Californios

9781413411362

1413411363

In the year 1767, Charles III of Spain's was suddenly challenged by the Russians, moving from Alaska into California. He is simultaneously threatened by the powerful Jesuit Order. Charles secretly banishes the Jesuits and commands the Franciscan padres to establish missions in California to secure its borders. From the ripples of the King's decrees, a century later begins the tale of the De Vargas family, the first of the Californios. Heir to Rancho Laguna, Alexander De Vargas, reluctantly arises from the chaos and corruption of Los Angeles, to challenge its authority. With America's sudden Declaration of War against Mexico in 1846, Alexander's loyalties are torn. Andreas Pico urges Alexander to join his fellow Californios Lancers to do battle against the American Army of the West, marching upon California. In intersecting lives, two orphaned Indians vainly attempt to assimilate into the world of the Anglos. Gregorio, son of the last Shaman, and Roberto, an overly confident neophyte translatorfor the Franciscans, join to rob, and survive as best they can in a new world of shifting politics and loyalties. All lives collide in 1846, at the Valley of San Pasquel, where the fate of Southern Californians will be decided.