PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

PROLOGUE

For three days, a young 20-year-old woman had lived in the streets of this small, port town.

For three days, she had clothed herself in weathered and worn rags in an attempt to hide herself amongst the townspeople. Although the blade's edge was dull and nicked, the cutlass strapped to her waist stopped anyone from approaching or taking advantage of the young woman. Her days were spent scavenging for food while her nights were spent trying to locate a well enough shelter on the street to rest.

Her past was a mystery to the local citizens, no one knew who she was or where she came from. She was just some mysterious beggar woman who turned up upon the port, shockingly well trained in swordplay as on her first night, she publicly defended herself against some drunk sailors. What was known from the small talk she would make was that she had spent the past two years searching, she wouldn't say what for, and yet has decided to stay put. This town was on the brink of prospering, she could tell, and she wanted to be there when they started making money. This money could aid her in whatever plan it was she was cooking up in her mind, to find whatever it was she was searching for.

News spread around that the new Governor of this port was looking for some extra help around his estate, the mansion that sat at the highest point of the town. On her fourth day, she made herself as presentable as possible. The woman had gathered some clothes through some less than noble methods, it was a faded brown skirt, an off white shirt, and a tan bodice to be laced in the front. She had cleaned herself in an isolated cove on the island, making sure to tie back her long, wavy black hair out of her eyes so that she could present herself nicely to the Governor. By midday, she was walking towards the Governor's mansion. It was a tiring walk, but it was nothing she couldn't handle with ease.

"Welcome, may I ask what your business is here?" Asked the man who opened the entrance door. He stood composed, with a powdered wig and an olive colored coat and matching trousers.

"I'm here to inquire about a position in the Governor's household." The man seemed to contemplate this for a moment, his expression changing to a look of surprise for a mere moment, before smoothly gesturing for her to enter the noble home.

"This way, please."

The woman took but a moment to marvel at the immaculate architecture of the mansion's main hall before she made to keep up with the man who led her through the building. Everything was so clean and well put together, some things made with colors and materials she had nearly forgotten existed. She was brought to a room in the west wing of the mansion. Inside, the left wall was filled with more than enough books for her to consider reading for the rest of her life, although she wasn't much of a well-learned reader anyway. Directly across from the door she entered through was a large, clear window, overlooking the town and bay. On her right was a desk, littered with papers, and a middle-aged man in a proper black wig sat behind it. Looking towards her and her escort, he smiled kindly, to which she was not used to receiving from people.

"Excuse me, Governor Swann, but this woman would like to ask for a job in the house if there is any available position."

"Thank you, Walter, I'll take it from here. Please, return to your duties."

The man bowed to the Governor, who stood up upon their entry, then towards her, and then he left while quietly closing the door behind him.

"Please, take a seat, miss." Governor Swann gestured towards one of the chairs before his desk. The seat was made from the same type of wood as the desk, upholstered in a soft, dark colored fabric. Without hesitation, she made her way and sat comfortably in the cushions. He sat down at the same time as her. "As you must know, I am Weatherby Swann, the King's Governor here, in Port Royal." He paused, allowing her a moment to introduce herself.

"Millicent G-" she mistakenly stumbled over her words. "Excuse me. Millicent Goodwin."

"Well, Miss Goodwin, what would you say your skills include?"

"I'm fair at cooking, sir. And cleaning, but I prefer to take care of the kitchen." She wanted to keep out the swordplay part of her skills, as it isn't proper.

"I suppose it would make sense to place you in there, then." He smiled. "And perhaps, you could help Estrella, one of our other maids, take care of my daughter, Elizabeth. So long as you are comfortable doing so."

"Whatever you would need me to do, sir, I gladly will do it."

"Very well." He grinned. "Starting this afternoon, you can start moving your things in to the staff quarters. I'll have Estrella show you to the room the two of you will share."

"Thank you so much, Governor. I greatly appreciate it." Millicent grinned nodding her head in thanks. She stood up once he did so she could leave to gather her remaining belongings she discretely left in the cove she bathed in earlier when he stopped her for a moment.

"Oh, and forgive me if this is too bold, but, might I ask what happened to your face?"

Millicent halted in her steps and gently ran a finger over the pale scar upon her left eyebrow. It led from her brow bone, around her eye, down her cheek.

"'Tis nothing, but from an accident in my youth."

"Very well." Governor Swann paused with a small smile. "Welcome to the estate."