Just a quick warning . . . character death! *ducks to avoid various glares, rotten fruit and veg, Sparrow's Pearl and Savy's plank, etc*
*~*~*
Dugan sat outside the little stone-built hut, gazing up at the headland where the men were gathered, two factions facing one another across an untouched battlefield. Behind him, in the hut, he could hear gasps and whimpers, assuming it was an argument taking place between the women. After all, they were difficult to understand when they spoke English, how could he expect to understand them when they communicated in a language of their own? His attention was fixed on the headland, so much so that he stood to find himself a better viewpoint of the battle to come.
Suddenly there was a loud curse from the hut, and he spun, hearing Marin's unmistakable grasp of oaths in full voice. In alarm, he moved to enter, shoved out of the way by Savy as she came hurtling from the hut, her eyes wide. She grasped his arm to stop him going in.
'Trust me, you really don't want to go in there, Dugan,' she said firmly.
He frowned up at her, confused.
'Why?' he asked. 'What's happening?'
Savy rolled her eyes, refusing to relinquish her grip on his arm.
'The baby's coming, idiot,' she snapped. 'I'm not staying in there. She's nuts.'
Which she does she mean, Dugan wondered, before the import of what she was saying sank in.
'Marin's babbie?' he asked stupidly. 'Coming noo?'
'Yes, Dugan, it is,' Elizabeth said suddenly, appearing in the doorway. 'Savy, we need hot water and a shawl or something to wrap the child in. Dugan'll help you, and then he can run up to the headland and tell Jack. Is that alright?'
She didn't wait for an answer, spinning back into the hut in response to another cry of pain from Marin, whom Dugan could see standing bent double over a chair.
'Sweet Jesus, Elizab -'
Another gasp cut her off mid-flow, and Dugan found he could move again, fired up for the task Elizabeth had set them. He shook Savy's hand from his arm, shaking her into action with the movement.
'The stream's this way,' she said dazedly, obviously unused to taking orders doled out so absently. 'Come on.'
He stumbled along behind her, glancing back up to the mass of men once more, and wondering if there would be a Jack to find after this fight was over.
*~*~*
The crews of the Black Pearl and the Red Dragon stood, gathered behind their captains, silent as they looked down on the men who had tried to take what did not belong to them. They understood why this fight had to take place, but many couldn't help but wonder why Marin hadn't put up more of a fight to take her place alongside them. A suspicion had run through them when Solomon had tried to get himself left in charge of the women, and when he couldn't, he had been seen talking urgently with Elizabeth Turner. That suspicion had soon left them, however, when the lady in question had been seen to laugh in his face and usher him away, leaving them relieved that what could have been happening obviously wasn't.
The pirates from the island, the men and women who had answered Marin's summons, had taken their place at the forefront of the line. This was to be their home, and they had every right to defend it as their own. Strangely, they had accepted Jack as leader for however long he was to stay, when he commanded a crew that would have been their rivals only a year or so before.
The overseer's men, the foremen and workers that he had employed to 'keep the slaves in line' were lined up before them, a motley collection of lumbering men who must have known they didn't stand a chance against these battle-hardened individuals. They had found their hands full with the island pirates, but now they were reinforced and gathered under the command of one man, the piratical forces were a sight to be reckoned with. And they had noticed the silence of the slaves as they had left the compounds to join this fight, a silence any man will gift to another who is surely going to his death. Needless to say, it had not been an encouraging walk up to the headland.
Jack observed the opposing force warily, glancing at Will, who stood restlessly by his side.
'I don't like leaving them alone any more than you do, mate,' he said softly. 'But there's no way I'm letting Marin fight in her condition -'
'And Elizabeth's stuck to her like glue,' Will agreed. 'I know, Jack. I just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.'
'You and me both, mate,' Jack sighed. 'Look at them. They're not here to fight, they're here to be beaten. You can see it in their eyes.'
Will nodded, glancing up at the sun.
'It's past noon, and no sign of Redman,' he commented. 'Is his plan to try and bore us to death?'
Jack chuckled, a sound that rippled through the men who had heard the dry comment behind them. He shook his head, his pleasant expression growing tense.
'Where is that bastard?'
*~*~*
Dugan trudged along behind Savy, trying to block the cries of pain from his ears as they approached the little hut once more. He'd taken to not even glancing inside the door, not caring to look upon his closest friend in what appeared to be complete and utter agony. He didn't remember Elizabeth making this much noise when she gave birth, but then, he had been running about all over the place that night, hardly in a position to take notes for a later comparison.
Savy glanced at him briefly, relieving him of the basin he carried, and took it inside. She paused only for a split second to take in the sight before her, hurrying to place the basin of water beside the straining woman, and the shawl within reach of Elizabeth. Marin was sat, propped against the wall, her knees drawn up and her face red with exertion. Sweat slid in rivulets down her face, soaking the hair at her temples. Her fists were clenched; in fact, her whole body seemed clenched as yet another contraction ripped through her. A low moan broke from her, growing into a yell that held on for as long as she had breath, Elizabeth's words of encouragement almost lost beneath the sound.
Unable to stay more than a few moments, Savy slipped back out again, unduly disturbed by what Marin was going through. She was a whore, she knew her business well enough, but she'd never really given thought as to the consequences if she grew lax in her routines. Seeing another woman in such pain was enough for her to reaffirm her assertion that she would never willingly be impregnated.
Dugan barely glanced at her as she moved to stand at his side, both of them staring up at the immobile forces on the hillside. Neither faction seemed inclined to begin proceedings, though Dugan couldn't tell if this were a good or a bad thing. Behind them, an eternal struggle was going on, while above, it seemed no man was inclined to throw the first punch. Yet another indication of how much more resilient women are, he thought, stopping himself just before he voiced such an opinion. The last thing he needed was Savy crowing about his having finally discovered the truth.
It seemed that they stood there for hours, listening to the cries, watching the men watching each other, until another voice joined the two within. A disgruntled wailing, high-pitched and ear-splitting, filled the air. Dugan and Savy stared at one another, identical grins of triumph spreading across their faces as it sank in that Marin was a mother. It was a shame that the men on the hill couldn't hear the cries of the newborn, he reflected. Such a sound would definitely call the whole thing off.
Suddenly a shot rang through the air, and Dugan froze, his blood running cold as he turned to gaze up at the headland once more. No man fell, wounded or dying, in response to a shot that he couldn't have heard from such a distance. In horror, he turned back to the hut, hearing quiet sobs from within. One hand restraining Savy from rushing where she had no idea of the situation, he watched, startled by his own callousness in not running to his friend's aid.
The door to the hut swung open, and Thomas Redman strode out, a squirming bundle cradled in his arms. Dugan caught a glimpse of the two women, lying close together on the dirt floor, before the door swung shut once more. His grip on Savy's arm grew tighter, his other hand moving to caress the hilt of his sabre as Redman stalked past, a triumphant grin on his cruel features. Dugan pulled Savy down to his level, talking swiftly, but quietly.
'Run up tae the headland and tell the captains everything tha's happened,' he told her, giving her a little push when she remained, frozen in one place. 'Go on wi' ye!'
She stumbled a little way, turning back to stare at him with fearful eyes.
'What are you going to do?' she asked, alarmed by the vicious anger in the younger boy's eyes.
Dugan's hand flexed on his sabre hilt.
'Get that babbie back,' he said grimly, moving to follow where Redman had gone.
He heard Savy's footsteps as she ran for the headland fade away behind him, his eyes on the distant figure of Redman as he walked through the half-completed village to the meadow beyond. The image of Marin and Elizabeth lying together, so still and silent, had frightened him. Marin was his dearest friend, she had taught him how to fight, and, more importantly, how to cheat and win. To lose her would be a fate he could not imagine, but if he was to lose her, then by God, he would not lose her child. Even if it were for no other reason that the fact that Elias Fitzpatrick would rise from his grave to haunt the Scot should he fail in this.
He slipped into the meadow behind Redman, faster than the stocky man without a wriggling burden. When he was a few feet short of the older man, Redman spun suddenly, his pistol cocked and aimed at Dugan's heart. He grinned at the boy's startled look.
'Did you think I couldn't hear you following me, boy?' he demanded. 'That I'm such a fool as to think that I wouldn't be at least followed? What do you intend to do, I wonder?'
Dugan forced himself to remain rational. He would not win this fight if he didn't keep his temper. His eyes flicked about the meadow around them, learning the scenery as Marin had always taught him. Redman mistook his silence for apprehension, nerves, and laughed, sparking Dugan's anger once more.
'You don't know, do you?' he taunted the boy. 'You saw me leave and thought you could take the child from me, eh? And now you're here, you're at a loss.'
His grin widened terribly.
'I shall enjoy killing you, boy.'
Dugan's sabre whistled from its sheath to knock the pistol harmlessly from Redman's hand. In the face of the older man's shock, he kicked it away, his sabre balanced perfectly as he regarded his adversary. Redman swallowed his sudden shock and surprise, still arrogantly certain that he could win this.
'So, you think you can take me on, do you?' he sneered. 'Would you risk the life of your captain's child?'
He raised the baby so that the tiny girl was between him and the point of Dugan's sword. Dugan spat at him.
'Fer one thing, ye know nothing of me,' he said tightly. 'Jack Sparrow's not my captain. And ye're no man if ye can use a child tae save yer own neck.'
Redman laughed in his face, ignoring the child as she began to scream once more in protest at the way she was being handled.
'So the child with no ties to the Sparrows is going to take me on to gain favour with them then?' he assumed. 'It will be a shame when they find you dead in this field, their little girl beside you.'
He took one hand from the baby to reach for his dagger, but Dugan was ready for him. He whipped out his smallest blade, throwing it hard and accurately into Redman's wrist. The older man howled with pain, unable to stop Dugan from snaring the child from him and holding her close against his chest. He sheathed his sabre carefully, drawing the first of his two pistols.
'Ye'll no' harm this one, nor any other,' he growled, and fired.
The bullet thudded smoothly into Redman's left thigh, knocking the man to the ground as his bone shattered, blood already flowing freely from the wound. Whimpering in pain and outrage, Redman could only watch as Dugan drew forth his other pistol and discharged the barrel into his other thigh. He fell back, close to fainting, but not quite, still conscious of the dull throbbing that was his life's blood seeping into the soil of the island he had refused to give up. Dugan bent, tearing his blade from the man's wrist with no cause for gentleness, and moved to leave the meadow, his feet taking him back to the half-made village.
The baby squirmed a little in his grip, settling back down again to sleep, cradled against him in complete security. Dugan couldn't help but smile down at her, a smile that faded as he approached the little hut where he had left the women. The crews of both ships were gathered around outside, each watching him with a new respect in their eyes as he made his way through their ranks to the door. A low keening sound greeted him as he entered, stopping in shock as he looked around him. Marin lay cradled in Jack's arms, exhausted but alive, both of them staring with wide eyes and pale faces at their companion.
Will was kneeling with Elizabeth held close against him, rocking backwards and forwards with an expression too terrible to describe on his handsome face. Dugan realised with a jolt that the keening sound that had wrapped about this scene came from the captain of the Red Dragon as he held his wife in his arms. Blood soaked her dress, and as Will glanced up, Dugan saw that her eyes were wide and unseeing. Elizabeth was dead.
*~*~*
Ildera: *cowering* I suppose you all hate me now, don't you? *stands defiantly for a split second before ducking again* I'm unrepentant! I'd do it again, I tell you! Over and over again! Mwahahahahahah-
Marin: *slaps 'dera, hard* Shut up and calm down, for heaven's sake.
Ildera: *holding cheek, sheepishly* Sorry, Marin.
Marin: Now get up and apologise to all the readers for what you've done.
Ildera: *grumbling* Bloody woman - give her a baby and suddenly she's full of confidence and courage . . . *stands up to face judgement* I'm very sorry for killing her, guys, but the story got a bit stuck. And I figured she was the only really main character I could kill off without getting myself lynched.
James: Hardly a satisfactory apology, but it will do, Miss Ildera. Or should I now call you Mrs Ildera?
Ildera: No, just 'dera will do, commodore. And before I forget, thank you to Dell-Doo for wishing me luck - it was a great day! No, I'm not going to break Joe's leg again, he's not healed the other one yet! And I see you're not happy with the cliffie . . . well, tough.
Marin: *reading through reviews* Hello, Sparrow's Pearl . . . glad to see you've been enjoying the yarn. I'm told Jack's not going to be washed overboard again - but then, this from the woman who assured me she wasn't going to kill anyone else off.
James: Marin, behave yourself.
Marin: *sigh* Yes, James. Awww, I'm glad you think I'm worth Jack giving up the sea, though hopefully it won't come to that.
James: I still think as long as he lives by the sea and is kept busy, he'll be fine.
Marin: Hmmm, maybe. Hehehe . . . what kind of pirate would I be if I could resist the chance to make a profit, eh? Even if I did bet on my cousin's nerves.
James: And I still say you owe me half a pound for winning you the pound in the first place.
Marin: You don't have any say in the bet, you ARE the bet. Now shush, I'm talking to Sparrow's Pearl. *waits for James to close his mouth before continuing* I don't think Mrs Groves requires a plank to be convinced of her folly, though. I should think guilt will be doing that just fine right now. *looks pointedly at 'dera*
Ildera: Look, I said I'm sorry, alright?
James: Ignore her, Miss - 'dera, she's just trying to make you squirm.
Ildera: Well, it's working.
James: Be of good cheer, Storm13 insists that it's still great. And Lady Quinn wants you to update. *bows to Lady Quinn* Welcome, my lady.
Marin + Ildera: *roll eyes heavenwards*
Marin: Lady Quinn, she has a couple more chapters she could post, but she's waiting to see just how universally hated she'll be after this.
Ildera: Who's she, the cat's mother?
James: *begins to laugh* Most droll, Miss - 'dera . . .
Marin: No, she's you.
James: *freezes, glances from 'dera to Marin*
Ildera: You're not going to let this go, are you?
Marin: Not unless you bring her back.
Ildera: How about I send you to join her? Would that do?
James: *intervening* Now ladies, there is no need for this. Marin, a word, if I may. *grips Marin's arm and leads her away forcefully*
Ildera: *sigh* I really need to learn to control my temper. Oh well. *back to reviews* Oooh! I got sent fireworks! Pretty lights! *ahem* Hello and welcome Dryandra, and no, it isn't snowing where I am, the reason being, I live in the south of England where snow durst not venture.
Marin: *hissing at James* But she killed her . . .
Ildera: *continuing unawares* And I didn't actually say 'that's your lot for the next month or so' just the next while, and I did update before February, so there. I know I'm evil, haven't I just proved it?
James: *muttering at Marin* . . . no cause for you to be so insulting . . .
Ildera: Savy! Hello! What, no plank this time? *laugh* I'm glad you like it, how about your role as is? And I'm sure Matthew will be honoured to know he has stolen your heart . . . mind you, I think any female with a pulse would go goo-goo over that particular little boy.
Marin: *hissing* . . . can't make me . . .
James: *muttering* . . . want to test my patience . . .
Marin: *pause* Oh, alright. 'Dera?
Ildera: *turns around* Yes?
Marin: Look, I just want to say -
Ildera: Don't bother, I'm the one in the wrong. You have every right to be angry with me. I understand completely. I'm sorry I snapped.
Marin: Oh. Well, I'm sorry as well. I had no right to try and make your life hell, or to insult you. Can we go back to being friends?
James: *goggling at girls*
Ildera: Yeah, I'd like that. *absently* James, shut your mouth, you look like a fish.
James: *jaw snaps shut*
Marin: On with the reviews! Hmmm. Oh, Lucy! Hi! Are you sure she's updating quickly? Everyone else seems to think she's taking ages.
Ildera: Even I do . . . but thanks for the compliments anyway. Did I update fast enough for an Oreo? Or have I shot myself in the foot with the content of said update?
James: *muttering to self* Just ignore it, it must be a woman thing. *reading next reviews* MarsMoonStar, I'm sure 'dera finds it gratifying that you are enjoying her piece.
Ildera: Master of the understatement, is he not? emma346, it's okay to be lazy, everyone does it. Hey, I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I have updated, see? You just read it!
Marin: *laughing at 'dera's logic* So that's why you put the A/N at the end . . . so you can defend yourself.
Ildera: Of course.
James: Miss Ariandir, it is we who have a bone to pick with YOU this time, I believe. 'Dera has been waiting almost a week for your answer to the email that she sent in response to your prodding on your LJ that was in response to her prodding on the last chapters. *pause* That does make sense, doesn't it?
Marin: Perfect sense. So, Arian, the ball is most definitely in your court.
Ildera: But quite apart from that, thank you for my lovely reviews! I have to say, I went back and watched PotC again after you mentioned about Gillette's sneer, and you're completely right! What a strange affliction to have! Oh, by the way . . . raw talent, my arse.
James: I beg your pardon?
Marin: She's not speaking to you.
Ildera: Hard work and perseverence, luv, not raw talent. *tut, tut* And here was I thinking you knew me so well. Oh, and yes, Beth is prem as well. I seem to have a thing for prem births, can't think why. *wink*
James: ItZ . . . mE!, I agree six chapters in one week is good. And in my humble opinion, if Ana Maria manages to hang onto the Dryad for another year, there'll be a ring around the moon every night.
Ildera: He's not prejudiced, or anything. *snigger*
Marin: Bless him, after all this time, he's still uncomfortable with the thought of female pirates.
James: *blushing slightly* It's just not natural, that's all.
Marin: *letting that comment pass* lilitaliandragon, erm . . . since you told us to ignore your review, I'll just leave it at that, shall I?
Ildera: Oooh, I have another new reviewer! Ahoy, Lady Skywalker! I did update! See? *points upwards*
Marin: And last but not least, Angel of the Night Watchers, thank you for reviewing, it means a lot to her.
Ildera: Again, with the her.
Marin: Sorry, 'dera.
James: Please don't start that again.
Marin + Ildera: *sweetly* Start what?
James: *groan* Goodbye, everyone.
*~*~*
Dugan sat outside the little stone-built hut, gazing up at the headland where the men were gathered, two factions facing one another across an untouched battlefield. Behind him, in the hut, he could hear gasps and whimpers, assuming it was an argument taking place between the women. After all, they were difficult to understand when they spoke English, how could he expect to understand them when they communicated in a language of their own? His attention was fixed on the headland, so much so that he stood to find himself a better viewpoint of the battle to come.
Suddenly there was a loud curse from the hut, and he spun, hearing Marin's unmistakable grasp of oaths in full voice. In alarm, he moved to enter, shoved out of the way by Savy as she came hurtling from the hut, her eyes wide. She grasped his arm to stop him going in.
'Trust me, you really don't want to go in there, Dugan,' she said firmly.
He frowned up at her, confused.
'Why?' he asked. 'What's happening?'
Savy rolled her eyes, refusing to relinquish her grip on his arm.
'The baby's coming, idiot,' she snapped. 'I'm not staying in there. She's nuts.'
Which she does she mean, Dugan wondered, before the import of what she was saying sank in.
'Marin's babbie?' he asked stupidly. 'Coming noo?'
'Yes, Dugan, it is,' Elizabeth said suddenly, appearing in the doorway. 'Savy, we need hot water and a shawl or something to wrap the child in. Dugan'll help you, and then he can run up to the headland and tell Jack. Is that alright?'
She didn't wait for an answer, spinning back into the hut in response to another cry of pain from Marin, whom Dugan could see standing bent double over a chair.
'Sweet Jesus, Elizab -'
Another gasp cut her off mid-flow, and Dugan found he could move again, fired up for the task Elizabeth had set them. He shook Savy's hand from his arm, shaking her into action with the movement.
'The stream's this way,' she said dazedly, obviously unused to taking orders doled out so absently. 'Come on.'
He stumbled along behind her, glancing back up to the mass of men once more, and wondering if there would be a Jack to find after this fight was over.
*~*~*
The crews of the Black Pearl and the Red Dragon stood, gathered behind their captains, silent as they looked down on the men who had tried to take what did not belong to them. They understood why this fight had to take place, but many couldn't help but wonder why Marin hadn't put up more of a fight to take her place alongside them. A suspicion had run through them when Solomon had tried to get himself left in charge of the women, and when he couldn't, he had been seen talking urgently with Elizabeth Turner. That suspicion had soon left them, however, when the lady in question had been seen to laugh in his face and usher him away, leaving them relieved that what could have been happening obviously wasn't.
The pirates from the island, the men and women who had answered Marin's summons, had taken their place at the forefront of the line. This was to be their home, and they had every right to defend it as their own. Strangely, they had accepted Jack as leader for however long he was to stay, when he commanded a crew that would have been their rivals only a year or so before.
The overseer's men, the foremen and workers that he had employed to 'keep the slaves in line' were lined up before them, a motley collection of lumbering men who must have known they didn't stand a chance against these battle-hardened individuals. They had found their hands full with the island pirates, but now they were reinforced and gathered under the command of one man, the piratical forces were a sight to be reckoned with. And they had noticed the silence of the slaves as they had left the compounds to join this fight, a silence any man will gift to another who is surely going to his death. Needless to say, it had not been an encouraging walk up to the headland.
Jack observed the opposing force warily, glancing at Will, who stood restlessly by his side.
'I don't like leaving them alone any more than you do, mate,' he said softly. 'But there's no way I'm letting Marin fight in her condition -'
'And Elizabeth's stuck to her like glue,' Will agreed. 'I know, Jack. I just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.'
'You and me both, mate,' Jack sighed. 'Look at them. They're not here to fight, they're here to be beaten. You can see it in their eyes.'
Will nodded, glancing up at the sun.
'It's past noon, and no sign of Redman,' he commented. 'Is his plan to try and bore us to death?'
Jack chuckled, a sound that rippled through the men who had heard the dry comment behind them. He shook his head, his pleasant expression growing tense.
'Where is that bastard?'
*~*~*
Dugan trudged along behind Savy, trying to block the cries of pain from his ears as they approached the little hut once more. He'd taken to not even glancing inside the door, not caring to look upon his closest friend in what appeared to be complete and utter agony. He didn't remember Elizabeth making this much noise when she gave birth, but then, he had been running about all over the place that night, hardly in a position to take notes for a later comparison.
Savy glanced at him briefly, relieving him of the basin he carried, and took it inside. She paused only for a split second to take in the sight before her, hurrying to place the basin of water beside the straining woman, and the shawl within reach of Elizabeth. Marin was sat, propped against the wall, her knees drawn up and her face red with exertion. Sweat slid in rivulets down her face, soaking the hair at her temples. Her fists were clenched; in fact, her whole body seemed clenched as yet another contraction ripped through her. A low moan broke from her, growing into a yell that held on for as long as she had breath, Elizabeth's words of encouragement almost lost beneath the sound.
Unable to stay more than a few moments, Savy slipped back out again, unduly disturbed by what Marin was going through. She was a whore, she knew her business well enough, but she'd never really given thought as to the consequences if she grew lax in her routines. Seeing another woman in such pain was enough for her to reaffirm her assertion that she would never willingly be impregnated.
Dugan barely glanced at her as she moved to stand at his side, both of them staring up at the immobile forces on the hillside. Neither faction seemed inclined to begin proceedings, though Dugan couldn't tell if this were a good or a bad thing. Behind them, an eternal struggle was going on, while above, it seemed no man was inclined to throw the first punch. Yet another indication of how much more resilient women are, he thought, stopping himself just before he voiced such an opinion. The last thing he needed was Savy crowing about his having finally discovered the truth.
It seemed that they stood there for hours, listening to the cries, watching the men watching each other, until another voice joined the two within. A disgruntled wailing, high-pitched and ear-splitting, filled the air. Dugan and Savy stared at one another, identical grins of triumph spreading across their faces as it sank in that Marin was a mother. It was a shame that the men on the hill couldn't hear the cries of the newborn, he reflected. Such a sound would definitely call the whole thing off.
Suddenly a shot rang through the air, and Dugan froze, his blood running cold as he turned to gaze up at the headland once more. No man fell, wounded or dying, in response to a shot that he couldn't have heard from such a distance. In horror, he turned back to the hut, hearing quiet sobs from within. One hand restraining Savy from rushing where she had no idea of the situation, he watched, startled by his own callousness in not running to his friend's aid.
The door to the hut swung open, and Thomas Redman strode out, a squirming bundle cradled in his arms. Dugan caught a glimpse of the two women, lying close together on the dirt floor, before the door swung shut once more. His grip on Savy's arm grew tighter, his other hand moving to caress the hilt of his sabre as Redman stalked past, a triumphant grin on his cruel features. Dugan pulled Savy down to his level, talking swiftly, but quietly.
'Run up tae the headland and tell the captains everything tha's happened,' he told her, giving her a little push when she remained, frozen in one place. 'Go on wi' ye!'
She stumbled a little way, turning back to stare at him with fearful eyes.
'What are you going to do?' she asked, alarmed by the vicious anger in the younger boy's eyes.
Dugan's hand flexed on his sabre hilt.
'Get that babbie back,' he said grimly, moving to follow where Redman had gone.
He heard Savy's footsteps as she ran for the headland fade away behind him, his eyes on the distant figure of Redman as he walked through the half-completed village to the meadow beyond. The image of Marin and Elizabeth lying together, so still and silent, had frightened him. Marin was his dearest friend, she had taught him how to fight, and, more importantly, how to cheat and win. To lose her would be a fate he could not imagine, but if he was to lose her, then by God, he would not lose her child. Even if it were for no other reason that the fact that Elias Fitzpatrick would rise from his grave to haunt the Scot should he fail in this.
He slipped into the meadow behind Redman, faster than the stocky man without a wriggling burden. When he was a few feet short of the older man, Redman spun suddenly, his pistol cocked and aimed at Dugan's heart. He grinned at the boy's startled look.
'Did you think I couldn't hear you following me, boy?' he demanded. 'That I'm such a fool as to think that I wouldn't be at least followed? What do you intend to do, I wonder?'
Dugan forced himself to remain rational. He would not win this fight if he didn't keep his temper. His eyes flicked about the meadow around them, learning the scenery as Marin had always taught him. Redman mistook his silence for apprehension, nerves, and laughed, sparking Dugan's anger once more.
'You don't know, do you?' he taunted the boy. 'You saw me leave and thought you could take the child from me, eh? And now you're here, you're at a loss.'
His grin widened terribly.
'I shall enjoy killing you, boy.'
Dugan's sabre whistled from its sheath to knock the pistol harmlessly from Redman's hand. In the face of the older man's shock, he kicked it away, his sabre balanced perfectly as he regarded his adversary. Redman swallowed his sudden shock and surprise, still arrogantly certain that he could win this.
'So, you think you can take me on, do you?' he sneered. 'Would you risk the life of your captain's child?'
He raised the baby so that the tiny girl was between him and the point of Dugan's sword. Dugan spat at him.
'Fer one thing, ye know nothing of me,' he said tightly. 'Jack Sparrow's not my captain. And ye're no man if ye can use a child tae save yer own neck.'
Redman laughed in his face, ignoring the child as she began to scream once more in protest at the way she was being handled.
'So the child with no ties to the Sparrows is going to take me on to gain favour with them then?' he assumed. 'It will be a shame when they find you dead in this field, their little girl beside you.'
He took one hand from the baby to reach for his dagger, but Dugan was ready for him. He whipped out his smallest blade, throwing it hard and accurately into Redman's wrist. The older man howled with pain, unable to stop Dugan from snaring the child from him and holding her close against his chest. He sheathed his sabre carefully, drawing the first of his two pistols.
'Ye'll no' harm this one, nor any other,' he growled, and fired.
The bullet thudded smoothly into Redman's left thigh, knocking the man to the ground as his bone shattered, blood already flowing freely from the wound. Whimpering in pain and outrage, Redman could only watch as Dugan drew forth his other pistol and discharged the barrel into his other thigh. He fell back, close to fainting, but not quite, still conscious of the dull throbbing that was his life's blood seeping into the soil of the island he had refused to give up. Dugan bent, tearing his blade from the man's wrist with no cause for gentleness, and moved to leave the meadow, his feet taking him back to the half-made village.
The baby squirmed a little in his grip, settling back down again to sleep, cradled against him in complete security. Dugan couldn't help but smile down at her, a smile that faded as he approached the little hut where he had left the women. The crews of both ships were gathered around outside, each watching him with a new respect in their eyes as he made his way through their ranks to the door. A low keening sound greeted him as he entered, stopping in shock as he looked around him. Marin lay cradled in Jack's arms, exhausted but alive, both of them staring with wide eyes and pale faces at their companion.
Will was kneeling with Elizabeth held close against him, rocking backwards and forwards with an expression too terrible to describe on his handsome face. Dugan realised with a jolt that the keening sound that had wrapped about this scene came from the captain of the Red Dragon as he held his wife in his arms. Blood soaked her dress, and as Will glanced up, Dugan saw that her eyes were wide and unseeing. Elizabeth was dead.
*~*~*
Ildera: *cowering* I suppose you all hate me now, don't you? *stands defiantly for a split second before ducking again* I'm unrepentant! I'd do it again, I tell you! Over and over again! Mwahahahahahah-
Marin: *slaps 'dera, hard* Shut up and calm down, for heaven's sake.
Ildera: *holding cheek, sheepishly* Sorry, Marin.
Marin: Now get up and apologise to all the readers for what you've done.
Ildera: *grumbling* Bloody woman - give her a baby and suddenly she's full of confidence and courage . . . *stands up to face judgement* I'm very sorry for killing her, guys, but the story got a bit stuck. And I figured she was the only really main character I could kill off without getting myself lynched.
James: Hardly a satisfactory apology, but it will do, Miss Ildera. Or should I now call you Mrs Ildera?
Ildera: No, just 'dera will do, commodore. And before I forget, thank you to Dell-Doo for wishing me luck - it was a great day! No, I'm not going to break Joe's leg again, he's not healed the other one yet! And I see you're not happy with the cliffie . . . well, tough.
Marin: *reading through reviews* Hello, Sparrow's Pearl . . . glad to see you've been enjoying the yarn. I'm told Jack's not going to be washed overboard again - but then, this from the woman who assured me she wasn't going to kill anyone else off.
James: Marin, behave yourself.
Marin: *sigh* Yes, James. Awww, I'm glad you think I'm worth Jack giving up the sea, though hopefully it won't come to that.
James: I still think as long as he lives by the sea and is kept busy, he'll be fine.
Marin: Hmmm, maybe. Hehehe . . . what kind of pirate would I be if I could resist the chance to make a profit, eh? Even if I did bet on my cousin's nerves.
James: And I still say you owe me half a pound for winning you the pound in the first place.
Marin: You don't have any say in the bet, you ARE the bet. Now shush, I'm talking to Sparrow's Pearl. *waits for James to close his mouth before continuing* I don't think Mrs Groves requires a plank to be convinced of her folly, though. I should think guilt will be doing that just fine right now. *looks pointedly at 'dera*
Ildera: Look, I said I'm sorry, alright?
James: Ignore her, Miss - 'dera, she's just trying to make you squirm.
Ildera: Well, it's working.
James: Be of good cheer, Storm13 insists that it's still great. And Lady Quinn wants you to update. *bows to Lady Quinn* Welcome, my lady.
Marin + Ildera: *roll eyes heavenwards*
Marin: Lady Quinn, she has a couple more chapters she could post, but she's waiting to see just how universally hated she'll be after this.
Ildera: Who's she, the cat's mother?
James: *begins to laugh* Most droll, Miss - 'dera . . .
Marin: No, she's you.
James: *freezes, glances from 'dera to Marin*
Ildera: You're not going to let this go, are you?
Marin: Not unless you bring her back.
Ildera: How about I send you to join her? Would that do?
James: *intervening* Now ladies, there is no need for this. Marin, a word, if I may. *grips Marin's arm and leads her away forcefully*
Ildera: *sigh* I really need to learn to control my temper. Oh well. *back to reviews* Oooh! I got sent fireworks! Pretty lights! *ahem* Hello and welcome Dryandra, and no, it isn't snowing where I am, the reason being, I live in the south of England where snow durst not venture.
Marin: *hissing at James* But she killed her . . .
Ildera: *continuing unawares* And I didn't actually say 'that's your lot for the next month or so' just the next while, and I did update before February, so there. I know I'm evil, haven't I just proved it?
James: *muttering at Marin* . . . no cause for you to be so insulting . . .
Ildera: Savy! Hello! What, no plank this time? *laugh* I'm glad you like it, how about your role as is? And I'm sure Matthew will be honoured to know he has stolen your heart . . . mind you, I think any female with a pulse would go goo-goo over that particular little boy.
Marin: *hissing* . . . can't make me . . .
James: *muttering* . . . want to test my patience . . .
Marin: *pause* Oh, alright. 'Dera?
Ildera: *turns around* Yes?
Marin: Look, I just want to say -
Ildera: Don't bother, I'm the one in the wrong. You have every right to be angry with me. I understand completely. I'm sorry I snapped.
Marin: Oh. Well, I'm sorry as well. I had no right to try and make your life hell, or to insult you. Can we go back to being friends?
James: *goggling at girls*
Ildera: Yeah, I'd like that. *absently* James, shut your mouth, you look like a fish.
James: *jaw snaps shut*
Marin: On with the reviews! Hmmm. Oh, Lucy! Hi! Are you sure she's updating quickly? Everyone else seems to think she's taking ages.
Ildera: Even I do . . . but thanks for the compliments anyway. Did I update fast enough for an Oreo? Or have I shot myself in the foot with the content of said update?
James: *muttering to self* Just ignore it, it must be a woman thing. *reading next reviews* MarsMoonStar, I'm sure 'dera finds it gratifying that you are enjoying her piece.
Ildera: Master of the understatement, is he not? emma346, it's okay to be lazy, everyone does it. Hey, I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I have updated, see? You just read it!
Marin: *laughing at 'dera's logic* So that's why you put the A/N at the end . . . so you can defend yourself.
Ildera: Of course.
James: Miss Ariandir, it is we who have a bone to pick with YOU this time, I believe. 'Dera has been waiting almost a week for your answer to the email that she sent in response to your prodding on your LJ that was in response to her prodding on the last chapters. *pause* That does make sense, doesn't it?
Marin: Perfect sense. So, Arian, the ball is most definitely in your court.
Ildera: But quite apart from that, thank you for my lovely reviews! I have to say, I went back and watched PotC again after you mentioned about Gillette's sneer, and you're completely right! What a strange affliction to have! Oh, by the way . . . raw talent, my arse.
James: I beg your pardon?
Marin: She's not speaking to you.
Ildera: Hard work and perseverence, luv, not raw talent. *tut, tut* And here was I thinking you knew me so well. Oh, and yes, Beth is prem as well. I seem to have a thing for prem births, can't think why. *wink*
James: ItZ . . . mE!, I agree six chapters in one week is good. And in my humble opinion, if Ana Maria manages to hang onto the Dryad for another year, there'll be a ring around the moon every night.
Ildera: He's not prejudiced, or anything. *snigger*
Marin: Bless him, after all this time, he's still uncomfortable with the thought of female pirates.
James: *blushing slightly* It's just not natural, that's all.
Marin: *letting that comment pass* lilitaliandragon, erm . . . since you told us to ignore your review, I'll just leave it at that, shall I?
Ildera: Oooh, I have another new reviewer! Ahoy, Lady Skywalker! I did update! See? *points upwards*
Marin: And last but not least, Angel of the Night Watchers, thank you for reviewing, it means a lot to her.
Ildera: Again, with the her.
Marin: Sorry, 'dera.
James: Please don't start that again.
Marin + Ildera: *sweetly* Start what?
James: *groan* Goodbye, everyone.