Hernán Núñez was a slave trader and a rather well-connected one at that. Many nobles preferred to buy slaves from him, not just because he had a large variety, but also because his slaves were more reliable than those sold by other merchants.

Of course, Hernán wasn't the type of slave trader who enjoyed tormenting his slaves. He understood better than most that to sell his "merchandise" at a good price, he needed to maintain its quality. So, while others used starvation and whippings to "train" slaves, Hernán’s slaves—so long as they were obedient—wouldn't feel the lash. They could even eat a bowl of stew made from wild vegetables and...