The following is a summary of some research that I have done over the
course of the last few grueling months.  When fact was not present, I
have tried to fill in the blanks carefully with what I hope is a good
approximation of the lives of those in question.  Be warned that young
children may find parts of this story scary.  This is a prequel to the
Adventures of Pouncette de Leon.
 
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Chapter 1 - A Dream Of Adventure
 
Back in a time where all ferrets were sable with a great fear of heights
and adventure.  A young ferret was born.  A ferret who would change the
very nature of ferretkind for all time.  His name was Christofert Columbus.
And this is his story...
 
Born in Genoa, Italy, history only records the names of Christofert and a
single sibling, Bartholofert.  Not much is known about their early lives
except that they lived in the home of a weaver.  Their parents earned
their keep by keeping the looms and wool supplies free of rodents and
other pests.  These two siblings were close and discussed many of their
ideas with each other, but they were different from the other ferrets
that they met.  Although Bartholofert was timid and cautious like most
ferrets, Christofert was always wandering off to "see what was there".
Bartholofert was a remarkably intelligent ferret though.  He would often
spend minutes at a time inspecting old maps.  He had even overheard some
talk that perhaps the world was round, rather than flat.  Christofert
found this fascinating when his brother explained.  He imagined running
around the world so that he could sneak up on his brother from behind,
but both knew that there was a huge ocean to cross, and Christofert was
not a great swimmer.
 
From early on, Christofert would sometimes accompany the weaver on trading
voyages.  He saw the rugs of Persia and the mighty fleets of Spain and
Portugal.  He knew trade came from the Far East.  Riches from India and
China did not interest him.  He just wanted to visit and explore.  His
family and friends (with the exception of Bartholofert) thought he was a
fool.  For ferrets are small creatures that need to hide from danger.
 
One day the weaver's trade route brought him to Castile.  While in town,
Christofert wandered off once again.  His explorations brought him to the
castle of King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella.  Just by chance he found
the two Royal Humans in discussion with a man named Columbus.  Columbus
had maps and a ball with more maps drawn onto its surface.  With
excitement, Christofert realized that this man wanted to travel around
the world.  Christofert paid attention to their discussions and learned
the location of a small fleet that Columbus was to use.
 
After Columbus left, Christofert rejoined the weaver and spoke with
his brother.  Bartholofert was too timid to join him, but he did help
Christofert locate the fleet and locate suitable quarters on board.  He
promised to bring word of Christofert's travels back home.
 
(to be continued)
[Posted in FML issue 2817]