Fleeing The Caribbean
Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Chapter 36
Once again, I shall take up the narrative.
“New France is north, is it not?” I asked Captain Peanut Butter as we sailed.
“That is correct. It sits at the top of The Gulf Of Mexico. We will dock in New Orleans. It is little more than a swamp. A miserable place in the summer months. Insects as thick as butter. But it is located at the mouth of a mighty river that cuts across the entire continent, making it a strategic shipping port. We can resupply there and go unnoticed.”
So we sailed north.
Upon arriving in New Orleans, we docked alongside several other ships. The dock ran a considerable length up one side of a wide river and was lined with buildings of all sorts. The crew headed to the nearest inn for some fresh food before the task of restocking began. Meanwhile, the Captain headed off to find a bakery selling cherry pie—a personal favorite of his.
We found a nearby inn and ordered food. It was some of the oddest food I had ever eaten. There were sea creatures in red shells. I had to pull the meat out of its shell to eat it. There was a thick soup-like dish with rice and meat. It was very spicy and required lots of ale to cool the mouth while eating. But it was a treat to be on land again trying new foods.
As we were enjoying our meal, Andelbert was re-telling the story of our rescue from prison. Suddenly, my heart jumped. The daughter of the French merchant ship owner, whose ship we raided, stood beside the table looking down at me.
“Baron Blastfurnace, was it?”
“You,” I said in disbelief.
“Surprised? Yes, I imagine you are,” she said. “Would you care to join me at my table? I hate dining alone and would very much enjoy the company of a Baron.”
“Careful, Lad,” Stout said.
“Fear not. My father is onboard The Elise, overseeing cargo loading for the trip back to France. What harm could I possibly do?” she asked.
I was suspicious, but my heart won the battle with my mind. I rose and followed her to another table. Moments later, Jonas left to find Captain Peanut Butter.
