“How is it you are dining here alone? Is it safe?” I asked.

“As safe as anywhere I go. I grew up on ships and spent my life in port towns. I have learned where not to go and how to defend myself if necessary. Plus, I have a knife safely tucked in my garments and am experienced in its use. I often explore port towns while my father handles business. I find the business side of shipping quite tedious. The real question is, do you feel safe? A pirate in port, recognized by a French shipping merchant’s daughter.”

“I am not a pirate. As I told you, I truly am a Baron.”

“Of course you are. A Baron who sails with pirates. How perfectly reasonable.”

“Tell me your name so I may one day find you again and provide proof of my standing.”

“For what purpose? I care not.”

“Why do you sail?” I asked.

“I sail because I love the sea. I sail because I love adventure. I sail because I want to see the whole world. I sail because I won’t be some man’s galley slave or baby factory,” she replied fervently.

“I also seek adventure. I am a blacksmith’s son. I am only a Baron because I invented silent horseshoes and won favor with Emperor Joseph. It was a reward I was not anticipating or ready for. I felt too young to settle into a life of Barony. So I decided to embark on an adventure first. I initially planned to visit France, but due to a lack of sound judgment on my part, I ended up on a pirate ship. It turned out to be the greatest adventure of my life.

“Captain Peanut Butter is unlike any other pirate. As you witnessed, when he did not kill your crew or take you as a prize. He also returned to my home at significant personal risk to enact a plan to capture the man who wanted me dead. I am loyal to him. But one day, I will return to my home as a Baron.

“I readily admit, when I first saw your beauty, it caused me to act the fool. But I now see that you are more than just fair. You are intelligent and have a will of steel.

“If your aim was simply to mock me, you have succeeded. And I deserved it. But I shall take my leave now. I am a Baron. I do travel with pirates. And I believe I prefer their company. I wish you a good day. I will bother you no more.”

I rose to return to my crew.

“Wait, I believe you. And you must leave. I did not come here alone. I was with one of the crew from my father’s ship. We recognized you, and I told him I would keep you here while he went to get soldiers. They may arrive at any moment. Go now.”

I stared at her for a moment absorbing what she had told me.

“Thank you… I do not know your name.”

“My name is Elise. Like the ship. Now go!”

We quickly made our way out of the inn and headed back toward The Jellyfish. To our surprise, we came upon Captain Peanut Butter walking with two soldiers. They each had a whole cherry pie and were laughing at whatever tale the Captain was telling.

The Captain noticed us and said, “Ah lads. Good to see you. I have a task for you. My good friends here need a couple of barrels of rum to go with their pie. See that they are delivered to their post immediately.”

With that, he went back to telling more of his tale. Apparently, the French soldiers in New Orleans had little desire to arrest pirates. Especially pirates who were generous with their rum.

Returning Home

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. Heading back to France, I assumed. 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.