Aboard Cabrillo's Galleon Read Online Free PDF Page A

eyes.
    Seeing the intensity of her apprehension, Cabrillo growled inwardly at his brother-in-law’s foolishness. He was thankful, however, that even if Diego tried he could never have fully disclosed what it had been like to stand in that accursed chamber the day after the final battle had been won: how the ears rang with the buzzing of a million flies, the stomach churned from the smell of putrefying blood that had accumulated on stone floors and walls from hundreds of thousands massacred there, or how the mind revolted at the sight of the freshest of the human hearts, Spanish hearts, still obscenely exposed within the limestone basin, left there to placate their insatiable deity. He forced aside these images and relaxed his tensing features, fervently hoping that Diego had stilled his thoughtless tongue before telling his sister of the avenging slaughters conducted by their own conquistadors. During the dozen years that followed, too many battles, too many horrors had been inflicted by both sides.
    This time Cabrillo took hold of both Beatriz’ hands and said sternly, “Diego should never have shared anything that could have troubled your heart.” His words tightened slightly as he added with more sincerity than his wife guessed, “If I did not need him here to look after you, I would take the time to find him and beat the breath out of him.”
    â€œDo not be angry with him, Juan. Diego is not the only one who has revealed a little of your past hardships. I seldom mention the nights you cry out in your sleep or the times you rise and wander about the room, never waking but always on guard against some threat.”
    Apologetically, he said, “I have never been a restful sleeper.”
    â€œYou have faced many enemies, and you fight them still in your dreams. I just pray you meet no more at sea.” At sea, she thought. She was well aware of Juan’s capabilities as a commander, but could even he keep a crew under control during so long and uncertain a voyage? She unwillingly recalled the Becerra voyage, and how a mutineer named Jiménez had killed Captain Becerra and others. Other voyages too had set out from Mexico, all meeting terrible trials and all failing to reach the East. And even if Juan’s fleet reached the Spice Islands safely, what of the Portuguese? Did they not seize any Spanish ship sailing near their waters? Giving herself a sharp mental shake, Beatriz managed to keep at least these last fears to herself.
    Cabrillo watched her fight to withhold unanswerable questions. Releasing her hands, he held her shoulders at arms’ length. “Listen to me now, Beatriz. While I am away I will be cautious. You must trust that I will lead these ships and these men well regardless of what comes. I want nothing more than to return to you, to our home.”
    â€œYes, I know that. I know you do not wish to leave at all.”
    â€œIf we had not lost so much in the earthquake, or if Alvarado had lived long enough to settle his debts with me, perhaps another man could have taken my place on the voyage. As things are, I have little choice but to sail.”
    â€œYou do this for me and the children, for all who depend on you.”
    â€œAnd for my own honor.”
    To hide the sudden welling of traitorous tears, Beatriz locked her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek to his chest. She said hoarsely, “I will trust that you will return to us, sound and whole.”
    It took a moment to loosen his own throat enough to say, “Do you think I would leave that rascal Diego to take my place with our boys, to teach them how to become men? They might grow up knowing no better than to frighten their wives and sisters with ghastly stories.” He heard Beatriz try unsuccessfully to muster a laugh. She was only able to lift her face and offer him a wobbly smile as she said, “Oh, Juan, I will miss coaxing you from your dark moods, and steering you back to bed when