The Cortez Conspiracy

By Mark Seidemann

In a raging Louisiana forest fire, news photographer Mike Tunis discovers an injured man impaled by an old Spanish sword. Miles away, in a long forgotten swamp, a secret is about to be exposed. Soon, Mike founds himself drawn into a centuries old plot that can topple empires. But Mike’s actions have triggered other people into action. Some will kill to keep the secret hidden. Others see the secret as an unstoppable weapon that must be obtained at any cost. Mike must piece together the clues from the past with time running out. His discoveries will uncover the tale of a Spanish conquistador and his lost expedition. It will tell of sacrifice during the US revolutionary war. He exposes a massive cover-up for a doomed submarine. In the end, Mike finds out the actual terrible plan of Cortez and what really happened to the Aztecs. The chilling climax will see redemption and revenge played out between old and new foes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483572741

Book preview

24

Chapter 1

Salt water burned their lungs, but the sailors knew better than to try and cough. The gale force winds propelled the briny water into a maddening spray over the Captain and his crew. Though it irritated the eyes and lungs, it was useless to allow the nausea to overcome the senses. Even when the waves didn’t crash into his ship, Captain Oscar Reyes could feel the howling wind do a fair share of damage. A large breaker swept the deck and he once more heard the dread cryptic scream as yet another poor soul washed overboard. Captain Reyes shut his eyes for a moment; a brief prayer was all he could allow.

Strangely, he opened his eyes and smiled to the black violent sky. Perhaps the poor sailor was only getting a head start to hell- for they were all but certainly heading there. Every member of the crew had damned their souls with their actions. Their prayers were no doubt laughed at by the Creator. Nothing could make up for the terrible things that had been done.

Reyes felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at his half drowned First Mate. Raphael Tias was only in his mid-twenties but looked like an old man. The voyage had cost him most of his hair; what remained was stark white. His eyes were no longer white but rather a dull jaundiced yellow. Despite his harsh appearance and the brutal conditions, he was calm.

Raphael said, The ship is battered but whole. We are taking on some water but seem to be holding our own. I have released the prisoners. Those that are able are willingly helping keep the cargo hold as clear as possible.

Captain Reyes held his hand up. If we make it past the storm, you may regret that. No, no old friend, I support your decision. It will just warrant caution. I don’t doubt they will sink us or kill us if given half a chance.

Silence surrounded the men only broken by the crashing storm. Wouldn’t you? If given half the chance, I mean and you were in their place. What we did… Raphael trailed off.

What we did was not our choice, Reyes retorted. We both know the real Satan in these affairs. Now we transport his devil’s treasure. So tell me Raphael, would you rather die out here or make it back to shore and tell him his precious prize is at the bottom of the ocean?

Raphael laughed. I choose neither. As long as two boards remain together, I’ll personally make sure the precious cargo makes port. He gave a tiny smile as he ran back onto the main deck. Captain Reyes watched the crew at work for a few minutes. Over the wind he could hear his helmsman shouting.

The beleaguered Captain made it to the helm where the wheel had been lashed in place by several stout ropes. The helmsman stood with his arms wrapped around a nearby mast. It’s no good Captain. Even if I could steer it, the damn changing wind is impossible to fight. I can’t guarantee we are on the right course.

Reyes patted the man on the shoulder. There is no right course now. Ride the storm out and we’ll figure the rest out.

The beaten sailor nodded, Aye sir. But honestly Captain, we knew it was too late in the season. Why are we out here?

Captain Reyes slapped the man across the face without warning. He shouted, You know why! Right or wrong, we were ordered to do what we have done. Maintain the course or I will feed you to the sea! The man cowered for a moment then went to the lashed wheel and gripped it. Reyes strode back to the main deck. The sea swirled around the small ship. He closed his eyes for a moment to block the spray. Why had he done that, he wondered? The crew deserved better than that.

Suddenly his ears picked up an impossible sound. Reyes spun and screamed, HELMSMAN! RIGHT FULL RUDDER! The Captain looked back over the bow with a look of terror. Even in the middle of the terrible storm, the scream of men could be heard. The sound did not come from his ship. In the distance, a second ship appeared out of the gloom. It was one of their convoy. In calm water, this meeting would have been met with joy and anticipation. Now, in these dangerous waters, the other ship posed a great hazard. One wrong move and both ships would collide and sink to the bottom.

The First Mate was by his side now. Aye Captain, I see too. By my guess, it has to be the Telgado. That’s Captain Castiago’s ship, is it not?

Reyes nodded. It is but they seem to be out of control. See how the wind has them in its grip! The Telgado rose on the waves and pitched hard to their starboard side. On his ship the Iago, Captain Reyes considered his options. There was but one choice and it was not a good one.

HELMSMAN, STEER WITH THE WIND! Two men ran to help the helmsman with the wheel. Slowly, the ship came about. The space between the two battered vessels had closed to maybe a hundred yards. Thru the lightning and wind, Reyes tried to see the other ship’s deck. No one seemed to be moving.

With a shudder, a large wave spun the Iago and the ship shot off with the wind and current. Reyes clawed his way to the stern and saw that only 50 yards separated them now. Somehow, the vessels maintained the gap. Both ships increased in speed.

Captain Reyes felt a tug on his sleeve and looked into the yellow eyes of Raphael Tias. Look on the port side, Captain. It’s faint but there.

Reyes scanned the darkness. A bright flash lit the night. Another ship! This one was not part of their fleet. The shape was wrong. Whatever it was, the ship was in as much trouble as they were. A huge wave gripped his ship and shot them forward at an incredible speed.

For hours, the sea did its worst on the two ships and the mysterious stranger. Then, the sea began to calm. Gradually, the waves died down and the ship settled. Reyes looked over the side, they were still in a current but at least the winds had subsided. The other ships drifted with no sign of life.

Reyes made his way over the debris littering the deck to the Helmsman. The man looked half dead but had stayed at his post. Captain, I think the rudder is no longer with us. Can’t say for sure but the wheel isn’t turning anything. He spun the wheel with little resistance.

Captain Reyes sighed. Deal with one thing at a time. The first mate called from a hatchway. We have managed to patch some seams. The ship is holding.

Reyes acknowledged and scanned the horizon. Behind them were dark clouds. Ahead, there loomed another storm. He organized the remaining crew to make repairs as swiftly as possible. Meanwhile, the battered companion ship drifted closer to them. While not a threat, Captain Reyes pondered what to do about the Telgado. If its rudder were intact, that could be useful.

Raphael came up from the port side and handed him his telescope. You may want to see this, Captain. Our friends are alive.

Captain Reyes frowned and looked into the scope at the other ship in the distance. Unlike the Telgado, this ship had men very active on deck. While no longer flying a flag, Reyes quickly figured out who they were. Raphael nodded in agreement. An English ship? Impossible! Not in these waters. The current would keep the vessels apart for only so long.

Behind them, the Telgado closed in. It was going to pass on the starboard aside. He called the crew to the deck and they readied ropes. As the sister ship slid by, grappling lines were thrown. Men shimmied between vessels and lines made secure. Both ships shook but the lines held. The two vessels were temporarily one.

Captain Reyes called to his first mate. Four men are to come with me. The rest of you stay on board and continue repairs. Reyes went down to his quarters and came back up with two loaded pistols. It’s best not to take chances, he said to Tias.

He picked the firmest line and slid down across to the other ship. Once aboard, he quickly assessed the scene. Some bodies were sprawled on the deck. Others near the hatchways. The ship itself seemed in good condition all things considered. The sails and rigging were tight and stowed. Gesturing to the men, he went below deck. The cargo occupied his thoughts.

It had been a slaughter. The dead lay everywhere below- not victims of the storm but rather of treachery. Throats were slashed and broken bodies strewn the decks. Reyes saw not only crew but several of the prisoners. He managed his way to the cargo hold. The hold was still sealed tight. Calling the men, they quickly left the dead alone.

Topside, Reyes looked at the sky. It was getting worse. No time to transfer cargo. Besides, one ship could not carry it all. He considered what he had just seen. There was but one course available and what was left of his wretched soul shriveled even smaller. Leaving the four men on the Telgado, Reyes returned to the Iago. Once on aboard, he directed Raphael to bring all hands-prisoners too- topside.

The prisoners looked terrible. Their bodies were covered in sores and lesions. The men forced them to one corner of the deck. It seemed incredible that they could stand. Reyes dismissed that thought. No doubt the Telgado crew had thought the same thing. He took his first mate aside and whispered in his ear.

The first mate gathered a small band of men and led them below. When they returned, the men appeared resigned to what was to come. Reyes looked them in the eye. Kill the prisoners.

The shrieking disappeared in less than a minute as the last prisoner died. Reyes directed their bodies dumped overboard. Then, he informed the men of his plan. Half of the crew would board the Telgado. Half would remain on board. After the storm, they would regroup and attempt repairs on the Iago. He did not mention the English ship. That could wait.

Placing his first mate in charge of the other ship, the crew was divided. Once the Telgado crew was on board, the lines were loosed and the two vessels separated. On the Telgado, Tias directed the dead to be thrown overboard as well. As he cleared the decks, he saw Captain Reyes working on the Iago. Within an hour, both vessels were underway with sail.

Captain Reyes had deployed a small sail in the water behind his vessel. It created drag but the sea anchor would also keep them relatively steady until rudder repairs could be done. He knew the ship was dangerously undermanned but the chance to bring two ships with cargo back was simply not something he could pass up. In the distance, the English vessel tracked with them. It did not get closer nor did it alter course away.

Off the starboard side, he saw the Telgado also maintaining course. The three vessels were on track but to where? Reyes cursed as he scanned the sky. There was nothing to take a bearing on. The sky was filled with dark clouds. Behind him, the world was pitch-black as the massive storm seemed to change direction to chase them once more.

Reyes, like all good captains, could feel his ship and knew when something was not quite right. The ship was vibrating and it was getting worse. He peered over the side and saw that the current had all but stopped and the ship was beginning to drift backwards despite the sail pushing forward. He considered the situation and suddenly his face went pale as he realized the new danger.

Behind the ship, what he thought was dark clouds was a wall of water and it was heading straight for the three ships. He yelled at his men to lash themselves in. Quickly he ran to a nearby mast and wrapped line around his waist. The wind died down and the sea seemed to stop. All around, there was silence. Quietly at first, then building with terrifying intensity, the sounds of the massive wave roared in fury.

The wave did not hit the ship with force. Rather, the wave began pushing and lifting the small ship. They rose above the normal sea level by several feet. The ship was hurtling forward at an incredible speed. All around the ship, men were yelling. Some cried in despair. A few began prayer. The main mast snapped in half and crashed to the deck crushing a few men. Still the boat went faster with no sign of slowing.

Reyes lost track of time. The ship pitched and rolled but always stayed above water. He didn’t know if it was hours or days. The rain and wind pelted the exhausted crew. Finally, Captain Reyes heard the hull hit something. The ship lurched and then shot forward again. In his mind he imagined the holes in the hull. They wouldn’t float long. After what seemed forever, the ship gave a final lurch and stopped. He quickly untied himself and ran to the side.

He saw trees. There were trees everywhere. Under the ship, around the ship, and some had broken into the ship. As the clouds cleared and the wave receded, Captain Reyes noted that it was night. The ship had run aground apparently deep inside a forest. Calling out on the ship, he took stock of the crew. Almost a third of the men were missing. The remainder was not in good shape. He felt the vessel shudder one more time then settle.

For the moment, the ship seemed to be stable on the bottom. As he scanned the surrounding forest, Reyes saw reflections on eyes. They were not alone. Making his way across the wreck of the ship, Reyes made it to the weapons locker and called for the men. He began passing out swords to the half dead crew. Soon, the only sounds were the dripping of water from the trees and the breathing of the tired men. As Captain Reyes scanned the darkness, he thought again about the cargo. So many lives lost. He wondered if the devil cargo was still on board. Morning-if it came at all-would bring the answers.

Chapter 2

-Decades later

The sky was a dull orange color as flames jumped from tree to tree. At ground level, smoke filled the air of the green swamp. In the speeding Ford 150 super cab, John Parks gripped the passenger door with one hand and the dash with the other. The pickup slid crazily on the muddy swamp road. Flaming branches hit the ground around them as the swamp blazed. In the distance, a large explosion shook the night as another oil well blew up.

Next to him, his coworker Lars Medina pressed the accelerator to the floor. A deer leapt out of the woods and narrowly missed the truck. The headlights of the truck were barely piercing the thick smoke and still the truck raced on the treacherous roads. Both men were terrified beyond all sanity. With a crash, the back glass of the pickup cab exploded as gunfire raked the truck. Medina spun the wheel as mud flew from the tires. In a flash, they made in to a side road and gained some ground on the pursuers.

Not far away, a helicopter flew just above the burning tree tops. As the pilot fought to avoid the plumes of smoke and flame, his passengers were amazingly calm. Mike Tunis and his partner Chance Gomez were the best news cameramen in the business. Riots, earthquakes, tsunamis, and more- if it was hard news, they were in the middle of it. This latest assignment was a doozy even by their standards. Three oil wells had exploded deep in a Southwest Louisiana swamp. From the air, the scene was a vision of hell.

Not helping matters was almost three months of drought. Now, the dry swamp land was literally a tinder box as flames moved freely in the trees. Adding to the insanity, the winds were picking up at a rapid rate. Inside the helicopter, Mike Tunis was glued to the video camera. While they were primarily behind the scenes cameramen, this situation required more. In his headphones, he heard his partner Chance Gomez narrate the scene for the live television audience.

Zapata Fox well number seven was the latest well to blow. Moments ago we showed you the fireball shooting over 200 feet in the air. We don’t know why the blowout preventers on the well aren’t functioning. This brings a total of three oil wells burning out of control. We will continue to provide live video and will be back with more developments. For Channel 5, Chance Gomez Eyewitness News.

In the headphones, a small voice told them the audio was off the air. Mike keyed his microphone, Very good Chance. Now if you are done being a TV star, could you please get some still shots! We’re on the clock. Fred! Mike shouted to get the pilots attention. How much longer can we stay here?

Though he was fighting the aircraft in the ever changing conditions, Fred Twilley sounded as if he were reading the sports section of the paper. Well, I won’t lie to you; it’s getting a tad dicey. I think we give one more pass then head out. Fuel is fine but the thermals are murder.

Chance looked over at Mike. I agree boss. This is only going to get worse. Let’s go refuel the chopper and us. Come back in a couple of hours. They have enough at the station right now.

Mike was quiet. He zoomed the lens of the video camera down into the fire. Something was moving down there. Check that. There were a few vehicles down there driving like bats out of hell.

We got possible rig survivors or natives. I can’t tell which. Radio this in along with our position. Chance, grab the high powered binoculars. See if you can make out anything. Fred! Follow the dirt road down there.

Fred sighed, I’ll try Mike. No guarantees. The helicopter dipped down and accelerated to follow the speeding cars. The swirling winds, smoke, and occasional fireball made the flying treacherous at best. In the back, Chance struggled to hold on while focusing the binoculars. He managed to fix on the lead vehicle. The pickup was covered in mud and seemed very beat up. The vehicle skidded along the road with each turn but it was obvious that the driver wasn’t slowing down for anything. Suddenly the back of the pickup began sparking. Chance frowned and shifted to the next truck. Men leaned out of the large SUV and were firing weapons at the pickup.

Chance screamed into his microphone, Boss! We have two vehicles-a blue pickup and a black SUV. The SUV is shooting at the pickup. Not sure what is going on but at the speed they are moving if the bullets don’t get them the fire will.

The SUV was rapidly gaining on the beleaguered pickup. From their vantage, all Mike and his crew could do was watch helplessly. Below, the men in the truck knew their time was running out. Parks looked at the bleeding shoulder of the driver. Medina was in his late 50s and a native of the area. His skin was weathered brown from working outdoors all his life. Now the muscular man winced in pain but continued to whip the vehicle around the curves. At least two bullets had caught him and his vision was beginning to blur.