Hi everyone. Here's the next chapter for you. I hope you like it.
Thanks to:
Morph – Thanks for the kind words, I hope you like this update.
Db27 – You'll find out who will save Jack soon enough, if he will be saved!!?? Hope you keep reading!
Lisa 123 – Thanks hon, what do you think of Jack in this chapter? Let me know.
Del64 – Thanks so much, Im really glad you are enjoying the story. Hope you review again!
Rat – Thanks! Hope you like this update..
Greenleafslover – Glad your still enjoying it! Pls review again!
Amy – You're be pleased to hear there's lots of Jack in this chapter but there is a down side :( Will does need to help him... keep reading!
Talamh – Thanks for the compliment re Jack. I really wanted to get him right so that means a lot.
Ping*pong – I love your reviews, please keep them coming!
I also wanna say thanks to my new Beta Jackfan2, who has made this chapter a lot better than it should be!! Thanks so much babes!
Chapter 5.
It had been a week since Norrington's return. Will had not seen much of the officer and for that, he was grateful. Since their disagreement, Elizabeth had been distant with him. The young blacksmith attempted to make peace with her, but to no avail. Admittedly, he knew the failure was due in part to his stubborn refusal of her requests that he apologise to the governor, to make things right between them. Time and again that same argument ensued, she requested, he dissented and it ended with her storming angrily away.
Sitting at the table, a bottle of rum beside him, Will thought the matter over and over in his head. Maybe he should do as Elizabeth asked and make peace with her father. But he just couldn't. Not only because of his pride but also due to his loyalty to Jack. The man he had been willing to hang alongside not so long ago. But his loyalty warred with his love for Elizabeth. There was no question he loved her, he loved her more than anything, but he would not turn his back on Jack. Perhaps she would come to understand he hoped fervently. Sometimes it was so clear to him that his heart belonged to the spoiled daughter of a governor. Chuckling to himself, he drank down his rum and poured himself another.
Elizabeth sat on her bed, listening to her future husband drinking himself stupid – again. Tears pricked her eyes as she realized how he'd withdrawn from her so much recently; he was like a shadow of his former self. In dismay, she covered her face with her hands. This wasn't how she dreamt a life with Will would be. "So much for the fairytale," she mumbled under her breath.
She loved Will, that much she knew, but he had changed so much. She didn't blame anyone, not even Jack. 'Will has the blood of a pirate in him after all.' That's what her father would say. Along with 'I told you so.' Why did she have to tell him about Bootstrap Bill? Not one of her smartest moments. She wanted her Will back. The loyal, brave man who had fought for her, Jack and what he had believed in. Not this new man who stayed in all day and night and tried to drink his problems away. She knew what Will needed, he needed that adventurous spirit back and Elizabeth knew how she could help him get it. Find Jack, she decided. But where was she going to start?
At that moment, she heard Will moving towards the bedroom and quickly laid back down on the bed, pretending to be asleep. She sighed as she felt Will get into bed beside her. She longed for him to touch her, to hold her but he didn't. The governor's daughter knew she had another long, restless night in front of her. What was she going to do?
~*~
Morris chuckled happily to himself as he strode towards the jail. It was another warm, beautiful morning in Port Mary and to him, the days just kept getting better. One cause for his mood was the parchment letter he clutched tightly in one hand. This letter he'd received this very morning and he couldn't wait to tell his favourite prisoner of its news. They were going to have a visitor very soon. An old friend of both of theirs.
Moments later, he arrived at the jail and nodded to the guard, who quickly moved to the side to allow the Admiral to pass. Morris smiled to himself as he entered the dark and gloomy building.
Jack lay in his cell, his arms crossed over his chest. He had been left alone for two days, which had surprised him. Morris' beatings during the few days prior, had been more sadistic and brutal than anything beforehand. In the few moments before the vicious attacks, the pirate had meant to ask the Admiral why, but as the blows reined down, he hadn't really been given a chance.
The captain winced as he moved his arm slightly. Morris had stamped on his wrist some time ago, once in punishment for some witty comment, twice to ensure the pirate wouldn't forget it, and the third time to ensure he had broken the bone. 'Not very nice of him,' Jack thought. He really did wonder when the bloody bastard was just going to hang him and get it over with.
Suddenly, he heard the door above him being flung open. Startled from his musings his body jerked. Muttered curses in various languages filled the cell as his bruised and beaten body cried out at him for the movement. At the sound of that familiar, hated voice that called down to him from the top of the steps, he sighed in response. Oh well, he thought, it was a good rest while it lasted.
"Good morning Jack. And how are you this fine day?" Morris moved slowly down the steps, a big smile on his face. Jack didn't like that smile but he refused to show it. Instead, he simply nodded and replied from his position on the floor:
"I'm feeling surprisingly chipper today, mate. Good of you to enquire though, aye?" The pirate did his best to supply what he hoped was a smile of his own, which probably looked more like a pained grimace.
Morris continued to smile, only now he tilted his head as he studied his prisoner carefully. "I really do wonder what it will take to break that spirit of yours, pirate. You truly are an extraordinary man."
Jack took this as a huge compliment and his gold capped grin widened. "Very nice of you to say so Admiral. Of course," he added, thoughtfully. "I've been called that before," The Navy man laughed softly as he took out a large set of keys and proceeded to unlock Jack's cell.
"You know Sparrow, a less wise man would see your foolishness and mistake you for an idiot. Not me though, I know better." He pulled the cell door open and stepped through.
Sitting up, his broken wrist cradled carefully in his lap, Jack eyed the military man for a moment before speaking. "But I wonder, which is the bigger fool, Admiral? The man who mistakes the fellow for an idiot but listens to his ramblings regardless? Or, is it the man who sees through the idiot's act but decides to overlook him? Interesting idea, aye?" The pirate finished and then laid back down, his eyes closed.
Without opening his eyes, he felt the Admiral's stare. The contemplative silence was finally broken when Morris at last spoke. "Very interesting notion Jack. I plan to be neither man."
Jack opened his eyes but didn't reply.
The Brit continued, "I know you to be no imbecile pirate, but I also wouldn't trust a single word that comes out of your mouth. That way, I stay in control."
The prisoner thought about this and then replied, "No Admiral, you are not a fool." The other man smiled triumphantly, until the pirated amended quickly, "You're just a stupid cretin, mate," and flashed the Admiral a beaming smile.
Morris stilled. He watched the pirate captive for a few seconds, then like a snake, he struck. Two bone-cracking kicks were sent to the reclined mans unprotected ribs before he then dragged his hapless prisoner up and slammed him bodily against the wall.
The pirate, leaning heavily against his cell wall, struggled to remain conscious. Slowly turned and with his eyes closed and a new gash to his forehead streaming with blood, he sagged to the floor, sitting down heavily. Grabbing his midsection in pain, he wondered how many ribs were broken this time. Opening his weary, unfocused eyes, Jack inwardly smiled at the angry mottled red skinned Navy man standing before him.
"You are a wretch, Sparrow," the officer hissed, "and an over confident one. It will be your undoing, I promise you."
Still sitting against the wall for support, Jack rolled his head on one side and then smirked. "Ye think this 's the way to break me, mate?" He then stared straight at the Admiral and said in complete seriousness, "It will never happen."
Morris snorted. "We'll see scum," he said softly.
In three long strides, the loathsome man reached him. Bending down he grabbed the pirate by the front of his filthy shirt, dragging him upward. With his other hand he brandished the parchment, his prize news. Winded and struggling to focus, Jack glared at the man as he waved the letter in his face.
"You see this, Sparrow?" He spat.
Slowly his slid his gaze to the brandished paper then back to the odious Brit. "I can see it," he replied.
"I am sure you are wondering why I am showing it to you."
"I couldn't care less mate." To prove his statement, this time the pirate didn't even glance at the document,
Dropping the paper for only a moment, the Admiral backhanded him hard across the face. As the pirate reeled from the blow Morris scooped up the page again and thrust it in his prisoner's face. Through gritted teeth he then continued, "It's from an old friend of yours, captain."
The pirate's face brightened. "Ohhh! Really? Someone wrote to me? I'm touched Admiral, you told people I was staying here! Who is it? Scarlet? Giselle?"
Dangerously, the other man's face darkened but he kept his calm. "Norrington, Jack. You remember him? He's leaving Port Royal immediately, so he states here. Cannot wait to see you again it seems." The barstard grinned cruelly down at his prisoner.
The captive was quiet for a moment. The captor felt a warm glow of triumph building inside. At last, he'd got to the damn pirate! Finally! After all this time...then,
"The Commodore? That's nice Admiral but him and me, we were never that close. I'd much rather have Scarlet. She lives in Tortuga, 's not far..."
Having heard enough, the military man let out a furious roar and threw the scrunched up letter away. Rage flooded him and he punched Jack as hard as he could in the face, snapping the pirate's head back painfully and his shirt front was released at the same moment and he fell back limply to the hard floor. Morris was on him immediately, punching and hitting him continuously, mercilessly. Blood poured from his nose and mouth. Then the Admiral wrapped his hands around his victim's throat and began to throttle him. Ineffectually, Jack pawed at the iron grip with his one good hand, unable to breathe.
"You WILL start to show me the proper respect, pirate. Especially in front of Norrington, or I will make you regret it more than you could ever imagine." With a last, violent shake, he released Jack, who lay gasping for breath.
Morris stepped away and then turned to leave the cell. As he reached the door then stopped, glaring down at the pirate he added, "And, just so you know, Sparrow, once Norrington has seen you, and is aware that I succeeded where he has failed twice, I think I'll be good and ready to hang you." Still clutching his sore throat Jack didn't reply, he just watched the Admiral.
Morris laughed. "Have a good day, Jack," he added and then walked out of the cell and up the steps, back into the daylight.
Jack stared after him for a moment and then laid back down, his arms once again across his chest. "Not good," he murmured, and exhausted, closed his eyes.
~*~
Will crawled out of his front door, shielding his eyes from the bright light. Port Royal was already busy with activity as men and women rushed around their daily jobs. 'Lucky them,' Will thought to himself. Judging by the time of day, he was sure the liquor purveyor would be opening shortly, so he decided to go and wait there. Once he'd had a drink he may attempt to start work on a sword he had had an order for. Maybe.
Not really looking where he was going, he walked straight into somebody taller than himself.
"Sorry," he mumbled and then went to move past.
"Mr. Turner," came a familiar voice. Will sighed.
"Commodore Norrington," he replied politely and nodded his head.
"How are you? I hope the post Blacksmith life is treating you well?" Norrinton asked pleasantly.
"Things are just fine, thank you." Will replied. The knowing smile on the officer's face made his gut clench and he decided to head on before he said, or did something he would no doubt regret "Tell me, Turner, have you heard from anyone recently?"
Will turned and looked at the Commodore. "Anyone in particular?"
"Oh, I don't know." Norrinton smiled. "Any, um... pirates for example?"
Will felt his temper rise. "If you mean Jack, no I haven't and if I had, do you really expect me to tell you?"
"No, I suppose you wouldn't." Norrington's smile widened.
The navy man looked over at the Dauntless, resting idly in the docks. "Well, this is good-bye then. I'm just preparing her for another journey, seems I have to leave again."
The lad glanced at the impressive ship. "But you just returned."
"Yes, but this is much more of a pleasure trip than before, not really business."
Will stared at the suddenly cryptic Commodore. While he didn't fully understand what the man was going on about, he had a terrible feeling in his gut. Something was wrong. Lost in thought, the blacksmith glanced down. Hearing a soft chuckle he looked again at the officer...
"Well, I'll just let you get on with your day then Mr. Turner. I'm sure you are a very busy man. Pass on my best to Miss Swann, would you." Tipping his hat, he nodded slightly then walked away, a wry smile on his lips.
Eyes narrowed, Will stared at the retreating man's back. What was all that about?
~*~
TBC
Thanks to:
Morph – Thanks for the kind words, I hope you like this update.
Db27 – You'll find out who will save Jack soon enough, if he will be saved!!?? Hope you keep reading!
Lisa 123 – Thanks hon, what do you think of Jack in this chapter? Let me know.
Del64 – Thanks so much, Im really glad you are enjoying the story. Hope you review again!
Rat – Thanks! Hope you like this update..
Greenleafslover – Glad your still enjoying it! Pls review again!
Amy – You're be pleased to hear there's lots of Jack in this chapter but there is a down side :( Will does need to help him... keep reading!
Talamh – Thanks for the compliment re Jack. I really wanted to get him right so that means a lot.
Ping*pong – I love your reviews, please keep them coming!
I also wanna say thanks to my new Beta Jackfan2, who has made this chapter a lot better than it should be!! Thanks so much babes!
Chapter 5.
It had been a week since Norrington's return. Will had not seen much of the officer and for that, he was grateful. Since their disagreement, Elizabeth had been distant with him. The young blacksmith attempted to make peace with her, but to no avail. Admittedly, he knew the failure was due in part to his stubborn refusal of her requests that he apologise to the governor, to make things right between them. Time and again that same argument ensued, she requested, he dissented and it ended with her storming angrily away.
Sitting at the table, a bottle of rum beside him, Will thought the matter over and over in his head. Maybe he should do as Elizabeth asked and make peace with her father. But he just couldn't. Not only because of his pride but also due to his loyalty to Jack. The man he had been willing to hang alongside not so long ago. But his loyalty warred with his love for Elizabeth. There was no question he loved her, he loved her more than anything, but he would not turn his back on Jack. Perhaps she would come to understand he hoped fervently. Sometimes it was so clear to him that his heart belonged to the spoiled daughter of a governor. Chuckling to himself, he drank down his rum and poured himself another.
Elizabeth sat on her bed, listening to her future husband drinking himself stupid – again. Tears pricked her eyes as she realized how he'd withdrawn from her so much recently; he was like a shadow of his former self. In dismay, she covered her face with her hands. This wasn't how she dreamt a life with Will would be. "So much for the fairytale," she mumbled under her breath.
She loved Will, that much she knew, but he had changed so much. She didn't blame anyone, not even Jack. 'Will has the blood of a pirate in him after all.' That's what her father would say. Along with 'I told you so.' Why did she have to tell him about Bootstrap Bill? Not one of her smartest moments. She wanted her Will back. The loyal, brave man who had fought for her, Jack and what he had believed in. Not this new man who stayed in all day and night and tried to drink his problems away. She knew what Will needed, he needed that adventurous spirit back and Elizabeth knew how she could help him get it. Find Jack, she decided. But where was she going to start?
At that moment, she heard Will moving towards the bedroom and quickly laid back down on the bed, pretending to be asleep. She sighed as she felt Will get into bed beside her. She longed for him to touch her, to hold her but he didn't. The governor's daughter knew she had another long, restless night in front of her. What was she going to do?
~*~
Morris chuckled happily to himself as he strode towards the jail. It was another warm, beautiful morning in Port Mary and to him, the days just kept getting better. One cause for his mood was the parchment letter he clutched tightly in one hand. This letter he'd received this very morning and he couldn't wait to tell his favourite prisoner of its news. They were going to have a visitor very soon. An old friend of both of theirs.
Moments later, he arrived at the jail and nodded to the guard, who quickly moved to the side to allow the Admiral to pass. Morris smiled to himself as he entered the dark and gloomy building.
Jack lay in his cell, his arms crossed over his chest. He had been left alone for two days, which had surprised him. Morris' beatings during the few days prior, had been more sadistic and brutal than anything beforehand. In the few moments before the vicious attacks, the pirate had meant to ask the Admiral why, but as the blows reined down, he hadn't really been given a chance.
The captain winced as he moved his arm slightly. Morris had stamped on his wrist some time ago, once in punishment for some witty comment, twice to ensure the pirate wouldn't forget it, and the third time to ensure he had broken the bone. 'Not very nice of him,' Jack thought. He really did wonder when the bloody bastard was just going to hang him and get it over with.
Suddenly, he heard the door above him being flung open. Startled from his musings his body jerked. Muttered curses in various languages filled the cell as his bruised and beaten body cried out at him for the movement. At the sound of that familiar, hated voice that called down to him from the top of the steps, he sighed in response. Oh well, he thought, it was a good rest while it lasted.
"Good morning Jack. And how are you this fine day?" Morris moved slowly down the steps, a big smile on his face. Jack didn't like that smile but he refused to show it. Instead, he simply nodded and replied from his position on the floor:
"I'm feeling surprisingly chipper today, mate. Good of you to enquire though, aye?" The pirate did his best to supply what he hoped was a smile of his own, which probably looked more like a pained grimace.
Morris continued to smile, only now he tilted his head as he studied his prisoner carefully. "I really do wonder what it will take to break that spirit of yours, pirate. You truly are an extraordinary man."
Jack took this as a huge compliment and his gold capped grin widened. "Very nice of you to say so Admiral. Of course," he added, thoughtfully. "I've been called that before," The Navy man laughed softly as he took out a large set of keys and proceeded to unlock Jack's cell.
"You know Sparrow, a less wise man would see your foolishness and mistake you for an idiot. Not me though, I know better." He pulled the cell door open and stepped through.
Sitting up, his broken wrist cradled carefully in his lap, Jack eyed the military man for a moment before speaking. "But I wonder, which is the bigger fool, Admiral? The man who mistakes the fellow for an idiot but listens to his ramblings regardless? Or, is it the man who sees through the idiot's act but decides to overlook him? Interesting idea, aye?" The pirate finished and then laid back down, his eyes closed.
Without opening his eyes, he felt the Admiral's stare. The contemplative silence was finally broken when Morris at last spoke. "Very interesting notion Jack. I plan to be neither man."
Jack opened his eyes but didn't reply.
The Brit continued, "I know you to be no imbecile pirate, but I also wouldn't trust a single word that comes out of your mouth. That way, I stay in control."
The prisoner thought about this and then replied, "No Admiral, you are not a fool." The other man smiled triumphantly, until the pirated amended quickly, "You're just a stupid cretin, mate," and flashed the Admiral a beaming smile.
Morris stilled. He watched the pirate captive for a few seconds, then like a snake, he struck. Two bone-cracking kicks were sent to the reclined mans unprotected ribs before he then dragged his hapless prisoner up and slammed him bodily against the wall.
The pirate, leaning heavily against his cell wall, struggled to remain conscious. Slowly turned and with his eyes closed and a new gash to his forehead streaming with blood, he sagged to the floor, sitting down heavily. Grabbing his midsection in pain, he wondered how many ribs were broken this time. Opening his weary, unfocused eyes, Jack inwardly smiled at the angry mottled red skinned Navy man standing before him.
"You are a wretch, Sparrow," the officer hissed, "and an over confident one. It will be your undoing, I promise you."
Still sitting against the wall for support, Jack rolled his head on one side and then smirked. "Ye think this 's the way to break me, mate?" He then stared straight at the Admiral and said in complete seriousness, "It will never happen."
Morris snorted. "We'll see scum," he said softly.
In three long strides, the loathsome man reached him. Bending down he grabbed the pirate by the front of his filthy shirt, dragging him upward. With his other hand he brandished the parchment, his prize news. Winded and struggling to focus, Jack glared at the man as he waved the letter in his face.
"You see this, Sparrow?" He spat.
Slowly his slid his gaze to the brandished paper then back to the odious Brit. "I can see it," he replied.
"I am sure you are wondering why I am showing it to you."
"I couldn't care less mate." To prove his statement, this time the pirate didn't even glance at the document,
Dropping the paper for only a moment, the Admiral backhanded him hard across the face. As the pirate reeled from the blow Morris scooped up the page again and thrust it in his prisoner's face. Through gritted teeth he then continued, "It's from an old friend of yours, captain."
The pirate's face brightened. "Ohhh! Really? Someone wrote to me? I'm touched Admiral, you told people I was staying here! Who is it? Scarlet? Giselle?"
Dangerously, the other man's face darkened but he kept his calm. "Norrington, Jack. You remember him? He's leaving Port Royal immediately, so he states here. Cannot wait to see you again it seems." The barstard grinned cruelly down at his prisoner.
The captive was quiet for a moment. The captor felt a warm glow of triumph building inside. At last, he'd got to the damn pirate! Finally! After all this time...then,
"The Commodore? That's nice Admiral but him and me, we were never that close. I'd much rather have Scarlet. She lives in Tortuga, 's not far..."
Having heard enough, the military man let out a furious roar and threw the scrunched up letter away. Rage flooded him and he punched Jack as hard as he could in the face, snapping the pirate's head back painfully and his shirt front was released at the same moment and he fell back limply to the hard floor. Morris was on him immediately, punching and hitting him continuously, mercilessly. Blood poured from his nose and mouth. Then the Admiral wrapped his hands around his victim's throat and began to throttle him. Ineffectually, Jack pawed at the iron grip with his one good hand, unable to breathe.
"You WILL start to show me the proper respect, pirate. Especially in front of Norrington, or I will make you regret it more than you could ever imagine." With a last, violent shake, he released Jack, who lay gasping for breath.
Morris stepped away and then turned to leave the cell. As he reached the door then stopped, glaring down at the pirate he added, "And, just so you know, Sparrow, once Norrington has seen you, and is aware that I succeeded where he has failed twice, I think I'll be good and ready to hang you." Still clutching his sore throat Jack didn't reply, he just watched the Admiral.
Morris laughed. "Have a good day, Jack," he added and then walked out of the cell and up the steps, back into the daylight.
Jack stared after him for a moment and then laid back down, his arms once again across his chest. "Not good," he murmured, and exhausted, closed his eyes.
~*~
Will crawled out of his front door, shielding his eyes from the bright light. Port Royal was already busy with activity as men and women rushed around their daily jobs. 'Lucky them,' Will thought to himself. Judging by the time of day, he was sure the liquor purveyor would be opening shortly, so he decided to go and wait there. Once he'd had a drink he may attempt to start work on a sword he had had an order for. Maybe.
Not really looking where he was going, he walked straight into somebody taller than himself.
"Sorry," he mumbled and then went to move past.
"Mr. Turner," came a familiar voice. Will sighed.
"Commodore Norrington," he replied politely and nodded his head.
"How are you? I hope the post Blacksmith life is treating you well?" Norrinton asked pleasantly.
"Things are just fine, thank you." Will replied. The knowing smile on the officer's face made his gut clench and he decided to head on before he said, or did something he would no doubt regret "Tell me, Turner, have you heard from anyone recently?"
Will turned and looked at the Commodore. "Anyone in particular?"
"Oh, I don't know." Norrinton smiled. "Any, um... pirates for example?"
Will felt his temper rise. "If you mean Jack, no I haven't and if I had, do you really expect me to tell you?"
"No, I suppose you wouldn't." Norrington's smile widened.
The navy man looked over at the Dauntless, resting idly in the docks. "Well, this is good-bye then. I'm just preparing her for another journey, seems I have to leave again."
The lad glanced at the impressive ship. "But you just returned."
"Yes, but this is much more of a pleasure trip than before, not really business."
Will stared at the suddenly cryptic Commodore. While he didn't fully understand what the man was going on about, he had a terrible feeling in his gut. Something was wrong. Lost in thought, the blacksmith glanced down. Hearing a soft chuckle he looked again at the officer...
"Well, I'll just let you get on with your day then Mr. Turner. I'm sure you are a very busy man. Pass on my best to Miss Swann, would you." Tipping his hat, he nodded slightly then walked away, a wry smile on his lips.
Eyes narrowed, Will stared at the retreating man's back. What was all that about?
~*~
TBC