Fractures 3
Something stupidThe Black Pearl was long gone and the horizon was empty.
How many days had it been now? Four? Five? She was beyond counting them, the seas and the skies were still empty, Will was lost for her foolishness and she was beyond hope too. Dreams of what might have been had faded, all her thoughts were concentrated on the dry rasp of her throat and the burning ache of her hunger. Will had bartered his blood for her life and safety but he had not driven a wise bargain and Barbossa had managed to keep his word and leave her to starve at the same time.
***
In the caves of Isle de Muerta Will looked up towards the passage where a pirate who might just have saved them lay with a broken neck. Fallen behind thanks to a blacksmith's strong right arm and an oar. As Barbossa spouted his doggerel he wondered what Jack might have done, might have saved, if he not done something stupid.
But there was no way back now, and as Barbossa fell silent Will prayed that Norrington found Elizabeth before anyone else did, and before thirst drove her mad. Then his blood washed over the gold like the sea over sand and the thought was gone.
