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INT. COURT OF CASTILLE - DAY
Still wearing a Franciscan robe, Columbus stands before the throne of Queen Isabel and the court.
QUEEN ISABEL
In addition to the two ships of supplies recently departed,
we authorize the six ships you have requested
to include three hundred thirty persons under royal pay,
namely forty servants, one hundred soldiers,
thirty sailors, thirty ship-boys, twenty miners,
fifty farmers, ten gardeners,
twenty artisans, and thirty women.
COLUMBUS
Your majesty, I would like to take some musicians
for the refinement of the colony.
QUEEN ISABEL
You may increase the number up to five hundred,
but their pay must be borne by the colony.
Once more, I order you to show leniency
in collecting tribute from the natives
and in any punishments.
Also we name your brother Bartolomé
Governor of Española under your Viceroyalty.
Bishop Fonseca will see that you are supplied.
COLUMBUS
I thank your gracious majesty.
EXT. FLAGSHIP DECK IN PORT AT SEVILLE - DAY
Columbus is quarreling with XIMENO BREVIESCA.
Super:
Third Voyage
Seville, May 30, 1498
XIMENO
Frankly, your adventures are like
pouring money into hell!
COLUMBUS
By San Fernando,
you are the treasurer of Bishop Fonseca
who has been ordered by the Queen
to provide these supplies!
XIMENO
When we decide.
COLUMBUS
God take you!
It has been two years since I arrived in Spain.
You have delayed us;
you have reneged on your promises;
and you have given us faulty equipment and rotten food.
XIMENO
Rotten food for a rotten expedition!
COLUMBUS
You ass! Get off my ship!
XIMENO
Oh, after we’ve supplied it, it’s your ship, is it?
Columbus loses his temper and pushes Ximeno, who falls down.
XIMENO
Is this how you treat your men?
Columbus starts kicking Ximeno in fury.
COLUMBUS
Get this man off this ship before I kill him!
XIMENO
Bishop Fonseca and the court will hear of this!
Some of the crew hustle Ximeno off the deck. Columbus orders the crew.
COLUMBUS
Make ready to sail.
EXT. FLAGSHIP DECK SAILING ALONG COAST - DAY
Columbus views the lush green forest of the South American continent.
Super:
Paria (South America)
INT. FLAGSHIP CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Columbus greets the entering Bartolomé with an embrace.
Super:
August 30, 1498
COLUMBUS
Bartolomé! My dear brother!
BARTOLOMÉ
Welcome back to Española, Admiral.
You look tired.
COLUMBUS
I never sleep much at sea—too busy watching.
And it’s the gout again.
But I have good news for you.
Our Sovereigns have named you Governor of Española.
BARTOLOMÉ
That will help. God knows I need more authority
with these Spaniards who hate me as a foreigner.
COLUMBUS
I want to hear everything, but first I must tell you:
I’ve found the Asian continent south of here.
After almost dying of thirst in calms of the torrid zone,
I vowed to name the first island Trinidad.
Miraculously we saw three mountains,
and as we got closer they were on the same island.
We sailed into a huge gulf of fresh water.
Only a river drawing rain from extensive land
could produce so much water.
The natives are as fair as the Indians
and not dark in the south as predicted.
I believe the river of Paria may come
from the fountain in the Garden of Eden!
BARTOLOMÉ
How wonderful!
COLUMBUS
I’m hoping you can go explore there.
BARTOLOMÉ
I doubt I could.
Admiral, we have serious problems here.
COLUMBUS
What has happened?
Many of the scenes described could be shown visually with Bartolomé’s voice over narration alternating with him speaking to Columbus.
BARTOLOMÉ
After you left, we built a fortress
near the gold mines Diaz discovered.
The workmen found so much gold
in the earth and stones used in building it
that they call it the Golden Tower.
COLUMBUS
That’s good news.
BARTOLOMÉ
We were running desperately short of provisions.
The men here are so mad about their pursuit of gold
that they won’t farm or garden even if they’re starving.
The Indians have lost their generosity.
I spent a month collecting the tribute
from Guarionex and the caciques under him.
Then Nino arrived from Spain,
but much of the provisions had been ruined,
causing more resentment about conditions.
The word from Spain was that Indians involved
in the death of any colonist could be sold as slaves.
So we sent three caciques and three hundred prisoners
back to Europe with Nino.
COLUMBUS
Nino passed the word in Spain he had a cargo of gold.
Can you imagine the disappointment
when we found out he meant the slaves?
BARTOLOMÉ
God take him.
We started building a seaport next to the Ozema
where there is a fine harbor.
I decided to visit the cacique Behecio in Xaragua.
His sister Anacaona, the widow of Caonabo,
had influenced her brother to be friendly with us.
Following your example, I took a large force
with cavalry, standards, drums, and trumpets.
We found Behecio armed with a large army.
However, when he saw our forces,
he put down his weapons and parleyed with me.
I told him we came in peace,
and he ordered a magnificent reception for us.
About thirty women greeted us
with songs, dances, and palm leaves.
The married women wore only an apron,
and the girls were naked.
Anacaona was carried on a litter.
They gave us a banquet, and I was the first
to taste the guana, which is delicious.
We slept in their hamacs.
The next day they entertained us with a warlike game.
After four men had been killed and many wounded,
we begged them to stop the exhibition.
I told Anacaona that you and I
represent the great sovereigns of Spain,
that we would protect them,
and that we wanted to arrange a tribute to be paid.
Behecio complained that he had no gold,
but I told him he could pay
in cotton, hemp, and cassava bread.
He was relieved to know that and agreed.
So I said a friendly goodbye to that cacique and his sister,
and went to Isabel. Such misery I found there!
The provisions Nino brought already were exhausted,
and most of the men were sick or feeling rebellious.
To remove their despair I ordered two ships constructed,
since they had none there.
All other able-bodied men I sent
to the chain of forts we’ve established,
and I returned to the new port of Santo Domingo.
Soon I received a messenger who got through
by hiding the letter in a reed staff.
The Indians know the magic of messengers.
It seems that Guarionex had organized a big uprising
for the day the tribute was to be paid.
COLUMBUS
What caused Guarionex to turn against us?
BARTOLOMÉ
Two things.
First, the cavalier Berahona stole his favorite wife.
And second, friars had tried to convert him to Christianity.
He and a few others went along with it for a while;
but when his wife was taken, he renounced it.
Some of his men went into the chapel
and broke the images and buried them.
You know how severe the ecclesiastical law is.
Spaniards burned the culprits
as punishment for sacrilege.
So when I got the letter about the uprising,
I took a force of men to Fort Conception.
I ordered the men to capture
all the caciques from villages
the night before the tribute was due.
Myself and a hundred men captured Guarionex.
Through interrogation I discovered
two caciques were the main instigators,
and I ordered them put to death.
I also punished the cavalier who had stolen his wife.
By pardoning Guarionex and the other caciques
they happily became our friends again,
and they carried Guarionex away
on their shoulders singing.
With the Royal Plain pacified,
I went to Xaragua to collect the tribute.
Again Behecio and Anacaona were most friendly.
The cotton could fill a house,
and they offered as much cassava bread as we wanted.
So I sent to Isabel for one of the new ships.
The beautiful Anacaona delighted in seeing the ship.
She came aboard and wanted to stay with me,
and it was with great difficulty
that I said goodbye to her.
COLUMBUS
It sounds like you have everything under control.
BARTOLOMÉ
Our troubles were just beginning.
When I got back to Isabel, I found that
Francisco Roldan had organized a conspiracy against us.
COLUMBUS
The man I raised from a common laborer
to be Chief Judge of Española?
BARTOLOMÉ
The same. He told people you would never return,
and he played on Spanish pride
and lust for gold and women,
defying the authority of our brother Diego.
I discovered later he even plotted to kill me
at the public execution of Berahona,
who had raped the wife of Guarionex.
But since I pardoned the man,
the event never took place.
Anyway, while I was marching to Isabel,
the ship with the tribute arrived there.
Diego ordered the ship drawn ashore
because he was afraid mutineers would take it.
Roldan and his men wanted it sent to Spain for supplies.
With rebellion in the air, neither I nor Diego
would allow the ship to be launched,
and so Roldan broke into open rebellion,
taking seventy men to Fort Conception.
Miguel Ballester, the commander there,
closed the gates against them.
I immediately took a force to Fort Conception;
but with the conspiracy growing
and almost every man’s loyalty in doubt,
I decided to reason with him.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FORT CONCEPTION - DAY
ROLDAN stands outside talking to Bartolomé, who appears at an open window.
BARTOLOMÉ
Why are you in arms against royal authority?
ROLDAN
I serve our Sovereigns as Chief Judge,
and I am defending their subjects
against your oppression.
BARTOLOMÉ
I order you to surrender your staff of office
and submit to my authority.
ROLDAN
I will not put myself in the hands of a man
who is trying to kill me!
BARTOLOMÉ
Will you submit to a trial?
ROLDAN
Only if commanded by the King.
I will not resist the peaceable exercise of your authority.
Tell us where to live, and we will go there.
BARTOLOMÉ
Then go to the village of the Indian Diego
who married the daughter of Guarionex.
ROLDAN
Huh! There are not adequate provisions there.
DISSOLVE BACK TO:
INT. FLAGSHIP CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Bartolomé continues his story.
BARTOLOMÉ
So he enticed his men into going to Xaragua where
the people are generous
and the women beautiful and amusing.
He went to Isabel to take the ship,
but they were not able to launch it.
Diego’s forces had to withdraw into the fortress.
Roldan offered to submit to Diego
if he would oppose me.
COLUMBUS
Naturally he refused that.
BARTOLOMÉ
Yes. Then Roldan slaughtered our breeding cattle
and took supplies they wanted,
but he marched back to Fort Conception
to get my men to desert.
He offered freedom to everyone
and promised to end the tribute Indians paid.
He formed an alliance with Caonabo’s brother Manicaotex,
and then he went with sixty men to Guarionex.
His conspiracy grew while our small forces
of questionable loyalty were shut up in the fort.
The men who refused to join his rebellion
also came into the fort.
I sent Malaver to talk with Roldan,
and he persuaded him to come to speak to me.
I told Roldan he was no longer magistrate.
COLUMBUS
And I was being delayed in Spain.
BARTOLOMÉ
Fortunately Coronal arrived with two ships of supplies,
workers, and royal confirmation of me as Governor.
So I set out for Santo Domingo; Roldan trailed behind.
I sent Coronal to offer them complete pardons,
but Roldan stopped him in a narrow pass
and threatened him with armed crossbows.
Roldan said he would submit to you, but not to me.
Then Roldan took his men to Xaragua
while Guarionex planned an uprising on the full moon.
One cacique mistakenly attacked early, which alerted us.
The miserable cacique fled to Guarionex,
who immediately put him to death.
I marched to the Royal Plain,
but Guarionex fled to the mountains of Ciguay
for refuge with Mayobanex,
who refused to give him up to us.
We started laying waste with sword and fire,
but still he protected Guarionex.
Soon the Ciguayans wanted to kill or turn over Guarionex,
but he fled to the high mountains.
Finally we discovered
where Mayobanex’s family was hiding.
Twelve of our men stripped themselves naked
and painted their bodies like Indians.
Hiding their swords in palm leaves,
they captured Mayobanex and his family.
His sister was married to a cacique
who came to ransom her.
We returned the cacique’s beautiful wife,
and he became our ally and now supplies us with bread.
Eventually Guarionex was found
wandering alone in the hills,
and he is now our prisoner.
COLUMBUS
What of Roldan now?
BARTOLOMÉ
Your three ships of supplies unfortunately
landed west of Santo Domingo in Xaragua;
and before the captains knew about the conspiracy,
Roldan had procured most of the supplies and weapons,
while sowing dissension
and gaining converts among the men.
COLUMBUS
Many of those men are released criminals, too.
BARTOLOMÉ
After three days Captain Carvajal realized
these men with Roldan were rebels.
Our cousin Juan went ashore with forty armed men;
all but eight deserted to the rebellion.
Carvajal tried to persuade the rebels to submit;
Roldan did say he would negotiate
their grievances with you.
COLUMBUS
First I’m going to proclaim approval of your government
and denounce Roldan and his men.
To all those who are not happy here
I will give free passage back to Spain.
I am willing to pardon everything to all
who will be loyal to the royal authority I possess.
Where is Roldan now?
BARTOLOMÉ
He’s on his way to Bonao near Fort Conception.
COLUMBUS
Let’s send a letter to Commander Ballester there
empowering him to offer our pardon to Roldan
and giving written assurance of personal safety
for Roldan to come to us at Santo Domingo.
INT. COURT OF CASTILLE - DAY
King Fernando and Queen Isabel are instructing FRANCISCO DE BOBADILLA, who is before the court.
Super:
May 21, 1499
KING FERNANDO
Many who have returned from the Indies torment us
with their complaints against Columbus
and with cries of “Pay! Pay!”
QUEEN ISABEL
I’m most upset more Indians have been sent here enslaved.
By what authority does Columbus venture thus
to dispose of my subjects?
I want every Indian who can be found
to be sent back to Española.
KING FERNANDO
The rebellion on the island requires
an independent investigation
which we can no longer delay.
Don Francisco de Bobadilla, in addition to
the letters of authority we have already given you,
we command the following:
You shall inquire into the truth of the rebels’ crimes
and inflict such punishments as you see fit.
You may call upon the assistance of the Admiral
and all persons in authority.
If necessary, you may assume the governorship
and order Columbus and his brothers
to surrender all forts and royal property.
Arrange your departure with Bishop Fonseca.
BOBADILLA
I am your obedient servant.
EXT. FLAGSHIP DECK AT PORT OF AZUA - DAY
Roldan, ADRIAN DE MOXICA, DIEGO DE ESCOBAR, and several followers come aboard to negotiate with Columbus and Bartolomé, sitting in chairs arranged for the conference.
Super:
Late August, 1499
ROLDAN
This ship is in good shape.
Why were we not given this in the agreement?
COLUMBUS
Gentlemen, won’t you sit down?
They sit.
ROLDAN
The three ships you provided under our agreement
were inadequately supplied
and not prepared in the allotted time.
We had no choice but to stay here.
BARTOLOMÉ
We did the best we could.
COLUMBUS
Will you now return to your duty as officers
and obedience to our royal authority?
MOXICA
It’s the Governor who strayed from his duty
oppressing us!
COLUMBUS
Look, let’s forget the past
and try to live together now.
ROLDAN
Here are our terms:
first, fifteen of our men want passage to Spain;
second, the rest of us want grants of land in place of pay;
third, you proclaim that all charges against us were false;
and fourth, I must be reinstated as Chief Judge.
COLUMBUS
If I accept these,
will you submit to our proper government?
ROLDAN
As long as we can assemble
and enforce these provisions.
COLUMBUS
I want this to be a peaceful and happy island.
Therefore I will agree to your conditions.
Roldan and his men get up to go.
ROLDAN
We will send you the terms in writing.
INT. SANTO DOMINGO HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Columbus and Bartolomé confer.
BARTOLOMÉ
Four ships have landed on the western part of the island,
and they’re cutting wood.
COLUMBUS
Who could they be?
BARTOLOMÉ
They are commanded by Alonso de Ojeda.
COLUMBUS
That’s the man who captured Caonabo for us.
BARTOLOMÉ
Shall I go find out why he’s here?
COLUMBUS
We’ll send Roldan.
He’s eager to enforce the laws these days.
Let his zeal and courage work for us this time.
BARTOLOMÉ
Good idea; it’ll keep him out of mischief.
EXT. XARAGUA COAST - DAY
A boat is rowed near the shore by a crew of six and an Indian archer. Roldan and a company of soldiers wait on the shore.
Super:
September 29, 1499
Roldan shouts to the boat.
ROLDAN
Since Ojeda is afraid to talk on shore,
I will come aboard his ship.
How many men may accompany me?
ROWER #1
Only five or six.
Five men wade to the boat.
ROWER #1
That’s enough. Now you come.
Roldan is carried by one man and attended by another to the boat.
ROLDAN
I order you to row ashore.
ROWER #1
Men, row for the ship.
Roldan and his men pull their swords and attack the crew, wounding several and taking them all prisoners, except for the Indian who dives overboard and swims away.
ROLDAN
Now let’s row ashore.
EXT. XARAGUA COAST - DAY
Roldan now has his own crew of seven rowers and fifteen soldiers in the boat as Ojeda approaches in a small boat with Juan de la Cosa, an arquebusier, and four oarsmen. They keep a distance apart and shout back and forth.
ROLDAN
Ojeda, you must return the hostages!
OJEDA
You must return our deserter.
ROLDAN
I am Chief Judge here and represent the law.
OJEDA
Many men have joined me who say
you have betrayed them to the Columbus brothers.
They have wages due.
ROLDAN
These questions can be solved
if you will go to Santo Domingo
to meet with the Admiral.
Why have you raised a force against us?
OJEDA
Because you raised a force to capture us.
ROLDAN
By what authority have you come here?
OJEDA
Bishop Fonseca is in charge of all the Indias,
and he authorized our voyage.
We only stopped here because we needed supplies.
Columbus has lost favor in the court.
JUAN DE LA COSA
Tell Columbus that we have been to the continent
and Amerigo Vespucci has drawn a map
calling it America.
OJEDA
We want peace with you and will return the hostages
in exchange for the prisoners you took.
ROLDAN
Agreed. Will you come and pay homage to the Admiral?
OJEDA
Yes.
INT. SANTO DOMINGO HEADQUARTERS - DAY
HERNANDO DE GUEVARA stands before Columbus and Bartolomé.
COLUMBUS
Guevara, your licentiousness has exceeded
all bounds of civilized behavior.
GUEVARA
I love the women, Admiral, and they love me.
BARTOLOMÉ
I don’t think the caciques love you
seducing their wives and daughters.
COLUMBUS
We’re banishing you from the island.
The only hope of getting you off right now is with Ojeda.
He hasn’t come here and was last seen in Xaragua.
You are to go there and report to the Chief Judge.
GUEVARA
Yes, sir.
INT. HOME OF ANACAONA - DAY
Guevara is enjoying a meal with Anacaona and her daughter HIGUENAMOTA, to whom he gives a tender kiss. Roldan barges in with three soldiers.
ROLDAN
Guevara, you’re under arrest.
I ordered you to go back to Santo Domingo.
You not only refused
but raised a plot against me to put out my eyes.
Your conspiracy has been betrayed.
GUEVARA
It’s you who betrayed the men who followed you.
Why have you been prosecuting me,
simply because I want to marry Anacaona’s daughter?
She loves me, and her mother approves.
You’re just jealous.
ROLDAN
Take him away.
ANACAONA
No! Please.
ROLDAN
I’m sorry, Anacaona; he’s plotted murder.
Roldan and the soldiers take out Guevara. Higuenamota weeps in her mother’s arms.
INT. FORT CONCEPTION HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Columbus is sleeping in bed. Bartolomé rushes in and wakes him up.
BARTOLOMÉ
Admiral, wake up!
COLUMBUS
What is it?
BARTOLOMÉ
There is a plot to kill you.
COLUMBUS
What?
BARTOLOMÉ
Guevara’s cousin Moxica has organized another conspiracy
with some of the same disaffected men.
One of them has deserted them and told us their plans.
They aim to assassinate you and Roldan,
and then free Guevara.
COLUMBUS
This has gone too far.
I can no longer be lenient with them.
Where are the ringleaders now?
BARTOLOMÉ
In a nearby village unguarded.
COLUMBUS
Get some trusted men armed and prepared.
BARTOLOMÉ
Yes, sir.
INT. QUARTERS OF MOXICA - NIGHT
Columbus, Bartolomé, and ten soldiers barge in on Moxica and four others who are asleep.
BARTOLOMÉ
Moxica, you and your men are under arrest for treason!
They take them easily.
EXT. FORT CONCEPTION - NOON
Moxica is escorted to the battlements at the top of the fortress where a rope is placed around his neck. Soldiers are lined up, and many spectators are gathered.
MOXICA
What about the priest? I want to confess.
A FRIAR goes to him.
COLUMBUS
Adrian de Moxica, by the testimony of three witnesses
you have been convicted of plotting the murders
of the Viceroy and the Chief Judge,
and you have been sentenced to death by hanging.
You may now make your confession or final statement.
MOXICA
My cousin was kidnapped by Roldan and his soldiers.
They are the criminals!
COLUMBUS
Proceed with the execution.
There is a drum-roll, and then he is pushed off the platform.
EXT. SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH - MORNING
Bobadilla and his soldiers have gathered a crowd in front of the church where a proclamation is being read by a SECRETARY. On each side of the river is a scaffold with a Spaniard’s corpse hanging. Diego Columbus stands near Bobadilla listening.
Super:
Late August, 1500
SECRETARY
... by order of the sovereign majesties
King Fernando and Queen Isabel.
BOBADILLA
Having learned that seven Spaniards
have been executed in the last week
and understanding that others also may be hanged any day,
I order you to turn those five prisoners over to me
with the legal papers for a full investigation.
DIEGO COLUMBUS
Those proceedings are by order of the Admiral
who has superior powers to anything you could claim.
I can do nothing without his order.
May I see the letter patent?
BOBADILLA
If you can do nothing, it is useless to show it to you.
Men of Santo Domingo!
I am here to inquire into any crimes and misconduct.
If you have any testimony to give, we shall hear it all.
FIRST COLONIST
We’ve got plenty to complain about!
SECOND COLONIST
Especially against Columbus and his brothers!
BOBADILLA
I can see here the urgent need to invoke my authority
to govern according to the proclamation you just heard.
Once more I demand the prisoners at once.
DIEGO COLUMBUS
I still consider the Admiral’s authority as Viceroy
superior to yours.
BOBADILLA
In that case I must show you this letter
requiring you to surrender fortresses
and all royal property to my authority.
Furthermore I am ordered to pay wages in arrears
to all persons in royal service
and to make sure the admiral pays what he owes too.
This is greeted with cheers by the crowd.
BOBADILLA (Cont’d.)
I am also changing the royal tax on all gold found here
from one-third to one-eleventh for the next twenty years.
More cheers.
BOBADILLA (Cont’d.)
Now give me those prisoners,
or I will take them by force.
DIEGO COLUMBUS
I will not willing to give them up.
BOBADILLA
Put this man in irons and seize the prisoners.
Two soldiers put the iron manacles on Diego Columbus, while a detachment of soldiers marches off. As Bobadilla is talking, the soldiers break down the door of the prison.
BOBADILLA (Cont’d.)
Take him to the ship.
I’ll begin taking testimony
in the Admiral’s house at noon.
INT. ADMIRAL’S HOUSE IN SANTO DOMINGO – DAY
Bobadilla had made himself at home in the Admiral’s house and is listening to the complaints of the colonists as his secretary takes notes.
BOBADILLA
I have confiscated the papers of the Admiral.
You may begin your testimony now.
FIRST COLONIST
Christians asked permission to go out and look for food.
When the Viceroy refused, they went anyway.
Because of this he has ordered these men to be hanged.
SECOND COLONIST
The Columbus brothers have made unjust war
against the Indians and have caused others to do so too,
and they have sent them as slaves back to Spain.
THIRD COLONIST
Columbus is arming Indians to resist your authority
and to force you to go back to Castile.
BOBADILLA
These are very serious charges,
and we will examine them at length.
INT. FORT CONCEPTION HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Deputy Treasurer FRANCISCO VELASQUEZ and Franciscan Friar JUAN DE TRASIERRA are delivering letters to Columbus.
TRASIERRA
Bobadilla has summoned you
to appear immediately before him.
COLUMBUS
By what authority?
VELASQUEZ
He sent his royal letter of credence.
He hands it to Columbus who reads it quickly.
COLUMBUS
What is this? The Sovereigns command me
to give him implicit faith and obedience.
Naturally I will comply.
VELASQUEZ
Will you take a guard of soldiers with you?
COLUMBUS
No, I don’t wish to arouse any suspicion of resistance.
If you two will accompany me, that will be adequate.
TRASIERRA
Of course.
COLUMBUS
The Queen must have been swayed
by misrepresentations.
I just need to clear them up.
EXT. TRAIL INTO SANTO DOMINGO - DAY
Bobadilla is ready for a major attack with numerous soldiers and Indians armed and watching the trail. Columbus, Velasquez, and Trasierra calmly ride up to Bobadilla and dismount.
BOBADILLA
Admiral, you are under arrest.
COLUMBUS
For what?
BOBADILLA
Countless charges have been made against you
for exploiting the Spaniards and the Indians,
for excessively cruel punishments, and much more.
Put him in irons.
A soldier lays the irons at the feet of Columbus and steps back. Everyone is too much in awe of the Admiral and his dignity to chain him. Many are ashamed.
BOBADILLA (Cont’d.)
Cook, come here
and put these manacles on this man.
The COOK, wearing food-stained clothes, comes over and puts the irons on Columbus.
COLUMBUS
When our Sovereigns hear of this, I will be released.
BOBADILLA
Where is your brother, the Governor?
COLUMBUS
He is pursuing rebels in Xaragua.
BOBADILLA
Will you send him a letter requesting that he come here
and submit to the authority of the Sovereigns?
COLUMBUS
Yes, I have no desire for bloodshed.
We have nothing to fear from the truth
and the administration of justice.
BOBADILLA
Take him to the prison and supply him with pen and paper.
INT. SANTO DOMINGO PRISON - MORNING
Columbus has been in irons for many days. ALONSO DE VILLEJO comes in as the officer with a guard of men. Columbus is afraid he is going to be executed.
Super:
October 1, 1500
COLUMBUS
Am I to be executed?
Villejo, where are you taking me?
VILLEJO
Sir, your lordship goes to board the ship.
COLUMBUS
Villejo, is it true?
VILLEJO
By the life of our lady, it is true that you are going aboard.
You and your brothers are being sent to Spain.
Once we are at sea, I will remove your irons.
COLUMBUS
No, their majesties commanded me by letter to submit
to whatever Bobadilla should order in their name.
By their authority he has put upon me these chains.
I shall wear them until they order them to be taken off,
and afterward I shall keep them as relics
and memorials of the reward of my services.
He goes out with them.
INT. LAS CUEVAS MONASTERY - DAY
Columbus, Bartolomé, and Diego Columbus are in chains. Villejo comes in with a letter, which he hands to Columbus.
VILLEJO
Their majesties have ordered me
to release you from your chains.
Here is a letter from them.
COLUMBUS
I knew the Queen would not abandon us.
VILLEJO
The people are outraged by this treatment,
and many eminent persons wrote letters on your behalf.
BARTOLOMÉ
Fernando may regret the treaty he made with you,
but he had to bow to such public pressure.
COLUMBUS
They have sent two thousand ducats for our expenses
and wish to see us as soon as possible at Granada.
INT. COURT AT GRANADA - DAY
Columbus and his brothers, Bartolomé and Diego, come before the thrones of Queen Isabel and King Fernando. Columbus kisses the hand of Isabel; and seeing the tears in her eyes, he falls on his knees overcome with tears and sobbing. Isabel raises him up with her hand.
QUEEN ISABEL
My dear Admiral, we owe you a thousand apologies,
and I sincerely regret that
you have been so vilely treated.
COLUMBUS
Your gracious majesty, I have ever sought to obey you
and advance the glory of the Spanish crown.
The slanders of worthless men have done me more injury
than all my services have profited me.
I have been much aggrieved
that a person should be sent out
to investigate my conduct who knew that,
if the evidence he could gain should appear serious,
he would inherit the governorship.
I was sent to subdue a numerous and hostile people,
of manners and religion opposite to ours,
living not in regular towns,
but in forests and mountains.
I have brought all of these
under subjection to your majesties,
giving you dominion over another world,
by which Spain, heretofore poor,
has suddenly become rich.
Whatever errors I may have fallen into
were not with an evil intention
but due to the extraordinary difficulties
of a wild country where the danger was
all might run to disorder and ruin.
I know you are merciful,
and I trust you will consider my great services.
QUEEN ISABEL
We disavow the proceedings of Bobadilla
which were contrary to our instructions.
He is to be dismissed from his command
as soon as possible.
COLUMBUS
I ask that my privileges and property be restored
so that I may resume my Viceroyalty at Santo Domingo.
QUEEN ISABEL
Your grievances shall be redressed,
and your honors are hereby confirmed.
KING FERNANDO
As to the government of Española,
we must consider it further.
QUEEN ISABEL
Please stay with the court at our expense.
INT. HOUSE IN GRANADA - DAY
Columbus and his son FERNANDO, 14, and his SON DIEGO, 22, are talking with Bartolomé.
SON DIEGO
Ovando was given thirty ships
and government of Española.
BARTOLOMÉ
At least Bobadilla will be shipped back to Spain.
FERNANDO
Father, do you think the crown will support your project
to recover the holy sepulcher of Jerusalem?
COLUMBUS
I’ve prepared a book of prophecies, which confirm
my discovery of a new world,
the conversion of the nations,
and the recovery of the holy city.
But I think they will prefer my proposal
to search for a western passage to India.
BARTOLOMÉ
Since Vasco de Gama rounded
the Cape of Good Hope in Africa
and brought back precious jewels and spices from India,
there is great enthusiasm for the sea trade with India.
COLUMBUS
If I reached India to the west,
I could continue around Africa
and complete a voyage around the world.
FERNANDO
What a thought!
Diego Columbus comes in with a letter.
DIEGO COLUMBUS
Here it is! The letter from the Sovereigns.
Columbus opens and reads it.
COLUMBUS
They’ve granted us four ships for a voyage
to discover a western passage to China.
They forbid me to go to Española,
except on the return voyage,
so that the disturbances can be settled there.
All our possessions and our share of the gold
will be sent to Spain with Captain Carvajal.
BARTOLOMÉ
Are you well enough to go?
COLUMBUS
The gout hasn’t stopped me yet.
Now who will go with me?
DIEGO COLUMBUS
You promised me I could stay here in Spain.
COLUMBUS
Yes, I did.
SON DIEGO
I can take care of your business affairs at court.
COLUMBUS
Good. I know you will do that well, Diego.
BARTOLOMÉ
I said I wouldn’t go back to Española.
COLUMBUS
But we won’t be going there;
this is a voyage of discovery.
Bartolomé, you’re my right hand; I really need you.
BARTOLOMÉ
All right. Against my personal desires,
I will go for your sake. When do we sail?
COLUMBUS
As soon as we can get Bishop Fonseca
to provide the ships.
FERNANDO
Papa, may I go with you?
COLUMBUS
Yes, my brave young son, you may!
EXT. LA CAPITANA DECK NEAR SANTO DOMINGO - CLOUDY DAY
Columbus greets CAPTAIN TERREROS, who is boarding the ship from a boat.
Super:
Fourth Voyage
June 29, 1502
TERREROS
Admiral, Governor Ovando definitely
does not want you even near Santo Domingo.
He doesn’t care if you do have a faulty ship
that you need to trade for one more sea-worthy.
He forbids us to anchor in the harbor.
He says too many men there hate you.
COLUMBUS
I’m being treated like an outcast.
A terrible storm is about to strike us,
and we need a safe harbor.
TERREROS
He says the fleet is about to depart with much gold,
Bobadilla, Roldan, and other men to be tried in Spain.
He has given Carvajal the worst ship
for your gold and possessions.
COLUMBUS
They must not put out to sea
until the tempest has passed.
Go back and warn him emphatically.
If we are still denied safe haven, we will sail,
keeping land windward and look for a natural harbor.
TERREROS
I’ll tell him, sir, but I doubt he’ll listen.
EXT. LA CAPITANA DECK NEAR SHORE - STORMY DAY
Columbus and Fernando watch the ship struggle in the weather.
COLUMBUS
I hate to think what’s happening to that fleet
if they’re on the open sea.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Columbus and Bartolomé converse, as Fernando listens.
BARTOLOMÉ
I’m sure more gold is here in Veragua than in Española.
COLUMBUS
Since we couldn’t find a strait through the land,
maybe this will redeem the voyage.
If I leave you here with one ship
and go back to Spain for supplies,
will you have enough to eat?
BARTOLOMÉ
I think so. The land is fruitful, and fish are plentiful.
DIEGO MENDEZ comes in.
MENDEZ
Admiral, I went to Quibian’s house,
and I know for sure now
he is planning a massive attack in a day or two
to destroy and burn our settlement and the ships.
COLUMBUS
We must immediately double the watch.
BARTOLOMÉ
I think we ought to capture Quibian as a hostage.
Mendez, can you guide us to his house?
MENDEZ
Oh yes, I’m sure we can take him
and his whole household.
COLUMBUS
Take as many men as you need.
EXT. QUIBIAN’S VILLAGE - AFTERNOON
Bartolomé, Mendez, an INTERPRETER, JUAN SANCHEZ, and a group of soldiers are hiding in the forest near Quibian’s house. They see QUIBIAN come out of his house.
MENDEZ
That’s him.
BARTOLOMÉ
I’ll go with the interpreter
and offer to treat his wound.
When I take his arm,
you and the four men nearby bind him.
At the same time let a soldier fire the arquebuse
as a signal for all the hiding soldiers
to surround the house; and don’t let anyone escape.
MENDEZ
Very good. Pass the word.
Bartolomé, the Interpreter, Mendez, Juan Sanchez and three soldiers approach Quibian. He motions for Bartolomé and the interpreter to come near him, but cautions the five others to stay back. After a brief conversation (long-shot), Bartolomé firmly grasps Quibian’s arm. The gun is fired. He struggles to escape, but Mendez and the four soldiers bind him hand and foot. The soldiers run out of the forest and capture most of the fleeing household. No one is wounded. Bartolomé turns to Juan Sanchez.
BARTOLOMÉ
Take charge of the prisoners,
while we search the house
and try to round up the others.
JUAN SANCHEZ
Yes, sir.
BARTOLOMÉ
Don’t let Quibian escape.
JUAN SANCHEZ
If he gets away from me,
you can pluck out my beard hair by hair.
EXT. BOAT ON THE BELEN RIVER - NIGHT
Sanchez has Quibian tied tightly to the bench. The other prisoners are merely bound. Quibian pleads that it is too tight. Sanchez loosens the cord which is tying him to the bench but keeps the end of it in his hand. Quibian’s hands and feet are still bound. While Sanchez is looking away, Quibian dives deeply into the water. About to be drawn in after him, Sanchez lets go of the rope. He looks into the darkness with exasperation.
EXT. BELEN SETTLEMENT - DAY
Quibian and his warriors attack the Spanish settlement which is caught off guard. Bartolomé, Mendez, and others sally forth with their swords flashing. Bartolomé is wounded by a javelin in the chest. DIEGO TRISTAN with eight sailors and three soldiers in a boat see the fighting from the river as they row by.
TRISTAN
If we go ashore, the retreating Spaniards will sink us.
Finally a soldier releases a fierce blood-hound, and the Indians flee in terror. Mendez shouts to the boat.
MENDEZ
Captain Tristan, don’t go upstream!
You’ll be attacked by canoes.
TRISTAN
The Admiral sent us for fresh water. Keep rowing, men.
EXT. BELEN RIVER OVERSHADOWED BY TREES - DAY
Tristan’s boat is suddenly attacked by numerous canoes, as yells, war-whoops, and conch-shell blasts are heard. The Spaniards try to ward off spears and arrows with their bucklers. Tristan tries to rally them.
TRISTAN
Fight back, men!
His right eye is pierced with a spear. One sailor manages to dive overboard and swim underwater to safety, but all the others are killed. Then the Indians destroy the boat.
EXT. SANTIAGO HATCH - NIGHT
The sailors are sleeping on the doors of the hatch; the chain has not been fastened. In the hatch the Indian prisoners have piled up the ballast rocks so that they could reach the doors with their backs. The tallest men then suddenly push them up, throwing the doors open and the sleeping Spaniards aside. The Indians climb out quickly, dive overboard, and swim away.
SANTIAGO SAILOR
They’re escaping! Stop them!
The doors are closed, and a couple of Indians are recaptured on the deck and put back in.
EXT. SANTIAGO HATCH - DAWN
The sailors open the doors to find that the remaining prisoners have all hanged themselves, some of them having bent their knees because of the lack of room.
EXT. LA CAPITANA DECK - DAY
PEDRO LEDESMA is about to board the boat. Columbus sees him off.
COLUMBUS
It’s noble of you to do this, Pedro.
We only have this one boat left now.
LEDESMA
If the Indians can swim all the way to shore,
I can certainly make it from the edge of the surf.
COLUMBUS
Find out what happened to Tristan’s boat
and what the condition of the settlement is.
The boat will wait at the breakers for you to return.
EXT. BOAT AT THE SURF EDGE - DAY
Ledesma dives into the water and starts swimming.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Ledesma reports to Columbus as Fernando listens.
LEDESMA
Tristan and his men were killed,
and the boat was destroyed.
The Governor has built bulwarks of defense,
and he says they can hold out for a while.
Mendez is building a raft with two canoes.
The Gallega can’t make it over the bar.
COLUMBUS
We have no choice but to abandon
the worm-eaten Gallega,
and take the men aboard our three ships.
Thank you for what you have done.
Ledesma goes out.
COLUMBUS (Cont’d.)
So many trials!
I had consolation in a dream last night, Fernando.
A voice said to me, “O fool,
and slow to believe and serve thy God, who is God of all.
What did he more for Moses, or his servant David,
than he has done for thee?
To the gates of the Ocean Sea,
shut up with mighty chains,
He has delivered thee the keys.
Turn to Him, then, and acknowledge thine error;
His mercy is infinite.
Who hath afflicted thee so many times?
God, or the world?
Fear not! Have faith!
All these tribulations are written in marble,
and not without cause.”
I heard all this as one almost dead,
and had no power to reply to words so true,
except to weep for my errors.
EXT. LA CAPITANA DECK AT SEA - DAY
Columbus, Bartolomé, and Fernando watch the men pumping out the water and emptying buckets over the side.
COLUMBUS
I fear we’ll never make it
against the wind to Española.
We’ll have to use this wind to land on Jamaica.
BARTOLOMÉ
But will we be able to sail
from there to Española in these two ships?
COLUMBUS
I doubt they can be repaired
any more than the other two we left behind.
But if we don’t reach land soon,
we’ll sink in the open sea.
Make the course south for Jamaica.
BARTOLOMÉ
Aye, aye, sir.
EXT. LA CAPITANA AND SANTIAGO MAROONED - DAY
The two ships lie side by side near the beach. All the men have gathered on La Capitana to hear Columbus speak.
Super:
Jamaica, June 25, 1503
COLUMBUS
Men, we’ve come a long way together.
Until a ship rescues us we must stay on this island.
Good relations with the Indians are absolutely essential;
our very survival depends on them.
Everyone is to remain on the ships
unless given permission
to go ashore for specific purposes.
Any misconduct toward the Indians
will be severely punished.
You can build thatched cabins on the deck for houses.
Diego Mendez has volunteered
to forage for food on the island with three men.
EXT. MAROONED SHIPS WITH CABINS BUILT - DAY
Mendez returns with a large canoe full of food and six Indians. Columbus welcomes him aboard with a hug.
COLUMBUS
Good work, Mendez!
I’ve sent out the men to fulfill the trade arrangements
that you have made with the caciques.
Come in to my cabin.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Columbus and Mendez talk.
COLUMBUS
You know we have a desperate situation here.
MENDEZ
At least we have food.
COLUMBUS
For a while, until the Indians run low on their supplies
and lose their desire for our trinkets.
We must get word to Española.
MENDEZ
How? We lost the last boat in the latest storm.
COLUMBUS
What about the canoe you just got in trade?
We could put a keel and mast sail on it.
MENDEZ
How far is it to Española?
COLUMBUS
From the eastern corner of this island
I’d say it’s about forty leagues.
MENDEZ
That’s over a hundred miles.
COLUMBUS
There is a small island in between
in line with the shortest course.
MENDEZ
But who would undertake such a dangerous voyage?
Pause.
MENDEZ (Cont’d.)
You want me to go.
Admiral, many times I have put my life
in peril of death to save you and the men,
and so far God has preserved me.
But some murmur that you entrust to me
all actions where honor is to be won,
while others could do them as well as I.
Therefore I ask you to summon all the men
and propose this enterprise to them
to see if any will undertake it.
If all decline it, I will then come forward
and again risk my life in your service.
EXT. MAROONED SHIPS - DAY
All the men are gathered to hear Columbus.
COLUMBUS
And so who will step forward
to engage in this rescue mission to save us all?
All the men remain still or draw back murmuring about it. Then Mendez comes forward.
MENDEZ
Admiral, I have but one life to lose;
yet I am willing to venture it for your service
and for the good of all here present,
and I trust in the protection of God,
which I have experienced many times.
Columbus embraces him.
EXT. MAROONED SHIPS - MORNING
Columbus sees Mendez off in his sail canoe with a crew of six Indians.
COLUMBUS
You have the letters to Ovando and the Sovereigns?
MENDEZ
Yes, sir.
COLUMBUS
Then God go with you!
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Mendez reports to Columbus, who is in bed ill, and to Bartolomé.
MENDEZ
I was waiting for calm weather
at the corner of the island,
when suddenly we were captured by hostile Indians.
They took us inland three leagues,
and then they started arguing and throwing lots.
BARTOLOMÉ
What was that about?
MENDEZ
I think they were deciding who was to get to kill me.
Fortunately I got loose just then.
I ran back to the canoe and paddled back here alone.
COLUMBUS
I’m glad you escaped, but what do we do now?
MENDEZ
I’m willing to try again,
if the Governor and his soldiers
will see me to the corner of the island.
BARTOLOMÉ
That can be arranged easily.
This mission is so important I think we ought to take
a crew of our men as well as Indian rowers.
Also I believe Fieschi would captain a second canoe.
COLUMBUS
Good. Then Fieschi could return to us from Española,
while Mendez makes his way to Santo Domingo.
Then we would know help was coming.
EXT. NORTHEAST JAMAICAN BEACH - DAWN
Bartolomé and his soldiers bid farewell to Mendez, BARTOLOMEO FIESCHI, and their crews of six soldiers and ten Indians each. They launch their canoes.
EXT. TWO CANOES ON THE OPEN SEA - DAY
The Indians are exhausted from the heat and rowing. Mendez instructs a soldier. Some of the Indians dive in the water to cool off, then climb back in the canoes.
MENDEZ
The Indians drank up all their water the first night,
and now ours is gone, too.
Fortunately I brought an emergency supply.
Give them only one spoonful at a time
when they absolutely need it to be able to row.
You men take your turn rowing also.
EXT. TWO CANOES ON THE OPEN SEA - SUNSET
The sky is cloudless, as Mendez stands up to look for land, then sits down. Some of the Indians are washing their mouths out with seawater.
MENDEZ
Not a sign of land.
We ought to be near that island,
but it’s too small to see at night.
FIESCHI
One of our Indians has died!
They throw the body overboard. Mendez shouts back to Fiesco.
MENDEZ
Watch for the island! If we don’t make that island,
we may die of thirst before we get to Española.
EXT. TWO CANOES ON THE OPEN SEA - NIGHT
The moon is rising when Mendez sees the small island silhouetted against it.
MENDEZ
There it is! The island! Head for the moon!
EXT. NAVASA ISLAND - DAWN
The two canoes are ashore. The men find rain-water in the hollows of the rocks on the barren island and drink, the Indians voraciously.
MENDEZ
Don’t drink too much at once.
Some of the Indians become sick, and two of them die from drinking too much water.
EXT. COAST OF HAITI - DAY
Mendez, Fiesco, and their crews have recovered and are resting.
MENDEZ
I knew we could make it to Española.
FIESCHI
Tomorrow I will start back to tell Columbus.
SOLDIER #1
Are you crazy? You’d be tempting God a second time.
SOLDIER #2
I’m not going, and I don’t think anyone else will either.
FIESCHI
I guess you’re right.
EXT. VILLAGE IN XARAGUA - DAY
OVANDO receives Mendez at his military camp.
MENDEZ
Columbus and his men are completely stranded.
You must send a ship right away.
OVANDO
First of all, I’m busy here in Xaragua fighting Indians.
Besides, we don’t have a ship to spare.
The entire colony has only one ship at Santo Domingo.
He’ll have to wait until a fleet arrives from Spain.
From what you told me
about trade arrangements you made,
they’ll be all right for a while.
We’ll do what we can.
EXT. MAROONED SANTIAGO DECK - DAY
Sailors and soldiers are sitting around talking with FRANCISCO DE PORRAS, DIEGO DE PORRAS, Juan Sanchez, Pedro Ledesma, and JUAN BARBER.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Why has Columbus brought us here?
Because he has been banished from Spain and Española.
He’s in exile waiting for the court to recall him.
SANCHEZ
But what about the canoes he sent to Española?
DIEGO DE PORRAS
That was just to take care of his business interests.
Fiesco never returned. Has a ship come for us?
LEDESMA
Maybe they never made it.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Our only hope is to take canoes to Española ourselves.
SANCHEZ
Will the Admiral let us?
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
He’s too old and sick to go;
he’ll try to keep us here
to protect him from the Indians.
You know what happened
to the first settlement at Nativity.
We must leave this place
with or without his permission.
BARBER
That’s mutiny.
What happens to us when we get to Española?
DIEGO DE PORRAS
Governor Ovando is afraid Columbus will replace him.
He’ll take our side gladly.
LEDESMA
And in Spain?
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Bishop Fonseca and many in the court are our friends,
and the treasurer is our relative.
Remember what happened with Roldan’s conspiracy?
Columbus was the one put in chains.
DIEGO DE PORRAS
Even the King resents the Admiral’s privileges.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
We must act to save our lives.
Nod your head if you are with us.
Everyone in the group nods.
LEDESMA
But ask his permission first.
If he refuses, then we take the canoes.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Columbus is in bed when Francisco de Porras comes in, leaving the door open.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Admiral, how long do we have to stay
in this desolate place?
It’s been months!
Do you even want to return to Spain?
COLUMBUS
Of course I do, what do you think?
But it’s impossible until Española sends a ship.
I’m responsible to God and the Sovereigns for all men here.
I am providing for their safety as best I can.
We have general and open discussions on policy decisions.
Do you have a suggestion to present to the assembled men?
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
I say there are only two alternatives:
embark immediately or remain.
He turns his back on Columbus and shouts out the doorway.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS (Cont’d.)
For my part, I am for Castile!
Those who choose to may follow me!
EXT. LA CAPITANA DECK - DAY
He goes out on the deck, followed by the physically hampered Columbus. Shouts from sailors and soldiers respond to his call. Barber draws his sword.
BARBER
I will follow you!
SANCHEZ
And I!
SAILOR
And I!
LEDESMA
To Castile!
SOLDIER
To Castile!
The servants of Columbus step between him and the threatening mutineers, taking him back into his cabin. Bartolomé comes out with a lance in his hand. Some of the loyal members of the crew restrain him. FRIAR ALEXANDER moves to stop the violence, while Bartolomé is pushed back into the cabin by the loyal crew.
FRIAR ALEXANDER
No fighting is needed here!
Porras, you and your men can leave peaceably.
No one will stop you.
If you were to cause the death of the Admiral,
you’d receive the severest punishment
from the Sovereigns.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
All right, men, grab your things, and get in the canoes.
We’re getting out of here.
Anyone who wants to join us is welcome.
About half of the crew gathers a few supplies and gets into the ten canoes tied to the ships. Many of those remaining are too sick to go. Columbus comes out and comforts the sick and the few who stayed loyal.
COLUMBUS
We must put our trust in God, who will yet relieve us.
When I get back to Spain, I will beg her majesty
to give you rewards to compensate your sufferings.
Thank you for your loyalty.
EXT. OPEN SEA NEAR JAMAICA - DAY
The ten canoes of the mutineers are loaded with supplies and twenty Indians to help them. The wind and waves are increasing, flooding the canoes. They throw overboard their extra supplies.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Get rid of the Indians, or we’ll sink!
We’ll keep the two navigators.
The Spaniards start pushing the Indians overboard, prodding them with their swords. The Indians swim around and then try to hold onto the canoes.
SANCHEZ
We must be too far from shore for them to swim!
The Porras brothers and others begin hacking off the hands of the Indians who try to hold on.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
We have to head back!
All the canoes turn around and start to paddle for Jamaica. The eighteen Indians pushed overboard all drown.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Columbus and Bartolomé confer.
COLUMBUS
How are our supplies of food?
BARTOLOMÉ
Very bad. The biscuits are so wormy,
they can only stand to eat them in the dark.
By your order, the sick get the best food.
Now the healthy are starving.
COLUMBUS
I’m afraid the caciques are no longer bringing the food.
I guess they’ve got enough hawks’ bells.
BARTOLOMÉ
The Porras mutineers haven’t helped.
They’re wandering the island as outlaws,
robbing the Indians and saying you’ll pay for everything.
They even tell the Indians to kill you if you refuse.
They’re telling them you tyrannized other islands
and caused the misery and death of many Indians.
COLUMBUS
This is insufferable!
BARTOLOMÉ
What can we do? If we try to forage,
I think the Indians will attack us.
And we have so few men who aren’t sick.
COLUMBUS
I have a stratagem.
According to Regiomantanus Ephemerides,
on February 29, 1504
there will be a total eclipse of the moon.
We’ll send an Indian interpreter
to summon all the caciques
to meet with me that afternoon
for an important message.
EXT. BEACH NEAR MAROONED SHIPS - AFTERNOON
Many caciques are sitting on the sand listening to Columbus and the interpreter; Bartolomé stands by.
COLUMBUS
My men and I worship the one God
who lives in heaven above,
a God who favors the kind but punishes transgressors.
As you know, He has protected Mendez who obeyed me,
while punishing Porras and his men
for rebelling against me.
Our great God is angry with you,
because you are no longer providing us,
his faithful worshippers, with food.
He is going to punish you with famine and pestilence,
unless you heed His warning,
which will be given tonight.
You will see the moon change its color
and gradually become dark as a sign of your punishment.
Columbus and Bartolomé walk away. Some of the caciques are alarmed, while others scoff.
EXT. LA CAPITANA DECK - NIGHT
The moon is partially eclipsed, and the caciques have come with food to plead with Columbus. He speaks to the interpreter.
COLUMBUS
Tell them that I will go into my cabin
to pray to God on their behalf,
if they will agree to bring us regular provisions of food.
The caciques agree and continue to beg and plead. Columbus goes into his cabin. The eclipse of the moon gradually becomes total, further frightening the caciques and increasing their cries. Columbus comes out of his cabin.
COLUMBUS (Cont’d.)
Tell them that my God has heard our prayers
and will now restore the light of the moon,
provided they will keep the promises they have made.
They all watch as the eclipse begins to pass. The caciques bow down to Columbus in awe.
EXT. MAROONED SHIPS - DUSK
A ship can be seen anchored in the distance. Diego de Escobar from a boat talks to Columbus on the deck.
ESCOBAR
Governor Ovando is concerned about your misfortunes
and regrets that he does not have a ship
large enough to bring off your men,
but he will send one as soon as possible.
I will take a letter to him for you,
but I must leave immediately.
COLUMBUS
I will write a letter now.
Thank you for the wine and bacon.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
An apothecary named BERNARDO, ZAMORA, and VILLATORO are standing before Columbus and Bartolomé.
BARTOLOMÉ
Admiral, these men were conspiring
to take canoes and depart for Española.
COLUMBUS
What do you have to say for yourselves?
BERNARDO
We heard a rumor from Porras that a ship
had been seen bottom-up near the island.
That dashed our hopes, and we were desperate.
ZAMORA
But now that the ship has come,
we are glad to stay with you.
VILLATORO
We want to be loyal to you, Admiral.
COLUMBUS
Then I have a task for two of you.
I want you to find the Porras brothers and tell them
about the ship from Española
promising to rescue us soon.
I offer them a complete pardon, kind treatment,
and passage with us when a ship comes,
on condition that they immediately return to obedience.
BERNARDO
I will go, Admiral.
VILLATORO
And I.
COLUMBUS
Good. Remember, you are only empowered
to offer the terms I just told you.
Go right away, and take some of the bacon
so they will believe you.
BERNARDO
Yes, sir.
The three men go out.
COLUMBUS
Governor Ovando is treating us like dogs.
After so many months he sends a ship
to see if we are still alive, but not to rescue any men.
BARTOLOMÉ
I guess it was a spy mission.
What an insult that Escobar, the man he sends,
was a chief conspirator with Roldan!
COLUMBUS
My dear brother, how much we have to bear!
I feel especially bad,
because I urged you to come with me against your will.
BARTOLOMÉ
I’ve always wanted to assist your glorious deeds.
COLUMBUS
And I would have been lost without you.
I can never thank you enough.
EXT. VILLAGE IN JAMAICA - DAY
Bernardo and Villatoro are meeting Francisco and Diego de Porras, and Juan Sanchez.
BERNARDO
It’s a full pardon.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
We don’t want to return to the shipwreck.
DIEGO DE PORRAS
We prefer the island.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
But we will be peaceful and friendly
if the Admiral will promise that we shall have
half the ships that come to depart in
and half the remaining supplies
and trading goods from the shipwreck.
SANCHEZ
We lost ours at sea.
BERNARDO
The Admiral has made a generous offer of forgiveness,
but your demands are extravagant and unacceptable.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
The devil take him!
Then we’ll take what we need by force.
Go tell Columbus that.
Bernardo and Villatoro leave.
DIEGO DE PORRAS
We have more healthy men than he does, braver too.
EXT. MAIMA VILLAGE NEAR MAROONED SHIPS - DAY
Bartolomé has fifty armed men ready to fight approaching the village. The Porras mutineers come out of the Indian village with an equal number ready to fight also. The local Indians watch with great interest.
BARTOLOMÉ
Bernardo, you and Villatoro
go try and talk sense with them.
The two men put down their weapons and walk toward the Porras brothers.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Stay away from here, unless you want to get killed!
The two men go back. Sanchez confers with Barber and four other men.
SANCHEZ
Look, the six of us will attack the Governor directly.
When we kill him, the battle will be ours.
FRANCISCO DE PORRAS
Men, let’s take those weaklings!
The mutineers charge the loyal forces. The six men attack Bartolomé and those trying to protect him. Bartolomé kills Sanchez with his sword, and Barber is killed by the man next to him. Then Francisco de Porras attacks Bartolomé. A blow of his sword clefts Bartolomé’s buckler, wounding his left hand. Porras is not able to withdraw the sword, and Bartolomé grapples with him. After a struggle, others help Bartolomé to take Porras prisoner. When the mutineers see their leader taken, they flee. Bartolomé considers going after them; but seeing the Indians drawn up in battle array watching, he decides against it.
BARTOLOMÉ
Let them go for now.
Take the prisoners and the wounded back to the ships.
As they leave with the wounded, the Indians begin to curiously inspect the wounds of the men dead on the battlefield. They are looking at the serious wounds of Pedro Ledesma left in a ravine, when he lets out a terrible yell. This frightens the Indians, and they run away.
INT. LA CAPITANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - DAY
Columbus and Bartolomé confer about a petition.
COLUMBUS
The rebels confess their wrongdoings and cruelties.
They say you have punished them.
They beg for pity
and swear a solemn oath they’ll be loyal.
How are our men recovering?
BARTOLOMÉ
None were killed. My hand was wounded.
Only one other man of ours was wounded,
but he may die.
COLUMBUS
I hate to see Christians fighting each other.
I will let them all return to obedience;
except Francisco de Porras must remain a prisoner.
BARTOLOMÉ
Do you want them on the ships?
There could be trouble.
COLUMBUS
Let them stay on the land under a faithful officer of ours.
BARTOLOMÉ
Very good.
EXT. MAROONED SHIPS - DAY
Two ships have entered the harbor.
Super:
June 29, 1504
The men from the marooned ships and the pardoned mutineers happily board them. Columbus suffers from gout and is helped on board and welcomed by the captain DIEGO DE SALCEDO.
INT. A CABIN ON SALCEDO’S SHIP – DAY
Columbus and Bartolomé are conversing with Salcedo.
SALCEDO
Governor Ovando refused to send the rescue ships
until too many preachers complained about it in their sermons.
These ships are in bad shape and over-crowded.
With these contrary winds, many men doubt we will make it.
COLUMBUS
Some have sworn they will never get on another ship again,
but I trust in the providence of God.
We are grateful that you came to save us.
SALCEDO
You gave me a monopoly on soap in your dominions.
COLUMBUS
Ah yes, I remember that now.
Please tell us what has happened in Española.
SALCEDO
It’s a grievous tale, but I will do my best.
First of all, you were right about the storm.
Most of the ships were sunk,
including the one with Bobadilla and most of the gold.
The only one to make it to Spain
was the ship carrying your gold and possessions.
COLUMBUS
Then providence has vindicated us.
SALCEDO
Your detractors accuse you of necromancy.
BARTOLOMÉ
At least we know we’re not poor.
SALCEDO
I know you were accused of mistreating the Indians;
but since you left, the oppression has gotten much worse.
Under Bobadilla the greed for gold and luxury
made slaves out of thousands of Indians.
Some Spaniards made them carry them on litters
until their shoulders bled.
When Ovando became governor of Española,
Bobadilla lost all authority and was ignored.
With Ovando came hundreds of cavaliers
who were eager to load up with gold.
They didn’t realize it takes work and skill to mine.
After a week of digging, most of them came back
to Santo Domingo hungry and in despair;
nearly a thousand men wasted away and died.
COLUMBUS
What about the Indians?
SALCEDO
Queen Isabel instructed Ovando to free them.
They stopped working and avoided Christian instruction.
In order that religion could be taught them,
she allowed Ovando to make them labor moderately for pay.
But they were worked so hard with little food
for six or eight months of the year that many of them died.
Their own crops were neglected,
and thousands died of starvation or took their own lives.
BARTOLOMÉ
What happened in Xaragua?
We heard those gentle and beautiful people
were massacred.
SALCEDO
I wish I could say it wasn’t so.
Ovando heard a rumor of an uprising,
but I could find no evidence there was any truth in it.
He took three hundred soldiers and seventy cavalry
to pay a “friendly” visit to the beautiful Anacaona.
She welcomed them as she had welcomed you,
with songs, dancing, sports, and banquets
without the least sign of hostility.
Ovando organized a jousting match,
gathering about eighty caciques in one house.
Instead of a game, he gave the signal for an attack,
and the slaughter began.
They tortured the caciques
until they accused Anacaona of a conspiracy.
Then they were all burned or hanged,
and many of the innocent people
were savagely butchered by the soldiers.
Anacaona was given a mockery of a trial
and hanged here in Santo Domingo.
With tears in their eyes, Columbus and Bartolomé are sad and angry.
BARTOLOMÉ
Those people were the most kind,
cultured, and intelligent on the island.
COLUMBUS
I feel ashamed that this should happen here.
SALCEDO
Only one of the five princes of Hayti remained—
the immensely strong Cotabanama of Higuey.
As you know, these people
are the most warlike on the island
from defending themselves against the Carib cannibals.
The trouble started when a cacique
was torn to pieces by a dog wantonly set on him.
When they could not get any justice from the Spaniards,
the Indians attacked and killed eight men in a small boat.
Ovando sent Esquibel with four hundred men
for an all-out war which killed thousands
until finally Cotabanama was captured
and publicly hanged.
I’d say that on this island since you arrived here
only one out of seven Indians is still alive.
COLUMBUS
O God! How could this happen?
The Indians are the true riches of Española,
for it is they who cultivate and make the bread
and the provisions for the Christians who dig the gold.
SALCEDO
But you yourself began the policy of making the Indians slaves
and sending them to Spain.
COLUMBUS
Yes, but I wanted them to be instructed in the holy faith
so that they could come back
to their native land and teach others.
I must rest now.
Since we’ve been rescued, I’ve hardly slept.
Las Casas and Bartolomé get up to go.
INT. GOVERNOR’S HOUSE IN SANTO DOMINGO – DAY
GOVERNOR OVANDO is speaking to Columbus and the other rescued men.
OVANDO
Hearing your tale of a civil war on Jamaica,
I hereby order Francisco de Porras released,
and I authorize an investigation of
all those involved in the killing on both sides.
Soldiers remove the chains from Francisco de Porras.
COLUMBUS
Governor Ovando, I must protest this ruling.
I forgave all the mutineers except this ringleader.
I am shocked that you would consider
charging my loyal men with murder.
I have here letters of instruction
from King Fernando showing that
all the men on this expedition are under my authority.
OVANDO
Very well.
All those sailing with you back to Spain are free to go,
but the others must submit to our justice here on Española.
INT. COURT IN SEGOVIA - DAY
Columbus stands before King Fernando and the court.
COLUMBUS
All I ask is restitution of what was granted to me
by you and the Queen, who is now in glory.
KING FERNANDO
We acknowledge your great services to the crown
and think it advisable to refer these disputes
to a worthy person for a decision.
COLUMBUS
May I propose the Archbishop Deza.
KING FERNANDO
We consent to his arbitration of all financial agreements
and of the restoration of your offices and privileges.
COLUMBUS
Your majesty, with all respect, I do not believe
the offices you and the Queen conferred upon me
are or ought to be in dispute.
I am only willing to submit
questions of rents and revenues.
My titles are questions of honor and are not negotiable.
I would give up all claims of wealth
before sacrificing one point of honor.
KING FERNANDO
As you wish, but any arbitration
must include all points of dispute.
COLUMBUS
I am weary and need rest.
I will accept whatever you decide.
INT. HOUSE IN SEVILLE - DAY
Columbus is in bed near death, surrounded by Diego Columbus, his son Diego, Fernando, Mendez, and Fiesco. His chain manacles are hanging on the wall.
COLUMBUS
Has Bartolomé returned from the court?
DIEGO COLUMBUS
Not yet. He is pleading for you.
SON DIEGO
Father, I presented your petition to King Fernando,
but he keeps delaying us.
COLUMBUS
I have done everything I could.
I leave it in God’s hands now.
Diego, my son, you are my universal heir,
followed by Fernando and my brothers.
Diego, my brother,
take care of Fernando’s mother, Beatriz;
one-tenth of my estate is to support
indigent relatives and those in need.
And Diego, see that a chapel is built on Española.
Oh, and half a mark of silver goes to a poor Jew
who lives at the gate of the Jews in Lisbon.
SON DIEGO
Rest now, father. We will take care of everything.
COLUMBUS
Soon you will be the admiral, my son.
INT. HOUSE IN SEVILLE - DAY
Columbus, dying, is confessing to a PRIEST. Nearby are his family and close friends such as Mendez and Fieschi.
Super:
May 20, 1506
PRIEST
May all your sins be forgiven,
in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
COLUMBUS
Father, I pray for the new world I discovered
and ask forgiveness for all the crimes
and sins committed there by Christians.
I tried to bring your love,
but I’m afraid lust and greed for gold undid us.
May the teaching of the Christ flourish there.
I’m going.
In manus tuas Domine, commendo spiritum meum.
He dies.
THE END
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