The barn was a large wooden building where tools, coffee bags and a few animals were stored. Joaquim closed the door, lit an kerosene lamp, then sat down on a stool.
He observed Benedita for a long time before asking a simple question:
“You know how to read? “
She didn’t answer.
He tried again:
“You know how to fight? “
This time, something flashed in his eyes. Almost nothing, but enough for Joaquim to notice.
He went to get a large hunting blade, held it by the metal part and stretched the handle towards it. Benedita didn’t take it. She looked at him suspiciously.
Joaquim then placed the blade on the ground, between them, and stepped back.
He explained to her that he didn’t want to hurt her or send her to the fields. He had another plan, but he needed her to trust him a little, at least for tonight.w
He then told her his story. Ten years earlier, he had had an only son, Vicente, an intelligent and courageous boy. One day, on their way back from the city, they were attacked by bandits. Vicente tried to defend his father and was stabbed in the chest. He had died in Joaquim’s arms.
Three years later, Joaquim’s wife died of fever. He remained alone, with his land, his pain and a debt of 12 contos de reis to Baron de Araújo, the most powerful man in the region.
If he didn’t pay before the end of the year, he would lose the property.
