Meeting Hernan

It was a long trip to Cuba, and a great annoyance to hear that Cortes had moved his operation to a small town away from the capital. Apparently, he and the governor had a falling out, and he had to escape his reach. You take yet another ship to the small town of Trinidad, hoping to finally meet. Cortes. This time, you judge that you've arrived in time. There seem to be several hundred more men here than the town's size would suggest, and some of the ships in the little port may be his. Finding Cortes in such a small space is near effortless.

You walk into the house Hernan is stationed in, large and neat for its environs. Striding in boldly, you ask to speak to Cortes. "I am he" you hear from a firm voice to your side. There stands a middle-aged man in noble dress, not particularly impressive from afar. You walk over to him and hand him your letter, which he takes and opens. Standing close, you get a better look at him now. As you watch him, his eyes focused on the letter, you feels an intense presence that you couldn't from afar. He is a decent looking older man, but under his beard and hat you notice that he is pale and somewhat gaunt. On another these qualities would make him look sickly, but the fire and energy you sense in him create a more unnerving effect. He carries an aura of ruthless ambition and complete self-confidence, even narcissism. Raw ambition seems to be the air this man breathes.

"You impressed Carlos it seems, so you must be good. You are a noble, yes?" he asks, looking up at you. You nod. "Yes, I am a Delgado de la Rioja." He chuckles slightly. "A good family to be sure. But not much money, correct?" You nod again. Hernan smiles, more warmly than before. "Believe me, I understand your position. We are quite alike you and I, at least in that sense. I only wish that I had an opportunity such as this at your age. Be grateful, young man" he says, tapping your chest with the letter. "We will be departing soon. I assume you tire of travel after coming all this way, but it cannot be helped. I can't have the governor ruining my plans. Rest while you can." Finally, your moment has come to build your future!