Chapter 69: A New Road Ahead

Time passed swiftly, and soon the day of departure arrived. The Spanish Empire remained in turmoil, and Francisco’s family found themselves caught in another of fate’s storms.He walked slowly through the estate, taking in every detail — the scent of wood polish, the faint echo of servants moving through the halls, the weight of memories that clung to every corner. He tried to gather what he might need for the long journey ahead.

Isabella, her face drawn with sorrow, looked up at Francisco and Catalina, tears welling in her eyes.”Father… can’t I go with you and my brother?” she pleaded.

Carlos shook his head firmly. “Absolutely not. This journey is far more dangerous than the one to Bogotá.”

“But I don’t want to stay behind!” Isabella cried. “I want to see the sea… and say goodbye to my brother properly!”

Carlos’s heart softened, yet he hardened his expression. “I’m sorry, little one, but this trip isn’t a game. We must cross jungle and mountains — and there are bandits on the road. Were it not for your brother’s importance, I would not risk the journey myself.”

Isabella turned to Francisco, her eyes shimmering with despair.He knelt down to her height, gently wiping her tears. “Sorry, little pirate… but it’s still a no.”

She threw her arms around him, sobbing. “It isn’t fair! I barely get to see you anymore, and now even this last chance— you’re leaving me again!”

Francisco held her tightly. “I’m not leaving you forever. We’ll see each other again — six years, more or less.”Her cries deepened at his words.

Then Grandma María appeared behind them, eyes glistening as she looked at Catalina.”You must promise me to take care of yourself. And if Francisco dares to bully you, tell me — I’ll teach him a lesson myself,” she warned with mock severity.

Catalina half-laughed, half-cried. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I swear I’ll tell you if he does.”

Francisco, still hugging Isabella, froze in disbelief. He felt his sister’s giggles rumble softly against his chest.Smiling, he pulled back to meet her eyes. “From today, you’ll be the young mistress of this house. You must learn how to manage everything and help Father. When I return, I’ll test you — so study well.”

Isabella nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, brother. I’ll do it.”

Leaning closer, Francisco whispered in her ear, “And keep an eye on Father. He’s getting old, and he’ll need your help.”

Isabella glanced mischievously at Carlos, then said loudly, “Don’t worry, brother — I’ll take care of our old father!”

Carlos’s gaze sharpened. “Oh, really? You think I’m old, do you?”

Francisco laughed awkwardly. “I— I never said that.”

“But you did!” Isabella said with innocent eyes. “You told me to look after our old father.”

Carlos pulled off his belt, a playful fire in his eyes. “Seems I must teach you how young I still am, boy.”

Francisco raised his hands defensively. “Wait! Before that, I have something to say.” His tone turned solemn, puzzling everyone.”See you later.”Then he darted toward the door, sprinting faster than a startled deer. Carlos stood frozen for a moment, then burst out laughing as his son disappeared down the path.

Outside, Francisco approached his horse — a sturdy chestnut named Mañoso

, notorious for refusing to move unless bribed with a carrot.”My old friend,” Francisco murmured, stroking his mane, “when I come back, you may already be gone.” He smiled softly at the loyal creature who had carried him and Catalina through so many adventures.

Catalina followed slowly behind him, her steps quiet against the packed earth. She stopped a few paces away, watching the softness in Francisco’s voice as he spoke to the horse. A faint smile touched her lips. Then, without a word, she stepped closer and slipped her arms around him from behind.

Francisco froze for a moment, surprised by the warmth of her embrace. “Are you ready?” he asked softly, his voice low, almost hesitant. “This time… we won’t be coming back for at least six years.”

Catalina pressed her face against his shoulder, her voice trembling. “I never thought saying goodbye would hurt this much.”

Francisco turned, holding her close. “Don’t worry. We’ll come back. You’ll see her again.”

Catalina’s tears soaked into his shirt. “I’m afraid that, at her age, this might be the last time I see her. I think she feels it too.”

Francisco sighed, his chest tightening. Her fear mirrored his own. Six years — such a long time to be gone. He worried about his father’s health, about Isabella growing up without him. His eyes reddened as he spoke softly, “Let’s go have breakfast with them. We can’t control what happens to those we love while we’re away… so let’s make this day one worth remembering. No regrets — even if it’s the last.”

Catalina nodded. They shared breakfast with the family — laughter through tears, smiles between silences.After another hour of reluctant goodbyes, Carlos, Francisco, Catalina, and the servants bound for Hanover set off down the road. The estate faded behind them, swallowed by the misty hills.

Francisco exhaled, a weight pressing on his heart. Catalina’s gaze lingered on the shrinking silhouette of their home.

Carlos looked at his son with quiet pride. “Look ahead,” he said. “This isn’t the end of your time here. It’s where your road begins.”

Francisco nodded, tightening his grip on the reins. Ahead lay the long road

Carlos rode beside him, his expression serious beneath the brim of his hat. “We’ll have to follow the road through Bajo Cauca,” he said. “There’s been heavy rain lately — the river’s swollen. We’ll still take canoes for a few stretches where the water’s calm enough, but most of the way we’ll be traveling by land.”

He adjusted his cloak as he spoke, his voice carrying over the distant rumble of thunder. “I’ve prepared clothing for every kind of weather. We’ll pass through cold mountain air and then down into the tropical heat of the jungle, so be ready to change when needed. I also asked grandmother Maria for some ointments — we’ll need them for the insects and the humidity.”

Carlos gave him a sharp look. “And stay alert. There may be bandits along the road. They’ll think twice before attacking a group our size, but let’s not give them the chance.”

The sky darkened over the valley, thunder rolling like distant drums. Francisco glanced once more toward the direction of the estate — and for the first time, the road ahead felt heavier than the world he left behind.

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