Authors Note: This is unbeta'd, but Muse wouldn't leave me alone till I got this up. All mistakes are mine. Sorry for the wait. And a warning for the near end of this chapter, subject matter, NOT pretty.
The cabin door burst open suddenly. Davina stood with a start, looking wide eyed. Jack and Gallagher came in, hanging on each other, laughing about something. Gallagher let go of Jack and pulled his wife into his arms, kissing her. Wesley, Jack's carpenter, slipped in behind them, going straight to the hole in the cabin. "Gald ta see ye both fair well." Jack said, nodding to Jon and Davina. Jon got to his feet. "On behalf of Lord Charles Blackwell, Duke of Birmingham, I thank you for saving his daughter." Jacquelyn noticed Davina shudder, before she managed to find her voice. "Jon, please. There's no need for formalities, we're not in King Charles's Court." She said, Jon looked at her. "Your father wouldn't want you..." "My father is not here!" Davina snapped. Jon snapped his mouth shut and lowered his eyes. Jacquelyn looked at Gallagher, who shrugged. Jack was looking at her with a curious eye. "As much as I'd like to accept those thanks." He said looking at Davina. "I'd like ta know what Ravenskull wants with ye. He threatened ta sink my ship!" Jack stated with fire. Davina grimanced. Gallagher rolled his eyes.
Davina diverted her eyes from the rogue captain and sit down. "I can't tell you why. I can only tell you what I know." "And this would be?" Jack asked, cocking his head to the side and looking at her. "My father sent me from England to live with my mother's brother and governor of Jamaica, Richard Swann." "There ya go, Jack, ya already know him." Gallagher said with a grin and a wink. "So yer off ta live with Elizabeth, that don't mean much." Jack said, picking up an apple for the bowl on the table. "Why are you going to live with your uncle and cousin?" Jacquelyn asked the other girl. "She's betrothed to the Commodore of the fort." Jon spoke up. They saw Jack grimace. "Well there you go." Gallagher said, letting go of Jacquelyn. "Ravenskull's out to get a pretty ransom from her. Either way, England, Jamaica, he'd make off like a king." Gallagher said.
Jack didn't look that convinced, he bit into the apple thoughtfully. "No, no, there's somethin' more then ransome here." He muttered. Davina looked up at him and they found their gazes locked. Jack found in himself looking into those gorgeous green eyes, felt something in him tug. He knew her, he knew her very well, he loved her! But where had they met!? Davina felt her cheeks warm as she looked into the golden brown of his eyes. She felt as if she'd always knew him, had always been in his protection. "How long did Ravenskull follow ya?" Jack asked. "I.....I'm not sure." "Since we left Jamestown." Jon answered meekly. "So he knew about your ship for quiet awhile. What was it carrying?" Gallagher asked. Davina looked at her hands. Jack watched her closely. "What was it carryin' Miss Blackwell?" Jack demanded.
When she didn't answer, he turned to Wesley. "Well, carpenter?" Wesley dusted himself off, moving back towards the captain. "Well, I can board up these holes here in the cabins, but once we dock, I want to cover that one," He pointed to the one on the outside, "And the one in the guest cabin, from the outside." Jack nodded. "Very well. Miss Blackwell will be put up in here, and her friend can take the other guest cabin." Jacquelyn went to open her mouth but Jack shot her a look that left no argument.
It was well past sundown when Davina left the captain's cabin. Everyone else had either beded down for the night, or gone their separate ways. After doing a lot of thinking on her own, Davina saught out Jack. She had a proposition for him and hoped he'd take it. He'd said he'd take her to Port Royal and be on his way, but Davina wasn't ready to go to Port Royal, not just yet. A friend's life depended on her. She couldn't let him down.
She headed up to the helm. He had the wheel and was staring out at the dark horizon, with occasional glances to his compass. His crew watched her, ceasing work to follow her stride past them, towards the steps. Annamarie raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Mr. Gibbs. Quickly, Davina climbed the stairs and approached the wheel. "Captain Sparrow." She said softly. For a moment, he didn't answer, continuing to stare out at the horizan.
Finally he turned his head to look at her. "Miss Blackwell." He mimicked in the same tone. "We shall be in Port Royal by sunset tomorrow." He told her. Davina looked from him to the sea. "Captain Sparrow, I wanted to thank you, again, for rescueing me, and if there's anything I can do to repay you." She looked back at him. Jack grinned slightly, but thought better of what he was going to say. "But, I have a proposition for you." Jack's eyebrow raised. "Really? That's interesting..." "You see, I'm looking for something, Captain Sparrow and...I wish to employ you to help me find it." She didn't notice Mr. Gibbs and Annamarie creeping closer to the deck.
Jack watched her reach up, with her small delicate hands, and unclasp the gold chain around her neck. She pulled the piece of medallion from around her neck and held it out to show him. "This was given to me by a friend of my father, a former admiral in the Royal navy. He told me he got it from a port in Haiti and that it was part of a map to a great treasure." Jack's eyes wondered over the piece. Take it! His mind screamed. His fingers twitched on the wheel, but he didn't move. "Looks incomplete t' me." He replied, looking up at her finally. "Well, it's only one piece, you see." Davina said, looking down at it. "And you want to find the other piece, do ya?" Jack leaned on the wheel. "Not as much as I want to find the treasure, Captain Sparrow. You see, there is a.....relic....I am in great need of finding, for a very close friend." She looked at him, there was desperation in her green eyes. Jack eyed her, trying to see what it was she really wanted, but try as he might, he couldn't get past the fact that he knew this young woman, he'd loved her for his entire life and the only thing he could figure out was that she really was in great need of this...relic she spoke of.
"Let me get this straight, Davina, ya want me, t' help ya, find a treasure that might not exist. Do ya really think yer the type of young lady who can handle such a dangerous adventure?" He watched her emerald eyes narrow on him. So she had spite fire too. Good. "No, Jack, the treasure does exist, it's just a matter of finding it. And, if I were you, I would cease to underestimate my high breed blood. I must find this relic." There was such determination in her voice that Jack couldn't help but grin in admiration. "If you help me," she went on, "I'll give you anything!" Jack studied her. How about telling me where I know you from?! His mind screamed at him.
With a sigh, he gave in. He took the chain from around his neck and pulled the other half of the medallion out. Davina's eyes widened, she couldn't believe her fortune. "Now, Miss Blackwell, if I agree t' help ya and take ya t' this island, I want half the treasure, agreed?" Davina's eyes danced from his piece back to his handsome face. "You can have all of it, except for the relic, I don't care! Just say you'll help me!" She begged. Jack let go of the wheel and took her hand, that held the piece, placing his peice next to hers, joining both the peices and their hands together. "Look's like we have an accord, Ms. Blackwell."
"You what?" Gallagher blinked looking at Jack over the mug of coffee. "Let me get this straight, we're NOT going to Port Royal?" Jacquelyn asked from her spot next to Gallagher as the three of them sat in the galley later that night. Jack had roused the couple from their quaters and brought them down here to talk in private. "Right." Jack replied with a gesture. "Because you agreed to help that girl?" Gallagher went on. "Right." Jack replied again, looking at Gallagher as if it wasn't that hard to understand.
"To find some bloody treasure?!"
"Right."
"Jack, this is what got you in trouble the first time!" Gallagher said with a growl, glaring. "We've got a map this time, thank you." Jack said in a matter of fact tone. "You had a map the first time. You were just an idoit and gave it up to Barbosa!" Jack gave him a hard look, Gallagher knew not to bring that up. "It's for a good cause." He said with a gesture. "Oh is it now?!" Jacquelyn inquired. "She's doing it for a good friend!" Jack stated, moving around the room restlessly. Jacquelyn shook her head. "Jack, could you be any more stupid?!" She turned turned on her heel and stormed out of the room. Gallagher looked at his friend. "You always did have a weakness to help the fairer sex." He muttered. "No, Gallagher, listen, we get ALL the treasure except for what she wants. ALL of it!" Jack's eyes were sparkling. "All of it?" Gallagher inquired. "Down to the last eight pence." Gallagher started to grin. "Well in that case, when can we be underway?" Jack laughed and clapped Gallagher on the back. "That's the way to think, Mate."
The morning sun was shinning brightly on the ocean. Davina had tied back her hair, and Jacquelyn had given her a change of clothes. A few simple dresses that Jacquelyn never wore any more if she could help it. The breeze made the light cotton skirt flutter. She sighed deeply, inhaling the salty air and watching the sea birds. "Do you think this is a good idea?" A voice asked at her side. She didn't look at Jon. "Have I ever had a bad idea?" She asked with a slight grin. Jon frowned deeply. "Davina, you're supposed to be going to Port Royal to wed the Commodore, now what am I supposed to report to your father?!" Davina's nails racked into the rail of the Pearl. "Tell him I perished at sea, was kidnapped by pirates, I don't care what you tell him. I will NOT marry a man I do not know or love!" Jon shook his head. "You're a disobedient child, Davina." Davina closed her eyes, swallowing her temper. "You'll end up like your mother." At those words she spun to face him. "You have just stepped out of line, Mr. Robinson, I suggest you don't do so again!" She snapped darkly, turning on her heel and striding away from him.
Jon stood there, mouth hanging open slightly. "Ya might wanna close that before ya get flies in there." A voice spoke. Jon spun and found Captain Sparrow standing near by nonchalantly. Jon snapped his mouth shut. "I was not aware of your presence Captain Sparrow." Jack grinned cockily. "I didn't want ya to be." He moved over to the railing where Davina had been, his hands ending up exactly where her's had been and he looked down as his finger tips ran over the slight mark in the wood from her nails. "Tell me her story." He said. "Sir?" Jon asked, putting his hands behind his back. Jack restrained from rolling his eyes. "How did she come about being engaged to the Commodore of Port Royal?" "It was arranged between her father and her uncle, sir." Jon said, turning his attention back to the sea. "Her uncle?" Jack asked. "Yes sir, Governor Swann, on her mother's side." Jack looked heavenward, "Right..." Jack muttered. How could he have forgotten? Just wonderful, it only doubled the chances of the entire royal navy out looking for this girl.
Jack turned and looked at Davina. She was across the deck now, her back to them. He took in her small, slender, doll like figure. The way the sun shone off her red hair. This girl, no, he corrected himself, this young woman, was more then she seemed to be. There was no doubt in Jack's mind, that when Ravenskull was up and about again, he'd come looking for her. But why? Jack cocked his head to the side. In his opinion, she was very beautiful. He grinned slightly, at the lustful thoughts that slipped in to his mind. Then shook his head. That would be no good. Once they had this treasure, he was returning her to Port Royal, and it was best if she was untouched. Prehaps he could coax Anamaria into his bed tonight, just to be rid of these thoughts. It wouldn't be hard, a little rum, a little of his charm.
"I know that look." Jack glanced at Gallagher as he joined Jack.
"Oh do ya?"
"Yes, I do. When was the last time you visited Isabella?"
"The night we left Tortuga, thank ya. Besides, if I'm in need of that," Jack glanced at Anamaria. Gallagher shook his head. "You're going to play with that girl's head." Jack shook his head. "She knows there's no love lost. And she enjoys it just as much as I do." Jack said simply pushing away from the railing. Gallagher followed him as Jack headed towards the helm. Jack mounted the steps. Anamaria was at the wheel. Gallagher kept his distance, but watched as Jack stepped close to the woman. "Meet me in my cabin tonight..." Jack whispered in her ear. Anamaria barely glanced at Jack but Gallagher could tell by the look in her dark eyes she was more then willing. Gallagher shook his head and looked for Jacquelyn. He found his wife approaching their guest.
"A word, Davina?" Jacquelyn spoke to the other young woman. Davina turned her head to look at Jacquelyn. "Yes?" "Are you sure, you want to do this?" Jacquelyn leaned on her hip against the railing, facing Davina. "Why wouldn't I be? I have an obligation, I'm sure, Jacquelyn, you're well aware of what responsibility means." Jacquelyn shook her head. "Davina, darlin', you're no longer in the king's court. The only rulin' king here, is that one." Jacquelyn nodded to Jack, Davina turned and looked at the man now at the helm. She studied him, in the depths of her mind, she knew they'd met before, but when and where was beyond her. "I'm sure I'll have no problems with Captain Sparrow." She said simply, turning her gaze away. Jacquelyn shook her head. "I certainly hope you're right, my dear." With that, Jacquelyn left her to her thoughts. Davina frowned, wondering whether to take those words as a warning or something else.
Jack was mapping out the course from the two pieces of medallion when the knock came to his door. "Enter." He called, with out looking up from the table. Anamaria shut the door behind her. Night had long since sat in, and most of the crew had bedded down. "You called?" She asked in a coy tone. Jack grinned, but didn't let his eyes leave the map, just yet. "Depends on yer meanin' of call." "I think you know." Anamaria came forward, stopping before the table.
Jack finally lifted his eyes and racked their golden depths over her body. He could already see she was willing. "Then I was callin' ya." He stood straight as she came around his side of the table and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Ah my brave capt'n. I'm yers." She muttered before his lips captured her's. He dragged her to the bed and stripped her of her clothes, before his followed. And for the rest of the night, they ravished each other's bodies.
His sleep was not as easy as he wanted it to be. The dreams hit harder then they had in years. And he tossed and turned in his sleep as he dreamt.
His hands were bound behind back and he was naked. Now that the men were done having their way with him, they kicked and hit him, before tossing him at the feet of Barbossa. Barbossa grabbed a fist full of hair and yanked the younger man's head up. Jack looked up into the face of the man he thought he could trust. How he'd been wrong! "Have ye had yer fill of him boys?" Barbossa called over his head to the gathered crew. The men laughed and yelled back that they'd like more, and Barbossa just laughed. "Yer right, he ain't broke in yet. Perhaps I should break him in." Barbossa looked back down at Jack. Jack's eyes closed, silently he prayed for it to end.
But no such luck. With a firmer grip on Jack's hair, Barbossa hauled him towards the hatch. Throwing him before him, Jack rolled into the doors, biting back a groan as his sore body hit the frame. He only had time to look up as Barbossa wrenched a door open and grabbed Jack by the hair again. "Now my pretty little sparrow." Jack knew that tone all to well. "Please...no..." Jack's voice escaped his throat raggedly and Barbossa laughed again, hauling Jack towards the center of the room.
He threw Jack to the floor of the cabin, before slamming the door behind him. Jack raised his head, and received a strike across his face with the back of Barbossa's hand for his efforts. "There's no help for ya here Jackie boy." Barbossa circled Jack twice. Jack turned his eyes back to the floor, seeing his own blood dripping from his lip to hit the wood. His body lay on the floor until Barbossa wrenched him to his hands and knees. Jack had no strength left to fight back, but he knew Barbossa didn't care. The hand on Jack's waist was keeping him up right. All the young captain could do was stare at the floor. He gasped deeply as Barbossa thrust into him. Barbossa grabbed his hair again and yanked Jack's head back, so now that Jack was looking out into the night through the cabin's windows.
He couldn't even comprehend how long it took but he finally felt Barbossa withdrawing from him and Jack's body went limp again. As it did, Barbossa swung again, knocking Jack onto his side. The kick to his stomach knocked the wind out of his lungs and he curled into fetal position. "And the cocky little Sparrow is finally found his place. I wouldn't be forgettin' it of I were ye." Barbossa hissed. Jack didn't reply. He didn't even look up this time. He just lay there, his eyes on the floor.
The knock on the door brought Jack out of his restless sleep and Jack blinked at the sunlight filtering through the window over head of the bed in the first mate's cabin. A second knock made Jack remember where he was and he glanced beside him. Anamaria had long since left his side. So he slipped from the bed, wrapping the sheet around his waist and stumbled to the door. One hand rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he wrenched the door open with the other. Gibs stood silently. "It's well past mid mornin' Capt'n. We were gettin' a might bit worried about ya." Gibs said simply. Jack yawned and rubbed his eyes again, glancing back at the window. "Right, right. Be up in a moment or two. Let me gather me thoughts." Jack muttered, his eyes on the floor. He was afraid of what Gibs might see there. "Aye Capt'n." Gibs muttered softly, leaving the young man alone.
Jack dressed quickly, despite the soreness of his body and the fact that the rough linen aggravated his back where Anamaria had clawed the night before. He pushed the pain and soreness out of his mind for now as he'd done in the past and headed up on deck.
He found the ship abuzz with activity. They were close to an island for supplies and were in much need of some. 'We'd best be docking Capt'n, if we mean to be sailin' awhile." Gibs said, as Jack headed up to the helm. Jack scanned the deck. "Where's our guest?" "In the Captain's Cabin, with Mrs. Spike." Gibs answered. Jack frowned. "How pleasant."
Davina moved around the cabin restlessly. Jacquelyn was going through the drawers of Jack's desk. "You haven't done much sailing, have you?" She asked the other woman. Davina sighed, stopping at the window. "No, I haven't. It's just that...time is a bit of the essence." "Tell me what this is all about?" Jacquelyn said innocently, looking at Davina. Davina sighed again. "The only person in my life who has ever shown me a bit of kindness, is dying of... Well you wont believe me..." "A curse?" Jacquelyn muttered softly. Davina looked at her and Jacquelyn smiled. "In this world, Davina, there are many curses." Davina nodded. "Yes..." "So this...relic, is to save this friend?" "Yes." Davina answered. "Very honorable." Jacquelyn said with a nod. "I hope so." Davina muttered, looking out the window.