Disclaimer: I own no part of Pirates of the Caribbean. Original characters and plots belong to me.

Chapter 11

The Gathering Storm

As soon as we could arrange two berths, we brought our ships to the dock, rather than leave them anchored in the harbour. Most of the men lost no time in going ashore, and all were in a fever to spend their shares of the Spanish gold. Hector tasked an unlucky few with making repairs to the Medusa, refusing them shore leave until the work was done. Experience had shown him the state they would be in, once they began carousing in Tortuga.

After we had moored the Medusa, I found that her choppy movements as she bounced against the dock were making me feel unwell. By midday, I determined that going ashore and standing on solid ground might improve matters. Furthermore, I had an errand to undertake.

As I made for the gangway, I spied Elizabeth standing some distance away, and I waved to her. "I'm off to the Faithful Bride!"

She waved back, nodding. We were both keen to hear something from Mr Defoe and receive a profit from our smuggling investment.

There were very few customers present when I entered the humid, stale-smelling taproom and approached the barman. He stood with his back to me, arranging a multitude of tankards that hung on hooks from the ceiling.

"Pardon me," I said. "Have you any letters for N Bitter or E Turner?"

"Who's askin'?" he said, without turning.

"Nina Bitter."

"An' wot's it worth to 'er?" He continued fussing over the tankards, some of which had names or initials of customers carved into them.

Just then, someone coughed, and a hand was placed upon my shoulder. I turned, and was startled to find Edward Teague standing behind me. "My dear father!" I exclaimed. "How wonderful to see you!"

His cough had caught the barman's attention as well, who turned quickly to face us. "Cap'n Teague," he murmured with a deferential nod. He left the taproom at once, and returned with a thick letter which he handed to me. It looked as though a herd of goats had trampled it.

My father's dark eyes studied me, and I knew he was assessing my health and spirits. Then he gave a single nod towards the door. "This way, m'girl," he said in his low, commanding voice. With that, he led me to an establishment near the Bride, but of a more luxurious nature, called the Brass Monkey.

I soon found myself in a private room, enjoying a lavish dinner with the Keeper of the Code. His quiet, steady gaze made it difficult to believe that this was the same man whose fixed, black stare could terrify the most savage of adversaries. As we talked, I felt my confidence increase and my nerves settle. The sick feeling that had plagued me earlier also seemed to dissipate.

He had not yet spoken with Jack, and so I had much to tell him. I had just finished the story of Jeremy's missing ship, when he raised one hand and stopped me. "There's someone ye should meet," he said, rising from his chair.

He strode to the door and said something to the potboy waiting outside. I heard the boy's footsteps thumping down the stairs as he hastened to do the great Captain Teague's bidding, and shortly afterwards, there was a timid knock on the door.

"Come in, Stuffy," my father growled.

The door cracked open just wide enough to admit a short, wispy man with beady eyes and a sharp nose that gave him the air of a timid rat. He looked at my father with a mix of fear and respect.

"Stuffy's a lookout on Rediker's ship, and he's got a tale for you," said my father, then turned his gaze upon the nervous pirate. "The one about the cutter. Out with it." He nudged a chair with the toe of his boot.

Stuffy sat down gratefully and cleared his throat. "I'm always on duty for the first dog watch," he began. "An' me watch was near over when it happened." He wiped his nose with his sleeve.

"Stop," I said. "When was this? And where were you sailing?"

"'Pologies," he said. "We were bound fer the waters round Cayo Hueso. West by northwest. 'Twere last year – on St Swithin's Day."

I was perplexed. Why would my father want me to hear a yarn that was nearly a year old, and what did I care about the weather?

Stuffy hadn't noticed my frown. He rocked himself a bit, squinting. "I recollect it, because I was partic'lar anxious about the weather. They say that whatever the weather be on that day, 'twill be the same for the next forty days." He paused to pass his sleeve over his face again. "So, the weather be fair. Clear skies, followin' seas."

I stole a look at Teague. He sat slumped in his chair, holding a bottle of rum on his knee, and I wondered if he were even awake.

"Right, then. Good weather; late afternoon." I tried to avoid sounding testy. "And then?"

"Near the end of me watch, the sun began t' set. That's when ye might see a green flash, so I stared off to the west, thinkin' I might see one. That's when I saw the ship." Another wipe with his sleeve.

"What ship? Do you mean you saw the Berwick?"

He brightened. "Aye! The Berwick! I knew 'twas her because I seen 'er in Tortuga – a cutter, flyin' merchant colours. But now she was flyin' the Jolly Roger, an' I thought, well, she must be chasin' a prize – that's when ye hoist yer pirate colours."

I glanced at my father, but couldn't see whether his eyes were open. I was beginning to feel a bit sick again, and I wished Stuffy would get to the point.

"But she weren't chasin' no prize. There were only one other ship out there, and she was chasin' the Berwick, comin' on fast. Damnation fast."

"And so she took the Berwick?" I prompted. But he paused for a moment, and seemed to be sorting his thoughts.

"Now, mind ye," he resumed, sitting forward in his chair. "'Twas fair skies as the sun drew down t' the water, but there were a haze on the horizon. Can ye picture it, miss? That sort o' weather tricks yer eyes. But I know when I be lookin' at a mirage. Been a lookout since I were a little lad."

His eyes bored into me like gimlets. "An' I say, a mirage don't figure into it."

I slanted my eyes at him as my attention sharpened. I sensed the presence of something uncanny.

He fidgeted with his sleeve a bit, then went on. "As the sun dropped down on the horizon, it looked spread out, like 'twas meltin' into the sea, because o' the haze. The sun was right behind the Berwick, an' the other ship closin' on her. Just as the sun dropped a hair lower, the Berwick disappeared."

A heavy sigh of disappointment escaped my lips. "Haze does that, Stuffy. It creates a false horizon that makes objects 'disappear'. Didn't you tell me you know about mirages?"

"Aye – but it weren't a mirage, miss. Only the Berwick was gone – why was the other ship still there?"

"Perhaps the Berwick sailed beyond the horizon," I offered.

He swiped his sleeve at his nose. "Nay, miss. The Berwick disappeared in plain sight o' me, and never been seen or heard of since."

"Then it must have foundered."

He shook his head, insistent. "I seen many a ship sink, but this 'un was gone in a flash. In fair seas. In good weather." He spat on his long, thin fingers, and pinched the wick of the nearest candle, snuffing out the flame. "There – like that."

It was a wild, improbable story. But the very fact that my father had brought Stuffy to tell me meant that he thought it true. The Berwick had vanished off the face of the earth.

"What became of the other ship? Did you recognise her?" I asked.

"Can't say what become of 'er – she was that far off," Stuffy replied. "And I didn't know 'er, nor saw her ever again. She was a dark ship, dark as night and fast as the devil . . ." he paused for emphasis, "An' I swear to ye, she was a caravel."

I blinked. "A caravel? You're saying you saw a caravel? How would you even know what one looked like?"

"I seen plenty of 'em drawed out on old maps," he replied, quite reasonably.

There was movement at last from my father. He shifted his weight and looked at me. "So now ye know. Best take 'im to Norrington."

-o-

A few hours later, I was seated in Hector's day room, alone with Stuffy and Jeremy. Stuffy had repeated his story, and Jeremy had plied him with questions before politely dismissing him.

"Evidently, she sank," he announced, as soon as Stuffy was gone.

I wasn't so sure. "A very odd sinking, to hear him tell it."

"You can't believe types like that," he replied with contempt. "I was ready to throttle the bastard if he wiped his nose one more time. I'd wager that story of his has bought him enough rum to float a first-rater."

I had hoped that this news would discourage Jeremy from involving me in a hunt for the Berwick. It did, but I was not to be free of him yet.

He frowned, drumming his fingers for a moment. "So it seems I shall need a ship. Then we can be off on my mission."

"Do you really need my assistance now?" I asked. "What could I possibly contribute?"

His eyes flicked towards me, then he stared across the room, lost in thought. "They must have sent you here for a reason. Perhaps you have something, or you know something. Perhaps you don't know what it is that you know." He blew out his breath, and seemed to arrive at a decision. "Well, the Medusa would serve quite well. Let us see if your friend the pirate Captain will join in this venture. When I say it involves limitless gold, I assure you that he won't be disappointed."

I excused myself and, taking Defoe's letter along, went to find Elizabeth. When we had read through his report and divided up the money, we were surprised and elated to see how much we had gained.

"Do you think you'll invest in more ventures?" Elizabeth asked as she tucked her share away in a pocket. "I should think one could live quite comfortably if this represents a typical profit."

"I might do more than invest," I replied. "As soon as I decide, I shall give you a full account of my plans."

Defoe's letter had put me in an excellent humour, and I was inclined to view the world in rosy hues, as I returned to my cabin. The day had turned out to be quite pleasant, or so I thought.

I felt sure of Hector joining Jeremy's venture. He had promised me no less, and had never been known to break an accord. Best of all, Jeremy's venture would keep Hector from seeking the Fountain – at least, for the moment.

After supper, Jeremy, Hector and I met in the day room to discuss his venture. But instead of acquiescing as I had hoped, Hector became cagey and difficult.

He smiled dismissively at Jeremy. "Fer one thing, I don't know what ye mean by 'limitless gold'. Ye must speak plain to a plain old mariner."

I looked away so neither man could see me roll my eyes.

"I mean more than enough to fill several ships of this size," Jeremy replied.

Hector took a swig from his tankard. "Ye see, I'm not wantin' fer gold at the present time. I didn't leave Havana empty-handed."

"I find it hard to believe a pirate has no use for gold," said Jeremy.

Hector shrugged and eyed the bowl of apples on the table. "So yer venture were to sail to wherever this gold be-and do what?"

"Claim an object of a certain sort, for the Crown," Jeremy looked politely regretful. "I'm not at liberty to give out any more details. I've already told you more than I ought."

"Humph….well, here's what I'll do for ye," said Hector, selecting an apple. "Me crew will be refreshin' themselves here, as will I. After we spend the swag we've already got, I might consider yer proposal." He bit into the apple, and slowly chewed it as the juices ran into his beard.

I gave no sign, but was very discomfited. Was Hector bluffing or did he actually intend to decline Jeremy's proposal? I stole several glances at him, but he wouldn't return my looks. Instead, he watched Jeremy's reaction and slowly consumed his apple.

"Fair enough, Captain, but I'm afraid that's too great a delay. I shall find another ship," Jeremy replied. Then he turned to me. "And you shall sail with me, my dear. I'll see that you're properly compensated."

"Ye can't succeed at yer mission without Miss Bitter, here?" asked Hector, his face relaxing into an amused smile.

"She showed boldness and resourcefulness in Havana," said Jeremy, raising his brows. "I cannot see how she would be a liability."

Hector shrugged. "Then 'tis plain ye have no need o' my counsel."

"Nor mine," I put in quickly. I wasn't about to be separated from Hector. "Surely once you have a ship, you can proceed without me."

The corners of Jeremy's mouth twitched into the beginnings of a smile, but his eyes held determination. "I hate to insist, but you were, in fact, ordered to help me. We'll leave Captain Barbossa and his men to indulge in the fleshly pleasures they must be craving."

Hector chuckled lazily, never a good sign. "Surely the lady must follow her own inclinations" His voice sounded like velvet.

Jeremy shrugged. "The lady must follow her orders, I'm afraid," he drawled. I had the uncomfortable sensation of being a shuttlecock in the midst of a volley.

But Hector merely shrugged. "Well, ye have me answer."

"Do think it over, Captain. Perhaps you'll change your mind," Jeremy replied with a little smile.

-0-

Later that evening, as the day room's dark walls glowed like burnished copper in the lantern light, I confronted Hector. Although I was weary, I could not rest until he explained why he had acted contrary to our agreement.

"I don't understand - you promised me not a week ago that you would join me on my errand," I said.

There was an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the sound of Hector's fingertips as he brushed them idly back and forth across the table's surface. After a moment or two, he said, "There be somethin' other than gold he's after. Something more precious than gold."

I held up my hands. "Why does it matter?"

"I prefer t' strike an honest bargain with no surprises," he growled. "I'll have none of his mysteries. So what does he want?"

"Who knows? I'm obliged to help him, whatever it is, even if I have to go it alone. Those were my orders."

He narrowed his eyes. "Where be these orders?" he purred. "I'm inclined t' look 'em over."

I started for the door, intending to retrieve my Way Bill, but stopped abruptly. That document contained only some of my instructions. The order to assist Jeremy had been given me by word of mouth.

I turned back to Hector as calmly as possible. "I'm afraid I can't. That part was not written down. I was told by the King to assist with his mission."

He did not reply at once, but I sensed his growing suspicion as he regarded me impassively, sharp eyes glinting beneath his heavy eyelids.

"So you expect to go rovin' the seas with Norrington," he said at last, with a chuckle. "And I've nothin' but yer word that these be yer orders?"

He wielded his words as skilfully as his sword, and they cut me just as keenly.

"I expect to do my job," I snapped, as my cheeks reddened. "And what precisely do you mean by 'nothing but your word'?"

He rose from his chair and braced himself with both palms on the table. "Ye brought him on me ship without tellin' me who he was. Ye'll forgive me if I'm sceptical regardin' yer unwritten orders."

In other circumstances I would have tried to make amends, but his unkind speech had made me angry. "I asked you," I sputtered, "I asked you whether one can break an accord if something changes later. You said no! Well, after we were in Havana, I found out the prisoner was Jeremy."

"Then why didn't ye tell me his name in Havana?" He crossed his arms.

I swallowed, hoping my chest would stop aching, to no avail. I was angry at myself for deceiving him, and furious at him for pointing it out.

"I feared you would refuse to take him with us," I tried to explain. "Where would that have left me? What would you have had me do?"

"Trust in me merciful nature!" he shouted. I jumped as he banged his fist on the table for emphasis. "I've done naught t' earn such suspicion!"

"I trusted your word that you would join me in helping Jeremy," I answered stiffly.

"Aye, but we never discussed when. I'm disinclined to put His Worship before me own well-earned rest." Then he gave me a sly look. "If ye had told me his name sooner, I would have let ye know before now."

I tried to throttle my temper. "So this is entirely concerned with teaching me a lesson," I said coldly. "You've just illustrated why I didn't reveal his name until it was safe to do so."

My heart was thudding roughly. I was becoming too upset to argue any more. I was seized by a violent desire to get out of the room and away from him. I made for the door with long, quick strides. Before I could open it, a strong hand gripped my wrist, pulling me gently but firmly away from the door.

To my great annoyance, angry tears threatened to fill my eyes. I tried to look down at my boots, determined that Hector should see no weakness in me, but he tipped my face up to meet his gaze.

He squinted at me for a moment. "When did I ever take advantage of ye?" he demanded. He thrust his chin out as he spoke, but his voice was not so harsh.

"You abandoned me in the tunnel under Highcliffe," I said, keeping tight control of my voice.

He rolled his eyes. "A temporary precaution to keep ye from gettin' killed."

"You stole my weapons."

"Did I?" He seemed amused.

"Five times."

"Surely, 'twere only four."

I flashed a quick, accusing look at him and saw traces of a smile at one corner of his mouth.

How could this man exasperate me so, and still make me feel an irresistible desire to laugh and forgive? But I refused to give him the victory; I dug in my heels.

"Split hairs if you like. It doesn't change my orders." I tried to free my arm, but he pulled me close to his chest.

He gazed at me for a moment, caressing my chin with his thumb. My resentment began to soften and slowly dissolve, and his nearness compelled me at last to put my arms about his waist.

"That's better," he said.

He used one hand to cradle the back of my head, and leaned towards me. His kiss was long and tender.

I rested my cheek against his chest and closed my eyes. "I regret not telling you," I said. "I've never been one to confide in people, even those I love most. But I trust you as much as I'm able, and if I knew anything more about his mission, I would tell you."

He seemed to accept this, and our parting was friendly enough; but he still refused to join Jeremy's venture. There was nothing I could do, except put the matter out of my mind and get a good night's rest. But as I lay in bed, my mind seized on a different topic and I began to ruminate on the dark ship Stuffy claimed to have seen. He had to have been mistaken. Columbus may have used them, but no one had put to sea in a caravel for ages.

Unexpectedly, I thought of Ponce de Leon's journal. Did it name the type of ship he had? The question nagged at me until I finally lit a candle and fished the book out of my duffel. But I found nothing - only a reference to sailing in a small, armed ship.

I put the journal away. What had I expected to discover? That Ponce de Leon was not only still alive, but sailing the seas in a caravel? And attacking ships? No. Stuffy had made a mistake, and that was all there was to it.

But Edward Teague didn't make mistakes.

- o -

The next day began with a lovely spring morning, warm and dry, with gentle winds blowing from the southeast. All the same, I felt a bit queasy as the ship rocked under me. I had never been seasick in my life, and this was an unpleasant turn of events. I was relieved to get a note from Jeremy, asking me to meet him on the main deck and accompany him to the tailor. A walk in town would do me good.

When I emerged onto the main deck, I saw Jeremy conversing with Hector, who seemed vaguely out of sorts. Jeremy was his usual convivial self, breaking off their discussion as I approached, and greeting me warmly.

"You'll excuse us, Captain," he said. "We've much business in town. And undoubtedly you've some of your own," he added with a knowing smile. "But we shall all meet for supper at the Faithful Bride. One last evening before we go our separate ways."

Hector grunted and turned away without looking at me. Just before I followed Jeremy to the gangplank, I looked up and saw Elizabeth on the bridge, watching the entire scene, her forehead knotted in a frown.

Jeremy took me first to a goldsmith, where he received a quantity of money that he had left for safekeeping. Then, he made the suggestion that perhaps he should buy piece goods at the tailor's, thus saving a great deal of time.

"I'm sure there will be no shortage of fine clothes from which to choose – all plundered, of course." He laughed. "And I suppose they'll try to get every penny they can from me."

I had been eyeing his coat as we walked. Though it had been poorly kept, it was still quite magnificent. I tugged at its cuff. "They'll give you something for this, at least. They can clean it, or cut it – but no doubt they can sell it."

"I fear the coat isn't for sale or trade," he replied. "And you must hold it for me when I'm trying things on."

"But it's quite shabby now," I said, raising my eyebrows. "Why would you want to be seen in it when you can get another?"

"I'm sentimental," he said, pleasantly. But something in his voice told me that I would not get another word out of him.

The tailor brought out an extravagant collection of goods; velvet coats of the same hue as Indian peacocks, pale rose waistcoats with golden embroidery, and the like. But Jeremy chose simpler clothes that made him look quite the country gentleman: a plain, brick-red coat with no embellishments on the cuffs, a waistcoat of the same dark olive-green as the coat's collar, and tan breeches.

He glanced over the various wigs on offer, then turned to me. "Shall I wear my own hair, or must I have one of these?"

"Oh, I prefer your own hair, certainly," I said. "But won't you tell me where we're bound? After all, I may need to get clothes for myself."

He looked pleased, and drew near so that we could converse privately. "You'll find the clothes you have will serve well enough," he said quietly. "And as for where we're bound, I suppose it's time I told you. Our destination is the lost city of Huesos Blanqueados. It has been abandoned since the days of the conquistadors, and I am the only person who knows where it is." He peered at me intently, a faint smile on his lips, gauging my reaction.

"I've never heard the name," I replied. "And this is the location of the gold you spoke of?"

"My dear, the very sands glitter with it. I really think your friends should reconsider."

- 0 -

The noise at the Faithful Bride was deafening that night, as roistering groups of pirates drank, sang, fought and bellowed. I had arrived last of all our group, and stood at the door uncertainly, looking for Hector. Finally, I caught a glimpse of his hat, in a secluded alcove near the back of the room.

I started towards him, threading my way through the crowd, avoiding the tankards and bottles that occasionally flew through the air, but when I drew close enough to see how he was occupied, I stopped.

He was in the midst of a group of men I did not recognise. They were all seated around a table watching a woman dance naked on it. All of them were drinking, shouting, and tossing coins at her feet, whilst other wenches perched on their laps, laughing and encouraging them.

I thought Hector might have seen me, but if he did, he took no notice. I was trying to decide whether to interrupt his revels, when there was a tap on my shoulder, and I turned to find Jeremy at my side. "Our table is over there," he shouted, pointing. "I'm sure Barbossa will join us later."

I joined Jack, Jeremy, Elizabeth and Rufus at the table, and made a concentrated effort to enjoy the company around me. Still, I positioned my chair so that I could see and be seen by Hector. Jeremy seemed especially lively, and engaged me in several animated conversations. At intervals, I would steal a look at Hector's table, but he was always fully absorbed in the low entertainment before him. At last, to a great roar of approval (and my infinite relief), the woman finished her dancing.

Jeremy leaned close to my ear. "Will you excuse me for a moment? Could you keep an eye on the coat?" I nodded and he handed me the coat. He seized a bottle of rum and topped off my tankard before leaving the table. I was beginning to feel the effects of too much supper and rum, and it was increasingly difficult to take in everything around me.

Jack was sitting across from me, and I noticed he was trying to catch my eye. "What?" I said, and he raised an eyebrow at the ragged coat in my lap. "He's dead set on keeping it," I explained, with less than perfect diction. My brother immediately slid around to sit next to me.

With a nod in Hector's direction, he spoke directly into my ear. "Go say hello to the Old Man. I'll watch the coat."

Reluctantly, I left him with it, and approached Hector. I did my best to catch his eye, but he was engrossed in talking to the others at the table. The woman who had been dancing came back in a lurid gown of salmon and red, to accolades from her audience, and offers she refused with a raucous laugh.

I returned to Jack's table without saying a word to Hector. "He seems rather busy at the moment," I said, taking the coat back.

When Jeremy returned, I gave him the coat, and began a spirited discussion with him, forcing myself to look far more interested than I was. After several minutes of pointless banter, Jeremy looked past my shoulder, and noted casually, "Barbossa seems to have called it a night."

"Has he?" I turned to look, and saw that Hector's chair was now empty. Several of the men had now either quieted down or wandered off, and the dancing woman had apparently moved on as well.

Mildly surprised, I turned back to my companions, and noticed that Elizabeth was scowling. I would have asked her the reason, but the warmth and smell of the taproom suddenly overwhelmed me.

I rose hastily from my seat. "Do forgive me – I must step outside," I said to Jeremy.

Once outside, I waited to see whether my symptoms would improve or grow worse. Ten minutes or so in the cool, fresh air was enough to bring me round, but I decided it would be more prudent to go back to the Medusa, rather than invite another attack.

When I boarded our ship, there was light under the doors to the captain's quarters. I realised that Jeremy was still with the others at the tavern, leaving me alone with Hector. I hesitated, still feeling somewhat raw over his inattention at the Bride. But I knew that this might be my last chance to see him, to say an affectionate farewell, before I would have to follow Jeremy in search of a new ship.

If I didn't delay, I would have enough time.

I opened the door and stepped inside. Hector was standing near the table, his eyes wide with surprise at seeing me. He didn't speak, but managed a half-smile, and a short laugh under his breath, a single, slightly embarrassed "Hrmph."

My eyes travelled to the table, where I saw two tankards, an open bottle of rum, and Hector's hat. And I knew, I simply knew. I stared at him in utter shock, and a voice came from our sleeping quarters.

"Come along, ducks! I 'aven't got all night!"

He tried to catch me before I reached the door, but I moved like lightning. Then I froze, with Hector standing motionless just behind me.

The dancing woman was reclining in our bed.

Next: Chapter 12 – Shattered – In which Nina must make an important decision, and Jeremy acquires a ship.