Chapter 13: River Pirates
True to his word, Chachugi took Sebastian to the river and helped him find the shallowest and narrowest point to cross. But Sebastian’s heart sank when he saw the size of the river – it seemed more like a small ocean than an actual river. It was very wide and very deep. There would be no way to walk across. The only way to cross it would be to swim.
After packing everything as securely as possible, and making sure that all knots were tied tightly, Sebastian led his stallion into the water. The mare followed with the chickens high on her back, and then the pigs. The goats were hesitant, but nips and barks from Yagua changed their minds. Arazunú was last.
They only made it waist-deep to the horses before the goats and pigs started to panic. The current was too strong and started to drag them away. Fortunately, Sebastian had tied them all together to avoid losing any of them, but the tension on the rope caused further panic. They had to turn back.
“There must be another way,” Sebastian said as he sat dripping on the riverbank.
“This is the only way,” said Chachugi.
“Maybe we can try again tomorrow,” said Arazunú.
“Maybe there’s a different place to cross,” replied Sebastian.
They spent the rest of the day looking for another crossing point, but the river only widened. At one point it was at least three kilometers in width – far too wide for the smaller animals to swim. Chachugi had been right – the first place was the best place to cross.
The Guayuki were very nervous to be so near the river. The only person who dared to venture out of the forest was Chachugi, and even he disliked being out for so long. They preferred to remain near the tree line while Arazunú and Sebastian searched for crossing points.
The next day they tried again. This time the goats were less fearful, but the current was just as strong as the day before. They made it to the same point before they had to retreat.
That afternoon it rained. The storm lasted almost two hours and dropped a lot of water. With the added volume, there would be no way for them to cross the river safely, even if the goats stopped panicking.
The evening meal was roasted wild boar, roasted tubers, and some tasty round berries that reminded Sebastian of grapes. Pwaagi made sure that Sebastian and Arazunú had as much as they could eat. At the end of the meal, she spoke to Sebastian, touching his hand as she did so.
“She wants to know if she can sleep at your fire,” Arazunú said.
The rain had soaked most of the available firewood, but Sebastian had managed to find enough dry timber to last through the night. “Sure,” he replied.
When she smiled at him, Sebastian no longer saw the shocking pit marks on her face. He was captivated by her big beautiful eyes and the graceful way she sat beside him.
“I wish I could talk to her,” he told Arazunú.
“You could learn Guarani,” Arazunú replied.
“I thought she spoke Guayuki.”
“Same language, different dialect. Guayuki is pretty similar to my language. I’d like it if you learned to speak to me in my own words.”
Sebastian was stunned. “Do you know, I hadn’t even thought about that. You’ve learned Portuguese and Spanish and all kinds of other stuff, and I haven’t even learned how to say hello.”
“Well, if she’s going to be here, you’d probably better learn.”
Pwaagi and Sebastian spent almost an hour sharing words and using Arazunú to translate their conversation.
The next morning, before anyone else was awake, Pwaagi went into the forest to for her morning rituals. Although they were usually awake with the first rays of sunlight, it took the Guayuki longer than usual to wake up since they were still weakened from the sickness. They awoke quickly, however, when they heard Pwaagi’s throaty scream.
Immediately, the men grabbed their weapons and ran in her direction. Sebastian wanted to go with them, but knew he would get lost if he tried.
“Is it a jaguar attack? What happened?” he asked Arazunú.
“I’m not sure. It doesn’t sound like an animal attack, though.”
Minutes later, Pwaagi and the men returned, Pwaagi trembling in fear. She told her story to the other women, who turned white at her news.
“What’s wrong? What are they saying?” asked Sebastian.
Arazunú listened for a while, then frowned. “White men have returned. Pwaagi saw one of your ships coming up the river. They are terrified that they will get sick again, or be captured as slaves. And they’re not strong enough yet to leave this camp to find a new one.”
“A ship?” Sebastian’s heart leapt in excitement. The next minute, he frowned also. “Portuguese or Spanish? Or pirates?”
“I doubt she stayed long enough to see. Or if she would recognize the difference.”
“Well, I want to see.” He walked over to Chachugi, whose face wore great concern. “You’ve had smallpox once. You’ll never get it again, ever. So you don’t have to worry about this again. But I want to see the ship. If it’s slave traders, then you’ll have to leave. If it’s my people, then they’ll take me to Asunción.”
Arazunú translated.
“We will not stay and be captured,” said Chachugi. “All they have to do is breathe on us and we could die.”
“Then stay here,” said Sebastian. “I’m going to go see the ship.” He turned to leave, and then turned back again. Each morning when they had tried to cross the river, Sebastian had made goodbye speeches and the Guayuki had reciprocated. There was nothing left to say. Holding out his hand, he said to Chachugi, “If the ship is Spanish, then this is goodbye. Finally. I won’t be seeing you again.”
Chachugi held his hand up as well, not knowing what a handshake was. “You’re the only white man I’ll trust with my life, Sebastian. If you ever need me…”
Tears welled up in Sebastian’s eyes. He hugged Chachugi and waved to the rest of the people. Then, hurrying, he asked Arazunú to bring the animals to the edge of the thick forest growth.
“But don’t show yourselves, yet,” he added. “If it’s pirates I don’t want them stealing my horses.”
Pwaagi ran with him to the place she saw the ship.
“I can’t believe you saw it from so far away!” he said to her, not caring that she did not understand. The ship was still coming up the river, slowly, and would be close enough to hear his call within minutes. But was it the right ship?
Sebastian squinted his eyes to see better. It was a bright blue boat, large, and her sails were not down. She had no pirate markings or flags. He could not see if the men aboard wore uniforms or common clothes. His heart leapt into his throat when he recognized the ship – it was the Santa Clara! She had been repainted, and her trademark dolphin head had been replaced with a mermaid – but it was the Santa Clara!
But did that mean it was in Spanish hands again, or Portuguese, or pirates?
Pwaagi squealed and ran away into the forest where Arazunú was waiting.
Sebastian had to make a decision, and quick. Somehow he had to force the situation so that no matter who owned the Santa Clara now, they would still take him to Asunción without robbing him or killing him. He wished he had more sleeping potion. Maybe he could make some from the nearby plants he had been learning. Or maybe…
Smiling like a fool, Sebastian began to issue orders. “Arazunú! Arazunú! Quick! Don’t ask questions, just gather these plants. Tell Pwaagi to collect the little white flower petals I tried to eat once.” He stifled his giggles, mostly because it was not manly to giggle like a girl and besides, smiling would make the sailors suspicious. But his plan was so brilliant that it just might get him to Asunción, safe.
While they gathered, Sebastian explained his plan to Arazunú.
“Yes, that will work,” Arazunú agreed. “But you’re finally leaving. What about your wife?”
“Wife? What wife?”
“Pwaagi. You took her as your wife. She does not want to leave the forest o
r her people, but she will go with you if you command it.”
Sebastian’s jaw dropped. “I’m married? When did this happen?”
“You invited her to sleep by your fire. A few nights ago. How could you forget?”
“You’re kidding!”
“I am not.”
Sebastian was appalled. He would educate Arazunú about decent Christian traditions and civilized weddings later. There was no time for sermons now, though – the boat was nearing.
“The boat will be here soon,” Arazunú pressed. “There’s still time to make a home with her. What shall I tell her?”
Home? What kind of a home could they offer him? Especially when they were struggling to survive... Suddenly, his father’s home in Asunción didn’t seem so awful anymore. In fact, it might even be downright luxurious, compared to how he’d been living in the past few months. But he didn’t want to offend his new friends, and he really didn’t want to hurt Pwaagi.
“I don’t really want to be married,” he said. “What should I do?”
“Just tell her to find another fire to sleep beside.”
“It’s that easy? Won’t she be disappointed?”
“Most probably. She has great affection for you. But I don’t see how your marriage will work, if you are going to live in Asunción and she will not leave her people.”
“Well, go ahead and tell her then. But be nice about it.”
Arazunú translated for Sebastian. Pwaagi was very distraught and began to cry. She removed her tegu-tooth necklace and gave it to Sebastian, and then ran away into the forest. She literally disappeared behind the thick vegetation, her soft footsteps leaving no trace.
“I’m sorry!” Sebastian called.
Arazunú pointed downriver. “There is no time for that. The boat is going to pass us by.”
Sebastian dashed to the riverbank and began screaming loudly, waving his arms for added emphasis.
The boat did indeed notice Sebastian’s waves and shouts. It slowed, readjusted its position, and dropped anchor very near Sebastian. Several men peered overboard. Sebastian’s smile disappeared immediately when he saw who captained the ship – Santino Ayala. His first mate, Rodrigo Lopes, stood by his side.
“Imagine seeing you here!” called Santino, raising his hand in a mock salute. “I thought you’d be dead by now.”
“I’ll kill him myself!” said Rodrigo, withdrawing his pistol.
Santino restrained his first officer. “Never mind him, Sebastian. He’s just angry because you left us with the pirates. When we woke up, they made us pull their boat to shore. We had to wear ropes around our waists and swim almost an hour – Rodrigo nearly drowned. Never was much of a swimmer.”
“I’m very sorry for that,” Sebastian said, trying his best to look humble. “Please…” He swallowed and lowered his eyes to the ground.
“Spit it out, boy. It’s obvious that you wanted something or we wouldn’t have stopped,” growled Rodrigo.
“Take me as a prisoner!” Sebastian said. He dropped to his knees, clasping his hands to his chest. “Don’t leave me here! I’ll die before I get to Asunción! I can’t take it anymore… the snakes, the jaguars, the stagnant water… Take me with you!”
“Captain, that sounds like a plan. He can do some work to pay penance for all the cursed hell he’s put us through. And I’ve always wanted a whipping boy.” Rodrigo’s face glowed menacingly.
“We’re a pirate ship, lad,” said Santino. “Will your high and lofty morals allow you to serve aboard this ship?”
“I’m dying, sir,” gulped Sebastian. “I can offer you something in return…”
“You can? What can you possibly have of value out in the middle of nowhere?”
Sebastian called for Arazunú, who showed himself from behind the bushes. He led the animals to the river bank. Yagua kept them from straying with a few nips and snarls.
The sarcasm in Santino’s face was instantly replaced by respect and surprise. “You managed to keep your father’s livestock alive for this long?”
“Only half of them, sir,” said Sebastian.
“Half is more than I would have wagered.” Santino gestured to one of his men. “Load those animals up. I expect a good meal tonight.”
There was a hearty cheer from the rest of the sailors. They disembarked and began to lead the animals up the gangplank.
“Wait!” Sebastian shook his head. “You can’t have them all. I need to get them to Asunción.”
“You’re in no position to make demands, young man,” said Santino.
“But those are mine!”
Santino shrugged. “They’re mine now. And your Indian, too. I hear he’s quite an interpreter. That should come in handy.”
“My friend is not for sale,” Sebastian said, catching Arazunú’s arm.
Santino laughed, but there was no joy. It was more of a threat than a laugh. “I don’t think you understand the rules of this ship, boy. We’re pirates. Everything belongs to us. Including you.”
Sebastian felt strong arms pick him up and carry him onto the ship. He was thrown at the captain’s feet along with Arazunú.
Santino withdrew his dagger. He pulled Sebastian’s head back by the ponytail, holding the dagger to Sebastian’s throat. “If you don’t want to be tied up or hanged, I suggest you learn the rules. You ride with me until I say it’s time for you to leave. That could be a week or a few years, until I grow tired of you. Unless I kill you first.” He kicked Arazunú. “And forget your little friend. He’s worth a lot of money to me.”
Sebastian glowered and clenched his fist. He wanted to fight. But he had a plan – a good plan – and he just had to be patient. “What is it you want me to do first, captain?”
Santino released Sebastian’s hair. Sheathing his dagger, he said, “That’s the attitude, boy. Keep it up and I won’t kill you after all.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it, sir. Can I shine your boots now? Polish your spyglass? Wash some dishes?”
The other sailors chuckled at the boy’s submissiveness.
“You and your friend go help Cook with the dishes. Then report to me. I’ll keep you so busy you’ll wish you had just walked to Asunción.”
Sebastian started in the direction of the galley, but Rodrigo grasped his shoulder with a steel hand. “Captain, you don’t want this lad going anywhere near food, remember? I suggest we search him for any tricks he might have. He’s been too easy, if you understand me.”
Santino narrowed his eyes. “Where’s the sleeping potion, Sebastian?”
“I don’t have any, sir. I used the last of it on you months ago.”
“I don’t believe you. Empty your pockets. Turn out your knapsack.” He turned to Santino. “His horses were carrying saddlebags. Go see what’s inside them.”
Sebastian did as he was told. Aside from some snail shells for polishing his new bow and arrow, his pockets were empty.
“What about your friend? What does he have in his pouch?”
Sebastian’s heart skipped a beat. If they made Arazunú toss away the precious white flower petals that were inside the pouch, they would be at the pirate’s mercy! “It’s his lunch and dinner, sir. He doesn’t like my cooking and I don’t like his.”
Santino opened the pouch and poked through it. He found a few arrowheads and removed them, but let Arazunú keep the pouch and its remaining contents.
“Report to Cook first. When you’re done washing dishes, you come see me. And, Sebastian? I don’t want you touching our food. You’re a lad of integrity. Promise me that you will not put any potions on our food.”
“I promise, sir.”
“Then I’m satisfied. You may go.”
The cook forced Sebastian to butcher and pluck one of his precious chickens for the midday meal. Sebastian was very bitter about it, since there were now only two chickens left, but he kept reminding himself to be patient. Besides, the cook was a skinny man with a fiery temper who enjoyed his new slaves. He found
it amusing to slap and punch them frequently, shouting “Work harder! Work faster!” all the while.
“May I wash dishes now, Cook?” he asked as humbly as he could when he was done preparing the chicken.
“Be quick about it,” he replied. “Lunch will be ready very soon and we don’t run late meals on this ship. I’m going to go get some tobacco. You’d better be finished with those dishes by the time I get back. You got ten minutes.”
Ten minutes was a ridiculously short amount of time to finish so many dishes, but the cook liked to give impossible tasks so he could punish the boys when they failed. It did not matter; Sebastian and Arazunú only needed ten minutes in order to prepare their concoction.
Alone at last, Sebastian whispered to Arazunú. “You okay? They were a little rougher than I expected.”
Arazunú refused to meet his glance.
“I have a plan,” Sebastian said. “Trust me.”
“How can I trust your kind anymore,” Arazunú asked, his voice low and sad, “when I find myself at the mercy of pirates once again?”
Sebastian gave him a playful thump on the shoulder. “After all we’ve been through, you think I’d sell you into slavery? I’m surprised you didn’t think of this, mister medicine-man. Give me the petals.”
Reluctantly, Arazunú passed his pouch to Sebastian.
As fast as he could, he soaked the petals in a mug of water and then strained them. The remaining liquid was clear, odorless, and tasteless. Sebastian poured twenty drops of the potion into the water they used to rinse the plates and forks, and saved the rest in his canteen. When Arazunú realized what Sebastian was doing, gave his friend a nod. Sebastian returned the moist petals to his pouch, finishing the mission just in time.
“Not done with those plates? I’ll teach you to goof off while I’m gone!” said the cook, and boxed Sebastian’s ears.
The pain did not diminish his elation, and it was all he could do to keep himself from humming. Arazunú and Sebastian finished their dishwashing and reported to the captain. They were kept busy until the meal was prepared.
“Ready?” asked Sebastian.
“Ready,” replied Arazunú.
The sailors lined up and took their share of food, returning to the deck to eat. As the new cabin boy, it was Sebastian’s job to deliver the officers’ meals to their quarters. Arazunú shadowed him. They stood behind the officers in silence while they ate, waiting. Then they collected the dishes and took them back to the galley, where a whole new stack of dishes awaited them. Again, they put the potion drops into the rinsing water and proceeded with their chores. They worked in silence, listening, waiting.
One deck above them, men began to groan in agony.
“It’s time,” said Sebastian.
They abandoned their dishes and walked quickly to the captain’s cabin. Sebastian did not even knock on the door. He simply opened it and marched in.
“What is the meaning of this interruption?” asked Santino, standing up in outrage. As he did so, he cried out pain. Sharp cramps began to squeeze his stomach. He turned white, as did the rest of his officers.
“Captain,” Sebastian announced, “you’ve been poisoned. You and your whole crew.”
“I knew it!” shouted Rodrigo. “I knew it was a mistake to believe you, you treacherous, cunning little devil!” Despite his anguish, he stood and briskly made his way to Sebastian, murder in his eyes.
Sebastian folded his arms across his chest. Gone was his humble, frightened attitude. He was now in command, and he knew it. “If you kill me, there will be no antidote. Without the antidote, you will die a slow death. It takes almost a month for the poison to dissolve your intestines. Every day you will feel this pain, worse and worse, until you are begging to die.”
“So I kill your friend.”
“He’s the one who will make the antidote. He’s the only one who knows its secrets.”
Rodrigo grabbed Sebastian by the throat. “Then there’s no point in keeping you alive!”
“He won’t make it if I’m dead. He’s honor-bound. He’d rather die than let you terrorize his people.”
Rodrigo began to squeeze. Sebastian could feel himself grow dizzy from lack of oxygen and blood, but his gaze never faltered. He stared at Rodrigo calmly, smiling in confidence.
“Let him go! For God’s sake, let that boy go.” Santino knocked Rodrigo’s hand away from Sebastian’s throat.
Sebastian sank to the ground, gasping for air. Arazunú helped him to his feet.
“You are more trouble than you’re worth,” groaned Santino, clutching his stomach. “You promised you would not poison our food. I believed you, as a gentleman.”
“I swear on my mother’s grave that I did not poison your food, sir.”
“Maybe you didn’t, but your friend did. Same difference. I should have been more specific…” He panted, his breath coming in quick succession. “I know when I’ve been beaten. Name your terms.”
Sebastian did not hesitate. “I want the rest of my livestock to be delivered alive with me to Asunción, which is to be our immediate destination. My friend is not to be hurt, insulted, abused, or killed - especially if you expect him to prepare the daily doses of antidote for you. I also want recompense for the furniture and goods you stole from me. You can pay me now or when we get to Asunción. When we reach Asunción, I will deliver this vessel to the harbormaster, since this is a Spanish ship. She should sail in Spanish hands – honorable hands. Finally, as pirates, you are all criminals in some capacity or another. You will be delivered to the proper authorities for punishment.”
“You’ll condemn us to our deaths,” moaned Rodrigo.
“You’re dying anyway.”
“The antidote will only keep us alive long enough to be hanged,” he spat.
Sebastian said nothing.
“The effects of the poison,” said Arazunú, speaking for the first time, “are such that you will feel pain and nausea, followed by severe diarrhea. You will become dehydrated. You will be dizzy and weak. Within a few weeks, your intestines will dissolve and you will starve to death. It is a terrible way to die.”
“But we can keep you alive until your body purges itself,” Sebastian added. “So?”
Santino dropped his pistol, sword, and dagger at Sebastian’s feet. He motioned for his officers to do the same. “Give us the antidote, and you’ve got yourself a crew.”