Returning Home
Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Chapter 38
As we reached The Jellyfish, Delmore Boissonneau, the owner of the Elise, and Captain Sebastian Brun were waiting for us.
“I demand you take these men into custody. They are pirates and raided my ship,” Boissonneau loudly stated.
“I simply imposed a Caribbean passage tax on Monsieur Boissonneau. The good people of the Caribbean deserve something for allowing merchants the use their waters for trade. Wouldn’t you agree, Francois?”
“It sounds reasonable to me,” one of the soldiers said.
“And would you concur, Jean-Paul?”
“Oui. It seems only fair,” the other soldier said.
“This is an outrage. I demand to see your superior,” Boissonneau snapped.
“He is due to return in two weeks. Perhaps you would like to wait in one of our cells,” Francois replied.
“Where has Raynard gone off to this time?” Captain Peanut Butter asked the soldier.
“Urgent military business up the river, he calls it. I believe her name is Monique.”
The soldiers both laughed.
Monsieur Boissonneau spat on the dock in disgust and walked away. Captain Brun followed close behind.
The Elise sailed out of port soon after the incident, I assumed, heading back to France. I didn’t see Elise before they sailed, and I feared I never would again.
We spent four more days in New France, resupplying The Jellyfish and enjoying our time onshore. The port of New Orleans was a fascinating place. A little bit of France mixed with the unique culture of the native peoples of the New World. The residents were as wild and spicy as their food.
“Where will we go now?” I asked Captain Peanut Butter during one of our meals.
“It is time to return to the Old World, young Baron. And to return you and Andelbert home.”
“Would you take us to France instead?”
“Ah, yes. For one-tenth of your traveling silver, if I recall correctly.”
“I am afraid my silver has dwindled a bit since then,” I replied.
The captain laughed and said, “There is no need for silver. You have given the crew entertainment, excitement, and friendship. These are worth more than silver.”
Then the captain turned to Andelbert and said, “Your bread alone has paid your debt.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Andelbert said with a smile.
The following day, we set sail for France.
