I Do Not Own Any Pirates of the Caribbean Movies

"Watch the wheel mate."

François was left to babysit the wheel while Luxora continued her training. Jack threw a sword at Luxora. She caught it awkwardly. Its blade reflected the light. Luxora prepared herself as Jack began his lecture.

"It's time to teach you how to use a sword," as he said this he waved his sword around. "This is key to avoiding trouble from cutting you up. I don't have a standard technique. Mostly I improvise."

Luxora swung her sword around to get a feel for it. Jack waited for her. As she was relaxing her arm Jack came at her with his sword pointed at her chest. Luxora dashed to the side and countered Jack's sword with her blade.

"Good instinct."

Their swords clashed as Jack slowly cornered her. Luxora made an attempt to get Jack. He dodged her swipe and slapped her sword out of her hands. François watched with fascination.

"You need more improvement. I thought you could learn in one day. I was hoping so."

Jack picked up her sword and gave it back to her.

"Wait. Could I make a suggestion?"

Without Jack's permission he left the wheel unattended and went to Luxora. He took the sword from her.

"You want to hold it like this, and keep your sword up at all times."

As François was giving Luxora pointers Jack waited impatiently for him to go away. Luxora nodded after François finished. Jack laughed.

"What would you know about swords?"

"I took fencing lessons."

Luxora defended François. "He's just trying to be helpful."

As François made his way back up to the wheel he added, "It might be a good idea to take it slower for Luxora, Jack."

Jack made a face behind François's back, but did take training slower. Luxora and Jack stood out in the middle of the deck and were clanking swords. François watched from the wheel, shouting out helpful suggestions. When Luxora's sword fighting training was over Jack repossessed the wheel and shooed the two away. François and Luxora relaxed in their hammocks. They were gently rocked by the boat.

"I'm going to be sore tomorrow," Luxora said.

"I'll be more sore than you. I've never done this before."

François leaned his head against his hand. Luxora caught a glimpse of his palm. She reached out and pulled his hand towards her. Both of his palms were chafed.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to worry you. Besides, everyone gets them working."

Luxora went to a cabinet in front of the stairs and brought out bandages. She began wrapping François's hands.

"You need to be more careful."

François watched Luxora's face as she wrapped his hands. When she was done she smiled at him. He stretched his hands to loosen the bandages.

"Thank you."

Luxora shrugged. She got into her hammock.

"Better get some sleep now. We'll have a big day tomorrow."