A/N: Just wanted to take a couple of lines and extend a thank you to all those who have reviewed! It's really a treat and honor to have people enjoying my work months later, and keep coming back even though sometimes it takes a while to post. I enjoy writing this story, but the feedback I get from you gals really encourages me! I know not everyone who reads reviews, so those of you that take the time to do so… THANK YOU!! It's the only form of appreciation that we fan fic writers receive and it is greatly appreciated. If any of you have an comments or suggestions that you think would make this story better, please let me know.

I'm always open to honest/CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, so please post that too. However, if you are just going to write a flame I'd ask you not to bother. If you really hate the story that much, you wouldn't be reading chap 17, and I'm not a fish, so I don't rise for bait.

P.S. Eradwyn: Chapter 16 was the Wednesday of Chapters… it was just there to get from 15 to 17. J But I think this will make up for it.

P.S.S. A special thanks to DarkGoddess, troublegirl, Eradwyn and The Good Girl! All my reviews and special to me, but these four have been with me since the beginning!

Chapter 17

The Pearl was a mess. The tropical storm had raged for most of the night knocking the stern mast to the deck and damaging the foremast. Jack had finally been forced to drop the sails after the main one broke free from the winds and refused to be secured, no matter how many sailors tugged and pulled at it. Below deck, cargo that had been traded and bought on Aruba had been tossed violently around. Some of the crates were broken open, sacks of rice and flour spilled upon the floor, and a hole was punched in the hull where a cannon left unsecured went careening through.

The cannon hadn't been the only thing lost in the sea. A handful of his crew had been knocked overboard by the unrelenting waves including Anna-Maria. Jack had dove into the lurching water himself to save the woman he claimed not to love. He had been able to save three other crewmates, but there were four that the sea claimed that night. For several anguishing moments of agony, Will, unable to find Sabine thought she too had been victim to the waves that lashed the deck, until he found her curled into a tight ball under the stern mast.

She had clung to him then, like a lost child to a parent that has just found them. He knew it was from fear-- which caused him to wonder how close she was to the mast when it fell-- but ultimately he didn't care what the reason was. In the early morning under a moon peaking from the receding clouds, he had gathered her to him and took her below deck. He stayed long enough to exchange her wet clothes for dry ones and tucked her safely into the bed before returning to help Jack assess damage and control.

The sun was just pecking over the horizon when he returned to their cabin to find her shaking in bed. He had climbed under the covers with her, and curled his body around hers, hoping his radiating heat would combat her chills. When he woke it was to find her soaked with sweat.

"Sabine?" he called softly and flicked a lock of damp hair from her forehead.

She was warm, warmer than seemed normal, even for the stuffiness that was already beginning to build in the ship again.

"Sabine," he whispered into her ear and caused her to stir.

She moaned softly and turned in his arms, her deep brown eyes opened and trained on him, but not really focused. "My head," she whispered and moaned again.

"Does it hurt?"

"It's killing me."

The young Blacksmith examined it as best he could, but found no evidence of any contusions or other injuries.

"We're heading back to Aruba. We'll find you a doctor there."

Will carefully slipped from bed, dressed and made his rounds to the other injured crew members, including Anna-Maria, before making his way to the upper deck. He wasn't surprised to find Jack manning the wheel. More than likely the pirate had been there all night. To the bow of The Pearl, the island of Aruba again began to take form.

There were a handful of other men on deck, trying to move the ruined mast to the side as best they could, so they could clean the debris it left. Only two of the five main sails were raised making their progression to the island slower than on the first visit. At the rate they were traveling, it would be at least another two hours before they would make birth.

"How's Anna?" the Captain questioned when Will was close enough.

"Feisty," he answered forcing a smile to cover his concern. "I was able to convince her to stay in bed until we reached Aruba, but just barely."

"And Dragonfly?"

Will felt the smile leave his face and could do nothing to stop it. "The sooner we get to port, the better. She said her head hurts."

"She was lying underneath that rubble," Jack reminded gesturing to the broken mast. "It's possible the young lass took a knock to the head. I'm sure she'll be fine."

Despite Jack's reassurance, Will wasn't convinced. He thought to mention his suspicions of her fever, but decided that was information better kept private. If word got out that she had a fever, assumptions of the plague, or yellow fever might follow. There was the chance that Jack was right, and it was a side affect from a blow she sustained during the fall of the mast. But if he wasn't, Will didn't want to run the risk of being quarantined, or worse, having the crew vote to cast Sabine overboard to avoid being denied admittance to the island.

For the first time in the light of the day, Will took a survey of the damage The Pearl sustained. It looked worse last night, but he chalked that up to the after effects of the storm.

"How long will the repairs take?" he questioned coming back from peering over the side to the hole a few feet below. Mercifully, it was well above the water line.

"Two weeks, maybe more," he grinned and turned to Will. "Just long enough for you to get aquatinted to life as a land lubber again."

Turner grimaced but decided to let the comment go unchallenged. Two weeks seemed like a long time to be stuck in a foreign place, but perhaps he could use the time to convince Sabine to return to Port Royal with him.

"Or," Jack began as if he could read the young man's thoughts, "Two weeks is just long enough for Oliver to win the hand of Miss Sabine."

Will frowned, "He's not her type."

"He's good looking and rich," Jack countered. "He's every woman's type."

"He's old enough to be her father."

"That didn't stop her from having dinner with him a couple nights ago."

"Sabine's not about to stay on an island just because a handsome stranger pays attention to her, and buys her pretty things."

Jack pondered for a moment, "No, but she may stay if the handsome stranger that pays attention to her, and buys her pretty things, can convince her that life with him, would be better than life with a Blacksmith turned pirate."

"I only became a pirate to protect her."

Jack shrugged, as if the entire thing made no difference to him, and were something he was tired of discussing.

"Why do you continue to live this life if it is so despicable?"

"Because this life suits me, son. For me there is none other."

It was Will's turn to dismiss the pirate's words, turning his attention to the island. He wished he could feel as secure in his words that Oliver wouldn't turn Sabine's head as he sounded, but he hadn't succeeded in convincing himself yet. He would have to figure out a way to make sure they spent as little time together as possible.

~~~

"Where are we?" Sabine asked in a groggy voice as Will help her to sit up on the bed.

Her head felt like a cannon was exploding shots against the sides every two seconds. It was a constant pain that pursued her into her sleep and made resting peaceful an impossibility. As Will helped her stand, the ache of her head was rivaled by the pain that seemed to scream from every bone and muscle in her body. It was a pain worse than any she'd ever experienced in her life; so severe, she had to bite down on her bottom lip to keep from crying out.

"Aruba," he answered.

"Why are we back here?"

"Don't you remember the storm?"

She tried to nod, but even the smallest movement of her head cause such pain she let out a whimper of acknowledgement instead.

"The ship needs repair."

"Where are we going?"

"The inn," he answered. "We'll get a room and you can rest."

It was a slow production from the cabin to the ladder that took her above deck. She tried to stand straight, to ignore the pain, but it would have been like trying to ignore the ocean while in a row boat. Every nerve was alive with pain, and she felt so hot, the only thing that kept her from peeling her clothes off was the sound of people around her. By the time she reached the upper deck, climbing the rungs had used whatever strength had been left in her body. She had no choice but to lean against Will's body for the support hers lacked.

"You don't looks so good, luv," Jack commented peering closely into her face.

Sweat drenched the back of her shirt in a long line against her spine and under her arms. It pooled at the hollow of her throat, streamed down her face from her forehead and soaked the roots of her hair.

"Matter of fact, you look dreadful."

"Thank you, Jack. That's just what ever woman longs to hear."

"What did you do to my ship?" came a teasing and familiar voice. Even with pain digging it's fingers against her spine, Sabine recognized Oliver Adoza's voice. "I was worried you would not make if far enough to sea to beat the storm, looks like I was right."

He boarded The Pearl, a smile secured on his face as he shook Jack's hand. A smile that faded when his eyes caught sight of Sabine. He closed the distance between them, paying little attention to the way Will's grip around her waist pulled her closer.

"What happened?"

"She was under the mast when it fell," Will supplied quickly.

Skeptical at the cause of her sluggishness, Oliver tilted her face up to his. The heat against his fingers caused him to place his hand against her cheek.

"I believe this is more than a bump to the head."

"She'll be fine," the Blacksmith countered, "She just needs some rest."

"She's welcome at my villa," he offered.

"She'll be fine at the inn," Will countered.

Oliver gave a smile, but it held a challenge instead of the warmth from before, "On the contrary, she already has a room and bed. She was quite comfortable on her last visit."

"We'll be fine," Will seethed through clenched teeth and pushed past the older man.

"I could send my personal surgeon by later?"

Will ignored him and helped Sabine navigate the gangway of the ship, before escorting her to the Red Canon Inn. With Will gone, the playfulness of Oliver returned.

"I almost expected him to drop his trousers and piss a circle round her feet," Oliver joked overcome by the humor of the situation.

"As fun as it may be to bait Mr. Turner, a word of advice, mind your hand. He may be a pup, but he's got sharp fangs."

"Yes well, I'll have Carlos assess the damage, will tomorrow be soon enough?"

"Aye, that'll do," Jack agreed.

The men seized each other's right forearm in the form of some ancient secret shake. Oliver headed back to the gang plank, but paused and turned back to Jack for parting comment.

"The offer for my surgeon stands for Miss Arroyo, should the need arise."

With his hands pressed together, Jack gave his famous mischievous smile and a quick bow of the head.

~~~

Sabine was as close to naked as a woman could be and still have clothes on. Her white cotton shirt barely covered her thighs; a result of her constant movement. The sheet that Will pulled up over her body had been shoved to the foot of the bed. He kicked the door closed, and moved to the table by the bed. In one hand he carried a bowl of steaming hot stew. Three extra shillings to the cook ensured the liquid was loaded with meats and vegetables. In his other hand was a pail of cool water.

Will set everything down and moved the only chair in the room to the bed. He dipped a mug into the pail, and set it on the table next to the stew before following it with one of his kerchiefs. He pressed the wet cloth to her forehead, mopping up the sweat that lined her brow, before trailing it down her cheek to her throat.

"How are you feeling?" he questioned seeing her eyes open and focused on him.

"Hot… achy… my head feels like it's about to split."

"I brought you some stew. I'm going to sit you up so you can eat some of it."

He moved slow, seizing her under her arms and pulling her up, but she still moaned with pain the movement brought. Once she was positioned, and the pillows made her as comfortable as possible he retrieved the stew and spoon and exchanged his seat on the chair for the bed next to her.

It was a slow progression, it seemed to hurt her just to swallow, but twenty minutes later and she managed to down two thirds of the stew. Two minutes after that and he held her hair back as she retched the food back into a chamber pot. She collapsed back to the pillows, tears streaming down her face.

He had been able to fool himself into agreeing with Jack. To believe that her weakness and headache was a side effect from being hit by the mast on it's way to collapse, but not longer. There was something wrong with Sabine that had nothing to do with external forces. There was something hurting her from the inside.

"Am I dying?" she whimpered softly.

"No," he assured wiping her mouth.

" I don't want to die yet, there's too much… too much I haven't seen. I want to go to Madrid. I want to see the great matadors of the bullfight. I want to ride through Venice on the gondolas. I want to paint the ruins of Pompeii and places where the Greek gods used to tread."

"You will," he promised squeezing her hand, "We will. We will do those things together, and I promise I will never leave you."

He whispered the last five words over and over, his lips pressed to her forehead, to her cheek. He pulled back, his eyes boring into hers, searching past the color of her dark irises to the soul that shown behind them. Never had he seen a woman more beautiful, and he knew at that moment, without hesitation he would be content to spend the rest of his life staring into those eyes.

"I love you," he whispered, then repeated it when he saw the questioning look of uncertainty in her eyes.

The softest press of his lips to hers followed the duplicate declaration. New tears shimmered in her eyes, that had nothing to do with the pain of her body.

"You aren't going to die," he assured again, "I'll get Jack. He'll know what to do." Again he pressed his lips to her forehead. "I'll be back soon," he whispered, then left.

~~~

Anna-Maria's left leg was trapped by Jack's arm. Pushed up until it was almost pressed against her chest. Her right leg was wrapped around his thigh, the heel pressed against his buttocks, urging him on faster. She could feel her release building, but it stayed just out of reach like candle light shining from around the corner. She growled her dissatisfaction, but it only made the pirate grin with success.

"Don't be so eager to leave me, luv," he whispered lying bites and kisses along her neck. "If you hold out, we can reach it together."

"Hurry," she panted.

Her arms wrapped around his back, pressing him tight to her body. Her teeth dug into his shoulder, and it was that added pleasurable pain that pushed Jack over. She felt body convulse, and the feel of him letting go triggered her own release. Her voice calling out as each rippled passed through her body until she was left spent and exhausted.

Jack collapsed over her, his breath feathering against her neck and hair. The weight of his body crushing her as he slowly regained control of his limbs. Several moments passed before he was able to push up enough to reposition himself on his side, his arms seeking her out and pulling her body against his.

It was the beautiful afterglow of sex, and the only time Jack ever really showed Anna-Maria any kind of tenderness. This was what had hooked her, this was what kept her at the pirate's side. He would hold her close to him as sleep crept into his body, and he would hold her all while they slept. She remembered once waiting for him to pass out then trying to slip from him. Even in sleep he clutched her body to his, his grip tightened when she tried to leave. In his sleep he became vulnerable, and in his vulnerability, he silently confessed his love for her.

He wouldn't always go to sleep. On the rare occasion, he would remain awake. Sometimes they would talk, but mostly he would just hold her, listening to her breathing until she fell asleep, then let the slow rhythm of her pulse lull him under. As they quietly lay there, neither of them felt the tug of slumber.

"What are you thinking?" Jack questioned, rolling her onto her side for a view of her eyes.

"I'm wondering if that half of the map you were given is really to La Samara?" she confessed.

"I thought you were beginning to like Miss Sabine."

"I am, I do... but just because I like someone doesn't mean I take everything she says on faith. We've only known her for a month."

"Yes, but Will has known her most of his life," Jack stated.

"And we have known him for less than a year," she amended.

Jack shrugged.

"It hasn't crossed your mind that she might not have told us the truth?"

"People lie for two reasons, either they are pathologically predisposed to it, or they do it for a purpose. Dragonfly isn't a pathological liar, nor would there be any purpose to lying to us."

"And for how long do we let her drag this out?" she questioned propping herself up on and elbow. "You know she is no more a pirate than I am a milk maid."

"All she needs is one good battle," Jack answered, his hands began to move in slow circular patterns against her back. "Fencing and sparring is one thing. Having your sword sink into real flesh, and spill real blood is something entirely different."

That answer seemed to satisfy Anna-Maria as she crawled over Jack. A smile lit her face as her lips touched the flesh of his chest.

"If this does turn out to be true, imagine what we would do with all that gold?"

A mischievous smile lit Jack's face. He wrapped his arms around her body, and quickly rolled her onto her back. His thigh pushed her legs apart so he could settle between them. He was just making himself comfortable for a second go round when someone pounded on the other side of the door.

"I don't believe it," Jack muttered preparing to stand.

"You are not about to answer that," Anna-Maria ordered.

"It could be important."

As if to confirm the statement, the pounding came again followed by a desperate sounding plea from Will to open the door.

"This better be important, pup," Jack growled throwing the door open not bothering to dress or cover his nakedness.

Will tossed a glance over Jack's shoulder to Anna-Maria, still in bed, but unlike Jack, she managed to pull the sheets around her body. The glance only lasted a tenth of a second before his attention was back on the Captain.

"Sabine is seriously ill," Will confessed.

"Didn't you say she took a blow to the head? I'm sure all she needs is rest and–"

"It's more than that. She's burning up and she can't keep anything down."

It was Anna-Maria, not Jack that acted first. She dropped the sheet. Her nude body being revealed to Will no longer a concern as she sorted through the pile of clothes and began dressing.

"When did you notice the fever?" she questioned cinching up the waist of her pants with a makeshift belt.

Will hesitated, his gaze traveling to Jack for a moment before answering, "She felt warm this morning, but I just thought it was the heat. She's practically burning up now, then there's the headache."

"What headache?"

By now Jack was mostly dressed and the three made moved back down the hall to the room Will shared with Sabine.

"She said her head hurt this morning, but now her entire body aches."

Sabine was in the same position as when he left her. She was slightly propped up on the pillows still, but had drifted off to sleep.

"Sabine," Will called her name softly and took a seat on the bed. "Sabine," he called again and took her right hand between his, stroking the back softly.

The back of his fingers moved to her face, stroking her cheek softly when she stirred, but that was all she did. Her eyes fluttered and she groaned softly, but the unconsciousness she succumbed to didn't release its hold.

"Sabine?" he called her name, panic entering his voice as he his gentle touch turned to him shaking her mildly.

Anna-Maria took a seat on the other side of the bed, the back of her hand pressed to her forehead, then her neck. "We must get a doctor."

"What's wrong with her?" Will questioned.

"Difficult to say, but I've seen this before back home."

"So have I," Jack concurred.

"Seen what?" he looked from Jack to Anna-Maria, and watched them exchange a less than comforting look. "Seen what?"

"Malaria, son," Jack stated softly.

Will turned to get a confirming nod from Anna-Maria before shifting back to Sabine, "What do we do?"

"Pray," Anna-Maria stated, "That is all we can do."

"That's not good enough," Will countered, "What about Adoza? He said his personal surgeon was at our disposal, we can take her to his villa."

Again there was an exchange of looks between the two pirates.

"I will not just watch her die."

The tone in Will's voice left no room for negotiation, nor was Jack inclined to disagree. He had seen people infected with the virus, and he had seen all of them die as a result of it. He had grown to like Sabine, and if he could give Will a glimmer of hope for a moment...

"Bring her down, I'll get a carriage."