Captain from Castile

''Captain from Castile'' by Samuel Shellabarger is the best-selling historical adventure novel that follows Pedro de Vargas, a young Spanish nobleman who flees the Spanish Inquisition and joins Hernan Cortes on his expedition to conquer the Aztecs in Mexico. Set in the early 16th century, the story functions as both a swashbuckling epic and a coming-of-age narrative. The novel opens in 1518 Spain. Pedro's prominent family falls victim to the greedy and manipulative Diego de Silva. De Silva uses the terrifying machinery of the Spanish Inquisition to bring false charges of heresy against them, forcing Pedro to stage a daring escape. Left with nothing, Pedro flees to Cuba. He joins the army of Hernan Cortes, rising to the rank of captain as they head into Mexico. He participates in major historical milestones, including the eventual confrontation with Montezuma and the destruction of the Aztec Empire. Throughout his journey, Pedro is aided by a faithful peasant friend, Juan Garcia, and a fiery tavern girl named Catana Perez, who loves him fiercely and follows him to the Americas. Pedro eventually returns to Spain to confront his old nemesis, de Silva, clear his family's tainted name, and restore their stolen honor before King Charles.