The story is based in the 1600's when the Spanish army arrived in Mexico, focusing on the life of conscript rodelero under Hernan Cortes' command, during a series of battles whose goals, if any in particular other than that to satisfy the spanish lust for gold, are difficult to understand. Montezuma II reings as emperor over the Aztec kingdom, in majestic palaces surounded by mysterious priests, who are wary as whether or not to allow these strange new people to change their world for the better, or worse.
The young soldier must, among opposing leaders, choose his side. His future resides in his loyalty, under the pressure that the wrong decision may endanger his life, along with that of his friends.
The tattered journal had been lying in a musty pack, found years ago in a chest in Spain, along with much loot from the Aztec treasuries. For a time it was displayed in a museum, but did'nt remain long before it was sold to one eager historian. Now it sits on Rodriguez' bedroom shelf, inside a wooden box to preserve it's legibility. It doesnt smother though, as it is brought out for air every night for Rodriguez to study over and over.
Rodriguez
23 year old Rodriguez lives in a small, unlavishly decorated brick house on the side of History Street near which the museum stands. His life devoted to history, he regularly visits local libraries and museums to enlarge his knowledge of the wonders of the past. He and his close friends started a history club, THC, and is always recieving letters from history fans around the globe. At the moment his priorites are practicing his Catholic religion, learning the customs of the Aztec life, and keeping THC growing further.
Jose
Rodriguez's best friend, and vice president of THC, Jose lives just down the street from Rodriguez's house. 20 and just moved out, his passion for history led him to THC's club website. He started writing questions to the website question box, and after a month or so of correspondence, Rodriguez had to meet the fellow history lover in person. He asked for his home address, and was surprised to find he was his neighbor!
Jose and Rodriguez became best of friends very quickly, and together with Rodriguez's artistic talent and Jose's background in carpentry (he had helped his father many a time on customized houses) they set up a nice clubhouse for their club meetings.