Walking into The Faithful Bride, I can all but stand there and look around from one end of the main hall to the other. If ever I thought mum's tavern was bad there was no holding a candle to what this tavern could cough-up and spit out at you. Being that I'm supposed to be under cover as a cabin boy, it stood-to-chance a bit difficult not to just stand where I was and stare into the happenings unfolding before me.
Pirates were everywhere! Whores abundant and none the shortage of.
Again I thought to myself: What am I getting myself into? But mum sorta sent me on this 'Fools Errand'-as it were, and I wasn't about to let her down. Just looking from where I was standing paces from the entrance into the enclave of a booth nearly hidden from the entrance a handful of pirates sat with whores sitting on there laps nearly begging to have conjugal relations with them right there. Licking and lapping there faces and hands at the men; all manner of whisperings and cooing's into ears, the pirates slapping their rumps and caressing their bodice corsets and shoving their faces into cleavage galore. All manner of drink and money being passed around, one to another, in the game of cards being played; the same at nearly every chair, table, crevice, or corner present in the damnable place.
Even the Barmaids saw relatively a fair amount of action-though they were not paid entertainment. Is that... a dog!-running away from assailants; with a ring of keys hanging from its jaws!? Bugger!-I've seen it all now!
Really someone of my age and innocence shouldn't have to be subject to such dealings but being as how I was raised and what my mother and I do for a living, it wasn't too terrible a shock beyond my belief. However, I've never been one to put it past another to prove me wrong in such respects. And in such respects as The Faithful Bride, I wasn't that far off from being proved wrong.
All things DEBAUCHERY is the name of the game!
As I see it, when it came to The Faithful Bride-it was a No-Holds-Bar sorta place!
It made me think; this is a place with not even 'Honor Amongst Thieves'-as it were.
Now I completely understood what Stubbs meant when he said a place not for faint-of-heart. A lass like me should walk out right now, run and never look back. But I came here for a purpose and by the 'Powers that Be' I'm not leaving till I find what I came for.
And if that meant I even had to secure employment here till I achieve my prize-than so be it!
I walk up to the bar and take a seat, cautiously surveying my path thru my peripheral as I go.
"Can I help ya Lad?" The Bar keep was looking at me rather suspiciously.
The 'keep' still looking at me audaciously with a raised left eyebrow crooks her head and follows my line of sight. I'd've acknowledged her when I first pulled up a seat, but my eye again caught the corner booth enclave with the gathered gaggle of pirates. Raucous behavior amongst the likes of all sitting around said table, save for one; sitting commandingly in his chair with right elbow on the table, arm up right, hand curled and fingers writhing over and around themselves. Then his hand fingers his mustache, goatee, and travels to his beard parted in two evenly lengthed braids. Face a placid blank page as he seems to be contemplating thoughts on a matter of which I'm certain is a perplexed one; as his eyes have narrowed to slits as sly and devilish as cats. Looking at him in his entirety, he if for certain the authority of the group he's associating with, sitting silent as a predator and probably as deadly as one too. Moving my gaze back to his face again and resting my eyes on his fixed stare-or glare rather-I can't help but to feel captivated by the chocolate-brown-onyx orbs. I stare mystified by the eyes this man, this pirate, possesses and I CANNOT tear from them, even though I wish too and though they do seem vaguely familiar.
In an instant-a moment even, as if he knows I'm caught lost in his brown diamond gems. His head tilts right ever so minusculey, his eyes gaze down his nose and connect with mine, his upper lip twitches up; an ever so slight smirk.
His eyes DO NOT leave mine though his fellow mate next to him attempts to regain his attentions.
To play his next hand no doubt!
The pirate's left eyebrow cocks up as his gaze veers to lift to appear he's looking down his nose. His sight braking finally, slow blinking right to his mates still drinking sizing up his comrades and then back to me once more his glare levels dead center, his lips in a predatory smile.
A chill runs down my spine and back up again; a warning.
This pirate is dangerous and he's letting me know it without saying a word.
"Lad, ya hear me son? What can I do ye fer?"
I avert my gaze quickly fearing I will be called out then and there turning back to the bar keep again.
"Wh-what?-Oh, sorry were you speaking to me Ma'am?"
"Well the'r be no other'n one hare fer me be speakin' too Lad." I look at her oddly.
Why does she keep calling me Lad? I look down to myself and kick my arse mentally cuz I'm dressed like a cabin boy still so know wonder she's calling me Lad. I'll have to reveal myself if I intend to secure work here-just not sure this is the person I should be revealin' to.
Stay under cover Jacquelyne-remember you can't be found out.
"Is the own'r 'rund Ma'am or shall's I wait for 'er or 'im te 'rrive?"
"Well now lad, ye tell me yer business with the owner n' I be glad te fech 'er fer ye."
"Me business with the owner be exactly that ma'am. I be only speaking with 'er if ye kindly will."
This seems to not sit too well with the bar keep. Me insisting on seeing the owner, but at this point I really have no choice. I have to find work and Stubbs said this is the only tavern worth the effort.
So this is where I'll stay.
And maybe find out a bit of information in the process.
"Well lad, let me get these 'ere drinks to that table in the corn'r n' I'll fetch the owner."
"Me gratitude ma'am. Tell me something, what's yer name?"
"Fannie-Mae Stokes lad. But everyone 'ere just calls me Mae. Ye can call me Mae too."
"Oh, thank ye, Mae. Can I ask ye 'noth'r something if ye don't mind me askin'?"
"Sure hun, ask away."
I look back over to the corner table where all those pirates are and sure enough the pirate I couldn't rip my eyes from still sits absorb in his own thoughts. And again as if he knows my eyes are upon him, his head shot up and his gaze locks with mine once again. The same predatory half smile -or- is it a smirk adorns his face; his brown onyx orbs searing into my soul.
Quickly I tear my eyes from him. Does he know I'm fascinated by the familiarity of what I see reflected in his gaze?
"Lad, are ye gonna ask me or still stare at customers?"
"Sorry Mae. I got distracted. Actually that be exactly what be me question,' pointing to the table in the corner hidden behind the Brides' doors I ask, 'who be those blokes over there in the corner?"
"Ah, them fellas? Why every one knows who they be. They be the captain and crew of The Black Pearl lad, didn' n' ye know that?"
"No Mae, I don't rightly say I did."
"Not a rabble lot ye want te be get' n' mixed ups with. No one mess's with that there crew and gets away with it. 'Specialy their Captain!"
"Oh, who's there Captain Mae?"
"Well lad, why not waltzy walk with me over there to deliver n' there drinks and ye can see fer yerself."
"Wells I s'pose so's Mae. But then I need be'n speak'n with said owner. If that be right by ye?"
"Sounds fine by me lad."
Walking across the tavern to the corner table half hidden in the shadows half lit up from tavern lights, we make our way over to the pirates. I stay slightly behind Mae as we approach.
"'ere ye are gents! Rum tankards all around." She starts to distribute the alchohol.
"Why thank ye kindly Mae. Ye always such a bonny lass."
"Yer charms don't work on me Captain. So's no use try'n."
"Well, one can only hope."
The captain's sights catch me standing on Miss Mae's starboard side. He seems to be one who misses nothing even when someone wants to be missed.
"Mae ye know it be rude not introducing folks; who be yer friend here?"
"Ah, Captain, this be. . . actually, I never did catch the lads name."
"Jas Miss Mae, they call me Jas." I reply to the bar keep avoiding the captains gaze on me once again.
The corner of my right eye catches a fight that's broke out between two opposing tables on the other side of the tavern's doors. I watch peripherally to what's happening hoping the pirates don't make their way in my direction while still keeping the rest of my attention on the pirates at hand.
My luck doesn't seem to pay out as the fight starts to escalate; escalate towards Mae's and mine direction. Oh, this could be bad. This could be very bad! All manner of roughens joining said fray from all about.
Still keeping my focus split, I continue to stand there. My hand ever so slightly edging towards the handle of my sword hung in its sheath caressing my left hip; something the captain also doesn't miss.
"They being 'who' young laddie?," the captain directs his full attention to me, 'and Jas be short for something else I do imagine. Am I right boy?" Go for the kill in a-round-about way don't you?
"Well gents, I've work te keep this place a float. Lad when yer done 'ere ye fin' me n' I tell ye who the owner be."
"Come now Mae, that's no way to treat the boy." A man with impressive mutton chops replies.
"Strangers nev'r do well n' these parts Mr. Gibbs, specially those searching fer things what ought not be searched fer. Gots te keep tha informatives on a knows-knows basis. If ye get me meaning Sir."
Mae walks away back to the drinks counter leaving me with this rabbled lot.
Mr Gibbs? Isn't that who-. . . My thought cut off, the captain once again garners my split attention.
"You've failed to answer me question boy. Speak up lad so we can here ye right n proper."
My hand still resting on my blade's handle, I barely make to open my mouth to answer the captain's question when suddenly my full attention directs to the brawl fight and two huge male bodies careening towards me. Quick as a flash I dance round-about said bodies, drawing my sword in one fluid motion, spinning on my toes minding my footwork, avoiding contact as best I can with other brawlers but nearly falling into a table that's been flung around again towards my direction. Kicking out my right leg in a backwards fashion the table connects dead center with my right foot effectively halting said table mid-air and falling to the ground with a loud thud flipping my sword to my left hand to tarry another sword thrown, dead center to my head, right at me outta my way and sending it stuck straight horizontal into the pillar right above the Captain's head; sword swaying side to side once it struck wood.
The Captain not moving an inch, slow blinks his eyes upwards at the swaying sword, raises his left eyebrow while what looks like his tongue protruding the left corner of his mouth out just stares. I swear a 'Huh!' from his mouth huffs an escape as well. His gaze drops to me and our eyes lock for the space of an instant. His brow still raised, his eyes narrow ever so slight.
Maybe in suspicion that I'm not what I appear to be. Oh well, no time for that now.
Not losing a beat I turn and jump over the table and try to make my way back to the drinks counter where Mae is rolling another body off of it. A man runs up on my right flank and I dodge his sword's thrust to my stomach and I block another blow away from my neck or head not sure which from another direction altogether. Flourishing my blade in a right old twirled fashion, while ducking my back and head my arms struck out behind me effectively switching my sword from hand-to-hand; learned from a Master Swordsman mother sent me to in Italy, raising my body upright I toss my sword straight up in the air from my left hand twirl about- face and catch it as it descends to my right hand and I drop to bended knee; sword tip pointed down floor side, I dodge out my two attackers as they collide into eachother above me falling to the ground in the process.
I raise my head to assess my advantage, back turned to the Captain, I start to rise. Nearly standing to cross over to the drinks counter only a handful of feet away from me-twenty at the most, I miss the shadowed figure to my right as he engages his advance and almost knocks my head near off my shoulders. What I didn't predict to happen is the figure whom appeared out of nowhere it seemed to flank my right side and lunge thrusts at the attacking pirate saving my head from connecting with metal in a most fatal manner.
In the process of being distracted by my savior-who is none other than said captain, an elbow from another person falling into me from God-knows-where knicks the side of my head hard enough to knock off my hat and loosen my hair bun under said hat atop my head allowing my raven black wavy tresses to fall to my waist like flowing silk in a light breeze.
"Bugger! That hurt you cross-grained cur! Watch your flailing appendages!" I shout over top the crowd to him gaining the pirates attention said elbow belongs to.
A scurvy looking brute at that too. He turns to my direction, I immediately raise my weapon.
Halting the pirate in his tracks at the tip of my sword touching his chest, I set my stance.
"Hasn't your mother ever taught you manners-Sir?!" My left brow raised, face blank, I glare.
Standing there his eyes rake me up and down for the space of a second before the corners of his mouth up-turn into a sadistic evil smile. He takes one step forward and I twitch my right wrist to an advance position, applying proper pressure and press the tip harder to the pirate's chest garnering a few drops of blood to stain his almost white shirt.
"Don't think you ought to continue, mate! Looks like yer on the losing end of the fight to me and a bit out numbered wouldn't ye say son?"
All of a sudden my left wrist is yanked forcefully back, but not enough to hurt me, and I'm twirled about behind the owner of the words just spoke.
"Now you wouldn't want to spoil a good time then now would you? Ye know it be finders keepers n' all tha' Captain."
"Is it now? Well then, why don't we do this; since ye found her I'll keep her and ye get to walk away no harm to come to ye. What say you Wilks, bloody fair deal don't ye think?"
Watching the battle of words go down I can't help but notice its dead silent in the tavern. All eyes on us; looking to see the outcome of these turn of events. I drag my gaze across to the drinks counter to look for Mae, but she isn't there so I return my attention to the pirate called 'Wilks'. My head from being elbowed is starting pound like mallet hitting an anvil and slightly blurring my vision, I stretch my eyes wide a bit and blink a few times to bring my focus centered.
It works for a minute; then I hear Wilks ask the Captain a question and I look up quickly.
"She be only a wench, ye protect 'er then, Captain?" Wilks spits the man's title venomously.
The Captain turns to me, looks me up and down eyes narrowing in the slight again, then turns back to the pirate Wilks. My eyes never leave the pirate who's leering at me suggestively. My glare a dead pan and full of furry and venom at his implication of me. My vision still hazy and my head still pounding, I start to sway in the Captain's death grip on my wrist.
It tightens more.
"I do now. Savvy!"
Seeing as Wilks has lost this battle to the Captain, he turns around to walk away. As if nothing just happened the tavern resumes its merriment now oblivious to what went on.
The Captain turns to me. His hold releases, I cringe ever so slightly. Hope he didn't catch that.
His eyes narrow.
Nope! He caught it. He really misses nothing! I think things just got worse.
"Now young missy, might ye want to answer some questions then? Best ye be as true about what ye say as possible. It's already evident ye not be a lad like before, and the skill with the blade ye exhibit; you just don't learn that from anyone just anywhere So out wiv it, lass!"
Silence.
I say nothing not sure whether I really can or if I do it will cause me more trouble.
"Among yer other tricks ye performed rather expertly if I say so meself, there's only one person alive whom I know who knows the knowing how to know that back flourish move thingy with the blade you perfectly executed.
Where did you learn that and by who? I'm also guessing yer name 'Jas' is it, is an acronym for the shortening of what ye presently go about calling yeself, Savvy!"
Looking at the Captain's eyes yet again, I can't help but feel they're familiar-really familiar. It's almost like I know them and the depths of profound knowledge and idiotic nothingness behind them. Whoa, where the hell did that come from?!
Again I attempt to answer the Captain as best I can; opening my mouth to give my reply, but the pounding in my head won't cease a bit.
It overwhelms me. So my mouth shut abruptly with no response.
I drop my sword within my grasp and it clatters to the ground instantly. My knees buckle.
The pressure pounding in my head, my sheer exhaustion from my voyage and the exertion of force applied in the tavern brawl has taken their toll on me.
I feel my self starting to lose consciousness and I begin to crumble to the floor. Instantly Smacking wood hard before arms can catch me; a huff of breath escapes me with only one word on my lips.
"Gibbs!"
"That's interesting. Very interesting. Gibbs you sure ye never met the lass before?"
The Captain of the Black Pearl sat in his chair behind his mahogany desk eyeing his first mate speculatively. Continuously running his thumb and forefinger up and down his mustache and goatee with his mouth partially agape.
"Aye, Capt'n I be positive. Never seen the young miss a day in my life. I can't rightly say'n how she be knowing ma name though."
"Well, I'm sure Mae can tend the lass till morning and maybe then we can get some answer from her."
"I reckon that be our best course of action too Sir."
"Good. Mae will know what to do with the lass come morning. I really would like to be knowing the knowabouts how said lassy knows about the knowings of a skilled blade; a Master wielder almost like meself, and the wheresabouts she knows the knowing it from. Savvy Gibbs?"
Gibbs just stares at his captain with a most confused look on his face about the ramblings uttered out of his captain's mouth.
Captain Jack Sparrow tends to run loose the rambling of words a might bit crazy like the longer he drinks and the later the night gets on.
Gibbs can really only chuckle underneath his breath at his captains going's-on-abouts.
"Aye, Capt'n. Best we wait till then."
"Aye."
Jack waves a hand dismissively in the air signaling Gibbs can leave. Without another word or look, Gibbs gets up and exits Jack's cabin.
His first mate gone to retire for the evening, leaves jack able to reevaluate the event of the evening. Going over and over the action in his head several times, Jack just can't get it out of his mind where a lass as young as her can demonstrate near perfect skill without massive mistakes ensuing and only a few small missteps in form. Leaving said lass vulnerable and defenseless.
Bugger! It just doesn't make any sense. Not one little speck of it!
"One thing's for sure, the young miss has genuine talent; she knows what she's doing. I'll give her that. Now just to figure where she got it from, and me worries are solved!"
Are ye sure 'bout that Jackie? The lass knew Gibbs's name.
"True."
And she possesses exceptional skill with a sword.
"Clearly."
Her eyes too, they did look awfully familiar. Don't ye think?
"I do think."
Those Lips she's got, ye've seen them somewhere before, for sure.
"Most Certainly, but where?"
Lastly her blade technique; and that flourish move, the one person alive-Angelica-who knows it.
"Apparently not the only one-as it may seem. It looks like there be another in the world who knows that move."
Are ye absolutely sure another besides Her does?
"Not likely. But all to be founded come sunrise, most assuredly."
"Are ye certain?"
"Oh shut it! Enough wasting me hard earned drinking time of a most delicious consumption uselessly. . . Rum!"
Without looking at his bottle he reaches for it and takes a swig yet sadly, the contents is empty. Sighing in great distress Jack gets up from his seat at his desk and makes off to go to bed muttering desperately as he saunters off to sleep.
"Why is the rum always gone?!"