Conquist
“You see, my men suffer from a disease of the heart which can only be
assuaged by gold.” Hernán Cortés
“Even if the snows of the Andes turned to gold, still they would not be satisfied.” Manco Inca
The following is the first English translation of four fragments from an obviously much larger account that came to light in an archive in the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú in Lima. Cristóbal de Varga is a verifiable historical figure, a distant cousin of both Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro who, unlike Pizarro and many of the other conquistadors of his time, was highly literate. This very facility with words has lent credence to those that claim these fragments and the greater work from which they have been derived are merely the fevered imaginings of a man frustrated by his own lack of success in an age where others were making their fortunes.
Tanslator’s note
On the eve of the Holy Trinity in the year of Our Lord 1542, I, Cristóbal de Varga, humble servant of His Imperial Majesty Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, led my four hundred conquistadors through an entrada into a new world. I have decided to write of the wonders of this world that lie beyond the wonders of New Spain in the hope that others who may also discover the entrada in the mountains of Peru will contemplate entering only with the full knowledge that I bring. Only thus will those who follow be able to complete what we have begun for the glory of Our Lord and for the Empire on whose horizon the sun never descends.
assuaged by gold.” Hernán Cortés
“Even if the snows of the Andes turned to gold, still they would not be satisfied.” Manco Inca
The following is the first English translation of four fragments from an obviously much larger account that came to light in an archive in the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú in Lima. Cristóbal de Varga is a verifiable historical figure, a distant cousin of both Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro who, unlike Pizarro and many of the other conquistadors of his time, was highly literate. This very facility with words has lent credence to those that claim these fragments and the greater work from which they have been derived are merely the fevered imaginings of a man frustrated by his own lack of success in an age where others were making their fortunes.
Tanslator’s note
On the eve of the Holy Trinity in the year of Our Lord 1542, I, Cristóbal de Varga, humble servant of His Imperial Majesty Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, led my four hundred conquistadors through an entrada into a new world. I have decided to write of the wonders of this world that lie beyond the wonders of New Spain in the hope that others who may also discover the entrada in the mountains of Peru will contemplate entering only with the full knowledge that I bring. Only thus will those who follow be able to complete what we have begun for the glory of Our Lord and for the Empire on whose horizon the sun never descends.
Praise for "Conquist"
Starting out as a simple adventure story about conquistadors discovering a gateway into an alternate world populated by dwarves and elves, Conquist evolves into a complex story with themes of betrayal and contrition. 5/5
Book Impressions
A story of what could have happened to the Spanish Conquistadors in the new world while searching for gold. A fine story. I liked the interactions with the natives and the inclusion of magic. 5/5
At Home with Books
I really did like the idea of Spanish conquistadors ‘invading’ a new, fantasy world. Their drive for gold and preaching ‘God’s Will’ to turn the inhabitants was written really well and made the story... engaging and exciting.
Read Between the Lines
Spanish explorers stumble into a new world of elves and dwarves. This was a pretty good story!
Good Reads
Speaking of legends... Conquist by Dirk Strasser was really enjoyable.
On the Bookshelf
Read my thoughts on "Conquist" and the importance of settings in fiction in this Authors Compare interview.
Book Impressions
A story of what could have happened to the Spanish Conquistadors in the new world while searching for gold. A fine story. I liked the interactions with the natives and the inclusion of magic. 5/5
At Home with Books
I really did like the idea of Spanish conquistadors ‘invading’ a new, fantasy world. Their drive for gold and preaching ‘God’s Will’ to turn the inhabitants was written really well and made the story... engaging and exciting.
Read Between the Lines
Spanish explorers stumble into a new world of elves and dwarves. This was a pretty good story!
Good Reads
Speaking of legends... Conquist by Dirk Strasser was really enjoyable.
On the Bookshelf
Read my thoughts on "Conquist" and the importance of settings in fiction in this Authors Compare interview.