Chapter 8: Reliving the trip around Africa.

As Rosa-Lee packed her trunks with her earthly belongings Qonchita came to sit with her. Qonchita’s eyes were moist but she was obviously more under control while she sat and watched. She handed her daughter petticoats to pack in and only sniffed few times. This was hard on Rosa-Lee. She knew how her mother had struggled to forget the turmoil of their time in Africa, the nights she woke terrified of the horrors they had seen. Rosa-Lee really hoped that this would not cause those nightmares to return.

Because she was only four during those times, they had sheltered her from the worst parts of it. She did not experience half the nightmares Mama did. Papa was the strong one who kept them sane during those times, making a new future for them all.

He was the pillar and he would be the pillar as always, her giant Papa. He was the man she started to know as a friend and who had become her father. She hardly remembered her biological father. The abuse they had suffered under him had made him easy to forget.

“Mama, please, don’t make it difficult. I will be fine. You and Papa have taught me everything you know. I will be all right. Just believe in me, please.”

“I do believe in you, Rosa-Lee, but still, this is very dangerous. The outcome can be devastating for both you and Pedro.”

“I have a few plans up my sleeve for this Falcon and his son, Mother. Please calm down.” She said with much conviction.

Her mother looked at her in shock, grabbing her shoulders. “Rosa-Lee! You will not try something foolish and get yourself killed. Promise me.”

“No, mother.” She held her mother’s hands, kissing them. “I will be back with Pedro, I promise.”

She hid her pistol and knife in her trunk. This pirate will not have me on a platter; Rosa-Lee Almaida is made of pure Almaida blood, tough enough to face anything.

Later Rosa-Lee lay in her bed, eyes wide open. She had to swallow hard as the enormity of what she was about to face occurred to her and tears ran down her cheeks. She allowed them to run freely.

Come tomorrow morning, fear would be the last emotion she had the luxury of giving into. Her life would depend on her skill and alertness.

†††

January 4, 1624

Last night I was awakened by Qonchita once again. She panicked and moaned uncontrollably in her sleep. It took me awhile to calm her enough for her to realize we were safe.

The turmoil of our journey plagued her. Last night she dreamt we were back on the beach where Kayla tried to seduce me. The slave girl had pretended to sleep with me so that Qonchita would desert me. The mere fact that Qonchita did not speak to me for a few days almost killed me.

Because of her I had the courage to do what I did to get us out of that place. Faro’s attempt to rape her terrified her. I wish I could take those haunting images away. Every time after such an ordeal she melted into my arms, looking forlorn and lost. My heart ached for her and for what we were going through.

The image of her feet, skin worn away to a bloody pulp from walking, her slippers torn, is engraved in me. Those first days were terrible, when we realized help was not coming and we would have to walk. People fell from exhaustion because the captain refused to stop. The lack of food and the constant rain stalled us over and over. I still hear the screams as wild animals captured people and dragged them into the bushes. I carried Qonchita for days through that brush with Rosa-Lee on my back. Faro never attempted to help them. Not that I would have let him.

The man was more interested in the slave girls that travelled with us. There were times that I had to bite my tongue when I caught him in the act. The man was simply arrogant in his dealings, but those women loved him.

Those days were hard on my lady. But she never complained. She took everything with her head held high, a true lady to the bone.

I swore to myself that I would keep her safe, protect her. I did not care what anyone said, her safety came first. Those days when I carried her, I knew without any doubt that I loved her, but I never revealed it, although I wanted to. That kiss was the only one we ever dared to share, so I kept my distance as much as I could.

It was hard to watch her, yet she had this strength in her that made her to stand up and go on, no matter what.

Now, to have her in my arms every night is a blessing. I can kiss her all I want. I make love to her and she simply melts in my arms.

She is my joy, my delight. I will love her always.

January 15, 1624

Today was an exceptionally cold day and we spent it indoors. I love days like this where we can sit around the hearth and read, talk and enjoy each other’s company. Rosa-Lee was on top of Cisco most of the time. She loves her daddy so much. Her laughter fills the castle. I can hardly wait for this little one to come. My protruding tummy is a joy for Cisco. He simply cannot keep his hands off me.

Today I think back to the many days and weeks we walked through the grassy plains of Africa. I remember the exhaustion, the heat, and the insects that bit us day and night. Then in the afternoons the rains would drench us completely so that the nights were miserable. We faced hunger for days on end because Captain Breno refused to let us rest and get the required food. I learned to eat anything in my walk, from tree bark to grass and leaves. Anything would do just to get the hunger pains under control.

There were days that I did not know how we got at a certain point. My body and soul were so tired for lack of anything basic.

After two months of aimless walks we finally arrived in an empty stad, a town. No one was there and as we searched the empty huts in the hope of food, we were once again faced with no relieve of our hunger cramps. A lonely dog barked, seeking attention from the Captain. He shot it.

People scrambled to get to it first. In disgust I watched as they ate it just like that.

Someone found rotten maize. Again, people ate it and got stomach convulsions. Two people died afterwards.

The one thing that would always remain in my thoughts was the face of the pregnant woman we found shot dead by our captain and left to bleed to death. He was a cruel man. He wanted to punish me when I hit him out of pure rage after the death of that young woman. Her death was senseless.

Cisco thought it wise to take me away. In the process we were attacked by savages. We ran, Rosa-Lee in Cisco’s arms, me right behind him and Kayla, who was never far behind, followed us. In the confusion we were separated from the group. Two days later when we found them, we were charged with mutiny. It was the first time I saw Cisco completely lose his temper.

He is a big man, taller and bulkier than most. He towered over Captain Breno and for the first time I saw fear in the Captain’s eyes.

Cisco was captured by some of the Captain’s followers, but the rest of the group attacked them and eventually they let go of him. From that day forward the Captain was less hostile toward Cisco.

Those were trying times. Our endurance was pushed to the limit.