| “ | The mines are running well, though war is no help since every day more caciques rebel and refuse to go [to work]. The Caribs have always been bad for this island.
— Juan Ponce de León
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” |
Born in Santervas de Campos Spain, Juan Ponce de Leon was born into what many theorize as lesser nobility. His exact date of birth and parentage is unknown, though it is believed that he was born in 1474. The first major record of his existence was his involvement at the fight for Granada during the end of the reconquest/retaking of Moorish Spain. While not officially recorded, it is believed by many that he was part of the first Columbus expedition later that year. After this he would make several other expeditions to the new world, eventually becoming the governor of Puerto Rico several times. He also made several expeditions to the mainland of America, making two journeys to Florida. However, on these journeys he would eventually get into conflict with the local natives and would be mortally wounded after being shot. By the time he returned to Puerto Rick, he had already passed on.
Battle vs. Bartholomew Gosnold (by Lunathemoon123)[]
5 Englishmen moved briskly through the thick forests. 4 men moved by foot, 2 carrying simple firearms and 2 carrying simple polearms, with the man leading the party riding on the black of a mighty Stalion. The small band was scouting the local area for a reliable source of water, having only recently landed by ship. The man leading the group had been moving his men all morning, and had faith that water was nearby. Farther to the west, an opposing group of Spaniards were traveling. The 5 were on a similar search for water, with their own leader riding upon his own Stalion. Neither commander knew how close their water supplies were, and even less of an idea of how close the other was.
After a short time marching, the Englishmen could both hear and see the river. They approached, stopping on the flat and stony bank. "Men, take out your canteens and water-skins and take as much as you can" the commander said. "We will move out in 5 minutes and make our way back to the camp". The men then went to filling their bottles and water-skins, doing their best to get as much as they could. At that moment, a loud rustling through the tree line, as 5 Spaniards came fumbling through the tree line.
The 2 sides stood off, all of the men clutching at their weapons. "Hola Viajero" he called out to his English counter part. This was followed by a short pause, before the the English commander barked out a command. "Musketeers, FIRE!" he screamed. His soldiers took to the command, his two marksman taking aim with their musket. With a resounding bang, the English marksmen fired their guns. One ball struck one of the Spaniard Halberdeers through the through, and another flying overhead of another. "Fuego!" the Spanish commander said in response, with his own warriors taking aim and fire at the English. One bullet struck one of the English Musketeers between the Eyes, and another striking the English commanders horse. The beast cried out as it fell back, unhorsing its rider.
As the Englishman got to his feet, he could see the Spaniards beginning their charge across the creak. "Charge!" the English commander Barked, getting to his feet and drawing his back sword. The group of 4 began to wade their way into the middle of the creak, meeting in the middle with the their melee weapons prepared.
The sole Spaniard Halberdeer made the first move, lunging forwards and thrusting his longer weapon towards the surviving English Musketeers gut. The Attack landed, though it left him open to an attacks to his left. The blade of his enemies Bill came hurtling in, striking him across the face and nearly clefting his head in two. But as the Englishman worked to remove his weapon, the Spanish commander came riding by and with a powerful thrust struck him down. Filling in the hole in the line, the still living Englishman moved to the left and swung at the Spanish commander, though the blade failed to pierce the riding commanders breastplate. Taking Advantage of his distraction, one of the Musketeers lunged forwards with his sword and struck the remaining English Halberdeer through his through with his own sword.
The English commander, seeing this, lunged forwards and with a powerful slash removed the death of the Spaniard. The other Musketeer, drawing his own sword tried taking advantage of the opening. He raised his sword in an attempt to land a deadly blow, though he fumbled through the river and lost his chance. Meeting him fairly, the English commander took up his sword and rushed his enemy, clashing into him and running him through the middle. Straightening back, he only barely was able to deflect an incoming blow from his now alone mounted enemy. His enemy rode off ahead through the creak and quickly turned back around, going in for another charge.
The Englishman waited for the attack, and with a powerful movement blocked the attack and with his off hand grabbed the wrist of his foe. He then pulled the Spaniard from his horse and dropped him into the creak. But as he reconstituted himself, his foe was able to role away and get to his feet, sword still in hand. The two paused for a short moment before reengaging, the two closing in with blade at the ready. The Englishman took to the offensive, making several powerful but controlled saber swings, all of which were parried by his enemy. The Spaniard, seeing an opening in his foes defense's then lunged forwards. The blow landed, piercing the Englishman through his leg.
The Englishman screamed in pain, bringing up his sword pummel and then striking the Spaniard across the back of the head. The blow was stunning, causing the Spaniard to stagger back and drop his sword. Taking the initiative, the Englishman rushed in, tackling his foe into the creak. Now pinned and seeing his foe preparing for the final strike, the Spaniard grabbed around the area near him, getting his hand on a stone. He swung hard, sending the stone crashing into the Englishman's face. The Strike broke the Englishman's nose and knocked several teeth loose. Screaming in pain, the Englishman dropped his sword.
Taking his own initiative, the Spaniard then pushed the Englishman off of himself, and scrambled to his own sword. Taking up his own blade, the Spaniard turned back to his wounded foe who was still grabbing at his wounded face. He brought his blade to his foes throat and quietly said "Rendimento". The Englishman, defiant to the end, simply spat out a mouthful of broken teeth and blood out at the feet of his foe. Then, with a simple move, the Spaniard drew his swords blade across the throat of the Englishman, ending his foes life.
Drawing his sword again, the Spaniard moved back to his horse, getting on its back and beginning his ride back to his camp.
Expert's Opinion[]
While Bart was an impressive warrior in his own right, he was simply out of league in this fight. He didn't have the right weapons, armor, troops and experience to defeat Juan in the end, with the battle being a close but ultimately one sided conflict.