Here my story must veer off again. As The Jellyfish was sailing toward Spain, the Grand Duke dispatched his man Snoffduffle to track down my attempted killer. I learned of it much later, of course, but I think it best to share the events in their proper time frame.

Snoffduffle has kindly agreed to share his experiences, so this is his telling of his part in the story.

The Grand Duke was determined to find out who made two attempts on the young Baron’s life. Since we had no access to the sailors aboard the Sea Merchant II for questioning, it was decided that I should visit the inn where the bribe was made. It was my task to interview the innkeeper and inquire about who was conversing with the sailors. I arrived at the Port Belly Inn precisely at ten o’clock in the morning and approached the innkeeper, a surly individual named Dominic Keep.

“Sir, might I have a moment with you in private?” I asked. I did not want to risk the possibility that the culprit might be present and listening.

“What does old Goatbeard want now? He may own half the village, but he don’t own me,” he replied.

“I assure you he only seeks your assistance in a matter of some urgency.”

“Everything is urgent to old Goatbeard,” he muttered. Then he shouted across the room, “Belinda, come tend the bar while I tend to Goatbeard’s man.”

We stepped into the kitchen behind the bar.

“Well, have at it. Some of us got work to do,” the innkeeper said.

“Indeed. The day the Sea Merchant II sailed, her crew were here eating. They were approached by a man. Did you happen to see who this man was?”

“You think I got time to watch who is talking to who every minute of the day?”

“I realize it is a difficult thing to ask. I only…”

“It ain’t difficult at all,” he interrupted. “I know exactly who he was. But it’s going to cost you a kronenthaler to find out.”

“I am authorized to offer you 50 liards for this information,” I replied.

“That Goatbeard is a tight one, alright. No matter. You’ll get your name after I get the money.”

I promptly paid him the money.

“It was the Baron’s stuffy head butler. I only know ‘cause I ain’t never seen him in here before, and I ain’t since. He walked in like he was on a mission. He went right to their table, talked for about three minutes, turned, and walked right back out. It stuck in my mind how strange it was.”

“Thank you for your assistance.”

“I’ll deny I said anything. Now leave me so I can get back to work.”

I gladly followed his instructions and left the inn.

I returned to the Grand Duke’s office and relayed the information to the Grand Duke.

“Excellent work, Snoffduffle. Now we must make sure everything is in order before the Sea Merchant II returns.”

Arriving in Spain

Once again, I shall take up the role of narrator.

We arrived off the shore of Spain in the early hours of the night and dropped anchor. A few of the crew stayed behind on The Jellyfish, while the rest of us boarded two rowboats. We landed on a small beach surrounded by huge rocks and dragged our boats into the brush to hide them. Then we started walking a narrow path that ran along the shore. Barrelhoop led the way. Our only light was provided by the moon. We walked for a while in silence. Finally, we reach a small forest of trees lining the side of a hill. We turned off the path and began to climb the hill. It was tough climbing, but I was determined not to complain. After what seemed like an hour, Barrelhoop spoke up.

“This is it, lads. Get busy.”

To my surprise, the crew started digging by a large boulder. It didn’t take long before they pulled two wooden chests out of the ground. I thought perhaps they were treasure chests, but when they opened them, they were full of ropes and canvas.

At least that is what I thought at first. Actually, they contained several hammocks. Enough for the entire crew. We hung them between trees and settled in for the night. As I climbed into my bed, I was exhausted. Laying there felt wonderful.

Just before I drifted off to sleep, I reconsidered. Perhaps the chests we dug up were treasure chests after all.

The next morning we buried the hammock chests again and headed down the hill. We continued walking down the same path. Eventually, we came to a small cottage.

Captain Peanut Butter walked up to the door and knocked gently with three taps followed by five taps followed by three taps. An old couple came to the door, and the Captain greeted them both warmly. They smiled as if seeing an old friend who had been away for a long time. The Captain handed them a small pouch. The woman took it and went back inside. The old man walked out and led the Captain around the side of the house. We all followed.

The man led the Captain to a small barn. Once inside, we all sat on stools and bails of hay. The old man and the Captain talked for quite a while in Spanish. I asked Jonas what they were saying.

“The Captain is asking him about what ships have come into port. It is far easier to hunt a ship fully stocked after it leaves port then to wander aimlessly in the sea, hoping to find one by chance,” Jonas replied.

“That is quite clever,” I said.

“Aye. The Captain is as clever as they come.”

Just then, the old woman came into the barn with a tray full of cheese, smoked meat, and eggs. Breakfast was served. The crew all voiced their approval, and some even kissed the old woman on the cheek. She quickly swatted their faces, but I think she enjoyed the attention.

When we had finished eating, we headed down the path again. After a short time, the Captain turned down a separate path that branched off the one we were on.

“Where is he going?” Andelbert whispered to Pint.

“Ah. Well mate, it would be fittin’ for you to know all a man’s secrets, would it? He’ll meet us back at the ship in due time. Besides, we’re sailors. We can blend in at most any port. But a man of Captain Peanut Butter’s fame can’t just waltz into town without people takin’ notice, now can he?”

“I suppose not,” Andelbert replied.

“We have friends in these parts, but we have enemies too. More enemies than friends. You can count on that.”

Sometimes I forgot I was traveling with pirates. By doing so, Andelbert and I had also become pirates. At least in the eyes of the law. I tried hard not to think about what would happen if we were caught.