Chapter 1: A Visitor and the Tale of the Silver Leaves

A small dingy floated smoothly along the calm sea, pointed towards the horizon. The burst of sunlight that came with the dawn woke the man within the small craft. He popped his head up and looked around for other signs of life. A large ship was sailing the opposite direction; he called out to it, hoping that its crew would hear him and turn around. After a bit, someone must have heard the cries, took the wheel, and begun to turn the ship about. They fetched the man without a ship and hauled him aboard their vessel. The crew whispered various comments to each other regarding the state of their new shipmate.

"Move aside! I wish to see what you bilge-rats have deposited upon my deck this time. Didn't you hear me? I said MOVE!" a woman's voice yelled angrily. This woman happened to be the captain of the ship, who was clearly unhappy about the change of course. The crowd parted quickly, fearing the wrath of the fierce pirate. She straightened when she saw the man standing at the front of the crowd. He was familiar to her; he was her friend. She walked to him, her eyes focused only on him.

"Had your ship stolen again, have you, Jack?"

"As a matter of fact I have, Cleo. It was stolen by none other than the Pirate Lord of the Caspian Sea. You know him, do you not?"

Cleo jerked back, looking into Sparrow's eyes in shock. "Don't be silly, Jack. Barbossa is dead."

Jack laughed and shook his head. "He was brought back. Long story, no time to go into it, but I can tell you what we're going to do about getting my ship back."

"Why should I help you? You disappeared for years, and you show up now expecting me to help you at the drop of a hat. If you hadn't noticed, this is my ship."

Jack took her by the shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. He saw much hurt and sadness in the crystal blue orbs that stared back at him. He knew about her past with Barbossa, and began to regret mentioning him.

"I'm going to prove to you that he is still alive. Barbossa may not be searching for you, but we got word many years ago that you had been captured by the British and were to be hung at sunrise on the first day of winter. That was what we thought had been your fate."

"You should have known be better. I've gotten out of tight spots before, and you all should have known that. Jack, I'll help you find your ship. Where's it headed?"

"It's headed towards the Tree of Life."

"The Tree of Life, Jack? Sounds like something you just made up."

"Well, maybe once I tell you the story it won't seem so made up…"

Jack launched into an elaborate story about a young man who had gone to the New World in search of a new life and freedom. The young man was adventurous, and upon hearing the story of a tree that would grant eternal life he set out to find it. In the end, he found it, but the odds were not in his favor. He died shortly before ingesting the shining silver leaves of the mystical tree. Cleo listened quietly, wondering how he had come across this tale. In her head, she laughed at him and mocked his every word, but she said nothing to him about how ridiculous it all sounded. Cleo ushered her friend into her quarters to sit and have a drink with her. They exchanged tales about their recent adventures and tales of their companionship long ago. The day melted away before them; they lost themselves in the stories and memories of old times. Neither one spoke of Barbossa, for fear of upsetting one another.

For many weeks, it was calm seas and clear skies. The crew grew jealous of their captain's treatment of the newcomer; they did not understand the history the captain had with Jack Sparrow, nor did they want to. She always was with Sparrow and seemed to be enjoying herself. When night fell, Cleo lit the torches that lined the sides of the ship and retreated into her cabin. Jack would stay on deck and talk to the crew or watch the horizon. One night, a storm came upon them and showed no mercy. The doors to the captain's chambers burst open violently. She began calling out orders and helping the crew keep things in order. The night was long and, well, wet, but the ship got through it.

"Jack, I wish to speak to you alone." Cleo whispered to him as dawn broke and land appeared on the horizon. Jack smiled and followed her into her cabin.

"What is it?"

"I know you have a compass that will point to what your heart desires most. Where does it point now?"

Jack took out the compass and held it out to her. "Why don't you see for yourself?" he said, a coy smile on his lips. She cast a skeptical glance at him, but took the compass and opened it anyway. It spun for a moment before pointing to the land ahead. Cleo snapped it shut and set it on a nearby table.

"It lies."

"The compass never lies. You know that."

The cry of "land ho" from the deck drew the two from the room. Jack's face changed instantly when he looked about.

"Jack, come ashore with me. The rest of you stay here and guard the ship." Cleo barked, beginning to lower the dingy. Jack shrugged and jumped in after her.

"What do you think we'll find, Cleo?"

"Hopefully we'll find your crew somewhere here. First, we'll walk the shore and look in the cove for your ship. If we find the ship we find the crew. "

"Right…"

The pair pulled the dingy ashore and went looking for the small cove that would hide any ship that would fit. Cleo scaled the rocks and looked down into the cave they found. She saw a mast sticking up into the light and positioned herself to drop down onto it. Jack followed her down onto the ship. Cleo whispered her plan into his ear and looked at him for confirmation. The two drew their swords and dropped down onto the deck. The ship's remaining crew froze, but did not attack. Jack recognized the men and put away his weapon. Cleo copied him quickly, not wanting to harm allies.

"Jack Sparrow, we never thought we'd see you again. We left you at port!"

"Why did you leave me again?"

"Well, Barbossa told us to…"

"Where is Barbossa, Pintel?" Cleo interjected.

"Went in search of the tree didn't he? Who are you anyway, missy?"

Cleo grabbed the man by the neck and whispered, "I'm your worst nightmare, you scoundrel." She growled. She took her hand away and grinned sweetly. Ragetti shivered at her willingness to take on his friend. "Ragetti, I am going to wait for your captain in his quarters. Tell him nothing."