The sea breeze blew gently, the moonlight cool and dim. Clouds gathered in the sky, leaving only pinpricks of starlight. A few sea swallows circled in the night sky, gazing down at the vast, boundless sea, encircling the three anchored sailing ships like a mysterious omen.
The flagship "St. Cristobal" flew the flag of the Kingdom of Portugal, anchored between two other ships. Following Captain Dias's instructions, the expedition fleet usually did not sail at night for safety. The night was quiet and deep, with dozens of crew members crowded inside the musty cabins, most already asleep. On the wet deck, only a few sailors on duty and the Sailing Master Pero de Alenquer remained.
