Doña Marina

Doña Marina walked to the side of Governor Cortez, but her eyes remained fixed on Mendoza. She was obviously a native though she was dressed in the finery of a Spanish lady, with a cross at her throat.

"Marina, this is Señor Mendoza," the Governor said in introduction.

Mendoza smiled and bowed with his hand on his heart. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Doña Marina."

Marina smiled slightly in response. "I suppose that you are a friend," she said, her voice cool.

"Yes, Marina," Cortez confirmed. "This man was of some use to me in Cuba before I came here." The conquistador began to exit the audience chamber and gestured for Marina and Mendoza to follow. "It is a shame that you did not remain with my army, Mendoza. I could have used more soldiers like you. What have done since you left Cuba?" Cortez asked.

"I am a navigator, Governor."

"A navigator?" Cortez repeated, giving Mendoza a sharp look.

"Yes, Excellency."

"Very interesting," said the Governor of New Spain. "You will have to tell me more of this later. Unfortunately, I have urgent business to attend to but perhaps you can tell me more of your experiences at supper." The conquistador turned to leave but paused and looked back. "And you must stay here in the palace. Marina, take him to one of the guest quarters."

"As you wish, my lord," Marina replied. Cortez nodded and walked away, leaving Mendoza with the lovely Indian woman. Marina smiled and gestured for him to follow her. "This way, señor."

They walked in silence for sometime. Finally, the young navigator broke the stillness with the only question he could think of. "Have you served Governor Cortez for long?"

Marina nodded. "I have been with my lord since before he marched his army inland to this city. I was his guide and interpreter."

Marina said nothing more and quiet threatened to overcome the pair again. Unwilling to let the conversation die, an impressed Mendoza said, "That is a great distance to have traveled. You must know this country well."

"Of course, this is my homeland."

"Yes," Mendoza said abashed, "I suppose it would be."

Unwilling to accept defeat and silence, the young Spaniard continued to try and make conversation with Marina as they traveled the hallways of the palace, but was unable to learn much from the aloof woman beside him. Eventually Marina stopped next to a doorway.

"This will be your room while you stay in the palace," she informed him. "My thanks, my la...," Mendoza began as he took her hand and lifted it towards his lips but he froze when he heard a call from the other end of the hallway.

"Madre!"

Mendoza quickly released Marina's hand and turned to see a young boy, perhaps six years old, running towards them. The young navigator watched in astonishment as the boy hugged Marina's skirt.

"Martín!" Marina said, disapproving, "you should not behave in this manner. And where is Father Olmedo?"

Martín released Marina and stepped back, disappointed. "He is coming." As he spoke these words, an elderly priest appeared, panting from the effort of trying to keep up with his charge.

"My apologies, Marina," Father Olmedo gasped. "Martín completed his studies early today and wished to see you."

Marina frowned slightly but, seeing the curiosity on Mendoza's face, she let the issue pass and introduced their new companions. "Señor Mendoza, this is my son, Martín Cortez, and Father Olmedo, a dear friend of mine."

"Cortez," Mendoza repeated in trepidation.

"Yes. This is the son of my lord, Governor Cortez," Marina replied letting a slight smile touch her lips. Before the Spaniard could say anything more, she continued, "Señor Mendoza, my lord Cortez wishes you to join him for supper tonight. I will fetch you at sunset."

"Will you be there?" Mendoza asked with a smile.

Marina gave him an appraising look then smiled in return. "I will. Come Martín."

With that Marina and Martín walked away. Father Olmedo paused just long enough to give the young navigator a curious look, then followed the mother and son.

Mendoza has been invited to live in the palace as a guest of the Governor but what will Cortez ask for in return for these favors? Chapter Four: The Governor's Proposition.