Title: Siren's Song
Author: NancyT
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Katherine (OFC)/Jack
Feedback: Good, Bad or otherwise
Disclaimer: all the PotC belong to the Mouse, Katherine is mine...all mine!
Notes: Pre-Movie
Prologue
Perhaps it would be easier to start this story where I am now, Mrs. Katherine Norrington, a Commandant's widow, raising her nephew. But that leaves out much of how I got here, to St. Vincent's island, or even to the Caribbean for that matter. While it was family that brought me here, the main reason I've stayed and how I've subsequently had my entire life set upon its ear is due to one man, the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow. It started the summer of my 21st year as I made the voyage from my home in England aboard one of my father's ships…
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Chapter 1-First Meeting
The world around was a gray, foggy mist; the early morning sun had not yet broken through to give any warmth. It was unusual for me to be up so early but I could no longer stand lying in bed with my eyes open, listening to the creaking of the ship. Normally the waves were soft and rhythmical and I could easily sleep, but this morning something felt different. It was so quiet and we hardly moved in the water. Shivering, I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders. I looked into the fog for any signs of land or other, I came up with nothing. Only a few of the crew were above deck and even they were quiet going about their business. Maybe it was nothing but I couldn't shake this feeling that something was not quite right.
Turning back to return to my cabin I heard something. Looking up at the Quartermaster, Mr. Norton I noticed that he also heard it. Signaling to the men to be quiet he picked up his watch glass to scan the fog around us. Like me he came up with nothing. Then I heard it again, a sound of metal clanging. Now I could make out voices, male voices arguing. I couldn't understand a word they were saying but it was clear there was some disagreement going on. I crawled over to the side and peered through the railing.
Out of the fog another ship was taking shape, they didn't seem to be moving. Then the voices got louder and there was a yell and a splash. This was followed by laughter. I shot a look to Mr. Norton and he shook his head, meaning for me not to move. This being my first ocean voyage I'd never seen pirates, only heard stories and the horrible things I'd heard were enough for me not to want our ship to be seen. It was bad enough my mother and I did not want to come to Port Royal in the first place, but my father, the governor had insisted we come. We had plenty Marines aboard so I knew we were safe, but still if these were pirates, my mind raced madly.
After the scuffle on the ship the voices quieted down and the ship started to move, thankfully away from us and quickly disappeared from view. I scurried back to my cabin; if my mother knew I'd been up here she'd make a fuss. As I started to go through the door I cast another look out over the water and saw something floating. Rushing to the side I could see that it was a man and he wasn't moving.
"Mr. Norton" I yelled to the watchman, "There is a man down there!"
He ran down from where he was standing with the helmsman to get a closer look.
"Man overboard, bring me some line!" He hollered. Tying one end to the railing he leapt over with the other end into the water. Quickly he had the man and was being brought back up over the railing. The man was barely breathing, at first glance I thought he might be dead.
"Take him to my cabin" I commanded the two soldiers standing near
"But Ms. Swann" Mr. Norton protested, "You don't know who or what this man is. He could be dangerous"
Shooting a dark look at Mr. Norton, "Well he is not much of a threat half dead and soaking wet. We found him and should at least keep him safe until we know more." I replied as I followed the men into my cabin.
Tempering myself I turned again to Mr. Norton, "Please just let me see what I can do, and fetch Maire for me. I'm going to need her assistance."
"Yes, Ms. Swann" He replied, tipping his hat and exiting from the cabin. I felt badly for speaking to him abruptly, he only meant well.
Quickly I set about gathering some blankets. Maire brought in a bed warmer and put a kettle on the stove to heat some water. The poor man was shivering violently and we needed to get him out of his wet clothes. As I wrapped him in some warmer blankets I noticed his body was scattered with scars and a few tattoos. As I was undoing his shirtsleeve I came across a very nasty wound on his right forearm. On closer inspection I realized it was a brand of some sort that was healing poorly.
Marie came over for a closer look, "Do you know what that means?"
"I've heard talk of this type of brand for pirates. Looks like Mr. Norton may have reason for concern after all."
"Until he is conscious and can tell us what happened, I don't want anyone to know about the brand." I said to Maire, she nodded in agreement.
"I'll see about some breakfast for you, do you need anything from the galley for him?" Maire asked.
"Not right now, thank you. I'll make some tea and let him rest."
Going to the cabinet I pulled out some salve and clean dressing. As gently as I could I applied the salve, still his arm flinched and he inhaled sharply. "Its ok, I won't hurt you." I whispered. But there was no response. I felt his face; the skin was clammy and warm, he was feverish. Taking a cool damp cloth I wiped gently at his face and neck. I unwrapped the piece of red fabric he had wrapped around his head so I could put the cloth on his forehead. His dark hair was long and partially plaited with beads, shells and other items laced among it. He looked more a gypsy than any pirate I'd ever seen in drawings.
Pulling out my medicine chest I took out some herbs to make a tea to help him fight off fever. I'd brought my store of herbs with me in the hopes of continuing my skill of midwifery in Jamaica. As much as it was needed my practice of herbal medicine was sometimes mistaken for witchcraft, nothing could have been further from the truth. Mother and Father both wished I had chosen some other path, but I couldn't understand why when time and again I'd proven that these methods worked. My mother's and their babies were healthy and very few died in childbirth or afterwards. I had heard that some of the doctors would go from doing autopsies straight into the operating theatre or the delivery room without doing something as simple as washing their hands. The thought made me shiver, those poor unfortunate people had no idea the doctors actually made them more ill. I put 2 teaspoons of wolf's bane into the mug and poured the hot water in, it needed to sit for a few moments so I decided to check on him again. Thus far the days events reminded of my sister's crossing from England. Although it seems we'd landed ourselves a pirate, instead of a waterlogged boy. I smiled to myself as I recalled Elizabeth's letter about that day and all the subsequent prattling she did about a certain Will Turner.
Just as I got up Mother entered the cabin looking very concerned.
"Katherine, you really shouldn't be alone in here." Her eyes flitted over the form sleeping in my cot. She frowned a bit and sighed, "I know you always want to take care of whoever is wounded or ill, but there is suspicion this man is a pirate and should have just been left in the sea."
"Mother, that is the most horrible thing to say! Imagine if he was not and we sailed on rather than helping him. I know some are alright with that on their conscience but I am not." I picked up the tea from the table and sat in the chair I'd placed next to the cot. "You can stay and help me if you wish, but I don't think he is going to put up much of a fuss. Besides I know of some things that can keep him subdued if he becomes a problem."
Mother smiled slightly, "I'll leave you to it then. Your father will be most unhappy about this."
She was right; he would be displeased, mostly with Mr. Norton who was supposed to be taking extra care with mother and I. We were heading to be with my father and sister who had come out to Port Royal a few years before. At the time mother had been very ill, so he took Elizabeth with him.
I noticed a little movement coming from the cot and went to sit next to him. Gently I shook his shoulder "Can you hear me? You need to drink some of this tea, it will help you feel better."
Slowly his eyes opened, he squinted a bit as he tried to focus. He struggled to sit up and I brought around some pillows. He gave a weak smile as he lay back. As I brought the mug to his lips, his hands clasped mine, they were rough and calloused. With the first sip he grimaced a bit and looked at me.
"Ach, you tryin' to poison me love?"
"I know its bitter but it will help with the fever."
He glanced around the small cabin, his look reminded me a bit of a feral animal.
"My name is Katherine." I said gently, I didn't want to spook him.
He smiled again and I could swear I saw the glint of some mischief in his eyes.
"Mine's Jack, would you be so kind as to tell me where I am?"
"You were thrown overboard and are now aboard the Valorous, a ship belonging to Governor Swann." I paused a noticed his change in expression. " I've seen the brand on your arm. Bear in mind that if its discovered that you are a Pirate, your fate will come down on you faster than you can blink. For the time you can stay here, if you mind yourself." I really wasn't sure what I had in mind, or even why I was trying to save this wretched man's neck. From my comment he noticed the bandage on his arm.
"Seems I've found myself an angel," He said
"Angel or witch, that depends on your perspective". I caught his gaze; it unsettled me enough that I suddenly became interested in smoothing my skirt. "You need to rest, I'll see about finding some food."
"Thank ye, Kate," He whispered as his eyes closed.
It had been years since I'd heard anyone call me by my nickname. Lizzie and I started it as children and even in our letters we continued.
It was because of a letter that Mother and I left England. With her in good health Father wanted our family together again. I was looking forward to meeting the people and seeing the places Lizzie wrote about in her letters. They letters where bittersweet, reminding me of the joy in life and where I'd been left. The warm weather in the Caribbean would serve me well to lift my spirits.
Since Jack was sleeping I decided to read a bit. It was to no avail, I was seeing the words but just not interested in reading them. I kept looking over at where he was sleeping. So many questions swirled in my head. 'All in due time' I thought, we still had a good week or so until we reached Port Royal.
"No Mate, don't". He exclaimed suddenly. It startled me a bit, putting the book down I came over and sat next to him, he kept muttering but I couldn't make out any of it. I wondered if he was feverish and put a hand on his forehead. Suddenly his hand flew up and grasped mine. It took just about everything in me to keep from screaming. His eyes flew open but there was no sense of recognition in them. His grip tightened to the point that my fingers were tingling.
"Shhh, Jack" I whispered and stroked his arm with my other hand. "Nothing is going to harm you."
Just as suddenly as it came on, his grip relaxed and his eyes closed. It reminded me of the nightmares Mother would have. While familiar, they were unsettling to witness. I got up to finish cleaning up when he spoke again,
"Sorry Kate, I didn't mean to frighten you."
"No matter, I could tell you weren't completely in the present. Can you tell me what the dream was about?"
"The men on that ship have done things that would make even a pirate's blood run cold. They knew no bounds to their cruelty, human or beast." He paused and shook his head, "The details are something a lady should never know."
"I understand, although I'm not what most would call a lady. But I appreciate the gesture to spare me." Rising from the edge of the bed I smiled a little, "I won't bore you with that."
"You could hardly bore me Kate, I've known many women, few as forthright as you. I am a lucky man to have you tending to me."
"Well," I sighed, "I don't know how much longer that will last. My being alone in here with you is already cause for concern. Although its for your own health and to save your neck."
There was a knock at the door, my heart sank a bit. Opening the door a crack I could see two Marines standing there. I opened the door just enough that I could get out without them seeing Jack. "We've come to move the man found this morning."
"He can't be moved. I'm afraid he is very ill. No one is to enter this cabin or leave other than myself. Please explain this to your commanding officer." I was relieved they didn't ask any questions and left quickly. I hoped my explanation would have the desired effect and Jack wouldn't be moved. If he were moved to quarters below he was more than likely to fall ill. Quickly I went back inside before anyone else could approach. Jack was sitting up and didn't look very pleased.
"I don't like being anyone's captive, however good her intentions are. I'm a restless sort, luv, and it's a good week until we make harbor in Port Royal." There was that mischievous look again. "Although I could get used to bein' in your quarters."
Angrily I stepped towards him, the words came out almost as a hiss through gritted teeth "Don't get any ideas 'luv', I have a few herbs in that little chest that can make you less of a man…permanently!" I flashed a smile, "Once the rest of the ship knows you are a pirate, that will be the least of your worries. Do we understand each other?"
Jack gestured with a mock salute, "Savvy, luv"
I was furious with his cavalier attitude. I was also upset that I'd taken this upon myself.
I whirled around "Would you please stop calling me that? My name is Katherine," I emphasized the last part, "Kate, I'll tolerate, but we certainly don't know each other enough for you to be calling me 'love'."
I glared at him for a moment before walking to the stove. I handed him the bowl and spoon without so much looking at him and sat down at the table.
Why on earth did I do such impulsive things? This man was likely not one to be trifled with, especially by a woman who couldn't hold her tongue. Although I was hungry I couldn't bring myself to eat. He seemed to be enjoying the soup. He looked up to catch me watching him and began to chuckle. Embarrassed I looked away but felt a hysterical giggle bubbling up.
"I have to admit Kate; it's been a while since I received a proper tongue-lashing, especially one followed by a warm meal. The company of someone such as yourself is appreciated."
"Well since we will be in each other's company for a while we may as well be cordial. It wouldn't look good if I starved you, even if you might deserve it. This voyage has been dreadfully boring, at least now I have some entertainment." I gave him a wry smile.
It was beginning to get dark, I lit a few lanterns and the warm glow soon filled the cabin. Maire returned with more blankets and clean linens. She saw Jack awake and I could see her concern.
"It's all over the ship Miss." She whispered
"Pardon?" I asked,
"That he is ill. Is it true?" She kept glancing towards the cot.
"He's fine Maire, aside from fatigue and being waterlogged."
She nodded and smiled, "He is handsome Miss."
"Don't be fooled, he's likely naught but trouble. Now I will be sleeping in here and will need something to put on the floor. Can you go find that for me?"
"Aye. I'll be back shortly" Maire turned and left the cabin.
I took my journal and pen from the desk and returned to the table where the light was better. There was so much running through my head that I needed to get it down on paper. I started writing down the day's events; partway through I paused and looked up. It was a little unnerving to have someone watching me the way Jack did. He smiled a bit,
"Does it help?" he asked, indicating toward the journal
I was a bit surprised, "Sometimes, depends on what I'm writing about. If nothing else it's the listening 'ear' for my thoughts." Based on his expression I could tell he understood.
"I haven't written much of any worth lately, save my signature." He said
"I wouldn't have taken you for the literary type." I quipped and then caught myself, "Sorry"
He laughed, "To be expected, not many pirates are learned men. I attended a missionary school as a child and they made sure I could read and write."
Sensing I wasn't going to get much more writing done I closed the journal after marking the page.
"Tell me some about yourself, Jack." I sat back in my chair
"Other than being a pirate, what do you need to know?" he could sense that wasn't the answer I was looking for. "Well I don't really know where I came from. I was raised in an orphanage in Dominique. The nuns there didn't know who my parents were and never told me how I arrived. But I gathered I'd been there since I was a babe. I stayed until I was 12, I longed for something more exciting so I stowed away on a ship. Soon enough I was found out. The Captain, Jonathan Becker, put me to work once I had my sea legs and I've been on the ocean since. It was a natural thing I suppose to eventually be the captain of my own ship. Although I never expected that my crew would betray me."
"Was that your ship you were thrown from?"
"No, I lost mine several years back." He gestured absently with his hands. "The Black Pearl is her name and I aim to be at her helm again in my lifetime." He looked out toward the window.
"Well, maybe your luck will turn soon and you will once again have her back. While I don't agree with piracy, I can see how the freedom would be intoxicating."
"And that it is" he smiled, "more powerful than any rum."
"When I was tending to the burn on your arm I saw your tattoo, what does it mean? I've never seen one like it."
Absently he rubbed his arm, "Its my name, Jack Sparrow. Captain Becker named me 'Sparrow' because I was such a tiny thing with such dark hair. While I'd have preferred something different, it stuck. Then 'Captain Jack Sparrow' had a bit of ring to it so I never bothered to make up a new name."
"Well, Jack Sparrow, it's getting late and we both need the rest. We can talk more in the morning." I could tell that he was tired, and while I was interested in talking with him, it could wait.
"Good night Kate, again my thanks."
"Good night Jack." I whispered
I turned the lanterns down and crawled into my makeshift bed. Sleep would come quickly as it usually did thanks to the rolling of the ship through the waves.