VIII.
Time to strut and fret my hour upon the stage once more...
The new century opens with rage, sorrow and cold blooded murder as the natives attack and wipe out my fledgling colony on Fernando Po. I can start all over again – this really
is the slow boat to China. In the ensuing months and years, I decide to expand westward instead, but my first attempts in the New World are equally disappointing.
They just don’t get it – I only want what’s best for them.
In the Spring of 1502 the Barbary Pirates attack our coastal towns. The nerve of these Young Turks! Resolute as ever, I hoist the mainsail, heave taunt the halyard and experience an adventure worthy of
Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter. Or is it?
Of course we are pirates ourselves, my dear. Pirates extraordinaire. Sovereigns of the sea. Masters of trick and trade. Or are we?
Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness indeed, and the rapid and unbridled expansion of my trade awakens the green-eyed monster in countless competitors. Throughout the decade, our merchants meet strong opposition in European centres of trade.
But let’s not be sad. This too shall pass.
Hmmm.
But lo! This little share-out surely brings a smile to my face.
Great talent never goes unnoticed, it seems. Not even by savages.
Now, let the parade begin.