Taken To The King

Elise Boissonneau • Chapter 34

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Captain Peanut Butter shall recount his further experiences after his arrest. 

I lingered inside the fort cell and was subject to much abuse for three days. On the morning of the fourth day, three soldiers came to my cell.

I was taken to a naval galleon. Captain Duran was standing on the ship deck.

“Am I to see a magistrate?” I asked Duran.

One of the guards hit me in the mouth with the end of his musket and said, “No talking, prisoner.”

Duran held up his hand and said,

“No, you are far too prized a catch for that. You shall stand before the King.”

“No need to bother him. I am sure he is quite busy. You don’t want to seem like a pest,” I replied.

“I am pleased you still have your sense of humor,” Duran said. “The King enjoys a good jest. And rumor has it, the Palace has a new Guillotine. You might get to be the first to use it.”

“Honor after honor. I am not worthy.”

“Ah, but you are.”

Duran turned to the soldiers guarding me and said, “Put him in a cell.”

Then Duran walked away.

We sailed up the coast to Le Havre, where I was transferred to a steamship for the trip up the Seine river to Versaille. Once at the Palace of Versailles, I was locked up in a stockade to await my judgment.

I shall take the role of narrator now. 

The four of us were enjoying breakfast outside when a guard approached.

“The presence of your party is requested by the King. Follow me.”

We all stood and followed the guard. We were taken to a large room where the King’s throne was set on a platform. The King was seated on the throne, and a naval captain stood close by. There were several guards stationed around the room and a few members of the court. We all bowed to the King. 

“My friends. I have a special treat for you today. Captain Duran has apprehended a notorious pirate and brought him for judgment. Today, you shall see a real pirate firsthand,” King Louis said. 

I had a strange feeling in my gut. 

“Bring in the prisoner,” the King said. 

To my horror, Captain Peanut Butter was led in. He was shackled and looked terrible. Captain Peanut Butter saw me and subtly shook his head as if to say, “Don’t say anything.”

My heart was pounding. I looked at Andelbert, and he looked at me. Andelbert also shook his head. The Captain was led to a spot directly in front of the King. 

“What is your name?” The King asked. 

“I am Captain Peanut Butter.”

“You are accused of pirating against France. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“I only took what was stolen by wealthy empires and returned it.”

“And you did not enjoy any of the fruits of your labor?”

Captain Peanut Butter did not reply.

“Do you have a witness, Captain Duran?”

“I do, Your Highness.”

Duran nodded to a soldier who opened the door. In walked Sebastian Brun, the former Captain of The Elise. 

Elise’s eyes grew large, and she grabbed my arm. Brun saw our group and scowled.

“Captain Brun, did you witness piracy by the prisoner?” The King asked. 

“I did, Your Highness. He raided my ship in the Caribbean Sea and took my cargo.”

“And you are certain it was this man?”

“I am, Your Majesty. He announced his name and strutted about like a peacock. He even had the nerve to insult you, Your Highness.”

“Interesting.”

“And that ain’t all. Two of his crew is standing right over there.” Brun pointed at Andelbert and me. “They was part of the raid also.”

The King looked at us with a confused look. “Are you saying that Baron Blastfurnace and Monsieur Swift were part of the pirate crew that raided your ship?”

“Aye, Your Majesty. On my life, I swear it.”

“Take the prisoner to a cell. Captain Brun, you are dismissed. Baron Blastfurnace and Monsieur Swift stand before me.” 

Andelbert and I walked across the room and stood before the King. 

“Is what Captain Brun said true?” the King asked. 

“It is, but I can explain,” I said. 

“Then you are pirate also. Guards, take them to the cells with the prisoner. We are done. I shall pass judgment in the morning as is required.” 

The King stood and quickly walked out of the room.

Maria cried and hugged Elise as we were led out by guards.