Disclaimer: Nothing has changed.

Flight-Flee-Run Away

"Jem darling," I shouted over the pounding sounds of the sails. She was still up in the crow's nest viewing the land in front of us. "Come here Luv."

The crow's nest had become one of Jem's favorite spots after the incident with Kat and Tom. It was a wonderful place for peace and quite and it offered a wonderful view of the ocean.

"I can't Captain I am on watch."

"Let Charlie take over for ya, come here Luv."

Jem worked her way down with ease and walked over to the helm. "Yes Jack." She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and then ran her fingers through my hair.

"How many times must I tell yer, It's Captain Sparrow?" I shivered slightly as she stroked my tangled mane.

She smiled at me and whispered. "You told me I could call you Jack. But tell ya what? I'll call you Captain, if you do not call me Luv or Darling. My name is Jem."

"Jem, aye a beautiful name, for a beautiful woman." I turned and grabbed her around the waist and kissed the crook of her neck right below her ear.

"I'm going ashore and I'm assuming you will go with me. Now if ya want, I have some female garments stowed in a chest, ya can change and look like a lady or stay in what ya wearing and look like a bloody sea dog. Either way, I'd love for ya to come with me."

Jem looked at me and a wide smile came across her face. "Well thank you Captain, I think I'll take you up on your offer." She threw her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss. She headed to my cabin in search of the chest with clothing in it.

The Pearl weighed anchor in the bay of Tortuga late that afternoon. Jem had changed into a beautiful dress. It was dark burgundy, with a close fitting waist and plunging neckline. When she came up on deck all the men stopped what they were doing and stared at her.

"Hey Jem, you look good enough to eat." Came Gibbs's booming voice.

I walked passed him and gave him a leery look. Then I looked at Jem and swore quietly under my breath. "Bloody Hell." She was gorgeous and I was wondering how I was going to keep my hands off of her. I smiled to myself as I looked towards the town. I wouldn't need to buy pleasing company this time I thought as I glanced at Jem, although I'd kill for a decent drink. I intended to get very drunk once I hit the tavern.

I could see Jem was surprised that I had also cleaned up. I was looking surprisingly decent. I put on clean clothes and I even combed my braids back. "Luv, you could set a man's britches on fire dressed like that. Ang on a minute." I disappeared back the way I had come and reappeared a minute later. I had a gold pendant with black pearls set into it. I sauntered up to Jem and fastened it around her neck. "There Luv, now you are all set."

I had lowered a longboat for Jem and I to go ashore along with a couple of other crewmen.

"Jack why aren't the rest of the crew coming?"

"They will be coming shortly but there is some business I must take care of and having a lovely lady on me arm looks better then a motley crew behind me. Savvy?" I gave her a golden grin and she could tell I was up to no good.

When we got to shore she and I wandered down the main street, the two crewmen were following a little way behind us until we came to a small shabby house set back from the street. I looked at Jem, smiled and gave her a purse full of money. "Luv, Jem, you go off and have a look in the shops. I'll come and find ya when I've finished and we will go to a nearby tavern to get some ale." Jem took the purse and frowned.

"Are you trying to get rid of me Captain Sparrow?"

"On the contrary Jem, I wish you to stay with me forever. Go buy yourself something decadent and very expensive."

She took the purse and continued down the street. Looking back at me several times as I stood watching her.

When I had finished my business I went looking for Jem. I found her down by the docks looking over the large merchant and naval ships. She was eyeing a magnificent ship. The vessel looked very familiar to me but I could not see the name. As I stood there watching her I saw a Naval Officer walk up to her; I hid myself behind some crates.

"She is lovely, isn't she? That ship is called The Dauntless, she is the power of these waters and there is no ship as can match her. A miscreant pirate damaged her several years ago. She went up into flames and I bet he thought he sank her. Well, he failed to destroy her. She was repaired and is now the best in our fleet."

Jem turned to see who was talking to her. It was a man in a Naval uniform.

"Um, yes, she is superfluous." Jem replied, wondering how she was going to get away from him.

"Commodore James Norrington, at your service M'am. I am sorry if I bored you with the facts of my ship." Jem nearly fainted. She knew this was the man I had tried to set a deal with and I had told her all about. This was the man who truly hated all pirates and especially me.

Jem shook the Commodores outstretched hand. "Jem Bar…. Barbados." As she looked passed him she saw me in the shadows. She pulled her hand back. "No sir you did not disinterest me at all. I've heard of your ship but is she any match to The Black Pearl?"

Norrington cocked an eyebrow and walked closer to her. "So you have heard of The Black Pearl, Miss Barbados? Have you seen it?

Jem looked up into the sky and at the setting sun. "Oh dear, I've been longer than expected, please excuse me Commodore. I must go."

Before she could go there was a cry from behind. "SPARROW! Come here Sparrow, I want to remove your mangy head from your mangy shoulders."

"Sparrow!" Jem gasped, which Norrington misinterpreted as fright.

"Men," Norrington called to two soldiers nearby. "Look after Miss Barbados while I see what is going on."

I turned and saw an old friend of mine that I had cheated years ago. He had his gun pointed at me and I decided to take flight. I sneered at him then turned to run. I ran a goodly distance in hopes to lose my assailant and Norrington.

After awhile, Norrington gave up on me and re-appeared with Jem. I myself had also circled around to make sure Jem was safe.

Norrington placed his hand on Jem's shoulder. "It was Sparrow." His dislike for me was evident in his voice. "I am sorry Miss, I didn't mean to rush off like that, but I tend to rid The Caribbean of all pirates, starting with that one!"

Jem brushed Norrington's hand off of her shoulder and laughed. "Are you talking about Captain Jack Sparrow? Scourge of the Seven Seas. Unlikely the greatest pirate ever? The captain of The Black Pearl?"

"Yes do you know him?" Norrington was now looking at Jem with bewilderment.

"No, but I have heard of him, and I have heard stories that he is dead, so I fear it could not have been Sparrow you were chasing. Now, if you'll excuse me I really must go."

Jem tried to pass Norrington as she saw me pointing in the direction of the Faithful Bride, my favorite tavern.

Norrington stepped forward and grasped her arm. "Dead you say? I can't believe that because he has something of mine and if he were dead I would have her back." He stared out upon the ocean. "Unless William Turner has taken up where Captain Sparrow has left off." He looked back at her. "I'm sorry for my rambling. Please let me escort you back to your house, your husband must be worried about you. These streets are not safe."

Jem's eyes widened. "There will be no need for that sir. I'm not married and I really have no home here in Tortuga. I was shipwrecked some weeks ago and washed up ashore. Some townspeople took me in but I feel I've outstayed my welcome. That is why I am here, looking for passage off this wretched island."

"Why that is terrible, you poor thing." Norrington frowned and then smiled. "I may be able to help you. You can come back to Port Royal with me."

Jem gave him a look of total shock then recomposed herself. "Why thank you Commodore, I will go gather my belongings and meet you here later. It's best I go alone, the folks who took me in don't take kindly to authority figures." She gave him a weak smile. "I am sure you understand. SO, when do you plan to sail?"

"Miss Barbados, my men and I plan to scour this town and look for two wanted men, Captain Jack Sparrow and William Turner. After we have turned this town upside down we will be sailing. Meet me here at noon tomorrow to see if I have been successful. If I have achieved my goal we will make sail."

"Aye, that will be splendid. But like I said Captain Sparrow is dead and I have never heard of this, Mister Turner? I am sure I will be seeing you at noon." She took his hand in hers. "I don't know how I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness." She gave him her beautiful, wicked smile and then released his hand, gathering up her long skirt she left Norrington as fast as possible trying not to bring attention to herself.

Jem made her way to the dingiest tavern on the whole island. She shoved the door open and stopped dead, she took a deep breath and found the tavern was already full of Pearl men who cheered as she entered the bar. I could see the look of relief on her face as she waved at Charlie, Jonathan and Gibbs. She looked around the smoked filled room and spotted me sitting in a dark corner with a single candle on the table. I gave her my infamous smile and motioned for her to come to me.

As she came over so did another woman. "Jack Sparrow you scallywag." Giselle's shrill voiced cried. She threw her arms wide open in welcome and then straddled my lap. She pushed her large breast in my face and wrapped my arms around her neck.

I groaned and rolled my eyes. "Giselle, darling I won't be needing your services tonight Luv."

Jem was now standing over us with a smile on her face. "So you call everybody Luv?"

I looked up at Jem as innocently as I could. I was gently trying to push Giselle off my lap and not succeeding at all.

"Who's this Jack?" Jem's voice was icy and her smile had disappeared.

"Er Jem Luv, Giselle. Giselle, Jem." I stood up forcing Giselle off my lap and backed away from both women.

"Giselle's an old friend of mine. Aren't you Luv?"

"Old friend? I'll give you old friend Jack Sparrow." Giselle started to throw a slap on my face when Jem grabbed her hand.

Giselle turned on Jem. "Now wait just a minute." Giselle saw the menacing look in Jem's eyes and thought better of it. Giselle looked at me and laughed. "Good luck Sparrow, yer gonna need it mate. Yer gonna need it." She turned and left us alone.

"Jem Luv,"

"Jack don't call me Luv." Her eyes were shooting daggers at me.

I tried putting my arms around her waist but she pushed me away and slapped me so hard it made me spin. I shook my head and looked at her. "And what was that for?"

"Jack Sparrow, I am sure you deserved that but I will be the one to slap you not your whore. It seems to me I have been meeting many of you old friends tonight. Now I will sit here and wait for you while you bring us some drinks."

I rubbed my face and gave her a slight smile. "Ya right Luv, err Darling, err Jem, I probably did deserve that." I went to the bar contemplating my next move. The proliferous bouquet of the tavern was attacking my nose. The odor of unwashed bodies, roasting meat, and beer hung thick in the air as I bought the drinks over to the table. I returned with a pitcher of ale, two large bottles of rum and two mugs.

Jem smiled at all the alcohol I had. " You expect me to get through all that, Jack Sparrow? Do you intend on getting me drunk?"

I hit my mug on hers. "Do I need ter get ya drunk Luv, Jem?" I winked at her. "I'm sorry, I'm really trying Jem." Sitting down beside her I proceeded to get as drunk as I possibly could. Various crewmembers joined us but eventually drifted off with other mates or whores leaving us alone.

Jonathan and Charlie came over and they would not leave. I eventually pulled them aside. "Tell ya what Lads, I'll get ya a double round of drinks if ya be leaven us alone. Savvy?"

Neither one of them moved. They found Jem's company intriguing and the more she drank the more fun she became. She was also very pleasing to the eye and I could tell all the men in the bar were looking at her. I finally had enough and pushed Jonathan off his stool and onto the floor.

Jonathan stood up and brushed himself off. Looking at me and then at Jem, he shook his head. "I'll be lingering. Jem, Charlie and I would like a word with you when you have the time." He grabbed Charlie's arm and they left the table but didn't go far.

"So Lass, what is it you and they want to talk about? I sense they don't want my involvement?" I leaned in close to her and started blowing the short tendrils of her hair.

"Jack." She took a swig of her rum and toyed with a small faded brown leather purse she held in her hand. "I'm going to take some of my money and buy myself a ship. We can build ourselves a fleet, and they will sail with me." She looked over at Charlie and Jonathan.

I choked on my rum and then gave her a wide smile. "Lass, that is a fine goal but shall we not just commandeer one?"

Closing her eyes and putting her head on the table I could tell I said something wrong.

I rubbed the back of her neck and laughed. "Really Luv, there are no ships here worthy of purchasing unless ya want to buy The Pearl and she isn't on the block."

Jem lifted her head and the candlelight played in her eyes making them dark and shiny. There was an amused tint to them as well, one that was beguiling and warm. "Now Captain, you can see why I want my own ship can't you?"

"Aye Jem I can understand and if I can elp ya I will. Ya see Luv, all I want right now is to take ya upstairs an' ravish ya'." My words were getting slurred and I was getting rather impatient. I started swinging my arms around and as Jem tried to calm me down she spilled rum on her dress.

"Jack Sparrow, look what you have made me do." She picked up her mug and dumped it on my head then proceeded to giggle.

I picked up my mug and she immediately grabbed if from my hand.

"No you don't Jack. You behave yourself or I'll…."

"Or you will what?" I took my drink away from her. "We are both far too drunk to commandeer, sorry purchase, a ship tonight. So what will the lady's pleasure be?" I drained my mug and gave her a sly smile.

She stood up and started to sway violently. "OHH Jack, help me, the room is spinning."

I stood up weaving as much as her. I wrapped my arms around her and we both fell to the floor, laughing. I glanced around the smoke filled room and gave her a wide grin.

After several attempts to get up off the floor I managed to stand up and slowly worked my way to the stairs, pulling Jem behind me. I climbed up the stairs very slowly, making sure I did not let go of her hand.

I approached the first door at the top of the stairs and threw it open only to find it was already occupied. I clasped my hands together and apologized as I backed out. We worked our way down the corridor until we found a silent room. I carefully opened the door and peered into the darkness.

"Come Luv, this will be our room, where we can have our wicked ways with each other." I swooped her up off her feet and carried her into the room. Suddenly I pitched forward and landed on the floor. We both then fell into another hysterical laughing fit. We pulled ourselves off the floor and simultaneously tossed ourselves on the bed. As our weight hit the bed the bed rails gave way and the wood splintered as the mattress hit the floor. Once again laughter filled the room and then we fell asleep instantly.

I woke up at my usual early hour, smiling on Jem's beautiful form lying beside me. I carefully rolled out of the bed not wanting to wake her. "Oh, my head," I groaned out loud. I placed both hands on my head trying to stop the throbbing but it did not help.

I pulled the bedcovers up over Jem and staggered my way to the door. My head was spinning and pounding at the same time, and I felt nauseous. I was just about to open the door when all of a sudden it flew open and William Turner came running in.

"Jack I have been looking every where for you." He looked down the hall and then closed the door. He ran over to the window and threw open the curtains and stared out for a few minutes.

"Norrington is here Jack, he is looking for us. Where is Jem?" Will turned around abruptly and then saw her lying on the broken bed. His face turned slightly red as he looked at me. "Oh God, I'm sorry Jack I didn't know."

I was still standing in a daze, wondering why Will was in my room. I tried to speak but my words were unintelligible, I was suffering from a tremendous headache and felt extremely queasy.

"Jack are you alright?" Will sounded concerned.

I waved my hands in the air and looked for the nearest corner to get ill in. "Do I bloody look alright?"

Will raised his eyebrow and then shook his head. "Jack, we have to get out of here. Norrington and his men have spotted The Pearl and they know where you are." He kept staring out the window and then at me.

After I had relived my stomach I gave Will a stern look. "I thought I told you to stay on the Pearl with your young wife until you were fit for duty. You are the one who wanted to sail with me and not live in Santa Maria, why I agreed to that I don't know." In my right mind I did know. When William refused to stay on the island and Elizabeth agreed, I couldn't have been happier. It was what all of us wanted but was it the best for Kat? In the long run I guess it was since she seemed to be happy.

I rubbed my agonizing head and went over to the window and closed the curtains. "You are not supposed to be on shore leave. I'm not looking to send you to the grave yet whelp. You promised me you would follow me rules and stay out of harms way for at least…"

"Jack, I am better than ever, and it was not I who promised you, it was Elizabeth. Don't worry about that now, Elizabeth is happy to be with Kat and me and Kat is tickled to death that she is on the ship with you and Amber, not on some island with strangers. Now please get dressed we have to get out of here."

Will was actually looking very healthy, just worried. "Jack I am serious, they are coming to get you. You have dodged the Royal Navy once too often and as we speak they are entering the tavern."

"Steady boy, are you sure it is Norrington? Jem told him I was dead and you know mate I think I am." I ventured back over to my choice corner, again empting my stomach. I gave him an ailing smile and then looked over at Jem.

Will opened his eyes wide and looked at me in disbelief. "NO Jack, I just left Elizabeth and Kat on The Pearl just to come tell you a fabricated Norrington is looking for you. What in the world have you been drinking?"

Will grabbed what clothing I had shed the night before and tossed them at me. "Get dressed we must go."

Jem raised her head and rubbed her bleary eyes. "Good morning. Mister Turner?" She sat up and pushed her golden-brown locks out of her face. "I did not realize we were having a party." She smiled at me and then pulled the pillow over her head as she dropped herself back down onto the mattress. "Jack, last night was…"

I went over to Jem and pulled the pillow from her eyes. I kissed he gently on the forehead and stroked her beautiful hair. "Luv, I'm sorry, I had far too much to drink last night." I sat down and proceeded to get dressed.

All of us jumped when we heard a gun shot go off downstairs. Will grabbed my arm and pulled me off the bed. "Come we must go out the back. I think you should know AnaMaria is the one who told Norrington where to find you. He did board The Pearl and he let her out of the brig. He knows Elizabeth is there and she informed him I was not."

I gazed at Jem and I could see the rage in her eyes. I then looked at Will in disbelief. "She didn't?"

"She did!" Will sighed. "I'm sorry Jack, but AnaMaria sold you out."

Jem now sat up straight in the bed and pulled the covers up around her neck. "Jack." She said with a serious tone. "I'm going to kill her and nobody can stop me. Not even you Luv, so don't even try."

Another gunshot went off and I could now sense the urgency to leave. Will proceeded to pull me across the floor and opened the door to find none other than James Norrington standing in front of us.

"Jack Sparrow, well, well, well. How are you doing?"

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please." I squinted my eyes and smiled at him.

"And Mister Turner, why am I not surprised. Obviously my fortunes have changed and now I have captured two fugitives."

Will gasped, slammed the door in Norrington's face and placed a chair under the knob. "Quick we must go out the window."

"The window?" I looked at Will with alarm.

"Yes, the window, Jack."

"That window?" I pointed to the only one that was in the room, still feeling the effects of the alcohol.

"Yes Jack, unless you are feeling lucky and want to fight the Royal Navy. That window."

I looked at the window and then at my beautiful Jem, who was now getting out of the bed and dressing herself.

"Jack, follow William, I will meet you both back at The Black Pearl. I will take care of Norrington, gather up the rest of the crew and make ready to sail."

Will was half way out the window and trying to pull me with him.

"Not without my effects." I grabbed my hat, jacket and sword. I winked at Jem. "Meet me at The Pearl Luv."

Jem gave me a half salute as I saw her pull a dagger from her boot. She was going to face Norrington by herself. I attempted to go to her to give her one last kiss but William yanked me so hard; I tumbled backwards and fell out of the window.

We were scrambling over the rooftop when I heard the door of the room burst open and I cringed, hoping Jem would be able to handle this state of affairs. She would have to come to grips with James Norrington and AnaMaria while William and I made our great escape. Jem always told me she could handle her own fights and now I would have to trust this was true.

The morning air was cold and thick with fog. The fog would make it difficult for the search party to find us but it also made it difficult for us. We slid off the roof and ran down the narrow allies aimlessly. As we made our way through the fog two Naval officers spied us.

"Lieutenant, why they are the ones we are hunting." A young foolish military man called out.

They glared at us and we at them. They pulled their swords and leveled them at our chests.

"Do you think this is wise, men? Crossing swords with pirates." Will looked at me in astonishment, not believing I would even ask them this question. I asked, hoping they would step aside.

They just raised their swords higher and attacked. Will and I thrust and cut our swords at them with lightning speed. It was to late to turn and run. I took the larger man, thinking Will was still on the mend, but William took his man down with ease leaving me still clashing my weapon.

The lieutenant knew what he was doing and he followed my every move. He hit my sword from my hand and as it went flying I pulled back and flinched. I looked up at him and then gave him a broad smile as I saw from up above a small window open and a young woman dumped a bedpan. The warm yellow fluid spilled on the officer's head distracting him from advancing on me. I took this opportune moment to retrieve my sword. As I did so the officer pulled his gun on me. Will reacted in an instant and hurled his sword. The sword flew over my head and buried itself deep into the man's chest.

Slowly I turned to Will and saw him smile. "Pirate." He replied.

"William, I have to say, that is one of your best tricks." I went over to the dying lieutenant. "Sorry mate your luck just ran out." I pulled the sword from his chest and tossed it back to William. We continued down the street heading out of the congested portion of town. We traveled a fair distance before we dived into a small barn on the out skirts of the settlement.

The stables were dark, lit by only a few lanterns. I could see that the walls were covered with saddles, bridles and other horse accoutrements. Further back in the barn were cows, sheep, chickens and pigs. We walked in cautiously making sure there was nobody in there to attack us. When I was satisfied we were alone I walked over to the chickens.

"Well William, it looks as if we can have ourselves some breakfast before we venture off to The Pearl. It is best we let the streets become quite. We will have to stay here until the coast is clear."

I reached under a plump chicken and she was not pleased with my rough treatment towards her and she pecked the devil out of my hands. I pulled them back examining the small trickles of blood that seeped from the wounds I received from her sharp beak.

"Damn you bird, I'll have eggs and chicken if you don't move your bloody feathers." I was going for her again when Will put his hand on my shoulder.

"Really Jack you do have a way with the ladies." He lightly put his hand on the hen and slid the eggs out from under her. He then glanced around at me and smiled. "Why don't you go milk the cow and I'll cook these, over on that furnace."

"Cow?" My eyes opened wide and my mouth fell open. "You want me to milk that?" I looked at the large animal and then at Will.

"Yes Jack, don't tell me you are afraid of a simple minded animal? Would you rather cook and I'll get the milk?"

"No, no lad, that is not necessary. I'm Captain Jack Sparrow, of course I am not afraid of a -a –cow."

Will gathered some more eggs and headed for the furnace. "Jack you may need this pail and maybe that stool to sit on while you milk her, not him. This is a cow that is a bull." Will pointed at one and then the other. I was not amused at the glint I saw in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes at him. I could see this was going to be a long day. "Son, I know the difference between a cow and a bull." I gathered up the bucket and stool and casually sauntered over to the animal Will had pointed out to me as being a cow.

I sat the stool next to old Bessie and put the container under her. I nervously stretched my hand out and grabbed her teat. She moved slightly and mooed. I then took both hands and aggressively started to pull. No sooner had I started then the cow kicked her leg and I went flying, landing in a pile of manure.

Will looked over at me and doubled over laughing. "Where the hell did you learn to milk a cow, Jack Sparrow?"

"You'd be surprised at what I've picked up over the years." I said sarcastically, rubbing my arm and cursing to myself.

Will came over and pulled me up off the ground. "Well I can tell your having loads of fun." Will laughed as he held his nose due to the smell of me. "There are several things you must know about milking a cow Jack." Will moved away, and wafted the air in front of him. "First of all, you warm up your hands like this." He rubbed his hands together and started blowing on them. "Cows do not like cold fingers, no female does. Secondly, cows do not kick backwards; they kick to the side so you should be careful how you situate your chair. Thirdly, you do not pull on the poor animal it is a gentle massaging motion. How would you like somebody pulling on you?" Will looked at me and then shook his head. "Second thought don't answer that question Jack."

I stood there listening to Will ramble on as I placed my hand on the bruise that was now forming on my arm. I knew my arm was going to be soar and ugly for a couple of days. "That damn animal sure can kick." I sneered at her. "Mister Turner, if you know so much about bloody bovines and how to milk them, by all means you do it. I am a pirate, not a farmer. Savvy?"

"Very well Jack, I'll milk the cow. You finish the eggs." Without any warning Will took two eggs from his pocket and hurled them at me. Not being aware of what he was tossing and dealing with the smell of manure I did not catch the eggs. Both of them hit me smack in the middle of my chest.

"William, I suppose you find this amusing?" I looked down as the eggs oozed down my front.

"Well, at least you don't have egg on your face." Will said, trying to hold back his laughter and keeping a straight face.

"Will, I am not fond of animals. I will admit to you right now, my favorite type of mammal is cooked and sits on a plate in front of me. Please, do what you must with the eggs and the milk. I am indeed hungry and I would enjoy something to drink, even if it is milk. If you can be of assistance, please son, do so and stop torturing me."

"Very well Jack, sit down and I will take care of this, but don't."

Before he could finish his sentence, I had backed up into one of the horse stalls and the horse pushed me with its nose. I turned to see what I had backed into. When I saw a big shaggy head and a matted mane almost as bad as mine, I attempted to back up. The horse raised its head and hit me across the face with it.

I saw stars and I went to the ground. "Animals, why me? Why?"

"Jack. Jack…" I could hear Will's voice in a fog. I sat up to find myself on a nice bed of hay. I blinked as the sunlight was shinning in my eyes. The rays were coming through the slats of the barn. "I've been asleep?" I questioned Will, as I rubbed my head and started pulling the hay out of my hair.

"No Jack you have been unconscious." Will was kneeling beside me. "You should feel honored. That horse likes you. He was playing with you, that is why he pushed you and hit you. Now sit up and eat these eggs and drink this." He took a ladle that he had found hanging near the pail. He dipped it into the creamy milk and held it to my lips. It was rich and warm tasting and I actually appreciated it.

"Jack, while you were out cold I have come up with a plan. We will stay here till nightfall and then make our way back to The Pearl. Hopefully by then the guards will have given up. We can only hope Jem has made her way back to the ship and moved her. If she hasn't Norrington will have seized The Pearl and everything on her, meaning Elizabeth and Kat."

Will looked at me with his deep soulful eyes. "So, where do you think Jem may have moved The Pearl too? I have all confidence she did and let us not think of the later."

I stretched out in the hay and tipped my hat over my eyes. "Your right Will, all we can do now is sit and wait. I'd say Jem has moved The Pearl to the secluded cove on the other side of the island. It would be the smart move, and lord knows she is smart. We will have to get ourselves over there. It will probably be a day's journey but we can make it."

Will smacked my boot and pulled my hat off of my face. His eyes lightened up as he spoke. "Jack, we can saddle these horses and make a break for it."

I sat up immediately, looking at Will and then at the mighty animals in the stalls. "Mate I told ya, me an animals don't mix. I'll stick to my own two feet. Now if ya don't mind, give me back my hat."

Will tossed my hat back to me and walked over to the black horse that had hit me. "No Jack, listen to me. This will work and there is nothing to riding a horse. You just sit on its back and hold on tight. Just follow me and you will be fine."

I shook my head, squinted my eyes at Will and gave him a slight laugh. I laid back down again pulling my hat over my face. "So ya say it's easy. Can I mark your words on that whelp?"

Will came and lay beside me. "We will wait to dusk and then leave. That will give you time to figure out which horse you want to ride. You already know that one over there likes you." Will gave a slight chuckle while placing his arm over his eyes to keep the light out. "I'm kind of tired too. We'll get some rest and then go find our women and your ship."

I laid there for quite awhile listening to Will's gentle snore. I liked what he said. Go find our women. I lay there wondering what Jem did when Norrington entered the room, and how AnaMaria weathered Jem's wrath. Before I succumbed to sleep I put my hand on my pistol and cocked it. I was going to be ready for anything.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Will, wake up. Will!" I was shaking him aggressively. "I can hear voices. Bloody hell, I think it's the farmer to come milk his cow. Will we gotta move." I jumped up and pulled Will into a dark corner, not daring to breathe as the door opened.

A young girl about the age of twelve entered the barn talking softly to herself. "Samantha go get the eggs, go milk the cow, feed the horses and the pigs. I can't wait until I'm old enough to"…. and then she stopped. "What's this?" She was looking at the pail that was half filled with milk and the ladle was still sitting in it.

Will and I looked at each other in horror. We saw that she saw the pail, and she was now looking around suspiciously.

"All right, I know there's someone here, so come out…or don't. Please what ever you do, don't hurt me." She started backing up slowly towards the door. She was a small petit girl with long curly brown locks. She reminded me of Jem even though she was substantially younger.

Neither Will or I moved an inch.

"Sam! Hurry up, your mother needs the milk." We heard a man yelling from outside the barn.

The young girl continued to look around the barn cautiously, and then she ran for the pail. She grabbed it with both hands, getting ready to turn around when she froze where she knelt. She saw William and I crouched in the corner.

I carefully got up and moved towards her. "Alright missy I'm not going to hurt you." As I stepped out of the shadows I placed my fingers on my lips. "Please lass don't yell." The young girls eyes were wide open with fright and her body was visible trembling.

"Sam is it? Short for Samantha I presume." I walked a little closer to her. "Very lovely name, for a lovely strumpet, girl." I stopped and gave her my infamous smile.

She nodded her head, as she stood up straight and stared into my face. "Yes my father named me Samantha. You see he wanted me to be a boy so he calls me Sam." Her voice was shaky and very soft.

"Sam where are you?" The man's irritated voice sounded closer.

"Don't do anything-stupid Luv. I really don't want ter hurt ya. Savvy?"

She gave me an odd look and then smiled. "You're those pirates they're hunting for in town aren't you? What are you doing here?" Her voice was now filled with confidence and I could tell she was no longer afraid of me.

"Aye mate, that we are."

"SAM!" Her father yelled her name again and she rolled her eyes.

I pulled my pistol and aimed it at the door. "I wouldn't want to shoot him either darling."

Will came up behind me. "Come on Jack we best be leaving." He smiled at Samantha and held his hands up as if surrendering. He picked up the bucket of milk and handed it to her. "Samantha, in order to take care of yourself and father, please tell him you will be right there and don't mention the fact that you saw us."

Samantha looked at the loaded gun pointed at the door. She then looked deep into my dark rimmed eyes. I was silently pleading with her not to say a word. She then looked at William. "I believe you won't harm me and I promise, I won't say a word."

She took the pail from Will and headed for the door. "Father I'm coming. You should really listen to mother and have more patience. You know Lucy is an ornery cow."

She turned around and I could see concern in her beautiful green eyes. "I won't say a word but the Royal Navy is close. Good luck Captain Sparrow and William Turner, you both will need it."

As she turned to leave her father stood in the doorway but did not enter.

"What is taking you so long and why is the pail only half full? Can't you do anything right?"

She pushed him back and closed the door behind her and we could hear her talking to her father. "I'm sorry sir, I had problems with Lucy, and you wanted the milk so badly I only got half a bucket. I will take this to mother and come back later."

The young Lass was true to her word. As we heard father and daughter leave I put my gun away and Will went to saddle up a horse.

"Jack hurry, we don't have much time." Will threw a bridle at me. "Jack, put it on the big black horse that hit you, it should fit."

"William I have no idea what to do with a horse let alone try to get something like this over his head and in its mouth." I was flailing my hands around and upsetting the horse greatly.

"Very well Jack I'll take care of it. Stop doing that with your hands, you will trouble the animal." Will tossed a blanket and saddle on the calm Pinto he selected to ride. "Jack, check to see if the coast is clear."

Will had just finished tightening the girth on his mighty stead and headed over towards mine when we heard voices again. This time it was Norrington's. I would know his voice anywhere. He was yelling orders to his men and I could hear him speaking with Samantha's father. Then I heard Samantha's voice.

"Father please I was just in the barn and I can tell you there are no fugitive pirates in there. Why is it you always have to question me?"

"Please miss, you too sir, go back to your house. The less civilians around the better." We heard Norrington taking control of the situation and we could hear that there were many men outside.

Will jumped on his horse and yelled for me to get on with him. "It's now or never Jack."

"Will, I'll go for never." I backed away and looked up at the loft. "Don't you think it would be better if we hid in the rafters and fought for our freedom?"

"Jack, there is no way we can take on all those soldiers. Norrington will take us dead or alive. No doubt, it would ruin his dreams for a public hanging but you know as well as I do he will kill us."

I went over to Will and mounted the horse. The animal was very large and I could feel it twitching underneath me. He was eager to go. "Lad are you sure you know what you are doing?"

"Jack, what ever you do, hold on to me tightly and don't let go."

The horse attempted to jerk forward and I could tell Will was holding it back. Will had his eyes focused on the door. I had mine turned towards the ground amazed at how tall this animal was.

Norrington and his men opened the door and before they could pull out there weapons Will yelled and kicked the horse. The animal went flying. As my head was jerked back I grabbed Will around the waist as tight as I could.

"We're gonna bloody die Turner and it won't be from a gun or sword."

"Whatever you do Jack, don't let go and just listen to me."

Will ran the stead threw the soldiers knocking half of them down. The men got up as fast as they could and started to shoot at us.

"Damn it. Bloody hell!" Will yelled at the top of his lungs over the sound of the pounding hoofs hitting the ground. "Hold on Jack, we are going to have to jump. There are pigs in the way and they are not going to move."

"Jump? Jump! Will this does not sound good. Not good...Not good at all."

"Jack, lean forward and hold on tight." As Will spoke I felt him lean forward into the jump and I tried to follow suit, but my feet were not in the stirrups. Will had that advantage over me. I was having a hard enough time trying to stay on the animals back.

The horse now had all four feet off the ground and we were sailing over several pigs. I turned my head and gave them an evil smile but as I did I lost my grip and went airborne.

It took me awhile to actually figure out I was off the horse. I was not in the air long. I hit the ground hard and my breath was knocked out of me. As I lay there I saw my life flash in front of me. My head was pounding and the last glimmer of the sun was shining in my eyes. All I could hear were guns shooting and men yelling.

As I sat up, Norrington's men surrounded me. They were standing in a circle around me with there swords drawn. Norrington gave me a wide smile as he stood over me holding my hat.

"On your feet, Jack Sparrow."

I rubbed my head and then held my hand up to shield the sun from my eyes. "Captain Sparrow, if you please, sir."

He grabbed my arm and pulled me off of the ground and stripped me of my gun and sword. "Keep your weapons on him men. Gillette, fetch some irons."

Gillette raced up to the Commodore with the chains. "What about Turner?"

"I think we can afford to let him go for now. His only a blacksmith pretending to be a pirate, he is no real threat."

Gillette placed the irons around my wrists and ankles. I must admit I was not prepared for this.

Samantha her father and the bloody pigs were now closing in around Norrington and me.

Norrington went over to the farmer and shook his hand. "Well, I trust you will always remember this as the day that Captain Jack Sparrow was captured in your barn."

"I'm just glad I could be of some assistance." The man replied. Samantha looked at me and as she turned away I saw a tear roll down her check.

Norrington grabbed my bruised arm and pulled me along with him. "Come we will return to Port Royal immediately. Mr. Sparrow, you will accompany these fine men to The Dauntless and you will cause them no problems or I will see fit to capture your friends Miss Swann, Mr. Turner and Miss Barbados."

"Correction Commodore, Elizabeth is now Mrs. William Turner." I squinted my eyes at him and could not help but give him an evil smile as I saw the look of disbelief fall upon his face.

He shook his head and shoved me even harder towards his men. "I will capture them and sentence them all to death, if you give me any troubles. Do I make myself clear?"

"Inescapably clear sir. Inescapably clear."

A/N Wow, this chapter is long but it was overdue. As you can see animals and Jack just don't mix. I myself fell off a horse just last week. It was different I have to admit. You have to love Jack. That's the name of the horse, really. He is a large black horse with a long flowing mane and he is beautiful, also very playful. Samantha, yes I used your name but please know I am glad you are a girl and not a boy. You're named Samantha, Sam for short because it is one of my favorite names. Thank you, to all my readers. I love your reviews or I should say most of them. I love the way you all stood up for me in the last chapter. I am not out to make anybody upset and poor language is really uncalled for. I am writing this story because it is fun and I love Pirates Of The Caribbean. I hope you all do too. R/R