Isaac Abravanel

February 1492. Several weeks after Columbus's audience with the Catholic Monarchs. Santángel still remains in Santa Fe. This place can now be more accurately described not as a military camp, but as a temporarily established political center. The Catholic Monarchs still reside in Santa Fe, commanding operations to secure the fruits of the conquest of Granada. All important matters are decided daily here in Santa Fe.

Columbus, whose dreams in Spain have been shattered, has not yet given up. He is preparing to depart for France, relying on his brother to stake everything on a thread of hope. However, Santángel too had not given up. Not only because Columbus's plan could bring enormous profits to the Catholic Monarchs. If Portugal or France were to accept Columbus's proposal and obtain the western route, the Catholic Monarchs' prestige would never resound throughout the world. For Santángel, who had sworn to devote his life serving the Catholic Monarchs, this would also mean his own defeat. There is still possibility. Santángel believes this as well.

Yet still, his heart weighs heavy as lead. Why? A terrifying situation that would degrade his own soul to darkness is now about to unfold simultaneously. At the height of the Granada reconquest, this had already crossed his mind.

Tomás de Torquemada. That man who considers himself the faithful executor of the Creator's judgment—might he not be trying to initiate some significant action, taking advantage of this moment of historical transformation? He cannot shake this ominous premonition. And at that moment, a man bursts into a room in the small building where Santángel conducts his duties, his face filled with extraordinary urgency. Seeing the man's completely distraught expression, Santángel realizes his unfortunate premonition has come true.

"Don Isaac Abravanel. What has happened?"

The person Santángel addresses is his ally. Abravanel is also a Sephardi serving as the king's treasurer, and played a central role in fundraising for the war expenses in the reconquest of Granada. Abravanel had lent the enormous fortune he had built through business to the royal house as war funds. In terms of direct contributions to the conquest of Granada, even Santángel might not match this man. And there is one other point where this man differs from Santángel. His faith. Despite the extremely difficult situation of the Sephardi in the Iberian Peninsula, Abravanel has not abandoned his Jewish faith and does not hide that he is Jewish.

"Don Luis Santángel. This is not good. A very bad situation. It appears Torquemada has finally advised the Catholic Monarchs to expel the Jews. The content is harsh. All Jews must be expelled from the country by July. If they wish to remain in the country, they must immediately convert to Christianity."

Abravanel's voice trembles with fear, and at this shocking content, Santángel's heart also shudders violently.

"That's absurd! There are more than 200,000 Jews in the Catholic Monarchs' territories. It would be impossible to expel them all within six months. If such a foolish thing were done, what kind of ruin would it bring? The Catholic Monarchs could never accept such a proposal!"

Santángel was also severely agitated. To a degree that seemed unprecedented for this composed man to be so disturbed. Of course, it was predictable that Torquemada would take some action, riding on the elation of the Granada reconquest. However, the content far exceeded Santángel's imagination in its severity.

"I too do not want to believe it. But I have read with my own eyes the draft of the expulsion decree that Torquemada composed. There is no mistake. That man is now completely possessed by his own delusion of purifying the Catholic Monarchs' land by eliminating all heretics."

Abravanel's words contained indescribable anger and fear toward Torquemada's decision.

"Don Abravanel. I am prepared to do everything I can. I must have an audience with the Catholic Monarchs as soon as possible and persuade them of how foolish this expulsion decree is and how it will harm the Catholic Monarchs."

"No. That won't work. Don Luis. You have gained the deep trust of the Catholic Monarchs even after being known as a Converso. If you support me, still a Jew, and oppose this expulsion decree, you will put your position in decisive danger."

"I understand that. However, I have never forgotten for even a single day that the blood of Sephardi inherited from ancient times flows in this body. I must take action."

"Don Luis. Your feelings please me. But no. I am destined to be dismissed from my position and become a wandering people again. I will not convert. Therefore, I will simply leave. But you are different. You will surely become a victim of the Inquisition. This country still needs you. Those who remain, those who leave—each has their destiny."

(I will not convert.)

Abravanel's words pierce deeply into Santángel's heart. A long silence falls between the two men. The Sephardi have been in this land for over a thousand years. The thin thread that has been woven over this long period is now about to be severed. At the sheer speed of history's wheels that have suddenly begun to turn, even these two men blessed with natural talent are momentarily stunned.

"Don Abravanel. However, I..."

Abravanel interrupts Santángel as he begins to speak.

"Don Luis. There is something I wish to ask of you. That is what I came here to convey. I want you to realize Columbus's voyage by any means necessary."

At Abravanel's sudden words, Santángel is somewhat bewildered. However, his intelligent mind immediately understands the meaning of those words.

"Indeed. Columbus's voyage may come to hold a different meaning for us. If we cannot get this expulsion decree revoked, more than 200,000 Jewish people will become wandering peoples. Everywhere they go will be dangerous. South. North. East. However, if there is a new land beyond the western sea, perhaps some may carve out a new destiny there."

"Don Luis. Exactly. Of course, if that man disappears as foam on the sea, that will be the end of it. However, if there is even a thread of hope there, we must take the challenge. I will strive until the very last moment to stop Torquemada's madness. Santángel. I beg you. Please somehow realize Columbus's voyage. We cannot let what has continued end here. The war debt for the Granada reconquest that I lent to the royal house—I am willing to abandon this claim. I want that amount redirected to Columbus's voyage. I leave all arrangements entirely to your discretion."

Santángel responds.

"Don Abravanel. I understand. The handling of your debt claim. The realization of Columbus's voyage. This Santángel will surely meet your expectations. In addition, we should also begin securing means for Jews to flee the country in preparation for the worst case. If it proves to be needless worry, that would be fine. There will be dangers in crossing borders, refusal of ship transport. Or perhaps plundering and conspiracies taking advantage of the chaos. As one who remains, I will strictly investigate these matters and minimize the confusion. I approach this with full responsibility."

Upon hearing these words, Abravanel nodded quietly but with satisfaction, and quietly left the place. Outside, the sun had already set, and torchlight illuminated the alleys. And after those fires too burned out, darkness enveloped everything.