Chasing Columbus

1492 San Sebastian, La Gomera.

1492 San Sebastian, La Gomera.The small island of La Gomera nestles southwest of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, a mixture of eerie crags, steep green terraced hills and a small population. In 1492, that population was no more than a few hundred souls eking out a sparse existence in the hills. This represented the western edge of known civilisation and many believed that not far to the west of the island lay the end of the world and a drop into oblivion. To other, more enterprising adventurers, the west held the promise of limitless wealth just waiting to be claimed. An increasingly popular view was that the quickest way to the vast riches of the Orient lay west, not east as had previously been believed.

No one believed this more than Christopher Columbus. He knew that discovery of a quicker route would mean fame and fortune and he was determined that this destiny should be his. All he had to do was convince a wealthy backer that he was right and he could achieve his life’s quest and personal dream to be an Admiral and owner of a vast new empire. He even had a map; the Martellus map, especially revised and redrawn to prove the virtue of his claims to potential investors,

Columbus was a tall unprepossessing man with a serious countenance and a mass of once red, now white hair. Closer inspection of his blue eyes and aquiline nose revealed an intense man on a mission. Determined to raise the money required to mount a western expedition, he spent many soul-destroying years petitioning the travelling court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand around Spain. Because of this dogged pursuit to find funding, his dour countenance and distinct lack of humour became legendary amongst courtiers and staff of the royal household.

Despite his assurances, arguments and pleas, Columbus struggled to convince Queen Isabella of the strategic importance of his proposed voyage, all the while secretly worrying that the Portuguese would get to the Orient before him. He knew that King Joao of Portugal was committed to exploring the eastwards route and would do so with his own expedition as soon as it was viable. Columbus consoled himself with the thought that, as a nation, the Portuguese had less money than their richer neighbour and would be unable to mount a full expedition for some time. Even more worrying was his fear that the Portuguese would discover that he was travelling with copies of their maps that he had ‘borrowed’ from the Prince Henry ‘School of Navigation’. Mindful of these potential threats, Columbus renewed his efforts to convince Queen Isabella to support him. To help him achieve this he and his brother Bartholomew adjusted the Martellus map to make what many believed was a shorter route via the east appear to be an almost impossible journey.

The modified Martellus map succeeded in winning over Queen Isabella who was looking for a diversion after the final defeat of the Moors at Granada. The Moors, Islamic invaders in Andalusia, had been forcibly removed and for the first time Spain was united as a Christian country. Peace had been hard won and Isabella aimed to keep it that way.

With great relief, Columbus put to sea at Cadiz with much pomp and ceremony and huge excitement from the large crowd gathered on the quay. His fleet consisted of three ships, the Santa Maria, the Nina and the Pinta with ninety men aboard. The voyage went well at first and Columbus used the time to instil discipline into his officers and men. He was well aware that this needed to happen at an early stage of the voyage because rumour and superstition was running rife amongst the uneducated sailors, who were convinced they were on a journey to the end of the world. Unfortunately, sudden squalls caught them unawares and the Pinta suffered rudder breakage that could not be repaired at sea. It forced the ships to land on the tiny volcanic island of La Gomera, the second-smallest of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa.

As the ship came in sight of land, Columbus stepped down into his small cabin and made ready to disembark. Although frustrated at having to break his journey, he realised that nothing could be done until the rudder was fixed. He consoled himself with the thought that at least he would have the company of the lovely Contessa Beatriz de Bombadilla who was now the acting governor of the island, following the death of her tyrant husband. He had been having an affair with Beatriz since the tragic early death of his wife. He found her a charming companion with the additional benefit that she was a great friend of the Queen. Beatriz relied heavily on the Queen’s patronage, she had no title of her own and wanted to maintain the position in society she had reached before her husband’s demise.

Columbus stared hard at the island as they slowly entered the small harbour at San Sebastian, the capital and main port town for the island, shouting orders to pull alongside the rickety pier. He watched absent-mindedly as the sailors went about their tasks, torn between his desire to see the Contessa again and raging against the twist of fate that had brought him here. Desire won and the lovers' reunion was joyous, rekindling the relationship they had enjoyed whilst following Isabella’s travels around Spain.

Days later the ships carpenter put the final touches to the Pinta’s rudder mechanism and tested it. He had fitted a new rudder blade and Columbus idly wondered how many other problems the aged ships would incur on the long journey ahead. Not for the first time did he wish that he had newer and larger ships for the voyage. He made an effort to smile as he walked amongst the sailors, after attending mass at the Church of the Assumption in San Sebastian, ever conscious of their superstitions and dread of the unknown. As their leader, he knew he had to set a good example by looking fearless and unconcerned by the epic journey.

The final evening before departure, the three small ships, each about seventy feet long by twenty-five feet wide, lay rocking lazily at anchor. Columbus watched the sun set for the final time over the island from the terrace at the Torre del Conde, home of Beatriz. He smiled at her fondly, knowing that she endured a difficult existence on the island. The locals still did not accept her; a legacy from the harsh rule of her hated husband, and rumours of her many love affairs, they called her 'la Cazadona', the huntress. She read his thoughts. “I wish I could go back to the mainland permanently.”

“Maybe there is a way,” replied Columbus quietly.

“What do you mean?”

“When I return from the voyage I will have the title of Don as a Hidalgo and also money so we can live in Spain.” Beatriz looked uncertain. “But the Queen will take any treasures you bring!” she exclaimed.

“Technically I am allowed a tenth of everything I bring back, but that only applies to that which I declare.” Columbus looked away, not catching her eye. “But, what happens if you don’t declare everything?”

“Best you don’t know the details.”

“It would be wonderful to live in Spain again, especially now that it is free of the Moors.” Beatriz replied wistfully. “Not only will we be wealthy but the Moors will never again invade our beloved country,” replied Christopher, standing up. “They even invaded this island! The Church of San Marco here was originally a Mosque!” Indignation flared in Beatriz's eyes.

“I blame them for spawning your husband.”

“The Count Hernan Peraza made my life hell and was rightly accused of taking a local princess as his mistress,” agreed Beatriz

“They say her family ambushed him and murdered him in cold blood, is it true?” queried Columbus, intrigued. “They did me a great favour, he treated me like dirt.” Beatriz flushed at the memory of the cruel Count. “It has made you the de-facto ruler of this island,” smiled Columbus. “You have the approval of Queen Isabella. She understands your plight.”

“I want more Christophe! This is no place for a woman alone! I want recognition in Spain and a place at The King's and Queen Isabella’s court.”

“Tomorrow I will set out to cross the ocean and make you the richest woman in Spain,” he smiled. “You may die.” Beatriz could not keep the sadness she felt out of her voice. “Listen, my love, there is no danger of us going off the edge of the world,” whispered Columbus conspiratorially. “Your men are worried.” She turned troubled eyes upon him, seeking reassurances she felt sure he would be unable to give. “The world is round. I have the map to prove it.”

“What map?” confused now, Beatriz quizzed her lover. “Paolo Toscanelli the famous cartographer gave me it! It was part of the reason for my expeditious marriage to Felippa Pestrello the daughter of the Governor of Porto Santo. He became friendly with me the same year, thirteen years ago. It’s his ideas I am beholden to!” Columbus found it hard to keep the excitement from his voice, even though he knew it must remain a secret for the time being.

“What ideas?”

“That the land to the west is closer than anyone realises. He has given me detailed maps of the western Atlantic including the island of Antilla.”

“But the seamen are worried. They are fearful for their lives; they think they are on a journey to certain death! You should tell them.” Beatriz was near to tears now. “Do you think I can disclose to anyone that I know what awaits us? Of course not! For it would only serve to damage my claims. I want to go down in history as the discoverer of the new world not a follower.” Columbus sought to find the words to convey the importance of what he was saying. “So people have been there before you?” Beatriz whispered incredulously, finally understanding what her lover was telling her.

“Exactly, now let’s talk no more of it.” Columbus turned away, making it clear that he would say no more on the subject.

“Priest!” shouted Columbus to a small wiry man dressed in the sombre robes of a priest approaching them, “Pray for us, I want no ill winds or bad luck on this trip. You need to make sure of that.”

“As I am going with you sire I have every reason to pray to the Almighty for success.” Zarco nodded fervently. “I wonder why you want to come with us at your age?” replied Columbus looking at the older man and noting his strange slanting eyes for the first time.

“I have my reasons.”

“Tell me your reasons, old man.” Columbus shivered as a cool wind blew across his face. Something about the man concerned him. “You wouldn’t understand.” Zarco shook his head slowly. “Try me.” The response was terse, betraying the unease he continued to feel. “I live for the future, for people who believe that man cannot drive his own destiny.” Zarco started hesitantly. "That is God’s role.” Columbus cut the old man’s speech dead, fixing him with his cold blue eyes.

“I am God’s servant. My father was famous in Portugal for colonising Madeira. I too have my goals, different goals.”

“I’m only concerned with my voyage, and will need your God’s help, see to it.”

“If it is God’s will, it will happen.” Zarco nodded again, his face hard and unreadable.

“Where do you come from Zarco?” asked Beatriz also noting the strange eyes. “A holy place in the mountains, a place where the keys to mankind’s knowledge are held.” The old man continued to gaze into the distance. “Weighty matters,” replied Columbus frowning. “If your father was Portuguese, why should I trust you?”

“The matters of man’s soul are weighty sir,” replied Zarco. “They require faith, have that in me and you will succeed, without it you will fail.”

“Indeed,” replied Columbus making a mental note to watch this man. “I want no trouble with the crew Zarco, just look after my spiritual needs.”

“What’s wrong?” hissed Beatriz as Zarco walked away and Columbus turned to her frowning. “Why did you speak to a priest like that?”

“Zarco reminds me of the Portuguese,” replied Columbus deep in thought. “Ever since I stole their World Maps I have to be careful who I trust.”

“But your brother Bartholomew stole the maps, what is there for you to fear?”

“I may not have stolen them, but he was under my instructions and sold copies for a large profit in Italy. Still, whatever happened I have to live with my deeds and it was worth it. Thanks to Toscanelli and Martellus I know the Orient is only two thousand seven hundred and sixty miles from here not the nine and a half thousand miles that everyone else believes. Even the Emperor of China thinks so.”

“God will look after you.” Beatriz reached for the crucifix at her neck as she raised a silent prayer to bring him back to her safely. “Yes and Zarco,” replied Columbus, his voice heavy with sarcasm as he watched the small man, now a distant figure, walk slowly towards the ships. “Come.” He strode purposefully back into the house. “We leave on the early tide so best I leave you soon.” He looked hard at the Contessa, a stunning sight with her long black hair tumbling down her back, before pulling her close to him one last time. She was so like the other Beatriz in Spain, his acknowledged mistress, he mused. Pushing thoughts of the other equally beautiful Beatriz aside he concentrated on saying his goodbyes properly. He was a lucky man.

After ten days, sailing the crew fearfully waited to see whether they would drop off the edge of the world. Bound together in terror, as the days passed without incident even the most superstitious amongst them began to realise that it wasn’t going to happen and settled down to the monotony of life onboard a ship in confined spaces. Twenty-six days later, and in a state of dehydration and hunger, the small flotilla was in trouble. Columbus, in a state of despair, and convinced that his calculations were wrong felt his spirits rise as he finally heard the longed for shout, “Land!” After weeks of staring death in the face, it seemed that their prayers had been answered. Columbus himself was the first to disembark from the Santa Maria, breathing thanks to the Almighty, convinced he had landed in Japan. It was in fact a small island in the Bahamian island chain, which he named San Sebastian. The native people of the island greeted his arrival as if he had come from the moon, a God to be honoured. They gasped in wonder at seeing people in such strange clothes, carrying what they believed to be magical sticks. This initial joy would eventually turn to bitter regret that the Spanish had been welcomed on their arrival, after the tribe was destroyed through a lethal mixture of disease and maltreatment.

For Columbus the important thing was that he had found land and with it the riches he craved. He made his way carefully through the many reef islands where the trusting natives honoured him with gifts. In exchange for trinkets, such as nails, he claimed treasures of gold and silver until the ships holds were brimming full and becoming top heavy and unstable. It would soon be time to return to the East in triumph, although he still had not found the ‘special’ treasure that he intended not to declare, which would assure him the wealth he desired.

Leaving the large island of San Dominica the expedition headed home by way of the island of North Bimini, an island that already had a reputation for providing eternal life simply by swimming in its spring water. The crew spent a few days collecting the by now usual gifts of gold and silver, but Columbus was still looking for something special. He was taken aside by the native King and together, with only a few of the King’s most trusted soldiers, they walked for over an hour inland through the jungle until they reached a secret place where to his surprise he saw primitive but effective smelting facilities for iron and gold. His interest piqued, the King led him through into a secret chamber and presented him with an object that made his eyes widen in amazement and awe. It was a symbolic gold cross nearly a metre high with a large diamond at the front and many smaller ones on the back alongside strange writing symbols. This was special and he knew it. This was the special treasure that he had been looking for that would enable him to keep his pledge to Beatriz.

He thanked the King effusively and bestowed on him all manner of trinkets in return, knowing that nothing he could give would compare with the beautiful cross. Taking the object, concealed in a cloth, he carefully lifted it, groaning at its weight. Unable to carry the dead weight far, he enlisted a soldier to help him and saw the avaricious glint in the man’s eye when a corner of the cloth covering came off. The soldier would later die in mysterious circumstances, as would all who came into any form of contact with the Cross.

What Columbus had not noticed was Zarco following them into the jungle, the Priest's hidden face betraying all his emotions. He gave thanks to his own God and made his own plans. For Columbus, the return journey was perfect until disaster struck. His flagship the Santa Maria was wrecked on a coral reef at La Espanola (now Haiti) and he realised he would have to leave men behind whilst he sailed home on the Nina.

Leaving a small garrison on Puerto Rico Island, Columbus and his reduced fleet returned to adulation in Spain after making a secret stop in La Gomera to share his good news with the Contessa and ask her to hide his most precious treasure. Whilst he celebrated his new status in Spain by meeting the Queen in Barcelona, Zarco quietly returned to La Gomera and assembled a group of loyal men; a private army for his allegiance was not to Columbus. He visited the Contessa and earnestly told her that it was essential that he take the Cross, as Columbus had no rightful claim to it. Zarco explained the story of the many crusades of Prince Henry of Portugal, or ‘The Navigator’ as he was known. Zarco had been a Knight Nobleman in the Prince’s service.

After the conquest of Ceuta in Morocco, Prince Henry founded a naval school and launched numerous successful crusades. By the time the Prince died in 1460, the Portuguese had explored the coast of Africa down to Sierra Leone and discovered the archipelagos of Madeira, the Azores, and the Cape Verde Islands. During these crusades, Prince Henry had amassed much wealth. He had captured African’s, taking them back to Portugal as slaves and stolen many African treasures, including the Cross, from the rightful owners. With the burning eyes of a zealot, Zarco stressed to Beatriz that it was now vital to return the cross to its home, for it was more than just a cross; it was a nation’s future. He then surprised her by explaining her late husband’s duty and role in this divine mission.

The Contessa remained unmoved by Zarco’s arguments and refused him; as far as she was concerned, the cross was the key to her future with Columbus. In the dark of night, Zarco and his men broke her door down and stole it from the terrified Contessa’s bedroom where she had hidden it for safekeeping. Outraged, Beatriz exercised her right as Governor of the island, ordering soldiers to find Zarco and his followers and bring back the cross. The soldiers intercepted the fleeing group at San Sebastian, capturing them all bar Zarco who amazingly escaped.

Fleeing to the town Zarco found an ideal hiding place to deposit the Cross, along with something far more important to him, something that if found would have meant his immediate death, and something that in time would spread around the Spanish world. He alone knew the real meaning of the Cross-and its secrets. His last act before leaving the town for good was to record the hiding place and pass the details to a trusted sea captain heading for the West. Having escaped the Contessa’s men, again disguised as a priest, he made his way into the lush forests in the island’s hinterland.

There in the mountains, near the highest peak Alto De Garajonay at over four thousand eight hundred feet, Zarco spent the last years of his life joined by a small band of like-minded brothers. Communicating across long distances by the whistling language ‘Silbo’, they remained safe from the Contessa and her soldiers. A reliable friend executed his dying wish and the secrets of the Cross and its hiding place was gone. He had completed his task, others would now see to its completion.

Columbus and Beatriz scoured the island without success, even taking a pilgrimage up into the mountains. For Columbus, three more voyages followed and increased his wealth, though he lost his fancy titles. However, he went to his grave still believing that Cuba and the other Caribbean islands were part of China. Beatriz remained on the island, unhappy but finding solace in the arms of a succession of lovers. Queen Isabella never knew or suspected Columbus of the grand deceit regarding the cross, which remained hidden. It was a deceit that would come back to haunt the human world four hundred years later.