the Scuttlebutt in an exclusive interview. âMy time in the Dungeons has shown me that true happiness comes not from power and glory, but from the small pleasures of life: giving sweets to children, or darning socks. I feel fortunate that the royal judge was willing to give me a second chance to be a worthy citizen of this great kingdom.â The royal judge himself was unwilling to chat with us about the admiralâs release, but readers may be interested to learn that in recent months, the judge received many expensive baskets of fruit from Mrs. Georgiana Tilbury, a close friend of AdmiralWestfield. (The judge is said to be particularly fond of oranges.)
What does the future hold for Augustaâs favorite gentleman thief? Admiral Westfield is no longer eligible to lead the Royal Navy, but to demonstrate his goodwill to the kingdom, he has volunteered to act as adviser to the current admiral, George Curtis. âIâm not sure this is a terribly wise idea,â Admiral Curtis was heard to say before being interrupted by a rather scathing look from Admiral Westfield.
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WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED:
Has Admiral Westfield truly changed his ways?
âIâm so pleased to hear that James Westfield is out of those horrid Dungeons at last. Now that he is reunited with his family, perhaps heâll be able to do something about that daughter of his. She is not a proper young lady.â
âP. T ILBURY , N ORDHOLM
âWhat rubbish! You shouldnât believe a word that man says. Iâm quite sure heâs never darned a sock in his life.â
âE. G REYSON , W IMBLY-ON-THE -M ARSH
âAdmiral Westfield is a true Augustan hero, and I admire his change of heart. Heâs an inspiration to reformed criminals everywhere.â
âO. S ANDERSON , Q UEENSPORT
âIf James Westfield has reformed himself, Iâll eat my best pirate hat, feather and all.â
âJ. F LETCHER , W IMBLY-ON-THE -M ARSH
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an extract From
Leading the League :
THE OFFICIAL VNHLP GUIDE (FIFTH EDITION)
HOW TO SEEK THE PRESIDENCY:
T o the ambitious pirate, the prospect of becoming the most dangerous and influential scallywag on the High Seas is even more thrilling than a treasure chest filled with magic coins. As president of the VNHLP, you will be responsible for sending pirates off on quests and adventures, leading your crew into battle, punishing rule-breaking buccaneers, and maintaining the Leagueâs fearsome reputation. It is a most exciting opportunityâbut it does not present itself often.
Once a pirate becomes president of the VNHLP, he will remain in this role until he is foolish enough to retire or die. This can cause great frustration among pirates who dream of donning the presidential skull-and-crossbones badge. Remember, however, that if the current president shows no signs of budging, you may not simply pursue him with your cutlass. Instead, you must follow the Leagueâs official instructions for challenging a pirate in a leadership role:
FIRST: Travel to Gunpowder Square and announce your intention to claim the presidency. You must be accompanied by at least one supporter who is a current member of the VNHLP. If you cannot find a single pirateto support you, we advise you to apologize wholeheartedly, toss your pirate hat into the sea, and seek a new career in dairy farming or music composition.
SECOND: If the current president wishes to remain in charge of the League, he will meet you in Gunpowder Square, accompanied by his own supporters. He will then propose a time and place for a confrontation on the High Seas. If you are wise, you will accept his proposal.
THIRD: During the weeks that follow, you and the current president must each gather twenty crew members to join you in battle. Be warned! If you arrive at the appointed time and place without the required number of allies, you will be forced to forfeit. Choose your mates wisely, and encourage them to show support