After having built a fort on the island of Hispaniola and assigned volunteers, Columbus begins his trip back to Spain, at which point he meets a violent storm, nearly rendering him shipwrecked. Eventually, the Niña returns to Lisbon, and Columbus is received by King Joao II who supplies him with the necessary help to repair the ship before setting out for Palos.
The Royal Family of Spain appoints a board of experts to examine Columbus's project. After many long meetings, many which take place in Salamanca, Columbus finally earns a convocation at Malaga. However, he beliefs that the verdict will be negative. However, this time the Queen gives Columbus a shred of hope by asking him to first wait for the end of the war.
Once in Cordova, Columbus finds hospitality at Diego de Harana's; there, he falls in love with his cousin Beatrix. At last, the time comes for Columbus to make his journey to the Royal palace. Once there, Columbus meets some important and influential people. Finally, he is then to be received by their Majesty. Following the description of the project, Queen Isabella is particularly impressed by the magnitude of the Genoese sailor's proposal.
Columbus and his son Diego find shelter together in the monastery of Rebida where he meets Father Perez and Father Marchena; both priests are enthusiastic about his project, and invite him to ask Duke Medina Sidonia to finance his voyage Columbus then departs the monastery, entrusting Diego under the care of the monks.
Here, Columbus meets a Jewish man by the name of Torres. Torres is fascinated by Columbus's ambition to sail to the Indies by way of a Western route. Torres promises him that he will acquire financing for the voyage by soliciting funds from his friends, many of whom happen to be the most significant and influential Genoese merchants. Unfortunately, Torres does not succeed in his task, and Columbus, feeling deceived by his hometown, decides never to return.
In Lisbon, Columbus meets his brother Bartholomew who works as a cartographer. At first, Columbus helps his brother compile the maps, however, his biggest wish is to enter the School of Navigation at the capital city, a feat not easily achieved by a foreigner. But thanks to an acquaintance with Father Martins, Columbus will live to see his wish come true.
Having survived the shipwreck, Columbus arrives at the village of Lagos where he takes shelter in a monastery. Having been rejuvenated, he sets sail once more until reaching the port of Sagres. Rather than return home, Columbus decides to go to Lisbon in order to learn everything possible about marine sciences, and to more fully dedicate himself to exploring the seven seas.
The ship on which Columbus has boarded leaves the isle of Chios. Notwithstanding, John, fearing that a storm is approaching, has a discussion with the captain in the hopes of persuading him to wait the storm out. Unfortunately, the captain does not take kindly to John's point of view, and for this, has John locked under the deck. That night, the ship collides with a rock before the storm sets in. Unfortunately, in order to save the ship and the lives of the crew, John must sacrifice his own life.
Christopher is a boy who wants to be a sailor at all costs. However, his father Dominic wants his son to become a textile craftsman like him, instead. After the downfall of the Fregosa family with whom Dominic Columbus had sided, he becomes more available to his son such that Christopher can finally go aboard a ship. It is then that young Christopher becomes friends with a very good sailor named John.