Disclaimer: I don't own POTC. Or LJS.
Chapter 55: The Protectors
They trekked until nightfall, when both Gretchen and Jack could go not further. Long John and Camille both gave in and set up a fire in the middle of the jungle. Camille sat with her back facing Jack, who was lying against a tree trunk. Across the fire in an uneasy silence sat Long John, leaning on his crutch and entranced by the fire. He was a very interesting man. He was friendly, and you could carry on a civil conversation with him. But at the same time he was the type of man who had been known to shoot you for looking at him funny. Something was not right with his head at all, and there was no doubt in her mind that if it weren't for the Gate she would be dead right now. But she was quite surprised that he hadn't even attempted to attack her or Gretchen. He did not threaten to harm them in any way, except verbally. Other than that, he seemed to have no particular interest in any type of involvement with a woman. Perhaps he's gay, Camille thought, smiling at the thought.
"Don't do that," Long John said grumpily, noticing the woman's smile.
"Oh, come off it Long John," she said, referring to him by his name and not "Captain Silver" for the first time.
He simply looked at her. "You're a beastly woman Camille, did you know that?"
"Beastly? Who goes around killing people for tr-" she bit her tongue, knowing that she had just contradicted herself.
Long John chuckled. "Ah, a bit of a hypocrite, are we?" he said evilly.
She was silenced, and amidst the silence she thought she could hear the beating of drums. She listened harder, staring into the flames that almost licked her boots. Long John looked focused, as well. Perhaps he was hearing the same thing.
He looked at Camille, who looked back with the same puzzled look on her face. "Are those…?"
Camille stood up, taking a pistol that had been lying next to Long John. "Drums?" she finished, holding it out in front of her.
"Christ, can't a man get any reprieve around here?" Jack demanded, getting to his feet and pulling out his sword. Even Gretchen was awake now as the drums got closer. Voices could also be heard.
The four drew closer to the fire, and Gretchen gripped Camille's arm again with that iron grip that every Thatcher seemed to possess. All of a sudden, people poured out from the trees surrounding them. Everywhere, people. Women. They were all women.
Before they knew what was going on, Jack and John were immediately disarmed and their hands were bound behind their backs. Camille shook Gretchen off before they were surrounded. A beautiful, tan woman with black hair stepped forward. Her robes were very colorful, and she had red flowers throughout her hair.
She knelt before the two of them. "Welcome, Miss Thatcher and Miss Sullivan. My name is Inoke," she introduced herself.
Camille bowed. "It's very nice to meet all of you. My name is Camille, and this is Gretchen," she said politely. Inoke stood up, looking at John and Jack. "You have brought men to The Rune, why? They are enemies."
Camille nodded. "Yes, they are. There's a lot to explain," she said.
Inoke nodded. "Please, come back to our village with us. Tonight is cause for celebration. The prisoners will be dealt with," she said, taking Camille and Gretchen by the arm.
"Wait!" Gretchen said, stopping them. "They each have something that belongs to us. They each have a key."
Long John looked at the two of them, and the same flames that were at their feet seemed to be in his eyes. Camille shuddered. Something told her that he would do whatever it took to get those keys back. She swallowed, being truly afraid of him for the very first time.
Two more women stepped forward, searching them. The keys were found and handed to the women as all four of them were guided back. Inoke stayed close to Camille, whispering in her ear. "There are two others on the island. Are they with you?"
Camille nodded. "Yes, they are Thatchers."
The answer was enough to satisfy Inoke. They made it to their village, which was lit up and filled with music. Jack and John were lead to a heavily guarded tent and were not seen for the rest of the evening. Gretchen was given some much lighter clothing, and some was offered to Camille but she insisted on wearing her outfit.
They ate, drank and danced in celebration that night. Camille was quite relieved that the small village of women was residing on the island and protecting it. She explained the full story to Inoke and a group of others, about how they were prisoners and had had their keys stolen from them while being tricked to come to the island against their will. A heavy burden was lifted off her chest by then.