Chapter 3

"Looks like t'little Sparrow didn't fly high enough this time." The door swung open with a loud crash, the cell was unlocked and both Jack and Annamaria were pushed up the stairs.

Normally she would have fought over the fact that they were prisoners, it went against her nature not too but a strange lethargy was spreading through her muscles and it was all she could do just to stay upright.

"Close your eyes, love." Jack said quickly before they reached the top. It was good advice,

if she hadn't the blinding sun would have left her unable to see for minutes that may be of use. As it was, she felt the sun on her face and little by little accustomed herself to the new light.

The ship was docked in Port Royale, Turak's men were busy unloading wealth they had

accumulated on the way. That was the least of their problems because directly

behind them stood a man Jack knew all to well. His name was Ruyifor and he was known

for his 'persuasive tactics.' Jack had only one encounter with the man and it was not

something he wanted repeated in the future.

"You both are comin' with us." He jeered holding out a thick piece of rope.

"Who gave that order?" Commodore Norrington stepped up to the ship's deck and crossed

his arms expectantly.

"Why, Turak, sir." Ruyifor answered smiling falsely.

"And I suppose his command takes greater precedence over mine?"

"Not at all, Commodore. I was just following orders." He reached into the pocket of his

shirt and pulled out a slightly worn piece of paper. As Norrington read it, not by word or

expression did he show displeasure, but by the time he was finished he stepped back as

sign of compliance.

"Why did you not say that Lieutenant Davis gave you this letter?" he asked suspiciously.

"I am but a sailor, sir, I was ne'er taught to read. Directions I follow and the messages I

deliver. Naught else I can do."

"Very well, take them to Gallow's Point with no delay." Norrington uncrossed his arms,

this time letting them hang loosely at his side.

"That's not possible, Commodore." Ruyifor defied, grinning this time in satisfaction, "the

Lieutenant wants them locked in Turak's prison. Something about Sparrow escaping from

Gallow's Point last time."

"Very well." Norrington said tightly, "take them there, then. But there will be no hanging

until the Council convenes over this matter."

Ruyifor was going to wrap the length of rope around Annamaria's wrists when Jack intervened. "Is that really necessary, Commodore? She did naught to you." A plea for understanding came to his eyes, it was all Norrington could do not to ask him what in blazes he was doing back at Port Royale.

"Leave her unchained. We are not in the market as women abusers. Pirate or not she is

under the protection of the crown until proven otherwise."

"Just precautionary is all," he bowed his head at the Commodore's rank. Norrington

watched them walk away. Ruyifor's expression when he had looked at Annamaria was

cause enough to have him reaching for his sword.

Jack pretended to trip and placed himself between Ruyifor and Annamaria. There was something different about Jack Sparrow, something Norrington couldn't see. He didn't trust the pirate, but he felt a change in the man.

A haunted look was in the pirate captain's eyes, a subtle darkness around him now showed maturity and seriousness that had been lacking before. It was obvious that the man had seen or done something down the line that had brought reality crashing down. His point was enforced when he saw Ruyifor tug the rope viciously for Jack's antic.

Normally the pirate would have exacted some sort of revenge, but none seemed to be forthcoming, he had eyes only for the woman pirate's safety.

The feeling of dread grew as Jack tried again in vain to draw Ruyifor's attention. So far

everything he did had worked. His wrists were rubbed raw from the malicious twists and

pulling but at least it had kept Ruyifor from noticing that Annamaria was having trouble

keeping up. There was only so much he could do, if the man turned around one more time

it would all be over.

Annamaria did her best to keep up with Jack and their captor. Her sight spun and blurred,

all she wanted to do was rest for just one moment but she couldn't leave Jack all alone to

face Ruyifor's wrath. She was a pirate and if she fell victim to whatever was plaguing her

then she should be taken out and hung come morning. She forced her mind to keep a

simple pattern, take three steps, breathe, do it all over and hope that it wouldn't be her

last.

The wracking cough had only gotten worse it robbed her of both strength and air, not a

good combination. She saw the man pull so hard on the rope that Jack stumbled, she

knew from experience that the bones in his wrist must be rubbing against one another

causing a pain like no other. She quickened her pace, blocking from her mind everything

else except Jack. Once she got to his side everything would be all right again.

Just as she reached his side, Ruyifor turned around and looked at her with such a look of

malice that it made her wish for a rapier.

"Think I didn't notice your attempt at escape, eh?" he sneered. "If you had tried it's more than this you'd have felt." He rested the palm of his hand on a whip that was curled into his belt. "Keep that in mind, wench." Jack darted in front of her before the blow could be

administered.

"It's a sorry lot you are hitting a woman." Jack wiped the trickle of blood that ran from his bottom lip. His eyes spoke murder as he looked into Ruyifor's shocked ones.

"Turak'll put you straight soon enough." Rage coursed though him, a pirate and his whore

had dared to stand up to him. He tried his best to put it out of his mind, time for

retribution would come later. The familiar rush of adrenaline in his blood spurred his

thoughts. Oh yes, they would get what they deserved. A bit of patience and he would have

them both at his mercy.