13 - Time Traveler: Voyage With Columbus - Pages 4-8

You're on the dock, near a lot of ships. It's a very busy place. You see men running back and forth, stacking supplies and shouting orders.

"Step up, mates! Sign on! Sail to the Indies with Captain Columbus! Fill your empty pockets with gold!"

An old sailor is standing at a desk with a book and a quill pen. As he shouts, he points to the nearby ships. You read the names on their high wooden sterns: Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria.

When you read the last name, your heart beats faster. The Santa Maria is Columbus's own vessel, the flagship of the little fleet. This is the mystery ship that sailed all the way to the New World but never came back!

"Sign aboard, mates!" the old sailor cries. "There's still time before the fleet goes!"

Many seamen are working aboard the ships. Some are rigging the canvas sails. Some are making repairs. Others load supplies. No you see a big cage of cats being lifted on to the Santa Maria.

"What are they for ?" you ask an old-timer.

"For the rats," he says, grinning. "Plenty of 'em on shipboard. On a long voyage like this, those cats will be kept busy!"

Will you be able to get a place on board? You join the line of men moving toward the sign-up desk. With their rough clothes and unfriendly faces, they look like a tough bunch.

From all you've heard, you know this voyage isn't popular with the sailors of Palos. The Ocean Sea is a huge mystery, and the men fear it. Some are afraid the ships will sink or be attacked by sea beasts. Many think that Christopher Columbus is mad.

Getting men for the ships has been a problem. There are rumors that some of them are criminals, given pardons by the king so they could sign on. The rest are poor and needy. They're ready to gamble with their lives, hoping that maybe--just maybe--Columbus will make them rich.

Stepping up to the table, you give your name. The old sailor looks over you quickly.

"You'll do. We need another deck helper on the Santa Maria."

Nodding, you pick up the quill pen. Just in time you remember to mark a big X. In those days a young sailor like you, with no schooling, wouldn't know how to read or write.

As you put the pen down, a man shoves past and bumps you. You lose your footing and stumble back.

"Ay! Fool!" You've accidentally stomped the toe of the sailor behind you. He's a scowling giant, with a squint in one eye and a scar on his cheek.

"I'm sorry," you say. "It was an accident."

The sailor raises a huge, mean-looking fist.

"Accident, eh? I'll teach you a good lesson!"

You step back quickly and try to apologize again--but no luck. The angry sailor aims a punch and swings. You see the blow coming and sidestep it easily. Thrown off balance, the man trips. He lands flat on his face, on the dock.

The onlookers hoot and laugh.

"Hee-ah! Outfought by a child!"

"Eh, Romano! It's you who needs a good lesson!"

Growling, Romano gets to his feet. He looks around and snatches a wooden pole. Waving it like a club, he rushes at you.

This will not do at all! You back away, keeping your distance. You don't want any trouble. Not at the start of your mission!

"Listen, please--"

Again you try to reason with the sailor. But it's no use. Romano lunges like a raging bull. You step back and your arms bumps a heavy oar leaning against a shack. You grab it as he swings.

Crack! You block his swing with your oar. The club flies from the man's hands and slides along the dock. Quickly, he rushes after it.

You race down the dock and slip behind some crates. This is getting serious! You'll have to do something fast--before that crazy sailor wrecks your plans! If you jump in time now, you'll miss the start of the voyage. But if you stay you might be seriously hurt.

Romano has picked up the club. He's coming after you again. Better decide now!


Do you want to face Romano?
Turn to page 3.

Do you want to jump one month ahead and join the fleet at sea?
Turn to page 12.