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By: Mark Starlin
Tags: Novel, Baron Britpop, Adventure, Friendship, Home

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Captain Desmet’s fears were unfounded, and we encountered no ships during the journey to Kapri. My heart was joyous as we neared land. We waited offshore until nightfall. Then we approached the port. That night, I said my goodbyes to the crew and entered a rowboat with Captain Peanut Butter and Stout. They rowed me up the canal and stopped short of the village. We climbed out of the boat to say our final farewells.

“I am glad to see you safely home but sad to think I may never see you again, my friend,” Captain Peanut Butter said.

“As am I. But I feel it in my bones that we will meet again,” I replied.

“I hope it is true.”

“Stout grabbed me in an embrace and said, “Take care of yourself. And Andelbert and his new bride. I will miss your company.”

“I will miss you also, my friend. Watch out for the crew.”

“Aye, I will.”

With that, they got back in the rowboat and rowed silently back toward The Jellyfish. I watched as they disappeared into the night.

As it was shortly before dawn, I sat down and waited for the sun to rise. My mind flashed back to a dozen things. It had been an adventure of a lifetime, yet I was glad to be home.

Once the sun had risen enough to see where I was walking, I headed toward the village. As I approached the dock, I saw Hugo, the fisherman.

“Bless my soul. Baron Blastfurnace. I ain’t seen you in ages,” Hugo said.

“Greetings, Hugo. Aye, it has been more than a year since I left Kapri.”

“Where have ya been?”

“It is a tale too long for a quick telling. We must share it over an ale at the inn sometime.

“Aye. I look forward to it. Welcome back.”

“Thank you, Hugo. Good fishing.”

I greeted more townsfolk who were beginning their days as I strolled through Kapri. All were surprised and happy to see me. As I was them. The village seemed smaller now, but more beautiful than ever. I suppose you must spend time away from home before you truly appreciate it.

After making my way through town, I began the climb toward my Estate. As I hoped, I encountered Grand Duke Goatbeard on his way to his office. I could not contain my smile as we took each other’s arms in greeting.

“My boy. You have finally returned. I am delighted to see you alive and well.”

“I am pleased to see you also, Grand Duke.”

“I did not expect your adventure to be so long. Nor so perilous. I look forward to hearing more about it.”

“I have much to tell, and fear I will forget half of it. I will put it all in writing and present you with a copy upon completion.”

“Excellent. I look forward to reading it. Now, I must be off. Duty calls.”

“I shall delay you no more and wish you a good day, Grand Duke.”

“Good day to you, Britpop. I am truly pleased to see you.”

At long last, I reached my estate. As I entered my home, Amelia saw me. She dropped the laundry she was carrying, ran to me, and grabbed me in an embrace.

“Oh, my boy! My prayers have been answered,” she said through tears. Then she proceeded to kiss my face what seemed like one hundred times.

“Amelia, I am also happy to see you, but you must release me so I can catch a breath.”

“I feared I would never see you again. That business with Stenfelt was so awful. My heart broke to pieces when they said you was dead.”

“I am so sorry we had to deceive you in that way, but it was the only way to catch Stenfelt.”

“All is forgiven.”

Then Amelia realized that I was alone.

“Where is Andelbert. Please tell me he is safe.”

“He is perfectly fine. In fact, he is bringing someone. His wife.”

“His wife?!”

“That is correct. Andelbert is married. They should arrive in a day or two.”

“I can hardly believe it. You’re really here. Are you hungry? Let me make you something. Then you can tell me more about your adventures and Andelbert’s bride.”

“Alright.”

We headed to the kitchen. It was good to be home.