Page 77 of Eternal Craving

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 brokencompass 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 Niña, 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 HolyTestament 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.