Fleeing to Italy
Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Chapter 19
The Jellyfish headed for the open sea as fast as the wind would take her. Jonas climbed up into the crow’s nest and soon called down.
“Ship. Stern.”
We all turned and saw the sails of a Spanish galleon. She was closing on us but was still out of cannon range. The Captain shouted, “Come on, Lads, let’s show the Spanish what the fastest ship on the high seas looks like as it fades from view.”
His confidence was well-deserved, for we gradually gained distance away from the galleon, and within an hour, she was lost from sight.
Several hours later, when we were confident no more ships were pursuing us, the Captain, Barrelhoop, and Scar Arm went into the Captain’s cabin. They were inside for quite some time when Andelbert asked me, “What do you think they are doing?”
“I imagine the Captain is trying to find out how Scar Arm knew the Spanish were coming for us.”
Andelbert looked out to sea, deep in thought. Finally, the three of them came out and stood in the middle of the deck.
The Captain shouted, “Gather around, Lads. We need to have a council. Scar Arm, present your case.”
All eyes turned to Scar Arm, who spoke in a loud voice.
“Mates. Hear me. Three summers ago, I met a girl in the market square of Santander. I had no intention of it, but I fell in love. She fell for me, also. Her love was strong. She knew I was a sailor, but she wept when I sailed off. The following summer, when we returned, she was waiting. She begged me to stay and marry her. I told her I loved her, but I had saltwater in my veins and could never live a land-locked life. She pleaded and cried. It broke my heart, but I knew I couldn’t quit sailing. And she would be better off with someone other than a pirate as a husband.
So, in an attempt to drive her away, I told her I could not settle down even if I wanted to because I was a pirate. It was careless, I admit it. She said she didn’t care. I told her it didn’t matter if she cared or not. I could not marry her. She became enraged and said if she ever saw me again, she would tell the Spanish I was a pirate.”
He paused for a moment and looked down. Then he raised his head and continued.
“I didn’t believe she would actually do it. But as we sat at El Gato Ciego, she walked by the door and saw me plain as day. Our eyes met, and I saw fury in her eyes. She turned and started running. I knew then she would do as she threatened. So I told Barrelhoop, and you know the rest. I have endangered this ship and this crew. I have no excuse.”
There was silence for a time, and then Captain Peanut Butter spoke.
“You have heard the truth. Scar Arm freely admits he placed all our lives in danger, that he told this girl that he was a pirate, and that he acted recklessly by going to town when he knew he might be recognized. He offers no excuse.”
Then he looked at Scar Arm and shouted.
“What does he deserve?”
In near unison, the entire crew shouted, “The plank.”
The Captain held his gaze on Scar Arm and shouted again.
“What shall he get?”
“Mercy,” Barrelhoop shouted.
“Mercy,” Stout shouted.
“Mercy,” Jonas shouted.
One by one, the entire crew shouted mercy.
Then the Captain turned to me and said, “What say you, Baron?”
A little shocked, I paused and then said, “Mercy.”
The Captain turned to Andelbert, who didn’t wait for the Captain to ask him and shouted, “Mercy.”
The Captain looked back at Scar Arm and spoke.
“It is decided. Scar Arm, you are granted mercy. You shall remain in the crew. Your transgressions will be remembered no more.”
The Captain then turned and went back to his cabin. The rest of the crew, including Scar Arm, returned to their duties. Andelbert and I stood there and stared at each other, not quite believing what we had just seen and not sure what to do next.
Then a familiar voice shouted, “Come on, lads, there is bread to be made.”
So we headed to the galley.
That night, Andelbert and I were summoned into the Captain’s cabin.
“Sit, please,” the Captain said. We sat, and he continued.
“I thought you should be advised of my plans so you can make a decision regarding what to do next. We are sailing for Venice. It is currently under Austrian rule. It has faded in prominence and power and is mainly a playground for wealthy Europeans now. We will be able to safely dock and take on supplies for a crossing to Jamaica.
“Jamaica?” I said, surprised.
“Yes, it is time to return home. The Spanish will be searching for us, so raiding will be difficult for some time. It will be far easier to launch raids in the Caribbean. You are welcome to remain with us as part of the crew for as long as you wish. But you should know the crossing will take roughly eight weeks and is full of danger and risk. Even with our limited numbers and ample supplies, we are at the whims of the ocean, and she is a fickle mistress indeed.
You could take leave of us in Venice and book passage back home from there. But I cannot say if the matter of your attempted murder has been resolved.”
I looked at Andelbert and asked, “What are your thoughts, Andelbert?”
“I chose to accompany you on this adventure, Lord, and will gladly continue with you whatever you decide.”
“I appreciate your loyalty, Andelbert. Although it does not make my decision any easier.”
I thought for a moment and decided.
“Captain, you have gone far beyond any reasonable expectations in regard to my welfare. I see no reason to reject that concern now. Besides, I would be untruthful if I said the idea of seeing the New World did not excite me.”
The Captain smiled and said, “The New World is unlike anywhere in Europe. That is the truth. But so is Venice. Both are places of unimaginable wonders.”
He paused, then continued, “And dangers.”
