Chapter 18

Armanzo ordered the men in brown cloaks to open all the prison cells and free all the men. He saw inside were men form African, Asia, England, Scotland, South America, North America and Mexico. He thought of those men as the reminder of his younger brother quest around the world. Once he got the men out he order the men in brown cloaks to take the men back to their families.

Jetro hugged his men as they greeted Armanzo.

Armanzo saw that it was indeed all men that laid in this prison cell and not women or children. He was glad to note his brother didn’t have a grudge against women and children.

He moved quicly with Jetro to the carriage. As they rode off to Allende Le Joya, Jetro looked at Armanzo and said. “We made it out without our escape plan. But still I am sorry about you’re your brother”. All that anger that I had for him died when I saw that love you had from him, after all that pain and heart-ace he caused you.

“It was my dad talking from him. It was no him. As far as I am concerned he didn’t know himself, he didn’t even know his family.”

When they got the Allende Le Joya. He was glad to see that his house was still there. He rode up and Greyo was there at the door he grab him and embraced him.

“Its done.. Its all over..” Armanzo said as he stumbled inside on his bad knee.

Quick Shot and Wise Talk help him onto the couch.

Armanzo pulled out the small dagger from his pocket and gave it to Greyo,

“Did’nt need it.”

Greyo, Quick shot and Wise talk all sat around and listened to Armanzo as he explained his quest back at Bravo Le Joya, with his brother.

The men welcomed Jetro to the circled around their Chief Commander.

Armanzo got the men tougher as they all Stood and celebrated they Chief Commander, each man having a new level of respect for the man who faces his Armanzo. The same man that cause every man in the room pain, heart-ace and lose of some kind.

When Armanzo finished talking it was sunrise. He went into the Living room to find Basheria standing there. She turned to when she heard his footsteps approaching her. She folded her arms around him and embraced the love of her life.

“It’s over honey. You don’t ever have to be worried about your safety ever again.”

“I know.” she said. “ Because I have you””

“Daddy?” Nefertina said as she approached Armanzo.

Armanzo shivered at the sound of her voice, overjoyed by the fact that he could his daughters voice again. He embraced her as eyes welled up in his tears.

The he remembered Jethro. He looked deep into his wife eyes and said. “ Honey there is someone I want you to meet.”

Then they hear footsteps approaching. It was Jethro.

“Basheria!” He said

Amranzo look at Jetro and back at Basheria her eyes were filled with tears.

El fin

Chapture 17

Armanzo sat in the prison cell for several hours thinking up his next move. He felt as though his family was safe but didn’t know for how long. He was not eve sure if he got through on an emotional side to his brother. Just then he heard a gaud come to the door with some food for he and his prison mate.

“Thank you” the mans said next to him

Armanzo though what was the reason for his prisons mates courtesy.

The man was African and he had nothing but a brown grass skirt on.

He ate the food and went back to his position on the ground.

“ My name is Armanzo..” Armando said to greet the man.

“I know who you are. The man snapped back. You’re the reason why we are all in here”

Armanzo thought of all the people that were trapped in there cells and wondered if they were enemies or just regular people that accident reminded Armando of his older brother.

“ I am surprised he didn’t kill you.” The man said

Armanzo looked at the mans face it seemed like he knew the man.

“ I am sorry but do I know you?”

“Do you?” the man said back.

“I don’t know”

“I think you know everyone in this prison if you know me.. And you should know that we have done nothing wrong. You should have fought harder for your family maybe then could you have defeated the Commander and got us all off so we could be free. And maybe I could see my daughter again.” The man finished.

“Your daughter?” Armanzo said

“ Yes… maybe if she was still alive she could find out that her family was too.”

“If who were alive.”

“ MY DAUGHTER Basheria!!”

Armanzo looked at the man in excitement. “You’re her father.”

“Yes” the man said with a look of anger on his.

“Your daughte is alive. And she well. I made sure of it.”

 A smile pealed across the mans face then a quick frown.

“Well then why are you in here why aren’t you freighting off the Commander so we all can see our family again and this whole thing can end.”

“I had to face my bother face to face so that I could find out why he hated me so much.”

“Your brother…”

“Yes the Commander is my brother”

“Oh my God my daughter got caught in a quarrel between two brothers.”

“What?”

“ When the Commander came to Ethiopia, he was doing trade with some men. He was using Basheria as a translator. A few days latter she tried to see if she could contact her family. When she found us we were so glad that she did. She was indeed stolen form us a long time a go when she was young. We had a sweet reunion. But when Armando found out he used us as a weapon against her to get her to fall into with him. When she did not submit he planned to kill us. But did not succeed instead a man named Greyo put us on a ship to Bravo Le Joya little did he know it was a prison ship and we all ended up here.”

“How long have you been here?”

“5 years”

“I told my brother that Basheria and Nefertina were dead so he would not keep harassing them,”

“How did he come to believe you?”

“I set a boom off in the old house of the Commander. And told him Basheria and Nefertina were inside.”

“Whose Nefertina ?”

“Your Grand Daughter.”

“I have a Grand Daughter. Now I really must get out of here.” The man said as he searched the wall of the cell.

“ I am trying to think up a plan. But I am all out of ideas.”

“Maybe now that your brother thinks all your family is dead, he might let go of his anger and let us out.”

“Maybe but I wouldn’t dwell on that… I told him I would stay in her and not abandoned him.

“What a bold move… now how you goanna keep that promise and get out at the same time.”

“I figured I could request to see my brother after 24 more hours pass maybe then he might see me and here what I have to say.

“ What happens in 24 more hours?”

“A boom that Armando thinks his suicide bomber planted will go off and. Armando will think that his mother and sister are dead.”

“Wow!!! This is some twisted stuff”

“He said that he was going to try to join my family in heaven.”

“Does that mean he’s going to kill himself?”

Armanzo looked at the man I horror.

“I think so.”

After a full day passed Armanzo got to know Basheria Father, Jethro very well. They shared stories of there past and planned their escape plan. They also planned where they were going to live with all there family members when they go out.

Suddenly one of the guards came to the prison cell.

He looked a Armanzo and opened the gate.

Armanzo followed the man to a office and opened the door. In the office was a another room which Armanzo opened. Inside he saw Armando lying on a bed with his eyes closed.

Without hesitation, Armanzo ran over to his bedside and held his brother in his arms.

“I told you that I would never abandon you.”

And he sat for a while near his brother another guard came in. “He was your brother and since you are family, you are the Commander now. What do we do?”

“Find me a doctor.” Armanzo said.

A few minuets pass and the guard brought back Jetro.

“Are you a doctor?”

“Yes. He said as he approached Armanzo holding Armando in his arms.

Jethro came out to Armanzo with the report a few hours latter.

“It seems as though he died of a heart attack.  One of his top guards told me that he’s had a heart condition for a while and planned to have a natural death. Maybe that’s why he wanted to keep you here in this cell so he could get the truth from you.”

Armanzo sat for a while to think about his brother. He noticed his brother’s consist attempts to attack Armanzo only brought the two closer together. He wished his brother could have lightened his heart so that he could see that his family always loved him and wanted him. For he died not knowing the truth. Armanzo thought about his father Carlos Lopez, whom planet seeds in each child’s mind so to that they could split apart. He wondered if his brother’s heart attack was a re-enactment of the death of his father. He saw in Armando his father and even thought it was not a good picture. It was the only thing he had left of he brother and his father.

It was indeed the third day that the men in brown cloaks spoke of and he wondered if his brother planned his death the same day the boom was suppose to go off for his mother house and his house.

Armanzo had no more time to think. All that was left to do was to free all the men in their prison cells and get back to his family to see if everything was all right.

La Vuelta de la vida 

Chapture 16

After all the men were captured Armanzo sat in the prison room and questioned all the men. It was true they all worked for Armando. They called him “ The Commander”. They were all attempts to send a message to Armanzo from Armando. There prime mission was to plant the boom and scare Armanzo with a message saying, “you only have three days.”

Armanzo figure that his brother new attempts were different for the past. In the past he would send men to torture Armanzo and take his wife and child form him. Now his brother has decided it would break Armanzo down by sending him suicide boomers and messengers to scar Amranzo and leave a mystery of what is to come in three days. He figured Armandos prime plan was to kill his mother and sisters as one part of the plan but did not know of what he planned to do with Armanzo.

He also figured that his brother knew that he was now in the house in Bravo Le Joya and wondered if him being in the house was part of the plan. Then he figured if that was all part of the plan, then why did his brother want to kill all his family members.

Then he gathers all 14 men in the woods.

“Men it has been a pleasure knowing you and working with you and these constant attacks are not to kill my family or even to kill you all. They are to attack me mentally so that I give in a die. I want you all to know that I appreciate your constant protecting my family and ask that you carry on. I feel as thought this will never end unless I end it myself. Its is my time now to end it myself.”

After he spoke to all 14 men Armanzo went into the house to pack his weapons and prepare his horse. He knew this would be is last mission alone and he had to plan it right or he would fail.

“Are you sure you want to go through with this alone” Greyo said to him when he meat him at the front door.

“ I have to. It’s gone to far and this is the only way.” Armanzo spoke back to him.

“Then take this.” Greyo said to him as he handed him a small dagger.

Armanzo took it and said, “Take care of my family.” And he walked out the front door. Before he left he looked back to his house he saw his daughter happily playing with her two aunts, and his mother embracing his wife Basheria. He thought finally they were at peace and happy. He looked up and there was Quick Shot, and Wise talk standing on the top balcony of the house with a gun in their hands saluting to Armanzo. Then as he rode into the woods; Fox tail, Red Bull, Rabbit Wolf, Bullet teeth, Brash Head, White tail, Left leg, Pride arrow, Wise talk, and Red Tail, set of guns shots into the air to solute his mission.

Amranzo thought of what it meant to be a leader. He felt that giving the felling of being a leader, being somebody that everyone depended on made him want to be stronger, wiser and be more fears in battle. He felt his family at peace but could not be in total Pease until he knew that everyone was happy or at least in there right mind and that including his younger brother Armando.

Arnamzo rode back to Bravo Le Joya. It took him all night and part of the morning to get there. Once he reached Armando’s big white house he went inside. As he slowly crept up the winding stairs he heard noting but the floor board creaking below him. He looked in all 4 room upstairs there was noting, not even the furniture that use to be there. He went down to the kitchen, there was nothing there either. He searched the front and the back end of the house. Finally he thought about the garden. He ran to the back to find that the garden was left alone, noting had changed and noting was out of the ordinary either. The clubhouse remained in its spot and the flowers were fresh as usual. Armanzo laid on the warm floor and thought for a while where he could find his own brother which he knew nothing about.

Just then he heard a tinny ticking noise he followed the noise to the front of the garden and the nose was getting louder and louder. Armanzo could feel his heart pond faster and faster as he knew exactly was the tricky was. He searched the door to the outside of the garden and to his surprise, behind the door was a boom with only 48 minutes remaining.  He thought in horror of the reason for the boom in his wife garden. Could Armando have put the boom there before they left or after? Could it be possible that his brother would be as cruel as to kill the very ones that he tried to still form Armanzo in the first place? Armanzo searched the boom as he looked for a wire to pull so he could keep it form going off in 2 days. He saw several wires on the back on it and his first thought was to pull at them all. After doing so he heard a loud beep and then the timer stopped. Armanzo sighed in relief. Then the beeping started up again this time even louder… Armanzo flipped It around and found the timer had 15 seconds on it… with out thinking twice Armanzo ran to the front of the house and out the front door and hoped on his horse. Before he could even get a few seconds away the boom went off. The wind from the explosion blew Armanzo right off his horse. As he body twisted to the ground, he fell on his knee and then bounce onto his back. He laid there for a while and tried to keep his eyes in focus. He felt a sharp pain one his knee and figured that it was wounded. He tried to push his body up but fail to do so. He turned his face to the left of the house and smiled at the sight of his horse still standing.

“POP” he heard the sound of a gun go off. Suddenly he saw his hoarse fall to the ground wounded right in the heart. He faces tightened at the sight of a man in a brown cloak standing 50 feet away from where his hoarse was standing.

“We found him!!!” the man said as he ran over to Armanzo.

Armanzo flipped his body over, and wiggled on his belly, thought the tall grass, trying to make his way over to a near by woods.

“Get him!!!” a man yelled behind him

Armanzo pushed harder and harder to his destination, discouraged to fight by the fact that he was wounded beyond repair at that moment.  Suddenly he felt his body lift up off the ground.

“Be careful.” A man said the Commander wants him alive.

Three men pushed Armanzo’s injured body into to a carriage and set off in to the woods in which Armanzo him self was aiming towards. Armanzo closed his eyes for he knew the moment was coming for his to face his brother. As he felt every bump along the road, and every sharp turn for the carriage, he knew he had to somehow strengthen himself to fight. He was sure that the battle would be both emotional and physical. When the carriage came to a complete stop. The men pulled Armanzo out and forced him to the ground.

He stumbles onto his back, as he heard as footsteps coming twords him.

A sharp pain shivered through back, making him wallow out in pain.

“I thought I told you I wanted him unharmed.” Armando spoke.

“I know sir it wasn’t…” the man started

“POP” a gunshot went off.

Armanzo opened his eyes to find Armando looking right at him holding a gun, standing over and a man laying on the ground in a pool of blood.

“Hello brother.” Armando said

Armanzo stared at his brother face he had a witty smile on it and stood bold. Several other men began to form around him.

“Where are they?” Armando questioned. Armanzo

“Where are who?” Armanzo questioned back

“You know whom I speak of. There were not in the house. I know they were in the garden. Where are they NOW!!!” Armando yelling increased louder.

“They…. There are”

“They are what!!! Tell me!!!”

“ They are dead… the boom killed them!!!”

Armando tuned the men in brown cloaks, as if to keep Armanzo from looking at his facial expression.

“Sir the house is noting but toast.”

Armando stared at Armanzo his face filed with grief. Then small smiled wiped over his face. “Good! They abandoned me. There own husband and father. Good may they rest in peace.”

The pain form Armanzo’s stomach overtook all the other pain form his body as his stared into his brother’s eyes. How could that be ok?

“ IF I CAN’T HAVE THEM THEN YOU CAN’T EITHER. MAY WE ALL REST IN PEACE.” Armando said.

“So that was your plan all along? Too kill your own family. What? Do you even have a heart.?

“ I do have a heart.. You stole it from me. They always favored me over you; Mom, Dad, Alexandria, Gabriella, Basheria and Nefertina. I had a chance to make my wife and childe love me but you came and took that way also.”

“How could you say that? Mother loved you and so did our sisters.”

“NO!! They didn’t!!! You know they didn’t they abandoned me faked there death so they could run away for me with you. And the only one that cared for me was dad until he died. He taught he to be a Police man and a Commander just like him and to never let them get away form what they did.  Even when I found out there weren’t dead you left… You left with the love of my life. You left so you abandoned them. So I sent in to take care of them. But they were always on your side. They were always looking for you… I had to leave them. Just get away. And Basheria… I had to find her so I could marry her.. But I found out you already did… So I found away to get her back and she came back to me. She helped me to do traded in Africa. I was working on my new project and I knew she could help because that’s been she was from. I found her family was still alive. But she refused to fall in love with me so I killed them all. After that she calm down and submitted to being my wife. But you showed up again and took her from me and now the only way I could officially destroy you is by destroying her. I did it and now I have you right where I want you. Father told me that you would be weakened and come to me. He told me that you would try to take everything away from me and if you did to destroy everything that you had.”

Armanzo laid still as he listing to his brothers anger. He thought how made he would be if it were true that Basheria and Nefertina were not ok.

“ Mom and sis will be gone as of 45 hours… because they did not love me either, they refused to submitted to my ways.”

I have several men plant boom in the house and stay their unit it goes off. They have not come back so there mission must have been successful.

“But why?” Armanzo said.

“I will not kill you. I prefer to have you live out your days her trapped in a prison cell that I hand made for years, especially for you… “

“And what will you do with out anyone? No family? No friends?”

“ I will be joined in heaven with our family. For if I cannot have then on earth that I shall meet then in heaven.”

Armanzo listened to his brother and how psychotic he sounded. Could his brother really have grown up thinking his older brother was his only enemy? Could his brother really be afraid of what he might do?

“Armando!!!” Armanzo spoke

Armando looked at his brother straight in the eyes. I do love you. And I will say her with you in this prison cell for as long as you want. I will not abandon you.”

Armando face tightened and then slowly loosened as he walked way form him.

As Armando got into the carriage the men followed behind him with Armanzo.

They drove further into the woods until they got to a dark prison cell.

Chapture 15

In the town of Allende Le Joya a man in a brown cloak and black boots, with a straw hat crept around the big old house that stored the Armanzo Mother, Gabriella and Alexandria. He circled the house 4 times before sneaking into the secret tunnel. He waited there for 3hours until everyone was sleeping, or so he thought, before entering into the kitchen area. Red Bull spotted him and chased him outside the house and into the woods. When the two ran passed the check point, Rabbit Wolf, Fox tail and Red Tail chased him further into the woods until they reached that last check point. Pride arrow took a shot at the man’s right arm. The man fell to the ground in a gust of wind fell up towards Wise talk who stood above him.

“Never enter the woods.” Wise talk said, as the rest of the men gathered around him and carried the man back to the old house.

Back in Bravo Le Joya Amranzo received a letter from Greyo informing him of the discovery of a mysterious man that night. In the letter he explained to Armanzo that the man planted a boom with 72 hours on the timer.

After reading the letter Armanzo thought everything was moving so fast and his brother attempts to kill his immediate family were now becoming public once again.  He thought that if the man who planted the boom put 72 hours on it, then that’s how much time Armanzo had to move.

Before sunrise Armanzo preparing his carriage he lined that houses up and filled the inside with pillows form the many bedrooms and blankets. He then ran and searched the house. He saw that no one was there. There were no guards, no servants, and worst of all there was no sign of  Armando to be found. His carriage outside was gone. Armanzo figured that Armando took the guards with him to where ever he went. He wondered if he was coming back for Nefertina and Basheria. That’s when Armanzo ran back out to the secret house and grabbed Basheria

Nefertina and led them to the carriage. He wondered if he could move fast enough before his brother returned again with more men and weapons. With out talking he led them inside and started off to Allende Le Joya.

As he rode, he the thought about his life and how much running he had done. He wondered why he was always running away form his younger brother and thought how did it get to this point. He was so tired of running and wanted to face his brother face to face.

When he reached that old house in Allende Le Joya. He led Basheria

and Nefertina inside.

Long Foot, Wise talk, Quick Shot, And Greyo meet him at the door.

As he walked inside he saw how neat and improve the house had looked. It seemed as if these 14 men living in his house had mad it seem comfortable and easy for his mom and two sister to live in. It seemed so laid back and stress free. He wondered if they even knew about the previous attack on the house.

“Come on in son! your home!” Quick Shot said as he held up his hand to shake Armanzo. Armanzo lowered his frustration, for he felt that his wife and child would be safer her with all the many guards and his most beloved mother and sister.

As Armanzo led Nefertina and Basheria into the living, he saw a sense of comfort and peace on there face. He noticed the whole time they were with him they always seemed at peace for they knew that he was going to protect them.

Just then he heard a gasp form behind him and several arms following behind him.

It was indeed his mother and sisters.

“Oh my darling you are back.!!!” His mother spoke. “And look whom you brought!!!” She continued raising her arms to Basheria and Nefertina.

“ Mother this is my wife Basheria and my daughter Nefertina.”

“They are gorgeous!” she said as she hugged them both.

“Thank you.” Nefertina said as he submitted to the several hugs give by her Grandmother and Aunts.

“My name is Maria” Armanzo mother said to Basheria.

“ It’s a pleasure “Basheria spoke.

“ Come and sit we have lots to catch up on.” Maria said as she held Basheria

hands in hers.

Armanzo followed Greyo and Quick Shot out to the front room.

“We have something to tell you.” Greyo said

Armnzo listened as his facial expression change from happy to serious.

“Another man was found circle the house this morning, before you arrived. This time he did not manage to get in. For we had Brash Head seal off the secret tunnel.  “The Wood Guards” caught him and put him downstairs in the sealed off room.”

“The old sealed off room, that belonged to my father and my brothers?” Armanzo questioned Greyo.”

“Yes.” Wise talk answered back.

“We turned the room in to a prison for all the men who attempt to attract this house.” Quick Shot spoke.

“This man who came seemed to be unarmed. It seems as though he is just a messenger. But we wanted you to see him before we let him go. Chief Commander” Wise talk said.

Armanzo stood for a while taking in the new joy of being the Chief Commander again instead of a servant.

“ I want to see him!” Armanzo spoke as he looked at Wise talk.

Wise talk lead Armanzo down to the room that use to be sealed off for His brother and fathers personal affairs. It seems as though the men moved the gold, which was previously stored in the room, to a different part of the house and extended the room into a prison.  As Wise talk opened the door Greyo and Armanzo went in first. When they reached the very bottom they saw two other men Long Foot and Fast Arm.

“Open it for the Chief Commander!” Wise talk shouted.

Armanzo remember that each one of these men had a different task, in relation to there name, and they preformed it well.

When they open the door Armanzo saw several doors looked with bars on them. He knew immediately that these were the rooms that the enemies were kept in.

 Wise talk lead him to the first room and opened the door.

Inside was a tall, tine, Caucasian man, with a brown cloak on and black boots.

“This is that man whom claims to be just a messenger. He says that he should be let go of because he did not bring a weapon.”

Armanzo walked towards the man who stood, with his hands chained together..

“Who are you?” Armanzo said as the man turned and looked in his face.

Flashbacks went off in his mind of the man who offered to buy his works in Puerto Vallarta, and the same man who offered him a daily drug, and the same man whom challenged him at the state fair in Bravo Le Joya.

In that instant Armanzo brought forth his fist and punched in the face leavening a bad scar on his face.

The man began to laugh and look Armanzo dead in face and say, “ he’s coming and his will kill you and you family.”

He laughed again and than fell to the floor as Armanzo took this chains loose and beet the man senselessly.

All there men stood and watched as Armanzo took out his anger… they knew not what to do For their method had always been to attack there enemies weaknesses and let them spend out there life and jail.

Finally the white man who had been beaten laid still…

Armanzo stopped and looked back at Greyo. He was holding his fist back.

“ This is not the way we fight. I know your angry and want to do this but. We have other things to worry about. As you sit her and beet this one man other could be out there right now coming to attack this home. He is merely a messenger and is only sent to give a message. Remember what I said, to not let your enemies attack your weaknesses.. In your case your weakness is your family. You need to let you family be your strength. Fight wisely, that how all Guards in your home fight. That’s why we never lose. Get your information form this man and then leave him. There are other enemies to be confronted. Ones that have spent a long time down here and are ready to crack.” Armanzo looked up at Greyo.

“Your right” He said to him.

As Armanzo lowered his fist and turned away form the man. He heard the man say, “ you’ve only got three days,” then he passed out on the floor.

Armanzo looked up at Greyo. Then they heard the sound of gunshots.

“Quick Shot!” Wise talks shouted.

Armanzo followed Wise talk and Greyo out the back door of the prison and into the wood. There were; Fox tail, Red Bull, Rabbit Wolf, Bullet teeth, Brash Head,  Whit tail, Left leg,  Pride arrow, Wise talk, Red Tail and Quick Shot outside fighting off several other men clothed in brown cloaks, straw hats, and brown boots. The men seemed to be unarmed but deadly. They were indeed trying to get into the house. Armanzo knew they were Armando’s men and knew there were trying to get into the house to hurt Armanzo family. Greyo looked up at Armanzo and said, “Now is the time to fight!!!”

Chapter 14

Nefertina hugged Armanzo. “I knew you were closer to me than a friend. I saw you and Mommy at the fair together and you always are so nice to me.

Where have you been?”

“ I’ve been trying to find you and your mother for 10 years” Armanzo said

“ So you knew me when I was born?”

“I was the first one to hold you”

“ I wish I had know before” Nefertina said sadly

“ Well I am glad you know now.”

“ Now that I know that my dream is true, we have to leave before he returns and tried to kill you.” Nefertina yelled out

“ Neff!!!” Basheria yelled

“ No let her talk. She might have some important information”

“ In my dream daddy said he knew all along you were Armanzo and he said that if you did not leave he was going to kill your other family.”

Armanzo stood in shock for he knew his brother was cruel but he wondered would he really purposely try to keep Armanzo as a slave in is house to torched him near his family? And if so what was he going to do next? Would Armando really go as far as to try to kill his own mother and sister just to keep him in control and keep Basheria and Nefertina to himself?

“ What other family?” Basheria questioned, “ We are the only family you’ve got Armanzo!”

“My mother and sisters Gabriella and Alexandria. They live in the upper town of Le Joya. I found that they are alive and safe.”

“ Oh my !!! Honey you need to do something.” Basheria shouted, “ lets leave lets go!!!””

“ No it’s not that simple I know my brother and what he can do. There’s a reason why he has done it this way. He wants us to get close so we can leave and then he will try to do something crazy to me to try to get you and Neff away from me again. Now that Nefertina was blessed with this vision we can go around this evil game. We can leave successfully and never have to deal with Armando again.

“What are you going to do? Kill him? You don’t want that on your conscious honey.” Basheria spoke.

“ No I will not he’s my brother. But I will do any and everything to protect all of my family; you, Neff, my mom and my sisters. I’ ve given him too much power and it’s time to stop. I am going to be in peace with my whole family.

He hugged Basheria and Nefertina once more and kissed them both on the forehead.

“ Did he say what he was going to do in your dream honey?” Armanzo questioned Nefertina.

“ No it was just picture and events few words.” Nefertina said

“ Its ok don’t worry about it anymore.” Armanzo said

What we need to do is act non-shalant about all this for now, act like nothing has changed. Act like we don’t know that we all are related until I figure this out..  He may have a plan but it won’t be triggered unless he knows that we all know that were family.

Basheria looked into Armanzo eyes as if she needed to tell him something important.

Armanzo looked as Nefertina, “ I think you should give me and your mother some time alone honey. Why don’t you go play in the club house?” Armanzo suggested.

“Ok daddy!” Nefertina said back as she lifted herself off the bed and down the winding staircase.

Armanzo couldn’t help but take in the new intoxicating joy of hearing that word for the first time in his life. He felt as the same way he did when Nefertina was first born.

“ I am so glad your hear now, In our daughter life at the moment when she maturing. I’ ve wanted so bad to tell her… but…” Basheria started

“You don’t have to explain I know… I know what you had to do to survive…” Armanzo

Interrupted.

“ She so mature…” Basheria started again.

“I believe she gets her passion from you.” Armanzo smiled back at her.

“Yes..” Basheria said as her face changed again. “That man, which we saw at the fair in town.” I’ ve seen him before.” Basheria started.

“ I have too!!” Armanzo interrupted.

“He was one of the men who forced men to get into the carriage that day.” Basheria finished.

Armanzo sat quiet as Basheria pored out her tears.

“How could your own brother be so careless? Did he realize that you and Neff where my life. When we left you behind at the cabin a piece of me died little inside. I has only one more reason to live and that was for our daughter.”

“ Well I am here now. I can’t promise everything will be as good as new but I can say that I will never leave you or Neff ever again.” Armanzo finished.

As Armanzo healed Basheria in his arms he began to sing to her his lullaby as she fell asleep.

“Beautiful one so gracious and new,
Beautiful heart that my love is true to. I see the summer, spring and the fall. You make me happy and that is where I fall. But when I see you, close, next to me, my heart meads slowly and then I can breath.”

When he finished quoting the verses of the song, he heard the noise of the front door opening downstairs and knew it was Armando. As he shut the door of Basheria room he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. He slowly crept around the corner and fell on to the floor of the room next door as the footsteps finally rested following a loud slam of Basheria’s bed room door.

Armanzo closed his eyes and then pealed down the stairs to read his early morning task. When he reached in the task box there was no duties for him. He felt a little unsure of what his brother was thinking and then ventured on into the garden.

When he got to the back of the garden he did not see Nefertina. He silently called for her but no answer. Finally he reached the clubhouse it looked like it had all ready been worked on a lot. There now was a door and a knob. As he tried the knob blue feathers sprung form the air. And the smell of lilacs became very strong. He walked little further and saw Nefertina laying on wooden bed with a blanket on top. He quickly came over and laid beside her. He felt her tiny hand as it fit perfectly in his. He checked her pulse and listened to her breathing. He felt the joy in his heat bubble over for he knew this was the one special place that Nefertina could go and fell safe.

In the evening Armanzo came to front of the garden for he knew his wife would be somewhere around. When he spotted her he tickled her for behind. She laughed and then fell back into his arms. She smiled and then he lightly kissed her lips. When he proper her upright he saw Nefertina behind them with a bight look on her face. Armanzo and Basheria laughed in embarrassment and then returned to their morning duties.

When nightfall came Basheria came into the clubhouse to retrieve Nefertina for dinner. Nefertina was working diligently on the inner walls, as Armanzo was working on the floors.

“Nefertina!!! Daughter of Armanzo Lopez. Its time for dinner!” Basheria spoke.

Nefertina rose and tried to re-pleat her dress for dinner. Before they exited they both looked back at Armanzo and then disappeared.

Moment latter Armanzo showed up at the servant table for his serving of the food. Esperands made enchiladas, as seemed to be Nefertina’s most delighted dish, for she ate the whole plat before anyone else was seated. When rising for seconds Armanzo looked up to see she was indeed looking back at him. He smiled.

When Basheria reached for her glass of shampain. When drinking, she would look through the bottom of her glass at Armanzo, who was indeed staring back at her.

When the last once of juice was pored and Nefertina consumed the last piece of bead. Armanzo looked form his wife face to his daughters face. They both looked content and full. Armanzo let out a small chuckle. Then he noticed another other face was looking in his direction. In the master chair on the fare end of the table they was Armando staring dead at Armanzo. His eyes narrow and forward, he chest pumped with furry, his mouth crossed with anger, not saying a word. As Armanzo looked down at his plate he realized now what had to be done. He looked back at Basheria she smiled and then looked at her plate, as did Nefertina. Armanzo noticed that there was no fear in there hearts for Armando. They didn’t even look his direction. He thought could it be because they never had any reason to? Or could it be because they both were to happy to even realize he was even there?  Armanzo looked back at Armando he was now peering at Basheria and Nefertina his position still the same but his eyes softened and his mouth loosened. He saw for the first time remorse and even a slight concern form his bother. It seemed as thought his brother wanted to love Basheria and Nefertina but couldn’t because he had so much unneeded hate in his heart. Armanzo wondered who was there to hate?

When Basheria looked back up from her plate at Armanzo she noticed he was looking in the opposite direction. She followed his eyes to Armando. She looked at his face in shock of what he now knew and then looked back at her plate. Armando’s face tighten as he realized Basheria knew the truth and tightened it even more we he saw Nefertina smile again at Armanzo.

Armando fear and anger over took him as he stood up and walked briskly up the winding stairs, flowed by a loud roaring of the slammed door.

Armanzo looked back at Basheria and Nefertina who were booth looking back at him in terror. Armanzo quickly got up and grabbed Basheria and Nefertina hand and lead them out to the back of the garden. When they reached the clubhouse, Armanzo closed the door tight with a lock of the hatchet on the door. Armanzo, Basheria and Nefertina spread out on the floor and took in the sweet smell and comfort of the small house.

“ You finished the floor nicely honey!!!” Basheria spoke up. “Its not to hard or cold, its actually soft and warm.”

“Thank you my dear” Armanzo responded

“And the walls are so smooth and smell of lilacs and roses. Wonderful Nefertina.” Basheria complamented to Nefertina.

“Thank you mother.” Nefertina said as she scooted closer to her mother and laid I her arms. “I fell so safe here.”

“Me too sweetheart. Me too” Basheria quoted back to her daughter. As Nefertina closed her eyes, Basheria watched as Armanzo wrote his letter back to upper Le joya to Greyo and hid mother.

Dear Greyo

I trust your doing well my friend and I trust my mother and sister are doing well. I need to inform you that I found my wife and child. We are all together and are also very well. I need to tell you that Armando is here in town and is plotting on something new. I am not sure what it is but I need you to be extra cautious these days. Put all the men up on this one. My daughter is wonderful you should see her now. She has a wonderful gift. I belive she has a gift of impathing and visions. Also you should she how great of a carpenter she is like me. And she has she passions and love of Basheria. She knew me right away and she as accepted it fully. I am so proud of her and I hope to see you all real soon.

Send all my love Armanzo

Dear Armanzo

Good to hear from you man yes you mother and sisters are doing quiet well. They miss you and ask about you all the time. You mother as once again regained her love for Quickshot. He has asked for her hand in marriage. She said yes. I tell you there is nothing he loves more that protecting you mother and sisters. I am glad to here that your daughter has to grow to be just like you. I know Armando is plotting something especially if he now knows you guy’s are all together hes going to try to pull you guy apart. I can give you my word that if he tries to use your mother and sisters we wont let his plan follow through because we are constantly watching and guarding them. You have the finest men in town on duty. And thank God you found out all this information about your mother and sister before you found your wife and child. You’re a good man Armanzo. Just remember to keep the faith and don’t let your enemies get you on your week side protect yourself and your family and you will be strong in every battle.

Signed Greyo

Capture 13

In the morning Nefertina was the first to report to the unfurnished clubhouse. When Armanzo met her she was already caring her name on the outside of it. Armanzo went back in the house to read his early morning task. Instead of his usually garden-tending work Armando wanted him to take the family to the fair in town. Armanzo did not stop to question why he just grabbed the paper and scurried out side to give Nefertina the news.

When he reached the back of the garden Basheria and Nefertina were peering at the club house together. Armanzo smiled at the sight of this wife and child delighting in an project that he stated. Before he could step any closer Nefertina turnedd around with a shocking look on her face.

“ I am sorry Name, but I had to tell my mother. She asked me and I tell her everything. I hope you’re not mad at me…” Nefertina blurted out.

“How could I be mad at you my dearest for I am glad you told her.”

“This is my momie Name…” Nefertina said changing the subject. “ Mommie this is Name.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Armanzo started as he realized his daughter did not know anything about where he really stood in her life.

“ The pleasure is all mine.” Basheria answered back knowing the same information.

“ Mommie this is my very best friend he’s the one that mad these dolls and this club house for the two of us.” Nefertina said

“Oh I see” Basheria said

“ Can my mom come in the club house too? Sometimes??” Nefertina questioned Armanzo.

“ She surely can.” Armanzo said as he turned and looked ad Basheria

“Oh great. Now we all can shear the club house.”

“And you know what else we all can do together?” Armanzo questioned them.

“What??” Nefertina shouted as she looked at Armanzo.

“We all can go in town to the fair” Armanzo finished with a bright smiled on his face.

“Yaaaa!!!” Nefertina shouted and ran to hug Armanzo.

Armanzo looked over at Basheria as she gave him a warm smile.

“Well you wanna go run ahead and get ready for the fair…” Armanzo spoke to Nefertina as he released her from his arms.

“OK!!” she shouted as she ran to the front of the garden.

Armanzo and Basheria sat down and embraced each other for a while and then separated quickly  before Nefertina can back in a peach colored dress with purple laces.

“That is a beautiful dress my dearest.” Armanzo complimented his Nefertina.

At the Fair in Town Armanzo walked behind Basheria and Nefertina as he had to appear as the servant of the house hold in public. For everyone in town knew Basheria as Isabella lopez, Armando, the Comanders wife. And Nefertina was known as the daughter of the Comander. As the people at the fair called out to  Basheria as Isabella and greeted Nefertina as the commanders child Armanzo squiggled but then loosed up when he saw Basheria smile at him or Nefertina laugh and dancing. He knew deep down inside the truth and was willing to keep it quit for the peace and safety for his family.

At the horse-riding booth Armanzo helped Nefertina onto her first horse. It was a small baby horse so it was easy for Nefertina to stay on. As she rode around the track with the horse Armanzo followed behind her with his arms ready for her if she were ever to fall. After the ride was over he picked her up of the horse and place her back on the ground.  He laughed and she stammered around in dizziness before she ran to her next adventure.

“You know that was Nefertina’s first horse ride alone.” Basheria whispered back to Armanzo as they followed behind there very energetic daughter.

“ I think she gets her energy from you.” Basheria laughed as Nefertina jumped on top of a carnival ride seat.

“ No I think that would be you.” Armanzo said back as her reminded Basheria of there horse riding times when they were younger.

Armanzo and Basheria laughed together as they remised on there old memories as

Nefertina bounced along, in joy, from ride to ride. In some moment Armanzo would stair Basheria in the eyes and long to kiss her softly but would hesitate to do so when he saw Nefertina look back at them. Armanzo tried his best to appear as just a servant taking his Commanders child and wife out for a good time but seemed to have a had time following that title.. He knew he fail at his position when Nefertina sugested Armanzo and Basheria to go bobbing for apples or suggest her mother sit by Armanzo in the paddle boat. Even when night came about Nefertina wanted Armanzo and Basheria to go on the fairs wheal together as she sat and waited by the duck pond. Armanzo wanted to say no but when he looked upon his wife beautiful faces he couldn’t help but follow though.

As the ride took off he looked back to see if Nefertina was anywhere the duck pond. She was sitting on a bench near the ride looking right at Armanzo and Basheria.

As Basheria scooted closer to Armanzo during the ride Armanzo graded her hand. She looked into his eyes and then leaned her body to the back of his chest. He then wrapped his left arm around her right shoulder and sat comfortably. When the ride came to a stop. Basheria scooted away for Armanzo as Nefertina approached them.

“Did you two have fun??” Nefertina  asked

“Yes we did” Basheria answered back quickly.

Nefertina grabbed Armanzo hand and looked up at him. Then she grabbed Basheria hand and said, “This is the best night of my life.”

As they started to walk to the exit of the fair, a man called out to them from behind.

“Isabella?” He shouted.  “ Mrs. Lopez?”  He shouted again before Basheria turned around.

“May I help you.? she said still clinging to Nefertina hand.

“I just wanted to ask you a few questions.” The man said. He was a tall caucation man with a brown hat. His hat was lowered so no one could see his face but his voice sounded familiar to Armanzo.

“Ok Basheria said as she turned to face the man.”

“Your the Commanders wife? Right?” He statrted

“Yes” she said in plain words

“ Would you see if maybe your husband would be interested in doing business with me?” he finished. “I wanted to know if he’s still in the trading market or so.”

“Yes I’ll ask him” Basheria said as she turned to walk away.

“ Wait!!” He said “one more thing”

“Yes.” Basheria turned and said

He then lifted his head to Armanzo and said, “you know what business I mean?”

Armanzo looked at the man for he knew exactly where he saw the man. It was the same man that insisted on Armanzo taking the peace pipe.

Basheria studied the man’s face in utter disuse as to why the man interrogating her and what did he want?

Armanzo lowered his face and walked to Basheria. He whispered in her ear. “ its time to go mam..”

Basheria still holding Nefertina’s hand turned and walked way as Armanzo followed behind.

As he helped Basheria and Nefertina into the carriage he looked at Basheria face, she had a look of fear. Armanzo walked around the front and hoped on the horse to start back to the big white house. He wanted nothing more than to ride off into the darkness with Basheria and Nefertina. But there was too much involved now. His daughter how would she be able to cope with the change in father? She’s always know Armando as her father even thought he was very distant he knew that deep down inside she still loved him. And his mother and sisters, he knew the he could not leave them knowing Armando was in town what would he be capable of doing to them again just to get Basheria and Nefertina back.

When he reached the white house he went around to help Basheria and Nefertina out of the carriage. As Basheria and Nefertina walked into the house Armanzo watched behind. Basheria turned to look at Armanzo and then went into the house.

Armanzo sat in the front of the house and stared at the sky. He saw the open road but did not run. He had his wife and child but could not run with them. He knew who and where Armando was but could not fight him. Or he could but not the way he envisioned it. He laid down outside, in the cool air. He noticed that he did not see Armando carriage outside and wondered where he could be? and why he didn’t come home?

In the morning Armanzo was the first to go outside and tend to the garden. As he sat and watched the sun rise he wondered why Nefertina did not come outside. As the morning went on he watered the flowers and raked the soil. He waited a few more hours and then went back inside.

He saw all the other servants tending there morning duties and Esperanda was again preparing breakfast. But no one was at the breakfast table. Armanzo started up the winding stairs and sat down on the floor next to Basheria’s room. He heard Nefertina crying. He listened closely.

“Tell me sweaty” Basheria repeated as Nefertina sobbed louder and louder. Armanzo knew there was a reason for such loud tears and wanted to come in and hold her but knew it was not the time.

As Basheria hummed to Nefertina she quieted her sobbing and hummed along. It was Armanzo lullaby to Basheria.

“Mommie?” Nefertina spoke to break the silent humming

“Yes sweetheart.” Basheria spoke

“Where did you get that song?” Nefertina asked

“What makes you think I got it from some where” Basheria asked

“ Not somewhere someone? Who sang that song to you.”

Basheria sat silent.

“Did you get it from him?” Nefertina spoke

“Who darling?” Basheria questioned her daughter

Nefertina grew silent.

“The man in my dream who claimed to be my father. I had a dream that daddy was not my father and another man was. Mommie tell me its not true.”

Basheria grew silent.

“ He tried to keep it from me !!!it was a nightmare!!! He tried to kill my father!!!” Nefertina shouted

Basheria began to sob.

“ Mother where is he??? Where is my father???”

Basheria sobbed even louder Nefertina began to sob as well.

“Do you really want to know the truth?” Basheria asked

“Yes mother I have to know who is my father so I can save him before its too late. In my dream daddy looked like another man and I didn’t know which one was my real one. I dreamed that I had to choose.”

Basheria began to speak. “ You won’t have to chose because I will tell you the truth. I will tell you who you father really is and where he came from so you will know. Your dream must have been a vision. So I have no choice now because you need to know and you must tell him…”

Nefertina looked into her mother’s eyes.

“ His name is Armanzo. And you must know that he love you very much. He didn’t want to leave you but we were forced to go. He had to stay behind so that we would be safe. But I want you to know that he has come back now to keep us safe and he will never leave us again.”

“Where is he mother?” Nefertina asked

As the two of them embraced each other they felt another arm around them. Nefertina look up to see her mother eyes staring at Armanzo who was staring back at Nefertina. She knew right at the moment who her father really was.

Capture 12

Basheria tossed and turned all Night wondering if her desiring thought were now reality. She though about where? When? and how? it could be true. She knew she had to find the truth because she could not take the felling of her heart being locked up inside as a slave, without love.

As she rose form her empty bed she walked down to her door each foot steep slowly following the other, she opened the bed room door and followed the winding stairwell until she reached the bottom. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she could feel her love near. She walked out to the back door to her garden and stat upon the fountain near the lilacs and roses. She remembered planting them exactly how they were in her beloved home in Puerto Vallarta. She sat there pounding at the night sky felling the breeze of a new day upon her.

Hours latter Armanzo woke up and started down the stairwell and out to the garden for a new days work. Once he opened the door he saw Basheria laying upon the fountain, her brown skin glistening in the sunlight. He wanted so much to hold her. He walked up behind her and put his hand on her back to feel her pulse rise up his arm. He then whispered softly in her ear, “I have come for you my love.”

After gazing upon his beloved wife for a moment he lightly removed his arm and walked away to the back of the garden. He began building a small cupboard for him to store some of his important belonging so none of the other servants or his brother would find them in any other room. As he worked diligently he heard the fountain splashing in the distance.

He than rose to see what the noise was. To his surprise he found his wife bathing in the sun. Her smile wide and bright. She was laughing with echoes of joy. As smiled in delight for he hadn’t seen his wife this happy in years. She began to sing the melodious song the Armanzo wrote for her when she was pregnant with Basheria.

“Beautiful one so gracious and new,
Beautiful heart that my love is true to. I see the summer, spring and the fall. You make me happy and that is where I fall. But when I see you, close, next to me, my heart meads slowly and then I can breath.”

Armanzo smiled even brighter for she remembered every word of the song as he sung it to her every night. He felt a happiness and comfort knowing that his wife still longed to be with him even after the year rapidly went by.

Suddenly Basheria stopped splashing and turned around to see Armanzo standing dead in her presence. Armanzo first reaction was to shy away for he was embarrassed for Basheria to see a servant man staring at her in such a privet time.

Basheria said nothing as she stared at the man who hid his face. She tried to get a good glimpse of him before he ran away, torwds that back of the garden.

Armanzo sat in back by his half finished cupboard and tried hard not to think of Basheria beautiful naked breast. He then thought of a something new to build and he began to work. He sat in the garden for the remained of the morning knowing breakfasts with the Commanders family would be going on with out him, but he felt the need to finish his project.

Latter Nefertina came out to the garden. “Name?” She spoke in her soft sweet voice. “ How come you missed breakfast?”

Armanzo looked up at his daughter. She was wearing a bright white and blue dress. “What a nice little outfit you have there.” Armanzo said as he chopped away at this project.

“What ca making now?” Nefertina asked in joy.

“Oh this!!! You must promise not to tell”

“I wont”

“It’s a secret club house.”

“Woooaaa is it for me”

“Yes.” Armanzo said quickly. “Its for you so come in when ever your felling scared or lonely. You can come in a write down you worries or joys.”

“Oh boy!!! Nefertina yelled!!

“But you have to keep it between me and you.”

“Ok..” Nefertina said. “ Can I help?”

“Yes you may.” he said as he gave her a wooden block to carve. “Were gonna need more of those dolls.”

In the evening Armanzo walked back to the front of the garden to reset the sprinkles so that they would only go off in the mid morning and the late night. He thought about Basheria and how she would be delighted to see that see did not that to run back inside fast after her bath in the fountain because of the sprinkler system.

While he was turning each nob he heard silent humming in the background.

He knew it was his beloved wife enjoying her evening.

Then he heard the humming stop and he realized that Basheria was right behind him. He could feel her gazing at the back of his head. Then he heard silent foot steps approaching him. He did not turn around. Then he felt a genital tap at his shoulders. He slowly turned to see his wife staring right into his face.

“Armanzo.” She whispered

Then she silently wept.

Armanzo held out his arms to her as she fell into them with a gush of sorrow and joy.

“I knew you would come. I knew you would come back to me. Where have you been my love?”

Armanzo felt the urge to answer for all the question were unbearably hard to answered at this point.

“I’ve always been here. I’ve always loved you. I wanted nothing more than to find you and bring you back home. I’ ve wanted nothing more but to have you and Nefertina back in my arms.”

Basheria held Armanzo tighter and tighter.. As he explained his story and why he was not in her life for all these years.”

After a couple of long minute Basheria spoke. “ That day when you were in the shed I tried to get you to come back but you would not. I know you were under the drug that Armando gave you because you were not you. A few weeks latter after Greyo had left to go to the market place for some more food. I saw a brown and yellow carriage and a man outside my window. The man came up to my door with a gun and told me to come with him. I ran a grabbed  Nefertina and held her in my arms. Two more men grabbed men and forced me into the carriage. I scram you name but you did not hear me.”

Armanzo hid his face in his arms at the though of his wife and child being forced away form him as he so carelessly indulged in the white mans drug.

“The men pushed me out of the cart when we reached a edge the North Pacific Ocean. I stood up with Basheria in my arms and saw Armando staring up at men.  He told me that I was his wife now and I was to be called Isabella. I was held as a prisoner on his ship as we sailed all seven seas trading. I never surrendered as his wife to get better treatment nor did I give up hope that you would find me. I knew I had to live for only two reasons and that was to raise my child and see you again.”

Armanzo cried and hid his head against his wife’s left breast. “I love you… you know that once I found you were gone I tried everyday to find you and I wanted noting more in my life. I am sorry I was so weak. So weak to trust just anyone. Now I trust no one but you and my Nefertina.”

As the day fell into night Armanzo and Basheria held each other and talked about there adventure over the 10 years of not seeing each other.

Suddenly they heard  Nefertina calling towards the back of the garden. “Name?”

Armanzo jumped up to see his daughter coming up to him from behind the corner.

“Name where have you been. I finished 18 dolls. What else can I do.” Nefertina finished in delight

“Wow what a persistent one.” Armanzo spoke. “ How bout we finishes that club house me and you.”

“Yea!” Nefertina said as she ran towards the back of the garden.

Armanzo turned back to his wife.  She had tears in her eyes. “She is just like you. She is just like her one and only father.”

Armanzo hugged Basheria once more and kissed her softly on her lips. “She has the breath taking beauty of her mother.”

He released Basheria from his arms and disappeared to the back of the garden.

Once nighttime hit Armanzo and  Nefertina rose for dinner time.

Before they got to the door  Nefertina grabbed Armanzo hand. Armanzo looked down at her. “You’re my best friend.” she said. 

“And your mine” Armanzo said back at her as she took off ahead of him for her seat at dinner time.

During dinner Esperanda served hot potatoes and stew.

Armanzo could not help but glace over at Basheria sitting at the Commanders table everyonce in a while. And Basheria followed the same actions over to the servant table. Nefertina bobbed her bread sticks along and played with them as if they were little dolls.

After Armando was finished with his dinner he once again left first to retire to his chambers, leaving Basheria and Nefertina behind to finish there’s. Basheria looked up at Armanzo and winked. Armanzo chuckled with bead in his mouth.

Once Basheria and Nefertina finished they set off for bed and Armanzo watched as the two walked up the winding stare case for bed. Once they reached the top they both looked down at Armanzo and disappeared.

Armanzo sat in his room next Basheria’s and the Comanders and wrote his mother and sister a letter telling them where he was and what he was going through. He sealed the letter and closed his eyes.

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

 

Armanzo tried his absolute hardest to mangle in to the crowed of hasty men, who rapidly went to and from the carriage bringing belongings in to the white house. The house was huge; it looked as to be a mansion with just as many rooms as his home back in Le Joya.  Once all the belonging only all three carriages was brought into the home., Armanzo looked around the mansion to see if he could find his wife and child again.

Just then Armando walked into the man lobby and stood in fort of the crowd of men with lowered head. Armanzo followed the same actions to blend in.

“ Men as you know this will be our new dwelling, I will no longer be doing trade in other countries, instead I stall stay hear in La Joya and try to raise my family. I will need you all to guard my family hear twenty four seven. This is a new place and a new time so remember if you leave this place with out first consulting me you will be dealt with.” Armanzo spoke in a harsh tone.

He then took a look at each man standing in front of them pulling up there faces as if he was trying to study there faces.  Armanzo felt the blood inside his arm began to boil as Armando walked closer to him. He kept his head lowered as the rest did. When Armando reached Armanzo, he automatically raised his head and looked deep into his brother’s eyes. Armando tightened the muscles in his faces as the two peered into each other eyes. Armanzo could see sadness and fear in his brother’s eyes. Upon noticing this he could no longer hold the hatred in his heart for a lonely bother, whom he did not know. Armanzo looked down at the floor for he knew exactly what he had to do. Armando stood staring at Armazo for a few more seconds and walked to the next guy.

Armanzo joy and sadness for his new task. He knew know that he would have to pose a guard in this home in order to get close to his wife and child and keep his brother calm at the same time. He wasn’t sure how he could go about doing so, with out wanting to grab his wife and child and run. But he also knew that if he did so, he would be bring more harm upon his wife and child. For if he did not perform this task he was not sure of what his brothers next surprising action would be. He knew that if he kept the peace it would bring healing to bother his heart and his brothers.

Armando finished peering into the eyes of each man in the lobby area.

“You men will be my servant report hear in the lobby every day for your new task. For now you must finish unpacking our belonging:” Armando said quickly as he hurried up the winding stairs and disappeared into a room.

As the men started unpacking Armanzo slowly crept upstairs and stood in the next room to the one that contained Armando and Basheria.  He head Armando yelling.

“How dare you use that name? You know not use it!! Your name is Isabella !!! Use it and nothing else… You cannot I forbid you form it!!!”

“Forbid me not for Basheria is my name given to me by my father you can tell me not to ues it.  You have no power to forbid it. I will always be Basheria Armanzo Lopez. And though you don’t want me to say my name in the village. I will. I will say it so the word will go around that I am hear in town and so that Armanzo can find me and take me back home.” Basheria spoke

“He will never take you home!!! Never!!! you are my wife”

“ Maybe to you but I will always belong to Armanzo Lopez” Basheria said in her final words.

Armando stormed out the door and down the stairs. He popped open the font door and shut it loudly behind him.

 

Armanzo laid against the wall where he knew Basheria laid her head. He whispered softly. “I am hear my wife, and my love, I am hear to stay with you forever.” Armanzo said as he closed his eyes.

 

Minutes later he hears a soft nock at the main bedroom door.

“Mommy,” a small voice called.

He knew exactly who it was.

Nefertina open the door and laid upon he mothers bed. Armanzo submerged himself in the silent moment given to him, to lay beside his wife and child, a wall away as they slept softy. He treasured the moment and let out a small tear for he was blesses to be with his wife and child once again.

In the heat of the moment he began to sing, “Beautiful one so gracious and new,
Beautiful heart that my love is true to.”

Then he heard his wife voice join in, “I see the summer, spring and the fall. You make me happy and that is where I fall.”

At last the final melody was finalized as Armanzo, Basheria and Nefertina all joined in together. “But when I see you, close, next to me, my heart meads slowly and then I can breath.”

Armanzo was both happy and satisfied once again in his life.

 

The next morning Armanzo woke up early to repot to lobby for his daily duties.

There were 7 men including him self. It seemed to be not nearly enough to satisfy the status of “guards.” What was the purpose in having 7 works in the house and no guards to protect the three of them. Armanzo was pretty sure Armando still had enemies that were still after him. Why would he choose to settle in a small village in Bravo Le Joya with no guards? Was Armando hiding something or was he just finally giving up his treacherous past to still down and try to live a normal life.

 

Just then Armando appeared on the top of the staircase and looked down on the seven men. He walked down the stairs and looked each man in the face once with a vicious scowl on his face. Once he reached the lobby area he gave each man a piece of paper.

“This will be your daily duties each and everyday. Perform them well. And you shall be rewarded.” Armando said and walked away.

Armanzo questioned his brother motives.  He was not sure this was his brother everyday talk Maybe his brother was starting to want to be a normal everyday person.

 

Armanzo looked at his piece of paper. I read, “tend to the garden.”

Armanzo was not quiet sure why he was give this task. He walked out the back of the door thinking what today was going to bring him. As he opened the door the sunlight meat him. He saw a beautiful garden with roses and peach treas. The graded was dark green and there where a few birds that flew around the bird bath that lead to a small and clear pond. Armanzo thought this is exactly what type of garden he and Basheria talked about building when they got the money. Just then he saw Basheria tending to a strawberry bush. The sunlight sparkled on her as she hummed a beautiful melody. She wore a yellow dress and her hair was down and flowing in the wind. Every muscle in his body wanted to move towards her but his feet just would not move. He knew that he needed more time before he announced himself to her.  He walked to the back end of the garden to see if he could find some water holes to water the garden with. Just then he hear a small voice. He looked to see his beautiful daughter playing near the daffodils. She had two small wooden boards, which you use as a border to serpent plants form each other. He wondered what she was doing. He stood behind her and listened for a while. Her voice rose his and then lowered as he shook each piece in the air. Suddenly she stopped and turned around and looked at Armanzo.

“Hello.” She said quickly in her sweet soft voice.

“Hi” Armanzo quickly replied

“What’s your name?” Nefertina said.

“Name?” Armanzo questioned

“Name. That’s a funny name.” Nefertina laughed

Armanzo laughed also

“Would you like to play dolls.” Nefertina asked politely

“ Yes.” Armanzo said as he looked at the two boards Nefertina held out to him.

“Which one do you want to be?”  Nefertina asked

Armanzo looked at Nefertina and smiled. He stood up and looked down at Nefertina still sitting. “ I have a better game.” Armanzo replied.

He walked to the tool shed of the garden and brought out two carving knives.

Nefertina watched in amazement as Armanzo carved at each wooden piece.

She reached for a knife and preformed the same actions as he did on the second piece of wood.

The two sat in silence for a while as the carved away at the wood. Finally Armando stopped carving. He held up his piece of wood.

“See!” He said as he showed Nefertina a wooden doll.

Nefertina clapped in delight at the sight and held up her piece it was a splitting image of his own work. He smiled as he thought his daughter had the same artistic abilities as he did. He hoped to see her as a great carpenter, as was he, someday.

“Now we can really play dolls,” Nefertina said. “Which ones the mommy and which ones the daddy?

Armanzo looked a booth carved pieces.

“Well they both look the same.” Armanzo said as he looked around the garden and the quickly back at Nefertina. “ There!” he said as he pointed at the extra net next to the unplanted radish.

Nefertina watched as Armanzo carved the black net into the top of one dolls head. Then he grabbed some yellow fabric form the Curtin of the tool shed. He raped it around the doll and then held it out to Nefertina.

She laughed in delight. Then she set off to find some accessories also. She found some blue and yellow fabric and began carving at her doll. After she was finished she held the doll out to Armanzo.

“Its daddy!!” She replied

Armanzo looked as Nefertina held both dolls out together.  “ Now we have mommy and daddy.”

Armanzo smiled as Nefertina bounced each doll on her lap.

“Hey would you like to make more dolls?” Armanzo asked.

“Yes!” Nefertina said as she quickly ran to grab more wood from behind the tool shed.

Armanzo sat in delight as he and his daughter sat all day carving at the wooden dolls.

Suddenly a voice called above the garden. It was Basheria

“Nefertina. Sweetheart its time to come in.”

“Just a second mam, I am playing with my friend.” Nefertina called back

“Well hurry its getting late.” Basheria called back.

“Ok!” Nefertina replied

“Hey you better listen to your mother it is getting late.” Armanzo said

“okay!” Nefertina said as she lifted off the grown

“Looks as though we made plenty of dolls.” Armanzo spoke

“Yeah!” Nefertina said back. “What should we name them?”

Armanzo looked at the dolls on the ground. “I don’t know you pick a name.”

Nefertina begin naming the dolls when she got to the doll in the yellow dress Armanzo interrupted Nefertina and said, “this one will be Basheria.”

“Basheria!” Nefertina repeated that’s a pretty name.

Armanzo smiled at her once again. He reached down and picked up a wooden flowerpot and scooped the dolls inside. On the outside of the box he carved Nefertina.

She smiled as she took the box from him and ran to the front end of the garden. Leaving Armanzo behind. He watched as the sun disappeared behind the house of the village far way. He then remembered he had to inform his mother and sister of his new arrival so they would no be worried.

 

When the sky became dark Armanzo quickly cleaned up the small shaving of wood and scurried into the house. Armando, Nefertina and Basheria were sitting at the dining room table eating.

 

The workers were sitting at another table on the opposite end of the room eating as well. Armanzo grabbed a plate and sat down to join the workers. When he took his seat he saw Nefertina glace up at him from her plate and then back down to her food. The table was quiet no one spoke everyone kept there face down at their food as the stuffed the food in their already moving mouths. Armanzo watch Basheria eat and wondered what she was thinking and feeling. He saw her face unhappy and wondering if she would ever be happy again. After dinner Armando left first to retire to his chambers, leaving Basheria  and Nefertina alone at the table. He saw Nefertina face as she watched her father walk away.  She didn’t say a word. Armanzo thought it was so unusual for a so-called father not say go night to his daughter after a long day? He wondered what Nefertina would be felling.  Minutes latter Basheria finished and looked up a Nefertina.

“Are you ready for bed? Sweetheart?” Basheria said.

“ Yes mama.” Nefertina replied back

Nefertina followed Basheria upstairs to bed. As she walked up the winding stairs she mumble as few words. “ mama I have a friend.”

“Really baby?” Basheria answered “What’s your friends name?”

“Name!” Nefertina replied back

“That a funny name sweetheart.” Basheria laughed.

As Basheria entered Nefertina room to tuck her in she noticed 8 dolls on her daughters night stand.

“What are these.” Basheria questioned Nefertina.

“ Mommy those are my dolls. Me and my friend made them.”

“Really.” Basheria said.

“yes Mommie! This one is my favorite.” Nefertina said holding up the doll in the yellow dress. “ Her name is Basheria!. I wanted to name her mommy but Name called her Basheria! Sorry mommy I like that name better.” Nefertina Explained as Basheria stared at the doll in suspires.

“What name did you say?” Basheria asked in a loud tone.

“ Sorry mommy but you can be named after the other doll this one is going to be Basheria.”

Basheria eyes widened for she had never know her daughter to use that name. She knew her daughter knew her as Mommy and Armando always called her Isabella.  Basheria wondered if someone she knew was in town. Someone she had hoped for a long time.

“Goodnight baby.” Basheria said as she left the room.

Chapter 10

The next day Armanzo ate a good meal to replenish his boy for his long journey across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Mujeres. He sat in his living room and gazed out the widow at the sun, that was peaking from below the lower buildings of the Village. The village he lived in was old but peaceful. Not a lot of people stayed in the village only elderly couples and quiet rejected ones would live in such a strange off set place. The village has some good, for flower as you would have never see grew in massive amounts. And the trees were huge and plentiful. But the village also had some bad. Many mysteries and stories untold lied in these parts.

Armanzo heard a hard a knock at the door. When he opened it Greyo stood in the door with a list in his hand. “ Come with me.” He spoke in a whisper tone.

Armanzo followed Greyo further into the village. No one seemed to come out and sit on the balcony to watch the sun rise. Instead each door contained a lock or two. Armanzo even heard every other house fester with vicious braking dogs. Greyo lead Armanzo past the village into the dark woods where no sun ever shined. They walked for a good hour before they reached a dark brown cabin. Greyo walk around that back of the cabin. In the back was a gate full of three beautiful black and brown horses. Greyo passed the horses and reached the bask door of the cabin; he then gave three loud knocks. A voice answered back vigorously. “Who is it?” Then the cock of a gun sounded.

“Red tail!” Greyo called back.

“Red tail!!” The voice called back.

“Yes!” Greyo answered

Suddenly the door popped open. A tall gray haired, Native American man stood in front of the doorway. “Yes.” He hissed for a while studying Greyo. “Well if it an’t old Red tail.” He answered back.

Armanzo smiled at the humorous reunion.

Then the man turned and looked at Armanzo. Hes facile expressions turned to anger. He higher his gun. “ How dare you bring Him.”

Greyo jumped forward to grab the gun and push it upward to the sky. The gun set off two hits into the air.

“He not the Commander!” Greyo responded. This is Armanzo and he needs us desperately.

The gray hair man stood still as he tried to settle his spirit.

“May we come in.” Greyo asked

 The three men sat inside the dark cabin, each face expressing there own feeling toward this new situation that involved them all.

“So what in it for me” The gray hair man spoke.

“ Quick Shot you’ve never been a man of greed. You have always put other before yourself and protected other to your best abilities.” Greyo spoke

“Well looks where its gotten me” Quick shot snapped back. “ I can no longer show my face in the streets for I protected the Commanders family and he banished me. Said that if I ever come back to the village.  I would be beaten and tortured. I protected the Commanders family for 8 years. Me and the 12 other guards tried out best to keep other intruders away. My job was the fulfillment of my life, until the Commander turned vicious and started making more enemies it became harder and hared to fight them off. For we were fight against people that I did not even know existed. The reason for fighting became irrelevant. I heard stories of people beaten an killed. Families destroyed. And still I stayed and protect the Family. Did all I could. Then one day. The Commander just looses his mind and tells all his gaurs to leave or he kill them. I was too close to the family I could not leave them. But Armando saw that I secretly tried to stay and banished me. I don’t understand why he wanted use to leave. But see that he’s been gone for 10 years with out protecting his family for some odd reason still remains a mystery. I still try to keep track of the enemies that come to harm the Commanders family. That’s Is whey no one comes near them.

“ How do you protect them and live here?” Armanzo spoke.

“The 12 hermanos and I still keep in touch by letter they each live in serpent parts of Le Joya and even some in Veronica Anzures.” Quick shot spoke. “ Even thought I cannot see the Commanders family I believe some one should help them on the outside.  For they do not deserve to be left to die while the old Commander had abandoned them and left for some unknown reason.”

Armanzo spoke quickly. “ I believe its time to leave this cabin in the woods and regain your status as lead guard of the Commanders family.”

“And who are you?” Quick shot questioned Armanzo

“ He is the Chief Commander. Armanzo Lopez, the older brother of The Commander. Which means he has more power over the Commander.”

“You look just like the Commander. Is this some kind of joke.” Quick shot said reaching for his gun.

“ I am the older brother of Armando Lopez born only minutes before him. And it’s time to regain you status. And protect my family up close in the mansion once again.” Armanzo spoke.
Qucik shot looked at Greyo.

“This is not joke. He is serious about protecting his family.” Greyo said

“I am willing to pay good.” Armanzo said dropping a bag of gold of the floor in front of Quick shot.

“I am willing to go back and protect you family as long as I can see the redness of life in their faces that all the riches I need.”

The three men disused the games plan as Quick shot gathers his belongings. The three men gathered on the three black and brown horses and began to travel back towards the village. Quick Shot stopped by a local messenger and gave him a letter. As the men stay out all day gathering all the weapons and protection tools they needed, Armanzo could feel the wind in the air shifting to a new direction.

In the morning Armanzo joined his mother, sisters, Greyo and Quick Shot at the breakfast table over some steamed broccoli, sweet bread and warm milk. They were wearing new cloths that Armanzo treated every one to the night before. After a good mornings breakfast, Armanzo dedicated to take a horse ride out of the village to a near by meadow beyond the marketplace. He felt his plan was coming together nicely. He longed to see his wife and child’s face and feel the warmth of them tighter in his arms. 

Suddenly he heard a carriage approaching over the tall grass. Behind the cartage were many horses and men, followed by more carriages. It looked as though someone was bringing trade goods into the city of Le Joya. Armazo watched in joy as he thought how great it would be to have material like tea, oil in bread close to his family so it would not be a burden for them to get once he was gone.  He watched as the carriages passed him buy and disappeared to the market place of le Joya. Armanzo picture what his darling Nefertina would look like playing in the Meadows.

Then he heard in the distance some horses approaching. The foot steeps louder and louder. He looked to see who was riding the horses. It was Greyo and Quick step Followed by 12 other men.

Greyo Joyfully spoke. “We will stand to serve under you and protect the Chief Commander Family until the end of time.”

The 13 men behind followed with an “I.”

Armanzo walked toward the men each one recited they names. “ Long Foot, Fast Arm, Fox tail, Red Bull,  Rabbit Wolf, Bullet teeth, Brash Head,  Whit tail, Left leg,  Pride arrow, Wise talk, Quick Shot, And Red Tail.”

The men assembled in the mansion after a long pep talk for Armanzo. Each guard had their own special task that they did and they names to reflect it. Some were great fighters and other were good at hunting, gather, providing, and farming.  White tail and Quick shot were that eldest of the group who did most everything with Armanzo. They knew best how to scope the evil enemies out and defect them using their hands or there bow – arrows. Both men watched Armanzo family form a far after Armando told them to leave the city. They decided to work one-serpent parts of le Joya so if an emery would come they could assemble the other 11 to attack them or seed them back to where that came from. Armanzo here stories of men from all over the world, the men had to defect. It seemed that these men were proud and had only one goal to protect Armanzo family. Armanzo was glad to see men with meaningful purpose in their life and he knew he was not the only one who cared for his family as much as he did.

In the morning Armanzo went out to the marketplace to gather more food with  the hunters, Rabbit Wolf,  Fox tail,  and Red bull. They like to hunt so Armanzo promised they would go after the bought some more ingredients for his mothers sweet bread.

The marketplace seemed more busy than usual. It appears they were having and auction for goods, which was shipped in yesterday. He raised his head to watch as men raised there hands to request for the goods. He watches for a while until the auction was over. It was conducted by three white men. They seemed to allowing more goods to be transported straight into le Joya. Armanzo watched as one man thanked the guy who brought the goods. After the thanks was given, the appreciated man walked to the back of a curtain and hurried in to a carriage. Armanzo was curious to see who the appreciated man was.  Armanzo crept around the back and looked into the carriage. Inside the carriage a white man was speaking very low.  But he could here theme disusing Le Joya being the central location of the trading.  Then he saw a younger girl asleep in the carriage with her mothers arms wrapped around her. He could see only the back of there heads but for some reason he knew not to look away. “My wife will be your market place good stalker,” She has mush experience in doing so since we have gone over seas.” The mysterious man spoke

“Please to meet you mam,” the white man said to her. “And what might your name be?” The man asked.

“Basheria…” The woman spoke

Armanzo heart skipped two beets as he tried to contain himself. The whit man shook her hand and the mysterious man cut her a sharp look.

“We shall see you again. Right now we must look for a place to rest our heads from our long journey.” The mysterious man spoke.

Armanzo shuffled into the back seat of the carriage as it began to move. He shrived at the sight of his brothers face. It did not look like him at all, they no longer resembled the twin look. Armando had a five a-clock shadow and two small scrounging eyes that cut an evil look at Basheria. His hair was cut short. He wore a blue suite that looked as if only a king should where it. On his heard sat a blue and golden hat that looked as if his was a caption of a ship.

“ Your not to speak to anyone.! You here me? You know the rules. I am not to hear that name spoke in this city again!” Armando said to Basheria. She said nothing as the carriages stumbled along the bumpy road.

“Don’t think you can say that name and any one will know who you are!” Armando spat the words back at her.

The ride seemed too long without one look at his daughter. Nefertina laid upon her mother arm. He could only see the back of her hair. She wore a white dress with a lace hat. He heard the melody of angles surround him as he watched her sleeping. Basheria too began to hold her daughter tighter and fall asleep as the long ride took them to a far village In  Bravo Le Joya.

Finally the carriage came to a stop. Armanzo hope out the back carriage and on to the ground and several men helped unload some goods into a white house. He grabbed a bag and followed behind. He watched his daughter walk as Basheria held her hand close to her. She waked with such an elegant poise, her hair dangling down her side. Basheria moved the same as he always remembered she was as stunning if even more that the last time he saw her. He felt time stand still at this moment when he could finally she his beloved wife and child safe in his hometown.