Up ahead, an old church appeared. Two steepled towers rose on either side of a small sanctuary with arched windows and a massive wooden door. Merrick nudged the stallion, anxious to pass by and flee the perilous city, when the door flew open and a small child darted out. "Ayudenos, por favor!" he shouted. The boy, with black hair flopping, could have been no more than six or seven years old. He rushed toward the horse, arms flailing, repeating the same phrase, "Ayudenos, por ...