The blacksmith had given us valuable advice. Our trip down the Seine was pleasant, and eventually, we arrive at Versailles. Andelbert and I walked up to the palace and spoke to a guard.

“I am here to see the King of France.”

“Are you now? I plan to meet King George in London tomorrow. The King sees no one unannounced.”

“I am Baron Britpop Blastfurnace of Kapri in the Austrian Netherlands. I was made Baron by the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II personally. You may make the announcements.”

The guard glared at me and said, “If this is a ruse, it will cost you your life.”

“I assure you, it is no trick.”

“Wait here.”

A few minutes later, a member of the palace staff arrived at the gate and ushered us into the palace. He took us to a large, opulent room where a maid was waiting.

“The King is extremely busy. I have arranged an audience for you tomorrow. Maria will show you to your rooms.”

With that, we were shown to two luxurious sleeping chambers.

“You will want to freshen yourselves and dress for dinner,” Maria said.

Andelbert and I washed the dirt from our faces and hands and put on our best clothes.

“Remember, Andelbert, you are my brother.”

“I shall play the role if you insist. But are you sure that is wise?”

“Of course not. But has that stopped me yet?”

“I have no rebuttal.”

I laughed.

Maria returned later and escorted us to a large dining room. There were numerous aristocrats mingling about conversing and gossiping. They paid us no heed until a young member of the group noticed us and introduced himself.

“Bonjour, I am Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.” He laughed at our blank expressions and said, “It is a ridiculous name, I agree. Please call me Lafayette. I am pleased to meet men of a similar age. It is dreadfully boring to listen to old men complain of their aches and pains.”

“I am Baron Britpop Blastfurnace of Kapri in The Austrian Netherlands, and this is my brother, Andelbert. I would prefer it if you called me Britpop.”

“As you wish, Britpop. What brings you from The Austrian Netherlands?”

“We are both young men, unacquainted with the world at large. We have heard the tales of the King’s great palace and wished to see it for ourselves.”

“Ah, adventurers. We are kindred spirits. As for myself, I have a desire to visit the British Colonies in the Americas. There is a rumor that the Colonies will seek independence from that devil, King George. I would very much like to assist that cause.”

I wanted to tell him we had just returned from the Americas, but I dared not open that story up to questioning. We were former pirates, after all.

“Please forgive me, but I am unaware of your family name, Blastfurnace?” Lafayette said.

“No forgiveness is necessary. I am not from royal lineage. I was given a Barony by Emperor Joseph II as a reward for service to the crown. In truth, I am the son of a blacksmith.”

“Intriguing. You must tell me more. What service did you provide that earned such an honor?”

I told him the tale of my invention, the silent horseshoe. He smiled wider and wider as the story continued. When I finished, he laughed and slapped me hard on the back.

“What a tale! I like you, Britpop. The King will also be very interested in this story.”

A servant announced that dinner was served.

“Come sit by me, Britpop and Andelbert. I would very much enjoy your company.”

“It would be my honor,” I replied.

“And mine, as well,” Andelbert added.