The Happenstance

In 1567 six men set sail in a boat meant for forty-three, forty-four if two had gimpy knees. Why they sailed nobody knew, including themselves.

It was just an impetus, you see, no real reason for it, in fact they didn’t even know each other when they met on the dock. Something had pulled them together that first day, something they could not explain.

Amongst them was Frederick, a castrati with a beautiful signing voice, mutilated on the personal orders of the Pope, after hearing him sing a mass at the local village church. Due to his stature, being part of the papal enclave, he was made captain.

Another traveller was Roger, a mathematician, whose real dream was to prove that the world was flat, something that had not been believed by right thinking people for a thousand years. Due to his mathematical proclivities, he would be the navigator.

The third was Stephen, a zoo keeper for royalty who wanted to find exotic animals for his king.

Fourth was James, who was inbred and therefore was of noble birth.

Fifth was Wilhelm, a German of even temperament who, as the local butcher, was appointed provisioner.

And, finally, the sixth was Thomas, who enjoyed his time in the barrel.

Together they sailed off together for lands unknown, or they would have if they had brought along anyone with any sailing experience. Instead, they sank within five minutes of shore and had to be dragged out of the water by a Cardinal, who had figured as much.