Charitable Buccaneers

[Napoleon Bonarat]

Napoleon and the Pirates from Heck crew spent several days getting the Dread Ship Lollipop ship-shape so they could make room for some hungry and cold orphans. He was certain it would be a good learning experience for them; even the wee ones could learn a little about chores, and he made sure all the chores were scaled to the age and dexterity of the incoming new crew.

There was a whole lot of moaning going on up on the deck, and Napoleon lept topside to make sure the wraiths were working as hard as they rest of the crew. They certainly were helping, they just weren't happy about it. He chittered at them, pointed out areas of neglect, and was pleased when they continued their working, so he went about his other Captainly duties.

He went to galley to eat a snack and check his list of current rodent army mates, who themselves were former orphans living in the streets or in the stadiums around Rhydin. His thinking was that he could match up a baby rodent or two with an orphan, so they'd each always have a buddy.

While most of the rodent army were mice and rats, there was the occasional baby squirrel or chipmunk, or a guinea pig, or sometimes even hamsters and gerbils. Kids always loved pocket pets. Hrmm, wouldn't hurt to let the kids have some toads, frogs, and lizards too. He scribbled furiously.

He nodded to himself, and caught himself chewing on his crayon. Trixie *hated* it when he nibbled on the crayons. He would have to be more careful!

Soon, everything would be ready for the orphans and he was excited to let Shadow and Claire know.