The Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, will once again grace us with the telling of this portion of the tale.

In the morning, after the escape, the King addressed the crowd who came to witness the sentencing and execution of Captain Peanut Butter. I stood by his side.

“Good citizens of France. Last night, a gang of pirates broke into the Queen’s chateau and took the Queen hostage. They forced the guards at the stockade to exchange the prisoners for the life of the Queen. As you can see, the Queen has suffered no harm, but the prisoners have escaped. Fear not, every soldier in France is hunting them as I speak. I am confident they will be captured. I bid you good day.”

As we walked back to the palace, the King confided in me.

“It pains me that we had to release the pirate Captain Peanut Butter. It made me look foolish.”

“It was the only way to make it believable. And what is more important? Your pride or the lives of your friends?” I replied.

“It is a close call.”

I smirked.

“You are correct. I am surrounded by people in service or seeking my favor. True friends are rare. I shall miss them,” the King said.

“As will I.”

I shall resume the telling of the tale.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I set foot on The Sea Merchant II. Elise was waiting on deck, as was Grand Duke Goatbeard

“I had nearly given up hope,” Elise said.

“We had a problem with the winds that delayed our arrival,” I replied.

“I am relieved to see your faces,” the Grand Duke said, then scowled. “Except yours, Peanut Butter.”

“I expected no less,” Captain Peanut Butter replied.

“Now, quickly, get below deck. You are still wanted men,” the Grand Duke said, and we obliged.

The cook, Wellington Broth, had prepared some porridge, and we eagerly ate it. While we ate, the Grand Duke spoke to Captain Peanut Butter.

“I met with your first officer yesterday. The Jellyfish will rendezvous with us at sea, and you shall be returned to your ship.”

“Truthfully?” The Captain replied.

“I do not lie.”

“My apologies. I am very grateful.”

“I do not want your gratitude. In exchange for your release, I expect that you will no longer raid my ships.”

The Captain took a moment to think. “It is a fair bargain. You have my word.”

“Very well. I shall return to the deck. The arrival of The Jellyfish cannot come quickly enough for my tastes.”

The Grand Duke returned to the deck to keep watch.

“Well, Lads. It seems we must part once again. I am in debt to you both.” Captain Peanut Butter said.

“We did nothing. It was the effort of our friends that made it possible,” I said.

“Indeed. You are blessed with amazing friends.”

“I will second that,” Elise said.

We sailed along the French coast anticipating the arrival of The Jellyfish. We did not have to wait long. An hour after leaving port, we saw the sails of an approaching ship. It was The Jellyfish. Soon the two ships were side by side.

“I wish our time together was longer and under better circumstances, but it has warmed my heart to see you both again,” Captain Peanut Butter said to Andelbert and me.

“And I,” I replied.

“Farewell, Captain,” Andelbert said and took the Captain’s arms in his hands.

“Farewell, to all of you,” the Captain said.

A cry came from the crow’s nest. “Ship!”

Captain Desmet took out his spyglass and looked. “A French warship.”

“They will think we are raiding you. But they will not catch us,” Captain Peanut Butter said.

Grand Duke looked at Captain Desmet.

“We cannot outrun her,” Desmet said.

“Another ship.” Came the cry from the crow’s nest.

Captain Desmet looked through his spyglass again. “Another warship.”

“Britpop and Andelbert, you must go on The Jellyfish. If they find you here, you will hang.”

“I am going also,” Maria said.

“So am I,” Elise said.

“You cannot,” Andelbert said to Maria. “It is far too dangerous. ”

“I do not care. I will not leave you.”

“I am sorry, lass, but you cannot come,” Captain Peanut Butter said to Maria. “If we are caught, you will hang as a pirate. There will be no second escape.”

“Do not fear, my love. Captain Peanut Butter will bring us safely home,” Andelbert said.

Maria clutched Andelbert in a tight embrace.

“Quickly, we must go now,” Captain Peanut Butter said.

Andelbert, the Captain, and I jumped onto the JellyFish, and the ship made way.

“Make her fly, lads!” Captain Peanut Butter shouted.

As we sailed away, Maria held the rail of the Sea Merchant II while tears streamed down her face.