Chapter 10: Captain Jack Sparrow

After many days and nights, Guinevere found herself many miles away from her house, rather, her house with Beckett and on the open seas once more. As Beckett told her, they were on their way to Madagascar to trade slaves. Guinevere was not happy being away from home and leaving home to trade innocent people as property was not a good reason to leave home. She wasn't even happy at home, but at least at home she could have time for herself. On a vessel, there was little privacy. The journey was long and perilous, as there was a constant threat of pirate attacks. Guinevere often went up to the deck to take air. As she did, she was reminded of Will and his fateful journey. Slowly, she began to sing: Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! We pillage and plunder rifle and loot! Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot! Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!

"What an unusual song to sing," Beckett commented, startling Guinevere.

"I always used to sing it when I was young," Guinevere said.

"Singing a song praising pirates?" Beckett questioned. "That is unheard of. Particularly for a woman. You should not sing that song."

"Why not?" Guinevere added, masking her annoyance.

"We're at sea," Beckett told her.

"I thought we were in fairy land," Guinevere snickered.

"You will watch your tongue around me," Beckett scolded. "I will not have you singing a song about pirates. I do not want those creatures near my ship."

Maybe I do, Guinevere thought grimly. A pirate's life has to be better than the life I have now. Maybe they'll take me away with them.

"Creatures? Is that what they are to you?" Guinevere asked.

"My specialty is dealing with pirates," Beckett told her. "Anyone who commits an act of piracy or associates with a person of piracy is marked and later hanged."

"Without trial?" Guinevere questioned, her eyes wide.

"When they've engaged in piracy, there really is no need for trial," Beckett countered.

"That is not right," Guinevere protested.

"Neither is a woman trying to understand and advise a man in politics," Beckett fired back.

"You know, you only knew me when I was twelve. I could've been a pirate," Guinevere said smartly.

Beckett laughed. "I doubt that."

"If you knew I was a pirate, would you hang me, too?" Guinevere questioned.

"There is no place for pirates in this world," Beckett told her.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'," Guinevere said darkly.

"But you are no pirate," Beckett said with a chuckle.

Unfortunately, Guinevere thought gloomily.

"I am not," Guinevere replied woodenly.

"And I am glad," Beckett said with a smile.

"You know, you are committing an act of piracy, yourself," Guinevere said pointedly.

"How so?" Beckett wanted to know.

"Slavery. You are buying and trading human beings. That seems very piratical to me," Guinevere said wisely.

"You have a narrow view of business and piracy, my dear," Beckett said, as if amused, "Slavery is not piracy. It's just good business."

"And whom are we doing this good business with?" Guinevere asked.

"Captain Jack Sparrow of the Wicked Wench," Beckett replied, speaking the name with pride. "He is one of the best sailors under my employment."

More like slavery, Guinevere groaned to herself.

"Are you certain he has not drifted into piracy?" Guinevere asked in jest.

"If you were my employee, you'd know how I deal with those who turn against me to join the ranks of those worthless brutes," Beckett said menacingly.

"I suppose I'm lucky to be your wife," Guinevere said with a smile.

"Indeed, you are," Beckett agreed. "You should go back to the cabin. We won't arrive in Madagascar until dawn tomorrow."

"Yes, my dear," Guinevere said obediently.

I hope this Captain Jack fellow isn't like Beckett, Guinevere fretted to herself as she ambled below decks.

At dawn, just as Beckett said, Guinevere found herself overlooking the island nation of Madagascar. Guinevere raced up to the deck to take in the sights. The water was of deep blue and beautiful. Guinevere looked out to see a white beach that lead into a lush forest.

It's beautiful, Guinevere sighed to herself.

Guinevere watched as the ship docked in the harbor. She saw another ship, tall and of blue and red. There was a figurehead of a lady in pearl at the bow of the ship. Before reading the name of the ship on the stern, Guinevere had deduced that this ship was the Wicked Wench.

All right, now where is this Captain Jack? Guinevere demanded to herself.

She watched all of the crew go by, but not one man was the Captain. Rolling her eyes and bored, Guinevere approached Beckett.

"My dear, may I go into town?" she asked sappily. "I grow weary of being cooped up on this ship."

"You may," Beckett said.

"Where is the Captain?" Guinevere wanted to know.

"He's gone for a drink," Beckett told her.

Bingo! Guinevere said to herself as she hurried to the nearest pub.

The streets of Madagascar were not as crowded as the streets of London or Paris, and Guinevere made her way with ease. She then found a pub and went indoors. Inside the pub, there were men of all sorts and even some women with more spirit than Guinevere. Guinevere's eyes instantly fell on a lone man sitting in a corner of the pub. He wore a long, weather beaten trench coat and there was a large, brown tricorn hat upon his head. His hair was neatly arranged in dreadlocks. If he wasn't the Captain, Guinevere knew her eyes were not as young as before. She then purchased a drink and sat with the man.

"Might I join you?" she asked, sitting down in front of the man.

"Not many women come here, so why not?" laughed the man.

"I'm not from here," Guinevere told him.

"Where abouts, then, lass?" questioned the man.

"I'm from England," Guinevere said.

"Ah, the good old England!" chuckled the man. "Tell me, what's a lass like you doing in a bar like this?"

"I was bored, is all," Guinevere lied.

"Never known a lady to come to a pub out of boredom, but there's always the start of something new," Jack shrugged.

"I know this is a bit fast, but might I ask your name?" Guinevere asked politely.

"Sparrow. Captain Jack Sparrow," replied the man, taking pride in his name. "Who are you?"

Guinevere nearly lost her voice. "Guinevere, or Guin, actually. Guin Parris."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss," Jack said, raising his tankard.

"You are Captain of the Wicked Wench, aren't you?" Guinevere asked with interest.

"Don't believe I mentioned my vessel, but yes," Jack said indifferently. "What is it to you?"

Guinevere hastily made up an excuse. "I just find Captains attractive, is all. I like a man in uniform."

"Do you now?" Jack chuckled.

"Always wanted to meet a Captain," Guinevere said, getting lost in the deep brown eyes of Jack's.

Guinevere knew it as soon as she looked in his eyes. Jack, though she had only just met him, was the one. He was everything Beckett wasn't. He was not strict or controlling of her. He also didn't force Guinevere to be a different person. Guinevere was instantly taken with this roguishly handsome captain.

"Captain Sparrow, I know this is a bit forward, but I must tell you," Guinevere began. "I have no place to stay. I haven't any money."

"I have a ship," Jack said brightly. "You may share my quarters."

Later that night, Guinevere followed Jack to his quarters aboard the Wicked Wench. As she rested on a hammock, she told Jack of her friendship with Will and how she lost him.

"You can always see him again, you know," Jack said cheerfully. "Death doesn't end a relationship. It only ends if the two lovers decide not to be lovers anymore."

"You are right," Guinevere said, her eyes sparkling. "So what are you doing in Madagascar?"

"Selling slaves," Jack said tonelessly.

"Is it good business?" Guinevere asked.

Jack spat. "Depends on who you are. If you benefit from this, then yes. For those like me, not at all."

Guinevere's eyes lit up. "You do not believe in slavery?"

"Love, if people were meant to be slaves, we'd have no freedom and we'd cease to be human," Jack said wisely.

"I see," Guinevere agreed. "What is freedom for you, Captain?"

"My freedom is on the sea," Jack said wistfully. "If I wasn't such a lunkhead, I'd be out sailing wherever I want. That's what a ship is for. What is freedom for you, Guin?"

"Here," Guinevere said, hiding her passion. "Away from those forcing me to be someone I'm not. If I were smarter, I'd be out looking for Will right now."

"Seems we both share the same desires for freedom," Jack noted.

"Captain, I have an idea," Guinevere said brightly. "Why don't you run away? Cancel the slave trade."

"I like that idea," Jack said, his eyes glowing. "I could free those slaves instantly. Then I'd be free to sail where I like. I think it's worth a shot."

"What have you got to lose?" Guinevere asked with a laugh.

"Take what you can," Jack said with a smile.

"Give nothing back," Guinevere replied.

"You know, I've only known you for mere hours and I like you," Jack said contently.

"As do I," Guinevere agreed. "This is the first taste of being a real person. You're the first person who has reminded me that it is all right to be me."

"Glad to know," Jack said.

"Captain, I want to kiss you," Guinevere said lustfully.

Jack kissed Guinevere on the cheek. Guinevere's eyes were on fire and she could not control her desire any longer.

"No, not there. Here," Guinevere whispered.

She then drew Jack into a long kiss. Though he did not expect it, Jack did not fight this woman. Instead, he and Guinevere embraced each other and continued to kiss. Guinevere tossed away Jack's hat and then lifted his shirt above his head. The two then laid down together on a hammock.

"I think I'm in love with you. Savvy?" Jack whispered.

"Aye," Guinevere whispered.

That night was the first night Guinevere and Jack had together. Little did they know that their lives were about to change drastically from that one night. Guinevere also did not know that while she was spirited away by Jack, Beckett sent one of his servants, Mercer, to follow her.