As we sailed away from the Sea Merchant II, the French warship closed in on us.

“She is faster than most,” Barrelhoop shouted.

“Aye, she is,” the Captain replied.

For several hours the warship remained in sight. They fired a few cannon volleys, but they all fell short.

We finally lost her, but it was a short-lived victory. As we neared the narrow portion of the English Channel, it was filled with British warships.

“I suspect the British Colonies have declared independence. And the British navy is preparing for war.,” Andelbert said. “Lafayette told us it was a good possibility.”

“Whatever the cause, we cannot go any further. Sorry, Lads. We will not make it to Kapri,” Captain Peanut Butter said.

“Where shall we go then?” I asked.

“The French Navy is after us. The British navy is out in force. Even pirates hunt us. There are few safe places for us now.”

“What about the British Colonies?” I suggested. “Lafayette is there. You have a ship. The Colonies have none. If you help them with their cause, I am sure they will show their gratitude and allow you to stay in the Colonies.”

“Your optimism against all odds is remarkable. I am a pirate. They will not likely believe me or trust me.”

“I will convince Lafayette that you are serious.”

“Even if you can, how can a country with no navy expect to defeat the largest navy in the world?”

“Lafayette will bring the French navy. The French hate the British.”

“You won’t see reason, will you?”

“Do we have much choice? We can at least take refuge there.”

“I need to think on it,” the Captain said.

Meanwhile, the second French warship approached the Sea Merchant II. Grand Duke Goatbeard will tell the tale.

“Elise and Maria, you should wait in your cabin,” I said. “If you are asked, you are my daughters, Allison and Ada. Elise, you were adopted at age ten when your father, one of my Captains, died of a fever.

In a short time, the Sea Merchant II was boarded by the second French warship, and the Captain of the naval ship began interviewing Captain Desmet.

“I am Captain Monet. You are?”

“I am Captain Desmet.”

I inserted himself into the conversation.

“I am Grand Duke Gruston Goatbeard of Kapri. I own this ship. You may interview me.”

“Very well,” Captain Monet said. “Are you aware that three pirates took the Queen hostage and escaped last night?”

“Yes. We heard it from the soldiers at port before we left Bordeaux this morning.”

“The ship fleeing at this very moment is the ship of the escaped pirate, Captain Peanut Butter. It is well-known in these waters.”

“I know it well myself. The Jellyfish has raided my ships on several occasions.”

“You seemed fairly calm about the situation.”

“We have an agreement with Captain Peanut Butter. He takes a tenth of our cargo, and my crew lives to sail another day. It is an unwelcome cost of doing business.”

“Indeed,” the naval Captain said while looking suspiciously at me.

“Did they take a tenth of your cargo this time, as usual?”

“You interrupted them before they had the chance. I am grateful for your intervention.”

“It was a fortunate turn of events, was it not? I do not wish to offend you, but I must be diligent and search your ship.”

“Of course. You should know, my daughters are onboard in one of the cabins.”

“That is unusual.”

“Not for them. My daughters frequently accompany me on business. They are adventurous souls who are fond of travel.”

“Curious. What are their names?”

“Allison and Ada. Allison is adopted. Her father was one of my Captains. He died of a fever, and I took her in.”

“You are most generous, Grand Duke.”

“Her father was one of my best men. I was honored to do it.”

“I see.”

Captain Monet ordered four sailors to search below deck while he searched the cabins.

Elise will take the telling now.

“Good day, ladies,” Captain Monet said as he entered the cabin. “I am Captain Monet of the French Navy. I have a few questions to ask you, and then I will be on my way.”

“Good day, Captain,” I said.

“What are your names?” Monet asked.

“I am Allison Goatbeard.”

“And I am Ada Goatbeard,” Maria said.

“You are sisters?”Monet asked.

“We are,” Maria said.

“You do not look like sisters.”

“I smiled and said, “That I because I was adopted.”

“You were an orphan?”

“My father was one of the Grand Duke’s Captains. He died of a fever when I was ten. The Grand Duke took me in and treated me as his own child.”

“I see,” Captain Monet said. He studied our faces for a moment. “I shall trouble you no further. I wish you good sailing.”

“Thank you, Captain,” we both said.

Grand Duke Goatbeard will continue the tale.

Captain Monet returned to the deck. The soldiers returned moments later.

“Everything appears to be in order, Grand Duke. I wish you safe travel and good sailing,” Captain Monet said.

“Thank you, Captain. I hope you catch that pirate.”

“Our swiftest ship is in pursuit. Good day.”

“Good day,” I replied.

With that, Captain Monet and the soldiers returned to their ship and sailed away.

The Pirate Meeting

I shall resume the telling of the tale.

Captain Peanut Butter retired to his cabin to consider what to do. It was unusual. The Captain has a quick mind. But we were in a tight spot, and our next course of action would not be an easy decision.

After what felt like hours but was likely far less, the Captain returned to the deck.

“Lads, we need to have a meeting,” Captain Peanut Butter said. “I have made a decision that will affect all of us in life-changing ways. As you are aware, we are being pursued by the French. The British navy is out in force, preventing us from making it to Kapri to return Britpop and Andelbert to their home. Lord Archibald Hamilton offers a pardon and gold to any pirate who brings in a known pirate Captain, and I am a popular target. With these realities in mind, I have made a decision. I will retire from pirating.”

There was a great commotion among the crew as many shouted “no!” and asked questions simultaneously.

“Hear me out,” the Captain shouted, and the crew eventually grew silent. “I have saved enough gold to buy land and retire. I also set aside gold for each one of you in case this day ever came. Although I did not expect to live to see it. We will sail for The United States Of America. It is a new country. You can be whatever you want there. Take the gold and start a new life or continue as pirates with a new Captain. The choice is yours. As is The Jellyfish.”

The commotion started up again. Everyone spoke at the same time.

“I will not sail for any other Captain,” Jonas shouted.

“We are family. You cannot leave us,” Barrelhoop said.

“Don’t do it, Captain,” Cookie pleaded.

“Hear me!” Captain Peanut Butter shouted again. “The decision is made. I will not waver. We sail for The Americas. But first, we sail for Spain.”