Chapter 27. Pirates, Ye Be Warned
The sun shone down on the little island village, illuminating the domestic scenes that coloured the beach and trees. By the shoreline, Jack, James and Will could be seen devoting their time to the children, spending much of it on the floor in their capacity as human mountains to be climbed. Marin laughed softly, Laura by her side as they watched the rough and tumble game play out. James went rolling arse over tip in the sand as a concerted effort from Kit and Johnny sent him flying amidst their hilarity.
In the four years since the twins had been born, the village had thrived, settling into a close-knit community of friends and family. Those who had the wandering urge had been pressed into trading groups or fishing fleets, keeping them sated with the lure of the sea but still somehow chained to the island and those they loved. Jack had become the leader of these unofficial trading companies, working on behalf of Will, who often sent him to Port Royale with a shipment of weapons, or domestic appliances, to be sold. And he always came back with a good price.
Ana Maria was a regular visitor to the isle, as were Ioade and her crew. Their new ship of the moment, the Seawitch Queen, had caused a great hoohar when she first came in sight of the island. She had flown no identification at all, and as a result almost got one of Jack's fizzing mortar grenades on her deck. They were only saved by Gibbs' complete lack of skill in aiming. Ioade had been furious, accusing Jack of trying to blow up yet another one of her ships, and had had to be quickly distracted with the burden of holding one of the twins while Marin had a word with her husband. Kate had been bestowed with Kit, and had soon found herself surrounded by all the children, who were in awe of the woman who could make Captain Sparrow cower just by looking at him.
Laura glanced across to the village square, where a promising partnership was coming into bloom. Dugan, now at the ripe old age of nineteen, had never gotten over his fascination with the willowy Esperanza, who in turn had not spurned his attentions as they increased. For herself, she had blossomed into a slender Spanish beauty, and his dark Scots looks complemented hers as they walked together. Still, they enjoyed one another's company, and were often seen walking together, especially now that Devante had found himself work alongside his father and had no time to spend with them, and Harry was fending off the attentions of certain of the other young girls as he moved out of his own awkward age and into manhood.
The children were the life and soul of the island, everyone agreed, and it was good that they were allowed to be seen and heard, sometimes very clearly indeed, rather than shut away and taught manners. Young Matthew had been accepted into the ranks of the pirates at the tender age of four, and was capable of telling jokes that made even Marin blush. Beth, on the other hand, was not in the least bit inclined towards being a pirate, and spent her time with her mother or Amata, following orders such as 'pass me that bowl', or 'wet that cloth and wipe his brow for me'. Laura's daughter, one rosy cheeked child by the name of Vanessa, was still in arms, but proving herself to be a sunny little soul. And the twins . . . well, they idolised their parents, obeying them swiftly at the slightest comment, and longed for the day they could sail with Jack to Port Royale and see all the places they had been told about.
And soon there would be others to join their ranks, Marin thought to herself, watching from the corner of her eye as Laura rubbed a protective hand over the expanding bulge of her waistline. She was extraordinarily pleased for her cousin and his wife, especially since she knew how they had longed for even one child. It just wasn't the same to play with the other children, and to have a hand in the care of them. And with any luck, this time all should go well for Laura.
They had never told James of the reason for the two months of illness before Anna's birth that had seen his wife bed-bound, deeming it too cruel to tell him of the loss of his unborn child. Even Laura had been unaware of it until much later, Amata forcing Marin to keep her mouth shut despite her friend's right to know the truth. When she had finally found out, the news had rocked Laura to her soul, frightening her immensely as she contemplated the chance that she could now be barren. Such a thought was too terrible to dwell on, though, and with Vanessa, and now this pregnancy, her spirits had lifted. It would only be another month or so, and James and Laura would be parents to another child they had longed for, and thoroughly deserved.
Marin smiled, passing a hand over her own waistline as the child within moved restlessly. She seemed to be perpetually pregnant, though she had no complaints. With three beautiful children, and a fourth on the way, Jack had plenty of trouble to keep him busy. And he did need to be busy. He was trying so hard to hide his difficulties, but Marin knew how he longed for the freedom of the ocean, as she too longed for the sea. They had promised themselves, when things had settled and the children were old enough, they would go and explore the places they had only heard about, the Americas, Australia, perhaps even Ireland. It was this promise, and the promise of a growing family that was keeping them both going.
Suddenly, there was a shout from one of the seamen aboard the Pearl. They all looked up, alarmed, to see Michael gesticulating wildly at the open sea, in the direction of Port Royale, his movements somewhat hindered by the presence of his son in his arms. Confused, Marin found herself staring at the vast expanse of water, wondering what on earth could have alarmed her friend so. There was nothing, so sign of any ships or cannon fire. Then she realised what was wrong with her view.
'Tidal wave!' she screamed, her heart in her mouth as she spun to warn her husband and children of the danger.
The wave was moving swiftly, faster than a man could run, and heading straight for them. Jack didn't wait to confirm his wife's cry, sweeping Kit and Johnny up in his arms and shouting for James to grab Beth. Will already had Matthew on his back as James ran headlong towards the shore to snatch up Beth where she was paddling in the shallows. Marin pulled Laura up from the bench where they had been sitting and pushed her into the hut.
'Brace yourself against the wall,' she ordered, and frightened, Laura did so.
Marin rushed back outside, as Jack and Will reached the hut, the other islanders running for their own homes, their own children held in arms as they ran. James struggled up the beach, Beth held close in his arms, but Marin could see he would not make it in time. Terrified, she ran forward as the wave hit, eight feet of salt water washing mercilessly across the little island where they had made their home.
Thankfully it was over almost before it began, leaving debris scattered across the village and beach, and the ships rocking dangerously in the swells as it passed. Jack shot from the hut, his eyes wild as he scanned the destruction around him.
'Marin!' he yelled, his voice hoarse with fear. 'Marin, where are you?'
There was a heap of sand, shells and seaweed up against another of the huts, and it heaved in response to his yells. He fell to his knees beside it, scraping sand away from his wife's weak body as she spluttered and coughed.
'Beth . . .' she managed, clutching weakly at his arm. 'Where's Beth?'
Will had followed his friend to where Marin lay, and now straightened, seeking any sign that James had been washed against a building as Marin had. Behind him, Laura ventured from the safety of the village, the children pressed close to her legs, their eyes wide with shock. A wail greeted their ears, and they turned to find James staggering towards them, Beth screaming at the top of her lungs as she clung tightly to his shirt. Water dripped off them as he crumpled, landing heavily on his knees.
Marin forced herself upright, shivering as the shock of what had happened hit her, and stumbled the few steps to take her wailing daughter in her arms, even as Jack and Will hauled James to his feet. Blood stained his back where a piece of jagged driftwood had caught him, leaving a wide gash for all to see. He grimaced as Will accidentally jarred him, sucking in his breath to avoid crying out in pain.
'Everyone alright?' he hissed, gratefully taking a seat as his legs began to shake wildly.
Jack turned to watch as the villagers ventured out from their homes once more, and the men who had been aboard the ships either waded ashore or loosed their grip on the ropes. In his mind, he tallied their numbers, noting absently that Esperanza was standing in the circle of Dugan's arms even as they both moved to join her family. No one was missing, he realised, relieved, kneeling to reassure his children as the twins suddenly ran from Laura's skirts to hug his knees.
'All present and correct, mate,' he told James, concern for the other man colouring his voice. 'You seem to be the only one who got banged up quite so bad.'
There was the sound of anxious voices behind them, and they turned to find Amata and Esteban pushing through the crowd. Amata fell to her knees beside James, her hands moving swiftly to his injury as he winced and squirmed under her ministrations.
'The houses stand tall still, senor,' Esteban managed breathlessly, in his broken English, kneeling to help Marin stand as Beth pulled herself free of her mother's frightened embrace.
'What about the crops?' Jack asked, his arms still around Kit and Johnny as they clung to him.
Gibbs pushed forward, dripping with seawater.
'We're lucky that plateau's as high as it is, cap'n,' he said gruffly. 'T'weren't touched, and the soil's still good.'
A sigh of relief ran through the men and women gathered about. If the tidal wave had washed across their fields, then not only would their harvest have died, but the soil itself would have been rendered useless. Salted earth did not bear a good crop, no matter what you did. There was the sound of ripping fabric, and everyone glanced up to see Amata tearing her skirt mercilessly to make bandages for James' injury. The ordinary sight suddenly brought a thought to Jack's mind, and he turned to look at Marin in concern, dark eyes taking in her bedraggled appearance, the hand she had placed over her growing bump.
'I'm fine,' she said, holding up a hand to forestall his question. 'We're both fine. What we need to know is what the hell happened?'
There was a tentative cough from the back of the crowd, and Harry slipped forward, one hand clutching a rather large piece of jagged driftwood.
'I think you should see this, captain,' he said softly, turning the board to reveal the words scratched across it in white paint.
PIRATES, YE BE WARNED.
Jack's eyes widened in alarm.
'Bloody hell,' he swore, rising in shock.
He glanced up at Gibbs, who had also seen the sign, and knew his captain far too well. He turned.
'Black Pearl crew, get yer arses moving!' he shouted. 'I want her ladyship seaworthy as soon as we can! Get to it!'
Within moments the men of the Black Pearl were scrambling to obey orders, their counterparts on the Dragon offering their assistance in their task. Marin rose to stand beside Jack, slipping her hand into his. He glanced down at her, recognising the look on her face.
'No,' he said firmly.
She glared up at him.
'Why not?' she protested. 'I haven't been off this island in six years, Jack. I want to come.'
'It's not just you that you have to worry about anymore though, is it, love?' he told her gently. 'And who would look after the children while we're both gone?'
Her lips set in a firm line.
'Then they'll come with us,' she said, her tone stern. 'And I'm not going to change my mind, Jack.'
He opened his mouth to protest again, cut off by her hand against his lips.
'And don't even think about mentioning my condition unless you have a burning desire to sing soprano for the rest of your days,' she added, her eyes glinting dangerously.
Jack drew in a breath, paused when Marin's eyebrows rose slowly, and shut his mouth with a sigh.
'Oh, alright,' he muttered, rolling his eyes as his children cheered.
Whatever had happened in Port Royale, they would discover it together, children and all. But Jack couldn't shake the feeling that this would be one of his more memorable voyages.
*~*~*
Hey there, guys! I'm SOOOO sorry this has taken so long, but I've had a hard month or so, and things haven't quite been working out as planned. Still, I've managed to update so I hope you enjoyed it, and I can very nearly almost certainly guarantee that I will do the A/N thing next time! Be well, chaps!
The sun shone down on the little island village, illuminating the domestic scenes that coloured the beach and trees. By the shoreline, Jack, James and Will could be seen devoting their time to the children, spending much of it on the floor in their capacity as human mountains to be climbed. Marin laughed softly, Laura by her side as they watched the rough and tumble game play out. James went rolling arse over tip in the sand as a concerted effort from Kit and Johnny sent him flying amidst their hilarity.
In the four years since the twins had been born, the village had thrived, settling into a close-knit community of friends and family. Those who had the wandering urge had been pressed into trading groups or fishing fleets, keeping them sated with the lure of the sea but still somehow chained to the island and those they loved. Jack had become the leader of these unofficial trading companies, working on behalf of Will, who often sent him to Port Royale with a shipment of weapons, or domestic appliances, to be sold. And he always came back with a good price.
Ana Maria was a regular visitor to the isle, as were Ioade and her crew. Their new ship of the moment, the Seawitch Queen, had caused a great hoohar when she first came in sight of the island. She had flown no identification at all, and as a result almost got one of Jack's fizzing mortar grenades on her deck. They were only saved by Gibbs' complete lack of skill in aiming. Ioade had been furious, accusing Jack of trying to blow up yet another one of her ships, and had had to be quickly distracted with the burden of holding one of the twins while Marin had a word with her husband. Kate had been bestowed with Kit, and had soon found herself surrounded by all the children, who were in awe of the woman who could make Captain Sparrow cower just by looking at him.
Laura glanced across to the village square, where a promising partnership was coming into bloom. Dugan, now at the ripe old age of nineteen, had never gotten over his fascination with the willowy Esperanza, who in turn had not spurned his attentions as they increased. For herself, she had blossomed into a slender Spanish beauty, and his dark Scots looks complemented hers as they walked together. Still, they enjoyed one another's company, and were often seen walking together, especially now that Devante had found himself work alongside his father and had no time to spend with them, and Harry was fending off the attentions of certain of the other young girls as he moved out of his own awkward age and into manhood.
The children were the life and soul of the island, everyone agreed, and it was good that they were allowed to be seen and heard, sometimes very clearly indeed, rather than shut away and taught manners. Young Matthew had been accepted into the ranks of the pirates at the tender age of four, and was capable of telling jokes that made even Marin blush. Beth, on the other hand, was not in the least bit inclined towards being a pirate, and spent her time with her mother or Amata, following orders such as 'pass me that bowl', or 'wet that cloth and wipe his brow for me'. Laura's daughter, one rosy cheeked child by the name of Vanessa, was still in arms, but proving herself to be a sunny little soul. And the twins . . . well, they idolised their parents, obeying them swiftly at the slightest comment, and longed for the day they could sail with Jack to Port Royale and see all the places they had been told about.
And soon there would be others to join their ranks, Marin thought to herself, watching from the corner of her eye as Laura rubbed a protective hand over the expanding bulge of her waistline. She was extraordinarily pleased for her cousin and his wife, especially since she knew how they had longed for even one child. It just wasn't the same to play with the other children, and to have a hand in the care of them. And with any luck, this time all should go well for Laura.
They had never told James of the reason for the two months of illness before Anna's birth that had seen his wife bed-bound, deeming it too cruel to tell him of the loss of his unborn child. Even Laura had been unaware of it until much later, Amata forcing Marin to keep her mouth shut despite her friend's right to know the truth. When she had finally found out, the news had rocked Laura to her soul, frightening her immensely as she contemplated the chance that she could now be barren. Such a thought was too terrible to dwell on, though, and with Vanessa, and now this pregnancy, her spirits had lifted. It would only be another month or so, and James and Laura would be parents to another child they had longed for, and thoroughly deserved.
Marin smiled, passing a hand over her own waistline as the child within moved restlessly. She seemed to be perpetually pregnant, though she had no complaints. With three beautiful children, and a fourth on the way, Jack had plenty of trouble to keep him busy. And he did need to be busy. He was trying so hard to hide his difficulties, but Marin knew how he longed for the freedom of the ocean, as she too longed for the sea. They had promised themselves, when things had settled and the children were old enough, they would go and explore the places they had only heard about, the Americas, Australia, perhaps even Ireland. It was this promise, and the promise of a growing family that was keeping them both going.
Suddenly, there was a shout from one of the seamen aboard the Pearl. They all looked up, alarmed, to see Michael gesticulating wildly at the open sea, in the direction of Port Royale, his movements somewhat hindered by the presence of his son in his arms. Confused, Marin found herself staring at the vast expanse of water, wondering what on earth could have alarmed her friend so. There was nothing, so sign of any ships or cannon fire. Then she realised what was wrong with her view.
'Tidal wave!' she screamed, her heart in her mouth as she spun to warn her husband and children of the danger.
The wave was moving swiftly, faster than a man could run, and heading straight for them. Jack didn't wait to confirm his wife's cry, sweeping Kit and Johnny up in his arms and shouting for James to grab Beth. Will already had Matthew on his back as James ran headlong towards the shore to snatch up Beth where she was paddling in the shallows. Marin pulled Laura up from the bench where they had been sitting and pushed her into the hut.
'Brace yourself against the wall,' she ordered, and frightened, Laura did so.
Marin rushed back outside, as Jack and Will reached the hut, the other islanders running for their own homes, their own children held in arms as they ran. James struggled up the beach, Beth held close in his arms, but Marin could see he would not make it in time. Terrified, she ran forward as the wave hit, eight feet of salt water washing mercilessly across the little island where they had made their home.
Thankfully it was over almost before it began, leaving debris scattered across the village and beach, and the ships rocking dangerously in the swells as it passed. Jack shot from the hut, his eyes wild as he scanned the destruction around him.
'Marin!' he yelled, his voice hoarse with fear. 'Marin, where are you?'
There was a heap of sand, shells and seaweed up against another of the huts, and it heaved in response to his yells. He fell to his knees beside it, scraping sand away from his wife's weak body as she spluttered and coughed.
'Beth . . .' she managed, clutching weakly at his arm. 'Where's Beth?'
Will had followed his friend to where Marin lay, and now straightened, seeking any sign that James had been washed against a building as Marin had. Behind him, Laura ventured from the safety of the village, the children pressed close to her legs, their eyes wide with shock. A wail greeted their ears, and they turned to find James staggering towards them, Beth screaming at the top of her lungs as she clung tightly to his shirt. Water dripped off them as he crumpled, landing heavily on his knees.
Marin forced herself upright, shivering as the shock of what had happened hit her, and stumbled the few steps to take her wailing daughter in her arms, even as Jack and Will hauled James to his feet. Blood stained his back where a piece of jagged driftwood had caught him, leaving a wide gash for all to see. He grimaced as Will accidentally jarred him, sucking in his breath to avoid crying out in pain.
'Everyone alright?' he hissed, gratefully taking a seat as his legs began to shake wildly.
Jack turned to watch as the villagers ventured out from their homes once more, and the men who had been aboard the ships either waded ashore or loosed their grip on the ropes. In his mind, he tallied their numbers, noting absently that Esperanza was standing in the circle of Dugan's arms even as they both moved to join her family. No one was missing, he realised, relieved, kneeling to reassure his children as the twins suddenly ran from Laura's skirts to hug his knees.
'All present and correct, mate,' he told James, concern for the other man colouring his voice. 'You seem to be the only one who got banged up quite so bad.'
There was the sound of anxious voices behind them, and they turned to find Amata and Esteban pushing through the crowd. Amata fell to her knees beside James, her hands moving swiftly to his injury as he winced and squirmed under her ministrations.
'The houses stand tall still, senor,' Esteban managed breathlessly, in his broken English, kneeling to help Marin stand as Beth pulled herself free of her mother's frightened embrace.
'What about the crops?' Jack asked, his arms still around Kit and Johnny as they clung to him.
Gibbs pushed forward, dripping with seawater.
'We're lucky that plateau's as high as it is, cap'n,' he said gruffly. 'T'weren't touched, and the soil's still good.'
A sigh of relief ran through the men and women gathered about. If the tidal wave had washed across their fields, then not only would their harvest have died, but the soil itself would have been rendered useless. Salted earth did not bear a good crop, no matter what you did. There was the sound of ripping fabric, and everyone glanced up to see Amata tearing her skirt mercilessly to make bandages for James' injury. The ordinary sight suddenly brought a thought to Jack's mind, and he turned to look at Marin in concern, dark eyes taking in her bedraggled appearance, the hand she had placed over her growing bump.
'I'm fine,' she said, holding up a hand to forestall his question. 'We're both fine. What we need to know is what the hell happened?'
There was a tentative cough from the back of the crowd, and Harry slipped forward, one hand clutching a rather large piece of jagged driftwood.
'I think you should see this, captain,' he said softly, turning the board to reveal the words scratched across it in white paint.
PIRATES, YE BE WARNED.
Jack's eyes widened in alarm.
'Bloody hell,' he swore, rising in shock.
He glanced up at Gibbs, who had also seen the sign, and knew his captain far too well. He turned.
'Black Pearl crew, get yer arses moving!' he shouted. 'I want her ladyship seaworthy as soon as we can! Get to it!'
Within moments the men of the Black Pearl were scrambling to obey orders, their counterparts on the Dragon offering their assistance in their task. Marin rose to stand beside Jack, slipping her hand into his. He glanced down at her, recognising the look on her face.
'No,' he said firmly.
She glared up at him.
'Why not?' she protested. 'I haven't been off this island in six years, Jack. I want to come.'
'It's not just you that you have to worry about anymore though, is it, love?' he told her gently. 'And who would look after the children while we're both gone?'
Her lips set in a firm line.
'Then they'll come with us,' she said, her tone stern. 'And I'm not going to change my mind, Jack.'
He opened his mouth to protest again, cut off by her hand against his lips.
'And don't even think about mentioning my condition unless you have a burning desire to sing soprano for the rest of your days,' she added, her eyes glinting dangerously.
Jack drew in a breath, paused when Marin's eyebrows rose slowly, and shut his mouth with a sigh.
'Oh, alright,' he muttered, rolling his eyes as his children cheered.
Whatever had happened in Port Royale, they would discover it together, children and all. But Jack couldn't shake the feeling that this would be one of his more memorable voyages.
*~*~*
Hey there, guys! I'm SOOOO sorry this has taken so long, but I've had a hard month or so, and things haven't quite been working out as planned. Still, I've managed to update so I hope you enjoyed it, and I can very nearly almost certainly guarantee that I will do the A/N thing next time! Be well, chaps!