Attack on the Fortress

Jack wasn't sleeping. Kenna slept soundly beside him, but Jack couldn't slip into sleep with the weight of his lie pressing upon him. He had lied to Kenna. And he knew that Kenna hadn't believed him. He had seen the flicker of doubt in her eyes, but she hadn't said anything. Jack was half relieved, half frustrated that she hadn't. Didn't she care that he was keeping something from her?

He had wanted to leave piracy for a reason, yes. To save himself from the clutches of a certain ruthless pirate. One who he had offended gravely… Captain Anastasia Bathory. Jack's stomach twisted with dread at the mere thought of Bathory. The woman was cruel and ruthless. Last time Jack had encountered Bathory, he had barely escaped with his life… Jack shifted uncomfortably. He had given up piracy to hide from Bathory. He glanced at Kenna, who looked peaceful, lost in her dreams. He reached out and touched her face gently. She stirred, frowning. She opened her eyes, which glittered in the dark. "Jack? What is it?" she murmured.

"Nothing, love," he replied.

Kenna frowned. "Don't lie to me," she whispered. "What's bothering you?"

Jack smiled at her. He caressed her face, rubbing his thumb against her soft cheek. "I don't want to cause you pain, Kenna."

Kenna frowned. "How would you?"

"I'm not a good man." Jack replied.

Kenna propped herself up on one elbow. "Why do you say that?"

Jack half smiled. He opened his mouth to reply. BOOM. The entire inn shook with the force of the crash. Jack kicked the covers off and jumped to his feet. He pulled on his boots and coat. He grabbed his effects and turned to Kenna. She had put on her vest and buckled her belt. "What's happening?" she asked.

Jack frowned. "Not sure," he muttered. There was another loud boom. Jack felt the entire fortress tremble beneath his boots. His frown deepened. "Sounds like cannon fire," he said, rushing out of the room. Chaos ensued outside the room. People ran back and forth, screaming and pushing past each other. Wives of pirates ushered their children along, trying to find cover. Jack took Kenna's hand. "Come on." He pulled her along, running past crowds of people. The fortress shook again as another cannon blast hit its mark. Jack grabbed Kenna and pulled her close to him, shielding her from the splinters of wood that flew past. Jack looked at her. He could see the fear in her eyes, mixed with determination. He cupped her face with his hands. He kissed her lips quickly and then took off with her again. He sprinted toward Teague's house. Teague was caught in a duel, battling three attackers at once. Concern for his aged father prompted Jack to leave Kenna momentarily. He let go of Kenna's hand and unsheathed his sword, jumping into battle. He blocked and attacked ferociously. He kicked his opponent back, sending him into the water below.

"Jack!" Kenna screamed. Jack and Teague wheeled around. A man had grabbed Kenna and was dragging her back. Jack clenched his teeth and surged forward.

"Jackie!" called Teague. Jack looked back. Teague was still caught in battle. Jack swore and jumped back to help his father. He grabbed one of the attackers and forced him into the water. Teague stabbed another. Jack rushed after Kenna. She was screaming and kicking out, attempting to get away. "Hurry, boy!" Teague roared, following Jack.

"What the hell do you think I'm doing?" Jack bellowed back. Kenna's attacker covered her mouth with his large hand. He began to choke her. Jack withdrew his pistol once he got close enough. He fired, blasting the attacker's brain to bits. Kenna gasped hoarsely. She was now covered in blood and looked mortified. She stared at Jack. He pulled her close to him, stroking the back of her head comfortingly. "It's all right love, it's all right." he murmured as Kenna sobbed.

"Here," said Teague, handing Kenna a dagger. She took it with shaking hands. "That way you're not helpless."

"Th-thank you," Kenna said. She looked at the dagger apprehensively. Jack felt a pang of sympathy for her. "I-I recognized him," Kenna realized. Jack looked at her.

"Who was he?" snarled Teague.

"H-he was one of Marcus's men. Oh, Jack… They've come for me! They're doing this to find me!" Kenna sounded absolutely distressed.

"We need to lead them out of here." Jack growled, turning to Teague.

"Take my ship and crew," Teague said immediately. "Go home."

Jack shook his head. "No. No way!"

"Jackie, ye don't have a choice! Take her there and get the hell out of here before they blow it to bits!" snarled Teague.

Jack swore and grabbed Kenna by the hand, leading her toward the docks. He found Teague's ship, the White Gem and climbed aboard. Within a few minutes, Teague's crew had assembled. Jack shouted orders to them. They obeyed, scrambling about. They ducked to avoid shots and cannon fire. The ship sailed toward the cave. Jack watched for the other ship, the attacking one. It stopped firing at Shipwreck Island and began following them. "Pick up the speed, we need to lose them!" Jack roared.

"But the rocks!" protested one crew member. Jack marched up to the helm and took over.

"Let me worry about that! Just do as I say!" Jack bellowed. The White Gem picked up speed, and Jack maneuvered the rocks with ease. He had passed this way many a journey as a lad. He knew the way better than most, and certainly better than the attacking ship. "Don't lose speed! Full sail!" Jack roared. He whipped out his compass. "C'mon, c'mon, don't fail me now…" The needle spun several times until it slowed to a stop. He growled in frustration to see the compass pointing at Kenna. "I need to protect her, damn it!" he shouted. The needle whirled around and pointed north. "Finally." he muttered. Kenna looked at him curiously.

"Is that the compass that points to whatever you want most?" she asked.

"Aye," Jack muttered.

"Jack, I'm so sorry…" Kenna whispered. Jack reached for her. Kenna stepped toward him, looking unnerved.

"It's not your fault, love." he replied.

"They're after me," Kenna murmured darkly. "I don't want you to get hurt because of me, or anyone else, for that matter."

"You're not handing yourself over," Jack snapped. Kenna looked taken aback. He glared at her. "Don't be stupid and noble. They'll kill you. I'm not going to let that happen."

"Jack…" Kenna said.

"No," Jack barked. "Just trust me, all right?" Kenna looked as if she wanted to argue, but she merely nodded. "Quartermaster!" Jack bellowed, making Kenna jump slightly. A burly man stepped forward.

"Aye, sir." he said.

"Escort the lady to the captain's cabin, will you?" Jack ordered.

Kenna looked at Jack, taken aback. "Aye, Cap'n." said the Quartermaster, grabbing Kenna roughly by the arm.

"Oy!" Jack barked. The Quartermaster paused. "Gently," Jack muttered, eyeing Kenna. She was led away, leaving Jack to captain the helm alone. He sighed. He looked up to the heavens. If you're listening, God… I don't deserve to ask anything of you… I'm not a goody-goody, so they say. But… Kenna is. Please, let me save her. Help me keep her alive.

...

Thank you all so much for the reviews! You guys are incredible! Sorry these last few chapters have been kinda slow and uneventful... But we're starting to get into some more action! Hooray! Anyway, thanks again, I hope you guys enjoyed, let me know what you think by leaving a review! :)