In late 1504, a young Ferdinand Magellan encounters Vasco Da Gama and Amerigo
Vespucci in Lisbon. Inspired by their devotion to exploration, he enlists in the 7th
Armada to
the Indies. But to be accepted into the fleet, Magellan must overcome the personal hostility of
King Manuel and prove himself to be a capable navigator, worthy of service to the crown.
The Portuguese' new shipping route around the horn of Africa, has disrupted the lucrative
spice trade monopoly enjoyed by Islamic powers. The Sultan of Egypt has sent a letter to the
Pope demanding an immediate halt to all Portuguese trade in the Indies. If not, all Christians
in his domain will be put to death, all churches leveled, and even the Holy Sepulchre in
Jerusalem destroyed. After 500 years of Islamic domination in their own lands, the Portuguese
have refused to submit, igniting a new holy war.
In response, King Manuel has ordered the 7th
armada to establish a fortified base along
the coast of Tanzania and proceed east to appoint Viceroy Almeida as Governor in Cochin,
India. Along the way, Magellan and his company will be tasked with negotiating a trade alliance
with Viceroy Tumar in Senegal, navigating past the dreaded Cape in perilous storms and frigid
winter conditions, subduing hostile forces in Mombasa, and upon arrival to India, fighting in
the great naval battle of Cannanore.