Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!

Chapter 58 - Dawn Attack

Those ashore waited quietly just outside of the town, waiting for the Black Pearl and HMS Gauntlet to start their attack. Jack and Theodore both knew that they would be expected, the shore attack as well as an attack from the harbour, but wanted as many men as possible looking the other way before they entered the town. They had hidden near the fort, hoping that the troops barricaded inside would sally forth once the fighting started. The fort was in a bad way, having been heavily bombarded by the two ships in the harbour, but the gates still held and were hopefully still guarded.

Boom! The HMS Gauntlet announced her presence, closely followed by the Black Pearl. They could hear orders being shouted from within the fort - at least someone was still capable of fighting. Theodore held some men back, waiting for those inside the fort, whilst Jack led the remainder and his crew down into the town.

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Captain Gitlin and Captain Burr had been expecting them and had left a number of men to defend their ships. Unfortunately they had not been able to take the fort to replenish their supply of cannon balls and after a few replies, their guns fell silent. Unopposed, the Black Pearl and the HMS Gauntlet fired at the two ships, round after round, until both were listing badly. Those still aboard took to the ship's boats and fled shoreward. Their work done, the Black Pearl and the navy ship sailed out of the harbour, ensuring they were out of reach of any attempted snatch by their enemies.

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Catherine crept through the town with the men. She would have died rather than admit to Jack that he had been right, her mind screaming for the safety of the Black Pearl's cabin, but she forced herself on. Her sword was bloody - four, no five men had already fallen to its deadly grace. The pirates had spread themselves throughout the town, hiding in homes and shops, determined not to be caught unawares like Francis Bailie at the Governor's mansion.

Jack ducked, a shot nearly hitting him. Another group of pirates were hiding in one of the taverns. He could see Catherine crouched down, talking quietly with Zeke, gesturing frantically. Zeke nodded, hoisting her upwards; she grabbed the guttering, hauling herself up onto the roof. Jack dashed across the open ground, shots zipping the dust of his heels, and climbed up behind her, several more men closely following.

Silently they let themselves into the tavern, creeping into one of the upper rooms. A terrified woman and her children hid in the corner. They recognised Jack immediately.

"Captain Sparrow," they hissed. "Captain, there are six men below - they were holding us hostage…"

Jack glanced at his men, confident in the knowledge of superior numbers. He looked at Catherine, she was still too pale for his liking. He made his mind up quickly, offering her a way out of the fight without losing face. "Kitty, can you get these people out of here…"

She bit her lip, knowing what - and why - he was offering. She held his gaze for a second, before nodding, wiping her sword and sheathing it. Gently she lifted one of the small children from their hiding place. "Come on, we're leaving!" The woman gathered her two remaining children and climbed out of the window behind her. Jack led his men downwards.

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Zeke helped her down from the roof, catching the children as their mother dropped them to him before climbing down herself. "They have lots of families hostage, Mistress Sparrow…"

Catherine looked at Zeke, relieved when he nodded. "We work our way out of town Kitty - take as many as we can… all right?"

They moved through the town, slinking through the alleys, climbing onto the roofs, rescuing as many as they could. Soon they led a group of about twenty women and their children into the dense undergrowth that surrounded Port Royal. "Stay here!" she ordered. "When it is safe we will send some red coats to find you - all right?" The women nodded.

Zeke held her arm. "You should stay too Kitty…"

"No, I must go back." She sighed. "I have to Zeke… I have to." Catherine needed not only to prove to herself that she was not a coward, that she was worthy of her place in the crew, but to know that Jack was safe. A cold fear spread throughout her, making her shiver for she knew how fierce and bloody the fighting had been. She had to find Jack.

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Zeke and Catherine slipped quietly back into town, listening for sounds of fighting, but the town was quiet, deathly silent. The only sounds were coming from the hill - the Governor's mansion. They raced upwards.

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