THE BEND OF THE RIVER by Edward Rickford

Author:Edward Rickford
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Black Acorn Literary Press
Published: 2020-11-11T00:00:00+00:00

Totonac Province

Tenochtitlan

Chapter 18

Malintze tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and studied the Totonac kneeling in front of Cortés’ high-backed chair. His left hand was misformed, two fingers were smushed together like lumps of unformed clay, and pimples dotted both his cheeks. Was he shivering on account of the cold?

What with the intense heat of the day, the still night air could have a queer effect on the body. Maybe he’s scared. He did not lack for cause. Cortés’ reputation for violence must have preceded him, and she would be none surprised if the boy feared for his well-being. The hurried march from Tenochtitlan to Totonac lands had left all of the teteo exhausted and tired, but that just meant they were less inclined toward patience and more toward violence.

“Doña Marina, tell the boy to stand,” Cortés commanded.

“Our Speaker asks that you please stand,” Doña Marina told the boy in Nahuatl. The boy winced and muttered something unintelligible as he stood up. She wished she could understand his tongue, but Nahuatl was the only language they had in common. Fortunately for them, few of the Spaniards could understand Nahuatl.

Cortés rapped his fingers on the chair’s armrest and made a quick appraisal of the trembling boy. “What do you know about Narváez’s forces?”

Malintze almost rolled her eyes at the question. The teteo had the strangest habit of assuming everyone thought and acted like them and seldom bothered to adjust their speech or actions for others. She contemplated the best translation and then said in Nahuatl, “Our Speaker is honored that you have come to our camp to tell us about the teteo on the coast. You must be tired from your exertions so please accept some food and water. Can you please tell us more about the teteo that arrived in the water-houses a few weeks ago?”

The boy’s face brightened at the mention of refreshments and he straightened. “Food and water would do a great deal to revive me, and I am most grateful for the offer.” He paused and wiped sweat from his brow. “The Speaker of Cempoala was at first inclined to be friendly to the teteo that arrived a few weeks ago. The teteo Speaker said they wanted to ally, but they have been most disrespectful in their conduct. They have no respect for Cempoalteca holy places, and they have used many of the women roughly. Many of the village folk have little love for Cempoala, but they worry the teteo who follow the Narváez man might do the same to their people.”

Cortés had also been very contemptuous of the Cempoalteca holy places but so far as she knew, Cortés’ men had behaved themselves with the Cempoalteca women. Narváez’s inability to do the same suggested he had less concern for diplomacy or less ability to control his men. Either way, it was good for Cortés. She glanced at the Totonac boy. It would be prudent to make sure he received his proper due before she translated anymore.

“He

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