|
|
|
|
Tuscaloosa by Joseph Peebles (c) 2000
Chapter 7 The Hirrihiguans
Waiting for the Spanish at the Withlacoochee River was Chief Ocita and the Hirrihiguans. They were armed with bows, arrows, spears, and tomahawks. The sight stunned both Juan Oritz and the Spaniards. "Sir, what do we do?" General Porcallo asked the Governor. "Juan, what do you recommend?" asked the Governor. "We need to reach the river and move to drier ground to rest our animals and ourselves. We should head north, Juan answered." "Captain Gallegos?" The Governor called out. "Yes, sir?" "Have your second division to present arms. We have our first fight on our hands," said the Governor. There came a battle cry from the Hirrihiguans. They then charged toward the Spanish army. "Charge," shouted the Governor. Leading the charge were the Spanish lancers. Running a close second were the Spanish cross bowmen. Midway on the battlefield, both Spanish and Hirrihiguan arrows crossed one another in mid-air. The Hirrihiguan arrows were no match for the armored suits of the Spaniards. The arrows bounced off just as easily as the were released. The Spanish lancers cut through the Hirrihiguans like a hot knife through butter. Being without horses put the Hirrihiguans at a strategic disadvantage. However, the Hirrihiguans were not bashful about about their assaults. Several of the Spanish soldiers were dragged from their horses and onto the ground. From there, a brutal hand-to-hand combat commenced As the Spanish army shoved the Hirrihiguans closer to the river, the battle became even more intense. Fierce fighting took place on the river's edge. The horrible sounds of screaming, wounded men, and the banging sound of stone-made tomahawks against the Spanish body armor, filled the air. Many of the Hirrihiguans seized the opportunity to create a balance on the battlefield. They attempted to ride the abandoned Spanish horses. Many were successful, considering they had neither seen nor ridden a horse before. Unfortunately, they had to contend with the accuracy of the Spanish cross bowmen. Many of the Hirrihiguans abandoned the fight and rode off with the Spaniard's horses. Many were shot in their efforts to flee. Those who remained, took the fight straight to the Spaniards. Many courageously leaped from their horses and onto the horses of the Spanish-riding troops. The riding-troops were thrown from their horses and trampled over. Many of the Hirrihiguans retreated to the swamps of the Everglades, only to return with large poisonous snakes. The snakes were angered before being tossed onto the Spanish troops. As commanded, the snakes bit the Spaniards. The snakes not only bit the soldiers but also bit their horses. Between the influx of arrows and the snapping of poisonous snakes, the Spanish thought it be wise to retreat north along the river. "Follow me," shouted Governor De Soto. "We're heading north for safer ground." He then lead the charge along the river's edge. He was joined by the surviving members of his expedition. Several Hirrihiguans attempted to chase after the fleeing troops, only to meet their fate via crossbow arrows. Once the Spanish reached higher ground, they dismounted their horses and took a count as to whom all was present. Most of the Governor's senior officers were present. Governor De Soto was soon joined by General Porcallo, Captain Gallegos, and Juan Ortiz. "Are you okay, son?" The Governor asked Juan. "Si, senor," Juan answered. "Good. Captain Gallegos, I want a body count of the surviving troops," ordered the Governor. "General Porcallo, first thing in the morning, instruct Juan de Anasco and Juan de Villalobos to return to the mothership. Advise them to bring as many supplies as humanly possible, and stay clear of the Hirrihiguans. We are heading deeper into the continental interior." He then turned toward Juan Ortiz and said, "You were right, son. This Ocita is no joke!" "Begging the Governor's pardon. Sir, may I speak?" Juan asked the Governor. "Sure, son. What is it?" responded the Governor. There is a very nice man just north of here. During my escape from the Hirrihiguans, he hid, medicated, and fed me. His name is Chief Mococo, Juan said. "Can he become an ally of the Spanish crown?" The Governor asked him. "I think so," he answered. "Good. After the arrival of our supplies, we'll pay this Mococo a visit. "Your excellency, may I speak to you in private," General Porcallo asked the Governor. "Yes, General. What is it?" "May I return to the ship with De Anasco and De Villalobos. I would like to return to Cuba. I am far too old for this expedition. Would you be angry?' "No, my friend. I understand," concluded the Governor.
|
