“We’d be at the Floating Boneyard now if it weren’t for you. It was genius, the order you gave to Jukes. How did you know there was an excess of gunpowder in those barrels?” asked Blackbeard.

“You mentioned which port the Dreaded Queen was last rumored to visit, which is renowned for being one of the greatest suppliers in the region,” said James, feeling proud of his deduction.

“You’re a sharp one, James, I’ll give you that,” said Blackbeard.

“What’s the Floating Boneyard, sir? You said we’d be there now if things hadn’t gone our way,” asked James, pouring himself another drink.

“And so we would. If you hadn’t had Jukes blow up their gunpowder, we’d be lucky to have made the journey there. It’s a place where old ships go to die or be reborn. Pray we don’t have reason to visit there, not for some time,” said Blackbeard. “So what’s your story, James? I know you don’t like talking about your life before your time on my ship, but I would like to know you better.” The captain looked up from his plate, but did not give him a chance to answer. “Let me guess: Your parents are Lord and Lady Flouncypants, and they are back at home wringing their hands in grief because they fear you will bring scandal to their good names if anyone were to ever find out you’ve become a pirate,” said Blackbeard, stabbing a large piece of beef with his fork and shoving it into his mouth.

James laughed. “That about covers it, except you left out the part about marrying me off to the first wealthy young lady that would take me.”

“Well, that’s a given, my boy. My family tried to do the same after I finished my studies,” said Blackbeard, his mouth still full of food. “Don’t look so shocked, my dear lad. You’re not the first pirate with an education or to come from a good family. But I’m sure you knew that with all of your reading.” Blackbeard laughed deeply and gutturally.