Chapter 2: Elizabeth Swann and Friends' Farewell
Meanwhile, in Greater London, at a large mansion, a girl stood on a balcony, singing. She was a small, lovely girl and her hair was golden brown in bouncy ringlets. Her eyes were a light brown and brightened her rosy face. Elizabeth Swann was the name of this girl.
Elizabeth was the daughter of Weatherby and Emily Swann. Emily Swann died just a year after Elizabeth's birth. Weatherby was left to raise his daughter and since his wife did not give him any other children, Elizabeth became his treasure. He raised her to be a proper lady of her high class, but he would indulge her every now and again. He would let her read books about naval procedure and even pirate adventures. She would attend legal meetings with him as well. Swann also took it upon himself to find a suitable husband for his daughter, even though she was only twelve. He found such a husband in Lieutenant Norrington, a rigid, but respected officer in the Royal Navy.
Elizabeth would meet Norrington that very day. Her father received word that he had been appointed Governor of Port Royal, Jamaica by the King. That day, Elizabeth packed up and was ready to sail away to Jamaica. However, she wasn't quite happy about it.
"Father, England is our home. Why do we have to leave?" Elizabeth complained.
"Because the King asked me to be Governor and I can't be Governor of Jamaica from England, can't I?" Governor Swann told her.
"Does the King not control the Americas from Britain?" Elizabeth asked.
Swann smiled at his daughter's intelligence. "Yes, he does. I promise that Port Royal will be just like England."
Elizabeth brightened. "Will we meet any pirates?"
Swann's face wrinkled. "I think there's a chance, but I hope not."
"I think it'd be rather exciting to meet a pirate," Elizabeth said.
Swann gave an uneasy smile. "I'm sure it would be."
Later that day, Elizabeth and Weatherby boarded the H.M.S. Dauntless.
"The H.M.S. Dauntless is the pride of our Royal Navy," Weatherby told Elizabeth as they boarded, "It has more than fifty guns and a crew strong enough to make any pirate stop in his tracks."
"Really? Do you think we'll meet pirates on this trip?" Elizabeth asked excitedly.
Before Weatherby could speak, another man replied.
"We may, Miss Swann," said the sailor with brown hair and ice-blue eyes, "If we do, I shall assure you that they won't have the stomach to board my ship."
"Lieutenant Norrington," Weatherby greeted.
"Governor, always a pleasure to be at your service," Norrington replied.
"Elizabeth, this is Lieutenant James Norrington," Weatherby addressed, "He will be protecting Port Royal."
"From pirates?" Elizabeth asked.
"Anyone who dares to disturb the law, including pirates, Miss Swann," Norrington replied.
"How fascinating!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"It certainly is, Miss Swann," Norrington said with a smile.
"Elizabeth, why don't you run along now?" Weatherby suggested, not liking the conversation between his daughter and Norrington.
Elizabeth scampered off, leaving Norrington with Weatherby. "Your daughter is quite a spirited child, if it's not to boldly spoken."
"She reminds me of her mother. A fine woman, she'll be someday, don't you think?" Weatherby said.
"A very fine woman," Norrington agreed.
Elizabeth hopped up to the balcony and looked out into the fog. Soon, she would be on the sea, en route to meeting pirates. Elizabeth was ecstatic and she was happy to be going to Port Royal.
Softly, she began to sing: Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirate's life for me!
Meanwhile, another ship was preparing to make sail. The Princess, a cargo ship, was about to sail out to the Caribbean. Will and Guinevere stood at the docks before Will prepared to board.
"You'd be wise to write me every day and keep your promise," Guinevere warned Will, "I don't want to go daft waiting for you."
"There will be no need for that," Will reassured her, "I will find my father and come back to you right away. We'll be a family."
"If you say it, then it will come true," Guinevere declared.
"Precisely," Will replied.
Guinevere embraced Will as tight as she could. She couldn't help tears falling down her face, wetting her pale cheeks.
"It will be all right, Guin," Will comforted her, "I'll be back before you know it."
"We've never been apart," Guinevere sobbed, "I don't want to let you go."
"I don't either," Will told her, taking her hand, "but I must go so I can come back to you. I promised to return."
"What am I supposed to do without you?" Guinevere asked glumly.
"You speak as if you'll never see me again," Will told her, "Just because I'm not in front of you doesn't mean I'm not there. You can find me in here."
Will pointed to Guinevere's heart.
"That doesn't sound so bad," Guinevere said with a smile, "In fact, it sounds lovely coming from you."
Guinevere and Will shared one last tight hug before the horn sounded. Slowly, Will let his hand slip from Guinevere's and he boarded the vessel. Guinevere watched Will walk away from her for the first time in twelve years. She saw him turn back at her and smile. Her heart lifted, Guinevere beamed and waved. She kept her eye on Will until he faded from her sight. Then, she watched The Princess sail away and into the horizon. The tears she might have shed dried and she smiled as bright as the sun. She knew in her heart that she and Will would meet again.