Neophyte

Concerns

Rain fell from the dark gray skies, and the morning mass was finished. 

Bishop Victoriano and the other Bishops led the Padres out of the church and walked toward the dining room as the rain fell on them. Bishop Victoriano felt at ease as the rain fell on him; it lessened his stress from everyday life in the Mission. 

It also gave the Tongva a chance to rest since the other Bishops didn't want them to get ill.

Standing behind the Bishop, Guillermo cleared his throat. "Bishop, if it pleases you, I would like to assist with the preparations."

"Yes, go and assist. Thank you for your hard work."

Guillermo bowed and left the group, heading toward one of the many classrooms where adults and children practiced their instruments or sang. 

Everyone knew Padre Fermin would arrive tomorrow, and Bishop Victoriano knew everyone was anxious. He, too, felt anxious, but the Bishop didn't want to express it.

He and everyone else arrived at the dining hall, where a child was finishing lighting the candles. Everyone got in their places until the Bishops stood before the main table, said a small prayer, sat on their seats, and motioned to the Padres to do the same. 

Bishop Juan stood again, receiving everyone's attention. "We have an important announcement. I received a message that Padre Fermin is safe and well; he will arrive tomorrow morning." The Padres smiled as they whispered among one another, but became silent as Bishop Juan raised his hand. "Which is why all of you must keep the Gabrilienos in check and ensure they perfect everything for Padre Fermin's arrival. Withhold punishments if need be until Padre Fermin leaves the Mission. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Bishop," the Padres said in unison. 

Bishop Victoriano glared at Juan but said nothing. Suddenly, he noticed Mariana and two women entering with plates and cups of food. Mariana walked toward the main table and bowed as she served them their plates and cups of food. Bishop Victoriano and Mariana looked at one another as she served him his plate and cup. 

"Mariana, good morning."

"Good morning, Bishop. I imagine you and everyone are excited for Padre Fermin's arrival."

"Yes, his arrival is an honor for all of us. Thank you for your continuous hard work." The Bishop noticed a hint of hesitation in Mariana's eyes and knew something was wrong. Bishop Victoriano motioned his eyes to the left, indicating his office; it was a signal they both agreed upon.

Mariana smiled and nodded while serving the other Bishops their plates of food and drinks. 

Footsteps echoed in the room, and the Padres noticed Esteban standing outside the doorway, wet from the rain. "By Lord in heaven, please enter, Lieutenant. We wouldn't want you to get ill before tomorrow," said Bishop Samuel.

"Thank you, Bishop. I did not wish to disrupt your meal, but something that cannot wait must be discussed." Esteban was motioned to go inside and walk before the main table. While walking toward the Bishop, he glanced at Padre Federico, who was focused on his food. 

A shiver of disgust went down his spine. 

Esteban eventually arrived before the main table and gave a short bow. "Bishops, Padre Fermin is currently staying at an Inn that is a couple of hours away. My commanders gave me word that they and some of our men are with Padre Fermin and that he is safe and in good health."

"Ah, praise be to God. Our prayers have been answered," said Bishop Samuel.

"Yes, I will have my men guard the Mission as long as Padre Fermin stays, and that is not all. There are people from nearby villages and towns that wish to attend, and I have received word that Pascual will also be in attendance."

Bishop Victoriano took a sip of his drink and then noticed Mariana eyeing him and realized she knew about the news. The Bishop cleared his throat and said, "That man doesn't give up. He has been asking to purchase some of our workers. I constantly refuse his request since we need them for the Mission."

"That man is persistent. He has many workers on his land, but wants more. He should ask for the mercenaries to find him more," said Bishop Juan as he took a bite from his porridge. 

Bishop Victoriano stood up from his seat and said, "My appetite has ceased, and I must go and ensure the preparations are completed. Excuse me, my brothers. Lieutenant, please follow me." He walked out of the dining room with Esteban. 

When Mariana finished serving the Padres, she excused herself and went behind the Bishop. 

They all went inside the Bishop's room, where the doors were closed. 

The Bishop lit up the fireplace to bring warmth. "Are you certain that Pascual is arriving tomorrow?"

"He is staying somewhere until the Padre's arrival, but I am certain, Bishop. Would you like me to order him away?"

"Even if I try to order him away, Pascual will always find ways to come here. He has many connections, and we have to tend to this carefully."

Mariana put her hands together, worried. "What shall we do, Victoriano. You must send him away!"

Bishop Victoriano massaged his face as he then looked at Mariana. "I cannot send him away, Mariana. No matter how much I desire it. I cannot raise suspicions, and Pascual is no fool. He will notice that I put too much focus on Valentina. That man will try anything to get any information he can get. We must play his game, no matter how dangerous it is."

"He is right, Mariana. Pascual is one of the wealthiest landowners here and has many connections, but he doesn't have much power in the Missions. The Tongvas here are very important for this Mission's operation. We have to find out his plans to plan our next course of action."

Mariana took a deep breath.  "Very well. I will trust you both; I will take my leave." 

 Esteban sighed. "Mariana is quite a woman."

Bishop Victoriano chuckled as he sat in his chair. "You should have seen her during her prime. Many men desired her, but she would reject them and sometimes fight them off."

Esteban chuckled but remembered his other reason for wanting to speak with Victoriano. "Bishop, there is something else I wanted to speak to you about."

"Yes?"

"It is about Padre Federico."

Bishop Victoriano tensed; he put his hands together. "What of him? Did he do something with the Tongva?"

"It is not that. After Anna Maria's death, I went to the church to pray for her, but before I could enter, I saw Padre Federico. He...was making a sort of confession." Victoriano became curious, but he knew it wouldn't be good. "He made a disturbing confession regarding Metztli."

 "What confession?"

"I am concerned that Padre Federico may lust for her. I fear for Metztli, and with your permission, I would like to be closer to the Mission to keep an eye on her."

The Bishop was surprised that Esteban would volunteer himself. "You hold interest in her, do you not?"

The Soldado cleared his throat as he massaged the back of his neck. "It's not that. I-I admire her courage and strength. That is all."

"Very well. I will tell your superiors that I want you to work for me. I want you also to keep an eye on Federico. I tire of his behavior."

"Yes, Bishop, thank you." Esteban bowed, walked out of the room, and closed the door. 

Bishop Victoriano slowly stood up from his seat and walked to the fireplace, looking at the fire. He sighed as he massaged his face once again. "My God. I fear the past is happening again."