Neophyte

Pray

Victoriano arrived at the church and ordered the guarding Soldados to allow him time alone. He didn't have the strength to deal with more heartbreak. Guillermo finally knew the truth that haunted Victoriano and Mariana for so many years. Victoriano believed it would bring closure, but it only brought distance and heartbreak. He told himself over the years that keeping the secret was the right thing to do. After how Guillermo reacted, Victoriano wasn't certain. He tried to explain that he only wanted to protect his family and give them the opportunities that natives and mestizos lacked, as more Spaniards were arriving.

Even if Guillermo and Valentina were Mestizos, they would still face discrimination and hardships. Victoriano ensured his children were educated so they would know the way of God and not suffer undue discrimination. 

Metztli made him see the realities that would come, especially regarding his morality. Victoriano was getting older, and his children were going to be unprotected. Mariana would also be vulnerable. He believed it was better to act quickly to ensure his children, Metztli and Mariana, would have a safe future when he could no longer protect them. 

He knelt before the altar as the rain still echoed outside the church. Victoriano prayed, gazing at the image of the crucified Jesus Christ. "I have made many mistakes in my life, but I don't regret saving the woman I love and protecting my family. My regret is hiding the truth from my children and forcing the woman I love to do the same. I know that we are all your children, but there is no love among everyone. Sometimes I question whether my choices were the correct ones. Seeing everything that transpired, Victoriano felt that it was a mistake.

Squeezing his hands tighter as his son's distraught face plagued his mind. Covering his face, fighting the tears threatening to fall. "Oh God, please be merciful to my children." Victoriano continued to kneel before the altar, praying.

"Bishop! Bishop!" Victoriano slowly opened his eyes, still looking at the image of Jesus Christ. He ordered the Soldados to let him pray in peace. It was momentarily quiet, and Victoriano was about to continue praying when he heard a muffled sound outside. "Bishop! It is I! I need to speak to you!"

"Esteban?" Victoriano immediately stood, walked to the doors, and opened them. Esteban and the Soldados stood outside the church. The Soldados were heard telling Esteban about their strict orders. Seeing Victoriano and Esteban, he ignored his comrades. "Esteban, my word. I was in prayer and-"

"Forgive me, Bishop! It is urgent!"

Victoriano sighed, but motioned Esteban to enter the church. The Soldados were ordered to leave as Victoriano closed the church doors. "Now, what is the urgency?"

Esteban smiled as he regained his breath and said, "Metztli agreed to marry me!"

"She did?" Victoriano was surprised to hear the news. He believed that Metztli would do everything in her power to fight against her choices. He wondered what made Metztli change her mind. "Are you certain she agreed? Did she express reluctance, or are you lying in her stead?"

"Of course, I wouldn't lie. Metztli seemed sincere. I showed her how genuine my feelings are for her. I believe she feared that she wouldn't be loved, but I assured and showed her how she makes me feel." Esteban's smile widened. "I just arrived here to tell you the news, and I wondered when we might marry."

"You wish to marry soon? There is much to be planned, and you must put Metztli's ideas under consideration."

"Metztli's considerations will be taken into account, but when everything is agreed upon, I want us to marry as soon as possible."

Victoriano smiled as he witnessed Esteban's happiness at marrying the woman he loved. Esteban reminded him so much of his youth. Both men had dreams and aspirations: to build a family with a woman they loved. He also couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy that Esteban had had the chance to live a life with a family. The Bishop made many mistakes in his life, but if it meant that his children and Metztli could live better, happier lives. "You two will marry, but you must wait after the trial."

"Trial?" Esteban remembered Federico; his expression changed. He knew that Victoriano was mentioning Federico. "When will the trial occur?"

"Tomorrow. I hope the trial doesn't take too long, so we can finally end this nightmare."

"Bishop, I met with Federico, and I must tell you that I felt evil from him. He may know that he may be sent away from the Mission, but his eyes were emotionless. Federico held no fear. I fear that he will not let himself be defeated very easily."

Victoriano crossed his arms. He hadn't visited the Padre, and he felt that there was no need since both would face one another soon. Seeing Federico's worry made Victoriano feel the same, but he didn't want to be deterred. "If Federico has something hidden in his sleeve, then we must be ready for whatever comes our way. I also wanted to speak to you about something."

"Yes?"

"Do you know any Soldados that wish for a wife?"

Esteban raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "Many."

"I wish to know how many of those Soldados you believe will treat their future wife with love and respect. I want you to pick out your Soldados and bring them to me so I may meet them."

"Bishop, your request is unusual. May I ask why you are asking this?"

Bishop Victoriano was silent. He had an idea that he hadn't told Mariana since she would disagree with it. However, the Bishop thought of it to keep Valentina safe. "I wish to marry Valentina off."

Estean blinked a couple of times, trying to comprehend what he was told. "What? I do not know Valentina too well, but she seems like a woman who will not do well in marriage. Especially with a Soldado." Massaging the back of his neck, not feeling comfortable with the idea. "With due respect, why try to find a spouse for Valentina so suddenly?"

"It was only an idea, but I will not live forever. Valentina is a woman who can be put in a vulnerable state once I am gone. I want her to be safe. Give me a listing of men that you know will not harm Valentina."

The Soldado still found it strange that Victoriano would care. It was normal for Padres and Bishops to have their favorites among Neophytes, but to go to this extent for someone who hated the Spaniards was odd. Esteban believed it was best not to mind the Bishop's reasonings. "I will see what I can do."

"Good. You may be excused." The Bishop watched Esteban leave, alone in the church. Victoriano sighed while looking at the image of Jesus Christ again. "Oh Lord, perhaps you have heard my prayers. Still, I need your guidance and strength for what may lie ahead."