The crew of The Pearl tied rags around their mouths and noses, but still the stench of decaying bodies and lamp oil pervaded them. Jack cursed the following wind, sending thanks that they were not going too far out to sea and that he hadn't had a lot to drink the previous night, unlike most of the crew, who were looking decidedly green about the gills.
'Moyles, we'll go 'bout three miles out. That should be far enough, savvy?' Jack's voice was muffled by his bandana around his mouth.
'Aye Cap'n,' came the equally muffled reply.
'Aw bugger this, run out t'sweeps, let's get there quickly.' Jack felt his ship lurch forward as the oars stroked the water, giving speed to their mission. When Jack decided they were far enough out, he gave the order to stay the ship, but not drop anchor, then sent for the minister, who had spend the short journey in Jack's cabin talking to Maddy.
Jack cut the tow rope connecting the barge to the ship and Tom lit a torch and hurled it onto the tarpaulin covering the bodies, while the minister intoned a eulogy for the souls on the barge, watching as the flames spread across it quickly. Jack ordered the crew to set sail once more, wanting to be as far away from the blazing boat as swiftly as he could and told Moyles to head for The Interceptor II, anchored off Half Moon Bay, just west of Port Royal.
When the two ships were safely moored to one another, Jack swung over to the naval ship, reveling in the looks of horror he was getting from most of the men onboard. When he noticed that they were glanced behind him appreciatively at Maddy who had just swung over, he scowled at them.
'The Commodore will see you in the captain's cabin, follow me.' Theodore Groves nodded at Maddy then led the way to the captain's quarters. He rapped on the door and entered when called from within. 'Captain and Mrs. Sparrow, Commodore.'
'Ah, thank you Groves… that will be all.' James Norrington stood and covered some documents he had been looking at with a map, smiling sardonically at Jack as he did so. 'Well, Sp…Captain Sparrow, what is it you want?'
'Well Norrie, I did what yer wanted, like a good and helpful citizen. Now, I'd like ter know what yer going ter do by way o'thanks?'
'Thanks? Is it not enough that you have done at least something good in your life?' The Commodore shook his head and pulled a face at the nerve of the pirate.
'Ah, it's good ter be good fer sure, but being good don't benefit me personally does it?' Jack's tone was light, but his eyes were hard as rock.
'And what personal benefit were you seeking Sparrow?'
'A letter of Marque'd do it about nicely….' Jack looked about the cabin casually, ignoring the look of outrage he was getting from the naval man as well as the stern look from his wife.
'A letter of Marque? I've never given a letter of Marque to any pirate, why would I give one to you?'
'Cos I did yer a huge favour mate. I could do as t'other pirates here are, an' loot those who've already lost everything, but I ain't like that.
James Norrington sighed deeply. It seemed that Jack Sparrow had him over a barrel yet again. 'But….,' he thought to himself. 'But, if I do give him a letter of Marque, he won't bother me in future, and I won't have to waste time trying to hang the man.' James looked from Maddy to Jack, a slow smile spreading across his face. 'Very well Sparrow, you shall have your letter and become a privateer, but attack one British ship and I shall have you hunted down at any cost and will see you hanged, do I make myself clear?'
'Inescapably clear, Commodore.' Jack winked at a stony faced Maddy, then swaggered across the cabin, where Norrington had retrieved a rather dusty and crumpled sheet of paper from the drawer. 'Bit tatty ain't it mate?' Jack looked at his old adversary crossly, not liking the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
'As I said, I never give these out, so you should consider yourself lucky you're getting it at all,' Norrington smirked, before signing the letter with a flourish and handing it to Jack. 'Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm very busy. Maddy, it was lovely to see you again,' James crossed the cabin and embraced Maddy, kissing her lightly on the cheek. 'I'm only sorry it wasn't in more pleasant circumstances.'
'As am I James,' Maddy returned the kiss. 'Will you remain in the Caribbean?'
'I have no idea, although I hope so. I find the climate rather more agreeable than the British one.'
'Take care James, I hope to see you again some day.'
'Same here Maddy…. Jack.' Norrington nodded curtly at the pirate, who clasped his hands together and bowed his head before turning and leading his wife from the cabin, the precious letter folded neatly and tucked into a pocket inside his coat.
Jack waved flamboyantly at the marines on the deck of The Interceptor II, then grabbed a rope and handed it to Maddy, patting her behind as she swung back the The Pearl, then grabbed the rope as it came back over and with one last wave, swung back to his ship. 'Shake a leg yer scabrous dogs! We've got a date wi'Tortuga.' Jack grinned at his crew, who were now in much lighter spirits knowing that they were heading away from the wreck at Port Royal and heading to their favourite port.
'Jack Sparrow!' Jack winced at the tone in his wife's voice and tried to sneak below, gulping as she grabbed him by the collar and hauled him back.
'Madalene…' Jack croaked, smiling artlessly.
'You needn't Madalene me. You planned that all along.' Maddy stood before Jack, arms folded and a cross frown on her face.
'Nah luv, I didn't an' that's t'truth. I just made t'most of an opportune moment, savvy?' Jack smiled at his wife's softening face, then kissed her forehead.
'You're incorrigible Jack,' Maddy shook her head, trying unsuccessfully to stop a smile.
'Pirate!' Jack exclaimed as he flourished his arms and winked at his wife. 'Well, no actually, I'm a privateer now ain't I?' Jack grinned, putting an arm around Maddy's shoulder. 'What say we go an' celebrate?'
'Sounds like the best idea you've had all day,' Maddy laughed as she put her arm around Jack's waist as they made their way to their cabin.
I have some bad news. This is the penultimate chapter, the story ends with the next one.