The Jaguar Drum A Mayan Boy and the Spanish Entrada

Manik Balam is selected to be a Jaguar Drummer in temple ceremonies. After four years, he is ready for his first ceremony. The Spanish conquest of the Maya comes to Manik's village. Manik and other survivors of the attack are taken captive. They walk north to Lamanai and have to work for the Spanish. Many die of old age and smallpox along the way. Manik and several other former temple musicians receive Spanish instruments and are taught to play. Manik is given a guitar and becomes a talented player. Manik's friend Yaxkin plays the flute, and Nicte, a young Mayan woman, sings like a melodious blackbird. Several other musicians die of smallpox, and Nicte nearly dies. A Spanish soldier, Alonzo, offers Manik, Yaxkin, and Nicte a chance to go to Spain and play for King Felipe and Queen Isabella. They take an adventure-filled and dangerous ocean journey, play for the king and queen, become successful musicians and shop owners, and raise families in Sevilla.