Henry the VII was always looking for ways to expand England's riches. Having only been on the English throne for seven years, he was looking for all the ways in which he could expand his control and solidify his position as well as bring greater riches to his kingdom. Then a sailor by the name of Christopher Columbus walks into his court and states to him that another way to Asia can be found if his ships travel west. Many in the court believe the sailor is just a fancy man with his head in the clouds, but Henry the VII knows the power of Portugal - now the Iberian Union, and their control over the eastern spice trade.