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‘And who is this child?’ the king said bouncing the baby upon his knees.
‘He is named Jeronimo, your majesty,’ Don Diego said.
‘I have not had dealings with many children. The queen and I have been unfortunate in these matters,’ he said with a wistful look.
‘I have heard of this, sir. I’m sorry.’
‘He brings a certain light into the palace; do you not think?’
‘Children have that rare capacity.’
‘And the Moors brought him here?’ the king asked incredulously.
‘Well, not exactly, my lord.’
Don Diego explained.
‘Incredible! What does this all mean? Why does a Jesuit priest arrive here with a child in his arms, and in the company of a band of heathens?’
‘Esteban, would you be so kind as to fetch Rodrigo?’
‘Certainly, Don Diego.’
‘Hmm,’ the king said watching Esteban leave. Turning to Don Diego, he said, ‘You were telling me before the Moors’ arrival, of a mission to the New World?’
‘Yes, your majesty. It is imperative that we free Jabuti’s friend from the governor’s clutches.’
‘And what do you require from me?’
‘A ship and armed men to sail to the New World to set Wanadi free.’
‘Is that all?’ the king scoffed. ‘And in return...?’ he said with narrowed eyes.
‘Gold, my lord.’
‘And where lies this gold?’
‘In Jabuti’s land.’
‘I have heard tales of the riches of the New World.’
‘It is true. The governor has filled his pockets with such bounty and acts with impunity.’
‘Well, if this is so I would like to see him brought to justice. I will not see one man profit whilst our finances are in a parlous state.’
‘But I have promised Jabuti that we will only take enough gold to make a profit and that we shall never revisit his land,’ Don Diego said with trepidation, awaiting the king’s response.
‘I have a responsibility to enrich the nation’s finances you do realise?’ the king said.
‘I am aware, your majesty.’
‘But I am also not without heart.’
‘Thank you.’
‘And what is to become of this child?’ the king said as they both looked down upon him.
‘I am not certain, but I know he cannot return to the land of the Moors.’
‘Indeed not. See how he plays, Don Diego? So innocent and unsullied,’ he sighed. ‘I grow weary of my position, I feel as if I have not much time left in this world.’
‘Please, your majesty. Do not speak so,’ Don Diego implored.
‘Do you think my existence has been a happy one? I know what my courtiers say behind my back,’ he said. ‘Even my wife is disgusted by my appearance and very existence. But you, Don Diego, you are different. I feel comfortable in your presence.’
‘And I too, your majesty.’
This brought a smile to the king’s sad features.
‘But before the end of my days, I shall do some good. I shall grant you the men and ship that you require.’
‘Thank you,’ Don Diego said.
At that moment, Esteban entered the room with Rodrigo and Jabuti in tow.
‘Your Majesty,’ Rodrigo said bending to kiss his hand.
‘Come, come,’ the king said. ‘Do not stand on ceremony.’
‘I see you have been acquainted with young Jeronimo,’ Rodrigo said straightening his weary frame.
‘Indeed, I have,’ the king smiled. ‘Tell me of your mission.’
Rodrigo then began to inform his majesty of the sultan’s request.
‘He has the effrontery to capture citizens of Spain, use them as slaves, and then demand a ransom when he is done with them?’ the king shouted.
‘But their lives hang in the balance,’ Rodrigo pleaded.
‘Well, perhaps I should turn the tables and demand a ransom for his countrymen who camp outside the palace.’
‘He cares not a jot for the life of any man, apart from his own. He holds the upper hand I’m afraid.’
‘How so?’
‘The sultan will kill this boy’s mother if I do not return with what he desires,’ Rodrigo informed the king.
The king remained silent for a while as everyone looked at each other nervously.
‘I cannot allow that to happen,’ he eventually said. ‘And when are you to return to this Moorish heathen?’
‘Hmm, that is another matter altogether, your majesty,’ Rodrigo replied. ‘I feel I might have overplayed my hand somewhat.’
‘How so?’
‘I promised the sultan that I would return with some Andalusian dancing horses.’
‘You did? And why would that have been?’
‘It was the only way that he would release the child. I had to promise him something in return for his freedom.’
‘A noble endeavour indeed. And how were you to achieve this?’
‘I’m afraid I didn’t think that far ahead,’ Rodrigo said shame-faced.
‘Please, your majesty,’ Esteban interjected. ‘Rodrigo thinks not of himself, but only for the good of ot—’
‘Enough!’ the king shouted, his mood changing quickly. ‘Not only am I being asked to finance a hazardous mission to the New World, but to provide some of the best horses in my nation to a heathen ruler; who cares not a jot about the sanctity of human life? But I am also to pay what precious little gold this nation holds to free our own countrymen.’
‘But if you grant our mission to the New World there is plen—’ Esteban began.
‘Stop!’ the king interrupted. ‘There is too much talking, I’m confused.’
‘But a man’s life hangs in the balance,’ Don Diego pleaded. ‘If on—’
‘You heard the king,’ the queen said storming into the room with the king’s flustered physician in tow. ‘He needs rest.’
The physician fluttered about the king, waving a foul-smelling tincture under the king’s nose. ‘Oh my, oh my!’ he fussed. ‘Too much excitement for one day. I prescribe immediate bed rest,’ he ordered in an imperious manner.
‘Come, my dear,’ the queen said taking the king by the elbow. As she walked past Don Diego, she glared at him, saying, ‘Take your friends with you and be gone.’
‘But the ki—’
‘But nothing. Can’t you see, you have tired him out with your incessant demands?’
Don Diego turned towards Jabuti and saw within him a look of complete defeat.
‘What does this all mean?’ Jabuti said as they gathered outside the palace gates.
‘Do not lose heart. I have seen him like this before,’ Don Diego said.
‘But you heard what the queen said.’
‘She does hold a certain sway over the king; that much is true. But let us see how his mood is in the morning.’
‘I fear we both have quite difficult missions,’ Don Diego said turning towards Rodrigo.
‘Mine must be completed, for Isabella’s sake.’
‘She sounds like a strong woman.’
‘She is,’ Rodrigo smiled. ‘God only knows how she is coping with the absence of her child, though,’ he said as he held Jeronimo in his arms.
‘She is lucky to have your company in that hell-hole,’ Esteban said. ‘It seems so unfair, I can’t beli—’
‘Esteban,’ Don Diego interrupted.
‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ he said turning to see Jabuti visibly upset. ‘I meant nothing by it...’
‘No, you’re right, Esteban,’ Jabuti said. ‘It is unfair. Wanadi and I escaped, leaving Rodrigo and Isabella behind. What kind of man have I become?’
‘Enough!’ Rodrigo shouted taking everyone by surprise.
Jabuti was taken aback and shocked at his outburst and stood there, feeling vulnerable and confused.
‘Enough,’ Rodrigo said but more gently this time. ‘This is not your fault. Let us see what fortune tomorrow brings.’