"The Nina is our smallest and fastest ship. It makes perfect sense to send her ahead to scout more of the coast." The first mate urged.

Captain Columbus shook his head. "This is a harsh and unforgiving  land. The coast is fraught with peril, I'll not risk a ship and its crew for folly." He argued.

"We have the water and meat dried from hunting, we are ready to set sail however we must find larger trees to make the needed repairs." The first mate retorted.

The captain sighed and took another sip of rum. "Very well. You shall captain the vessel. If you have not returned in twenty days we will set sail for Spain without you."

The first mate hid his shock and stiffly bowed, then turned and walked away to make his preparations.

Columbus watched him go, his mouth set in a grim line. He was losing control and he knew it.

He suddenly stood and called forth ten of his most trusted men. "Let us make one last foray to contact the native peoples! What say you men?"

There was a general avoidance of eye contact and grumbling.

Only four loyal men remained it seemed.

The following day the Captain and his four companions set out for the horizon, the other crew members remaining at the beach finishing the repairs to the three boats. The men carried only their bed roll and a meager supply of food. They only planned to be gone for two days. But as they pushed into the unknown they saw more and more. From exotic furry animals to terrifying spiders the size of a mans heads the Captain sketched them all. They took plant samples and examined trees and the ever changing soil.

On the first night they made camp by the river, one man would stand watch while the others slept, to keep them safe from the water dragons. The mosquitos swarmed them and made their slumber fitful. They were all grateful for the early pinks and yellows of dawn.

They ate a quick breakfast, fried meat and hard tac. Refilled their canteens at the rivers edge and then they followed the sun as it rose into the sky. The landscape had changed to rolling hills. They spotted more wild dogs and some ground dwelling rodents.

In the distance a large irregularity marred the horizon. It was a mountain, but it was not like any mountain they had ever seen. No trees grew upon it, and the great red soil seemed to rise up out of nothing. When they reached the base and looked up, marveling at it's great height they saw movement along the top. Men!

As they stood watching, waiting for a glimpse of the elusive native peoples a spear flew from the great red waste and buried itself into the chest of one of the crewmen!

"Run!" Columbus screamed. The remaining men needed no prodding as they dropped their belongings and fled. The natives hooted in delight.

"