The Conquest of Liberty
In the waning days of medieval Granada, an unexpected betrayal sets the stage for an epic tale of loyalty, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of liberty. When Cardinal Francisco Cisneros accuses Archbishop Hernando Talavera of heresy, the esteemed archbishop is arrested, plunging the city into turmoil. Alongside him, Miguel, the archbishop’s fiercely loyal personal guard, is also seized and thrown into the darkest dungeons of the Inquisition.
Determined to clear the archbishop’s name and restore his own honor, Miguel exploits a daring escape. His perilous journey to seek a pardon from the Pope in Rome is fraught with danger at every turn. Captured by merciless pirates, Miguel is thrust into a life of captivity, only to find himself embroiled in the fierce siege of the city of Oran in Algeria. Here, he faces the heart-wrenching reality of battling his own countrymen in a desperate fight for liberty.
Against all odds, Miguel reaches Rome and secures a pardon from the Pope, but his struggle is far from over. Betrayed and arrested once more, he spends years in the Alcazaba Fortress dungeon. Following an unlikely escape, he seeks revenge and eventually flees to Saxony. There, amidst the tumultuous beginnings of the Reformation, Miguel plays a crucial role in rescuing Martin Luther, risking his life to protect the burgeoning movement for religious liberty.
Miguel’s quest for liberty leads him into the bowels of a galley ship where he endures the brutal life of a slave bound for the New World. Demonstrating unyielding resilience, he escapes his chains and joins Francisco Pizarro on an expedition into the heart of the Inca Empire. Miguel confronts the clash of civilizations, facing moral and existential challenges that test his resolve and commitment to the ideal of human liberty.
“The Conquest of Liberty” is a sweeping historical novel that traverses continents and epochs, immersing readers in a richly detailed world of political intrigue, daring escapes, and epic battles, filled with rich historical detail and unforgettable characters. Through Miguel’s harrowing journey, the story explores profound themes of loyalty, courage, and the indomitable human spirit’s quest for liberty. It is a gripping narrative about the enduring struggle to think and act freely in a world rife with oppression and tyranny.
Meet some insightful characters.
As interesting as the historical characters are, for whom we try to stay true, the fictional characters that bring our story to life provide possibly a more realistic window into the history we share.
al-Sayyida-al-Hurra
“There was no time. As you learned in Granada, immediate choices are often required. You prepare to make a choice throughout your life. Once you make the choice, there is seldom an opportunity to choose again. In this world, the wrong choice is usually your last one. You are usually dead. Ask Qasim, captain of the Little Goka.”
Sayyida al-Hurra
The Conquest of Liberty
Chapter 17
Alessandro
“Did they see you?”
“No.” Alessandro’s heart raced. Why did he have to ask so many questions?
“Maybe.” His heart slowed, but not enough. He hated to lie. One thing his mother said from his first recollections came to mind. ‘No such thing as one lie. Always at least two, one to you and one to the other.’
“Yes.” The word was so quiet maybe only Leoncito heard it.
“I need a promise,” Balboa said.
“What?”
“For any reason, any reason at all, I say run, you run. You get back here and hide.”
“I promise.” Was that forgiveness for the first lie too?
Vasco Nuñez de Balboa with Alessandro
The Conquest of Liberty
Chapter 30
Jalaf
“The more powerful we become, the more jealously we protect our power.
“And the more power it requires.”
Jalaf
The Conquest of Liberty
Chapter 34
Vano
As Vano scanned the room, he caught Maria’s frozen face staring as if she were a fine marble stone, carved by the master himself.
But it was the curly brown beard and wavy hair that framed a confident sun-tanned face Vano figured caught Maria’s eye, and was likely jingling the keys to her heart. Vano hoped not.
Vano
The Conquest of Liberty
Chapter 28
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