Cristóbal Colón

Santa Fe is a small village located west of the Alhambra Palace. Mid-January 1492. At this location now stands a camp constructed for the recapture of Granada. The remnants of still-unabated excitement have settled in every corner of the streets. The victorious soldiers busily walk about, sparing no effort in arrangements for the formal surrender of the palace. Both sovereigns, Isabella and Ferdinand, are also busy commanding from this camp. Even amid such circumstances, the two sovereigns do not neglect Santángel's request for an audience.

Now Santángel has come to the sovereigns' office—a temporary palace built in the center of the village—and kneels before the two. Standing beside him is Cristóbal Colón. Santángel chooses his words with utmost care and begins solemnly.

"Catholic Sovereigns, I congratulate you once again on the recapture of Granada. This great achievement of ending this conflict that has disturbed this land for hundreds of years without shedding a single drop of blood is truly a blessing from God. Both sovereigns, blessed by the Creator, Almighty God, have accomplished this great feat under God's command."

Ferdinand II responds to this.

"Don Santángel, the bloodless surrender this time owed much to you. Looking back now, everything from my marriage vows with my wife Isabella must have been God's will. Your great contribution enabled us to integrate the finances of both kingdoms and strengthen our preparations for the recapture of Granada. Seeing the establishment of our united kingdom, Boabdil realized that resistance would be meaningless bloodshed. Together with Isabella, let us give thanks to God who sent you before us."

Santángel responds in return.

"Your Majesty, those words are an honor. Looking back, it has been more than thirty years now. When I had an audience with your father and yourself in Valencia, I had an intuition. This father and son are the ones to whom I should dedicate my entire life in service. There is no other king who, blessed by God, will bring peace to the people and prosperity to the nation. Since that day, I have never doubted that such a day would come. All of this is God's will. Your father must surely be rejoicing as well.

And the great Catholic Queen, Isabella. Your merciful words to the Moorish king spoken in the palace—this Santángel shall never forget them in his lifetime. Seeing your figure bestowing that unconditional love even upon infidels, I clearly carved into my heart at that moment the reason the Creator sent the Queen to this world."

Having spoken in one breath, Santángel pauses here. Colón, standing beside him, remains motionless, standing without even stirring. His own fate will be decided within the next moment. Colón's intuition whispers this to him.

Isabella opens her mouth.

"Santángel, together with my husband Ferdinand, let me express our gratitude to you once again. Our marriage and this recapture of Granada—neither could have been accomplished without your efforts. You too were sent to us by guidance from the Creator. We wish to reward your great contribution as much as possible. That is why we are here now. And the man standing beside you—that is the Genoese sailor from before, is it not? This means we are to hear that story again. That matter should have been settled already."

Isabella sends her gaze to Santángel with a slightly mischievous smile. Hearing this exchange, Colón is again convinced of how much trust the Queen places in Santángel. The rope I grasped was indeed correct. Now I need only pull it in with desperate determination. Colón murmurs this in his heart. Beside him, Santángel quietly continues his words.

"Your Majesty, embarrassingly, you speak truly. Today I have shamelessly brought this man before you once again. It must have been more than five years ago when this man and I first had an audience with both sovereigns. Even then, despite his extraordinary plan, both sovereigns graciously granted this man a pension, allowed him to remain in this land, and permitted him to explore the possibilities of his voyage. We shall never forget that benevolence. And at the end of last year, when this man's proposal was rejected by the advisory committee appointed by both sovereigns—we are fully aware of this as well. Nevertheless, we appear before you again today so presumptuously, and we simply express our gratitude for your generous audience."

"Very well. So you still cannot give up, can you? Are all sailors this persistent in their refusal to give up? Or is it that you, Don Cristóbal Colón, are special?"

Isabella looks at Colón for the first time. Colón opens his eyes so wide they seem ready to burst from his skull and meets Isabella's gaze directly. However, what such behavior conveys is not passion or sincerity—it is strangeness, suspicion, and rudeness. Colón does not understand such things. Beside him, anxiety immediately colors Santángel's face. What words should he string together? However, before he can pursue such thoughts, Colón begins to speak—like a goose that, once it starts honking, cannot stop.

"Your Majesty, indeed I am a man who refuses to give up. Please forgive this rudeness. However, I too have come to this place again, guided by the Creator. I saw with these very eyes the Moorish king kiss the Queen's hand and both sovereigns' flags flutter from the walls of the Alhambra. When the pitiful infidels indulging in false religion were driven from this holy land granted by God to both sovereigns, and you revealed yourselves as true Christians, I became convinced that God's will dwelt in both sovereigns as the Holy Spirit, commanding you to rule this world.

With the recapture of Granada, this Iberian Peninsula will become the center of an unspoiled world as Christ's holy land. But Your Majesty, in this world created by God, there must surely still be undeveloped countries. As I have already explained, if we proceed westward across Your Majesty's sea, there will surely be unknown countries that neither Portugal, nor France, nor anyone knows. There, pitiful souls still indulging in idol worship must surely be wandering in darkness, seeking salvation. Under the will of the Creator God, to give those people the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to remove their impurities, destroy their idols, and grant light to the infidels—this is something only both sovereigns can accomplish. For that mission, I would gladly offer this body of mine. Please grant permission for the westward voyage."

Isabella listens without changing her expression. Deep in her eyes dwells an inerasable mass of distrust regarding this man's true nature.

"That further increased determination is admirable. Indeed, we must guide this world under correct teachings. However, there is something that you, appearing here again today, must first accomplish. You must explain with clear refutation and solid grounds your response to the conclusion of Talavera's advisory committee. That committee rejected your voyage proposal after rigorous examination. If your mission has received the Lord's will, you should first fulfill your own responsibility to clear those doubts."

"Your Majesty, regarding that matter..."

Santángel interrupts Colón's words.

"Your Majesty, regarding that matter, might I first be permitted to explain? I myself have again discussed with astronomers, geographers, mapmakers, and navigators, and have come to conviction about the possibility of this voyage. I particularly focused on and reexamined the correspondence this man Colón exchanged with a foreign astronomer named Behaim. This astronomer is now working on creating a spherical map."

"Martin Behaim? I hear he is a renowned scholar. Continue."

Isabella prompts.

"I submit to you: Behaim's celestial observations and the conclusions drawn from them reinforce Toscanelli's theory. His analysis is meticulous. That this world created by the Lord is spherical in form—there can be no doubt about this now. Therefore, if one sails westward across Your Majesty's sea and continues, one could eventually circle around and return to this very place. And no one has ever proceeded westward with such an understanding. It is reasonable to think there are yet-unseen unknown lands ahead."

"Indeed. That the Lord created this world in the shape of a sphere—there is no one I trust who denies this anymore. I do not deny it either. I should have conveyed this before. The problem is the time and distance required to reach there. That was Talavera and the others' point, was it not?"

"Quite right. They pointed out that Colón's estimate was too low. Indeed, reaching India or unknown lands in just over two months would be far too optimistic. Regarding this distance, Redemptionist Priest Talavera stated his view that it would take at least double Colón's estimated distance and time. However, this is an unknown route. Ultimately, only the Creator knows the truth."

"Hmm. So what do you propose?"

"Twelve months. In other words, with provisions sufficient for six months each way, I believe Colón can certainly reach land. This is triple the original estimate—close to the distance estimated by Talavera's advisory committee. With good-quality caravels and provisions capable of enduring such a voyage, this expedition will succeed."

Ferdinand II asks.

"Caravels, you say. Indeed, those are the crystallization of our technology. However, they cannot be built immediately. How do you propose to arrange for them? While we have indeed taken Granada, governing it will still require much money. Two or perhaps three caravels capable of enduring a great voyage—this is not money we can readily spend on something that will likely vanish beneath the waves. You know this better than anyone."

To Ferdinand II's question, Santángel presents his carefully prepared response.

"As I previously reported, two ships that violated both sovereigns' laws by engaging in smuggling have been seized and detained at Palos harbor. These ships are currently under the Queen's control. I would like to request permission to use these ships for the voyage. And could you not permit the people of Palos to have their cases dismissed in exchange for cooperating with this voyage, including cargo handling? If so, the people of Palos will cooperate with this voyage."

Ferdinand II hesitates briefly, then nods slightly in response.

"Indeed, the people of Palos will obey our commands. Well thought out. Using those ships would eliminate the need for new construction. Your resourcefulness continues to amaze us."

Isabella, listening beside him, also nods slightly at Ferdinand's words. Ferdinand continues further.

"We have always been helped by your wisdom. And now you seem prepared to pour that great wisdom unstintingly into this Colón's plan. Is this Colón here such a man as to merit that?"

Isabella restrains Santángel, who is about to respond to this question.

"That is something I too am concerned about. However, let us ask Colón directly. We understand your arguments about distance and ships. Now then, what do you think about the other matter Talavera was concerned about—the Treaty of Alcáçovas? Depending on circumstances, we could go to war with Portugal. Would you plunge us, who have finally gained peace, back into the chaos of war?"

To this, Santángel responds to the Queen with a voice full of confidence.

"Your Majesty, regarding this, I, Santángel, answer with complete conviction. It is the way of the world that whoever sails out first and arrives first can claim sovereignty over that land. The Lord will surely place that land on this side of Your Majesty's sea—that is, the Alcáçovas line—and await its arrival. However, even if, by God's mischief, the yet-unseen land were positioned on the far side of the line, it should belong to whoever reaches it first.

What I can say with conviction is this: if this Colón were to sail west under the name of Portugal's or France's king and discover a new world in Your Majesty's sea, they would certainly justify its sovereignty, defend it with arms, and make it their territory. To prevent such a thing from happening, Your Majesty should send this Colón west ahead of anyone else."

Isabella still asks with an unconvinced expression.

"I understand what you are saying. But must it be right now? Making Granada's governance perfect should be the urgent priority. Starting a new war with Portugal now must not happen."

Santángel takes a breath and responds calmly.

"You are quite right. However, the country that first extends its hand to this man and reaches the new world will inevitably incur jealousy and envy from other countries, and intense conflict will be unavoidable. After it becomes clear that there is a new world to the west, what will occur will no longer be a territorial dispute over the Iberian Peninsula. It will become a struggle for the new world. This is a new kind of warfare. Whoever arrives first will gain everything.

If Portugal or France gains the upper hand, both sovereigns will be left far behind in this new warfare. What we should fear is indeed Portugal. They are already establishing a route around the southern tip of Africa connecting to India. If the unknown western route were also stolen, it would inevitably have a tremendous impact on both sovereigns' prestige."

Isabella's expression suddenly stiffens, her eyes wandering in space for a moment. She chews over the meaning of Santángel's words for a while, then returns her gaze to Santángel. After a brief pause, she responds.

"Indeed, Portugal has already reached the southern tip of Africa. That is why we cannot cross the Canary Islands line. That is the agreement of the Treaty of Alcáçovas. While we were struggling with Granada, we were outmaneuvered. Portugal's maritime national strategy, advocated by the adventure-mad Henry decades ago, is now, unbelievably, bearing fruit. If we stand idle, we may indeed lose our future."

Having said this much, Isabella softens her expression slightly and continues.

"However, when I speak with you, I am often struck by very strange thoughts. Those insights of yours, as if you had seen the future. If it were another's words, I would dismiss them with laughter. But your prophetic words have all later become reality. That is why we are now here, setting up a victory camp in Santa Fe. Your insights are worthy of belief. Such power as yours to discern the laws of causation working among invisible things is probably not possessed by the likes of Talavera or Torquemada."

"Wise Your Majesty, God has granted you that clear thinking and keen insight. Only under both sovereigns' generous protection can I shine."

"You and we are one in heart and mind. We too are pleased by those words of yours."

Isabella exchanges glances with Ferdinand, confirming that this represents their mutual will. Immediately afterward, Isabella's expression again becomes tense as she looks directly at Colón and asks.

"I understand the responses to the advisory committee's concerns. Now, let me ask about what I find most unpalatable. Regarding this, Colón, I want to hear your words directly."

The quiet fighting spirit emanating from Isabella causes the air in the tent to suddenly become tense. From here on, all I can do is pray, Santángel murmurs in his heart. And Isabella slowly begins to speak. Her voice is sharp and utterly cold.

"Don Cristóbal Colón, should your grand and ambitious plan succeed, I do not doubt your contribution to our kingdom or your loyalty to us. However, regarding the compensation you seek for this voyage, I cannot understand it. That draft contract you presented—reading through such greedy demands becomes ridiculous. You demand to become governor of discovered lands and style yourself viceroy. That position should be inherited by your descendants forever. Give you one-tenth of discovered wealth. When disputes arise in the new world, make you the judge with the right to rule. There were other demands as well, but I no longer remember them."

Having spoken this far in one breath, Isabella shifts her position slightly and stares at Colón.

"You speak of guiding pitiful souls who indulge in false religion in undeveloped lands under the Creator's will. That noble aspiration and those demands steeped in greed—explain the great contradiction lying between them so that we may understand."

Colón's heart, receiving Isabella's words with his eyes cast down to the floor, pounds harder than ever in his life. That heartbeat seems ready to reach even Santángel standing beside him. His mouth is as dry as hemp cloth that has been sun-dried for days, his tongue stuck to his palate and unable to move. Peeling it away roughly in his mouth, Colón steels himself and begins to speak.

"Your Majesty, I shall speak honestly. In truth, I am departing for a journey of death. This is not a metaphor. As Your Majesty knows, voyages are always accompanied by death. Just recently, a friend of mine died. It was during a voyage of only a few leagues on a route he had traveled for decades. The wind was slightly stronger than usual, and the tides slightly stranger than usual. That was all it took."

Having spoken this far, Colón glances briefly at Santángel before continuing.

"The Creator has not yet granted us sufficient wisdom or technology to guarantee life on the seas. Nevertheless, what I am challenging is an unknown route. If attempted ten times, nine times I would vanish beneath the waves. However, if this voyage should succeed, the blessings it would bring to both sovereigns and their subjects would be immeasurable.

Indeed, I have requested that upon discovering undeveloped lands and countries, I be allowed to serve as Your Majesty's faithful servant as viceroy, governing those lands. This is because I believe that whoever first reaches those lands will best understand them and be able to fulfill that responsibility.

And what I wish to convey to you once more from my heart is that the primary purpose of this voyage is not so much the discovery of undeveloped lands as the pioneering of a westward route itself. Needless to say, currently the most reliable route to India or the Spice Islands beyond is the Mediterranean route and overland routes. Proceeding east via the Mediterranean, crossing great rivers and continuing further, one eventually reaches India and the treasure islands.

But Your Majesty, as you know, all these routes remain under Moorish control. Though Granada has fallen, the vast Moorish mainland spreading to the east remains completely unmoved. Precious spices, Oriental textiles, artifacts, rarities—by the time all these reach us, enormous handling fees have been added, making their prices astronomical. This has drained our nation's wealth, tormented our subjects, and caused great damage to both sovereigns."

Having rattled this off in one breath, Colón quietly observes both sovereigns' reactions. Sensing with animal instinct some responsiveness in their expressions, Colón continues without pause.

"If a sea route that allows direct trade without going through the Moors or France became ours, both sovereigns' wealth and power would eventually grow to threaten all Moorish lands. At that time, if by God's grace this Colón should discover even one of the small undeveloped islands, I would like to receive just a modest token of honor. With that small hope, I can sail forth on this journey of death."

Ferdinand II, who had been listening beside Isabella, slowly opens his mouth. His words are clearly tinged with anger.

"Colón, I understand your argument once again. However, I am not convinced. It is the Lord, the Creator God, who decides where our fragile lives will go. If your journey is holy and accords with Jesus's heart, the Lord will surely guide you to new lands. Yet you speak of the Lord's mission while making demands with that same mouth that are lumps of greed—exactly what Jesus most abhorred. If you harbor even the slightest wicked thoughts, the Lord will never show you anything, and you will vanish beneath the waves. Can you swear before the Lord in our presence that your aspirations for the westward voyage are pure!"

The air in the room freezes to its limit. The sound of carriage wheels outside cutting through ruts, the irritating clatter of soldiers' swords against armor—none of this reaches those present in the room. The quiet anger of both sovereigns dominates everything. However, Colón pays no attention to such things. Or rather, it might be more accurate to say he simply does not possess the disposition to pay attention to such things. After a breath, Colón wrings out the words he has refined for this day.

"Your Highness, I swear that my aspirations for this voyage are not wicked. If I receive just one-tenth of discovered treasure and one-eighth of profits, all the rest shall belong to both sovereigns. With such wealth, Your Majesty could surely organize our Crusade and even make possible the recapture of the Holy Land Jerusalem. Would that not accord with God's true will? This Colón, by that sublime divine mission, will surely..."

Just as Colón reaches this point, Isabella's rage finally explodes.

"Silence! I judge that there is indeed falsehood in your words. Do you think we would be thrilled by lining up such pleasant-sounding fine phrases as 'Crusade' and 'recapture of Jerusalem'? Even putting a final end to the centuries-old struggle with the Moors required this much time and effort. Without Boabdil's decision, we would still be shedding blood in battle. Your shallow words are unpleasant. The Creator will never show you new lands. Leave before you vanish beneath the waves. All discussion ends here and now!"

"I apologize, Your Majesty! However..."

Santángel interrupts Colón, who still tries to cling to hope. Having served so long, he understands. The Queen's anger comes from the heart. It is not the kind meant to test Colón.

"Lord Colón, both sovereigns will not hear any more of your words here. Withdraw!"

Santángel restrains with his eyes Colón, who still tries to say something. Colón, touched by the power dwelling in the depths of those eyes, realizes resistance is meaningless. He then left the tent together with Santángel. Isabella, remaining alone, continued to stand there gazing into space until her anger subsided, simply staring into the void.