Neophyte

Compromise

It was busy throughout the Mission since the crops were full of corn and other food products that needed to be transported to faraway towns and cities. Metztli assisted Mariana in the infirmary, where the older woman taught Metztli more about herbal medicines and plants. Valentina also assisted while teaching Metztli some of the Tongva language. 

Although the trio was busy tending to the ill and injured, Metztli would often demonstrate easy and quick self-defense moves whenever they had free time. The occupants in the infirmary were either amused or confused by what the young women were doing. 

After their duties, Toypurina informed the women that Bishop Victoriano had permitted them to leave the Mission for seven days. Mariana and Valentina were relieved. Once they had finished their duties, Mariana instructed Valentina to inform Guillermo to prepare himself and ensure he packed everything he needed. 

Metztli needed to continue packing.

Before Mariana could go to her room to pack, Toypurina asked to speak with her. Mariana noticed the grimness in her face and knew something was wrong. They went to Mariana's room to have privacy, not wanting to risk their conversation being overheard by unwanted ears. "What is it that you need to speak of, Toypurina? I thought everything was cleared to visit the tribe."

"Yes, the Bishop gave special permission, but it is about Federico."

Mariana's demeanor changed. "What is it about this time? I tire of listening about that brute."

"I have the same sentiment, but his facade is faltering. He found out that Metztli is going to visit the tribe; he did not look pleased. It would also seem that Federico is trying to earn the full favor of Padre Fermin."

"Really? What makes you think this, Toypurina? Federico does not have a high standing among the Padres. He-"

"You mustn't underestimate him, Mariana. Remember that Federico didn't become Padre because he wanted to, but he was forced into it. Padre Federico is quite charming toward the other Padres."

Mariana paced back and forth, her hands gittered. "But Bishop Victoriano doesn't believe him. He-"

"I know that the Bishop doesn't trust him; I imagine he has his suspicions toward Federico. However, he doesn't have too much support in the Mission. The Bishop cannot expel a Padre without proper reasoning; proof must be given."

Frustration set in on Mariana as she stopped pacing. "Then, what must we do? It would only be a matter of time before that brute tries something. I know he still does those perverse acts against couples. Even when he was given warnings, that brute still tries to find ways to disobey Bishop Victoriano."

Toypurina sighed as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her right ear. "You must speak with the Bishop. Try to convince him to let Metztli leave this Mission."

"Oh, if it were that simple! Metztli would not be safe anywhere! Even if she is a Mestiza, Metztli is still mixed with our blood. She would be at risk of being kidnapped or raped! Have you not seen how much of a beauty she is? She-"

"There is no need to yell, Mariana. You also mustn't underestimate Metztli; she is intelligent and strong. Even more so than my brother's best warrior of the tribe. Intelligence is far more dangerous than mere strength." Toypurina knew the dangers that lurked outside the Mission, but Metztli and the other women were trapped in a cage of danger that lay before them. "Also, Federico has something planned. I know it; I feel it. We have a week to be away from the Mission which would give us time to plan."

The women were silent until Mariana sighed. "Very well. I will speak with the Bishop. Get rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.

Toypurina nodded and decided to say no more. She left Mariana's room, leaving the older woman alone. Mariana knew that Toypurina had a point; Padre Federico was always dangerous and had a dangerous hatred for the Tongava. 

Metztli was his exception, and she didn't want to wait for something to happen. Bishop Victoriano had power, but it wasn't enough to keep everyone in check. "I must speak with him." Mariana left her room and went toward the Bishop's chambers.

She ensured that she wasn't watched; Mariana hoped not to run into Padre Federico.

Mariana eventually made it to the Bishop's chambers in peace and knocked. "Bishop, may I enter?"

"You may?"

The doors were slowly opened, and Bishop Victoriano was still in his Bishop's clothing, sitting by the fireplace while writing on some paperwork. He looked up as Mariana closed the door behind her. "Bishop, forgive me for interrupting you so late. I imagine you have much work since Padre Fermin's arrival."

Bishop Victoriano chuckled as he put his feather pen away. "Worry not. I expected that more responsibilities would come my way. This is what I chose when I became Bishop."

Mariana walked forward, smiling softly. "Though it wasn't your dream. I remember how you wished to be a traveler, but your father wouldn't allow it."

"Indeed. Unfortunately, not everyone has the fortune of living the lives we have always wanted. Still, if I became a traveler then we-"

"Don't, Bishop. We mustn't speak of this. Especially since the Mission has become more dangerous. I came here to speak about Padre Federico."

"Again?" The Bishop massaged his forehead. "What did he do this time?"

"It is not what he did, but what he may do. Toypurina came to me as you gave us your blessing to visit her village. However, she and Padre Federico spoke, and Toypurina is worried that he is slowly losing his sanity. His interest in Metztli is becoming dangerous; I worry for her."

The Bishop stood up from his seat as he walked toward Mariana with his hands behind his back. "Yes, Esteban came to me one day after he heard Padre Federico speak about Metztli in the church. What he told me was concerning."

"So we are not the only one who suspects Padre Federico having a disgusting feeling toward Metztli. Toypurina also told me that it would be best for Metztli to leave this Mission. That you should let go to a safer place where she won't attract much attention."

"It is easier said than done. Metztli is a beautiful young lady. No matter where she goes, she will attract attention."

Mariana approached the Bishop, looking at him pleadingly. "Nimitztlatlauhtia. Xinechpalēhuia (Please. Help her)."

Bishop Victoriano was silent. His mind was filled with more worry. He barely knew Metztli, but the Bishop couldn't help but feel a strong fatherly sense of protection. "The only idea I have is to send her to a nunnery."

"A nunnery? Surely, Metztli will not wish to be a nun."

"You mistake my idea. She will be an herbalist. I have worked with this particular nunnery for years during my Padre years. I still have communication with the main abbess. The main abbess has an iron fist that even locals fear her." Bishop Victoriano chuckled. "You, Guillermo, and Valentina will be going tomorrow."

"Yes. Don't worry, we will be safe. I know you always have Soldados de Cuera protect us during our visits. You have done so much for us, Bishop."

Bishop Victoriano got closer to her until he could feel Mariana's warm breath. "I thought I told you that you could call me by my name in secret."

The older woman looked down as she squeezed her hands together. "You know why I can't. It is too much of a risk. For you, Guillermo, and Valentina. I knew you became a Bishop to protect us. I cannot help but feel guilty for making you take so much of a burden. You-"

"It was never a burden, but a choice. You know why I did it." He looked at Mariana, who still gazed down. "Come back safely."

Mariana finally looked at him and smiled. "We will."