Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs

Tall, dark-eyed Campeón meets Solimar and admits that he is concerned about the expedition. The journey can be filled with unexpected hazards, and he is not good with animals. Solimar wishes they could send their goods down the Río Diablo, but the devil’s river, with its rapids and cave labyrinth, is too dangerous. Campeón swears Solimar to secrecy, then confides that he will not return to San Gregorio after the market. Campeón, bookish and thoughtful, feels trapped in his role as heir to the kingdom. He wants to travel the world and find his passion, instead of being king.

Campeón explained this to King Sebastián, but his father is set in tradition, and wants Campeón to succeed him. Campeón, however, has planned an escape. When the caravan reaches Puerto Rivera, Campeón will sneak away from camp, board a large ship, and work as a deckhand. Solimar is stunned. She argues for Campeón to stay. She says that as king, he will have power and be able to do what he wants, and that people expect him to rule. Campeón counters that Solimar was the one who played ruler in all their childhood games, not him.