Disclaimer: *sign now changed to: Busy, dealing with a kidnappe guest*
(Author's note moved to end.)
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 8: Black Sails
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(Kendra's POV…)
The next few days passed uneventfully, and I slipped into my old 'Pierre' habits with ease. Thank goodness I'd done it so often that it felt natural. And the crew seemed to think nothing of my story, a few patting me on the head or the shoulder, muttering things ranging from 'That's life, lad', to 'It's tough, but ye'll make it'. Overall, it wasn't very encouraging. But I was determined to deal with it anyway. Forcing a smile was difficult at first, but then it became my regular expression and I helped with restocking the Pearl and prepping the wonderful ship for her next voyage. Working on her only made me miss the Dilettante more dearly.
Then again, seeing anything remotely like a ship made me miss my Dilettante.
If I don't get her back soon…I don't know what will happen to me.
But I can't give in just yet. I have to survive.
It was comforting to see so many of my crew about Grenada, and by careful observation I saw them nod or wink to me, but most were signing aboard other vessels for short terms or doing smaller jobs to pass the time.
Good men…all of them.
If only Kenneth was still alive…
And my other two loyal crewman…
James…
Lawrence…
I breathed deeply and straightened myself, concentrating harder on my swabbing. This is no time to break down into tears. I've already embarrassed myself once, and in front of Captain Jack Sparrow no less. I refuse to do it again.
Pausing for a moment in my work, I pondered my future. It would be difficult to hide the truth for too long, but I would hold out as long as possible. The tales of the Pearl's speed lightened my grief. Surely this ship, if any, could catch up to the Dilettante. She was a fast schooner…but this ship was a legend.
Narrowing my eyes at my Captain who was standing at the helm barking out orders - well, more like waving his hand and giving out orders - I reminded myself that I was sailing under a supposed legend. The man did have wondrous eyes, and had the luckiest timing I'd seen yet. I suppose I might have some of the worst… Breathing deep again, I returned to my task and cleared my mind of such depressing thoughts. If I can concentrate on holding up this façade and regaining the Dilettante then perhaps I can pull this off.
I can do this.
No.
I will do this.
And so the next few weeks will pass. Nothing eventful, nothing peculiar about me. I will exist as Pierre and be no one of consequence…until the time to reveal myself and regain the Dilettante arrives.
Until then…
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(Jack's POV…)
Quite the cabin boy - or girl - I reminded myself. Pierre was the smallest person on deck but still had all of his tasks done at a blinding rate, and the quality of the work was something I'd expect from a distinguished pirate…not a scrawny child. Perhaps Pierre could even match my knots…and he was a natural with his cutlass. It looked old enough that he had likely inherited it from a mentor, but still…the way he was so confident with it…
Nah, couldn't be.
Lad - or lass -, Pierre couldn't be more than fifteen at the most. He hardly looked thirteen.
But still…the glint in his eye as he practiced with Anamaria belied his youthful face.
He did have to witness the death of his crew and captain, even if he only heard it…the poor lad - or lass - had been deeply affected by it.
Even so, around the crew he put on a happy expression and could joke along with the best of them. But the bandage, or it could be a wrapping, made me wonder.
Pierre could be a young girl, and it was either her father that was captain or crewman on board her ship or she simply snuck her way in as the charming French boy Pierre.
It was odd. His French seemed to be genuine, not that I was an expert or anything, but when he spoke in English there were almost no traces of a French accent. If he was originally from a French colony, wouldn't he have an accent?
But he could've been raised at sea…surrounded by an English crew…perhaps he had been bilingual all his life? That was always a possibility.
That lad - or lass - Pierre sure did get me thinking though, and I already had enough to worry about…
Not that I bothered worrying about it, mind ye, but it still was there pricking the back of my mind.
Letting out a sigh I decided to look for something to occupy my mind.
To think, all this thought over one little cabin boy.
Or lass.
"Bloody hell…" I muttered.
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(Janette's POV…)
At least the crew was looking lively today. But whatever about? I had woken up and everything seemed as if it was to be as any other day. But even Father seemed fretful… what information did I not have? Breakfast was scanty, and everyone was on their toes.
What in the world is going on?
And why will no one tell me?
Well, I haven't asked, but still…
Looking around and finally tiring of my ignorance I went up to where the giant wheel was and stopped next to our jittery captain.
"Sir?" I asked politely, glad to discover that my tongue and lips still worked.
He spared me a glance. "Miss Graton, you really should go into your cabin."
"May I inquire why, sir?" I put a bit of my infamous sweet tone into it.
I could tell it tempted him. My smile of victory was halted as he turned again.
"Your father didn't want you to know, but these waters are not safe at the moment. For your own safety, please go back to your cabin and content yourself while the issue is dealt with."
"What issue would that be, kind sir?"
Persistence was one of my many virtues. The lady who gives up easily does not win, you see. And I much prefer to win.
Ladies just use different methods than say…unruly sailors or even worse, piratical scoundrels.
He looked anxiously about. My charms were quite effective…if only he'd just snap… I put a pout on my lips and as he looked over all ability to hold back his secret seemed lost.
Victorious again.
"Well…just as long as it's not known where you get the information, you might as well know. Miss Graton…we are being pursued by pirates. And not just any pirate ship…we believe it to be the legendary Black Pearl."
What?
Had he just said…
Pirates?
Speak of the devil…
I turned slightly and looked behind the ship, squinting in hopes of seeing something.
Perhaps just even being pursued by a pirate ship would be enough adventure to give me something to think about for a time.
"Surely we can outrun them," I began, but stopped myself short as I saw the grim expression on the captain.
"She has black sails, Miss Graton. And no ship that any of us has seen can gain on its prey that quickly. I truly recommend you go below deck and pray for all of our souls. I'm sorry that it must come to this, but please Miss Graton. For your safety."
Numbly nodding, I turned and walked back to my cabin.
Pirates…we were being chased by legendary pirates.
Had I been praying for adventure? Something exciting?
And besides that fact…would God answer in such a way?
Taking another glance back and now spotting a growing black and brown speck in the distance, my thoughts wandered more…
Perhaps the sailors had sinned and were being punished…
Surely I was not the offensive one…right?
Of course not…I'm a lady. And ladies only do respectable things.
But pirates…
They come and plunder and pillage and rape…
Rape?
Looking around quickly, I was reminded that I was the only woman aboard this floating prison.
Oh dear…
I think I'm getting light headed…
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(Kendra's POV…)
Finally! Something to do!
I held tightly to the rigging and stood on the railing, watching our fast approach of the seemingly French ship.
I couldn't remember the model's name…nor could I read the name written on the back, but the flag atop its mast was definitely French.
Wait…no one else speaks French.
Great.
Glancing over at my captain at the helm, I sighed at the impending situation.
No doubt I'll have to discuss negotiations, if it comes to that.
Well, at least I'll get to have a real fight for once.
Anamaria was good, I'll give her that…but I want a real challenge. Grinning to myself, I returned to my previous eager position.
Here comes my adventure…and oh how much I need this.
If nothing else…a good bit of swashbuckling will take my mind off the grief which hovers threateningly over me. I assume that I appear to be a cheery lad, but my dreams at night…
A shudder ran down my spine.
Those still haunt me during my waking hours.
And my silly grins only grow due to those images.
Time and time again, I have to watch my crew mutiny, or die, or…anything else awful.
I've never seen myself die. Yes, I've been thrown in the ocean, but thank goodness I've never had to see my glassy gaze and pallid limbs floating among those of the dead…
I respected Davy Jones' Locker…but I never wished to join those who inhabit those dark depths. Glancing to my right, I watched the water breaking against the Pearl's hull and smiled to myself.
I was aboard a legendary pirate ship. I would have my revenge, and fear of death should not hinder my mission.
"I'll avenge your death Kenneth…Lawrence, James. Don't you worry."
Besides, I have Captain Jack Sparrow to help me…
Glancing back at said man, my grin broadened. This would be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. He is fun to banter with…and I can only hope to see his cutlass in action. But today…I would see it. The legendary Captain Jack Sparrow would fight today, and I would watch to see just how good this man was.
Though it was doubtful this French vessel would provide much of a challenge…it was still a possibility.
Breathing in deeply, I allowed my smirk to turn a bit malicious.
Good things come to those who wait.
And good things were soon to come.
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Authors Note: *evil grin* Got some awesome stuff lined up for the near future… just have to get through this next bit….*rubs hands together maliciously, eyes glinting* then things will be awesome. Don't you worry…next chapter or two and then…*sighs happily* Oh-so-awesomeness coming… And thanks for all the reviews! Keep them comin'! Thanks a ton KawaiiRyu, HealerAriel, and Gwyn ap Rhys! I love you all! And perhaps ideas and comments would be helpful…hmmm? (I don't think you realize how excited I get when I get e-mail…my roommate can attest to the loud shrieks of glee…)
