Title:Family Ties
Author: Pirates Life 4 me
Synopsis: William and Elizabeth Turner have had one best friend since they were children. When Catherine comes back to Port Royal after 8 years, what adventures await her? What secrets will be revealed? What pirate captain will come back to shake things up? Read and review.
News from the Author: Just to let everyone know...some of you read my story "You Were Not the Plan." I've discontinued that story for lack of inspiration, mainly because I all of the sudden went on a writing spree with THIS story and couldn't stop. So "You Were Not The Plan" is up for grabs for anyone who might want to finish it up. Let me know via email: Make sure you put "You Were Not The Plan" in the subject line so I don't think it's some virus.
Author's Note: Hello everyone! I'm back with a story that I'm actually going to finish! Please read and review! Tell me what you think, good or bad. Please!
Chapter 1: The Happy Couple
The morning hustle and bustle of Port Royal filled the air. Sounds of horses trotting down the streets and the usual Sunday chatter could be heard after the humble citizens filed out of the church. Governor Weatherby Swann stood at the church doors to greet the people as they left. One man came to the governor's side. The man was in a navy uniform; his coat buttoned and his hat straight-placed on his head. The man was Commodore James Norrington, Commander of His Majasty's Royal Navy.
"Good day, Governor Swann."
"Ah! Commodore Norrington," Governor Swann shook the Commodore's outstretched hand, "Good morning. What news?" A small smile began to trace the Commodore's lips.
"What news indeed, sir. I have something rather, how should I say...intriguing to inform you of."
"Well then, Commodore," the Governor said as he nodded at a random passerby, "what is it that will intrigue me?"
The smile still on his face, Norrington looked to see if anyone else was listening before he continued, "Governor Swann, it seems that the Black Pearl has been spotted on course to Port Royal. I thought you should be informed and possibly you could speak to your daughter about the matter."
"Of course," Governor Swann nodded both in agreement and anxiety and perhaps annoyance, "I shall deal with that immediately. Good day, Commodore."
"Good day, sir." Norrington tipped his hat and walked away. As soon as he left, the Governor's eyes were averted to the remaining masses who had gathered outside of the church, searching for a certain couple.
Amongst the crowds was the couple the governor was looking for. William and Elizabeth Turner stood arm in arm talking to various town acquaintances. Elizabeth was Governor Swann's daughter; bright and witty. She and Will Turner had know each other since they were children. Governor Swann and Elizabeth had been crossing the sea from England when they came across a destroyed civilian ship. Floating in the water, not far from the wreck, was a young boy. When they pulled him out of the water, Elizabeth was able to find out that his name was Will Turner. After that first day, Will and Elizabeth had been almost inseparable.
Almost ten years later, the two were swept into a grand adventure with their now good friend, Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate. It all had to do with a medallion, a stolen ship, a mutiny, and a rogue crew of cursed pirates. In the end, Jack Sparrow got his ship, his rum, and a crew, and Will and Elizabeth had each other, fell in love, and were now married, and quite happily to say the least.
Looking up to see her father staring at her, Elizabeth excused herself and pulled Will along up the steps to where Governor Swann was standing. She let go of Will long enough to give her a big hug.
"Good morning, father." The older man stared down at his one and only daughter. She smiled up at him like she had done when she was a little girl. He had never seen her truly happy until she married Mr. Turner. Even though Governor Swann had a responsibility to see that all pirates were arrested, he couldn't help but give Jack Sparrow some of the credit for Elizabeth being so happy. After all, had it not been for his showing up in Port Royal a few years ago, Elizabeth would have married the Commodore and would have been miserable. Now she was married to Will, living in a mediocre home, not as wealthy, but completely happy. What more could a father want for his daughter?
"Elizabeth, my dear." Governor Swann bent down to kiss his daughter on both cheeks. He looked to his son-in-law and shook his hand.
"Are you taking care of my daughter, Master Turner, or should I send my best men after you, hm?" Will knew his father-in-law was only joking, of course, but he couldn't help but feel that his still need to win the older man's approval.
"Well, she has been difficult to handle, but..." Will smiled down at his wife and she slapped him playfully on the arm.
"William Turner! I most certainly have not been difficult to handle. I am a lady."
"Of course you are, dear." The loving gleam in Will's eyes showed the Governor that he had no need to worry about his daughter's well-being anymore.
"Well," Governor Swann looked between the two, "Will you both accompany me home for tea? I have something important I think you should know."
About an hour later Will and Elizabeth sat in the parlor of Swann manor with mixed looks of stun and possibly confusion amongst them.
"It appears that Captain Sparrow should turn up in a matter of days." Turn up. That was the only way to describe one of Jack's arrivals. He loved to 'turn up' and make a scene. Actually, he more than likely loved the attention.
"Father, are you sure Jack is returning to Port Royal? Can it be possible that he is simply passing us by?"
"The Commodore confirmed the information this morning," Governor Swann paused for a moment, allowing a small smile to cross his aging features, "He and I have come to an agreement where Captain Sparrow is concerned." Will almost held his breath in anticipation.After all, Commodore Norrington was still in charge of detaining all pirates, wasn't he?Perhaps he still desired to catch Jack as well.
"An agreement, sir?"
"An agreement, indeed," the Governor continued, "Commodore Norrington and I have decided to allow Captain Sparrow a right of citizenship during his visit. That is, of course, as long as he stays out of trouble."
"Oh, I'm sure, father." Elizabeth snorted with amusement, "This is Jack Sparrow we are talking about. How can you expect him to stay out of trouble. And even if he does manage to behave, what about his crew?"
"Never the less, my dear," Old Weatherby chuckled, "It is highly probable that you will be the first people he seeks out. In which case, I leave it up to you to inform him of these instructions."
"We will, sir," Will nodded in agreement. Jack was a good friend and Will was most anxious to see him again. They hadn't heard from Jack since...
"Catherine!" Elizabeth nearly jumped out of her seat, "Oh Will, I nearly forgot! She'll be arriving sometime tommorow, remember? What are we going to do?"
"Oh no, I had almost forgotten as well," Will furrowed his brow and stood in thought for a while. Catherine Arstolis had been a friend to Elizabeth and himself since they were all children. Shortly after Will arrived in Port Royal, Catherine arrived with her "adoptive mother". Lady Arstolis was a widow. Kind and affectionate, she cared for orphaned children with the fortune that her late husband left to her. Lady Arstolis found Catherine in an alleyway next to her husbands old medicinal store in London. Catherine was a young child then; only three years old. For almost ten years after that, the older woman cared for Catherine and nine other children as if they were her own (since she couldn't have any). The young ones were educated in math, literature, and the simplicities of science, while the older ones were given instruction on social proprieties.
As Catherine excelled in her studies, she became more and more of a lady of society. She was bright, pretty, and loved the Lady and the orphans like her family, but she wasn't happy. Catherine was thirteen when Lady Arstolis moved the children to Port Royal. She found that the dull and dreary London winters brought to much sickness and weariness to the children's hearts. The lady hadheard of the warm colonies in the Caribbean and secured a large house via her good friend, Weatherby Swann, who had accepted the position as Port Royal's governor.
Catherine met Will and Elizabeth playing on the beach one morning and the three had been best friends since then. Times changed though and Lady Arstolis became seriously ill. Her illness required the help of a specialist who lived on a Spanish settled island. The children were moved once again and Catherine said goodbye to her two best friends.
After Lady Arstolis moved the children a second time, Catherine became determined to finddestiny in a world dominated by men. While most ladies at the age of eighteen were married, Catherine traveled. With a small sum of money and the support of her adopted mother, she visited Europe, India, Africa, China, and the southern American colonies. Working as a teacher for small children, or a nurse (since she had aquireda workingknowledge of medicine from reading), she made her own money. And when most families didn't have money, theypaid her in valued items and heirlooms.
Now Catherine was making her way back to Port Royal to stay with her friends. It had been almost eight years since Will and Elizabeth had seen her. A storm at sea had caused her to miss their wedding, and she had written them several letters, but now she was coming...and evidentlyso was Jack Sparrow.
Will glanced at his wife and gave a hopeful sigh, "Well, my love, we'll have to make do. I'm sure Jack will behave himself." In his mind however, Will was desperately thinking to himself, 'Please behave yourself, Jack.'
Author's Note
Thanks for reading, guys! I know it kinda drags on but I had to take time to explain stuff. If you like this chapter, review and let me know you want the next one! Thanks again!