Cleaned up and freshly attired, I renewed my efforts to start my adventure. The vine attack made me realize a companion would be helpful, so I summoned Andelbert.

“Andelbert. You have proven yourself invaluable, and I would be pleased to have you accompany me on my journey. If you are willing.”

“My Lord, I am in your service and will do as you wish.”

I knew this would be his reply, so I said, “This trip is unplanned and may be full of unknown dangers. I cannot, in good conscience, require it. I only ask.”

“There is nothing I would like better, Lord.”

“Excellent. I am looking forward to the company. Have Amelia prepare a lunch for you, gather anything you require, and meet me here in fifteen minutes.”

As I waited on Andelbert, my mind drifted back to my narrow escape from death. It only confirmed my desire to experience more of the world while I had the chance. So after a scant five minutes — Andelbert was apparently eager to start — we headed out.

This time I managed to get outside the gate of my estate, where Andelbert and I found ourselves in the presence of Grand Duke Gruston Goatbeard.

“Good day, young Britpop.”

“Good day to you, Grand Duke,” I replied.

The Grand Duke was in the habit of walking the road that climbs the hill from the village. He says he does his best thinking while he walks.

“Would you care to accompany me on my walk? I am heading to the village,” the Grand Duke inquired.

“I would be pleased to.”

“What brings you out on this fine day?” Goatbeard asked.

“The fact of the matter is, I am leaving for France.”

The Grand Duke stopped in his tracks and said, “France? This is quite unexpected.”

“Indeed. Even I was not expecting it.”

We started walking again.

“A trip to France is quite an undertaking,” Goatbeard stated. “I am surprised you did not seek out my counsel beforehand. You are surely aware that I have numerous contacts in France. I could have arranged meetings with some of my colleagues that might have proved beneficial to us both.”

The Grand Duke is well known for sniffing out the possibility of profit in any situation.

“Grand Duke. Your renown throughout civilized and even uncivilized lands is indeed well known to me. If gain had been my goal for this journey, I most certainly would have met with you first, seeking wisdom. I can think of none better suited to the task. But I seek something much less practical, and perhaps even foolish for a man of responsibility to pursue. Wonder.”

“Ah. Wanderlust is a common enough malady of youth. I had quite an infection of it myself as a young man. However, I harnessed it for practical purposes and used it to build my fortune. You would be wise to follow my example.”

“I am honored. But against all wisdom and sage advice, I must make this journey without agenda and pure of heart. I must be free to follow whimsy, to marvel at the unexpected, to know the joy of simplicity. To fail or triumph on my own accord.”

Goatbeard sighed. “I see you will not be persuaded. But I ask you to allow me one boon. Let me to provide your passage to France. I have a trade ship leaving this very day for Bordeaux, and it would be my pleasure to have you aboard it.”

“It is far too generous an offer. I could not accept,” I replied.

“Nonsense. The ship will sail with or without you. It will cost me nothing more than a few onboard meals. And I admit, I secretly hope the voyage may change your mind about entering into possible business relations with me. I see great promise in you, young Britpop.”

Considering I had no real plans other than seeing France, and I wanted to follow the winds of adventure where ever they blew. I thought it foolish to turn down this opportunity.

“Very well. I will accept your offer of passage. You are most kind,” I replied.

“Excellent. My man, Snoffduffle, will meet you at the dock and get you and your servant settled in. I wish you smooth sailing and calm seas. And I look forward to a full report of your adventures upon your return.”

“It will be my pleasure, Grand Duke. I only hope I have tales worthy of recount.”

“I have no doubt you will. Now I must be off. Business calls.”

As he turned and walked toward the village, I was a bit dumbfounded. All I could manage was, “Good day to you, Grand Duke.”

So Andelbert and I began our trip with free passage to France. All seemed bright.