In the Market

Mendoza walked through the heart of Mexico City, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the capital of New Spain. He made his way slowly toward the marketplace. This city was one of the largest the navigator had ever seen and, despite the destruction caused by the conquest, it was very beautiful. Cortez had promised Charles I, the King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, that the city would "be the most noble and populous in the known world, and [would] have the finest buildings." To this end, the Governor had conscripted thousands of Aztecs to rebuild their city, Tenochtitlan, into a Spanish Mexico City. The market was one of the first areas of the city that had been rebuilt and the merchants had adapted their wares to appeal to both Spaniards and natives.

Mendoza walked through the crowded stalls, carefully stepping over or around the merchandise that was laid out on straw mats before them. The young navigator considered the many items available, unsure of what to buy. He needed something that would be easy to carry and that he would be able to trade for food or information during his travels.

He paused at a stand that was selling many varieties of native foods. As the young navigator looked over the strange fruits and vegetables, a feminine voice spoke behind him. "I did not expect to see you here in the market, Señor."

Mendoza turned and stared in surprise. Just behind him stood Marina, her son Martín, and several of her servants. He smiled and bowed. "I had always found it beneficial, Señora, when setting out on an expedition to supplement the rations provided," he looked around at the multitude of produce surrounding them, "but I must admit, I am at a loss as to what would be useful."

Marina pointed to a basket of dark colored beans and laughed at Mendoza’s taken aback look. "These cocoa beans have been used as currency in this country long before Europeans arrived here. Although gold or silver is now the standard in Mexico City, these beans are still valuable in the lands to the south," the Aztec woman explained.

Mendoza nodded and turned back to the vendor to purchase a large, but portable amount of cocoa beans. Marina motioned to a young woman standing behind her and said, "Take these things back to the palace and put them in Senor Mendoza’s room."

"Yes, madam," the girl replied.

"Shall we continue shopping, señor," Marina invited.

"With pleasure, milady," the Spaniard replied, pleased to have this opportunity to spend time with the Aztec beauty.

"They say you are a navigator, señor," Martín said hesitantly.

Mendoza’s mind was quickly drone back to reality with the question. "I am, young sir."

"Have you traveled far?" Mendoza smiled slightly at the boy’s question. "You might say I have. I sailed around the world with the great seaman Magellan."

"Really?" Martín’s eyes shown with interest.

"What is the western sea like? And the lands beyond it?"

"Many things are different. There are birds that swim in the sea but cannot fly, giant clams, flying fish, leaves that can walk, and other strange beasts that you cannot imagine."

"Have you been in any battles? What are the people like there? Did you…" The conquistador’s son asked question after question. Finally, Marina broke the boy’s chain of inquiries.

"Martín, enough! If you would pay more attention to your studies, you wouldn’t need to ask so many questions!"

"But Father Olmeda cannot tell me about these things and…" Martín protested.

"Martín," Marina said coolly, "it is time for your studies. You will return to the palace and find your own answers."

Martín looked so devastated that Mendoza took pity on the boy and said, "I am not leaving tonight, lad. Do as your mother says tonight and I will answer all the questions you can think of tomorrow."

Martín grinned and nodded. "Gracias, señor!" the boy called as he was escorted to the palace, leaving Marina and the Spanish navigator alone.

"He is an intelligent boy, my lady," Mendoza said with a smile.

"You indulge him to much, Señor Mendoza," Marina said exasperated.

Mendoza regarded the Aztec woman. "In my experience, Doña Marina," he said a bit apprehensively, "children need some indulgence in their curiosity."

"Do you have children?" she asked, one eyebrow arching delicately.

"No," he replied after a moments hesitation. He smiled again, looking in the distance, "Yet I still have partially raised one."

*****

It was after sunset when the navigator and the interpreter finally returned to Cortez’s palace. Marina had taken him from one end of the city to the other, pointing out new buildings and old monuments, telling him the story of the conquest. Mendoza could not recall a day that he had enjoyed as much for as long as he could remember.

As they reached his room, Mendoza turned to his beautiful companion and took her hand in his. "My lady, it had truly been a pleasure to spend this day with you." The young Spaniard brought her hand to his lips as he looked in her dark eyes.

Marina smiled and freed her hand from his only to run her slim fingers along his jaw line to his lips. Mendoza’s breath caught in his throat. His hands circled her waist but she slipped away as he was about to pull her close.

"Goodnight, Señor Mendoza," Marina whispered, as she turned and walked away.

As the expedition prepares to depart from Mexico City, Mendoza finds himself becoming more and more infatuated with the lovely Dona Marina. But Marina is still the mistress of the most powerful man in the New World. This journey may prove to be more dangerous then he could have bargained for. Next Time: Chapter Six – The Expedition.