It was beginning to grow light.
A hazy layer of mist still hung over the distant sea. It was made up of tiny droplets, formed when water vapor from the evaporating sea condensed and drifted above the calm water. Once the sun rose and the sea breeze began to blow, the mist would quickly disperse.
As the red glow on the horizon grew brighter, Seville welcomed another new day. The city dominated Spain's overseas trade—and nearly all of Europe's—and controlled the Strait of Gibraltar. It enjoyed an unparalleled geographical and economic advantage.
By now, the Invincible Armada had been at sea for a full five days, yet Seville's port remained just as bustling as ever.
Every day, at least dozens of merchant ships, large and small, arrived from the Mediterranean, the New World, Africa, the North Sea, and other places, whether to do business or simply stop over.
In this Age of Discovery, Seville's port was clearly one of the biggest beneficiaries of the times. The Spanish royal family was raking in money, too—enough to assemble the Invincible Armada and let it dominate the Mediterranean and the New World.
Spain was undoubtedly the most powerful maritime kingdom of the age. The bustle of Seville's port alone was proof enough.
At that moment, two soldiers in armor, each holding a long-handled battle-axe, stood guard atop a fortified tower on a hill beside the docks.
Behind them hung a large bronze bell used to sound the alarm. It hadn't been rung in many years, though, so their watch was little more than a formality. The two of them had even spent the previous night sleeping against the wall without anyone noticing. Nobody had come to inspect their post, because neither they nor their superiors believed anything would happen.
"Ahh!"
"I'm so sleepy..."