Goatbeard On The Jellyfish

I will take the narrative back from Captain Peanut Butter now.

As Stout and the Grand Duke climbed aboard The Jellyfish, I was shocked to see the Grand Duke and was momentarily speechless. Goatbeard was all business.

“My boy, have they harmed you?”

“Not at all, sir. In fact, it was Captain Peanut Butter’s idea to return here and help me.”

Goatbeard looked flustered. “I find it hard to believe you volunteered to board a pirate ship. What were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t thinking clearly. I could only think of escape.”

“You didn’t think to offer the crew a larger sum of silver for safe passage?”

“To my great shame, no. Captain Peanut Butter asked the very same question.”

At that remark, the Grand Duke made a sound that sounded something like, “harrumph.”

“Grand Duke, I deeply regret the trouble I have caused you, and especially Captain Desmet. I will not insult you by asking for forgiveness.”

“We will discuss that another time. First, we need to catch this evil-hearted man who seeks your demise. I have seen and heard enough. I will play my part in the pirate’s plan and convince the crew to play their role also.”

“Grand Duke, may I ask one favor?” I sheepishly asked.

“What is it?”

“The ship was not the first attempt on my life. I was attacked by a Tibetan Ankle-Grabbing Death Vine just before I left for this journey. My father’s sword was stolen the night before. It could not be a coincidence. I fear my father may also be in danger.”

“Put your mind at ease. I will look after your father. And we will find this criminal. Be safe, lad. And for your own sake, use better judgment in the future.”

“I will try,” I replied.

The Grand Duke then turned to Stout and said, “Return me to shore so I can rid Kapri of the pirate waiting in my office.”

The Grand Duke and the Captain spent several hours going over the plan in detail, accounting for as many variables as possible. Then the Captain returned to The Jellyfish, much to everyone’s relief.

Sailing For Spain

With the Captain back on board, we left quickly. Once underway, I asked the Captain where we were heading.

“Spain,” he replied.

“Will you drop me off in Spain?”

“That was my original intent and our agreement. I will honor it if you like. But I feel it would be best for you to stay with The Jellyfish until the issue of your attempted murder is resolved.”

“With gratitude, I will heed your advice,” I said.

“Good. The crew will be pleased to know they can continue enjoying Andelbert’s bread for a time. Now I must go attend to some duties.”

The Captain headed to his cabin, and I headed for the galley to help Andelbert bake bread.

Andelbert and I finished baking the bread as the crew arrived for the evening meal. First officer Barrelhoop walked in. He saw me and asked me a question.

“What are your plans once we reach Spain, pirate?”

Barrelhoop had taken to calling me “pirate.” I was not sure if it was mocking or affection. I hoped it was the later.

“My only plan for the foreseeable future is to stay with The Jellyfish,” I replied.

“Then you’ll both be accompanying the crew and me. And you’ll be wearing sailor clothes.”

“To what purpose?” I asked.

“To sample the local spirits, of course. And spend some of that travelin’ coin you ain’t had a chance to spend yet.”

I thought for a moment before replying.

“It appears settled then,” I said.

The whole crew broke out into hoots and laughter.