Toward a Dark Horizon

By Beryl Carpenter

Sara Elena flees Spain in 1492, narrowly avoiding capture by her pursuer, Don Antonio Morales, evil deputy of the Inquisition. On the eve of her departure, she marries Juan, the man she has come to love. However, she and her new groom must soon travel different paths and endure dangerous separation for a time.
Juan travels west with Columbus on the voyage of discovery. Will loneliness subdue him? Will he fall victim to temptation? Sara sails eastward seeking a welcome and a home. But which country will receive her, one of the hundreds of Jews exiled by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand?
Along the way she makes friends. Evil follows her as Sara builds a new life in a foreign country. Just when joy is about to overtake her, a cruel violence and heart-breaking news threaten to overwhelm her. Will her dream of a real home vanish like a wisp of smoke?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504969529

Beryl Carpenter

Beryl Carpenter is a native of the Pacific Northwest. She grew up in the drizzle and spent many happy times riding the ferries across Puget Sound. Although she has traveled widely, Ms. Carpenter always prefers coming home. For her and her husband, Port Gamble is almost in their back yard. With a degree in English and a love of the trees and mountains of western Washington, it seemed only natural for her to explore the history of the premier lumber mill town of the region. The author’s other love is medieval Spain. She has written three historical novels taking place in 15th century Spain: Far From a Pleasant Land, Toward a Dark Horizon and When Doves Laughed. Trouble at Port Gamble is her first historical mystery, but not her last. Look for the further exploits of Addie Reagan in Feeling the Heat in Seattle, coming soon.

Book preview

TOWARD

a

Dark Horizon

BERYL CARPENTER

If I make my home on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me Psalm 139: 9-10 (NIV).

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© 2016 Beryl Carpenter. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/09/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6953-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6952-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015920912

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

NIV

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Contents

Acknowledgments

A Note From the Author:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

To Robert,

for his constant encouragement and

sound advice

Acknowledgments

What would a writer do without enthusiastic readers? Thank you for your comments, corrections and interest in Sara and Juan and the other characters. Thanks, too, for enjoying the descriptions of fifteenth-century Spain.

This second book, Toward a Dark Horizon, takes the two main characters on separate sea voyages. Juan boards the Santa Maria for a voyage west with Columbus. I hope you'll come along for the ride and learn more about that historic endeavor. I've imagined some of it, but have tried to adhere to the main facts taken from the journals of Columbus. Sara's voyage takes her east into the Mediterranean where she encounters the realities of the late medieval European world. Times were dark for Spanish Jews.

I'm grateful to my husband Robert for his assistance with all things nautical. He has become something of an aficionado of ships and sailing through reading a great many historical novels that take place on ships. The vocabulary is extensive and the sailing commands precise. So, taste the salt air and feel the creak of wooden ships in the descriptions he helped craft.

To friends and family, those who critiqued as well as praised, many thanks, especially the Saturday morning Inklings! To my lovely daughter in law, Kate Garchinsky, blessings for another great cover illustration. To sons Brent and Brian, thanks for being the creative and kind people you are.

To my husband, Robert---I'm ready for more adventures. Let's go!

Beryl Carpenter, 2016

A Note From the Author:

Europe and the Near East incubated for centuries in a medieval cocoon, but at the end of the fifteenth century burst forth as an emerging butterfly called the Renaissance.

Competition for trade routes raged. Venice, Portugal, Spain and Holland in the West along with the Ottoman Empire in the East challenged each other for supremacy in trade in spices, expensive fabrics and other exotic goods.

Boatbuilding became essential and competitive. Venice's inner harbor, for example, developed a giant shipyard called the Arsenal. It was said the 16,000 men employed there could build a large galley vessel and outfit it in a day. The other maritime powers didn't lag far behind.

The popular caravels (light and maneuverable) and carracks (able to carry cargo and cannon) improved in design to make them faster. Oar-powered galleys, popular for centuries, were now built with streamlined forecastles (fortified platforms), larger square-rigged sails and heavier hulls to carry more crew and cannon for protection.

Spain had money confiscated from the Jews to spend on exploration. With the Ottoman Empire dominating the Eastern Mediterranean and the overland trade routes to the Orient, finding a new trade route was vital.

Technology expanded the possibility of exploring and surviving to tell about it. Astrolabes and quadrants provided more accurate measurements of global position. (The invention of the chronometer that determined longitude remained two hundred years in the future.) Access to better maps made the world a little less terrifying. Mariners became bolder, seeking to map more of previously unknown seas and uncharted territory. Better cannon and other weapons provided protection from enemies.

Society grew more mobile. Columbus discovered America, Vasco da Gama landed in Goa, in western India. Kemal Reis, an officer in the Ottoman Navy, made trips to rescue both Jews and Muslims from southern Spain. Privateers (Kemal Reis was one) sailed the Mediterranean, especially east of Italy (called the Levant), taking merchant goods from their victims and sometimes collecting men and women as slaves. Pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem and the Holy Land on ships modified to carry passengers. And the Sephardic Jews (from Spain) dispersed like seeds on the wind to many countries.

The Columbian exchange meant Europeans came, conquered and took what they saw as their right. Foreign plants showed up in Europe: the cacao bean, tomato and tobacco, for example. Meanwhile, horses, grapes, wheat, and olives (among others) came to the New World from Europe. Columbus transported natives to the Spanish court, although they often didn't survive the voyage.

European diseases ravaged the native populations so much that after half a century of contact few remained. As a revenge of sorts, Europeans contracted a new virulent strain of venereal disease. Columbus was bent on conquest and determined to find riches. He favored enslaving the natives, contrary to Queen Isabella's instructions. Bartolomé de las Casas, a Catholic missionary, recorded the Spaniards' cruelty towards the native peoples.

May you find adventure in this book and in your own life. Sail forth!

Beryl Carpenter

Chapter 1

Something was pulling her down. Tendrils of sea plants entwined with her hair, plaiting an underwater braid that held her fast. Slimy kelp wrapped around her, plastered like swaddling strips to her arms, her legs. She pulled at the kelp and the plants without success. She was getting more tangled with each movement.

Must get to the surface. I can't---

Help! Help! Socorro! Was that my voice? Can anyone hear me?

Blue-green water flooded into her nostrils. Coughing and sputtering, she kept drawing in more of the salty brine.

Oh, if only I could clear my nose and throat. I need to breathe some air!

"Help, I'm drowning! Socorro!" She tried screaming with all her might.

Someone touched her.

Sara, Sara. Take my hand.

She batted at the outstretched arm.

Wake up, dear Sarita. You're having a bad dream.

What? Oh, Margarita. The seaweed---it's all over me. Get it off! Sara thrashed at the stringy mass, pushing away the too-urgent memory of her nightmare reality.

Calm yourself, dear one. Margarita straightened the tangle Sara had made of the blankets.

Margarita! I was gone! Drowned! Sara looked up, eyes focusing, a soul saved from the abyss.

Margarita patted Sara Elena's hand and spoke gently into her ear. "You are safe now, dear one. Relax. You're here in our cabin aboard the Veronica."

Where are we going? Sara raked both hands through her dripping seaweed coiffure. She remembered she had washed her hair and lain down recently.

We've left Palos harbor and have turned west. We'll soon enter the Ocean Sea and follow the coast north toward Lisbon.

I was sure I was drowning. It was so real.

You came down for a short siesta. Remember all the excitement as we left? It seems everyone wanted to take you away.

I do remember some of that now. Don Antonio Morales actually came on board with his men and tried to grab me off the ship.

Yes. And besides that, you and Juan parted in a hurry, too. Columbus' men forcibly removed Juan. He wouldn't give up his surgeon.

Oh, Juan! Sara bolted up, her head a pendulum swinging left and right.

Yes, your bridegroom was yanked away from you after only one night together. It's a cruel world we're facing right now. And the Jews expelled today, too. You needed a rest. Margarita folded her arms like a protective hen over her chicks.

So, maybe my bad dream just reflects my inner thoughts right now---overwhelmed. Sara Elena sagged back on the mattress and sighed.

Well said.

What am I to do, Margarita?

Well, there are lots of things beyond your control, but soon there's a free time for the passengers on deck. I suggest we go up and enjoy the beautiful day. Enjoy the moment. You can do that, at least.

Margarita, you are so wise. Let's do that. Sara sprang up. But first, I've got to do something about this tangle of hair. Sara grinned and reached for a brush. Remembering, she added, And I must begin the journal I promised to write for Juan.

After doing the best she could with her messy hair, she began.

* * * *

3 August 1492

Journal Entry

Dear Juan,

Chased, robbed, married, and then torn from my husband---all this and more has happened in just a few desperate days. Do you feel caught up in a whirlwind, as I do?

After King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella conquered the final stronghold of the Moors in January, we all thought life would improve. Walls would be repaired. Shortages would vanish. Trade would resume again. We could all pursue our life goals, as we wanted. But the King and Queen crushed those hopes forever when they issued their Edict of Expulsion. All Jewish people must convert to the Catholic faith or leave. The deadline was 2 August 1492.

My dreams were always to have love, home and family. I found love unexpectedly this year when I met you, Juan. Those riveting marbled green eyes first caught my attention. But you were so stubborn! Maybe I was, too. When our father had apoplexy, though, you gave us many practical ideas to help us care for Father. You came often to help with that task, too.

Gradually, I came to know and care for you, Juan. Then, just after you and Luis left to board and outfit the ships for Columbus' voyage, Father died! With the ominous deadline approaching and my friend Margarita arrested, and my need to communicate with you and Luis, I made some dangerous decisions. I had to leave our family home in Granada and head to Palos. Not the closest port to depart from Spain, but you and Luis had gone there to the Santa Maria, they said. And on the way to Palos, I learned I could purchase passage on an Italian ship, because they travel to the eastern Mediterranean.

On the way, Don Antonio Morales, that evil deputy of the Inquisition, actually pursued me himself! He and a few servants followed our caravan, but we eluded him. He seems determined to have me, though I have refused him more than once. I did make a pact to become his paramour if he would release Margarita. I never intended to keep that promise, however. Never! Why won't he ever give up?

The one bright spot in this whole tale is we got married! You planned it all with the permission of Admiral Columbus. We said our vows on board the Santa Maria, and spent one precious night together. The very next day, my ship the Veronica set sail early in the morning. There was a struggle even then, as some of Morales' men tried to take me off the vessel. The Jewish people on the ship, most of them my friends by now, crowded in and prevented that. Morales ended up on the dock coughing and wheezing with his bad lungs. That's the last I saw of him, but I'm sure it's not the last trouble I'll have with him. Somehow, I think he'll find me.

You and I pledged to meet up in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1493 at the Church of the Nativity. But, I wonder about you on your long dangerous voyage. It will take a miracle for us to be reunited, and only God can make that happen. In the meantime, I, Sara Elena, am writing this journal so you, Juan, can know every day of my life while we're apart. I hope you keep a log, too. You promised you would.

Vaya con Dios, Juan.

* * * *

After finishing the entry, Sara brushed the wrinkles from her clothes and climbed the ladder to the main deck.

The sun skipped from wave to wave across the blue Ocean Sea, and a soft wind filled the sails of the ship. It was a caravel, a small ship revered for its swiftness and maneuverability. Its main and foresails curved gracefully overhead, while the mizzen or aft mast pointed to the trail rapidly disappearing behind them. Its rigged lateen sails swelled to contain the strong breeze flowing off shore. Many caravels had recently been modified to house the growing flow of pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem. The present emigration of Jews from Spain added strain to these workhorses of the Mediterranean, who kept carving grooves through shipping lanes.

A surge of calm swept over her as Sara looked out at the Iberian coastline passing by. Rocky outcroppings like monsters' backbones sliced through grass-covered meadows and valleys. August meant dry season, but Sara still spotted scattered white dots of sheep and goats grazing on the receding pasturelands.

Shouldn't they move out farther offshore? In fact, there was no threat at all of a fearful lee shore, since the land breeze was upon the aft starboard quarter of the vessel. But, as if reading her mind, the Veronica edged two points south of west to clear Sagres at the extreme southwest corner of Portugal. Three leagues to the northwest (she heard the sailors say) she saw the headland of Cape São Vicente. There she heard the officer of the deck order:

Helmsman, set a new course. One point west of north toward Lisbon.

Aye, sir, came the reply.

The wind riffled her long tresses as Sara Elena turned her face away from the familiar coastline and out toward the west, to the great unexplored, wide, blue sea.

Soon, Juan will head west with Columbus and his band of adventurers, she said to Margarita. I wonder what makes men want to risk such dangers? Are there sea monsters?

I don't know. Margarita shrugged.

What about maps? Don't men prefer to have charts? My brother Raul thinks so, with his cartography scheme. Sara smoothed her hair back in place. She thought hard.

Or, is it exciting to attempt something that's never been tried before? She looked aside and noticed a sailor coiling some ropes on the deck. She strolled over toward him.

No! Stay here, said Margarita.

"Marinero, tell me---why are you a sailor?"

The old sailor looked up. His cracked, brown hands stopped their activity as he searched for an officer to protect him.

You shouldn't be talking to the crew, Sara.

"Yes. Why did you ship out on the Veronica?" Sara ignored the advice.

For the money, I guess---and the rocking of the ship. I get nervous when I'm on dry land too long. There's nothing like the gentle rolling of the waves to put you to sleep at night.

Does adventure stir your soul? Do you long to see new lands? Would you have signed up to go with Admiral Columbus? Sara Elena raised her arm and swept it out toward the blank blue sea.

Well, some men would say so. The sailor stroked his bristly whiskers. But me, I like to know where I'm going, say from Naples to Lisbon and back, nice and neat. Do your work and get your pay. That's my way. He ducked his head and went back to his work.

Passengers should not talk to the men. I forbid it. Captain Ferlandini's deep voice startled Sara Elena.

I'm sorry, I didn't know. Sara's face colored.

What were you asking my deckhand?

What? Oh, I just asked him if he ever had the urge to explore new worlds, to go with Columbus, for example.

And what was his reply? I'm curious. Captain Ferlandini's dark eyes bored into hers. Suddenly, she felt nervous and uncertain.

Well, I hope I don't get him in trouble, but he said he just went to sea to earn a living. There's no adventure in his soul.

I suspected as much of old Guido.

Well, Captain Ferlandini, what would you prefer in a sailor, adventure or duty? Sara Elena returned his gaze with a steady look.

Señora Sara Elena, that is a classic question, and I don't know the answer. I suspect you're trying to gauge my passion for sailing. He folded his burly arms across his chest and rocked back on his heels. As a young man I dreamed of traveling to faraway places and I have realized that goal.

Where have you gone? Sara looked up at him through her long eyelashes. He cast a shadow over her.

I've sailed to the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands, and also to a delightful island called Madeira, controlled by Portugal. I've also sailed to the easternmost part of the Mediterranean Sea. There are many wonders in the world and I've seen some of them. But, I think most sailors would say coming home to someone who cares about you is the best adventure. Duty to your sovereign and duty to family are the same. Adventure without duty is just a wild imagining.

Sara flicked her head and her shiny-damp hair unfurled into the wind.

Captain Ferlandini gave Sara Elena a long look. Señora, one more thing. Since you are married, I think you should not flirt with me. He left her sputtering on deck, as Margarita approached.

What did the captain say that has you so upset?

He was quite impertinent. He thought I was flirting with him. Her face colored.

Were you?

I didn't think so. No! I . . .

Be careful. Margarita linked arms with Sara. Now, come. It's time to eat.

* * * *

The Veronica glided forward a bit more each day, but it seemed like forever to Sara Elena. She wandered the deck most mornings, eyeing the activities of the sailors as they carried out daily tasks. With practiced motions they coiled ropes, adjusted sails or tied and retied knots to hold rigging in place. Any one of them could jump up and scale the lines to the highest mast in seconds.

What's on your mind, Sara? said Margarita as she stepped out onto the deck one morning. The breeze is fresh and the sun is shining. We have nothing to worry about. So why does your face carry a frown? She patted Sara on the back.

Oh, Margarita. It's the same old worry. What will I do? Life is so uncertain. The two women strolled the deck, arms linked. The ship rolled gently with the azure swells. As they turned to the starboard deck they looked toward the ever-changing coastline. Some days rocks jutted skyward, but today orange dirt with a thin fuzz of grass covered rolling hills and open valleys. A few far-off rock huts pocked the landscape. Sara sighed and kept walking.

Hello, friends, said Margarita. What are you all doing today? She nodded to the little knot of people gathered at the railing of the vessel.

What we do every day---wait and watch the scenery go by. Rodrigo Galvan smiled as he returned her greeting. The Romero family---Mara, Diego and Alma, the daughter Sara had befriended on the frantic caravan journey---also looked toward the ladies.

Welcome to our group, Sara and Margarita. We have news to share.

Tell us everything.

Well, you know we're not the only Jews on this vessel, right? Mara pushed a few strands of hair back from her face.

Of course. Lots of people are running from Spain just now. Sara clasped her hands and listened.

Yes, and there's no good news about where we should settle.

What do you mean?

Well, you said something about heading to the Holy Land, I think. That, of course, is everyone's dream.

Of course.

But it's a very bad idea now, it seems, Diego chimed in. Did you know the main port cities on the coast of the Holy Land are destroyed? The Ottomans who are a constant threat have made scrap heaps of Ashkelon and Acre, the northern and southern ports. So, the Christians and Jews won't be able to control the harbors and trade.

And people will find it very difficult to enter the country, added Alma. At Acre, people and supplies can be rowed ashore, but it's dangerous even to do that.

What? Why?

Pirates patrol the shoreline and find the rowboats are easy targets.

Sara Elena wrinkled her brow and flung both hands in the air. Why didn't we know this before? What do we do now, Margarita? Sara Elena turned toward Margarita and laid a hand on her arm.

I don't know. Find another port, I guess. Margarita patted Sara's hand.

Let's ask the captain. He'll know the best possibilities for wanderers like us, said Señor Galvan. The others nodded their agreement.

Sara Elena, you find out and report back to us soon. The group buzzed.

Yes, you and Margarita.

What about you, Rodrigo? I think as a man you could have a talk with Captain Ferlandini.

Perhaps. I'll look for an opportunity. He looked toward Sara Elena. Let's both try to find out more. Whoever gets the information first can bring it back to the whole group. Agreed? He raised perfectly arched eyebrows.

"Very well, Don Rodrigo. Estamos de acuerdo. We agree."

Chapter 2

2 August 1492---Palos, Spain

With heaving coughs and desperate gasps, Don Antonio's efforts to breathe finally subsided. His thin body lay still on the quay. Alexo and Paco eyed each other. What do we do now? Paco mouthed. Alexo stepped forward and parted the crowd of curious folk around their master. He knelt and turned Morales' body face up. He put his ear to the man's mouth and nose. Alexo felt the slightest wisp of a breath escape Don Antonio's lips. He loosened the collar and felt a faint pulse on his neck.

He lives still,