I, um, had had it in mind to take Azeel and Rodrigo with me to South Carolina. But they may be helpful to the present venture, if…er…if Rodrigo is sufficiently recovered. Has he been ill? Worry creased the general's already-furrowed brow. I hear the yellow jack comes to the West Indies at this season, but I hadn't thought Jamaica was badly affected. No, not ill, exactly. He had the misfortune to run afoul of a houngan-a sort of, um, African wizard, I believe-and was turned into a zombie.
The general initially planned to take Azeel and Rodrigo to South Carolina but considers their potential usefulness for the current task, contingent on Rodrigo's recovery. This suggests some concern for Rodrigo's well-being, as the general inquires about his health. The mention of yellow fever in the West Indies highlights the danger of illness in that region, adding urgency to the general's worry.
However, it turns out that Rodrigo is not sick in the traditional sense; rather, he has been transformed into a zombie by a houngan, which introduces a fantastical element to the situation. This revelation not only explains Rodrigo's condition but also points to the unique challenges the characters face in this narrative, blending adventure with supernatural themes.
