A Sparrow's Daughter
By Anlei
Chapter Eight
Annabelle made sure that when she left the house she avoided bringing attention to herself. She didn't want anyone knowing that she headed towards the smithy. Norrington would surely think something was amiss.
She walked swiftly down the streets of Port Royale, taking the same route she had the day before. The sign for Turner's smithy appeared into her view and she quickly made way towards the building. She had so many questions and at the same time she felt that she couldn't remember them all. But she finally had the chance she'd been waiting for and she made a promise to herself not to miss it.
With a deep breathe she pushed open the creaking wood door and stepped inside the hot room. Closing the door behind her she scanned the room for Will. She found him leaning against a desk along the back wall reading over a letter he held in his hand. The letter looked a little old from what Annabelle could see. The paper was crinkled and discolored from time.
"Mr.-Will?" She called, catching his attention. He looked up, smiled, and tucked the letter into his pocket.
"Annabelle, hello." He spoke, gesturing for her to join him at the table. She moved over and sat on the stool he offered to her.
"You found no trouble in getting here, I see." He said.
"I managed to slip away, unnoticed. But I only have two hours at most before I am needed back at the house." She replied. He nodded in understanding, hoping that two hours would be enough time.
"I want to thank you, Mr. Turner, I mean Will. You are the only person I know able to give me answers." She said earnestly.
"I will do for you what I can. You're mother aided me and my wife in our youth. This is the least I can do for her."
Annabelle smiled, feeling a familiar tightness in her throat. Even after years of living without her mother, the pain never truly went away.
"This means the world to me." He nodded.
"Before I say anything, could you tell me what you remember of your time with your mother, if you don't mind?" He asked.
Annabelle nodded. She rarely spoke of her known past to anyone. Yet, she was willing to tell this man everything she knew if he would do the same for her.
"My mother raised me in Spain until I was six years old, that's where I was born. She had family in Spain though she rarely kept in contact with any of them. My mother never dressed or behaved the way a proper woman should so I gather she wasn't welcome in many places. We stayed with our cousin while we lived there. She wanted to raise enough money to take us to the Caribbean. I don't think she felt at peace in Spain."
Annabelle paused a moment, looking down at her hands idly playing with the fabric of her dress.
"I'm afraid though that I can't remember much of my time with her. You see, when I was thirteen I suffered memory loss. It's taken time but I've regained some of my memories though not all of them. I cannot remember much after we left Spain, only a few images that tell me little of what happened. The only thing that I can say that I truly remember is finding myself in a hospital bed. Apparently I was found.." Annabelle trailed off wondering if she should tell Will about the pirate ship.
If he did indeed know her mother then he would already know that she was a pirate and that Annabelle was one by blood. With a sigh she decided to tell him.
"I was found a pirate ship, though what ship I don't know. No one ever told me. After that Norrington took me in as a maid and cared for me. That's all I can really tell you."
Will said nothing, staring at her with a pensive expression on his face. He knew that this girl was the child of Anamaria and discovering that she traveled to Port Royale on a pirate ship only proved it.
"You don't remember what happened to her?" He asked. She shook her head, still looking down at her lap. He leaned close to her and took one of her hands.
"I'm sorry for what has happened to you. Your mother was a good woman and so was your father I believe." He said in gentle tones, releasing her hand.
Annabelle looked up at him sharply.
"You...you knew him? You know who my father is?" She asked her voice dropping to a whisper. He nodded and Annabelle fought back the urge to laugh out loud but her smile betrayed her inner joy.
"Please, tell me about him! Everything you know!" She begged happily.
"I'm afraid it may take a while to explain." He replied. Annabelle nodded her head in understanding.
"Please, I don't care how much time it takes. I'm willing to take all the time I have to hear this. When I was a child my mother never spoke of him. And when she died I thought I would never know. But you have given me hope." Will smiled at her joy. It felt good to see her smile knowing that has never had this chance before.
As a father, Will could never understand being away from his children for so long, never knowing if they were alive or dead, if they were hungry or well fed...The thought of never knowing his children made his heart constrict in his chest. He would tell this girl everything she wanted to know. He felt that he owed Jack as much, that he owed both Jack and Anamaria as much. Taking a deep breath, he began telling her about the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl.
He told her everything from the moment he first met Jack to the last time he escaped Norrington once again. He told her how he'd come to understand how a person could still be a pirate and a good man. He credited spending time with Jack Sparrow helping him to look at life differently. He told her how Jack new his father and how even though he never followed the same path he respected the pirates he met on the Pearl.
By the time he had finished the tale he noticed that Annabelle hung on his every word, like a man parched for thirst in front of a fountain. Her bright eyes were wide with curiosity. She found the entire tale hard to swallow as anyone would when talking about cursed pirate that couldn't be killed. But it was only a footnote when compared to the information on her father.
Annabelle allowed the information to roll around in her mind. Captain Jack Sparrow was her father, or at least that's what Will Turner believed, but she had no real proof. The estranged and by appearance drunken captain of the Black Pearl was a man of many talents and intelligence, despite what many thought. He seemed flighty and bumbling at times but Will knew that all of his actions for a purpose and he stated so.
"For all the show he put on he was very clever." He told her.
"And you have not seen him since?" She asked, the hope evident in her young face.
Will remained silent for a moment, his hand touching the right side of his chest, the place where the letter lay.
"I saw him a scattered few moments during the last twenty-five years. It's too dangerous for him to return to Port Royale with the noose awaiting him." Will replied, folding his hands in his lap.
"And Commodore Norrington, of course." Annabelle whispered softly. She didn't know how to feel about Norrington's involvement in the story. She understood his place in society. He was a man of the law and bound to it. Yet, it still upset her to know that he was the reason her father could not return to Port Royale without a most certain death. Though, she knew Norrington had no idea that Jack Sparrow was indeed her father. She couldn't even say so for sure until she met him. That is exactly what she intended to do.
"You must understand, there is a law to obey, Annabelle." Will said gently, as if reading her thoughts.
"I understand." Her eyes caught the glint of the blades on the back wall once more. She noted the same black and gold hilt attached to a perfect gleaming blade. Will followed her gaze.
"That was to be his the next time we met."
"When was that going to be?" Annabelle asked.
"Shortly after my second son was born five years ago." He replied.
"So you have not seen him since?" She asked, getting up and moving toward the blade. Her fingers gently touched the sharpened smooth steel.
"No, I have not. He never made his last appearance. He sent word that he would not be returning but he never explained why." Will frowned at the memory. The last letter he received was short and concise. Jack explained that he would not be returning to Port Royale, whether indefinitely Will was unsure of. But it was the only word he received and no letter followed after it.
"Is it likely that he may not be alive, Will?" She asked, bringing her hand back down to her side.
Will bore a slight smile. "That man has more lives than a cat with the way he's escaped death time and time again. I dare say he'll out live us all."
"I hope you are right." Annabelle said turning to Will. "Because I want to find him."
"Annabelle-"
"I know, Will. I have no idea where to begin, no means of travel. What I hope to do is probably nearly impossible but if I don't try then...then I'll..." Annabelle trailed off taking in a deep breath. Suddenly she felt so tired.
"Believe me, I understand exactly how you feel. When I was younger than you I left my home in London to come here and find my father."
Annabelle spun around to look at him. "Then you understand that I have to do this. How would you feel if someone told you to forget? To push aside that part of you that lay with your father and pretend it didn't matter? Could you do that?"
Will was silent knowing very well that he couldn't.
"I can see it in your face. You do understand." Annabelle said.
He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He could feel the familiar ache spreading throughout his forehead. She was almost as much trouble as his wife when she set her mind to something.
"It is not that I don't understand, Annabelle, but I what would you have me do?" He asked.
Annabelle groaned in frustration. She was so close to reaching her goal and at the same time still unable to get to it.
"Perhaps you can contact him? Or maybe there is someone you know who can find him! There has to be someone!" She began to pace back and forth, a habit she earned when irritated or frustrated.
Will watched the girl pace back and forth and thought back. He did know someone that would have contact with Jack no matter what had happened. However, this man was older and unable to travel as easily as before. He had no doubt that he would do his best take care of Annabelle and keep her safe but he did not know if that was enough. Did he want to bring this up to her? He could very well raise her hopes for nothing. However, if he didn't say something she would soon wear a trench in ground.
"There is someone."
Annabelle stopped moving and stood facing him.
"But what of Norrington? Surely, he will not allow you to travel on your own." Will replied.
Annabelle fought the urge to roll her eyes, almost regretting Norrington's involvement in her life.
"It doesn't matter. Norrington cannot know. If he were to he'd lock me in my room and prevent me from leaving the house!" Annabelle sighed.
"You would keep this from him then?" Will asked, not liking the idea of keeping such a huge secret from the man who had the entire navy at his beck and call.
"Do you expect me to tell him? My father is one of the only pirates to ever escape Norrington, I doubt he will be please to hear that I've gone off in search of him. What would stop him from following me to get to my father then?" Annabelle asked straining to keep her voice in check.
Will was seeing little chance of talking her out of this insane quest. He was going to be in trouble with his wife for this one. Either that or she'd be angry he didn't offer to help her sooner. He smiled to himself. He was the luckiest man in the world to have such a woman as his wife
"I see there is no way to talk you out of this." He said giving her a smile. She smiled in return, suddenly feeling guilty for having taken her frustrations out on him.
"Thank you." She replied.
Will stood up and stretched his tired limbs. How long had they been talking?
"I can take you to him later on this evening after I've closed the smithy. You had better pack whatever you intend to take with you and meet me back here. You'll have to change," he looked over her attire before continuing, "Well dressed women don't go into taverns, at least it's not safe to."
Annabelle looked down at her gown and nodded in understanding. She in no way wanted to be groped or mistreated if she did not have to be.
"I won't be able to return until late I'm afraid, after the house has settled in for the night or I'll be caught."
"Then I'll meet you here around ten o'clock, will that work?" Annabelle nodded happily.
"Thank you so much, for this Will Turner!" Without warning she threw her arms around him and hugged him. Slightly surprised he drew his arms around her briefly. Blushing at her behavior she stepped back, bowed politely, then walked out the door.
"I do hope you know what you are doing, darling." Will spun around to greet the sight of his wife standing in the back door behind him. He smiled sheepishly at her.
"Because it would be no good for this girl to raise her hopes for nothing." She slowly walked over to him, one hand resting on her belly. Kissing her softly he pulled her into his arms.
"I understand how she feels. When I was younger I refused to stop looking for my father. I missed the chance to know him. I only hope that it is not too late for her." He replied.
Elizabeth nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "You honestly believe this is the daughter of Jack Sparrow?" She asked.
"I do." He replied simply.
"Then do what you must to help her find him."
AN: Well, I got this one out faster than the last one! I hope you guys enjoyed it (^_~) ~Anlei~
By Anlei
Chapter Eight
Annabelle made sure that when she left the house she avoided bringing attention to herself. She didn't want anyone knowing that she headed towards the smithy. Norrington would surely think something was amiss.
She walked swiftly down the streets of Port Royale, taking the same route she had the day before. The sign for Turner's smithy appeared into her view and she quickly made way towards the building. She had so many questions and at the same time she felt that she couldn't remember them all. But she finally had the chance she'd been waiting for and she made a promise to herself not to miss it.
With a deep breathe she pushed open the creaking wood door and stepped inside the hot room. Closing the door behind her she scanned the room for Will. She found him leaning against a desk along the back wall reading over a letter he held in his hand. The letter looked a little old from what Annabelle could see. The paper was crinkled and discolored from time.
"Mr.-Will?" She called, catching his attention. He looked up, smiled, and tucked the letter into his pocket.
"Annabelle, hello." He spoke, gesturing for her to join him at the table. She moved over and sat on the stool he offered to her.
"You found no trouble in getting here, I see." He said.
"I managed to slip away, unnoticed. But I only have two hours at most before I am needed back at the house." She replied. He nodded in understanding, hoping that two hours would be enough time.
"I want to thank you, Mr. Turner, I mean Will. You are the only person I know able to give me answers." She said earnestly.
"I will do for you what I can. You're mother aided me and my wife in our youth. This is the least I can do for her."
Annabelle smiled, feeling a familiar tightness in her throat. Even after years of living without her mother, the pain never truly went away.
"This means the world to me." He nodded.
"Before I say anything, could you tell me what you remember of your time with your mother, if you don't mind?" He asked.
Annabelle nodded. She rarely spoke of her known past to anyone. Yet, she was willing to tell this man everything she knew if he would do the same for her.
"My mother raised me in Spain until I was six years old, that's where I was born. She had family in Spain though she rarely kept in contact with any of them. My mother never dressed or behaved the way a proper woman should so I gather she wasn't welcome in many places. We stayed with our cousin while we lived there. She wanted to raise enough money to take us to the Caribbean. I don't think she felt at peace in Spain."
Annabelle paused a moment, looking down at her hands idly playing with the fabric of her dress.
"I'm afraid though that I can't remember much of my time with her. You see, when I was thirteen I suffered memory loss. It's taken time but I've regained some of my memories though not all of them. I cannot remember much after we left Spain, only a few images that tell me little of what happened. The only thing that I can say that I truly remember is finding myself in a hospital bed. Apparently I was found.." Annabelle trailed off wondering if she should tell Will about the pirate ship.
If he did indeed know her mother then he would already know that she was a pirate and that Annabelle was one by blood. With a sigh she decided to tell him.
"I was found a pirate ship, though what ship I don't know. No one ever told me. After that Norrington took me in as a maid and cared for me. That's all I can really tell you."
Will said nothing, staring at her with a pensive expression on his face. He knew that this girl was the child of Anamaria and discovering that she traveled to Port Royale on a pirate ship only proved it.
"You don't remember what happened to her?" He asked. She shook her head, still looking down at her lap. He leaned close to her and took one of her hands.
"I'm sorry for what has happened to you. Your mother was a good woman and so was your father I believe." He said in gentle tones, releasing her hand.
Annabelle looked up at him sharply.
"You...you knew him? You know who my father is?" She asked her voice dropping to a whisper. He nodded and Annabelle fought back the urge to laugh out loud but her smile betrayed her inner joy.
"Please, tell me about him! Everything you know!" She begged happily.
"I'm afraid it may take a while to explain." He replied. Annabelle nodded her head in understanding.
"Please, I don't care how much time it takes. I'm willing to take all the time I have to hear this. When I was a child my mother never spoke of him. And when she died I thought I would never know. But you have given me hope." Will smiled at her joy. It felt good to see her smile knowing that has never had this chance before.
As a father, Will could never understand being away from his children for so long, never knowing if they were alive or dead, if they were hungry or well fed...The thought of never knowing his children made his heart constrict in his chest. He would tell this girl everything she wanted to know. He felt that he owed Jack as much, that he owed both Jack and Anamaria as much. Taking a deep breath, he began telling her about the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl.
He told her everything from the moment he first met Jack to the last time he escaped Norrington once again. He told her how he'd come to understand how a person could still be a pirate and a good man. He credited spending time with Jack Sparrow helping him to look at life differently. He told her how Jack new his father and how even though he never followed the same path he respected the pirates he met on the Pearl.
By the time he had finished the tale he noticed that Annabelle hung on his every word, like a man parched for thirst in front of a fountain. Her bright eyes were wide with curiosity. She found the entire tale hard to swallow as anyone would when talking about cursed pirate that couldn't be killed. But it was only a footnote when compared to the information on her father.
Annabelle allowed the information to roll around in her mind. Captain Jack Sparrow was her father, or at least that's what Will Turner believed, but she had no real proof. The estranged and by appearance drunken captain of the Black Pearl was a man of many talents and intelligence, despite what many thought. He seemed flighty and bumbling at times but Will knew that all of his actions for a purpose and he stated so.
"For all the show he put on he was very clever." He told her.
"And you have not seen him since?" She asked, the hope evident in her young face.
Will remained silent for a moment, his hand touching the right side of his chest, the place where the letter lay.
"I saw him a scattered few moments during the last twenty-five years. It's too dangerous for him to return to Port Royale with the noose awaiting him." Will replied, folding his hands in his lap.
"And Commodore Norrington, of course." Annabelle whispered softly. She didn't know how to feel about Norrington's involvement in the story. She understood his place in society. He was a man of the law and bound to it. Yet, it still upset her to know that he was the reason her father could not return to Port Royale without a most certain death. Though, she knew Norrington had no idea that Jack Sparrow was indeed her father. She couldn't even say so for sure until she met him. That is exactly what she intended to do.
"You must understand, there is a law to obey, Annabelle." Will said gently, as if reading her thoughts.
"I understand." Her eyes caught the glint of the blades on the back wall once more. She noted the same black and gold hilt attached to a perfect gleaming blade. Will followed her gaze.
"That was to be his the next time we met."
"When was that going to be?" Annabelle asked.
"Shortly after my second son was born five years ago." He replied.
"So you have not seen him since?" She asked, getting up and moving toward the blade. Her fingers gently touched the sharpened smooth steel.
"No, I have not. He never made his last appearance. He sent word that he would not be returning but he never explained why." Will frowned at the memory. The last letter he received was short and concise. Jack explained that he would not be returning to Port Royale, whether indefinitely Will was unsure of. But it was the only word he received and no letter followed after it.
"Is it likely that he may not be alive, Will?" She asked, bringing her hand back down to her side.
Will bore a slight smile. "That man has more lives than a cat with the way he's escaped death time and time again. I dare say he'll out live us all."
"I hope you are right." Annabelle said turning to Will. "Because I want to find him."
"Annabelle-"
"I know, Will. I have no idea where to begin, no means of travel. What I hope to do is probably nearly impossible but if I don't try then...then I'll..." Annabelle trailed off taking in a deep breath. Suddenly she felt so tired.
"Believe me, I understand exactly how you feel. When I was younger than you I left my home in London to come here and find my father."
Annabelle spun around to look at him. "Then you understand that I have to do this. How would you feel if someone told you to forget? To push aside that part of you that lay with your father and pretend it didn't matter? Could you do that?"
Will was silent knowing very well that he couldn't.
"I can see it in your face. You do understand." Annabelle said.
He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He could feel the familiar ache spreading throughout his forehead. She was almost as much trouble as his wife when she set her mind to something.
"It is not that I don't understand, Annabelle, but I what would you have me do?" He asked.
Annabelle groaned in frustration. She was so close to reaching her goal and at the same time still unable to get to it.
"Perhaps you can contact him? Or maybe there is someone you know who can find him! There has to be someone!" She began to pace back and forth, a habit she earned when irritated or frustrated.
Will watched the girl pace back and forth and thought back. He did know someone that would have contact with Jack no matter what had happened. However, this man was older and unable to travel as easily as before. He had no doubt that he would do his best take care of Annabelle and keep her safe but he did not know if that was enough. Did he want to bring this up to her? He could very well raise her hopes for nothing. However, if he didn't say something she would soon wear a trench in ground.
"There is someone."
Annabelle stopped moving and stood facing him.
"But what of Norrington? Surely, he will not allow you to travel on your own." Will replied.
Annabelle fought the urge to roll her eyes, almost regretting Norrington's involvement in her life.
"It doesn't matter. Norrington cannot know. If he were to he'd lock me in my room and prevent me from leaving the house!" Annabelle sighed.
"You would keep this from him then?" Will asked, not liking the idea of keeping such a huge secret from the man who had the entire navy at his beck and call.
"Do you expect me to tell him? My father is one of the only pirates to ever escape Norrington, I doubt he will be please to hear that I've gone off in search of him. What would stop him from following me to get to my father then?" Annabelle asked straining to keep her voice in check.
Will was seeing little chance of talking her out of this insane quest. He was going to be in trouble with his wife for this one. Either that or she'd be angry he didn't offer to help her sooner. He smiled to himself. He was the luckiest man in the world to have such a woman as his wife
"I see there is no way to talk you out of this." He said giving her a smile. She smiled in return, suddenly feeling guilty for having taken her frustrations out on him.
"Thank you." She replied.
Will stood up and stretched his tired limbs. How long had they been talking?
"I can take you to him later on this evening after I've closed the smithy. You had better pack whatever you intend to take with you and meet me back here. You'll have to change," he looked over her attire before continuing, "Well dressed women don't go into taverns, at least it's not safe to."
Annabelle looked down at her gown and nodded in understanding. She in no way wanted to be groped or mistreated if she did not have to be.
"I won't be able to return until late I'm afraid, after the house has settled in for the night or I'll be caught."
"Then I'll meet you here around ten o'clock, will that work?" Annabelle nodded happily.
"Thank you so much, for this Will Turner!" Without warning she threw her arms around him and hugged him. Slightly surprised he drew his arms around her briefly. Blushing at her behavior she stepped back, bowed politely, then walked out the door.
"I do hope you know what you are doing, darling." Will spun around to greet the sight of his wife standing in the back door behind him. He smiled sheepishly at her.
"Because it would be no good for this girl to raise her hopes for nothing." She slowly walked over to him, one hand resting on her belly. Kissing her softly he pulled her into his arms.
"I understand how she feels. When I was younger I refused to stop looking for my father. I missed the chance to know him. I only hope that it is not too late for her." He replied.
Elizabeth nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "You honestly believe this is the daughter of Jack Sparrow?" She asked.
"I do." He replied simply.
"Then do what you must to help her find him."
AN: Well, I got this one out faster than the last one! I hope you guys enjoyed it (^_~) ~Anlei~