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Damned to the depths (again), whatever muttonhead thought of disclaimers...Grrrr!
Yes, I killed Gibbs, Hils - sorry!
la chica mysteriosa, I will explain why Maddy hasn't fallen pregnant in the next chapter, or the one after.
Bethany Dutai, thank you for your kind words. Do look at the other stories, because there are some brilliant one's out there. I haven't described Maddy deliberately, as when I'm reading a book/story, I like to get my own image of the characters.
Caffeine fairy, glad you're still reading!
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Chapter 25
'So Simon, when do you leave for Port Royal?' Maddy smiled at her long time friend, the smile tempered by her feelings of envy at his freedom.
'Next month, all being well Mads. You must come and visit as soon as possible, the water is supposed to be very clear in the spring.'
'I still think you're bloody mad.' Richard Flynn handed his wife a drink. 'Why would you start a diving school in Jamaica, of all places? It's too violent, the tourists are deserting it in their droves.'
'Why do you have to pull everything apart Richard? Is it so hard for you to be happy for Si?' Maddy glared at him, anger welling up inside. Richard shrugged at his wife, his attention turning to a leggy blonde across the bar.
Simon frowned, 'What the hell was Maddy doing with a tosser like Flynn?' he mused, not for the first time. 'I'll take you down to the sunken old town Maddy, it really is amazing.'
'The sunken old town? Where's that?'
'Port Royal, it was destroyed in the late 1600's by a massive earthquake which devastated the town, killing thousands. Some say it was divine retribution, Port Royal being an infamous pirate town and all.'
**********
Maddy shot up, eyes and mind still in her dream. 'Earthquake.?' She gasped and shot off the bunk and up the stairs to the deck, barely making herself decent and having only Jack's coat to cover her. 'Raise anchor! Turn the ship around and head back for Port Royal. NOW!' Maddy grabbed the nearest crewman and shoved him toward the anchor chain. 'Raise the bloody anchor, man.'
'Whoa, whoa Madalene, just what the hell's going on?' Jack emerged from the bowels of the ship and wandered over to her, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
'We have to go back to Port Royal! I've remembered what was bothering me. Port Royal was destroyed in an earthquake sometime around now Jack. We have to warn Will and Elizabeth.' Maddy's breath came in shallow gulps. 'Jack, we *have* to go now.'
'All right luv, calm yerself. Raise anchor,' he ordered. 'I'll go an' make meself decent, savvy?' Maddy looked at him and realised he was naked except for a blanket around his middle. 'C'mon Madalene, yer best come with me and tell me all about it.' Maddy followed Jack below and recounted her dream as they dressed.
'I can't remember the date Jack. It could be tomorrow, or it could be in ten years time.'
'Don't worry luv, we'll be there by mornin.' Jack stroked his wife's hair soothingly. 'We'll bring Will an' Elizabeth back with us, and they can decide what to do once we're away.'
'I must warn James, I can't just leave him and not let him know.' Maddy ran her fingers through her hair distractedly. 'I wish I knew the date when it happens.'
'Well yer don't, so there's nothin' ya can do luv. By all means, warn the Commodore, but there's nothing else to be done. They'll just have ter take their own chances, savvy?' Jack held her tightly, knowing that she would beat herself up over this. They made their way back up to the helm and stayed there until they could see a tiny sliver of the Port Royal coastline in the dim morning light.
'Run up the flag of truce, we're going right into port.' The crew looked at their captain nervously, hoping he knew what he was doing. 'Since when have I had t'give orders twice?' Jack barked, glaring angrily around him. 'Run up the bloody flag, or I'll leave yer all on the shore an' get meself another crew, savvy?'
Maddy watched as the flag was drawn up hastily, the men looking decidedly jumpy. 'You go and get Will and Elizabeth, I'll go to warn Norrington. It'll be quicker that way.'
'No way luv, I'm not lettin' yer out of my sight. *We'll* fetch Will and Elizabeth, then go to see Norrington - and no arguments.'
'Jack I don't want you anywhere near James, he'll throw you in jail.' Maddy didn't think it was possible to feel any more scared than she already was.
'Nah he won't luv, not once you've told him yer story.'
'What if he doesn't believe me?' The thought had only just occurred to Maddy.
'You'll have ter make him believe ya.'
Maddy fell silent, willing The Pearl to go faster, feeling thankful Jack couldn't read her mind. 'He'd have a fit if he thought I thought The Pearl wasn't fast.' Maddy smiled inwardly, in spite of how she felt. Her stomach lurched as she saw a couple of naval ships making ready to meet them. 'Jack?'
'Aye luv, I see em.' Jack wondered whether to make ready the cannons, but decided if the Navy saw them, they might be tempted to open fire first. 'Looks like we see Norrington first, then Will. Yer to stay on board Madalene.' Jack said as he braced himself, waiting for the onslaught.
'Oh no, I'm bloody not Jack Sparrow! I'm the one who James would trust the most, I'm the one who has to tell him and don't think you're going to pull rank on me over this *Captain* Sparrow, because you're damn well not!' Maddy spat, fury written all over her face.
'All right, all right, have it your way luv.' Jack raised his hands in mock surrender. He loved winding his wife up, seeing her eyes flash with anger. He laughed to himself, but then turned his concentration to the ships looming large, one to port, the other to starboard. 'Mornin' gentlemen,' he called, as the ships drew in. 'I have business with t'Commodore if ya don't mind?' Jack peered across in the dusky dawn to the port ship. 'Murtogg? Murtogg, is that you mate? Hey Madalene, it's me old mate Murtogg! Where's Mullroy?'
'He's on shore, been injured. What are you doing here Captain Sparrow?' Murtogg wasn't sure if he wanted his men to think that he was friends with a pirate, even though he was.
'I gotta see the Commodore mate. It's extremely important, savvy? What's Mullroy gone and done then?'
'He stuck a bayonet in his foot. Do you promise to behave Captain Sparrow?' Murtogg eyed Jack skeptically. 'I say, who's the lady?'
'Course I'll behave, I'm always a good boy.' Jack winked with a wicked grin on his face. 'An' this mate, is me wife, Madalene.'
'Your wife? Congratulations Captain, pleased to meet you Mrs. Sparrow.' Murtogg doffed his hat to Maddy, who looked on in amazement at the slightly surreal conversation between her husband and the Naval officer.
'H-hello.' Maddy's smile wavered slightly despite the man's apparent friendliness.
'So Murtogg, are ya going' to escort us to the Commodore then, cause we've really got to see him real urgent like, then the Turners, savvy?'
'What is your business Captain Sparrow? I can't let you come in willy nilly, you might....well you might not keep to your word shall we say?'
'Sorry mate, fer t'Commodore's ears only, savvy? But I can promise yer, it's very important, an' yer know I wouldn't lie to ya.'
Murtogg had to concede that the pirate had a point. He'd never known Jack lie once, not in all the dealings he'd had with him, and there had been many. 'Very well Captain Sparrow, we'll escort you, then make berth by your ship, just in case.....' Murtogg had also known Jack to wriggle his way out of impossible situations and really didn't want his promotion chances harmed.
'Of course mate, although I wouldn't run out on ya, not this time anyway.' Jack steered a course as close to shore as he could get, then ordered a boat to be lowered. 'C'mon luv, time to go.' He climbed down to the boat, and then helped Maddy in after. 'The Commodore had better believe ya luv, or we're in trouble.'
'I'll make him believe me Jack. Besides, we wouldn't risk all this just to play games with him, he'll realise that.'
'Aye, but sometimes things take a little long to sink in that thick skull of his.' Jack looked at the fort, trying to imagine it crumbling into the sea. 'Ya sure there'll be an earthquake aren't ya luv?'
'Yes Jack, quite sure. Simon told me all about the time he dived down and explored the ruins.' Maddy shuddered, and then clambered out onto the dock. 'Here goes nothing.'
Maddy and Jack were escorted by marines all the way to the Commodore's mansion, drawing glances and catcalls as they went. They waited in the hallway as the butler went to announce their arrival. Maddy looked at the familiar surroundings, wondering what the new governess was like, nodding at the servants who totally ignored her. 'Ah well, can't say I blame them.' She thought ruefully. 'James.' Maddy stepped forward towards the approaching man.
'Well, well, well. What do we have here?' Norrington looked both Maddy and Jack up and down several times, with a slight sneer hanging on his face.
'Commodore, it's always a pleasure mate.' Jack held out his hand, wincing slightly when Norrington accepted it.
'What do you want Sparrow? I don't have all day.'
'Well actually mate, it's me wife that wants ter see ya.'
'Wife?! You married this.....this man?' Norrington looked aghast at Maddy, hardly believing his ears.
'Yes James, we've been married nearly a year now. Can we go somewhere private please? I have something very important to tell you.' Maddy followed the Commodore as he led the way to his office, Jack following behind.
'Well what is it, and it had better be good. I don't entirely trust your husband and I want the both of you away from this port as soon as is humanly possible.'
'James, I'm sure you will find this hard to believe, but I'm from the future. Three hundred years into the future in fact.' Maddy waited apprehensively while the Commodore digested the information. 'There's an earthquake that will destroy the town of Port Royal sometime around now, but I don't know the exact date. It may be soon or it could even be years from now.'
'You're from the future?' Norrington didn't even try to hide the skepticism in his voice. 'And just how did you end up here?' He couldn't wait to hear this fanciful tale.
'I got caught in a whirlpool and woke up on Jack's ship. I know it's hard to believe James, but why would I tell you a lie? Why would I risk you arresting Jack just for a bit of fun at your expense?' Maddy waited again, praying that Norrington would believe her.
'Ya didn't believe in the un-dead before our little episode wi'Barbossa, did ya mate?' Jack fell silent under Norrington's glare.
'The whole town is destroyed from this?'
'Everything - even the fort. Thousands will die James. You have to start moving people away from the cliff edge, away from the sea.' Maddy pleaded, desperately.
'How do you know all this Maddy? How do you know of something that happened three hundred years before *your* time?'
'Because a friend of mine went to the wreckage of Port Royal and told me about it. There are records about the event James, detailed records of what happened and who died. You have to believe me.'
James Norrington regarded Jack and Maddy, stroking his chin, dithering over whether to believe them or not. After what had seemed to be an age had passed he sighed, 'No. No, I'm sorry I don't believe you. It's some ploy by him,' Norrington jerked a thumb at Jack, 'To steal whatever it is he's come to steal. Men,' Norrington called to the guards outside the door. 'Arrest Sparrow, take him to the cells. He's to be hung at dusk.'
'NO!' Maddy screamed, launching herself at the Commodore. 'No James, you can't do that. I'm telling you the truth, please.' She begged, shaking violently.
Norrington pushed Maddy away from him disdainfully. 'I can do what I want Maddy, I'm in charge here. Besides, he's a pirate, he deserves the noose dammit, he's evaded it for far too long.'
'He risked arrest to bring me here to warn you and so that we could get Will and Elizabeth, and *this* is how you repay him? James, I beg you, please let him go.' Maddy looked at her husband, who'd borne his arrest silently and without a struggle. 'If you do this James, you'll regret it, I swear. All I'll have to do is find a fervent priest and say I'd had a vision, a vision of Port Royal sinking to the sea for its wickedness. It would be all over town in no time. I'd tell people about my vision and say that you refused to do anything, and said all the people of Port Royal deserved whatever they had coming to them. There'd be a riot James. That wouldn't look very good on your record now, would it? Especially when it turns out later on that my vision was true all along.' Norrington looked nervously at the steely glint in Maddy's eyes, being able to imagine a riot all too well and also what his superiors would say about it.
Jack looked on in admiration for his wife, knowing she'd won the argument. He turned his gaze to Norrington and held his arms out, indicating that he wanted the chains off. 'C'mon mate, ya know she's tellin' the truth, yer just clutching at straws 'cos ya can't get me any other way.' Jack smiled lazily as the guards unlocked his cuffs, and then put his arm around Maddy's waist. 'Ta luv.'
James Norrington sat heavily on his chair. 'What am I to do? If I warn people, it would cause widespread panic. Although if I do alert them and there is no earthquake immediately, they will all think I was scare mongering and take not a blind bit of notice of me in the future.' He sighed, shaking his head slowly. 'Why must you always bring me trouble Sparrow?'
Jack shrugged dolefully. 'Sorry mate, must be a knack I have.'
'So you do believe me then?' Maddy was amazed at her former employer's sudden change of mind.
'Yes Maddy, he wouldn't risk coming into Port Royal unless there was a very good reason, and despite all the reasons that I shouldn't trust you, I still do. I'll have to tell the Governor about this.' Norrington stood, straightening his coat. 'Thank you Sparrow, Maddy.'
'Wait, wait, we're goin' t'the Governors house to fetch Will an' Elizabeth, we'll go together.' Jack took Maddy's arm and followed Norrington; much to the latter's chagrin.
**********
'What? That's impossible! Please don't tell me you believe this nonsense Commodore?' Weatherby Swann looked incredulously at the younger man. 'This is Sparrow, surely that says it all?'
'Ah, if I may interrupt Governor?' Jack took a tentative step forward, shrugging off a restraining hand on his shoulder. He twirled the ends of his moustache, smiling (he hoped) his most charming smile. 'Did I ever let you down when we were dealing with Barbossa? Was I not the one who saved yer daughter? Didn't I take yer butler off yer hands when he was caught with.....'
'Yes, yes all right, you've made your point Sparrow.' Swann looked around apprehensively at the curious glances from the rest of the room.
'Jack! Maddy! What are you two doing here?' Will strode across the room, a perplexed look on his face.
'Ah, dear William. We've a slight, small problem mate.' Jack took his friends arm and led him away from the main body of people as he explained about Maddy's dream.
The Governor and Commodore argued amongst themselves as to the best course of action, leaving Maddy standing in the middle of the room, feeling alone and helpless.
'What is *she* doing here?' Maddy's heart sank as Elizabeth Turner marched into the room, looking more than ready for a fight.
'Elizabeth, don't you dare.' Will's sharp voice stilled the room. 'They're here to warn us. There will be an earthquake in Port Royal and they've come to take us away from here.'
'Oh have they now, how convenient. Well we're not bloody well going anywhere William Turner.'
'Elizabeth, don't swear, it's not ladylike.' Swann chided his daughter, appearances mattering to him at all times.
'Bugger ladylike! She had an affair with my husband! How's that for ladylike?' Without warning, Elizabeth's hand shot out and slapped Maddy hard across the cheek, making the scratches already there sting like hell.
Maddy rubbed it and grimaced, wanting to hit back, but Jack's warning look stopped her.
'Yes we are Elizabeth, I'm not staying here and nor are my children.' Will's jaw jutted out in determination, his arms folded across his chest.
'Oh, you didn't worry about your children when you upped and left with her.' Elizabeth spat, fists clenching and unclenching all the time. Maddy inched away from her, not wanting to get into a fight.
'Thought you could have both of them did you?' Elizabeth spun around and faced Maddy. 'What does it get boring having just one man? I suppose being a whore you prefer to have lots of them?' The snide remark pushed Maddy too far and she launched at the younger woman, grabbing her hair and slamming her fist into Elizabeth's face.
'Well maybe if you paid more attention to your husband and less to your so called friends, he wouldn't have felt the need for another woman's company would he?' Maddy ducked as an arm came flailing around, but instantly regretted it as Elizabeth's knee came up and connected with her cheekbone. Jack and Will belatedly dived for their respective wives, pulling them apart.
'C'mon Madalene, that's enough now. It's not what we came for is it?' Jack's voice dropped an octave in a bid to soothe his wife. Maddy glared at him, her chest heaving and her eyes glinting dangerously.
'Elizabeth, there was no call for that.' Will held Elizabeth tightly until she gave up struggling. 'We're going with them, if you don't come, then I shall take the children on my own. You're more than welcome to wave us off from the doorstep if you like.' Will looked at his wife with steely determination.
'But what about my father, what about the Commodore? What are you going to do?' Elizabeth broke free from Will's hold and faced her father, fear in her eyes.
'The Commodore and I shall stay here, as is our duty. When, if this happens, the people of Port Royal will need us as never before. We shall not desert them in their most needy hour. But Will is right, you must go with Sparrow. You must take the children to safety.' Weatherby Swann embraced his daughter, not wanting to let her go. 'Go. Go and get your things together, you must leave soon.' He turned away, so no one could see the tears that fell from his eyes. Will led his wife out of the room, promising Jack that they'd be at the quayside as soon as they could.
'Well Governor, Commodore, I'll be saying me goodbyes then.' Jack turned to leave, but then stopped. 'There's one good thing ter come out of all this I suppose. I won't be coming anywhere near Port Royal fer a while, so I'll be out yer hair mate.' Jack grinned, ignoring the look Maddy was giving him.
'Governor, James.' Maddy looked at the two men, wishing there was more she could do. 'Good luck, I hope to see you both again some day.' She embraced Norrington, kissing him gently on the cheek. 'Thank you for all you did for me before, I'm sorry I threw it back in your face.' James Norrington smiled the gentle smile of his and returned the kiss, enjoying the looks he was getting from his nemesis.
'I should have put two and two together in Montego Bay, but I never once imagined a fine lady such as you would be mixed up with him. Goodbye Maddy, be safe.' Norrington fought down a lump in his throat as he watched Maddy and Jack walk out of the mansion and quite possibly out of his life.
**********
*Authors notes*
Richard Flynn is Maddys' husband from her former life and was briefly mentioned in Chapter 1.
There was an earthquake that devastated Port Royal in 1692, in which most of the town and the fort were destroyed and around two thousand people lost their lives. Many believed the earthquake was devine retribution for Port Royal being a pirate town.
Damned to the depths (again), whatever muttonhead thought of disclaimers...Grrrr!
Yes, I killed Gibbs, Hils - sorry!
la chica mysteriosa, I will explain why Maddy hasn't fallen pregnant in the next chapter, or the one after.
Bethany Dutai, thank you for your kind words. Do look at the other stories, because there are some brilliant one's out there. I haven't described Maddy deliberately, as when I'm reading a book/story, I like to get my own image of the characters.
Caffeine fairy, glad you're still reading!
*********
Chapter 25
'So Simon, when do you leave for Port Royal?' Maddy smiled at her long time friend, the smile tempered by her feelings of envy at his freedom.
'Next month, all being well Mads. You must come and visit as soon as possible, the water is supposed to be very clear in the spring.'
'I still think you're bloody mad.' Richard Flynn handed his wife a drink. 'Why would you start a diving school in Jamaica, of all places? It's too violent, the tourists are deserting it in their droves.'
'Why do you have to pull everything apart Richard? Is it so hard for you to be happy for Si?' Maddy glared at him, anger welling up inside. Richard shrugged at his wife, his attention turning to a leggy blonde across the bar.
Simon frowned, 'What the hell was Maddy doing with a tosser like Flynn?' he mused, not for the first time. 'I'll take you down to the sunken old town Maddy, it really is amazing.'
'The sunken old town? Where's that?'
'Port Royal, it was destroyed in the late 1600's by a massive earthquake which devastated the town, killing thousands. Some say it was divine retribution, Port Royal being an infamous pirate town and all.'
**********
Maddy shot up, eyes and mind still in her dream. 'Earthquake.?' She gasped and shot off the bunk and up the stairs to the deck, barely making herself decent and having only Jack's coat to cover her. 'Raise anchor! Turn the ship around and head back for Port Royal. NOW!' Maddy grabbed the nearest crewman and shoved him toward the anchor chain. 'Raise the bloody anchor, man.'
'Whoa, whoa Madalene, just what the hell's going on?' Jack emerged from the bowels of the ship and wandered over to her, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
'We have to go back to Port Royal! I've remembered what was bothering me. Port Royal was destroyed in an earthquake sometime around now Jack. We have to warn Will and Elizabeth.' Maddy's breath came in shallow gulps. 'Jack, we *have* to go now.'
'All right luv, calm yerself. Raise anchor,' he ordered. 'I'll go an' make meself decent, savvy?' Maddy looked at him and realised he was naked except for a blanket around his middle. 'C'mon Madalene, yer best come with me and tell me all about it.' Maddy followed Jack below and recounted her dream as they dressed.
'I can't remember the date Jack. It could be tomorrow, or it could be in ten years time.'
'Don't worry luv, we'll be there by mornin.' Jack stroked his wife's hair soothingly. 'We'll bring Will an' Elizabeth back with us, and they can decide what to do once we're away.'
'I must warn James, I can't just leave him and not let him know.' Maddy ran her fingers through her hair distractedly. 'I wish I knew the date when it happens.'
'Well yer don't, so there's nothin' ya can do luv. By all means, warn the Commodore, but there's nothing else to be done. They'll just have ter take their own chances, savvy?' Jack held her tightly, knowing that she would beat herself up over this. They made their way back up to the helm and stayed there until they could see a tiny sliver of the Port Royal coastline in the dim morning light.
'Run up the flag of truce, we're going right into port.' The crew looked at their captain nervously, hoping he knew what he was doing. 'Since when have I had t'give orders twice?' Jack barked, glaring angrily around him. 'Run up the bloody flag, or I'll leave yer all on the shore an' get meself another crew, savvy?'
Maddy watched as the flag was drawn up hastily, the men looking decidedly jumpy. 'You go and get Will and Elizabeth, I'll go to warn Norrington. It'll be quicker that way.'
'No way luv, I'm not lettin' yer out of my sight. *We'll* fetch Will and Elizabeth, then go to see Norrington - and no arguments.'
'Jack I don't want you anywhere near James, he'll throw you in jail.' Maddy didn't think it was possible to feel any more scared than she already was.
'Nah he won't luv, not once you've told him yer story.'
'What if he doesn't believe me?' The thought had only just occurred to Maddy.
'You'll have ter make him believe ya.'
Maddy fell silent, willing The Pearl to go faster, feeling thankful Jack couldn't read her mind. 'He'd have a fit if he thought I thought The Pearl wasn't fast.' Maddy smiled inwardly, in spite of how she felt. Her stomach lurched as she saw a couple of naval ships making ready to meet them. 'Jack?'
'Aye luv, I see em.' Jack wondered whether to make ready the cannons, but decided if the Navy saw them, they might be tempted to open fire first. 'Looks like we see Norrington first, then Will. Yer to stay on board Madalene.' Jack said as he braced himself, waiting for the onslaught.
'Oh no, I'm bloody not Jack Sparrow! I'm the one who James would trust the most, I'm the one who has to tell him and don't think you're going to pull rank on me over this *Captain* Sparrow, because you're damn well not!' Maddy spat, fury written all over her face.
'All right, all right, have it your way luv.' Jack raised his hands in mock surrender. He loved winding his wife up, seeing her eyes flash with anger. He laughed to himself, but then turned his concentration to the ships looming large, one to port, the other to starboard. 'Mornin' gentlemen,' he called, as the ships drew in. 'I have business with t'Commodore if ya don't mind?' Jack peered across in the dusky dawn to the port ship. 'Murtogg? Murtogg, is that you mate? Hey Madalene, it's me old mate Murtogg! Where's Mullroy?'
'He's on shore, been injured. What are you doing here Captain Sparrow?' Murtogg wasn't sure if he wanted his men to think that he was friends with a pirate, even though he was.
'I gotta see the Commodore mate. It's extremely important, savvy? What's Mullroy gone and done then?'
'He stuck a bayonet in his foot. Do you promise to behave Captain Sparrow?' Murtogg eyed Jack skeptically. 'I say, who's the lady?'
'Course I'll behave, I'm always a good boy.' Jack winked with a wicked grin on his face. 'An' this mate, is me wife, Madalene.'
'Your wife? Congratulations Captain, pleased to meet you Mrs. Sparrow.' Murtogg doffed his hat to Maddy, who looked on in amazement at the slightly surreal conversation between her husband and the Naval officer.
'H-hello.' Maddy's smile wavered slightly despite the man's apparent friendliness.
'So Murtogg, are ya going' to escort us to the Commodore then, cause we've really got to see him real urgent like, then the Turners, savvy?'
'What is your business Captain Sparrow? I can't let you come in willy nilly, you might....well you might not keep to your word shall we say?'
'Sorry mate, fer t'Commodore's ears only, savvy? But I can promise yer, it's very important, an' yer know I wouldn't lie to ya.'
Murtogg had to concede that the pirate had a point. He'd never known Jack lie once, not in all the dealings he'd had with him, and there had been many. 'Very well Captain Sparrow, we'll escort you, then make berth by your ship, just in case.....' Murtogg had also known Jack to wriggle his way out of impossible situations and really didn't want his promotion chances harmed.
'Of course mate, although I wouldn't run out on ya, not this time anyway.' Jack steered a course as close to shore as he could get, then ordered a boat to be lowered. 'C'mon luv, time to go.' He climbed down to the boat, and then helped Maddy in after. 'The Commodore had better believe ya luv, or we're in trouble.'
'I'll make him believe me Jack. Besides, we wouldn't risk all this just to play games with him, he'll realise that.'
'Aye, but sometimes things take a little long to sink in that thick skull of his.' Jack looked at the fort, trying to imagine it crumbling into the sea. 'Ya sure there'll be an earthquake aren't ya luv?'
'Yes Jack, quite sure. Simon told me all about the time he dived down and explored the ruins.' Maddy shuddered, and then clambered out onto the dock. 'Here goes nothing.'
Maddy and Jack were escorted by marines all the way to the Commodore's mansion, drawing glances and catcalls as they went. They waited in the hallway as the butler went to announce their arrival. Maddy looked at the familiar surroundings, wondering what the new governess was like, nodding at the servants who totally ignored her. 'Ah well, can't say I blame them.' She thought ruefully. 'James.' Maddy stepped forward towards the approaching man.
'Well, well, well. What do we have here?' Norrington looked both Maddy and Jack up and down several times, with a slight sneer hanging on his face.
'Commodore, it's always a pleasure mate.' Jack held out his hand, wincing slightly when Norrington accepted it.
'What do you want Sparrow? I don't have all day.'
'Well actually mate, it's me wife that wants ter see ya.'
'Wife?! You married this.....this man?' Norrington looked aghast at Maddy, hardly believing his ears.
'Yes James, we've been married nearly a year now. Can we go somewhere private please? I have something very important to tell you.' Maddy followed the Commodore as he led the way to his office, Jack following behind.
'Well what is it, and it had better be good. I don't entirely trust your husband and I want the both of you away from this port as soon as is humanly possible.'
'James, I'm sure you will find this hard to believe, but I'm from the future. Three hundred years into the future in fact.' Maddy waited apprehensively while the Commodore digested the information. 'There's an earthquake that will destroy the town of Port Royal sometime around now, but I don't know the exact date. It may be soon or it could even be years from now.'
'You're from the future?' Norrington didn't even try to hide the skepticism in his voice. 'And just how did you end up here?' He couldn't wait to hear this fanciful tale.
'I got caught in a whirlpool and woke up on Jack's ship. I know it's hard to believe James, but why would I tell you a lie? Why would I risk you arresting Jack just for a bit of fun at your expense?' Maddy waited again, praying that Norrington would believe her.
'Ya didn't believe in the un-dead before our little episode wi'Barbossa, did ya mate?' Jack fell silent under Norrington's glare.
'The whole town is destroyed from this?'
'Everything - even the fort. Thousands will die James. You have to start moving people away from the cliff edge, away from the sea.' Maddy pleaded, desperately.
'How do you know all this Maddy? How do you know of something that happened three hundred years before *your* time?'
'Because a friend of mine went to the wreckage of Port Royal and told me about it. There are records about the event James, detailed records of what happened and who died. You have to believe me.'
James Norrington regarded Jack and Maddy, stroking his chin, dithering over whether to believe them or not. After what had seemed to be an age had passed he sighed, 'No. No, I'm sorry I don't believe you. It's some ploy by him,' Norrington jerked a thumb at Jack, 'To steal whatever it is he's come to steal. Men,' Norrington called to the guards outside the door. 'Arrest Sparrow, take him to the cells. He's to be hung at dusk.'
'NO!' Maddy screamed, launching herself at the Commodore. 'No James, you can't do that. I'm telling you the truth, please.' She begged, shaking violently.
Norrington pushed Maddy away from him disdainfully. 'I can do what I want Maddy, I'm in charge here. Besides, he's a pirate, he deserves the noose dammit, he's evaded it for far too long.'
'He risked arrest to bring me here to warn you and so that we could get Will and Elizabeth, and *this* is how you repay him? James, I beg you, please let him go.' Maddy looked at her husband, who'd borne his arrest silently and without a struggle. 'If you do this James, you'll regret it, I swear. All I'll have to do is find a fervent priest and say I'd had a vision, a vision of Port Royal sinking to the sea for its wickedness. It would be all over town in no time. I'd tell people about my vision and say that you refused to do anything, and said all the people of Port Royal deserved whatever they had coming to them. There'd be a riot James. That wouldn't look very good on your record now, would it? Especially when it turns out later on that my vision was true all along.' Norrington looked nervously at the steely glint in Maddy's eyes, being able to imagine a riot all too well and also what his superiors would say about it.
Jack looked on in admiration for his wife, knowing she'd won the argument. He turned his gaze to Norrington and held his arms out, indicating that he wanted the chains off. 'C'mon mate, ya know she's tellin' the truth, yer just clutching at straws 'cos ya can't get me any other way.' Jack smiled lazily as the guards unlocked his cuffs, and then put his arm around Maddy's waist. 'Ta luv.'
James Norrington sat heavily on his chair. 'What am I to do? If I warn people, it would cause widespread panic. Although if I do alert them and there is no earthquake immediately, they will all think I was scare mongering and take not a blind bit of notice of me in the future.' He sighed, shaking his head slowly. 'Why must you always bring me trouble Sparrow?'
Jack shrugged dolefully. 'Sorry mate, must be a knack I have.'
'So you do believe me then?' Maddy was amazed at her former employer's sudden change of mind.
'Yes Maddy, he wouldn't risk coming into Port Royal unless there was a very good reason, and despite all the reasons that I shouldn't trust you, I still do. I'll have to tell the Governor about this.' Norrington stood, straightening his coat. 'Thank you Sparrow, Maddy.'
'Wait, wait, we're goin' t'the Governors house to fetch Will an' Elizabeth, we'll go together.' Jack took Maddy's arm and followed Norrington; much to the latter's chagrin.
**********
'What? That's impossible! Please don't tell me you believe this nonsense Commodore?' Weatherby Swann looked incredulously at the younger man. 'This is Sparrow, surely that says it all?'
'Ah, if I may interrupt Governor?' Jack took a tentative step forward, shrugging off a restraining hand on his shoulder. He twirled the ends of his moustache, smiling (he hoped) his most charming smile. 'Did I ever let you down when we were dealing with Barbossa? Was I not the one who saved yer daughter? Didn't I take yer butler off yer hands when he was caught with.....'
'Yes, yes all right, you've made your point Sparrow.' Swann looked around apprehensively at the curious glances from the rest of the room.
'Jack! Maddy! What are you two doing here?' Will strode across the room, a perplexed look on his face.
'Ah, dear William. We've a slight, small problem mate.' Jack took his friends arm and led him away from the main body of people as he explained about Maddy's dream.
The Governor and Commodore argued amongst themselves as to the best course of action, leaving Maddy standing in the middle of the room, feeling alone and helpless.
'What is *she* doing here?' Maddy's heart sank as Elizabeth Turner marched into the room, looking more than ready for a fight.
'Elizabeth, don't you dare.' Will's sharp voice stilled the room. 'They're here to warn us. There will be an earthquake in Port Royal and they've come to take us away from here.'
'Oh have they now, how convenient. Well we're not bloody well going anywhere William Turner.'
'Elizabeth, don't swear, it's not ladylike.' Swann chided his daughter, appearances mattering to him at all times.
'Bugger ladylike! She had an affair with my husband! How's that for ladylike?' Without warning, Elizabeth's hand shot out and slapped Maddy hard across the cheek, making the scratches already there sting like hell.
Maddy rubbed it and grimaced, wanting to hit back, but Jack's warning look stopped her.
'Yes we are Elizabeth, I'm not staying here and nor are my children.' Will's jaw jutted out in determination, his arms folded across his chest.
'Oh, you didn't worry about your children when you upped and left with her.' Elizabeth spat, fists clenching and unclenching all the time. Maddy inched away from her, not wanting to get into a fight.
'Thought you could have both of them did you?' Elizabeth spun around and faced Maddy. 'What does it get boring having just one man? I suppose being a whore you prefer to have lots of them?' The snide remark pushed Maddy too far and she launched at the younger woman, grabbing her hair and slamming her fist into Elizabeth's face.
'Well maybe if you paid more attention to your husband and less to your so called friends, he wouldn't have felt the need for another woman's company would he?' Maddy ducked as an arm came flailing around, but instantly regretted it as Elizabeth's knee came up and connected with her cheekbone. Jack and Will belatedly dived for their respective wives, pulling them apart.
'C'mon Madalene, that's enough now. It's not what we came for is it?' Jack's voice dropped an octave in a bid to soothe his wife. Maddy glared at him, her chest heaving and her eyes glinting dangerously.
'Elizabeth, there was no call for that.' Will held Elizabeth tightly until she gave up struggling. 'We're going with them, if you don't come, then I shall take the children on my own. You're more than welcome to wave us off from the doorstep if you like.' Will looked at his wife with steely determination.
'But what about my father, what about the Commodore? What are you going to do?' Elizabeth broke free from Will's hold and faced her father, fear in her eyes.
'The Commodore and I shall stay here, as is our duty. When, if this happens, the people of Port Royal will need us as never before. We shall not desert them in their most needy hour. But Will is right, you must go with Sparrow. You must take the children to safety.' Weatherby Swann embraced his daughter, not wanting to let her go. 'Go. Go and get your things together, you must leave soon.' He turned away, so no one could see the tears that fell from his eyes. Will led his wife out of the room, promising Jack that they'd be at the quayside as soon as they could.
'Well Governor, Commodore, I'll be saying me goodbyes then.' Jack turned to leave, but then stopped. 'There's one good thing ter come out of all this I suppose. I won't be coming anywhere near Port Royal fer a while, so I'll be out yer hair mate.' Jack grinned, ignoring the look Maddy was giving him.
'Governor, James.' Maddy looked at the two men, wishing there was more she could do. 'Good luck, I hope to see you both again some day.' She embraced Norrington, kissing him gently on the cheek. 'Thank you for all you did for me before, I'm sorry I threw it back in your face.' James Norrington smiled the gentle smile of his and returned the kiss, enjoying the looks he was getting from his nemesis.
'I should have put two and two together in Montego Bay, but I never once imagined a fine lady such as you would be mixed up with him. Goodbye Maddy, be safe.' Norrington fought down a lump in his throat as he watched Maddy and Jack walk out of the mansion and quite possibly out of his life.
**********
*Authors notes*
Richard Flynn is Maddys' husband from her former life and was briefly mentioned in Chapter 1.
There was an earthquake that devastated Port Royal in 1692, in which most of the town and the fort were destroyed and around two thousand people lost their lives. Many believed the earthquake was devine retribution for Port Royal being a pirate town.