The big departure is coming
while Mendoza tries unsuccessfully to understand how the Solaris works
. Tao doubts Mendoza's real intentions but Esteban and Zia do not share his opinion for now. After having burned the village of Tao
, all embark to reach the continent. It is Perdro who stands at the helm
, guided by Tao and the instructions contained in a precious book of Mu's empire
.
Meanwhile, Mendoza takes advantage of this respite to visit the Solaris holds
, while Zia entrusts Esteban with her fears towards Mendoza
. The latter makes a strange discovery: a large golden and smooth cube
. This mysterious object also puzzles Tao. In his book, it is explained that thanks to this cube, the sun will defend them in case of attack
.
While the ship is still heading east, they meet old acquaintances: Gomez and Gaspard
who were rescued by a Spanish ship. So start the Solaris hunt
. The latter is well disarmed compared to the speed of Commander Gomez's ship. The situation seems desperate because the Solaris does not have enough sails proportionally to its tonnage. Mendoza is convinced that the cube is their only chance to escape Gomez. They try to open it with an ax
, without success. That's when Esteban sees a lever on the top of the cube
. He operates it. The cube opens and reveals a second lever
that, once actuated, starts a mysterious mechanism
that replaces the canvas sails with metal sails
that capture solar energy. This energy makes it possible to set a multitude of oars
. With this system, the Solaris gains in speed and distance quickly the ship of Gomez and its guns
. The latter, once past their amazement, reassure themselves because they will recapture them in Tumbes, their final destination. The sun finally sets. Canvas sails reappear to keep the Solaris moving in the absence of solar energy
. Then, they see in the distance the continent, under the light of the setting sun
.
