# XXIX: The Service of King William explained — Captain Blood

> Chapter companion for Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini.

## What happens

Captain Blood rescues Lord Willoughby and Admiral van der Kuylen after their flagship is attacked by the French. He learns of the Glorious Revolution, King James's flight, and the accession of William III, which ends his outlawry. Blood decides to defend Port Royal against the French fleet under Rivarol, proposing to block the harbor if necessary to prevent the escape of the Cartagena treasure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Authority

Blood's shift from outlaw to defender of the crown reflects the theme of rebellion against unjust authority and the possibility of redemption through service to a new legitimate ruler.

### Honor and Identity

Blood's decision to protect Port Royal and his generous treatment of the rescued officials demonstrate his personal honor and evolving identity from pirate to potential royal servant.

### War and Piracy

The chapter highlights the blurred lines between piracy and naval warfare, as Blood uses buccaneer tactics in service of King William against the French.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Peter Blood

Rescues Lord Willoughby and van der Kuylen; learns of King William's accession and the end of his outlawry; decides to defend Port Royal against Rivarol.

### Lord Willoughby

King William's Governor-General of the West Indies; rescued by Blood; informs Blood of the change of government and the war with France.

### Admiral van der Kuylen

Dutch admiral commanding the West Indian fleet; rescued alongside Lord Willoughby; skeptical of Blood's plan to defeat the French.

### Jeremy Pitt

Reports the rescue of survivors; receives orders from Blood to set course for Port Royal.

### M. le Baron de Rivarol

French commander who attacked the Dutch flagship and now threatens Port Royal with the Cartagena treasure.

### Colonel Bishop

Deputy-Governor of Jamaica who left Port Royal unguarded to hunt Blood at Tortuga; criticized by Willoughby.

## Key lines

> If King James was dethroned and banished, there was an end to his own outlawry for his alleged share in an earlier attempt to drive out that tyrant.

Blood realizes that King James's overthrow nullifies the charges against him for his involvement in the Monmouth Rebellion.

_Blood's personal stake in the political change._

> Set a course for Port Royal, Jeremy, and make all speed. We'll be level yet with M. de Rivarol, and wipe off some other scores at the same time.

Blood orders Pitt to sail quickly to Port Royal, intending to confront Rivarol and settle old grievances.

_Blood's decisive action to defend Jamaica._

> If I can't defeat him, I can sink my own ships in the channel, and block him in until Bishop gets back from his wild-goose chase with his squadron, or until your own fleet turns up.

Blood proposes to scuttle his ships in the harbor if necessary to trap the French fleet.

_Blood's strategic thinking and willingness to sacrifice his vessels._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxix-the-service-of-king-william
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters