Danny Goodleg
Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Chapter 33
After our voyage delivering supplies to local villages was complete, we returned to the village where we started. The Captain strongly desired a visit to the port town of his youth but knew it was too dangerous. Thirty years earlier, Port Royale was a safe haven for pirates and privateers, renowned for its debauchery and wealth. But the tide was turning. Port Royale was now a place where many pirates met their end, dangling from the end of a rope at Gallows Point.
Captain Peanut Butter’s reputation was well-known. As much as he was loved by island villagers, he was equally hated by those in power and business. He could not simply wander the streets of Port Royale.
I awoke early the following morning to enjoy the beauty of the beach. A man wearing the clothes of an Englishman stepped out of the jungle and onto the beach. I wasn’t sure whether to be scared or not, so I figured it best to remain still. My apprehension didn’t last long as Stout shouted from behind me, “Danny Goodleg, you old goat. ‘Tis a pleasure to see your ugly face!”
“I see you’ve lost none of your charm. Or your girth,” the Englishman replied.
They fell into each other and embraced like long-lost brothers. Soon, the whole crew was on the beach, eager to greet this Englishman.
After much hugging and many insults, Stout noticed me and said, “Danny Boy, I want you to meet our newest pirates. This is Britpop Blastfurnace. Believe it or not, he’s a Baron.”
Danny looked surprised and then said, “A pleasure, your highness.”
The entire crew burst into great fits of laughter.
“He was just havin’ a little fun with you,” Jonas said.
“‘Tis true,” Danny added. “I’ve not spent much time in the company of Barons. Well met, sir.”
“Well met,” I replied. “I am really just a blacksmith wearing Baron’s clothes.”
“Then we will get on fine, I’m sure,” Danny said.
“And this be Andelbert. He makes bread so flavorful you’ll be dreamin’ of it in your sleep,” Stout said.
“I hope I get a chance to sample some,” Danny said.
“It would be my pleasure to bake a loaf for you,” Andelbert replied.
After more laughter and kidding, Pint told Andelbert and me that Danny was once a member of The Jellyfish crew. But he fell in love with an island girl and decided to give up the pirate life and settle down. The conversation soon turned to the discussion of local events and politics. The Captain was keen to learn all he could about Port Royale. Danny obliged.
“Lord Archibald Hamilton is the current governor of Jamaica. He’s a Scott who made a name for himself hunting French privateers while in the Royal Navy. Hamilton later distinguished himself as a captain in several sea battles during the War of Spanish Succession. He has a strong dislike of pirates, which is more than a bit two-faced, seeing how there are rumors of him setting up a gang of pirates in the Bahamas, including Henry Jennings, who just happened to have fought alongside him during the Spanish War.”
“What about Port Royale?” The Captain asked.
It’s much the same as when you left, ‘cept there’s fewer pirates and more slavers. Still plenty of rum, though. You would be wise to steer clear of town, old friend. Hamilton has a bounty out. Any pirate captain brought in earns a man silver. I reckon he’s just trying to clear out the competition so his gang of pirates has more pickings. All the while looking like he is doing his part to rid the seas of pirates. Typical politician stuff.”
“You’re a good friend, Danny. I appreciate the warning.”
