True Love: Forever Reunited
Chapter 21: Back to Port Royal
AN: Hello everyone! First, I must apologize profusely for the wait that was far too long. The end of my semester was just simply insane, and my break has so far been so busy that I don't even know where to begin. I've been working part time, plus being sick, and I've had family here for a couple of weeks, plus seeing friends and stuff. So the next wait won't be this long, and rest assured I won't abandon this story. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The trio could do nothing but stare at each other inside the stifling house, until Will's hoarse voice broke through the silence, as he began to read the letter.
"To the Captains Turner and Captain Sparrow,
This letter is in reference to an event that has lately occurred, that might be of interest to you. A fleet of EITC ships were sailing near Shipwreck Cove, and happened upon a rather large group of ships; those of the rest of the Brethren Court. We have captured each and every single one of them, and are holding them captive in Port Royal, a place I'm sure all of you are quite familiar with. Now, you have two options; one, you may come to Port Royal and give up the needed information, and we will talk about a negotiation for your lives. Or there is always option two, should you choose to take it, which means that you do not come at all. But I warn you; if you do not come, we will hunt you down ruthlessly until we find you, and no negotiation will take place. Calypso's allegiance with you will not prevent the EITC from winning this battle; she is a fickle being, do not forget that. Tell all of your comrades that this is your last warning."
It's terribly unfortunate about the damage to your house.
Lord Timothy Alexander Clinton.
"That scoundrel!" exclaimed Elizabeth slamming her hand down on the table where the letter had lain. "He breaks into our house and then leaves us a letter of this fashion!"
"And he wants us to come to bloody Port Royal, to rescue those scallywags who abandoned us!" said Jack, rolling his eyes. "That's not likely to happen now, or anytime in the near future."
Will looked up from the letter, his eyebrow cocked as he looked at Jack. "I hate to burst your bubble Jack, but if you think I'm going to let the EITC break into my family's house, threaten us, and then be chased across the Caribbean Sea by its insane-beyond-belief-leader, you've got another thing coming."
Elizabeth nodded silently in agreement before reaching over and taking the letter from her husband's hand and proceeding to rip it into a million tiny pieces, and they fluttered to the ground like dirty snow. Will's eyes widened.
"The others might have wanted to see that you know," remarked Will, shooting a glance at his wife.
"Oh," replied Elizabeth. "I didn't think of that. Well, it isn't like they won't believe our word…" she stopped in midsentence to gaze at Jack, who had begun to mutter to himself, looking though as were arguing with two other people on either side of him.
"No," muttered Jack to the seemingly invisible people, "We're not going to Port Royal." He jerked his head to the other side, as though he were looking at someone, and muttered again. "All right, all right; why must we always be conned into doing the right thing when it comes to the Turners?"
"Jack?" questioned Will, gazing at his friend with a very bewildered expression, "Who are you talking to?"
Jack looked up, suddenly aware of Will and Elizabeth's penetrating gazes. "Nobody," he said. "Let's just go tell the others, shall we? That way we can get this bloody affair over with."
Will and Elizabeth nodded their agreement; they were both worried now about Willy's safety in all of this. The trio walked back to the ships silently, wondering how in the world they were going to accomplish this feat. Everyone waited for them on the Black Pearl looked at them with hopeful expressions, and when the news was relayed, a great chorus of "What?!" rose up from the crowd of people.
"Go back to Port Royal?" exclaimed Andrew, his eyes wide. "We'll be asking for trouble." He unconsciously pulled Charles and Anna toward him, while Amelia silently shook her head, saying nothing.
"We'll be sitting ducks," argued Barbossa.
"We'll be sitting ducks if we don't go," prompted Norrington. "Can you imagine? Hundreds of East India Company ships will be tailing our two; I've worked for the Company, and they will not give up until they find us. It would be better to face them head on by going to Port Royal."
"James is right," said Groves from his position next to Estrella. "Better to take the risk of going to Port Royal than have them trail us all over the Caribbean. This way, we can at least be prepared."
Once it was agreed upon that they should go, everyone made to prepare the two ships, and Jack left Will and Elizabeth alone with their son.
"Willy," said Elizabeth in a gentle tone, "The Company did a bit of damage to our house; but they didn't steal any of the things we left behind."
Willy's eyes widened as he surveyed both of his parents. "They didn't steal anything?" he questioned. "What kind of thieves are they?"
"The kind that are looking for something more than just our possessions," answered Will grimly. "Willy, we are going to Port Royal, and you must promise your mother and me that you'll do just as we tell you to do, and stay safe. You, Charles, and Anna must do everything we tell you; this is a very dangerous mission we're on. Do you understand?"
"Yes Papa," said Willy, nodding solemnly. "I'll do everything you and Mama, and Uncle Andrew and Aunt Amelia tell me to do."
"Good," said Will, pulling his son to him in a tight embrace. "Your mother and I couldn't bear to have anything happen to you."
Willy hugged his father back, and as Elizabeth joined in on the hug, the Pearl and the Empress set sail, hardly daring to imagine what awaited them in Port Royal.
It was several days later when they reached Port Royal, and the sun was just setting behind them as they anchored the ships to the murky ocean bottom. They had anchored the ships a mile or so away from the Port Royal harbor; they didn't trust Clinton enough to pull their ships directly into their harbor, for fear that they would be stolen. Only a select few were to go ashore to meet Clinton, otherwise it would be a messier affair than was necessary. If a battle began, the others would come and join them. Estrella, Amelia, and Groves had been enlisted to watch the three children, who were to stay safely aboard the boat. Groves had desperately wanted to go ashore, but someone with exceptional skill with a sword needed to stay behind. Amelia herself was learning quite well, but the two sets of parents felt much more reassured that Groves was staying to protect the children. It was also pointed out that if Groves was seen he might be arrested for treason. Murtogg, Mullroy, Pintel, Ragetti, and various members of Jack's and Barbossa's crews were staying behind to stand guard over the ships.
Meanwhile, as everyone else was getting ready to depart, Will and Elizabeth were standing in their cabin, making sure that they had each and every weapon they possessed. After securing the sword he had made for Norrington so long ago to his belt, Will turned around to face his wife, an inevitable worry on his mind.
"Elizabeth," he said softly, but with a certain kind of firmness in his tone, "I'm not sure it would be a good idea for you to come with us."
Elizabeth, who was obviously astounded by this remark, whipped around, her honey colored ponytail whipping around her shoulder.
"Will, you can't be serious," she said, her eyes holding a strong glint of uncertainty. "Clinton has insisted that I come, and I won't be left behind."
"Elizabeth," repeated Will again, "I'm afraid something might happen to you."
She made to interrupt him, but the expression in his eyes implored her to let him continue, and she read him like a book.
"What if you're injured?" Will went on, "I don't want anything endangering you or our unborn child. I can't bear the thought." His face was etched with concern, and Elizabeth certainly saw his point; but she also saw another.
"Will, if I don't come, they'll only come looking for me," she responded, her gaze intense. "And that would be worse."
"But we have people on the ship that could protect you," argued Will, desperate to make her understand him, his hand gripping her shoulder lightly. "I just… I know that you are perfectly capable of defending yourself, you're skills are quite superior, but if Clinton finds out that you're with child; I shiver to think how much advantage that he'll take of that fact."
"How could he possible know that I'm with child?" responded Elizabeth, shaking her head. "And besides Will, he demanded that I come; if I don't they'll come looking for me, and that will put the children in danger." Elizabeth looked up and saw something in her beloved husband's eyes that did not often appear there; unadulterated fear. He simply couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to Willy, Charles, or Anna. It was this that ended Will's argument, despite his worries about Elizabeth and their unborn baby; if he demanded that she stay on the ship, not only would she be away from his protection, but Willy, Charles, and Anna would be in danger as well.
"You're right," conceded Will, "But I still don't like it. Stick close to me."
"I promise," said Elizabeth sincerely, pulling him into a tight embrace, closing her eyes and breathing in his scent. She too, was worried about their child.
There was a soft knock at their door, and Willy came in, ready to bid them farewell.
"Uncle Jack says that it's time to go," he said, his brown eyes that were so like his father's gazing up at them. "Please be careful," he said, "But I know you can outwit Clinton."
"I'm glad you have faith in us, son," Elizabeth said with a smile. "We love you."
"I love you too," said Willy in a meaningful tone, hugging both of them.
Will gazed at his son, his heart nearly bursting with love at this boy, his boy, the beautiful child that had been created out of the miraculous love that he and Elizabeth shared. But demons of fear still clawed at him. He knew that Willy would be well looked after, but he still had a bad feeling about this entire predicament. Will and Elizabeth left their son in the care of Estrella, Groves, and Amelia, and gave him one last hug.
"Now don't forget," started Will, but Willy finished for him.
"To stay on the ship, no matter what happens, and to do whatever, Aunt Amelia, Miss Estrella, or Mr. Groves tell me to do." Willy rattled off the instructions that Will had repeated to him at least ten times in the past few hours. He smiled slyly at his father, causing Will to laugh.
Before they departed, Amelia pulled them both into a hug. "Please be careful you two," she said, the sparkle of a tear in her eye, "We were just reunited, and I don't want to go losing you again."
Will looked at their dear friend, her raven hair falling past her elbows under a tri corn hat, and donning a light, corset free sundress. She was a far cry from the girl he and Elizabeth had known before they had gotten swept up in the affairs of pirates, the East India Company, and the Flying Dutchman. Willy had gone to join Charles and Anna across the room, and three of them huddled together, not seeming like they would be moving apart anytime soon; stuck together like glue.
"We'd better get going," said Andrew, his green eyes solemn as he kissed his wife and children goodbye, "Everyone is waiting."
The trio reached the top deck, and met with Jack, Norrington, Barbossa, Captain Teague, and Ana Maria, and they all piled into two rowboats and sailed into Port Royal's harbor. Will felt Elizabeth grasp his hand, and saw that Ana Maria had grasped Jack's hand as well. Elizabeth noticed this, and despite her uncertainty, gave Will a smirk of delight. Norrington looked dead ahead as they sailed in, his expression unreadable. It suddenly struck Will that Port Royal held a strong sense of significance to nearly everyone present, save perhaps Barbossa and Captain Teague.
Pulling into the Port Royal Harbor was one of strangest things that Will had ever experienced. Their two small rowboats pulled in, and no one ran to arrest them. They all stepped silently onto the deck, and were met by Gillette, who eyes held a discomforting, maniacal glint.
"So," he said, "You decided to come and negotiate. That was wise of you, really. We would have caught up to you soon enough. Hand over your weapons."
At this, Jack held up his hand, waving his finger in Gillette's face, probably annoying him to no end. "Not bloody likely mate. We're not going in there without weapons when we know your lot has some."
Gillette, who looked disgruntled, but did like to argue with eight well armed, skilled pirates, gave in. "Fine. Follow me; Lord Clinton is waiting with the Brethren Court."
The eight followed him, and Will didn't dare let go of Elizabeth's hand. It was still rather early, and as they walked towards the EITC headquarters, people's heads popped out of their doors and windows, a never ending whisper following them.
"Is that really Will and Elizabeth?" several whispered.
"And Jack Sparrow as well, it looks like," said several more.
"And, is that James Norrington?" asked another, "I could have sworn he was dead and gone."
These whispers only added to the ominous feeling that surrounded the small group of pirates, and when they reached Clinton's office, Will felt a chill come over him; something just wasn't right.
"Something is off," he whispered to Elizabeth, "Where are the Brethren Court?"
"I haven't the slightest idea," Elizabeth whispered back, "But you're right, something is wrong."
Will looked over at Jack, who's normal, roguish grin was gone from his face, replaced by such a look as Will had never seen there before, and he couldn't quite read it. Jack looked back over at the Turners, shaking his head. The door opened before them, and they were met with the cold, eerily handsome face of Lord Clinton. It seemed that he had only grown more terrifying since the last time they had met. His face was ghostly pale; his long hair blacker than ever, was tied into a tail, but a strand still fell over one of his maniacal eyes, causing him to look ever the more evil.
"Well, well," he said, bowing slightly, "Finally, we meet again."
"What have you done with the Brethren Court?" spat Elizabeth. "You said they were here."
"Oh yes," said Clinton with a wave of his hand, "That. Well, they aren't here, I'm afraid; they never were, to be completely honest with you. You see, I knew you would come if you thought they might be in danger; especially you two," he said, gesturing at Will and Elizabeth.
"You foul, evil," started Elizabeth, but Clinton calmly interrupted her.
"Careful what you say to me, Elizabeth Turner," he said, looking directly into her eyes, "I know about the child that resides inside you."
Elizabeth was struck speechless. Will lunged forward, inches away from Clinton.
"You will not harm my wife, or my child, and live to see the light of day," he said, venom in his tone.
"You are the lowest of the low," added Jack, stepping up beside Will, his eyes narrowed in intense dislike.
"Indeed," responded Andrew, stepping up to join the other two.
Clinton chuckled. "Such bravery; it's just too bad that it's going to go to waste. Now for the negotiations; they're quite simple, you see. Either tell me the locations of the various Brethren Court members, and how to bind Calypso, or you die; each and every single one of you."
The pirates were so caught up in Clinton's words that they failed to notice Gillette slipping out of the room, and off toward where the Pearl and the Empress were anchored.
Back on the Empress, Willy, Charles, and Anna had ventured onto the deck to see what the pirates guarding the ships were up too.
"I don't know if we should be up here," commented Anna worriedly, "I have a bad feeling." It was clear she was nervous; she kept twirling her long strands of dark hair around her finger, causing them to come loose from her ponytail. All of this had been quite a shock to her seven year old system.
"Don't worry sis," responded Charles, "There's a huge group of pirates guarding the ships up here, and inside."
Willy, however, did not quite share Charles' confidence. He had wanted to come up on the deck, but now he regretted the decision a bit. Before he could express his concerns, however, a dark figure appeared, and grabbed Anna, putting a rough hand over her mouth, and stifling her screams. He stepped into the moonlight a bit, and revealed himself. It was Gillette, Willy knew. He recognized him from the period when he and his father had been kidnapped.
"You let her go!" exclaimed Willy, his hand on his small wooden sword that hung from his belt, his brown eyes as fierce as a nine year old's could be.
Charles too, made a move, but Gillette held up his free hand, silencing them. "Make another sound, and the girl dies," he said simply, and Anna's eyes lit up with fear, her face paling.
Willy and Charles stood there, helpless, as Gillette carried Anna off into the darkness. But Willy only waited until Gillette was well out of ear shot and sight before turning to Charles.
"We have to go after him!" yelled Willy, "We must save her!"
Charles' eyes widened, looking more frightened than Willy had ever seen him. "But Willy, the Company, how can we?"
"We have to!" countered Willy, "We have no other choice. Look, you go and tell Mr. Groves and your mother what has happened, and then they'll alert the others that are watching the ship. I'll go after Anna."
Charles nodded, taking Willy's lead, and ran off toward the cabins below deck. Meanwhile, Willy's mind was fighting an inner battle, his father's and mother's pleas and warnings running through his head. He knew he should wait for Charles and the adults, but something else told him to go after Anna, and he knew at that moment, that his father would have done the very same thing if his mother had been in danger.
AN: Sorry for the cliffie, but I just couldn't help it. Happy New Year!