Pirate Chronicles

The next morning, I had an audience with Queen Catherine. At King Peter's request, Jacob and the Geles brothers came along with me. We were directed to the assembly hall where the royal trio was waiting for us. Prince Bernard motioned us to sit down.

"I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude towards your assistance with the war. It had come to my attention that the moment Beckforth's forces were made aware of your presence, they centered on you and the Pardue Manor," King Peter began.

"We underestimated the number of their troops. We were caught off guard by how many men they have. When news about the Alliance's ambush reached us, we thought we would lose the war," Prince Bernard  added. 

"I am curious about what happened to the Alliance?" I asked.

King Peter replied, "Liberia fleet fired on them but did not make contact. The fleet looked like they were confused. Then, the fleet left. Some of them claimed that they saw a pirate ship with olive and black sails appear before the confusion began."

"I'm assuming that that ship is Jadedagger. The Pirate King's ship," Queen Catherine added. "As to why they assisted us, we do not know yet but I have a hunch that it is because of you, Jacob."

Jacob gave them a faint smile as a response but he did not say anything.

"What are your plans, Editha? You said you wanted to talk to us about your estate," Queen Catherine asked.

I nodded, "I have decided to leave the estate to the manor's personnels. They will divide the land and build their settlement there."

Queen Catherine widened her eyes, "How about you?"

Prince Bernard chuckled, "Of course she's going to be with her husband."

King Peter thundered, "HUSBAND!!! Since when did you get married? Does your father know?"

The Geles brothers looked at each other confused then turned towards Jacob and me.

Jacob cleared his throat, "I am her husband although it is still unofficial. We decided to have the wedding ceremony in Canupeer."

"Are we going to be invited to this, Editha?" the queen asked.

I smiled at her, "That's one of the reasons why I am here today. Of course, you would be. You do not mind mingling with pirates, do you, Your Highnesses?"

King Peter laughed, "After what your crew have done for us? I tell you, Labyrinth and your crew will have immunity in Francua. You are welcome here as long as you follow our laws, meaning no pillaging allowed in our territory."

"We do not do those, Your Majesty," I responded. "We only stole from corrupt government officials so we could give it back to those who were in need."

Prince Bernard shook his head, "To be clear Editha, are you implying that YOU are a pirate?"

I nodded, "Do I need to renounce my nobility?"

"Of course NOT! I won't allow you to," Queen Catherine said. "You might need your title back or the influence of your name in the future. Be a pirate, if that is your wish. However, make sure that you live up to your conscience as piracy connotes more. You know what is right and wrong."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I will never shame my father's name," I replied.

King Peter cleared his throat, "You were probably wondering why I invited the Geles brothers and since you were their Captain, Jacob, I want to let you know as well."

Jacob looked at the Geles brothers and then to the King. "What is it, Your Majesty? Did they do something to offend you? I'm sure they did not mean it. They are actually very reliable and dependable. I vouch for them."

King Peter nodded, "That I know Jacob. As a matter of fact, I want to offer them positions in the Francuan Military as a reward for their assistance. I will award them with Francuan citizenship. Sandlot, if you accept, you will be promoted as a Commander of the Navy. Officials at the Northern Port commended your leadership skills and assistance. I also was informed of your records in Beckforth."

Sandlot quickly turned to Jacob, "Captain.."

Jacob smiled at him, "It is a good opportunity. You should take it," he advised.

"But, Filiphin… you still need assistance with the government, do you not?" Sandlot said.

Urdel tapped him on the shoulder,  "I will stay with the Captain. The three of you should accept the positions." He then looked at the King, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but one Geles brother should stay with Captain Jacob."

Zaki looked at him, "Are you sure about this? I want to stay with Captain, too," he said then turned apologetically to the King.

Jacob shook his head and answered, "King Peter, Sandlot, Zaki, and Thom will accept your proposition. Urdel will stay with me."

The three brothers looked at him to say something but Jacob did not let them, "That's an order. If you respect me as your Captain, you will take this opportunity. You need not worry about Labyrinth. Urdel will be enough. Now, be grateful."

King Peter smiled, "And the matter of the Filiphin, I want to build an alliance with your country."

Jacob nodded, "When the government is stable, that is the first thing that we would do. We still are thankful for your financial assistance to the revolution."

"When do you plan to sail to Canupeer? We would like it very much if we could attend your wedding," Queen Catherine said.

Jacob looked at me. I knew right away that he wanted me to decide. "We will leave as soon as all the deeds and necessary documents for the property transfer are completed. Would you help me with that, Your Highnesses, for the sake of the people? I want them to be able to begin building their houses for their families, as well as till the land."

Prince Bernard nodded, "I will see to it that everything will be done by the end of tomorrow."

"Thank you," I said.

"And the wedding?" King Peter asked.

"The ceremony will be in two weeks if we sail for Canupeer at the end of the week," Jacob answered.

The Geles brothers cleared their throats, "You're not in a hurry Captain, are you?" they teased.