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Scene from a Memory wrote: The hot Mediterranean sun is shining down in all his glory. The large merchant barge is cruising on a firm zephyr, the familiar sight of trailing seagulls behind it. A small island chain is seen on the horizon.

The ship's deck is nearly empty, save for two people. The crew is enjoying the short mid-day rest below, as all the morning chores have been attended. A tall dark haired man is steering the ship with a firm hand, while a youth is standing by the railing next to the helmsman, gazing at the sea.

"Isoloto, come near, I have something private I'd like to discuss. Now, with the rest of the crew resting, this is a prime opportunity to do so."
The youth, as if from a breaking spell, slowly turns to the tall man.

"I am at your disposal Maestro Ambrogio."
"Maestro... I've told you again, when we are alone I don't want these useless formalities between us."
The youth starts to protest, but Ambrogio dismisses it with a wave of his hand.

"Come now Ferran, as I've said, there are serious matters to discuss and little time to do so. As you know I'll be leaving the ship for good the next time we make it to port. What I am going to tell is a secret, a secret you must vow to keep to your grave."
Ferran puts on a disdainful look and says.

"Fine, I give you my word."
"Lad, you don't grasp the gravity and severity of an oath. Now swear!"
"I swear to the Almighty that your secret is mine as well, and I will keep it to my grave."
"Good. Now listen. You've been making quite a progress on everything I had to teach you this past year. The moment I leave the ship you will be its new navigator. I've already spoken with the captain about it, you are the perfect man for the job."
Ambrogio makes a short pause, as if he's looking for the right words.

"About the secret now. I've always told you that my mentor is a renowned and influential man. This is true, and so much more. His name is Giovanni Pico della Mirandola. I'm sure you haven't heard of him, given your low birth and current education.

If you did knew about him, you'd know that he was a nobleman renowned for his scholarship and keen mind, the kind that appears once in a generation, and that he is dead and buried. You see, Giovani angered Pope Innocent VIII and had him imprisoned in France as a heretic and magician. Little do they know! He was later released with the intervention of the Medicis, and charges against him were cleared with the ascension of Pope Alexander VI.

Then some people, under mysterious circumstances, tried to assassinate him, and they almost succeeded. He survived only thanks to Providence and his keen intellect, and keeps his existence hidden from the world since.

"The reason I'm saying all this son is that I want you to continue your studies under Giovanni at the earliest opportunity. You will go to his family estate in Mirandolla and present him this token from me. Consider it a letter of introduction."
Ambrogio fiddles his pouch and produces a small cross shaped trinket. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents and surmounted by a pair of wings on its top. The thing is made of a strange whitish alloy, similar to silver, that produces a reddish-white glint where the sun hits it.

Ferran takes the thing, then begins to speak. Ambrogio silences him once more.
"Keep this always on your person, but away from prying eyes. This is the caduceus, the symbol of Hermes Trismegistus. It is a dangerous thing to carry around, as you will be marked a magician by ignorant people. Remember your oath Ferran, and continue on the path of knowledge."
The crew is stirring from its slumber and one by one the sailors arrive at their posts.

"Go now to your post, we will talk again tomorrow at the first opportunity."
Ferran, hiding the curious item, goes to his post, a million questions buzzing in his mind like angry bees. "I'll push him tomorrow for answers" thinks the Catalan.

Little did he knew that tonight they'd be hit by a summer storm and Ambrogio would be swept overboard by the waves.

OCC: Mirandola is southwest-west of Venice and 117km/73 miles away in a straight line. If I approximate travel times incorrectly I'm sure thirtythr33 will correct me.