Neophyte

Lashes

Toypurina stood before Bishop Victoriano, who sat on his seat; paperwork was in piles. "I thank you for seeing me this morning, Bishop. I am certain you have much to do."

"It is no trouble, Toypurina. You have traveled here from your tribe and I imagine there are concerns that you and your brother have."

"Yes and I am certain you know what our concerns are."

Bishop Victoriano put his hands together and became serious. "I have been reading some reports that there are mercenaries and ranch owners that are kidnapping many of the Tongva to make them work manual labor."

"They are making many of my people slaves, Bishop. We cannot deny what the mercenaries and ranch owners are doing. They kidnap the men and women to make them slaves." Toypruina became more serious as she wrapped her arms around herself. "Other tribes have been invaded and destroyed, making the survivors come to my tribe and others. Some of the survivors, especially many women mentioned that they were raped."

The mention of rape made Victoriano cringe in disgust. He heard that ranchers, mercenaries, and even many of the soldados of cuera were responsible for the rape of many Tongva women. He despised men who took advantage of women, an act that God was against. "I also heard disturbing accounts, but I will speak with the other Bishops and write to the Governor about the situation." There was something else that Vicotirano was concerned about that Toypurina hadn't spoken to him about. "Toypurina, I have been hearing rumors of a possible rebellion. Wouldn't you happen to know about this?"

Toypurina was emotionless. She had heard the rumors, and many believed she was behind the supposed plan. It wasn't her, but Toypurina knew who began the rumors: Nicolas Jose. Nicolas went through many tragedies as he lost his loved ones in the hands of the Padres and the Soldados who worked for them. The need for revenge fired in his heart and spirit. She knew he was slowly trying to convince their people to rebel against the Padres. Toypurina didn't want Nicolas to do something that would cost many lives. Many of their people were dying rapidly; she wanted to help prevent a possible rebellion.  

Although the Bishop did everything he could to improve conditions inside and outside the Mission, the other Bishops and the Governor of Las Californias prevented him from doing enough. Toypuring didn't want to turn in Nicolas since Victoriano might banish him from the Mission or worse. Victoriano was willing to do anything to maintain the peace.

"Be assured, Bishop, that what you heard is just rumors. However, you must understand that my people are suffering and getting frustrated by the day. When people feel angry and fearful for so long, it can turn into rage. You must try to convince the other Bishops and the Governor to tread caution."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Victoriano became annoyed. "Enter." The door opened, and Padre Federico entered. He gave a short nod to the Bishop as he noticed Toypurina. "What is it, Padre Federico?"

"Bishop, forgive for the intrusion, but I must inform you that one of the Native women has given birth; the infant died."

Toypurina squeezed her hands together; she knew what the punishment was when giving birth to a dead infant. Victoriano became serious. "What of the mother and child?"

"I thought it would be best if they were put into the infirmary until you and the other Bishops were informed."

"You informed the other Bishops!?" Victoriano stood from his seat, enraged. 

"Forgive me, Bishop, but the others would eventually discover the news since Padre Miguel was present. As we all know how Padre Miguel is, he will not rest until the Native woman is punished for killing her child."