If they haven't accepted by now that I'll never own anyone from the film,
they never will....
Wow 100+ reviews, thank you all so much. It really helps when typing the story, knowing that there are actually people out there who are enjoying it.
Hilary, you've got room to talk the amount of times Kitty has been injured :p (You all really must read Hils stories, they're excellent.)
Bianca, I just wish Jack was happily married to *me* - ah well!
Elven-fae, it depends what mood I'm in when I'm watching the film. Sometimes I like Elizabeth, sometimes I don't. I guess I haven't really liked her much when writing this story :D
Lady Skywalker, I've got a few more tricks up my sleeves don't worry. I've come across so many stories that I've enjoyed and have been really disappointed when the author doesn't update it, that's why I like to
Sahkara, thank you for your kind words.
KK, I suppose it took Maddy long enough to conform to piracy :rolleyes;
Linnie, thank you, as always
I apologise if I've missed anyone
**********
Chapter 42
Maddy woke with a start, then groaned as she felt the pain searing through her arm and shoulder before coursing throughout the rest of her body. Maddy knew it was night, but the cabin was well lit with lamps, and when she glanced around, Jack was nowhere to be seen. Using her good arm, Maddy propped herself up, but even this movement had her almost crying out with pain, so her fell back against the bed-head, panting and sweating. She closed her eyes and dozed fitfully for a while until she heard voices approaching the cabin. Jack opened the door quietly and tiptoed in, smiling when he saw that Maddy was awake.
'Ello luv, how're ya feeling?' He sat on the edge of the bunk and stroked Maddy's cheek with the backs of his fingers.
'Do you want the polite or impolite answer?' Maddy half smiled, kissing Jack's fingers as they reached her lips. 'What's the damage Jack? Will my arm heal?' Maddy had visions of not being able to work on board any more.
'T'shot went clean through luv, without shattering yer bones too much, so ya should be all right, but ya won't be doin' any chores fer a while. Do ya want any food?' Jack went and bellowed for Tom to bring some food, then sat back with Maddy, fluffing the pillows for her, whilst trying not to move her too much.
'Here ya go Maddy, you all right?' Tom's large frame hovered over Maddy, concern written on his face.
'Aye Tom, I'll live, so the Cap'n says.' Maddy laughed as her stomach growled and went to pick the spoon up, until Jack batted her hand away.
'Ya tryin' to do me out of a job wifey?' He winked, holding the spoonful of stew up to Maddy's lips, which she wolfed down until the bowl was clean, then asked for some hard tack to mop up the rest.
'Where are we headed for Jack?' Maddy shifted, trying move her arm so it was in the least painful position possible.
'We're goin' to t'island luv, we can carry out repairs there, although it'll take us a good days sailin' considerin' the state t'Pearl's in.' Jack pulled a rueful face, 'We lost men too, around seventeen.' Jack took the bowl away from Maddy, and helped her to lie back down. 'I'll sleep on t'floor tonight luv.'
'No you bloody well won't Jack Sparrow! I'll sleep much better with you beside me.' Maddy watched as Jack undressed, noting how tired he looked. 'Would you rather sleep on the floor, you might not get a good night with me.'
Jack smiled tenderly, then leaned over and kissed Maddy's lips. 'Course I want ter sleep wi'ya luv, hotch up.' Maddy shuffled over, carefully as Jack climbed on to the bunk and closed her eyes as he dimmed the lamp above their bed. 'G'night Madalene, I luv ya.'
'Good night Jack, I love you too.'
**********
Jack rubbed his eyes, trying to focus on the island in the distance. Maddy had been right, he didn't get much sleep as she tossed and turned, trying to lessen the pain in her arm. Jack had offered Maddy some rum, but she refused, not wishing to add the pain of a hangover to go with the pain she already had. He looked around the deck, and was pleasantly satisfied with how well the repairs were going. Hell, even the port gundeck didn't look as bad as it had the previous day. After the incident when he'd scuppered the ship, Jack always made sure there was plenty of good timber in the hold. Jack stifled a yawn, then grinned at Eb, who looked as tired as he felt.
'Gibbs would've approved o'the way ya handled it yesterday mate.' Jack's grin grew wider as Eb did a good impression of blushing, even though he had dark skin. 'Well mate, we'd better get t'service over with.' Jack called the crew on deck, and watched as the seventeen bodies were brought from below.
'Uh ... Cap'n,' Eb nodded towards the stern, as he spotted Maddy, supported by Bob and Freddie, made her way slowly across the deck.
Jack rolled his eyes and sighed theatrically. 'Just what d'ya think yer doin' *Mrs. Sparrow*?' He yielded the helm to Eb and stood in front of his wife, with folded arms and spread legs.
'I want to say my goodbyes Jack, Mr. Cotton says it's all right for me to be here, and I need some air and sunshine, so you can go whistle.' Maddy's eyes had a steely glint of determination in them.
Jack looked at Cotton, who nodded, then sighed again. 'Ya should be restin' luv, besides ya'll be in the way.'
'Not if I sit on the poop deck I won't be, I can rest there. Tom's fetching me a chair, so I'll be quite comfy.' A small smile played on Maddy's lips as she watched Jack struggle to come up with another reason for her not to be there.
'Ya got it all planned haven't ya?' Jack shook his head, knowing he was defeated, then took over supporting Maddy and they stood with heads bowed as Eb's deep voice rang out across the deck and ocean, lamenting the loss of their crewmates.
After the last body had been consigned to the sea, Maddy made for the poop deck, giving Jack a warning look as he went to protest. 'Preserve me from stubborn women,' he muttered, glancing sideways at Maddy and grinning. 'I might just turn into Gibbs an' claim women aboard are unlucky, then where would ya be, eh luv?'
'Oh, but think of all those long and lonely nights Jack, with no one to snuggle up to.' Maddy batted her eyelashes coyly, then laughed, wincing as her shoulder protested.
'Ya got me over a barrel, an' ya know it woman.' Jack carefully sat Maddy down on the chair, then kissed her forehead. 'Be back later luv, yell if ya need anything, savvy?'
Maddy nodded, then watched as Jack swaggered back to the helm, and she shook her head, grinning. She looked around, feeling glad to be out of the confines of the cabin at last, but her mood soon turned as she saw the damage and thought back to the battle and the men who fell. Maddy sighed, blinking back the tears, but quickly pasted a smile back on her face as Daniel joined her, bringing a jug of ale with him.
'Thought you might get thirsty Maddy,' he set the jug on the deck, and hovered around.
'Do you want something Daniel?' Maddy couldn't believe how much he'd grown recently.
'Just want to make sure you're all right.' Daniel smiled hesitantly, suddenly looking like a young boy again.
'I'm fine love, and will soon be on the mend.' Maddy smiled reassuringly, sinking back in the chair as he left her in peace again. The sun beat down on Maddy, making her feel drowsy and it wasn't long before she fell asleep.
**********
'Eb, we make fer that cove,' Jack handed his spyglass to Eb, so his first mate could see the island clearly.
'Aye Cap'n, looks good to me.' Eb adjusted the bearing slightly and made for a small cove on the island. 'I wonder what's on the island? Ya don't suppose Castigne has more men there do ya?'
'He'd bloody well better not have. We'll do a quick search first, than get repairs done, savvy?' Jack spied Maddy asleep in the sun and went over to her, covering her head with his battered tri-cornered hat. 'Stubborn woman,' he smiled, tiptoeing away quietly.
Jack went below to inspect the damage to the port side of The Pearl, thanking the Gods that both sides weren't hit. The smell of sawn wood hit his nostrils, followed by the smell of paint and tar as the repaired parts were covered with both substances. The men greeted Jack as he passed, and he would stop every now and then to inspect something more closely and just to chat to the men. He made his way to the bilges, wading through the water, after removing his boots first.
'How's it going Moyles?' Jack peered at his crewman through the gloom.
'Slowly Sir, very slowly.' Moyles swept a hand towards the few men working on bailing the water out. 'But we'll get there, dontcha worry 'bout that.'
'Good man, good man. Sorry I can't spare any more men for ya, but ya know how it is.' Jack clapped Moyles on the back and made his way back to where he'd left his boots and picked them up, carrying them as he went back to the deck. He left them by the slumbering Maddy and walked across the deck barefoot, enjoying the warmth under his feet. He turned and looked towards the island, pleased to see it a lot closer than he'd thought it would be.
'We made good time Eb, well done mate.' Jack smiled, feeling relaxed after the fraught worry of the battle, damage to his ship and Maddy.
'Aye Cap'n, the wind's picked up. I hope it doesn't get too strong though.'
Jack sniffed the air, studying the sky carefully. 'Nah, we'll be all right Eb, just a bit of a blow. Besides, if it did blow up a storm, that cove's sheltered enough to protect us.' Jack stood on the rail and addressed his crew. 'All hands, I want ya to keep a sharp look-out for any signs o'life on t'island, savvy?' The men chorused their ayes, and went about their work, their gazes scanning at the island every time they got a moment to spare.
Wow 100+ reviews, thank you all so much. It really helps when typing the story, knowing that there are actually people out there who are enjoying it.
Hilary, you've got room to talk the amount of times Kitty has been injured :p (You all really must read Hils stories, they're excellent.)
Bianca, I just wish Jack was happily married to *me* - ah well!
Elven-fae, it depends what mood I'm in when I'm watching the film. Sometimes I like Elizabeth, sometimes I don't. I guess I haven't really liked her much when writing this story :D
Lady Skywalker, I've got a few more tricks up my sleeves don't worry. I've come across so many stories that I've enjoyed and have been really disappointed when the author doesn't update it, that's why I like to
Sahkara, thank you for your kind words.
KK, I suppose it took Maddy long enough to conform to piracy :rolleyes;
Linnie, thank you, as always
I apologise if I've missed anyone
**********
Chapter 42
Maddy woke with a start, then groaned as she felt the pain searing through her arm and shoulder before coursing throughout the rest of her body. Maddy knew it was night, but the cabin was well lit with lamps, and when she glanced around, Jack was nowhere to be seen. Using her good arm, Maddy propped herself up, but even this movement had her almost crying out with pain, so her fell back against the bed-head, panting and sweating. She closed her eyes and dozed fitfully for a while until she heard voices approaching the cabin. Jack opened the door quietly and tiptoed in, smiling when he saw that Maddy was awake.
'Ello luv, how're ya feeling?' He sat on the edge of the bunk and stroked Maddy's cheek with the backs of his fingers.
'Do you want the polite or impolite answer?' Maddy half smiled, kissing Jack's fingers as they reached her lips. 'What's the damage Jack? Will my arm heal?' Maddy had visions of not being able to work on board any more.
'T'shot went clean through luv, without shattering yer bones too much, so ya should be all right, but ya won't be doin' any chores fer a while. Do ya want any food?' Jack went and bellowed for Tom to bring some food, then sat back with Maddy, fluffing the pillows for her, whilst trying not to move her too much.
'Here ya go Maddy, you all right?' Tom's large frame hovered over Maddy, concern written on his face.
'Aye Tom, I'll live, so the Cap'n says.' Maddy laughed as her stomach growled and went to pick the spoon up, until Jack batted her hand away.
'Ya tryin' to do me out of a job wifey?' He winked, holding the spoonful of stew up to Maddy's lips, which she wolfed down until the bowl was clean, then asked for some hard tack to mop up the rest.
'Where are we headed for Jack?' Maddy shifted, trying move her arm so it was in the least painful position possible.
'We're goin' to t'island luv, we can carry out repairs there, although it'll take us a good days sailin' considerin' the state t'Pearl's in.' Jack pulled a rueful face, 'We lost men too, around seventeen.' Jack took the bowl away from Maddy, and helped her to lie back down. 'I'll sleep on t'floor tonight luv.'
'No you bloody well won't Jack Sparrow! I'll sleep much better with you beside me.' Maddy watched as Jack undressed, noting how tired he looked. 'Would you rather sleep on the floor, you might not get a good night with me.'
Jack smiled tenderly, then leaned over and kissed Maddy's lips. 'Course I want ter sleep wi'ya luv, hotch up.' Maddy shuffled over, carefully as Jack climbed on to the bunk and closed her eyes as he dimmed the lamp above their bed. 'G'night Madalene, I luv ya.'
'Good night Jack, I love you too.'
**********
Jack rubbed his eyes, trying to focus on the island in the distance. Maddy had been right, he didn't get much sleep as she tossed and turned, trying to lessen the pain in her arm. Jack had offered Maddy some rum, but she refused, not wishing to add the pain of a hangover to go with the pain she already had. He looked around the deck, and was pleasantly satisfied with how well the repairs were going. Hell, even the port gundeck didn't look as bad as it had the previous day. After the incident when he'd scuppered the ship, Jack always made sure there was plenty of good timber in the hold. Jack stifled a yawn, then grinned at Eb, who looked as tired as he felt.
'Gibbs would've approved o'the way ya handled it yesterday mate.' Jack's grin grew wider as Eb did a good impression of blushing, even though he had dark skin. 'Well mate, we'd better get t'service over with.' Jack called the crew on deck, and watched as the seventeen bodies were brought from below.
'Uh ... Cap'n,' Eb nodded towards the stern, as he spotted Maddy, supported by Bob and Freddie, made her way slowly across the deck.
Jack rolled his eyes and sighed theatrically. 'Just what d'ya think yer doin' *Mrs. Sparrow*?' He yielded the helm to Eb and stood in front of his wife, with folded arms and spread legs.
'I want to say my goodbyes Jack, Mr. Cotton says it's all right for me to be here, and I need some air and sunshine, so you can go whistle.' Maddy's eyes had a steely glint of determination in them.
Jack looked at Cotton, who nodded, then sighed again. 'Ya should be restin' luv, besides ya'll be in the way.'
'Not if I sit on the poop deck I won't be, I can rest there. Tom's fetching me a chair, so I'll be quite comfy.' A small smile played on Maddy's lips as she watched Jack struggle to come up with another reason for her not to be there.
'Ya got it all planned haven't ya?' Jack shook his head, knowing he was defeated, then took over supporting Maddy and they stood with heads bowed as Eb's deep voice rang out across the deck and ocean, lamenting the loss of their crewmates.
After the last body had been consigned to the sea, Maddy made for the poop deck, giving Jack a warning look as he went to protest. 'Preserve me from stubborn women,' he muttered, glancing sideways at Maddy and grinning. 'I might just turn into Gibbs an' claim women aboard are unlucky, then where would ya be, eh luv?'
'Oh, but think of all those long and lonely nights Jack, with no one to snuggle up to.' Maddy batted her eyelashes coyly, then laughed, wincing as her shoulder protested.
'Ya got me over a barrel, an' ya know it woman.' Jack carefully sat Maddy down on the chair, then kissed her forehead. 'Be back later luv, yell if ya need anything, savvy?'
Maddy nodded, then watched as Jack swaggered back to the helm, and she shook her head, grinning. She looked around, feeling glad to be out of the confines of the cabin at last, but her mood soon turned as she saw the damage and thought back to the battle and the men who fell. Maddy sighed, blinking back the tears, but quickly pasted a smile back on her face as Daniel joined her, bringing a jug of ale with him.
'Thought you might get thirsty Maddy,' he set the jug on the deck, and hovered around.
'Do you want something Daniel?' Maddy couldn't believe how much he'd grown recently.
'Just want to make sure you're all right.' Daniel smiled hesitantly, suddenly looking like a young boy again.
'I'm fine love, and will soon be on the mend.' Maddy smiled reassuringly, sinking back in the chair as he left her in peace again. The sun beat down on Maddy, making her feel drowsy and it wasn't long before she fell asleep.
**********
'Eb, we make fer that cove,' Jack handed his spyglass to Eb, so his first mate could see the island clearly.
'Aye Cap'n, looks good to me.' Eb adjusted the bearing slightly and made for a small cove on the island. 'I wonder what's on the island? Ya don't suppose Castigne has more men there do ya?'
'He'd bloody well better not have. We'll do a quick search first, than get repairs done, savvy?' Jack spied Maddy asleep in the sun and went over to her, covering her head with his battered tri-cornered hat. 'Stubborn woman,' he smiled, tiptoeing away quietly.
Jack went below to inspect the damage to the port side of The Pearl, thanking the Gods that both sides weren't hit. The smell of sawn wood hit his nostrils, followed by the smell of paint and tar as the repaired parts were covered with both substances. The men greeted Jack as he passed, and he would stop every now and then to inspect something more closely and just to chat to the men. He made his way to the bilges, wading through the water, after removing his boots first.
'How's it going Moyles?' Jack peered at his crewman through the gloom.
'Slowly Sir, very slowly.' Moyles swept a hand towards the few men working on bailing the water out. 'But we'll get there, dontcha worry 'bout that.'
'Good man, good man. Sorry I can't spare any more men for ya, but ya know how it is.' Jack clapped Moyles on the back and made his way back to where he'd left his boots and picked them up, carrying them as he went back to the deck. He left them by the slumbering Maddy and walked across the deck barefoot, enjoying the warmth under his feet. He turned and looked towards the island, pleased to see it a lot closer than he'd thought it would be.
'We made good time Eb, well done mate.' Jack smiled, feeling relaxed after the fraught worry of the battle, damage to his ship and Maddy.
'Aye Cap'n, the wind's picked up. I hope it doesn't get too strong though.'
Jack sniffed the air, studying the sky carefully. 'Nah, we'll be all right Eb, just a bit of a blow. Besides, if it did blow up a storm, that cove's sheltered enough to protect us.' Jack stood on the rail and addressed his crew. 'All hands, I want ya to keep a sharp look-out for any signs o'life on t'island, savvy?' The men chorused their ayes, and went about their work, their gazes scanning at the island every time they got a moment to spare.