Westward Ho!

by Charles Kingsley

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Summary

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Amyas Leigh harbors a deep yearning for life at sea, yet keeps this desire to himself, mindful of his parents' opinion that he is too young for such an arduous life. However, meeting John Oxenham and Salvation Yeo, who are assembling a crew for a New World voyage in pursuit of Spanish treasure, reignites his dream. Though eager to join, Amyas is convinced by his parents and his godfather, Sir Richard Grenvile, to postpone his adventure. The following year, after his father's death due to fever, Amyas's brother Frank departs for Queen Elizabeth's court. Soon after, Sir Richard convinces Amyas's mother to permit the young Amyas to sail with Sir Francis Drake on the first English circumnavigation.

Returning Home a Changed Man

When Drake's voyage concludes, Amyas returns to Bideford in Devon, transformed from a boy to a robust young man. One face stands out in his memory: Rose Salterne, the mayor's daughter. She is adored and revered by many young men, including Amyas and his brother Frank, who returns from court. Their cousin Eustace Leigh, a Catholic, also loves Rose, yet he is largely distrusted due to suspected ties with Jesuit priests. Bitter with rejection, Eustace swears vengeance after Rose dismisses his affections. Meanwhile, the Brotherhood of the Rose, a circle of her admirers, pledges eternal friendship and protection for her, regardless of who wins her heart.

The Unexpected Encounter

Not long after Amyas's return, Salvation Yeo brings Amyas and Sir Richard a harrowing tale. Yeo recounts how his voyage with Oxenham ended disastrously when they fell prey to the Spanish Inquisition. Before their separation, Yeo had vowed to protect Oxenham’s child, born to a Spanish lady. Despite his efforts, the child was lost, and Yeo now implores Amyas to let him join his company, hoping to one day find the girl. Moved by Yeo's story, Amyas agrees to keep him by his side, and soon they set sail with Sir Walter Raleigh to fight Spaniards in Ireland.

Turmoil in Ireland

In Ireland, Raleigh's forces triumph over the Spaniards, and Amyas takes Don Guzman de Soto, a Spanish nobleman, hostage. Back in Bideford, Don Guzman charms Rose, and following his ransom and departure, Rose vanishes with Lucy the witch. This news devastates her father and the Brotherhood of the Rose, prompting them to vow to sail for La Guayra in Caracas, determined to find and rescue her.

The Venture to La Guayra

The journey to La Guayra is fraught with skirmishes against the Spaniards, but Amyas and Frank manage to land with a small group to search for Rose. They discover that Eustace, having reached there first, warned Don Guzman of their arrival. Overhearing Rose declare her happiness with Don Guzman, and Eustace's threats of betrayal, Amyas and Frank confront him. Although Eustace escapes, he is never seen again. As Rose retreats into the fort, Frank is captured, and Amyas, knocked unconscious, is carried back to their ship by his men.

Search for El Dorado

After their ship is damaged, Amyas and his men abandon it and trek toward the legendary city of Manoa. The journey is perilous, with treacherous mountains and hostile natives, yet no El Dorado awaits them. An indigenous priestess named Ayacanora, drawn to Amyas, accompanies them, her appearance surprisingly European despite her tribal origins.

An Unexpected Revelation

Years later, the group reaches the New Granada coast, where they seize a Spanish galleon. Among the prisoners they free is Lucy, who reveals the tragic fate of Rose and Frank. Eustace, before vanishing, had informed the Inquisition about Rose's Protestant faith, leading to the brutal torture and...

(This entire section contains 850 words.)

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execution of both Rose and Frank. Stricken with grief and rage, Amyas vows vengeance. Two Spanish dignitaries involved in the executions are immediately hanged by Amyas, driven by his sorrow.

Return to Devon

Once back in Devon, Amyas and Ayacanora are welcomed by his mother. Yeo, realizing Ayacanora is Oxenham’s lost daughter, embraces a paternal role. While Amyas treats Ayacanora as a sister, she desires more, her unhappiness palpable.

Facing the Spanish Armada

Preparations begin for Amyas to accompany Drake to Virginia, yet the arrival of the Spanish Armada diverts his plans. Amyas and his ship join the English fleet in the famed battle, culminating in the Armada's devastating defeat. Despite the victory, Amyas's thirst for revenge remains unquenched as Don Guzman escapes destruction in a storm. Amyas's frustration is compounded when lightning blinds him and kills Yeo, during the storm's fury.

A Vision of Reconciliation

Initially despairing over his blindness, Amyas experiences a transformative vision. He sees Rose and Don Guzman, recognizing the Spaniard's genuine love and mourning for her. In this vision, he and Don Guzman reconcile, confessing their wrongdoings and seeking mutual forgiveness. With this revelation, Amyas finds inner peace.

The Final Chapter

Back home, Amyas is cared for by his mother and Ayacanora, whose love for him becomes clear. Grateful for her devotion, Amyas finally opens his heart to her. In Bideford, the blind hero spends his remaining days, reminiscing about past adventures and dreaming of his country's future glory under his beloved queen.

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