Pirate Chronicles

THREE YEARS LATER

My travels have been very successful. For three years, I was able to revisit the places where we docked in our two year sailing before. In the first year, I went to Patomoso to visit Carole and his son, Ferdie. He was eight at that time and was looking more and more like Lowen so I had to ask. I wanted to be sure. I remembered it just like yesterday.

"Ferdie is not Sgt. Monroe's son, is he?" I asked her directly.

To my amazement, Carole smiled, "He's looking more and more like his father growing up. Lowen also asked that question in his letters and I had to tell him the truth. Ferdie knows as well."

I nodded, "That's good to hear."

Carole pursed her lips, "But staying here in Patomoso will be quite challenging in the future. The Monroe's won't let this matter go and I might end up being accused of adultery."

"Does Lowen know?" I asked.

Carole shook his head, "I do not want to worry him. The Monroes had been peaceful lately. But, I still do not trust THAT family."

"I do not blame you. Why don't you sail with us? Jacob and Lowen will come find us soon. What do you think?" I suggested.

Carole beamed and nodded. For two years she and her son had been traveling with us. She corresponds with Lowen regularly to report to them where we are going next. I dare NOT write to Jacob , especially that he disliked my decision. I do miss him and wish that he was by my side. But, I trust that he will find me and that is something I hope for.

After Patomoso, we sailed to Iwahi. There, I learned that Zivi got married to a missionary and turned a new leaf. She admitted to me that she could not bear any children because she is infertile but the missionary loved her for what she was. 

Brenlyn and Charles tried to copy Neville's recipe: tilapia in coconut milk as I recalled to them the ingredients and the process. It was still delectable but Neville's was far better. We stayed at Iwahi for two months because Fifer proposed to Brenlyn and they got married there.

Two weeks after that, we passed through the cannibal island but we dare not stop. I made a map of its location though so people would be aware of the danger there. After five months, we reached Sirumaha where we stayed for a while with the gypsies because Brenlyn was with child. The gypsies helped us with Brenlyn's pregnancy and giving birth.

Carla took over Hannahbelle's position as the troupe's leader because the latter was promoted as head of the women's spies. Monika was not there anymore. Carla told me that she left to fulfill her quest to find the Pirate King.

We waited until Janus turned one before we journeyed once more. Ferdie became like a protective big brother to the newborn. Carole taught us how to take care of a baby and once in a while I babysat for the two of them. Janus liked me after all. He would stop crying when I carried him. It made me a bit sad that I did not conceive before, each time I took care of Janus.

Last month, we were at Repahook. It still hasn't changed. It's still peaceful and very welcoming. I bought another revolver for our safety's sake and toys for Janus and Ferdie. I was becoming more and more their favorite aunt.

How time flies! We were aboard Penelope. The Captain told us that by next month, we would reach Ithaca. My eyebrow arched immediately as I remembered that dreadful place. We decided not to disembark when Penelope docks.

Fifer wanted to be alone with Brenlyn for a bit so he begged me to babysit Janus. Carole, Charles, and Ferdie were with me in the second deck in the dining hall when cries of pirate invasion disrupted our afternoon tea. I immediately took my revolver and hid it under my skirt just in case a fight would ensue. I held Janus tighter. I gave Charles a signal and he nodded at me, prepared to battle just in case.

It was a riot! People were screaming! However, after a while the screams were replaced with gasps and sighs of adoration, especially by the women. I scrunched my forehead. It was all too familiar.

Then a voice I know so much spoke, "Ladies and Gentlemen, good afternoon," he began and smirked. 

I chuckled and turned around. I knew it! It was just like our first meeting. He came in wearing a clean, white pirate shirt. He was not wearing a pirate hat but a black scarf instead. His hair was not as long as before. He is tall and moderately built. He is as handsome as before. For lack of better word, he is a prince in a pirate's body!

He continued to speak, "We are not going to steal from you nor are we going to hurt you. We are merely looking for very important people. I'm actually looking for my wife." He smiled after saying that. 

I smiled. He still hasn't seen me yet. However, I saw how the women sighed and continued to admire him even after he said that he has a wife. That angered me so I stood up from where I sat and with an attitude I learned as a royalty, I spoke, "Who do you think you are?" I clasped Janus' hand tighter as he looked up at me and then to the pirate.

Jacob grinned lopsidedly as he looked at me, "Who do I think I am? I am your husband, Darling," he said then his eyes travelled to Janus. He looked at me again with narrowed eyes, "That's not mine," he said immediately.

I rolled my eyes as Carole took Janus from my hand. "Of course not, Janus is Brenlyn and Fifer's son."

Jacob sighed and walked towards me, "That scared me for a moment."

I crossed my arms and raised my brows at him, "I beg your pardon."