Sunlight fell at a slant like fire upon the azure waters of the Caribbean. The shattered gleam of the waves flashed layer upon layer, like silver scales. In the distance, clouds churned like a curtain, and sea and sky hung low, joined at the edge. A deep-blue arc seemed to have been lit by tinder, forming a dawn glow both magnificent and profound.
"Splash! Splash!..."
The wind howled, billowing the high-hung sails and driving the sailing ships ever westward. Two fleets chased each other through the waves. The ship in front was only one vessel, a light, swift sailboat with gray sails lowered. Its hull skimmed the sea, cutting through the waves like a fish, nimble beyond belief.
The fleet behind had a full three ships, their white sails raised high and swollen like eagle wings. The three vessels spread out at a distance, like a fishing net, bearing down at full speed as they hunted the "Portuguese Gold Ship" ahead.
"Demonios! These Portuguese really can run! We've been chasing them for three or four days already..."
"Haaha! Boss! They're not as fast as they were yesterday. I reckon their supplies are almost gone, and the sailors have no strength left!"
"Exactly, exactly! We set out with full holds, and who knows how long they've been drifting at sea, with no resupply in between... This fat fish won't get away!"
"May the Holy Mother protect us! We'll all make a fortune!"
"Right! Once we catch this ship, not a single soul can be left alive... If word gets back to the Kingdom of Portugal, I'm afraid it'll be trouble."
"Don't worry, boss. We're all familiar with this sort of work!..."
"Haahaha!"
Captain Vicente stood at the bow, watching the shadow of the ship ahead to the west while chatting on