Disclaimer: Little Will isn't mine...stinkers.
Child of Destiny
Flashes of color hurtled past in a dizzying array of light. Voices, both loud and quiet, too, assaulted the air.
"Good day…Elizabeth."
"…so when I meet a pirate, I can kill it!"
"I love you."
"It's right here, between you and Jack."
"You look beautiful."
"I think its bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."
"I imagine some of crew jumped ship there…"
"With good reason."
"Why didn't you tell me you were planning this?"
"It was my burden to bear."
"A touch of destiny…"
One picture formed clearly, unlike the others. A tall, handsome young man with dark hair and similarly dark eyes sprawled across a ship's deck. His was back arched in pain and a long elegant blade pierced his heart, his mouth open in a wordless cry of pain.
A young woman, golden tresses tumbling over her slim shoulders, careened forward, screaming a name, "Will!"
Anna Turner bolted out of bed, wheezing for cool air. Cold sweat stuck to her face like honey and she was trembling horribly. A quick glance at her husband, Bill, showed that he had not wakened. Relieved, she took a shuddering breath and ran her worn hands across her face.
She had not the heart to rouse him simply to tell him of a nightmare. He would merely laugh, kiss her temple, and tell her to go back to sleep. And she should laugh at herself for allowing such a petty thing to invade her peace of mind. Besides, he was only home for this one night. Then the Black Pearl would leave, for who knows how long. She had to let him be free of worry these few precious days.
Still on edge but not wanting to break her husband's slumber, she leaned back against the warm sheets, perfectly motionless.
Minutes passed, melding into hours and sleep eluded her.
So intent on blotting the odd dream from her mind, she did not hear the patter of feet until a little form wriggled past her and into the thick blankets.
There was a sniffle, a rustle as the form settled itself on the narrow bed. A moment later and all went quiet.
"Will?" she whispered softly to the small body nestled in between Bill and herself.
"Mum?" Two thin arms slid up around her neck and a damp face burrowed into her nightgown.
"Will, what's wrong?"
"I'm scared…"
"Did you have nightmare?"
Another sniffle, "yes."
"It's alright, Will. Papa and I are here. Nothing will happen to you." Anna pulled her child closer, slowly rocking back and forth, crooning comforting words, until the warm breathing on her collarbone regulated.
Pressing a tender kiss to the curly head, Anna's thoughts returned to the dream. Could it be a premonition of her son's life? The young man certainly looked familiar… Her arms tightened around his sleeping body.
Yet seconds later they loosened. If it was indeed his fate there was nothing she could do to stop it from happening.
Hot tears slid down her cheeks and disappeared into the deep brown locks of the youngster holding to her for comfort.
He was a child of destiny and destiny always took what was hers.
Fini