The following day, after breakfast, Andelbert, Maria, and I boarded a small ship bound for Bordeaux. Andelbert and I had been given chests to store the new clothing we had acquired while staying at the palace. Maria also had a chest to carry her keepsakes and clothing. We were accompanied by a palace valet and two royal guards. I asked the valet why the guards were assigned to us. He said it was a standard precaution against robbers. The guards also carried our chests onboard. Fortunately, the guards were not needed on our trip upriver. It was a pleasant day, and we encountered no trouble.

When we reached Bordeaux, the valet led us to our ship. As I saw the name on the ship, my eyes widened. Andelbert and I both looked at each other in disbelief. It was the Sea Merchant II.

Captain Desmet walked across the deck to greet us.

“Why so surprised, Baron? How many ships do you think travel to Kapri?”

“I suppose I never considered it.”

“Well don’t just stand there with your jaws hanging open, come aboard. We are eager to depart.”

“Yes, Captain,” I replied.

“Andelbert, who is this young woman attached to your arm?”

“This is my wife, Maria.”

“Your wife? Well, you two never cease to surprise me. I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Maria. Allow me to show you to your cabin.”

“Thank you, Captain. I am pleased to meet you also,” Maria said.

Desmet led us to the cabin Andelbert and I had shared on the voyage out of Kapri.

“Andelbert and Maria, you will take this cabin. Baron, you will have my cabin.”

“I would not feel right inconveniencing you in such a manner. I will gladly sleep with the crew.”

“As you wish. Once you are settled, Andelbert, I hope you will consider baking some bread for the crew. We have missed having such a fine treat.”

“I would be happy to, Captain.”

“Then I shall leave you to it. I have a ship to sail.”

“Thank you, Captain,” I said as Desmet walked away.

I made my way down to the crew sleeping chamber and stored my chest. It was empty as the crew was busy setting sail. Then I return to the deck to watch the departure. It felt good to be on a ship again. I looked forward to the voyage home and spending time with the crew. My spirits were already rising.

Shortly after, Andelbert and Maria joined me on deck. Together we watched France slowly shrink into the horizon.

A Revelation

After enjoying the departure, we headed to the galley to help prepare the evening meal. Andelbert introduced Maria to Cookie, and we got to work. As Andelbert started making bread, Maria and I help with the chopping of vegetables and potatoes. While we worked, Maria began to sing. She had a pleasant voice. Not trained like the Queen’s, but enjoyable in its own way.

“That’s a fine tune, Lass. You sing well,” Cookie said. “The sound of a woman’s voice is something I dearly miss when at sea,”

“Thank you, Cookie. I find singing makes work more enjoyable.”

“Then you ain’t heard me sing. That’s for sure.”

We all laughed.

That evening the Captain joined the crew for dinner.

“Well, Baron, I, for one, am interested in hearing how you managed to end up as a guest of the King of France.”

The crew all raised their voices in approval.

“And your adventures with that pirate, Captain Peanut Butter.”

Maria looked at Andelbert. She was obviously startled, and said, “I didn’t know you had sailed with pirates. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I am sorry, my love. I didn’t dare tell anyone. Britpop and I could have been sent to the guillotine if it had been discovered. Our journey with the pirates was not intentional. We were guests onboard their ship. I planned to tell you once we were safely home in Kapri.”

“Guests? On a pirate ship?” Maria said in disbelief.

I responded.

“It is true, Maria. Sailing with the pirates was entirely my doing. Adelbert only accompanied me out of loyalty. And Captain Peanut Butter is unlike any other pirate. Please allow me to explain.”

“I think you must,” Maria said.

“Perhaps it would be best if I begin the tale from the beginning,” I said and began with the tale of the silent horseshoe.

I could see Maria was skeptical, but she listened as I told the tale. The hours passed, and by the time I reached the telling of our trip to Venice, it was growing late. We decided to continue the tale the following day.

It took three days to tell the tale in full. With Andelbert sharing how he made bread for the King and fell in love with Maria. Each time I finished a portion of the story, there were countless questions. The telling could have gone on far longer had I not kept details to a minimum.

“And that’s when we saw the Sea Merchant II,” I said as I finally finished the tale.

“If I didn’t know the first part of the story and hadn’t seen Maria with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it,” Captain Desmet said.

“It is a whopper of a tale, Lad,” Broth said.

The rest of the crew had similar comments.

“I scarcely believe it myself,” I said. “And I lived it.”

Then we heard a shout.

“Ship!”