1
P
”Blackbirds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven
Next is a nice big silver coin I may have paid a bit too much for even from a well-established, reputable Canadian Ebay seller. Still, it filling only one of many holes in my Mexico Stack and hope to have a reasonably modest typeset of Mexican silver coinage.
A nice big portrait of Father Miguel Hidalgo, the celebrated figure of Mexico’s war of Independence is emblazoned on the reverse. Who knows what he actually said from the pulpit that September 16th of 1810 but it had to be quite the message and cry to arms to begin Mexico’s long road to independence, The Cry of Delores . Though Father Hidalgo was tried and executed in the summer of 1811, the cause didn’t die as Father José Morelos took up the torch of Independence.
Sister Teresa D’Mordecai Part 5: The faith of Patriots
PFather Morelos stepped out to the compound wall where wounded and helpless Patriots of Father Hidalgo were mercilessly executed. He recalls some of Miguel's fiery words and clutched his cross resigned at the inhuman treatment of prisoners of war. His lips whispered a silent prayer. The blood stains on the wall still bore fresh evidence that the Royalist forces cared not for the sanctity of the Church, nor exercise of mercy. Yet, the Bishop of Mexico city remained silent on this massacre.
Over by the water well where his volunteer guardsmen were resting, they watched their general weep, his unguarded passionate emotions in plain view.
1“It was true. See these stains?” He fingers feeling the pock holes on the wall. “I was told that the ones that could stand held up those that could not. They faced their end with courage!” He tugs out a kerchief from his coat and wipes his eyes, “They will not be forgotten! ...God will remember them!”
They resumed through the compound past the workshop towards the gate. Teresa again noticed the smell of hot Borax. Brother Francisco is taken aside by Lieutenant Guerrero speaking only in hushed tones. From the corner of her eye she observes the acolyte handing him a piece of metal in the shape of a bar.
Lieutenant Guadalupe took a moment to excuse himself from Father Morelos to check on the wounded troops and with Sister Felicia absent, Teresa casually inspects the Coal miner’s supply wagon nearby as he stood waiting for Felicia’s approval. Shifting the burlap there were buckets of coal and grey colored ore underneath. “Sister Felicia would okay this Pedro, God bless.”
“Si, thank you Sister, it will be a busy night for me,” The Coal digger steered his cart towards the workshop to unload. It appears as if he was digging more than just coal.
BRejoining Father Morelos his mood had changed. He is attentive allowing Teresa to explain some of the Principles of Sun Tzu uninterrupted. He’d respond with a nod, or “please continue.” He’d also pause to wave or salute to some members of his army and sometimes a fatherly pat on the shoulders of any soldier that appeared in the need of encouragement.
The army of Captain General Morales is not a formal styled one at all. No uniforms, mostly of peasant, Indian, Pardo, Mestizo and mixed blood stock of farmers and laborers. Half the men were armed with a varying mix of English, French, liberated Spanish flint lock muskets, a few of the newer rifles but even more of the older Spanish flint lock muskets. Otherwise, the remaining solders had machetes and various farming tools as melee weapons, the kind of basic weapon that typify innumerable rebellions through the ages.
Lieutenant Guadalupe’s Cavalry are barely equipped with liberated and improvised weapons. Not all had adequate side arms settling for a knife if there were a lack of pistols. A spear fashioned from a sharpened tree branch than a spear but at least every horseman hand a basic cavalry sword or machete. This army was in need of good equipment and that seemed to be the glaring issue of this army. Jose only nodded at her observation.
RPerhaps the most impressive are the six light cannon battery crews that worked well and practiced almost constantly without having to actually fire in order to conserve powder. Morelos grinned with a chuckle, "Just don't ask how we got them."
It was another Sun Tzu principle; “Your opponent's supply train is your supply train." Fascinated, he drank in every principle she taught like a scholar. At the same time he continued to acknowledge the men he knew by name, constantly encouraging and admonishing their patriotism as they strode past the numerous roadside camps.
In summary it was a small but mobile force with a short chain of command. Looking into the faces of the men they are motivated by their fresh victories and faith in Father Morelos’ charismatic leadership.
She looked into the face of General Morelos, "I congratulate you on the morale of your troops Captain General."
"Amazing, I can now understand this Sun Tzu General, ‘…know yourself and know your opponent and your plan will never be in peril.' I am impressed with your knowledge Teresa. “
1Mother Eva checks a soldier’s wound dressing before covering him with the blanket, “You will be fine, get some sleep.” She turns to one of the Attending Nuns, “Sister Argénta.”
“Oui Mother,” Replied the French Nun.
“I believe Father Morelos may approve of Sister Teresa, I’d like you to go check on them please and report. Our patients are adequately settled here. And in case there is trouble be prepared.”
“I know she is suspicious of us, she may still be a spy for the Royalists but I shall be prepared.”
"Please just call me José”, he stopped then took a moment to kiss Teresa's hand yielding a permissive smile from her lips.
"I think you have good army José, motivated and mobile, best suited for 'Hit and Run' tactics."
"I lack the military experience so I must give credit my lieutenants from their fine qualifications. I find it incredible for a Nun to have such insight. There is so much more to you than meets the eye. According to one of your Sisters Juanita, you fought a non-commissioned officer and a soldier and then prepared yourself to face Captain Oreága I believe."
"A weapon of words José, I sense Captain Oreága values his pride such that he can be manipulated to a point." Teresa resumes their leisurely pace.
"With a teaching stick,” Laughed Josè, "Now I wish I could have arrived earlier to see this sight. Captain Oreága has a fearsome reputation among the Royalist establishment, a very skilled swordsman and competent officer. He is actually the rank of Colonel Major and a dangerously ambitious yet prefers to be addressed as Captain. That way many of his enemies underestimate him. He has won a dozen Honor duels when I met him in Veracruz before this war. Many men would do better than to leave him be."
"I tend to think my faithful sisters exaggerate my abilities as I can attest that the spirit guides my hand and my temper." Teresa shrugged her shoulders, "I can't say what will happen if we crossed swords."
"A woman who has courage as well as faith, please allow me to look you in the face."
1Father Morelos grasped her shoulders like a lover; his right hand gently caresses her cheek." I see a remarkable person before me, a beauty in character. God has granted you a gift for this moment in the history of a birth of a glorious nation. I wish you can join me in this cause. You know what is at stake here! But you have a responsibility with your Sisters and this town."
It was somewhat ironic that Sister De la Rosa may have followed Father Hidalgo in much the similar way. And the first time she felt somewhat uneasy that she was wearing her very habit. There was a feeling that Fate's hand plunging her soul and spirit into another cause not of her choosing. It had to be by the hand of her angelic silver Diva.
José seemed to come to some decision, “Let me show you something Teresa, follow me.”
UTheir walk took them into the outskirts of town into it’s cemetery not far from the Convent. Lieutenant Guerrero was already there with eight men having finished digging open a grave before the Statue of the Angel of Mercy marked with the name of Sister De La Rosa. Eight oil lanterns light up the area illuminating the forest of grave markers around them. The men began to load heavy burlap bags on to three wagons. Father Morelos draws a knife from his boot and cuts open one of the bags. “Here lays our hope for the future of our new nation!”
The shine of the bars were unmistakable, gold and silver doré bars ready for export. The brothers have been refining ore into trade bars and that explained the guarded workshop and the smell of borax for the refining process of these bars before being hidden in this grave. The ore mine itself was not far from the Coal seams that Pedro and his men mine the town’s supply of fuel coal.
With a renewed optimism Father Morelos lifted a large bar from the bag, “We are expecting a wagon train of guns through San Antonio, a shipment of brand new Charleville and Brown Bess muskets, newer models though my American interests in Washington. You were right my Teresa, we need better equipment as well as the unconventional tactics as you described.”
FSister Argénta stops her horse by another campsite of patriots, “Have you seen Father Moreles?”
The former farmer points to his left, “Si Sister, he and another Nun were headed to the Cemetery.”
“Gracias mon amis. Giddyup!”
José drew out a letter and the silver cross, “Father Hidalgo sent these to me to prove he had a plan in the event of his death. These silver and gold bars will be meeting that wagon train in four weeks north at Monterrey. These bars must get there and this Revolution depends on it getting there. In return we get five hundred new muskets, fifty rifles, five cannon, ammunition, powder, and supplies on ten wagons. ”
With the three wagons fully loaded she felt José’s hand tighten on hers, “Now I understand why you are here José.”
And I understand the Royalists are pressing on our stronghold near Delores, I promised to relieve them as it is not far from here. I need someone I trust to help watch over and secretly deliver this gold and silver to Monterrey.
Out of the corner of her eye a soldier tries to slip away into the direction away from the town, “Where is he going?”
“You stop!” shouted Lieutenant Guerrero as he drew his pistol and begins to pursue him. But the man kept running shouting something incoherent into the darkness.
The moon was partly obscured in the sky however it was enough light with Teresa’s natural night acuity that she begins to see something stirring in the darkness. “Lieutenant, there is something in the dark, come back!”
Out of the darkness emerged solders wearing the colors of the Viceroy. They came marching out of the shadows with their bayonets and swords poised and ready accompanied by a squad of cavalry led by a man with a scarf over his face.
“Santa Maria, it’s a trap,” Exclaimed Lieutenant Guerrero as he scampers back.
“We have been betrayed!” José climbs onto a wagon drawing his pistol and sword, “We’re out numbered, we must stand and fight until the army comes to our aid!” General Morelos orders, “Defensive circle in between the wagons!”
PI hope you enjoyed this coin feature, and thank you for stopping by my Blog for a little read.
Previous 4 chapters of Sister Teresa D’Mordecai;
RThe #fiestatuesday and #worldcoinwednesday tags are the brainchild of SSG Tag Master @silverd510 and you don’t have to be a member of the #steemsilvergold or #ssg-community to participate, please feel free in joining us in sharing our Stacking treasures and adventures. Viva la Revolution!
References
Other References
P“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”
This story is getting better and better.
!trdo
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Thank you @ronaldoavelino,
This chapter is longer than expected but pivotal to the following chapters. Just couldn't keep it under 1000 words, honest!
I have to get more Mexican silver to keep the story going.
Yeee-HAW!
I see @curie finally pulled their head outta their a$$ and voted for you!
Like I said before, your content is
Second to NUN 😇
lolZ
Well Undy, I did get a few taps on the shoulder in the past from the @curie's magic wand. It's been a while since I got a good wack across the head!
The thing is I put more effort and brain power into this chapter than usual.
To get good curation you got to put in the work, creativity and maybe a little luck. 💋
I do admire men who can shed a tear or two for their fallen comrades 😢. And that Teresa... wow, she is one girl to contend with.
I love how you can imagine stories around your character so intertwined with historical facts. Kudos to you, my darling sis @kerrislravenhill. I love your writing style and your short stories. Keep on writing, keep on stacking, sis!
Take care 🥰🌺🤙 and a million hugs and kisses 🤗❤️😘.
PS: work is so hectic and it took just now to find a short break to be able to visit your blog. It looks like my precious beat me to upvoting you. I have to find out how to change that to 200% if possible.
Happy New Year 🎆🎊🎈 sis!
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I will be on duty tonight Sis and my vacation time is over.
I spent quite a considerable time working on this story segment setting the stage for the rest. It's a bit long but pivotal.
One more chapter part 6, then Argénta gets into the limelight in part 7.
Much love Sis, 🌺🤗💝😄💞🌸
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Thats a beauty my friend. Top notch for sure
A nice Coin but the Strike seems a bit weak perhaps from die wear.
Running out of Mexican coins than there are chapters. Just shows how small my Mexistack is. I'm expecting a few more coming in the mail to keep this story going. Thanks for Comment @silverd510 💃🌮☠
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Ooooh, big sword fight coming, kikass. You must have read the Art of War yourself, eh?
@alliedforces curate 2
Keep up the great work and join us in The Castle sometime!
The #spreadlovenotwar curation campaign is under the guidance of witnesses @enginewitty and @untersatz.
⚔🤺lol SWORDS🤺⚔
Bring It ON!
🤣
Yes I did @enginewitty,
Got the book for 50 cents at a Thrift store, and watched the YouTube documentary on his very writings. May as well get a good education out of this.
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Some time-defying knowledge in that text. Guy was frig'n brilliant. I have the audio on my PC and a copy myself. I like you. Anyone can be a soldier, takes a free-thinker and one willing to learn to be a commander.
Hi kerrislravenhill,
Visit curiesteem.com or join the Curie Discord community to learn more.
Thank you @curie for the recognition and encouragement, it is so appreciated after the hours of work I put into this article.
Love the story and Happy late New year sister friend
Nice to see you back, it's been a little while.
Happy New Year @misschance
Yes, nice to be among you.
The five Peso was my first Mexican Gold coin, glad to see this filling the holes in your Mexican stack!!!
Thanks @silvertop , I realize that the Mexican mint had put out allot of coins over the centuries. This means I haven't even scratched the surface for even collecting a type set. Lol!😄
This opens the stacking door to lots of wonderful coins!!!😊
I hope you are having a wonderful New Year’s Day my friend!!👍😊🤗
Fabulous coins @kerrislravenhill! Business strike INDEED!
Thanks @summertooth ,meanwhile I need to get more Mexicoins to keep the story going. Back to searching Ebay....
a really great story @kerrislravenhill, I love how you mix the coin collection, the historical facts and your fiction !! Sister Teresa is a great character and I'm sure it will make a difference in battle !! all the best for you in this new year 2020 and congratulations on your work
Welcome to the Chronicles of the Bloody Raven @road2horizon
I like to study a coin and why it commemorates a particular person or event then share it in the style and genre of a Historical Romance, a little bit light on the romance part, and mixed a teeny bit of the Supernatural/horror. I picture Father Morelos as the Romantic warrior since he had a mistress and a son taking refuge in the US at the time and, that gave the Church an excuse to defrock him allowing the Royalists to charge him with Insurrection then executed like Father Hidalgo before him.
an intriguing story! did you read "The monk" by M. G. Lewis? I loved it ;))
Definitely Gothic Literature, last came across it as a Nursing student a long while back but got too busy with studies and never finished it. One of these days I'll finish it when I can remember. That was the same time I was mulling a book by Anton LaVey. 🧛 My young crazy years. Now I'm plain crazy.
Got to find it again in the first edition, I like reading it in the old English lexicon.
do not worry about the time that passes, writers live a thousand lives with their characters and do not know what it means to grow old, unless they want to :-D
I really enjoyed this post. It is interesting, historical and with good images that support the text. Simply excellent. Happy new year 2020 greeting @kerrislravenhill
Thank you, and Welcome to the 'Chronicles of the Bloody Raven'.
I put more thought and effort into this Chapter than the others, even picking pictures was quite the task from most of the free Sites for this arc.
Then again, exceptional content does require good skills and choice.
And a Happy New Year to you too.
Congratulations @kerrislravenhill!
Your post was mentioned in the Steem Hit Parade in the following category:
Thank you @arcange , I wasn't expecting so much recognition and thought it was a fluke.
Its very encouraging.
You're welcome @kerrislravenhill
I wish you all the best for 2020! Have a Happy New Year ✨🥂✨
BTW, feel free to support back and vote for me as a witness
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You're welcome @kerrislravenhill
The entire Steemiboard team wishes you all the best for 2020! Have a Happy New Year ✨🥂✨
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