Chapter 2

I'm drinking tea, as always, and watching at the preparations for the battle. But I can't concentrate on all these ships, troops. All last day and this morning seem to me like a bad-acted play, which I have to see. First that talk with Turner and later Jones, whom (or which?) I despise; then "Helena"…I even can't explain to myself if she was a real person, but sometimes I feel somebody watching me. Beckett, what's that? Soon you can turn into a paranoiac and will end your days in a mental hospital. But I've given an order to check up on Turner this morning, maybe "Helena" was his ally or something like that. But I don't think we'll even have a battle, pirates are not idiots to risk their lives, and maybe we'll just waste our time trying to lure them out. Nevertheless, I'm not going to tolerate these bandits, I'm the most powerful person in the Caribbean now, so it's my personal cause in destruction of all these cowards. I hope Sparrow won't do any harm, it's rather difficult to trust him after we "co-operated" some years before. And that Turner…He's going here, I'll try to show a bit of politeness, while he's not an enemy of mine.

"O, Turner! Maybe a cup of tea? Don't worry, it's not poisoned…before we're allies" – of course, the last thing I said softly, no matter to frighten him before I'll deal with all his gang. Don't worry, Will; he that was born to be hanged shall never be drowned.

He just grinned, but took a seat next to me and drank a cup of tea without sugar.

"Too sweet life, Mr. Turner? Or too sweet future with your fiancée?"

"Lord Beckett, my future is none of your concern; either it's sweet or full of hardships. But don't forget your promise, nevertheless"

This youth is teaching me, heh. Don't worry, Turner, I promised you to ensure your and Swann's future, and I'll keep my promise. There are enough gallows for everybody.

"You have rather great appetite, but as we've discussed, you both won't be executed"

We all understand that pirates would like to have a parley, but maybe they still don't know about the Armada situated not far from them. So, I'm walking to and fro, and unfortunately, with rather dark thoughts. I'm not a milksop or a dreamer, but only Helena is on my mind now. It's not because of the few hours we spent together, it's something more…It's not just instinct; it's something I've never felt before. It wasn't an intrigue or fleeting acquaintance, for me it's more importaint. Maybe because of its strange mystery. Beckett, you're a powerful person, but reason like a boy in love with cook's daughter! Even if it wasn't a dream, forget about her! When can you meet her again? In the past-life? Or are you going to share the same grave with her? No, no, forget about the last thing, you can evoke evil by making evil prophecies, though you don't believe in such signs. But if you deal with such creature like Jones, you can believe in everything. By the way, how can Jones take part in parley, if he must stay on the board for 10 years? Or will he have some basin with water? Ha-ha-ha, you begin to joke, Beckett, that's nice. Gloomy captain doesn't suit for an Armada.

Parley, as I expected. Stupid gang of pirates didn't predict the battle against Armada. And when did they last think a bit about their actions? Did they expect to fight against few fishing-boats? I hope they will be more compliant, as it'll save the lives to some of them and our time. So, it's time for the "delegations" to meet.

O, I see that Sparrow going with some pirate "lords". I have an unpleasant "surprise" for him. But Jones will explain it better to him. Who's that? Elizabeth Swann? Another "noble pirate"? Barbossa, I've heard enough about his "adventures". So, let's begin. It'll be better to end it as soon as possible.

"So, you can either surrender-and most of you will be killed- or you can fight, but everybody will die in this battle. Of course, you're interested, who's a betrayer. If you want to see him- turn to the left."

Well, they're rather disappointed by Sparrow's betrayal. Turner decided to make an exchange-he'll be with pirates, and Sparrow will be taken to Jones. I see he's learning to be a man at once.

But this Swann, "the Queen of Pirates" is really too brave.

"We'll fight till' the end and you'll die in this battle, Beckett!"

Oh, dear, don't be so naïve. But I always keep my word of honour.

"Let it be"

"An enemy decided to be destroyed. Prepare the fleet. And tell Jones not to spare anybody, it'll please him" – I gave orders and prepare to watch the battle, sure, Jones will do his best, nobody can defeat "Flying Dutchman"

What's that? Isn't this maelstrom that power Helena told me about? Oh, again Helena. Beckett, it's not the best time to solve your personal problems! Just wait when Jones will defeat "Black Pearl", and this strange maelstrom will disappear.

I thought it'll never end. It's time to sink "Black Pearl" for ever. "Endeavour" is coming closer to this beaten ship. Ah, Jones, at last!

Wh-hat?

I'm standing shocked, I can't believe, no…of course, it's "Flying Dutchman"…and Turner is helmsman…

"Sir, command! Do something, sir!" – It sounds like from afar. It doesn't matter now, we'll die or are dead already, and I can't understand it.

"It's just…good business"

I see people escaping, I hear crashes, splashes. It's nothing, maybe it's just a nightmare…

"No, Cutler, jump overboard! Escape, dear! Please, for me, for us! We'll live far from this hell, just escape!" – I hardly heard these words, but…Helena! You're real, honey! I wanted to turn around, but…

"Cutler, jump overboard, quickly! I won't leave you the…"

Another crash-and I heard the sweetest voice screaming in agony. Gold necklace fell near my leg…I've recognized it-I had given it to Helena today at dawn…

I'm going downstairs slowly, closer to death. Nothing else matters, I've lost everything- ship, wealth, even my love. Maybe it's time to believe in signs- "we'll share the same grave…", "let it be…"

I see death coming closer and closer, maybe the next crash will be mine…

It's just good business.