Author's Note: these chapters get written ever so much fast when I only have to write half of them. ^_^ Yes, that's right, Sarah has a writing partner for some of this.
I'm much ashamed that I didn't mention this last chapter, but Kendra is not mine. That's right. I know some of you were asking about her, and the honest truth is that I didn't write her. A delightfully generous bobo3 did. So, if you really want to know more about Kendra, please go read 'Four-Sided Eyes' by bobo3. I guarantee you won't regret that you did. ; )
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As Winn sat with her husband, the Commodore and her brothers were having their own discussion.
"How did you get Jack out of the fort?"
Norrington sighed. "It was easy enough to convince everyone that Sparrow was dead. It was even easier to find two out of work dockhands to bring him here in a cart. I already had a physician waiting to see him, and he paid the men enough money so that they could go get blindingly drunk. Even if the Lord Chancellor does manage to track those men down, they won't remember a thing about what they did last night."
Ry nodded, pleased to find that Norrington knew how to cover his tracks. "So, what do you plan on doing now? I know for a fact that Jack is a miserable patient once he's well enough not to sleep through the day."
The Commodore rose from the table they were sitting at and started pacing. "The law is clear when it says that I should surrender Sparrow to the justice that the court has deemed appropriate for his crimes against the crown . . . however, I have already broken the law by helping Sparrow escape from prison, by finding a man to tend him, and by telling my superior that the pirate is dead when he is still breathing. And it would be . . . imprudent for me to incriminate myself now."
"Winn will want to stay with him," Marcus spoke up. "You'll have a fight of it to make her stay away now."
Norrington's eyebrows rose, but he didn't dispute the statement. He remembered something of the girl who had come to the Caribbean all those years ago – she'd been formidable even then. And although time – and perhaps something more – seemed to have worn away some of the sharp edges she'd carried, Winifred Morgan was still a woman he didn't necessarily want to cross. Unfortunately, he didn't have much choice in the matter. "That's something we're going to need to talk about."
Winn didn't know how long tears had been leaking from her eyes, but a large patch of the cushion she was leaning her head against was wet. She was too tired to simply cry and get things over with, but the sudden relief of the tension that had been riding her for weeks demanded some sort of outlet, and tears were the easiest at the moment. So she sat at the floor at her husband's side and let the tears come as Jack slept and she held his hand.
For a moment she wondered how low she'd been brought – married, pregnant, and weeping almost at her husband's feet. The woman she'd been years ago would never had stood for this. But then again, the woman she'd been years ago had simply watched the world as it lived around her. Existence wasn't as painful as living, but it wasn't as rewarding either.
Taking a deep, shuddery breath, Winn wiped her eyes and looked into her husband's sleeping face. His formerly sleeping face. "Did I wake you?"
"No, love." Jack released Winn's hand to brush a wet trail from her face. She turned her head to kiss his palm, closing her eyes against another rise of tears. Jack was somewhat alarmed – Winn wasn't a weepy woman. But then again, she was pregnant. "Winnie, it's over. We're both going to be alright. The three of us are going to be alright."
"I know," she whispered. "I just missed you."
Jack looked around to make sure they were still unobserved. They were alone. "I missed you to, love."
She gave him a watery grin. "I noticed you waited until there was no one around to say that."
"Sorry, lass, but it wouldn't really go with the image."
"Which image? The recovering pirate who is soon to be a father?"
Jack groaned. "Winnie, you're going to be the death of me." He knew that had been the wrong thing to say. "No. Don't go thinking like that. Just put the last few weeks out of your mind entirely." She gave him an incredulous look, but he ignored it. "How's junior?"
"Junior?"
Jack gave the best imitation of a shrug that he could. "It's not like we've chosen names, Winnie."
"What if it's a girl? You can't call a girl 'junior'." The considering look on her husband's face almost scared her. "Jack . . ."
"What?" She glared at him as she squirmed on the floor. "What's wrong?"
She shook her head. "Let's just say this isn't the most comfortable position for a pregnant woman, even one that's still as small as I am."
"You're still small?" He hid a grin as Winn's eyes narrowed.
"Jack Sparrow, I know you've seen my sisters when they've been rounder with child than I am, so don't even try to irritate me."
"But it's so easy."
"You're also not in a position to make up with me, so I'd keep your smart remarks to yourself if I were you. What are you doing?" Winn felt a bit of alarm as Jack tried to lever himself up from the couch. "Jack, stop it. You're not nearly strong enough to be sitting up."
"Nonsense."
"No, not nonsense. Jack, less than twenty-four hours ago you received a rather thorough thrashing. You've been running a low grade fever, and you've lost quite a bit of blood –"
"I notice that didn't keep you in bed."
"I've been lying flat on my back for a week. Besides, I had the death of my husband to avenge." Winn laid a hand on her husband's arm. "Please lie back down?" He shook his head. "Why not?"
"I want you to sit by me."
"Then let me get a chair."
"What's going on here?" Jack and Winn both looked towards the doorway. Norrington and Winn's brothers all stood there – Norrington with a disbelieving but dry look on his face, Ry and Marcus trying to hide their amusement. "I assure you, Sparrow, that I did not expend so much effort last night trying to find a discreet physician, only to have to call him back today."
"Jack, please listen. The Commodore really has put himself on the line to help us."
Jack glanced at Winn, then looked steadily at Norrington. Finally he sighed and lowered himself back down on the couch.
"Freddy, I think you're finally having some luck turning Jack into something that resembles a rational person."
Winn glared at Ry. "I'll make sure to mention my techniques to Cat since she's obviously failed to do the same." Marcus elbowed his brother. Winn shook her head and turned her attention to Norrington. "Commodore, I really must thank you for everything you've done. If I can ever repay the debt, please, let me know." Jack spluttered, but she only placed a calming hand on this arm as she held the other man's gaze.
Norrington examined her to make sure she was being sincere. "I'm glad you feel that way, because I have something I need to ask you to do. It will be difficult, but it would also be best for all involved."
"What is it?"
"I need you to leave."
Winn looked at Jack, then back at the Commodore. She supposed they had been here for a bit. "Will you send me updates on how he fares?" Norrington's steady gaze didn't waver, but Winn saw her brother's exchange a wary glance. No. "No. Please tell me that was what you meant."
"I'm afraid not, Mistress Sparrow."
"No, I'm not going to leave Jack. Not yet." Things could still suddenly take a sudden turn for the worst. Infection could set in – more men die of that than of the wounds themselves. A fever could take him faster than anything else.
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."
We'll see about that. Winn had seen the dagger she'd given Jack on a nearby table. Cumbersomely she rose to her feet, then reached for it. Once it was in her hand, she turned back to the men. "That is the one thing I can't do, Commodore. Don't make me be stubborn."
"Winnie," Jack was tugging on her skirt. "Winn, you're in no condition to fight, love. Sit down before you make a fool of yourself."
Why couldn't they see? Why couldn't they see that expectant mothers needed their husbands at their sides? Why couldn't they see that being apart from Jack for half her pregnancy had taken its toll? She was not overreacting, not as long as she refrained from doing most of what her temper was suggesting. Men. I hate them all. With an angry cry, Winn threw the dagger towards the small group in the doorway – the blade embedded itself in the wall.
She stood trembling as Norrington, Marcus, and Ry all observed the still quivering hilt of the knife. As one they turned back to her – her brothers with resignation, Norrington with a fair amount of surprise. Winn ignored their reactions. "Why are you asking me to leave Port Royal, Commodore?"
"Despite a lack of evidence and a lack of support, Hallington is itching to charge you with something. Anything. We need to get you off the island before he decides what he'd like to accuse you of."
Dear Lord, Winn prayed in exasperation. "I swear that I will see that man pay for all this."
"This morning you were laying claim to his head."
"I've become a lot less bloodthirsty now that I've discovered that my husband is alive. But Hallington will pay for this. I have enough connections and influence to ensure that his entire trip home is plagued by pirates."
Norrington shook his head. "This isn't the sort of thing you should be saying in front of me. I agree with you wholeheartedly, but I still shouldn't be hearing it."
"Hearing what? The overly emotional rantings of a pregnant woman?" Winn shook her head. "If people keep insisting on pushing me into a role, I'll gladly play it." Winn carefully sat back down on the floor, again taking Jack's hand in hers. She looked at him. "I don't want to leave you here."
"Freddy, we all know that Jack's in no condition to travel."
"Then let me hide somewhere until his is."
"Winnie." Winn shook her head, denying everything, everything that everyone was saying. "Winnie, you need to go."
"I need to be with you."
Jack smiled. "That would be the thirty-eighth time I've heard that argument." He brushed some hair out of her face. "You need to do what's best for the babe, and at the moment, that would be going home."
"My home is with you."
"You know what I meant, Winnie. I think it's time for a visit with the Captain."
They were all right . . . but she didn't want to go. "If it's any consolation, Ryan has agreed to take you . . . home, and Marcus has agreed to stay here and leave with your husband in a week or so. And you are free to stay here until your ship leaves this evening."
Winn sighed in defeat. There was no way they were going to truly listen to her, and she couldn't deny that they had a point. "And Gandolfi? You promised me that something would be done about him."
All the men in the room exchanged looks. Marcus shrugged and Jack nodded at Marcus. "He'll be taken care of."
"Fine. Now, I'd appreciate it if you'd all leave us alone."
"What's all this commotion about?" Kendra growled under her breath, coming out of her room and leaning on the railing of stairwell.
Below her it seemed that a handful of people had arrived. Three women, some children, and a man. Kendra narrowed her eyes and watched the proceedings. Wonder what all this about. It wouldn't be Sparrow's wife would it? The way he spoke of her made it seem as if she'd behave differently than some feckless damsel, but if I'm not mistaken . . . She focused her eyes on the dark haired woman far below. Looks like it could be Winn. Undoubtedly is. Don't know who else would be flocked about like that. Should get a closer look at her. I will be her guardian – in a sense – for a bit. It'd be best if I could recognize my charge from a distance as well as close up.
Kendra silently walked down the stairs and watched the events from the shadows. No matter how welcoming the Morgans had been, she couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Not that this was a new feeling. This was not her regular territory, not to mention that she was on land. She'd been amazed that she'd slept so well the previous night; sleeping on land had always been an issue for the small pirate captain. Living the majority of one's life aboard a ship did have a few drawbacks.
Winn was irritable, getting over her sea-sickness, and overall not a very pleasant person to associate with at the moment. Kendra absently listened to the woman mutter angrily about what she planned to do to Jack, how she wanted to wring a "Hallington's" neck, and various other unpleasant things. Kendra ignored these ramblings and focused the majority of her attention on closely examining Winn and imprinting the image in her mind. If an emergency arose, she'd need to be able to spot her charge in a moment's notice.
What's got her in such a mood? From the sound of things, Sparrow's alive and free of the Brits. Isn't that good news? Unless . . . Another outraged complaint from Winn broke Kendra's thoughts and her expression soured. This is the only granddaughter of the Captain? You'd think she'd have more of a spine. Honestly . . . being through an ordeal like that, and coming out with so few scrapes . . . Kendra sighed and leaned against the wall, watching the party head up the stairs.
Unnoticed as usual. Just as well. Kendra followed the group upstairs, keeping her distance, but examining Winn's entourage. A more upperclass woman, a man undoubtedly close to her, another of the wives in the portraits, and a sparkling of children. Quite the crowd to come here. The mass reached a wing of bedrooms; the children broke off into their own rooms, the woman and man that Kendra didn't recognize said good-night to Winn then entered another room, taking two children with them. Winn was escorted to one of the bedrooms farther down the hall by the remaining woman – The navy captain's wife perhaps? She was with Winn at the docks. Kendra took note of her charge's room, counting the doorways to make sure she could find it again. She then headed downstairs, going out one of the side doors to the garden.
Standing in the gardens now, Kendra counted the windows and smiled as she spotted the one lit window. Good. Now I can reach her room from outside as well. Really Sparrow . . . the things you're going to owe me if an emergency rises . . . even if one doesn't come up you'll still owe me greatly. Examining the garden cursorily she sighed. "Time for bed I suppose . . ." Heading inside once more, Kendra quietly walked the corridors and stairs, reaching her room and plopping down on her bed, pulling off her boots and taking her hair out, running her fingers through it.
Tomorrow I suppose. Tomorrow I'll finally meet this elusive wife of Sparrow's. Wonder if she'll see the truth of me. Doubtful, if she can do little else but complain about the ills in her life. It's not like there haven't been any other troubles for the other occupants of this house. Sighing, Kendra laid down and put her hands behind her head, staring up at the ceiling. Not fair at all how these people get some illustrious lineage, and I get nothing more than a tale about being found at sea. Mermaid indeed . . . Closing her eyes, she tried to go to sleep, the memory of her talk today with the idolized pirate captain drifting into her mind once more.
* * * * *
Kendra was amazed she'd made it this far. Her nerves were shot and she didn't know how she had kept herself so calm in appearance. Nor kept a shred of her wits. Here she was, standing before the Henry Morgan . . . a man she'd heard stories about for as long as she could remember.
"And that is all you know of my granddaughter and Captain Sparrow?" Morgan was furious to hear of the harm that had come to his grandchild and unborn great-grandchild, but the news that she was with family and was well enough to travel heartened him. He'd have words for Sparrow once the man got back, but that could be decided later. Right now he had an awed cabin boy on his hands and he wished to make the best of it.
Kendra nodded curtly, unaware of the man's thoughts. "A-aye sir. My apologies for not knowing any more. Sparrow gave me a post through Captain Marcus and that is about all I have to go off of."
Henry Morgan, now ninety-seven, nodded and coughed for a moment. He looked out the window and sighed. "And what is your standing with Captain Sparrow?"
"Well . . ." Kendra hesitated. Lying was not something she wanted to do to the Captain, but she also did not want to give away the truth so quickly . . . secrets had been a constant in her life – it was what she survived by. "We met a few years back. I guess you could call us acquaintances. Or perhaps old friends. Initially, I sought out Sparrow so I could incur a debt from him."
"A debt?"
"Aye, sir. I…I prefer to have the upper hand with Sparrow. The last time I saw him . . ." her voice faltered and she looked down momentarily. "I'd like to repay the favor as well as earn one in return." She looked up to see a rather devious grin on the old man's face. "Sir?"
"Glad to see you're a proper pirate, son. With a man like Sparrow, it's always best to have the upper hand." Kendra nodded, somewhat speechless.
"Grandfather, it's time for you to rest." Cat approached the bed from the back of the room where she'd been listening.
"You're getting to be as bad as Winnie," the old man muttered.
"Well, if Winn is indeed going to be back within the week, then you undoubtedly want to be well enough to spar with her, and if you don't rest, you'll be too tired to do so." Cat ignored the old man's grumblings. "Ken, thank you for sharing your news, but if you'll please excuse us?" Kendra nodded and left, hoping the old man would be alright.
* * * * *
Winn laid in her bed, alone and still miserable from the voyage here. Actually, she couldn't tell what was caused by the nausea she'd been feeling constantly for the past few days and what was caused by the sense of foreboding that was hanging over her head. Sighing, she tried to find a more comfortable position to rest in . . . minor discomfort was the best she could hope for these days. If Jack were here, he could give me a massage, but he's not here. And he wasn't going to be here anytime soon. The conversation she'd had with him right before leaving Port Royal still echoed in her mind.
* * * * *
They'd spent the hours until dusk dozing on the Commodore's bed. They'd both protested, but Norrington had been adamant. They both needed rest and neither wanted to be separated from the other. So they'd given in, Winn more than happy to spend the time lying in Jack's arms as he rested his hands over her belly and felt their child move around. It'd been so idyllic, so tranquil, that Winn had been able to forget what had taken place to get them here and what would be happening in a few hours.
But good things do come to an end.
Ry had come in to let her know that it was time to say good-bye. She hadn't liked it, but she'd risen and put her shoes on. Once she was done, she had turned back to Jack and said, "You'll meet me at Swallows Rest as soon Norrington lets you leave, right?"
Jack had smiled, but his heart hadn't been in it. "I'll come to you as soon as I can, Winnie."
That's when she'd known that he was going to go with Marcus to get Gandolfi. "Jack, I'm serious. You're in no condition to go after Gandolfi. I don't want to get you back from the dead just to lose you to him. I need you with me. It's not easy being pregnant."
"Winnie . . ." She looked into his eyes and seen that he was more focused on the thought of revenge than on her arguments.
"You're not listening to me."
"I am, love. I hear every word you're saying loud and clear –"
"The you obviously don't care. Why is getting this man more important to you than I am?"
"That's unfair."
"The truth isn't always fair, Jack."
Jack had tried to take her hand, but she'd pulled it away. "Winnie, love, we both know that Gandolfi isn't going to stay in the Caribbean forever. Sooner or later he's going to scuttle back to Italy. He'll be safely tucked away. We need to get him while he's vulnerable – while he thinks he's succeeded."
"Let Marcus get him. Let the courts handle this –"
"Without your testimony, the courts will have nothing to convict him with, and you can't testify against him without certain facts about your past bein' raised." The woman was so frustrating. She refused to see what was in front of her nose.
"Norrington would help. He doesn't want to admit it, but I think he's come to respect you. I don't want to lose you."
"Winnie! The man tried to kill you and he tried to kill our child. I may not be a gentleman, but I am a man, and I will protect my family."
"Your family is safe, Jack. Without you, there isn't a family. There's me and a fatherless babe."
"Love –"
"Which is more important to you? Me or your revenge?" She knew it was an unfair question. She knew she was asking him to deny his nature to make her happy, but at the moment she didn't care. All that mattered was the sense of hurt tearing through her at the thought that Jack was willing to let her sit in boredom, loneliness, and fear, while he went out and risked his neck.
Jack heard the tone for rejection in her voice, and he hated it. He'd blame it on the pregnancy but that would only upset her more. If he gave her enough time to think about things, she'd discover he was right and she'd get over this snit. With a groan, he pushed himself up into a sitting position, and loosely embraced his stubborn wife. She didn't resist him, but she didn't hug him back either, nor did she respond when he brushed a kiss over her cheek. "I sent a friend to Swallows Rest to help keep an eye on you since I've no doubt that your family will have their hands full." He flashed a smile, trying to placate her. "Please, listen to your sisters. I'll be along as soon as I can."
Winn translated this into, I don't really trust you to behave yourself, but try to be a good little subordinate and wait for me because that's what I say. Fine. She'd go to Swallows Rest, but heaven help him if he wasn't there a week after her.
* * * * *
The memory broke up as Winn flopped onto her back. There was too much room in the bed. She got up and spent the rest of the night watching the stars from her window seat. As the sun rose, she finally nodded off, dried tears on her face.
The next morning Kendra rose with the sun and took the time alone to enjoy a bath – a rare pleasure for her – and then wandered the vast Morgan household, still getting familiar with all the nooks and crannies of her surroundings. To think . . . Captain Morgan made enough from his raids to buy this . . . and still maintains it. I doubt I could save near this much . . . Kendra sighed and snuck into the kitchen as she passed it, taking a loaf of bread and an apple, snacking as she wandered. By the time most of the household was up Kendra was sitting comfortably in one of the large – well, enormous for her – armchairs in one of the downstairs rooms and was reveling in the sunlight cascading through the windows.
No one really disturbed her, but a few of the children peeked in before scampering off when she returned the gaze. Not wharf rats . . . but definitely just as skitterish. Bella walked in, and sat in the chair across from Kendra. Then again . . .
"Good morning Ken."
Kendra tipped her hat. "And a pleasant morning to you too, Miss Bella. Did you sleep well?"
Bella thought it was odd of this boy to ask her a question like that, but she answered. "Reasonably." The household had been too restless last night for real sleep. Several of her younger cousins and siblings had been upset that they had been banned from their aunt's room. The reason for which no one had explained yet. But perhaps I can get some answers from Ken. "Would it be all right if I asked you some questions?"
Kendra grinned. "A course ye can. Just can't guarantee I'll answer all of 'em."
Typical. Bella returned the expression and leaned back in her chair. "I wouldn't expect less of a pirate."
"Question away, Miss Morgan."
"What is your last name?"
Kendra shrugged and looked to the ceiling. "Don't have one."
To this, Bella narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean? Were you are an orphan?"
"I suppose that would be the usual term. Found floating in the ocean. Well, to be more exact I was an infant lying on some wreckage or whatnot, floating in the Caribbean. A near-dead woman was holding me on. The crew that found me – some pirates of the best sort – raised me and were unable to revive the woman." Kendra lowered her gaze and winked at Bella. "If that don't answer your question, I don't know what will."
Bella's curiosity was not satiated, it only seemed to grow with ferocity. "Cousin Will . . ." she paused and then decided to clarify. "Well, he's not really a cousin, but he was found floating in wreckage too. But he was old enough to remember his name." Again the girl stopped as she ordered her thoughts. Being used to sailors and their tales, she decided to see what else this boy knew. "You were raised on a pirate ship? What was life like?"
Kendra frowned, mulling over this for a moment. "Well . . . hard, dirty, and sometimes cramped. But never really dull." Kendra perked up and began to gesticulate. "One time actually, the entire crew came up on this . . ."
It was nearly ten o'clock by the time Kendra escaped the curious Morgan offspring, and she was glad to have the opportunity to not wear her tongue out. She'd clearly underestimated the girl. Really . . . how many questions can you ask? Kendra sighed and looked around for a bite to eat. A pirate has to eat.
She was in the midst of eating breakfast when her charge came down the stairs. While she seemed to be in a better temper than the night before, Kendra still couldn't help but think of her as a bit of fluff with a temper. I'm disappointed. I thought Sparrow had better sense. But her food was too good to simply leave, and she wanted to see how Winn would react to having people around her before she turned her mind against the woman entirely.
Winn, to put things nicely, was not in a good mood. Jack had sided against her with her brothers and the Commodore to send her away to safety – As if I'm a useless decoration! – He was going to go after Gandolfi after she'd asked him not to and when he was in no condition to do so – He's in worse shape that I am. He's supposed to be with me. I need him and he needs to be in bed. – She'd been seasick the entire way here, and to top it off, Grace and Cat had combined forces to keep her bedridden. Not that I have the patience for that at the moment. This is still my home, I will go where I please.
Kendra watched Winn and continued to munch on her second loaf of bread for the day. I've missed food . . . especially this good. Perhaps I should look into getting a better cook for the Dilettante.
Winn was so intent on making it to the table without being caught, that she didn't notice the small pirate at the foot of the table. She wasn't too successful. "Mz. Winn, fancy seein' you up an' around. I thought you was supposed to be stayin' in bed."
Winn smiled wryly, tucking away her private miseries. She was an expectant mother, she needed to act like one. "Hello Dominic. It's good to be back, but I refuse to stay in bed all day. I've been doing that for weeks now. If I don't move around I'll lose my girlish figure."
Girlish figure indeed . . . Kendra scanned Winn up and down. Definitely pregnant. Wouldn't know how far into it . . . but that's besides the point. At least she doesn't have an irritating voice. Memories of a French bit of fluff came to her and she shuddered as she thought of Janette's voice.
"So, while you're being rebellious, what can I get you, missy?"
Winn smiled – Swallows Rest's nearly ancient cook had called her missy since the day she'd turned up on the doorstep. The fact that she was old, married, and with child didn't phase the man at all. "Fruit, and toast. And some yogurt if there's any around. I think that's all my stomach can handle at the moment." The man had been around long enough to understand women and their eating habits while pregnant. He simply nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.
"G'morning," Kendra nodded at Winn, tired of being ignored.
Winn turned as she was hailed. The small person at the foot of the table that she'd taken for one of her nieces or nephews turned out to be someone else entirely upon inspection. "I'm sorry. I wish I could say my eyesight isn't very good, but the truth is I was focused on other things. I'm Winn."
"Ken, Mrs. Sparrow. Glad to finally meet you."
"You're the friend that Jack asked to keep me company?" Winn was a bit puzzled why her husband had asked what appeared to be a cabin boy – and not a cabin boy of his – to look after her. But at least she now understood the mischievous smile he'd given her. Did he think I needed someone to run errands for me?
Kendra smiled. "I suppose that could be part of the duties."
Winn shook her head and took a seat. Jack sent a cabin boy to look after me? Winn felt her temper struggle against her control, but she fought it. She knew Jack, and she was determined to trust Jack even if she was mad at him. He was only trying to do what was best, even if his protectiveness and bullheadedness rubbed her the wrong way. If he'd sent this boy to provide an extra pair of eyes, then he had a good reason for doing so. "I don't know what Jack told you, Ken, but I don't need someone to babysit me. I don't want to offend, but I'm sure your idea of a good time isn't looking after an old, pregnant woman."
Babysit . . . like I'd ever do that. She leaned back in her chair and smirked. "No offense taken. And don't worry. I'm not here to babysit. I'm more . . . in the protection business. And I got to meet your grandfather. That was the biggest incentive of the deal."
Winn felt her interest pique, despite her melancholy. This boy didn't speak like other boys his age – she'd known her share of cabin boys – and there was too much of an air of . . . mysterious good-humor around the boy. Almost as if he's hiding something or is getting away with the biggest prank ever. Jack often wears that face. If she didn't change the topic, she was going to start crying. "Do you mind if I ask how you met Jack, Ken?"
Kendra shrugged. "I don't like going into details, but the ship I was on ran into some trouble. I ended up bein' his cabin boy for a time."
Winn nodded as Dom brought her breakfast. That must have been in the year or so before we met. Jack hadn't had his ship back for too long before he raided the Kestrel.
She watched as Dom asked the boy, "Anything more for you, young master?"
"Well . . ." Kendra mused, tapping her finger against her chin. "If you got anymore of those rolls . . . I wouldn't mind helpin' unload you of them." She grinned broadly. "And some jam to go with them. And butter too. Not that I'd like to trouble you . . . but I haven't had food this good in ages!"
Dom preened and Winn smiled. As long as you had the cook on your side, then you were set. That was one of the reasons that Marty was still running around the house. Somewhere. The bird hadn't made an appearance yet. He certainly eats like a cabin boy. "You said that one of the reasons you agreed to come here was the opportunity to meet Grandfather. Have you been introduced to him yet? I know that he'd appreciate someone new to tell all his stories to."
"I actually spoke with him yesterday." Kendra picked at the last scraps on her plate. "But I'm to speak to him this afternoon. Undoubtedly to hear his stories. And as foolish as it may seem to you, I look forward to it. It's not every day that you get to meet a living legend."
"I understand." Sometimes it's hard living with a legend though. At least I was used to it by the time I married Jack. Jack . . . who wasn't here . . . who was out risking his neck again. "Well, I don't know about you, but certain legends are nearly unbearable," Winn muttered under her breath.
Kendra raised an eyebrow. "You find your grandfather unbearable?"
Winn blushed, but fought to keep her mask of good-humor. I'll be so glad once this babe comes and things return to normal "No. Sorry. I'm afraid this pregnancy has made me a bit emotional and my husband is giving me reason to worry. It's not exactly a good combination."
"Ah," Kendra nodded and smiled to herself. "I agree though." She closed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "Sparrow can be irritating at times. Quite irritating."
Her temper settled, and for the first time in nearly a week, a genuine smile graced Winn's face. "Ken, I think you and I are going to get along rather well."
Kendra looked to Winn and grinned. "Good to hear, Winn . . . I can call ye Winn, right?"
"Yes, that is what I would prefer."
Kendra nodded. "The way I see it . . . I'll end up bein' here for a time. You wouldn't happen to know what the latest news with Sparrow is? I haven't seen him since he was hauled in by the Brits." Kendra was startled when tears suddenly sprung from Winn's eyes. "Are ye all right?" Kendra stood from her seat and took a step towards her. "Is . . . Sparrow in trouble?"
"Oh, always. But he'd certainly better not be at the moment." Winn was doing her best to stem her tears. "I'm sorry. Like I said, I'm a bit emotional at times."
Kendra hesitated a moment before sitting down. "'Tis okay. If . . . if this is too touchy of a subject, ye don't have to tell me. I . . ." she forced a smile. "I'm just a bit curious, I guess."
He's diplomatic for someone so young. "No, it's alright. Umm . . . Jack is . . . recovering."
Kendra's eyes narrowed. This was not the sort of news she wanted to hear. "From what, pray tell? Did they try to put some punishment on him?"
"It was my fault." Winn stopped to take a breath. "The politics in the area have fired up a bit since the colonies have been giving the king trouble. He sent one of his advisors out to . . . measure the possibility of an uprising I suppose. This man was in Port Royal when they brought Jack and me in, and he decided that it would be best if . . . if there was a formal sentencing, and he made Jack and I both go. And then after promising that I wouldn't have to testify, he called me up, but I was having trouble walking. I fell and Jack caught me. You can imagine how that went over."
Kendra sat with most of the muscles in her body tense, an agitated expression. "Aye . . . them bloody magistrates will get a taste of me blade after this whole business is over. First chance I get."
"That's what I had determined. But then I found out that Jack was alive and recuperating, and I lost a lot of my anger. Besides, as Jack pointed out, challenging a man to a duel while pregnant might not be the best of ideas." Winn sniffed. "You must think I'm some horribly weepy woman. I'm usually not like this. Really. It's just that so much has happened so fast."
Kendra smiled weakly. Poor woman. I guess I was a bit quick to judge . . . This is the woman that Sparrow's stuck with for three years at least. As pretty as Jeanette was, he was quick to get rid of her when the opportunity arose. "It's understandable. When Sparrow saw me . . . I wasn't in the best of spirits either. But what was the punishment?"
"Thirty-five lashes," Winn whispered, looking down at her lap. What if her husband had died and she simply didn't know. Why did I let them talk me into leaving?
For a moment, time froze. Thirty-five . . . lashes. Before she was aware of what she was doing, Kendra was on her feet and her cutlass was in hand, her body trembling with suppressed rage.
Winn took a deep breath as she watched the young pirate react. "Exactly. But he's going to be fine. He was conscious, I talked to him. And the Commodore is talking good care of him. As is my brother."
Kendra breathed deeply, then sheathed her blade and sat down. "Definitely plucking every British ship that dares to harbor a magistrate. What was the man's name? Hallington?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"I was by the stairs last night. I observed you for a bit. Hallington was one of the names you mentioned with a bit of disgust."
"Oh." Winn was about to continue when three stern faced women came into the room. Kendra would have spoken to them, but instead looked to her plate, letting the facts settle in.
"Winn."
"Cat, Grace, Elizabeth." Winn nodded to each woman, then fell quiet. The silence stretched and Winn finally spoke. "I'm not an invalid. I can walk without feeling pain or exhausting myself. All I did was come down for some breakfast. It's not as if I went for an early morning swim or something." Winn hoped someone would mention that she never went for early morning swims because she wasn't a good swimmer. No one did.
Cat merely shook her head. "Well, I'm glad you're up. Grandfather has been asking after you. He wants to hear a full report from you." Winn grimaced. "Your own fault, Freddy – if you're up and about, you're well enough for a well-meaning interrogation."
Winn nodded and stood. No one said no to the Captain when he wanted answers. "Ken, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to talking to you more." She left the room with the other women.
Kendra let out a soft, "You too, Winn," but the woman was out of the room before she could hear the remark. Kendra turned to her own thoughts as she finished her meal. Thirty-five lashes . . . think it's high time to send out the Dilettante for some plundering . . . can't have the crew lounging around with nothing to do for too long. A smirk slid onto her face. "Soon, Hallington . . ."
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Author's Thanks:
bobo3 – yes, yes, yes . . . you got to read this before everyone else. ^_^
TaraRose – I totally agree – they really needed to keep those scenes in.
lilitaliandragon – yeah, people keep telling me that.
Dawnie-7 – romance? *looks around* I know nothing.
jackfan2 – well, as much as I like the idea of a fiercely protective Winn, I'm not quite ready for that yet. I'm trying to wring all the emotion that can out of this.
KamikazeCreamPuff – ^ _^
VagrantCandy – it won't take them as long as it took Jack.
Erica Dawn – you're right. It's already over. ; )
NightSkyFlight – I agree. Benny and Joon is a very cool movie. Lots of fun quotes, especially about raisins. ; )
pirate-miss – well, I hope this chapter is right up there with the last.
Curiosity Inc. – can I just say that I really love you name? That's so cool. I was so scared of writing Norrington at first, but it seems like I've managed to do a respectable job of capturing the man. I'm glad that you took the time to update, and as a new reviewer, you can rock my puzzle head of King Tut.
Lila Elensar – your reviews always make me laugh. They're so short and to the point. Keep it up.
Eledhwen – I have no idea what you mean by Kendra and Alex. *whistles innocently*
WakingDream – thanks. I got really sick of the 'evil Norrington' stereotype as well. Although, sometimes when I look at him, I think I'm channeling the spirit of EstelWolfe's Norrington. Hard to tell.
CaptainJackSparrowsGirl – please, direct all complements to bobo3, Kendra is hers after all.
SuzzieQue – wow, this turned out to be another long chapter.
Golden Rose3 – you're right, I'd never kill him off. I wouldn't be able to live with myself.
RadioActiveSocks – as I said earlier, Kendra isn't mine. She belongs to a lovely author named bobo3, and you can learn more about her if you go read 'Four-Sided Eyes' Thanks for the compliments to Winn and Jack.
pendraggingink – stares in complete awe. *wow* That has got to be the longest review that anyone has ever given me through ff.net. In fact, I think you may be tied with Arwen Lune for giving me the longest review ever. I really did take some of the things you said to heart, and some of that is reflected in this chapter, although I don't really remember where. I appreciate the time and thought you put into that, and I want you to know that I went back and tinkered with the word 'unconscious.' You won't see the result until I post the final edition of this fic, but you did help out. Thanks much for the suggestions, the comments, and the encouragement.
BlueTrinity – I really am sorry about making you cry all the time. Not sure how long I'll make Gandolfi suffer – I'm not sure I can make Jack coldheartedly torture someone without ruining the character I've built, but rest assured that Gandolfi will get his.
