Neophyte

Orders

Bishop Victoriano was still in his room, having finished the last parts of his paperwork. He lay back in his chair and massaged his eyes. Ever since he became Bishop, he had more responsibilities that were a pain to keep up with. Although having a high position had advantages, it also had its difficulties. He couldn't take sides or be stripped of his position, which would mean it would be impossible to protect the Tongva people. 

There was a knock on the door. "Enter."

The door was opened, and Mariana entered. "Bishop, the young lady had finally awakened."

"Good, it relieves me so."

"Not only that, but Valentina has also arrived."

Victoriano's expression became serious. "If I had to guess, Pascual had tried to get her attention." 

Mariana sighed as she looked at the doors behind which her daughter and Metztli stood. "Valentina doesn't like when I speak about her business, but Pascual has tried to visit our home a few times to speak with her. I fear something may occur if this situation is not settled."

The Bishop lowered his back on his chair as his headache worsened. He had to deal with many men, but one of the worst was Pascual Valencia, one of the wealthiest landowners in the area. He was also known to abuse the Tongva people who worked under him. He tried to pay for loyalty whenever Pascual didn't get his way. The land owner tried to pay off the Bishop to let him have some of the workers from the Mission, but Victoriano would always refuse. He swore to god and himself to help and protect those who couldn't protect themselves. "Valentina holds no interest in him, but Pascual refuses to accept that reality. I know what needs to be done. Anyway, have Metztli enter alone. I will call you and Valentina when you are ready."

Mariana nodded as she opened the door and motioned Metztli to enter. The young woman slowly walked inside as she felt her two elders looking at her. She stood at the center and was eventually left alone with the Bishop. "B-Bishop, I-I wanted to apologizing for fainting earlier. I didn't want to cause you or anyone worry."

"Dear child, there's no need to apologize. I imagine you have been through much. Now, after we spoke, I couldn't forget the many things you have mentioned. Now, I must know more. Where are you from?"

Metztli wanted to tell him everything that had happened to her. She was from a different year, went to the secret prison where people pursued her, fainted, and woke up to a different timeline. "Did I time travel? Is it even possible?" Part of her was still in denial, but after meeting people she never met and seeing how different the Mission looked, the possibility of time travel was prevalent. "I-I am from the area, but I have gone to...travel. I have been gone for so long that I have forgotten how my home looked." It was a lie and something Metztli didn't like to do. If she told Victoriano the truth, he may not believe her and view her as insane. She tightly tugged her bag. "I also haven't been drinking water as I should have and I haven't been eating well."

It was silent, and the Bishop stared at her; Metztli feared he didn't believe her. The urge to tell him the truth was tempting, but she refrained from saying anything. "I see. You wear particular clothing that is not seen elsewhere. However, it would make sense if you have traveled. However, traveling alone as a woman is very dangerous. I'm surprised you have been unharmed."

"It looks like he still has doubts." Metztli knew that she had to act convincing, "As a female traveler, I know that I am at risk. However, I tend to go into more crowded places and always carry a weapon. Also, when I tell people I am an herbalist, I am protected."

"You are an herbalist?"

"Y-Yes, Bishop. I have been taught few things by my family but as I traveled, I have taught myself certain things here and there."

Victoriano couldn't help but be intrigued. The Mission always had a problem tending to their ill since not many Padres knew the way of medicine. The Tongva people had more knowledge but were so restrained from practicing their practices that they slowly forgot some of their traditions. Mariana, Valentina, and a few others knew some herbalism but couldn't handle all the ill and injured. "That is a skill, and many people require herbalists. What also interested me was the fact that you can speak English. Only the Missionaries and other educated people can speak the language."

"Yes, I was secretly taught by my parents, who were taught by a kind Padre who pitied them. My parents were from another area close to the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. There were many suspicions, so my parents decided to come near this Mission, and then I was born. However, they secretly taught me the language just in case if I had any opportunities for a better future."

The Bishop always considered the future. He worried about the future of the Tongva people once he passed and those he was close to. When listening to Metztli, he could tell she was wise but felt she was still hiding the truth from him. Still, it would be dangerous to let her go. "Very well, I shall go with your story, but I believe you are not entirely honest with me." Before Metztli could speak, Victoriano raised his hand, "However, I cannot let you leave since it has become dangerous since more landowners have arrived to our area; they want more slaves. Please tell Mariana and Valentina to enter." Metztli did as she was told. She went to the door, opened it, and motioned for the mother and daughter to enter. Once the trio were together, Victoriano stood from his seat. "After much consideration, I have decided that Metztli will stay in the Mission. I will put her in both your charge."

Valentina didn't look thrilled. "Why do I have to take her in my charge? I don't know her or if she could be trusted. She-"

"Metztli will be in the same predicament as you are in the moment, Valentina. Why do you still keep quiet regarding Pascual?"

The young woman flinched and then slowly glared at Victoriano. She knew that what her mother had told him angered her. Yet, her mother was worried for her, so Valentina couldn't entirely blame her mother. "My business is my own. I am not afraid to defend and kill for my honor. I-"

"It will not be necessary. I also decided that you shall stay within the Mission."

Valentina gasped. "Wh-What!? You cannot be serious!" She then looked at her mother, who didn't look bothered. "Mother, you have to say something! I will not stay here at this place of sin!"

"Valentina!" Mariana slowly glared at her daughter, who was breathing heavily. "You will stay here and do what the Bishop asks. Ever since Pascual arrived, he has been nothing but troublesome, and I am concerned about what he might do. You and Metztli will have protection under the Bishop. We are thinking of your well-being."

Metztli felt uncomfortable with Valentina's anger. She didn't know the situation, but Valentina didn't have a good view of the Mission. 'A place of sin,' she called it. 

"I will lose my freedom in this place! I would rather be outside these walls and have my freedom. If I have to fight and kill for it then-"

Suddenly, Victoriano banged on his table, making the women flinch violently. He immediately stood up, enraged. "Enough with your childish bickering! My orders are final! I will also inform the Soldados of my orders, and if you make things difficult, you shall be locked in your room until I say so! You and your brother always had special privileges compared to the others, and you took them! Your freedom is not worth your safety! If you think you will have it worse, then I shall put you with the other women of your tribe so you can see how hard you have it! Is that what you want!?"

Mariana didn't like when her daughter was yelled at, but she knew that Victoriano always decided with his best interest at heart. The older woman said nothing. Valentina bit her lower lip; her body quivered, and she said nothing. 

"Mariana, please take them to the women's quarters, for they shall share a room. Also, please show Metztli the Mission and introduce her as the new herbalist."

"Yes, Bishop." Mariana motioned the young women to follow her, and they did so. Once the women were gone, Victoriano sighed as he sat back down on his chair and put his hand over his face. He couldn't help but feel that there was still more to come.