Dead Men Tell No Tales The Sequel To Aye Show Me The Horizon

Disclaimer: All major characters belong to Disney all minor ones belong to Lovely Raven Sparrow.

The Truth About Pearl

I woke in a state of complete confusion. I vaguely remembered that something very important was happening today but my mind was clouded with sleep and rum. I had been sleeping so soundly I had burrowed my self into my quilts making myself a cocoon.

"Come on, Daddy! I mean Captain Sparrow." Kat giggled as she stood by the bed tugging on the blankets. "Come now, you must get up!" Kat's voice was high and excited. She sounded like a barking dog.

"Lass stop pulling on me covers." I pulled back causing her to lose her balance and she fell on top of me.

She laughed even more as she climbed off. "Just because Jem isn't here to pull you out of your slumber, she has given me permission to do so. Mister Gibbs is complaining that you've gotten lazy. He told me you use to be the first one up, and you loved to walk the decks before the sun came up."

I pried one reluctant eye open far enough to see Kat, my daughter. She was wearing an elegant dress and Jem's emeralds around her neck. She had attempted but failed miserably to pull her long luxurious locks back off of her face. Jem had always told me she looked so much like me that is was scary. As Jem would say, 'Kat is as beautiful as you Captain Sparrow.'

I continually had to correct her. Men are not beautiful. I never really saw the resemblance until today. I always figured Kat favored her mother, Elizabeth, but the way her raven locks hung down upon her high check bones and her dark brown eyes danced with pure enthusiasm, I saw what Jem talked of. I gave her my infamous smile and pulled the covers up over me head.

I heard her leave my bedside conversing under her breath. She was only gone but a moment. She returned, yanked the blankets down and tossed a pitcher of cold water on me. I shook my head and then jumped as the feeling of the cold liquid shocked me back to full consciousness, and my memory returned. Ah yes, we are sailing to Santa Maria to meet up with the young William Turner and his wife Elizabeth, to celebrate Katheryn's tenth birthday.

Wrapping the blanket about my wet, naked body, I staggered out of the bed and headed for the basin of hopefully warm fresh water. Tripping over the bloody tomcat, which Kat had let into the room I barred some profanity and then looked down at the animal.

I was getting ready to kick, the said pest, out of me way when Kat picked him up and started stroking his head.

"Tommy, you better be careful. The Captain is hung over again." She rolled her eyes and shook her head at me in disapproval for attempting to hurt the animal.

"Luv if ya wish to stand in Jem's shoes you may want to be turning ya head or ya may see things you shouldn't. As far as discussing me drinking habits, don't." I sneered at her unintentionally. "I'd best advise you to leave and I'll meet ya on deck."

She turned to leave and then glanced back at me with a slight grin on her face. "Dad, do you think Jem will make it to my party?"

I plunged my face into the basin of water, pulling my head back fast. It was damn cold and I was not pleased. I shook my shaggy head, glanced over at Kat and lowered my kohl-rimmed eyes on her. "Luv, there are many important things going on in Jem's life now and you are one of them. I can guarantee you Jem will be at your party or I am not, Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?"

"Oh Dad, you can be so dramatic." She dropped the cat, ran over to me and threw her arms around me neck, hugging me for the longest time. She then pulled away and was shocked when she noticed I had removed the emerald necklace from her being.

"Darling these belong to Jem. I gave them to her, not you. You have plenty of other jewels, such as this." I presented her a small box I had laying on the table. I gently kissed her on the forehead. "Happy Birthday Luv."

She squealed and opened the box. On a short yet intricate golden chain hung a single opal.

"Luv, I'm thinking this be your birth stone. They say it is bad luck to wear an opal unless it is your gem. Being your stone it will bring you luck as long as ye live. Wear it and never take it off. This is a symbol of hope, happiness and truth. This gem fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning and that's how it received its fiery color. It contains every color of every other birthstone; it can be used or charged with other energies and powers of other stones combined. It is magical, it has healing properties. Wear it close to your heart and it will ward off evil. It will protect you on your journey through life. The fire in this opal will extinguish only when you do Luv."

She looked deep into my face. "I can see why Jem loves you so, I can imagine you are also anxious to see her?"

I gave her a wide golden grin. "You can't imagine Luv, you just can't imagine."

"You are such a scoundrel, as Mom would say. I am glad mother and William let me stay with you while she was having the baby. I hope they are doing well. It is going to feel strange having a brother. I can see why Will wanted Mom to have the child in Santa Maria and not on the Pearl, I mean after… "

I hugged her close and then held her at arms distance. "It's fine Luv, you can talk about her. Jem is young and strong and she has gotten over her lose."

I stood there thinking of my beautiful Jem. She had left The Pearl six months ago but promised me she would return. Letting her go was one of the hardest things I had ever done in me life. The last time I saw her I had left her in a long boat with her mate Jonathan, heading into Port Royal. She told me she had some unfinished business and it did not concern me. I truly doubted her reasons but I did not question her. She had to do this alone and did not want to put me into any danger. Port Royal and the Royal Navy are both on the top of me list to avoid. I have had too many close and bad encounters with them and they did get the better of me five years ago.

Obviously I talk in my sleep and my nightmares and demons give me away. There were many nights I would wake up in a cold sweat yelling at the top of my lungs, only to have Jem calm me down and let me know I was safe. She promised me she would never leave me, she would take care of me and she would keep my secret. After all I am Captain Jack Sparrow and I do not want to appear weak or possible crazy in front of me crew. Jem, sensing how mentally disturbed I had become though the whole ordeal thought it best to go alone. I did not and basically could not, stand in her way, but I did insist she take Jonathan with her. I shook my dreadlocks and with the sound of the rattling beads I came back to reality.

"Kat, don't think about the past, and the sister ya lost." I dropped my eyes for a second but then looked back at her. "What happened to young Pearl, happens to many babes. Nobody can explain why it happens Luv. Nobody."

"Have you gotten over her Dad?" She asked timidly.

I kissed her on the head and started gathering my clothes. "Kat, always look towards the future and the horizon Luv. Now you just think about your birthday and the brother you will meet today." I then thought to myself…have I gotten over her. No, and I never will. She was beautiful just like her mother.

"Land Ho!" I heard Charlie bellow from the crow's nest.

"Blasted girl, I'm not even dressed and we are coming up on land. Now head on up and tell Mister Gibbs, that Captain Sparrow will be there shortly. Perhaps you could find me something warm to drink."

"Aye aye sir and it won't be saturated with rum." Kat saluted, twirled around and marched out of the room. As she left I thought how thrilled Elizabeth would be to see her little girl again. I had to fight with Lizzy in order to keep Kat on me ship. If it hadn't been for Will, Kat would not be with me today. I promised Kat I would never leave her. So far I have been true to my word but little does she know I need her more than she could possible need me.

Kat had grown up so much and matured while spending time with Jem and I. She detested wearing dresses and I knew she was only doing this for Elizabeth. She also had no idea what to do with her unruly hair. She wanted to wear it in dread locks but Jem would not let her. Jem tried to help Kat with her hygiene, but she was not much help. In many ways Jem was as much a child as Kat. Jem has a beautiful head of long silky auburn hair that reaches down to her waist. It is always clean and smells of lilacs. It is soft, silky and never has a tangle in it. Jem is a natural beauty. I love her so but she can drive me crazy. She is free living and very independent. What ever she wants she gets. When she doesn't get her way…it is time to stand back. I learned a long time ago never to say, "Don't". Lord I missed my woman and I was anxious to see her.

I closed my eyes and truly hoped Jem would be at Kat's party. She knows Kat's birthday is October first, for that was the same date as our daughter's, Pearl. Jem let me name her since I was the one who asked Jem for another child. Needless to say, Jem was happy and proud to accommodate me.

I could tell she did not like my choice of name when she accused me of not being very original. I told her that our babe was as beautiful as me ship and there was no other name more fitting. The way Jem rolled her eyes at me and taunted me I knew I had won. I also knew she loved me and she would return. She had to. She promised me she would. She promised me she would meet me at the island of Santa Maria and when Jem gives you her word she sticks to it.

As I went up on deck the wind was whipping and the wave crests looked like huge hills. I made my way over to Gibbs yet is was quite difficult as at one moment I was being lifted high and the next instant, falling into perilous troughs, facing a blue-green wall of solid water.

"Gibbs!" I yelled. "Kat had failed to tell me that we were going into a storm." I was now standing beside him as I pulled out my spyglass and tried to survey the horizon. Staring ahead into the fog I shouted, "Bring the wheel around half a point."

I took the helm from Gibbs smiling as the waves washed over the deck like a pack of hungry wolves. "Aye I love a good storm. It seems nature wants to give us a test. Tell the men to string lines across the deck, I don't want any crew to be swept over the side and lost forever."

As I gave the last order I felt The Pearl rock under us and it wasn't due to rough waters. "What the bloody hell is going on? If I did not know better I would say someone or something is shooting at us. Charlie what do you see in this unnatural fog?"

The fog lit up as the cannons from an on coming ship fired at us. I could see from the glow of the igniting gunpowder that this unknown vessel was large and was deliberately looming in the mist. She was shooting at us but the cannon balls were falling short and I did not fear that I would get holes in my ship, or at least not yet. The craft, from what I could make out, was about the same size as The Black Pearl but I had no idea how many weapons or men she had aboard her.

"Gibbs, there appears to be a rather large ship seafaring on our stern. I can't make her out from where I stand. Can you?" While I was waiting for Gibbs's reply I yelled at the top of my lungs. "Prepare the long guns. If she fires on us again we are going to take her on."

"Captain," Charlie called. "I can only see the top most sail and she is flying the skull and crossbones. I cannot make out her name. She is coming at us fast. If we don't make a radical maneuver Captain, she is going to ram us."

"What's happening?" Kat asked as she came running up on the deck after hearing all the commotion. She held in her hand a steaming cup of black coffee.

"Rogers." I yelled. "Take her below."

Kat struggled with Rogers and ran to my side.

I grabbed Kat around her shoulder with my right hand as I held firmly to the helm with my left. "Luv it appears there is a ship standing between us and Santa Maria. I promised your mum you would be there for your birthday and if I don't deliver, I will end up with a noose around me neck. Savvy? Now you get below, I can't be worrying about you and taking care of me ship at the same time. If anybody boards me ship without permission and I cannot protect you, you are to use the sword in your cabin and defend yourself the way Jem taught you how."

Kat handed me the coffee and went with Rogers but she was complaining and rolling her eyes the whole bloody time.

"Gibbs we're going to have to fight. Inform the crew; we have to make a stand. Load the guns!" I could feel the adrenaline running threw my blood. It has been awhile since I had a good battle. I was thinking about me last battle when I became aware that the ship was now coming at a fair clip. She was going to rake us without ever presenting a target.

"Come ye sea dogs, we will never get a shot off unless we come alongside. As long as they stay on our stern we are at their mercy. Drop the anchor on the starboard side!"

The anchor went down almost immediately after I gave the order. I let go of the helm and The Pearl swung about. Now the two ships were side by side.

"Captain." Charlie came running over to me, as he gingerly landed on the deck after descending from the crow's nest. "Look Captain." He pointed into the murky fog. "The ship has just put up a flag of truce. Do you think this is a trap?"

I gave Charlie a wide grin. I sipped me coffee and then tossed the mug away. Kat held true to her word and there was no rum in it. "Charlie, raise our colors and get the grapnel hooks. Prepare to board."

As the last plank was put down I could feel the ebb of the ocean pushing on both ships and the quietness bought on an eerie numbness through my body.

"Men I will go find the captain. You all search the hulls, plunder anything of worth and value and take prisoners to the cells."

I sauntered towards the captain's quarters taking note that the ship was well maintained; yet there was not a soul on it. When I opened the main doors to the captain's cabin it was flooded by candlelight and there was a huge feast laid out on the table. As my vision became accustom to the dim light I detected standing in the far corner of the room a dark figure with a sword drawn. I could see the glimmer of the steel as it reflected the flickering candles.

"So Captain Sparrow we meet again? Which would you like to try first the wine or my blade? I know you must be hungry and thirsty, always thirsty. If my mind does not fail me, I do remember you like your drink. Yes, the rum talks to you. Or should I say, it makes you talk."

I approached the person without speaking and I saw the sword now leveling at my chest.

"Do you think this is wise, boy?" I drew my sword for the attack. I thrust my weapon first. My challenger came at me with lightening speed. We circled and cut at each other. This captain certainly did know what he was doing. He was quick and very sprightly. I had the feeling he was young and I could only hope he was not very skilled. However, I was wrong. He was extremely talented with his weapon and kept up with my every move. As I parried with this excellent swordsmen I surveyed the room to see what I could throw in his direction. I did pick up several items, such as dishes, silver goblets, eating utensil and even a lit candelabrum from the table. I tossed the entire list of items I just mentioned but they did not hinder my opponent. He was good.

"Captain Sparrow. Are you trying to burn down my ship? Can you not fight without cheating?"

This question and the sound of his voice distracted me. I shook my head as I stared at my adversary. "What do you expect from a pirate? I have no incentive to fight fair with you mate. As I see it, I have two choices. I can let you win or I can triumph. Now for me, I think I prefer the later and I shall square with you properly. I will capture your ship and it will be under my command. Savvy?"

I lunged forward, and flung the sword from my foe's hand. I then knocked him to the floor. As I did this, his hat fell from his head. He landed on his back and to my amazement did not attempt to get up. He lay there for a short moment giving me the impression that he was amazed that he was laying on the floor and on his back. He shook his head and then propped himself up on his elbows. "Well Captain Sparrow, I am unarmed. What is it you plan to do now?"

My eyes opened wide and a smile came across my face as I tossed my sword to the ground and threw myself on top of my attacker. I ran my fingers threw the long auburn hair that had cascaded down when the hat had come off. The gorgeous long silky hair flowed past her shoulders to her waist. I looked deep into her dancing black eyes with my kohl rimmed ones and then I pressed my lips on hers so hard that neither one of us could breathe. I then took her in my arms and rolled her on top of me. I held her close to me pulling her body into mine. I squeezed her so tightly that if she were a rag doll I would have popped her. I then rolled her over again and sat on her hips, straddling her between my legs and smiling down into her precious face.

"Jack. I can't breath. Will you please get off of me?" I could feel Jem's small yet very strong body squirming under me.

"Jem Barbossa. It is about time ye showed up. Kat's been asking about ya and I'll tell ye right now, she ain't the only one who's been missing ya. If you want me to get off of you, you will have to fight me."

I pulled my hat off and started to remove my jacket when I saw Jem shake her head and attempted to stifle a laugh.

"Are you laughing at me madam?" I gave her my infamous smile.

"No Jack. Never. But we are not alone." I looked at her then I raised my head to survey the room and I realized she was right. My crew was now standing in the room and along with them were Elizabeth and William Turner. Elizabeth stood there looking as stunning as ever while she held her's and William's newborn baby son. William had a wide grin on his face as he came over towards me to help me off of Jem. Katheryn was right behind him.

As Will pulled me up I gave the younger man a warm embrace. "William Turner, I am pleased to see you are doing well mate. I can also see you ave been busy." I glanced over at Elizabeth and the boy. "I hope you haven't forgotten all your old friends. For I have a venture to pursue and I'm going to need you to go with me. Savvy?"

"Jack, you haven't even been here for an hour and you are asking me to sail off into the sunset. I think judging by the way you attacked Jem, you may want to stay a little while." Will laughed as he handed me my hat that he had picked up from the floor.

"Jem! Jem! My god is it really you!" Kat was now in full shriek and jumping all over Jem. "This is wonderful! What a surprise! I loved the cannon fire!"

I then turned to Jem and smiled. "Aye I did too and it's a good thing ya didn't put holes in me ship or we would be talking Lass."

I went back over to Jem and placed my arm over her shoulder. Every nerve in my body was dancing for her. "I presume Luv, you have set this fine spread for Kat's birthday. You will have to enlighten me of how you commandeered such a fine ship. You told me you wanted to start a fleet, but I have to say you found yourself a might fine vessel."

Jem threw her arms around my neck and tangled her fingers into my hair. "Jack I will tell you everything later tonight Luv. But now it is time to celebrate Katheryn's birthday. Will, Elizabeth, crew of The Black Pearl welcome to my ship, The Silent Falcon. " She untangled her fingers from me hair, and then deliberately pulled on one of me dreadlocks as she went over to Will and gave him a sizeable hug and a more than adequate kiss.

Ever so softly I heard her say. "Did you get my letter?"

Will looked uneasy and he saw in my eyes that I heard what she said. He hugged her back and pulled her over towards Elizabeth. "Aye Jem, we are so glad to be here and I am glad you made it. Later." He nodded his head in my direction and Jem took the hint.

"Come everyone, enjoy the feast before it gets cold." Jem went over to Elizabeth and the infant and gave them both a squeeze. Elizabeth offered the child to Jem to hold but without hesitation she declined and directed her attention on Kat. "Happy Birthday Katheryn …" and then she stopped.

"Kat are you a Sparrow, Swann or Turner? I must say it is odd you have the choice of being named after two birds."

Kat's eyes lit up and she began to laugh. "You know Jem, I have really missed you. Do you remember you use to always call me your little bird? I would have to say my name is."

The room became silent as everyone gazed at her. I closed my eyes and before I knew it I spoke out loud.

"Sparrow."

I could not believe my ears; she and I both said it in unison. Elizabeth said Turner and Will remained silent.

Jem looked at Elizabeth, Kat and then me. She picked up a bottle of rum pulled the cork out and hoisted it in the air.

Will grabbed a bottle and did the same. To my surprise and I am sure to Elizabeth's, he tossed a bottle to me and to her. Elizabeth almost dropped the rum in order not to drop the baby but she did manage to balance both without tumbling either. Elizabeth's brown eyes scolded Will and then turned soft as she pulled the cork off and spit it to the floor.

She looked at me and then toward Katheryn. "Happy Birthday Katheryn Sparrow. May this day bring you many joys and a full life ahead of you. You are a jewel darling and a treasure to all that know you."

I pulled the cork out from my bottle, and followed suit. "Aye to Katheryn Sparrow."

Kat looked at me and I nodded at her. Silently I spoke and I knew she could read my lips. "Thank you for taking my name. I love you and I always will." Jem came over and placed her head on my chest and wrapped her arms around me waist. As I looked down I could see her checks were wet.

"Jack, you know she loves you. She is your daughter and she is beautiful. I see you gave her The Opal Of Happiness, but where are its sister's, The Opal Of Hope and The Opal Of Truth?"

I took her face in my hand and gently caressed her check. The Opal of Hope is in a safe spot my Love. As long as the fire remains in it the fire will also remain in our Pearl. Savvy?"

"Jack."

"No Jem, I don't want to hear it." I held her close and placed my hands around her neck. "The Opal of Truth is now around your neck. Happy Birthday Luv. I bet you thought I forgot. I may drink and I may see visions in my sleep but I know what is real and you Luv are my life. I could never forget you."

"Jack, you know I love you and this gift I will treasure but please stop living in the past. We must look to the future. Please let your nightmares go and join the living. As you can see this beautiful ship now belongs to me, to us, and with it I also obtained a crew. I am sure you will remember Bo'son, Ragetti, Pintel, Twiggs and Koehler. They all use to sail under you and then my father."

I rolled my eyes and she gently nudged me in the ribs. "They are all faithful hands before the mast, and every one of them is worth his salt. I know they adored my father and they now adore me."

"Aye Luv, they were afraid of your father and who could not adore you?"

"Jack Sparrow you are impossibly and I will deal with you later. Now it is time to drink and dance and I will have the first and the last dance with you."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Katheryn enjoyed her party immensely. By the time the festivities were in full swing the fog had lifted and the sun was sparkling on the ocean's waves like diamonds. Several crewmembers had pulled out their instruments and Jem had taken to sketching the happy faces. Needless to say the hit of the day was when William took Kat to shore and presented her with a horse. Everyone raved at what a beautiful animal he was. In my opinion he was a horse. He stood approximately 12.2 hands, jet black and William had already named him Jack. I informed him I was not impressed when Barbossa named his monkey Jack and I was not impressed now. Kat, however, loved the horse and the name, Jack and I could see she truly cherished Will. She had heard the story of my adventures on a horse and agreed the horse's name was perfect.

Later that evening Kat wanted to sleep in the barn with Jack but Elizabeth would not hear of it. Elizabeth retired early and took Kat to the new house that Will had purchased several months ago. Elizabeth wanted Kat to become more acquainted with her new brother, Bill. He was named after William and Bootstrap Bill. Will's new home was located beside the blacksmith's shop in which he had also purchased. Will seemed to be doing quite well with his new life and family. He had two young apprentices working under him, and they also respected Mr. Turner.

I lured Will out of the house and he and I ventured to one of the local bars. The air was stale with the smell of ale and sweaty bodies but the rum was good and the women were pleasant to look at. Of course the dim smoky blaze from the candles enhanced them greatly.

Will had no problems drinking but when the whores came to sit on his lap I could tell he was very uncomfortable. After all he was a father and a married man. As Will pushed Greta off his lap for the fifth time he stood up and motioned for me to come to the back corner. Greta looked hurt and then started flirting with me.

"Luv, both me and this gentleman are spoken for. If we be needing your services I will be sure to come get you. Savvy? Now why don't you be bringing us a bottle and two glasses and make sure nobody disturbs us." I flipped her several coins and she smiled graciously as she went to do what I asked.

I looked around the dark room before I sat across the table from Will. The table was lit by a single candle and I leaned in close in order to talk to Will and have nobody over hear us.

William looked at me with a sharp eye. "Now what's the nature of this venture of yours?"

"I'm going after The Treasure Of The Final Reverie. William, approximately five years ago, I went to Tortuga and I talked to a man named Daniel Bones. His friends called him D. Bones. I had heard he suffered a seafaring accident and lost both his legs." I held both hands up and clapped them together, then rubbed them back and forth. Will jumped at the sound and his eyes grew wide. "Aye Will, the whole scene was rather grisly. When I saw Danny last, he was looking rather peaked. If it were I, I'd want to be dead. There isn't much use for a man when he hasn't got legs." I rubbed mine feeling mighty glad they were there.

"You see Will, I gave him a great deal of money for some information in which I never got to follow up on due to our mutual friend, Commodore James Norrington."

"Jack, as far as we know James is dead."

"Yes Will, I know this but because of him I lost half of the map that leads to The Treasure Of The Final Reverie, and I must go back for it. I buried it in the stables we holed our selves up in. I know where it is and I'm going back for it but you see William, I will need your help."

Will looked at me skeptically. "Jack you said you lost half the map. Where is the other half?"

"Aye Lad, now that is the clincher. The other half is tucked away in a safe haven, where nobody knows of its existence except me and my beloved Jem."

"Oh I see Jack. So you are telling me you have a full map? If this is true you have no worries, right?" Will picked up the bottle of rum filled up our glasses and proceeded to drink.

"Well, William" I whispered to him and raised my glass with a grin. "This is where I am lacking in leverage. You see the other part of the map was last seen in the possession of Captain Barbossa, Captain Hector Barbossa and he kept it in the lining of his hat. You see he and Danny were going to go after this treasure but Danny became leg-less and could not pursuer Barbossa. Of course Barbossa, was too concerned about breaking the curse put upon him by the Aztec Gold and the Heathen Gods that he never went looking for Danny. So as you can see, I must go to the farm in Tortuga, dig up my portion of the map and then I must go dig up Barbossa."

Will took another swig and then almost choked on his drink. "Dig Barbossa up?"

"Aye, dig Barbossa up." I picked up my glass and drained it. "My problem Will, is I don't know where Barbossa is buried and Jem will not tell me where I can find her father's remains, let alone his hat. All I need is his hat. I have tried everything and the blasted woman won't tell me. She does not want me to disturb his bones. She feels it is wrong. His a bloody pirate, what can be wrong with digging him up? I have told her over and over again it is not the bones I want it is the bloody hat. Why did he have to be buried with it?" I picked up my glass, seeing that it was empty; I filled it up and downed it again.

"Will, Jem claims she loves me but she won't do this straightforward request. I have told her of the map and the treasure and she remains as stubborn as an ox."

"Jack." Will took the glass from my hand and looked me straight in the eye. "Jem, has been through a lot and I think you should let her father lay in peace. This sounds like a fools errand. You don't want to get Jem mad at you."

"William I am many things but I am not a fool. I will find out where Barbossa is buried or I am not, Captain Jack Sparrow. Now fill up me glass it give it back to me."

"Jack, I know Jem will kill me for confiding in you so you best be keeping you lips sealed. Remember mate, Dead Men Tell No Tales."

"William are you threatening me?" I pulled my head back and narrowed my eyes as I looked closely at his features.

"No Jack. It is just that Jem has been worried about you and the way you talk in your sleep, you freak her out. She claims you drink way too much and as a result you have spoken some rather strange tales. She has actually pursued some of them and has uncovered some surprising results in which she wants to share with me."

"Aye, am I to understand that she confides in you and she wants to share information with you and I am to sit back and forget The Treasure Of The Reverie? To what point and purpose William?"

"Jack, on that tragic night a year and a half ago when The Black Pearl was attacked by Captain Crow and his crew, Jem saw who killed Pearl."

"What do you mean who killed her?" I now sat up erect and looked straight into his eyes. "Will, Pearl died in her sleep. I know it was tragic but many a healthy babes die that way. It was unfortunate and unfair and if you don't mind Will, this conversation is over."

I attempted to take my glass from Will's hand but he would not relinquish it, so I reached for the bottle and placed it to my lips.

"Jack you can drown out my words, you can drown out your feelings but you must hear the truth. I know you don't like to remember that night. It was the same night you lost half your crew and The Black Pearl almost burned."

I placed my hand on Will's. "William I don't think I have had enough to drink in order to hear this tale. I'd be willing to bet, there is not enough rum in this whole town for me to listen to your story."

"No Jack, you have to here it and I would prefer it, if you were sober." Will put my empty glass down on the table next to his and eyed the bottle I held in my hand. "On that night Jem had entered yours and her room to get her sword. She saw a dark figure leaning over Pearl's crib. At first, she thought it was you and thinking nothing of it she retrieved her sword and started to leave, until she realized she had seen you on deck giving orders and fighting off Captain Crow and his band of buccaneers. She said she looked up and the form hesitated, but only slightly, then spoke. The voice was deep and hoarse, she figured with all your shouting your voice had taken on a different timber. She told me that when you spoke to her you used her name. You claimed you were there to protect your daughter from the attacking Pirates and you wanted her to go back up on deck to fight with the rest of us. You informed her she was the best swordsman on the ship besides me and if we were going to win the battle she would have to fight with everything she had. You see Jack, she wrote me a letter."

Will pulled a parchment out of his waistcoat pocket. "Jack, she professes you told her. 'Don't worry Jem; I will take care of her. I will make sure no harm comes to our Pearl. I will take her to Elizabeth so she and Kat can watch over her.' This put her mind at ease and she left as you had asked her too."

Will handed the letter over to me.

"Jack, when the battle was over and the casualties were being tended too we were all so relieved that The Black Pearl was still floating and the enemy had fled. I recall you were yelling out orders to mend the mast and to put the flames out that were engulfing the sails. Elizabeth and Kat had taken refuge in my cabin and Jem, Charlie, Gibbs and myself had taken some brutal slashes in which Cotton had to stitch. The rest of the crew was tending to their wounds or to the injured ship. It was a horrible night for everyone."

I looked at Jem's handwriting and then folded the letter. "Yes Will I remember, I was there."

"When Jem asked Elizabeth how Pearl was doing and Elizabeth had no idea what she was talking about Jem realized her fatal mistake. You see she blames herself Jack. Jem knows how much you loved Pearl. She truly thought you were taking care of her. But now you must know the truth, your daughter did not die in her sleep. She died because somebody smothered her. Somebody intentionally killed yours and Jem's daughter and Jem says she knows who did it, but she must bet the evidence. You see this person left a calling card and Jem has it. She has not told me what it is or how she knows who did it. She has asked me to help her track down the murderer and to help her get revenge. I know you thought Jem was rather cold and nonchalant when you buried your little daughter at sea, but no, she was hurting as much as you Jack if not more. Don't fool yourself that she is over it. She loved Pearl as much as you did."

Will pulled the bottle from my hand, placing it on the table as I sat there in a complete daze.

"Now what you don't know is that she also loves you with all her heart and she became very concerned about your mental health. Face it Jack, you have been slightly scrambled and Jem felt you would actually go mad. She did not want to reveal the truth to you. She felt it would be easier on you if you thought your precious Pearl had just died in her sleep."

I looked at Will in disbelief. "You mean to tell me Pearl, MY PEARL, was murdered and Jem has been keeping this from me for months." I immediately reclaimed the rum, drained the bottle and threw it across the room. "Tell me Mister Turner, why have you decided to enlighten me now? Why not let me live in Jem's fantasy world? How do you know I won't go mad?"

Will narrowed his eyes and talked low and slow. "Jack, Jem is going to go after the perpetrator and she will need help. I will need help. If you love Jem the way you proclaim you will not tell her you know the truth. When she feels it is the opportune moment for you to know, I know she will tell you." Will looked into my eyes and I was hoping he could not tell I was holding back tears of sorrow and rage.

"Oh so now you can speak for Jem, you know she will eventually tell me. HA! When hell freezes over mate. Have you told Elizabeth any of this? You know if she hears any of this she will demand that Kat never set sail with me again. It is one thing to have a child die in its sleep, it is another to have one murdered."

"No Jack, I have not said a word to Elizabeth, but you do have to watch over Kat. There is nothing to prove that she is safe. Perhaps she should stay here with Elizabeth and Bill."

I shook my head and lowered my eyes on him. "Never, Kat will be sailing with me."

"Jack." Will continued. " I will make a deal with you. If you help Jem and ask Kat to stay here to help Elizabeth, I will sail with you and find out where Barbossa's body is buried. Kat can ride her horse, she can learn to read and she needs to spend time with her mother. Once, we find out who killed Pearl, then you and she can sail off into the sunset. Do we have an accord?"

Will extended his hand and waited for mine. I was hesitant and still taken aback by all the information I had just received. My daughter was murdered…murdered on my ship…murdered in my room…the same room in which she was born. I lowered my eyes to the table and then I raised them to meet Will's.

"Aye, we have an accord Mister Turner." I took his hand and we shook. "I wish to be the one who puts the bullet threw my daughters assassin, and I don't want to lose another daughter just because of me pride. You see Will, I did not see Elizabeth when she was carrying Kat, I did not put up with her mood swings and watch her grow as the baby grew inside her. I was not there when Kat was born, but I was there for Pearl. I experienced it all with Jem. Yes, Jem and I were happy. She knew how much a wanted a child. Not just any child our child. Don't get me wrong Will, I love Kat with all my heart, but Pearl was Jem's and mine. Now you tell me somebody took her away from us. She would have been two today. It was just two years ago, I cut her umbilical cord and she took her first breath, now I find out someone took that away. Yes Will, I shall keep my lips sealed and I promise you I will not go off the deep end and….sink."

I waved to Greta. "Girl bring me another bottle, ya better make it two."

Will rolled his chocolate brown eyes up to the ceiling and ran his fingers through his wavy locks. Placing his head down on the table he moaned. "Why? Why do I feel I have just made the biggest mistake of my life?"

A/N This is a sequel to Aye Show Me The Horizon. For those who have read it this story starts approximately five years later. Many of the characters are back and new ones will be introduced. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you have and you have not read my previous story you will perhaps enjoy that too. Please Read, Review and Enjoy.