never perceived in his brother before.
“Everyone suspected the Romeros. But chose to do nothing.
Their wealth and influence protected them. Still the inquisition did its job well enough.”
A worried and bewildered Diego listened, then asked, “But how did everyone know, Hernan. I never saw any of the Romeros performing odd rituals, or acting in unusual ways.”
“You did not know what to look for, Diego. Marranos will not eat cheese with their meat, will not light a fire on their Sabbath.
Pork will never touch their lips. Unleavened bread is eaten on their Passover. Anyone who acts in this manner, should be suspected.”
“But, Hernan—”
“Enough, Diego. I grow weary talking of the Romeros. We must get to Medillin and deliver these letters to the Alcalde Mayor. Papa and Tio Juan will skin us alive if we don’t. Stop your worrying, the filthy Marranos deserved whatever punishment they received.”
Diego, quietly complying, stopped talking, as they continued to the Alcalde Mayor’s office.
Arriving at their destination, they tied their horses to a nearby tree, and entered the mayor’s office. There they delivered the letters to the Alcalde’s effeminate secretary, Señor Jose Martinez, who wished them and their families a “Feliz Navidad.” He also explained that the mayor would not be back until after the holidays. Hernan greatly relieved he would not have to apologize personally to the mayor, returned the greeting as he and Diego left the office.
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Walking to their horses, they paused to allow an elegant coach go by. As it passed Hernan, was struck by the beauty of one of the passengers it carried.
“Aye de mi,” he cried. “Hurry, Diego, I have to catch up with the beauty that just went by.”
Mounting their horses they quickly caught up with the coach as it turned into the entry way of an inn a short distance from the mayor’s office. Waiting for the passengers to exit the coach, both boys were a bit disappointed when the first to do so was a handsome well dressed gentleman. Next came an older woman, obviously the duenna.
As Magdalene Maria de Ortega stepped out of the coach, Hernan’s heart skipped a beat.
Looking in his direction, as she walked to the inn on the arm of the gentleman, Hernan perceived rather than actually saw—
she was beautiful, graceful, and everything he desired in a woman. Nudging Diego, Hernan, loudly exclaimed, “It’s time for a meal at the inn.”
Leaving the horses with the stable keeper they entered the inn. Found a table, and ordered some food.
Questioning the innkeeper about the people who had just entered, they were informed that the gentleman was Don Tomas de Ortega. A very important dignitary. Who was traveling to Cordoba with his daughter, and her duenna.
Hernan was familiar with the name. Señor de Ortega was the Revenue Collector for the Medellin area. Although he had never met him, he had heard stories of Ortega’s fairness and honesty.
Learning who the father was, filled Hernan with elation. His father or uncle would certainly be able to arrange for Hernan to call on the daughter.
When their food arrived, Diego hungrily devoured his tapas, Hernan simply stared into space. Finishing his food, Diego asked his brother if he was going to eat.
“No, no, you can have my tapas, ” Hernan answered, continuing to stare, saying nothing.
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“Hermano— brother, we have a three hour ride home, you should eat something,” Diego chided his brother.
“I am not hungry, if you are finished, I’ll pay and we can leave.”
All the way back to the hacienda, Hernan could think of nothing but that vision of loveliness he had seen. His plans for traveling to the New World were put on hold—for the time being.
Diego, puzzled by his brother’s silence, did not disturb him.
He merely rode along silently, his own thoughts and emotions churning within him.
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