A High Society of Pirates
Summary: A fic, with a different angle, if you will. This story focuses on a character with a different background usually not written about. A child of a certain Commodore, gets pulled (more like kidnapped) into an adventure by mistake. Throughout his escapades, he has to face obstacles: working on escaping, dealing with his pompous, not to mention trying to live with the enemy. Lets just it gets interesting. Of course Jack is in it, but there's no romance, or Mary sue. R&R if ye dare. Hopefully yer not a scaredy cat. Please read!
Disclaimer: I own nothing', 'cept me own characters. Also the plot is somewhat based on a movie called "Hook". So, don't think I'm gonna get money outta this, though that would be nice. Sole purpose – enjoyment. Get on with the readin' now.
The wind blew gently on the harbor, as Port Royale was starting the day. Not every one in the town was out, but few still slept in their beds. Down by the docks, the markets were starting to fill up with customers; as the vendors were at work selling their merchandise. The fort had already awoken and started their day. Near the fort, up a long dirt road, stood a small mansion. This mansion belonged to Commodore Norrington, and his family. Most of the household was stirring. A few maids and butlers bustled about the household readying for the day.
A young maid sauntered up the stairs to the second level of the grand house. The maid walked down the hall her golden hair shining in the sunlight that streamed though magnificent window located in the foyer above the door. The maid of about 17, wandered through a doorway that she just opened, into a dark shadowy room. Katrina smirked, oh, how she would enjoy this. Katrina moved slowly across the room to where the shades were drawn blockading the sunlight from entering the room. Katrina pulled the back quickly, hearing a wine/groan escape the creature from within the bed. Katrina grinned as she moved over to, what she thought was a boy, curled up in bed wanting to be left alone.
He looked like a living mummy, wrapped and tangled in the cocoon of quilts. Katrina, the maid sighed. She moved towards the bed and in one swift movement took all the blankets from Nathan. Nathan curled up in a ball at the cold air that replaced the blankets, showing his wavy brown chestnut hair hiding his face and his fair smooth skin that had obviously never worked a day in his life. Katrina smiled warmly at the young boy of 13. Being defeated, Nathan opened his eyes slowly, the suns rays dancing on his face. A young teenage maid that worked in the household met his glance. Her wavy long blond hair glistened in the sun as her pale completion gathered the rays. Katrina smiled at Nathan's sleep filled stare.
"Come on now, your mother shan't like your tardiness, especially if she's late for the party," Katrina's ivy green eyes glittered with amusement knowing that her words aroused him from his haze. Nathan acted as if a bomb went off; he jumped up and ran for the bathroom. Katrina left the room, a small subtle smile prodding on her lips.
Nathan washed his face and put on the clothes that Katrina laid out on his bed. Nathan ran down the stairs, but slowed his pace to a dignified walk as he neared the bottom of the stair well. To rush down the stairs is not dignified; there for not proper, and his parents always had their children act proper. His mother was always the one to correct him.
His father though wasn't as strict when it came to the little fusses his mother lectured about. His father being the Commodore spent up to a quarter to three quarters of a year on the sea chasing pirates, defending a port, or some brave heroic mission. Manners wouldn't save you from a bloodthirsty pirate, Nathan thought. Some day he would be just like his father, defending justice on the high seas. For all Nathan knew it could be in a few months, on his father's next voyage. Ever since Nathan learned about his father's job he begged his father to take him. Then on his thirteenth birthday his father promised to take him on his next voyage. Soon Nathan would be sailing the rolling sea, fighting evil pirates, and making his father proud. That's if his mother didn't make Nathan learn how to dance. Nathan groaned inwardly at remembering the lectures from his parents. He thought that manners and traditions were important, but that some of the rules and traditions went too far. Nathan was about to go into a rant when he entered the dining hall.
"Good morning Nathan, good sleep I presume," greeted his mother, Valentina, warmly. His mother sat on one end of the table, and his father Commodore James Norrington, opposite of her. Nathan sat across from his younger sister Mercedes, and the youngest of siblings Gabriella.
"Yes mother, fine sleep," Nathan answered taking a piece of toast from a tray in front of him. Nathan buttered the toasted piece of bread, and then started to take a bite.
"Mummy, Nathan doesn't have his napkin on his lap," Gabriella, Gabby for short, cried out to her mother, as Nathan froze the toast inches away from his lips.
"Nathan, please use your napkin properly, by placing it on your lap. You will surely ruin your nice clothes by not taking my advice," Valentina informed as Nathan glared at Gabby's mischievous smile.
"Also Nathan didn't butter his toast right, and..." Gabby started again as Nathan groaned under his breath, but was cut off by her father.
"Thank you Gabriella, that is enough," James intervened already predicting the fight that was about to occur. Gabby stopped at the use of her full first name. Mercedes, her nick name Sadie, sat quietly through the reoccurring squabbles between the two. Being the middle child she was the peaceful one, most of the time.
"Father, before I'm rudely interrupted," Nathan started as Gabby stuck her tongue out at him, and then Nathan made a funny face back. "I would like to inquire when your next voyage is," Nathan asked changing the subject. James eyes widened a little although his face in general showed no sign of change.
"I don't have any recollection of my next assignment. I know you can't wait, but it may be a little while. I will inform you when I know," James calmly answered as Nathan watched and listened to his excuse believing it. James took another sip of his orange juice, and then shared a look with his wife.
"Children go get ready for the party. It's one thing to be fashionably late but to be extremely late is unheard of." Valentina instructed as two of the maids started to clear the table. As the children slowly went up stairs Valentina met James standing in the parlor. He looked worried, but didn't really show it under his regular composed, poise expression Valentina noted. "James what is the matter, I can see a little glimpse of discomfort in your eyes," Valentina asked as James started to pace.
"Darling, there is something that troubles me…" James answered as Valentina's eyes widened in shock. Usually when she asked, it had to do with work or be not important and he just waved away the question. James saw this and tried to calm her down. He didn't want her getting all theatrical, and acting hysterical.
"Dearest, what I mean to say is. I must break my promise to our son," James explained as Valentina sat in a chair watching her husband inquisitively.
"Darling, I'm sorry. I don't understand," Valentina stated still sitting in the chair as she tried to fathom her husband's statement. James kneeled down in front of her taking hold of her pristine fragile hands that lay in her lap.
"Valentina, when I promised Nathan I would take him on my next voyage, I had planned it to be one dealing with trade at Port de Paix. But, three days ago I received word from Governor Swann, that there's a more important task that needs to be taken care of," James explained in his usual calm manner, as Valentina just listened.
"James what could be more important," Valentina asked wanting to know more about their situation. James sighed at his wife's question.
"There's a new pirate threat to the Caribbean. This Captain is a savage ruthless murderer. Last week he raided, and completely destroyed the ships, and didn't give an mercy to it's passengers," James answered in a serious tone, leaving out a major detail. Valentina's eyes went big and she wore a petrified expression on her faultless china doll face. Damn, I wish I had said that different James thought. That's just what I need, her being a weeping frenzied mess. The Commodore quickly back peddled to try and fix his statement before his wife had a chance to react.
"What I mean, is that I shall put a stop to their piracy before it will happen again. That is why Nathan cannot accompany me, for safety reasons. " James saw a change in Valentina's eyes, they were full of less worry. Thank the Lord! It worked James shouted in his brain, but his face just showed an affectionate smile. Then he kissed her cheek and exited the room.
The Norrington's exited the house and entered the carriage, all doting their best attire. Nathan couldn't wait to get to the Turner's house. Nathan had a big crush on Audrey Turner, (the second eldest of the turner children) which every one knew about despite Nathan's effort to keep it his secret. Excitement ran through Nathan's veins, His eyes shown with anticipation of the party to come. Roxanne Turner, (The third child out of 4 children) was celebrating her 9th birthday, The Whites, Governor Swann, The Norringtons, and the Turners including Audrey were going to be there.
The carriage stopped in front of the door to the Turners house, awakening Nathan from his train of thought. James stepped out of the carriage first, and then helped his wife out. James extended his arm to her, and Valentina took it and they walked up to the house followed by their children. James knocked on the door and was greeted by a butler. Then Mrs. Turner appeared in the doorway.
"Welcome, come in every one," Elizabeth greeted as she invited them in. Valentina firmed her grip on James' arm, as she eyed Elizabeth knowing about her husband's history with her. How she wouldn't have been Mrs. Norrington, if it weren't for Elizabeth's decline on James' marriage proposal. Nathan looked around to see all the adults were there including Governor Swann, gathering around the living room, sitting comfortably on sofas and in chairs.
"The rest of the children are in the back playing," Elizabeth informed the children warmly, then went and sat down with the adults carrying on boring conversations. Nathan walked down a hall leading to the door to the garden, with his sisters following close behind him. His palms were sweaty, and he quickly wiped his palms on his pants, hoping his sisters wouldn't notice.
The children finally reached the garden, and walked over to where Roxanne was sitting on a bench with her friends next to her. Gabriella immediately ran over to Roxanne and they started talking. Mercedes walked over to Audrey, taking the tea that was offered to her with a "thank you".
Nathan took a moment to observe the scenery. The turners had a wonderful garden filled with many elegant flowers, exotic fragrances, and trees surrounding them. In the middle of it all was a white metal table on it teacups and biscuits scattered randomly on a china plate. Near the table, were benches matching the rest of the metal patio furniture, filled children talking.
On one bench, was Roxanne Turner (9), Gabriella his youngest sister (8), Isabelle and Katherine White (identical twins, 8). Nathan had the hardest time telling them apart, as long as they were both together he would just address them at the same time, so he not knowing wouldn't offend them. That was what he always did.
On the next bench were Mercedes his sister (10) , Audrey Turner(12), and Loretta White (the twins older sister, 11). All of the girls sitting on the benches sat there jawing away about stupid topics, so Nathan thought.
"Nathan, over here," called John White (the oldest of his sisters, 14), sitting with Derrick (15) and Ben Turner (6). Nathan walked towards his friends, stopping at the bench. John and Derrick were Nathan's best friends. They did mostly everything together, school, hanging out.
Nathan walked towards the bench and stood in front of his friends. They greeted each other, and started to talk about appropriate topics, like how boring school was, new pirate threats, legdens, and girls.
"Did you guys hear about, Captain Desdemona," John started with a shout of excitement. Nathan smiled, as Derrick immediately joined in the conversations, as well as Ben.
"I hear that he robbed and destroyed four ships in the past week," John said the thrill evident in his voice. Ben looked at him like a god, waiting to hear more. Derrick on the other hand wasn't so thrilled as much amused by John's enthusiasm.
"No, your wrong, cause I heard that he robbed five ports in the past week," Derrick protested Ben nodding his head in agreement. Nathan didn't really pay attention to their conversation, but more to another. Nathan looked over at Audrey, in a beautiful pale blue summer gown. The way the sun reflected on her dirty blonde hair made it glow, like a halo atop her head. She gave him a subtle smile, noticing his gaze. Audrey wasn't the only one to notice Nathan's gazing.
"Nathan, you're blushing. If your not going to pay attention, why don't you go and talk with the girls," John teased, snapping Nathan out of his daydream. Derrick and Ben laughed as Nathan glared.
"Yeah, you can talk about sowing, pretty dresses, and make up," Derrick jeered seeing Nathan tense up with annoyance. The boys laughed having fun teasing Nathan.
"That would be so boring. Besides, I know how you all look at girls, too. Girls like Mary Malloy, and Anne Dausten," Nathan retaliated, enjoying his revenge as rose red crept into John's and Derrick's faces.
"Ewwww, girls are yucky. You're all Coote monsters," Ben shouted and laughed. An evil little smile tugged at Derrick's mouth, and a gleam in his eyes.
"I hear Cootes are contagious, you can catch them with one touch," Derrick said as he approached Ben, his hands out stretched like a monster out of a horror film. Ben ran away screaming, not wanting Derrick to touch him, and get the Cootes. Derrick laughed being the big brother he was, along with Nathan and John.
"Anyway, like I said Captain Desdemona is a mad murderer, and I hear he's not to far away from Port Royal," John shared as Derrick and Nathan listened intently. "I also heard, that he wants revenge on the Royal Navy for killing his brothers, and for giving him the jagged scar across his face. Captain Desdemona won't stop till he kills all the men responsible," John declared to his friends, the joking tone absent from his voice. Nathan's eyes enlarged as John's statement; then relaxed thinking that John was only giving the tale a dramatic spin. Derrick laughed at John's theatrical performance.
"Oh come on, This Captain is no match for our Navy. I bet it'll be a week before he's hanging from the gallows," Derrick disagreed, John shaking his head.
"I have confidence in my father, and the British navy is one of the best in the world. My father will confront the pirate in a battle, and then kill all the pirates, including Captain Desdemona," Nathan professed to his friends puffing out his chest as he told of how his father would rise to victory. "And soon, I'll be sailing with him on the Intrepid, the fast ship on the sea, since the Interceptor. I'll fight of filthy pirate scum, and live on the high seas. It'll be great," Nathan bragged as Derrick and John rolled their eyes.
"You've only told us a million times. Soon I'm going to kidnap you and take your place on the ship, so I won't be as jealous as I am now," Derrick huffed annoyed and jealous of Nathan's opportunity.
"You're so lucky your father's in the navy. My father would never offer that, he's just a merchant, and said that a merchant ship is no place for a boy," John sneered, mocking his father's words. Nathan and Derrick laughed at his upper crust facial expressions. John imitated his father almost to a tee.
The party carried on merrily, as the children played games and then refreshed them selves with cake. Time seemed to soar by, as the party went on. The bright sunny day rapidly turned into dark night, with only the illuminated clouds to guide their way. Soon it was time for all the guests to leave. The Norringtons said their good byes and thanks, and then departed in their carriage.
Gabby and Sadie leaned against their mother on one side of the carriage, being kept awake by the reoccurring rock of the carriage over the uneven dirt road. Nathan sat next to his father across form the girls. Nathan stared out the carriage window, noting the scenery, as the carriage passed through Port Royale. Nathan looked out at the harbor, with all the ships docked for the night. The sea calm and dark, under a moon hiding from the world behind the silver clouds that freely roamed the sky.
As the carriage passed the remaining length of the docks, a ship appeared on the horizon. The faint light of the moon behind the clouds illuminated the ghastly skull and bones known as the Jolly Roger decorating the deathly black flag that waved in the gentle wind. The ship stealthily approached the tranquil Port Royale. The view quickly changed from the harbor to a market, and houses lining the street. James took this as a perfect moment to tell his son the news. James cleared his throat and turned to Nathan.
"Nathan, I have some information on your venture that you would with me," James said in a formal voice. Nathan looked into his eyes eager to hear the news. James feeling he got Nathan's attention proceeded on.
"I'm sorry, but you cannot come with me. It's for your safety, that I must break my promise." Nathan looked utterly shocked at this news. How could he? He promised me for my birthday Quickly Nathan's emotions turned from sadness to anger.
"You promised me that you would! You don't even care about me, you just want to keep me here forever," Nathan yelled at his father who's expression also turned to anger at this accusation.
"I can't take you because I care. Do you want to go and get killed by a pirate, I certainly don't want you to," James shouted at his son who was seething with anger.
"Nathan don't use that tone with your father. It's not proper. In fact yelling isn't proper at all, both you stop," Valentina tried to take control of the matter, but getting an angry glare from her husband.
"No, I wouldn't get killed, but you seem to doubt me, like always. I hate you. I never want to speak, see, or hear from you again," Nathan barked as James was taken aback for a second then became raging.
"Fine see if I care, have a nice life," James growled back at Nathan's back that was turned to him. James turned his back to his son, both scowling with fury. The carriage was passing the fort ready to take the dirt road up to their mansion. James stuck his head out the window and told the driver to stop. The James got out of the carriage and slammed the door. Then he turned around and walked into the fort. Valentina was almost in tears as she watched her husbands retreating form. Sadie and Gabby were practically in tears as well, never witnessing their father rage. Good riddance Nathan thought still fuming. The carriage reached the house and the remaining Noringtons exited and walked into the house. Nathan upon entering the house ran up to his room and sobbed.
Nathan cried on his bed reliving the moment over and over. How could he do this to me was a question that kept being repeated over and over in his head. He knew I really wanted to go Nathan rubbed his eyes. Men weren't supposed to cry. Nathan started to fall asleep from exhaustion.
On the ship grimy pirates hastily ran around the deck fulfilling their commands as their grim Captain looked on. Pirates were scurrying every which way, preparing to attack. The Captain shouted orders that were quickly taken care of. The sullen Captain with a face of stone descended the stairs, and walked toward a member of his crew. The pirate was skinny and filthy. His face showed of growing fear, with every step the Captain took toward him. The captain's grisly face showed an expression of anger/annoyance. His face accented in shadows produced by the small number of lanterns on deck. A reddish scare cascading across his nose down to the crease of his lips shown pink in the dim light. Two dark icy eyes glared at the man from under a tattered warn leather hat.
"What be ye doin'? Ta me it looks like ye have somethin' ye don't want me ta see," Captain Desdemona snickered as the pirate squirmed in his gaze. The scrawny pirate instinctively inserted his left hand into his pocket, as if to protect something from the Captain.
"No Capt'n, I just was readyin' the canons sir," the pirate replied fear and anxiousness evident in his voice. Desdemona glared at the pirate, two other members of his crew stepped forward and grabbed the skinny pirate's arms with a grip of iron. The small pirate looked to his Captain for help as he started to struggle.
"Are ye callin' me a liar, out wit' it" Desdemona roared with anger; spit flying into the cowering pirate's face.
"Alright, I w's plannin' on leavin' yer ship when I went ta raid, and I needed a few doubloons ta live off of. I'm sorry Capt'n. It'll never 'appen again," The pirate sobbed, and pulled out 5 doubloons from his pocket. Captain Desdemona's face softened with understanding.
"There, there, I know it won't. Go a'ead, I'll let ya leave ta show ye 'ow fair I am," Desdemona comforted the skinny pirate, both smiling for different reasons. The ship was in the harbor, with out anyone seeing them. The ship docked at the port, lowering their gangplank down to the docks.
"Thank ye very much, Capt'n, thank ye," The skinny pirate expressed through his smile. Desdemona grinned at the pirate's words.
"Go on ye bilge rat, before I change me mind," Desdemona lectured as he hurried the pirate along towards the gangplank. The skinny pirate walked down the gangplank on to the shore, looking back once and waving to his former Captain, who returned the wave with a wide grin. The Skinny pirate continued to walk down the dock.
"Now," Desdemona signaled unemotionally to a rat-like looking pirate next to him; then he turned and started to walk to his cabin. The pirate smiled wickedly and pulled the trigger. A loud bang echoed in the night accompanied by the sound a dead body hitting the ground with a thump followed by a few clangs. The skinny pirate lay dead on the docks with five doubloons lying freely around him. Desdemona then turned around quickly gaining his crew's attention.
"Oh, and bring back me doubloons," Desdemona added as all of his crew just nodded their heads afraid that he would shoot them other wise. Desdemona figured that he didn't need to lecture them on mutiny or desertion, because they knew what would happen with out him telling them. Desdemona laughed to him self at the thought of it.
Captain Desdemona entered his cabin and put on his finest outfit. Then he started to arm himself, preparing for the coming pillage. Excitement coursed through his veins, this looting would be the best. How sweet it will feel to have revenge, and get paid at the same time. He emerged from his cabin, and stood out side the doorway. His crew watched him and waited for the signal, already armed to the teeth.
"Prepare ta loot," Desdemona shouted as the pirates raised their weapons and cheered. The pirates ran down the gangplank and into Port Royale. The pirate ship undocked and maneuvered back to the mouth of the harbor. The cannons started to blaze, firing numerous canon balls in to the fort, and Port Royale. On the streets, chaos and violence erupted as the pirates looted and murdered. Screams ricochet throughout the Port as the pirates spread through the town.
Thanks every one who read this. I really appreciate it. Now, could you please let me know you read this, and review. I love getting reviews, so please click that little button down there. THANKS!
Happy Holidays and best of luck and wishes for the New Year! TA TA!
Christie aka Reese