November 1485, near the mouth of the Congo River entering the sea, on the land ruled by the local chieftain Soyo—a coastal fishing village.
The tumultuous Congo River poured into the Atlantic Ocean here, without forming the common river delta. Instead, it had carved out a deep drowned valley along the coast. Relying on the rivermouth's abundant fishing resources, the tribe settled here, forming a peaceful fishing village. On ordinary days, children ran through the village, women bustled about, and the air was filled with vitality.
As the sun set in the west, three caravels were docked alongside the riverbank. A deathly silence loomed over the native fishing village, with the smell of blood permeating the air. The frenzied carnage had just ended, and the beastly desires had been temporarily satiated. At this moment, one or two hundred fresh corpses, regardless of age or gender, were piled upon the central altar of the village, with large bundles of straw covering them.