Jack and Julianne sat at a little table in the back of the Faithful Bride,
sipping on two mugs of rum as was their nightly routine. It had been a
year and a half since their excursion with Will and Elizabeth, and since
then they had spent their time building a formidable reputation for their
new fleet. Now, after a several month campaign which included knocking off
a record number of merchant ships, they returned home to Tortuga for a
little breather.
For the most part, life was pretty much the same as it always was for the two captains. Though they now sailed together all the time, the dynamic of their relationship remained unchanged, save the fact that both he kept their word to be faithful to one another.
From where they sat together, Jack and Julianne remained hidden from most of the rest of the tavern's occupants. One thing that had definitely changed over the course of the last few months was their status. They had become almost like celebrities, famous among pirates and infamous to proper society. Everywhere stories and rumors flew about the outrageous heists they pulled, they were legendary. Though she appreciated the reputation, in light of crazed admiration from everyone who saw them, Julianne often found herself longing for the days when no one knew who she was. Even Jack, who at first basked in the glory, was beginning to grow tired of the constant attention. They had begun to make it a point to avoid being seen in public as much as possible, which included sitting in the back shadows of the Bride.
Engaged in their own conversation, the two captains soon became aware of the uneasy silence that had befallen the tavern. Looking around for the cause of the change of mood, they followed the eyes of everyone else to find their gaze settling on a small group of pirates that had just entered the room.
"Bloodshed", Jack muttered in distaste under his breath. It seemed everyone shared his sentiments.
"What's he doin 'ere", Julianne wondered aloud, turning her attention back to Jack.
"I don't know, but I'm sure he's up to no good."
"As usual."
Back at the front, the man who appeared to be the leader of the group led his followers through the bar to a large table at the center of the room. Thought occupied, Bloodshed uttered some threat to its inhabitants, who quickly excused themselves leaving the table wide open. Shooting a rotten look out at those staring at him, slowly and uneasily the noise level of the bar returned to normal.
Julianne set her mug down, and looked at it thoughtfully. "I'll be right back", she said to Jack while standing up.
"Where're ye goin", he asked concerned.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna do anything stupid. Just stay 'ere."
Knowing better then to argue Jack nodded his consent. Leaving him alone for a minute, Julianne made her way carefully to the bar, grateful the Bloodshed's back was towards her.
"Hey Restin", she called quietly to the bartender, who quickly made his way over to her.
"Bloodshed?" he asked knowingly.
"Aye. Get one of yer best wenches on his table. I want to know what he's up to."
Restin gave her a short nod, and called one of his tavern women over to the bar. Returning to her seat, Julianne was greeted by Jack's question.
"What was that all about?"
"He's here for a reason. And I want to know what it is. Don't you?"
"O' course I do. But, well, it's not exactly in our best interest to be gettin involved with the likes o' Bloodshed."
"Ye think I don't know that", Julianne shot back, unconsciously running her hand across her back.
"You'd know betta than anyone, that's why I don't think it's a good idea."
"Look, let's just find out what he's up to first. Then we'll take it from there", she replied with her best pouty face. As she expected, Jack's stern and solid looked cracked and softened.
"Alright", he sighed and went back to his drink. After he had finished, they decided to make their exit and would check back in with Restin in the morning. Walking toward the door, their route was blocked off when Bloodshed stepped in their way, eyes narrowed, evil grin plastered on his face.
"Eric", Julianne greeted him with disgust.
"So the rumors are true. Amaris and Sparrow wreaking havoc throughout the Caribbean together again. Can't say I'm entirely surprised, although I wouldn't have expected it to last. With your reputation for with women", he indicated to Jack, "and the fact that yer even still alive", to Julianne. "Then again, you never cease to amaze me woman, after all, you did manage to survive that little punishment up in Anchorage."
At this, Julianne jumped forward to grab him by the throat, but was stopped by Jack pulling her back.
"That's right hellcat, bout time someone tamed you."
"I suggest you get out o' our way Redford, or I'll gladly let her rip you apart", Jack threatened.
With an arrogant look, Bloodshed stepped aside and allowed the other two captains to pass.
"Shoulda killed him when I had the chance", Julianne muttered under her breath as they left the tavern.
"We all should 'ave", Jack reassured.
***
The next morning, Jack and Julianne woke and headed downtown hours before most of Tortuga would even realize the sun was up. Heading for the Bride, they bypassed the front entrance and headed around to the house that came off the back. Entering quietly, they found Restin also awake and moving about his kitchen making himself a cup of tea.
"Thought I'd be seeing you two this morning", he greeted his friends warmly. "Trum?"
Both nodded and before long each was holding a cup of spiked English tea, and sitting on Restin's couch facing him.
"Well, you'll be happy to know that I found out what you wanted. You won't be happy once I tell you what it is."
"Go on", Jack directed him.
"Seems old Bloodshed is out to take his vengeance once and for all on your dear Commodore Norrington, Juli. Plans on sailing to Port Royale after he restocks and blasted the bageeses out of the place. Wants the whole town destroyed and Norrington brought to him alive so's he can finish him off himself."
At Restin's news, Julianne's face bore a dark expression. "Well I can't say I'm entirely surprised. Eric's been out for John's head for a long time, and visa versa. And it's personal."
"What do ye want to do", Jack asked her.
"Well, there's only one thing I can see doin. We're going to Port Royale to stop him. We'll sail out today and make like we're headin south, then cut across the far end of the island and get there before he does."
"You think it wise", Restin asked her.
"O' course I don't. But necessary."
"Well you aren't exactly in the business of saving people", he replied.
"Look", Jack cut in. "We can't just let him go destroy the place without warning. Besides, we've both got a vested interest in Port Royale, and a serious score to settle with Red."
"Alright", Restin agreed. "I'll be sure to let any o' crew I see know to be headin down to the dock."
"Thank ye kindly", Julianne said with a smile standing up.
"Good luck to ye, try not to get yerselves killed, or worse."
Waving goodbye, Jack and Julianne made their way next down to their ships. "So what's yer plan of action", Jack asked her when they reached the dock.
Julianne looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm thinkin that the navy isn't going to have enough men to both man their ships and protect the town and its people. So we'll sail in. Send word to John to secure the shoreline. And block off the harbor. As soon as the Massacre sails in, we'll blast the hell out o' him before he knows what hit him."
Jack nodded in agreement. "You'll head in first. Lesser chance of a problem with the navy if Norrington sees you."
***
Within an hour the two ships were loaded and ready to go. Pulling out of the harbor, still long before the town of Tortuga began to stir, they made their way for Port Royale at full speed. Though the short trip to their destination passes smoothly, for Julianne the time seemed to last eternity. It was a rare moment that she was afraid in life, but this was one of those. She never feared for herself, but worrying that her cousin and dear friends were in mortal danger, she could not help but be anxious. She wondered if Bloodshed could have somehow reached Port Royale before them.
When the two ships finally reached the harbor, the townspeople who witnessed their arrival were gripped with fear. Pulling in and turning sideways, the two pirate ships blocked off the only means of entrance and exit by water. Quickly scratching out a short note explaining everything to the Commodore, Julianne sent one of her crewmen ashore to deliver it. Then, she waited.
Up in his office in the fort, Commodore Norrington was interrupted from his work by the shouts of several of his officers who barged in unexpectedly.
"What is it gentlemen", he barked at them harshly for their rude behavior.
"Sir, it's pirates", one of them blurted out.
"Would you care to explicate on that a little further Mr. Smythe?"
"Out in the harbor sir. The Black Pearl and the Renegade. They've blocked off all means of coming and going."
Striding purposely to the window, the Commodore took a look for himself. "So they have", he commented without emotion.
"What would you have us do sir", another of the soldiers spoke up.
Just as Norrington was about to open his mouth to answer, a knock sounded on the open door.
"Yes what is it", he asked, turning his attention to the distraction.
"There's a lad here sir who says he brings word from one of the ships blocking the harbor."
"See him in."
A young man, dressed in what clearly denoted his status as a pirate, walked timidly into the room, and approached the Commodore.
"Captain Amaris sends her regards sir", he said handing him a piece of paper.
Tearing it open, Norrington read quickly.
John-
Forgive me for the brevity of this correspondence.
Jack and I are here under necessary circumstances,
Captain Eric Redford, Bloodshed Red, is on his way
to Port Royale with a desire for your head. It is
important that you clear out the harbor and have
your men safeguard the town, do not take any
aggressive action. You must trust me on this one.
I will find you when this dispute has been settled.
Your cousin-
Captain Julianne Amaris
Reading over the note one more time, Norrington turned to the now large group of officers that had convened to receive his orders.
"Gillete, clear out the harbor. I want the rest of you stationed in the town on your guard", he commanded.
"What's going on sir? Do they mean to be hostile", Gillete questioned.
"Just do as I say and be ready for a confrontation to arise."
"Should we not man the ships?"
"Did I order you to man the ships? No, I thought not. Not get out of here and get to it."
All of them nodded and scurried out of the office to carry out his requests.
"What are you doing Julianne", he questioned aloud, looking back out the window.
It wasn't long before he found out.
For the most part, life was pretty much the same as it always was for the two captains. Though they now sailed together all the time, the dynamic of their relationship remained unchanged, save the fact that both he kept their word to be faithful to one another.
From where they sat together, Jack and Julianne remained hidden from most of the rest of the tavern's occupants. One thing that had definitely changed over the course of the last few months was their status. They had become almost like celebrities, famous among pirates and infamous to proper society. Everywhere stories and rumors flew about the outrageous heists they pulled, they were legendary. Though she appreciated the reputation, in light of crazed admiration from everyone who saw them, Julianne often found herself longing for the days when no one knew who she was. Even Jack, who at first basked in the glory, was beginning to grow tired of the constant attention. They had begun to make it a point to avoid being seen in public as much as possible, which included sitting in the back shadows of the Bride.
Engaged in their own conversation, the two captains soon became aware of the uneasy silence that had befallen the tavern. Looking around for the cause of the change of mood, they followed the eyes of everyone else to find their gaze settling on a small group of pirates that had just entered the room.
"Bloodshed", Jack muttered in distaste under his breath. It seemed everyone shared his sentiments.
"What's he doin 'ere", Julianne wondered aloud, turning her attention back to Jack.
"I don't know, but I'm sure he's up to no good."
"As usual."
Back at the front, the man who appeared to be the leader of the group led his followers through the bar to a large table at the center of the room. Thought occupied, Bloodshed uttered some threat to its inhabitants, who quickly excused themselves leaving the table wide open. Shooting a rotten look out at those staring at him, slowly and uneasily the noise level of the bar returned to normal.
Julianne set her mug down, and looked at it thoughtfully. "I'll be right back", she said to Jack while standing up.
"Where're ye goin", he asked concerned.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna do anything stupid. Just stay 'ere."
Knowing better then to argue Jack nodded his consent. Leaving him alone for a minute, Julianne made her way carefully to the bar, grateful the Bloodshed's back was towards her.
"Hey Restin", she called quietly to the bartender, who quickly made his way over to her.
"Bloodshed?" he asked knowingly.
"Aye. Get one of yer best wenches on his table. I want to know what he's up to."
Restin gave her a short nod, and called one of his tavern women over to the bar. Returning to her seat, Julianne was greeted by Jack's question.
"What was that all about?"
"He's here for a reason. And I want to know what it is. Don't you?"
"O' course I do. But, well, it's not exactly in our best interest to be gettin involved with the likes o' Bloodshed."
"Ye think I don't know that", Julianne shot back, unconsciously running her hand across her back.
"You'd know betta than anyone, that's why I don't think it's a good idea."
"Look, let's just find out what he's up to first. Then we'll take it from there", she replied with her best pouty face. As she expected, Jack's stern and solid looked cracked and softened.
"Alright", he sighed and went back to his drink. After he had finished, they decided to make their exit and would check back in with Restin in the morning. Walking toward the door, their route was blocked off when Bloodshed stepped in their way, eyes narrowed, evil grin plastered on his face.
"Eric", Julianne greeted him with disgust.
"So the rumors are true. Amaris and Sparrow wreaking havoc throughout the Caribbean together again. Can't say I'm entirely surprised, although I wouldn't have expected it to last. With your reputation for with women", he indicated to Jack, "and the fact that yer even still alive", to Julianne. "Then again, you never cease to amaze me woman, after all, you did manage to survive that little punishment up in Anchorage."
At this, Julianne jumped forward to grab him by the throat, but was stopped by Jack pulling her back.
"That's right hellcat, bout time someone tamed you."
"I suggest you get out o' our way Redford, or I'll gladly let her rip you apart", Jack threatened.
With an arrogant look, Bloodshed stepped aside and allowed the other two captains to pass.
"Shoulda killed him when I had the chance", Julianne muttered under her breath as they left the tavern.
"We all should 'ave", Jack reassured.
***
The next morning, Jack and Julianne woke and headed downtown hours before most of Tortuga would even realize the sun was up. Heading for the Bride, they bypassed the front entrance and headed around to the house that came off the back. Entering quietly, they found Restin also awake and moving about his kitchen making himself a cup of tea.
"Thought I'd be seeing you two this morning", he greeted his friends warmly. "Trum?"
Both nodded and before long each was holding a cup of spiked English tea, and sitting on Restin's couch facing him.
"Well, you'll be happy to know that I found out what you wanted. You won't be happy once I tell you what it is."
"Go on", Jack directed him.
"Seems old Bloodshed is out to take his vengeance once and for all on your dear Commodore Norrington, Juli. Plans on sailing to Port Royale after he restocks and blasted the bageeses out of the place. Wants the whole town destroyed and Norrington brought to him alive so's he can finish him off himself."
At Restin's news, Julianne's face bore a dark expression. "Well I can't say I'm entirely surprised. Eric's been out for John's head for a long time, and visa versa. And it's personal."
"What do ye want to do", Jack asked her.
"Well, there's only one thing I can see doin. We're going to Port Royale to stop him. We'll sail out today and make like we're headin south, then cut across the far end of the island and get there before he does."
"You think it wise", Restin asked her.
"O' course I don't. But necessary."
"Well you aren't exactly in the business of saving people", he replied.
"Look", Jack cut in. "We can't just let him go destroy the place without warning. Besides, we've both got a vested interest in Port Royale, and a serious score to settle with Red."
"Alright", Restin agreed. "I'll be sure to let any o' crew I see know to be headin down to the dock."
"Thank ye kindly", Julianne said with a smile standing up.
"Good luck to ye, try not to get yerselves killed, or worse."
Waving goodbye, Jack and Julianne made their way next down to their ships. "So what's yer plan of action", Jack asked her when they reached the dock.
Julianne looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm thinkin that the navy isn't going to have enough men to both man their ships and protect the town and its people. So we'll sail in. Send word to John to secure the shoreline. And block off the harbor. As soon as the Massacre sails in, we'll blast the hell out o' him before he knows what hit him."
Jack nodded in agreement. "You'll head in first. Lesser chance of a problem with the navy if Norrington sees you."
***
Within an hour the two ships were loaded and ready to go. Pulling out of the harbor, still long before the town of Tortuga began to stir, they made their way for Port Royale at full speed. Though the short trip to their destination passes smoothly, for Julianne the time seemed to last eternity. It was a rare moment that she was afraid in life, but this was one of those. She never feared for herself, but worrying that her cousin and dear friends were in mortal danger, she could not help but be anxious. She wondered if Bloodshed could have somehow reached Port Royale before them.
When the two ships finally reached the harbor, the townspeople who witnessed their arrival were gripped with fear. Pulling in and turning sideways, the two pirate ships blocked off the only means of entrance and exit by water. Quickly scratching out a short note explaining everything to the Commodore, Julianne sent one of her crewmen ashore to deliver it. Then, she waited.
Up in his office in the fort, Commodore Norrington was interrupted from his work by the shouts of several of his officers who barged in unexpectedly.
"What is it gentlemen", he barked at them harshly for their rude behavior.
"Sir, it's pirates", one of them blurted out.
"Would you care to explicate on that a little further Mr. Smythe?"
"Out in the harbor sir. The Black Pearl and the Renegade. They've blocked off all means of coming and going."
Striding purposely to the window, the Commodore took a look for himself. "So they have", he commented without emotion.
"What would you have us do sir", another of the soldiers spoke up.
Just as Norrington was about to open his mouth to answer, a knock sounded on the open door.
"Yes what is it", he asked, turning his attention to the distraction.
"There's a lad here sir who says he brings word from one of the ships blocking the harbor."
"See him in."
A young man, dressed in what clearly denoted his status as a pirate, walked timidly into the room, and approached the Commodore.
"Captain Amaris sends her regards sir", he said handing him a piece of paper.
Tearing it open, Norrington read quickly.
John-
Forgive me for the brevity of this correspondence.
Jack and I are here under necessary circumstances,
Captain Eric Redford, Bloodshed Red, is on his way
to Port Royale with a desire for your head. It is
important that you clear out the harbor and have
your men safeguard the town, do not take any
aggressive action. You must trust me on this one.
I will find you when this dispute has been settled.
Your cousin-
Captain Julianne Amaris
Reading over the note one more time, Norrington turned to the now large group of officers that had convened to receive his orders.
"Gillete, clear out the harbor. I want the rest of you stationed in the town on your guard", he commanded.
"What's going on sir? Do they mean to be hostile", Gillete questioned.
"Just do as I say and be ready for a confrontation to arise."
"Should we not man the ships?"
"Did I order you to man the ships? No, I thought not. Not get out of here and get to it."
All of them nodded and scurried out of the office to carry out his requests.
"What are you doing Julianne", he questioned aloud, looking back out the window.
It wasn't long before he found out.