Story by Gregory M. Fox
from A Breath of Fiction’s archives
originally published November 28, 2010

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Dear Isabella,

I hear my buddy Chris decided to pay you a visit.  After the laugh we had with him, I’m surprised he was even brave enough to show his face in public.  But the really astonishing part is that I heard you’re actually going along with his crazy idea.  Is this for real?  I mean, did he show you that lame bit with the pear?  I told everybody you must be playing a practical joke on him or something.  He’s calling himself the “Great Admiral of the Ocean” for crying out loud.  How could anyone take a guy like that seriously?  But everyone tells me you’re sincere.  Do you actually think he’ll make it?

If all I’ve heard is true, then I have to let you know I’m a little concerned.  I mean, what are you and Ferdinand smoking over there?  First it was the Inquisition, then the Granada War, now this.  I think you guys need to rethink some life choices.  Everyone knows Chris is a crackpot who wants to kill all the Indians ever.  And besides, Africa is where the real action is.  Cape of Good Hope, here we come!

Yours,

King John II of Portugal

1492

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Photo by Sheila Joy on Unsplash