Catelina: The Catalunya Series

By Judy Rankin

The loyalty of a once-proud nation exploited by a pact it must honour; a war that divides families, friends and communities. Catelina Marés, a stubborn, beautiful and fiercely proud Catalan woman must fight for all she loves and holds dear while the twists of history and fate intervene. Will she find what her heart cries out for? And what of her childhood friend, grown into a man who must put his country before all else. Will Mateo Amador lose everything and everyone he values to do his duty for his people? Can love and duty co-exist; is allegiance more important than family; and must duty ultimately destroy? Set against the backdrop of the Catalan Revolt during the Franco-Spanish War (1640 – 1659) this vivid tale of danger, honour and love will have you turning the pages until the last one, no matter the time. With the backdrop of the Franco-Spanish thirty-year war, we follow the events that began the disintegration of the once-powerful and successful Catalan state – part of the Crown of Aragon – situated on the eastern strip on the Iberian Peninsula. Through the lives of the Mares and Amador families, from 1639 – 1659, the story tells of the fight for dominance in Europe, and a David and Goliath type battle for continued independence. The story unfolds with five ‘point of view' characters: Catelina Mares (personification of Catalunya (Catalonia) and the prize all want), Ignasio (Nacho) Alonso (personification of Spain and the House of Castile), Louis Bouchard (personification of France and the House of Habsburg), Mateo Amador (love interest and personification of the Catalan independence) and Pau Mares (father and personification of the old Catalan thinking). We first experience Catelina as a naïve fifteen-year-old who hears the rumours that the Catalan way of life is under threat. However, she fails to understand how a war between France and Spain could possibly affect the people of Catalunya. Set primarily in Barcelona, the story begins in 1639 just prior to the War of the Reapers – when Catalan peasants, forced to feed and house Spanish troops, rose up in protest. Forced by circumstance, Catelina begins to realise the seriousness of the situation and that her life is about to change...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781008982376

Book preview

Judy Rankin

Catelina

Book One of the Catalunya Series

www.judyrankin.com

Catelina © 2021 Judy Rankin

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages embodied in critical articles or in a review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely

coincidental.

First Published in 2017

Published by Jaymah 17 Baines Crescent Torquay Australia

ISBN: Pending

Catalina: the Catalunya Series

Can love and duty co-exist; is allegiance more important than family; and must duty ultimately destroy?

Set against the backdrop of the Catalan Revolt during the Franco-Spanish War (1640 - 1659) this vivid tale of danger, honour and love will have you turning the pages until the last one, no matter the time.

Praise for Your Previous Work

John A

Fact and fiction artfully and beautifully entwine to create a stirring novel that will both inspire and perhaps challenge anyone with more than a passing interest in European history and particularly that of the two great Western European powers of the time - Spain and France - and the plight of Catalunya so unfortunately sandwiched between their respective egos and empires. A great read!

RodW

What an amazing history Catalunya has, being pushed and pulled by Spain and France - would have been terribly difficult living as a Catalan, really wanting your own identity and not to be taken over by others... A good story.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to the next one...

Dedication to two special people in my life: My mother, for giving me the love of books, and my granddaughter, Shayla,

for helping to name characters, work storylines and letting me know when she thought I got it wrong.

Preface

Catalunya - the eastern territory on the Iberian Peninsula - is believed to have been inhabited by mankind for more than 30,000 years. As with other territories in the Mediterranean, it saw occupation by the Ancient Greeks, around the 6th century BC, and became part of the pre-Roman Iberian culture that encapsulated, values, social and political ideas for organized social order.

Catalunya became part of the Roman Empire giving the Catalans a language stemming from ancient Latin, as well as an infrastructure that organised the territory and created cities.

The Visigoths came to the peninsula and left their mark, followed by the Moors in 718. For a short time the region became a part of Muslim ruled al Andalus. The Frankish Empire conquered the area from the Muslims, beginning with the conquest of Roussillon in 760 and ending with the conquest of Barcelona in 801.

Nobleman, Wilfred the Hairy (Count Guifre el Pil6s), managed to establish a territory between the Pyrenees and the sea, with its capital in Barcelona, at the end of the 9th century. This was the basis of what would be the future sovereign state of Catalunya. In the late 10th century, the Catalan counties stopped transferring taxes to the Frankish kings and, thus, became a fully independent principality under the Count of Barcelona.

The marriage in 1162, of Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona and Princess Peronella of Aragon, led to the creation of the Crown of Aragon.

As part of the Crown of Aragon, Catalunya became the main base for naval power expanding into Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and later into Sardinia, Sicily, Naples and, briefly, Athens. Administrated from Barcelona, the Crown of Aragon became a powerful military and commercial empire as a confederacy in which each state had its own regulations. The Consulate of the Sea, a pioneering body for the administration of maritime and commercial law, became the code that ruled transactions in the Mediterranean for many years.

PART 1

1635 - 1643

1635

Catelina had a message to deliver. She knew her sister, Aitana, would be annoyed with her for not returning straight home, but, apparently, the message was important.

Walking quickly down the dim passeig, she jumped small puddles and avoided the food scraps that lay in the street from the crowded residences. The narrow path, bordered by tall homes, threw shadows on the bedding and clothing that whipped and rustled overhead in the blustery weather.

Catelina turned a corner, young face scowling in annoyance. Her usual bright eyes were dark and stormy like the day. Lost in her thoughts, Catelina barely noticed the cold gust of wind that tussled her long locks and layered skirts, throwing dust in the air to eddy around the wide, cobbled street, as she hurried along Passeig del Born toward the port.

La Llotja lay close to the sea front overlooking the busy port of Barcelona. Tall columns stood like sentries guarding the centuries-old entrance to the commercial offices and warehouses of the finest merchant traders in Catalunya.

Entering La Llotja, Catelina sneezed as the newly arrived smells of spices, timber, earthenware, fabrics, and more assaulted her nose. Her mood brightened as she dodged the hustle and bustle of the surrounding quarters – a level of activity that had been missing for some time.

Her shoes tapped on the marbled floor as she walked passed offices with their outsized opaque windows and adjoining storerooms. Her father’s rooms, on the second level, were smaller. However, the long, clear window partially covered by storage boxes and paperwork, allowed her to catch a glimpse of her father sitting at his desk before she

entered. An adjoining door leading to the warehouse was open exposing the large space that was only half-filled.

Pau Marés was not an old man but the wrinkles deepening on his forehead were aging him quickly. He sat, shoulders stooped, as he poured over the inventory while talking with his friend, Señor Amador.

I do not trust them, Pau. They take so much! It will stay hidden and brought to the ship at the last minute, not before. I cannot afford to support them anymore than I have. As it is, there are a dozen men or more camped in the barns of the farmers.

Pau Marés and Pere Amador had been friends since childhood. Their fathers and grandfathers before them successful merchant traders and landlords through the boom times of the Mediterranean. Both families had worked together: Marés as trader, and Amador selling goods from his farmers.

The two men had made a pact at a young age: Pau Marés would continue to be the intellect behind the trades while Pere Amador concentrated his efforts on produce from his land and that of the local farmers. The partnership had worked well for many years with both men held in high regard within the Barcelona community for their talents. The men looked up as they heard Catelina’s approaching footsteps and she entered the office. Señor Amador stopped speaking and moved to gaze out the window at the many ships, merchant and naval, lying in

port.

"Bon dia, Papa, Señor Amador. Is it? I’m not so sure."

Papa? Catelina asked, Is something wrong?

Señor Amador is just telling me about the bountiful crop he has this year. The wine will flow and the days will be warm! he replied with a smile. How was the market? Full of noise I should imagine.

Yes, Papa. And drunken sailors off your ship, I think.

Ah! The voyage was longer than expected for them. They mean no harm.

You might need to explain that to Señora Mas. She was most upset when one fell on her meat stall.

And what of Mateo? interrupted Señor Amador. My apologies, Catelina, but I am anxious to know, did he send a message?

Yes, I saw Mateo and his exact words, as he instructed me to say, were, ‘It is safe. No need to worry’. Catelina rolled her eyes at the message before continuing, He spoke in a whispered voice as if it were some great secret. Your son can be strange at times, Señor.

Everything is strange these days. It is strange when my products disappear. It is strange when we live in such a prosperous place and our farmers produce wonderful cheeses and vegetables, our fishermen catch an abundance of fresh fish every day, that our people are hungry. It is strange that Catalunya has to be the stomping ground …

"Enough, Señor. Catelina is young. She does not need to be bothered with our problems. I suggest you find your son and return home. We can talk business over cervesa later."

Señor Amador lowered his head, realising Pau was correct. She is young; let her be young, he said turning to take Catelina’s chin in the palm of his hand affectionately as he did when she was a small child. You are a lucky girl, born into a fortunate family, with a bright future ahead of you. Forgive my worrying tones.

As Señor Amador left, he looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, not the fun, lively man she’d always known more as an uncle. It saddened her to see him so.

Again, she examined her father. His balding head and greying beard seemed overshadowed by his dark, sunken eyes. He had been a jolly man whose eyes sparkled with life. Known for his generosity, his quick wit and honour, in recent times he’d become quite sullen and weakened by illness. Barely forty years of age, he, too, looked as though the weight of the world was on his broad shoulders.

"The dock looks busy, Papa. I thought you would be celebrating.

Were the goods you waited for not on the last ship? "

Not all is as it should be, he responded sounding disappointed. But, the ship has arrived! For this, I am grateful. With a quick turnaround, I’m sure everything will be fine.

Catelina was young, but not stupid. She knew about the pirates that frequented the coastline. What was it he called them? Corsairs?

Pirates again, Papa?

Between pirates and the Spanish ‘secondments’ I’m never sure what will turn up on the dock! he said, trying to laugh.

Catelina, go on! Leave your father to work, said Aloma entering from the warehouse office.

But Mama …

Go! Take the food home before it spoils. And find something useful to do.

Catelina left, feeling somewhat confused. Her father had laughed, but things felt like no laughing matter, while her mother scolded her for no apparent reason. She had delivered a message as requested. So, why were all the adults in such a bad mood?

The wind outside grew stronger. It now blew fiercely across the bay, straight at Catelina, making the walk home more difficult. As she looked to the skies, dark clouds replaced the sun. The waves hitting the nearby shore were increasing in size. Around her, people scurried; taking clothes from the overhead lines, closing windows, preparing for the coming storm.

It wasn’t a long walk home to the El Born district, and if she moved quickly, she may outrun the coming downpour.

As she neared the corner, she heard her name above the raucous wind, Catelina! Wait!

She turned to see Mateo running towards her. Did you see my father?

Yes. I passed on your message. Why? Is something wrong? You told him exactly what I said?

I said I did, she said raising an eyebrow with exasperation. What’s the big mystery? You look ... concerned.

You need to get home quickly. A storm is coming, he said, turning towards the dock. I need to find my father. You will be alright if you hurry.

Mateo, he left … Her words were lost on the wind.

His tall frame, which he was finally growing into, ran off into the distance. He was like that; there one minute and gone the next, she thought. She quite often had mixed feelings about him when he spoke in riddles. His dark brown eyes and poker face weren’t always easy to read. She watched him from a distance, wondering, was it the wind tossing his hair that made him look out of sorts? Again, she was left to ponder why everyone seemed a little uneasy.

The rain had started and she still had a little way to walk. She soon forgot about Mateo and concentrated on getting home before the rain got any heavier. As she entered the courtyard, she could just make out Aitana’s voice; she was not alone.

They lived in the house of their ancestors: a modest three-storey dwelling on the better side of the city. Walking through the courtyard the rain dripped from the leaves, masking the sounds inside. She could vaguely make out the voice of her sister, and a male voice she assumed to be Aitana’s soon to-be-husband, Jordi.

Catelina smiled. No doubt, Jordi had called unexpectedly on Aitana, knowing her parents would be at the warehouse assessing the shipment that had arrived. As she ascended the stairs, she thought Aitana’s voice sounded testy. Catelina braced herself; her sister would be upset with how long it had taken to go to the market.

Catelina! Look at you. You’re soaked through. Where have you been?

It’s just a bit of rain, Aitana. I …

A bit of rain, nothing. This storm could be the death of you! Go to the market, get a few things and come home. How hard can it be? Mother of God, have mercy on you!

Aitana, it’s a bit of rain. She will be fine, said Jordi as he winked at Catelina. She can change her clothes and all will be well. Stop fussing.

This storm is a big one, Jordi. Shouldn’t you be getting home too before it gets any worse? You should go quick and be careful. The sailors who’ve arrived are wandering the streets just looking for trouble.

With a smirk on his face, Jordi passed Catelina as he headed toward the door. I’m more worried about her wrath than any sailors or soldiers, he said quietly. They both giggled as Catelina headed to find some dry clothes.

In her hurry down the hallway, Catelina bumped into the stand, knocking over an antique. She stood holding the vase her grandfather had brought back from Asia many years ago and remembered him speaking of exciting times ahead for Catelina’s father as he took over the family business. Her grandfather had said it was only a matter of time before Catalunya could trade directly with the Americas. Trade in the

Mediterranean had always been a successful enterprise, but when the Americas opened up, he was sure the whole world would be their oyster.

Catelina returned the vase to its rightful place before entering the room she shared with her sister. A gloomy light seeped through the window. Lightning strikes illuminated the large timber bed that stood in the middle of the room covered in exotic silk sheets.

An uneasy feeling was in the air that she didn’t understand, and had little to do with the weather. As Catelina put on a dry day dress, she reflected on the day: Señor Amador’s comments and disposition; Mateo’s odd behaviour in the street; even her father’s flippant comments that didn’t seem very funny. Had she not been paying attention?

Outside, the heavy rain fell. Jordi would have to wait until it eased. Catelina saw this as her opportunity to speak with him. Something didn’t seem right but she was unsure what questions to raise.

What is on your mind, little Kitty Cat? You look troubled, Jordi asked as Catelina re-entered the room. Market busy today?

Yes, it was. Papa’s latest shipment has arrived and seems to be in great demand. Everyone seems to be in need of something.

You still haven’t told me what took you so long, interrupted Aitana.

You didn’t give me a chance to answer! So worried about me getting wet -

The plague may have eased, but we don’t need to give it any excuses for knocking on our door, she said guarding herself with the sign of the cross.

I will make sure I ask Santa Eulalia to keep me safe when I go to Mass on Sunday, replied Catelina in a mocking tone.

You laugh now, but mark my words. It is storms like this that bring more than one expects. Now tell me, what took you so long?

I think you have some explaining to do first, said Catelina, giving her sister and Jordi an enquiring look.

Looking sheepish and her cheeks colouring Aitana explained that Jordi had to deliver supplies - their father’s personal stock of wines and oils from neighbouring ports - when the rain threatened. Jordi, however, playfully explained he only used that as an excuse to visit his future wife

unaccompanied. Catelina giggled and promised to tell no one while Aitana smile timidly.

It wasn’t long before the conversation returned to Catelina’s delay. As she recounted her day, Aitana and Jordi listened intently. Jordi questioned her about the discussion between Señor Amador and Pau, but Catelina couldn’t answer all his questions and, instead, asked what was going on.

These are troubling times, Kitty Cat. Spain and France are at war. They want to challenge each other for world domination, he said in an over-exaggerated voice. They are two powerful forces and, unfortunately, because of Catalunya’s position on the borders, sometimes we become the battleground.

This makes no sense. Why are we involved? It has nothing to do with us, surely? queried Aitana.

How does this affect Señor Amador and his hiding of fleece? Catelina asked.

"You must not repeat that to anyone, Catelina. More than likely, he is not just hiding his fleece. His sheep produce excellent wool, which will get a good price in the overseas markets. A handy sum Castile could use to help fund their armies - should they get their hands on it. From what I hear, the great royal advocate, Count-Duke Olivares, has over- committed the Spanish. He calls on Catalunya to support them, even though our Generalitat are not happy with the demands they make, and our President, Pau Claris, is begun speaking against them."

Catelina gazed out the window as she tried to take in Jordi’s words. It was not easy for her to understand. Nevertheless, she comprehended enough to know the days ahead may not be as rosy as the previous fifteen years of her life.

The rain was easing but the clouds remained dark and ominous as Jordi prepared to leave. The storm had emptied the streets of people and all seemed unnaturally quiet.

The dark of night descended. Pau and Aloma had returned from La Llotja during a break in the heavy rain. Catelina had spent the afternoon with Aitana, all the time thinking about what Jordi had said. What would it mean if the fighting arrived on their doorstep? It was inconceivable, of course, to imagine life to be any different. She liked the life she had.

Times were tough and they worked hard, but it was good. The Marés family were not poor. Her father was a respected member of the merchants’ guild. He had good standing within the community. Could warring nations outside Catalunya really challenge that?

Catelina couldn’t picture it. For as long as she could remember, she saw her life playing out rather predictably. Like her mother, she would marry a local man, live close to where she was born, and, as she was well educated; support her future husband in his business affairs as well as within their home. While the thought of a husband made her blush, she wanted that future.

It had been suggested that a match between herself and Mateo would be good for their family businesses: an official sealing on the Amador-Marés partnership. Would Mateo be the man she married? If so, it would not be for love. She liked Mateo, most of the time, but he was a little strange in his thinking. However, like it or not, she had to admit he would be a good catch. His family were well off: land, peasant farmers, large house on Carrer de Montcada, status ... She could do worse. She wondered how much choice she would have in the matter but decided not to dwell on it. A husband was a few years away yet.

1639

Catelina, what are you doing? asked Aloma. I’ve been speaking to you for five minutes and I’m sure you haven’t heard a word."

Sorry, Mama. I was thinking about things.

Thinking about things, are you? Aloma was in high spirits and found it difficult to be truly displeased with her daughter.

Well, how about you start thinking about helping take these bowls of soup and spoons out to our guests. It will get cold while you’re thinking.

Yes, Mama, said Catelina as she took the tray, and walked toward the courtyard and seated guests.

I think I know what she’s thinking about, said Aitana. He’s sitting out there, beside his father.

Hush, Aitana, Aloma said as mother and daughter tittered conspiratorially. You take the bread for the broth before the men begin to bellow.

Family members and friends had joined to celebrate the christening of Jordi and Aitana’s first-born at the Marés’ home.

The Tomas family had been neighbours to the Marés’ for many years. However, Jordi had always felt more comfortable working on the land, than in the city, and had taken up his father’s offer of a small farm. Catelina thought they had the model life. The previous few years Jordi’s farm had flourished, allowing him to build a beautiful new masias, which he and Aitana longed to fill with children. While having a child had taken several years, they were happier than ever and now had it all:

successful crops, a lovely home and an heir.

Little Josep was the perfect baby. Aitana radiated with motherhood. Catelina stood, admiring her sister as she approached to pass a platter of bread to offer to their guests.

Instead of taking the platter, Catelina put her arms around her sister in a sudden show of affection and exclaimed, Motherhood suits you, Aitana.

It will suit you, too, when the time comes, I’m sure, she responded, nearly dropping the platter she was passing to Catelina.

There is no rush for me. I can wait. But when it does happen, I hope I am as fortunate as you, she said, with a hint of melancholy turning to take the platter to their guests.

As she entered the courtyard, with the platter of breads, Catelina’s eyes fell on Mateo. Today was the first time she had seen him in many months. While she hadn’t given him much thought in his absence, she did find herself thinking he had returned looking better than when he had left. Mateo had a skip in his step. What exactly he’d been up to was anyone’s guess. Her eyes were drawn to him. Yes, with his swarthy good looks, hair slicked back, bright eyes sparkling, shoulders broad, he looked striking.

For the second time, the platter of bread almost fell to the ground. She steadied herself, surprised by her reaction: clammy hands, feeling nervous and self-conscious. They weren’t familiar feelings and were unwanted.

Only occasionally had she entertained thoughts of Mateo. He, however, couldn’t seem less interested. On his arrival, he had only acknowledged Catelina briefly. He’d always treated her with consideration, but had, more often than not, made Catelina the butt of his jokes.

In her resolve to clear the thoughts of Mateo, she passed the platter around the small gathering. Noticing several mugs were empty, she continued to busy herself replenishing them.

For several hours the food, drink and conversation flowed. Pau had insisted on making the celebration one to remember and spared no expense. There were soups and stews, followed by fougasses and coques. Vegetables fresh from Jordi’s farm accompanied roast mutton and pork. To finish the meal, white pudding, fritters, cheeses, olives, and fresh fruit

sat on the tables. A banquet, indeed!

By late afternoon, with bellies full of food and wine, a drowsy quiet settled over the group. The younger children curled close to their parents, tired from their play and feasting. Baby Josep, now awake, was passed from one woman to another, as they clamoured for cuddles.

Pau decided it was a good time for a children’s story.

There was once a little boy. No bigger than a grain of rice, he began. Do you know this story?

The children smiled and began to pay attention. Patufet? called one of the children.

Haha. Yes! And who can tell me what Patufet was wearing? "A red barretina," replied another of the children.

Yes! A big, red hat. Why was he wearing a big, red hat? Pau asked. So he can be seen, replied a third child.

Oh, I see you know this story well.

Pau carried on, The mischievous Patufet was always going into places where he shouldn’t be. Just like some of you! he exclaimed pointing at the little boy trying to squeeze himself under a small table. The children laughed as Pau continued, "Patufet had gone to market for his mother but the tiny little boy, no bigger than a grain of rice, ran down the street saying,

Patim, patam, patum Homes i dones del cap dret, Men and Women,

Patime patam patum No trepitgeu en Patufet Don’t stand on me!

But no-one is paying him much attention. However, he gets what he needs from the market and safely returns home. Then he decides to take some lunch to his father in the field.

I wish my children would look after me so well, said Señor Amador to the laughs of the adults as he receives a playful slap from Mateo.

In the field, continued Pau, "he is not so lucky when he meets the Ox! His parents call for him, ‘Patufet! Patufeeeet, en eeeets! Where is he? He has disappeared! But then, his parents hear his muffled cry,

‘Sóc a la panxa del bou, que no hi neva ni plou. Quan el bou farà un pet, Sortirà en Patufet!’

He is inside the Ox. Oh no, what can they do? The children look around the group of adults as their smiles turn to their mothers.

That’s right; Patufet’s mother knows what to do. She feeds the Ox special herbs, to make him fart, says Pau, screwing up his face and swatting at the imagined smell invading his nostrils, as the children laugh loudly. This gets little Patufet out again and he is fine. So, children, the moral of the story is, listen to your mothers. They are very wise and will guide you well until you are big enough to look after yourselves.

Everyone clapped and cheered at the retelling of the well-known story. The drowsiness began to lift from the group as the celebration continued.

Several men had picked up their instruments and commenced playing. A circle formed and the Sardana started. Catelina, clearing what remained of the food and dishes, watched with a smile on her face. Family and friends continued to celebrate the addition of little Josep to their community with dancing.

You should smile more, said a voice from behind. It suits you. Come, dance with everyone. Let the servants clean up. Catelina turned and hesitated as Mateo moved closer. Taking her hand, he led the way to join the ring of dancers.

As the afternoon drifted away and the evening settled in, friends and family began to leave. Relaxing comfortably in the courtyard, Catelina and her family enjoyed the welcomed evening breeze and clear starlit sky with Señor Amador and his son.

All was quiet as Catelina sat only half-listening to the men discuss the latest talk of unwanted soldiers and rumoured revolts.

What a perfect day it had been, she thought. Family, friends, new babies … her eyes drifted toward Mateo … and dancing. She was glad he had taken her hand and led her to join the others. He had made fun of her as she missed a step, but then he’d made fun of everyone that missed a step. It only seemed fair that, in return, others pointed out his many faults during the dance.

Her thoughts returned to the present time as Mateo raised his voice in consternation. Talk had turned to the farmers and their worsening plight.

So why are our people suffering? Mateo asked.

Pau Claris is becoming very outspoken in regards to them. He is speaking very dangerously to the Spanish, saying this war is not our plight, offered Pau.

Lower your voice, my friend. We are all well aware of what Pau Claris is saying. Pere Amador sat uncomfortably between his son and closest friend.

I have just spent weeks with the farmers and I’m telling you both, they are ready to fight. Freeloading soldiers are taking their livelihood away from them. They cannot take much more. And if they do revolt, our lives will also be affected.

"So dramatic, Mateo. I’m sure the Generalitat will come to some sort of an agreement with Spanish soon."

Catelina, let’s leave the men to their politics. Come, said Aloma, standing and reaching for her daughter.

Reluctantly, Catelina joined her mother. As they ascended the steps, Catelina contemplated the discussion of war. She still struggled to understand. However, now as a woman, and not a child, it was time to put away a childish resolve to hang onto a privileged family life and start listening to what was happening in her neighbourhood. It was time to think and act more as an adult. If her way of life were at risk, as the rumours suggested, she would need to do what she could to preserve it.

"They cannot insist we take up arms for them! It is not our war," exclaimed Pere Amador.

Don’t be so naive, father, said Mateo.

Catelina and Aloma sighed hearing the heated discussion between Mateo, Pere and Pau, as they enter the Amador home. Politics seemed to be all anyone was talking these days. Should we support the Spanish? Should we stay out of it? What were the French offering? Why do the kingdoms use Catalunya as a pawn in their power games? The arguments went on.

We have lived in unity with Castile since … since … Ferdinand and Isabella! Why change that now? Is it not better to live under their protection and help when they ask? queried Pere.

Not when it is costing us so much! exclaimed Mateo. You two need to stop thinking like old men. Wake up! Look around you. Do you not see what is happening?

Catelina had heard the rumours around the city. Count-Duke Olivares’ asserted that Catalunya must abide by the military co-operation agreement between the monarchies of Spain and Aragon. It seemed outrageous, of course, to insist Catalunya billet, feed and support thousands of Spanish soldiers in aid of their war with the French.

"Are we not doing more than enough for a war that is not our own? Olivares is an idiot! He thinks he can take on the world and everyone will carry him. Our people are burdened with taxes. And how many more men is he going to demand we supply? No, I tell you, enough is enough.

Catalunya’s needs must come first!"

The older men fell silent. The answers to the problems were complex. Mateo, exasperated, brushed past Catelina as he left without another word or even a look.

Try as she might to understand what was happening in Catalunya, it baffled her. Every day there seemed to be a new development and she struggled to keep up.

With a talent for numbers and quick thinking, Catelina had begun spending time in the merchant’s office, helping her ailing father keep on top of the paperwork. All she saw was a decline. Imports and exports were down because of the ongoing piracy in the Mediterranean, because of direct trading restrictions, imposed by Castile, with new world markets, and the forced billeting of Spanish troops. Duties were increasing. The royal houses continued to play their little games, manipulating and conniving, at other’s expense. Castilian nobles gained positions of power and influence by the church within Barcelona, while the Catalans were given nothing.

‘What can one do?’ She remembered Jordi asking. ‘Accept the situation or, as some are threatening, rebuff the dictates of a distant ally.’ Surely keeping the peace was the best option.

Enough talk of such divisive things, retorted Aloma. Señor Amador, how is your mother? Is she feeling better?

Aloma was a natural at sidestepping uncomfortable situations and issues. However, it didn’t take long for the men’s talk to return to politics. They talked of the peasants, who were enduring the most. The peasants were starving as Spanish soldiers took what they wanted when they wanted. Mateo wasn’t the only one angered by the situation. While he and his family were in a much better position than the farmers, the ever-increasing imposition of soldiers was taking its toll.

Catelina decided to emulate her mother and try to make peace between Mateo and his father. She walked out into the warm autumn evening, and headed for, what she knew to be, his favourite place.

Not far from the Amador house, Mateo was skimming stones on the surface of the sea. Approaching as quietly as she could, Catelina tried to assess his mood. The last thing she wanted was to upset him further. Quiet as she tried to be, a small twig snapped under her foot, causing Mateo to turn suddenly.

My apologies, Mateo. I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ve come to see if you are alright. I know how frustrated you get with our fathers.

No, it is me that should be apologising for my rudeness. Not only did I fail to acknowledge you and your mother on arrival, I think I came close to knocking you over as I stormed out the door! Forgive me, he said, sounding calmer than she’d expected.

Raising an eyebrow and smiling at his description of events, Catelina continued to attempt to soothe him. I’m sure no damage was done to either Mama or me on your hasty departure. Now, have you thrown enough rocks into the sea to build a small dam and release your tension?

Mateo, too, could not help but smile. A few more and I may have built a bridge to Majorca!

They stood silently on the shore, watching the moonlight dance on the wavelets as Mateo continued to skim rocks. Catelina began searching the ground stirring Mateo’s curiosity.

What are you doing?

Collecting the best rocks for skimming before you find them all, she replied. If my memory serves me well, when we were eight year olds I beat you at skimming rocks.

Your memory does not serve you well as I do not recall ever skimming rocks with you as a child.

Oh, of course! That’s what you said back then too, ‘This never happened. Only a girl would cheat as you have’. She replicated the sound of a much younger Mateo. In fact, being so much older than me, as you always said, I can imagine it was quite a humiliation to be beaten by a girl, she taunted.

Are you challenging me? You, a mere slip of a girl - "Ah, ah, ah – woman, if you don’t mind. I’m not a little girl

anymore."

My apologies. You, a mere slip of a … young woman, he said eyeing her up and down in appraisal, "think you can beat the Barcelona

– no Catalan – champion? We’ll see about that. Best of five. The challenge is accepted. A duel to the death."

Mateo seemed to abandon his troubles as he scurried along the shore quickly searching for the perfect, slim, smooth-surfaced pebbles. Both kept a close eye on what the other was selecting; through laughs and taunts, they hunted for their weapons of choice. The battle lines were drawn as they prepared to take their first shots.

Catelina! Where are you? they heard Aloma call.

Suddenly the pair look at each other in surprise. So wrapped up in their private war, all else had been forgotten. "Don’t think this is over,

noble sir. We will revisit this," said Catelina with a cheeky smirk as they turned to walk back to the house.

Spoken like a true woman, he quipped. My apologies, Señora Marés. Your daughter challenged me to a duel and I forgot myself.

Hmm, well as long as my daughter didn’t forget herself, Aloma replied with a look that said more than her words. It is time to eat. Any duel can wait for a more appropriate time and place, thank you.

Several hours later, returning home, Catelina again apologised to her parents for any indiscretion in being with Mateo by the water.

Aloma replied with a huff. What did you think you were doing? What did I do wrong? Catelina