The Adventure

Chapter 10

James was assisted on deck and even though he was in some pain, was glad he had decided to take Jack up on his offer. The moist salty breeze against his face was refreshing and instantly made him feel better. He sat by the rail looking off over the sea.

Elizabeth had followed James and the men who were supporting him on deck.

"I don't think this was a good idea James. If you begin to feel too tired or faint or anything you must tell me immediately!"

"I assure you Miss Swann, you will be the first to know if any of those conditions happen upon me. In fact the way you have been hovering over me I would not be a bit surprised if you weren't aware of them before me. Now please Elizabeth, I shall be fine. Surely there is something else you could be doing, or somewhere else you could be, or someone else you could hover over? Mr. Turner perhaps? I think that's him by the bow. I will be perfectly content sitting here by myself."

Elizabeth was not happy but rather than agitate James she walked off to stand at the bow by Will, thinking to herself she would still be within earshot if James needed her.

"I think we are about to find out what Jack is up to Elizabeth." Will said as she approached.

"What makes you say that Will?" Elizabeth replied.

"That." He said pointing out in front of them at the island that was now visible in the distance.

"Ah, so you have spotted the surprise William! Very good, wait till we get close enough to actually see how lovely it is." Jack said as he walked up behind them.

"Is that what we are really going to do Jack, find out how lovely it is?" Elizabeth asked.

"Now luv, do you really think old Jack would put you in danger?" Jack answered.

"You have before!" Will said.

"Trifles William. We shall all have the time of our lives here." Jack said throwing his hands around wildly. "You and your bonny lass will get an experience you will never forget and …."

Will interrupted him then, "And what do you get Jack? You surely get more than the good feeling of bringing us here."

"A bit more than that dear William. Nothing to worry your head over." Making poking motions towards Will's forehead a time or two, "That's for old Jack to work out." He said with a flip of his hands as he turned and sashayed off.

"I think we're in trouble." Will said to Elizabeth.

"I think you may be right." Elizabeth answered.

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"Commodore Norrington, good to see you out and about!" Jack said as he walked up to the man.

"Captain Sparrow. I think by the looks on Miss Swann and Mr. Turner's faces your conversation with them just now was not a pleasant one." James said.

Looking back over his shoulder at the two who were still looking in his direction, Jack gave a little smile and wave, and turned back to James and said, "Lovers spat. You know how it is Commodore." And after a moments pause added, "Or perhaps you don't. Does the Royal Navy allow that sort of thing Commodore? Doesn't seem that would fit with "duty" and all that now does it?" and not waiting for James to answer he walked off.

"Indeed!" James said as he watched the retreating figure.

Jack went below and found Mr. Gibbs in the galley drinking rum.

"Mr. Gibbs! We shall be making port soon." He said as he poured himself some rum.

"Aye Cap'n, and then the adventure begins." Mr. Gibbs said with a smile.

"They are suspicious as to the reason or reasoning we are or will soon be at this particular place in time as it were Mr. Gibbs, so things must be done in a disarming and circumspect manner. Savvy?" Jack said as he downed his rum and poured himself and Mr. Gibbs another.

"Aye Cap'n, steady as she goes." Mr. Gibbs answered.

"Mr. Cotton, bring us into that cove off to port." Jack said as he came back on deck.

"You two," he said pointing to a couple of the men standing there, "prepare the long boat. Mr. Turner and I shall be going ashore."

"Just us Jack? I thought this trip was for me and Elizabeth?" William said.

"And so it is. Now William, we are going ashore to make sure all is safe and in wonderfully splendid shape for you and your bonny lass. You would not be happy I'm sure and in fact very unhappy no doubt to drag said bonny lass ashore only to discover a band of head hunters had inhabited said island and seeing such a fair lass as she decide her head would look much more better hanging from said savage's belt than where it rests and for that matter is actually attached to now. Savvy?"

Looking unconvinced what Jack had said was even possible, but not totally convinced it was not, Will agreed.

Will went to tell Elizabeth that he and Jack would go ashore first and then come back after her.

"I'm not sure I like that Will. Please be careful and keep your eyes open!"

"I intend to Elizabeth." He said as he turned to go get into the long boat with Jack.

"I love you Will." She called as he walked off.

He stopped and turned, "I love you too Elizabeth." And then continued on his way.

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Elizabeth went to stand by James as Jack and Will rowed off towards the shoreline.

"I don't like this James, not one bit." She said.

"What is it you don't like? For that matter, why would it surprise you just about anything that man does would be something you would not like?" James replied.

"Jack is up to something. Will and I both feel that way." Elizabeth stated.

"Then it seems a bit rash for Mr. Turner to sail off with him alone don't you think?" James answered sarcastically.

"I don't know that he had a choice." Elizabeth said in a concerned tone.

"I think Mr. Turner is capable of taking care of himself under most circumstances Elizabeth." James said and then, "Although this circumstance involves Sparrow, and may not be most circumstances."

"Well there is nothing to do now but wait, and hope he comes back in one piece." Elizabeth said worriedly.

Jack and Will beached the boat and Will followed as Jack headed off for the tree line.

"You might as well tell me the real reason you brought us here Jack. I have a feeling I'm going to find out before long anyway."

Jack stopped and looked at Will over his shoulder with a thoughtful expression.

"All right William, perhaps you're right. I'm after the black pearl!"

To Be Continued

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