'Rachel, are you sure about this?' Captain Arnold asks me.

I bite my lip, and nod absent-mindedly.

'Go round up everyone else and tell them to look presentable. Hide the weapons. We need to make ourselves look a respectable merchant ship.'

I nod again, and go to do as I am told. A movement in the corner of my eye makes me turn, and I see a dead body swinging from an arch of rock. A familiar sign hangs above its head.

'Father, why is that man hanging there?'

He frowns at me. 'A young lady should not show interest in such things, Rachel. It is indecent. That is the body of a wicked man, a pirate. They kill innocent people and take what is not theirs. They are sinners bound for hell. Now, run along and tell Marcus to fetch the carriage. I won't be but a minute.'

'Yes, Papa.'

I shiver. John comes up behind me, and drapes an arm across my shoulders.

'Come with me, Ray. We need to be ready.'

I clutch my necklace and smile at him gratefully. John can read me like no one else.

We go below deck, his arm still around my shoulders.

Our original plan is to ambush Liesgow just outside the mouth of Port Royal's harbor, at night, under a cover of darkness.

I look at the place I have grown up. There are some lights still lit, but only some.

As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I can almost make out the outline of Norrington Manor. It all looks so peaceful –

Until a cannonball shot from the ship that somehow managed to slip past us shatters the tranquility of Port Royal.

The crew scurries about the ship, directing her towards the town that is now ablaze from where the cannonball has hit it.

Liesgow's ship is already docked. The pirates are already ransacking the town.

Ilook around frantically. Our ship isn't moving fast enough.

Istrip off my cloak, and nodding to the Captain, dive off the edge of the ship.

Ihear another splash behind me, and John and I swim toward the town.

If I can do at least do one thing, it will be to save my family.

I burst into my home, still dripping. John follows behind me.

I hear someone scream, and I rush toward the kitchens. Susanna swings at me with a butcher knife, then recognizes me.

'Miss Rachel!'

'Yes, Susanna, it's me. Hide. They are here for Mama, not me.'

My mother comes down the stairs, a sword in her hand. Nell and Robby behind her.

My little sister clutches fearfully at her clothes, while Robby is doing his best not to look afraid.

My mother look equally surprised to see me with a sword in my hand as I am to see a sword in hers.

'Rachel? Who is that with you?'

'There is no time for introductions, Mama. Come with me. They are after you. You will be safe on our ship.'

My mother nods. I realize she has been in a situation like this before, for she is far too calm to be experiencing this for the first time.

We rush out onto the street. I make sure Robby and Nell are behind me.

It is complete and utter chaos.Houses are burning and the townspeople are trying to fight off the pirates, and failing miserably.

One of Liesgow's men runs toward us. I run him through, too afraid to gag.

I run on, and on, hurrying Mama and my sibling as much as I can.

We finally make it to the ship, sweaty and breathing hard.

John scoops up Nell and climbs onboard, helping Robby and Mama up.

I swing up, landing softly on the deck.

Rogers rushes toward us.

'Hurry, hurry, get them below deck!'

Captain Arnold intercepts us and shows my mother and siblings to his spacious bunk, with instructions for me and John to settle them.

We all stand in the middle of the room, looking at each other awkwardly.

Nell finally breaks the silence, and, rushes at me in a completely unladylike fashion.

I kneel and hold my baby sister close.

'Rachel, whyever did you leave? Mama cried for days and days. Father yelled.'

I hug her even tighter.

'Because I had to, Nell. I had to, I'm sorry.'

Robby leans down and hugs us both. Mama follows suit.

I hug my family as tight as I can. I never thought I would see them again.

Finally, we stand up, and look at eachother.

Mama takes my face in her hands. Then she sees my necklace.

'Rachel, love, I'm sorry I didn't tell you.'

'Gibbs told me' I say.

Mama looks at me.

'You look just like Will' she says softly. 'He would've been proud.'

Robby and Nell look slightly confused.

Then, my Mother seems to notice John for the first time.

'John!'