Chapter Text
Klaus Störtebeker walked into King Albert's throne room and bowed to him.
"You wanted to meet," said King Albert somewhat dully. He was snacking on nuts and exotic fruits: figs and dates, and glanced at the newly arrived man.
"Yes, your highness," Klaus replied, kneeling before the king.
"What business do you have?" asked the king, sipping wine from his new goblet.
"Would it be possible for me to receive a letter of marque from you?" Klaus asked, anxiously waiting for the answer.
"Let's see, let's see," the king replied, yawning, "do you promise to protect Swedish waters from our enemies?"
"Aye," answered Klaus.
"Do you promise to share one-fifth of your loot with me?" asked the king.
“Aye"
"Do you promise to inform me of enemy plans if you happen to learn of them?"
“Aye”
"Do you promise to conquer always and only in my name and that of my kingdom?"
“Aye”
"Alright, hmm. I think yes.I shall make you our privateer," replied King Albert, satisfied that Klaus's matter was settled so quickly. Now he could continue watching his court jester. The king signed the official letter of marque for Klaus and then hurriedly dismissed the young man.
Klaus, for his part, left the king's presence gladly, for he already had great plans. He had decided to join the Victual Brothers, the famous and feared group of privateers and pirates who plundered the coasts of the Baltic Sea at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries.