Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
A full moon hung low on this balmy August night, hauntingly illuminating the sky.
Alone, I lingered on the Palos boardwalk, staring up at the largest ship docked in the harbor, the Santa Maria. A few sailors scurried about, making their way back to their ships.
Last night had been fraught with emotion; it had been difficult to pull myself away from Jacob. Later, I’d described my evening to Sunaria.
She’d listened quietly and then gave me a stern glare. “You’ll turn no one.”
I had to wonder how it was even done. When I felt Sunaria staring at me, I turned my thoughts to the task at hand.
Safe in the shadows, blending in with the other tourists, I considered the famous ship. The Crown had paid for the Santa Maria’s refurbishment, ensuring an extraordinary, custom-made one hundred foot long, seaworthy vessel. The sails were undergoing last-minute adjustments.
Under the command of its captain, Christopher Columbus, the Santa Maria would undertake the expedition to locate new territory.
Columbus had been sanctioned by the Crown, sponsored by Isabella I, Queen of Castile.
He would become viceroy of all the territories he located.
The land would be taken in the name of Spain, by the queen’s trusted courtier, her finest diplomat.
The Santa Maria, scheduled to set sail later that night, would be escorted by the Pinta and the Nina, the two smaller caravels commanded by the Pinzon brothers, Alonzo and Vincent Yanez, both reputed to be successful fishermen, and master navigators. The two boats floated close to the Santa Maria.
As though appearing from nowhere, Sunaria showed up at my side, having just fed. My hunger would not be sated. I wanted to stay sharp.
Her gaze fell on the small rowboat that bobbed close to the ships.
The two sailors aboard gestured to the crew of the Pinta.
Within minutes, they’d loaded a good supply of ale and rum aboard.
The sailors then steered their boat toward the Santa Maria.
Eager sailors leaned over the balustrades, calling out for their free booty.
The boat made its last delivery to the Nina.
I glanced at Sunaria. “A gift from you?”
She gave me a sly smile.
Twenty young girls, the prettiest harlots, gathered near the pier and then dispersed, a few to each vessel.
“That’s what you meant by a distraction?” I asked her.
She nodded.
On all three, the girls were met by gleeful soldiers with open arms.
I smiled. “Nice.”
Two hours later, I boarded the Santa Maria.
Columbus dined on land having his last fresh meal, unaware that his sailors were having their own raucous celebration.
With the utmost stealth, I made my way unseen to his stateroom. Columbus kept an organized office. A broken compass lay on the navigational table, along with several rolled-up maps. The compass had sentimental value, no doubt.
Whispers carried into Columbus’ private quarters.
From his officers’ conversations, I picked up that they trusted his navigation, though from the crew below deck came grumblings of their master’s stubbornness.
He’d gotten them lost on several occasions.
Last minute jitters, perhaps, before setting out to prove that the world was indeed round.
The fact that they may also arrive in hostile lands had them rattled.
If they set eyes on the broken compass, they’d probably leave the ship.
He had extensive maps of islands in the Bahamas, their stiffness revealing their newness. Despite my fascination, I pulled myself away, folding them up and placing them back in their original positions.
All accept one.
Columbus’ working compass rested on a side table next to his bunk. Beside it lay a small collection of Bibles. I peeked inside the most ornate one and read, “Godspeed.” His Majesty King Ferdinand had signed and dated it, August 1492.
Remembering Sunaria’s warning of how religious artifacts could affect us, I dropped it back onto the table.
Checking that the way was clear, I headed out.
Unbearable heat in the ship’s galley and a lingering odor of sweat, salt, and something indeterminable, made me gag.
I wondered how the sailors could stand both that and the cramped conditions.
There, in the corner, was the chain that secured the anchor.
After half an hour, I’d made a fine incision, invisible to the human eye.
Voices alerted me to someone heading in my direction. A young sailor had invited one of the harlots down into the galley. I waited until they were in the throes of passion and then slid away, unseen and unheard, having completed my mission.
Once onboard the Nina, a boat even rowdier than the Santa Maria, despite being the smallest of the three vessels, I hid for a moment in the shadows.
With the pathway clear, I climbed to the top sail and withdrew my knife.
Within minutes, I had cut a third of the way through the mast. I had no time to admire my handiwork, which would not be noticed in its lofty location.
With that accomplished, I returned to The Captain’s Table Inn where Sunaria awaited me. I joined her in the corner, taking the seat opposite. I reached for her hand, but she pulled away. She was, after all, still dressed as a man. My gesture had gone unnoticed.
“It’s done,” I said.
“You have the map?”
I nodded.
She gave me a long look with those almond eyes, her expression softening, and then she smiled, shaking her head.
“What?” I tried to read her.
Her smile faded. “He’s here.”
I turned in my chair to see Felipe in the doorway, and I rose and disappeared into the horde of rowdy sailors. Leaning on the bar near the door, I had a good view.
Haunted by memories of what Felipe had done, I tried to calm my rage, all the while trying to blend in. When a sailor bumped my arm, I pretended I hadn’t noticed.
Felipe took the chair opposite Sunaria.
“You’re late. We don’t have much time.” She gestured for two ales.
Felipe pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.
She sighed in frustration. “Try not to look out of place. I need you to focus.”
Felipe pursed his lips, annoyed.
“As you’re aware,” Sunaria said, her voice low, “Columbus has been commissioned to administer the teachings of the Holy Testament when he discovers new lands. He’s permitted to claim any country he encounters.”
Felipe cleared his throat. “He’s been granted one tenth of all precious metals that he finds.”
“His part of the bargain. But Columbus has other intentions.”
Felipe took a gulp from his ale. “Such as?” He wiped away the moustache of froth.
She frowned. “When he finds land, he intends to not only claim it but rule it.”
“Are you sure? He has no intentions of spreading Christianity?”
She leaned back and folded her arms. “He’s a heretic.”
“Then he must be stopped.”
“We’re of the same mind.” Sunaria feigned taking a sip of ale.
“And the king wants me to prevent the ship from leaving?”
“Not exactly.”
He looked astonished. “The ship is to still set sail?”
“It is.”
“You’re not suggesting that…?”
Sunaria pushed her cup to the side. “The king’s orders are clear. You’re to board the Nina.”
“But—”
“Spy on Columbus.”
“There must be someone more qualified.”
She dismissed his reply with a gesture. “The king trusts you.”
“I have duties to attend to back in Vigo.”
Sunaria tilted her head.
Felipe squirmed. “But I’ve never sailed before.”
“I must report back to His Majesty.”
Felipe wiped his brow again.
“I understand that what is being asked of you is difficult,” Sunaria said.
“I’ll commission one of my men.”
“His Majesty wants you and no one else. Vicente Pinzón, Captain of the Nina, will welcome you. The ship sets sail in an hour.”
“What shall I tell Pinzón?”
“That you’re on board for the king’s business. Hand him this.” Sunaria gave him the forged document. “It’s a royal warrant permitting you to board.”
Beads of perspiration spotted Felipe’s upper lip.
Sunaria glanced around and then locked gazes with him. “The king and queen requested proof that I’ve accomplished my mission – proof of your loyalty.”
“I’m their obedient servant.”
“As I am yours, Senator.” Sunaria pulled out a blank parchment and laid it on the table.
“What’s that for?”
“Evidence is required.” Sunaria leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Dissent is everywhere.” She reached under the table. “For your journey, from His Majesty.”
Felipe glanced at the bundle she offered and hesitated.
“Take it.” She gave a thin smile of reassurance.
He accepted the parcel of doubloons and shoved it into his coat pocket.
“No expense has been spared,” she said. “You may use it for bribes, or for whatever you may need. Your safety is the king’s priority.” She offered him a feathered pen and then slid a small pot of ink across the table.
Felipe stared at the paper. “I’m not going.” He leaned back. “I’m not qualified.”
“Per contra, you speak Spanish, French, and, more importantly, Italian – the language of the crew. And you have the king’s favor. He trusts you.”
“I need to speak with His Majesty.”
“Turn around.”
Felipe followed Sunaria’s gaze, which fell upon an unsuspecting, well-dressed businessman sipping his ale at the bar.
“He’s here to ensure I do my bit, and you do yours,” she said.
The man frowned, uncomfortable with Felipe’s critical stare.
Felipe spun round to face Sunaria again. “What will happen if I don’t get on that ship?”
“I’m not willing to put that to the test. Are you?” She slid the parchment closer to him. “In your note to His Highness, clarity is important.”
Felipe glanced at the blank piece of paper.
“You’ll need this as well.” Sunaria offered him a velvet wrapped object.
Felipe eyed it suspiciously.
“For your protection.” Her voice was low, somber.
He peeled back a corner of the material and gawped at the tip of the small knife.
Within the hour, Sunaria and I were lingering in the shadowy doorway of an inn that had long closed.
A fresh sea breeze blew across the dock.
“Having friends ensconced at the royal palace pays off,” Sunaria said.