The Guide

Miguel Corte-Real was filled with disquiet when his brother’s ship failed to join him as planned. Throughout the trip back home, he had nightmares where he faced a giant made of wood and stone in the mist. As soon as he arrived in Portugal, he set up another expedition to find Gaspar and, in 1502, he reached the original landing spot with three ships. He split his vessel from the others to search for his brother’s party but found himself a prisoner soon after setting camp on the shore. They were taken to the same village as their compatriots and Miguel saw Gaspar again, integrated into the tribe, only a red cord on his wrists indicating that he wasn’t fully free. They embraced in joy but didn’t talk much, as Miguel was presented before the leader. “You have returned as foretold,” said the old lady. “Have no fear. Your men will be unbound and treated kindly, your brother has secured that with his humility.” “How is it that you speak our language?” asked Miguel, baffled. “No language on earth is unknown to those who listen. You have seen your mission.” It wasn’t a question. He knew what she meant and nodded despite his angst. “My time is coming. When the fire cleanses my bones, you shall guide my people through these woods and mountains and be honored by our ancestors, but you shall never see your homeland again. Make your peace with that.” Aside from a mysterious inscription found centuries later in Massachusetts, no other vestige of the Portuguese explorers remains.