Alonso must flee Galicia after killing one of Count Raña's children. On the recommendation of his mother, the boy decides to take refuge in the monastery with Father Xoán, since Raña will soon be doing justice for the death of the noblest of his offspring.

Shortly before leaving Seville, Sanabria dies. His widow, Doña Mencía Calderón, manages to continue the expedition with herself in charge. Next to him will travel an experienced conqueror of the New World, Captain Salazar, who will not see favorably that a woman will be in charge of the expedition.