[center][h3][color=9e0b0f][b]The Free Land of Battizia[/b][/color][/h3][/center]

[h2][b]The New World[/b][/h2]

[i]January 1, 1500[/i]

Marco grimaced as he tried to wash down the last of the sour taste in his mouth. He raised his hand and called "more water" and his servant promptly came, picking up the puke filled bucket sitting at Marco's feet before hurrying off to do his master's wish. Marco sat alone at the desk of the cabin, looking around, pondering. It was a nice cabin, lighted with candles, lined with books, the wood was nicely engraved and the bed had satin sheets. Marco had hardly touched the books, the furnishing of the cabin was the only legacy the previous ship owner had. For a long time he had hidden away in this cabin, keeping his sickness to himself, not wanting to start his command with a sign of weakness to his men. Though his servant had informed him that most of them were equally sick.

Marco felt uneasy at his new responsibilities. He knew his uncle had sent him here more than anything because he trusted in his loyalty, not his ability. But this would be an opportunity for him to prove himself capable as well as loyal. Upon arrival, Marco would be family's lieutenant in this new world. The men and provisions he brought with him would be the last piece of the small army they had been gathering for an in-land expedition. Their primary goal was to search out whatever riches lay beyond, in whatever form they might come in. Be it resources, new partners in trade or victims to be exploited. Perhaps in time this land could be the basis of the Pintado family's power, finally shifting the balance in Battizia to their favour. And more so, it could launch Marco and his name to new heights.

The servant re-entered, setting down a new bucket by the door frame and a beaker of water on the desk before informing his master that they would be arriving shortly. Marco leaned back and let the servant get to work on preparing him for his appearance. During his long stay in the cabin he had paid little mind to his appearance, leaving him dishevelled. With his servant's work, he returned to his old self. Clean-shaven, with curly black hair waxed and drawn back. The Pintado family prided itself in the relative discipline under which they operated and Marco was no exception. Soldierly physical training had left him a handsome young man. Dressed fancifully in the black and blue colors of his family, he walked out and up onto the deck of the ship.

Some forty Pintado soldiers were spread about the ship, some of them relaxing below, some of them lying about in sickly misery, others looking ahead expectantly at the land that became ever more visible. To the crewmen of the ship they paid no heed. Marco walked to the bow of the ship and looked ahead. The land looked disappointingly flat and unexciting from there, but no matter, their goal after all was to look further in-land. On the shore they saw the outpost that they had been working on. A pier stretched out into the ocean, ready to receive them and a number of barracks had been built to accommodate everyone. A simple palisade encircled the outpost, providing outwards protection.

The ship was brought to a hold at the pier and the Pintado men were the first to get off, many expressed relief at finally putting their feet back down on solid ground. Following them would be the slaves that they brought with them to turn this new land profitable. Altogether the population of the outpost was a mixture of Pintado men, Brotherhood sailors, freemen who had come to settle voluntarily and slaves. In preparation for his arrival they had even built an office that would also act as his accommodation. His uncle had really thought of everything. It might have been prudent to delve into the work of managing the outpost, but they were planned to venture out on their expedition as soon as the day after their arrival. He dismissed the small entourage that had gathered around him and secluded himself in his new home, seeking to catch up on sleep and think in private on the coming days.

[hider=Summary]
Marco Pintado arrives in the new world to take charge
An expeditionary force is prepared to move in-land[/hider]