VOYAGERS! - The Voyager Chronicles
DISCOVERIES - BOOK 1
(The First New Adventure)
By DA Daugherty (VoyagersFan)
October 2006 (Revised 05/2009)
Previous disclaimers apply
Chapter 4 - CONVINCING THE TREASURER
Early the next morning, Bogg and Jeff arrived at Columbus's apartment. The two, dressed in full period attire, softly knocked on the door and made their way inside.
"Mr. Bogg, Mr. Jones, nice to see you once again." Columbus exclaimed as he walked over to greet them. "I pray the two of you had a good night's rest?"
"Yes, we did!" The two responded in unison.
Columbus slowly cast an eye over the two.
"I see you have changed your dress." Columbus said, being somewhat overcome by their appearance.
"Yes, Chris. Jeff and I thought it might prove in our best interest to find some clothes more appropriate for a visit to the Royal Court. We hope these will be satisfactory."
"They will be more than appropriate, indeed!" Columbus agreed.
"Chris, are you ready to sell your ideas to the Treasurer?"
"Mr. Bogg, I'm as ready as can prepare myself to be." Columbus responded with a hint of excitement in his voice. "I have most of my documents and maps right here on the table."
Columbus motioned for Jeff to come toward him. "Mr. Jones, I need your assistance to help me to carry some of these maps."
Without hesitation, the young Voyager walked over to the table. Columbus quickly filled his arms with rolled up parchments and ran off to the other side of the room, leaving him standing by the table. Bogg put his hand over his mouth and bowed his head in an attempt to choke back his laughter. Jeff rolled his eyes and cleared his throat before giving his partner a 'what gives here?' look. Bogg raised his brow and smiled a bit as he shrugged his shoulders in response.
The two continued to observe the crazy explorer as he darted about the room gathering the remaining documents he needed. On several occasions when Columbus was close by, Bogg attempted to start a conversation with him. However, before Bogg could utter a word, the explorer had dashed off to another part of the room leaving him in a cloud of dust. After a time, Columbus seemed to settle into one spot for a moment, thus allowing Bogg to ask him a question.
"Before we leave, Chris… Is there anything we need to know about visiting the Royal Court or the Treasurer? Are there any protocols or any special rituals we must observe?"
"Yes, but, it's nothing that you and Mr. Jones should be concerned about. Just watch, listen and do as I do and you will be just fine. For the brief time that I have been acquainted with you, I have come to realize that you are both very learned and dignified men. The Royal Court is full of men like you, so you should not have any problem at all. Besides, you will have an advantage when we meet with the Treasurer. He too is a very learned and open-minded man. I bet he will be as intrigued with you as I am."
"There is only one problem which I foresee at this moment." Columbus said pointedly.
Jeff, whose armload of parchments were at the moment stacked nose-high, used his tongue to push a roll away from his mouth so he could speak.
"What's that Chris?"
"My young friend. Normally when one requests an audience with a member of the Royal Court, it is usually a matter of courtesy that the request be made several days in advance. Attempting to see the Treasurer on such short notice could be a problem. Like I said, the Treasurer is a very open-minded man. I believe he will grant us a meeting without any undue hardship, but you never can tell."
Bogg looked at his partner. "If all goes well with this meeting, we will need to follow the appropriate courtesies when we seek an audience with the Queen."
"You said it Bogg!"
Columbus continued to gather up his documents and after filling his arms full, dropped several onto the floor. Bogg, walked over, stooped down and picked them up.
"Here, let me take some of those for you. That is what Jeff and I are here for."
"Thank you ever so kindly, Mr. Bogg." Columbus replied as he struggled to hang on to the armload of documents
Jeff cleared his throat in an attempt to get Bogg's attention.
"Oh Bogg… I would appreciate some help here." Jeff said snidely. "Especially since I'm about to tip over."
Bogg chuckled as he ran to his partner's aide and began to take some of the load off of him. "Sorry, kid… We wouldn't want Humpty Dumpty to fall down and break his crown."
Jeff nodded. "You mean Jack."
Bogg paused with a curious expression on his face and whispered to his partner. "Who's Jack?"
"Well duh?" Jeff exclaimed. "You know… Jack… The kid who went with Jill up a hill to fetch a pail of water."
Bogg nodded his head. "Kid, why would anyone go up a hill to get water?" He asked innocently. "Everyone knows water flows downhill."
"Never mind, Bogg…Nevermind."
Soon after, Columbus completed his incessant darting about the room, walked over and stood beside the two Voyagers.
"Well, I guess we are now ready to begin our journey. I have arranged for some mules to take us to the Royal Court. I'm sorry that I don't have a carriage or wagon to use. Unfortunately, this is the best I could do on such short notice."
'How far away is the Royal Court…Chris?" Jeff asked.
"It is more or less an hour's ride from here."
"An hour! Bats-breath!" Bogg whispered as a look of disbelief came over him.
"More or less." Columbus quipped. "You gentlemen act as if you've never had to ride such great distances before."
"Well, at least not on the back of a mule." Bogg said wryly.
Columbus raised his hand and rubbed his chin. "Carriages and wagons must be more abundant where you come from. Come to think of it, what part of Spain are you from? I don't remember us ever speaking of your home."
With some very quick thinking, Bogg once again came up with an answer that appeased Columbus's curiosity.
"Both of us are originally from a town near the southern coast of England. As I said before, we are explorers. We have traveled for many years and visited many areas of this continent. Every town we visit in its own unique way becomes home for Jeff and I."
"Well, I guess it is really not important where you came from." Columbus said with a hint of regret. "My friends, please forgive this old man…my curiosity sometimes gets the better of me. The important thing is that you are here now to help me with this undertaking. Gentlemen, I believe we must now begin our journey if we expect to get back before sunset."
Jeff darted toward the door. "C'mon Bogg. There's a mule with our name on it waiting outside."
"Yea, right kid! Looks like it's going to be another uncomfortable ride!"
"Hey, it builds character!" Jeff teased.
"Ha! More like calluses on my tuba." Bogg mumbled as he walked out the door.
Once outside, Bogg, Jeff and Columbus climbed atop their mules and started their long journey to the Royal Court.
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After about 45 minutes of what was a most uncomfortable ride, Bogg, Jeff and Columbus arrived at the foot of a nearby mountain. Positioned majestically at the top was the beautiful Alhambra Palace with its reddish-brown stone walls. In front of them was a winding dirt road that led up the mountain to the gates of the palace.
Jeff stopped and slid ever so gently off his mule. With a grimace on his face, he attempted to walk about, his legs sore and somewhat stiff from the long ride.
Bogg rode up beside his partner and stopped. "Kid, are you ok?" He asked.
"Yea I guess so. Can we stop here and rest for a moment? I don't think this mule has eaten in years… There's no fat on him and the bony ride is not too comfortable."
"Yea, why don't you go sit under that tree over there and rest awhile. In the meantime, I'll check with Chris to see how much further we have to go."
Jeff gingerly made his way over to the tree and gently sat down underneath it. Columbus, who by now had heard Bogg and Jeff talking behind him, stopped and dismounted his mule. Bogg in turn did the same and walked up to Columbus.
"Chris, how much farther is it?" Bogg asked.
"Mr. Bogg, we are almost there!" Columbus exclaimed as he pointed to the top of the mountain. "Behold, the Alhambra Palace, where the Royal Court resides. The palace gates are at the end of this road."
"Jeff will be thankful to hear that." Bogg said with overwhelming relief. "He's not accustomed to riding such great distances. I really don't want to overtax him since he's just a child."
"Why don't you go and reassure the young lad while I check on the mules." Columbus urged.
Bogg strolled over to the tree where Jeff was sitting. His partner was fidgeting about and wincing in pain.
"Kid, we have a few more miles left to go." Bogg said with a straight face. "Do you think you'll be able to make it?"
Jeff looked up at Bogg in sheer disbelief. "Miles? Did you say miles? How many more miles?"
Bogg laughed and then reached out his hand to help him up off the ground.
"Bogg! C'mon…tell me. How many miles?" Jeff asked as he became more agitated with each passing moment.
"Calm down, I was just teasing." Bogg reassured. "Chris said we are almost there. All we have to do is continue up this road to the top of the mountain."
"I hope so. Otherwise, it may take quite a while for my tuba to heal."
"Look!" Bogg pointed to the top of the mountain. "There's our destination, Alhambra Palace, where the Royal Court is. C'mon let's get back on our mules and get going."
With Jeff at his side, Bogg walked over to their mules. Bogg climbed atop his mule and quickly noticed his partner was not faring so well getting atop his.
"Oh Bogg! I sure could use some help here." Jeff pleaded.
"Gentlemen, are we ready to proceed?" Columbus asked.
"Yes we're ready or at least we will be as soon as I put Jeff back on to his mule." Bogg said with a chuckle.
Bogg got down once again, walked over to Jeff and smiled at him. "Kid, can I get you a ladder…or maybe a mule with shorter legs?"
"Very funny, Bogg!" Jeff exclaimed. "When you've finished making jokes, I really could use a hand here."
"Sorry, kid. Here, let me help you." Bogg picked up his partner and sat him firmly on top of the mule.
"Owwww…Bogg!" Jeff yelled. "You could've been a little bit more gentle."
Bogg shook his head and smiled as he walked over and got back on his mule.
"Chris we're ready now." Bogg said with a hint of a smile.
"Well then, let us be off." Columbus replied.
The three explorers continued their journey up the narrow dirt road to the top of the mountain. Upon reaching their destination, they stopped several yards from the main gate and tied their mules to a nearby tree. After gathering their documents the three began their short walk to the palace gate.
While Columbus continued his pace, Bogg and Jeff stopped briefly to examine the ornate carvings and beautiful stonework of the exterior palace walls. Realizing his two assistants were no longer with him, Columbus stopped for a moment and peered back at the two of them.
"Gentlemen, come along." He urged. "There will be time for studying the antiquities later."
The two, somewhat embarrassed by being so distracted, quickly ran to catch up with their friend.
"Sorry about that Chris." Bogg said humbly. "We were just examining the carvings on the palace walls."
As they continued their walk, in the distance, Jeff noticed two guards stationed outside the main gate. He stopped suddenly and grabbed Bogg's arm. Bogg turned to him with a surprised look.
"Look! Guards!" Jeff whispered.
"Yea and they are fully armed too"
Columbus heard the two whispering, stopped once again and turned around. "What is it now?" He asked.
"Guards!" Bogg whispered. "How are we going to get past them?"
"Don't worry. The guards know me. Remember, I am a member of the Royal Court. They will let me pass." Columbus said with a note of confidence.
"That's ok for you, but what about Jeff and I?" Bogg asked.
"I can vouch for the two of you. Don't concern yourself with them. Gentlemen, everything will be fine, trust me."
Columbus, Jeff and Bogg continued their walk and moments later arrived at the main gate.
"Mr. Columbus?" The first guard said curiously. "What brings you to the palace today?"
"I'm here to see the Royal Treasurer on some business."
"And who are these gentlemen that are with you?"
"These are two of my assistants. They came along to help me with the menial tasks of carrying my documents and maps. You know, I'm not getting any younger." Columbus said with a note of humor in his voice.
"So you can vouch for these two?"
"Yes, most certainly." Columbus exclaimed. "I would trust them with my life."
Just when Columbus thought he had satisfied the curiosity of the first guard, the second one began to inquire about the two strangers he had with him.
"Excuse me. Do they have any identification papers with them?" He asked. "I would like to see them, sir."
Columbus replied. "Yes, they have papers, but not with them. They only had enough arms to carry my maps and parchments."
The first guard looked at his partner and said. "Let them pass. Columbus is a member of the Royal Court and a man of his word. If he says he can vouch for them, you can rest assured he can." He then waved to Columbus and his assistants. "You and your assistants may enter."
Bogg, Jeff and Columbus walked through the gates into the palace. Once inside, the two Voyagers breathed a sigh of relief.
"Whew! That was close." Jeff whispered.
Bogg looked at his partner as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "That was too close, way too close."
Columbus led his friends down a long corridor until he came to the door of the Treasurer's office. He knocked softly on the door and a voice from within asked them to enter. Columbus opened the door and walked inside, with his two assistants following closely behind him. Once inside, a young boy who was the Treasurer's apprentice greeted them.
"Uh…Mr. Columbus, sir. How are you today sir?"
"I am fine lad. Where is the Royal Treasurer?"
"He is with Her Majesty at the moment." The apprentice replied humbly. "It was an urgent request."
"I know how busy the Treasurer is and normally I do not seek an audience with him unannounced, but I do have some business to discuss with him." Columbus said apologetically. "Do you know when he might return?"
"No, sir." The apprentice replied. "But you and your friends are welcome to stay and wait for him. I have work I need to finish before he returns, so please excuse me."
"Lad, you go and tend to your work. We will sit here and wait. It will be a welcome rest after our long journey." Columbus urged as he turned and walked over to a nearby settee. Bogg and Jeff, without hesitation followed suit. The three made themselves comfortable and patiently awaited the Treasurer's return.
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Some time had passed. Jeff, who was still in agony after his long ride atop a bony mule had become restless with all this waiting. He began to fidget in his seat as if he had ants in his pants. Without warning, he stopped for a moment and turned to his partner with a disconcerting look.
"How much longer do we have to wait for this guy?" He asked.
"I don't know kid. I'd say it must have been something very important, especially since it is taking so long."
Another hour had passed. Now anxious to get on with their mission, Bogg and Columbus had unknowingly begun to mimic the actions of their young partner. Bored from the long wait, each stood up and began to walk around the room, admiring at the various objects and books which the Treasurer had on display. Columbus had managed to make his way to the opposite side of the room and was thumbing through an interesting book he had found when all of a sudden, he was startled by the opening of the door.
Suddenly, a tall, thin wisp of a man, dressed in a long regal robe came into the room and stood just inside the door. Columbus, who had turned to get a look, put down his book and ran over to greet him.
"Good morning to you, Luis." Columbus said cheerfully as the two clasped arms. "I hope your meeting with Her Majesty was productive."
"Yes, most fruitful indeed." Luis agreed. "Her Majesty needed to discuss the state of the Royal coffers. You know the war with the Moors has almost depleted them. But now that the war is over, hopefully that will change."
By now Bogg and Jeff's attention had been diverted from the many objects d'art in the room and was focused on the two men. While they stood observing the event from across the room, Columbus motioned for the two to join him. Bogg put his arm around his partner as the two walked over and stood beside the explorer.
Columbus put his hand on Bogg's shoulder and introduced the two Voyagers.
"Luis, these are my assistants, Phineas Bogg and Jeffrey Jones."
Luis cast an eye over the two. "It is a pleasure to meet both of you." He said with a hint of a smile.
"A pleasure to meet you too, sir." Bogg replied.
Jeff nodded as he returned the greeting. "Nice to meet you sir."
Luis raised his hand and stroked his chin. "My dear friend. What has brought you here today?" I take it the King and Queen summoned you for some important business as well?"
"No, my dear, dear friend." Columbus replied warmly. "I've come to speak with you."
Luis stood for a moment, his mouth agape, stunned by Columbus' words. "Christopher, surely you did not come all this way just to seek an audience with me?" He asked curiously.
"Well, Luis, we did come specifically to see you. I hope we are not being too bold, especially since we came on such short notice."
"Please do not concern yourself with formality Christopher. I'm always grateful to see an old friend. Now, what can I do for you gentlemen today?"
"Well, are you familiar with my latest theories?" Columbus asked with some boldness.
"Ahh! Yes! Those theories of yours!" Luis replied. "I recall you had discussed these matters with His Majesty and requested his assistance to fund a voyage to prove them."
"Yes, Luis! Unfortunately, he scoffed at the idea and turned me down." Columbus quipped with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Why don't we all go over to the table, sit down and continue this discussion further?" Luis urged. "I don't know about the three of you, but I've been standing and prostrating myself before the Royals all day. My feet so could use a rest at the moment."
"By all means, my dear friend." Columbus agreed.
The Treasurer, showing some discomfort with each step he took, slowly made his way over to a nearby table and sat down. Bogg, Jeff and Columbus followed him and likewise seated themselves.
"Gentlemen, I know you must be parched from your long journey here and I know I am after my extended meeting with the Queen." Luis acknowledged. "Allow me to instruct my apprentice to get some refreshments for us all and then we will continue our discussion."
"We are in your gratitude, my dear friend." Columbus replied.
Luis slowly turned and summoned his apprentice to his side.
"Lad, I need you to go and get some refreshments for us all. Please do so quickly."
"Yes sir, I will make haste and be back shortly." The apprentice acknowledged. Just as quickly as the request had been made of him, he left the room.
"Now gentlemen, let us continue with our conversation. Please explain how I can be of assistance to you in this matter."
"Well, Luis, you are acquainted with the details of my theories, correct?" Columbus asked humbly.
"Yes, I am somewhat familiar with them based on what I heard coming from the Royal Court. Why don't you explain them to me fully so I will have a complete understanding of them?" Luis asked with a obvious expression of curiosity on his face.
"I would be more than happy to do so." Columbus agreed.
"Theory number one is the belief that the world is not flat as everyone perceives it to be, but rather it is round. I believe if a person sails a ship in a straight line out to sea, he will after a time return to his starting point."
"Hmmm. Interesting. How did you come to that conclusion? What facts did you find to support this theory?"
"Think about it. If the world was flat and you sailed too close to the edge; you would fall off." Columbus stated as he ran his hand across the table and over its edge. "If that were the case, wouldn't the waters of the oceans dry up, since they too would fall over the edge?"
"I see. That makes sense." Luis agreed. "Please do continue."
"I also believe there is a shorter, more direct route to Cathay. If we could prove this to be true, it would take months off the current trade route. This would allow us to increase our current trade, which in turn would bring the country greater riches and wealth. This is my second theory."
"True." Luis agreed. "The discovery of a shorter route to Cathay would allow us to increase our trading capabilities. But, as a result of the ravages of war, we have a limited number of ships available for use. So if we found a shorter route, we would have to build more ships to handle the increased trade."
Jeff, in an attempt to sure up the reasoning behind Columbus's theories, spoke up. "Sir, even with a small number of ships, you would still be able to make twice as many trips in the same amount of time. The increased trade would give you the funds to build more ships. The more ships you build, the more trade you do and the more profits you will have for your country."
Luis nodded his head, surprised by the young boy's observations. "Mr. Jones, for a person of your years, you are quite well versed in the ways of the world. We need someone like you at the Royal Court. How did you become so knowledgeable?"
"My dad was a teacher, he…" Jeff said as looked at Bogg. "…he and Bogg taught me everything I know."
Bogg smiled and winked at his partner. "Yes, his dad was a man of great wisdom and knowledge. He taught the lad many things and brought him up very well. Unfortunately, both his dad and his mom passed away several years ago from an unexpected and unfortunate accident. Because of this, I now have the opportunity to be a teacher to him as well."
"So, in other words Mr. Jones is your apprentice?" Luis asked.
"Yes, you could say that. Jeff and I have a very unique relationship. We tend to work together and learn from our individual experiences as well as those we share." Bogg explained. "But, enough about Jeff and I. We need to get back to discussing these theories."
"Oh, I'm so sorry my dear, dear friend." Luis pleaded. "We seem to have gone somewhat astray in our discussion. Please do continue."
"That's quite alright gentlemen." Columbus reassured.
"My last theory is this. I believe there are undiscovered lands with untold riches on the other side of the oceans just waiting to be conquered. If we could find those lands and claim them in the name of Spain, just imagine what effect it would have. We could become a great and powerful country."
"I believe His Majesty would show much favor for your last theory, Christopher. My only question is this...What do you have to offer as far as evidence to support these theories?"
At that point, the apprentice arrived with the refreshments. He set some goblets down on the table and filled each of them with wine from a large flask. In the middle of the table he placed a large plate filled with various fruits, breads and cheeses.
Jeff reached for his goblet. Unfortunately though, Bogg had already beaten him to it and covered it with his hand.
"No, Jeff. No wine for you and I!" Bogg said staunchly.
"C'mon Bogg, I'm thirteen now. I'm old enough to have some." He pleaded.
"Nope! Jeff, you heard me." Bogg picked up Jeff's goblet and his own and set them aside.
"In light of your generous hospitality could we be so bold as to ask for some water instead of the wine?" Bogg asked.
"My dear friends, I'm so sorry about that." Luis said humbly. "I should have asked you for your preference of drink. The treasurer motioned to his apprentice and he removed their goblets of wine from the table. After replacing their contents back into the large flask, the apprentice filled them with water and placed them back on the table.
"That's ok. May I call you Luis?" Bogg asked.
"Yes, you may Mr. Bogg."
Bogg pointed to his young companion. "Jeff here is a little bit young to be indulging himself with wine. I myself would prefer a goblet of cool, spring water. I hope we have not offended you?"
"Gentlemen, I have taken no offense to your actions. Please, have some bread, cheese and fruit." Luis graciously urged as he passed the plate around to them.
"Now Christopher my dear friend, I bid you please do continue. What evidence do you have to support these theories of yours?"
"I have in my possession several maps, charts and parchments for you to read. These contain much information to support my theories." Columbus explained as he picked up several parchments and handed them to the treasurer.
Luis unrolled some of the maps and parchments and peered over them. After a few minutes, he looked up from the documents and began to speak.
"You know, if these theories are proven to be true, Spain could become one of the richest nations in the world. All the evidence is here, here in these documents. My dear and learned friend, you have truly made a believer of me! Allow me to familiarize myself with the remainder of these documents later. What else can I help you with?"
Bogg decided to jump in at this point and help his friend. "Excuse me for interrupting, but, Christopher needs some help with funding this journey."
"But how can I help with that?" Luis asked.
"Well, aren't you the Treasurer?" Jeff asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Jeffrey!" Bogg quipped as he gave him a stern look.
Luis turned to Bogg. "Please, Mr. Bogg, don't be too hard on the young boy. He does have a point. I am the Treasurer for the Royal Court. If there's anyone who could help in this matter, I'd say it should be me."
Bogg gave his partner a nod of approval before continuing his conversation.
"Sir, as you already know, Christopher approached King Ferdinand concerning this voyage several months ago during the war with the Moors. At that time, he presented the King with the same information that he has presented to you here today. He was turned down by the King, due to the lack of funds available with the war going on."
"Yes, I know all about that." Luis replied as he lowered his head somewhat shamefully. "Unfortunately, I know that fact all too well. The King was correct in his statements. The war HAS put a tremendous strain on the funds of the Royal Court. And now, there's little if anything left in reserve. In light of this, what assistance can I ever hope to give to you?"
"Please sir, hear me out." Bogg said with a note of concern and urgency in his voice. "There is a way you can help us."
Luis nodded. "How? Please explain how the keeper of the less than bountiful Royal coffers could even remotely assist you in this endeavor?"
"This war with the Moors ended some four months ago. So surely there would be some resources available now to proceed with this journey, right?" Bogg asked.
"There are some resources available now. Not many, but some." Luis replied.
"The other way you can help us is by using your favor with Her Royal Highness, the Queen. As I understand it, she is very responsive to you and listens to your advice quite frequently. If you could convince her that this voyage is worthwhile for the Royal Court and her country, she might give the authorization to fund it."
"Mr. Bogg, you are quite an enlightened person. Christopher should be very grateful to have both you and Mr. Jones to assist him. Yes, you are correct, I do have some favor with the Queen and she does take my suggestions under advisement from time to time. Maybe I could speak to her about it. You know, I truly believe this would be a worthwhile undertaking for the Royal Court."
"We also think this is a worthwhile undertaking for the Royal Court and for Spain." Bogg said with a smile. "Otherwise we would not be here."
At this point, the Treasurer jumped to his feet. "Gentlemen, let me see what I can do. I will attempt to seek an audience with Her Majesty tomorrow and discuss these ideas with her. In the meantime, I know two other members of the Royal Court who are very close to the Queen. I will summon them here and speak to them about this matter as well. I believe I can persuade them of the benefits of this voyage. Surely the three of us can convince Her Majesty to authorize the funding for this."
Upon hearing this revelation, Columbus stood up, walked over and embraced his friend. "Thank you Luis for all your help. I couldn't have picked a better friend in the Royal Court."
"Don't thank me too soon Christopher. We still have much to do to convince the Queen. Now then my friends, I must begin the work that is ahead of us. I will send for you when I have some news. If you would, please excuse me."
"Thank you again Luis." Columbus said humbly.
Bogg turned to the treasurer and offered his hand in thanks. "Thank you sir for your help as well as your generous hospitality." Luis glanced at the Voyager's hand with a puzzled look on his face. At this point, Bogg suddenly realized he did not understand the meaning of such a modern gesture. He smiled bashfully and quickly put his hand at his side as they started toward the door.
Upon leaving the Treasurer's office, the three made their way down the grand hallway and exited the main doors. After bidding adieu to the guards on duty, Columbus and the two Voyagers climbed atop their mules and started their return journey back to Columbus's apartment.
Bogg was now extremely pleased with the outcome of this meeting. Feeling his oats, he turned to his friend and commenced to tease him about it.
"Well, Chris, if this meeting is any indication, you better be packing your bags for your upcoming voyage."
"Yea, and in a hurry too." Jeff quipped.
"Whoa!" Columbus barked as he pulled back on the reins. The mule, not even breaking a sweat at this point, obeyed without hesitation. Bogg and Jeff stopped in their tracks and peered curiously at the crazy explorer.
Jeff leaned forward and whispered to his partner. "Why are we stopping Bogg?"
"Beat's me kid." Bogg whispered as he shrugged his shoulders. "I think it was something I said."
Columbus glanced over to Bogg and with a bit of a smile, concurred. "Yes, Mr. Bogg… It was indeed something you said. Gentlemen, this was only a small victory. Convincing Luis was simple. Convincing Her Majesty, well, that will be a much more difficult task."
Bogg nodded and smiled sheepishly.
"Chris, I'm sorry." Bogg said with remorse. "It was not my intention to offend you. I was just being positive about this latest victory."
"No offense taken." Columbus replied warmly. "However, I did not want this one victory to lull you into a false sense of security. This "war" is not over yet. We have many more battles to fight before the end."
Bogg put his hand on Columbus' shoulder. "Chris, just remember. There may be many more battles to fight, but you are not facing them alone. You have Jeff and I on your side and Luis the Treasurer too. By tomorrow, you will have two more people who will be supporting your cause. And we will all be there to support you when you meet with the Queen."
"Thank you both for all your support and assistance in this matter." Columbus said humbly. "With that said, shall we proceed?"
"Yes!" Jeff exclaimed. "The sooner we get going the sooner I can get down off this beast."
"Really?" Bogg quipped.
"Yea, really." Jeff teased. Without warning, he snapped the reins and yelled, "Hi-ho Silver away!" Quickly he and his mule zoomed past and left Bogg and Columbus in a cloud of dust.
"Wait, Jeffrey!" Bogg yelled out and swiftly put a heel to his mule. With a puzzled look on his face, he nodded and muttered to himself. "Hi-ho silver?"