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laughing at my clumsy pronunciation of difficult words. They also
explained to me that the loincloth was only acquired at a certain age
and was an important event in their lives marked by a special
ceremony.
Tamanoa and I soon realized, from this meeting at the stream,
that our survival partially depended on our ability to become
capable with their language. He agreed we should spend as much
time as possible with the children. This not only allowed me to learn
new words ever day, it enabled him to become more adept.
It was important to adapt to their ways. We agreed we must not
make trouble. It was clear to us that I was viewed as a potential asset.
It was not clear, however, whether I was being retained as a hostage
for future barter, as someone who might help them understand the
peculiar ways of the Spanish, or simply as a friend.
As much as I was curious to learn the whereabouts of Apacuana, I
was careful not to ask about her, or even look for her. I still
presumed she had much do to with our being spared and I did not
wish to jeopardize whatever arrangements she might have made to
protect our safety.
Several weeks later, I tied Tamanoa to my wrist once more,
grateful to be summoned to join Guacaipuro and his closest circle of
warriors in a hut on the outskirts of the village. Plans for war were
underway and I was to be consulted. I took this as a sign that I had
won their trust.
Silence had fallen over the mountains, and the crackling of the fire
in the humid aromatic air that precedes a downpour was the only
sound. Even the birds were silent on the eve of rain. Insects, on the
other hand, announced it stridently, as though inviting the earth to
rejoice in the replenishment of life.
Among the attendants were Conopoima, trusted man and
possible successor to Guacaipuro, as once Guacaipuro had been to
the late cacique, Catuche; Baruta who, apparently mollified by his
revenge, glared less intensely at me; and the chief’s six brothers, all
of whom possessed either the impressive stature or the fearsome
eyes of their brother.
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