The Rose Demon

cacique and his men will help build huts. I promise; those who remain will not suffer because they have done so,’ Columbus now spoke more slowly, ‘when it comes to the sharing out of rewards and honours from their Majesties in Spain. Forty men will remain under the following officers: Diego de Harana, Pedro Guitirres and the Englishman, Matthias Fitzosbert.’ Columbus jumped down from the chest. ‘Who else will volunteer?’

    Men leapt to their feet. Matthias, sitting with his back to a palm tree, closed his eyes and groaned. He knew the wrecking of the Santa Maria had been no accident. Even Columbus suspected treachery but that seemed incredible. Delcrose was one of Columbus’ principal supporters, a superb seaman and part owner of the Santa Maria . He confessed to falling asleep, claiming he had never felt so exhausted. Such a tiredness swept over him that he failed to ensure the Santa Maria kept in line with the Niña and so it had drifted upon the coral reef.

    Matthias knew different. He recalled the sweet, heady smell of the roses and quietly resigned himself to the way the game was being played out.

    The last week of the year was used by Columbus to build a stockade on a promontory overlooking the coral-edged sea. Trees, and wood from the wreck, were prepared to build a small stockade whilst, within the enclosure, the cacique’s men helped build huts, showing Columbus and his officers how they were to be laid out. One small gate was built into the side of the stockade, not far from a ready supply of water. The other looked out towards the forest and was protected by the bombards taken from the Santa Maria . Two huts were set aside for arms and provisions. A makeshift parapet walk was set up and a small tower.

    Columbus had the men assembled, solemnly proclaimed the colony’s new name, gave de Harana and Guitirres his last orders, then he and the rest, having taken leave of the cacique, embarked on the Niña . Just before the ship left, with the natives assembled along the shoreline and the men of the newly founded garrison standing on the promontory, Columbus ordered the Niña to fire shot into what remained of the wreck of the Santa Maria - a farewell to his newly founded colony, as well as a harsh reminder to the natives of the power of Spain.

    By 4 January Columbus had gone. He had taken no notice of Matthias, not even explaining why he had been chosen, though Matthias sensed the reason. Columbus did not trust him. He had been foisted on the Captain General by the Inquisition. He was the first to have seen the light on the first night they reached land. He had also been with Baldini, the only man Columbus had lost on the voyage, and been on deck when the Santa Maria had hit the rock.

    Matthias had few regrets. If he returned to Spain what would wait for him? And if he tried to desert, Columbus might then seize the opportunity to use him as an example to others. He found the two officers, Guitirres and de Harana, just as cold: in the days following Columbus’ departure, Matthias was not included by the officers in their deliberations. Indeed, the two men seemed more concerned about vying with each other than maintaining any discipline in the newly founded colony. Matters were allowed to drift. No exercise or arms drill was held. No roster of duties established, whether it be guard duty or keeping the small colony clean. Within a week the place was stinking and the men grew more accustomed to wandering down to the villages or sleeping out in the jungle. Disputes broke out, particularly over women, who seemed fascinated by these new arrivals, ‘the men from Heaven’. Matthias objected but de Harana just shrugged.

    ‘Oh Englishman!’ De Harana filled his wine cup and glanced bleary-eyed at Matthias. ‘We have food, we have water. The natives are amenable.’

    ‘We should send out scouts,’ Matthias replied.

    ‘Oh yes.’ De Harana slurped from the cup. ‘Your friends the Caniba. Pity about poor Baldini, eh?’ He lurched to his feet, breathing wine fumes into Matthias’ face. ‘You are our master-at-arms,’ he slurred. ‘You are a good runner. We saw that the day Baldini was killed.’

    ‘It wasn’t my fault!’ Matthias snapped.

    ‘Well, it’s not mine either!’ de Harana jibed. ‘As I said, you are the master-at-arms and I’m your superior officer. Go out and scout!’

    Later that day Matthias took a water bottle, some food wrapped in a ragged cloth, a war belt, an