Here you have the first chapter of The Black Angel.
Court of Madrid. Winter, 1667
Alejandro Torres walked to one side and a small waiting room in which the Court's decision of the Court. With hands clasped behind his back and his face grim, was still mulling over the past events and could not believe that fate was so unfair.
In late spring, his two sons, Miguel and Diego, had swelled the ship Castilla, who struggled against two British flag vessels near the Azores. Some men died in the clash and, between them, Don Esteban de Albaladejo, character, highly esteemed in the palace. Although the news of this death plunged all the pain, there was only one of which came from time to time at public hearings, since English galleons were constantly approached by French pirates, Dutch and English, on his travels each way to the Caribbean coast, where Spain kept possessions.
The galleons were often large-tonnage ships, battle without equipment, so they became easy prey for the buccaneers and privateers who attacked under foreign flag. And although, in recent times, the sovereign had given large sums for their protection, Castilla was traveling alone. No, indeed, news of the death of Don Esteban had not brought more than a bad news for Spain.
Until overlapping accusations were whispered in some ears with the two sons of Don Alejandro in the dock, according to the Court, accused of high treason, for providing the English pirates that would follow the path Castilla.
Alejandro Torres was an influential man, held the title of Duke of sovereignty, and was owner of extensive landed estates in Salamanca, Toledo and Seville, a friend of lawyers, ministers and even cardinals. None of that book to their children of the charges or the trial that they were subjected. Nor liberated him from the torment that he was supposed to come home and comfort his wife, Mariana, who burst into tears.
At that time, after a long month of waiting, interviews with each other supported by his brother Daniel, tireless search of witnesses, had to wait, like any other, that the Court of King Charles Court issued its opinion.
snorted softly, sat down and rejoined almost immediately, cursing under his breath.
"Father, sit down, he heard behind him. So do not get anything
, if anything, wear the carpet. Don Alejandro
turned and faced the eyes of his eldest son. She watched him carefully, as Diego, the small. They were different characters. So much so that sometimes even seemed brothers, but for the features of the De Torres, unchanging from generation to generation: the aristocratic face, straight nose and firm chin. Diego was dark blond hair, as Mariana, while Michael had inherited his hair blue-black.
The first had brown eyes, the second a deep emerald green, like his Scottish grandmother, used to call the attention of whoever was watching. Diego was tall and thin, Miguel pulled him half a head, but his shoulders, extra wide, made it appear much taller than his brother. Don Alejandro knew that, even with age, acquire the constitution Diego
the eldest, who seemed absorbed in his genes all
sap those damned Scots with the great-grandfather, Don Alvaro, related.
- How the hell can you be so calm?
asked exasperated, aware of the nervousness of Diego, not knowing what to do with your hands.
Miguel shrugged. There was far
quiet. Not when he knew, because he knew, what was the court of Madrid. Since Charles II, who was nicknamed the spell, took the throne of Spain, things had worsened. The ruler was then only six years old. Last of the house of Austria, son of Philip IV and his second wife and niece, Mariana of Austria, was a frail and sickly child. And political life was revolt. Felipe IV, after the defeat
international and state failure, Castilla had plunged into pessimism and hardship. Two years before a Board of five ministers advised the mother of the sovereign during the minority of it, but really they were not members of the aristocracy, who ruled, but Mariana's confessor, Father Nithard, along with intriguing Fernando de Valenzuela, unable but enormous influence with the queen, who followed his advice to the letter.
The confusion has been installed everywhere, feeding
the gossip about the alleged overthrow of Marian Austria and Carlos, while the court intrigues multiply to create plots of power next to the small.
The cluster of rumors, but did not poison the situation, already depressing.
But Michael could not, or wanted, hinting discomfort.
did not ever. Diego and even when he was accused of high treason. And would not lower our guard but were condemned to the gallows, of course likely, as events had developed.
"Nothing will get more tense than we put
" said the young guy. Whatever, we'll know very soon, brother.
Don Alejandro stopped. Sometimes the coldness of his son unnerved. For Christ's sake! Could not occasionally show a bit of English blood?
opened the chamber door deliberations and Alexander pushed forward like a spring. He immediately approached the man who beckoned. Whispered a moment and then the other disappeared again. When he turned to his sons, the duke's face was as white as paper. A young man tells her stomach lurched. Miguel, meanwhile, tightened jaws and stared into the face of his father. Did need to say anything.
- Blame? He asked, anyway.
Sobera The Duke nodded and his eyes were formed liquid curtains. Michael could not bear that her father, strong and sharp image he remembered since I can remember, was cast forth to mourn. He got up and grabbed him by the shoulders.
"Never, sir," he said, through clenched teeth.
never do it! Do not be seen to flinch or fall like vultures on our family. Alejandro
swallowed the tears and nodded, his shoulders sunken, emaciated face.
"I called in a moment.
"And we'll go with head held high.
may declare us guilty and we hanged, "replied the young man, but God knows of our innocence, we. I will not enter the court like a common traitor because I'm not.
- Do not mention it, Michael! "Snapped his uncle.
-can hang and you know it.
- Condemnation, lad! -Alexander broke a little
of his son. Do you really have the cold you represent, Miguel? What runs through your veins? "Ice? He snapped.
"Father, my God ..." said Diego.
- I know! Damn you, Michael! Do not you understand? You are my only child, my race, my heirs. How can you face the target so calmly, instead of rebelling? What do you tell your mother if I condemned to be hung? For all the hell! What will I say? Miguel
swallowed. Not a minute had been thinking about his mother. I was tormented by the possibility of his death, that was the worst. His father may be reharía, but she was going to answer ... when the door opened again and they were called to appear before the Tribunal.
Diego rose, pale and slightly trembling, and walked unsteadily. Immediately, the strong hand of his brother took his arm. Miguel's voice sounded rough. So much so that Alexander I shivered with horror and pride at the same time.
"If we falter, Diego, I swear by the most sacred thing you out the guts before we hang up.
The younger Torres stood, he swallowed his fear and
stared the emerald eyes of his brother with confidence.
bad I will not have the family, Miguel. I swear.
"You better, tadpole. You better.
And so, supported by the encouragement of his brother, Diego preceded it and entered the room.
London. End of 1667
The brig Pretty Olivia was about to leave.
was a light two-masted ship and square sails, fast and agile maneuvering, engaged in transporting passengers. Still was armed with eight guns port and starboard and sailors who were rookies ruled in clashes with enemy ships.
it because the route was to continue trading and were
prepared, though in those days no one could trust not to run rival boats, "Colbert did not feel particularly uneasy.
His daughter, Kelly, was leaving in less than an hour to Jamaica, where he spent a very long time on the farm of his brother, Sebastian. It was a decision I had made and not the reverse. Neither the cries of his wife nor the protests of his son had done to modify its determination. Kelly had to learn. He had grown up in love, but maybe they were wrong in the way of education, because, although always obeyed his orders, his refusal to marry to him concluded it was filled with indignation. Within
carriage in which were his two sons alone, they could hear the girl sobbing.
"Come," said his brother brujilla passing an arm
shoulders, not the end of the world.
- Oh, James! How can you say that? "She complained.
Damn, not you who is going!
sexy girl's face tightened and Kelly immediately hugged him and kissed him on the chin. His eyes, blue sapphire, looked into his brother's slightly clearer.
"Sorry. Not what I meant.
"I know. And of course you're in so bad mood.
But think of it another way, you will meet Jamaica.
- Jamaica me a damn! "Snapped back
her. I will not go to England! James ... do you really think that our father could not ...? "He shook his head. For I am taking that boat!
James Colbert could not help outline a mocking smirk to the gesture of her little sister, with brow furrowed and his arms crossed under the chest, like a sulking child. He kissed her nose and said: "It will
shortly.
- Three years, for the love of God!
"Time will pass without you noticing, brujilla. Besides ...
who tells you that Port Royal will not meet a handsome boy you fall in love? Since your suitor dislikes here ...
Kelly admonished the mockery of his brother and punched him in the chest, which really made him laugh.
- You are a mule, James! In Port Royal there is only planters and pirates. Neither of them really excite me them other as husband. I almost wish that father chose!
"Then he relents and marry.
- Before, dead!
The young man gripped a deep pain in the chest at the thought that after a few minutes would have to say goodbye to his sister, whom he loved deeply. The girl had been crying for days when his father gave him the news of his imminent departure. And James was displeased to see her buried. Because sunk, it was not Kelly. But angry yes, then was back to his beloved sister. She was not surly, far from it. The easement
adored, because he always had a kind word for everyone hated injustice and tried to help as I could. But when she got angry, he went a genius of a thousand devils. And he preferred to sulk rather than up. Arouse, and it was getting.
returned to hug her and urged her to get off the carriage.
"You write when you arrive. Captain Mortimer
will bring your letter.
"I'll die without you. I know!
His mother, who is still struggling between the love of his daughter and her husband's decision, she began to mourn. He had tried by all means that he changed his mind, soften the punishment, but his pleas fell on deaf ears and now came discouraged to fire the girl.
"Me too, honey. "He hugged her. I will miss you so much ...!
- Enough! "They heard the powerful voice of the household head. Nobody is going to die from this separation. Kelly will meet his relatives in Jamaica and that's it. And of course, learn to respect.
For a few seconds, the sapphire eyes of the young
was a stormy lake. She bit her tongue to suppress the response he struggled to escape him. In the background, she knew that to his father, that decision was not pleasant, but, behind its principles, not change their minds. Keep it away for three long years for him would be a shame that try to keep hidden. Approached, rose on tiptoes and placed a kiss on his chin. She was angry, yes, but I loved him so much that it wanted from leaving a bad taste in my mouth, so that forced a cheerful countenance and said:
"I'll miss you. And try to behave as special
raise. Perhaps so, you decide to bring me back soon, Dad. Colbert coughed
and stiffened with hacking, his son James to his back. That tiger with golden hair and eyes full moon getting all that is proposed. Now, just at home form a common front against their decision. It would take many days until all return to calm. He passed an arm around her shoulders and muttered:
"I think. "I wanted to hold her tight, but she forced herself to appear calm.
After a long farewell to his mother, swimming it between the two waters involved the lack of child and subjection to the husband, and the latest advice from his brother, Kelly came up the walkway and Olivia Pretty leaned on the rail. He waved his hand, responding to her mother's healthy dessert. The tears that you shed stubborn in not forming a lump in his throat that choked
. But I also felt that the blood ran quicker through his veins, because, after all, was to undertake an adventure.
The ship was slowly moving away from the port, swollen candles, drinking the wind. The orders of the captain and the bustle of sailors came up to her, but had ears only for the spirit that his mother sent him and it came in bursts that were lost in the bustle of the port and the howling of the wind. Their loved ones were there and she left. A few minutes later, they became small figures that blurred haze.
The booming voice of Captain Mortimer seemed to return to reality and, with weary steps, fell to his cabin. He closed the door, leaned against it and breathed deeply, trying to summon up the courage.
The room was narrow and only available essentials. He seemed uncomfortable and sad. There would be several weeks, including a cot, a table and two chairs bolted to the floor. For the porthole snuck a ray of dim light. The last ray of light in England.
So yes, burst into hysterical crying.
Court of Madrid. Winter, 1667
Alejandro Torres walked to one side and a small waiting room in which the Court's decision of the Court. With hands clasped behind his back and his face grim, was still mulling over the past events and could not believe that fate was so unfair.
In late spring, his two sons, Miguel and Diego, had swelled the ship Castilla, who struggled against two British flag vessels near the Azores. Some men died in the clash and, between them, Don Esteban de Albaladejo, character, highly esteemed in the palace. Although the news of this death plunged all the pain, there was only one of which came from time to time at public hearings, since English galleons were constantly approached by French pirates, Dutch and English, on his travels each way to the Caribbean coast, where Spain kept possessions.
The galleons were often large-tonnage ships, battle without equipment, so they became easy prey for the buccaneers and privateers who attacked under foreign flag. And although, in recent times, the sovereign had given large sums for their protection, Castilla was traveling alone. No, indeed, news of the death of Don Esteban had not brought more than a bad news for Spain.
Until overlapping accusations were whispered in some ears with the two sons of Don Alejandro in the dock, according to the Court, accused of high treason, for providing the English pirates that would follow the path Castilla.
Alejandro Torres was an influential man, held the title of Duke of sovereignty, and was owner of extensive landed estates in Salamanca, Toledo and Seville, a friend of lawyers, ministers and even cardinals. None of that book to their children of the charges or the trial that they were subjected. Nor liberated him from the torment that he was supposed to come home and comfort his wife, Mariana, who burst into tears.
At that time, after a long month of waiting, interviews with each other supported by his brother Daniel, tireless search of witnesses, had to wait, like any other, that the Court of King Charles Court issued its opinion.
snorted softly, sat down and rejoined almost immediately, cursing under his breath.
"Father, sit down, he heard behind him. So do not get anything
, if anything, wear the carpet. Don Alejandro
turned and faced the eyes of his eldest son. She watched him carefully, as Diego, the small. They were different characters. So much so that sometimes even seemed brothers, but for the features of the De Torres, unchanging from generation to generation: the aristocratic face, straight nose and firm chin. Diego was dark blond hair, as Mariana, while Michael had inherited his hair blue-black.
The first had brown eyes, the second a deep emerald green, like his Scottish grandmother, used to call the attention of whoever was watching. Diego was tall and thin, Miguel pulled him half a head, but his shoulders, extra wide, made it appear much taller than his brother. Don Alejandro knew that, even with age, acquire the constitution Diego
the eldest, who seemed absorbed in his genes all
sap those damned Scots with the great-grandfather, Don Alvaro, related.
- How the hell can you be so calm?
asked exasperated, aware of the nervousness of Diego, not knowing what to do with your hands.
Miguel shrugged. There was far
quiet. Not when he knew, because he knew, what was the court of Madrid. Since Charles II, who was nicknamed the spell, took the throne of Spain, things had worsened. The ruler was then only six years old. Last of the house of Austria, son of Philip IV and his second wife and niece, Mariana of Austria, was a frail and sickly child. And political life was revolt. Felipe IV, after the defeat
international and state failure, Castilla had plunged into pessimism and hardship. Two years before a Board of five ministers advised the mother of the sovereign during the minority of it, but really they were not members of the aristocracy, who ruled, but Mariana's confessor, Father Nithard, along with intriguing Fernando de Valenzuela, unable but enormous influence with the queen, who followed his advice to the letter.
The confusion has been installed everywhere, feeding
the gossip about the alleged overthrow of Marian Austria and Carlos, while the court intrigues multiply to create plots of power next to the small.
The cluster of rumors, but did not poison the situation, already depressing.
But Michael could not, or wanted, hinting discomfort.
did not ever. Diego and even when he was accused of high treason. And would not lower our guard but were condemned to the gallows, of course likely, as events had developed.
"Nothing will get more tense than we put
" said the young guy. Whatever, we'll know very soon, brother.
Don Alejandro stopped. Sometimes the coldness of his son unnerved. For Christ's sake! Could not occasionally show a bit of English blood?
opened the chamber door deliberations and Alexander pushed forward like a spring. He immediately approached the man who beckoned. Whispered a moment and then the other disappeared again. When he turned to his sons, the duke's face was as white as paper. A young man tells her stomach lurched. Miguel, meanwhile, tightened jaws and stared into the face of his father. Did need to say anything.
- Blame? He asked, anyway.
Sobera The Duke nodded and his eyes were formed liquid curtains. Michael could not bear that her father, strong and sharp image he remembered since I can remember, was cast forth to mourn. He got up and grabbed him by the shoulders.
"Never, sir," he said, through clenched teeth.
never do it! Do not be seen to flinch or fall like vultures on our family. Alejandro
swallowed the tears and nodded, his shoulders sunken, emaciated face.
"I called in a moment.
"And we'll go with head held high.
may declare us guilty and we hanged, "replied the young man, but God knows of our innocence, we. I will not enter the court like a common traitor because I'm not.
- Do not mention it, Michael! "Snapped his uncle.
-can hang and you know it.
- Condemnation, lad! -Alexander broke a little
of his son. Do you really have the cold you represent, Miguel? What runs through your veins? "Ice? He snapped.
"Father, my God ..." said Diego.
- I know! Damn you, Michael! Do not you understand? You are my only child, my race, my heirs. How can you face the target so calmly, instead of rebelling? What do you tell your mother if I condemned to be hung? For all the hell! What will I say? Miguel
swallowed. Not a minute had been thinking about his mother. I was tormented by the possibility of his death, that was the worst. His father may be reharía, but she was going to answer ... when the door opened again and they were called to appear before the Tribunal.
Diego rose, pale and slightly trembling, and walked unsteadily. Immediately, the strong hand of his brother took his arm. Miguel's voice sounded rough. So much so that Alexander I shivered with horror and pride at the same time.
"If we falter, Diego, I swear by the most sacred thing you out the guts before we hang up.
The younger Torres stood, he swallowed his fear and
stared the emerald eyes of his brother with confidence.
bad I will not have the family, Miguel. I swear.
"You better, tadpole. You better.
And so, supported by the encouragement of his brother, Diego preceded it and entered the room.
London. End of 1667
The brig Pretty Olivia was about to leave.
was a light two-masted ship and square sails, fast and agile maneuvering, engaged in transporting passengers. Still was armed with eight guns port and starboard and sailors who were rookies ruled in clashes with enemy ships.
it because the route was to continue trading and were
prepared, though in those days no one could trust not to run rival boats, "Colbert did not feel particularly uneasy.
His daughter, Kelly, was leaving in less than an hour to Jamaica, where he spent a very long time on the farm of his brother, Sebastian. It was a decision I had made and not the reverse. Neither the cries of his wife nor the protests of his son had done to modify its determination. Kelly had to learn. He had grown up in love, but maybe they were wrong in the way of education, because, although always obeyed his orders, his refusal to marry to him concluded it was filled with indignation. Within
carriage in which were his two sons alone, they could hear the girl sobbing.
"Come," said his brother brujilla passing an arm
shoulders, not the end of the world.
- Oh, James! How can you say that? "She complained.
Damn, not you who is going!
sexy girl's face tightened and Kelly immediately hugged him and kissed him on the chin. His eyes, blue sapphire, looked into his brother's slightly clearer.
"Sorry. Not what I meant.
"I know. And of course you're in so bad mood.
But think of it another way, you will meet Jamaica.
- Jamaica me a damn! "Snapped back
her. I will not go to England! James ... do you really think that our father could not ...? "He shook his head. For I am taking that boat!
James Colbert could not help outline a mocking smirk to the gesture of her little sister, with brow furrowed and his arms crossed under the chest, like a sulking child. He kissed her nose and said: "It will
shortly.
- Three years, for the love of God!
"Time will pass without you noticing, brujilla. Besides ...
who tells you that Port Royal will not meet a handsome boy you fall in love? Since your suitor dislikes here ...
Kelly admonished the mockery of his brother and punched him in the chest, which really made him laugh.
- You are a mule, James! In Port Royal there is only planters and pirates. Neither of them really excite me them other as husband. I almost wish that father chose!
"Then he relents and marry.
- Before, dead!
The young man gripped a deep pain in the chest at the thought that after a few minutes would have to say goodbye to his sister, whom he loved deeply. The girl had been crying for days when his father gave him the news of his imminent departure. And James was displeased to see her buried. Because sunk, it was not Kelly. But angry yes, then was back to his beloved sister. She was not surly, far from it. The easement
adored, because he always had a kind word for everyone hated injustice and tried to help as I could. But when she got angry, he went a genius of a thousand devils. And he preferred to sulk rather than up. Arouse, and it was getting.
returned to hug her and urged her to get off the carriage.
"You write when you arrive. Captain Mortimer
will bring your letter.
"I'll die without you. I know!
His mother, who is still struggling between the love of his daughter and her husband's decision, she began to mourn. He had tried by all means that he changed his mind, soften the punishment, but his pleas fell on deaf ears and now came discouraged to fire the girl.
"Me too, honey. "He hugged her. I will miss you so much ...!
- Enough! "They heard the powerful voice of the household head. Nobody is going to die from this separation. Kelly will meet his relatives in Jamaica and that's it. And of course, learn to respect.
For a few seconds, the sapphire eyes of the young
was a stormy lake. She bit her tongue to suppress the response he struggled to escape him. In the background, she knew that to his father, that decision was not pleasant, but, behind its principles, not change their minds. Keep it away for three long years for him would be a shame that try to keep hidden. Approached, rose on tiptoes and placed a kiss on his chin. She was angry, yes, but I loved him so much that it wanted from leaving a bad taste in my mouth, so that forced a cheerful countenance and said:
"I'll miss you. And try to behave as special
raise. Perhaps so, you decide to bring me back soon, Dad. Colbert coughed
and stiffened with hacking, his son James to his back. That tiger with golden hair and eyes full moon getting all that is proposed. Now, just at home form a common front against their decision. It would take many days until all return to calm. He passed an arm around her shoulders and muttered:
"I think. "I wanted to hold her tight, but she forced herself to appear calm.
After a long farewell to his mother, swimming it between the two waters involved the lack of child and subjection to the husband, and the latest advice from his brother, Kelly came up the walkway and Olivia Pretty leaned on the rail. He waved his hand, responding to her mother's healthy dessert. The tears that you shed stubborn in not forming a lump in his throat that choked
. But I also felt that the blood ran quicker through his veins, because, after all, was to undertake an adventure.
The ship was slowly moving away from the port, swollen candles, drinking the wind. The orders of the captain and the bustle of sailors came up to her, but had ears only for the spirit that his mother sent him and it came in bursts that were lost in the bustle of the port and the howling of the wind. Their loved ones were there and she left. A few minutes later, they became small figures that blurred haze.
The booming voice of Captain Mortimer seemed to return to reality and, with weary steps, fell to his cabin. He closed the door, leaned against it and breathed deeply, trying to summon up the courage.
The room was narrow and only available essentials. He seemed uncomfortable and sad. There would be several weeks, including a cot, a table and two chairs bolted to the floor. For the porthole snuck a ray of dim light. The last ray of light in England.
So yes, burst into hysterical crying.
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