Humperdinck was, in short, very put out. What did it take nowadays to murder your wife and start a war? Such a simple thing and it had all gone so very wrong. He had half a mind to just let his almost-wife-to-be flee with that mean looking pirate thief of hers. But he was afraid of being taunted, and most of all, he loved a good hunt.
But there was something missing this time; there was no one to back him up. Count Rugen had been slaughtered, leaving a gap in the prince's usual entourage. The loss of the count gave Humperdinck a sudden burst of courage to seek out and destroy the vermin that had committed such acts of treason. History books would, in the future, tell the story of the brave prince and the evil that he had defeated. Even if he had to write them himself.
As cannons fired at the ragged old Revenge, Humperdinck's determination grew. They would simply have to hunt the offenders. A smirk slowly spread across his face as the realization of this new game came to light.
Prince Humperdinck rode through the ranks of soldiers that had followed him from the castle, and spoke loudly to them in a voice that commanded respect.
"We shall simply have to organize a hunt," he commanded. "Anyone who does not wish to participate will be allowed to leave now; but you will be murdered before daylight tomorrow. Any questions?" Silence greeted his edict. "Very well. Tomorrow we shall set sail for the black waters of the Dread Pirate Roberts."
Murmurs ran through the ranks as the soldiers set up camp. A high ranking lieutenant rode up to Prince Humperdinck, a worried expression on his face.
"Sir, Baron Heinrich is missing from the ranks," the lieutenant confided. A look of complete indifference spread rapidly across Humperdinck's face as he became bored with the expedition.
"Send word then, through the land, that Baron Heinrich is to be shot on sight."
--§--§--§--
"HaHA!" Westley laughed aloud, with self-confidence that only comes from being shot at by large cannonballs and yet escaping anyways. Buttercup, although overjoyed at the turn of events, gave Westley a look behind his back that might have been interpreted by one who didn't realize that he was her true love, as rolling her eyes.
Heinrich stood up and brushed his palms together, as if disposing of dust created there by the pursuit of the prince. It was then that his companions realized his existence.
"Who are you?" Inigo questioned, his hands itching to use his sword once more.
"Heinrich," Heinrich replied.
"Oh." Inigo, satisfied, sat down.
The Revenge sailed quickly through the eel infested waters, toward the patch of ocean where not even the bravest men dared to venture: the territory of the Dread Pirate Roberts.
Of course, since Inigo, Fezzik and Buttercup knew that Westley WAS the Dread Pirate Roberts, they were slightly less worried about it.
Until, of course, the first cannonball hit the side of the Revenge.