The situation was, in Pedro’s opinion, extremely serious.
He stood atop the battlements of Dover Castle, clad in full knight’s armour, gazing out across the horizon with the intensity of someone expecting trouble at any moment.
“Yes,” he murmured. “As I suspected.”
The wind swept dramatically across the stone walls.
Pedro did not flinch.
Behind him, at a safe and entirely sensible distance, stood Esmeralda, Jack, Twinkles, and Prudence.
“I’m going to ask,” said Jack, “even though I already regret it… what is he doing?”
“Defending the castle,” said Twinkles.
“From what?” Jack asked.
Prudence folded her arms. “At this point? Anything he can justify.”
Esmeralda smiled. “He’s been on watch for fifteen minutes.”
Pedro shifted slightly, the armour making a faint but dignified clink.
“All is not as it seems,” he declared.
“It rarely is,” muttered Prudence.
Pedro took several measured steps along the battlements, pausing to peer dramatically into the distance.
“Potential movement,” he said.
The crew looked out.
There was nothing.
“Where?” asked Jack.
Pedro pointed.
“There.”
“That’s the sea,” said Twinkles.
“Exactly,” Pedro replied.
This did not clarify matters.
Pedro adjusted his helmet slightly, ensuring maximum authority.
“This position,” he continued, “is of critical strategic importance.”
Prudence nodded slowly. “You’ve said that about a picnic basket.”
Pedro ignored her entirely.
“We must remain vigilant,” he said. “Threats may arise from land… sea… or…” He paused. “…unexpected directions.”
Jack frowned. “What are unexpected directions?”
Pedro glanced briefly upward.
“I’ve seen things,” he said.
Twinkles grinned. “Seagulls?”
Pedro said nothing.
Which, once again, was very telling.
The wind picked up.
Pedro climbed onto a slightly higher stone, striking a pose of such determination that it would have been deeply inspiring, had he been more than a few inches tall.
“Let it be known,” he proclaimed, “that this castle is under my protection.”
Esmeralda applauded lightly. “Very reassuring.”
“Absolutely,” said Jack.
“I feel safer already,” added Prudence.
Pedro gave a firm nod.
“Good,” he said. “That’s the idea.”
There was a pause.
The horizon remained calm.
No armies advanced.
No ships approached.
No suspicious activity occurred, in any direction—expected or otherwise.
Pedro surveyed it all with satisfaction.
“Stand down,” he said at last. “For now.”
He turned, armour gleaming faintly, and walked back along the battlements with the steady confidence of a knight who had successfully defended an entire castle from absolutely nothing.
The crew followed.
Prudence glanced back once more. “You know,” she said, “there was never any danger.”
Pedro stopped.
Turned.
Adjusted his helmet.
“Precisely,” he said. “You’re welcome.”
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