Chapter 7

Enchanted Forest, long, long ago

Edward studied himself in the small mirror that sat in the first mate's quarters. The years had taken their toll. Where ten years ago had been a skinny, half-grown eighteen-year-old, now there was a seasoned man. His swarthy face was tanned and shadowed with several weeks' growth of dark beard. His light, almost colorless blue eyes stood out in stark contrast. It was a contrast many found more than a little eerie. It mattered little to Edward. In fact, he thrived on the eeriness of his appearance. More than once he'd used it to his advantage.

A knock came to the door.

"Aye?" Edward called in a rough voice.

"Captain's calling for you," came a young voice. Must be the new cabin boy; Edward couldn't remember his name.

"Very well, lad," Edward answered, getting to his feet and throwing on his expensive doublet.

As he walked down the corridor, Edward thought back over the past decade. He had thrived on the pirate life, as Hornigold had promised he would. The daring adventure, the danger, the raw power, the fear he could elicit at the mere drop of his hat. And, truth be told, the fabulous wealth he'd managed to amass in the ensuing years—wealth that provided him, and more importantly, Anne, with every luxury that could be bought—was more than reason enough to bless the day he'd tried to rob Hornigold on the docks.

Edward reached the captain's quarters and rapped boldly on the door.

"Enter," Hornigold called.

Edward stepped confidently inside and studied the luxurious interior. One day he planned to be a captain in his own right, and he relished the thought of having such a room to call his own. Hornigold stood at the far wall, leaning over his desk, studying a sheet of paper by the light coming from the windows above him.

"Ah, Edward," Hornigold said with a grin beckoning him forward with a quick wave of the hand. "I appreciate your quick response."

Edward stepped up to the window and glanced down at the map of Fairytale Land that sat before Hornigold. "You never call for me unless something important is afoot."

Hornigold chuckled. "Very true, my lad."

At twenty-eight, Edward was far from a lad anymore, but the old methods of address seemed to die hard with the pirate captain.

"A merchant vessel from Camelot has been spotted off the port bow," Hornigold said.

"Camelot!" Edward said with excitement. "If recent rumors can be believed that kingdom has recently come into a good deal of wealth."

"Indeed," Hornigold said with a decisive nod. "It seems a new king has been chosen. Arthur, I believe he's named. The sorcerer Merlin gifted him with a round table destined to protect the kingdom from attack as long as all his knights remain united. Since then, Camelot has been prosperous beyond belief."

"So am I right in assuming we will be relieving Camelot's merchant vessel of its cargo?"

"Aye," Hornigold said with a chuckle. "That we will."

"I shall ready the men. What is our plan of attack?" Having earned the rank of first mate some three years ago, Edward had long since taken it upon himself to prepare the pirates for battle when the time came while Hornigold worked out the last minute details in his study.

"Well, me boy," Hornigold said with a grin, "it so happens that that is precisely the reason I called you here this evening. How would you like to try your hand at running this mission?"

"Me?" Edward asked, startled. "You want me to plan the attack on Camelot"

Hornigold laughed. "Aye. You've more than proven yourself a capable tactician. As I've told you countless times, you're smart, and your intelligence will take you far in this profession."

"Th..thank you," Edward stammered, overwhelmed with the honor he was being afforded. "I'll not disappoint you, Captain!"

"None of that," Hornigold said, nodding away Edward's thanks. "For tonight we switch rolls. So, Captain Teach, what might our plan of attack be?"

Edward studied the map before him. Their position and that of their quarry were clearly marked. Both far out to sea, the conditions were nearly ideal for an attack. No one would be able to come to Camelot's aid before the pirates were finished and long gone.

"It would be my suggestion that we lie low, and then attack after nightfall," Edward said. "The darkness will give us cover, and will showcase our particular…style…to a T."

"Excellent plan, I must say," Hornigold said with a nod. "Now I'll go ready the men while you make whatever last minute preparations you wish."

"Very good, first mate," Edward said with an affected importance that had both men chuckling.

As Hornigold stepped from the captain's quarters, Edward stroked his beard, thinking. He'd been considering a new tactic for some time now, but had been hesitant to broach the topic with Hornigold. On paper it sounded ludicrous, ridiculous. In truth, it sounded next door to suicide! But despite that, Edward couldn't shake the feeling that this idea, this crazy, brilliant idea could make his name…and his very fortune.

Finally, Edward nodded decisively and strode resolutely forward to the cabinet where Hornigold stored his firearms and other weapons. He grabbed a handful of fuses and tied them to several places on his beard. If this worked…if this was successful…word would go out throughout the whole land of the devil that the dreaded Captain Hornigold employed on his pirate ship.

It had been in Edward's very first pirate attack upon the Agrabah spice merchants that he had discovered the power of fire in defeating his enemies. It had been an accident really. He'd boarded the ship, sticking closely to Hornigold. The man had roared and thundered, startling the peaceful merchants with his very ferocity.

But their fright was short lived. After mere moments, it looked as though they planned to fight. Amid the confusion of attackers and attacked, someone, Edward would never know who, shot at him. Instinct kicked in, and he moved to the side, ducking. The bullet fell to the ground, lodging amid a pool of spilled gun powder. Instantly flames and smoke leapt up behind Edward silhouetting him in the murky, storm-tossed night.

The Agrabah merchants had been terrified. They chattered fearfully to each other in their own language, pointing at him and muttering something that sounded vaguely like "devil." Used to thinking on his feet, he'd used the situation to maximum advantage, yelling savagely and pressing forward, brandishing his weapons. The Agrabah merchants backed away fearfully, and soon gave up. They surrendered mere moments after the pirate attack had begun. As the merchants were willing to surrender their cargo willingly, Hornigold had merely taken possession of the spices and left the merchants to go on their not-so-merry way.

The booty they'd retrieved from that attack had been nearly legendary.

Since that time, Edward had been careful to cultivate his image as the devil. With each successive attack, he'd gotten bolder—yelling, brandishing his weapons, flashing his weapon-laden vest, shrouding himself in fire and smoke. But never had he gone quite as far as he planned to go tonight.

….

Three hours later it was all over. Easing into the hot bath he'd called for, Edward let the heat sooth his tired muscles. He smiled to himself, soaping his slightly singed beard. The mission, the first he'd led, had been a complete, unqualified success! It had taken no more than half an hour to convince the Camelot merchants to surrender unconditionally. He couldn't help the small surge of pride as he thought of the part his…fiery…appearance had played in the night's events.

The pirates had approached the Camelot vessel in longboats, making next to no sound as they paddled through the water. As soon as they reached the vessel, they surrounded it, throwing rope ladders over the side. Edward and his pirates had managed to board the ship almost silently. It wasn't until they'd reached the deck that the first merchant noted their presence. He cried out in a startled voice, alerting his companions to the presence of the companions.

Striking a match, Edward had lit the slow-burning fuses tied to his beard, drew his sword and rushed the captain with an unearthly cry. Within moments he was wreathed with fire and smoke. Edward watched as the stark fear blossomed in the captain's eyes.

"Who…who are you?" the man asked in a strangled voice.

"Your worst nightmare," Edward replied in a deep, foreboding voice.

"We're a peaceful vessel!" the captain insisted. "We mean you no harm. What is the meaning of this?"

Sounds of battle raged behind him. Edward knew his men were making far more noise and show than actually fighting.

"You have a choice, captain," Edward said darkly. "On the one hand you can surrender your merchandise to me and my men. On the other, we attack until we have put every man on this vessel to the sword."

The captain had looked belligerent for another moment, but then his eyes had fallen on Edward's flaming beard, and the courage made way for fear.

"Very well," the captain said sullenly. "Make your way to the hold. What you find there is yours."

Edward was brought back to the present with a knock at the door.

"Enter," he called lazily, expecting the cabin boy with another pitcher of hot water. To his surprise, Captain Hornigold himself strode through the door.

"Captain!" Edward said in surprise, preparing to get to his feet.

"Please," Hornigold said, eying the full tub in which Edward currently sat, "don't get up. Remain as you are."

"Very well," Edward said, relaxing. "What can I do for you captain."

"Not a thing, my lad," Hornigold said with a grin. "I merely came to congratulate you on your exceptionally successful mission."

"Thank you," Edward said. "I was pleased with how it went myself."

"Quite the daring move you made with the fuses to the beard. Those merchants won't soon forget the sight, that's for sure!"

Edward chuckled. "If I'm to be known as the devil, I might as well play the part."

Hornigold laughed loud and long. Finally he sobered and then gave Edward an assessing look. Edward was tempted to squirm uncomfortably under the weight of those brown eyes.

"I've come to a decision, Edward," Hornigold finally said, "and I wish you to be the first to hear of it."

"What's that, sir?"

"The king as offered me a full pardon if I abandon my piracy operation and vow to serve him honorably. I have decided to accept the king's generous offer."

Edwards jaw dropped. Hornigold was giving up piracy? "But sir…" Edward said, unsure how he planned to finish the sentence.

"Now Edward," Hornigold said quickly, "this is not a decision I've made lightly. I've fully considered all my options, and the undeniable fact is, I'm getting older. I've no idea how much longer I can continue as I am. Piracy is rewarding but grueling."

"Captain," Edward said, "what will become of your ship? Of your operation?"

Hornigold eyed him for several moments. "I've no doubt my legacy will continue. I intend to bequeath my ship to my most trusted man, to my most capable pirate. In short, I wish you to succeed me as captain."

"Me?" Edward squeaked in a tight voice. "You want me to be captain?"

"Aye," Hornigold said with a decisive nod. "Tonight was a test of sorts. I've long known of your bravery, of your intelligence, of your resourcefulness. Tonight I wished to determine the success with which you could lead a mission. You exceeded my every expectation. Should you choose to accept, the ship is yours."

"I accept!" Edward nearly shouted. "With deepest thanks, I accept!"

"Good," Hornigold said, clapping him on the back. "I have but one suggestion.

"What's that, Captain."

"You've built for yourself an aura of danger and mystery," Hornigold said, "an image that the name 'Edward Teach' doesn't precisely match. I suggest you take for yourself a moniker."

Edward thought for a moment and considered various possibilities. As he thought of his most prominent feature…the feature that had brought him such success in his mission, he knew precisely what name he would chose for himself.

"Blackbeard," he said. "I shall be known as Blackbeard."

Enchanted Forest, present day

Emma opened her eyes and yawned widely. She lay on the ground, the dying embers of a fire before her, a warm presence behind, and an arm laid comfortingly on her waist. For a moment she was disoriented. Where was she? What was she doing here?

"Morning, love," Killian murmured softly, his warm breath tickling her ear. He gently kissed the nape of her neck and she smiled.

She turned in his embrace, and kissed him thoroughly. He smiled against her lips.

"And just what occasioned that delightful little outburst?" he asked.

She shrugged. "It seemed like the appropriate way for a wife to greet her husband in the morning."

His smile turned decidedly wicked. "While I won't complain, darling, my idea of the proper way a husband and wife should greet each other in the morning requires a far sight more privacy than we've currently been afforded."

Emma couldn't help the blush that spread over her cheeks at the thoughts and images his words brought to mind. "Someday, pirate," she said.

"Someday soon," he agreed, and she could hear the resolve beneath his light, almost teasing words.

The door softly closed, and Emma looked up to see her mother creeping softly through the cottage.

"Sorry, Emma!" Snow said, "I hope I didn't wake you two!"

"Nah," Emma said, getting to a seated position, "we were already awake. So what's up? Where's Dad?"

Snow stepped forward and placed another log on the fire. "Your father's started a fire outside and has begun breakfast. He and Little John have begun to talk strategy again."

"Perhaps I'll join them," Killian said, getting to his feet and offering Emma a hand up. "It could be that I could be of use to the prince."

Emma kissed him and then shooed him forward. "Go," she said playfully. "I know you want some quality time with your best mate."

He grinned and gave her a quick peck. "Going to join me, love?"

"In a minute," she said. "I just want to check in on Regina and Robin."

Emma watched her husband leave, and then turned her eyes to the closed bedroom door. Regina had gone to Robin as soon as Alan-a-Dale had told her of his condition, and, to Emma's knowledge, she hadn't reemerged since.

"Heard anything about Robin?" Emma asked her mother.

Snow looked troubled. "No," she said slowly. "Regina hasn't left his side. I get the impression he's in a really bad way, though."

Emma had no doubt about that from the brief glance she'd gotten of the outlaw the night before. He looked…there was no other way to put it…he looked like hell. What had happened to him? Who had attacked him? How had he received so many…and such severe…injuries?

"I'm going to see how she's doing," Emma said, stepping determinedly to the bedroom door. She rapped softly, and a moment later, Regina's weary voice called for her to enter.

Regina lay on the bed beside the motionless man. The look of pain and anguish on Regina's face cut at Emma.

"How is he?" Emma asked, stepping into the room and looking down at the outlaw. His bruises stood out in stark contrast to his pallor, the bloody cuts finally beginning to scab over.

Regina shrugged, gently sweeping Robin's wheat-colored hair off his forehead. "No change. I hate feeling so helpless!"

"I'm sorry," Emma said helplessly. "If there's anything I can do…"

Regina looked up, and the old "evil queen" fire lit her eyes. "Find him," she growled. "Find the son of a bitch who did this to him. And when you do, bring him to me. He won't soon forget what happens to those who attack my loved ones!"

Emma stepped forward, and placed a hand on Regina's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll find out who did this, and we'll get Roland back. Safe and sound."

"The villain just better hope that not a hair on that little boy's head is harmed!" Regina said fiercely.

"Look," Emma said. "My dad and my husband are already strategizing. I'm going to go join them. We'll get started on the search as soon as we've had breakfast."

Regina nodded, and Emma turned and headed toward the door.

"Emma?" Regina said softly, and Emma stopped and turned toward the other woman.

"Yeah?"

"I know I don't say it much, or very well, but thank you. I really appreciate all you're doing for Robin and me."

Emma smiled. "Don't worry about it, Regina. We're family, and that's what family does."

….

Two hours later Emma found herself walking beside her husband, barely even aware of the beauty of the June morning. She'd left the cottage after her talk with Regina to find her father, her husband and Mr. Gold in a heated discussion about just what was their best way forward.

"We need to attack now while we still have the element of surprise!" Charming insisted. "When the enemy knows we're here he'll be able to mount a defense."

"Just who do you propose we attack, dearie?" Gold said sarcastically. "We don't even know who kidnapped the boy."

"But every moment we wait is a moment longer Roland is in his clutches. Who knows what he might do to him!" Charming insisted.

"I'm shocked to hear myself saying this," Killian said with a wry smile, "but I agree with the Crocodile. Charming, we haven't any idea who attacked the merry men. All we have is Little John's vague description of a 'pirate' who looked like the devil. In my experience a fair few pirates fit that description."

Charming growled in frustration, got to his feet and started to pace. "So what? We just sit here, twiddling our thumbs while we wait for Robin to wake up, and hopefully give us a better description of his attacker?"

"Nay," Killian said. "What we do now is amass allies. Send a delegation to the queen's palace. Determine who has been ruling in your and the Lady Snow's stead."

Charming stopped pacing and turned to look assessingly at Killian. Finally he nodded. "Your idea has its merits, Killian. You got anything else?"

"Camelot," Killian said simply. "We've more than a few allies in Camelot. Send the lass and me to Arthur. I've no doubt we'll find the round table populated with more than a few knights willing to help us."

"And you'll have a chance to see your father again," Snow said gently.

"Aye," Killian said with a smile. "I won't deny I long to see him again."

And so here they were at midmorning, walking hand and hand through the desert-like No-Man's-Land.

Memory rose up to greet Emma as she walked. Could it only have been half a year ago that she and Killian had first gone to Camelot, intent on defeating Morgana Le Fay and restoring the Round Table?
"Well, at least this time we won't have any evil witches waiting for us when we get to the castle," Emma quipped.

Killian turned toward her, his eyes vaguely unfocussed. "Hmm?" he asked, "I beg your pardon love."

She shot him a curious look. "What's going on with you today? You've barely said two words since we left the Enchanted Forest."

"Not to worry, Swan," he said absently. "There's nothing amiss."

She eyed him. "Come on Killian, You're obviously upset about something. What's going on?"

He looked at her for long moments and then sighed. "It makes no sense, love."

"What makes no sense?"

"The man Little John described? The leader? Little John described t man, a pirate I once went up against."

"That's good, isn't it?" Emma asked carefully, looking up at her husband's troubled face. "If we know who we're dealing with, we're a step ahead of where we were last night."

Killian shook his head. "That's precisely the problem. The man I'm thinking of is dead."

"Dead?" Emma asked, "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely positive."

"How can you be so sure?"

Killian gave her a long look and then dropped his eyes. "I'm the man who killed him, lass."

Emma gasped, taken aback. Killian had changed so much from his days as Captain Hook that sometimes Emma forgot about his pirate past. She let her breath out slowly.

"Well, that might put a crimp in someone's kidnapping plans," Emma said dryly.

Killian laughed and then brought their combined hands to his lips. "That it would, love. But that brings us to another issue entirely."

"What's that?"

"The blackguard is clearly imitating the man in question," he said ominously, "and if he's even half as ruthless…well, this will be one of the most formidable fights of our lives."

….

Dusk was just beginning to paint the sky as Emma and Killian stepped into the forests of Camelot. It would take scarcely an hour to walk the remaining distance to Camelot Castle, but in truth, that wasn't Killian's destination. He'd been quite sincere in stating his desire to see his father. He'd further been quite sincere in his desire to secure the Round Table's help.

But that wasn't his only desire. Not nearly.

Quite simply, Killian desired a little time alone with his wife. Perhaps they would be denied the lavish fortnight-long honeymoon they'd planned, but that didn't mean they had to forego a honeymoon entirely. Now—while they were currently at a standstill, while nothing more could be done for Robin or his lad—now was the perfect time.

And when he considered carefully, one place came to mind. It was truly the best and only place for him to spend his first real night with his lovely bride.

"Welcome back to Camelot, my lady," he said softly, grin in place.

"Welcome back yourself," she responded, playfully elbowing him.

"Let's hope our visit is more pleasurable than the last time we were here," he said.

"What?" she asked with a saucy smile, "Where's your sense of adventure? You don't want to be ambushed, imprisoned and tortured by an evil sorceress and forced by her to convince me you don't love me? You don't want a sorceress who's impersonating me to try and seduce you to get you to reveal the location of an item that could destroy her?"

His answering grin was pure pirate. "Nay lass. I do believe I should like to forego all those pleasures. I would not, however, be averse to you attempting to seduce me."

She laughed, the joyous sound magic to his ears. "You never know. The night is young."

His eyes smoldered, and he leaned forward and kissed her until they were both gasping for air.

"A little taste," Killian said huskily, forehead pressed against hers, "until you're able to sample the full meal."

She stepped back and began fanning herself with one slim hand. "Well, that was…" she began, "If that was the appetizer, I don't know if we'll survive the meal. We might just set the bed on fire and burn the house down around us!"

He laughed. "If that's the case, darling, at least we'll die happy."

He took her hand and began leading her forward once again. Ten minutes later, Emma finally noticed the obvious.

"Um, Killian, we're not going the right way." She pointed to the left. "The castle's that way."

"Right you are, my love," he said with a grin, "but it just so happens we're not going to the castle."
"We're not?"

"Nay."

"Then where are we going?"

"Just wait and see."

A moment later they reached the old, run-down cottage they'd called home during their last sojourn in Camelot.

"Our cottage?" Emma asked. "We're headed to our cottage?"

"Aye."

"But why?"

He moved forward, invading her space. "Because I wished to spend a little quality time alone with my wife."

Emma stepped back and looked away. "Killian, I'd love to, but we've got a villain to defeat and a little boy to rescue and…"

Killian stopped her with a finger to her lips. "Love, there's naught any of us can do to accomplish those goals tonight. Our mission will not suffer if we take a few precious hours for ourselves."

"I suppose you're right," she conceded.

"Of course I am," he said with a grin. "Besides, with the lives we lead, I fear we'd never consummate our union if we waited for times of peace and serenity."

"You're definitely right about that."

He led, her forward into the cabin.

"So we're really doing this?" she asked.

"Aye," he answered, "unless you've any objection."

She was silent for a moment, merely looking at him.

"Um," she said, putting one finger in the air, "hold on a second."

With that, Emma rushed out the door. Killian stood rooted to the spot; off-kilter, wondering what on earth had just transpired. A moment later he saw a flash of white light, and then Emma was back. She shut the door and then raised her hands, concentrating carefully. A second blast of light flew from her hands and connected with the door. Then she turned back toward him with a sly smile.

"I'm not taking any chances this time," she said. She gestured toward the door. "Impervious spell on the door. Nobody's getting through that baby. Oh, and cloaking spell on the whole cabin. We're officially invisible."

"Lass, you're a marvel!" he said, rushing to her. He kissed her deeply, passionately, his hand tangling in her hair, hers fumbling with the clasps on his leather vest. Killian quite literally swept her off her feet and into his arms, somehow managing to accomplish the task without breaking the kiss.

Finally they broke apart. "I love you, Emma," he whispered almost reverently.

She framed his face with her hands and leaned down to kiss him gently. "I love you too, Killian, more than I could have ever believed possible."

He walked forward until his legs hit the bed. He set her gently upon it, climbed forward to join her, and loved her with everything within him long into the night.

Notes:

-So, there you have it. Edward Teach is officially revealed to be Blackbeard. Crazy though it sounds, the real Blackbeard actually did put long-burning fuses in his beard and lit them before his acts of piracy. More often than not, his victims were so freaked out they just gave up right then and there. Also, Hornigold really was granted a pardon—only it was by the King of England, I believe, not by the King of the Enchanted Forest.

-And in the present day section, we take a break from our regularly scheduled adventure for a little Captain Swan honeymoon. They finally get their wedding night. Yay!

-One small note on names. Killian still occasionally calls Emma "Swan." Yes, I'm aware that's not technically her name anymore, but I see that as kind of one of his affectionate nicknames for her, so I figured he wouldn't give it up entirely.

-Up next: About a year before the first curse, Ursula comes up with a plan to get her hands on Triton's trident—a plan involving a certain red-headed daughter of Triton. In the present day section, Killian and Emma emerge from their cottage—eventually—and make their way to Arthur's castle to request his help.