Disclaimers – hate 'em!
Hilary, you're really going to have to let someone else have a chance of 'first prize!'
KK, all will be revealed – read on....
Sakhara, thank you takes a bow Time for another chapter from you isn't it? :p
Elven-fae, she ain't so bad really – I suppose....!
QMN, I haven't got round to reading your time travel story, although I love Daniel
Rochdur, thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Special thanks to Linnie for all her input in this chapter – XX
A small word of warning, there's some pretty strong language in this, more than usual.
**********
Chapter 43
Maddy looked up in terror as the main sail came crashing towards her, her eyes snapped open while her hand flailed against the covering on her face. She panted with relief as she looked at Jack's hat in her hand, but winced as the pain from the movement had sent pain shooting through her shoulder and arm. Maddy rested her head against the chair back and closed her eyes once more, trying to blot out the pain, but with little success, so she sat back up, pushed Jack's hat onto her head and stood very gingerly. She held on to the chair for a while, trying to gain her balance, and hesitantly walked across the poop deck to the steps leading to the main deck.
'Whoa Madalene, ya stay right where you are.' Jack hurried over, took Maddy's arm and led her back down the steps. 'You feelin better after yer nap?' Jack looked at his hat on Maddy's head and grinned.
'Much better thank you, but I think I'll go back to the cabin now. Are we at the island yet?' Maddy tried to turn, but decided against it.
'Aye luv, almost there. We'll have a look around, make t'repairs, then try and find whatever's on that map.' Jack guided his wife carefully down the stairs and to their cabin, then carefully helped her into a chair, taking his hat off her and placed it back on his own head. 'Have some rum Madalene, it'll dull the pain.'
'Yes, and give me a worse one in my head in the process.' Maddy smiled, playing with Jack's beard braids. 'I'd rather ride it out, I'll be all right in a day or so. Now go, I'd like some peace and quiet.' Maddy waved her good hand, shooing Jack away.
'I'll stop down later, t'see how ya are, savvy?' Jack caught Maddy's hand and brought it to his lips, his tongue playfully licking her fingers.
Maddy looked in mock severity at Jack, but didn't remove her hand until he started nibbling her fingers. 'Ah, ah. Off you go.' Jack winked, then made his way out of the cabin and to the helm, wanting to guide The Pearl into the inlet himself.
Maddy sighed and closed her eyes in an effort to stop hot tears from rolling down her cheeks. She feared that her arm would never be right again, and that she'd become a burden to everyone on board. Maddy had visions of ending up in a house in some small port town while Jack was away at sea for months on end, maybe never to return. 'Stop it!' Maddy mentally shook herself, trying to stop the torture. She stood and paced the cabin for a while, then sat in a window seat, watching the tree covered island get ever closer, wondering if there was any more danger to be involved in this escapade.
'Drop anchor.' The Black Pearl slowed to a stop a quarter of a mile from the shore of the inlet. He was pleased to see that there was a clearing that led straight into the heart of the island, giving them chance to explore properly. 'This is probably where Castigne moored,' Jack mused, before turning his attention to the crew's duties. 'We get t'Pearl mended first, an' then, an' only then, we go an' find whatever is on that island, savvy?'
The crew murmured their agreement, and set about the repairs with renewed vigour. Jack then chose a few men to go with him to the island, knowing his curiosity wouldn't hold out that long. He made his way to the cabin to fetch his cutlass and pistol to take, not looking forward to telling Maddy that he'd be going onto the island.
'Ello darlin', how're ya feeling?' Jack bent and kissed Maddy's head, taking care not to knock her arm.
'I'm fine Jack. Are you going over now?' Maddy nodded towards the island through the open window.
'Aye luv, I'm takin' a few men wi'me, so ya needn't worry.' Jack strapped on his belt and sheathed his golden cutlass, then knelt before Maddy. 'I promise I'll be careful luv,' he whispered, cupping Maddy's face in his hands and kissing her tenderly.
'I know you will Jack, try not to stay there too long though, it'll soon be dusk and the wind's getting up.'
'Promise luv.' Jack stood and made his way back out of the cabin, and called to the men he'd selected to go with him to get on deck. Jack clambered over the side of the ship and down to the waiting boat eagerly, impatient to explore and to make sure they weren't about to be ambushed. The men rowed the short distance quickly, and Jack was soon standing on the sandy beach, surveying the scene. The clearing was evidently man made, due to the stumps of trees fringing the beach and a path hewn into the dense overgrown landscape. After making sure each man was well armed, Jack drew his cutlass and pistol and led the way to the path, eyes and ears straining for any unusual sights or sounds. They travelled along the path for about half a mile, and there was no change to the scenery, just a thick wall of trees lining the whole route.
Jack looked up at the sky, then decided enough was enough. 'We head back, there's not enough time ter go any further.'
The men turned and headed back for the shore, all of them glad to be leaving the oppressive island behind for the time being. Jack turned suddenly at a noise, but it was only a macaw flying through the trees. He peered up the path, frowning, trying to decide whether he had seen something or not, then carried on walking, turning suddenly again, to try and catch sight of anything, but found nothing there. Jack was pensive all the way back to the ship, and right up to when he entered the cabin, only smiling as he saw Maddy sleeping peacefully in the bunk, with half a bottle of rum lying on the floor. Jack picked it up and sat in his chair, propping his feet on the table and finishing the bottle off with one swig, craning his neck to look out of the window at the island that was growing darker in the dusk, and he pursed his lips. Jack wasn't the sort to be spooked, or to see things that weren't there, yet this nagged at him. He sat there lost in thought for a while, not noticing Maddy get off the bunk and creep over to him.
'Jack?'
Jack jumped and overbalanced, falling in the chair onto his back. 'Bloody hell luv, don't sneak up on me like that.'
'I'm sorry my love, I did speak, but you were miles away. Did you find anything over there?' Maddy rubbed Jack's back, smiling ruefully.
Jack righted the chair, and fetched another one for Maddy and told her what had happened. 'I swear there was something Madalene, I wish it hadn't been getting towards dusk, or I'd have gone further along.' Jack shook his head slowly, still puzzling over the mystery.
'Well the island will still be there tomorrow love, come on to bed, you look bushed.'
Jack grinned saucily, 'Shame you're not up to.....'
'No I am not Jack Sparrow. Anyone would think that's all you married me for.' Maddy bobbed her tongue out, squeaking with surprise as Jack's mouth covered hers.
'Course it is luv,' he whispered huskily as they broke, grinning at Maddy's pulled face.
'I'm sure we can have fun, without it causing me too much pain,' Maddy's eyes glinted and a slow smile spread across her face, as she led her husband to the bunk.
**********
Maddy looked out of the window, wishing desperately that she could have gone with Jack to the island. She hadn't slept very well, what with images of the battle with Castigne's ship, undead pirates and ghosts in the trees that kept flitting through her mind. They tore and plagued at her mind so much that she eventually climbed over Jack, ignoring the agonising pain shooting through her, and sat in the chair for the rest of the night, huddled in a blanket. Jack had been angry with her when he woke, saying she should have woken him also. Maddy looked into his weary eyes and simply smiled at him, nodding and soothing him until his outburst subsided and he left for the island again with a parting kiss. Now with more men in tow, Jack was determined to find whatever was on that island, the repairs to the ship forgotten about for a moment.
Jack organised his men into groups of four, since he didn't want to risk losing more men if there was danger there. There was only one way to the centre of the island, so the crew of The Black Pearl walked carefully along the path, eyes peeled for anything that moved, and more than one of the men jumped out of his skin as a macaw screeched above them. Jack spied a large clearing ahead and motioned to his men to quieten down. He drew his pistol and crept along the path, while inwardly marvelling at how many big, burly men could manage to keep so quiet. They spread out amongst the trees to conceal themselves and surround the opening, while Jack keeping to the path, with Eb and Tom just behind him. Jack frowned as he heard an audible gasp from one of the men to the left of him, but saw the reason for it as he entered the clearing. For there nestled by the trees, away from the view of the path, was a wooden cabin, which looked decidedly lived in. Jack walked slowly towards it, with a puzzled expression on his face. 'Surely Castigne doesn't live here,' he wondered to himself. Jack lost attention for a fraction too long, and found himself staring down the barrel of a pistol, pointing at him from the dark interior of the cabin.
'Well, well, well, just look who's here... Jack Sparrow.' Jack's eyed widened at the feminine sounding voice.
'Ah, that's *Captain* Jack Sparrow, if yer don't mind, an' I'm afraid yer have me at a disadvantage luv.'
The voice snorted with derision, as the pistol moved forward, revealing the person holding it. 'I've heard you're a cocky bastard Sparrow.'
Jack looked the young woman up and down, taking in her youth and the slim lines of her body. 'Who are ya luv, an' what ya doin' here?' He risked a step forward, pleased when she didn't react.
'Rebecca Bowne.'
Jack blanched and Eb was seized by a fit of coughing, reactions which the young woman found to be greatly amusing.
'You've heard of me then?' She smiled, smugly.
'More like yer father we've heard of luv. Yer *are* the daughter of Geoffrey Bowne, aren't ya?' Jack looked carefully at Rebecca, realising the resemblance she bore to her father, the uncrowned king of the pirates in the Caribbean.
'I am,' Rebecca lowered the pistol and stood with hands on her hips, a look of defiance in her eyes.
'Then what t'bloody hell ya doin' here luv?' Jack looked around him, at the cabin, the isolation.
'Pierre Castigne kidnapped me nine months ago, for a ransom from my father and brought me here, far away from Charles Town, where my father settled after he retired from piracy.'
Jack regarded the young woman suspiciously, something about this just didn't feel right to him. 'So why hasn't yer father come lookin' for ya, or is it that he cares so little fer ya that he decided not to?' Jack hadn't anticipated the slap, and took the full force of Rebecca's blow, sending his head reeling. 'Touched a raw nerve did I luv?' Jack rubbed his cheek and waggled his jaw, trying to get some feeling back, other than pain.
'My father loves me,' Rebecca replied, fighting to keep her voice even, and barely succeeding. She looked Jack up and down with distaste, which the pirate either ignored or didn't notice. 'I didn't think you'd be the sort to coming running to rescue a damsel in distress.'
'Eh? Ya lost me there luv.' Jack took a surreptitious step back, away from Rebecca's reach.
'The map,' she said shortly. 'I got one of Castigne's men to draw a map of the location of this island, with the promise of riches from my father, once he'd delivered or sent the map to him. How did you come by it?'
'Clever girl, shame it went somewhat awry. Nate Keating came by the map somehow, and it came into my possession some three months ago.'
'And it took you all this time to find your way here?!' The young woman cried indignantly. She was still used to having people running to her beck and call, even after so many months of roughing it on the island.
'Excuse *me* luv, but I didn't even know what was on this island, an' being how I was near fatally stabbed, pardon me fer taking me time. Back to t'Pearl.' Jack ordered turning away from Rebecca who stood with her mouth agape.
'What about me, you can't just leave me here?'
'Well unless yer really want me makin' that decision, ya'd best move yer pretty little arse luv.'
'Sparrow, don't you dare talk to me like that!'
'It's Captain Sparrow, an' I'm yer rescuer, so I can talk to ya however I damn well please, savvy?'
'You owe me respect.'
Jack smiled at the petulance in Rebecca's voice, 'Why, cos of who yer father is?' Jack scoffed at her behaviour. 'Nah luv, I respect yer father, but you have ter earn it.' He swaggered down the path, an air of nonchalance disguising the wheels turning inside Jack's head. 'Why hadn't Bowne come for his daughter? Was it worth taking her back home in the hope of a reward?' He didn't chance a glance back at her, he knew she'd be fuming and figured he'd let her follow of her own accord or be left to whoever would happen to come to the island, whenever that might be. These same thoughts had been going through Rebecca's head, and a sigh and a little grumbling, she made to follow Jack and the pirates from the Black Pearl back to the ship.
Jack left her to her thoughts for a portion of the walk before he slowed his pace and fell in step with Rebecca Bowne. 'So why did Castigne keep ya all this time luv, with no reward in sight?'
Rebecca sighed and studied the ground as she walked. 'Castigne, the stupid bastard, decided he wanted me for himself, and declared his undying love for me. He was going to collect the ransom off my father and whisk me off to France and live happily ever after.' She gave a short, harsh laugh, 'Little did he realise that he'd have been dead long before then.'
'Why didn't ya kill him before?' Jack had had many a dealing with pirate's daughters and knew most of them to be as tough, if not tougher than most men.
'Because as long as he was alive, none of his men would touch me, and that way I had a better chance of getting off this Godforsaken bloody island with him alive. Was that you and Castigne battling it out a couple of days ago?'
'Aye luv, I knew there was no way of getting' ter the island with him in t'way.' Jack looked up at his ship, anchored in the bay.
'So Pierre is dead then?' Jack turned sharply and looked at Rebecca with a pensive look on his face, before nodding.
'Pierre? You were on first name terms?'
'You really think I'd still be alive if he knew how much I hated him? Do you really think he wouldn't have abandoned me if he only knew of the thoughts going through my head every time he fucked me?' Rebecca Bowne stopped walking and glared at Jack. 'You of all people know that you do anything to survive. Anything, and if that meant pretending that I wanted Castigne for all these months, then so be it.' Rebecca stomped off down the path towards the beach. Jack stood and watched her thoughtfully for a few moments, before starting on his way again.
Rebecca was already in a boat by the time Jack arrived at the shoreline, and he clambered aboard and sat opposite her. 'So, will yer father reward us fer takin' ya home luv?' Rebecca glared at him and said nothing, turning away and looking out to sea. 'Fine, then I suppose I'll just drop yer off in Nassau, I'm sure you'll find plenty o'willin' men ter look after ya.'
The young woman launched herself across the boat at Jack, shrieking, arms flailing wildly. 'Bastard! All you men are the same, you don't give a fuck about me, you're all bastards.' Her tirade ended when Jack, half stood in the boat, grabbed Rebecca around the middle and tipped her overboard.
'Maybe that'll cool ya off luv. Ya wanna swim to t'Pearl?'
No response.
'Fine, keep rowing Moyles, I'll bet the lass will be glad of some exercise after being cooped up on that island all this time.'
The men in the boat laughed and Moyles put some extra strength to his strokes, taking them away from Rebecca quickly.
'Sparrow! Come back here Sparrow, you can't leave me here!' Rebecca flailed in the water, and promptly began to sink.
'Bloody 'ell, here we go again.' Jack stripped off his belt, hat and coat and dove gracefully into the water, swimming towards where Rebecca had been. He went under to search for her, spotted her with no trouble and grabbed her, then kicked for the surface, trying to hold onto her as she struggled in his arms. Moyles had already taken the boat back to get them, and many hands hauled both Jack and Rebecca back on board.
Rebecca sat dripping and gasping for breath, all the while avoiding Jack's eyes until she heard him chuckling.
'A pirate's daughter an' yer can't even swim?' Jack laughed out loud as he pushed his hat back on, and buckled his belt up again.
'Shut up Sparrow.' Rebecca pouted, folding her arms and glaring at him.
'If, and at the moment luv, it's a very big if... If I take yer back to yer old man, then you'll have ter start treatin' me w'respect, an' that means using me proper title, savvy?' Jack grabbed a rope as they drew alongside The Black Pearl and climbed up with ease, leaving Rebecca to find her own way.
Maddy had been watching the shenanigans from the side of this ship, wondering what on earth was going on, and who the woman was. She looked at her bedraggled husband as he climbed on board. 'Jack?'
'Cabin luv, I'll fill yer in there.' Jack strode to the cabin, with a very puzzled and bemused Maddy in tow. 'Ya probably haven't heard of Geoffrey Bowne, he's one o'the most successful and feared pirates on t'Spanish Main. Or rather he was, he's retired now, lives in the Carolina's, spending his hoard no doubt. That there bundle of fun is his daughter, and his only child I believe, Rebecca Bowne. Castigne kidnapped her some nine months ago for ransom, but fell for her. He was goin' ter collect t'ransom, than sail them back ter France and live happily ever after. Can ya believe that?' Jack stripped off his wet clothes and dried himself with a rag before pulling on a pair of dry breeches.
'The whole thing sounds a little fishy to me Jack.' Maddy sat on the window seat, easing her shoulder back and forth.
'Aye, that's my thought as well luv. So what do we do wi'her?' Jack sat beside Maddy and gently massaged her neck to ease the knots in it from hunching her shoulder.
'Why hasn't her father paid the ransom?'
Jack shrugged and shook his head, 'Dunno luv, there must be a reason for it.'
'How about I go and talk to her, she might open up to a woman.' Maddy kissed Jack in thanks, and went off in search of the young woman. She ended up in the galley, where she stood and watched for a moment as Rebecca tucked into Tom's fish stew, before entering the room.
'Hello, I'm Maddy, Jack's wife.' Maddy held out her hand, impressed with Rebecca's strong grip.
'Rebecca Bowne, but I suppose you already know that. I didn't know Sparrow was married.'
'It's Captain Sparrow, and you might do well to remember that if you're thinking of getting back home anytime soon.' Maddy eased herself on to the bench, next to Rebecca, adjusting her sling to give her more room.
'What have you done?' Rebecca nodded at Maddy's arm, still spooning the food into her mouth.
'I got hit during the battle with Castigne's ship. I took a shot in the arm and went out by my shoulder. Why hasn't your father done anything to rescue you, do you suppose?'
'You're direct.' Rebecca stopped eating and turned to look at Maddy properly. 'I'm sure my father has done everything possible to find me.'
'Hmmm, it doesn't seem like it to us, nine months is a bloody long time. Are you sure there was no feelings for Castigne on your part?' Maddy started as Rebecca jumped up, glaring at Maddy in anger.
'No there bloody well wasn't! I'm not some whore who opens her legs for any man that comes along. You've no idea what it's like to be held captive and used! You have no idea at all.' Rebecca stormed out of the galley and hurried down the corridor, with no idea as to where she was going. Maddy sighed, stood and followed her until they reached a small cabin, sectioned off from the corridor only by a tarp strung across the opening.
'Come on in here and let's talk,' Maddy took the girl's arm and steered her inside. 'I do know what it's like, only too well.' Maddy sat on an upturned barrel and recounted her experiences with Paul Burns, trying to keep her voice even and her heart from pounding. She sat in silence when she'd finished, lost in thought until she became aware of Rebecca's hand covering hers.
'I'm sorry, I... I didn't realise. We'd heard rumours that Burns was dead, but being so far along the Americas coast, we don't hear many details as to what's going on in this part of the world any more.' Rebecca looked at Maddy and bitterly regretted her words earlier, as the older woman was clearly upset by them.
'Why did your father move so far away and not settle somewhere like Tortuga?' Maddy managed a weak smile, mostly for Rebecca's benefit.
'He wanted to leave piracy well behind him.' It seemed a reasonable enough answer, except the fact that Rebecca averted her eyes and looked quite uncomfortable.
'I don't blame him,' Maddy smiled and got to her feet. 'Come on, let's find you some clothes and a bunk. Don't worry, you won't be sleeping with the crew.' Maddy led Rebecca to her and Jack's cabin, relieved to find it empty, and sorted Rebecca some clothes from her chest. 'They may be a bit big for you, but they'll do.' She left the young woman in peace to get changed and sought out her husband.
'Well?' Jack moved away from the side of the ship, to allow Maddy into his arms and then pressed against her.
'Well, there's something she's not telling us, that's for sure. But there was nothing between her and Castigne. What do you have planned for her Jack?'
'Dunno. I wish I'd never bothered wi'the bloody map now luv. It almost cost me me life, got you hurt, damaged me ship, lost me some crew and what do I have to show fer it? A bloody lass wi'attitude, that's what. I shan't take her home, til we find out what she's hiding, savvy? That's yer job Madalene, I want a guarantee that there'll be some sort o'reward when her old man gets her back.'
Maddy nodded and settled back into Jack's arms, purring with pleasure as he nuzzled her neck. 'We'll give her chance to settle down and get over everything first, and then see how things go.' Maddy closed her eyes as Jack's tongue traced the outline of her ear and shivered, not caring if any of the crew watching.
'Aye luv,' Jack whispered, 'But only until t'repairs on the ship are complete. If she hasn't told us by then, we drop her off at the nearest port.'
'Which will be....?'
'Ah, ah Madalene, you know I don't allow yer to ask that question any more luv,' Jack teased, only half joking. 'Might head back fer Freetown, and see how Will's doin, if we're not goin' up t'coast of the Americas that is.' Jack looked around as Rebecca came onto the deck, dressed in some of Maddy's work clothes with her long blonde hair tied back. 'Hmmm, she's a bit of a looker,' Jack thought, but quickly chastised himself as he looked back at his wife. 'Go on luv, go an' make friends wi'the little minx.' Jack patted Maddy's bottom as she past him, then looked again at Rebecca watching them and smiled sarcastically.
'Hello again, do you feel more comfortable?' Maddy smiled at Rebecca, wondering why she didn't quite feel at ease with the girl.
'Yes much more comfortable, thank you. I didn't think Jack Sparrow was the lovey dovey sort.' Rebecca looked past Maddy at Jack, who was supervising the repairs to the port side from over the side of the deck.
'There's a lot you obviously don't know about my husband, and if you want him to take you home, then I suggest you start telling the truth.' Maddy groaned inwardly at the sudden hostile look she got from the young woman, and cursed herself for being sharper than she'd intended.
'Why do you think I'm lying? Do you think it impossible that I'm telling you the truth?' Maddy gave no answer as Rebecca glared at her. 'Fine, drop me off wherever, I'll find my own way home. I don't need or want your help.' Rebecca turned and made for the stairs below, but Maddy caught hold of her arm.
'Wait, I'm sorry I didn't mean that. My arm is making me tetchy I suppose, please forgive me.' Maddy let go of Rebecca's arm, but moved in front of her, so she couldn't bolt down the stairs.
Rebecca thought long and hard before nodding. 'I suppose I'm feeling tetchy as well, let's call it quits?'
The women shook hands, much to Maddy's relief. 'Come on, I'll give you a guided tour, although as you probably know, once you've seen inside one ship, you've seen them all.' Maddy smiled at Rebecca and then led the way through the ship, thinking of the time Joshamee Gibbs had done the same for her, some two years previously.
Hilary, you're really going to have to let someone else have a chance of 'first prize!'
KK, all will be revealed – read on....
Sakhara, thank you takes a bow Time for another chapter from you isn't it? :p
Elven-fae, she ain't so bad really – I suppose....!
QMN, I haven't got round to reading your time travel story, although I love Daniel
Rochdur, thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Special thanks to Linnie for all her input in this chapter – XX
A small word of warning, there's some pretty strong language in this, more than usual.
**********
Chapter 43
Maddy looked up in terror as the main sail came crashing towards her, her eyes snapped open while her hand flailed against the covering on her face. She panted with relief as she looked at Jack's hat in her hand, but winced as the pain from the movement had sent pain shooting through her shoulder and arm. Maddy rested her head against the chair back and closed her eyes once more, trying to blot out the pain, but with little success, so she sat back up, pushed Jack's hat onto her head and stood very gingerly. She held on to the chair for a while, trying to gain her balance, and hesitantly walked across the poop deck to the steps leading to the main deck.
'Whoa Madalene, ya stay right where you are.' Jack hurried over, took Maddy's arm and led her back down the steps. 'You feelin better after yer nap?' Jack looked at his hat on Maddy's head and grinned.
'Much better thank you, but I think I'll go back to the cabin now. Are we at the island yet?' Maddy tried to turn, but decided against it.
'Aye luv, almost there. We'll have a look around, make t'repairs, then try and find whatever's on that map.' Jack guided his wife carefully down the stairs and to their cabin, then carefully helped her into a chair, taking his hat off her and placed it back on his own head. 'Have some rum Madalene, it'll dull the pain.'
'Yes, and give me a worse one in my head in the process.' Maddy smiled, playing with Jack's beard braids. 'I'd rather ride it out, I'll be all right in a day or so. Now go, I'd like some peace and quiet.' Maddy waved her good hand, shooing Jack away.
'I'll stop down later, t'see how ya are, savvy?' Jack caught Maddy's hand and brought it to his lips, his tongue playfully licking her fingers.
Maddy looked in mock severity at Jack, but didn't remove her hand until he started nibbling her fingers. 'Ah, ah. Off you go.' Jack winked, then made his way out of the cabin and to the helm, wanting to guide The Pearl into the inlet himself.
Maddy sighed and closed her eyes in an effort to stop hot tears from rolling down her cheeks. She feared that her arm would never be right again, and that she'd become a burden to everyone on board. Maddy had visions of ending up in a house in some small port town while Jack was away at sea for months on end, maybe never to return. 'Stop it!' Maddy mentally shook herself, trying to stop the torture. She stood and paced the cabin for a while, then sat in a window seat, watching the tree covered island get ever closer, wondering if there was any more danger to be involved in this escapade.
'Drop anchor.' The Black Pearl slowed to a stop a quarter of a mile from the shore of the inlet. He was pleased to see that there was a clearing that led straight into the heart of the island, giving them chance to explore properly. 'This is probably where Castigne moored,' Jack mused, before turning his attention to the crew's duties. 'We get t'Pearl mended first, an' then, an' only then, we go an' find whatever is on that island, savvy?'
The crew murmured their agreement, and set about the repairs with renewed vigour. Jack then chose a few men to go with him to the island, knowing his curiosity wouldn't hold out that long. He made his way to the cabin to fetch his cutlass and pistol to take, not looking forward to telling Maddy that he'd be going onto the island.
'Ello darlin', how're ya feeling?' Jack bent and kissed Maddy's head, taking care not to knock her arm.
'I'm fine Jack. Are you going over now?' Maddy nodded towards the island through the open window.
'Aye luv, I'm takin' a few men wi'me, so ya needn't worry.' Jack strapped on his belt and sheathed his golden cutlass, then knelt before Maddy. 'I promise I'll be careful luv,' he whispered, cupping Maddy's face in his hands and kissing her tenderly.
'I know you will Jack, try not to stay there too long though, it'll soon be dusk and the wind's getting up.'
'Promise luv.' Jack stood and made his way back out of the cabin, and called to the men he'd selected to go with him to get on deck. Jack clambered over the side of the ship and down to the waiting boat eagerly, impatient to explore and to make sure they weren't about to be ambushed. The men rowed the short distance quickly, and Jack was soon standing on the sandy beach, surveying the scene. The clearing was evidently man made, due to the stumps of trees fringing the beach and a path hewn into the dense overgrown landscape. After making sure each man was well armed, Jack drew his cutlass and pistol and led the way to the path, eyes and ears straining for any unusual sights or sounds. They travelled along the path for about half a mile, and there was no change to the scenery, just a thick wall of trees lining the whole route.
Jack looked up at the sky, then decided enough was enough. 'We head back, there's not enough time ter go any further.'
The men turned and headed back for the shore, all of them glad to be leaving the oppressive island behind for the time being. Jack turned suddenly at a noise, but it was only a macaw flying through the trees. He peered up the path, frowning, trying to decide whether he had seen something or not, then carried on walking, turning suddenly again, to try and catch sight of anything, but found nothing there. Jack was pensive all the way back to the ship, and right up to when he entered the cabin, only smiling as he saw Maddy sleeping peacefully in the bunk, with half a bottle of rum lying on the floor. Jack picked it up and sat in his chair, propping his feet on the table and finishing the bottle off with one swig, craning his neck to look out of the window at the island that was growing darker in the dusk, and he pursed his lips. Jack wasn't the sort to be spooked, or to see things that weren't there, yet this nagged at him. He sat there lost in thought for a while, not noticing Maddy get off the bunk and creep over to him.
'Jack?'
Jack jumped and overbalanced, falling in the chair onto his back. 'Bloody hell luv, don't sneak up on me like that.'
'I'm sorry my love, I did speak, but you were miles away. Did you find anything over there?' Maddy rubbed Jack's back, smiling ruefully.
Jack righted the chair, and fetched another one for Maddy and told her what had happened. 'I swear there was something Madalene, I wish it hadn't been getting towards dusk, or I'd have gone further along.' Jack shook his head slowly, still puzzling over the mystery.
'Well the island will still be there tomorrow love, come on to bed, you look bushed.'
Jack grinned saucily, 'Shame you're not up to.....'
'No I am not Jack Sparrow. Anyone would think that's all you married me for.' Maddy bobbed her tongue out, squeaking with surprise as Jack's mouth covered hers.
'Course it is luv,' he whispered huskily as they broke, grinning at Maddy's pulled face.
'I'm sure we can have fun, without it causing me too much pain,' Maddy's eyes glinted and a slow smile spread across her face, as she led her husband to the bunk.
**********
Maddy looked out of the window, wishing desperately that she could have gone with Jack to the island. She hadn't slept very well, what with images of the battle with Castigne's ship, undead pirates and ghosts in the trees that kept flitting through her mind. They tore and plagued at her mind so much that she eventually climbed over Jack, ignoring the agonising pain shooting through her, and sat in the chair for the rest of the night, huddled in a blanket. Jack had been angry with her when he woke, saying she should have woken him also. Maddy looked into his weary eyes and simply smiled at him, nodding and soothing him until his outburst subsided and he left for the island again with a parting kiss. Now with more men in tow, Jack was determined to find whatever was on that island, the repairs to the ship forgotten about for a moment.
Jack organised his men into groups of four, since he didn't want to risk losing more men if there was danger there. There was only one way to the centre of the island, so the crew of The Black Pearl walked carefully along the path, eyes peeled for anything that moved, and more than one of the men jumped out of his skin as a macaw screeched above them. Jack spied a large clearing ahead and motioned to his men to quieten down. He drew his pistol and crept along the path, while inwardly marvelling at how many big, burly men could manage to keep so quiet. They spread out amongst the trees to conceal themselves and surround the opening, while Jack keeping to the path, with Eb and Tom just behind him. Jack frowned as he heard an audible gasp from one of the men to the left of him, but saw the reason for it as he entered the clearing. For there nestled by the trees, away from the view of the path, was a wooden cabin, which looked decidedly lived in. Jack walked slowly towards it, with a puzzled expression on his face. 'Surely Castigne doesn't live here,' he wondered to himself. Jack lost attention for a fraction too long, and found himself staring down the barrel of a pistol, pointing at him from the dark interior of the cabin.
'Well, well, well, just look who's here... Jack Sparrow.' Jack's eyed widened at the feminine sounding voice.
'Ah, that's *Captain* Jack Sparrow, if yer don't mind, an' I'm afraid yer have me at a disadvantage luv.'
The voice snorted with derision, as the pistol moved forward, revealing the person holding it. 'I've heard you're a cocky bastard Sparrow.'
Jack looked the young woman up and down, taking in her youth and the slim lines of her body. 'Who are ya luv, an' what ya doin' here?' He risked a step forward, pleased when she didn't react.
'Rebecca Bowne.'
Jack blanched and Eb was seized by a fit of coughing, reactions which the young woman found to be greatly amusing.
'You've heard of me then?' She smiled, smugly.
'More like yer father we've heard of luv. Yer *are* the daughter of Geoffrey Bowne, aren't ya?' Jack looked carefully at Rebecca, realising the resemblance she bore to her father, the uncrowned king of the pirates in the Caribbean.
'I am,' Rebecca lowered the pistol and stood with hands on her hips, a look of defiance in her eyes.
'Then what t'bloody hell ya doin' here luv?' Jack looked around him, at the cabin, the isolation.
'Pierre Castigne kidnapped me nine months ago, for a ransom from my father and brought me here, far away from Charles Town, where my father settled after he retired from piracy.'
Jack regarded the young woman suspiciously, something about this just didn't feel right to him. 'So why hasn't yer father come lookin' for ya, or is it that he cares so little fer ya that he decided not to?' Jack hadn't anticipated the slap, and took the full force of Rebecca's blow, sending his head reeling. 'Touched a raw nerve did I luv?' Jack rubbed his cheek and waggled his jaw, trying to get some feeling back, other than pain.
'My father loves me,' Rebecca replied, fighting to keep her voice even, and barely succeeding. She looked Jack up and down with distaste, which the pirate either ignored or didn't notice. 'I didn't think you'd be the sort to coming running to rescue a damsel in distress.'
'Eh? Ya lost me there luv.' Jack took a surreptitious step back, away from Rebecca's reach.
'The map,' she said shortly. 'I got one of Castigne's men to draw a map of the location of this island, with the promise of riches from my father, once he'd delivered or sent the map to him. How did you come by it?'
'Clever girl, shame it went somewhat awry. Nate Keating came by the map somehow, and it came into my possession some three months ago.'
'And it took you all this time to find your way here?!' The young woman cried indignantly. She was still used to having people running to her beck and call, even after so many months of roughing it on the island.
'Excuse *me* luv, but I didn't even know what was on this island, an' being how I was near fatally stabbed, pardon me fer taking me time. Back to t'Pearl.' Jack ordered turning away from Rebecca who stood with her mouth agape.
'What about me, you can't just leave me here?'
'Well unless yer really want me makin' that decision, ya'd best move yer pretty little arse luv.'
'Sparrow, don't you dare talk to me like that!'
'It's Captain Sparrow, an' I'm yer rescuer, so I can talk to ya however I damn well please, savvy?'
'You owe me respect.'
Jack smiled at the petulance in Rebecca's voice, 'Why, cos of who yer father is?' Jack scoffed at her behaviour. 'Nah luv, I respect yer father, but you have ter earn it.' He swaggered down the path, an air of nonchalance disguising the wheels turning inside Jack's head. 'Why hadn't Bowne come for his daughter? Was it worth taking her back home in the hope of a reward?' He didn't chance a glance back at her, he knew she'd be fuming and figured he'd let her follow of her own accord or be left to whoever would happen to come to the island, whenever that might be. These same thoughts had been going through Rebecca's head, and a sigh and a little grumbling, she made to follow Jack and the pirates from the Black Pearl back to the ship.
Jack left her to her thoughts for a portion of the walk before he slowed his pace and fell in step with Rebecca Bowne. 'So why did Castigne keep ya all this time luv, with no reward in sight?'
Rebecca sighed and studied the ground as she walked. 'Castigne, the stupid bastard, decided he wanted me for himself, and declared his undying love for me. He was going to collect the ransom off my father and whisk me off to France and live happily ever after.' She gave a short, harsh laugh, 'Little did he realise that he'd have been dead long before then.'
'Why didn't ya kill him before?' Jack had had many a dealing with pirate's daughters and knew most of them to be as tough, if not tougher than most men.
'Because as long as he was alive, none of his men would touch me, and that way I had a better chance of getting off this Godforsaken bloody island with him alive. Was that you and Castigne battling it out a couple of days ago?'
'Aye luv, I knew there was no way of getting' ter the island with him in t'way.' Jack looked up at his ship, anchored in the bay.
'So Pierre is dead then?' Jack turned sharply and looked at Rebecca with a pensive look on his face, before nodding.
'Pierre? You were on first name terms?'
'You really think I'd still be alive if he knew how much I hated him? Do you really think he wouldn't have abandoned me if he only knew of the thoughts going through my head every time he fucked me?' Rebecca Bowne stopped walking and glared at Jack. 'You of all people know that you do anything to survive. Anything, and if that meant pretending that I wanted Castigne for all these months, then so be it.' Rebecca stomped off down the path towards the beach. Jack stood and watched her thoughtfully for a few moments, before starting on his way again.
Rebecca was already in a boat by the time Jack arrived at the shoreline, and he clambered aboard and sat opposite her. 'So, will yer father reward us fer takin' ya home luv?' Rebecca glared at him and said nothing, turning away and looking out to sea. 'Fine, then I suppose I'll just drop yer off in Nassau, I'm sure you'll find plenty o'willin' men ter look after ya.'
The young woman launched herself across the boat at Jack, shrieking, arms flailing wildly. 'Bastard! All you men are the same, you don't give a fuck about me, you're all bastards.' Her tirade ended when Jack, half stood in the boat, grabbed Rebecca around the middle and tipped her overboard.
'Maybe that'll cool ya off luv. Ya wanna swim to t'Pearl?'
No response.
'Fine, keep rowing Moyles, I'll bet the lass will be glad of some exercise after being cooped up on that island all this time.'
The men in the boat laughed and Moyles put some extra strength to his strokes, taking them away from Rebecca quickly.
'Sparrow! Come back here Sparrow, you can't leave me here!' Rebecca flailed in the water, and promptly began to sink.
'Bloody 'ell, here we go again.' Jack stripped off his belt, hat and coat and dove gracefully into the water, swimming towards where Rebecca had been. He went under to search for her, spotted her with no trouble and grabbed her, then kicked for the surface, trying to hold onto her as she struggled in his arms. Moyles had already taken the boat back to get them, and many hands hauled both Jack and Rebecca back on board.
Rebecca sat dripping and gasping for breath, all the while avoiding Jack's eyes until she heard him chuckling.
'A pirate's daughter an' yer can't even swim?' Jack laughed out loud as he pushed his hat back on, and buckled his belt up again.
'Shut up Sparrow.' Rebecca pouted, folding her arms and glaring at him.
'If, and at the moment luv, it's a very big if... If I take yer back to yer old man, then you'll have ter start treatin' me w'respect, an' that means using me proper title, savvy?' Jack grabbed a rope as they drew alongside The Black Pearl and climbed up with ease, leaving Rebecca to find her own way.
Maddy had been watching the shenanigans from the side of this ship, wondering what on earth was going on, and who the woman was. She looked at her bedraggled husband as he climbed on board. 'Jack?'
'Cabin luv, I'll fill yer in there.' Jack strode to the cabin, with a very puzzled and bemused Maddy in tow. 'Ya probably haven't heard of Geoffrey Bowne, he's one o'the most successful and feared pirates on t'Spanish Main. Or rather he was, he's retired now, lives in the Carolina's, spending his hoard no doubt. That there bundle of fun is his daughter, and his only child I believe, Rebecca Bowne. Castigne kidnapped her some nine months ago for ransom, but fell for her. He was goin' ter collect t'ransom, than sail them back ter France and live happily ever after. Can ya believe that?' Jack stripped off his wet clothes and dried himself with a rag before pulling on a pair of dry breeches.
'The whole thing sounds a little fishy to me Jack.' Maddy sat on the window seat, easing her shoulder back and forth.
'Aye, that's my thought as well luv. So what do we do wi'her?' Jack sat beside Maddy and gently massaged her neck to ease the knots in it from hunching her shoulder.
'Why hasn't her father paid the ransom?'
Jack shrugged and shook his head, 'Dunno luv, there must be a reason for it.'
'How about I go and talk to her, she might open up to a woman.' Maddy kissed Jack in thanks, and went off in search of the young woman. She ended up in the galley, where she stood and watched for a moment as Rebecca tucked into Tom's fish stew, before entering the room.
'Hello, I'm Maddy, Jack's wife.' Maddy held out her hand, impressed with Rebecca's strong grip.
'Rebecca Bowne, but I suppose you already know that. I didn't know Sparrow was married.'
'It's Captain Sparrow, and you might do well to remember that if you're thinking of getting back home anytime soon.' Maddy eased herself on to the bench, next to Rebecca, adjusting her sling to give her more room.
'What have you done?' Rebecca nodded at Maddy's arm, still spooning the food into her mouth.
'I got hit during the battle with Castigne's ship. I took a shot in the arm and went out by my shoulder. Why hasn't your father done anything to rescue you, do you suppose?'
'You're direct.' Rebecca stopped eating and turned to look at Maddy properly. 'I'm sure my father has done everything possible to find me.'
'Hmmm, it doesn't seem like it to us, nine months is a bloody long time. Are you sure there was no feelings for Castigne on your part?' Maddy started as Rebecca jumped up, glaring at Maddy in anger.
'No there bloody well wasn't! I'm not some whore who opens her legs for any man that comes along. You've no idea what it's like to be held captive and used! You have no idea at all.' Rebecca stormed out of the galley and hurried down the corridor, with no idea as to where she was going. Maddy sighed, stood and followed her until they reached a small cabin, sectioned off from the corridor only by a tarp strung across the opening.
'Come on in here and let's talk,' Maddy took the girl's arm and steered her inside. 'I do know what it's like, only too well.' Maddy sat on an upturned barrel and recounted her experiences with Paul Burns, trying to keep her voice even and her heart from pounding. She sat in silence when she'd finished, lost in thought until she became aware of Rebecca's hand covering hers.
'I'm sorry, I... I didn't realise. We'd heard rumours that Burns was dead, but being so far along the Americas coast, we don't hear many details as to what's going on in this part of the world any more.' Rebecca looked at Maddy and bitterly regretted her words earlier, as the older woman was clearly upset by them.
'Why did your father move so far away and not settle somewhere like Tortuga?' Maddy managed a weak smile, mostly for Rebecca's benefit.
'He wanted to leave piracy well behind him.' It seemed a reasonable enough answer, except the fact that Rebecca averted her eyes and looked quite uncomfortable.
'I don't blame him,' Maddy smiled and got to her feet. 'Come on, let's find you some clothes and a bunk. Don't worry, you won't be sleeping with the crew.' Maddy led Rebecca to her and Jack's cabin, relieved to find it empty, and sorted Rebecca some clothes from her chest. 'They may be a bit big for you, but they'll do.' She left the young woman in peace to get changed and sought out her husband.
'Well?' Jack moved away from the side of the ship, to allow Maddy into his arms and then pressed against her.
'Well, there's something she's not telling us, that's for sure. But there was nothing between her and Castigne. What do you have planned for her Jack?'
'Dunno. I wish I'd never bothered wi'the bloody map now luv. It almost cost me me life, got you hurt, damaged me ship, lost me some crew and what do I have to show fer it? A bloody lass wi'attitude, that's what. I shan't take her home, til we find out what she's hiding, savvy? That's yer job Madalene, I want a guarantee that there'll be some sort o'reward when her old man gets her back.'
Maddy nodded and settled back into Jack's arms, purring with pleasure as he nuzzled her neck. 'We'll give her chance to settle down and get over everything first, and then see how things go.' Maddy closed her eyes as Jack's tongue traced the outline of her ear and shivered, not caring if any of the crew watching.
'Aye luv,' Jack whispered, 'But only until t'repairs on the ship are complete. If she hasn't told us by then, we drop her off at the nearest port.'
'Which will be....?'
'Ah, ah Madalene, you know I don't allow yer to ask that question any more luv,' Jack teased, only half joking. 'Might head back fer Freetown, and see how Will's doin, if we're not goin' up t'coast of the Americas that is.' Jack looked around as Rebecca came onto the deck, dressed in some of Maddy's work clothes with her long blonde hair tied back. 'Hmmm, she's a bit of a looker,' Jack thought, but quickly chastised himself as he looked back at his wife. 'Go on luv, go an' make friends wi'the little minx.' Jack patted Maddy's bottom as she past him, then looked again at Rebecca watching them and smiled sarcastically.
'Hello again, do you feel more comfortable?' Maddy smiled at Rebecca, wondering why she didn't quite feel at ease with the girl.
'Yes much more comfortable, thank you. I didn't think Jack Sparrow was the lovey dovey sort.' Rebecca looked past Maddy at Jack, who was supervising the repairs to the port side from over the side of the deck.
'There's a lot you obviously don't know about my husband, and if you want him to take you home, then I suggest you start telling the truth.' Maddy groaned inwardly at the sudden hostile look she got from the young woman, and cursed herself for being sharper than she'd intended.
'Why do you think I'm lying? Do you think it impossible that I'm telling you the truth?' Maddy gave no answer as Rebecca glared at her. 'Fine, drop me off wherever, I'll find my own way home. I don't need or want your help.' Rebecca turned and made for the stairs below, but Maddy caught hold of her arm.
'Wait, I'm sorry I didn't mean that. My arm is making me tetchy I suppose, please forgive me.' Maddy let go of Rebecca's arm, but moved in front of her, so she couldn't bolt down the stairs.
Rebecca thought long and hard before nodding. 'I suppose I'm feeling tetchy as well, let's call it quits?'
The women shook hands, much to Maddy's relief. 'Come on, I'll give you a guided tour, although as you probably know, once you've seen inside one ship, you've seen them all.' Maddy smiled at Rebecca and then led the way through the ship, thinking of the time Joshamee Gibbs had done the same for her, some two years previously.