Moon Madness 2
Title: Moon Madness 2
Author: Smenzer
Rating: PG
Characters: Elizabeth, Will, James, Beckett, Governor Swann, Gillette & Groves
Pairing: Will/Elizabeth, James/Elizabeth
Genre: Humor with a supernatural twist, suspense
Teaser: Elizabeth wants Will to attend Lord Beckett's nighttime party with her but he can't due to his secret lycanthrope. What happens when the scent of roasting pig attracts him anyway?
Disclaimer. The characters are not mine. They belong to whoever owns the rights to POTC. This is just for fun.
"I don't think it's fair." Elizabeth stated, pouting, as she stood just outside the blacksmith shop Will worked in. She fanned herself nervously, wary of the darkness just beyond the open door. The forge had never bothered her before, not until two nights ago and that horrid thing had come after her from within the darkness. She still didn't know why the thing had been hiding there. The only thing she could think of was that Mr. Brown had carelessly left the door open while drunk and it had crawled in. Worst, the marines still hadn't caught it and she couldn't help wondering where it was at the moment. Thick jungle and endless fields of sugar cane surrounded Port Royal so it could be anywhere. The thought was not comforting.
"Elizabeth," Will said from where he stood in the doorway of the sweltering shop, sweat running down his brow. "I don't care about attending some party Lord Beckett is holding tonight. It'll be ... you know..."
Her eyes peered over Will's shoulder into the inky darkness. Although the forge wasn't as dark as it was that night, it was still relatively dim compared to the bright sunlight that surrounded her. A cherry red light glowed in the distance like a red ember, as Will had been busy working on an order when she had showed up. It reminded her of the creature's glowing eyes... She didn't know why it bothered her so much. She had survived undead pirates and cursed gold just fine. But then, the pirates had never tried to bite her. It was clear the predator had thought her a juicy snack. Snapping back to their conversation, she replied. "It'll be what?"
"I wouldn't fit in at Lord Beckett's party. They have all those rules..." Will admitted as he wiped at his dripping forehead. "Besides, I have to finish this order."
"But all you ever do is work all day and sometimes half the night! Wouldn't you like to go dancing and enjoy the fine food?" Elizabeth pleaded; hope glowing in her brown eyes as she gripped his dirty hands. "Word is that there's going to be a big feast and everyone is looking forward to it. As we're engaged I think it's only proper you attend with me, even if you weren't invited. It was an innocent mistake I'm sure..."
"And go where I'm not wanted? Elizabeth, I love you, but we come from two different worlds. You have to understand that." Will attempted to explain. "I wouldn't know the proper things to discuss with Lord Beckett and his other guests. We don't travel in the same circles or read the same books. In fact, I don't even own a book. He probably has a room full of them..."
"But I don't care about that!" Elizabeth insisted as she peered over her shoulder at the busy street. She couldn't help but notice the shadows the swaying palms cast on the muddy street or the way the sky looked a slightly dimmer shade of blue, some of the brightness gone. "I want you at the party tonight. I want us to dance together under the full moon. Just think how spectacular it will be!"
A wry smile crept over the blacksmith's face. "Are you sure you're still not jumping at shadows?"
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "No! Of course not!"
"I think that dog that everyone is talking about has you freaked." He stated as he pulled her close, hugging her. "I'm sure that thing is long gone. Besides, you have nothing to worry about. Your father, Commodore Norrington and a ton of other guests will be there. Do you really think some wild dog is going to go there, amid all of those noisy people?"
"It wasn't a dog!" Elizabeth repeated for what seemed the tenth time as she pressed her face against Will's shoulder, her hands wrapped around his waist tightly. She knew her father would frown on such signs of affection in public, but at the moment she didn't care. If she'd have a choice, she'd much prefer to stay home in the safety of her bedroom. Being chased by pirates was one thing, but an ugly predator was another. But as the Governor's daughter she had no choice and had to attend. To do otherwise would insult Lord Beckett and that wouldn't do, especially since he had just recently arrived in Jamaica. So she would put on a new gown with layers of lace and attend cheerfully, to glide among the guests with polite conversation. That was her father's idea anyway. She, of course, had another.
"You know I never saw it." Will reminded her. "But I don't know what else it could be. And I heard one of the marines describing it that way."
"Are you sure you won't come to the party with me? I'd feel better if you were there. It's going to be entirely outside. Can you believe that, having an outdoor party with that horrid thing roaming the streets freely?"
"You'll be fine." Will repeated as he pulled away. "And I do have that order to finish."
Elizabeth sighed. She knew Will did all the work himself, Mr. Brown being in a drunk stupor most of the time or passed out in some corner. Yet the older man took all the credit for Will's hard work and was in control of the coin as well! If she were going to be ready for the party, she'd have to leave soon. "Promise me you'll try to attend if you finish your work early so we can share at least one dance?"
"I'll try…." Will bent down and kissed her, his breath hot against her cheek. "But I can't make any promises."
Elizabeth watched him disappear back into the darkness of the smithy and headed for home.
000
"This is madness!" Elizabeth proclaimed loudly several hours later that night, her sharp words aimed at the cool and dignified man that stood before her in powdered wig, frock coat and ruffled white shirt. Lord Beckett may be stylish but he evidently lacked a brain! "There's some horrid beast on the loose and you're holding an outdoor party!"
"Miss Swann, please do refrain from using that word." Lord Beckett calmly replied as he picked up a sparkling crystal glass of brandy off a long table laden with food and drink, offering it to her. Upon her refusal, he sipped it himself. "It's bad for business. I would think you would be more sensible. It's not wise to start rumors and stir up trouble…"
"I didn't start any rumors!" Elizabeth replied hotly, dislike for the arrogant wealthy Lord filling her body. The very idea that he was suggesting she had made it all up, why, it was enough to make her scream! She wasn't one of those weak-brained females that swooned at the slightest hint of male chest or shrieked bloody murder because of a simple mouse. Yes, the thing had frightened her, but she had used that fear to stay alive. She had outrun it somehow and had gotten help from Fort Charles. But now he was carelessly putting countless lives in mortal peril by having this party outdoors! It was sheer foolishness and she didn't feel one bit guilty about telling him to his face. "Some horrid beast did chase me and it's still out there!"
"I'm afraid, Miss Swann, that I don't believe in werewolves." Lord Cutler Beckett stated calmly after another sip of his drink. "That is what the rumors are saying, you know. I have ways of hearing such things as the town's idle gossip. These wild tales of a bloodthirsty beast have deflected everyone's attention off the true story here; the fact that you were running about all night improperly dressed with an ex-fiancé while you're engaged to another man, a blacksmith no less. However, the townsfolk apparently do believe in this creature of yours so I was forced to hold this party to prove that no such creature exists. When no such creature maims anyone tonight they will forget their fears and go back to their merry little lives purchasing goods."
Anger flashed through her like dry tinder going up in flames and her brown eyes narrowed. Her beautiful gown of peach silk and white imported French lace seemed suddenly too tight, even though she wasn't wearing one of the cursed corsets. Black spots seemed to dance before her eyes for a moment and she realized she had forgotten to breath. It wouldn't do to strike her host. It would cause a terrible scene and all of Port Royal's gossipmongers were here. Besides, her father was angry enough about her sneaking out the other night and he had instructed her to be on her best ladylike behavior. And in truth, it had been partly her fault for sneaking out. She had known it was wrong and dangerous, yet she had done it anyway. Any lowlife could have cut her throat and left her body in an alley; that's the chance a young lady took when sneaking out alone onto the deserted streets. It could also leave her reputation in tattered ruins. But it had been so exciting sneaking about until that thing had appeared from the inky shadows… "I was not running about but fleeing for my life!"
"From a stray dog? Hardly life threatening…" He placed his empty glass down upon a silver platter and idly turned to survey the crowd around them. Elegantly dressed men in powder wigs and ladies in beautiful silk gowns strolled about the soft, perfectly trimmed expanse of lawn Beckett owned. Brightly lit lanterns on tall, stately iron posts lit the area around them, sending bright pools of amber gold down upon the partygoers. There was a paved area of flat stepping stones for dancing, the stones carefully laid and fitted together by color and shape; a backbreaking job that had taken countless hours laboring in the tropical sun. In the middle of this dance floor was the emblem of the East India Trading Company; the shapes and letters formed from black stones. Here and there a shrub broke the flat expanse of grass, the air was filled with the sweet scent from night blooming flowers that grew on them. There were carefully tended beds of flowers, lush tropical plants and swaying palm trees. Lord Beckett's yard was a masterpiece, even if he had just recently moved here from England. "I assure you, Miss Swann, you are perfectly safe here. There is a tall wall surrounding my estate and stray dogs cannot gain entrance. Why don't you go enjoy the party and forget about this so-called werewolf?"
Elizabeth breathed in the damp, sweet night air. The air always seemed so much richer at night, more alive somehow. Tilting her head back, she gazed up at the night sky. A thousand stars sparkled high above like diamonds on the blackest velvet. On the far horizon a golden glow started to creep upward, stealing some the star's glory. It was the moon starting its nightly climb into the heavens. She had never considered the possibility that the beast had been a werewolf. In fact, this was the first she had even heard about it. The thing had howled like a wolf; not that she had even heard a real wolf before but it was how she had imagined they would sound. If cursed pirates were real, what if other curses were real as well? She had always thought the moon romantic but to the person under its curse surely it would be a hated sight as the soft silvery moonlight forced them to change into a vicious animal…
"And what if it is a werewolf?" She demanded angrily, her brown eyes flashing with fire. "You've put all these people in danger!"
Lord Beckett sighed, rubbing at his temple. "Go dance with Commodore Norrington, please. He'd be thrilled to see you no doubt."
000
In the smithy the forge fires had burned low and were now just a weak glow, little more than red embers. A thin tendril of smoke rose from the dying flame and the sudden silence seemed strange after hours of steady hammering on red-hot metal. The donkey rolled its eye and stamped its hoofed feet nervously, the glob of odd paste on its nose only calming it partly. The moon was rising outside, slowly climbing up above the treetops and although it wasn't visible yet in this part of town, certain individuals could still feel its effect. One such person huddled in the darkest recess of the smithy now as he quickly discarded his clothing in preparation for the coming change.
He hadn't meant to scare Elizabeth the other night. In fact, he had been telling her he loved her. It wasn't his fault if she didn't understand his howled words in wolf speak…
He hadn't planned on chasing her, either. But the sight of his beloved was more than he could stand. She was just so beautiful and her scent had filled his sensitive nostrils. Then when she had started running, well, his chase instinct had kicked in. It had been great fun, the most fun he had had in a long time. Why, he even got the chance to run over Commodore Norrington! Best of all the navy man had no idea it had been him. Later, when he was back to himself, he just acted his usual stupid self and pretended he had just woken up. As fun as it was, Will knew he mustn't do it again. Running around like that was incredibly dangerous. There were already rumors flying around town about a werewolf; who had started them he didn't know but he certainly didn't want to get caught.
The moon rose slightly higher in the sky, the silvery light falling through the narrow gaps of the smithy's roof and walls. The building was badly built and had been thrown together too quickly upon their arrival in Port Royal all those years ago. Not that he had been changing all these years, just the last few. He had known it was coming, though, so he had been waiting for it. It had been easy to slink out in the wee hours when the town lay silent and still, all the residents fast asleep. Usually he caught a few wild rodents in the nearby fields or jungle, gobbling them down quickly. Their protein helped supplement the sorry excuse for a meal Mr. Brown provided for his hours upon hours of hard physical labor. Now the light fell on him again and he welcomed the change, his bones and muscles quickly flowing into a new arrangement. His jaw lengthened into a snout, his ears grew into pointed flaps of upright skin and dark fur started to sprout all over his body. His arms and legs grew longer as did each foot until he was standing more or less on his toes. The urge to howl loudly sprung up in him but he quickly crushed it down. His carelessness the other night had people on guard and the last thing he wanted to do was to alert them to his presence.
Slinking past the frightened donkey, Will shoved the door open partly and squeezed through the narrow gap. The town lay silent around him, the dirt streets deserted in this area. Keeping to the darkest of shadows, Will followed his usual path out towards the fields. The half-promise he had made to Elizabeth nipped at his mind like a biting flea. He had finished his work and he supposed the party was still going, but he could hardly attend looking like this! No, he would just frighten and upset her. And he felt bad enough for scaring her the other night, but he hadn't expected her to show up, either.
His stomach growled loudly, the simple fare of bread, a hunk of cheese and a few pieces of fruit hardly filling his stomach after toiling all day and evening. Mr. Brown liked his drink and lately he spent more coin on it than on food for his grown apprentice. What had filled a boy years ago didn't fill a man today. His large paws padded silently on the warm earth, his claws gripping the ground lightly as he loped along quickly in a strange two-legged, sometimes four-legged gate.
The breeze shifted suddenly, causing Will to freeze in his tracks. The most delicious scent ever was floating along on the air currents and his mouth started to fill with saliva. Stomach rumbling, he quickly changed course. He could eat rodents any time, but this was too tempting a treat to pass up.
Someone, somewhere, was roasting a pig…
000
Elizabeth stood silently for a moment watching the pig cook on the metal spit above the fire pit. It was supposed to be impressive; she knew that, but it was hard to be impressed when you were convinced some awful creature would leap on you from the nearest shadowy place. And there were shadowy places everywhere. The lanterns' glow of golden light was limited. Sure, there were dozens upon dozens of lanterns all over the place, but there were still large gaps of deep shadow here and there. And although Lord Beckett had boasted of his wall, in truth it wasn't that tall. The thing that had chased her had possessed long legs and if it had truly been a real werewolf…
Would a mere wall keep a werewolf out?
The idea was laughable. It could probably go right through the wall if it wanted to…
The thing is, she knew very little about the supernatural or werewolves, having been more interested in pirates most of her life. Unfortunately, the supernatural certainly seemed interested in her lately. First there had been the cursed Aztec coins with the undead pirates and now for some unknown reason she had attracted the attention of a roaming werewolf! For that description fit the horrid beast perfectly. What else could be so ugly with glowing golden eyes? Elizabeth idly watched Beckett's servants turning the giant spit that the pig was attached to, bits of sizzling oil and fat dripping into the roaring fire. A cloud of cooking smoke rose high into the night sky, the smell of roasting meat filling the damp night air. It was delicious to say the least and she was famished, having eaten very little earlier in the day in anticipation of the feast. But as the time for the party grew closer and closer, she had grown more nervous due to the fact it would be outdoors.
Feeling weak from hunger and the heat from the blazing fire, she moved towards the long tables that held a wide assortment of food. The tables were draped in the finest white linens that reached all the way to the ground, a soft breeze blowing the fabric outward against her long dress. Bright candelabra in silver holders threw soft light onto decanters of various expensive wine and brandy, sparkling crystal glasses standing ready. There were giant silver platters of roasted chickens, fresh pies, pastries, sliced cheese, fresh fruits, bread, bowls of mixed nuts and a wide assortment of beautifully decorated cakes. There were even the rich dairy cakes that she secretly loved but dare not eat very much of less she be unable to fit into her gowns. She was sure Will would have loved this feast, for he never had tasted many of the things here. She knew for a fact he had never ever even seen a cheesecake for he had looked at her blankly when she had mentioned having a sliver of one several months ago. With the tropical heat, though, they didn't keep very well so the cooks hardly ever made them. Choosing a pastry, she placed it on an empty plate and nibbled on it neatly.
"Elizabeth, there you are!" Her father called as he approached her at the long table. Governor Swann was dressed in an elaborate frock coat with much embroidery and fancy golden buttons, his long-locked wig of authority and his favorite ostrich plume tricorn hat. "Have you filled the slots on your card yet?"
"No, not really…" She admitted as she took another bite of her fruit filled pastry. It was light and flaky, perfect really. The taste of the sweet fruit on her tongue was almost enough to make her forget about the creature that may be lurking out there in the darkness just beyond the reach of the lanterns. Dancing didn't seem all that interesting at the moment…
"Commodore Norrington is looking for you. I believe he'd like to dance with you a few times…" Governor Swann filled a glass with brandy and placed a large slice of fruitcake on his plate, then piled some pudding on the side while eyeing the mince pie. He hadn't really eaten anything all day; waiting for the special feast he knew Lord Beckett would have waiting for his guests. "After how you so rudely disturbed him the other night at an ungodly hour, I really think you ought to dance with him."
Elizabeth finished her pastry, resisting the urge to lick the last bits of sweet from her fingers. It wasn't ladylike and she never did it before, not until she started to know Will much better. Being a commoner, he saw nothing wrong with such behavior; although he had turned pinkish the first time she caught him doing it. Still, her father wouldn't approve if he knew she was picking up bad habits from her new fiancé. Nor did she miss how he was once again trying to steer her towards the Commodore. "I guess I must, since Will wasn't invited."
"You can hardly expect Lord Beckett to invite a blacksmith to his party, Elizabeth! Surely you understand that." Her father replied as he picked up a fork for his fruitcake. The cake was thick and rich, filled with raisins, currants, and citrons; the outside covered in a hard layer of frosting.
Elizabeth frowned slightly, knowing Will was being ignored on purpose because of his lowly station. It wasn't fair. He had risked his life more than once to save her and he was a good man. A slight hope that he may still show up later bloomed in her heart, but it was very small. She knew it was unlikely that he'd come at all as he didn't feel comfortable among her peers. And they would likely resent his intrusion as well if he ever showed up. Still, if she couldn't be with Will tonight, then she'd stay with James. If anyone could protect her from a werewolf, surely it'll be the Commodore?
000
Will scampered quickly through the inky shadows, the tantalizing scent trail taking him far from his normal hunting grounds. The air became cleaner, the dirt roads marred with more carriage ruts than old footprints. There was far less litter lining the streets; even in the dark he could see that thanks to the layer of tapetum in his eyes. The houses he snuck past were silent; their huge bulks rising up into the star studded night sky and lit by moonlight. The scent grew stronger and he increased his speed, running on all fours now like his canine cousins. Soon he came upon a tall wall made of large stones. Sniffing about he knew that the roasting pig was just on the other side…
This must be where Lord Beckett is having his party…It would be suicide to go in there. The place was crowded with all the wealthy of Port Royal. Still, curiosity itched at his mind. He had never been invited to a party such as this and he most likely never would. He wasn't even sure if the Governor would allow him to marry Elizabeth.
Elizabeth…Even through the thick savory scent of roasting pork he could smell her scent, as he had memorized it the other night. Before he knew it, he was leaping upward and in a flash he was over the wall, his fleshy rear footpads landing on the soft grass silently. It was dark here in this narrow gap between the wall and the trees than grew along it. Will crouched down for a long moment unmoving, his belly pressed to the cool earth and waited to see if anyone had spotted his illegal entry. Voices floated to him on the breeze along with the first uncertain notes from a violin. When no shouts were raised, he stood and slowly pushed his way in between the lush plants and trees until he head was poking out. Off in the distance lights glowed like stationary fireflies, the voices slightly louder. A short distance away there was a flowerbed and Will raced towards it, hunkering down again. Traveling in this fashion he soon approached the crowd of wealthy people gathered under the light of dozens of lit lanterns, he himself safely hidden by the thick trunk of a tree. It was clear that no one knew he was there; everyone engaged in conversation in small groups or gathered near some long tables.
Food!Even from a distance the tantalizing odor of roasted chicken tickled his nose, causing saliva to run freely in his mouth. The long, white strands dripped out from between the gaps in his pointed teeth to pool on the grass in a sticky puddle, his stomach rumbling loudly. He could almost taste the cooked birds, the flesh juicy and tender; far better than the stringy rats he'd been eating lately. Standing up on his hind feet, front paws gripping the tree's rough bark with his long, razor sharp claws, Will could almost see the dark brown shapes on the long table. Each one seemed to be on a fancy plate with springs of green stuff around it. There were other things on the table, too. He remembered how Elizabeth had tried to convince him to attend the party with her, promising rich foods he'd never had before. She was there right now, talking to her father. She was, as always, beautiful but looked even more splendid in the soft silvery moonlight. A gentle warm breeze blew the long linen against her dress, bringing it to his attention. His heart thudded wildly at the sight of the snowy white tablecloth that reached all the way to the grass.
If I could sneak over there, I could eat under the table and no one would be the wiser…But dare he risk it? The table wasn't that far from where he was hiding. If he was quick, he might remain unnoticed. He had really wanted the pig, but there were too many people admiring it.
They're all blinded by the lanterns, their night vision ruined…A too-familiar shape materialized out of the crowd and approached Elizabeth. "Miss Swann, Governor…"
000
Elizabeth turned upon hearing Commodore Norrington's voice, a smile appearing on her face. He was neatly dressed in his dark blue dress naval uniform with shiny buttons, white ruffled cuffs, neck cloth and tricorn hat with white ostrich feathers. His dress sword hung from his waist and she pondered for a second how effective it would be against a werewolf; if that's indeed what it was. She was about to greet him politely when something over his shoulder, in the background, caught her eye: two golden glowing points of light near a dark tree trunk…
An electric current of fear shot through her, her breath pausing in her lungs and her face going pale.
Those eyes…
They were the same twin dots of yellow she had seen in the smithy that night! She had half expected for it to show up, but to actually see them was far worst than she had feared! Acting quickly, she hurried to Norrington's side and gripped his forearm, pointing with her free hand at the tree. "That beast is back! It was just there, by that tree, looking at us!"
Norrington turned and glanced at the tree. "Where? I don't see anything…"
"Oh, Elizabeth…" Her father said as he, too, moved away from the table to stand next to Norrington. Turning to the younger man, the Governor smiled apologetically. "You must forgive her, Commodore. She has been jumpy since that, ummm, dog chased her."
While they were all either looking at the tree or at each other, a dark shape darted out of the darkness from the far side and scurried under the table. While their backs were still turned, a hand flashed up from underneath the white linen with lightning speed. Wickedly curved claws flared in the moonlight for seconds until they sunk into the soft flesh of a roasted chicken, clear juices flying outward from the sudden punctures. The too-long fingers curled around the bird, yanking it off the table and into the hiding spot. The silver platter the chicken had been resting on fell onto the grass with a soft thud.
Upon hearing the sound, the three humans turned to look at the table. Confusion crossed Governor Swann's face as he spotted the platter resting on the grass. "How did that get down there?"
"But I saw it!" Elizabeth insisted as she continued to hold onto James' arm with one hand, uninterested in the platter lying on the grass. Heart thudding in her chest, she nervously peered back towards the tree where she had seen the glowing eyes. The tree was just beyond the lantern's light; the area dim. The tree itself shaded the area directly beneath it from the moonlight. "You have to do something before it kills someone. And it's not a dog, it's a werewolf!"
The Governor put a hand to his forehead, sighing loudly; his other hand still holding the plate of fruitcake and pudding. "Elizabeth, I have no idea where you get these ideas! If I hadn't been attacked by that skeletal hand…"
"Lord Beckett told me…" She started to reply but was quickly cut off.
"I thought I told you to stop spreading these wild rumors." Lord Beckett said as he joined the three by the long food table. "And I never said it was a werewolf. I said it was a dog. Everyone knows that werewolves do not exist. We live in a modern age and must let go of these silly superstitions. Monsters, including your werewolves, have been erased from the map. What will you claim to see next, a kraken or Davy Jones perhaps?"
"You never saw it!" Elizabeth countered angrily, brown eyes glaring at Lord Beckett. "That thing chased me all night!"
"How convenient for certain individuals…" Beckett stated.
"You must forgive my daughter." Governor Swann interjected, a half smile on his face as if that would placate the annoyed Lord. "She has had a few trying days recently and I'm sure she is not fully recovered from her ordeal with those horrible pirates. It is a miracle we got her back at all…"
"Indeed." James agreed as he stood next to Elizabeth, an arm gently hooked around her waist.
The Governor placed his plate of food onto the table and picked up another plate. "I think, Elizabeth, what you need to do is eat something. Do that and I'm sure you'll feel better. Then James will take you dancing and you can forget all this business of glowing eyes and wild dogs. Now, what would you like?"
The loud snapping and cracking of bones came from underneath the table, the white linen shaking.
"What was that?" Governor Swann asked, a confused look at his face as he peered all around for the source of the odd sound. When nothing was evidently the cause, he shrugged his shoulders and picked up his previously poured glass of brandy, taking a sip to quite his nerves. "Now, what would you like? The fruitcake looks excellent, wouldn't you agree?"
A loud squeak issued from Elizabeth's mouth, her brown eyes growing wide as she stared horrified at the table. It was clear at once to her that something was underneath it, eating. The hand on James' arm tightened, her fingers gripping the material with white knuckles. She pressed her body closer to him, unknowingly blocking his access to his sword in case he needed it. In her fright, her dance card fell out of her free hand and fluttered through the air, carried on a breeze, to land by her father's feet.
Governor Swann frowned at Lord Beckett. "Really, Cutler, you shouldn't be telling her tales of werewolves! Such talk is indecent and now she is leaping at the slightest odd sound. You should see a carpenter. I do believe this table is creaking from the strain. Surely it is about to collapse! And look, this platter has already fallen off…"
"It is the townsfolk saying that, not I." Beckett countered, his head held high.
Governor Swann bent to pick up the fallen dance card, setting his glass of brandy down upon the grass quickly as a sudden gust of strong breeze gripped the hat and partly lifted it from his head. Hand holding the hat down securely, the dance card in his other hand, he straightened. Walking the few steps back to James and Elizabeth, he handed the still blank piece of paper to the Commodore.
No one noticed the clawed hand that quickly snatched the drink from underneath the table.
000
Will, still being young and innocent in many ways, really had no experience with alcohol, especially not hard liquor. He had seen what drinking had done to Mr. Brown and he had vowed never to try the stuff, for it had turned a good, hard-working man into a shell of his former self. The drink and bottle had taken control of him and Will wanted to be his own master instead of ruled by spirits. Still, the chicken had made him extremely thirsty as there had been some sort of spice on it or so it seemed. He had eaten it all, even crunched the bones up to small bits with his strong jaws and swallowed it. So when Governor Swann had placed his almost full glass of brandy onto the grass, he had snatched it.
Curious, Will sniffed at the amber liquid in the glass. It had a strange odor, one he didn't particularly like. Still, it was liquid and he was thirsty. Perhaps this stuff wasn't as bad as the stuff Mr. Brown drank? He had never seen Elizabeth's father drunk or in a stupor. And he was sure the Commodore drank some sort of stuff as well. It was difficult holding the fragile stemmed glass with his clawed hand and he feared spilling it, so he bent his face to the glass's opening and quickly lapped it up. The stuff burned his throat like fire and he soon felt odd warmth spread throughout his body, centering in his belly. Within minutes his head felt strange, too, light-headed. The glass dropped from his paw and he quickly forgot all about it.
The werewolf was drunk.
000
Governor Swann returned to the table, surveying the grass before him for his glass of brandy. Not seeing it, he grew even more puzzled then before. "Where did my glass go? I thought I left it right here, but now it is gone…"
It was at that moment that the white linen tablecloth lifted upward and the werewolf's ugly snout poked out, its black nose moving as it sniffed the air. Soon the entire head followed, it's golden eyes evident even in the bright light of lanterns. Almost instantly it locked its vision on Elizabeth and it eagerly moved towards her. It had human-like hands with too-long fingers and sharply curved claws. Its ears were perked upward, twisting this way and that like a cat, listening for the slightest sound. A long string of saliva dangled from its partly open jaw, a jaw that revealed sharp teeth.
Shocked, Governor Swann stumbled backward, away from the ugly beast and almost collided into Lord Beckett. Instead Swann stepped onto the greasy metal platter and slipped, his buckled shoe shooting out from underneath him. With a loud grunt he landed on his back in the grass, missing Beckett by a few scant inches. Cutler was glued to the spot and stood staring, open-mouthed, at the creature emerging from under one of his feast tables. It was the strangest thing he had ever seen and a bell of doom sounded in his head.
Elizabeth shrieked loudly and clung to James tighter, terrified. She pressed her body flush to his side and now clung with both arms, her other arm reaching across his chest to grip his other shoulder. The thing looked even worst now that the lantern light revealed it clearly. More of it had emerged from underneath the cloth now and it rose up onto its hind feet just like a person, except it had feet like a dog. It stood on its toes with the too-long hind foot and blunt black claws that gripped the grass lightly. Then it took several steps forward, moving a bit unsteadily.
James blinked his green eyes, surprised at seeing the beast suddenly in front of them. Remembering his ceremonial sword, he tried to reach for it but his questing hand found Elizabeth instead. He tried to push her aside but she clung even tighter…
000
"Promise me you'll try to attend if you finish your work early so we can share at least one dance?"
Elizabeth's words repeated in Will's foggy brain as he stumbled towards her, the sweet perfume she wore filling his nostrils. The fact that she clung terrified to James didn't register in his brain. She had wanted to dance with him at the party and now he was going to do that, grant her wish…
Closing the last step between them, Will placed one clawed hand on Elizabeth's shoulder and the other on James' shoulder. The fact one hand was resting on the wrong person didn't matter; he needed both of them to keep him steady on his feet at the moment. He really didn't know how to dance as he never needed to as a blacksmith, but he had seen a few others do so on various occasions. It would have to be good enough…
000
Elizabeth shrieked as the werewolf reached out for them and it's clawed hand landed on her shoulder. She could feel the warmth of its palm on her shoulder through the thin silk of her gown; feel the pointed tips of its claws pricking her tender skin lightly. But far worst than that was the hideous face so close to hers. Those evil golden eyes with the beady black pupil; the partly open mouth with pointed teeth, the foul breath wafting in her face. The beast was leaning on her and she was trapped between it and James. Surely at any moment it would rip her throat out…
I have to do something!James yelled and tried to shove it away with his free hand, but the beast didn't want to go. It's claws were clinging stubbornly to his dress jacket; the points stuck in the thick material. Then it threw back its ugly head and started to howl, the loud sound filling the night air and overpowering the soft sounds of strings.
Loud shouts started to ring out as others became aware of the horrible creature clinging to James and Elizabeth. Women screamed and stampeded for Lord Beckett's house; others running towards their own carriages to rush as far away as possible. A few brave souls just stood where they were; gawking at the strange sight.
Governor Swann struggled to his feet, horror clean on his face. "Elizabeth!"
Turning on his heel, he snatched the first thing off the long feast table that his hand landed on. Gripping the cheesecake, he threw it at the creature's head hoping that it would let the two in its grasp go. The cake hit with a solid splat, the warm creamy filling splattering on its fur; bits of it flying onto the trapped humans.
More shouts rang out and soon James' lieutenants came running over. Surprise flew over their faces, as this was the last thing they had expected to encounter. It clearly was the same beast they had chased the other night, the one that had raced through their bedroom in the fort chasing Elizabeth.
"Do something!" Governor Swann shouted at them as he waved his hands in the air.
Gillette and Groves pulled out their pistols, aiming at the furry creature.
Governor Swann's eyes grew even rounder, wild panic on his face. "NO! You'll shoot Elizabeth! Do something else!"
Desperate, the Governor snatched another item off the table; a roasted chicken. Rushing forward, he shoved the whole bird in front of the werewolf's open mouth. Smelling the meat being held directly in front of it, the creature opened its jaws wider and eagerly bit into it, the elder Swann pulling his hand away just in time. Freeing its claws from the various bits of clothing, the creature settled onto the grass at their feet and started to devour the juicy chicken.
Elizabeth shivered with fright and continued to cling to James' arm as she was guided away from the awful creature. Lifting her eyes, she quickly found Lord Beckett. "Now do you believe me? I told you there was a werewolf!"
"That is a dog." Lord Beckett calmly stated as he still stood in the same place as he did before it all started.
"What? How can you say that? Look at the thing!" She cried, pointing at it with a shaking arm. "It was even walking on its hind feet, like a person!"
"And it clearly had trouble doing so. It obviously was leaning on you so it could stand on its hind feet, a feat most dogs or other animals can only do for a short time." Beckett explained as he cautiously moved a bit closer to the beast. "Yes, this particular specimen was no doubt purchased for its ugly appearance…"
"But … who would buy such a hideous thing?" Governor Swann asked as he continued to stare uneasily at the creature chewing its meal. It's powerful side teeth made little work of the chicken's flesh and soon it started snapping the bones. As each bone snapped Governor Swann jumped a little. "And why…"
"Isn't it obvious?" Beckett replied coolly. "Commodore Norrington did."
000
Will licked his lips as he devoured the last scrap of chicken, his sensitive nose searching the grass for any scraps he might have missed. Since eating, his brain had cleared and the odd feeling had gone away. Lifting his head, he was shocked to find a gathered crowd around him.
Uh oh…This was the exact situation he wanted to avoid! Humans often went crazy when it came to werewolves, hunting them down and killing them whenever possible; not that he blamed them. Most werewolves were vicious and enjoyed killing. But then there were gentle ones as well who never harmed a regular human in their life. If they realized what he was he was done for… But then he heard what Beckett was saying, dog, Norrington's dog.
I guess I better act like a dog…000
"What?" Norrington cried, shocked beyond belief. "That's not my dog! I don't even have a dog!"
But to his growing horror, the hairy beast slowly stood up and walked towards him slowly. It had a strange gait, like a person trying to walk on all four in a bent over position; yet somehow it did this without too much difficulty. When it got within a few feet, Norrington quickly backed away, but it kept following him. When his back hit one of the iron posts holding up a lantern, he was forced to stop and the thing settled down at his booted feet. It sat hunched on its stomach, with its front arms stretched out in front of it and its back legs folded up somehow. James wouldn't be able to describe it if his life depended on it, but it was the way a dog or cat sat. How this thing with its odd, human-like body managed it was a true mystery; yet manage it somehow it did. The beast lifted its head and glanced up at him with glowing yellow eyes, mouth hanging open and tongue drooping out – just like a dog.
"As I was saying," Lord Beckett continued. "It's clearly your dog. When Miss Swann here broke her engagement to you in favor of Mr. Turner, you devised this plan. You wished to frighten her back into your arms so you purchased this dog in secret. Each time it shows up she ends up in your arms or you are at least together. You two spent the other entire night running about town together in a tasteless display. You have, in fact, made yourself into the new hero…"
The gathered crowd shifted their eyes from Lord Beckett to Norrington. Whispers soon broke out as they eagerly discussed the new outrageous scandal.
"That's … that's not true!" James sputtered, shocked. "I never saw this animal before the other night, when Miss Swann came pounding on my door!"
"That's insane!" Elizabeth cried, also horrified. "That thing is not a dog! And James would never concoct such a scheme!"
"Really? How naïve of you, Miss Swann, as whoever marries you will inherit a small fortune. Money has always been a strong motivator. I'm sure Mr. Turner has concocted his own scheme as well…"
The crowd's whispers grew louder.
Governor Swann inched as close as he dared to the ugly beast sitting at Norrington's feet and peered at it, cautiously. "How do we know what it is? It could be anything…"
"It is a dog and that is final." Lord Beckett said loudly, his voice carrying throughout the entire crowd. "Werewolves do not exist. They never did. There is nothing to fear. This beast has hurt no one. It was just doing what it's master taught it to do. Now, Commodore, will you please take your dog home. And in the future don't bring it to social functions and heaven forbid you let it run loose on the streets again!"
Frowning, Norrington stared down at the hairy deformed beast. "Gillette, go fetch a rope."
Elizabeth's brown eyes grew wide and she inched as close to James as she could, standing next to her father. "Surely you're not going to take that thing home with you?"
"I can't arrest it; it's an animal… or animal-like. Truthfully, I don't know what it is. I do know I certainly never seen it before the other night. Elizabeth, you do believe me, don't you? I … I still love you. And I would never wish you harm or try to trick you in any way…" James nervously admitted his feelings, his green eyes staring down at the grass for a moment before returning to her moonlit face hopefully.
"Of course I believe you!" She exclaimed as she watched Gillette return with a long rope, handing it to James. "But what are you going to do with that thing?"
"Put it somewhere…" Carefully, James unwound the rope and allowed one end to drop onto the ground next to his feet. Making sure he had a firm grip on the end in his hands, he ever so slowly knelt down and cautiously tied a loop around the animal's neck. The knot he used was one that wouldn't tighten on the creature's throat, no matter how much it pulled.
"Commodore, is that very wise?" Governor Swann asked, concern clear in his eyes and voice. "For all we know this is some new undiscovered creature that lives on this island. Or it could be a dog as Lord Beckett claims, but a wild one. What if it should attack you?"
"We certainly can't leave it here. It may be a threat, so I'll have to move it with my lieutenants. Hopefully it'll come peacefully…" Norrington took a few cautious steps away from the creature, allowing the long rope to lengthen between them. When he was satisfied with the lead, he tugged on it gently.
The werewolf didn't move.
James pulled harder, ordering it in the firm voice he used to command. "Come!"
The werewolf yawned loudly, its jaws making a cracking sound. Then it laid its humongous head on its paws and acted as if it were about to go to sleep!
James pulled harder on the rope, digging his heels into the soil. This, however, didn't phase the beast at all and it continued to ignore him.
"Oh, for goodness sake!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she hurried to the table and snatched another cooked chicken by a greasy leg. Getting as close as she dared, she dangled the tempting meat in front of it's nose. "It's an animal. Use food. You can't order it around like your officers or sailors!"
The werewolf opened its golden eyes and saw her.
Elizabeth nervously backed away, the chicken still in her hands and forgotten for the moment. Those piercing yellow eyes were staring at her. No dog had yellow eyes. That was a fact. Only wolves did. It was something no one had mentioned or had thought of until now. It rose to its feet now, its gaze still locked on her.
What am I doing? I must be crazy, baiting a werewolf with a chicken!It darted forward, right towards her.
Shrieking, Elizabeth threw the chicken and darted behind her father.
The werewolf gulped the small bird down in three bites, then lifted its nose to the air, sniffing. Without warning, it took off at practically a gallop, pulling Norrington right off his feet. He was dragged across the grass with Gillette and Groves running after him, shouting.
Elizabeth watched dumbfounded as the werewolf raced up to the roasting pig and stole it, spit and all. How it managed to carry an entire pig in its jaws she didn't know, yet it clearly could do it without any trouble. Soon it was out of sight and Norrington, too. Then Gillette and Groves disappeared as well. She was left alone with her father, a pale-faced Lord Beckett who was clearly upset over his stolen pig and an excitedly whispering crowd. The whole episode was an immensely embarrassing scandal and she was right in the middle of it!
"Come, Elizabeth. I think it's clear this party is finished. Let's go home." Governor Swann turned and pulled her along by the arm.
"But what about James? That thing dragged him off!" She protested as she craned her neck, hoping to see them reemerge from the distant shadows. She dug her heels into the grass, having a mind to dash off after them, but her father's grip was solid on her arm. "It's a werewolf I tell you! Why won't anyone believe me!"
"Oh, why can't you be normal and be interested in gowns and a proper match? First it was pirates and now you're hooked on werewolves! Sometimes I pity the man you'll marry…" Governor Swann dragged her through Lord Beckett's beautiful mansion and out the front doors, straight to their waiting carriage. Opening the door himself, he shoved her inside and then joined her. "Werewolves, of all the ridiculous things!"
The driver called to the horses and soon they were off, the big wooden wheels rumbling on the dirt road.
000
Will raced over the acres of grass in Cutler Beckett's immense backyard, the whole pig still clutched in his mouth. He hadn't really planned on stealing the pig; it had been a spur of the moment decision. Nor did he care for having a rope around his neck. It was far too much like a hangman's noose and he had witnessed Norrington hang a lot of people. His jaws were started to ache from having his teeth clutch the too-heavy meat; his neck muscles straining from carrying the extra weight. At first it had been easy to carry; he was a werewolf after all with supernatural strength, but the strain was adding up. With each step it seemed to get bigger and heavier. His breath came faster and was starting to sound like the bellows on his forge. Saliva was dripping freely from his open mouth, running down off his chin to land on the grass between his feet. Nor did it help any that he was still dragging Norrington. He could hear the officers hot on his trail, shouting. Every so often he'd hear an extra loud yelp of surprise and then a loud thud as one or the other slipped on his saliva.
As much as he wanted the pig, he knew there was no way he'd ever be able to jump over the tall wall with it.
Besides, I don't want to be a thief…The chickens had been more than enough to give his transformation fuel. Nor could he allow the navy to look him in a cell of Fort Charles, for how would he explain his naked self in a cell where they had originally locked the beast? That he had to avoid at all cost.
Coming to a sudden stop, he spat the roasted pig onto the grass; hot steam curling up from it into the clear night sky. Turning, he quickly chewed through the rope, his inner mouth and tongue sore from the sizzling meat. Luckily, his lycanthrope will heal the damage overnight. Pausing to make certain that the Commodore was unharmed, Will was surprised to see James lunging at him; obviously hoping to grip the rope collar about his neck. Using his powerful back legs, Will leaped away with ease and jumped into the thick jungle-like growth that hide the tall rock wall. Within seconds he had scrambled over and darted across the road to freedom.
000
"What would I want with that?" Lord Beckett frowned in utter disgust at the bitten, slime covered roasted pig. Bit of grass and various seeds clung to it everywhere, a large rope tied about it's middle. Norrington and his two officers had managed to drag it back to the house where it now lay under the lantern light. "It's ruined!"
"But…" Norrington wiped the sweat off his dripping brow. Dragging it back hadn't been easy. "We had gone through a lot of trouble bringing it back…"
"Take it home to feed your dog." Beckett ordered as he turned on his heel and disappeared into his house.
000
"Oh, Will, it was just awful!" Elizabeth exclaimed the next day, her brown eyes wide with part excitement and part fear as she gushed at him inside the smithy, unmindful of the smoke or dirt. "That thing crawled out from under the feast table and it came right at me! It actually put its hand right on my shoulder, right here! Will, are you listening?"
The young blacksmith yawned, a hand covering his mouth. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I was up late last night and then I didn't sleep very well…"
Not to mention I had a tough time washing that white gunk out of my hair that your father threw on me…
"It had these huge claws and these evil glowing eyes. I really wish you had been there to protect me from it. I thought it was going to rip my throat out. Everyone was so shocked when it appeared. I told Beckett he was foolish to be having an outdoor party with that thing on the loose, but he only cares about profit! He even lied to everyone, saying it was a dog! Can you believe, that, a dog!"
Will looked at her blankly. "But isn't that what it is?"
"Of course not! It's a werewolf!"
To be Continued…
