The next morning came much too early, and with it brought much work to be done before the christening. Will had gone out early that morning to speak with Commodore Norrington about the voyage they were about to embark upon. The commodore had been overly cordial and polite to Will, but was also thankful that he had chosen to accompany him to Tortuga.
Governor Swann had sent a carriage to pick up Will and Elizabeth, and dressed in their finest clothes, they arrived at the port in style. All of Port Royal had turned up for the ceremony, which, as expected, had lasted for two hours and consisted of several incredibly boring speeches lauding the new ship that seemed to last forever.
But it finally ended. Everyone left and returned to their homes and shops to finish out the rest of their busy day. Will and Elizabeth lingered for a few moments, hoping to speak to the governor and the commodore. They finally got close enough to attract the governor's attention, and he came over to speak with them.
"Will!" he said cheerfully. " The commodore has informed me of your decision to accompany him on the Challenger's maiden voyage. I must tell you that I am very proud. You have made a good decision."
"Thank you, sir," Will said, shaking his hand.
"Father, are you feeling well?" Elizabeth asked, sounding concerned. "You look a bit pale."
"I- I am fine, Elizabeth." He smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. " I am just a bit tired, what with all the excitement about the Challenger. I will be fine."
Commodore Norrington came over a few minutes after that. "Mr. Turner!" he said. "We are setting out in an hour and a half. The only thing you will need to bring will be a few changes of clothes."
"What time
do I need to get here?"
"At least thirty minutes
before departure."
"When will you be returning to Port Royal, Commodore Norrington?" Elizabeth asked, using her hand to block the sun from her eyes.
"In three days time," he answered, avoiding looking at her.
* * * * *
It was time fore the Challenger to stide out on its maiden voyage. All the men were on the ship, save Will Turner, who was still on the dock saying goodbye to Elizabeth.
"We've only been married a few weeks and we're already saying goodbye." Elizabeth whispered trying to lighten the mood a bit.
"I'll be back in three days," he whispered to her.
"I know. Three days." She smiled and blinked back some tears. "I just have this horrible feeling that you going is a horrible mistake."
"I'll be fine." He pulled her close and hugged her for a long moment. "I'll be back in three days, and then you'll see that you were worried about nothing."
They stood sill fore a moment, just standing in each others arms.
"Mr. Turner!" a crewman called from the deck above. " You must board now or you will be left behind!"
"Goodbye, Elizabeth." He kissed her and gently pulled away from her and hurrying across the gangplank onto the Challenger's deck. The sails were dropped and the anchor was raised, and the Challenger set off toward the distant sea and Tortuga.
Elizabeth stood motionless and watched the ship said off into the distance, watching it become smaller and smaller until it was a mere speck on the horizon and it disappeared all together.
Three days, Will had told her. Three days. Why did she have such a horrible feeling that it would be longer than three days. That is, if she even ever saw him again.
* * * * *
Mere minutes after he had boarded the ship, he was summoned to Commodore Norrington's office.
"Mr. Turner!" the commodore greeted him. He pointed to a large map on his desk. "I was wondering if it would be possible for you to go ahead and show us the general location of Tortuga so we can begin plotting a course."
Will strode over to the desk, and after perusing the map for several minutes he pointed to a small island about one hundred miles off the shore.
"I thank you, Mr. Turner," Commodore Norrington said with a smile. He turned to his guards behind him. "Escort Mr. Turner to the brig and tie him up."
Turning back to Will he whispered, "It is time I reclaimed what it rightfully mine."