Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Making Arrangements

Edward immediately drew his sword, pointing it at Will's neck,

"Who in God's name are you," he shouted, "and what have you done to my wife!"

"Sir," Will replied while slowly standing to his feet, "my name is William Turner… Elizabeth's husband."

"It's true!" Elizabeth voiced weakly from behind, the stress of the day showing heavily on her face.

"Explain to me how you came upon this ship then." Edward questioned, sword still held firmly to Will's neck. Joseph stood behind him, looking as if he was to join his mother on the floor any second. Will calmly continued,

"I received word from Elizabeth that she was due to give birth in Port San Lucas soon, in passing I heard your ship set sail from Port San Lucas earlier today with her aboard. My ship came upon yours not but minutes ago and I quickly came aboard to comfort her. I didn't have time to announce my presence."

"How did you get in the room, when I was right outside?" Edward sneered in disbelief.

"I walked right in." Will calmly replied, holding his honest gaze firmly with Edward's. At that moment Pat started coming to, and saw Edward's sword against Will's neck.

"Edward," she wearily replied reaching out for him. Edward looked at Will once more before dropping his sword and assisting his wife up.

"Why are you threatening Elizabeth's husband?" She questioned. The baby then began to cry, and everyone's attentions were turned back to Elizabeth. Will quickly went to her side, wrapping his arms around her protectively as she cooed and cuddled the baby. Edward, Pat, and Joseph soon joined him at her bedside, Will's miraculous attendance seemed to be temporarily forgotten as Edward and Joseph admired the babe. Edward reached out a hand and admiring stroked Elizabeth's cheek,

"Congratulations my dear," he softly spoke, "a boy?" he questioned.

Elizabeth weakly smiled, leaning her head against Will's shoulder,

"Yes, his name is William, after his father." She looked up at Will, checking for approval. Will's eyes glistened in the candlelight of the room as he softly kissed her forehead in response. Her eyes drew heavy, as she struggled to keep them open.

"Ok, everyone out, the girl needs her rest!" Pat voiced, her strength having returned she started to push Edward and Joseph toward the door. She then looked to Will, who seemed to hold Elizabeth tighter as her head stayed planted against his shoulder.

"If you two need anything Mr. Turner, we will be right outside the door. Elizabeth is like a daughter to us, which makes you our new son in law. Please don't hesitate to ask." She flashed him a warm smile and hurried out the door. Will looked to Elizabeth to find her sleeping soundly against his chest, their baby also in a peaceful slumber cradled alongside her. He couldn't take his eyes off them…his heart broke in two thinking of how he had to leave them soon, he pushed the thoughts from his mind-trying to enjoy what little time he had left with them. Besides, Calypso's had made a deal with them, and she had proved true to her word so far…

Elizabeth clung to Will's embrace, still cradling their first born child to her chest. Edward was preparing the long boat with Joseph for Will's departure back to his ship. Fortunately their was a heavy fog and Will had reassured the Dove's that his ship was but a few hundred yards away. Knowing Will could just as easily transport to his ship, Elizabeth and Joseph played along with his scheme understanding that to have him suddenly disappear into thin air might startle and upset the elders of the Dove family. Will lingered on his last kiss with his wife, then gently kiss the forehead of his son. He could tell Elizabeth was fighting back tears, and gently caressed her cheek with his hand.

"Have hope dear, all has worked out accordingly so far." He soothed.

"It is not enough," she choked out looking up into his soulful eyes, "she allows us minutes and takes away years."

"Minutes are better than nothing," he appeased, "besides it is just my physical presence that will be absent, my thoughts and heart will always be with you and William." Elizabeth nodded her head, tears still filling her eyes as a small laugh escaped her,

"It's the physical aspects I will miss the most!" she jested. Will gave her a lopsided grin and bent down closer to her,

"I will miss the physical aspects also...very much. At night when you are lying in bed, in your mind remember that my thoughts always dwell with you…without or without clothing." He smirked. Elizabeth gave him an ear to ear smile, and kissed him soundly. Will reluctantly broke off the kiss looking somewhat distant for a moment.

"I must go now," he softly voiced. Elizabeth reached into the pocket of her shawl and took out a folded handkerchief. She handed it to Will, and gestured for him to open it. He found a ring laying underneath the layers of cloth, he looked up at Elizabeth who confirmed his thoughts.

"I made it for you," she smiled, "I have been working on it for months. Now when you look upon your hand you will always be reminded of our love. This ring is made from the sea, and although it is the sea that takes you away from me, you will see that this ring is a circle. There is no end to it, it is continuous…much like my love for you." She slipped it onto his finger, gazing up at him with pride. "That and it will let all other woman know that you are mine." She smugly added, giving him a quick kiss to accentuate her point.
"My heart belong only to you." Will quickly added.

"Literally," Elizabeth jested, continuing to kiss him softly. Soon Will broke away and stepped towards the long boat. Elizabeth nodded, reading his thoughts, kissed him once more then watched him climb into the long boat with Joseph. She bit her lower lip attempting to remain strong as he disappeared out of sight under the railing of the ship. Mrs. Dove went and placed her arms around Elizabeth.

"All will be well dear, you'll see, everything will work out in the end." Elizabeth nodded, then headed back towards her cabin. Mrs. Dove watched her go, and turned to Edward for help,

"It will take time…" he answered, "it's not easily letting go of your heart." Pat nodded, and looked over the edge of the ship, Joseph and Will were already out of sight,

"The fog is thick today, like soup it is." Pat commented.

"It was the strangest thing, the sky was clear, then about an hour ago this fog appeared out of no where." Edward replied.

"Sends a chill down my bones," Pat shivered. Edward walked over to her and placed his arm around her,

"Nothing to fear my dear, it is just the sea."

Joseph was set to his task and rowed away from his parents ship with all his strength, Will reached out and grabbed his wrist,

"Mr. Dove," he quietly spoke. The quiver in his voice broke Joseph from his task and he let loose of the oars, giving Will his full attention. Although his face was stoic, Will's eyes revealed his grief and pain.

"Mr. Dove…( Will cleared his throat trying to regain some composure) as you know I am returning to my ship and will not be able to care for my wife and son for quite some time." Joseph attempted to voice his apology for the situation but Will held up a hand and continued.

"We both know that Elizabeth can take care of herself, but I fear the trouble we have seen these past days will not be the last. As long as men wish to rule the sea there will be a constant treat to her and my son's safety. You and your family have been so welcoming to her, and I will be forever in your debt for your continued kindness."

"Captain Turner my parents and I…" Joseph sputtered out but was once again silenced by Will's hand. Struggling to keep his emotions in check, Will continued.

"What I ask of you will not be easy, and should not be taken lightly for it very well may have grave penalties… I ask you to care for my wife and son in my absence. Guard and protect them against the evils in this world, care for them as I would. I have never had to ask anyone for this task, for I readily and willingly wanted it. There is nothing I want more in this life than to be with my wife and son, to protect and cherish them. To ask this of you pains me deeply, because this is not your obligation, this is my responsibility both as a husband and a father." Will drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to regain his composure. "Unfortunately fate has forced me to forsake this responsibility and take on another. I will not rest until my duty is completed and I can join my wife and son again, permanently. This is why I ask this of you. Until that time when I can be with them again, they will need the support and love of you and your family. Please protect and cherish them in my stead. I know I ask much of you, but I will be forever grateful if you choose to honor my wish."

"Captain Turner, it would be my honor to protect your family until your return. I would give my life for them." Joseph replied, reaching out his hand to seal his vow.

"Thank you," Will replied taking his hand and firmly shaking it.

"As you may know, Elizabeth and I having a standing arrangement with Calypso."

"Yes, she mentioned this to me moments after she went into labor, it was I who convinced father that her wishes be fulfilled and she be able to birth the babe at sea."

Will smiled; "gladly, the arrangement does not stop there."

"What is this arrangement?" Joseph queried.

"You will see," Will replied, "just keep a weathered eye on the horizon." At with that comment he vanished into the fog. Joseph sat motionless for a few moments, before he started to row back to his parents ship. Once he had borded the fog was already starting to clear.

"Did you get Captain Turner back to his ship dear?" questioned Pat.

"Yes mother." Joseph solemnly replied.

"Was it a big ship?" Pat questioned further.

"Twas a ship like no other mother." Joseph responded, slightly annoyed.

"Well, I was just curious!" Pat replied with frustration, as she walked away from the men and into the cabin.

Joseph walked to the edge of the ship and watched the retreating fog.

"A ship like no other?" Edward questioned, walking to stand next to his son.

"Yes father, but I wish not to speak of it now."

"I understand, for how does one describe the Flying Dutchman." Edward answered, placing his hand on his son's shoulder as he turned to walk away. Joseph turned suddenly to face him and grabbed his father's arm to prevent his escape.

"How-how did you know?" He fumbled out.

Edward just smiled, and patted his son on the back. "I've known for awhile now, after all, what sailor hasn't heard of William and Elizabeth Turner."

Yea update! Just the epilogue left, no worries I will reveal Calypso's agreement at that time. Hope you liked the chapter, would love your thoughts on it : )