When a pirate's apprentice tries to leave the high seas and build a new life, his hopes are dashed when a secret comes to light. The man's plans are shattered as he's forced to return to his old stomping grounds. Frederic is a 21-year-old who has spent his life working as a pirate's apprentice. Now an adult, he's free from his commitment and able to venture out on his own. He eventually stumbles across a group of women including the beautiful Mabel. They immediately fall in love and plan to spend their lives together. Unfortunately, Frederic discovers that his birthday, Feb. 29 of every leap year, allows for a loophole in his apprenticeship. He is suddenly thrust back into the world of piracy to serve a new sentence, while Mabel waits on the other side. The Pirates of Penzance is a story about sacrifice and personal responsibility. Despite a clear misunderstanding, Frederic proves to be a man of his word. This is a heartfelt tale full of misdirects and love delayed. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Pirates of Penzance is both modern and readable.