THE GRAND STORY OF THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE ADVENTURES OF BARON BRITPOP BLASTFURNACE

A Homecoming For The Captain / Danny Goodleg

Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Part 28

A Homecoming For The Captain

e sailed for Jamaica. Captain Peanut Butter was eager to see Port Royale again.

I continued to be awestruck at the beauty of the Caribbean sea. If only I were a poet, I might have a chance of describing its beauty with words. But, alas, I am a blacksmith turned Baron and ill-equipped for the task.

We dropped anchor several miles from Port Royale and came ashore. Local villagers greeted us with welcoming smiles and strong embraces. We were treated to a feast and much celebrating.

Afterward, we unloaded the cargo from the ship and placed it on carts. The following morning several men from the village rode off with the carts. The Captain said the villagers would take the supplies into port and sell them for us. They knew who to do business with to avoid any attention from the local authorities.

We enjoyed a relaxing day in the village where many stories were shared. We told of our adventures, and the villagers shared the local news and gossip. Later that evening, the men returned with the carts. They were now loaded with flour, rice, blankets, and other useful staples. The next day we loaded the supplies onto The Jellyfish, leaving some for the villagers, and then said our goodbyes.

We began a journey of several days visiting villages on the main island and many small surrounding islands, bringing the villagers supplies. The islanders all seemed to know and love the Captain. We were greeted as heroes. It was quite surprising. In fact, the Captain noticed the surprise in my eyes and said, “Is something bothering you, Britpop?”

“Not bothering. Surprised, I guess. I didn’t expect to see a pirate bringing food and supplies to the poor.”

“My father would call this my Christian duty. But for me, it is more compassion than duty. I find it difficult to look away. Truthfully, it helps my soul more than it helps their bellies.”

Questioning still filled my eyes. The Captain continued.

“I told you my father was a missionary. Although I confess I was never much good at sitting a pew, my father’s teachings were not all lost on me. And while I believe God will forgive my sins, I am sure the Spanish, French, and English will not.

Regardless of God’s grace, there are consequences for every action we take. If I am caught, I will hang. Make no mistake, I am a pirate. I steal back some of that which was stolen by gold-hungry empires and greedy businessmen. But it is theft none the less.”

We sailed in silence for a few minutes while I pondered what the Captain had said.

“When I was on the Sea Merchant II, Captain Desmet said you had an agreement. How did that come about?” I asked.

“The first time I raided a merchant ship, I picked one I knew had minimal crew and armaments. We snuck up on them in the dead of night then swarmed them like locusts. Every one of my crew took a man and held a knife to his throat.

I grabbed the Captain. I told him my name and the name of my ship. Then I showed him my flag. I told him I would spare his life and the life of his crew and leave 90% of his cargo. In exchange, he would spread the word of my deed. And tell the other Captains that I would be peacefully boarding them and accepting their 10% tribute in exchange for not harming them. It has worked well.

I expect one day some young fool Captain will try something rash, but that day hasn’t come yet.”

“You continue to amaze me, Captain,” I said.

“There is an English proverb that says ‘There are two sides to every coin.’ Well, my coin has many sides.”

Danny Goodleg

After our voyage delivering supplies to local villages was complete, we returned to the village where we started. The Captain strongly desired a visit to the port town of his youth but knew it was dangerous. Thirty years earlier, Port Royale was a safe haven for pirates and privateers, renowned for its debauchery and wealth. But the tide was turning. Port Royale was now a place where many pirates met their end, dangling from the end of a rope at Gallows Point.

Captain Peanut Butter’s reputation was known in most parts of the world. As much as he was loved by island villagers, he was equally hated by those in power and business. He could not simply wander the streets of Port Royale.

I awoke early the following morning to enjoy the beauty of the beach. A man wearing the clothes of an Englishman stepped out of the jungle and onto the beach. I wasn’t sure whether to be scared or not, so I figured it best to remain still. My apprehension didn’t last long as Stout shouted from behind me, “Danny Goodleg, you old goat. ’Tis a pleasure to see your ugly face!”

“I see you’ve lost none of your charm. Or your girth,” the Englishman replied.

They fell into each other and embraced like long lost brothers. Soon the whole crew was on the beach, eager to greet this Englishman.

After much hugging and many insults, Stout noticed me and said, “Danny Boy, I want you to meet our newest pirates. This is Britpop Blastfurnace. Believe it or not, he’s a Baron.”

Danny gave me a surprised look and said, “A pleasure, your highness.” At which the entire crew burst out into great fits of laughter.

“He was just havin’ a little fun with you,” Jonas said.

“‘Tis true,” Danny added. “I’ve not spent much time in the company of Barons. Well met, sir.”

“Well met,” I replied. “I am really just a blacksmith wearing Baron’s clothes.”

“Then we will get on fine, I’m sure,” Danny said.

“And this be Andelbert. He makes bread so flavorful you’ll be dreamin’ of it in your sleep,” Stout said.

“I hope I get a chance to sample some,” Danny said.

“It would be my pleasure to bake a loaf for you,” Andelbert replied.

After more laughter and kidding, Pint told Andelbert and me that Danny was once a member of The Jellyfish crew. But he fell in love with an island girl and decided to give up the pirate life and settle down. The conversation soon turned to the discussion of local events and politics. The Captain was keen to learn all he could about Port Royale. Danny obliged.

“Lord Archibald Hamilton is the current governor of Jamaica. He’s a Scott who made a name for himself hunting French privateers while in the Royal Navy. Hamilton later distinguished himself as a captain in several sea battles during the War of Spanish Succession. He has a strong disliking of pirates. Which is more than a bit two-faced, seeing how there are rumors of him setting up a gang of pirates in the Bahamas. Including Henry Jennings, who just happened to have fought alongside him during the Spanish war.”

“What about Port Royale?” The Captain asked.

It’s much the same as when you left, ‘cept there’s fewer pirates and more slavers. Still plenty of rum, though. You would be wise to steer clear of town, old friend. Hamilton has a bounty out. Any pirate captain brought in earns a man silver. I reckon he’s just trying to clear out the competition, so his gang of pirates has more pickings. All the while looking like he is doing his part to rid the seas of pirates. Typical politician stuff.”

“You’re a good friend, Danny. I appreciate the warning.”

Continues in Part 29:

Previous Parts:

©2020 Mark Starlin