Chapter 3

"Esmeralda---" He started to speak, but she stopped him.

"Shh, Will, try not to speak. You need your rest." Her heavy accent soothed him.

"No, I—I have to work. What happened to me?"

"You ran a terribly high fever. Everyone was surprised you survived. But as Jack always says of you 'He is a strong-willed and centered man'. He speaks highly of you, I believe."

"Yes, I believe so. He is a very noble man."

"Yes. You did not notice you were drenched in sweat, Will?"

"I just thought it was from walking round the city. I walked rather vigorously, as I remember."

"You were probably hallucinating. No, Will, you must rest," she said when he tried to get up, "I'm going to get some wet cloth for your head. Don't you move." Will wondered where the rest of the crew was, since he didn't hear any noise from the cellar. Was it possible that they were sleeping? What time and day was it? William couldn't wait to ask Esmeralda.

"Esmeralda? How long have I been ill?"

"About three days, I suppose. You don't remember your convulsions and screams?"

"I haven't the slightest notion of what you're talking about. Three days? Where's the rest of the crew?"

"Jack has led them to the ship. They are going to sail to Portugal, those crazy pirates, IF the ship hasn't already been sunken. I swear, that man is absolutely insane," she shook her head, "he is just looking for trouble and he is going to get himself killed."

"Yes, that's Capt. Jack Sparrow, the one and the only."

"I know, but he's going to give me a heart attack with all his shooting of ships and sailors and leaving me behind when he goes to far-off countries, like I was a dog. I love him, but he needs to be more careful."

"You can't teach an old dog new trick, Esmeralda."

"I'm not quite sure I understand. My knowledge of the English language is not as profound as it should be."

"What I am trying to say is that is how Jack is. He cannot be changed because he has been like he is for such a long time."

"Yes…I suppose you are correct." For that second of a second, their eyes met, she smiled at him, and he was instantly hooked.

"Yes, well," she continued, "you need your rest. You are in no condition to talk. Please try to sleep, Will." And she left him alone in the room.