As the night grew older, Norrington found the city of Singapore even more delightful. He no longer could remember off the top of his head what had weighed his spirits before, though he feared that thinking about it would rebirth his pain.
It was remarkable how lively the town was. It wasn't wild, but festive. Young men and women watched the night sky, some of the elder children played, as their mothers tried to herd them inside to sleep. There were lamps everywhere. Congregations of elders sat around the lamp light telling stories, the gents playing cards and smoking while the women knitted. It was the first time Norrington had paid attention to the night scene with lifted spirits. He had always thought the night to be quite lonely.
But he was still aboard the Dauntless, cooped up in a ship. "Gillette!" The Commodore called. The younger man skipped up.
"Yes sir?"
"Why don't we gather the men off duty and stroll the town, shall we?" Norrington's lieutenant was shocked. "After all," Norrington said, "even sailors need some tavern time."
Gillette was very much pleased with the Commodore's gay mood and finally was beginning to see the return of his old friend. "Absolutely sir." He said before running off.
Norrington smiled. No more worrying, he thought to himself. It's time to take the next step.
SHORTLY AFTER
Anamaria was sick and tired of this stupid mess. That damned monkey needed to go, and that stupid treasure he was always carrying around should have been melted years ago.
She had been able to follow the damn thing for awhile, and she knew the thing was wasting time. They were going in circles.
She followed the darting creature into another alley. When she had escaped the crowd, she was pleased to see that she had gained significant ground. So close.
However, he scurried up a barrel at the far end of the alley and stopped. This was her chance.
She carefully approached and lunged.
The monkey jumped.
When Anamaria stood, she looked up and saw a very familiar man. He watched her carefully, knowing full well who she was. Then his eyes shifted down. Anamaria followed his glance. There, in full view, was her bare wrist, and a brand.
Anamaria didn't wait for the Commodore to say a word before she bolted down the alley once more, hearing several followers chase her.