Entry 24

"No reason to fret. Just a prick of the finger, a few drops of blood", Pintel informed while dragging Peter forward with Ragetti, toward those piles of magnificent set of treasures. Him giving the man a familiar type of glare as the pirate smirked instead, clearly anticipating the time of his death. Peter released a laugh, coming to a stop with a tug as returned Pintel's gaze with a cocky glance, beckoning to his bad complexion.

"You sure need by blood to fix something else too than that little immortality issue", he jeered, laughing more as Pintel shoved him in irritation, one of their comrades however arriving behind them at the same moment. Leering at the trio but mainly at Peter, pulling him backwards.

"No mistakaes this time", he spat. "He's only half-Turner. We spill it all!"

Half-Turner? Hilarious.

"See?" Peter stated, wrenching himself free from Twigg's grasp as then tilted his head at Pintel remarkably, who soon did the same. Exchanging a look with Ragetti, extremely satisfied smirk spreading on both of their faces as he started to walk Peter forward again.

"Guess there is reason to fret."

They shared a laugh, Peter releasing a sigh until noticed Barbossa walk by their side. Throwing an apple in the air, but not catching it as Peter was quicker. Snatching the fruit, lifting his eyebrows at the pirate Captain when he halted to face him in slight surprise. Then however yanking the apple loose from Peter's mouth with a crunching sound after gaining a rascal like smirk from their prisoner, who'd been making fun of him and his men constantly despite being the unquestionable underdog under the threat of getting killed. Barbossa turning the fruit and noticing the chip in it (courtesy of Peter's teeth), next tossing it away in annoyance. Peter chuckling to himself soundlessly as munched away the piece of the soury apple, following how Barbossa walked straight to a old stone chest positioned at the top of the highest pile of treasure.

Even Peter posed as a cheeky bastard right now, his disregard to the approaching moment of having his blood spilled upon those Aztec coins (which he now witnessed with his own eyes as was taken to the chest himself) was indeed only pretense to antagonize the miscreants. Ever since after reaching this cave, him tallying every possible opportunity to flee while taken through the hoard of valuables, his brains ticking ceaselessly and trying to come up with a plan to get back to The Pearl to save Will. But alas such epiphany didn't arrive, him having literally his hands bound behind his back, making him unable to act while having two pirates escorting him from both arms. Watching his every move, draining his chances to get away until they'd reached the chest. Peter goggling at those glimmering pieces of ancient, skull engraved gold.

Sudden shiver shook him, dread invading his heart for a passing moment. Him actually experiencing the very same sensations of unexplainable dark enchantment of the Pagan curse his sister had in that same position before him. The blood tainting the alluring beauty of the Aztec coins causing Peter to freeze as Barbossa started to speak. All his men gathered to behold the starting ritual, Twigg and Koehler forcing Peter on his knees until his head was pushed over the chest. Him fighting against the men's steel hard grips and glancing at the pirate Captain, seeing him take out a knife. As well fallen into some kind of trance as the words slipped his lips, echoing from the rocky walls around them with the cheering shouts of the buccaneers. This time thirsting for Peter's blood, when Barbossa removed a coin from the chest. Lifting it for everyone to see, where Peter's glare shot daggers at his back.

"Begun by blood…by blood un–"

Peter gave Barbossa a confused gaze as he suddenly fell silent in middle of a sentence, spotting something among the crowd of pirates, Peter straightening after shoving the wringing hands of Twigg and Koehler off himself. Looking to the direction Barbossa was staring in a odd daze, only to be stupefied himself. Deep frown of incredulous bafflement forming on his forehead as he saw Jack Sparrow emerge amidst the pirates. Holding up a hand to greet his former Fist Mate, Barbossa's own hands falling as he and Peter watched Jack to walk toward the Aztec chest. Barbossa shaking his head in denial as puzzled silence fell over his men.

"S'not possible", he breathed, Jack lifting up a finger.

"Not probable."

"The hell you're doing here?" Peter inquired, nae believing the odds which had made it possible for this man to have showed up here instead of being still stuck at that island with… But then he realized, about to walk forth though was instantly stopped by his guards.

"Where's Miranda? Is she with you?"

Jack came to a halt, looking away from Peter as if trying to come up with a suitable fib. But what the pirate was to say did sound like a lie to him as so unbelievable it was, Jack now directing a reassuring tilt of a head to him. "She's safe, just like I promised. Miss Swann's all set to marry Norrington just like she promised, and you get to die for them both just like you have come to promise. So we're all men of our word really except for Elizabeth who is, in fact, a woman."

"What?!" Peter demanded, thunderstruck. In fact for a moment forgetting everything else which didn't involve the Goveror's daughter. Miss Swann set to marry Norrington like… she'd promised. What in the devil'sname was he yammering about? Was the Commodore here, with Elizabeth? And that she'd… accepted him.

Even this piece of news had nothing to do with the current situation, Peter's eyes had still widened. Him standing there frozen as returned the smiling pirate's gaze until made another frown. Then actually breaking loose and leapt over the chest, reaching Jack with a couple of strides. The man leaning backwards a little wary due to Peter's grim expression and together drawn eyebrows, Peter leaning very close to peer at him. But had his hands been free, they wouldv'e taken a secure hold of his collar.

"If you're lying about this, I swear to become your personal executioner."

"Cross my heart and hope to die, mate."

"Shut up!" Barbossa's voice exclaimed, no one knowing to whom he was actually talking to as Peter got yanked away from Jack. Koehler delivering a hard punch to him which almost caused Peter to slump to his knees again, Jack directing a troubled look at the young man as he was then haled back to the chest. And efter uttering a litany of curses Peter did fall down momentarily, huffing, enduring the twinges of his stomach as Barbossa's eyes turned to Jack. Barbossa pointing at him with the knife.

"You're next."

A grunt escaped Peter's lips as he was violently bent over the chest again due to the wave of Barbossa's hand, Peter wrestling against the arms keeping him at bay when the knife was placed upon his throat. Barbossa staring at Peter with what else than expectant expression within his eyes, smirking. And swallowing Peter felt the knife start to cut, few drops of blood oozing from the formed slash...

"You don't want to be doing that, mate."

Barbossa halted, Peter blinking his eyes for relief as the knife stopped too, the pirate Captain staring in front of himself frustrated due to Jack's premonitory tone holding him back from completing the ritual yet again. Peter's darkened irises flying to Jack in slight interest, where Barbossa's irritated attention turned to the man in disregard.

"Oh I think I do."

Peter sucked in a breath as the blade was pressed against his flesh again. But he saw Sparrow pout, him looking away with a resigned shrug.

"Your funeral."

Another relief washed over Peter as the knife didn't sink into his neck, him feeling a drop of sweat to fall across his temple as Barbossa scowled at Jack's remark. Next twirling fully around (the knife however this time remaining at Peter's neck), to send the least curious stare to his former Captain who not only refused to die, but had proved to be a serious nuisance.

"And why won't I want to be doing it?" he queried.

Jack slapped a deterring hand of a crewman away from his shoulder. Him now walking closer to Barbossa, offering an explanation to Peter as well with his following revelation.

"Because the HMS Dauntless, pride of the Royal Navy, is floating just ashore. Waiting for you."

This caused Peter to gasp, his reason quickly deriving the occurred happenings after his and Will's imprisonment. By some miracle Jack and Miranda must've been picked up by The Dauntless, and her must've sensitised Norrington about their capture, which had resulted in Jack leading the ship to Isla De Muerta to save them. But if so… what was Sparrow's game then? Surely he'd rather devised some sort of escape plan instead of risking to be arrested after giving the bearings to the island. He didn't gain anything from returning here, so why had he? Or… maybe he'd made a bargain. Exchanging The Pearl to his freedom… But no, it couldn't be that either. Even if it saved him from the noose, Jack wouldn't hand over his ship to the authorities willingly, nor would Commodore Norrington agree to a bargain which would guarantee a free pass for the miscreant. No. It had to be something else entirely…

Like Peter reckoned, Jack's motives were then revealed after a short moment of surprised mumble of Barbossa's crew. Jack reaching the top and standing at the other side of the chest. His eyes focused on Barbossa where his hands rose to wave at the man in front of him at first, until they beckoned remarkably to the crew occupying the cave.

"Just hear me out, mate. You order your men to row out to The Dauntless. They do what they do best…Robert's your Uncle, Fannie's your Aunt, there you are with two ships. The makings of your very own fleet. 'Course you take the grandest as your flagship, and who's to argue? But what of The Pearl? Name me Captain, I'll sail under your colors, give you ten percent of me plunder and you get to introduce yourself as… Commodore Barbossa. Savvy?"

"Figures", Peter interjected, his stare but a dark scowl as he spat at Jack's feet. Lifting his jaw as met the deceitful scoundrel's eyes. "I saw through you the minute I met you, and since then known better not to trust you. Because this is what you were after all along, wasn't it? Ever since you accidentally stumbled upon the son of Bootstrap Bill, you've planned on using my life to barter your way back to the head of the food chain."

"Yeah", Jack admitted, quitting mincing words as if his treacherous objective had been obvious all along (as it had), earning what else but a glower back. Peter's eyebrows rose, him leaning as close to the man as could in the hold of Barbossa's men.

"A truth that's told with bad intent, beats all the lies you can invent."

"Likewise", Jack replied. "Very much like your deary Miranda, ye both have proven to share similar kind of devious tendencies by hammering enough sense into my head not to in fact confide to Scots in any way. As regrettably mate, after having the rum as well as my faith decimated by your devious sister and my plans ruined by your partner in crime the oar, I have come to an agreement with ye… I'm not to be trusted. But neither are you."

"I s'pose in exchange, you want me not to kill the whelp?" Barbossa questioned then, glancing at the fuming Peter, Jack waving his hands in denial until then took a handful of coins from the chest.

"No, no, not at all by all means, kill the whelp. He's no worth of me suggesting otherwise after all he's done to me, so in fact I hearten you to do it! But just not yet. Wait to lift the curse until the opportune moment. For instance after you've killed Norrington's men…" Jack's gaze turned back to Peter, just as he was dropping the soiled coins down one by one, Peter squinting at him. "Every…last..one…"

"You won't get away with this. Commodore Norrington is a smart man, and not that stupid to be fooled by a lowly miscreant like you. He will never fall into your trap!" Peter bellowed, furious. But that smirk which rose to Jack's lips somewhat confused him, his angry expression dissolving to a perplexed one as he then just had the time to see a glint of an object the pirate discreetly pushed under the sash wrapped around his torso. Peter frowning at this.

"If he's any near a man like you who cannot see what's right in front of you, then he is that stupid", Jack quipped, offering Peter another but this time longer stare. His eyes slightly widened. And Peter couldn't tell what it was, but at that moment there was something about this man that seemed different from a moment ago…

"I want fifty percent of your plunder", Barbossa announced after considering the offer for a while. Jack's expressed discontent by narrowing his eyes.

"Fifteen", he bounced back.

"Forty."

"Twenty-five. And I'll buy you the hat. A really big one… Commodore."

Peter barely deterred himself from sighing at the point of Jack's latest offer. It apparently however proving to be of some value regardless of the low percentage and some petty hat, as Barbossa didn't have to think twice to settle the deal. Him now smiling and shaking hands with Jack in concur. A little flattery goes a long way…

"We have an accord."

"All hands to the boats!" Jack exclaimed instantly, facing the crew. But as Barbossa eyed at him quite askance due to his boldness to command his men without entitlement to such task, Jack's expression turned rather meek. Him nodding at the man apologetically, stepping back and placing his hands together. To prove he had no intention of overruling Barbossa's status.

"Apologies. You give the orders."

Barbossa's smile was somewhat amused as his eyes now moved to round the faces of his men. His following command remaining a mystery to all but them, whose lips were curved up with similar type of grins, low laugh filling the cave.

"Gents. Take a walk."

The crewmen dispersed, Peter and Jack sending them equally flabbergasted gazes until Jack turned to Barbossa, frowning. And as Peter then spent a moment to examine the pirate he noticed something from him… Chagrin, was it? Displease about the turn of events he hadn't expected? Yes, something close to that, but why? It had been solely Sparrow's idea to send these men to attack The Dauntless.

"Not to the boats?"

"Take that bedsheet 'n' tie it wi' th' others ", I urged Miss Elizabeth (though even to me ain lugs me voice had been quite imperative), afore yanked a knot tight. Givin' a fleetin' keek to me improvised rope I'd jerrybuilt within the last half an hour efter deciding upoan th' plan to flee from The Dauntless. But for me nuisance I noticed it to be far from long enough, me standin' 'n' roundin' th' room wi' me eyes. Miss Elizabeth watchin' me stairt to rummage th' cabin to find anythin' I could use for me advantage, frustrated sigh escapin' me geggy as I daunered aboot th' room, findin' almost nothin'.

"What are you doing?" Miss Elizabeth soon asked, puzzled.

"I need mair cloth", I stated, openin' a nearby trunk 'n' ransackin' it. As weel nothin'.

"Are you even sure this will support you? If it snaps you will fall into the water... You don't know how to swim, right?"

I didn't reply for 'er obvious statement as then me eyes found somethin', another trunk which had been pushed under th' bed, smile rising to me lips as in a second I'd taken it oot. Readin' th' initials carved upoan th' leather. J.N. James Norrington. I'd found th' Commodore's personal belognings… Weel, as he hadn't been that eager to engage directly, it seemed he had to do his bit by other means…

Freish smile occupied me lips as delighted for me discovery ('n' I had to admit, somewhat glad to be able to flick th' man for me ain amusement) I unclasped th' straps holdin' th' trunk closed in an instant, likelie goin' too far so gravely that it was appallin', me actions maist flippant to th' sole beholder in th' room. As Miss Elizabeth clearly seemed to think so.

"Miranda, what do you think you're doing!?" she exclaimed as I delved th' contents o' th' trunk, 'er directin' a quick keek at th' door, 'til came neist to me to deter me. Watchin' me smile at th' shirts 'n' several other spear clothin' th' Commodore had prepared for 'imself. Miss Elizabeth's coupon was filled wi' horror as she gouped at me widen-eyed. "You cannot do that! Those are James' clothes!"

"Exactly why they will be o' excellent use", I answered simply, carefreely. Obviously too ignorant aboot th' seriousness o' th' matter as Miss Elizabeth frowned at me, glancin' at th' door again as if fearin' 'er fiancé to step intae th' cuddy concurrently, where I only examined those fine pieces o' claes wi' measuring keeks. Horrifyin' me Mistress as then hoarded a pile o' 'em straight intae 'er arms wi'oot much standin' oan ceremony, 'er givin' th' stack a stunned keek as I took one o' th' shirts. Tearin' it intae long streds, Miss Elizabeth releasin' a shocked breath as watched me to braid th' strips back together. Aye, these materials o' finest fabric would do quite nicely.

"Miranda, this is wrong", she stated, shakin' 'er heid. "You cannot…"

"Heaven's sake! Your fiancé has mair than plently o' fortune to purchase freish claes for 'imself. Necessity is th' maw o' invention..." I tied th' braided, quite sturdy feelin' piece to th' end o' th' rope, soon smilin' confidently as keeked up to me Mistress. "Besides, ye were worried aboot me fallin' intae th' water. Weel courtesy o' 'im it won't be a problem, as ye should ken as weel as I that quality claes lik' these can withstand anythin'!"

I tugged th' shirt in me hauns to demonstrate me point, glancin' at Miss Elizabeth's gown remarkably, 'er doin' th' same 'n' reachin' an udnerstanding. But efter a short moment o' followin' me labour 'n' eyeing at 'er apparel in thoughts, it was 'er turn to flabbergast me by droppin' th' claes at 'er feet. Me eyes widenin' in turn as she then twirled aroond, beckonin' to th' laces o' 'er dress. Me fathomin' what she was up to wi' disbelief, stoppin' me doings.

"Help me with this!"

"But Miss, surely ye aren't… Yer gown!"

"Nonesense! Like you said I also have plenty of gowns, so sacrificing one is nothing. Now hurry and help me out of this torture device! You'll be doing me a favor by tearing this apart."

I sighed deep, in regret o' 'er beautiful dress o' detailed brocade to be ruined, but did as she told me. Openin' th' laces 'n' helpin' 'er oot o' 'er claes,'til then continued addin' Norrington's ain to th' end o' rope. Efter finishin' a couple o' minutes later givin' th' green gown similar handling wi' th' help o' Miss Elizabeth, 'til could note that th' line was finally long enough to use.

Miss Elizabeth found 'erself a spear uniform o' an officer from th' trunk I'd rummaged thro' earlier. 'N' as she stairted to get dressed th' second phase o' me plan took place, me neist runnin' to th' opened door o' th' ship's narrow transom. Leanin' forward as much as dared to reach th' line which kept th' rowboat securely hauled high above water level, fightin' against me wavering balance placed upon th' railing o' th' transom, finally managing to reach th' rope wi' me fingertips. Somehow getting' th' knot open, but wi' a price. Wance again if Miss Elizabeth hadn't heard me low scream 'n' dashed forth to grasp th' hem o' me dress, I would've fallen heid first intae th' waves.

I stairted to heave th' heavy boat doon efter a short moment o' listenin' had me shriek been spotted by th' officers on deck. But for me luck, it hadn't, leavin' me free to execute me plan in peace.

"What are you going to do exactly?" Miss Elizabeth inquired then, takin' a break from dressin' as recalled th' sheet, finally tyin' it accordin' to me earlier instructions afore gave me another incredulous gaze. "You can't go out there, it's too dangerous! You can't save Will by yourself when all those pirates are out there!"

"Then what am I supposed to do?" I questioned as incredulous, o' 'er rather unsupportive choice o' words, twirlin' me heid aroond to stare at 'er. "To have unblemished stairt to his newly appointed career seems to be mair important to th' esteemed Commodore, instead o' whether William 'n' me brother die or survive this ordeal. So I'm everythin' they have to be rescued. They came to save me in risk o' ther lives, 'n' that's what I have to do to save 'em."

"Do you even have a plan?"

"Nae exactly one I'd call a plan… But I guess I have to take Sparrow's advice by winging something up."

That latter part I'd said to meself wi' a sigh. But noo I gave a questionable keek to Miss Elizabeth when she suddenly lifted 'er arm to silence me in middle o' buttonin' up 'er pants, frownin' a wee as listened this time 'erself (th' pants in grave risk to fall back to 'er ankles as she was so thin). Hearing somethin'. 'N' indeed, both o' us were then surprised by a sudden knock sounding from th' door, th' alarmin' sound causin' us to gasp as I stopped th' heaving in fright o' getting caught red-handed. Us then keekin' to th' door, seeing Governor Swann's silhouette behind th' glass.

"Elizabeth?"

We exchanged a nervous glance, Miss Elizabeth turnin' aroond efter hastily closin' th' rest o' th' buttons to be somewhat decent in 'er peculiar outfit. Tryin' to sound normal as replied, lik' nothin' oot o' ordinary 'n' inappropriate was happening behind those locked doors which separated us from 'im. But luckily he didn't enter, so I could only imagine what his coupon would've looked lik' had he seen us at th' moment. Me, undergoin' an escape wi' th' help o' Commodore's mistreated claes, 'n' maist o' all his daughter. Nae lookin' much o' a lady in men's clothing, 'er expensive gown utterly deprived from its elegance.

"Yes, father?"

"I just want you to know I, uh… I believe you made a very good decision today."

Me gaze rose back to Miss Elizabeth, 'er as weel keekin' doon for a moment afore directed a slight gaze to me. Beckonin' me to continue to lower th' boat silently as then walked forward a little while pushin' 'er shirt under th' breeches, responding.

"It was the only decision to make."

"Couldn't be more proud of you."

I directed a curt gaze to th' ceiling juist as almost succeeded in lowerin' th' boat intae th' water, leanin' backwards as much as was able to keep it steady. Efter all, th' weight difference atween me 'n' th' longboat was notable, 'n' it was even a wonder I could control it instead o' it controllin' me 'n' droppin' straight doon. But as it happened I celebrated too soon, as aboot a meter above water level me hauns slipped. Th' boat finally makin' a free fall, creatin' a splash which seemed so loud that it could be heard all th' wey back in Port Royal. Adrenaline 'n' fear surged in me veins haun in haun as I stiffened again, turnin' aroond to meet Miss Elizabeth's as frightened keek.

"What was that?" Governor Swann inquired. I paniced, but thanks to Miss Elizabeth I hardly had reason as she was quick to come up wi' a suitable explanation, though 'er voice a bit shaky due to th' thrill o' getting' caught for aidin''er maid to flee.

"Miranda's bathwater. I poured it overboard."

Nae very plausible lie, but useful. 'N' apparently, easy to buy…

"Ah, yes. Is she alright? She must've gone through an horrible experience…"

"She's asleep, father", Miss Elizabeth informed, turnin' back to me as if seekin' help in comin' up wi better lies, me instead wavin' at 'er to hurry 'n' send 'im awa'. Because I was afraid I wasn't getting' oot o' that cabin as long as 'er father was standin' juist outside th' doors, able to hear every sound from this room. But efter thinkin' a very curt moment Miss Elizabeth grasped th' makeshift rope 'n' threw it to me. Pointin' at th' transom as Governor Swann stairted to speak again, me getting' th' hint 'n' riskin' it. Tyin' a candlestick at th' end o' me primitive ladder to make it nice 'n' tight afore tossin' it ower th' railing, peerin' doon to make sure it landed precisely intae th' boat 'n' didn't get tangled wi' anythin' on th' wey. 'N' efter being reassured it to be secure at th' upper end too, I went to th' transom. Givin' me Mitress one mair glance intae eyes wi' a smile, feelin' sudden fear lik' was expected as climbed upon th' rail wi' rigid movements. Swallowin' as took hold o' th' line 'n' dropped meself to hang freely from it, eyes tightly closed, feeling' familiar kind o' brief fright as th' wind swung me a wee. But regardless o' th' slight giddiness, this time I actually was mair in control o' that fear. Practise makes perfect, they say… Here I went.

"I'm sure she's in need of rest…" I heard Governor Swann say as inched toward th' boat (too slowly, but what could a scared lass do), his voice however fadin' th lower I got. "…But to revert back to what I was saying…Even a good decision if made for the wrong reasons can be a wrong decision."

I finally felt me legs reach th' rowboat, me sittin' doon in a hurry 'n' takin' th' oars. Preparin' to depart, but abrupt rattlin' sound I then heard from th' transom caused me to keek up. Me eyes widenin' due to th' sight o' red coated figure descending doon th' cloth line, Miss Elizabeth's long hair noo free from th' elegant coiffure it had been combed but a few seconds ago as she in th' followin' moment was sittin' across from me. Me goupin' at 'er smilin' form in utmost confusion, in followin' dismay for what it appeared Miss Elizabeth's whim to run' awa' wi' me, 'n' go face th' danger she nae long ago had dreaded to even think aboot.

"Miss, ye cannot come wi' me!" I stated oot th' truth, keekin' up at th' ship 'til turned to see 'er stairt to braid 'er loose hair. Quite indifferent lookin', lik' such a rash action o' disagreeable nature was nothin' to 'er. I shook me heid incredulous. "Miss Elizabeth, please. If nae for yer ain safety, think o' yer father. How is he goin' to feel when he finds ye gone? 'N' lik' ye said, it's too dangerous…"

"If you go, I go. I'm worried about Will too, and cannot remain here when he's in danger! I must make sure he's alright", Miss Elizabeth replied resolutely, a wee pointedly noo as met me gaze dead serious. Momentarily that weel raised society lady gone, this curt transformation causin' me to deter me neist objections aboot 'er joinin' me, that familiar sting o' jealousy reappaerin' again when I saw th' depth o' 'er worry toward William. To have been mair than able to hear th' wey 'er voice had softened at th' end o' that sentence… 'Til I then recalled me to have no reason to feel threatened by 'er any longer, instead then only sighin' 'n' noddin' in concur. Smilin'.

"Awright. But I warn ye, this will be much mair dangerous than ye think."

She nodded. "I understand."

I stairted to row, for me delight it provin' to be much easier than I remembered. But efter a few draws Miss Elizabeth's earnest features were softened by a questionable expression.

"We do we go? To the cave?"

I met 'er gaze, steerin' oor petite vessel behind th' closest cliff wi' a few brisk strokes, us managin' to reach it juist afore I noticed Governor Swann's figure to step oot to th' transom. Instead o' th' two o' us findin' th' mangled drapes wi' other linen all tied together 'n' hanging ower th' rail, th' spear longboat gone. 'Im peerin' aboot th' scenery in search o' us, (indeed givin' th' torn claes o' Commodore Norrington a curt bewildered frown) 'til vanished back inside. Wi'oot a doubt to inform th' man in question o' oor disappearance.

"No. We go to Th' Pearl. They must've left th' prisoners behind for th' time o' th' ritual."

"What ritual?"

I opened me geggy to respond, but thought better o' it, continuin' to row 'n' only shook me heid. It was far better if she remained oblivious to such details lik' blood rituals 'n' Aztec curses. Let 'er focus on th' relevant matters, such as gettin' William 'n' Jack's crew free. We needed to mass oor ain troupes to save Peter, when Norrington's men were busy loiterin' aboot th' cave's entrance.

"Nothin'."

It took aboot ten minutes o' navigatin' atween th' cliffs to reach Th' Pearl unnoticed. Th' achin' muscles o' me arms thankin' for th' cease o' rowin' when th' longboat finally glided neist to th' hull o' th' pirate vessel, which seemed deserted to outer eyes. It had been rather tiring tryin' to keep oor boat from crashin' intae th' rocks, which had surrounded us from every direction (such a route partly intended, as it offered a great hiding for us nae to be noticed 'til we'd arrived to oor destination). But we'd made it, Miss Elizabeth noo standin' carefully, for a fleetin' moment seekin' 'er balance 'til I placed a supportin' haun to 'er back, 'er managin' to grab th' ship wi'oot fallin' overboard. Me as weel then risin' a wee to tie th' longboat to th' ladders which fortunately had been forgotten to onto th' hull, me inclinin' me heid amused. This was apparently Barbossa's wey to say, 'come right aboard'. Where o' coorse he had no idea o' this audacious fancy o' mine. Hopefully…

"What would you pick to eat first?"

Miss Elizabeth cringed when th' sudden voice o' a pirate pierced th' broodin' silence, 'er almost fallin' intae th' water again if she hadn't taken hold o' th' ladders, exchangin' a tense keek wi' me 'til she inched higher. To take a glimpse thro' th' gunport where th' voice had come from, me lugs soon hearin' it to reply to th' presented question. There were at least two pirates aboard th' ship.

"I think we should decide now. Just so we're ready when the time comes."

"What do we do? Who knows how many more pirates there are?" Miss Elizabeth whispered, worried, leanin' doon to me. Extremely nervous, as was I. But bracin' meself I keeked up, noddin' 'er to climb.

"We worry aboot that later. Noo go, we have to be quick. 'N' wheest."

We climbed aboard one by one, noticin' th' deck to be completely empty, nae signs o' other pirates anywhere which told me hunch to have been correct. Barbossa had left but a couple o' his men to guard th' ship 'n' th' prisoners (who were doin' an excellent job by slackin' off at a set dinner table filled wi' several kind o' delicacies, their lack o' vigilance givin' us th' much needed opportunity to board th' vessel in secret).

"It seems there's no one besides those two men below", Miss Elizabeth stated, correctin' 'er estimate, releasin' a breath o' relief as daunered forward. Examinin' 'er surroundings in interest, 'er eyes risin' to th' torn sails which wance mair hung still. Th' Pearl strongly remindin' o' a ghost ship yet again, 'n' I could notice th' chills this place gave 'er. As it caused a similar reaction in me too, even I'd been here afore. I glanced aboot, scannin' th' deck in turn.

"We can't let oor guard doon. Even th' vessel is nearly unmanned, we have to keep oor eyes open."

Even though I'd juist urged me Mistress that we had to remain as said unnoticed, she efter all didn't ken th' truth aboot this vessel 'n' its crew. So I couldn't have prevented 'er from reactin' th' maist understandable wey when Barbossa's monkey all o' a sudden appeared oot o' nowhere, scearin' us to death by his abrupt appearance. But it wasn't th' monkey's sudden arrival from th' dark which caused Miss Elizabeth soon to cry oot in terror, but it was th' sight o' th' animal's bony torso bathed in direct moonlight which caused 'er to freeze oan 'er spot. 'Er starin' at th' rotten pieces o' hairy flesh clung to th' creature's dirty bones as Jack revealed his teeth, releasin' a bloodcurdling shriek to intimidate us. 'N' indeed, efter a fleetin' moment o' gawkin' at th' monster in disbelief mixin' wi' horror (very much lik' I th' night I'd made a run around th' deck filled wi' skeletons), she screamed. Panic awakenin' me ain fear as I became aware 'er voice to alert th' guards below, Miss Elizabeth hidin' behind me as th' monkey leant closer to us. Still shriekin', 'til instantly cowered a wee when I directed a leer at 'im, nae th' least fazed by this pest I'd ceased to dread ages ago.

"I told ye to tear aff yer fur if ye won't leave me alone!" I breathed, squintin', th' monkey noo leanin' back due to me stern stare as I then noticed a bucket oan me left. Me jumpin' to th' side to lift it, twirlin' aroond 'n' slammin' it hard at th' undead monkey. Jack lettin' oot a squeal as I sent 'im flyin ower th' edge, Miss Elizabeth avoidin' a collision wi' th' creature as let oot a startled huff, a loud bong soon piercin' th' air. Me 'n' Miss Elizabeth leaning ower th' railin' to see Jack to have landed on a cannon, me smilin' efter it in satisfaction as dropped th' bucket. Juist as th' monkey finally slid straight intae th' sea.

"What was that thing?" Miss Elizabeth questioned, wi' shaky voice, horrified. 'Er wide eyes turnin' to me. I only leered at th' water in contempt.

"A nasty thing."

But it was then me turn to freeze as two heids popped oot o' th' gunport, alerted by th' splash to stare doon at th' formed ripples in th' ocean. Me ain eyes widenin' as I yanked Miss Elizabeth oo' o' sight juist in time afore those skeletons turned aroond to keek up 'n' see us. But still I kenned it was too late. They knew there was someone aboard besides 'em, me noo grabbin' Miss Elizabeth's haun. Stairtin' to race towards th' hatch which would lead us to th' brig.

"Miranda, what's happening? Tell me, what was that horrible creature?" Miss Elizabeth demanded wi' a serious goup, comin' to a halt as I released 'er to yank th' heavy hatch open in haste. Sendin' 'er a quick glance back, brushin' 'er bafflement awa' wi' me tense voice filled wi' panic.

"Ne'er mind that, we have to hide!"

Wi' 'er help I managed to open th' hatch, us then as quickly as possible runnin' doon th' stairs leadin' to th' cockpit. Th' echo o' th' pirates' running steps reachin' oor lugs along their voices risen to angry cries, us directin' a startled keek oan oor left where th' voices echoed from. Me keekin' aboot frantically seekin' shelter, instantly noticin' a recess used to store supplies 'n' other equipment behind us, me nae thinkin' twice afore had run to it. Pullin' frozen Miss Elizabeth behind a fortunately placed foldin' screen among th' clutter, juist afore th' enraged voices o' th' pirates told us 'em to have reached th' head o' th' stairs. Us hardly dearin' to breathe nae to reveal oor location to th' pirates, me feelin' meself trapped as followed their shadows cast onto th' rather translucent canvas which barely managed to hide us. This time truly holdin' me breath.

But regardless o' th' evident danger Miss Elizabeth couldn't smother 'er curiosity, keekin' at th' pirates when they continued their wey up th' stairs to reach th' deck level. Me witnessin' how she stiffened again when she undoubtedly saw th' moonlight streamin' in from th' hatch to turn th' pirates intae their undead form. Th' armed skeletons rushin' up th' stairs, me frownin' for chagrin as Miss Elizabeth stairted to tremble. Me flinchin' for fright 'n' rushed to 'er, to place me haun on 'er geggy to keep 'er from screamin' for fear, hushin' 'er to be quiet. Even greater scare freezin' me oan me spot as I heard th' boom o' boots to pause, brief silence descendin' as th' skeletons stopped to listen. But luckily we weren't discovered, efter pausin' for a second their figures vanishing from oor sight, Miss Elizabeth's frightened 'n' even wider irises noo keekin' intae mine. Filled wi' disbelief as I released 'er from me hold.

"Skeletons… They turned into…." she sputtered, nae being able to bring 'erself to say it ootloud for th' second time as then keeked doon, frownin' as weel. "It's… not possible."

"I wish it weren't", I stated wi' a sigh 'til then instantly rose, urging 'er to move. "But we don't have time to fear 'em noo. We have free William 'n' th' prisoners afore they come back!"

Miss Elizabeth stared at me for a couple o' seconds, shocked, 'til made a curt nod. Recallin' that we indeed had a mission to fulfill, 'er aboot to leave oor hidin' 'til spotted somethin' behind me.

"That's Will's."

I turned aroond in confusion, only to notice that th' hard 'n' pointy objects me back had been pressed against earlier were swords. A pile o' 'em, me seein' as weel flintcock pistols 'n' daggers to have been heaped haphazardly there, William's cutlass indeed restin' at th' top. Th' weapons o' th' prisoners.

I shoved a sword 'n' some daggers to Miss Elizabeth as meself took hold o' William's weapon, grasping a knife or two as weel. Emergin' behind th' screen but a few seconds efter th' pirates had passed, me takin' th' lead as me hert stairted to beat faster due to th' fright o' gettin' captured.

We descended th' neist staircase, us havin' to go doon another level afore finally reached th' one th' brig was located in. Me releasin' a breath as jumped doon th' last two steps, me gaze flyin' to th' occupied cells, instantly hittin' oan William as was greeted by several dumbfounded pairs o' eyes. William's coupon however surpassin' everyone's as he stared at me speechless. His eyes widenin' due to th' sight o' me, where mine were then filled wi' relief to see 'im unharmed 'n' alive. Wide, warm smile spreadin' oan me lips automatically.

"It's Miranda!" First mate Gibbs stated surprised, gawkin' at me in astonishment, where I only gave 'im but a fleetin' keek afore me eyes focused solely oan William. 'Im comin' to th' bars, leanin' forth.

"Miranda? Why are you here?"

It was his surprised, but beyond relieved voice o' that familiar, warmest tone that noo brough me to th' cell wi' a couple o' strides. Me surprisin' William again by pushin' me arms thro' th' bars, embracin' 'im. Nae carin' a bit aboot th' curious stares I gained wi' this public display o' affection but only sighed, closin' me eyes momentarily as enjoyed his closeness. Satisfaction 'n' indescribable joy fillin' me lik' always as I felt his hauns to press oan me back to bring me close. 'Im lettin' oot a sigh too, o' utmost relief.

"I came to rescue you, gowk", I replied, laugh in me voice. I sensed William to close his eyes due to th' wey his heid was pressed against mine.

"I thought you drowned", he said, quietly, clear happiness in his voice for th' realization that it wasn't true efter all. I shook me heid wi' a smile.

"I couldn't juist leave ye lik' that."

"Excuse us", Anamaria's a wee irritated voice then spoke up, me separatin' from William to meet wi' 'er as vexed gaze. "If ye two are done cuddling, could ye get to it and have us out of here before the guards catch ye?"

"Aye, you need the key!" Gibbs concurred, glancin' at th' stairs.

"Do you have the keys?" noo William asked, me shakin' me heid as then handed his sword to 'im, 'im 'n' others givin' th' weapons pleased keeks as I divided 'em to th' crewmen.

"There was no time to seek for 'em, but I hope these will be for some aid. This is all we could bring, but I ken where th' rest o' th' weapons are."

"We?"

I instantly recalled Miss Elizabeth, turnin' aroond in confusion o' nae hearin' 'er speak for awhile, for me horror nae seein' er anywhere as William stairted to work wi' th' cell's hinges wi' th' tip o' th sword to lift 'em. To get 'im 'n' th' rest o' th' crew oot.

"Where did she go?" I questioned, in worry, frownin' as daunered back to th' feet o' th' stairs. Dread takin' hold o' me momentarily lightened hert as a horrifying thought o' Miss Elizabeth to have been found by th' guards flashed tro' me mind, me lickin' me lips nervously as for th' neist followin' minute waited 'er to appear.

"Are you with someone? Jack?" William's voice cut me jumpy wait, me turnin' to face 'im as he gave me a curt questionable keek. But I didn't have a chance to reply as Gibbs stepped forth, eyein' at William expectant.

"How does it look, lad?" he inquired, Will frownin' in frustration 'n' droppin' th' sword which had been proved to be useless. Th' hinges were rusted 'n' stuck.

"It's not going to work. I can't get us out with this, we need the key."

"But ye must!" I breathed, meetin' William's gaze. "Please, try wance mair. I'm nae leavin' 'ere wi'oot ye, any o' ye."

"Miranda, even if we can't get away, you have to. You took too big of a risk by coming back, so at least you have to…"

"Miranda, I found the keys!"

A freish relief wiped awa' me fear as I heard Miss Elizabeth's voice interrupt oor talk, me noticin' William to gasp due to th' sound o' it, as finally she appeared to th' heid o' th' stairs. Rushin' doon, me takin' 'er hauns wi' a sigh as she reached me.

"I feared ye'd gotten caught!" I stated, rebukin' 'er wi' me eyes. "Ye shouldn't have disappeared lik' that!"

"I'm sorry! But I realized we needed the keys to open the cells, so I had to go check the cockpit."

"Miss!"

"Miss Elizabeth?" Gibbs stated in wonder, old recognition flashin' thro' his eyes as he noo exchanged a stare wi' me Mistress, 'er apparently sharin' it as 'er eyebrows rose for bewilderment.

"Mr. Gibbs?"

"Ye know each other?" I inquired, baffled, me gaze movin' atween 'em as Miss Elizabeth made a rigid nod. Narrowin' 'er eyes as examined th' older man behind th' bars.

"Yes. From long time ago."

"Elizabeth?" William's utmost incredulous voice cut in then, as weel statin' 'er name in even greater bafflement, his eyebrows wrinkled as they this time took in 'er rather odd exterior. William wrinklin' his ain eyebrows at th' officer's uniform she was wearin', me turnin' to keek at Miss Elizabeth again 'n' seein' how 'er coupon lit up. A wide smile curvin' up 'er lips as she went to th' cell, in turn takin' Williams hauns. 'N' even I'd decided nae to waste time oan being jealous ower 'em, I couldn't hold back a slight stir o' uneasiness when I watched 'em together.

"Will, I'm so glad that you're alright! I've been so worried about you!" Miss Elizabeth exclaimed, me bein' able to tell how much she wanted to embrace 'im lik' I had a moment afore. But she didn't, simply smilin' at 'im beamin'. William returned 'er smile his ain a bit confused, 'til he turned serious. His features extremely earnest.

"What are you doing here Elizabeth? You shouldn't be here", he stated, this time too lookin' ower to th' stairs, 'til met Miss Elizabeth's eyes again. "It's too dangerous, you shouldn't have come."

What aboot me? Wasn't this very dangerous for me too? I keeked doon, swallowin' me childish bitterness as listened to their curt conversation.

"I came along The Dauntless. But that's for later, I couldn't let Miranda come here alone because it's so perilous", she replied, turnin' to give me a smile which I returned, William's stern gaze visitin' me. "And… I had to make sure you were alright with my own eyes. So we devised a plan to escape, and came here."

We?

"Dauntless is here? Commodore too?"

Miss Elizabeth nodded as I gave 'er a curt sideways glance. Somehow, wi' a few words she'd successfully turned th' situation upside doon, makin' me seem lik' th' less caring side o' this whole operation wi' 'er plain sincerity. 'N' that followin' plural form didn't include me, I juist kenned it due to th' stress 'n' tone o' 'er voice. "We came to search for you."

That caused a smile to rise to William's lips, slight doubt gnawin' at me as I followed 'em to exchange a short stare. But all me feelings o' inferiority afore 'er virtues were quickly swept awa' by th' thankful 'n' what I kenned to be a lovin' gaze o' William's, which neist moved to me. Me smilin' as returned back to th' cell, encouraged by his acknowledgment, which wasn't any lesser from earlier as could've been concluded by Elizabeth's presence. But I as weel noo turned serious, glancin' at th' men inside.

"Peter?" I queried, concerned, me hert this time indeed lurchin' as there was indeed no sign o' me brother among th' captives. 'N' for me terror, William's coupon mirrored me concern perfectly.

"Barbossa took Peter with him", he explained, somethin' cold surgin' within me veins as I gained an confirmation to me fears, me squeezin' th' bars as nodded in understandin'. Keekin' doon.

"To the cave", I filled in th' sentence, dooncast. "I kenned it."

Flicker o' warmth chased awa' some o' me fright when William's comfortin' haun covered mine, me meetin' his eyes for a fleetin' moment, it bein' this time Miss Elizabeth's turn to follow oor interaction wi' mixed feelings. 'Er as weel keekin' awa' soon.

"It's alright, Miranda. We're going to save him", William reassured me, makin' me smile. As I believed 'im, his confidence makin' me stronger 'n' braver, me noddin' again.

"Aye."

Wi'oot thinkin' much I then reached oot closer to 'im, causin' 'im to blush as gave 'im a kiss. A short one, but this wey expressin' how relieved I was too to ken that at least he hadn't died in th' hauns o' Barbossa 'n' his crew.

"Ahem, the key", Anamaria's voice cut in again, quicker this time, me keepn' me eyes closed as hold back a blush meself. Me however smilin' 'til dared to meet William's eyes, lettin' oot a low laugh due to th' sight o' his embarrassment.

"She's right, we have to hurry!" Gibbs breathed, nervous.

"Miss?" I called, turnin' to Miss Elizabeth. Seein' 'er to have stiffened oan 'er spot, starin' at William 'til he noticed, exchangin' a long 'n' somewhat awkward gaze wi' 'er.

But she soon got ower 'er shock, shakin' 'er heid as lifted th' key ring. Stairtin' to go thro' th' several different keys to find th' right one, succeedin' on th' fourth time. Me goin' to guard th' staircase as Gibbs, Anamaria 'n' th' rest o' th' crew kept urging 'er to hurry all th' time mair frantically. All eyes glancin' at th' stairs to see would th' pirates arrive to ruin th' escape, which they didn't. Miss Elizabeth managin' to free th' men rather quickly, th' remains o' Sparrow's crew rushin' oot in a record time. Runnin' past me 'n' headin' for th' upper level, William being th' last to come oot.

"Step to men!" Gibbs exclaimed, beckonin' th' crew to move fast afore 'im, 'til made sure all had left. However getting' halted by me haun, meetin' me eyes.

"Th' weapons are hidden wi' th' supplies below deck level", I informed 'im, keekin' efter th' crew as earned a nod wi' a small smile from th' older man.

"Thanks, lass."

Gibbs as weel gave Miss Elizabeth a nod afore ran efter th' others, me noo glancin' at th' dagger I'd saved for me ain use, lettin' oot a nervous breath due to th' dangerous gleam o' th' so unfamiliar weapon which didn't seem to fit intae me palm. But however I shoved it under th' laces o' me dress as Miss Elizabeth dashed past me to exit th' brig, William daunerin' ower to me. I gave 'im a smile as noticed 'im to be eyeing at me, me nae bein' able to read th' expression from his eyes.

"What?" I asked, hint o' laugh in me voice as returned his stare. Smilin' jovially. He shook his heid, somewhat speechless 'n' his sudden odd behavior turned me back to confused, but he surprised me by actually seizing me intae a tight embrace. Releasin' a long, repressed breath.

"I'm just so glad to see you…Thank you for coming."

I smiled gently. "Juist returnin' th' favor. In joy 'n' sorrow, in need 'n' plenty, in faithfulness 'n' luv. Right?"

There was a pause when we stood there in each other's arms, William's shoulders doppin' when he finally replied. "Right."

"We should get going. Peter needs us."

Oor attention was drawn to Miss Elizabeth who'd appeared at th' end o' th' stairs, apparently to see what delayed us. 'N' noo in truth, in addition to 'er voice which had been tense there was but plain jealousy in 'er eyes for a fleetin' moment 'til she took aff again, nae waitin' for us as climbed th' stairs for th' second time. William frownin', turnin' back to serious aboot to follow, takin' me haun.

"She's right. We don't have much time."

I nodded, stridin' th' steps efter 'im as we dashed toward th' deck, nae comin' across wi' th' pirates 'til we reached th' deck. Hurryin' thro' th' hatch as last, only to freeze oan oor spots when we spotted those two skeletons to stand at th' railing efter skulkin' aboot th' ship in search o' intruders. Turnin' aroond, their cold eyes leerin' at us in anger efter a short stare, me steppin' back alarmed as their wepons rose.

"William…"

William got ower his shock rather quickly as he noo drew his sword, shovin' me aside quicker than I could react by any other wey than releasin' a breath o' fright, 'im takin' a stance to meet wi' th' miscreants who were makin' their wey toward us. Prepared to kill us. But a sudden creakin' sound caused 'em to halt, me seein' William to frown again but this time for confusion, me havin' hardly time to prepare as he then glanced to his left. His eyes widenin', neist only flabbergastin' me by jumpin' to me 'n' tellin' me to duck wi' urgent voice, 'im however endin' up haulin' me efter 'im ontae th' deck as I simply turned to gaze toward th' odd sound. In th' nick o' time being rescued from a direct hit o' a rowboat by William who pressed me doon juist as th' longboat whizzed above oor heids, crashin' against th' pirates. Me 'n' William peekin' up to see how they were flung ower th' edge. Sharin' th' fate o' Barbossa's monkey by fallin' intae th' sea, in several pieces I add. Th' heavy boat had smashed 'em in bits, a cheerful cheer noo fillin' th' air as Jack's crew rushed oot from their hiding. William helpin' me back to me feet efter a quick apology, Miss Elizabeth arrivin' by his side.

"You're alright?" she queried, eyeing at William who smiled reassuringly.

"Yes."

"Awright then!" I exclaimed, interruptin' but didn't care much, directin' me eyes to th' released longboat. Stridin' to it wi' resolute steps, graspin' th' line which would lift th' boat intae th' air again, turnin' to give th' men a glance. "Let's get to it, we have to make for the cave! Me brother's in there 'n' needs oor help!"

I prepared to lift th' boat, William 'n' Miss Elizabeth joinin' me, takin' hold o' th' rope. I made a nod, concentrating as me Mistress urged th' crewmen in turn. "Ready? And heave!"

I got puzzled as th' boat hardly rose to two feet, me glancin' ower me shoulder 'n' indeed seein' William 'n' Miss Elizabeth. But that was all, th' others simply stood at th' background, havin' no intention o' helpin' us. Sure, we managed to lift it juist us three alone, but as both me 'n' Miss Elizabeth offered quite little aid leavin' William to be th' strongest o' us, oor efforts wouldn't be enough to lower th' boat intae th' water. We released th' rope, me twirlin' aroond to face Jack's crew a beggin' keek in me eyes. Me voice desperate.

"Please, I need ye! I need all o' ye wi' us to save me brother!"

"Awwk, any port in the storm", a parrot responded from th' shoulder o' an elderly buccaneer, me givin' th' animal a brief baffled keek 'til Gibbs stepped forth. Concurin', makin' a nod 'n' then beckonin' to th' ship.

"Cotton's right, we've got The Pearl."

"N' yer Captain?" I questioned, in dismay. "Are ye goin' to abandon 'im 'n' steal his ship?"

"Jack owes us a ship!" another crewman cut in, a short, bald man wi' a goatee beard. His words comin' oot stressed 'n' remarkable, agreeable mumble eruptin' from several lips among th' crew where I simply stared at 'em speechless.

"And there's the Code to consider", Gibbs added, mair concurin' voices stairtin' to speak behind 'im. I blinked, rage sourin' to me heid again for a fleetin' moment. Me hardened eyes drillin' intae each o' 'em.

"Ye're bloody kidding me!" I exclaimed, burstin' for pent-up frustration I'd harbored for pirates ever since meetin' one back at me beloved's workshop. Me apparently bemusin' both William'n' Miss Elizabeth who'd but witnessed me kind, calm side 'n' ne'er seen me so furious, or rather seen me express it so openly. Me marchin' to Gibbs, jabbin' me forefinger to his chest for three times to emphasize me anger, me contempt toward his latest remark. 'Im retreatin' as equally shocked for me reaction.

"Don't tell me that pirates lik' ye actually have a tendency to follow some darn laws th' moment their cowardice obliges it! Ye're bloody buccaneers, so act lik' it! Damn those Morgan 'n' Bartholomew intae hell 'n' take their blasted Code as it is… th' rules ye're so eager to honor are but guidelines to be broken if th' occasion calls for it!"

Me gaze moved amidst th' men, seekin' some sign from their astonished coupons that me words had had some effect, to see at least one or two steppin' up 'n' joinin' me, William 'n' Miss Elizabeth to rescue Peter. But wi' no avail I awaited sympathy from these people who'd learned to appreciate their ain damned lives too much to risk it for th' sake o' a single lad, me rage noo instantly meltin' intae plain sorrow as I earned but blank stares back. A despondent sigh escapin' me geggy as I nodded, resigned, eventually keekin' doon.

"Gibbs", William tried, givin' th' First Mate a pleadin' keek 'imself, th' man hesitatin' a wee. "Please."

"Understood", I stated, liftin' me eyes to gaze upon th' crew wance mair. Nae bein' able to believe that a man's life meant so little to 'em, yet alone if spearin' it would pay back th' debt they owed me by savin' 'em from th' brig wi Miss Elizabeth. "Regardless o' yer fancy Code I should've kenned men lik' ye have no honor left to count oan."

I coldly turned me back to 'em, graspin' th' line again, suppressin' th' rampage o' emotions stormin' within me at th' moment to stay focused. "Miss? William?"

I didn't ken how, but somehow we did manage to lower th' longboat wi'oot any mair help, but five minutes later each o' us sittin' aboard. Me takin' me place at th' bow 'n' directin' one mair glower at th' vessel I wished to ne'er board nor see again.

"Bloody pirates!" Miss Elizabeth breathed, in frustration as weel as for me surprise took th' oars. Claimin' 'er seat from th' middle afore William could beat 'er to th' chase, me givin' me Mistress a questionable keek as she stairted to row rather vigorously. Me neither recallin' to have seen 'er act so abnormally, 'er coupon lookin' a wee strained.

"Are ye weel, Miss?"

I'm nae sure, but I think Miss Elizabeth directed a slight glance at William as stopped rowin', however continuin' efter a barely detectable pause. As vigorously, me nae bein' able to read 'er mind this time, though 'er tone made me doubt 'er followin' words.

"I'm quite alright, thank ye."

She then said nothin' for th' rest o' th' journey to th' caves, me leanin' forth to examine 'er silhouette for a moment, 'til me eyes found their wey to William sittin' in front o' 'er. Seein' th' wey he as weel was gaugin' at me Mistress' features in wonder, 'til he keeked to th' farawa' sea. Troubled? It bein' noo me turn to fall intae deep ponders as I witnessed Miss Elizabeth to steal a peek at me fiancé efter quite a long time o' resistin', me attention instantly turnin' to me left haun. To stare at th' bare ring finger, me quickly coverin' it 'n' keekin' forward efter th' fleetin' sensation o' somethin' I couldn't name.

There was somethin' in th' air which didn't allow me to calm doon deep within, but instead only made me feel threatened. 'N' I wasn't referrin' to th dangers which awaited us at th end o' those tunnels we noo entered, darkness swallowin' us. Silence deeper than death surrounding us.

A/N: I added a certain quote of a poet within this chap. Can U figure out which one and whose it is? :)

Scottish words:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him

24th chap: goup=stare, wheest= quiet, dauner= walk, aff= off, heid= head, haun= hand, 'til= until, gowk= fool, aboot= about, awready= already, juist= just, doon= down, ken= know, luv=love,noo= now, ower= over