The auctioneer, relieved not to have to return the goods, struck the hammer. Benedita was sold.
Joaquim climbed onto the platform, took the chain attached to his ankle and took it away. She followed him without speaking, her expression blank.
They walked three kilometers to the quinta. Joaquim was walking on his old bay horse. Benedita followed on foot, chained, her feet bleeding on the dirt road.
When they arrived, the sun was setting. The sky was tinged with orange and purple. Joaquim dismounted, tied him up, then led Benedita straight to the barn.
An unexpected proposal
The barn was a large wooden building where tools, coffee bags and a few animals were stored. Joaquim closed the door, lit an kerosene lamp, then sat down on a stool.
He observed Benedita for a long time before asking a simple question:
“You know how to read? “
She didn’t answer.
He tried again:
“You know how to fight? “
