VOYAGERS! - The Voyager Chronicles
DISCOVERIES - BOOK 1
(The First New Adventure)
By DA Daugherty (VoyagersFan)
October 2006 (Revised 05/2009)
Previous disclaimers apply

Chapter 5 - GATHERING THE REINFORCEMENTS

After the three had left, Luis summoned the two other officials he had spoken of to his office. His intention was to persuade them Columbus's ideas were sound and should be acted upon immediately for the good of Spain and the Royal Court. The three were now seated around the table and were about to begin their discussion.

"I have asked the two of you to come because I have an interesting proposal to put before you." Luis said. "I just had a rather interesting meeting with my friend Columbus."

"You met with the crazy explorer?" The first official asked.

"Yes!" Luis confirmed. "I did.

The second official stroked his chin and responded. "And what interesting ideas did he have for you today?"

"Well, you know the Royal Treasury is quite depleted at this time due to the ravages of war with the Moors."

"Yes, we both know." The first official replied. "It's taken an obvious toll on activities here at the Royal Court.

"What does that have to do with Columbus?" The second official asked.

"Columbus and his friends came to me today to seek my help." Luis said pointedly. "They need funding from the Royal Court for a voyage. One, which, if successfully completed could and most certainly would fill the Royal coffers and much more."

"What's the proposal now?" The first official asked, somewhat skeptically. "You remember, he went to the King some time ago and made some outlandish claims of a shorter route to Cathay. Not to mention the existence of undiscovered lands on the other side of the oceans. "

"Well, it's the same proposal." Luis confirmed.

The two officials laughed hysterically. Once they had composed themselves, the two began to poke fun at Luis for his supposed gullibility.

"Wait, please, let me finish!" Luis exclaimed impatiently as he interrupted their bit of humor.

"He and his friends came to me and discussed all of his theories. Columbus made three claims that are supported by the documents and maps he brought before me. His theories are these: The first theory is the world is round, not flat as most believe. The second theory he proposed was is a quicker more direct route to Cathay. And finally, his last theory proposes the existence of undiscovered lands filled with untold riches. He and his friends explained some of the evidence and left documents and maps that further support them."

"Gentlemen, please take a look at these documents." Luis urged as he passed around several of Columbus's documents and maps for the officials to look at. 'The way I see it, if all of his theories prove to be true, we could become the richest and most powerful country on the continent.

The eyes of the two officials began to glaze over after hearing Luis's last statement. They took the documents, carefully unrolled them and began to scrutinize their contents. Minutes later, the first official looked up from the parchments in a state of astonishment and began to speak.

"He has some really good supporting evidence to back up his claims. I'd say, based on this evidence alone, these ideas should be explored further. If he is in fact correct in his assumptions, I shudder to think what effect it would have on our country. We as a country, cannot afford to ignore them. A voyage should be undertaken and the sooner the better." He turned to the second official and asked, "Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes, most assuredly." The second official replied. "Luis, what can we do to help?"

"Well, his problem is funding. As you well know, he sought an audience with the King and requested funding for his voyage. Unfortunately, he did so during the time of the war with the Moors. With the Royal coffers at their minimum, it was the wrong time to have made such a request. The King scoffed and turned him down. Due to this, His Majesty will no longer listen to him."

The first official, who now sported a somewhat curious look on his face, pointed out the obvious.

"If His Majesty will no longer listen to him, how can we help him?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Luis responded with a hint of a smile on his lips. "If His Majesty won't listen, then we must take this matter to the Queen. We must convince her of the merits of this journey."

"How do we do that?" The first official asked.

"Well, I'll tell you how. The three of us are without a doubt Her Majesty's closest advisors. Isn't that correct, gentlemen?"

"Yes, we most certainly are." The first official replied.

"I know the Queen listens and takes your recommendations under advisement in much the same way as she does for me. That's why I have summoned you here. I need a few more supporters to assist me in my attempt to persuade her."

"I'm going to seek an audience with Her Majesty tomorrow to convince her of the merits of Columbus's theories. Can I count on the two of you to come with me and assist in this matter?" Luis asked.

"Unfortunately, due to other pressing issues, we won't be in attendance tomorrow." The first official stated. "If you need us in the future, we will do everything possible to help."

"Good. So, I can count on the two of you?" Luis asked.

"Yes. We WILL support you in this matter."

The second official turned to his partner. "I still can't believe the crazy explorer has figured this one out. If he succeeds in proving these theories, he will be the most famous person in the country, if not the world."

The two quickly rose from their seats, walked over and stood beside Luis. "We're sorry, but we must take our leave of you to prepare for our tasks tomorrow." The second official said. "Good afternoon, Luis."

"Good afternoon to you both."

The two officials left the Treasurer's office. Luis walked over and sat down at his desk and began writing a request to the Queen. He then summoned his apprentice.

"Lad." Luis prompted as he waived his arm. "Come here."

"Yes sir." The apprentice replied. He quickly walked over to the desk were the Treasurer was sitting.

"Please take this note with all haste to Her Majesty's Royal secretary and wait there for a reply."

"Yes sir." The apprentice replied as took the note from Luis' hands and darted out the door.

Several hours later, the apprentice returned with a reply from the Queen. He handed the note to Luis, who slowly opened and began to read it. Much to his surprise, the Queen had granted his request.

VOYAGERS! - The Voyager Chronicles
DISCOVERIES - BOOK 1
(The First New Adventure)
By DA Daugherty (VoyagersFan)
October 2006 (Revised 05/2009)
Previous disclaimers apply