(Back I am. And I brought a new chappie with me. (Aren't you all so excited?) Anyway... This one is gonna be a bit slower than the others as it will be a bit more lengthy. Just to let you know, there is a different point of view in this chapter. (Don't hurt me...) It might be a few days before I can update again. I have a lot of school activities going on. **Jumps up and down** I made the National Junior Honors Society!!! **Jumps up and down** Anyhoo... Let me get you started on this chappie...R&R...Enjoy...!!!)
Chapter 3: You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory...
As he shut down the last machine, he breathed deeply. The day had been a long one. Another day that had been filled from beginning to end with errands and projects and assignments. He had been around Port Royal at least three times this day. He tried to find time for himself, but there never seemed to be time. It was always something. Nowadays, it was the Commodore. Welling was the hardest man to please, but Will did his best.
Why... Why do I do this to myself? Will asked himself quietly.
He picked up his latest project. It was a sword. It was hand crafted from solid silver for the Commodore's daughter, Katherine. Will knew that she would probably never use it, but Welling wanted it for her just the same. He sighed and placed it in a large wooden chest. He placed the box on a high shelf and covered it with a large wool blanket to keep the moisture off of it.
He walked to the window on the far side of the shop and stared at the full moon. It was a beautiful moon, wrapped in a thick fog. It cast an eerie and ominous glow as it shifted slightly to shadow the world from behind a cloud. This would have been the perfect setting for a pirate invasion. Will said to himself softly. I wonder what Jack is doing now.
As he pondered his question, he walked to the door that connected the shop to his quarters. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, lighting the oil lamp as he went. He heaved a great sigh and shut the door behind him, locking it as he went. He placed the key in his drawer and flopped down onto his bed. Tonight he wouldn't bother to undress and change into anything more comfortable. Tonight he was too exhasted, and sleep came easily...
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As the moon fell behind a cloud, the crew of the Black Pearl dropped anchor and dropped the rowboats. For the first time in a long time, there were only four members of the Black Pearl going ashore. Jack, Lia, Anamaria, and Jackson loaded into one boat and began there short row to the outskirts of the port.
What exactly is our purpose? asked Jackson, irritable about being ignorant.
Sorry son, the information is confidential. said Jack. But ye' can ask when we get back.
Jackson shook his head and said, Why do ye' insist on leavin' me in the dark? Ye' know that I can be useful. Why do ye' not tell me?
He was met by silence and finally surrendered, knowing that he would not receive an answer at the moment.
Lia was feeling just a tad bit confused at the moment. It isn't everday that her father had just told her that he.. well... wasn't her father. She didn't know whether to believe him or not. It was either the truth or a very sick and well planned joke. She decided that now was as good a time as any to voice her opinion. Father why do ye' insist on picking at me brain? Ye' know that I don' like it when ye' do this-
Why do ye' insist on thinkin' that it is a joke? Can it ever not be a joke? Jack asked her in his defense.
No. It cannot just be a joke in the present matter. It sounds too crazy. Ye' wouldn't have jus' told me somethin' like that outta the blue. Lia replied, backing herself up.
Jack let his head fall to his chest. He didn't know what to tell her. he was fighting an internal conflict and didn't know hat side to go with. She he explain it to her now, or should he wait until the time was a little bit more appropriate? He didn't know what to do.
What in the bloody ell' are ye' talkin' bout'? asked Jackson in an annoyed voice. Why does no one ere' tell me anythin'?
Anamaria just shook her head and listened to the different conversations and complaints that were being filed against everyone else. Jack leaned over to Lia and whispered into her ear, Wait till' we reach land, then I'll go a bit more in depth. I just had to get it all out into the open. Forgive me?
Lia narrowed her eyes at him and answered, Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. we shall have to wait and see how in depth ye' go with ye' little story. Then I will decide if I forgive ye' or not for this lil' scare.
Jack heaved a sigh and thought, Stubborn... Just like er' damn father... why does she ave' to be so much like im'? Why couldn't she ave' been a bit' more docile and agreeable like er' mother?
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The awoke to a knock at his door. He sat up and asked , Who is it? He was answered by the voice of the Commodore. Mr. Turner, I have a bit of news that you might find somewhat interesting. Why don't you come out and discuss it with me?
Will was a bit suspicious. but decided that now was a s good a time as ever to give the sword to the Commodore. He wondered why he was here at such a late hour. Actually, he wondered why he was here in the first place. it was very uncommon for the Commodore to walk among the commoners. They usually remained in their villas and courts tending to the spoils of their children and fellow understudies. This was an odd occasion indeed.
He stood and unlocked the door, opening it slowly so as not to hit the man. When he stepped out, he was met by the smiling and cheerful face of the Commodore Welling. The very sight of him made his skin crawl. He despised Welling more than any other creature on the planet.
He had taken his wife from him and thought nothing of it. He had also forced him to give up his only child to a life of piracy. He might as well have forced him to nevermarry again, for he could not bring himself to. Welling had destroyed any chance of hope for Will. He had ripped his life apart and acted as though they were old friends. It was sickening.
Welling was catagorized as a very attractive man. He had high cheekbones, large blue eyes, a sturdy nose, a tall and muscular build, and sandy-blonde hair. He looked like the portrait of every woman's dream. Will hoped that no woman ever got herself into the situation. He also felt sorry for the poor woman that was married to Welling a the present time. Lady Daniella of Portugal.
Will walked over to the shelf and took out the bow, handing it to the commodore. Welling looke dit over carefully after removing the sword from it's case and marvelled at the craftsmanship. Nice work Mr. Turner. Keep it up and you could have a raise in your tax salary and less taxes next year. My daughter will love this. She has always wanted one.
Does she know how to use it? Will asked curiously.
He was answered, Yes, in fact she is rather skilled.
Will nodded and walked to the window again. The moon was full and the fog was thick. He thought that he saw something, but dissmissed the thought. he turned back to the Commodore and was asked, Whatever happened to that daughter of yours, I never did quite figure it out.
Will could feel his heart flip flop and his stomach turn inside out. Welling didn't know and he wouldn't know. He couldn't. he would probably kill Will and put a reward on his daughter's head. Though Welling could probably never find her, to Will, it wasn't worth taking the chance.
He shook his head and said. I fear that she passed on that fateful year. The last time I saw her was when Elzabeth took her to the docks. I am sorry that I cannot help. It was my daughter. I feel so ashamed. He faked a pained expression.
All of a sudden the commodore pulled something out from behind his back. It was Elizabeth's head!!! What in the bloody hell was Welling doing with that? Bloody Hell!!! Will cried out.
He turned left and saw heads lined up on tables. Jack's, Anamaria's, Isaac's, Gibb's, He even saw a baby's head at the very end. He could bring himself to look no longer and tore his eyes back to the commodore. he said softly.
Welling smiled evilly and answered, I am going to make sure that no man...or woman... flies under a pirate flag ever again. And if they so happen to...they will be hanged! He let out a evil laugh. Will yelled and shot up in bed.
He was covered in sweat from head to to, his shirt was soaked. He was breathing very fast and couldn't seem to catch his breath. I wonder why. he whispered. When he finally got his breathing under control, he said to Elizabeth, Why does he do the things that he does? I will never understand. I can't do this much longer. I need to get away. I have to get away. If only you were here... he trailed off.
He lay beack down and stared at hte ceiling. Whatever did happen to you , Cordelia. I wish that I could know. Are you safe? Are you happy? Are things hard for you? Are you scared or content? How are you living? Where are you now? Is Jack being a good father? He stopped and closed his eyes, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall.
But he couldn't do it. Big tears sqeezed out of the corners of his eyes. He held them back no longer. His body wracked with sobs of memory. He would never be his own daughter's father. The thought of never knowing her was enough to make him unconsoleable. He knew the only way to make things better was to face it. She was in a better place. She was more than likely safe. He knew that he had to trust Jack. Jack had never given him reason not to, so he had to. He wanted to see her. He wanted to put his arms around her and hold her forever, but all he had left was a memory. You can't put your arms around a memory. It was time to let go...
(So...what do you guys think about this chapter? I will admit it is a little bit different, but it was easier to write than the other chapters. Okay I lied, it only took one day. But the next chapter might take a while. So please don't hurt me. Review me if you liked it and tell me what to keep doing. Well, I am running late for school, so I will update later. Tootles!!!)
