Chapter One

It should have been the happiest day of their lives. They were to be married. Everything was carefully planned for nearly a year for this day. The invitations were sent and the guests arrived days ago. The food was prepared the past few days. The dress took months to sew and fit perfectly. The coat was the noblest attire that was made in Port Royal. The town had waited for this day ever since they found the governor had a daughter. Everything they went through to get here was washed away with the rainstorm that morning.

Now here they were. Elizabeth Swann and William Turner were locked in separate cells in the Port Royal prison on the eve of their wedding day. This was not what they had planned.

"Will," Elizabeth whispered, looking at the cell beside her at her fiancé.

"Aye," whispered Will, looking back at her.

Elizabeth smiled. "You look cold."

"I'm fine," said Will. He looked at his wrists, feeling the manacles weigh more and more on his wrists. "How are you?"

"I'm all right," said Elizabeth softly. "We could have been married by now, celebrating our marriage. I should be a Turner."

"You are already are," said Will.

"How much longer do you think we have to be here?" asked Elizabeth.

Will shrugged. "I don't know. All I know is I'm hungry. I was looking forward to eating tonight."

"You and your stomach," laughed Elizabeth.

"Well, why do you think I was always over for dinner? The food I ate was not nearly as good as the food you and your father eat," said Will.

"I thought you enjoyed coming over for dinner to see me," said Elizabeth.

"The food was half the reason," admitted Will.

Elizabeth laughed as she shook her head. She moved to the side of the cell. Her eyes fell on the manacles binding Will to the opposite end of his cell. She wanted to touch him so badly. Not even she could reach though to touch his warm skin. He was a cell away from her. Instead, she grasped the cell, rested her head on her arms, and stared at him.

"You're so…beautiful," whispered Will, staring at her.

"What do you think will happen tomorrow?" wondered Elizabeth.

"I don't know much about politics, but I'm pretty sure we'll be put on trial."

"What do you think's gonna happen to us?"

Will looked at her with a soft smile. "You'll get out of this. You're the Governor's daughter. They can't sentence you to death. You're noble and a Lady. The worst they can do is send you and your father back to England. Don't worry, you'll be fine."

"And you?" wondered Elizabeth, slowly looking into his eyes.

"I'm just a blacksmith, a common man. I'm worth nothing more in this world than those next to us."

"You're so much more."

"To you," noted Will. " Elizabeth, I'm just a person in the world. I have no title or real purpose to live. I'm just another criminal to them. No matter what you think, I will always be worth as much as a prisoner."

"What are saying?" wondered Elizabeth, her eyes growing afraid.

"I'm saying, whatever I'm condemned to, you will be free to live your life. Take that. Don't look back on the past. Let go of me if you have to. Love another. Return to England and start your own family. I was just your childhood love and no more. Elizabeth, promise me now, no matter what my fate is, that you will live and you will live well."

"Will stop talking like this. You're going to be fine."

"Elizabeth, just promise me that one small thing."

"I promise Will. You're trying to tell me something and I'm not going to let you."

"Why? You know what my fate will be. I know you do."

"I won't let that happen."

"You have no say in this matter. It's not our choice to make."

"It should be. You did what was right. Jack did nothing wrong."

"He was a pirate."

"And what was your crime?"

"Helping a pirate and friend escape a fate which he did not deserve."

"You have no true crime. They can't condemn you for that."

"They can and they will. I helped a prisoner escape his death and so I shall be punished rather than him."

"Then I will hang beside you."

"No, your father will get you out of this no matter what. I know him and he knows me enough to accept you fleeing the Caribbean. He knows I would rather hang alone than with you."

Tears poured from Elizabeth's face. She shook her head. She wasn't going to allow herself to believe this, yet she knew it was true. She saw it in Will's eyes. She saw that he knew his days were limited. Tomorrow would prove his point. She turned from him as he curled in his corner and appeared to try to get some sleep. She watched him, tears falling from her eyes. Her heart told her he was asleep. He always looked most beautiful when he was asleep. She choked on her tears seeing him with that same look on his face as he dangled from a rope. Not bearing to think of that thought, she buried her face in her arms. She wished she could wish this all away. It was just a dream. She would marry Will when she woke. He was not going to be hung the next day while she sailed back to England with her father, waiting for the sunset and Will's hanging to proceed. She would do all in her power to prevent his neck from ever becoming close to a rope. She promised him he was going to live and she promised herself that she was going to live with him.


She knew very well what was happening in Port Royal at that very moment. She was trapped on a ship bound for England. With that last kiss she knew it was good-bye forever. Will was condemned and she was pardoned because she had a title like he had told her the night before. She was defenseless without anywhere to go. Her Will was going to die at the end of a rope for a crime that was no true crime. His crime was doing what was right.

Tears would not cease from her eyes. She found no comfort, not even in the warmth of her father's arms. All she saw was tears that Will attempted to hide behind his eyes. As he was dragged from her, he finally struggled just to hold her one last time, his tears finally coming through his eyes. His last words were a simple good-bye and three words that she had never heard with so much heart. I love you.

Sunset. He was to be hung as soon as the sun dipped below the horizon. The red glow on the cliffs of the bay meant that it was approaching. Each moment the cliffs became less and less, though her heart was beside Will. She would never love again. Her love was about to die with Will. She turned to the horizon to see the sun halfway gone. It was impossible to turn from it until the sun was no more. Her own heart seemed to stop beating as she could almost feel Will's life leaving him as he accepted.

Everything about her life had ended. She no longer cared about love. She couldn't love. Her love was dying. He was dying for nothing. She would have given anything to be beside him. He didn't deserve to die alone. Her heart and soul were crying for something that she couldn't prevent. It was happening. She suddenly couldn't breathe as bells tolled, signaling one thing.

"WILL!" she screamed.

Elizabeth woke with a start. The morning sun lighted the stone. She whipped her head to the cell right of her.

Will was still sleeping in his corner, calm and content. He looked like a child. His chest slowly rose and fell with each gentle breath. He was still alive.

Elizabeth sighed as tears were brought to her eyes. She cried only for a moment. Approaching feet rushed to her.

"Father," she whispered.

"Are you all right my darling?" wondered Governor Swann as he knelt.

Elizabeth crawled to the edge of the cell to accept her father's hand against her cheek. His touch was warm and gentle.

"You're cold," noted Governor Swann.

"I'm all right, just a little hungry. Father, what is happening?" said Elizabeth.

"You and Will are to be put on trial today by command of Lord Beckett," said Governor Swann. "This is absurd. You should be married and happily. How could this have happened?"

"We helped a friend escape a fate he did not deserve," said Elizabeth.

"Here, I managed to bring you this," said Governor Swann, handing Elizabeth a piece of meat folded in a cloth.

Elizabeth took half of it, slowly eating. Her eyes never left Will. "What do you will happen to us?"

"I will not endure the sight of you walking to the gallows. I promise," said Governor Swann, taking her hand.

"And Will?" asked Elizabeth.

Governor Swann turned to Will. It was clear in his eyes as well what was to be the fate of Will Turner. "I fear he will not be as fortunate. I can only save one of you."

"Then don't save me at all," said Elizabeth.

"I will not watch you die Elizabeth," said Governor Swann. "The trial is to take place at ten. That's two hours from now. I would make the best of them with Will as much as you can. He may not live to see another dawn. I will do all I can to save the two of you."

He kissed his daughter's forehead before rushing out.

Elizabeth crawled back to the bars that separated hers and Will's cells. He was still fast asleep, probably dreaming of the wedding they should have had. She moved about most uncomfortably. The corset was making everything difficult. She had been in it for over a day. It was difficult to breathe before. After wearing it for as long as she did, her body ached and pleaded for freedom. The dress was beautiful, but she couldn't breathe.

"I would loosen it, but I can't get very far," said Will.

"I'll be fine. I've worn it this long. What's a few more hours?" noted Elizabeth.

"Now what?" asked Will.

"Father says that we're to be put on trial. It begins at ten, two hours from now."

Will nodded. He looked around in thought.

Whistling once again turned his attention. In the next to Elizabeth, the inmates were crowded around the bars. One of them held a bone.

"The dog is never going to move," Will told them obvious.

"Well, then you'll reach the gallows before us. It's worth a try to fight for life," one said.

"Not if you know there is no life left to live," said Will.

"Will, father is doing all he can to save both of us. He doesn't want you to die either," said Elizabeth.

Will forced a smile. "I know," he told her.

"Though, if I ever do see Jack Sparrow again I have a few things I would like to say," noted Elizabeth.

"As do I," agreed Will.

They spent an hour talking to each other, just talking about things like they normally did.

Rattling keys caused all to silence. Governor Swann and Mercer approached with two marines, one of them with keys in his hand. Will's cell was first unlocked then his wrists, but only to release him from the bars so he could not escape. Elizabeth was also shackled. They were led to a room that was stoned on all sides. A simple white dress was laid out as were a pair of boots, breeches, and a filthy tunic.

"You have ten minutes then are awaited at trial," said Mercer locking the door. He instructed a guard to stand watch.

"Do you mind? A Lady needs her privacy," said Elizabeth with eyes of power and a voice of nobility.

The guard reluctantly turned his back to them.

"Let me help you," said Will, unlacing the dress and assisting Elizabeth in removing the layers of cloths that weighed her down. When he was finished undoing her corset, he turned and gave her the privacy she had requested before.

"Will, you are my fiancé. It makes no matter to me if you see me," said Elizabeth.

"I would like to change as well," said Will, literally tearing the layers from him. It felt wonderful to wear all that he normally did. He was pulling his boots on just as the keys jangled and the door once again opened.

"Time to go," said Mercer with a smile that was pleasured for what was to come.

At least much more comfortable, Will and Elizabeth were brought into the courtroom. The entire town seemed to somehow pack into the small room. Will most of all felt the looks and sensed the longing of a hanging later that evening. Elizabeth kept her regal composure as she was brought before Judge Philips. Her and Will stood there, patient for the outcome of their fates.

"Be seated," announced Judge Philips. He turned his attention to Will and Elizabeth. "William Turner and Elizabeth Swann, you are on trial for assisting in the escape of a criminal convicted of piracy and sentenced to death. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty," replied Elizabeth. "We have done no true crime. We did not engage in piracy per sé."

"Not you Miss Swann. Mr. Turner did taste it however," said Cutler Beckett as he came down the aisle. He smiled at Will, looking at his throat.

"I did it to save Miss Swann from pirates," said Will.

"And doing so you became one," said Beckett.

"You have no proof," said Will.

"I have all the proof I need. You stole a ship from Port Royal, traveled to Tortuga is it, found a crew, traveled to a treasured island, fought on this island no less, your crew engaged battle with the Royal Navy in which heavy losses were suffered, freed a man, a pirate no less, from his fate, and expect you to have nothing against you. I do believe I have said enough, but I must add this," said Beckett. "Your father was indeed a pirate."

Will's eyes lit with wonder. "You knew my father?" he asked.

"For a time, until he left to engage in piracy. I caught him in the act. I caught him before you were born Mr. Turner. Your father received a mark that condemned his soul. You look like he did," said Beckett. He turned his attention to Judge Philips. "This man is also the son of a pirate. Pirate is in his blood. Not long ago he received clemency for his actions because of a daughter's love. That was a mistake."

"And Elizabeth, what did she do?" asked Will.

"Assisted you in Jack Sparrow's escape."

"How?" wondered Will.

"She was a distraction as you freed Jack from the gallows," said Beckett.

"My corset was too tight and I could not breathe," said Elizabeth.

"Then how is it, once the door dropped, you suddenly woke?" wondered Beckett.

Neither of them had anything to say. They looked at each other knowing odds were not in their favor at the moment.

Beckett shook his head. He presented the Judge with sheets of paper. "Here I have several signatures of officials in London that find these two guilty of treason against the Crown."

"It is not stated that assisting a pirate is a crime. Engaging in piracy is. We did no such thing," said Elizabeth.

"Miss Swann, you may be an influential woman on this island but I would remain quiet. Your odds do not look so well," said Beckett then continued. "These include members of the High Court and officials that have examined their case at the Execution Dock."

"These are valid signatures Miss Swann," noted Judge Philips looking over the documents. "You did commit treason against the Crown."

"I did what was right," said Elizabeth.

"And you Mr. Turner. What did you do?" asked Beckett.

"I helped a friend," said Will.

"There you have it. Only a pirate would save another pirate," said Beckett.

"Actually, a pirate would let another pirate die if it meant risking his own life," said Will.

"And he knows what a pirate would do," noted Beckett.

Will shut his eyes realizing that was a bad choice of words. Elizabeth always argued with words. If this was a battle with sword he would have married by now.

"Let me ask you this then. What is so terrible about piracy? If my history is correct, piracy began from Queen Elizabeth permitting Sir Francis Drake to raid Spanish ships. Then it was not a crime. What makes it a crime now?" asked Will. "Is it because now men go against the Crown not only with it?"

"There is no reason to go against the Crown and spill innocent blood," said Mercer.

"Let me tell you something else," said Will, finding his sword through words. "The Crown of England is imperfect. Piracy is to rebel against that Crown, to find a better living than the one the Crown offers. There is something wrong with the Crown. It is not the people who engage in piracy, it is the Crown. I knew a man once. His name was Joshamee Gibbs. He was a sailor for the Crown. He saw what the Crown did to people, people who were pleading to the Crown for help. These people died because they could not pay their taxes. They starved to death in the streets because they were driven from their homes. The Crown was supposed to protect them. This Gibbs saw that and had seen piracy. He became a pirate because life was fairer. The treasure was evenly split. Only one chance was given. As soon as that one chance was up, the crew had no need for that person. This Gibbs saw something better in piracy. He saw justice that the Crown spoke of but never showed."

"How dare you insult the Crown!" shouted Beckett.

"That is treason enough. To talk such things against the Crown deserves the penalty of death," said one, standing to prove his point.

The room exploded into agreements and nods.

"Will, you're not helping. Let me do the talking," said Elizabeth in Will's ear. "Though, that was rather impressive."

Will shrugged. "It just happened."

"Order. We shall have order," said Judge Philips. "What Mr. Turner speaks it true, but that is also the reason why piracy is treason."

Will rolled his eyes. He hated politics more than anything in the world, including the situation he was currently in.

"It seems you know more about piracy than you ever thought you did," said Beckett.

"Perhaps, or maybe I just saw something better," said Will. "What is it you despise of pirates so?"

"They are imperfect creatures in a world that should have this justice you speak of. They are the ones causing injustice. There are alternative forms to show disloyalty to the Crown," said Beckett.

"But none so prevailing as this," said Will.

"You test the rope Mr. Turner. Each moment it comes closer to your throat," said Beckett.

"Then let it come. I have nothing against me," said Will.

"You have said all that I need in this trial. The signatures have been signed, you have spoken, and so shall I," said Beckett. He turned to Judge Philips. "Your Honor, I believe you have seen all that you need to plead these two guilty of piracy."

"Indeed I have," said Judge Philips, looking at the two. "Shall we hear your plead Miss Swann."

"I am not guilty of any worth crime against the Crown. I have been loyal ever since I was a child. I am respectable, you know that, and I know right from wrong. Jack Sparrow's fate was wrong. I have no crime against me according to the Crown. I am not guilty of treason or engaging in piracy," said Elizabeth.

"And you Mr. Turner," said Judge Philips.

"I helped a friend live another day and no more. Piracy was not my crime. My crime was loving a Governor's daughter. I am guilty of nothing. Elizabeth and I are the victims in this matter. We have done nothing. She especially has done nothing wrong. She is a well-respected Lady. I am a servant to the Crown as much as you or Lord Beckett or anyone in this room. Had I not met Jack Sparrow I would not be here. Had someone else met Jack Sparrow, he would be in my place. I admit that Jack Sparrow is a good pirate but he is a damn good man. Pirates can be good people. Jack Sparrow is one of them. I am a good man. I have done nothing wrong. I've done what my heart told me and what I knew was right. If I am condemned to death, then I die with a clear conscience," said Will. Tears gently formed in his eyes, seeing his fate laid out before him.

Judge Philips nodded, thought in his eyes. "Will the jury reach a verdict."

"Your Honor, we must speak in private," said Mr. Carnes.

"This trial shall continue in one half hour's time," announced Judge Philips, rising.

Will and Elizabeth looked at each other. They were led to a bench where they sat just looking at each other. Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears.

"It'll be all right," Will told her, wiping the tears away.

Elizabeth nodded. "For me," she told him.

"Promise me again," said Will.

"I promise," said Elizabeth, taking his hand into her own.

Will pulled her head against his chest. He felt her trembling. Around, the people spoke. He ignored it all, but turned to look at their faces. His eyes met someone that was gazing at him. The man nodded nobly. Will looked at him. The man was older, wrinkled face, graying hair that had small accents of caramel, and a gentle look about him. His body was tanned well, like a sailor. He was nobly dressed, according to Will, but probably in casual wear.

Will turned back. He knew that man somewhere, long ago. He couldn't remember, though, he knew he had seen him before. Perhaps, his past was returning. He had seen many faces in his past, too many to remember anyone, but this one was different. This man was more familiar.

Will glanced again at this man to find he gave him a gentle smile. He noticed the tears forming in the man's eyes. Clearly the man knew him as well. Will waited for the jury to return, but as he did he couldn't help but to wonder where he had seen that man. He knew him. He knew he did.

"Will," said Elizabeth with urgency as the jury entered the room.

Judge Philips stood and waited for the room to silence.

Elizabeth and Will were brought before him

"Elizabeth Swann," began Judge Philips. "The jury has concluded, due to your past nature, capture, reputation, and noble title that you are to be pardoned and free of all charges that have been placed upon you including engaging in assistance of Jack's Sparrow's escape and treason against the Crown."

Elizabeth sighed in such deep relief.

Governor Swann raced from his seat as Elizabeth's hands were freed from her shackles. He took her tightly into her arms and held her as she cried for joy.

Will smiled, more relieved than both of them.

"William Turner," continued Judge Philips. "Your fate has not been so fortunate."

Elizabeth immediately tore from her father's arms.

Will's heart raced, as he barely had breath inside of him.

"William Turner," said Judge Philips. "The jury has concluded that you indeed did take part in the act of piracy, robbing, looting, and high treason against the Crown. Your plea was insufficient and the evidence profoundly against so. As such, against these charges of the Crown, you shall be condemned to death by hanging on eve of this afternoon. May God pity your soul and accept your forgiveness."

Will's body shook. He struggled to hide the tears behind his eyes. He shut his eyes and bowed his head with a heavy sigh. What more could he do?

"No!" cried Elizabeth. "You can't do this. He's innocent. He didn't do anything. No!"

"Justice. You shall have it Mr. Turner, at sunset," said Beckett.

Elizabeth clung to Will's body. "I won't let them Will. I won't let you die," she promised.

"Elizabeth, there is nothing you can do," said Governor Swann quietly.

Elizabeth shook her head as she buried her face into Will's chest. She cried and sobbed her heart into him.

Will stood there silently. He knew this was his fate. He knew it the moment Beckett came. There was nothing he could do. The life he had was destined to end at that evening.

"I told you you would be all right Elizabeth," said Will, before burying his face into her soft hair.

"William Turner shall receive his justice as the sun sets on this very eve," said Judge Philips.

"You cannot do this," said a man as he stood.

"I have the power and the evidence shows otherwise," said Judge Philips.

"And you are?" asked Beckett.

"Richard Seastone, Lord of England," said the man as he came down the aisle.

Eyes widened.

Will's head shot up at that name. His face went to sudden wonder as his mouth slowly dropped.

"My Lord, what are you doing here?" asked Beckett in wonder.

Richard Seastone stood in front of Will. He looked at Will then the judge. "William Turner is my grandson," he announced.

Every mouth in the room, including Cutler Beckett's dropped, as such a silence was never heard before.

"As is he my nephew," said Alexander Seastone.

"There's two of you," noted Beckett, having the feeling that Turner's justice was to be relieved.

"Of course. We received invitations that the daughter of an old and long family friend of ours was marrying William Turner," said Alexander. "I knew my sister's son well and there was only one Turner that headed for the Caribbean long ago."

"Oh, William," said Richard as he pulled Will into his arms. He held him close. Will shut his eyes, his mouth widening into a smile. Richard pushed Will away to look at him. "Child, you've grown beautifully. You look so like your father with your mother's eyes and ears."

Will smiled even wider. More tears came from his eyes.

Richard wiped them away with his thumb. "Release him," he ordered, noticing the shackles on Will's wrists.

"My Lord, with all respect, this man is a criminal," said Mercer, Beckett standing quietly beside him unable to turn from Will.

"What is he charged with? What is his true crime?" asked Richard. "He did not commit treason against the Crown. In fact, he should be rewarded in the rescue of a governor's daughter, the capture of a notorious pirate, and having to endure with this. Nowhere is it stated that assisting a pirate is a crime. Yes it is frowned upon in our world, but it is not a true crime against the Crown. Therefore, as such, William Turner is innocent of all charges as the charges were not true."

Mercer took the documents from Beckett whose eyes gazed at Will. "Here I have several names charging Mr. Turner guilty. Did you not listen to this trial? Enough evidence shows him guilty."

"Miss Swann was released of all charges due to her nobility," said Richard. "You see, he is the last pure blood of the Seastone line. He is Lord William Alexander Jonathan Seastone or Turner if he prefers. He has the noblest blood on this island after my son and myself. He was born a Lord and raised as a noble. I find him innocent of this crime."

"How is it you knew of this in England?" asked Beckett.

"I am a member of the Royal Court. The name William Turner reached me. Indeed, I discovered it was my own grandson that had left years ago after the sudden death of his mother."

"Evidence shows he is guilty. You have nothing to the contrary, but a title and bloodline," said Mercer, determined to have a hanging.

Richard drew a deep breath as the presented the judge with four thick, leather bound letters.

Judge Philips took each one. He read them, his eyes widening. "These are personal pardons from the King of England for William Turner, Elizabeth Swann, James Norrington, and Jack Sparrow. They are signed by his Majesty."

Mercer took each one. He read them then looked at the bindings. "This is impossible."

"It seems that the charges placed upon William Turner are dropped and he is no longer condemned to death," said Judge Philips.

"You can't do that. This man is a criminal against the Crown," said Mercer, pointing at Will.

"I am sorry Lord Beckett. His Majesty seems to believe that Mr. Turner is innocent and requests that all charges against him are to be dropped," said Judge Philips. He stood to address the people. "By the decree of King George, all charges against William Turner and Elizabeth Swann are dropped and have received full pardons, including Letters of Marque which allow them to engage in free piracy for the Crown should they desire. Both are innocent and all charges are to be dropped." He turned to Governor Swann. "Now, should we expect a wedding soon?"

"Of course," replied Governor Swann after a moment of shock.

"It shall truly be wonderful," said Judge Philips.

Elizabeth threw her arms around Will as he did the same to her. "We're free Will. You're going to live. It's going to be all right now. Everything is going to be all right."

"I know," said Will. "It's all right now. We're free."

They stood in the middle of the courtroom, holding each other in relief. The nightmare was over. They were going to be all right. Everything was going to be all right now.

"William," said Richard. "We need to return to the manor. There is a great deal we must discuss."

Will threw his arms around his grandfather. "Thank you."

"I never gave up on you Will. Never," said Richard, rubbing Will's back. "Come now. You need to eat and rest."

Will nodded as he pulled away. He looked at his uncle, seeing his mother. "You look like mum," he noted.

"She was my little twin sister Will," reminded Alexander. "Come here. I haven't seen you in years." He pulled Will against his body for a moment.

"What are we still doing here? I want my daughter to be cleaned, fed, and comfortable," said Governor Swann.

"I agree," said Richard. "My William seems as though he could use a bit of cleaning up."

Will looked at his filthy hands and tunic. He nodded having to agree. Curious, he glanced behind him.

Mercer glared back at him.

Beckett tore the documents convicting Will guilty

Will smirked as he turned his head.