Will knew he still loved Elizabeth and if he looked down deep inside – he knew she was telling the truth – she really did love him as well. He was hurt and his pride was standing in the way of his forgiveness. He just needed more time – that's all.

His walking and thinking had taken him to the other side of the island. He glanced up just before coming from the underbrush and couldn't believe his eyes – a ship! They were rescued! Something made Will stop before making his presence known and studied the ship – it took only one look at their colors. It sent him back into a full run back to Elizabeth.

On his way back all he could think of was how to protect Elizabeth. Although he had never personally seen this flag, he had heard stories. These were not friendly pirates – they had a reputation of being the worst of the worst. They were known to do unspeakable things to their captives – especially women.

Will raced into their camp putting out the fire quickly without one word being spoken.

"Will, what are you doing?"

He never responded, he only grabbed her by the hand and started to drag her away.

"Will, what's wrong? I'm not going any further until you tell me-"

"Pirates and decidedly unfriendly ones." He looked her directly in the eyes, "for once Elizabeth trust me and do as I say."

Elizabeth knew she was on thin ice with Will and did not argue. She just nodded her head in agreement as he led her away by the hand.

Will had made their temporary home away from the spring just for such a reason but he wasn't taking any chances. They moved away from the spring and from their home. Luckily the pirates did not even discover Will and Elizabeth's home; they headed directly for the spring. They seemed to know exactly where they were going. From where they were hiding, Will and Elizabeth could hear the pirates talk.

The pirates were laughing amongst themselves. The leader of the group urged his men to hurry up. One asked him how they knew of this spring. The leader answered, "The Captain and this ship are the only ones that know of this spring. Everyone else must travel for at least a week to find fresh water. And Captain makes sure no one from his crew talks about this spring or else."

Will and Elizabeth looked at each other – both of their hearts dropped. They said nothing to each other and waited until the pirates had left with their water. "Stay here," Will told Elizabeth, "I'm just making sure they set sail and then I'll be back." Elizabeth gave Will a worried look. He gently stroked her cheek and answered her look with a, "I promise – I will be back."

Elizabeth stayed in the exact spot that Will told her and in a few hours he returned. "It's safe now. They've set sail."

"Will, they could have been our only way off this island."

"I will not risk you. These men would do unspeakable things to you. I would rather live out my days on this island than risk that."

Will waiting for several more hours before starting a fire again. Elizabeth had just been sitting there watching him. She was grateful for Will's thoughts of protection for her but with the pirates also went her hope.

"We'll never be found."

After Elizabeth's statement, Will walked over and put his arms around her.

"Will, I'm so sorry for everything. I want you to know that I truly only love you."

"I want to believe you but only time will tell and I need time."

Elizabeth nodded her head, "that's what we seem to have an abundance of - time."