Chapter 135: Executions
"Don’t let them out of your sight, Vicente," I reminded him as I petted the mane of his horse.
The teniente smiled and picked up the straw hat hanging on the horn of the saddle. "You did not need to tell me, Heneral."
I nodded, then turned and walked towards the kalesa where Alicia and Isabela were seated. The girls were peering out of the small carriage, their eyes drawn to the plaza and the newly constructed wooden frames that had appeared in recent days. The function of the structures was obvious—the ropes swaying gently in the breeze, the stools beneath them placed with cold precision.
A sizeable crowd had already gathered around the gallows. Word had spread in the past few days, and villagers from outlying barrios had arrived in town to witness the event. For many, it would be the first time they saw justice take such a public and final form.
"Don’t worry... it will be over before you return," I assured both girls as they remained quiet.
Isabela’s brow had not gone down since we left the house. She stared at me, lips trembling in subtle, aborted movements. She wanted to speak—perhaps to plead on behalf of the condemned—but the words caught in her throat. For all her innocence, she understood that death demanded payment in kind.
"I was told you were sewing me my own banner? You even asked Dimalanta for help with the design," I said, hoping to lift her mind away from the gallows.
She managed a small smile. "Yes... you’ll like it, papa."
But the smile was fleeting, and her eyes drifted back toward the plaza.
"If I am not mistaken, this will be the first time you’ll introduce Alicia to your aunt and cousins. I hope they like her," I said with deliberate cheer.
As expected, the mention of Alicia did the trick. The girl perked up, blinking in surprise before offering a nervous smile. Isabela frowned, offended on Alicia’s behalf.