AN: I apologize to all my readers about the delay with this chapter. I hope
that the length at least makes up for it somewhat :). For a while there
life got in the way of my writing but I'm back in the groove of things!
Enjoy!
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A Sparrow's Daughter
By Anlei
Chapter Ten
Annabelle wasn't surprised to find the tavern overrun with drunks and scallywags. She had expected to find all sorts of men huddled together in the dim and dusty place, though she never expected to be somewhat comfortable in it. Perhaps it was the male garb she donned which made her feel comfortable more so than a dress would have. No one bothered to look twice at her, which she was grateful for. Will nodded to a few men who raised their mugs to him before ushering her over to the bar.
He approached the barkeep, an older man, much older than Will. He appeared worn and seemed to have a slight limp as he moved about behind the counter cleaning glasses and getting drinks. His hair was entirely grey and receding a bit though not much. There were signs of age by the deep lines around his mouth and eyes. He didn't seem to notice Will as he leaned on the counter at first but then he squinted a bit before breaking out into a wide grin.
"Well, I'll be...if it ain't Will Turner! Why, I haven't seen the likes of you since the days of the curse! Have a seat and I'll bring you a draft!" He laughed heartily as he hobbled about.
Annabelle realized that she had run into him the other day. Looking at him now sparked something she couldn't place. She knew she had seen him before...perhaps it was only because he lived in Port Royale. Though, it seemed silly to think that she would recognize him out of the many that lived there.
They both pulled up stools and sat down at the barkeep returned with a drink for Will. He took a strong glance at Annabelle, squinting a bit, before looking back to Will.
"Who's the young lad? A new apprentice?" Will shook his head after taking a deep swig. He leaned in closer to avoid being heard.
"Actually, if we could find a more private place to talk that would be preferable." The barkeep seemed to catch the knowing glance in Will's eye and nodded. He motioned for a woman tending to a customer and told her he'd return shortly. Standing up, Will and Annabelle followed him as he walked to a back store room.
Shutting the door he turned to Will.
"What's this about, lad?" He asked.
Will turned to Annabelle and motioned for her to remove her hat. She did as she was told and her dark hair tumbled down like waves over her shoulders.
"Annabelle, I'd like you to meet Mr. Gibbs." Will spoke gently.
Annabelle stepped forward and bowed politely. Gibbs didn't move and he barely dared to breathe. He knew this girl, squinting hard at her, he knew her. He cursed his eyes for being so weak at that moment.
Annabelle looked from Gibbs to Will and back again. She began to worry that she had inadvertently done something wrong.
"It can't be..." Gibbs muttered to himself. Catching his words Will frowned.
"What can't be?" He asked.
Gibbs shook himself out of his stupor, momentarily taking a moment to look at Will.
"Blast these eyes of mine! If I could properly see I'd know for sure...but it just can't be, she died years ago!" Gibbs exclaimed as he took a step towards Annabelle.
"I assure you, my name is Annabelle and I'm very much alive." Annabelle interjected softly. Gibbs turned to look at her.
He stepped closer and stared deeply into her face. Annabelle took a hesitant step backward.
"I imagine you look just like your mama, girl." He said softly.
"So you know her then?" Will asked, not entirely surprised.
"Aye, if she be who I think she is." He replied. "But the last I heard of you...."
Annabelle frowned. She had met this man before, but where?
Suddenly her mind seemed to click into place and she remembered being in a tavern when she was really young. She remembered her mother speaking to this man...something about a ship and some mention of her father. She was too young to remember all of it but she felt the importance hanging heavily on her mind.
"I've met you before...when I was very young." She murmured.
Gibbs gave her a gentle smile.
"Aye, that you did, child. Though I doubt you remember much. You were barely up to my knee when I last saw you. I'm surprised you're even alive!"
Not knowing what to say, Annabelle looked at Will.
"I think we all have much to discuss. Maybe we had better sit down." Agreeing, they each took a crate and situated themselves in the back corner.
Gibbs kept squinted at Annabelle, trying to glean her appearance through his failing eyes. She shifted a bit under his scrutiny.
"After all theses years...and here you are in Port Royale of all places!" Gibbs laughed.
Annabelle smiled in return. "Yes, Master Norrington has been caring for me while I worked in his household." She replied.
"Norrington? You've been living with Norrinton all this time? How in God's sweet name did you end up there??" Gibbs cried. It was ironic that the daughter of Jack Sparrow be found in the house of the man who'd tried to hang him on a number of occasions.
"He took me in when he found out I had been orphaned. I've been a maid for the past seven years there." Annabelle lowered her eyes to her hands folded in her lap.
Gibbs shot her a look of pure disbelief. "You mean to say you willingly stayed with him after what happened to your mother?"
Annabelle grew stiff at the mention of her mother's death and she slowly looked up at Gibbs. Will watched the two closely, observing the conversation from the background. Apparently, Gibbs had known all along that Jack and Anamaria had a child together. Will began to wonder if Jack knew about his daughter's existence. He frowned with that thought.
"What do you mean? He offered me a home, why should I refuse this?" She asked cautiously.
"How could you betray your mama like that? After what he did, lass?" He asked in a strained voice.
Annabelle frowned, fisting her hands. "What are you saying?" She demanded feeling apprehension growing in her mind.
"Don't tell me you've so easily forgotten what happened on the Hydra! Every pirate on the waters knows about the travesty that occurred!"
"The Hydra...? What?" Annabelle could feel the blood pounding in her ears. The name "Hydra" began setting off all sorts of alarms in her head.
Will noticed her rising distress and decided to intervene.
"Gibbs, Annabelle has lost much of her memory. She doesn't remember much of anything before living with the commodore." He said softly.
The hardened gaze on Gibbs face softened considerably. His expression morphed into that of pity.
"So, she doesn't know anything of what happened then?" He asked. Will shook his head.
"Would you please explain to me what happened?" She pleaded, so tired of living in the dark.
"Aye, you poor lass, I'll tell you everything. But I warn you, you won't like it." Annabelle nodded, steeling herself for the worst.
"The last time I spoke to your mother was in a tavern in Tortuga. You were naught but six years old then. She came to buy her own ship, one she named the Hydra. She took you aboard and left to do what she did best." He bore a smirk, recalling his own days as a pirate under Jack.
"I'd imagine she taught you the same even if you don't remember it all. She was good, almost as good as Jack. I'm sure she learned a lot sailing under him. Even though we didn't part in the best of terms we kept some contact now and then. But not much." Gibbs paused to draw strength to say the next part.
Annabelle tried her best to remember anything about the Hydra but it seemed that her mind wouldn't let her have that particular memory.
"But Commodore Norrington was and still is relentless when tracking pirates. He'd nearly nicked everyone save for a few. You're mother's ship wasn't one of those to get passed him."
Annabelle felt her throat tighten. She swallowed thickly.
"We all heard about it when it happened. Gave many of us quite a stir. If your mama could be taken down, it was only a matter of time for the rest of us. You see lass, one night Norrington and his crew caught up with her ship...and sent it to Davey Jones Locker in pieces. Some of the crew managed to escape to tell the tale. They say that your mama went down with the ship. I assumed that you went with her."
By the time Gibbs finished Annabelle had tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt the pang in her chest. She had never imagined such a violent end for her mother. Truth be told, she refused to think on it all. Now that he had spoken, sounds of cannons filled her ears and images of a blade piercing her mother's chest filled her mind. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't be rid of them. She jumped up and strode to the other side of the room, feeling embarrassed by her crying. Will stood up and followed her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. She didn't move to stand near him and he gently rubbed her back.
"I'm sorry, lass." Gibbs whispered, shaking his head. It was like she had heard the news for the first time. He'd known this detail for years. But for her to hear the truth, after living so long without it, proved to be too much. She gave up the fight and sobbed onto Will's shoulder.
"I wish I could stop the images from pouring into my head." She whispered wearily between her tears. Will gathered that hearing the tale had triggered something, unlocking another memory hidden in her mind. Over and over, she would see her mother's face, the shock from the blow, the blood on her shirt, the clank of the sword as it fell from her fingers. She'd never forget the look on her mother's face as she was killed.
Annabelle remembered someone screaming. Somewhere her mind told her that it was her own voice that cried out all those years ago. Now that Gibbs had said it she knew she'd carry that image with her for the rest of her natural life. She almost wished he'd kept that detail to himself.
She was vaguely aware that Will had eased her down onto a crate then moved to Gibbs. They began speaking too softly for her to hear.
Will arranged for Annabelle to stay in an extra room just above the tavern. She'd have to stay out of sight for the most part in case Norrington or anyone under his command decided to look for her. Gibbs agreed that she could help out in order to earn some extra money. And he agreed to help her find her father. But for the moment Will saw the weary expression on the young woman's face and decided to take her to her room.
Once inside she sat in a daze on the bed. "How do you feel?" Will asked taking a seat next to her.
She gave a short, mirthless laugh. "Isn't that a strange question to ask? I knew that I would have to hear things that I may have wanted to avoid. I guess I never truly understood what I was asking for. I was only concerned about knowing the truth, freeing my locked memories. But there are some that I wish I could keep locked away."
Will nodded in understanding. "I felt the same way when I found out my father was a pirate."
Annabelle turned to look at him.
"It sent me on a spin. I was raised to believe he was something he wasn't. I was also taught to hate what he was. You're father helped me to change that." Will admitted quietly.
"Were you ever caught between the two, what you believe is true and what you're told is?" She asked with a small sigh.
"Many times during the journey I wondered if a pirate could indeed be a good man. Then I began to question where I stood." He trailed off into thought. Annabelle listened carefully to what he said. He was the only other person she'd met to have to make a choice like she did. If he could work through it all so could she despite their different circumstances.
"May I ask you a question, Will?" She asked. He nodded.
"Why did you not follow your father's path?" She asked quietly. Will silently watched her face, seeing several emotions overlapping one another making it difficult to understand what she was feeling.
"I loved Elizabeth more than anything in the world. She wasn't a part of Jack Sparrow's world and I couldn't bring myself to uproot her from hers, though I know that she would have gladly left everything behind to be with me. Even if I was a pirate by blood, I felt at home on the land. I'm happy to be a blacksmith and have a family." He replied as best he could, smiling at the thought of his wife and children.
It was a nice thought, getting married and having a family. And so easy to settle into. Maybe one day she would have a modest house by the ocean with a husband who adored her and children running about in the yard. The thought made her smile.
"Thank you, Will. You've helped me quite a bit today." Annabelle joked lightly.
"Jack is a good friend of mine. After all he's done for me, I owe him this much. Gibbs is a good man though a bit rough around the edges. He'll gladly help you with whatever you need. I'm afraid this is all I can do for you." Will replied. He would have liked to travel and see Jack again after so much time but with a pregnant wife at home and a business to attend to there was little room for that.
They said their goodbyes. Will promised to stop in from time to time and check on her though the tavern would be as far as he went with her. Where ever she went afterwards she would most likely be alone. She understood this all too well but it made no difference. When he was out of the door she flopped back on the bed and fell into a restless sleep.
When she awoke the next morning she nearly fell out of the bed in shock. It took her several moments to calm down and remember what happened and where she was. She sat up against the headboard and rubbed her stiff neck. She hadn't slept too well at all. And guessing by the sun the hour of the day was early so she hadn't slept as long as she was used to. It was hard to feel comfortable in such an unfamiliar place.
Her stomach rumbled unpleasantly, telling her to get up and find some food. She grabbed her hat, ran her fingers through her hair before tying it back at the nape of her neck, then went downstairs.
In the daylight the tavern looked vastly different than at night. During the day it had a yellowish tinge because of the discolored windows. The smell of dust assaulted her nose as she walked around. The wood creaked and looked worn through. But she assumed that none of these things mattered to drunken pirates.
Gibbs was slouched against the counter apparently dozing next to his mug. She decided to leave him alone and look for some food. She walked to the store room and took what she could find. There was only a bit of bread and fruit but it would do. She was already missing breakfast at Norrington's home.
"I thought that was you." Startled she spun around to find Gibbs standing behind her.
"My apologies, Miss Annie, I meant no harm." He chuckled at her expression.
"I'm fine, Mr. Gibbs. I thought you were still asleep." She replied.
"Merely dozin', miss. Come out to the floor with me while I get my mornin' drink." She stood up to follow him to the bar where he sat with a mug in his hand.
"I'll be honest with you, miss, finding your father will be no easy feat. He's the best pirate in the Caribbean and when he don't want to be found he won't be. I only see him once ever few months. We usually meet at Tortuga while he attends business." He explained.
Annabelle figured business meant the illegal kind. "I'm willing to go where ever it takes to find him, Mr. Gibbs."
Nodding he poured himself another glass.
"The next time I'm to meet him is in a few weeks. You're welcome to stay here and work for me while you wait, just stay out of sight during business hours. I don't need trouble from the marines."
"I understand." She replied.
They sat in silence for a bit. Annabelle bit her bottom lip, wanting to talk to him but feeling overly shy. Her curiosity won her over.
"Mr. Gibbs?"
"Aye, lass?" He replied, taking swig from his mug.
"Could you...could you tell me about him?" She asked quietly, tracing her finger along the smoothed wood of the bar top.
"What is it you want to know?" He asked in return.
"Just what kind of person is he? Will mentioned him but..." She trailed off, not quite sure what she wanted to say.
Taking another mug, he filled it for her. She took the mug and sniffed it experimentally. It was alcohol, she knew that much. She took a sip and coughed at the burning sensation going down her throat.
"What is this?" She asked, pushing the mug away.
"That is some of the Caribbean's finest rum and just so happens to be your father's choice drink. He won't go into a tavern and get anything else. Hell, any time we raided a ship and rum was found he treated it like he would gold or silver. It's an acquired taste really." He explained taking a deep gulp.
"Usually after a good raid he'd take the crew into port, only ports he knew that were safe mind you, and would treat us all to drinks. We'd spend the night drinking and being merry, eating our fill of good food. We'd all sit long into the night sharing stories, sometimes playing cards. For a while your mama was his first mate, until she left that is. He was a good man as far as pirates go. He'd never leave a man down. Saved my own neck quite a few times. But that was before my legs gave out on me." Gibbs touched his knees with his gnarled hands, wishing he had the strength of his youth.
Annabelle leaned closer, deeply interested in his tale. "What was he like with my mother?" She asked.
He shrugged. "It was hard to tell. They were close though how close I was never sure. They were friendly though they'd rather show it in scathing banter sometimes than any other way. Both he and your mother were guarded people. It takes quite a bit to break through." He explained.
"Did they love each other?" She asked softly, not looking him in the eye.
"Like I said, lass, they were guarded, never letting on how they truly felt. If they loved each other, well...you'd probably have to go to Jack for that one." He said, standing up and finishing the last his drink.
"Save your questions for Jack. There's no one better to answer them than he."
After that, Gibbs sent her about cleaning the place, washing dishes, sweeping the floors, in short doing what most of the bar wenches would do. Whenever someone would walk in, she'd tuck her hair under her hat or quietly slip in the back room until Gibbs handled them.
At night she stayed mostly upstairs in her room. She didn't mind so much. She'd rather not deal with the drunks though sitting up in her room proved to be rather boring. Though sometimes she was so tired she went right to sleep. Yet other nights she found herself wide awake thinking of what it would be like to meet Jack Sparrow.
The days began to pass by fairly quickly. At first Annabelle felt uncomfortable living in a tavern with a man she hardly knew but she trusted Will's judgment. And as time went on she realized that Gibbs was fairly harmless. Annabelle was amazed that no one had bothered to try the tavern for her. Sometimes during the day Will would stop in and check on her, occasionally bringing his wife though she rarely left the house these days since the baby was due soon. In the back of her mind she began doubting that Norrington would look for her.
Her hopes were shattered one evening a week later. A young naval officer stepped inside the tavern. Luckily, she had her hair underneath the hat and her head bowed so if he saw her he probably thought she were male. He sat at the bar and began speaking to her before she could duck into the back room. She tried to remain calm while silently screaming for Gibbs to make his appearance.
"I'd like a drink if you don't mind." Annabelle froze when she heard the voice. Of all the people, why did it have to be James Norrington II? She nodded and quickly gave him his drink.
"Thank you, might you be the owner of this establishment?" He asked. She shook her head and turned her back to him, pretending to restock the shelves.
"Do you know where I might find him then?" He asked, peering heavily into her back. Her behavior puzzled him.
"Would you please answer my question?"
Luckily at that moment Gibbs decided to walk in.
"I'm the owner of this tavern, sir. What can I do for you?" He asked, hobbling over to James. As soon as Annabelle could she swiftly ducked into the back.
"Ah, Mr. Gibbs I presume. I need to ask you about one of your associates. Might we speak somewhere private?" He asked.
"Aye, this way." Gibbs replied, leading him into another room.
Annabelle strained to hear what was going on. But from they went into his office. Her stomach began to churn at the thought of Norrington junior in the same tavern as her. She began working out elaborate plans of escape, most of which she was sure wouldn't work. Before she could convince herself to run, both men walked back into the main floor.
"I see, if you find anything please let me know." She heard James say. Only when she heard the door shut did she step back outside.
"What did he want? What's happening?" She asked.
Gibbs sighed heavily. "It looks like you and I are to leave for Tortuga sooner than I'd planned. We'll barter passage for tomorrow night."
Annabelle was puzzled. They hadn't planned to leave for Tortuga for another week at least.
"Why? Is something wrong?" She asked.
"Aye, lass. It seems that commodore of yours is out looking for your father and from the sound of things, it's bad."
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A Sparrow's Daughter
By Anlei
Chapter Ten
Annabelle wasn't surprised to find the tavern overrun with drunks and scallywags. She had expected to find all sorts of men huddled together in the dim and dusty place, though she never expected to be somewhat comfortable in it. Perhaps it was the male garb she donned which made her feel comfortable more so than a dress would have. No one bothered to look twice at her, which she was grateful for. Will nodded to a few men who raised their mugs to him before ushering her over to the bar.
He approached the barkeep, an older man, much older than Will. He appeared worn and seemed to have a slight limp as he moved about behind the counter cleaning glasses and getting drinks. His hair was entirely grey and receding a bit though not much. There were signs of age by the deep lines around his mouth and eyes. He didn't seem to notice Will as he leaned on the counter at first but then he squinted a bit before breaking out into a wide grin.
"Well, I'll be...if it ain't Will Turner! Why, I haven't seen the likes of you since the days of the curse! Have a seat and I'll bring you a draft!" He laughed heartily as he hobbled about.
Annabelle realized that she had run into him the other day. Looking at him now sparked something she couldn't place. She knew she had seen him before...perhaps it was only because he lived in Port Royale. Though, it seemed silly to think that she would recognize him out of the many that lived there.
They both pulled up stools and sat down at the barkeep returned with a drink for Will. He took a strong glance at Annabelle, squinting a bit, before looking back to Will.
"Who's the young lad? A new apprentice?" Will shook his head after taking a deep swig. He leaned in closer to avoid being heard.
"Actually, if we could find a more private place to talk that would be preferable." The barkeep seemed to catch the knowing glance in Will's eye and nodded. He motioned for a woman tending to a customer and told her he'd return shortly. Standing up, Will and Annabelle followed him as he walked to a back store room.
Shutting the door he turned to Will.
"What's this about, lad?" He asked.
Will turned to Annabelle and motioned for her to remove her hat. She did as she was told and her dark hair tumbled down like waves over her shoulders.
"Annabelle, I'd like you to meet Mr. Gibbs." Will spoke gently.
Annabelle stepped forward and bowed politely. Gibbs didn't move and he barely dared to breathe. He knew this girl, squinting hard at her, he knew her. He cursed his eyes for being so weak at that moment.
Annabelle looked from Gibbs to Will and back again. She began to worry that she had inadvertently done something wrong.
"It can't be..." Gibbs muttered to himself. Catching his words Will frowned.
"What can't be?" He asked.
Gibbs shook himself out of his stupor, momentarily taking a moment to look at Will.
"Blast these eyes of mine! If I could properly see I'd know for sure...but it just can't be, she died years ago!" Gibbs exclaimed as he took a step towards Annabelle.
"I assure you, my name is Annabelle and I'm very much alive." Annabelle interjected softly. Gibbs turned to look at her.
He stepped closer and stared deeply into her face. Annabelle took a hesitant step backward.
"I imagine you look just like your mama, girl." He said softly.
"So you know her then?" Will asked, not entirely surprised.
"Aye, if she be who I think she is." He replied. "But the last I heard of you...."
Annabelle frowned. She had met this man before, but where?
Suddenly her mind seemed to click into place and she remembered being in a tavern when she was really young. She remembered her mother speaking to this man...something about a ship and some mention of her father. She was too young to remember all of it but she felt the importance hanging heavily on her mind.
"I've met you before...when I was very young." She murmured.
Gibbs gave her a gentle smile.
"Aye, that you did, child. Though I doubt you remember much. You were barely up to my knee when I last saw you. I'm surprised you're even alive!"
Not knowing what to say, Annabelle looked at Will.
"I think we all have much to discuss. Maybe we had better sit down." Agreeing, they each took a crate and situated themselves in the back corner.
Gibbs kept squinted at Annabelle, trying to glean her appearance through his failing eyes. She shifted a bit under his scrutiny.
"After all theses years...and here you are in Port Royale of all places!" Gibbs laughed.
Annabelle smiled in return. "Yes, Master Norrington has been caring for me while I worked in his household." She replied.
"Norrington? You've been living with Norrinton all this time? How in God's sweet name did you end up there??" Gibbs cried. It was ironic that the daughter of Jack Sparrow be found in the house of the man who'd tried to hang him on a number of occasions.
"He took me in when he found out I had been orphaned. I've been a maid for the past seven years there." Annabelle lowered her eyes to her hands folded in her lap.
Gibbs shot her a look of pure disbelief. "You mean to say you willingly stayed with him after what happened to your mother?"
Annabelle grew stiff at the mention of her mother's death and she slowly looked up at Gibbs. Will watched the two closely, observing the conversation from the background. Apparently, Gibbs had known all along that Jack and Anamaria had a child together. Will began to wonder if Jack knew about his daughter's existence. He frowned with that thought.
"What do you mean? He offered me a home, why should I refuse this?" She asked cautiously.
"How could you betray your mama like that? After what he did, lass?" He asked in a strained voice.
Annabelle frowned, fisting her hands. "What are you saying?" She demanded feeling apprehension growing in her mind.
"Don't tell me you've so easily forgotten what happened on the Hydra! Every pirate on the waters knows about the travesty that occurred!"
"The Hydra...? What?" Annabelle could feel the blood pounding in her ears. The name "Hydra" began setting off all sorts of alarms in her head.
Will noticed her rising distress and decided to intervene.
"Gibbs, Annabelle has lost much of her memory. She doesn't remember much of anything before living with the commodore." He said softly.
The hardened gaze on Gibbs face softened considerably. His expression morphed into that of pity.
"So, she doesn't know anything of what happened then?" He asked. Will shook his head.
"Would you please explain to me what happened?" She pleaded, so tired of living in the dark.
"Aye, you poor lass, I'll tell you everything. But I warn you, you won't like it." Annabelle nodded, steeling herself for the worst.
"The last time I spoke to your mother was in a tavern in Tortuga. You were naught but six years old then. She came to buy her own ship, one she named the Hydra. She took you aboard and left to do what she did best." He bore a smirk, recalling his own days as a pirate under Jack.
"I'd imagine she taught you the same even if you don't remember it all. She was good, almost as good as Jack. I'm sure she learned a lot sailing under him. Even though we didn't part in the best of terms we kept some contact now and then. But not much." Gibbs paused to draw strength to say the next part.
Annabelle tried her best to remember anything about the Hydra but it seemed that her mind wouldn't let her have that particular memory.
"But Commodore Norrington was and still is relentless when tracking pirates. He'd nearly nicked everyone save for a few. You're mother's ship wasn't one of those to get passed him."
Annabelle felt her throat tighten. She swallowed thickly.
"We all heard about it when it happened. Gave many of us quite a stir. If your mama could be taken down, it was only a matter of time for the rest of us. You see lass, one night Norrington and his crew caught up with her ship...and sent it to Davey Jones Locker in pieces. Some of the crew managed to escape to tell the tale. They say that your mama went down with the ship. I assumed that you went with her."
By the time Gibbs finished Annabelle had tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt the pang in her chest. She had never imagined such a violent end for her mother. Truth be told, she refused to think on it all. Now that he had spoken, sounds of cannons filled her ears and images of a blade piercing her mother's chest filled her mind. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't be rid of them. She jumped up and strode to the other side of the room, feeling embarrassed by her crying. Will stood up and followed her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. She didn't move to stand near him and he gently rubbed her back.
"I'm sorry, lass." Gibbs whispered, shaking his head. It was like she had heard the news for the first time. He'd known this detail for years. But for her to hear the truth, after living so long without it, proved to be too much. She gave up the fight and sobbed onto Will's shoulder.
"I wish I could stop the images from pouring into my head." She whispered wearily between her tears. Will gathered that hearing the tale had triggered something, unlocking another memory hidden in her mind. Over and over, she would see her mother's face, the shock from the blow, the blood on her shirt, the clank of the sword as it fell from her fingers. She'd never forget the look on her mother's face as she was killed.
Annabelle remembered someone screaming. Somewhere her mind told her that it was her own voice that cried out all those years ago. Now that Gibbs had said it she knew she'd carry that image with her for the rest of her natural life. She almost wished he'd kept that detail to himself.
She was vaguely aware that Will had eased her down onto a crate then moved to Gibbs. They began speaking too softly for her to hear.
Will arranged for Annabelle to stay in an extra room just above the tavern. She'd have to stay out of sight for the most part in case Norrington or anyone under his command decided to look for her. Gibbs agreed that she could help out in order to earn some extra money. And he agreed to help her find her father. But for the moment Will saw the weary expression on the young woman's face and decided to take her to her room.
Once inside she sat in a daze on the bed. "How do you feel?" Will asked taking a seat next to her.
She gave a short, mirthless laugh. "Isn't that a strange question to ask? I knew that I would have to hear things that I may have wanted to avoid. I guess I never truly understood what I was asking for. I was only concerned about knowing the truth, freeing my locked memories. But there are some that I wish I could keep locked away."
Will nodded in understanding. "I felt the same way when I found out my father was a pirate."
Annabelle turned to look at him.
"It sent me on a spin. I was raised to believe he was something he wasn't. I was also taught to hate what he was. You're father helped me to change that." Will admitted quietly.
"Were you ever caught between the two, what you believe is true and what you're told is?" She asked with a small sigh.
"Many times during the journey I wondered if a pirate could indeed be a good man. Then I began to question where I stood." He trailed off into thought. Annabelle listened carefully to what he said. He was the only other person she'd met to have to make a choice like she did. If he could work through it all so could she despite their different circumstances.
"May I ask you a question, Will?" She asked. He nodded.
"Why did you not follow your father's path?" She asked quietly. Will silently watched her face, seeing several emotions overlapping one another making it difficult to understand what she was feeling.
"I loved Elizabeth more than anything in the world. She wasn't a part of Jack Sparrow's world and I couldn't bring myself to uproot her from hers, though I know that she would have gladly left everything behind to be with me. Even if I was a pirate by blood, I felt at home on the land. I'm happy to be a blacksmith and have a family." He replied as best he could, smiling at the thought of his wife and children.
It was a nice thought, getting married and having a family. And so easy to settle into. Maybe one day she would have a modest house by the ocean with a husband who adored her and children running about in the yard. The thought made her smile.
"Thank you, Will. You've helped me quite a bit today." Annabelle joked lightly.
"Jack is a good friend of mine. After all he's done for me, I owe him this much. Gibbs is a good man though a bit rough around the edges. He'll gladly help you with whatever you need. I'm afraid this is all I can do for you." Will replied. He would have liked to travel and see Jack again after so much time but with a pregnant wife at home and a business to attend to there was little room for that.
They said their goodbyes. Will promised to stop in from time to time and check on her though the tavern would be as far as he went with her. Where ever she went afterwards she would most likely be alone. She understood this all too well but it made no difference. When he was out of the door she flopped back on the bed and fell into a restless sleep.
When she awoke the next morning she nearly fell out of the bed in shock. It took her several moments to calm down and remember what happened and where she was. She sat up against the headboard and rubbed her stiff neck. She hadn't slept too well at all. And guessing by the sun the hour of the day was early so she hadn't slept as long as she was used to. It was hard to feel comfortable in such an unfamiliar place.
Her stomach rumbled unpleasantly, telling her to get up and find some food. She grabbed her hat, ran her fingers through her hair before tying it back at the nape of her neck, then went downstairs.
In the daylight the tavern looked vastly different than at night. During the day it had a yellowish tinge because of the discolored windows. The smell of dust assaulted her nose as she walked around. The wood creaked and looked worn through. But she assumed that none of these things mattered to drunken pirates.
Gibbs was slouched against the counter apparently dozing next to his mug. She decided to leave him alone and look for some food. She walked to the store room and took what she could find. There was only a bit of bread and fruit but it would do. She was already missing breakfast at Norrington's home.
"I thought that was you." Startled she spun around to find Gibbs standing behind her.
"My apologies, Miss Annie, I meant no harm." He chuckled at her expression.
"I'm fine, Mr. Gibbs. I thought you were still asleep." She replied.
"Merely dozin', miss. Come out to the floor with me while I get my mornin' drink." She stood up to follow him to the bar where he sat with a mug in his hand.
"I'll be honest with you, miss, finding your father will be no easy feat. He's the best pirate in the Caribbean and when he don't want to be found he won't be. I only see him once ever few months. We usually meet at Tortuga while he attends business." He explained.
Annabelle figured business meant the illegal kind. "I'm willing to go where ever it takes to find him, Mr. Gibbs."
Nodding he poured himself another glass.
"The next time I'm to meet him is in a few weeks. You're welcome to stay here and work for me while you wait, just stay out of sight during business hours. I don't need trouble from the marines."
"I understand." She replied.
They sat in silence for a bit. Annabelle bit her bottom lip, wanting to talk to him but feeling overly shy. Her curiosity won her over.
"Mr. Gibbs?"
"Aye, lass?" He replied, taking swig from his mug.
"Could you...could you tell me about him?" She asked quietly, tracing her finger along the smoothed wood of the bar top.
"What is it you want to know?" He asked in return.
"Just what kind of person is he? Will mentioned him but..." She trailed off, not quite sure what she wanted to say.
Taking another mug, he filled it for her. She took the mug and sniffed it experimentally. It was alcohol, she knew that much. She took a sip and coughed at the burning sensation going down her throat.
"What is this?" She asked, pushing the mug away.
"That is some of the Caribbean's finest rum and just so happens to be your father's choice drink. He won't go into a tavern and get anything else. Hell, any time we raided a ship and rum was found he treated it like he would gold or silver. It's an acquired taste really." He explained taking a deep gulp.
"Usually after a good raid he'd take the crew into port, only ports he knew that were safe mind you, and would treat us all to drinks. We'd spend the night drinking and being merry, eating our fill of good food. We'd all sit long into the night sharing stories, sometimes playing cards. For a while your mama was his first mate, until she left that is. He was a good man as far as pirates go. He'd never leave a man down. Saved my own neck quite a few times. But that was before my legs gave out on me." Gibbs touched his knees with his gnarled hands, wishing he had the strength of his youth.
Annabelle leaned closer, deeply interested in his tale. "What was he like with my mother?" She asked.
He shrugged. "It was hard to tell. They were close though how close I was never sure. They were friendly though they'd rather show it in scathing banter sometimes than any other way. Both he and your mother were guarded people. It takes quite a bit to break through." He explained.
"Did they love each other?" She asked softly, not looking him in the eye.
"Like I said, lass, they were guarded, never letting on how they truly felt. If they loved each other, well...you'd probably have to go to Jack for that one." He said, standing up and finishing the last his drink.
"Save your questions for Jack. There's no one better to answer them than he."
After that, Gibbs sent her about cleaning the place, washing dishes, sweeping the floors, in short doing what most of the bar wenches would do. Whenever someone would walk in, she'd tuck her hair under her hat or quietly slip in the back room until Gibbs handled them.
At night she stayed mostly upstairs in her room. She didn't mind so much. She'd rather not deal with the drunks though sitting up in her room proved to be rather boring. Though sometimes she was so tired she went right to sleep. Yet other nights she found herself wide awake thinking of what it would be like to meet Jack Sparrow.
The days began to pass by fairly quickly. At first Annabelle felt uncomfortable living in a tavern with a man she hardly knew but she trusted Will's judgment. And as time went on she realized that Gibbs was fairly harmless. Annabelle was amazed that no one had bothered to try the tavern for her. Sometimes during the day Will would stop in and check on her, occasionally bringing his wife though she rarely left the house these days since the baby was due soon. In the back of her mind she began doubting that Norrington would look for her.
Her hopes were shattered one evening a week later. A young naval officer stepped inside the tavern. Luckily, she had her hair underneath the hat and her head bowed so if he saw her he probably thought she were male. He sat at the bar and began speaking to her before she could duck into the back room. She tried to remain calm while silently screaming for Gibbs to make his appearance.
"I'd like a drink if you don't mind." Annabelle froze when she heard the voice. Of all the people, why did it have to be James Norrington II? She nodded and quickly gave him his drink.
"Thank you, might you be the owner of this establishment?" He asked. She shook her head and turned her back to him, pretending to restock the shelves.
"Do you know where I might find him then?" He asked, peering heavily into her back. Her behavior puzzled him.
"Would you please answer my question?"
Luckily at that moment Gibbs decided to walk in.
"I'm the owner of this tavern, sir. What can I do for you?" He asked, hobbling over to James. As soon as Annabelle could she swiftly ducked into the back.
"Ah, Mr. Gibbs I presume. I need to ask you about one of your associates. Might we speak somewhere private?" He asked.
"Aye, this way." Gibbs replied, leading him into another room.
Annabelle strained to hear what was going on. But from they went into his office. Her stomach began to churn at the thought of Norrington junior in the same tavern as her. She began working out elaborate plans of escape, most of which she was sure wouldn't work. Before she could convince herself to run, both men walked back into the main floor.
"I see, if you find anything please let me know." She heard James say. Only when she heard the door shut did she step back outside.
"What did he want? What's happening?" She asked.
Gibbs sighed heavily. "It looks like you and I are to leave for Tortuga sooner than I'd planned. We'll barter passage for tomorrow night."
Annabelle was puzzled. They hadn't planned to leave for Tortuga for another week at least.
"Why? Is something wrong?" She asked.
"Aye, lass. It seems that commodore of yours is out looking for your father and from the sound of things, it's bad."