When the queen learned from Gonçalo Vasques, who was Governor of Santarém at that time, that its townsfolk were ready to serve her and that they were pleased that she was going to make for that town, she made arrangements to leave Alenquer after celebrating Christmas. She left Vasco Peres de Camões as governor of the castle and Martim Gonçalves de Ataíde as guardian of the town. Before she left, she gave orders for the honourable men of the town to assemble and addressed them as follows: ‘My friends, you know full well that this town belongs to me and that you all owe me obedience. Besides, you have seen the turmoil in Lisbon when the people rose up with the Master. Indeed, I know not whether he is master gunner or master of bombards. I am puzzled about what kind of rage or stupidity drove them to do such things. Nevertheless, you should pay no heed to their stupidity and avoid any uprising such as theirs: rather, you should be peaceful and loyal, as you always have been. By so doing, you will enhance your standing and good name, as well as performing a great service to me, for which I shall always reward you with favours whensoever you request them.’

At that, they all replied that the town and all its inhabitants were hers and ready to serve her, adding that they would not side with anyone but her, nor obey any command unless it were hers, as she was their queen.

She declared that she was very grateful to them for that pledge and then she left for Santarém. She was accompanied by the counts her brothers, as well as by the Admiral Master Lançarote, João Afonso Pimentel, João Gonçalves [Teixeira] de Óbidos, all those who belonged to Lisbon's court of justice, along with several knights and squires. However, they amounted to only a small number of people. When she reached Santarém, the most honourable townsfolk went out to greet her, including the Jews, carrying their Torahs.

She rode a packsaddle mule wearing a great black cloak which hid her face, and in that way she made her way to the castle. Gonçalo Vasques, who was its governor, asked to be released from his duties and received his release in writing. The queen was lodged in the castle, and Gonçalo Vasques went off to his own dwellings.