(Name of Project)

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TITLE: HISTORY NEEDS AN ADJUSTMENT

FADE TO:

TITLE: COLUMBUS HAD A MAP

FADE TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUNDS OF CLASHING SWORDS

WHITE LETTERING (PARAGRAPH ONE):

In 1066, William The VIII, Duke of Aquitaine, and his Norman barons defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings. Their plan was to unite and create and rule a new country: England. After many more bloody battles and in a few short years the Normans, descended from Vikings, were successful.

FADE TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUNDS OF JOYOUS MARKETPLACE

WHITE LETTERING (PARAGRAPH TWO):

Years later, William’s descendants returned to France. Their plan was to claim lands once managed by their ancestors. So they battled French armies for control of lucrative vineyards and salt-flats, eventually winning and ruling for another 300 years a large territory today called Bordeaux.

FADE TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUNDS OF BUSTLING HARBOR

WHITE LETTERING (PARAGRAPH THREE):

Within Bordeaux, we find the port of La Rochelle. It is here that our story begins, as it was here that sailors and their descendants learned of the riches that lay directly to the west across the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean Sea. Routes to these lands were heavily guarded secrets.

FADE TO:

INT. UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM - MIDDAY

In a typical theatre-style university study hall, with merely a varnished wooden podium in front of a blackboard and only “Trade”, “Control” and “Commerce” scribbled upon it, an elderly and bearded male professor is telling the story of the famed Knights Templar, and of their significant wealth and rise to power, and of their sudden demise. The students’ mouths are agape at the knowledge they are acquiring while their teacher unfolds a map of old Europe quickly and then repeatedly slaps his ruler against to emphasize new points.

TEACHER (excitedly)

Looking at the road network of France that the Templars built and policed, it is quite obvious that all the great long-distance routes meet at La Rochelle... here, on the Atlantic coast. Lying in a natural bay and easy to defend, the harbor supported a large and powerful fleet. We can see La Rochelle is far too far north to serve as a viable port of embarkation for Palestine, and far too far south for the quick voyage to England. There can only be one logical explanation for the position of this seaport, as the direction their shipping lines led clearly neither to the north nor to the south. The Order's ships obviously set a course from the port due west, to America.

He looks out among the audience for any questions.

STUDENT(hand raised)

Yesterday you taught us that in ancient times Aquitaine was called Guyenne. Is it possible that countries located in South America, such as Guyana, were so named due to these very early explorers?

2.

TEACHERYes, the Vikings would certainly have traveled further down the coast from Newfoundland, which they called Mark-land, as far as they could in their galleys and ships, and quite obviously passed on this knowledge to their descendants, including those who settled in what is now Normandy in Bordeaux.

STUDENTDo you think anyone traded in the Americas before the Vikings?

TEACHERYes I do. We know large Chinese ships sailed across the Pacific and traded with Mexican nations, such as the Aztec, as well as the Incansfurther south. Indeed, ages ago West Africans sailed to Central America, after their lush Sahara began to dry out when the Ice Age melted 10,000 years ago ... which forced the famed migration of a pre-flood civilization who I believe became the Olmecs and Toltecs.

STUDENT 2(hand raised)

Did the Egyptians...? They were quite advanced in many areas and traded with other nation too.

TEACHERYes, possibly some Egyptian ships made it across the Atlantic. They were certainly sailing along the coasts of Africa and Asia, as were most Arab sailors, and several royal mummies have been found with South American plants in their stomachs, such as coca leaves. It’s also possible that Romans, and before them the Greeks as well, had crossed the Atlantic. Hanno, the Cathaginian, who probably possessed the route maps passed down from Phoenician sea captains, sailed and rowed around Africa to establish naval contact and trade with Asia.

3.

STUDENT 3Where did the Phoenicians go?

TEACHEROver time the Phoenicians developed very big ships with leather sails and their masters landed on Brazilian shores, eventually crossing the equator following the stars, continuing up river systems as well, and trading with each nation they encountered with every new turn. For instance, they travelled up the Mississippi River system and mined ore from Michigan. Their surviving descendants who fled Europe and North Africa after their defeat by the Romans, would have likely encountered the Normans, and their offspring, in fact, the Templars. The Black Death killed most of the sea captains in the 1300s. Some sailors, however, were stationed abroad during the plight of the plague and, if not forewarned, after many years finally returned with news from their outposts.

STUDENTWhat news did they bring back?

TEACHERThat there was gold and silver mines across the sea and friendly nations to trade with.

STUDENTAnd what did the Templars trade?

TEACHERWine, from Bordeaux, among other things.

STUDENT 2Is that how oak trees grew on those two islands in Nova Scotia?

(sarcastically)They were bringing rare acorns to trade. I’ll bet the story of their buried treasure is all a load of...

4.

TEACHERWe’ll have none of that language!

STUDENT 3Do you think maybe the Spanish had nothing to trade?

TEACHERWhen Columbus was sent on his voyage in 1492 and found land, the Spanish crown had just won a long and very costly war with the Moors. Launching the “Age of Discovery”, the king and queen, and followed quickly by other European nations, recognized the opportunity across the sea and struck first, deciding to conquer the new world by force and simply claim new lands and people as theirs, as possessions.

STUDENT 3I guess a lot of people got rich with all the gold and silver they “discovered”.

TEACHERThe Spanish king and queen had heard the legends of the riches of Tubanama that were to be found across the Ocean Sea, which were confirmed and enhanced by Columbus upon meeting him. He detailed his knowledge of the wealthy Templars and their escape from La Rochelle nearly 200 years ago to distant outposts in the new world, Thereby, in the process, authenticating his own maps and the treasures that he said merely lay beyond the horizon, as others had certainly stated by before him.

CUT TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUND OF SEAGULLS AND BUSY MEN

EXT. MEDIEVAL COASTAL PORT - MORNING

FADE TO:

5.

Early morning, by the Atlantic coast. An old French port is waking to the sound of roosters on this clear fall day.

The camera follows a set of feet running through cobbled streets towards the docks. Reaching a crest we can see in the calm bay below the grand fleet of the Knights Templar. Most notably, we see the Order’s famous Red Cross emblazoned across each of the 18 galleys’ large white and triangular mainsails being unfurled, as the berthed ships and their crews prepare to leave the crowded inner harbor. They will sail into open water beyond their looming gate towers, chained together, guarding the harbor from the array of naval menaces.

The runner stops for a brief moment and gazes outwards, beyond the massive chain being lowered between the two large stone towers, across the sea.

RUNNER(exhausted and sweaty)

I made it. I’m in time.

As the runner moves nimbly down the dew-glistened hill towards the inner harbor, there are other runners seen delivering messages to specific captains of the fleet, who then proceed quickly to their respective ships and crews.

There are two natural harbors in the bay at La Rochelle, an inner and an outer harbor. There are two stone towergates at the edges of the inner harbor, and across them stretches a huge and thick chain protecting their ships from assaults at night and fire ships sent in on the occasional tide.

RUNNER... must find Buzzard...

FADE TO:

CAMERA PANS HARBOR AND ZOOMS TO DOCKSIDE

The panting and drained runner comes aside a large galley and approaches a working dockhand on the pier.

RUNNERI must find The Buzzard. Have you seen her master? He must have these messages from Paris, before all is lost.

6.

DOCKHANDGo down the pier; find the crew of The Falcon, and inquire with their master. They are brothers. He will know.

FADE IN:

SUPER-IMPOSED TITLE: LA ROCHELLE, OCTOBER 13, 1307

FADE TO:

EXT. INNER HARBOR DOCKSIDE - MORNING

Hurriedly crossing gangways and decks to get to their objectives, across the inner harbour several other messengers were identifying themselves and delivering their precious secret packages directly to Captains, who were busily unfurling sealed scrolls, issuing orders and perusing maps of a voyage to a rendezvous point only now known to them.

At the crack of dawn, sailors are seen calmly yet hastily getting the ships ready; up and down over the decks, scurrying in and out of cabin doors, carrying supplies and equipment back and forth, coiling rope and storing loose mallets and mops. Nobody stands still.

The runner, readying to hand over his precious package of documents, approaches the Buzzard’s master, seen counting crates and varied boxes - and they greet each other with a firm handshake and mutually respectful appreciative look.

CAPTAINWelcome. Come aboard. Would you like some water?

STUDENTNo, thank you.

CAPTAINDo you bring news from Paris?

MESSENGERI do. This is truly urgent, sir, a matter that requires your immediate attention.

CAPTAINHand me the documents then; I warrant I am the captain of this ship, The Buzzard.

7.

MESSENGERI am to deliver these documents, then wait on the hill for day, if additional ships arrive from the new world. I must find the Lodge. Be safe.

The messenger hands over the package of documents, turns to leave the ship, and briskly walks away.

CUT TO:

EXT: ON DECK OF THE BUZZARD

Upon seeing his Messenger off the gangway, the master turns slowly to his senior crewmembers, and reads carefully.

CAPTAIN(sternly)

We’ll be following the Merica star tonight. Set sail. Man the oars.

FIRST MATE(loudly)

Man the oars! Take us to open waters upon the tide.

The galley’s mainsail begins to billow, and the adventure begins.

CUT TO:

EXT. LARGE WOODEN DOORS - MORNING

Also to the sound of roosters, the King’s medieval soldiers are heartily knocking down the heavy thick wooden doors and streaming into a regional commanderie, an ancient walled compound belonging to the Knights Templar. Once inside the old 2-storey houses, they find the filthy and bearded old crusaders sleeping or praying and lead each away in chains, quietly past their arrayed plots of vegetables and vines, underfoot, trampled and crushed.

Among the confusion, Templar servants, monks and pensioners weepingly question the soldiers’ increasingly violent and remorseless actions. They are rudely restrained and similarly led away, though being beaten each step of the way, towards the growing throngs of quiet commoners gathering on the street.

8.

NARRATOR (PROFESSOR V.O.)On Friday the 13th, 1307, at the break of day heavily armed seneschals of France’s King Philip The Fair were busy arresting all Knights Templar across his young country. Yet, having operated in the noblest and wealthiest of courts and palaces for 200 years, the knights’ commander had received advanced notice of their own infamous date with destiny.

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EXT. ON A COBBLED ROAD IN PARIS - MORNING

A Templar, with a flowing main of white hair and long grey beard, is being led away in chains, walking upright, as a proud Knight would, wearing his cherished white vestment and emblazoned red patte - but no chainmail, helmet or sword.

He and his men were not to resist the king’s orders.

The well-spoken yet dirty man is being accompanied by the King’s arrogant bailiff and escorted by a troop of heavily armed and colorful soldiers, with swords and shields.

They steadily approach a horse-drawn wooden paddy wagon with its iron bars and bloodied straw-covered floor already holding several other elder kneeling Templars. Loyal sergeants and squires are affixed to chains behind the wagon, anxiously dreading their certainly painful dungeon visit, and occasionally poked and punched, and pissed on from above.

Stopping several feet from the wagon, the new prisoner acknowledges and nods to his fellow captives, then turns to his captors and forcefully and stoically speaks aloud directly to the bailiff.

CAPTURED TEMPLARWe will only obey our Master. We will surrender our selves, but neither our secrets nor souls. Our brethren will ensure the completion of our work.

KING’S BAILIFFYou have incurred the wrath of the King and the Pope, and you will confess to your crimes.

9.

(MORE)

In the dungeon your feet will be slowly roasted over fiery coals. You will be tormented day and night. Your bloodied body will be twisted, and then pulled tight upon the rack. Your brittle bones will break one by one, and your skinny arms and legs will hang loose.

CAPTURED TEMPLARSo be it.

KING’S BAILIFFWhen we have completed our work, if you choose to repent your confession at trial you’ll be burned at the stake, surely a fitting reward for the many offenses stated against your heretical Order today.

CAPTURED TEMPLAR(orating)

You can commit me to the flames and, by doing so, release my immortal soul to the heaven’s above, but you will not have my confession. I serve my master. No feeble torment of yours will change the outcome of our destiny.

KING’S BAILIFF(laughing)

You will not be so brave tomorrow. My men, and also their fathers before them, have had years of experience in despatching your friends, the unholy Cathars ... and not so many of them are around to be so brave today either. Any left alive languish in mountainside caves or in our dungeons, playing with our hungry rats in the cold and praying for the end. Now, climb aboard, old man. Your time has come, finally.

After the captive Templar climbs into the wagon, and is locked to the wagon’s chains, and after the Paddy Wagon door with finality is shut and locked, he speaks again...

10.

KING’S BAILIFF (cont'd)

CAPTURED TEMPLAROur treasure is secure; the knowledge of our ancient brethren is in good hands. We will endure, and we will be free.

As the dawn sun is still breaking over the city, the wagon and the captives, and a trail of chained groaning men following in its wake, move slowly down the narrow medieval Parisian street drawn by two horses and surrounded by the king’s guard, seneschals and smiling bailiffs.

NARRATOR (PROFESSOR V.O.)So while the crown’s men swept through the castles, priories and commanderies of the sleeping giants, arresting the venerable international merchants and traders, who protected their investments with considerable force, their renowned ships put out to sea. They went to Scotland first.

FADE TO:

EXT. A TEMPLAR SHIP DECK - NIGHT

Topside, the Buzzard’s aged Captain is silently using an ancient Celtic cross to navigate his ship’s course accurately across the ocean. He reports his findings to his First Mate, who dutifully records them in the log, as they recall their time spent in distant lands years ago.

CAPTAINThose were truly a few good years spent among our friends in Argentina. We will be welcomed back with open arms.

FIRST MATEYes, I look forward to our return.

CAPTAINWe’ll be on water at least another week before we land at Acadia.

FIRST MATEThe men are adjusting well to their new diets. We have enough supplies. Not like last time.

11.

CAPTAINYes, I recall. Before moving south we must find the island of the oaks. The trees will be grown now. We must then unload and deposit the ancient treasures first, and securely underground I am told. Away forever from our enemies.

FIRST MATEIt won’t be long before the French and English kings are upon us. These are rich people we are trading with, though soon to be discovered...

CAPTAIN... on many levels. Their ancestors enjoy a long memory of adventures and heros, but they have also seen many horrors. If they ask, we will help them build roads and cities, a new world, free from torment and happy in life. It’ll be another 100 years before the monarchies will be upon us.

FIRST MATEWe left our Portuguese allies with pilot books; in the coming years they will supply our new lodges and priories across the ocean with the finest wine and braid.

FADE TO BLACK.

WHITE TITLE: A FEW GRANDSONS LATER

FADE OUT.

EXT: MEDIEVAL CITY IN THE DISTANCE - DAY

NARRATOR (TEACHER V.O.)The original inhabitants of the Americas had established advanced civilizations prior to being discovered by the Europeans. In fact, the Maya had a better system of mathematics and a more accurate calendar.

12.

(MORE)

The Inca built a system of bridges and roads to last a thousand years, and the Aztecs' capital city was bigger than any European city of that time.

CUT TO:

INT: COURT OF HENRY IV, KING OF ENGLAND - DAY

The year is 1398, and several northern English lords are vehemently demanding that the king send his men to accompany them to find and capture Prince Henry Sinclair and execute him as a traitor.

They are medieval men, knights in armor, who understand “might over right”, and they are standing and pounding on large wooden tables within the stone castle, arguing that their actions and retribution be swift, as they have reliably heard the powerful Scottish nobleman Sinclair is preparing to sail to claim new lands in the west.

In these hard, cruel and crude times, the king raises his right hand, calms the incensed mead-fueled men, and speaks.

KING HENRY(curious)

I thought we had rid ourselves of the Templars, and had taken their lands in the north and the south.

LORD 1Our fathers did exactly that. We are not concerned with them now.

KING HENRYWhat then is defiant Prince Sinclair planning to do across the Ocean Sea?

LORD 2We are told that he has already found plentiful fishing grounds...and a new home for his treasures.

KING HENRYThen an armed troop of my best men will accompany your own and find Sinclair and bring him to me in heavy chains, before he departs.

LORD 1And if we are too late?

13.

FIRST MATE (cont'd)

KING HENRYThen do not return. Wait there. He will return one day to his castle. Capture him and his scurrilous cousin, Sir James Gunn.

LORD 2And if they refuse to be taken?

KING HENRYSpare no quarter; oblige them their wish. The clans are loyal to no one but themselves. We must end this fighting. There can be no more Scottish raids into our fair lands along the border.

LORD 1(bowing politely)

I obey you.

KING HENRYSee that my orders are carried out and be gone. I’ll hear no more of Sinclair.

LORD 2And what of his intention to deposit treasures in faraway lands?

KING HENRYThese rumors of numerous treasures persist. As you know, we have put many clansmen on the rack and none have uttered word of gold or silver that they protect. There can be no treasure written on parchment ... nor concealed in a cup.

LORD 2(bowing politely)

I obey you.

King Henry takes a moment to pace and think, and look out across his land, before composing himself, and speaks.

KING HENRYYour mission then, noble lord, is to find what comprises their fabled treasure and bring it to me forthwith. If you find none, then you too are advised not to return either.

14.

(MORE)

Be gone, and I’ll hear no more of this treasure until that day my court and my people are illumined by its radiant glow.

LORD 3What of his lands in the Orkneysand Faeroes, as well as those at Rosslyn? These islands belong to other kingdoms. As you know, he is a wealthy man and an adventurer, with many resources and allies on which to rely, and he may not return for a year to Rosslyn, his castle and keep.

KING HENRY(loudly)

He has an plan that we are not privy to, yet. Find him! By my absolute authority we will crush all resistance and soon enough these rebel Scots too will bow one day and obey the rule of law.

CUT TO:

WHITE TITLE: THE SHORES OF AMERICA, 1399

EXT: CAMP - NORTH-EAST COAST AMERICA - MORNING

The men and women of Sinclair’s expedition have spent over a year in the new world, and have survived well.

In the old world these people knew the rules of a feudal society, and their role in it, whether rebelling against the system or making the most of their situation. In this world they have adapted well to their new environment, especially given the distinct lack of law enforcement officers.

They obey the authority of their feudal lord and master.

The camera pans the calm scene, as the newcomers are now living off the land, no longer accessing their ship’s stores. In a tented camp, they are walking and sitting and chatting among multiple deer roasting on spits and corn being ground for their meal. It is the calm before the storm.

15.

KING HENRY (cont'd)

Their eating preferences adjusted and now include fresh meat daily, their fashion requirements have changed too, from the formal uniform of a member of the noble Sinclair house, to one heavily influenced by their new neighbors, living along fertile shores wrapped typically in varied pelts and skins as the weather gets cooler. They appreciate the fact they are sharing resources, yet can only communicate on a rudimentary level with the native population.

By now they’ve traded not only goods but also valuable services and knowledge - and the relationship is obviously mutually beneficial. Organized into distinct groups, for instance, Sinclair’s men are showing the local MicMaqs how to make and use a fishnet, how to sew furs together, and lace shoes and boots - and imbuing time management skills.

This has enabled the Indians to build excess stores of fish, keep warmer, and travel further and more comfortably. But, as materialism seeps into their society, some Indians are whispered to be jealous, as this new knowledge has not been shared with all American tribesmen.

In fact those fortunate enough to trade with Sinclair’s mobile group are keeping their secrets close, obtaining considerable advantage in their own game of survival.

Accordingly, alliances were made, unbeknownst to Sinclair.

INDIAN 1 (SUBTITLED)This is great. I’ve been shown how to make “clothes” and how to “fish” and how to “farm” the land, in exchange for bringing in a new deer every day.

INDIAN 2I know. Tomorrow I hear they are explaining the benefits of “money”, in exchange for a few fish. If anything, it’s entertaining watching these men build these “permanent” structures.

INDIAN 1True. They will soon realize nothing is permanent and they must appreciate what is here on this earth now. I don’t think they’ll be here long anyway.

INDIAN 2Yes, they are looking for something called “Argentina”.

16.

INDIAN 1They always talk about the earth being round, as if we did not know. They preach the knowledge of our elders. But they’re honourable. I’ll miss them.

CUT TO:

WHITE TITLE: MASSACHUSETTS, NEAR WESTFORD

INT: COMMAND GALLEY OF CLAN SINCLAIR

There are three Scottish nobles discussing the next phase of their plan, as they must now split their force. There are several squires and scribes, in monks’ gear, nearby.

They finalize each ship’s route: the largest, a newly built caravel, is to sail across open water south to Argentina; another small fleet, including several galleys, with the settling force will meet at Newport by closely following the coastline, and build a watchtower; and a third group will sail back to Acadia, and from there follow the currents back to Scotland, to join the others who returned last year.

SINCLAIRAgreed then. I will lead the men and women to Newport, and build a strong tower there. It will serve as a beacon for the new ships when they begin to arrive.

GUNNI will take my best men up the hill forthwith and prospect for a location to build here, as the fishing is plentiful but we have not yet explored the other side. Give us some time, Master.

SINCLAIRTake a few good men, and be quick. If the English are indeed behind us, then we can’t stand still; and if any of their sea captains are alive after the Black Death swept through their harbours, they will never stop to search in Acadia, as we have left no presence;

17.

(MORE)

save our work underground upon the isle of the oaks, but they will assuredly come south seeking evidence of our encampments and ships.

ROGERI agree. I will take the few sick and emissaries with me north before the snow flies and encamp at Acadia. We will depart for Scotland and send messages of your discoveries to the other clans, and to allied priories and commanderies throughout the old world. We will return thereafter.

SINCLAIRAlright James, take your men and find a good spot to stake a claim and build a post. There will be others who will follow in our footsteps, and we must be prepared for their arrival, friend or foe. Then meet the others and set sail for Argentina. Begin your work.

Gunn departs, after a firm triple handshake, leaving the other two Scotsmen behind to share some wine together.

CUT TO:

EXT: AT A NEW CAMPGROUND OF EUROPEAN EXPLORERS - DAY

Gunn walks quickly to his awaiting squad of men at arms, who are in good spirits and no longer wear their under-armor heavy coats, but elaborately sewn tanned hides mostly and colored cloth; while expertly sharpening then sheathing their various blades, as they are told their next mission.

GUNNMen, we are to climb that hill and locate and secure the best location for our new commanderie... then we can begin to admit squires into this land - and they will cook our deer each day! Gather your hammers and helmets. Let’s move.

The men assemble and begin to move happily into the forest, being led by local natives from the area, and Gunn himself. It’s a thinly wooded area, and there is a clear trail to walk along, with tall grasslands beyond immediately beyond.

18.

SINCLAIR (cont'd)

Above the forest treetops, the men can see the hill rising above them, and wisps of smoke from nearby camp fires. What they don’t notice is an opposing force of their native friends’ enemies hiding and preparing a deadly ambush.

CUT TO:

EXT: AMONG BUSHES IN THE TREES - DAY

There are many Indians standing around the forest, sharpening their flint spears and tightening their bow strings, having been told to remain where they stand and prepare for battle. Adorned appropriately, their two obviously intelligent leaders speak together jovially.

AMBUSH LEADERWe’ll let the metal heads grow weary from the walk - they are obviously going up the hill. If the wolves, lions and bears don’t get them, we’ll finish them off on the way back to this place.

WARRIORGood - we will wait here. They will fall and stumble. They will be tired, thirsty and hungry when they return. They will die bravely in battle with my skilled warriors. We will eat their hearts tonight.

AMBUSH LEADERWe will let a few live and they can tell the others of our terror, and of the losses we will inflict today, and in the future. They were not invited to tread upon our sacred places, these are our lands. They cannot take what is not theirs. Our fathers tolerated them, but we will send them home.

WARRIORThey will not return to this land, our land. They will not want to. This is a simple life we lead. We follow the laws of nature, and a life not corrupted, which we only want to preserve for our future generations.

19.

AMBUSH LEADEROur sons and daughters will not be poisoned by their “knowledge”. We need not to hear another story of their light and wisdom, nor of their wagons or shipments.

WARRIORThey know not of our history.

AMBUSH LEADERNor will they. This Glooscap will understand our force ... and will leave us alone.

FADE TO:

EXT: ALONG A WOODLAND TRAIL - DAY

In the late afternoon, Gunn’s exploring party return along the trail, unaware of the danger that lies in wait ahead. They are excitedly talking among themselves about their find while atop the summit, and indeed weary from their long walk.

Their native friends and guides depart, upon sighting the camp, returning silently through the trees towards their own village.

Then, Gunn’s men are met with a lethal rain of arrows, followed by screaming Indians running towards them with various implements, mostly stone-enhanced clubs and axes, being swung about their heads intent on inflicting a lot of pain and causing incredible damage.

They effectively crush arm and rib bones with each swing.

Though defending themselves well and inflicting considerable damage themselves in those crucial first few minutes, Gunn’s men are surrounded and fight a losing battle.

Gunn grabs a closeby sergeant.

GUNNSmash through. Get to Sinclair. Tell him of their attack - using arrows from behind trees is very effective. Our adversaries are not armed well, and don’t follow noble rules of chivalry, but they have won the day. Go quickly, and take two men with you.

20.

EXT: BATTLEGROUND ASIDE WOODED TRAIL - DAY

Gunn valiantly shields the several men who leave the area post haste, having been ordered to locate Sinclair and to advise of Gunn’s assured fate.

As Gunn valiantly fends off the ambushers, the chosen three men do escape, running down the trail towards Sinclair, only several minutes after the battle had begun.

As planned, the natives don’t chase the escaping survivors. Instead, they begin to drag away the bodies of the fallen Europeans, some still alive, stunned or writhing, into the forest and to their respective ceremonial fates at the longhouse this evening.

Their women are seen moving forward towards the battleground, stopping to also collect prizes from the fallen.

CUT TO:

EXT: ALONG THE SHORELINE - DAY

On this cold, crisp autumn day Prince Henry Sinclair, Earl of Rosslyn, is returning from the funeral service of his lost and loyal friend, Sir James Gunn, atop Prospect Hill. While briskly walking towards his ships, he notices a Clan Gunn mason chipping at a large flat stone, as a deserved memorial marker, being completed solemnly as he passes by.

SINCLAIREnsure the sword in stone you carve is broken, as he fought and died in battle bravely.

Sinclair moves through his bustling encampment, towards a wooden pier, aside which is his recently built triple-masted ship, onto which a crew is hastily loading supplies.

CUT TO:

INT: COMMAND GALLEY OF CLAN SINCLAIR - DAY

The two men are alone in Sinclair’s cabin. On the desk there are various instruments, and a flat map lies with North and South America’s coastlines detailed, and rolled parchments. They pace, look out the windows, and talk.

21.

SINCLAIROur galleys are good for traveling up and down these coastlines, but this ship will get our crew down to Argentina in excellent time. You’ve done a job befitting your admirable position, Zeno.

ZENOWe’ve done this for years, but never while anyone was chasing us, or so we presume. It’s exciting. So ... you like our new ship?

SINCLAIRI didn’t think we could improve the caravel’s design.

ZenoYes, and many thanks. Our native friends have helped us considerably in many ways. Why don’t you join us and stay longer with me? We can have so many more adventures and learn so much more together.

SINCLAIRAfter Newport, I’m to go back to Rosslyn and advise lodges and commanderies that our progress has borne fruit, yet at tremendous cost. Clan Gunn will know of their son’s selfless heroism, as will the other mothers and fathers I must address. But we have properly hidden our treasures and planted many new seeds here, so I will go back. You’ve been with me since the day I rescued you nearly 10 years ago at the Faeroes, and I’m truly confident you’ll find the children of our lost ships, and very likely in Argentina, as you say. The trading business will grow again.

ZENOYou have strong faith, on many levels. Be careful in Scotland. Surely the English still hunt you for your successful raid, Your Lordship. Be wary.

22.

SINCLAIRFare well my friend, my brother. I will ensure the remaining ships of the fleet are fitted and we’ll leave on the next tide.

They shake hands and Zeno departs.

CUT TO:

INT: MODERN SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

Their teacher is pacing back and forth, completely caught up in his speech, as are his students, glued to his every word.

TEACHERSeveral generations after Sinclair sailed the ocean blue, in 1478 Christopher Columbus married into the most powerful family in Portugal, the Braganza-Norona clan. By 1485 most of the Braganza family had fled Portugal for Spain. They plotted to kill Portugal's King John but were unsuccessful. The King responded by executing the twelve conspirators, ten of whom were related to Columbus's wife. No evidence has been found to implicate Columbus in the conspiracy.

STUDENT 3Those were hard times.

TEACHERYes, the Spanish Inquisition had been introduced by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1480 to enable them to control the inquiries into whether converted Jews were really secret "Judaizers" who kept their original faith.

STUDENT 3So Jews needed to leave quickly, before they were driven out...

TEACHERA year later the first burnings of 8 people occurred as a result of the Inquisition trials;

23.

(MORE)

2,000 people were burned at the stake over the next few decades.

STUDENT 3Was the Pope afraid of the Jews?

TEACHERThe Jews were renowned as both cartographers and calligraphers, such as was Columbus’ brother Bartholomew. The Church purposely misguided its followers by suggesting the earth was flat and the planets revolved around the earth, in order to undoubtedly control what lay beyond the horizon. As most land in Europe was already controlled, they launched another Crusade as soon as they could - in the guise of explorers and traders.

STUDENT 3Like St. Brendan centuries before?

TEACHERHe was unique, certainly. But the Church’s leaders now knew the earth was round. We now know Columbus, sent on a mission funded by the Church, had actually re-discovered America in 1485.

STUDENT 3(amazed)

What...? There’s proof?

TEACHERFrom the Church itself there is proof. Inscribed on the tomb of Innocent VIII in St. Peter’s Basilica are the words: “Novi orbissuo aevo inventi gloria,” which means during his pontificate “the glory of the discovery of the New World” took place.

CUT TO:

INT. GRAND HALLWAY TOWARDS PALACE EXIT - DAY

At the time of Columbus's arrival in Portugal, the throne was occupied by King Alfonso V.

24.

TEACHER (cont'd)

He in 1470 appointed his son (who in 1481 would become King John II) as chief of explorations and discoveries.

The ascent to the throne of John II in 1481 gave Columbus his last chance to gain a sponsorship from the new king for his grand design, but he failed.

Christopher Columbus, having just presented to a group of royal advisors, has just been unceremoniously tossed out of the outer royal court, for not having a proper plan.

CHRISTOPHER(disgusted)

I am not a trader or an adventurer. They said I only want a royal commission just to find gold. They have no vision.

FRIENDWith a commission you will become an Admiral. Maybe the king has enough Admirals today. Maybe we should approach another king; they are quite competitive.

CHRISTOPHER(sarcastically)

Right ... I admit it, I want to be an Admiral, and claim lands that I know lay beyond the horizon ... where the sun boils the sea and monsters lurk.

FRIENDPerhaps you should tell them your plan is to simply conquer new territories, bring back food and promote Christianity.

CHRISTOPHERYes, it seems that is exactly what they want to hear. Fools.

FRIENDNonetheless, they respect and need a plan before presenting you to the king.

CHRISTOPHERAnd they respect titles. I have neither.

CUT TO:

25.

EXT: STREETSIDE PATIO TABLE - DOWNTOWN LISBON - DUSK

As the sun sets on the Middle Ages and over the housetops lining the crowded street, two men are sitting at a small table on a popular outdoor cafe patio debating. One young and one old, they are emotional and boisterous.

It is a young Christopher Columbus and his soon-to-be father-in-law. Columbus was taller than average: sturdy, a well proportioned build and fair complexion with freckles, sandy hair, blue eyes and sharply defined eyebrows.

His soon-to-be father-in-law is a feisty old grey-haired noble, well-travelled and in fact proudly belonging to the Knights of Christ - an order once known as the Knights Templar, prior to their dissolution.

They have been drinking wine all afternoon, and it is now dusk. Their tempers are settling...

POPSI’m certain.

CHRISTOPHERCan we get in to see him this week?

POPSMaybe next week. Give me a couple of days and I’ll schedule a meeting soon enough.

CHRISTOPHERShould I bring anything?

POPSNo. We won’t be long. Just get to the bottom line quickly. That’s all he’ll care about: how much and how much in return, without any risk. John is not a gambler.

CHRISTOPHERThanks. Before you go - got enough for a tankard of ale?

POPS(standing)

When you get in, just remember: you have to be able to justify the numbers. The Portuguese have been sailing across the deep waters of the Ocean Sea for many years now.

26.

CHRISTOPHERYou’ve had a map all these years, and you didn’t tell me?

POPSYours is an ambitious plan, and I’m not sure the king hasn’t heard it all before.

CHRISTOPHERYou mean I’m not the first to ask for a few hundred men and ships to claim not only the land and the people but also the trading routes?

POPS(sitting)

You don’t know how big this opportunity is; even we can’t quantify it. That’s why no one king will advance a fleet and men capable of sailing for such a length ... and an armed force capable of claiming such land. Years ago, we traded wine for silver, and we got paid to deliver it. We really don’t want to go public with these trading routes.

CHRISTOPHERYou only get one shot at the brass ring. Go big or go home - isn’t that what they say? All or nothing. As you know, I’ve gone out to Iceland, and back, and down past Africa. Their New Found Land is a few weeks voyage further westward. I say it’ll be either us or the English who’ll re-claim and re-establish those trading routes known before the Black Death familiar to your friends in the Order, and they will be lucrative.

POPSI know, I know. From there we just follow the coast. But what happens if you end up in the middle of nowhere. The winds and the currents on any day can drive a good sea captain mad.

27.

CHRISTOPHERThese new caravels are fast and reliable and they’ll take the excess weight of the water barrels. Don’t forget, they’ll also get us the latest equipment and technology.

POPS(standing)

What happens if no one likes you, when you finally get to where you’re going? It’s one thing to pay the men and promise the investors, but who’s to say the Indians haven’t a better system than ours. What will you offer the people when you find them and their land?

CHRISTOPHERI don’t dwell on the negative. I’ll tell the court and his majesty that we will find a faster route to India, and thus their gold, by sailing west into the setting sun ... and we’ll find a new world along the way. We will claim all new lands found for the crown and, of course, people too in the name of Portugal. These people will forevermore mine the natural resources from these territories and develop civilized markets that will buy Portuguese products and services.

CUT TO:

EXT. SMALL TABLE IN THE COURTYARD - MORN

1481. Three men sit around a table; one obviously wealthier than the other two, the other two being Christopher Columbus and his father-in-law, the now retired sea captain.

During the time of the wars with the Moors, the Spanish learnt much from their Arab neighbors. The new carrack and its successor the caravel both incorporated the Arab lateen sail that made ships much more manoeuvrable, aided by instruments and technology previously unheard of in Western Europe.

28.

So, they are discussing the latest innovations in ship design and sharing a steaming loaf of fresh bread together while negotiating a deal to finance an expedition.

SIMONOkay, we’re moving from the old carrack to the caravel ... bigger and faster. So, get to it. What’s the bottom line?

CHRISTOPHER(humbly)

Yessir. Right Sir. If you lend us the money to outfit 100 new ships, we’ll share the assets equally, and then we’ll also own and negotiate the shipping rights. We just need to hire and train crews, build the ships, and find an administrative group to manage our scroll work and map acquisition, and the revenue, of course. I think the king would want to send along some of his men.

POPSWe need to find traders too.

SIMONThat’s if the king grants us a license. And what would all your navymen do once landing the traders ashore? You would need to feed them for the duration, and that’s if you get them there in one piece.

CHRISTOPHERWe’d get there. But that’s a good point.

SIMONYes. I wonder how much one ship could bring back.

CHRISTOPHERThe bigger ships - 70 tons, but I was wondering about the crews. You’re right - I should put them to work ashore and keep ‘em busy.

POPSBuild a harbor to ship all the gold and silver we’ll be getting from our friends.

29.

SIMONTake some good masons with you.

CHRISTOPHERAnd that’s the other point. We’ll be opening up trading routes that have been closed for nearly 100 years. What is a minimum amount required to outfit and man a ship for a 70-day voyage?

POPSThe money lenders say it doesn’t matter. We must pay the costs. Someone soon will send 100 ships if not us, and claim these lands and all revenues as theirs.

SIMONThey will get their money back, when and if the king supports the idea of finding new lands. Of course if he doesn’t support us, he’ll be sending an army this time next year to capture the land back from the English or the French.

CHRISTOPHER(excitedly)

I’ll command the biggest fleet ever! Well, since King Solomon's Navy. But the earth is not that big, we’ll not need the 70 days ... Much less.

SIMONBy the way, what did you mean earlier when you said “map acquisition”?

CHRISTOPHERA good question for Pops.

POPSA long time ago, my ancestors regularly sailed to and fro, from La Rochelle and other ports to places across the Ocean Sea.

30.

(MORE)

They traded many goods between partners, mostly wine from Bordeaux for silver from Argentina, and with their newfound knowledge acquired during the time of the Crusades financed and built many great cathedrals on behalf of the growing Roman church, and the societies to support them. Then, as incredibly wealthy landowners and traders, with their fleet headquartered mainly in a region controlled by the Normans, one day they were forced to leave their lands in France during the reign of an indebted Philip The Fair, and many settled in Portugal and Spain, after first landing jobs in Scotland. After they fought with the Scots and beat Edward at Bannockburn, they eventually sailed in new ships across the ocean with their treasures, vowing never to return. I have a map and scrolls that indicate that with a good wind we can cross the ocean, find the treasures and begin to trade again with the people there. But they did return one day, and their ancestors live among us - as do thoughts of their treasures, if they still remain in these new lands, a new world.

CHRISTOPHERSo we will tell the King that we will find a faster path to India by heading into the setting sun, that the earth is smaller than we think. That we know of no treasures. But first we must acquire the maps from an old friend of mine.

SIMONOkay, if you find and acquire the maps, then I’ll introduce you to the King. But before you do that, we must meet my money guy.

CUT TO:

31.

POPS (cont'd)

EXT. COBBLED STREET MIDDAY

Two men and running down the street, toward the local patio.

It seems that if they could they’d click their heels in mid-air with glee.

CHRISTOPHERThe King is dead. John is surely in our palm. We must find those old maps. It’s his decision now.

POPSWhere are we going to find the men for 100 ships?

CHRISTOPHERThe King will provide for all, you said. Ha. Now we must find them. Where did you see them last?

POPSWe’ll find them. Should we take any women?

CHRISTOPHERNot unless we want to incur the wrath of the Church.

POPSWe’ll find the maps, but I’m not sure he likes the idea of sending an armada under your command.

CHRISTOPHERLogistics. He has the money. We’re just asking to manage some of it.

POPS...that he might not see again, which would surely incur the wrath of his people, who would see their taxes increase due to a bad investment. Does he really have the appetite for such a venture?

CHRISTOPHERHe may be a Knight, but he’s also human. He’s greedy just like the rest of his courtiers and advisors.

32.

POPSHe has taken an oath to protect the poor, and not just sustain this economy but grow it and allow their scientists to manage the earth, once his Admirals discover it all. They’ve seen the map, and surely heard the stories from captured Moors.

CHRISTOPHERProtection isn’t cheap. He can’t keep exploring; he has to claim sooner or later.

POPSThen he incurs the wrath of the Spanish, and the English, and the French, and maybe the Dutch too.

CHRISTOPHERThe trade routes are too valuable.

POPSThere’s a lot at stake. The big armies can fight for land and titles here, but to claim the unknown is risky.

CHRISTOPHERIt’s a race and we’ll win it. We have a map! Somewhere....

And they run off down the road, heading towards the square for a decanter or two, and tankard or two.

FADE TO:

EXT: PATIO IN A COURTYARD - DUSK

A year later. Two men are seen quickly approaching the small table at the patio in the courtyard. They don’t seem happy and are not talking as they sit down at their usual table.

CHRISTOPHERWhat went wrong?

(yelling)Keep it coming, barkeep!

33.

POPSThe numbers. King John does not believe we can reach the outposts with these ships, or return. All will be lost, and from his point of view, most importantly, his investment. Besides, they believe the fastest route to the East is around Africa.

CHRISTOPHER(dejected)

It wasn’t even his money - just his name. I have my reputation - it’s unblemished. I’ve been sailing for the Genoese for years. Will the king of Spain at least see us?

POPSWe’ll see him, through his wife, Isabella, and the House of Branganza. The French and English courts are interested too.

CHRISTOPHERWhat should we say...? Ten ships, plant a flag and return with a detailed description. I thought we said all the right things last time with our plan ... and gave it an official sounding name: Enterprise of The Indies.

POPSPortugal likes what they have. They are mundane. We’ll get new backers. We’ll have to leave here soon though.

CHRISTOPHERFirst there was Simon. Then Robert. Then that Santos guy. We started with 100 ships to get us there and back - can we really do it with 10? What if they won’t even finance 10...?

POPSI’m surprised we were able to find the crews. But no shortage of traders to join us.

34.

CHRISTOPHEROr money lenders - so long as you have the ear of the king.

POPSThey have their own reasons surely, and maybe not all related to money.

CHRISTOPHERMaybe we should just outfit the ships with traders? They can man the sails in exchange for the right to bring back goods along with a partner or two.

POPSWe might find enough for 3 ships in that case - small ships at best. We only need to bring back proof. There weren’t that many traders!

CHRISTOPHERAnd where can we find more traders? Spain?

POPSSpain.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM OVERLOOKING COURTYARD - MORNING

As fate would have it, King John II refused again to finance their ambitious plan, Enterprise of The Indies, based on an initial voyage of exploration, which left Columbus little choice but to move on.

As the sun rises, so is Christopher Columbus. The sunlight streams into his window. He stretches, looks rather bored, and begins to talk.

CHRISTOPHER(grumbling)

I had way too much last night. I don’t remember how I got home. What am I doing today? I can’t believe I’ll have to spend another day in the courtyard telling people we can set sail today and reach a new world tomorrow and be rich forever. Rich and famous.

35.

DIEGO (entering)

Oh, father - get up. We’re off to Spain today! And maybe this time you’ll get the money.

Diego, his young son, sits up upon the bed, as his father explains further, quietly and compassionately.

CHRISTOPHERWe’ve offered everybody a piece along the way. If the king and queen don’t give us the money, then we think the money lenders will give us what we need to secure the equipment and to feed men on 3 small ships, a mix of good traders and sailors.

DIEGOAnd what of me?

CHRISTOPHERYou will learn to read and write as a loyal subject of Spain, while a Page in the service of the young Prince.

So by the end of 1484 Columbus, now a widower, and his child Diego moved to Spain.

CUT TO:

EXT: TOPSIDE OF A CARAVEL - DAY

After several days at sea, the ship docked at Palos de La Frontera in southern Spain. Diego was then about five years old, and Columbus was taking a few moments to soothe his son on deck.

CHRISTOPHERWe’ll make it. I will get an audience with the queen. In the meantime, we need a place to stay and a good meal, and I am told we are welcome at a nice monastery down the road.

CUT TO:

36.

INT: MONASTERY - MORNING

Almost destitute, Columbus found hospitality at the nearby Franciscan Monastery of Santa Maria de La Rabida where he had soon confided his plans to sail westward, showing his Portolan maps and numerous charts to Friar Juan Perez, a confessor of Queen Isabel.

In a bland and sparsely adorned room overlooking the gardens of the monastery, a father and son - dressed only in their linen underclothes - sit against the headrest on a lone bed.

Diego is playing with a small, hand-carved wooden ship, enjoying the comfort of his father and warmth of the sun.

CHRISTOPHERWell, Diego you’re not going to believe this, but the good brothers will get me an audience with the queen. As it turns out, Friar Juan is indeed the queen’s confessor.

DIEGO(distracted)

I’m happy for you, father.

CUT TO:

INT: INNER COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA - DAY

Several years later, in 1487, Columbus went to the Court of the Spanish sovereigns then still fighting the Moors at Santa Fé, Granada, attempting to cleanse their young Christian country of Muslims.

After years of practice, he presented his business case for his great enterprise and anticipated discoveries. However, although interested, they refused to meet his demands of a title, control and a percentage.

CHRISTOPHERYes, that’s right, I said Admiral.

KING FERDINANDThey may do that in Portugal, but we don’t do it here. Go find the money and we’ll give you the assent you need.

37.

QUEEN ISABELLATruly ... Admiral? Surely you jest. We have heard of your travels and your exploits as a sugar buyer. But we must first defeat the Moors and finish reclaiming Spain.

KING FERDINANDAnd don’t forget the Jews.

CHRISTOPHERMaybe we can take some of them off your hands.

KING FERDINAND(nodding)

Maybe some of them will pay for your expedition. We will not, and we certainly won’t give you the title of Admiral of the Ocean Sea.

CUT TO:

INT: INNER COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA - DAY

Five years later, in 1492, the fall of Granada signalled the end of the war with the Moors. The Spanish sovereigns suddenly consented, recognizing mounting English and French commercial interest, and agreed to offer their assent for an expedition led by Columbus that would reach the Indies by going westward more quickly than going east.

This was fortuitous - timing is everything - and Columbus could not have foreseen this lucky break, finally.

In front of a full audience of courtiers and advisors, as they read from a royal scroll, the king and queen acquiesce to the demands that Columbus had made previously, which he graciously accepts by nodding and bowing.

KING FERDINANDAccording to these capitulations, Columbus is to gain the titles of Admiral of the Ocean Sea, Viceroy and Governor General of all lands that he would discover, and take for himself to use as he wishes ten percent of whatever would be acquired overseas.

38.

So, he set out to find spices, gold and the finest silk.

CUT TO:

EXT: AT A COURTYARD TABLE IN A SPANISH PLAZA - DAY

To be clear, the European Age of Exploration began because of a severe shortage of bullion - the cash needed to pay for food ... to acquire the land to feed the people.

Their economy overall was dependent on gold and silver, and with domestic supplies low, much of Europe was plunging into a recession. As their appetites for new conquests grew, European sovereigns were becoming less and less chivalrous.

Columbus is talking with a new acquaintance, a trusted man called Berardi, who is astutely arranging the financing and managing the administration, on an actual operational level, of the expedition.

CHRISTOPHERWith the defeat of the Moors, the crown has acquired all the asientolicenses and their royalties.

BERARDIThe slavery issue is delicate but one that is lucrative for the king and queen. In your forthcoming talks with their advisors I’m certain they’ll ask not only about finding and possibly securing more personnel but also shipping rights and using Africans in the new colonies.

CHRISTOPHERThe new pope will create some excitement in the courts of all royal sovereigns ... but I’m not sure if the Church is in the right hands.

BERARDIThese are desperate times indeed. We not only have the Inquisition to consider, but also the race to claim and secure new colonies. As we both know, there are tremendous riches across the sea.

39.

CHRISTOPHERYes, I hear John Cabot is now close to securing the support he needs from the English crown.

BERARDIThe old pope had intended to finance the new Crusades with gold from the New World.

CHRISTOPHER(agape)

That’s a lot of gold! Though I hear the new pope has other designs.

BERARDIThe crown will decide soon.

CHRISTOPHERI’m not so sure the two sides are evenly matched. The race is on!

The men clink their goblets and enjoy the afternoon sun and the throngs of people in the plaza.

CUT TO:

EXT: TOPSIDE OF A CARAVEL DOCKING IN BARCELONA - DAY

While holding his son’s hand, Columbus is topside talking to a sailor while awaiting to disembark. The sailor is going about his business, of winding a large rope into a coil.

CHRISTOPHER(amazed)

... So, you’ve seen these islands?

SAILORThey’re not so far off the horizon. In the cleanest and warmest waters I’ve visited.

CHRISTOPHERAnd the men and women are without clothing? Or bedding? Or shops or houses as we know them?

SAILORNor armies to defend them. Though I believe they are clothed. Well, mostly...

40.

CHRISTOPHERThen they are not civilized? And there are no outposts, commanderies or lodges...?

SAILORNone that we have seen. None that we have heard of ... and we would’ve come across their own ships by now.

CHRISTOPHERYes, I believe you should have ... by now.

CUT TO:

INT: LOCAL BARCELONA PRISON - INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY

Two men are seated and talking, while surly guards look on. Columbus is hearing the story of a barroom brawl and the death of one their mutual friends.

The other man is a long-time friend of Columbus and one who always loves to sail with three co-horts who have offered to break him out of prison if he comes on the trans-Atlantic trip to India with them.

CHRISTOPHERLet me get this straight. If I get assent and hire you to go across the Ocean Sea, then your men will break you out of the king’s prison.

PRISONERYes, that’s right. I haven’t been found guilty yet, and we’re arguing special circumstances - in that we believe he brought upon his own death by engaging me in a fight.

CHRISTOPHERIn other words, if he weren’t so stupid, he’d still be with us today.

PRISONERYes. So when do we sail?

41.

CHRISTOPHERWell, we still have to finalize our deal with Isabella. We do have a back-up plan.

PRISONERTalk around here says she’s willing to offer her jewels to guarantee the loan from Vespucci in the interests of de Medici and his investors.

CHRISTOPHERWe’ll sail clearly under a Templar red patte. Realistically, it’s more politically motivated. I need to get to America, and to do so I’ve convinced them that I can get to India by going the shorter way across the Atlantic.

PRISONERWon’t you stay in America?

CHRISTOPHERThat’s the whole point - there’s nothing there for me. I’m not going to India - I just want to claim the routes. We’re looking for America, and the Templar outposts that are said to be there. When we find those we’ll not only find their treasures, but we’ll find their old trading partners. We’ll be rich.

PRISONERMaybe you’ll find new cities. Maybe not. But how did the Jews get into this?

CHRISTOPHERThe Inquisition. They refuse to be baptized and now are being kicked out of Spain. The king has set a date. He realistically knows they can’t all physically leave by that time. However, the people need to know he’s taking action. So I’ll publicly declare that I’m transporting his majesty’s first evicted Jews and taking them to a land across the ocean ...

42.

(MORE)

a dangerous trip, one never before navigated.

PRISONEROkay, it’s just a big spin to get the money to equip the ships. You just need qualified men. You need the best men, you need me.

CHRISTOPHERWe still need to convince Ferdinand that it’ll cost the good king nothing, solve his public relations disaster in the making and possibly make him even more rich, and better yet possibly locate some of Isabella’s ancestral brethren across the sea, claim their lands and tax their businesses.

PRISONER(laughing)

I’ll bet you say you’ll also prove once and for all that the earth is not flat.

CHRISTOPHER(winking)

And find new people and new revenue for our church, of course.

PRISONERSo, will you get me out of here?

CHRISTOPHERYes, I’ll tell the guys to let loose and storm the gates. Then I’ll speak to the preceptor when the time is right. You’re right, I need you.

After motioning to the guards, Columbus departs after they warmly shake hands, fondly recalling, silently, moments shared together and those new adventures to come.

Columbus heads off into the light of the day; the prisoner returns to the darkness and chaos of the dungeon, content.

CUT TO:

43.

CHRISTOPHER (cont'd)

EXT: OUTDOOR PLAZA IN PALOS - DAY

Columbus, having failed to convince the Portuguese King John II about his dream of finding unclaimed land to the west years ago, has simplified his plan and seeks money and royal assent in Spain, offering a quicker route to the East, though is prepared to approach both kings in France and England if no assent is given by Ferdinand.

However, in Spain, he is met with the same type of rejection, initially - but there are other forces at play. Eager to loan money, well-placed Jews also plied the courts and one, Luis De Santangel, is finance member of King Ferdinand's Court.

Columbus proceeds to press his opinions on the crown. But the royal treasury in Spain does not have sufficient funds to pay for such a risky expedition ... so Santangel offers to advance and underwrite the cost of the voyage.

The two men are walking through the plaza and discussing the offer to finance an expedition.

CHRISTOPHERSo you will provide the money for the ships I need and the crew?

SANTANGELWe will.

CHRISTOPHERI have been approached by others too. Do you know of them?

SANTANGELThe Italians?

CHRISTOPHERYes, a group of influential bankers led by Berardi.

SANTANGELYes, they are a powerful syndicate. They will finance other explorers like Vespucci and Cabral ... Portuguese or Spanish ships ... they don’t mind the colour of the flag.

44.

CHRISTOPHERI am meeting with Vespucci soon. He is knowledgable I hear. He knows of Isidore’s writings.

SANTANGELIsidore writes of four continents, but the Church says the earth is flat and has three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.

CHRISTOPHERI am told he knows of the ancient Greek philosophers as well.

SANTANGELYes. Although Homer said the earth can lay flat upon a disc, both Plato and Aristotle understood the earth to be a sphere.

CHRISTOPHERThere has been a lot of talk from Florence. Have you heard more?

SANTANGELToscanelli, the librarian, believes you can sail west to find the spice producing lands of the east that were described by Marco Polo so many years ago. He has led a generation of thinkers and explorers - and now financiers.

CHRISTOPHERBut money is hard to find. There are many plans, and many routes to explore. Spain only has the Canaries - though it makes an excellent jumping off point into the Ocean Sea.

SANTANGELAs I was saying, today the Italians discuss in their cafes and in their academies whether the regions below the equator are habitable; they even discuss the possibility of new races and have revived many exciting ancient theories.

45.

CHRISTOPHERI have heard it is easier to finance a war than a bakery, not to mention a modern explorer’s fleet; even one with a map!

SANTANGELIt’s all a question of who you know, not what you know; to the victor go the spoils of war. The monarchs can only grasp so much from all the people who advise them each hour and each day. Both Ferdinand and Isabella have both given away Moorish captives as slaves to their friends.

CHRISTOPHERBerardi has heard my plan.

SANTANGELThen so too has Vespucci.

CHRISTOPHERYes, likely. He is a good friend. We have approached other bankers: the Pinellos, the Centurione, the Dorias, the DiNegri, and the Spinolas.

SANTANGELThen the fate of your fabled Enterprise of the Indies and your own fate rests with the financing proposal that Vespucci will bring back to you. Surely he will introduce money from the Rivarol, Capatal and Catagno families too.

CHRISTOPHERPerhaps you and I can strike deal. After all, you only want to secure passage for certain families?

SANTANGELThere are other considerations - but co-financing is not out of the question. We’ve done those deals before ... for other mutually beneficial projects.

46.

CHRISTOPHER(mumbling)

I almost forgot, I also enjoy the support of the Cattaneos of Genoa.

SANTANGELNow the Moors are finished in these lands, you might simply want to suggest to the catholic monarchs that their domain can be expanded by looking west - and not into Portugal, but across the sea.

CUT TO:

INT: DARK ROOM WITH ROUND TABLE IN CENTRE

Amerigo Vespucci is meeting with a group of seven men. Candles, dark and ominous. The mood is set with Gregorian chanting.

VESPUCCIWe now know he has the Toscanellimap. He can sail to Nova Scotia in the north and I trust he can sail to Argentina in the south. The Pope says he’s done it before ... crossed the Ocean Sea.

GROUP OF SEVENYes.

VESPUCCIWe know he is driven and has the passion. We know he has the crew. We can provide the technology and send him on his way immediately to find a faster and more profitable route to India, China and Japan ... and the new world in between.

GROUP OF SEVENYes.

VESPUCCIHe is well-spoken. The royals will grant their assent soon. The Jews and the Templars will co-financesupplies and mens’ wages. The Jews want to buy passage, and the Templars want to find treasures.

47.

GROUP OF SEVENYes.

VESPUCCIWe will control the routes, whether I find them, or others. We will control the growth and expansion of the new world. We will manage the human resources needed to maximize the hidden wealth of the lands.

GROUP OF SEVENYes.

VESPUCCIIt is agreed: Columbus will sail under the red patte. He will find the new world, and open the trade routes once again.

GROUP OF SEVENYes. It is agreed.

They all raise their goblets in unison.

CUT TO:

INT. SMALL WORKSHOP - BUSY STREET - DAY

Below, street level, in a small workshop full of measuring devices and brass instruments of all shapes and sizes, Columbus is meeting his technologist, a medieval astronomer called Leonardo. As Columbus dances down the stairs, and upon entering, the mood is lightened by the sounds of Top 10 harpsichord music.

CHRISTOPHERGood to see you again. It’s been a while, but I said I’d be back with an order for you. Do you have all the technology that we require?

LEONARDOOf course - our African friends have been inventive over the years. I was expecting you earlier. Let me run through the essentials that you’ll need.

CHRISTOPHERI want the finest of everything ... and take your time.

48.

LEONARDOFirst, we have the latest Astrolabe. I’ll call it transitional. It’s not the simple model that the Portuguese use, and it’s not as detailed as the Planispheric. This one has interchangeable plates, as I understand your ships might be crossing from the Northern to Southern hemispheres. The siting vanes fold flat on the alidade to prevent harm in transport.

CHRISTOPHERSmart - it was quite rough last time out. We lost a ship.

LEONARDOHere’s an armillary. I was told you would be teaching new captains. I think you’ll find this indispensable in understanding the position of the stars, even though I really don’t think the earth is the center of the universe.

CHRISTOPHERDo you have any new sundials?

LEONARDOYes, we’ve improved the original navicula. They’re mobile now, and should easily fit into a vest pocket. You’ll be able to quickly tell time, so long as you keep track of the months and the seas are calm.

CHRISTOPHERThanks. What else...?

LEONARDONothing but the best: an exquisite quadrant, and one of the finest pieces I’ve ever seen. As you’ll note, we’ve painstakingly etched the graduations and it’s complete with a shadow square.

49.

CHRISTOPHER(leaning closer)

But you must be holding “the best” for last?

LEONARDOWell, we do have a couple of boxed compasses - for use by your men on land ... and my masterpiece: the cross staff, or the Kamal as our Arabian friends like to call it.

CHRISTOPHERI’m listening.

LEONARDOWe’ve improved on the Celtic Cross, and this version is much more durable than the Kamal. It’s fully calibrated and you can use geometry to ascertain distance as well.

CHRISTOPHERYes, it’s all about the angles, as they say. You’ve done well. Our men will improve on the maps we have. We know there is land and water; ‘how much’ is the question.

LEONARDO(quietly)

... and we know the earth is round.

CHRISTOPHERThese instruments will serve us well. We thank you.

LEONARDOYes, all of us. Anyway, any time. Now, you must succeed...

Someone else, another potential customer, enters the shop, looks around in bewilderment and astonishment, as Columbus bids Leonardo farewell. They shake hands and he leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT: COURTYARD PATIO TABLE - DAY

Columbus is sitting at a slender, more refined wooden cafe table than his usual heavy wooden table in Portugal, drinking wine with two other men, and gesturing with his hands.

50.

In a very animated manner, they are vibrantly discussing their approach to the King of Spain and his wife, Isabella, the Queen, as they have been granted an audience to sell a quicker route to the East.

They have been planning for months. They have nearly closed the deal. They are excited and convinced their trip to America will be financed, one way or another, by the end of this day.

The Pinzons, a shipbuilding family from Palos, will fulfil an obligation by providing two swift new caravels.

This is the first meeting between Columbus and the two Pinzon brothers, both renowned sailors, and they have been enjoying several bottles of wine at their table on a patio.

CHRISTOPHER(drunken)

I can’t believe the hoops they make us jump through.

PINZON YOUNGER(drunken)

All in a day’s work.

PINZON ELDER(drunken)

You can say that easily; you haven’t had to run the numbers for the past six months. I hate business plans. The timelines are impossible and the budgets are complete fabrications - but we need to prove competency - not to mention the fact we need to illustrate it costs money to make money. It’s all about the balance.

CHRISTOPHERWell, I’m confident we can do it with three caravels and a crew of 90.

PINZON ELDERI’m certain. At least, we won’t need to rely on cowards and thieves to man the ships. From what I know, it’s an all-volunteer force.

51.

(MORE)

It’ll be nice to have the pre-launch and operational costs to get across the sea comfortably covered in advance and, in the name of the crown, enjoy a long sail among experienced and trusted hands for once.

CHRISTOPHERWell, there is one little thing then. I need Ricardo - and I’m getting him out.

PINZON YOUNGERHa - no surprise - I’ll take him and his boys, they’re a welcome addition to our crew anytime.

CHRISTOPHERIndeed. They can pump, climb and clean with the best of them.

PINZON YOUNGER...and they can handle a knife...

PINZON ELDERTrue, and they never complain, and they certainly won’t on this trip either! It’s a good decision. We need Ricardo and his men.

CHRISTOPHERThen things will be a little tight. We’re going to have 39 aboard the Santa Maria, 26 on the Pinta and 22 on the Nina. They’ll be sleeping deckside, tho’ giving us plenty of room for provisions.

PINZON ELDER(nodding)

Yes. They’ll be served luxuries after a hard shift aboard: biscuits, salted meat and dried peas, along with a tidy allotment of cheese ... and wine.

PINZON YOUNGERWe’re bringing the maximum amount of water barrels.

52.

PINZON ELDER (cont'd)

(MORE)

We’ll also be netting fish, and the men will roast meat and boil water on the fires daily - we’re installing sandboxes in ships these days, you know.

CHRISTOPHERGood. The men expect nothing more than to be treated with greatest respect and we must keep their own thoughts paramount with each decision we make. But we have done well thus far. Remember, originally I was asking for 100 ships, men and supplies!

PINZON ELDEROkay, so we know we can get there, and we’ll claim the land in the name of Spain when we get there, and our brothers don’t care about the claim, but they want the trading routes to remain with us, and the recurring quarterly revenue will be very lucrative for us. We know the church will claim the souls of the Americans, who they think will be Indians, or soldiers of the great Khan. They will be managed by the Crown’s economists. We, however, intend to find the lost outposts.

PINZON YOUNGERAnd we must find the treasure!

CHRISTOPHERWe must find our lost brethren. When we return we will inform the king of the new lands and the new citizens we have found.

PINZON YOUNGER... and he owns...

CHRISTOPHER... and the new businesses we can create, and faster more profitable access to new trading partners...

PINZON YOUNGER... and we won’t need to use the Arabs as traders. We’ll be able to deal direct...

53.

PINZON YOUNGER (cont'd)

CHRISTOPHER(reflective)

... and cut out those middle men...

PINZON ELDERBut the king will be most interested in the gold and silver. He needs to greatly replenish the treasury, now that the war with the Moors is over.

PINZON YOUNGER... and the Jews, his own money lenders, will soon be gone.

CHRISTOPHERWe will find both gold and silver, and Indians, and new lands for our people to explore and exploit. Businesses will flourish and tax revenues will go through the roof.

PINZON YOUNGER...and the Jews can lend money to the Indians ... and the colonists who will surely follow in our wake.

PINZON ELDER(conclusively)

His majesty will be happy, because not only will he be “deporting” Jews and finding new lands to leave them, but they can now develop these new lands at their own expense that they say were once claimed by a long lost tribe of theirs... that he will own ultimately and yet they will only manage.

PINZON YOUNGERI think young people - these middle men - will come with us, and gladly pay for the expenses of transport to reach new vacant lands.

CHRISTOPHERAs before, good people will build towns and cities together, then better societies and civilizations will emerge, like those that certainly have come before ...

54.

(MORE)

and in the process, we - and our sons long after us - will get rich.

PINZON YOUNGER(toasting)

Ha ha - here’s to getting rich at the expense of a few weeks sail across the sea!

PINZON ELDERA few weeks sail, he says, and the trust of the crown.

CHRISTOPHERThe men will love us - we’ll get those distant lands quickly. What can possibly go wrong? Ha - to the future (toasting).

The men clink their goblets and laugh heartily.

CUT TO:

INT: OUTER COURT OF KING FERDINAND AND QUEEN ISABELLA

Columbus, with his several financial advisors and barristers are gathering outside the inner court of the palace discussing the issue of liability that has just come up with the crown’s advisors, anticipating approval to receive an official audience, if they accept.

CHRISTOPHER(sarcastically)

So let me get this straight. They want us to hop in three leaky boats, sail to the Indies in lightning fast time, claim the land and any people we find in the name of the Spanish throne, and bring back chests of gold and silver...?

BERARDIYes, that’s right. Agree to that and he’ll give you royal assent to then take the voyage on his behalf and the backers will then finance the acquisition and management of the ships and float the wages for you, pardon the pun ... if you take some of their men along on the pilot voyage.

55.

CHRISTOPHER (cont'd)

ADVISOR 2 (quietly)

You, on the other hand, get to try and locate our lost Templar friends, their old trading partners and possibly their treasures too, all expenses paid.

CHRISTOPHER(quietly)

And prove the earth is round, don’t forget.

BARRISTERAhem. Getting to the issue at hand, we must decide the liability, because if anything were to happen to you or your men during this trip across the ocean, the crown or any of its family members and none of the court’s advisors can be held liable for death or injury, suffered or perceived.

CHRISTOPHERThat’s no different an arrangement than if you sail in the Italian merchant navies.

BARRISTERExcept you must personally accept this liability against future earnings or royalties assigned. They will send you back until you have found what they want, and you might die trying.

CHRISTOPHERI have sailed with these fine men from the Basque and Andalusian regions for a long time. They know the risks, and they know the returns. Nonetheless, I will obtain a release from all of them, and they will sign it or they won’t depart on this historic and lucrative venture!

BARRISTERYou have learnt well the mistakes of others. You are now in a fortunate position.

56.

(MORE)

We will accept the advisor’s terms and he will grant us an audience today.

CHRISTOPHERI have asked for nothing other than the security of my family. I will be made Admiral of the Sea, among other things, but they are rather trivial considering the bigger picture. There’s a lot to do.

BERARDIBut for now, we must wait.

CHRISTOPHERWe will practice the pitch one more time. I will lead and introduce my team. You, sir, will then eloquently and earnestly explain the rewards to his majesty, while further explaining the veracity of the pilot guides and maps in our possession.

BARRISTERYes, I will. I will be brief and factual.

CHRISTOPHERYou, sir, will follow and outline the costs we are incurring and the risk my men are also willingly assuming, of both life and limb, for the good of Spain and the longevity of the crown. You will moreover detail the benefits of sponsoring such a dangerous trip, in terms of the Jewish problem.

BERARDICorrect. I will list our partners and acquisitions, in both talent and equipment to date, and relate anticipated expenses upon receiving their royal blessing and seal of approval, more importantly. They will thus understand that these invested monies will be prudently managed; that you have a administrative team in support and a professional crew to ensure your success on the operational side.

57.

BARRISTER (cont'd)

ADVISOR 2I will reinforce the mission’s success by elaborating on the costs being underwritten by your partners, and that their involvement will not undermine the king’s stated goals of increasing its possessions of land and new peoples around the world, on behalf of the crown and the church ... in order to increase their own respective tax bases. And in the worst case, if you are lost at sea, he will lose nothing.

CHRISTOPHERGreat, and then I will conclude spectacularly with my story of the maps and how they came into my possession and my commitment to the project over the long-term in fact to re-establish communication and friendly relations with possible colonies across the sea.

BERARDIThe king and queen will understand the bottom line. In the short-term they will acquire new lands and resources, and peoples to govern... or perhaps a quicker route to the East.

ADVISOR 2... and people to trade with. Not to mention new markets for our goods and services.

BERARDIYes, and in the long-term we will discover eventually the gold and silver mines of the Templar’s partners so many years ago.

BARRISTERWhat if these Templars are still there in the land called Argentina and still building their new world? Well, their descendants anyway. What if they are quite happy living among and trading with savages inland to the west and north. What will we claim then?

58.

BERARDIWhat if they are organized, and enjoying the fruits of civilized society ... including advanced weaponry and battle tactics?

CHRISTOPHERWhat if they are social? Over the past 100 years, if they are smart, the Templars’ children will have likely built a utopian society that is living free from tyranny and oppression.

BERARDIYou mean one free to sell anything to anyone.

ADVISOR 2Open markets, as they say.

CHRISTOPHERIt’s all about sales. We’re all selling something. I need this trip across the sea - and the crown needs to be seen as providing a solution to the Jewish problem, not to mention the solid upside, which won’t cost the treasury a single pesata. We all win, and you’ll all be handsomely rewarded when we return. Are you sold?

BERARDIWhat are you going to sell the Templars’ children, if you find them?

CHRISTOPHER(reflective)

Clothes. Soap. Maybe some wine. Whatever they need. More importantly, we must convince the king and queen that I will find the Grand Khan - more quickly than ever before ... we must have an interpreter for the voyage to assure our success.

59.

The King’s solemn advisor and colorfully dressed entourage return immediately and usher all four of them into the inner court and regal greeting room, respectfully bowing every few steps once past the huge carved doors and entrance. Columbus points inside, and then they all enter.

CUT TO:

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA - DAY

As befitting any court in the Middle Ages, replete with thrones for the smart and greedy, ego-driven royal couple, Columbus and his men have approached with care, and have begun to unfold their plan.

There are questions and answers, and the king and queen seemed pleased, but pause for reflection - and in these few tense moments - Columbus and his men anticipate another flurry of enquiry.

KING FERDINAND(sternly)

... Let me see if I understand. I am being asked to give you royal assent and offer the protection of the Spanish crown for the lands and people you are about to find on your way to India or China by going westward across the Atlantic...?

CHRISTOPHERYes.

KING FERDINANDAnd aboard your caravels will be a complement of Jews, who I will say are being deported from our lands?

CHRISTOPHERYes. Well, two caravels and our 100-tonne flagship, an unnamed nao.

KING FERDINAND(annoyed)

... You believe the earth not to be flat and to be a smaller orb than my scientists - and that once lucrative trade routes will be revealed once again.

CHRISTOPHERCorrect.

60.

KING FERDINANDAnd that this expedition won’t cost my treasury a single pesata?

CHRISTOPHERYes.

KING FERDINANDAnd you are guaranteeing your return to us in good time because in fact you are in possession of pilot guides and maps?

CHRISTOPHERYes.

KING FERDINANDFurthermore, you expect to find gold and silver in abundance?

CHRISTOPHERYes.

QUEEN ISABELLAMoreover that you expect to find outposts...? And remnants of the long lost and vanquished Templar fleet beyond the equator?

CHRISTOPHERTheir children, and their children, and possibly the Scottish descendants of Clan Sinclair too, your highness.

KING FERDINANDI am compelled to ask whether you have heard of the seven lost cities of El Dorado?

CHRISTOPHERI have not.

KING FERDINANDHave then you heard of the mythical Cibola in these very western lands you intend to find on your way to India?

CHRISTOPHERNo.

61.

KING FERDINANDSo, you have never been told the story of the bishops fleeing from this land ahead of the conquering Moors so many years ago?

CHRISTOPHERI have not.

KING FERDINANDI was told you knew of treasures. I will have you upon the rack if you speak not the truth now!

CHRISTOPHERThe treasures I speak of are those that have only been relayed occasionally by my sailors and acquaintances, and of the few stories relayed to me by my father-in-law, now deceased; bless his immortal soul.

KING FERDINANDWhat are these treasures you seek?

QUEEN ISABELLASpeak loudly - for all here to hear you sure and careful words.

CHRISTOPHERThey are the treasures of abundance, of the clear waters, and of bountiful land; clean minds, virgin and rich in promise. I see the treasures of a vast territory in the west, and of a quicker route to India and China for our traders that lay in the east.

QUEEN ISABELLAI have heard of Irish monks setting sail long ago and riding currents to a remote land of quiet people and of golden walls and churches, and buildings to observe the heavens above closely, to watch things with tails race across the sky.

CHRISTOPHERThese are rich stories and treasures of knowledge.

62.

(MORE)

We know not what we will find, but we must go and look.

KING FERDINAND(decisive)

You will have no choice. You will not follow the usual route to Terre Verde across the sea to pluck buckets cod from northern icy waters to find merely oaks ashore.

CHRISTOPHER(astonished)

I have no choice...?

KING FERDINANDNo. My men aboard will ensure you travel near the equatorial belt and follow the stars past the Canary islands that have their share of fame these days among the men.

CHRISTOPHERBeyond the Canaries, we will sail through the monsters of the deep and pass the boiling waters without harm, I assure you, and we will return, as have many other sailors before us. But do you not want the new lands claimed for the crown...?

KING FERDINANDThey are not as important to us as first finding the gold to then finance our further explorations. If not you, there will be others to step up in your place, be rest assured you are not the first and you won’t be the last.

As the king pauses for dramatic effect, his words are left dangling in the huge room, now completely silent, as no one dares to speak ... but which leaves a brief window of opportunity for Columbus to renew the conversation and acquire his needed assent.

CHRISTOPHER(imploring)

Please tell me what you know of El Dorado, of the seven lost cities.

63.

CHRISTOPHER (cont'd)

KING FERDINANDIf you find Cibola, you will be made Admiral of the Seas and have under your command the largest naval fleet the world has ever seen. You will be rich and famous. Your name will be forevermore etched into the consciousness of all who follow in your wake and footsteps.

QUEEN ISABELLAYou will forget about whatever treasures you seek, and you will set out to discover the treasures we seek, or you won’t set out at all, unless you truly seek the company of Frenchmen.

KING FERDINANDThe Dutch won’t have you either, and your stories of distant knights and new civilizations over seas. Let’s talk about what we know ... The Seven Golden Cities of Cibola. In some academic circles it is also known as The Seven Cities of Antillia, Land of the Golden Man and Land of the Golden Serpent. My man here will tell you about these Seven Cities of Antillia.

COURTIER 1Certainly. The Seven Cities of Antillia which are also known as the Isle of Seven Cities, SepteCidades, Sanbrandan or St Brendan are said to be located lying two hundred miles west of the Azores. We refer to these cities as Aira, Anhuib, Ansalli, Ansesseli, Ansodi, Ansolli and Con. On these islands the first humans emerged from Chichomoztoc, the Seven Caves, and from these individuals came seven tribes or clans. By their hands rose seven cities.

64.

(MORE)

The Greeks too, among others, imagined these 'Isles of the Blest' beyond the Pillars of Hercules which legend claimed were 'peopled not by the dead but by mortals on whom the Gods had conferred immortality' and where there was perpetual summer and abundance. We believe the island was settled by the Archbishop of Porto accompanied by six bishops, onto which they deposited their vast treasure and their parishioners in the face of the Moor conquest in the early 8th century.

KING FERDINANDThank you. My man here will tell you about the legendary Land of the Golden Man and Land of the Golden Serpent.

COURTIER 2To find the Land of the Golden Man, or the Gilded Man, and Land of the Golden Serpent, both referring to an oasis of purity and eternal joy, is to find a land of gold, or as we say, Orlando; something that man has sought since his arrival on this earth, a promised land of golden walls and golden fleece, discovery ushers in a truly golden age. The legend supposedly originated in a custom of the Chibcha people who each year anointed a chieftain and rolled him in gold. Some say Yahweh was a golden serpent brought from Egypt and preserved in the ark until its loss...

KING FERDINAND(raising hand)

Enough. And I shall now tell you about El Dorado, or The Golden One,and its fabulous variants: Omagua, the Land of Cinnamon, and the golden land of Manoa; though perhaps just a utopian dream, a land of desire.

65.

COURTIER 1 (cont'd)

(MORE)

As you know, long ago Pharaohs came to believe that gold was connected with life-prolonging qualities, even with immortality, and they would risk any hazard to obtain it. Gold was originally connected in their minds with magic, it rose to prominence as a charm, a favored method of control of the dread unseen world. The very color of gold became associated with the sun. To these peoples the sun was an object of worship and gold has been operating like a magnet, an enchantment, even an addiction ever since.

CHRISTOPHER(interjecting)

Gold is the most exquisite of all things ... Whoever possesses gold can acquire all that he desires in the world. Truly, for with gold he can gain entrance for his soul into paradise.

KING FERDINANDYes, I suppose so. But continuing ... Our histories tell us Guyana contained the golden city of Manaoor Omoa and the golden king, El Dorado. It is these lands that are we most curious, that could have been visited so many years ago by the Welch Prince Madoc, or fabled Brendan, our Christian brother who we still hear so much, and before the Irish, the Romans and the Canaanites, not to mention the Greeks, Phoenicians and Egyptians in ancient antiquity. It seems many have crossed the sea, but none have returned with the gold. We have no doubt you will find land and possibly a quicker route to India; but will you find the gold? That is the question.

CHRISTOPHERMy men and I will find these cities. What of the people there?

66.

KING FERDINAND (cont'd)

KING FERDINANDWe expect you will find barbarians, nothing more. Even your Templar friends told their masters of ferocious warriors and of terrible battles. After you, we will send our religious fathers to kindly preach our holy faith and convert them. If they choose not to be loyal subjects of this crown, then we will declare war on them, seize their possessions, enslave their women and sons, and dispose of the men as we see fit. We expect their absolute allegiance, joyfully. El Dorado, for many explorers and sea captains, always lay beyond the next range of mountains, or deep in the unexplored forests.

CHRISTOPHERMy captains have secured the necessary provisions of water, vinegar, wine, olive oil, molasses, cheese, honey, raisins, rice, garlic, almonds, biscuits, dry chickpeas, lentils, beans, salted sardines, anchovies, dry salt cod and pickled or salted meats. We are ready to set sail.

KING FERDINAND(turning)

Make the arrangements then. You will return now to Palos. The city will provide for this expedition, in exchange for their debt. However, return to us in 3 days and provide my courtiers your documentation plotting your route, in the event of your untimely demise on the waters or at the hands of the barbarians. In the meantime, the Pinzon brothers will need to do some more research for you here.

QUEEN ISABELLA(nodding)

I’ll personally escort them and give them access to the royal map rooms.

67.

KING FERDINAND(sternly to Columbus)

Once you depart from the Canaries, you should be ashore in the Indies several weeks later. The Queen and I will see you again in Barcelona in September. Find me those cities.

CUT TO:

EXT: PATIO TABLE IN PLAZA & OUTER COURTYARD - DUSK

Later on the same day, the three sailors, Columbus, the elder Pinzon and the former prisoner, Ricardo, are sitting down, hunched over the small table, to have a drink and discuss the rather sudden change of plans.

CHRISTOPHERWell, that was unexpected.

PINZON ELDERWe are familiar with the route. I say we go and find these cities.

RICARDOI have heard tales. They are past the blue waters of the Caribs.

CHRISTOPHERSo we will depart in a few days. Berardi and my barristers inform me the paperwork is in order.

PINZON ELDERWe will fit out the Nina at port when we reach the Canaries.

RICARDOMy men have brought the newest charts from the Arabs. We won’t cross south into the sea towards Brazil, but stay a course westward.

CHRISTOPHERThen it’s agreed, we will save our visit to the outposts in Argentina and Guyana for another trip.

68.

RICARDOIf what they have heard as some validity, and it might, then indeed we will find a lot of gold that we can’t possibly bring back.

CHRISTOPHERWe only need to find proof of gold.

PINZON ELDERYes, and we can find trinkets on many of the islands that will guarantee our return again, and many others in our wake, under your command, noble sir.

CHRISTOPHERWell then this is going to be an interesting next couple of years.

CUT TO:

INT: SHIP’S CABIN - DAY

In the middle of the sea, after several weeks afloat upon his flagship the Santa Maria, Columbus is nervously writing in his log and talking to himself.

CHRISTOPHERMust stay focussed; must list objectives and keep crew calm; must go to the lands of India to meet the Great Khan, who like his predecessors, had many times appealed to Rome to instruct him in Christianity; to combat the religion of the Moors and all idolatries and heresies; see the towns and lands and their distribution, and find out in what manner they might be converted to Christianity. Must find gold, spices and everything in such quantity, as the king intends that all the wealth gained in this enterprise, within three years, should be spent on the conquest of Jerusalem. I have launched another crusade.

CUT TO:

69.

On a warm October evening in the waters of the Bahamas, the natives on the island of Guanahani, later to be called San Salvador by Columbus, had built bon-fires on the beaches to keep the fleas out of their cabins.

Earlier that day Columbus’ one keen sailor had been dutifully reporting indications of land in the water: reeds, a tree branch with berries, and in the sky - birds that nest at night on land, and now as darkness fell, they sighted a dim quivering light in the distance which seemed to be moving.

CHRISTOPHER(bewildered)

Who was that man so excitedly calling out the very obvious signs of land...?

FIRST MATEDe Leon. Ponce de Leon. He says he’s told an advisor in the court he knows the whereabouts of a Fountain of Youth, it seems.

CHRISTOPHERAnd he has a backer?

FIRST MATENone other than the queen herself.

CHRISTOPHERWe shall ensure to claim all land he sees. He will undoubtedly come back with a fleet - and we will surely lose our monopoly.

FIRST MATEPerhaps we should throw him overboard?

CHRISTOPHERNo. We will give him a chance to sell the queen a new quest ... and to arrive alive after enjoying the pleasures of the Ocean Sea for several months. Besides, I’m sure he doesn’t have a plan ... to find this so-called Fountain of Youth.

CUT TO:

70.

INT: ADMIRAL’S CABIN - SANTA MARIA

Columbus is again alone, in his cabin aboard the Santa Maria, and writing in his captain’s log, while talking to himself, though excitedly about the lights he has seen.

CHRISTOPHER(mumbling)

Like a little wax candle rising and falling...

FIRST MATE (FROM ABOVE)Land ho!

Around 2:00 a.m. the look-out on the lead ship, the Pinta, sees white cliffs in the moonlight and signals to the flagship, the Santa Maria, to verify the landfall as Columbus is climbing up topside and to the stern.

CUT TO:

INT: THE VATICAN - DAY

Roderigo Borgia — a Spanish Cardinal — got rid of his predecessor Pope Innocent VIII at the end of July 1492, in fact before Columbus set sail, and by spending enormous sums of money managed by just one vote to have himself "elected" Pope Alexander VI.

Borgia amassed a fortune by pocketing church funds. His reign helped inspire the Protestant reformation. He fathered numerous children including Lucrezia Borgia. Machiavellibased his book, "The Prince", on him.

It was this Pope that signed over the rights to the New World to Spain on May 1493, after issuing 3 papal bulls that divided the discoveries of Columbus between Spain and Portugal by drawing an imaginary line one hundred leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.

VATICAN HELPER 1He will grant the new lands to both Spain and Portugal, despite Innocent’s deal with Columbus.

VATICAN HELPER 2I’m sure the monarchies won’t launch any new crusades and reclaim Jerusalem.

71.

VATICAN 1They need gold.

VATICAN 2We need gold.

VATICAN 1Everybody needs gold, even Columbus.

VATICAN 2Spain and Portugal will mine the new lands and the new people in order to fill empty coffers - and their armies will secure old lands here again.

VATICAN 1(mumbling)

Can we secure souls with gold?

VATICAN 2We will assure our flock a space in heaven for the right price. I’m sure there will be protests in time, unless we keep the bishops under control.

VATICAN 1The Pope has asked me to write a Papal Bull, that I will call Inter Caetera, that will grant to Spain the right to hold lands to the “western regions and to India,” is how I will phrase it.

VATICAN 2Thus, Spain will be handed the Americas, while Portugal is awarded the colonial trading rights to Africa and Brazil, which is what they want.

VATICAN 1Yes, everyone wins.

FADE TO:

WHITE TITLE: MARCH, 1493 - SEVILLE

72.

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA - DAY

A day of celebration. The outer and inner courts of the palace at Barcelona are packed with courtiers and advisors. There is a general excitement that Columbus not only found land and friendly people likely willing to be baptized, but also gold.

Columbus and Pinzon Elder are accompanied by Ricardo the Prisoner, who guides an Arawak man, dressed in European clothing; his gold jewelry removed. They have given an initial account to the court and royal couple.

The floor is now opened to questions.

KING FERDINANDSo, after surviving an apparent mutiny on the way there, you finally found India, you say, and these new lands, then promptly ran aground, lost your command ship, the Santa Maria, left her 39 good men ashore, all volunteers of course, and you yourself were then taken aboard the Nina and sailed back here with her crew, but lost the Pinta on the way back “in a storm”, as you had in the Antilles it seems, and yet both arrived back in harbor on the same day. How odd.

CHRISTOPHERYou forgot to mention we were also detained by the Portuguese in the Azores on the way back.

As Columbus speaks, the king puts his chin in hand and there is a brief moment of reflective silence when he finishes.

QUEEN ISABELLAAdmiral of the Ocean Sea, and Viceroy of the Indies ... at least you planted our royal standard and properly claimed these distant lands to the west, and I see you have brought back some treasures for us to admire.

CHRISTOPHERI have.

73.

QUEEN ISABELLA(curious)

Though you have made no mention of the fabulous cities we discussed.

CHRISTOPHERIt’s true, we have brought back nuggets and artifacts of gold and silver. But, yes, it’s also true we have not discovered the fabulous cities, nor any lost Europeans settled from previous expeditions. We will need to go back.

QUEEN ISABELLAYou have also brought back some heathen savages, assuredly seeking truth and wisdom from this court and our holy brothers.

CHRISTOPHERWe have, though this one is sick and will die shortly we have 9 others. I believe there is no need to declare war, your majesty. They are simple people, seemingly living in perfect harmony with each other and their land. I think they are naturalists. They are untouched by Khan or his men.

ADVISOR 1Let me read from your own log, in your own words your description of these newly found islanders you have discovered in the west: gentle people, innocent of all evil, timorous, ignorant of murder or even of weapons, affectionate, smiling, credulous, quick to learn and to remember, and of course "buenos servidores," good servants.

From out of the background emerges Vespucci.

VESPUCCII have at my command knowledge that enables me affirm that the new lands Columbus has discovered by his genius are not the Indies or Japan, as the Genoese would have us believe, but a new world: MundusNovus.

74.

QUEEN ISABELLA(nodding)

Thank you, Amerigo.

KING FERDINANDPinzon, where did you go upon your arrival in the Antilles for six weeks, so dastardly that you were censured for treasonable conduct?

QUEEN ISABELLAAnd what did you find?

PINZON ELDER(stepping forward)

My pilot determined we had simply found an island. I trust my pilot, he is my brother. Columbus determined we had found India and was certain we would encounter troops of the Khan. He decided to stay and built fortifications. It was indeed an island, however, much bigger than we thought and it took 6 weeks to circumnavigate - we did not desert, I assure you. Having set sail to explore, we did not land ashore except to take fresh water from streams running into the sea, and found nothing of value; nor viewed, found evidence or encountered any of Khan’s troops or Indians, heavily armed or naked, just birds.

QUEEN ISABELLAThere is some disagreement, however, to discuss. We have heard you went looking for outposts and signs of old civilizations, and did not intend to rejoin the other ships.

PINZON ELDERIn the royal map rooms, we found new route guides that had been captured from the Moors. These made us question the assumption that the earth was as small as Columbus believed. Their own trips, though made in smaller ships, were taking them much longer.

75.

(MORE)

They were trading and spoke of ports across the sea. So if the earth were bigger, as we assumed, then we believed we had merely come across and found - or “discovered”, as Columbus would say - outer islands and not a country as vast and wonderful as India, nor its rival China. We needed to prove our assumptions in order to move forward and on our next trip ensure we go further westward, and to not waste time exploring lands that do not contain the lost cities of El Dorado, your highness.

QUEEN ISABELLAWe know that the Indians to the East mention El Dorado in their ancient books, the Puranas, while making reference to Meru and a golden age long ago.

KING FERDINANDThese ancient books, their elders say, speak of great battles between Ramans and Atlanteans. The survivors of the once great RamanEmpire are said to have settled in the mountains in those areas past the islands that you have found, and indeed put behind them the advances of their civilization. Is this Indian in fact a Raman?

PINZON ELDERWe believe not. He was taken from the island. His people cannot sail across the blue ocean.

CHRISTOPHERHe can teach us...

PINZON ELDERHe can teach us nothing. They worship not the golden man.

CHRISTOPHERThey worship the sun. They believe it brings them life, and sustains them.

76.

PINZON ELDER (cont'd)

KING FERDINANDIn your log, you also state the Lucayan Arawak natives of Guanahani, where you made your first landfall apparently, would become Christians easily because...

CHRISTOPHERIt would seem to me that they had no religion.

KING FERDINANDWell, we’ll leave their conversion to the Pope. His priests and friars will likely accompany any new voyages, at least we can offset some of these mounting costs to the Church. But these Arawaks ... Can we communicate with them? Do they know of the cities we seek?

CHRISTOPHERWe had some of the slave traders with us, and they understood that the Indies extend westwards, there are many outlaying islands, inlets and peninsulas to explore. This will be costly. We will need more ships and more men. We will need to establish trading fortresses and build colonies, as we expand and manage the resources we find in this new empire.

QUEEN ISABELLAAnd that we expect to find in this new land, this new world, marvelous cities covered in gold.

KING FERDINANDUnless someone else found them first.

CHRISTOPHERAssuming they wanted to give away their gold. Nonetheless, we’re saying the Arawaks are too far removed from India to help us in our quest.

77.

KING FERDINANDYou’ve always spoken of claiming this new land, of managing both tilling and fishing rights, the people and their resources, and with each conquest we’d find new treasures. I enjoy your vision, but you must realize the costs we allocate and incur to mount and commit the necessary resources for campaigns over a long-term initiative such as what you are proposing. I, on the other hand, would prefer to find their gold, take their gold and keep their gold here, as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I’d be happy to find the seven bishops and their gold. I think that would be adequate compensation for my assent and support of these illustrious ventures.

QUEEN ISABELLAI agree. We must build new ships before we can build new cities. It would be more pleasurable to see more ships growing in the harbor each day than these jewels around my neck. There must be a bigger picture. Maybe the Egyptians saw it, maybe the Moors saw it, and maybe today the Indians see it. I believe we must claim these lands and their people now, and we must do so in an orderly manner.

KING FERDINANDWe must ensure we have enough partners to ensure growth. Spain must continue to expel the Jews and invite the participation of our Church in findings these new lands, if we are to keep on building and manning new ships. Once we’ve convinced the Church to explore with us, then we’ll be in a better position to lease them a fleet.

QUEEN ISABELLAIt will be more costly if we wait, and let the French or English take these lands first.

78.

(MORE)

Cannons will likely get bigger, more men will certainly be needed taking from them tomorrow what we can have now by merely planting a flag today and claiming these people and their resources as ours. We’ve heard there are already many private ventures being floated these days to trade in human workers, just to bring slaves into our territories.

KING FERDINAND(decisive)

Yes, we will support and launch another voyage.

QUEEN ISABELLA(standing)

Now we will go outside and show the people your wonderful treasures of men and parrots from the new world!

CUT TO:

EXT: STREETS OF SEVILLE OUTSIDE THE COURT GATES - DAY

The royal entourage are following behind the king and queen, and Columbus, who are all astride horses, happily discussing, quite loudly, their fortunes and discoveries.

KING FERDINANDColumbus is a divine blessing.

QUEEN ISABELLAWe no longer need the Jews’ gold.

KING FERDINANDThis leap across the sea is exactly what the people need.

QUEEN ISABELLA(laughing)

Perhaps there are cities of gold.

The people fill the streets to view the passing colorful parade, including the first American tourists to visit the old world, the remaining bewildered Arawaks.

FADE TO:

79.

QUEEN ISABELLA (cont'd)

EXT: COURTYARD PATIO TABLE - MORNING

At a small patio table in a familiar courtyard, Columbus is discussing a new dilemma with his brothers who will sail to the new world on the next voyage, while enjoying wine.

CHRISTOPHERThe King would like us to sail with 1,200 men, and a farm, as well as the Pope’s men.

BARTHOLOMEWAt least we’ll be carrying wine as ballast.

CHRISTOPHERNo matter what happens we must tell them always that we have found India.

DIEGOThe Indians of the East have been supplying the crowns with refined gold and ornaments for 500 years.

CHRISTOPHERThey want us to find a quicker route, and leave behind a settling force of citizens.

BARTHOLOMEW(contemplating)

A quicker route will ensure a quicker flow of product and, of course saving money, and thus returning more profit.

CHRISTOPHERI’m sure we will find much more. Take, for instance, the hamacas I found on the last voyage.

DIEGO(excited)

Yes! When we return to the islands we would be smart to order the production of several hundred and sell them to new citizens arriving in our colonies ... at a handsome return.

80.

CHRISTOPHER(solemnly)

We are entitled to ten per cent of all that is generated anyway.

BARTHOLOMEWSo we should let someone else take the market?

CHRISTOPHERWe are truly to find and create as many revenue streams as possible. These are the recurring settlements that we want for our families.

BARTHOLOMEWWe cannot afford the time to order a few hundred hamacas?

CHRISTOPHERIt takes time to negotiate and order them, and ensure their production to our standards over a specified period. Then we must store them somewhere ... and keep them protected, and we must employ men to then sell them and more men to distribute them, and men to handle the finances, and more men to manage the accounts and keep our customers happy, as the day will surely come when the rot will set in ... or someone falls out of a hamaca, one of our hamacas, and tries to claim from us their lost wages. Too much trouble.

DIEGOYes, I agree, an endeavour not worth our time. And a good analysis I might add.

CHRISTOPHER(decisive)

The bottom line does not warrant our direct involvement - but we will manage the opportunity and assign the rights.

81.

BARTHOLOMEW(looking up)

We have more important tasks at hand, well within our own capabilities and expertise.

DIEGOWe must fulfil the mission, and continue to sail westward.

CHRISTOPHERSpeaking of risk, and nothing is without risk in this world, we will sail among renegades and unruly men, greedy and selfish; not all can be trusted.

DIEGOWhatever happens, you can trust me.

CHRISTOPHER(nodding)

Of course.

BARTHOLOMEWAnd me.

CHRISTOPHER(nodding)

Of course. Well, here’s to the next phase of our plan ... Enterprise of the Indies!

The men laugh, raising and happily clinking their goblets together in an obvious graphic display of solidarity.

Columbus left the port of Cadiz, Spain, on September 25, 1493 aboard the Mariagalante, his new flagship, with 17 ships and 1,200 men, all very eager to find wealth and immense riches.

CUT TO:

EXT: ON BOARD A LARGE SHIP SAILING TO AMERICA - DAY

WHITE TITLE: NOVEMBER, 1493 - THE CARIBBEAN

October 13, 1493 - the fleet stops at the Canaries for water, wood and Gomera cheese and then in the Cape Verde Islands for a several goat which they have slaughtered and salted.

82.

As they set sail again, in 3 weeks they expect to meet their compadres left behind at Hispaniola, where Columbus in fact had left 39 of his men 9 months ago.

In a few weeks they sighted the island of Dominica on November 3. Then, after "discovering" the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, they arrived at Hispaniola on November 22 to find their crew missing and presumed dead, and their fortress razed, only a few stumps remain.

CHRISTOPHER (sadly)

The savages have destroyed Navidad. No one was spared. We will sail eastwards and set up a colony.

FIRST MATEWhat about our own malcontents?

CHRISTOPHERWe’ll send back 12 of the ships. They’ll drop off the lazy and the unbelievers, and with orders to bring back supplies for our new colony.

FADE TO:

EXT: ASHORE ON A WHITE SAND BEACH - DAY

To prevent rebellion, and also to make the voyage produce a quick profit, Columbus sent some men into the interior of Hispaniola to search for a gold mine.

His men returned not with news of a mine, but with gold spears lost in battle by men who had also come ashore many years ago. They were obviously not the first to arrive.

CAPTAINWe are told the tops of these spears are made of a metal they call quanin.

CHRISTOPHERHave we assayed them?

CAPTAIN32 parts: 18 were gold, 6 of silver and 8 of copper.

CHRISTOPHERHmm, African.

83.

On December 8, they weighed anchor again.

INT: COLUMBUS CABIN - DAY

Columbus decides to continually explore and keep his men busy on his ships and on land. He is dutifully recording in his logs their discoveries, and his mapmakers analyse each turn of coastline and each report from the interior travelers.

Columbus, as an administrator, is approving new maps in his cabin, as his first mate gives him and takes away signed sheet after sheet of scrolls and guidebooks.

CHRISTOPHER (TO HIS FIRST MATE)(pointing)

We will call this spot La Isabela. The men must explore inland. We must find the cities and find the gold. Others will search for the armies of the Khan, and we will build a strong colony.

On April 24, the following year, Columbus set sail from La Isabella with three ships to find India, and more gold.

CHRISTOPHER (TO HIS FIRST MATE)Set sail, and we must find the cities of gold.

On April 30, he found Cuba. He was told of a land of riches to the south and he left Cuba on May 3rd.

CHRISTOPHERSet sail. We will now find the gold.

EXT: COLUMBUS’ FLAGSHIP - TOPSIDE STERN - DAY

They then landed in Jamaica, and were immediately met with hostilities, and on May 13 left. These “Indians” had heard that his men were interested in two things: gold and women. Gold you might giveaway, but a good woman is hard to come by.

Sailors rowing in from shore are screaming and waving madly, while arrows drop from the sky around them.

CHRISTOPHER (TO HIS FIRST MATE)Do not engage the Indians on this land. We can ill afford to lose any more capable men. We will find new land and new people.

84.

(MORE)

Go back, collect the wounded, if they have not already been chosen as a meal, and we will set sail when you return.

A month later, after sailing along Cuba’s southern shores westward, he had each crew member sign an affidavit declaring the land was so big it must have been mainland.

CUT TO:

INT: COLUMBUS CABIN - MORNING

Columbus is waking, and is groggy. His first mate is walking around the bed and factually relaying the events of the previous boisterous evening.

CHRISTOPHER(disbelief)

...I did what last night?

FIRST MATEYou had the men sign. All the men.

CHRISTOPHERAnd I finished the wine?

FIRST MATEYes. It’s all gone.

CHRISTOPHERI guess I won’t be hearing the end of this for quite a while.

The trip back to their colony at La Isabela took great effort. They headed east against headwinds and shoals, and after visiting Jamaica (and admitting Cuba was an island) Columbus landed at Hispaniola on August 20, 1494.

CUT TO:

INT: MEDICAL TENT

After landing, seeing their sea biscuits had become spoiled, they made flour from cassava roots of the yucca plant, once leached of its poison - hydrocyanic acid - in order to make pancakes and survive. They also learned to cook and eat iguanas, which they called “barkless dogs”.

DOCTORIt is of no use. We are beaten, and we must return home.

85.

CHRISTOPHER (TO HIS FIRST MATE)

(MORE)

We will not survive here. We have suffered devastating losses to fighting and disease too early.

CHRISTOPHERWe will stay through the year and conquer these savages and their demons until we have found the treasures we are seeking: cities, gold, an economy, metal tools, manufactures or ores.

DOCTORDo you still intend to find the rebels and battle them?

CHRISTOPHERWe require their submission. If they do not submit, we will kill them. They cannot stand in our way. We will prevail.

DOCTORWill you continue to cut off the hands of those who do not collect their quota of gold from the river?

CHRISTOPHERYes. They are nothing more than slaves.

DOCTOR(desperate)

The Tainos are dying. I’m not sure how many of their brothers and uncles will remain friends if we continue to starve them...

CUT TO:

INT: COMMAND HUT OF COLUMBUS - DAY

In 1495 Columbus’ men eventually conquered the island of Hispaniola after defeating the Indians in battle.

Then Columbus appointed his brother Bartholomew provincial governor of Hispaniola, angering many of the Spanish settlers complaining about having only the cassava (tapioca) pancakes, corn, fish and yams to eat.

CHRISTOPHERCan you manage these people?

86.

DOCTOR (cont'd)

BARTHOLOMEWI will.

CHRISTOPHER(coughing)

I am departing in the morning, and will return with supplies.

BARTHOLOMEWThe men expect to be supplied and not to fend for themselves.

CHRISTOPHERWe learn something new every day.

By the end of September, Columbus was seriously ill and with both his brothers, Diego and Bartholomew, in charge of the colony, he set sail for Spain on March 10, 1496.

CUT TO:

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA

Upon their return, the priests and Spanish colonists who had left La Isabela in the early months of 1494 complained to the crown’s advisors loudly about conditions in Hispaniola.

They criticized the maltreatment of the Tainos, and charged Columbus with misgovernment.

COLONISTYes, that’s correct. No sooner had we landed than the sea biscuits had turned into a mass of pulsating weavils...

PRIEST...and our meat turned malodorous as well.

KING FERDINANDBut let me understand, he’s chopping off hands and our new workers are dying every day?

QUEEN ISABELLAHe’s not managing well.

KING FERDINANDWe must bring him back and see if he’s gone mad.

87.

QUEEN ISABELLAYes, he must have gone mad.

KING FERDINANDDid he have enough wine?

QUEEN ISABELLAI doubt he’s in withdrawal.

KING FERDINANDHe’s probably dabbling in the Indian potions again.

QUEEN ISABELLAHe may not be an administrator, but he is an explorer.

CUT TO:

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA

By June 1496 Columbus had returned to Spain to defend himself. His two remaining ships of the second voyage arrived unceremoniously into harbor, to no heroes welcome.

The outer court is hushed, but whispering of the explanations they will hear. The courtiers soon call in Columbus and his grizzled entourage, and once again they give an official account of their voyage, anticipating the questions following their return from the first voyage.

CHRISTOPHERYes, we had left behind good men including a carpenter, caulker, physician, gunner, tailor and cooper. We also left water casks and oils jars to collect gold. The men were told to trade with the Indians and collect as much gold as possible and hold it for my return. I then instructed them to build a fort with a moat to impress the Indians and to use in case of danger. They did not follow these instructions, as we did not find our men alive. We did find their bones. It was horrific.

KING FERDINAND(furious)

Anything else?

88.

CHRISTOPHERThe people entrusted with supplying my 17 vessels believed in spending the least money possible. As a result, wine and water barrels leaked, the wine quickly turned to vinegar, the food was beginning to spoil at the time of purchase, and old nags instead of horses were loaded along with livestock. Most of the meat was rotting at the time of our departure. Of the 1,200 crew, staff and passengers on this voyage, 300 died of disease in La Isabella during 1494, despite the heroic efforts of Dr. Chanca. The weather was also hostile. A hurricane in 1495 destroyed all ships in the harbor including those leased and loaded with merchandise by our financial backers led by Berardi.

He continued to speak, proudly, and again Columbus' powerful oratory and impressive presence succeeded in the Spanish court. The king and queen reconfirmed his titles and privileges, and granted his request for additional men, supplies, and ships for yet another voyage.

KING FERDINANDYou are a harsh man, and you have many uneviable qualities, but you are surely driven to find the mainland and prove that your route is quicker. Times are changing, and we will support one more venture, as we believe you are closer to finding the cities of El Dorado and their golden domes than anyone else in our domain.

CHRISTOPHERThank you. We know there is a mainland beyond the outer islands we have found. On this land we will find our cities of gold and El Dorado, of this I am now certain.

KING FERDINANDWe think you should take a heading further south. The Portuguese are said to be trading with the southern countries already.

89.

CHRISTOPHERThey must have found their outposts.

KING FERDINANDWe must stake our claim, and find the gold.

CUT TO:

EXT: COURTYARD AT DUSK

Columbus and his two trusted advisors are fast approaching a lone empty table on the patio, and quickly take their seats.

They are happy.

CHRISTOPHER(yelling)

Good man, a bottle of your best!

BERARDIWe have our third voyage. We must pay our investors back with this one - our losses are mounting. The last voyage was disastrous for us.

CHRISTOPHERWe will find the cities, and then there won’t be a problem.

ADVISOR 2Indeed. The Portuguese must already have found their outposts and have re-established trading alliances.

CHRISTOPHERFerdinand says we must take a heading south and cross the equator towards Brazil - and to the old outposts of St. Brendan himself.

BERARDIIt’s taken us a year to raise this money, and I’m sure you’ve heard your Italian friend John Cabot has now claimed our own New Found Land for the English.

90.

CHRISTOPHERHe will soon claim New Scotland and seek Sinclair’s treasure left buried by his men upon the Isle of Oaks over a 100 years ago, which is what started this trip so many years ago.

BERARDI Don’t lose focus - find the Golden Man in the mountains. Then go to Hispaniola and manage the problems there; prove you are worthy of your claim. You’ve got good people there. Let them deal with the local issues. We just want those annual royalties.

CHRISTOPHERFinding a crew is becoming more difficult, but we are to leave for Sanlucar in the morning.

BERARDIWe have arranged for six ships and crew. There has been no profit from the islands, so you’ll have to train these vagabonds... recently released by his majesty especially for this voyage.

CHRISTOPHERI’m getting criminals?

ADVISOR 2The royal treasury is empty. Your reputation has sunk. Investors are cheap, as always. I’m sure you noticed that no westbound ships sailed last year.

CHRISTOPHERYes, this has been a bad year. My sons, pages at the court, are even mocked: "There go the sons of the Admiral of the Mosquitoes."

On May 30, 1498, Columbus departed from Spain with six ships, and 30 women. He charted a southerly course. After stopping at the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira, the fleet arrived at Gomera in the Canary Islands on June 19.

91.

At this point, the fleet split into two squadrons: three ships sailed directly for Hispaniola with supplies for the colonists there; but the other three, commanded by Columbus himself, went exploring, attempting to find any lands south of the known islands in the Indies.

CUT TO:

EXT: TOPSIDE OF A CARAVEL - COLUMBUS IS STERN

Having decided to split the fleet, they make haste to find the Golden Man in the area that the Portuguese were now visiting regularly, and Columbus once again sails into the setting sun, filled with hope; his dream still alive.

CHRISTOPHERWeigh anchor. Set a course south.

FADE TO:

After drifting eight days in calm and heat of the Doldrums, winds finally returned on the 22nd, and Columbus set their course west.

CHRISTOPHERWeigh anchor. Set a course west.

By the morning of July 31 fresh water was running short, so the Admiral decided to steer directly for Dominica, the island he had discovered on his second voyage.

CHRISTOPHERWeigh anchor. Set a course north.

FADE TO:

After changing course to north by east, the fleet sighted an island in the west at noon that same day. Because the island had three hills, Columbus named it Trinidad, after the Holy Trinity.

The fleet obtained water on the south coast of Trinidad, and in the process sighted the coast of South America.

CHRISTOPHER(excited)

Land. Mainland. The cities of Cibola are there ... and a terrestrial paradise, surely.

92.

(MORE)

Send ashore a party to find Indians and evidence of outposts.

CUT TO:

EXT: ASHORE - DAY

His crew ashore found natives using colorful handkerchiefs of symmetrically woven cotton in the same style the Moors had brought to Europe from West Africa.

CAPTAINLook - they have Moorish cloth.

PRIESTThose women are wearing underpants.

CAPTAINThey are the married women. There must have been Moors here at one time.

PRIESTMaybe they found the panties after a shipwreck.

CAPTAIN(nodding)

Good point.

PRIESTBut they all have them. There’s a lot of quantity.

CAPTAINLooks to me like traders have been here before.

PRIESTThey weren’t just trading clothes. Obviously they left some wisdom behind - their married women are benefitting from wearing bragas.

CAPTAINDo you think the Moors found the gold here?

PRIESTProbably. We should move on.

FADE TO:

93.

CHRISTOPHER (cont'd)

INT: COMMAND HUT OF COLUMBUS - DAY

After exploring the Caribbean coast of South America, Columbus fell ill and set sail for Hispaniola. Upon arriving at Santo Domingo he discovered his colonists, seething with discontent, had staged a revolt.

His brothers tried to quiet the settlers by giving them land and letting them enslave the Indians to work it, but that failed. An uneasy peace was eventually negotiated, though many of the Spanish “rebels” were arrested by Columbus upon his arrival and awaited execution.

CHRISTOPHERThey are revolting? This is not what I expected.

BARTHOLOMEWWe must settle this and move on. Do you have any answers?

CHRISTOPHERLet’s continue to give the men land and give them more slaves to work the land.

BARTHOLOMEWSlaves need to be captured in a legitimate war.

CHRISTOPHERWe’re in no position to declare war on savages. We will simply take what we have claimed for Spain, and give it to the colonists.

BARTHOLOMEWSome of the men are taking the moral high ground on this one.

CHRISTOPHERThen I will not hesitate and they will all swing from our gallows. Arrest the leaders and we’ll see who’s left revolting among them.

CUT TO:

94.

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA

By 1500, many new complaints about Columbus had reached the Spanish court. Ferdinand and Isabella decided to send a commissioner named Francisco de Bobadilla to investigate.

KING FERDINAND(furious)

It’s out of control! You will go to Santo Domingo. You will find out what is going on there. You will find out whether Columbus has found gold, and why the colony is in disrepair.

BOBADILLAYes, your majesty.

QUEEN ISABELLAYou will also find out whether anyone has found the outposts on the southern mainland.

BOBADILLA(bowing)

But of course. Your wish is my command.

CUT TO:

EXT: COURTYARD AT THE PORT OF SANTA DOMINGO

Upon his arrival, in August 1500, Bobadilla was shocked by the sight of several Spanish men swinging from gallows.

BOBADILLAFind Columbus. Bring him to me in chains. If he is with his brothers, bring them in chains as well.

CAPTAIN(yelling)

Fetch me Columbus, the scoundrel!

Bobadilla and his men-at-arms free the remaining prisoners, eventually arrest Columbus and his brothers, drape them in heavy chains, harshly deposit them in a ship, and send them immediately to Spain for trial and justice.

95.

EXT: MAKESHIFT PATIO IN THE TOWN UNDER CONSTRUCTION - DAY

Columbus and several men have found refuge from the hot Caribbean sun on a patio and are enjoying a bottle of wine, when they are approached by Bobadilla and his armed guards.

CHRISTOPHERWhat the ...?

BOBADILLAYou, sir, are under arrest by the order of the king and queen.

CHRISTOPHERLeave us in peace. We have work to do shortly.

BARTHOLOMEWAnd wine to finish. Be a gentleman. We’ll be along shortly to discuss your grievances.

BOBADILLA(turning)

Arrest these men! Now!

CUT TO:

INT: BELOW DECK - THE SHIP’S HOLD

Columbus and his brothers are sitting in chains, hunched, like criminals - shades of the Templars - awaiting their own fate. They are talking to the ship’s captain, who is offering to unchain them, sympathetic of their plight.

CHRISTOPHER(defiant)

Only by royal command would I allow you to unchain us. Leave us, and we will see the king and queen in chains, if they wish it, in due course. Make haste and set sail.

CUT TO:

96.

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA

On December 17, 1500, the king and queen apologize to Columbus and forgive him and his two brothers and, in fact, recall Bobadilla from Hispaniola. The royal couple also demand to have Columbus’ route maps and guide books.

Columbus was allowed to keep his titles, but would no longer be permitted to govern Hispaniola. Columbus, alone, now duly reports his voyage to find the cities of El Dorado.

CHRISTOPHERFirst, we ran into a windless region of the ocean and were becalmed in intense heat for eight days. We reached the island we called Trinidad on July 31 and then crossed the Gulf of Paria to the coast of Venezuela. Unfortunately, then I became ill and so we set sail for Hispaniola.

KING FERDINAND(exhausted)

Enough. We are sending Nicolas de Ovando to serve as governor of Hispaniola.

QUEEN ISABELLAHe will sail with 30 ships under his command and carry 2,500 colonists. He will manage the production and shipment of gold and jewels.

CHRISTOPHERExcellent. As I have found the mainland, I am no longer interested in managing the unruly colonists and slaves in Hispaniola. Ovando can have it. I’m a builder, not an operator.

QUEEN ISABELLAHope that you will not need his services, as there is no love lost between you two.

CHRISTOPHERWe will find the cities of gold; that is my mission.

97.

KING FERDINANDWhat will you do with these slaves?

QUEEN ISABELLAThey have not been captured in war.

CHRISTOPHERThey are yours if you want them. They are all dying anyway. In a few short years they won’t be with us on this earth.

CUT TO:

EXT: COURTYARD AT DUSK

Columbus is alone, drinking wine and anxiously awaiting a visit from his advisors, but they do not arrive.

CHRISTOPHEROne more, my good man. Just one more, and I am finished - I owe it to my boys. I promise...

As the sun sets, at age fifty-one, Columbus is aged, sick, and no longer welcome in his old home base of Hispaniola. But the Admiral felt he had one more voyage left in him.

CUT TO:

EXT: PIER AT CADIZ - THE FOURTH VOYAGE DEPARTS

On May 11, 1502, four old, rotting ships and 140 brave (desperate) men under Columbus's command put to sea from the port of Cadiz. Among those in the fleet were Columbus's brother Bartholomew, again, and Columbus's younger son Fernando, now thirteen years old.

CHRISTOPHER(inspecting)

The king forbids us to land in Hispaniola. We must find the mainland to the west.

BARTHOLOMEWThese are old ships; but beggars can’t be choosers. I hope we all make it. I heard Pinzon made it to Brazil, but the scoundrel Cabralhas claimed the territory for Portugal.

98.

FERNANDOWill you find the gold, father?

CHRISTOPHER(approving)

Yes. We will sail quickly due west and make land within 21 days. We will collect water and fish, and perhaps trade for some meat, before moving forward to the lands where this time we will surely find the cities and the gold we have been searching these past 10 years.

FERNANDOI am happy to be with you and happy to leave the court as a page. Now that I am a man, I am finished being a servant.

BARTHOLOMEWThis will be exciting. You will never experience anything like this serving the spoiled prince his meals every day and helping to dress him in his finest linens.

CHRISTOPHERWe’ll make it. These are determined men we are bringing. But I feel this is surely our last kick at the cat.

CUT TO:

EXT: OFFSHORE AT ST. LUCIA - CARIBBEAN - DAY

On June 15, 1502, the ships and men of Columbus’ last voyage had arrived at the shores of St. Lucia in the eastern Caribbean in caravels, leaking and creaking.

CHRISTOPHERThis island we will call St. Lucia. Have a good look, we’re not staying long.

FIRST MATEThere’s nothing here but flowers and birds. We must set sail west towards the mainland.

99.

CHRISTOPHERWe will cross the path of Santo Domingo and hopefully will not need safe harbor.

CUT TO:

EXT: ADMIRAL’S CABIN OFFSHORE HISPANIOLA - DAY

Two weeks later Columbus arrived at Santo Domingo and requested that he be allowed to enter the harbor to shelter from a storm that he saw coming.

His request was treated with contempt by Nicolas de Ovando, the local governor, who denied Columbus access to the port.

CHRISTOPHERLet me get this straight: Ovando says we don’t get access to the harbour, and to the city that we founded?

FIRST MATEThat’s right.

CHRISTOPHERAnd you advised them of the storm on the horizon?

FIRST MATEYes.

CHRISTOPHERAnd the 30 ships of his majesty’s assembled treasure fleet still intend to depart?

FIRST MATEYes. They are so ordered.

CHRISTOPHERAnd you advised them not to venture onto the seas?

FIRST MATEYes.

CHRISTOPHERWell then we ourselves must find shelter. The storm will be coming from the North or the East.

100.

(MORE)

Make a heading for the Southwest of the island. If we lose anchors, the winds will only take the ships out to sea.

FIRST MATERather that than a battering against the shore...

CHRISTOPHER(looking at the fleet)

Surely their fate. The king will be truly lucky to see any one of those captains alive again.

Despite the warning, Ovando ordered the treasure fleet to set sail, while Columbus found shelter for his four ships in a nearby estuary, and they all survived the storm with moderate damage, and with none dead.

In the evening, when the hurricane hit, the treasure fleet was caught at sea, and twenty ships were sunk. Nine others limped back into Santo Domingo, and only one made it safely to Spain.

CUT TO:

EXT: STERN OF COMMAND SHIP - DAY

On July 31, 1502, Columbus lands on Guanaja Island in the Gulf of Honduras. Because the Admiral was not feeling well, he did not go ashore. Instead, his brother Bartholomew went inland.

CHRISTOPHERThis must be it. Go and find us the gold! Take the men you need.

BARTHOLOMEW(excited)

We will search inland and over those hills. The savages will show us the way.

CHRISTOPHERI have sent others to find water. Fresh meat might not be a bad idea for the men.

BARTHOLOMEWI’ll have Fernando dig the pits and start the fires.

101.

CHRISTOPHER (cont'd)

After discovering it was an island, Columbus spent the months of August and September, the hurricane season, working down the coast, angered and frustrated by storms and headwinds.

CUT TO:

EXT: ASHORE - DAY

When they arrived at present-day Panama, they found the savages had many gold objects - that Columbus and his men traded for excitedly. This made the region, a new possession which Columbus named Veragua, very valuable.

After coasting east along Panama until the gold petered out, Columbus tried to return to Veragua but was again beset by storms and unrelenting winds.

Finally, Columbus returned to the mouth of the Rio Belen(western Panama) on January 9, 1503, and made it his headquarters for exploration, building a garrison fort there.

CHRISTOPHERCheck the men have cleared the grounds for planting, and machinery to cut the wood, sew the clothes and distribute the provisions.

BARTHOLOMEWAll the men are accounted for and have been assigned tasks accordingly. Everyone is busy, and excited about the prospects on this land.

CHRISTOPHEROddly, we haven’t heard much about El Dorado. Have your men heard anything more?

BARTHOLOMEWI have sent parties out into the hills each day. They follow streams and paths.

CHRISTOPHERThe savages are cooperating here. We will enslave them without them knowing they are enslaved.

BARTHOLOMEWYes, we learned a valuable lesson in Santo Domingo.

102.

CHRISTOPHERThey truly didn’t understand the big picture. But, I agree, I might have been a little harsh. I was under a lot of pressure.

BARTHOLOMEWNow all nations have the ships at sea and all are laying claims to any and all new lands found.

CHRISTOPHERThey are establishing colonies and, no worse than here, intent on enslaving all new people they find.

BARTHOLOMEWUndoubtedly under the guise of the betterment of humankind.

CHRISTOPHERIt seems we have everything in order here - we should set sail for Spain with the good news!

BARTHOLOMEWI suggest to leave one ship with the men at the fort ... it’s that whole abandonment thing. You know how they feel...

CHRISTOPHERGood idea, we’ll sail with three ships.

EXT: OFF SHORE ONBOARD FLAGSHIP OF COLUMBUS - DAY

Incredibly, the next day, April 6, as the three ships set sail - with one remaining up river by the fort with the garrisoned men - the river lowered so much that the remaining ship was trapped in the river by an unnoticed sandbar stretching across the river mouth.

CHRISTOPHER(looking back)

Was that a distress signal?

BARTHOLOMEWYes, it was.

CHRISTOPHERWe must go back.

103.

The men on the ships noticed another distress signal being shot from the remaining ship.

CUT TO:

EXT: CLEARING BEYOND THE TREE LINE ADJACENT TO THE FORT

In a clearing located several hundred feet from the actual fort, yet not in view, two armed and decorated native warriors are discussing their plan of attack.

SAVAGE 1We will attack and ensure they never return.

SAVAGE 2Our elders have warned us of this day. My men are ready and willing, and will die with honour defending our land to keep it free from invading barbarian forces.

SAVAGE 1We will wait until the exploring party returns down this trail - they will be exhausted and their men will see they our violent and ruthless attack.

SAVAGE 2We will not spare one man from the party.

SAVAGE 1We will then send in the large force to the fort. They will close the doors, but they will be living in terror.

SAVAGE 2Their food will run low shortly. They are not prepared for this.

SAVAGE 1We have done well to gain their confidence - and they will surely run when we let them!

SAVAGE 2Shall we attack?

104.

SAVAGE 1Yes - this is the right time!

Then they attacked the returning party, quickly and successfully, and then, as planned, a larger force attacked the garrison. They screamed and ran forward.

The men in the fort were cuaght offguard, and their muskets were not loaded. Yet the men were prepared to fight where they stood with swords and knives.

CUT TO:

EXT: OFF SHORE ONBOARD THE FLAGSHIP OF COLUMBUS

The men on the ships are annoyed at the sight of the distress signals and cannot contemplate their worse fears. In fact, they don’t believe it’s a serious matter, and are more frustrated about having to go back - after finally setting sail for Spain.

CHRISTOPHERThe river did what...?

BARTHOLOMEWIt lowered so much that our ship was left adrift on a sandbar.

CHRISTOPHERThen the savages attacked our men?

BARTHOLOMEWYes, you’re right, we must go back. All our exploring party did not return today and all are presumed killed.

CHRISTOPHERYes. We must rescue the remaining garrison and return to Spain with all hands on deck.

In the distance, they can hear the sounds of the clash.

EXT: INSIDE FORT - DAY

The Spanish manage to close the doors and get their men inside the fort, as the large force of warriors runs towards them.

105.

CAPTAINWe are holding them off, but I need you to send another distress signal from the ship. They will return to the trees to regroup.

SARGE(panting)

Yes sir. I’ll take a few good men.

CAPTAINSet it afire if you need to - these savages do not intend to let us live. Columbus must come back.

Along the way out the ship, the Sarge and his men are quickly attacked and killed, as their swords were simply no match for archers, using poison tipped flints, which wounded and stunned his men - and then they were clubbed and stabbed to death.

As they bravely yet poignantly struggled to move forward in the soft sand and low waters of the river, the men beyond the walls left behind in the safety of fort looked on.

CUT TO:

EXT: BEACHFRONT AS COLUMBUS AND HIS MEN ARRIVE - DAY

The Spanish in the fort remained under cover and held off the countless arrow attacks, but had lost a number of men by the time Columbus arrived.

Realizing that the garrison could not be held overnight, Columbus decided to abandon the ship in the river, and ordered the remaining members of the garrison to leave.

CHRISTOPHERI don’t know if our stinking and leaking ships can hold these men.

BARTHOLOMEWDespite the stink, they are sturdy - and they will hold the men. I’ll take a few of my men and hold off those few savages - now that we know the fourth ship in the river is lost to us forever.

106.

CHRISTOPHERI can’t believe this. We finally find the gold, we believed we were among friends and obviously the crazed savages are protecting the route to El Dorado, and won’t give up his secrets to us or the location of their cities.

BARTHOLOMEWThe king will order our return, but next time with 10,000 armed men and horses. These savages will pay for their indiscretion.

CHRISTOPHERYes, they will indeed.

The three ships, now fully loaded and badly leaking from shipworm, sailed for home on April 16.

CUT TO:

INT: COLUMBUS’ CABIN ABOARD THE FLAGSHIP - DAY

Columbus and his men were unfortunate on this trip. One of the remaining ships had to be abandoned almost immediately because it was no longer seaworthy, and the remaining two crawled slowly upwind in a game effort to make it to Hispaniola. They didn't make it.

CHRISTOPHEROkay - take the men off the sinking ship and whatever supplies the other ships can carry.

BARTHOLOMEWAre we setting sail for Hispaniola?

CHRISTOPHERYes. We don’t have much choice.

BARTHOLOMEWI suppose a storm could change all that.

FERNANDOWell, I never could’ve imagined all this happening on one trip.

107.

BARTHOLOMEWWe did tell you this would be an exciting trip!

CHRISTOPHERMan the pumps - we have a long trip ahead of us. All hands on deck!

Off the coast of Cuba, they were hit by yet another storm, and the last of the ships’ smaller boats in tow was lost.

CUT TO:

Then, one of the remaining caravels was so badly damaged that she herself had to be taken in tow by the flagship.

BARTHOLOMEWWe are going to take her in tow.

CHRISTOPHERGood call. We don’t have room for the men.

BARTHOLOMEWWe actually have enough food and supplies - the men are in good spirits, despite the condition of the ships.

Both ships were leaking very badly now, and water continued to rise in the hold in spite of constant pumping by the crew, while they sailed forth.

CUT TO:

EXT: BEACHFRONT JAMAICA - DAY

No longer able to keep them afloat, Columbus finally beached the rotten and sinking ships when they reached St. Anne's Bay, Jamaica, on June 25, 1503.

Since there was no Spanish colony on Jamaica, they were marooned on an island known to have hostile inhabitants.

CHRISTOPHEROkay - take all the supplies in land and let’s build a fort.

FERNANDOWe’re here to stay. We found the gold, but can’t get home.

108.

BARTHOLOMEWPretty ironic - I must admit.

CHRISTOPHERNot to mention the fact we left a lot of machinery and equipment at Panama.

BARTHOLOMEWI think you should write a book.

FERNANDOAt least my time in the court would come in handy.

CHRISTOPHERIt’s a good idea. A ship will come by soon - keep the fires lit at night.

BARTHOLOMEWSurely you have a back-up plan...?

CHRISTOPHEROf course ... my back-up plan is to send one of the men, Diego, to Hispaniola in a canoe. He will bring back help in a ship for us.

FERNANDOHave a back-up plan... I’ll keep that in mind.

BARTHOLOMEWYou’ll have many stories to tell the ladies on the wine patios and bars back home.

FERNANDOWe’ll be home soon.

CHRISTOPHERAll Diego has to do is get to Hispaniola and convince Ovando to come and get us.

FERNANDOThat’s all? What are the chances?

CHRISTOPHERMoney talks. We know have lots of gold to buy our passage back.

109.

BARTHOLOMEWOvando is an idiot.

CHRISTOPHERYes, that is the wildcard to consider.

BARTHOLOMEW(winking)

Let’s hope he’s in a good mood.

FERNANDOThat’s assuming Diego can cross open water in a canoe.

CHRISTOPHERHe will - with a good wind and calm seas. The current will take him there.

So, Diego Mendez, one of Columbus's trusted captains, bought a canoe from a local chief and sailed it to Hispaniola.

CUT TO:

EXT: SANTO DOMINGO HARBOR - DAY

He was promptly detained by governor Ovando outside the city for the next seven months, and was refused use of any ship to rescue the expedition left behind on Jamaica. Ovando and one of his own captains stand overlooking the harbor and discuss the bewildering story and request from Mendez.

OVANDOHe did what...? Let him live among the slaves. I don’t want to see him.

CAPTAINCan we sell him a caraval? He is sailing under royal assent. We have an obligation.

OVANDOWhat money is he offering? Surely they found El Dorado - if he is that desperate to get back to Columbus.

CAPTAINWe should let him wait and let’s see what deal we can get.

110.

OVANDOThat is a good idea. We can afford to wait. He cannot.

CUT TO:

EXT: MAKESHIFT FORT ON JAMAICA’S ST. ANNE’S BAY - DAY

While Diego was negotiating for a ship, of any size, half of those left on Jamaica staged a mutiny against Columbus, which he eventually put down, unbelievably.

CHRISTOPHERWe will round up the leaders and hang them. Have you caught them?

BARTHOLOMEWYes. But do we have to hang them? I suppose it had to happen sooner or later. Can’t we punish them swiftly with the lash? What if the savages attack? We’ll need all the men we can get...

CHRISTOPHERThey want to all buy canoes and sail to Hispaniola. We have a big problem. We’re not paying them and they need some hope. It’s better to have a share of gold for the crown, as we promised, than to die here poor and without honour. These men would take it all away from us. If it is the case, we take the gold and distribute it among the men, then we would not be believed when we returned. These men would not return, ever, to Spain. These men will join the pirate ships of the Caribbean.

BARTHOLOMEWIn that case, there will be no gold left to show the king and queen.

CHRISTOPHERWe have offered to build a large ship, but cannot - there is not enough material and the natives are not willing to help, other than sell us more canoes.

111.

BARTHOLOMEWIt’s possible they have heard of past atrocities.

CHRISTOPHERThen we must maintain order - the remaining men will prosper because of it.

BARTHOLOMEWWhat if the natives attack. We are certainly at our weakest.

CHRISTOPHERHave faith. We will wait - we have our gold. Diego will succeed. These times have made him a better man. He knows now how to get what we need ... even from Ovando. And then we will sail to Spain and enjoy the memories of our adventures, to be shared forever with our families and friends. ...So hang them all.

CUT TO:

EXT: OVERLOOKING A SPANISH FLEET IN SANTO DOMINGO HARBOUR

Two men, Ovando and Diego, are standing on a bustling pier overlooking the new harbour, and another Spanish treasure fleet that is spread across the harbour. Noticeable are bigger ships than those found in La Rochelle, but also those smaller - of equal size to those of the Templars - yet with several large sails and no oars.

There is nothing emblazoned upon their main sails, except for one that displays a red cross.

OVANDOThere are many ships Diego, but none available to rescue an old crusty sailor and his rogue crew. These are ships in the employ of the Spanish crown.

112.

DIEGOI thank you for allowing me entrance, and of course this moment of time with you, but I have waited many months for a caravel and the master of the one with the red patte has agreed to take the Admiral back to the court, along with his gold.

OVANDO(curious)

So, you found the mainland...?

DIEGOYes, and there is much more to be found. But the Admiral was right and his maps proved accurate.

OVANDOIt will take seasoned administrators and a large force of armed soldiers to take what has been claimed. These savages, these Indians you once spoke of, are dying and in a few years we will need to bring in many more colonists to replace them in the fields and in the mines.

DIEGOThe lands of Europe are wholly owned, as you know. It is an agricultural society and our kings and queens are wrestling control for what is very scarce: food.

OVANDOThey are developing systems to feed and clothe the people, and their children.

DIEGOAnd schools to train them. And churches to ensure they remain loyal. Chivalry is a thing of the past. We have entered a new age - and one that is creating bitter rivalries.

113.

OVANDO(laughing)

The people are breeding like rabbits, and these are rich lands. Many more of our intrepid explorers are reporting new discoveries each year. I see a perfect fit ... like I said these people are dying, and our needs are met...!

DIEGO(mumbling)

Where have the honourable and good men gone?

OVANDOWhat?

DIEGOI bid you farewell. I will go out to meet the master of that ship now.

Finally, Mendez was able to charter a small caravel, which arrived at Jamaica on June 29, 1504, and rescued the remaining members of the expedition. Columbus returned home to Spain on November 7, 1504, his last voyage complete.

CUT TO:

INT: COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA - DAY

Knowing that the Queen was sick upon his return from the New World, their final meeting and subsequent discussion in the court was brief.

Columbus brought back cocoa beans - and chocolate drinks soon became a favorite in the Spanish court. He, however, had lost his monopoly on the trade routes.

KING FERDINANDYour news is good. You have an amazing story to tell your children.

CHRISTOPHER(tired)

Thank you.

KING FERDINANDYou’ve served me well. Take a rest and return to me in the new year.

114.

CHRISTOPHERWill you be sending troops over seas now? There is talk.

KING FERDINANDThese are matters of state. Go in peace and enjoy the fruits of your labour. New explorers are making new discoveries each week. We must now prepare ourselves accordingly, Admiral.

FADE TO:

INT: MODERN SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

The discussion is over. The school bell sounds. The class files out the room in an orderly fashion. Several students approach the professor to ask about Columbus’ final days.

STUDENT 3Do you know whether he set sail again?

PROFESSOR(smiling)

Three weeks after returning to Spain Queen Isabella, his principal supporter, died. Old and sick himself, and out of favor at court, Columbus lived only another eighteen months, passing away on May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain.

STUDENT 3What happened to his rights that his advisors negotiated, that Columbus left in the hands of his sons.

PROFESSORHis sons and future generations continually fought the Spanish Crown for their rights and their inheritance, which was, however, eventually wrested away forever.

FADE TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUNDS OF CLASHING SWORDS

115.

WHITE LETTERING (PARAGRAPH ONE):

In antiquity, the sea-faring Phoenicians passed through the straits at Gibraltar, which they controlled and guarded and fought fiercely to prevent competition. They also told people that if they went through the straits they would fall off the end of the world.

FADE TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUNDS OF JOYOUS MARKETPLACE

WHITE LETTERING (PARAGRAPH TWO):

This lie that the world is flat was perpetuated by the popes for the very same reason, until Columbus, having acquired a map and having visited and made America's existence public.

FADE TO:

BLACK BACKGROUND: SOUNDS OF BUSTLING HARBOR

WHITE LETTERING (PARAGRAPH THREE):

Columbus had no way of knowing that all the Bahamian people, some 80,000 in number he discovered on his first voyage, would be dead, extinct, in 30 years' time because of the diseases he and his men left behind.

FADE TO:

CREDITS

Conclusion: Life’s short. The End.

116.