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In the previous chapter, the pirate Jennings and Captain Brun kidnapped Britpop and Andelbert, taking them to The United States in an attempt to find Captain Peanut Butter.
Elise will tell this portion of the tale.
We sailed as fast as we could for Kapri. I don’t think I slept more than a few hours the whole trip. My mind wouldn’t stop. I imagined a dozen scenarios of Jenning and Brun once they reached Kapri. And none of them were good. Eventually, we arrived. Snoffduffle was waiting on the dock. As soon as we were docked, I rushed over to him.
“The pirate Jenning and Captain Brun are on their way to Kapri. I have to warn Britpop,” I said to Snoffduffle.
“I am afraid it is too late. They arrived two days ago and took Britpop and Andelbert with them.”
“Where were they going?”
“To the United States. The former British Colonies. They are looking for Captain Peanut Butter.”
“Then I must sail after them immediately.”
“I have been tasked with ensuring The Eternal Horizon is ready to sail across the ocean as swiftly as possible. Leave it to me and report to the Grand Duke. He will fill you in on the details.”
I hurried to the Grand Duke’s barge, where Ox, one of the young men in the village, was waiting to take me up the canal to Kapri.
“I am sorry about Britpop,” Ox said. “I have volunteered to sail after him.”
“I appreciate it, Ox. It would be good to have you. It may be a long voyage. Are you sure you want to go?”
“Britpop was kind to me as a lad. When the other boys gave me grief because I was small, he chased them away. He even showed me how to do some blacksmithing. It would be my honor to do anything I can.”
As I looked at the teenager, a mass of muscles who towered over most full-grown men, I had a hard time imagining him ever being small.
I entered Goatbeard’s office, where he and Duke Dottydum rose to greet me.
“My Dear,” Goatbeard said. “I trust Snoffduffle gave you the news. I am so sorry. But fear not. I have been amassing supplies and arms. We will take The Eternal Horizon and sail after Jennings.”
“Thank you, Grand Duke. My crew has agreed to accompany me if you will allow it.”
“Of course. I will be joining you, also.”
“Don’t be daft, old man,” Dottydum said. “Who will run your business while you are away?”
“Snoffduffle is more than capable.”
“Perhaps. But you are better suited here. The voyage will be long and dangerous. I have military experience. I served in the Seven Years’ War and know how to handle a firearm. I will go.”
“I agree,” I said. “You should remain here. There is no telling how long we will be gone.”
Goatbeard begrudgingly agreed. “I don’t like it, but there is wisdom in your argument. I will stay and look after the business and Britpop’s estate.”
Following our discussion, I went up to Britpop’s estate to check on Maria. When she saw me, she ran into my arms and started crying.
“I will get them back,” I said.
“I am going with you,” Maria said.
“No. It’s too dangerous.”
“You’re going.”
“Yes, but I am sea Captain. I am used to danger.”
“And I am just a maid. Is that what you think?”
“No, I just know what to expect.”
“I am not stupid. I know it will be hard and dangerous. I don’t care. I will not stay here and go out of my mind with worry. I need to do something. I need to go.”
I saw the determination in her eyes. “Fine. But the men won’t like it.”
“I care not.”
“You better pack some things then. I am heading back to The Eternal Horizon.”
“I am already packed,” she said, pointing to a small bag by the door.
Next Chapter:
I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark
Duke Dottydum and Ox! New members of the crew! Bienvenue, boys! Fasten your seat belts!