Tropical Heroes

19. A plan

In the ruins of the church, they found the priest. They warned him about the rebuilding of the temple and exchanged some sacred conversation. They left so fast as they arrived. The day dawned with a beautiful blue sky, but on the horizon, it was possible to see the leaden gray of the storm. Still early, Shada had almost all men slaves and animals into the woods ,, in order to bring the timber for reconstruction. That morning quite windy and retinue soon approached. Manuel, in full costume, awaited them in temporary accommodation at the door Francisco. The position they were in, was can see the procession emerge on the road linking the village to the mill. Francisco awaited the arrival of Captain for, with two slaves from the task of making the recognition of the beaches in the area in search of French who had survived an attempted landing. Waiting was not long and soon the presentations were made, the sound of the stones that were separated by the children. A white man, well-dressed, He came up, took off his hat, bowed and said:

- I'm the captain Joaquim Queiroz, at your service.

Manuel, who was on a natural high ground, is presented:

- Welcome, Captain. I am the commander Manuel, official representative of His Majesty, the King of Portugal - said, introducing the Royal Seal.

The procession components made a brief bow and the captain continued:

- My ears could not get better news. Worth being in this situation and we can not meet them as they should. My heart filled with joy to have them here.

- Yes, Captain, the situation is not expected, but nothing that the work can not solve - said the commander with a smile.

- When my men warned me, almost I did not believe it. It's a miracle!

- Let God's things to God. You have been warned of our coming?

- Yes, I received the message from Captain Pedro Afonso.

- I suggest you keep women and children kept in the mill for not discounting the possibility of a new attack. You have news of the royal vessels that passed through here?

- How many women, do not worry, Commander. Dei order to stay on the machine and are well kept. As the king's ships,

They were sunk by the French.

Manuel exchanged glances with Francisco and after a long sigh and a few seconds of silence, said:

- Francisco, if you want to go, it's fine.

- Captain, you lend me two or three of his men to a survey expedition? - Asked Francisco.

- Of course. Peter, separate the men who best know the place and give him weapons.

- Thank you, Captain. And with the permission of the masters ...

Francisco left with five men in their mounts. Manuel and Joaquim and continued the conversation:

- The slave Francisco is in the woods with some men, choosing the wood for the reconstruction of the village. Children are joining stones for walls and several sick in makeshift infirmary.

- I will divide the rest of my men among those who are in the forest and children. I will send help to work with the stones, we have many walls to wake up.

- Captain, no guns for the defense of the city? - Asked Manuel.

- They came just days before the attack and there was no time to install them.

- They were destroyed?

- No, they were safe in the mill.

- Demand that bring them as if the French come back, have a nice surprise.