Two Groups

Chapter 9

9 years later

     It is 1524 the island had changed in many different ways. As the years passed there were many events that had happened that effected all the people of the island. King Carlos V of Spain had authorized the importation of more than 4000 Yoruba slaves to the Caribbean. Population was growing, as it did. The Pope Leo X of Luciana's faith, had declared the Island the ecclesiastical headquarters for inquisition. After that passed, the majority of the Spanish were excited, even Luciana was happy for it. What Worried Zaccheaus was that there might be a conflict with the Spanish if they tried to convert the other tribes.
      Caribe tribes began attacking the Spanish from the south in organized patterns. During the time the founder of Caparra Juan Ponce de Leon built the Casa Blanca ( White House ) which was owned by him and his family. More Spanish came to the island in mass numbers, to search for gold, but did not brought women with them from Spain. They had began taking Taino brides either from tribes or ones living in the towns, some taking slave brides or having an affair with slaves.
     Also as the year passed when Juan Ponce de Leon had wanted to do an expedition to Florida, another Spanish territory. While setting out, he had suffered injuries over there and had to take refuge in Habana Cuba,then died there. Luciana heard this, she had mixed feelings for the guy but she also had not said anything till Zaccheaus asked, where he learned that she knew him in the past. Zaccheaus personally did not like him for creating Caparra. But then he would not met his Love Luciana. 
    After that the Spanish had built the San Jose church in San Juan, where the capital had move to instead of Caparra. Estrella who got much older and Luciana wanted to go there to attend mass at least once to try it out. The Suagr cane company had started in the Island as one source of goods grown. As well as a Library that was built by the Dominican Friars. A new Hospital was also built called conception.
        Zaccheaus had completely forgotten about the tense ties between the Spanish and the Taino. The village where the manor was occupied treated him like one of their own. Estrella is currently 10 years old. She gotten really smart, she can speak to Zaccheus in his tongue as a native as well as Luciana's tongue as a native too. He taught her how to do basic village customs as well how to do ceremonies of his culture.   
     Luciana taught Estrella the Spanish life, the heritage, the culture, as well as festivals. Sometimes when Zaccheaus went hunting which he does now and then. He invited Estrella so he can teach her how to hunt incase if something were to happen. Zaccheus mastered how to play the cuatro over the years, he currently would play in festivals or in parties at the manor. Luciana's father had grown older, he already getting a full white hair on his beard and head.
      Luciana's father had been apologizing to every slave he had or anyone he commanded to do something. He feared he might die soon, Luciana always argue that he will live more than he thinks he will.
     Zaccheus thought that today was going to be an easy day, but he has much more things today than he will ever realize.

       I wake up and get up, I grab a couple Clothes from the drawers. I call Luciana and Estrella, it was time to bathe. We all exit the house to head towards the nearest secluded Bairoa ( stream).  I always accompanied Luciana as well as Estrella when it was bathing day for everyone. I did not want any rascals getting the right idea to peep on them. As we found the spot where we usually go, the Bairoa was clear, you could see the stream pass by smoothly. I told them that they can start bathing while I look around to see if anyone is near.

....

    As Luciana got into the stream, she felt a little cold from the water, but it felt better than being in the heat sweating. She then looked to see that Estrella got in as well, she jumped but then got in even more. Estrella and Luciana began talking about things that were currently happening as well as Estrella asking questions to learn more about the future.
      " Bibi why do you look more younger than most people your age?" Asked Estrella hoping to know the answer. She started washing her hair in he stream.
    " Tu papá ( your father) always have me doing things his tribes would do. In his tribe his grandmother was the oldest of all the villagers there, no one reached her age." Answered Luciana,
       " great, I always do what Baba does so I can be like vis abuela." Squealed Estrella. Luciana nodded and continued with her bathing.
      She then thought about Zaccheaus, why does he not come? He was probably doing a territory check incase they were people passing by. Then her questions were answered.
      He came with couple of cloths to dry off, he had everything he needed for today. He had his Baira he had his knife as well as rope for hunting.
     He then set everything aside and joined Estrella and Luciana. He started to bathe, Luciana got behind him and hugged him. He turned to see his Liani hugging him. He kissed her, she smiled, she let him go. Then he continued bathing.