Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to POTC. Nothing. I'm too poor to own something that cool. And Pirates own themselves anyways. I'm merely a vessel for their stories.

Chapter Eight: Sam

Sam had gradually fallen behind as they ran, and he now lay face down in the sand, blood pooling around him.

"NO!" Laura screamed. She flew over the sand to him and, shouting over her shoulder for the rest to get in the boat, scooped him up, and turned back to towards the boat, spraying sand everywhere. Jack and Will pulled them in as a tall black man with tattoos covering his muscular arms began to row. The woman, a fiery red head that Jack had spotted at the hanging earlier, was firing back at the soldiers, pulling pistol out after pistol out of her coat and the boat and managed to hit one before they were out of range. Laura stroked Sam's hair as he lay in her lap. "Sam, Sam, stay with us, you got to stay awake."

"I-It hurts Captain." Sam gasped, "I'm sorry."

"Damn it boy, don't be sorry, it's not your fault." Laura leaned forward and snatched the bottle of rum out of Jack's hand.

"Hey! I was going to drink that."

"Silence." Laura snapped, "Here Sam, drink some, it will ease the pain." Sam took a few sips, choking down the liquid before collapsing back into her lap.

Elizabeth took Will's hand as she looked over at Laura. "Where was he hit?"

Laura took a swig from the bottle and lifted her bloody hand momentarily from Sam's leg. "Here in the thigh, it's bleeding heavily, too. We need to get on the ship, quickly." At her words the man began rowing even faster.

"Here," Will balanced himself in the boat and then ripped a long strip from his shirt and tied it firmly around Sam's leg. "This will help with the bleeding for a little while."

"Thank you." Laura said and Will shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.

As they rounded the edge of the cove a schooner loomed into view, its white sails shining in the hot sun. Jack's brows drew down as he spotted the Union Jack fluttering in the breeze. It rocked gently on the waves and as the rowboat drew closer men could be seen all over the ship, scurrying around like ants. A rope ladder was thrown over the side as they bumped into the side of the ship. Laura turned to Jack, Elizabeth and Will, "Welcome to La Luna Armagada." She turned to the redhaired woman, " Ash, take the helm, sail any direction but Tortuga, The British are sure to send a ship out after us and I don't want to be followed." Ash nodded and climbed up the ladder shouting orders. "Moore, these three will be sailing with us, see that they stay out of trouble and that a cabin is prepared for Mrs. Turner." Laura turned to face Jack, "You boys will stay out of the way, is that clear?" Will nodded nervously.

"Inescapably clear." Jack said, gesturing broadly, pulling the rum bottle out of Laura's hand.

"Elizabeth, you come with me, you need clothes and I'm going to need your help." Gently draping Sam over her shoulder, she climbed up and out of sight. Elizabeth followed closely after her. With the help of Moore she pulled herself up slowly as she tried not to catch the heels of her shoes on the ladder.

Will and Jack followed Elizabeth up, but when they reached the deck, Laura, Sam, and Elizabeth were already out of sight in the Captain's Quarters. Moore came up behind them, "You heard the Captan." He growled, pointing to some barrels, "Stay outta the way."

Jack bowed sarcastically, false wonder in his voice, "He speaks!" Moore only snorted in disgust and joined a dozen sailors in catting the anchor. Jack spun slowly on his heels as he took in the ship. The crew ignored Will and Jack as they expertly prepared to make sail. Jack caught sight of Ash at the helm, grabbed Will and headed towards her.

"Jack, where are we going?"

"What better place to be out of the way then at my favorite spot? The helm."