Chapter Twelve: The Hangman's Noose
I was completely stupefied at these words. I stood there, in the jail cell next to Jack's, a statue frozen in time. I couldn't utter any words; I couldn't think of any either. The horrible news was sitting in the back of my head, trying to get the message across. ~No, he's wrong. Not my father, he isn't dead. He is alive and well.~ The four of us stared at each other confusedly in this suspenseful silence in which my life seemed to be ebbing slowly away, like it had during those two weeks without Jack. I turned to look at Jack for comfort. His eyes were soft with compassion and understanding. I finally spoke.
"Is it true? Is my father dead? Please tell me that this is a practical joke." I tried to convince myself. I could feel my face heat up and warm tears make their way to my lips. I tasted the saltiness of my tears. "He is not dead." I stated firmly, although I knew it wasn't true. ~It's all my fault.~ The soldier sadly shook his head and turned away. I buried my head into Jack's shoulder and cried heavily. He put his arms around me and did his best to lay his head on mine through the bars. Jack whispered comforting words into my ear, and kissed my cheek.
"Emily, go with them, and see your father." Jack told me quietly. He understood that I needed to see him. I kissed him quickly and the soldier opened my cell door. He escorted me out of the jail.
~~~~
Jack watched his beloved Emily leave him once again. He could feel his heart tear once the door closed. He looked up at the Commodore across from him. Jack had never really liked Commodore James Norrington. That man didn't seem to be fond of him either. The two stared at each other in calm silence. Norrington broke the silence.
"I could help but overhear your conversation with Davis. I also have known that Emily has been with you last night." Jack walked over to the other side of the cell and sat down.
"Is that so?" Jack was clearly not interested and didn't care, and then realization slapped him across the face and knocked him into his senses. "Why didn't you turn her in if ye knew that she was 'ere, and why the bloody 'ell were you spyin' on us?" He demanded and got back up on his feet.
"I didn't give her back to her father because I know that she loves you deeply. I wish I could help you, Sparrow, but there is absolutely no way I can get you out of here and not get caught." Norrington answered firmly. He turned to leave.
"Actually," Jack said slowly, "there is a way ye can help me, mate. All I need ye to do is give my effects to the Turners, except for me knife. I'll be needin' that, savvy?" The Commodore grabbed Jack's coat, sword, and other items and gave Jack his dagger.
"I'll be expecting a grand and elusive escape from you. I will try my best not to capture you. Although, do understand. I will be hot on your trail after tomorrow, Captain Sparrow." Jack smiled as he graciously accepted the knife. Finally, he thought to himself as Commodore Norrington left, he calls me captain.
~~~~
I was brought back to the dreaded house at which we were staying. It was even more miserable than before. Pale and teary faces stood out in a wave of black. All eyes sadly turned towards mine. I looked down. This was more than I could bear. I sobbed into my hands and wanted Jack more than ever. I felt a strong and familiar hand on my shoulder. ~Jack?~ I turned around hopefully. I felt like a squashed insect on the bottom of someone's shoe when I realized it was Davis. I jerked my shoulder away from his sturdy grip. He stepped toward me and I backed away.
"Princess Emily, you are the only true heir. You must accept the crown." This news was even more difficult to digest than my father's death. ~Me? I have to be queen? Now?~ I looked at all of the expectant faces. One official to my right spoke up.
"He is right, Miss Harrington. We also ask that you marry. Have you decided?" I looked at Davis. He had an air of pompousness and confidence. He was convinced that I would choose him. ~I would never choose you, you bastard.~ I knew whom I wanted and answered in a heartbeat.
"I want Captain Jack Sparrow." I stated clearly. A series of small conversations and strange glances ensued. I knew that they wouldn't approve of my decision, but I didn't want any other. General Howard was the first to respond.
"We are terribly sorry, Miss Harrington, but we simply cannot do that. Your father has already decided that he will be hung. There is nothing we can do." ~Liar, you made that up.~ I wanted to object, but it was his word against mine. I was still only princess, and he had more power than I did. "Tomorrow evening, we shall have a ceremony honoring your father, and after that, you shall become Queen. You can make your decision then." He left the house and his soldiers followed. I ran away to the kitchen. ~If I can't be with Jack, I don't want to live at all.~ I seized the largest knife I could find. Gathering my courage, I was ready to plunge it into my heart. A hand grasped my shoulder and I whirled around. It was bloody Davis again. The knife fell from my hands.
"My dear Emily," he said soothingly, "I understand that you are ill. I want to take care of you. Soon, you shall realize that you have been tricked by that pirate." ~I am so disgusted!~
"Do you think that I am going to fall for that one? Do you think that I am stupid? I know what you want, King Capulet. I was there when you talked to Jack, and he was right. I would never marry a slime ball like you!" He grabbed my wrists angrily.
"Now you listen to me, you disobedient wench. You will learn not to talk to me like that." He growled through his teeth. "I will be your husband and King, and there is nothing you can do about that!"
"You can't force me, and I'll tell everyone who you really are. You won't get away with this!" I shrieked. His grip tightened painfully. I cried out in pain.
"You think so, don't you?" Davis said evilly. "First of all, you are a woman and I am a man, therefore people would most likely believe me over you. Secondly, everyone considers you to be completely unbalanced and addled. Lastly, all of the officials favor me and want me to be King. There is nothing you can do, my bride, except straighten your act and learn to honor me." He tried to kiss my hand, but I jerked it away from his grip. ~Get away from me you foul bastard!~ He arrogantly turned and left me alone in the kitchen. I picked up the knife on the floor and put it back in its place. ~I will kill myself once my Jack is dead. I will never marry anyone else.~
~~~~
While I was on the Black Pearl, my father had bought the most beautiful dress in the world for when I returned. It was lying on my bed. I picked it up and held it to my breasts. It was a gorgeous maroon color with extravagant frills. There were tiny flowers that were sewed into the dress. I spotted a diamond tiara on my bedside table. My jaw dropped in surprise and awe. I placed it on my head and looked into the mirror admiringly. ~If only Jack was here.~ I recognized this crown. It was my mother's. My father had told me that I couldn't have it until I was married. My face heated up as if I was going to cry, but I had no tears left. I had spent them all on Jack. ~And some on my father.~
Jack's hanging was to be at noon. The maids came in my room to put my corset on and fix my hair. ~Damn that corset anyway!~ As soon as I was completely garbed, I examined myself in the mirror. ~I look just like my mother did.~ I looked back at the clock and realized that the hanging was about to take place. I hurried downstairs and into the carriage in hopes of being early.
I arrived at the gallows to see a large crowd. ~Why do people go to hangings for entertainment?~ Because of my rank in society, I was placed in a high balcony above the noose. I glimpsed Jack at the foot of the noose. He was standing next to a very tall and burly executioner. Jack was very small in comparison. He noticed me and smiled. I smiled weakly back. He nodded reassuringly, and I understood what it meant. ~He's going to escape!~ The drums started, and the crowd was silenced. All eyes turned to Jack. Another man read out a long list of crimes that Jack has committed. I held my breath as the executioner situated the rope around Jack's neck. I noticed that Jack's arms were fidgeting with the ropes that bound his hands. The executioner pulled the lever. Using a knife that Jack had up his sleeves, he cut through the binds and grabbed the rope around his neck. He swung around and kicked the executioner off the noose. As the executioner fell, Jack swiftly snatched his sword. He climbed up to the top of the noose and leapt to my balcony's ladder. He pulled himself up to me and kicked down the ladder.
"'Ello luv." A huge smile spread across my face as I ran over to him and sprung into his arms. He placed a very passionate kiss on my lips, and I let my hair fall out of the bun. I wrapped my arms around Jack's neck and I pulled myself closer to him. I rested my head on his shoulder as soon as we parted.
"You, Sparrow! Put the princess down now!" shouted General Howard from below. I felt Jack's grip on me tighten. ~Who said I wanted to be put down? I am very comfortable where I currently am, thank you very much!~ I watched in horror as the general made his way up to the balcony. Jack carefully set me down and unsheathed his sword. When he reached the top, the general pulled out his handgun, and aimed for Jack. Luckily, the bullet had narrowly missed him. ~Those things have such dreadful accuracy.~ Jack kicked the gun out of General Howard's hand, and he shoved him off the balcony. General Howard managed a safe landing, but the fall had stunned him for a moment. I turned around and screamed. ~Davis!~ Davis swung his sword with a great force at Jack. Jack ducked just in time. He began to slash away at Davis. Davis was barely able to block his swings. Jack knocked Davis's weapon out of his hand to the other side of the balcony. Thinking quickly, I dove and seized the sword. ~Ha!~ Davis rolled to the side as Jack thrust his sword forward. Davis grasped me around the middle and wrenched the sword from my hands. He positioned the sword near my neck and smiled maliciously. ~What the hell is he doing?~ "Put your sword down, or I will cut her throat open." Davis firmly stated. Jack chuckled to himself. "Ye would ne'er do it. We both know that." Before Davis could say any more, I swung my foot backwards into his groin. ~I have always wanted to do that.~ Davis let out a faint squeal and keeled over. ~Yep, that's gotta hurt!~ Jack ran over to me. "Emily, luv, are ye alright? He nicked ye right there on yer neck." I touched my neck on the little cut. "Oh, I hardly noti-" I started, but I stopped as he leaned over and kissed my neck on my miniscule wound. ~Awww, that's so sweet!~ We both had forgotten about Davis, who was slowly rising, his eye twitching madly. He grabbed his sword and held it above his head, ready to slice Jack's head off. Jack, now seeing Davis behind him, took out his own sword and scythed it across Davis's forehead, leaving a large, ugly gash that allowed blood to spatter out. Jack thrust his sword through Davis's stomach as he was wiping the blood off his brows. Davis's legs gave way beneath him. He fell down, and blood began to trickle out of his mouth. Jack strode confidently towards me, and he leaned in to kiss. His smile faded as he saw General Howard clambering onto the balcony, sword and gun at hand. He used his last bullet to disarm Jack of his sword. Jack punched him in the face with as much strength as he could muster. I clung onto Jack as he began to climb up the fortress. After climbing several feet, I looked down. General Howard finally regained his ground and began climbing as well. "Jack, hurry! He's catching up!" I worriedly exclaimed. He quickened his pace, and we eventually reached the top. The general got to the top soon afterwards. Their gazes were fixed on each other. General Howard lunged, and Jack thwarted the attack. Their parry seemed to go on forever, but it was almost graceful like a choreographed dance. ~It sometimes does look choreographed!~ Howard shoved Jack to the fortress wall, their weapons now lain forgotten. Jack kicked General Howard away. He lost balanced and landed in front of a large cannon. Seizing the opportunity, Jack heaved that cannon forward, pushing it and General Howard off the fortress. Not only did the general land on a stony pavement, but the cannon landed on him with a sickening crack. Blood streamed out from under the cannon, and even if no one could see his mangled body from beneath the cannon, they knew he was dead. Jack eyes panned around the fortress. Soldiers were stampeding towards us like wildebeest. Out in the docks not too far away, he saw the Black Pearl. "Jump into the ocean." Jack whispered into my ear. ~Now?~ "Men," he shouted to the Navy, "once again, you have failed to apprehend Captain Jack Sparrow." He dove gracefully into the ocean. I, too, turned to jump. "Wait! Princess Emily, if you leave, who will rule?" I gave this question some thought and then answered. "Just hand the throne to my cousin, George III." With that said, I leaped in after my true love. We were pulled onto the familiar dark ship. I was relieved. Jack grabbed my hand and pulled my into a steamy kiss. ~I am home.~
Epilogue
Soon afterward, Jack and Emily tied the knot. They were married very happily on the Black Pearl, and their honeymoon will last for the rest of their lives. A month later, Emily became pregnant and is hoping to have a girl. Jack just wants a human being. Occasionally they would visit Will and Elizabeth, in a town outside of Port Royale called Mainsville. It is a small and quiet town that doesn't have many soldiers, which is very lucky for the pirates. Jack continued to give Emily reading lessons, and she owns a diary in which she writes once a week. Only Jack is allowed to read it. Emily decided to become a pirate and got branded. Jack used rum to cure the pain. Commodore James Norrington continued to pursue Jack and only caught him once. Unfortunately for Norrington, Jack escaped and wasn't executed. George III became King of England. He caused much conflict and controversy over in America. He fought a Revolutionary war with them and lost in the end. Centuries afterwards, this new country became a world power, all thanks to Captain Jack Sparrow and Emily Harrington Sparrow.
I was completely stupefied at these words. I stood there, in the jail cell next to Jack's, a statue frozen in time. I couldn't utter any words; I couldn't think of any either. The horrible news was sitting in the back of my head, trying to get the message across. ~No, he's wrong. Not my father, he isn't dead. He is alive and well.~ The four of us stared at each other confusedly in this suspenseful silence in which my life seemed to be ebbing slowly away, like it had during those two weeks without Jack. I turned to look at Jack for comfort. His eyes were soft with compassion and understanding. I finally spoke.
"Is it true? Is my father dead? Please tell me that this is a practical joke." I tried to convince myself. I could feel my face heat up and warm tears make their way to my lips. I tasted the saltiness of my tears. "He is not dead." I stated firmly, although I knew it wasn't true. ~It's all my fault.~ The soldier sadly shook his head and turned away. I buried my head into Jack's shoulder and cried heavily. He put his arms around me and did his best to lay his head on mine through the bars. Jack whispered comforting words into my ear, and kissed my cheek.
"Emily, go with them, and see your father." Jack told me quietly. He understood that I needed to see him. I kissed him quickly and the soldier opened my cell door. He escorted me out of the jail.
~~~~
Jack watched his beloved Emily leave him once again. He could feel his heart tear once the door closed. He looked up at the Commodore across from him. Jack had never really liked Commodore James Norrington. That man didn't seem to be fond of him either. The two stared at each other in calm silence. Norrington broke the silence.
"I could help but overhear your conversation with Davis. I also have known that Emily has been with you last night." Jack walked over to the other side of the cell and sat down.
"Is that so?" Jack was clearly not interested and didn't care, and then realization slapped him across the face and knocked him into his senses. "Why didn't you turn her in if ye knew that she was 'ere, and why the bloody 'ell were you spyin' on us?" He demanded and got back up on his feet.
"I didn't give her back to her father because I know that she loves you deeply. I wish I could help you, Sparrow, but there is absolutely no way I can get you out of here and not get caught." Norrington answered firmly. He turned to leave.
"Actually," Jack said slowly, "there is a way ye can help me, mate. All I need ye to do is give my effects to the Turners, except for me knife. I'll be needin' that, savvy?" The Commodore grabbed Jack's coat, sword, and other items and gave Jack his dagger.
"I'll be expecting a grand and elusive escape from you. I will try my best not to capture you. Although, do understand. I will be hot on your trail after tomorrow, Captain Sparrow." Jack smiled as he graciously accepted the knife. Finally, he thought to himself as Commodore Norrington left, he calls me captain.
~~~~
I was brought back to the dreaded house at which we were staying. It was even more miserable than before. Pale and teary faces stood out in a wave of black. All eyes sadly turned towards mine. I looked down. This was more than I could bear. I sobbed into my hands and wanted Jack more than ever. I felt a strong and familiar hand on my shoulder. ~Jack?~ I turned around hopefully. I felt like a squashed insect on the bottom of someone's shoe when I realized it was Davis. I jerked my shoulder away from his sturdy grip. He stepped toward me and I backed away.
"Princess Emily, you are the only true heir. You must accept the crown." This news was even more difficult to digest than my father's death. ~Me? I have to be queen? Now?~ I looked at all of the expectant faces. One official to my right spoke up.
"He is right, Miss Harrington. We also ask that you marry. Have you decided?" I looked at Davis. He had an air of pompousness and confidence. He was convinced that I would choose him. ~I would never choose you, you bastard.~ I knew whom I wanted and answered in a heartbeat.
"I want Captain Jack Sparrow." I stated clearly. A series of small conversations and strange glances ensued. I knew that they wouldn't approve of my decision, but I didn't want any other. General Howard was the first to respond.
"We are terribly sorry, Miss Harrington, but we simply cannot do that. Your father has already decided that he will be hung. There is nothing we can do." ~Liar, you made that up.~ I wanted to object, but it was his word against mine. I was still only princess, and he had more power than I did. "Tomorrow evening, we shall have a ceremony honoring your father, and after that, you shall become Queen. You can make your decision then." He left the house and his soldiers followed. I ran away to the kitchen. ~If I can't be with Jack, I don't want to live at all.~ I seized the largest knife I could find. Gathering my courage, I was ready to plunge it into my heart. A hand grasped my shoulder and I whirled around. It was bloody Davis again. The knife fell from my hands.
"My dear Emily," he said soothingly, "I understand that you are ill. I want to take care of you. Soon, you shall realize that you have been tricked by that pirate." ~I am so disgusted!~
"Do you think that I am going to fall for that one? Do you think that I am stupid? I know what you want, King Capulet. I was there when you talked to Jack, and he was right. I would never marry a slime ball like you!" He grabbed my wrists angrily.
"Now you listen to me, you disobedient wench. You will learn not to talk to me like that." He growled through his teeth. "I will be your husband and King, and there is nothing you can do about that!"
"You can't force me, and I'll tell everyone who you really are. You won't get away with this!" I shrieked. His grip tightened painfully. I cried out in pain.
"You think so, don't you?" Davis said evilly. "First of all, you are a woman and I am a man, therefore people would most likely believe me over you. Secondly, everyone considers you to be completely unbalanced and addled. Lastly, all of the officials favor me and want me to be King. There is nothing you can do, my bride, except straighten your act and learn to honor me." He tried to kiss my hand, but I jerked it away from his grip. ~Get away from me you foul bastard!~ He arrogantly turned and left me alone in the kitchen. I picked up the knife on the floor and put it back in its place. ~I will kill myself once my Jack is dead. I will never marry anyone else.~
~~~~
While I was on the Black Pearl, my father had bought the most beautiful dress in the world for when I returned. It was lying on my bed. I picked it up and held it to my breasts. It was a gorgeous maroon color with extravagant frills. There were tiny flowers that were sewed into the dress. I spotted a diamond tiara on my bedside table. My jaw dropped in surprise and awe. I placed it on my head and looked into the mirror admiringly. ~If only Jack was here.~ I recognized this crown. It was my mother's. My father had told me that I couldn't have it until I was married. My face heated up as if I was going to cry, but I had no tears left. I had spent them all on Jack. ~And some on my father.~
Jack's hanging was to be at noon. The maids came in my room to put my corset on and fix my hair. ~Damn that corset anyway!~ As soon as I was completely garbed, I examined myself in the mirror. ~I look just like my mother did.~ I looked back at the clock and realized that the hanging was about to take place. I hurried downstairs and into the carriage in hopes of being early.
I arrived at the gallows to see a large crowd. ~Why do people go to hangings for entertainment?~ Because of my rank in society, I was placed in a high balcony above the noose. I glimpsed Jack at the foot of the noose. He was standing next to a very tall and burly executioner. Jack was very small in comparison. He noticed me and smiled. I smiled weakly back. He nodded reassuringly, and I understood what it meant. ~He's going to escape!~ The drums started, and the crowd was silenced. All eyes turned to Jack. Another man read out a long list of crimes that Jack has committed. I held my breath as the executioner situated the rope around Jack's neck. I noticed that Jack's arms were fidgeting with the ropes that bound his hands. The executioner pulled the lever. Using a knife that Jack had up his sleeves, he cut through the binds and grabbed the rope around his neck. He swung around and kicked the executioner off the noose. As the executioner fell, Jack swiftly snatched his sword. He climbed up to the top of the noose and leapt to my balcony's ladder. He pulled himself up to me and kicked down the ladder.
"'Ello luv." A huge smile spread across my face as I ran over to him and sprung into his arms. He placed a very passionate kiss on my lips, and I let my hair fall out of the bun. I wrapped my arms around Jack's neck and I pulled myself closer to him. I rested my head on his shoulder as soon as we parted.
"You, Sparrow! Put the princess down now!" shouted General Howard from below. I felt Jack's grip on me tighten. ~Who said I wanted to be put down? I am very comfortable where I currently am, thank you very much!~ I watched in horror as the general made his way up to the balcony. Jack carefully set me down and unsheathed his sword. When he reached the top, the general pulled out his handgun, and aimed for Jack. Luckily, the bullet had narrowly missed him. ~Those things have such dreadful accuracy.~ Jack kicked the gun out of General Howard's hand, and he shoved him off the balcony. General Howard managed a safe landing, but the fall had stunned him for a moment. I turned around and screamed. ~Davis!~ Davis swung his sword with a great force at Jack. Jack ducked just in time. He began to slash away at Davis. Davis was barely able to block his swings. Jack knocked Davis's weapon out of his hand to the other side of the balcony. Thinking quickly, I dove and seized the sword. ~Ha!~ Davis rolled to the side as Jack thrust his sword forward. Davis grasped me around the middle and wrenched the sword from my hands. He positioned the sword near my neck and smiled maliciously. ~What the hell is he doing?~ "Put your sword down, or I will cut her throat open." Davis firmly stated. Jack chuckled to himself. "Ye would ne'er do it. We both know that." Before Davis could say any more, I swung my foot backwards into his groin. ~I have always wanted to do that.~ Davis let out a faint squeal and keeled over. ~Yep, that's gotta hurt!~ Jack ran over to me. "Emily, luv, are ye alright? He nicked ye right there on yer neck." I touched my neck on the little cut. "Oh, I hardly noti-" I started, but I stopped as he leaned over and kissed my neck on my miniscule wound. ~Awww, that's so sweet!~ We both had forgotten about Davis, who was slowly rising, his eye twitching madly. He grabbed his sword and held it above his head, ready to slice Jack's head off. Jack, now seeing Davis behind him, took out his own sword and scythed it across Davis's forehead, leaving a large, ugly gash that allowed blood to spatter out. Jack thrust his sword through Davis's stomach as he was wiping the blood off his brows. Davis's legs gave way beneath him. He fell down, and blood began to trickle out of his mouth. Jack strode confidently towards me, and he leaned in to kiss. His smile faded as he saw General Howard clambering onto the balcony, sword and gun at hand. He used his last bullet to disarm Jack of his sword. Jack punched him in the face with as much strength as he could muster. I clung onto Jack as he began to climb up the fortress. After climbing several feet, I looked down. General Howard finally regained his ground and began climbing as well. "Jack, hurry! He's catching up!" I worriedly exclaimed. He quickened his pace, and we eventually reached the top. The general got to the top soon afterwards. Their gazes were fixed on each other. General Howard lunged, and Jack thwarted the attack. Their parry seemed to go on forever, but it was almost graceful like a choreographed dance. ~It sometimes does look choreographed!~ Howard shoved Jack to the fortress wall, their weapons now lain forgotten. Jack kicked General Howard away. He lost balanced and landed in front of a large cannon. Seizing the opportunity, Jack heaved that cannon forward, pushing it and General Howard off the fortress. Not only did the general land on a stony pavement, but the cannon landed on him with a sickening crack. Blood streamed out from under the cannon, and even if no one could see his mangled body from beneath the cannon, they knew he was dead. Jack eyes panned around the fortress. Soldiers were stampeding towards us like wildebeest. Out in the docks not too far away, he saw the Black Pearl. "Jump into the ocean." Jack whispered into my ear. ~Now?~ "Men," he shouted to the Navy, "once again, you have failed to apprehend Captain Jack Sparrow." He dove gracefully into the ocean. I, too, turned to jump. "Wait! Princess Emily, if you leave, who will rule?" I gave this question some thought and then answered. "Just hand the throne to my cousin, George III." With that said, I leaped in after my true love. We were pulled onto the familiar dark ship. I was relieved. Jack grabbed my hand and pulled my into a steamy kiss. ~I am home.~
Epilogue
Soon afterward, Jack and Emily tied the knot. They were married very happily on the Black Pearl, and their honeymoon will last for the rest of their lives. A month later, Emily became pregnant and is hoping to have a girl. Jack just wants a human being. Occasionally they would visit Will and Elizabeth, in a town outside of Port Royale called Mainsville. It is a small and quiet town that doesn't have many soldiers, which is very lucky for the pirates. Jack continued to give Emily reading lessons, and she owns a diary in which she writes once a week. Only Jack is allowed to read it. Emily decided to become a pirate and got branded. Jack used rum to cure the pain. Commodore James Norrington continued to pursue Jack and only caught him once. Unfortunately for Norrington, Jack escaped and wasn't executed. George III became King of England. He caused much conflict and controversy over in America. He fought a Revolutionary war with them and lost in the end. Centuries afterwards, this new country became a world power, all thanks to Captain Jack Sparrow and Emily Harrington Sparrow.