I sat in the forge for at least an hour, waiting. With each passing minute I got more and more nervous.

What was going to happen to me?

My hand had stopped bleeding by now.

I had hunted down a long scrap of cloth and tied it as best I could around my injured, right hand. A process made difficult by the fact that I was totally right handed. I struggled with it until I worked out to secure one end of the cloth under an anvil while I wrapped the fabric tightly around my palm using my left hand, and then tie the ends together using my teeth.

During this time Mr Brown did not wake up, and this made me uneasy. I was not sure why, but I felt sure that he was meant to have woken up by now.

I also dreaded Will's return. A part of me could not believe that I had gone against Will and helped the pirate escape, and I wanted to explain to him why I had done it. Wanted to explain that I had recognised Jack Sparrow, and that had he been killed then I would have lost what may be the only link to my past.

But then again, came a whisper from the other part of me. The irrational part of me. What if Will brings back someone to arrest me for aiding a pirate. What if they took me to prison, and hung me?

"A short drop and a sudden stop…"

For a moment I frowned in frustration at the fragment of a memory. Where had I heard that said? Who had said it? They had not been talking to me…

I stood up. I did not have time to worry about my past, not when my neck was quite literally on the line.

I ran my left hand through my hair. It was black in colour and long, running freely down my back. It felt dirty and matted with sand, and I wished for a hair-tie to tie it back with, just to give myself a sense of normality if nothing else.

My hand unthinkingly began to smooth out the tangles as I thought about what I was going to do.

As far as I could tell, I had three options.

Wait for Will with the possibility of being arrested and hung by the neck until dead… Leave the forge and look for Jack Sparrow, who so far, was the only person who might be able to help me remember something. Leave the forge and walk around Port Royal aimlessly hoping for some miracle to restore my memory, possibly a vase falling off a second floor windowsill might do the trick…

I scowled. None of these options sounded very good. I did not want to end up dead. I had no idea where Jack had gone, and by the sounds of things, the whole of Port Royal was looking for him. And, who knew how long I would have to stand under a windowsill for a vase to fall on my head?

My situation began to look more and more desolate with each passing minute. Should I maybe not have saved Jack's life? Then at least I would still have one friend in this strange place who I could ask for advice. I shook my head knowing there was no point wondering what if? There was no way I could have calmly stood back and watched someone be murdered.  Even if it was a pirate.

But there was every chance that Will would not understand that. He seemed to have a passionate hatred for pirates, especially since this one had obviously touched a nerve when he threatened Miss Swann. He would probably see my saving Jack's life as a betrayal and I could not blame him. He had taken me in, looked after me, fed me, tried to help me, and I go and throw my lot in with the Pirate. Who knew how he would react. He was probably leading soldiers here right now to have me arrested.

It was not safe for me here. I would leave.

I would hunt out Jack Sparrow. It would be a risk, being further associated with a pirate on the run from the authorities, but I could not see any other option. I knew no one else here, and there was no point wandering about town lost and hopeless.

I have to admit, now that I had decided; I began to feel a little better. Only a little…

I bent down and hastily scribbled a few words in the dirt floor with my finger and sent the sleeping Mr Brown a wave with my hand.

Then I made my way out the back exit that Will had used earlier, guessing that the main door would still be blocked.

I stepped outside into the hot air and froze, staring around me.

Everything was old fashioned. All the houses, all the buildings, all the clothes... It looked almost medieval and I knew almost instinctively that it was not like this where I came from. It just felt too different. Too weird.

I was in a busy, cobble-stoned street, flanked on both sides by buildings with thatched rooves. Pigs and chickens seemed to roam wild but nobody paid them any heed, all seemingly too busy in their own affairs.

Many people carried cargo boxes, packages or animal skins which were slung casually over their shoulders and the strong smell of salt in the air made me guess they were to be loaded onto a ship.

Nobody seemed to notice me and for that I was grateful. I needed a moment to get over the shock. I leaned heavily against the door of the smithy and took in a deep breath to calm myself.

The air was hot, very hot, and I cursed the long sleeves of my dress. I noticed a trio of women making their way up the street in what appeared to be heavier dresses than mine with three times as many layers and lacy bonnets to top them off, and felt for them sincerely. 

I watched them as they drew nearer and their conversation reached my ears, not surprisingly as they were talking in loud, shrill voices.

"…Was absolutely barbaric." Came the indignant voice of a woman in a deep blue dress with many frills and bits of lace hanging off it. "The way he treated that poor girl…"

My curiosity was pricked and I strained my ears to hear the rest of the conversation.

"Wouldn't be surprised if it traumatised her…" Piped the middle woman wearing an identical dress only in a light mauve colour.

The first woman nodded fervently, making a multitude of chins wobble.

"Nor I, I can't imagine the indecency of it. It must have been horrible for her…"

The third woman spoke then, her dress was considerably less fancy than the other two's and by the looks of her, she was much younger as well.

"I thought Miss Swann handled it quite well… she didn't scream or anything like that."

Miss Swann! That was who Will had mentioned. They must be talking about Jack Sparrow.

"No doubt she was putting on a brave face for the public, dear, but I am sure she is quite a wreck now." The lady in the mauve dress sounded quite sure of herself and I got the impression that she almost wanted Miss Swann to be traumatised by the experience, just to add substance to the gossip.

The younger girl muttered something inaudible making the other two sigh in unison.

Their talk turned to an upcoming luncheon and my interest in them dissolved, I was slightly disappointed they had not mentioned where he would be now… But then, if he had been caught, there was a good chance that everyone in town would be talking about it by now.

I concentrated on the problem of finding him.

If I were a pirate on the run, where would I go...?

I had no idea. I did not even know where I was.

I decided to head in the direction of the sea, following my nose for directions. Seeing as he was a pirate, it was probable that he had a boat of some sort tied up. It was even possible that he was preparing to leave the port right now.

With this in mind I made my legs move faster under me, fanning my face with my left hand as I walked. It was so humid here, I wondered how the people who lived here could stand it. Yet nobody seemed to be affected by it as I looked around at the men and women who were going about their business.

I turned a corner into a wide, adjoining street and found it to be even more crowded than the one I had just come from.

The road had a gentle descent and I could see a harbour at the bottom of it. A triumphant smile appeared on lips as I headed towards it.

I looked around at the buildings on either side of the cobblestones as I walked, they were filled with elaborate displays of dresses or bonnets or shoes.

Groups of women stood about admiring them, and as I walked past I noticed quite a few look sneeringly at my loose hair and dirt covered dress. I felt very self-conscious.

All the people in this street were dressed up fancily and neatly, although I am sure I was the most comfortable as my dress was not currently squishing my waist to half its natural size.

There were quite a few pompous looking men walking around, some strolling about lazily with women on their arms, wearing layers of silk, and some who were dressed in bright red uniforms and carrying muskets over their shoulders.

I guessed these were the men who were looking for Jack.

A low growl of thunder echoed and I glanced up at the sky noticing the ominous dark clouds that covered it. Perhaps the rain would give some relief to the heat, I thought hopefully.

The smell of salt was stronger now and with a yelp of surprise I bumped into something.

Looking down from the sky I realised I had not been paying attention to where I was walking and had walked into one of the red-coated men.

I flushed with embarrassment as he took a dignified step backwards.

"Sorry… I wasn't paying attention." I said apologetically.

"That's quite alright Miss, although might I advise that you pay more attention in future, there are some wild characters roaming around town at the moment who would be only too happy to take advantage of a pretty, young girls distraction." He threw me a jaunty smile and I felt a little sickened. The man's greying hair marked him to be well over twice my age. I forced my face into a smile however. Perhaps he could be helpful…

"Do you mean the pirate who threatened Miss Swann?" I asked in an innocent voice.

He nodded. "Aye, we have everyone we can spare out looking for him however, so don't you worry… he will be caught soon enough."

I tried to look relieved though really his statement only increased my worries.

"That is a relief, I would hate to bump into him." I bit my lip. "I wonder… could you tell me where you think he might be heading, I have some errands to run and I would like to stay well out of his way…"

I crossed my fingers behind my back hoping that I sounded plausible.

The man smiled reassuringly and pointed to the right of the harbour.

"The latest report I got was that he was spotted heading in that direction, not too long ago. You'd best head well away from there, Miss."

I nodded, giving him my nicest smile. "Thankyou, I shall. Um… Good-luck." On impulse I gave a small curtsy, figuring I may as well try to act as though I belonged here, then practically skipped away.

I could feel him watching my receding back, so I turned left into a side street and headed all the way down to the waters edge before heading in the direction he had warned against.

I was feeling much more optimistic now that I had a bearing in mind, and strode through the streets with a confident smile on my face.

As I walked I noticed a change in the general feel of the town.

The expressions on the people I saw were sullen as opposed to the bright and carefree faces of the people near the harbour and the clothes worn were much less fancy and pristine.

Glancing down at my own dishevelled attire I found that I actually fit better in this area.

There were not as many people on these streets either, I noticed, and everyone seemed to be hurrying about their own businesses without looking at anyone.

I imitated them, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention.

I made my way through the streets, my optimism fading as I realised that this new crowd of people would be less helpful or talkative than the last crowd.

I was once again stuck with no idea where to go, the only difference being that in this area I was much more likely to be attacked or raped. Where would Jack have gone?

The sensible thing for anyone in his situation would be to lie low for a few days until the heat had died down.

It was then that I heard a loud shout and I hitched up my dress and ran through the cobble-stoned lanes and streets in the direction of it.

As I turned a corner I spotted a group of redcoats obviously running towards the same object and I ran faster.

I bolted around another corner and found myself in a large square.

Gathered in the centre I could see a flock of people crowded around, staring inwards. They looked alarmed.

The clang of swords rang out above the shouts and I pushed myself through the crowd until I could see what everyone was looking so alarmed about.

That was where I finally found Jack Sparrow, unfortunately, Will had also found him, and was currently locked in single engagement with him. Neither of them noticed me standing behind them, starring horror-struck at the intensity of their duel.

The crowd gasped as Will's sword whipped past Jack's defences and a thin red line appeared through the white shirt on Jack's arm.

"A nice move, boy, but how long do you think your luck will hold out… Certainly not forever!" I heard Jack growl.

"Well then I suppose it's a good thing I practice three hours a day!" Will returned, still parrying with the pirate.

Jack let out a laugh. "You need to find yourself a girl, mate." He mocked, avoiding a swing of Will's sword, he lowered his voice but I was standing close enough hear. "Or, perhaps the reason you practice three hours a day is that you already found one and are otherwise incapable of wooing said strumpet… You're not a eunuch, are you?"

Will glared at the pirate angrily and he lunged with his sword making Jack swing his own upwards to block it. For a moment they were locked neck-to-neck.

"I practice three hours a day, so that when I meet a pirate I can kill it."

They broke apart and began circling.

With a struggle I pushed my way past the person in front of me and broke into the inner circle.

Will noticed me first, as I came into his line of vision and his mouth dropped open, for a moment he was distracted.

A moment was all Jack needed to whip his sword onto Will's sword-hand making him drop his weapon. An instant later his pistol was out and aimed at Will's chest.

Will stared at his pistol angrily. "You cheated!"

"Pirate!"

The sound of muskets being drawn was heard and with a loud gasp I remembered the group of redcoats which were now spread out around the circle.

Jack glanced at me briefly and his face turned into a surprised expression before he turned to look at the soldiers.

There were about twelve of them in total, the barrels of their guns all pointed at Jack, daring him to make a move.

A man drew a pistol out and pointed it at Jack. He wasn't wearing a red uniform but I got the impression he was part of their group by his assumed authority. He was a pale looking man with a white wig covered by a three-pointed hat. He wore a smirk on his face.

"Give it up, Mr Sparrow." Came his annoying superior voice. "You are far out-numbered."

Jack let his gaze roam around the redcoats. He looked only slightly interested.

"Ah, but, Gillette, was it? You seem to be forgetting one very important factor tipping the scales in my favour…" He waved his sword around as he talked to give emphasise to his next words. "I am Captain Jack Sparrow."

Gillette gave a snort.

"You can tell that to the hangman tomorrow, Mr Sparrow. There are thirteen of us, and yet you only have one bullet in that gun."

Jack quickly sheathed his sword.

"Well I'd better make it count, aye?"

With this Jack reached out his free arm behind him to where I was standing and grabbed my shoulder, roughly pulling me into the centre of the circle in front of his chest.

My body went rigid as I felt the cold, metal barrel of the gun press into the side of my head and heard the click of the safety catch being released.

What on earth was happening? This was not how it was meant to turn out! Why on earth was the pirate pointing his gun at me? Didn't I save his life?

I glanced stiffly at Jack, my eyes wide with fear, but he was not looking at me. He was still glaring at Gillette.

"Now, Mr Gillette…" He began lazily. "I wonder, do you recognise Miss Gateau?  Daughter of Gabrielle Gateau, recently appointed Governor of Haiti?"

My mouth dropped open in shock and I distantly heard a murmur of shock echo from the crowd surrounding us.

I ignored them, too stunned by Jack's statement.

Was I Ebony Gateau? A Governor's daughter!?

*** *** *** *** ***

"Smile and nod your head, darling." Came Jack's rough whisper in my ear and his grip on my shoulder tightened.

I obeyed.

My heart was pounding loudly in my chest and my breathing was sharp and uneven.

I was pressed up against the pirate's chest, close enough to breath in his scent of salt and sweat and I couldn't help but feel like a human shield with a dozen muskets pointed at us.

Will was staring at us horror-struck. I think the expression on his face would have made me laugh under any other circumstances. But as it was I could only swallow nervously.

"Now, gents, are you going to lower your weapons or are you going to be explaining to Governor Gateau why his only daughter's blood is covering your streets." Jack's eyebrows were raised expectantly.

Please let them lower their weapons. Please let them lower their weapons…

One of the redcoats let out a derisive laugh. "She ain't no Gov'ner's daughter! She looks as though she just crawled out of a bale of hay! Miss Gateau is probably still in Haiti!"

I felt a wave of indignity wash over me, despite my current situation and I saw Jack frown at the man.

I glanced at Gillette to see his reaction to all this and was shocked to see that he looked disconcerted. His face looked as though it had paled further, if that was possible, and I had a feeling that he wished he was not the superior officer present.

He and Jack stared at one another for a long moment, Jack's eyes were challenging Gillette's confused ones.

"Lower your weapons!" He eventually called out, breaking the eye contact first to glance at his men.

"But, Sir!" Protested the man who had spoken before. "We don't even know that Miss Gateau is even missing!" 

"Yes we do." Cut in Gillette's voice. "A report was received this morning…"

Jack grinned triumphantly as the weapons were lowered slightly.

"Well then, I'd love to stay and chat, but Miss Gateau and I have a prior engagement."

He backed me out of the circle and the crowd parted to let us through, I saw a great number of faces look me over, some genuine with concern, others just looked curious at seeing a Governor's daughter being hostaged by a pirate.

I was beginning to regret going to find Jack Sparrow…

Jack steered me around with his tight grip on my shoulder and strode quickly towards the nearest lane. The pistol was still pressed firmly to my head.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked him in a whisper and I could have sworn he let out a small huff of amusement.

"Maybe, love, I don't quite fancy dangling from a noose tomorrow."

I was about to reply to that when a whooshing sound in the air stopped me.

I glanced around in time to register a long thin object hurtling towards Jack's head before it collided and Jack suddenly pitched forward dragging me with him.

My head hit the ground with a loud thud and I blacked out.

*** *** *** *** ***

A/N:

Mwa ha ha! Don't you love plot twists and cliffhangers rolled into one? I know I do! *grins*

Thankyou everyone who has reviewed so far… Bluesky, megan-earthstar, completeopposites, midnights shadow, elvish-dream, Crimson Gypsy, VagrantCandy, Pirate-Jazzy, Michelle, DaydreamBeliever14, Esmerelda Black, GoldenHorizon, PeleAmelika, Ortaine, Charityrackam, Insane-911, Mithralas, lemonade, elfgirl, Elf Lass, megan-earthstar (again), and silverdoll.

I am glad you all liked it. =D

Just a few things to be cleared up that people have asked/ commented on:

Lemonade: You are right, when Will left to see the Governor Mr Brown wasn't asleep… however he was happily sitting on his chair getting drunk. I suspect that Ebony's arrival made him postpone starting to drink a little while…

Elvish-dream: Yes, I am from Australia =D, I'm glad you like it.

Bluesky: I don't think Jack is drunk all the time either, nor do I think he is crazy (only lovably eccentric)… however, his words in the beginning do sound slurred.  

And finally… big hugs for Bluesky, Megan-Earthstar and Completeopposites because they reviewed Chapter Two (which is displayed as Chapter 3 on ff.net).

Thankyou, I'll let you review some more now… *grins again*