Leaving Spain
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 3
New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 here:
In the previous chapter, Ana gave Britpop and Andelbert a tour of her farm. Later she told them the story of how she met Captain Peanut Butter.
As promised, our day began with farm chores. I use the word day generously as we rose before the sun. Feeding the animals was our first job, followed by milking the cow and collecting eggs. Then, putting the horse and cow out to pasture and cleaning out the stalls. The Captain attacked the chores vigorously. I suppose it is his nature to take charge. Afterward, we returned to the kitchen for breakfast.
As we were eating, Ana saw my face and said, “Are you well, Britpop? You look weary.”
“I am in good health, thank you. I was just thinking about Elise and Maria. They must be terribly worried about Andelbert and me. Not knowing what has happened to us.”
“Ah. I know that feeling well,” Ana replied.
The Captain had a pained look on his face and said, “It is a burden they will have to bear. If all goes well, and the winds are on your side, you shall be home in ten or twelve days.”
“What about pigeons?” Isabella asked. “I was courted by a man who kept pigeons. He said they can travel great distances carrying messages.”
“It is true, and they are quite common in the Austrian Netherlands,” Andelbert replied. “But they generally only fly home. They must be transported and then released to fly back home. They can be trained to go between two locations, but they can only fly about 45 leagues. It would require many birds to cover the distance to Kapri. It is unlikely it could be arranged.”
“If only there were magic letters that, once written, instantly appear at the desired location,” I said.
The Captain grunted. “You might as well dream of a ship that sails underwater.”
Two days passed quickly, and it was time to say farewell to the Captain, Ana, and Isabella. Jonas had borrowed old man Garcia’s wagon to take us to port and to the ship that would take us home.
“My good friends, it seems we say goodbye far too often. I hope this is not the last time,” Captain Peanut Butter said as he gripped my arms and then Andelbert’s.
“I would invite you to move to Kapri, but I am confident the Grand Duke would have no part of that,” I said.
The Captain laughed. “He has no love for me, that is certain.”
“I wish you all the best for your new life in the United States of America. Perhaps one day we will come to visit. You must write me once you are settled.”
“It is as good as done,” The Captain replied.
“I shall miss you and the crew as well,” Andelbert said.
Ana approached me and kissed both of my cheeks. “Farewell, my friend.”
“Farewell, Ana. Take care of Jacques,” I replied.
Isabella also kissed my cheeks and said, “It is a shame you are not staying longer. I have had few romances with Austrians.”
I smiled and said, “Farewell, Isabella. Keep dancing.”
Both women gave Andelbert similar treatment, and he blushed a brilliant red.
“Come on, lads. You don’t want to miss your ship,” Jonas said. We climbed on the wagon and watched as the farm and our friends faded from view.
We arrived at the docks, and Jonas escorted us to our ship, Steady Winds. We said our goodbyes and boarded the merchant vessel. The ship’s Captain, a man of small stature and little hair, greeted us.
“You are Baron Blastfurnace?” He asked.
“I am. And this is Andelbert Swift.”
“I am Captain Hendrik Beknopt. Follow me.”
Apparently, the Captain was a man of few words. We followed him.
He opened the door to a small cabin and said, “This is your cabin for the voyage. Welcome aboard.”
He turned and started walking away. I called out, “Captain Beknopt.”
The Captain turned around.
“Andelbert and I are experienced sailors. We would like to help the crew with their duties.”
“There is no need. We are fully staffed, and your passage is paid for.”
“It would help us pass the time. Andelbert is a skilled baker who makes delicious bread. I am sure the crew would enjoy it.”
Beknopt gave us an unsure look, then said, “Talk to the cook.” He turned again and walked away.
Andelbert and I headed for the galley. Andelbert looked at me. A smile lit his face.
Next Chapter:
I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, typo catches, etc. Thank you.
Mark
I was wondering when you were writing this story. Were you thinking about eating peanut butter, but then as I read the story, it brought me to the pigeons, and then I thought well maybe a stool pigeon uses the peanut butter to shut them up, and then you brought me back to my childhood where my father raised messaging pigeons. Thanks, Mark
“If only there were magic letters that, once written, instantly appear at the desired location,” I said.
The Captain grunted. “You might as well dream of a ship that sails underwater.” ha ha ha! And BTW, good Andelbert is invited to bake bread for me anytime.