One More Taste of Freedom
11 captured
Disclaimer: See the previous chapter.
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"My god, son, I thought it was actually someone of importance sneakin' about in the shadows. I was all prepared to fear you. Don't do that."
As Pintel, one of the Pearl's old crew, stepped into the alley, Elizabeth stared at Jack in shock still of the kiss and his taunting their stalker. The man stepped closer to them with a scowl on his face and a hand on his pistol. As he stepped into the moonlight, now uncursed and such, the scowl turned into a wicked smile. Another voice invaded the alley, one slightly more intimidating than the first.
"Wrong again little Captain."
Bo'sun. The dark skinned man came from the opposite direction, and clamped a hand over Jack's shoulder, holding him in place. Inching as far away as he could without being released, Jack whispered to Elizabeth.
"I'm going to have to write a strongly worded letter to the Port Royal jail about all of this. How the bloody `ell did they get out?"
"You can write?" a glare was shot in her direction, "I mean, I don't know how they got out. Why don't you ask the nice gentlemen with guns, I'm sure they are just holding us for conversation anyway."
"You two are coming with us."
Before the bickering could began Pintel moved to take hold of Elizabeth. Any chance they had for escape was now gone. Without another word the two pirates began to lead their hostages away, through alleys and down busy streets. No one stopped to take note that two people were being kidnapped, no one would have cared. So neither Jack nor Elizabeth made a move to call for help, they only followed along. The four stopped in front of what could be called an inn. A run down building that rented out rooms, Elizabeth was quite sure she knew exactly what went on in the majority of those rooms.
Bo'sun wordlessly passed a few coins to the keeper and the man nodded. After making their way up a few flights of stairs they entered a room. There was a single mattress on the floor, and sheets filled with holes covered the windows. All manner of ungodly noises were coming from the surrounding rooms. The two were thrown onto the bed and surrounded. It appeared that all of Barbossa's crew that had survived the fight aboard the Dauntless had escaped and returned to Tortuga. They were all wearing scowls as they looked over their prey, but no one said a word - until Jack's curiosity got the better of him.
"Wheres your friend with the wooden eye?" His question as directed at Pintel. "Thought you two were damn'd near inseparable."
The man's scowl turned into a crooked smile and he stepped forward to explain.
"Ragetti's out and about with a few other men. All returned to Port Royal to pick up the missin' guest for our happy little reunion," a short gasp escaped Elizabeth as his attention turned to her, "but don't you worry your pretty little head none, poppet, he'll get here it one piece - mostly."
Her eyes now brimming with tears she began to imagine, all the things they could be doing to Will. Clenching both her fists and teeth she begged herself not to cry. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction. Bo'sun growled and gave a small nod which caused all the men to turn and start out the door, except Pintel, who still stood in place, continuing his explanation.
"Now while you two sit up `ere and fret over what terrible things are about to befall ye, were goin' ta go and stir up some enjoyment. You'd be amazed at how much more pleasurable life is after bein' cursed for ten years. But don't even bother with escape plans, mate. You see, the keeper of this fine establishment was good friends with Cap'n Barbossa, God rest `im, before his untimely death by your unsteady hand." Pausing, he attempted to imitate said 'unsteady hand', "So he'll not be allowing either of ye ta leave."
Jack raised his hand and opened his mouth to speak, clearly indignant about the poor impersonation, but instead he remained silent. Pintel then turned to leave. He was followed by Bo'sun, who glared for a moment before growling and slamming the door, which caused Elizabeth to jump. Once they were alone in the room Jack stood and began pacing.
"Did you see that?! Bleedin' idiot thinks he did a right good job of impersonatin' me!"
"Yes. I saw. It was appalling." Her tone was devoid of any emotion, which either implied that she was being sarcastic, or was deep in thought. Or both.
Jack continued pacing; his rambling still had nothing to do with their predicament or escape.
"S'not me that moves funny. Its everyone else, all stiff like."
"Mhm."
"Stupid git is just jealous."
"Obviously."
She began to get irritated by his ranting and his annoying calmness, despite the situation. After trying unsuccessfully to think of a tactful, ladylike way to talk with him, she resorted to blurting out what was on her mind.
"Jack. You kissed me."
He stopped pacing and spun around to look at her a moment before shrugging.
"Noticed that did ya? Looks like I haven't lost my touch after all."
"Why did you do it?"
"Seemed like a good idea at the time. But if you're goin' to be doin' me any kinda violence could you get on with it? I'd like the pain ta heal before the bastards return and cause more."
She paused, she idea of slapping him really did sound appealing. Though she knew it wouldn't do any good - Jack was like a child in that respect, she would have had to 'punish' him as soon as he'd done whatever needed punishing, or else he'd grow confused and not remember the lesson. Probably all the years of sun bathing and rum drinking, or maybe he'd always been that way. She really had no way of knowing.
"I'm not going to hit you." her tone was calm and his expression lightened some.
He sat down beside her on the mattress, looking forward.
"See, always knew you were a good lass -" she began to speak again.
"- however, I will say that I'm glad of Will's absence. If he'd of been here to catch you, Barbossa's crew would have been the least of your troubles.."
Jack turned to face her and laughed slightly, giving a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Young Mr. Turner and I have crossed blades before, pet. I won."
She too laughed and then took on a faux tone of seriousness.
"You've not seen 'Young Mr. Turner' in a fit of rage."
"I could put the whelp over me knee and give him a good spanking, if he needed it, lass. We've quite a bit of an age difference, I'm sure you're aware."
She stifled a laugh. The imagine of Will over Jack's knee was one that was either hilarious - or one that would haunt her dreams for all eternity. As far as the age difference, she'd never thought of it.
She made it a point then to study Jack's features, deciding that whatever his age, he had a timeless sort of beauty. His face only weathered by wind and rain, his hair still all remained black, and he moved just as well as she did, if not better. Since Elizabeth hadn't thought up a suitable reply for his last horrifying salute to imagery, they sat in silence. Both smiling, neither talking.
As was usual in these situations, it was the Captain who spoke first.
"You'll not be telling him then?"
"No. I won't. Whatever your reasons, I'm almost certain they weren't dishonorable."
"I'm a pirate, luv. My reasons are always dishonorable."
"You keep telling yourself that, Jack Sparrow. Maybe one day we'll both believe it."
"Ah, yes. But I believe that's because you're absolutely smitten with me."
She narrowed her eyes and stared at him for a moment. He had only meant that in the way that he usually did. Jack was perfectly aware that women found him attractive, perhaps knowing that was not to his benefit, either way, he liked to joke about it.
However, it made Elizabeth stop and think. Was she smitten by Jack? Perhaps she was. His very presence threw her world into a state of chaos - and she couldn't be more grateful. But her heart was with Will. She could see herself spending eternity with no one but Will. Though the situation, and her silent reflection on the kiss, made her wonder what it would be like to love Captain Jack Sparrow. It would no doubt be an adventure, in more ways than one. She decided, silently, that she did love the man, but she was not in love with him. She would mourn his death, save his life, and do anything in the world to help him - but, that was the love of a friend.
Though the world of mystery hiding behind lines of kohl caused her to catch her breath at times, the times when she would inwardly admit to herself just how attractive Jack was.
"Jack, you believe everyone is smitten with you."
"And who could blame them?"
"No one I can think of." she was only half-serious. Petting his ego, and silently reflecting.
She yawned and leaned into him, much as she had done on the island, it had been a long day. He gave a sigh of contentment and rested his head atop hers, beads dangling in front of her face.
"So here we are again. It must be terrible for you to be trapped here, Elizabeth."
"Oh yes. But I can think of no better company."
"Are you sure you've had enough rum to allow that sort of talk?"
Closing her eyes she began to drift off into sleep, their captors would most likely not return until morning, hungover and sick.
"Perhaps."