Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim - страница 8

“Oh, yeah. I learned something about ancient Jewish history from my tutors,” Afonso said. “And your family has not lost its lineage?”

“My ancestors were very noble people from the dynasty of the kings of Israel. My recent ancestors are of Marranos origin.

“How interesting!” exclaimed Afonso. Please, tell us more. How did your family come to be on the island?”

“My father discovered it a quarter-century ago and founded settlements there,” Isabel said. “In honor of this and other military deeds, which brought great glory to Portugal, my father was rewarded with the possession of half the archipelago.”

“What other military exploits did your father have, Isabel,” Afonso asked.

“My father began serving as a sailor at a young age, " Isabel explained. “During his service, he showed courage and proved to be a talented strategist. He soon received a high rank and became the commander of the navy. He commanded caravels31 and participated in many battles with the Moors, where he constantly won unprecedented victories.

“During the conquest of Ceuta in northern Morocco, he lost his eye. Only after this did he decide to leave the military and become a navigator and explorer. In this venture, he also achieved great success.”

“Your father is a real hero, Isabel,” Afonso said. “I have always dreamed of being a hero like your father and my father, King Edward I.

“When I become king, I will no doubt glorify my name with many heroic deeds and discover many islands and uncharted lands. I will make Portugal the greatest country in the world.

“You will see, Isabel, what our country will be like after a few decades of my reign,” Afonso said. “But, for now, it is enough to dream about the future.”

Afonso changed the subject.

“Let’s talk about you, Isabel. I have heard about your talent for ballroom dancing. Do you mind if I ask Duchess Isabella to include some time in your schedule for additional lessons for your most humble servant?”

“Oh, Your Highness, please don’t call yourself a servant,” Isabel said. “We are YOUR servants. It would be a great honor for me to give a few lessons to our country’s future ruler.”

“Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you and talking with you, senhorita,” said Afonso with a friendly bow.

It was also a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” Isabel curtsied.

“In that case, I will leave you with Fernando. I’m sorry, but I still have much work to do before tonight.”

Isabel curtseyed silently with a welcoming smile as the prince hurried away.

After meeting Isabelle, Afonso was in a good mood for the rest of the day. Later in the evening, he decided to visit his brother.

“Good evening, Fernando,” Afonso said as he entered his brother’s chambers. He noticed from Fernando’s face that he wasn’t happy with his visit.

“Oh, I’m sorry I interrupted you,” Afonso said. He noticed the papers on the table and the quill in Fernando’s hand. “I didn’t realize you were doing your homework so late.”

Afonso came closer to the table, looked at the papers, and exclaimed, “Oh, this again! More poems? Are you so enamored by Isabel that you write poetry at night?

“I can understand you, though,” Afonso continued. A person like you admires beauty and all sorts of art and cannot stay indifferent toward such an attractive and skillful dancer. I admit I was wrong when I doubted her indescribable angelic beauty. You were entirely correct. I even felt a bit inspired talking to her.