Neophyte

Proposal

The stars in the night sky shone down on the Mission, and everything was slowly becoming quiet; everyone had finished their responsibilities and had eaten dinner. Esteban wanted to speak with Metztli, but when the Bishop and Mariana took her, he didn't see her again. He became worried. Esteban thought about going to the Bishop to ask if Metztli was safe, but it went against protocol to question Bishops or those in high positions. 

The Soldados de Cuera's responsibilities included maintaining peace and performing other duties for which their employers hired them. Esteban knew, but he was also his own person. The truth was that Esteban was becoming tired of being a Soldado de Cuera. He was tired of doing many responsibilities that he believed were wrong.

He couldn't forget that poor adolescent girl who died in childbirth. She lost her parents, was raped by a Soldado, became pregnant against her will, and died because of those actions. Esteban believed that being a Soldado could lead him to make a difference, but after everything, he had come to the conclusion that nothing had changed. Esteban waited until his men returned to the barracks and then returned to the Mission.

His mind was made up; he was going to speak with Bishop Victoriano. The Mission was quiet and peaceful; Esteban ensured not to make much noise. He eventually arrived at the Bishop's door, and he was about to knock until someone spoke from behind, "Esteban?"

Bishop Victoriano stood behind him, surprising the young man. "Oh, Bishop. Forgive me for coming this late, but I wish to speak with you." 

"Yes, I see. It would be concerning to have a Soldado come to my chambers at night." The Bishop opened the door and motioned Esteban inside, which the young man complied with. The men entered; the Bishop closed the doors shut. "Since you wanted to speak to me late at night, I assume you have concerns."

Esteban took off his hat, but he couldn't help but notice the Bishop's tone: exhausted. It was strange since Metztli and everyone else returned. Something was wrong, and a shiver went down his spine. "Yes, Bishop. Apologies for coming at night, especially with all your duties."

Bishop Victoriano stood in front of the fireplace as he put his hands forward. "The nights are getting colder, and we must be ready for winter."

"Indeed. I-I came to you because I haven't seen Metztli after she went with you and Mariana. I assume Mariana told you what happened in the village."

"Yes, she did. The poor child; her life cut short because of a weak man who wanted to display power." The Bishop slowly looked at Esteban. "I can see it in your eyes. You hate wearing your uniform because you hate what it represents."

Clinging to the uniform, Esteban momentarily looked away. "Yes, Bishop."

"To answer your question. Rest assured that Metztli is safe and well, but she needs time for herself after what happened." Bishop Victoriano then gave his full attention to the Soldado. "You arrived in a perfect moment. I have been making plans for a while and they need to be executed soon. I wanted to ask you for a favor."

"A favor? Not hire me?"

The Bishop chuckled. "I will pay, worry not. While you all have been gone, things have been happening here. One of our Padres have disappeared."

Esteban's eyes widened. "What? Disappeared? How is that possible?"

"The other Bishops and I were also confused with the situation and we're still trying to investigate the situation."

"Which Padre is missing, Bishop?"

"Padre Lucas."

"Padre Lucas?" Esteban met him a few times, where he felt something off with the young Padre; he always looked miserable. "Does Padre Fermin know of this? I heard that he will be off soon."

"No, and it is best that he does not know. Our leadership will be questioned."

Esteban sighed, "Why should your leadership be questioned? You and the other Bishops are not to blame for Padre Lucas' disappearance. He could have-"

"Federico was the last one who saw him. Padre Lucas was worried that Federico contracted a disease and went to visit him. Padre Lucas hasn't been seen since."

The mention of Padre Federico made Esteban concerned, but he couldn't think why Padre Federico would even try to do something against another brother. "Are you trying to say that Padre-I mean, Federico, would have something to do with Padre Lucas' disappearance? Why would he? What gain would he have?"

Bishop Victoriano explained everything that was mentioned within the meeting, and Esteban intently listened and was surprised to learn of Padre Lucas' possible homosexuality. "I see, but I have always found Padre Lucas odd whenever I met and spoke with him. Are you saying that Federico may have...?"

"I am certain of it. If Federico is innocent, as he says, then he should have spoken sooner."

"Perhaps, but there is a possibility that he may have wanted Padre Lucas to leave and-"

"It is more than that. I cannot help but feel that Federico has something planned; I cannot help but feel that is something terrible. Which is why I wanted to speak to you of my plan."

"Plan?"

"Yes, Metztli is no longer safe in this Mission. Not as long as Federico stays here. He seems to have Padre Fermin's liking. I wanted to ask you if you can take her to a nunnery."

Esteban's eyes widened. "A nunnery!? She is to be a nun and-!?"

"Calm yourself. She is to stay there to be an herbalist. It is where she can be safe and away from here. It is the least that I can do."

"She will never agree to it. Knowing Metztli, she will want to stay with Mariana and her children."

"I know. She will be stubborn as Valentina but this is for her safety. Mariana agreed to this. Will you agree to this?"

The Soldado stood quietly and contemplated. He agreed that Metztli was in danger, but then he thought of something. "Would I be able to see her again?"

The Bishop raised an eyebrow but then chuckled. "You may if time allows it, but it may not be frequent for she will be far. No one else can know of this plan."

"I have a proposal."

"Pardon?"

"What if I ask Metztli to be my wife?"

Bishop Victoriano violently flinched; Esteban's solution. He and Metztli, married? "You cannot speak with scencerity! You and Metztli!? Why would you think of...?" The Bishop slowly realized why the plan. "You love her. For how long?"

Esteban massaged the back of his neck. "Since we met. I cannot explain it, Bishop. It's just how I felt and it is not just for her beauty but for her spirit. I had the opportunity to know more of her and I couldn't help but fall more for her. I have earnings that I have saved throughout the years as a Soldado. I can take her far from here and keep her safe. I can provide for her and ensure her happiness. You all may visit, and we may do the same."

The Bishop was stunned and felt his heart rapidly beating. Esteban's proposal was unexpected. He didn't know if Metztli wanted marriage, but a young woman her age should be married. Bishop Victoriano didn't want to be cruel, but he knew that everything he did was for her and his family's safety.

He made his choice.

"I will consider your proposal. However, I will leave it for Metztli to decide."