Arriving in Spain
Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Chapter 17
Once again, I shall take up the role of narrator.
We arrived off the shore of Spain in the early hours of the night and dropped anchor. A few of the crew stayed behind on The Jellyfish while the rest of us boarded two rowboats. We landed on a small beach surrounded by huge rocks and dragged our boats into the brush to hide them. Then, we started walking a narrow path that ran along the shore. Barrelhoop led the way. Our only light was provided by the moon. We walked for a while in silence. Finally, we reach a small forest of trees lining the side of a hill. We turned off the path and began to climb the hill. It was tough climbing, but I was determined not to complain. After what seemed like an hour, Barrelhoop spoke up.
“This is it, lads. Get busy.”
To my surprise, the crew started digging by a large boulder. It didn’t take long before they pulled two wooden chests out of the ground. I thought perhaps they were treasure chests, but when they opened them, they were full of ropes and canvas.
At least, that is what I thought at first. Actually, they contained several hammocks—enough for the entire crew. We hung them between trees and settled in for the night. As I climbed into my bed, I was exhausted. Laying there felt wonderful.
Just before I drifted off to sleep, I reconsidered. Perhaps the chests we dug up were treasure chests, after all.
The next morning, we buried the hammock chests again and headed down the hill. We continued walking down the same path, eventually coming to a small cottage.
Captain Peanut Butter gently knocked on the door with three taps, followed by five taps, followed by three taps. An old couple came to the door, and the Captain greeted them both warmly. They smiled as if seeing an old friend who had been away for a long time. The Captain handed them a small pouch. The woman took it and went back inside. The old man walked out and led the Captain around the side of the house. We all followed.
The man led the Captain to a small barn. Once inside, we all sat on stools and bails of hay. The old man and the Captain talked for quite a while in Spanish. I asked Jonas what they were saying.
“The Captain is asking him about what ships have come into port. It is far easier to hunt a ship fully stocked after it leaves port than to wander aimlessly in the sea, hoping to find one by chance,” Jonas replied.
“That is quite clever,” I said.
“Aye. The Captain is as clever as they come.”
Just then, the old woman came into the barn with a tray full of cheese, smoked meat, and eggs. Breakfast was served. The crew all voiced their approval, and some even kissed the old woman on the cheek. She quickly swatted their faces, but I think she enjoyed the attention.
When we had finished eating, we headed down the path again. After a short time, the Captain turned down a separate trail that branched off the one we were on.
“Where is he going?” Andelbert whispered to Pint.
“Ah. Well, mate, it wouldn’t be fittin’ for you to know all a man’s secrets, would it? He’ll meet us back at the ship in due time. Besides, we’re sailors. We can blend in at ‘most any port. But a man of Captain Peanut Butter’s fame can’t just waltz into town without people takin’ notice, now can he?”
“I suppose not,” Andelbert replied.
“We have friends in these parts, but we have enemies too. More enemies than friends. You can count on that.”
Sometimes, I forgot I was traveling with pirates. By doing so, Andelbert and I had also become pirates, at least in the eyes of the law. I tried hard not to think about what would happen if we were caught.
