CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Confrontations.

'Elizabeth?' Irving peered through the bars, his sandy hair hanging in front of his eyes. Irving grasped the bar with his hands and shook it, knowing it would not do anything anyway.

Irving swore harshly and crawled toward the door of his cell, rattling it incessantly trying hopelessly to open it. Desperately looking around his cell, Irving remembered something. Last night the pirates had been so drunk that they forgot to lock the cells when they gave their prisoners food. Irving carefully pushed the door as oppose to rattling it like he was before. The door obliged and swung open outwards. Irving smiled to himself and carefully crawled through the door and towards Elizabeth's cell, opening her door as he did his.

Elizabeth was sitting in the corner, her head against the wall and eyes closed. Irving crawled over to her and placed a hand on her wrist, searching for a pulse, he found one, but very faint. Irving cursed and looked at her with desperation in his eyes. Standing up, he walked out of the cell and up the stairs toward the deck. Breathing in deeply, Irving strode onto the deck, only to find Pintel and Ragetti sitting below the mast, each holding seven cards in their hands.

'What are you doin' down 'ere?' Pintel placed his cards face down and stared at Irving directly.

'There is something wrong with Elizabeth.' Irving was slightly surprised the pirates did not bother to ask how he had got out of his cell in the first place.

'What d'you mean, somethin' wrong?' Ragetti adjusted his eye patch and winced slightly as the hard material came into contact to where his wooden eye used to be.

'I don't know.' Irving explained. 'Her pulse is faint and she is not waking up.'

Ragetti swore, obviously the last thing they needed on their ship was a sick governor's daughter. Ragetti stood up and walked below deck to the cells, Irving at his heels.

'See!' Irving said, gesturing to the unconscious Elizabeth. He walked into her cell and placed a hand on her forehead. 'She's burning up.'

Ragetti rolled his eyes, not believing them for a minute; dismissing it as a hoax to get them off the ship.

'You must believe me!' Irving said as he stroked Elizabeth's hair back from her sweaty forehead. 'We have to get her to shore!'

'Whatever you're plannin', it ain't gonna work.' Ragetti replied, walking back up the stairs to the deck.

Irving sighed and lifted Elizabeth's head up behind her neck, he had to get her off the ship; but how? Irving stroked her hair back again and hoped she would come around soon.


Will's arm was wedged firmly underneath Anamaria. He had no way whatsoever of moving it without waking her, and he had no desire to pull her from her sleep. Will carefully moved his arm and winced when Anamaria's shoulders changed position. Sliding off the bed, Will picked up a glass of water from beside the bed and sipped it slowly, feeling the cool liquid flow down his throat.

Will walked over to the window and opened it, letting the cool Brazilian breeze hit his face. The blacksmith closed his eyes against the wind smiled, the wind brought back memories of Port Royale, of Elizabeth, of Jack and everyone he had left behind. Will's stomach gave a lurch as he thought of his fiancé, he missed her so much and only hoped she was all right. Sighing, Will pushed back the tears he had been keeping out of sight for the whole trip. Slowly, the blacksmith opened his brown eyes and let a single tear fall down his cheek. He sniffed slightly and wiped his eyes with his sleeve, hearing a sound behind him. Will turned around and saw Anamaria sitting up on her bed.

'Will, are you all right?' she asked, slightly breathless. She stood up from the bed and walked over to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

'What?' he said, turning around to face her, 'I'm fine.' He turned away to the window for a moment and wiped his eyes before turning back to Anamaria.

'You miss her, don't you?' She asked, taking her hand off his shoulder and crossing them over her chest.

'More than ever, I only hope she is all right.'

'She will be.' Anamaria reassured him and smiled weakly. She pushed her hair in front of her eyes to hide her bruised face. 'I know she will be.'

'I don't know what I would do if I lost her.' Will sighed and looked out onto the Brazilian streets once more.

Anamaria took Will by the shoulders and turned him to face her. 'She will be fine. No matter what happens I promise I will do all I can to get you two back together again.'

'Thanks.' Will smiled and pulled her into a quick hug. Drawing back, he lifted her hair to check her injury. He winced slightly. 'That looks really painful.'

'I've had worse.'

Will laughed quietly, surprised by the womans resilience. She had been battered and bruised less than eight hours ago and she was already acting as if nothing had happened.

'Come on,' Will said, turning away from the window 'let's go downstairs.'

Anamaria nodded and she too turned around and headed for the door. Will walked behind her as they made their way down the stairs and toward the bar. Will stepped off the last step and was confronted once more by the noise and calamity that was the bar. He felt Anamaria close beside him and he looked at her, smiling weakly before seeing the flicker of someone's hand.

'Oi, Will, Ana, over 'ere!' Joshamee Gibbs was waving his hand at them frantically, trying to catch the duo's attention.

Will led Anamaria over to them and saw her push her hair in front of her face. She smiled brightly at the crew who in return smiled back to her.

'Good mornin', you two.' Joshamee greeted, pulling out two chairs beside him and motioning for them to sit down. 'Sleep well?'

'Well enough.' Will replied, taking an apple from the crate beside him. The crew obviously intended to leave first thing that morning since they had brought all their newly acquired supplies downstairs with them. 'When are we leaving?' Will queried, biting into the apple.

'We were just waitin' for you two.' Joshamee said and he too took a piece of fruit from the crate. 'Are you ready?'

'Sure.' Will stood up. 'Ana? You ready?'

Anamaria nodded and she too stood up. She absent-mindedly brushed some hair from her eyes and sighed.

Joshamee looked closer at Anamaria. 'What happened?' he asked, gesturing to the now visible bruise on her face.

'Oh!' Anamaria seemed shocked. 'I-I…fell out of bed.'

Joshamee laughed and shook his head jokingly. He patted Anamaria on the back and ushered the rest of the crew out onto the streets, most of them carrying crates of salted meats, fruit or vegetables.

The Black Pearl was moored at the dock, it's black sails billowing in the wind. Will smiled slightly at the sight of the ship. He did not know why he felt comforted by it, but for some reason he did.


'Jack! Wake up, you have got to see this!' Faye's voice rang in Jack's tired ears. He was in a state of being half awake and half asleep. The pirate drowsily sat up in his hammock and leant forward. Loosing his balance, the hammock swung out from underneath him causing Jack to fall in a crumpled heap on the wooden floor. 'Bloody 'ell.' Jack cursed as he stood up and walked onto the deck.

'Jack! Look!' Faye ran over to him and took him by the shirtsleeve, leading him to the edge of the ship. She pointed her index finger at a ship floating only some five hundred feet in front of them.

'And tha' is excitin' because?' Jack prompted drowsily, slightly irritated at Faye for breaking his pleasant sleep.

'Because…' Faye laughed slightly 'that could very well be the ship Elizabeth is on, and even if it isn't we could still bargain with them for supplies!'

'You really are thinkin' like a pirate aren't ya?' Jack laughed and draped an arm around Faye's neck. 'That is in fact a good idea.'

Jack left Faye and went to the anchor, hauling it up will supreme effort. The anchor hit the deck with a loud thump and Jack went to the wheel, steering the ship toward its counterpart.

A few minutes passed before the two ships met and when they did Jack was more doubtful than ever that this was Elizabeth's ship. The vessel that drifted before him was nothing more than a merchant's ship. On the side was inscribed the name The Lady Rose. Jack laughed, stupid name for a pirate ship, but pirate ship or no, it was still worth checking out.

'Ahoy!' Jack called across at the other ship. 'Ahoy!' he repeated even louder waiting for some sort of movement from the vehicle.

Suddenly, a lanky pirate-looking man walked out onto the deck and faced Jack; by now the two ships were but two feet apart. The pirate donned a black eye patch and Jack recognised him immediately. Ragetti.

'You're s'posed ter be dead!' Jack yelled across at him.

'I could be sayin' the same t'you!' Ragetti retorted, crossing his arms over his chest and smiling iniquitously.

'Where's Elizabeth?' Jack yelled; he looked back at Faye who was watching with eager eyes. He nodded slightly and she smiled back.

'What're you talkin' about?' Ragetti was soon joined by one of his crewmates. Pintel stood beside his friend and laughed slightly.

'No point lyin' to 'im, mate.' Pintel said to his friend. 'We've got what 'e wants, just depends on how far 'e's willin' to go ter save 'er.'

'Give 'er ter me.' Jack called 'What d'you want with 'er anyway?'

For a moment the two pirates were silent, having no reply for what Jack had just thrown at them. What did they want with her? They may as well just give her to him and be done with it.

'Well?' Jack asked, seemingly pleased with himself. 'What do you wan' with 'er?'

'What d'you want with her?' Ragetti retorted. A stupid comeback but a comeback nonetheless.

'I want ter take 'er back to 'er fiancé.' Jack replied, slightly laughing. 'Is that so much to ask of yer?'

The two pirates turned their backs on Jack, obviously discussing the matter. Pintel turned back to Jack, smiling slightly.

'Well, come over 'ere, then.' The pirate called out to Jack with wicked eyes.

Jack, unsure whether he was going to claim Elizabeth or not, turned around to Faye and mouthed a few words – Stay here - Jack reached for a rope attached to the mast of his ship and grasped it tightly, he stood on the rail and kicked his legs off powerfully, flying over and landing on the deck of the Lady Rose. Ignoring his two adversaries, Jack walked down to the cells and saw two people. Elizabeth and a young man he did not know or recognise.

'Elizabeth.' He said faintly, she looked weak, as if she was dying. Pintel and Ragetti came up behind Jack. 'WHAT 'AVE YOU DONE TO 'ER?' Jack yelled at the duo.

'She wasn't…' but Ragetti cut himself off immediately and stood there quietly.

Jack ignored them and walked towards Elizabeth's cell, seeing the other man with her, he smiled weakly at him.

'Jack Sparrow.' Jack introduced himself and held his hand out to the man.

'Irving.' He replied, taking Jack's hand and shaking it, obviously proud to meet such a famous pirate.

Jack inspected Elizabeth's cut hand, now red and inflamed. He looked desperately at Irving for an answer.

'Gangrene.' Irving informed him. 'She's been drifting in and out of consciousness for about a day now.'

'Take 'er.' Ragetti piped up to Jack. 'We 'ave no use for 'er 'ere anyway.'

Pintel glared at his friend. 'What are you on about?' he whispered to him.

'We don' need her and she is too far gone for us to 'ave 'er 'ere anyway.' He turned back to Jack. 'An' take the other one.'

Jack looked at the two pirates quizzically. Why would they want to give Elizabeth and Irving away that easily? Wouldn't they want him to fight for them? Obviously not.

'And what d'you want from me?' Jack asked cautiously.

'Your life.' Ragetti replied, smiling slyly.

'My life?'

'Well, not literally…you will fight me for 'er of course.' Ragetti drew his sword and Jack stood up, he too unsheathing is weapon. 'And if you die, well that's your loss isn't it?'

The two men circled like dogs before taking up their stance. Ragetti was the first to move, backing Jack into a corner quickly. For some reason Jack was not thinking straight, he was tired and needed sleep. He raised his weapon and parried a blow swiftly executed by Ragetti. The two swords clanged together with a metal on metal sound. Jack used his two hands to overpower Ragetti's strength. It worked, Jack kicked Ragetti in the stomach, winding him instantly.

'Go!' Jack yelled at Irving. 'Take 'er back ter me ship!'

Irving nodded and heaved Elizabeth over his shoulder. She hung limply like a sack of potatoes. Jack looked at Ragetti who lay on the floor on his back. Jack had no desire to kill him, in fact, Jack just wanted to get Elizabeth and get back to his ship.

Jack ignored Ragetti on the floor and jogged out and up to the deck, instantly being met by another pirate and a pistol held steadily between his eyes.

Jack sighed and rolled his eyes at the pirate.

'Do we really 'ave to do this?' Jack asked tiredly, he too taking his newly loaded pistol out of its holster.

'Aye.' Jacoby cocked his revolver and smiled a sickening smile. 'You killed me captain so now I 'ave ter kill you.'

Suddenly Jacoby was swept from Jack's sight. Jack shook his head in disbelief and looked to his left, seeing Jacoby in a crumpled heap on the deck of the ship, Irving beside him looking pleased with himself.

'Whoa!' Jack exclaimed, looking at Irving. 'Well done.'

'Thanks.' Irving stood up and walked over to Jack, taking the rope he had swung over on. 'Let's go.'


'Sssh…hold still.' Faye slowly undid the bandage that was around Elizabeth's hand. She winced as the horrific wound was revealed to her eyes.

Elizabeth had since come around after being given some fresh water. Now Faye sat beside Elizabeth on the floor of the sleeping quarters, re-dressing her infected wound. Faye rummaged around a box of emergency medical supplies she had found on the ship and pulled out a length clean bandage. Faye, having a broad knowledge of herbs and ointments, crushed a mixture of herbs she had found with the supplies and packed them into the wound and tied the bandage securely around Elizabeth's hand.

'You're very lucky, you know.' Faye spoke as she packed away her supplies. 'Another few hours and you would have been suffering gangrene.'

Elizabeth had not been able to string many words together, she continued to drift off to sleep and wake up again. Faye closed the box of medical supplies and shifted it to the side and began stroking Elizabeth's light brown hair from her forehead.

Suddenly Faye heard footsteps coming toward the doorway. Jack stood there watching Faye with a smile. It seemed she reminded him of Anamaria with her herbs and tonics.

'Is she any better?' Jack inquired leaning on the doorframe.

'Very much so. She just needs some sleep. You'll be able to speak to her tomorrow.' Faye took a pillow from one of the hammocks along with a blanket and propped Elizabeth's head up with the cushion and draped the blanket over her body for warmth.

Faye stood up and walked out of the room with Jack, closing the door behind her. Irving was sitting at the base of the mast, his eyes closed and enjoying the sunshine on his olive skin. He was not asleep, instead just thinking. Jack swaggered over to him and sat beside him.

'Irving,' Jack whispered 'are you all righ'?'

Irving opened his eyes and looked at Jack, his sandy hair flopping in front of his face. 'Yes, I am fine. How is Elizabeth?'

'She's sleepin'.' Jack reassured Irving with a smile. 'Faye 'as cleaned 'er wound and she's safe from disease.'

Irving sighed a relieved sigh and shut his eyes once more. 'I have to thankyou Jack. Is there anything I can do to repay you?'

Jack thought for a moment. 'Not tha' I can think of.' He smiled and patted a hand on Irving's shoulder 'but if anythin' comes up, I'll let yer know.'


'Will, we have to go back!' Gibbs stood at the wheel, pushing it to the left.

'And what about Elizabeth?' Will snapped back. 'Is she just supposed to float around the ocean forever?'

Joshamee sighed. 'We have to take the chance that she is back at Port Royale.' Gibbs motioned for Anamaria to take the wheel as he stepped down from the helm and crossed the ship, Will at his heels.

'Sorry I yelled.' Will said rather sheepishly. He lent on the railing and looked out onto the cool azure water below him. 'It's just, I would hate for anything whatsoever to happen to her. For all we know she could be…'

'…dead, I know.' Joshamee completed Will's sentence for him so he would not have to say the terrible word. 'Or for all we know she could be back at Port Royale safe and sound. It's a chance we have to take, Will.'

Will sighed, seeing some truth in Gibbs' statement. The sky was beginning to darken and a cold wind shipped past their ears.


The sun rose over the horizon and Elizabeth shielded her eyes against the glare. She sat up, wincing slightly, and looked around herself. She was in the sleeping quarters of Jack's ship. Alone. Elizabeth stood up and rubbed her eyes, she was feeling considerably better and the pain in her hand had eased thanks to the herbs Faye had used on it. Walking out of the sleeping quarters, Elizabeth found herself on the deck.

Jack immediately rushed over to the Governors daughter, enveloping her in a warm hug. 'Elizabeth!' he said, tears almost springing from his dark eyes. He stood back and kissed her hard on the lips. 'You 'ave no idea 'ow worried I 'ave been!'

Elizabeth laughed slightly and smiled at Jack. 'I think I can guess.' She looked over at Faye who was still laughing from when Jack kissed Elizabeth.

Jack laughed and wiped his eyes, slightly embarrassed to be crying in front of Elizabeth. Jack hugged her once more before sauntering back to the helm and placing his hands on the wheel. He motioned for Faye and she obliged, walking over to the pirate. Jack whispered something in her ear and Faye nodded, walking towards Elizabeth.

'Come with me, I need to redress your wound.' Faye smiled and flicked some dark hair from her eyes and lead Elizabeth back down to where she had emerged.

She sat Elizabeth on the floor and reached for her supplies and pulled out another length of bandage and some crushed herbs.

'What's the situation between you and Jack?' Elizabeth asked as Faye began taking off the old bandage.

Faye blushed and folded the used cloth away and took the old herbs from Elizabeth's wound. Elizabeth winced slightly and Faye smiled reassuringly in return.

'You really love him, don't you?' Elizabeth asked once more as she watched Faye place some fresh crushed leaves onto her cut. The cut had begun healing surprisingly quickly since Faye had tended to it.

'What makes you say that?' Faye queried, wrapping the new bandage around Elizabeth's hand and tying it with a soft knot.

'The way you look at him.' Elizabeth smiled 'Every time he lays eyes on you or you look at him your eyes light up like a small child in a sweet shop.'

Faye blushed once more. 'And what does Jack think of me?'

'He loves you more than anything in the world.' Elizabeth watched Faye pack up her supplies and sit cross-legged in front of the Governors Daughter.

'How do you know?'

'I know Jack well.' Elizabeth said. 'He used to look at me the way he now looks at you. When Jack really loves someone he is not afraid to show it.'

Faye beamed and had a question to ask Elizabeth. 'How about you and Will?'

Elizabeth sighed, remembering her beloved blacksmith. 'Will, he is without a doubt, one of the most gentle men I have ever met. He is handsome, kind hearted and I love him with all my heart.'

'And you are to be married?'

Elizabeth fingered the ring Will had slid on her finger the night he had proposed to her. 'Yes.' Elizabeth lowered her eyes. 'If he is still alive.'

Faye cupped Elizabeth's face in her hands. 'Don't think like that, don't think like that at all. Will is alive and most-likely waiting patiently back at Port Royale for you as we speak.'

Elizabeth smiled somewhat comforted by Faye's words no matter how false or true they were. Elizabeth stood up, helping Faye up in the process and walked out onto the deck, striding over to Jack who stood at the helm, Irving next to him, the two men conversing as old friends.

'Jack,' Elizabeth said as she approached the two. 'We need to go back to Port Royale.'

Jack looked at Elizabeth, his brow furrowed. 'Why would yer wan' ter do tha'? Don't yer wanna fin' Will first?'

Elizabeth sighed. 'Yes, but I believe it will be safer for us if we go back to Port Royale. Will is probably doing the same.'

Jack, not believing a word of it, however turned the wheel and changed direction, back to Port Royale and back to safety…for Elizabeth at least.

(A/N: Thanks for reading, now please review review review…next chapter up soon)