Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro

Author:V. Castro [Castro, V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Published: 2024-04-16T00:00:00+00:00

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After all Hernán had accomplished for Christ and crown, nearing the end of his life, he did not want to lose his position as a man who did what others could not or would not do. At sixty years of age he had severe bouts of illnesses, but still he fought to keep his name in good standing, and he always desired more wealth.

Despite not being the man he was when he first sailed to the shores of the New World, he decided he would try one more campaign for glory. Not God. God had enough. He would find glory, or he would be met with death. He was going to die soon anyway from the cough that would not end.

It was time to ask himself: How did he want to be remembered?

He arrived back in the New World with no fanfare in what had once been the capital under Montezuma. A captain named Fernando who spoke like he came from a decent family greeted him with respect. He knew of Hernán, but as a figure from the past. Fernando was half his age.

“Señor, it is good to meet you. Your exploits made our path easier. But you should be retired with your feet up and drinking good wine.”

Hernán didn’t know how to explain to a young man the restlessness of old age and facing one’s mortality. At one time he was young, and he’d thought he could have it all. “Well, once an explorer, always an explorer. I wanted to leave this world with one more memory.”

Fernando gave him a warm, if not condescending, smile. “These savages still do not know their place. A few have become animalistic. The stories I have heard…We leave at dawn for a raid. You are welcome to come, though at your age…”

Hernán hated aging. It was a frustrating fact of life. He wanted another lifetime to accomplish more. “No, I have done this for more years than you have been alive. Wake me and I will come along.”

“As you wish.”

Fernando led him to a clean place to sleep. If he wanted a slave, they were at his disposal. When Fernando left, Hernán looked around at his small hut, amazed how time passed and cared little for men. He was no one now.

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