Chapter 1

"Yo, ho, haul together, hoist the colors high." A young voice sang, "Heave ho, thieves and beggars, never shall we die. Some men have died and some are alive and others sail on the sea with-"

"Merlin!" A woman's voice cut in sharply, "Do not sing that!"

Merlin looks up to the woman, curious, "But why not Ma?"

Hunith sighs and the pinches between her eyes soften, "Because honey, we are in port ruled by the Navy. Do you remember what I told you about the Navy?"

"The Navy is a powerful group formed by King William of Caerleon, King Henry of Mercia, King Leon of Camelot, and Queen Emily of Gawant. It is around two hundred years old and is now like its own government since it is independent from all kingdoms. They rule the sea, have a pact with the East India Trading Company, and most importantly: They hate pirates." Merlin recites.

Hunith nods, satisfied with the answer. "Very good. Even though we are in our own house, I don't want the chance of us being associated with pirates, alright?"

"Yes, Ma."

"Now tell me, who taught you that song?"

"Will did." Merlin grudgingly replies, "But he learned it from his big brother who learned it from a visitor that's been at the inn since four days ago!"

Hunith's breathing hitches, "What visitor?"

"I don't-"

A banging at the door cut off Merlin's reply. Hunith hurries to the door, Merlin not far behind. Merlin attaches himself to his mother's skirts as she opened the door. "Jack." She greets.

"May I come in before I'm spotted, love?" Without waiting for a reply, Jack pushes through and Hunith locks the door behind him. "Oh and who be this lad?" Jack asks, though he knew the answer already.

Hunith sighs and smooths her skirts before pushing Merlin forward and replying, "Jack, this is your son. His name is Merlin. Merlin, this is Jack Sparrow, your father."

Merlin's eyes widen at the name, "Sparrow?"

"Merlin!" Hunith reprimands, "What have-"

"Hunith." Jack cuts in smoothly.

"Yes, Jack?" she asks in exasperation.

"It's fine." Jack smiles toothily, "It means that I'm doing my job." His expression then turns serious, "I would like for Merlin to spend some time on the Black Pearl with me and me crew."

While Merlin looks ecstatic, Hunith was somber and deadly serious as she replied, her mouth set in a determined line. "Now you listen here Jack Sparrow, if you return him dead or seriously damaged, you will be sure that hell will have not one candlestick against my fury."

Merlin's eyes once again widened at his mother's language and he was even more surprised when Jack laughed, "Don't worry love, he's in good hands."

"That's what I'm worried about." Hunith murmurs. The two adults share a look before Hunith went about packing Merlin's belongings and then some food for the two males.

Hunith finished her work in record time and soon it was time for her to bid her baby boy away for who knows how long. Hunith and Merlin embrace one last time and Hunith whispers in Merlin's ear one last sentiment: "Happy Birthday, Merlin, my little bird." Then they were gone, disappearing out into the inky blackness of the nighttime seas.