On his 16th birthday, Manik Balam, Deer Jaguar, was selected to be a Jaguar Drummer in temple ceremonies. After four years, he was ready for his first ceremony. The Spanish conquest of the Maya came to Manik’s village, Chan Chich. Manik and other survivors of the attack were taken captive. They were walked north to Lamanai and were enslaved by the Spanish. Many of the captives died of smallpox and old age along the way. Manik and several other young temple musicians were given Spanish instruments and taught to play them. Manik was given a guitar and became a talented player. Manik’s friend Yaxkin played the flute, and Nicte, a young Mayan woman, sang like a melodious blackbird. Several other musicians died of smallpox, and Nicte nearly died. A Spanish soldier, Alonzo, offered Manik, Yaxkin, and Nicte a chance to go to Spain and play for King Felipe and Queen Isabella. They embarked on an adventure-filled, dangerous ocean journey, played for the king and queen, became successful café musicians, started their own business, and raised families in Sevilla.