Juan of the Dead

by Jacalyn Boggs

  Italy?

  Who would’ve thought that something like what Leahonia described might have happened in Europe? There were swaths of mass death like in the Black Plague, but that was disease, not the monsters that go bump in the night. And there were wars, but I didn't think anything remotely resembled the descriptions I'd heard.

  Jon answered the translator differently, though. "You know, I think there's something there. It was not long after the Spanish Inquisition finally drew to a close-"

  "Wait, the Spanish Inquisition? What?" My knowledge of the Spanish Inquisition was not much past comedies from Europe. I knew it happened, it was bad, but I don't remember massive death and mayhem. Of course, I wasn’t one to pay attention to history either.

  "Well, the Spanish Inquisition was coming to a close in the early part of the 1800's. But it was so long and terrible and some thought it might never end. Yet it did, suddenly. The Roman Catholic Church went through all but a Holy War to try to bring things to an end. Then they had the truth brushed aside for the history books."

  "What happened?" Maybe I shouldn't admit to it, but I was intrigued.

  "The short story that most people get is that after several hundred years of Spanish terror and religious persecution, the Inquisition ended. Mostly attributed to the French Revolution, which was concurrent, and many stop with that simple answer. But there were some things going across Europe at the time."

  "Like what?"

  "Well, England fought a losing war in the Americas, bounced back from that to fight with France, some of which did take place in America. Many think that the fighting on the two fronts really caused a lot of failure in England. However, there were signs that they also had ties to what was happening in Spain at the time. Religion played a huge role in the affairs of state at that time, especially in England and Spain."

  "Yeah, isn't that why we have the whole separation of church and state in America? People were all fed up with being told who and what to believe so they came to America to hide from it all?"

  That's basically what we learned in school, right?

  Jon sighed. "Good enough for our purposes at least. The troops that fled from the Americas back to England to help with things there, they brought back things learned in the Americas from the Natives, among other things. England and Spain had ties through their monarchy from time to time - which created uneasy treaties. It is possible if the Native Americans still remembered how to raise the dead, they somehow spread this knowledge to the British who could then take it back to England."

  "Okay, but like, we treated the Indians so terribly. If they had that power, why would they not use it to stop the way they were treated? And if the British learned how to do that, it seems to me a great way they could have quickly put an end to the American Revolution. Our troops weren't doing too hot and didn't we only barely win the war?"

  "I suppose how you look at it, that is true. Our troops definitely suffered at the hands of the British, but in the end we won. I don't know why the British wouldn't employ the use of such a military measure, unless they were just too concerned about the ceremony. Especially given the beliefs at the time, it would come off as witchcraft and people were burned at the stake for that."

  "Hmmm, well I guess you are right. But if they were afraid of the knowledge they learned, why would they share it once they returned home?"

  Jon shrugged. "Dunno. Unless maybe they just told the stories. Or maybe someone was too afraid of losing yet another war. The loss of the New World was a bit of a morale hit in England. With the wars that followed in Europe, I could see some people trying desperate things to ensure there would not be another defeat."

  c

  chapter twenty-seven

  We discussed more about the possibility of Europeans using undead warriors.

  And by we, Jon and our friendly neighborhood lost civilization types. Me? Not so much. What did I know about the French and the Spanish and the Italians? Let's see, good clothes, hunky men, and sexy shoes.

  "There was just so much unrest with the French and the Spanish, but the Roman Catholics didn't like what was going on and they wanted to put an end to it. There was quite the terror at that point as well as bad feelings towards the Church as a whole.

  And it would make sense for them to maybe try something that would be a little under the radar. There had been so many rumors of corruption and wrongdoing by that point."

  I glanced up from picking at my fingernails. "What, like they have always had problems? I thought maybe it was just now."

  Jon looked at me. Maybe he was surprised that I had even been paying attention. Really, I was as well.

  "The Church has a long and sordid history. Men are fallible and it just boils down to corruption, plain and simple. For so many centuries, they were the only authority that superseded all else. That sort of power can lead to people making all sorts of bad choices in efforts to maintain control."

  "I guess. But why do you believe that they would know anything, let alone would have possibly taken part in something of this magnitude? They are a church and at the end of the day aren't they supposed to espouse things that are good? This seems like it might be, I don't know, not so good? Raising the dead? Wasn't that really just a Jesus thing?"

  "Well, that was mainly in the purview of Jesus, but technically he gave that power to the Apostles. But if people didn't know how to do it, then they didn't know how to do it. However, since he gave that power to the leaders of the Catholic Church, it could easily be argued that's how the Church could do such a thing. There's an argument there, especially since most people considered the Church the primary authority on everything. You must remember that at this time, they even controlled the sciences. They didn't like what you said, they branded you a heretic."

  "Still, I don't know that I would believe they could do such a thing. And why would you think that was it anyway if there was more stuff going on between France and Spain? Where does Italy fit in?"

  "Well, see, most people do think it was just time for the Inquisition to end as people advanced in knowledge and the like. It was a time of great learning and growth and science started to rival God as the Inquisition drew to a close. The Church wasn't getting away with crying heretic as much. Naturally, that would lead to an end of persecution like seen during the Inquisition.

  "Now combine that with all the unrest in the world. You had the American Revolution followed by the French Revolution. Lots of fighting everywhere. People pretty much saying they had enough of the establishment. That would also lead to the end of something such as the Inquisition.

  "Why think anything more of it? Most people would stop there. However, there are records of the Vatican communicating with those in Spain and other areas of the world basically saying to cease and desist. But beyond that, there is record of some interesting fighting in Italy, which seemed so far removed from the other altercations."

  I really had no idea what he was talking about. Maybe that was the C in World History talking, or my pure disinterest in history as a whole. After all, why should I worry about stuff that happened long before I was born and half a world away? I spent more time partying than caring while I was in school that year.

  "I barely remember hearing about the French Revolution. Like, I know that Napoleon wanted like world domination or something, right?"

  "Well, yes, and there was a lot of fighting in Europe because of it. Nothing at the level of the World Wars or anything, but there was still a lot of fighting. I'm talking about the Fire of 1817. It burned much of Rome to the ground. The Papal States spent the next 100 years rebuilding their empire."

  "Papal States?"

  "Italy really wasn't unified until about 50 years later. Rome was part of what was known as the Papal States."

  "I guess there really was a lot going on there."

  "There was. The 1800s were an interesting time. It wasn't my focus, but my roommate at college studied military history and really focused on the time period. I picked up
a lot of information.

  "The world was growing and yet it was shrinking all at the same time. Things were far less localized as technology progressed. We saw trains crisscross continents, allowing for easier travel. Sea travel became easier and safer as well. All these were utilized as people fled their native lands for other places, mostly the Americas. It is only natural that with people looking outside of their borders for more friction and strife to pop up."

  "I guess. The French Revolution was after the American Revolution, right?"

  "Yeah. I guess the French people thought that since it worked so well for the colonies, why not try it themselves? Things were tough in France. Of course, it ended with Napoleon leading and I'm not so sure that's what they quite expected."

  "So, you're saying that Rome burned?" I asked.

  "Yes. Just about the whole city burned to the ground. It was devastating for the Church especially. The Pope at the time nearly died. As it was, it took them years to rebuild. But they weren't the only area devastated during the 19th Century. There were issues in France, Spain, England, the Americas. Maybe it was all the fighting that helped propel us forward technologically, but it came at a terrible cost."

  "I guess. I really didn't know that about Italy. It's Europe, after all. I just assumed it was always there and the city was really old. It was around like two thousand years ago."

  "Really gives all new meaning to the phrase, 'Rome wasn't built in a day', doesn't it? But, here's the thing. The only people who kept any kind of decent records on the world for centuries centered around The Church. And they recorded everything, no matter how trivial it seemed."

  "But you said Rome burned."

  "Well, yes, but the Catholic Church was able to regroup quickly. And they rarely kept things in one place at that time. There was a lot of corruption and with that came paranoia. If they were to keep functioning as they did, they must have saved a good portion of their records."

  "What are you saying? You think maybe Rome might have some answers?"

  "Well, they might. But they might also let us know if this is truly something that hasn't been done for a multitude of centuries, but if maybe there are more recent incidents. Which would maybe also tell us if there are more like you. And maybe there will be translations of overheard legends of prophecies. Obviously, there's something out there. I want to know if it's only South American in origin."

  I looked at our hosts, who sat just as patient as anything while Jon and I conversed. I noticed that the translator hadn't bothered to tell them what we were saying.

  "Do they know anything of that nature? Did this spread from South America? Could people still be creating undead armies?" I didn't think it was too much to ask. Sure, they might not know anything, but who would it hurt to ask?

  The man shook his head. "I do not know of any, but this is not my expert study." He turned and began speaking to the Head Honchos.

  I looked at Jon, who just shrugged at me. "It is likely they don't know. But maybe they do. I knew I'd found things here, and that it was possible that rumors of legends could get back to the Vatican from missionaries or the Spaniards."

  Our translator turned back to us. "They say they know nothing of this sort. There are no stories or prophecies regarding anywhere but here in our lands. That does not mean there aren't stories elsewhere. The world is a large place, but all the people are connected as one."

  "What does that mean?" Connected as one? That sounded like some sort of new age enlightenment talk.

  "We all come from the same base. We are all connected through the First Parents. We may not know how or how far back we must go, but in the end we all go to the same origins."

  Jon looked at me, "Many believe that. There are so many origin tales that show striking similarities. Not everyone had a Garden of Eden, but many believe something of the sort. And there are tales in just about every ancient culture about a flood that covered the entire world. Take it with a grain of salt, but there are those that believe that with so many similar historical accounts, that there must be a shred of truth in them."

  I was never crazy religious, but my parents sometimes had me attend the Baptist Church down the street from our home. I knew enough about the Bible to probably make me utterly useless, but I did know about the flood story as well as the Garden of Eden. "I didn't know anyone but Christians believed in those things."

  "When you really start to study cultures, you begin to notice similarities. Perhaps it is because our population is ever expanding, but if you go far enough back and there just weren't that many. Or the nomads that traveled would share stories when they met with other nomads. That would spread these tales further and further across the globe. Besides, Christianity takes its origins from the Jews."

  "I guess. But, wow, I guess, I feel like my education was lacking. I knew I blew off some classes, but still. Who would have thought any of this was going on?"

  Jon looked at our translator and in turn, our hosts. "So, if you think that is possible, maybe we should try to find out. Can you send anyone to research that?"

  The translator didn't even bother to ask the Head Honchos. "No. That is not possible. There is still a great fear among our people of that kind of travel. We tend to stay close to home unless there is great need."

  I rolled my eyes. "Like coming to find the so-called Chosen One?"

  "Exactly. And you see why. We are at odds with others. It makes it very difficult to travel. This is not the first time someone from our people encountered those like we defeated today. We try to keep to ourselves. Those that continue their education at a higher level, do so as close to home as possible. I studied in Brazil for instance."

  Figures. What better way to keep people believing how you want than to ensure they are afraid of outsiders? Though, after meeting with Leahonia's band of merry little men, I could see the case for some prudence. That said, I couldn't imagine a life without traveling. I liked to be on the go.

  c

  chapter twenty-eight

  So, these people didn't travel, they didn't know if anyone else used weird undead armies, and yet they wanted me to frolic with them for the rest of natural or unnatural life? I really liked this plan less and less the more I heard of it.

  "I really think that maybe we should try to learn more."

  Leave it to Jon to play the academia card. Goodness knew I was fairly useless at it since I could barely remember anything from whatever college classes I took that could possibly pertain to South America or Europe. Don't even get me started on religion. Though after dying and coming back from the dead, I wasn’t so sure that religion and I were on good terms anymore.

  "Well, here's a question for you, Jon. If they don't travel and we need to find out more, how do you expect to actually make that happen?"

  "I guess we need to go if they won't send anyone."

  Wait. Go where? Italy?

  I was totally down for a trip to Italy. Maybe this was looking up. Go from a cruise to a trip to Italy? Imagine the shopping! Oh wait, my Amex was buried in rubble. Life sucked. Because that reminded me that my passport was also buried in the same rubble pile. With no passport, how was I supposed to get to Italy? The momentary distraction of Italian purses and shoes subsided, and I felt grumpy all over again.

  "Great, but uh, remember me? We don't even know how to get me home to Virginia and you're talking about a trip to Italy?"

  Jon looked thoughtful. "That would prove problematic-"

  Our fearless translator broke in. "Excuse me, but I think we can solve that problem. Just because we don't like to travel doesn't mean that we are without resources. The few we do send out, they travel under false identities. We can get you papers made and if there are any available, they could accompany you."

  Fantastic. Now these people are proving useful. Why on earth couldn’t they tell me that earlier?

  "I thought you just said your people didn't like to travel. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to bounce to Italy and all, and I'd love papers
so I can get home. But, if you have travelers, why can't they go get the information we need from Italy?"

  "Just because we have them does not mean they are free at the moment. And we do try to reserve the need to travel to only the strictest of emergencies."

  "The strictest of emergencies? What do you think this is? I died. I was raised from the dead. At least one person wanted me dead and brought some friends to the party. If this doesn't count for emergency, I don't know what does." Had my voice gotten shriller? Quite possibly.

  "Bea, maybe you should calm down," Jon said in that tone. I glared at Jon for even implying that I needed to show a little more decorum. I'd really had enough.

  "Calm down? Did you just tell me to calm down? Maybe you should try going through what I've gone through these last few days. I didn't ask for any of this, but this is what I'm stuck with. And I'm sorry if that seems so mundane to you, but I never planned on dying on a cruise to another country or find myself raised from the dead or hunted by savages. I definitely never planned on becoming anyone's 'chosen one' and I just want to find out if I'm in any more danger and then go home and try to live a normal life. If you don't like that, then stuff it. To top it off, I lost things that I care about so much. And yet you tell me to calm down? I will not calm down!"

  I realized that my screeching turned into rambling, but I was about in tears; again! I didn't even care anymore. Let them see me cry. Let them even call me whiny. There's only so much a girl could take, and I was at my limit.

  "Bea, we will figure it out. It really will be okay," Jon soothed.

  Jon's words really didn't help, but I'd said my fill, so I glared at him. My silence gave the others a chance to converse and before I knew it, our translator spoke once more to us.

  "We understand your being upset. We strongly feel that you should stay with us so we can protect you, but you both bring up valid points. If there is a chance to learn more, to better know how The Chosen One can do that which she must do, we need to find that information out. We will travel back to our home. From there we will plan for a departure to Italy for the both of you. Meanwhile we will continue to tap our own resources to prepare for what is to come."