Three

Left in front of right; right in front of left. As long as he kept it like that, he would be fine. Or so he thought. He couldn't walk straight nor could he even see properly. But then again, when was he not like that? He squinted, but the best he could make out was the blurred shapes of people moving around him. But they weren't important. Headed for his favorite tavern, he tried his best not to trip on the smooth ground or over his feet.

Rum. It was all that he could think of. It was his life source. That was his belief.

Jack sat at the pub, drinking the rum like one would drink water. He didn't care for any of the other drunks surrounding him. He stared at the bottle hungrily. It was his one true love after all.

Everyone knew who he was; how could they not? He was Captain of the Black Pearl, the fastest ship of the seas. It was how they recognized him. That and of his public almost hanging. He was thankful that Will had saved him, thankful that he was able to find a friend in such a corrupted world. Anna-Maria was now his woman, as he liked to call her. Of course, she wasn't the most beautiful of girls, but he did love her.

Leaning back in the chair with his boots on the table, he called for another bottle of rum. They answered him gratefully, happy to serve him. He took the last sip of his rum and placed the bottle on the table. He waited patiently for Will to join him. He didn't even realize how long he had been waiting there.

Darn boy, he thought, always late; must be busy with that Elizabeth of his.

There came a tap at his shoulder, and thinking that it was that wretched kid, he said without looking, "About time, lad. I've already had three bottles just waiting for you."

"I beg your pardon," came a soft stuttering voice.

Jack looked to see a boy who was probably only ten of age. He shuddered, holding an envelope in his hand. In the other there was a small purse of coins, a purse made of velvet. The purse and the boy did not match for the boy was poor, of the third estates, but the purse seemed to belong to someone of high authority. Jack knew then that the boy was paid. But he showed no difference.

"Well, lad, have you come to join me for a drink?" he thrust the newly brought bottle at the boy's face, startling him. The boy shook his head furiously and shoved the letter at Jack with frightful eyes. Jack took the letter gently, and the boy ran off without ever so much as glancing back. It left Jack stunned, curious, and unsatisfied. He looked at the letter.

It was in perfect condition, without a wrinkle or crease. Sealed with wax, Jack carefully studied the stamp. But it was no use; he did not recognize the crest. Exquisite as it was, he was fearful. He looked around for any possible persons that could have sent the child. To his dismay, there was no such person.

"Jack!"

He jumped out of his seat as a hand heavily landed on his shoulder. Jack's body fell to the ground clumsily, as did the chair, the table, and the bottles, all but for one. Jack gripped the full bottle of rum like a mother would a babe, protecting it. The people in the tavern turned and stared, some laughed, some gasped in worry for him. But all he did was lay on the ground, unmoving.

Will bent down and looked down at Jack's figure. "I didn't scare you did I, Jack?"

Jack's emotionless face stared blindly before him. He licked his lips, tasting the last of the rum and said sarcastically, "No, Will. You did not. I just happened to fall because of your immense weight on my shoulder." He abruptly sat up and pouted at Will, "Of course you did, you scallywag!"

"Well then, my deepest apologies, Jack, for that and being late. Elizabeth wouldn't let me go."

"Are you sure that you weren't the one that refused to leave? I doubt she is the type to hold on like that, mate. It hasn't been that long since you stole her from Norrington, eh?"

"I didn't steal her!"

"Oh, shut up." Jack stood up and fixed the table and chair, not bothering with the broken glass. Taking a swig of rum, he looked at the envelope once again.

"What's that? A love letter, perhaps? Anna-Maria will not be happy."

"Don't make fun, you fool." Jack's expression turned serious, as he inspected the envelope. He broke the wax seal and pulled out the letter. His hand shook as he unfolded it, unsure why though. He read the four lines written in the center in skilled calligraphy.

Greetings

Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl

And

William Turner son of Bootstrap Bill Turner

I bring you tidings, but do not look to expect benefit from me.

You should fear me, as others fear the Devil.

Ill fortune heads your way and I lead the battalion.