CHAPTER 8
Thy Will be Done
Riders galloped towards the column at a fearsome pace. The sharp eyes of Carlos picked them out, "Sire it is Garcilaso!"
Rapidly they drew nearer until soon the lather of sweat upon the animals forequarters could be seen. The riders reined their horses so fiercely that a shower of stones hurtled through the air. The scout vaulted from his mount throwing his reins to his companion, "Sire!.." he wished to blurt out his information but the commander raised a hand and waited until military protocol was established.
"Good-day to you Garcilaso, pray, make your report," he said quietly.
"Sire, not more than five leagues onwards the jungle clears and gives way to a broad plain of grassland. We have travelled into that plain and made a reconnaissance. Sire, there is a settlement there! The captives did not lie. Even from our distant vantage we have seen thick bands of gold upon women and men wearing complete breastplates of the same."
The excitement could be seen rushing through the officers and the men. The commander again held up his hand, his military mind more concerned with the practicalities of their task, "What is there by way of defence?"
"It has only a low earth bank surrounding; there are few guards, they suspect nothing, we shall have the element of surprise."
"Good, this is most good, you have done well," the commander praised the leader of the scouts. He turned to Francesco, "Instruct guards to remain with the baggage. The body of men will advance and upon leaving the river will develop an encircling movement, their aim will be to surround the settlement. The given signal for attack shall be the first cannon shot. Father Salamanga do you wish to address the men."
"Thank you commander," said the priest.
"There's that flippin' idjit again," said Paddy, "'ave a look and see what's 'appened to the black feller."
Davey swung his gaze around the mirror but all they could see was the land near to the column.
"He must be further away," said Davey, "they've moved too far since the lamp went out. He's had it hasn't he Uncle Paddy."
"It's high stakes lad, they've smelled the gold, now there'll be no stopping them."
With sandals flapping the priest walked to one side of the column then cried out, "This campaign seeks to provide Philip the Second, Lord of Castile and Aragon with new territory, the Pope himself has granted permission to act thus!" At the mention of the Pope he made the sign of the cross then coughed politely to clear his throat before continuing, "The savages in these new lands do not accept or recognise the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ," his voice rose almost to a scream, "It is our holy duty to seek out and destroy this evil and clear these lands for good and decent Christian people! His words were having the desired effect of stirring up the tempers of the men. He screamed, A Put on the armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil!"
"That feller's a flippin' maniac!"
"What are they going to do?"
"Things are going to get rougher now lad. You sure you're up to it? Maybe we should just leave it 'ere, I don't want you getting yerself upset now."
"I'm thinking that this is all something to do with the White Lady, we've got to watch," answered Davey.
"'ang on to yer seat then little feller cos its goin' to be a rough crossing."
"Move out!" yelled the sergeant-at-arms. "Keep close order make no sound."
The commander and officers withdrew for a final plan of attack.
"This is to be the first attack of this campaign," said Francesco, "many men are unblooded, shall we take precautions and perhaps keep back a rearguard of the more seasoned troops?"
One officer replied, "Sire, you need not be concerned with how the men will acquit themselves," he carried on grinning with his brother officers, "It should be of more concern that following our letting them loose upon these savages there shall not be anything left!"
"Well said, Enrique!" said the commander, "you shall have the honour of accompanying these fine fellows you speak of into the settlement."
The grin left the face of Enrique.
The stealth with which the men left the banks of the river and the concealment of the jungle to move into position across the open plain, brought words of praise from the commander.
"Very commendable, inform the officers directly," he told messengers.
Cannon with rushes tied to their wheels to act as padding were rolled silently into position. Pikemen slithered like snakes dragging their great weapons along at their sides ready to form an impassable mass of spike and steel.
"This is goin' to be a flippin massacre," said Paddy, "I'm not sure yer should be seeing this lad."
Davey sat still and silent. Paddy looked at him and repeated his previous words.
"Yer an old 'ead on young shoulders Davey McCann."
From his vantage point on a small hillock the commander surveyed the area, he addressed Francesco, "It shall be a glorious start to the campaign Francesco.@
Francesco raised an eyeglass and studied the settlement, the attack when it came would be a total surprise. Women were outside weaving and repairing cloth or preparing food. Men were tending crops in perfectly kept garden-like enclosures, children played together chasing after fat little dogs which yelped in their excitement.
The commander nodded to the sergeant-at-arms, "Fire when ready," he told him but Francesco had spotted something, "Hold!" he called. He passed the spyglass to the commander.
"What's 'e seen, 'ave a look!" said Paddy.
They swept their view across the plain.
From the direction of the settlement a band of richly costumed natives began walking towards the commander's position. They were clothed in the finest materials, bright colours and rich trappings covered them from head to foot. Upon the heads of the leading men were long bright bunches of red feathers; around them wild beasts ranged on leads of pure gold, brilliantly coloured birds hummed above their heads fastened by the thinnest of gold threads. On their shoulders, seated on a stretcher, they carried a naked young man.
The commander delayed, "Squad leaders shall hold thy men steady!" fleet of foot messengers ran to deliver his orders. He spoke to his officers, "It shall be shrewd to see what these fellows are about," and added in quieter tones, "If they serve no purpose they shall receive what is due unto them."
"'flamin' officers! This boyo's a snake in the grass!"
The party approached to within a spear's throw.
"Their dress speaks of high breeding," said Francesco, "they are not armed."
The richly attired natives flung themselves to the ground and crawled forwards the remains of the distance.
"What trickery is this?" asked the officers of each other, "Is it to be so easy to defeat these people that they crawl before they have even tasted our mettle?"
"Inform the men to be on their guard. At the first sign we attack. Carlos, come join me," ordered the commander.
The envy of Carlos's brother officers was plain to see but their greed overcame their envy. "They carry the finest gold I have ever seen," whispered one of them in amazement. "Look at the thickness of those armlets," said another, "they are worth more than..." another interrupted, "Silence fool, these men have come to meet us. They have known where we are to be found. Their warriors could be ready and waiting!"
The men on the ground kept their faces buried into the dirt, the commander told Carlos, "Speak with them that we may learn the cause of their mission."
Carlos walked to the leader of the group. "Cómo Estás?" The man did not stir. Carlos took hold of him by the arm and tried to lift him to his feet but the man screamed then tried to break free. Carlos physically hugged him to prevent his escape. "Steady!" he shouted when a number of pikemen lowered their weapons ready to intervene. He held on, reassuring the man by repeating, "Amigos" until he calmed. Then by pointing at the other prostrate natives and lifting the palms of his hands upwards he indicated to the man that he should till them to rise.
/> The men stood up but still averted their eyes from looking upon the faces of the soldiers.
"Me nombre es Carlos," said Carlos pointing at his own chest.
After repeating the phrase and action several times the native leader had recovered his wits enough to reply. He pointed at himself, "Suté can Bonampak."
The Spaniards clapped the man who instead of being encouraged once again flattened himself to the earth so that the whole process had to be repeated. However Carlos gradually succeeded in gaining an element of trust and the conversation continued as much by sign-language as by speech. He was soon able to inform the commander, "These men are high-born Incas, they have brought gifts and give praise to us, their Gods who have returned."
"What mockery is this?" asked the priest.
"It is as they say Father," said Carlos.
The commander wished to know more, "Returned? Us Gods? What do they mean, how can we return when we haven't been away," he laughed but then his face instantly became serious as he ordered, "Ask them who has sent them, how did they know our position?"
The Inca traced a finger across the sky, jabbed it into the air all around, then raised both hands to his eyes and spread them far apart.
"He speaks of someone they call the Shaman, a man of power who sees us even as we speak, he has sent them to greet us," said Carlos.
"Search the surrounding area!" ordered Francesco to a squad of pikemen. Armour clanked as the men ran off.
"And why do they refer to us as Gods?" asked the commander.
The priest warned Carlos, "Careful my son, these are dangerous matters. I do not like what I am hearing Commander."
Nevertheless Carlos put the question. The Inca raised his arms into the air and opened and closed his hands rapidly.
"It is their belief we have travelled in crafts from the stars, the lights of our ship have been seen," said Carlos.
A low-murmur went round the officers, "The lights in the sky! The shooting star!" One of them voiced the thought that was in all their minds, "They really do think we are Gods!"
The priest overheard him, "Watch your mouth!" he cried, "To speak in this way is blasphemy."
"Forgive me Father," stammered the officer, "but have they not humbled themselves before us.."
The priest interrupted, "Silence! I demand that this man be punished. He needs to be scourged immediately."
Francesco held up his hand to cut short the priest, "I do believe though Father that if these savages do fear us to be their gods then shall we not find it the more easier to convert them to the way of true Christians!"
The commander was even more cunning, "Think Father, if without war we establish ourselves over this country it shall be all the more quickly brought under the sway of the Holy Catholic Church".
The priest held his tongue.
"Ask more of this Shaman," said the commander, "where does he hide?"
"He is far away but also near," said Carlos, "It be hard to understand but one thing be plain - fear of him grips them."
At the mention of the Shaman the man who had named himself as Bonampak made gestures of offering which were clear to all without Carlos' translation.
"Then let us witness what gifts they would wish to give to their Gods," said the commander.
All thoughts of treachery or ambush were forgotten, even when the pikemen returned to report the area clear nobody listened. All eyes feasted upon undreamt of riches; small chests inlaid with mother-of-pearl which were opened to reveal brilliantly polished clusters of priceless gems.
"Look! A king's ransom!" men cried as greedy fingers dug deep dripping diamonds, sapphires and rubies. Heavy necklaces of gold were piled upon bracelets; delicately wrought vessels of silver contained trinkets of the bright yellow metal. Bonampak gestured excitedly at one of the pikemen.
"What does this dolt want?" asked the pikeman
"He wishes to offer a gift in exchange for your helmet Surtees," Carlos told him.
Surtees laughed, "this thing is rusted so badly it is of more danger than protection!" he rapped the helmet with his knuckles.
A small chest of pure gold dust was presented. Surtees accepted the exchange greedily. The nobleman immediately handed the helmet to a slave, "Sit-Nalta!" he ordered, the slave started to run off carrying the expensive prize.
"Stop that man!" yelled the sergeant. A pikeman swept the butt end of his pike low over the ground, the heavy stave hit the slave above the ankles and sent him flying down clutching his shins in agony.
"'ere we go! If them Inkers 'ave got any sense they'll get the hell out of there," said Paddy.
"Ask him to where the slave goes with the helmet," said Francesco.
Carlos questioned Bonampak, "He goes to their city, they call it 'Sit-Nalta'," said Carlos.
"Of what importance is the helmet?" asked Francesco.
"He says the Shaman has such a helmet Sire. He will not say more, I sense these people are more afraid of whoever has sent them here than they be for their own lives."
The Incas had retreated away from the Spaniards, Francesco made a suggestion.
"Sire they know of our position already, as a gesture of friendship should we not allow the slave to take the helmet, it is worthless to us."
Surtees could be seen with hands together praying that the commander would agree, he had no wish to part with his new found wealth.
The priest muttered into the commanders ear adding his agreement, "Sire, it is as you have said, these people shall be of more use to us if they follow us willingly as opposed to unwillingly."
"Allow the slave to depart," said the commander, "see to it that none other leaves."
"Yes Sir!" barked the sergeant-at-arms.
The gesture appeased the Incas, Carlos asked how far away was the city.
"Hiscong chua Sit-Nalta," replied Bonampak.
"Nine days, to the city Sire," translated Carlos. The commander, Francesco and the officers were ecstatic with the news.
The Inca nobleman signalled the stretcher-bearers, they advanced forwards then gently lowered their burden to the ground. The young man's body was shaven from head to foot, his skin spoke of the softness of gentle living. Swiftly the stretcher-bearers took hold of his wrists and ankles, spreadeagling his limbs upon the ground.
"What gives rise to this Carlos?" asked the commander.
Before the interpreter had time to reply the priest shouted, "They make a mockery of the sign of the holy crucifix, this youth is placed in imitation of the Son!"
"Sinchi songöyoj!" called Bonampak, motioning with his hands that the Spaniards should come nearer. The red feathers of his head-dress bobbed in the breeze as he knelt down at the young man's side. In a speedy movement he drew a knife from his waist...
"Don't look lad!" shouted Paddy placing one of his great hands in front of Davey's eyes, "Christ he's done him in!"
The nobleman offered the gruesome prize to the commander, "Sinchi songöyoj!"
"Lord reap thy revenge!" screamed the priest.
"FIRE!" yelled the sergeant-at-arms. Cannons flashed and roared sending grapeshot ripping through the settlement slicing down everything in its path. The grapeshot literally exploded as it left the barrel of the cannons, chains opened spreading their murderous capacity wide, heavy iron balls whirled and spun. Pikemen charged, they ran the Incas through then discarded the cumbersome weapons in favour of short stabbing swords.
"I told yer this was goin' to get rough lad, do yer still wanna watch or what?"
Davey was too fascinated to make any reply.
"Seize that man!" ordered the commander, thereby preventing the death of Bonampak. His comrades were not so fortunate. The settlement was the fulcrum for heavy firepower. Screams rent the air as women ran to their children, men cried in terror. This was the Gods sent to punish!
"Flee, flee!" warriors yelled as they ran, their words caused many more to follow them in headlong flight. They ran blindly and aimlessly, some ran straight into t
he mouths of cannon others ran into the waiting troops, "It is the Gods! The Gods!" shouted the men as they saw the armoured men whose thunderous voice was death.
The troops advanced menacingly mopping up any faint show of resistance. The cannon had done their job. Men, women and children were seized and herded together like cattle.
Father Salamanga rode his donkey amidst the carnage, "Slay them, spare nobody, they are abominations in the eyes of the Lord!"
Swords and axes flashed grimly as they carried out his holy orders.
A great heap was formed from captured weapons. The priest looked up into the sky and cried, "In the name of God we cleanse these savages with fire." He threw a burning branch onto the heap. It quickly caught light and roared upwards. Men on horseback galloped in and seized the burning weapons. They raced round the settlement flinging the flaming clubs onto the roofs of the dwellings, bundles of dried reeds burst into flames leaping hungrily from home to home, walls of clay bricks cracked with the intense heat.
A number of horsemen moved amongst the assembled people. By shouts and gestures, using their horses and cracking fierce black whips, they began forcing the captives into an ever smaller crowd. Without their weapons the warriors were powerless to do anything. They stood huddled together, feeling naked without their great war clubs.
"Form up. Form up!" yelled squad leaders above the roar of the flames. Horsemen galloped together, jostled for position, then presented themselves as a disciplined, well-trained body of men, able to act upon a single word of command.
The priest screamed, "We act in the name of the Lord! In His name thy will be done! Those who live by the sword die by the sword!" He held up his cross towards the heavens and then bent down upon one knee, deep in prayer.
The horsemen drew their swords and charged.
"This is getting a bit rough for you lad," said Paddy. He held his hand in front of Davey's eyes.
The priest's voice could still be heard, shouting above the devastation.
"You are angels of the Lord, you shall carry out His holy judgement."
Paddy waited until the screams and cries had ended,
"If I could get in there with a machine-gun I'd have the flippin' lot of them," he said as he removed his hand.
"Congratulate the men," the commander said to his officers, "this has been a successful start to what is to become an illustrious campaign. Oh, Enrique," he smiled, "Now I see what you meant about those fine fellows of yours!"
His brother officers laughed at this but Enrique was still seeking to earn praise, "Thank you Commander, do you wish us to begin collecting the victors spoils?" he asked.
"Patience Enrique there be plenty of time for that, first let the men relax, they have waited long for this victory."
They watched as a group of the men set free a young woman who ran terrified towards the waiting safety of the jungle. Before she had taken a dozen strides two fierce hounds were set loose after her, the men took bets over how far she would get before the hounds brought her down.
"See," laughed the commander, "they are enjoying themselves."