Las Crónicas (The Chronicles of Captain Verne)

Before you read....

PREFACE

"A New World, A New Home", is my first attempt on mystical lyric style. The "Lyric" style refers to a formal style of poetry which expresses a person's feelings and action in a narrative form. I chose adventure as the theme as it gives anyone the immense pleasure with the twists and turns in the story along with giving us the joy of victory, conquer and discovery.

For my colossal affection towards Spain, this story has been set on that place, and the main characters are Spanish by origin. In many places you'd find that I've incorporated some Spanish dialect to reflect the true environment setting of this poem. I hope the story and its immense plots keep you excited till the end.

The story is set around the time when Columbus had discovered America, and the history of colonisation thereafter. The Europeans mistreated with the local people, for their own needs. This poem brings out the feeling of equality, and the significance of humanism to create a global world.

The protagonist and the narrator of this story is Captain Verne, which I named after the famous author Sir Jules Verne, the father of modern science-fiction and a great adventure novelist. His imagination has always fascinated me, and he's my true inspiration behind this Lyric. Captain Verne is the 'El Reale Marino" (Royal Sailor) of King Ferdinand's court. He is set out to an adventure to the Amazon to conquer out the land for his empire. He speaks about his inspiration – Captain Nicolás, his grandfather, and also tells some memorable lines that contain a moral for life.

The plot starts with Columbus' exploitation of the Caribbean, and his success celebrated as King Ferdinand of Castile and Queen Isabella unite, laying foundations for the Spanish empire. While the Royal family cherished, a terrible drought in Navarre region forced many peasants to migrate to the New World, in hope of a better livelihood. Captain Nicolas, Verne's grandfather was one of them. He had to depart his homeland because of this drought. The story later reveals how Verne's adventures led him to his separated family. In the way he'll encounter Captain Cook, also a British patriot and sailor; their clash being the climax of the story.

"A New World, A New Home" is the first instalment of the four-series "Las Chrónicas" – depicting the beginning of the epic storyline. The initial developments would be continued in the next parts, so as a whole the series could speak vividly of Spain's heroic era.

The incidents, events, names and places are real; and are woven into the story to give it a special "historical" taste. I had to do a lot of research for this!

I dedicate this poem to everyone – my parents, teachers, friends and all fellow readers.

Enjoy reading!

- Himadri Saha (@SiriusSaha)

Historical Note

The 15th century was a century of change, and many events that occurred during that time profoundly affected European society. They competed for trade with Asia, which had been on a sudden downfall as the city of Constantinople collapsed.

The European empires wanted a monopoly of power, and trade seemed a good way. The court always had a plenty of sailors, who're solely kept to discover new sea routes to new places. Among them, the Portuguese were first to reach the "Indies".

Renaissance was dawning on the society, and the idea of a "round" Earth was prevailing the society. Columbus believed that on the far West, he might find a straight sea route to "Indies". It was a mistake, though he found the "New Indies", what today are called as Caribbean. Soon, it came to be known as the "New World".

The New World was full of opportunities. A large trade of things followed. Spain got superiority with their new Colonial power. People in large masses ventured to the New World to earn, and lead lavish life. Slave trade began, and the locale people became dominated.

This was the time Spain saw revolutionary changes. The kingdom got united with the marriage of Ferdinand V of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile. Silicy and Naples came to his power. In 1512, Ferdinand V captured Navarre region in the North.

Spain's power expanded overseas, but, a drought in Navarre region set it all back. People who were devastated by this drought sailed to the "New World" to find a better life. Some survived, but mostly not. But those who did, created history.