In a forest some distance from the estate, a group of soldiers—clearly trained and well-armed—waited in silence.
"Sir, it seems there was no conflict between your father and the Gómez family," said one of the men, an Italian mercenary. He had been hired by Ezequiel and brought to New Granada with the assistance of Father Esteban, who supported his endeavors.
Ezequiel exhaled slowly."It seems we have no other choice. For God, and for the future of the theocracy, I may be forced to kill my grandfather—just as Jephthah was willing to sacrifice his daughter to fulfill his vow to God. I am willing to do the same, if Your name and Your voice reach this place and grant me victory."
