Victoriano

The patriarch of the Arisapana family, Victoriano swells with pride when describing his role as Bridge Master. He smiles through broken teeth, stained by coca leaves, and tells the story of his ancestors using the bridge to escape from the Spanish conquistadors. His body bears the marks of rough living in a hard place, but he doesn’t begrudge the bridge the toll it’s taken on him. Victoriano knows the Apu, the mountain spirit of the bridge, watches over those who honor it, protects those who follow the traditions. He raised his children to pay tribute to the Q’eswachaka Apu, though his sons have long since followed the bright lights of possibility to the big city. But he clings to his belief that this land has a hold on them, and that no matter where they go, his children will return to him and to their bridge.