Montezuma and Cortes by Paul Mc Mahon

Montezuma and Cortés is a historical fiction novel, whose subject matter concerns momentous events that took place in 16th century Mexico. It features many enigmatic characters, including Balam, the narrator, a man of mixed white and Native Indian blood. Balam relates the story of how his master enables Hernando Cortés to gather a crew, and how they all sail away from Cuba, landing in Mexico. Cortés and his fellow Spaniards, seeking gold, aim to move inland. But the King of the Mexica, Montezuma, as well as his tribe and others, stand in the way of Cortés and his band of ruthless followers. Balam’s personal challenge concerns his relationship with an Indian girl who is fatally tied to both Cortés and an Indian prince. Balam suffers the dilemma of whether to help the Indians or whether to play a part in bringing about their doom