OK, here's another chapter for you. I hope you enjoy it and please review.
Thanks to –
Morph – I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I hope you liked this update, please let me know. Sorry, the Jack bashing isn't over yet..
InsanePirate624 – Thanks for the review, I hope you like this chapter and can't wait to see what you think
Gaze – Yeah, sorry for the delay. It was a nightmare losing internet connection. Thanks for sticking with me. Enjoy this update.
Ellanor – Many thanks! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Sparrowpiratess – Enjoy this update. Hope to hear from you again.
And ofcourse big hugs, kisses and lots of thanks to my great beta Julie. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help honey.. Thank you.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Back to the Black Pearl – Chapter 8
Norrington coughed quietly, still trying to recover from the sight of the pirate Captain. Feeling Sparrow's intense gaze upon him, he turned his attention back to the man in cell.
"Mr Sparrow, I trust you are –." Unable to complete his question, James looked quickly away. Out of his periphery, he saw that Jack actually managed to flash him a smile, albeit a painful one.
"Well," the pirate supplied helpfully. "I believe that's the word you were looking for, eh Commodore? Nay, I must say I've been detained in nicer prisons."
Directly behind him, Norrington heard Morris let out a low growl but he chose to ignore it.
"Your luck had to run out eventually, Sparrow." Norrington continued.
Jack gave him a thoughtful look and then replied, "It was skill that kept me free mate and someone else's good fortune that found me in this stinking hole." He then winked playfully at Morris.
The Admiral stepped right up to the cell and poked his nose in through the bars.
"MY fortune scum?" Morris hissed, "Is that what you are suggesting?" His voice was low and dangerous. Norrington noticed that all of the Admirals' men shuffled uncomfortably where they stood. Sparrow though, gave Morris a happy smile.
"Admiral, you are in good form today," he said and clapped his hands together. "A spark of intelligence there, well done mate!" Morris slammed his fist against the bars, causing Norrington and the men to jump. The pirate, on the other hand, didn't flinch.
Suddenly, the Admiral gathered his composure and emitted a low, throaty chuckle. The commander now bared yellow teeth, sneering at his prey, never once taking his eyes off Jack. In return, and to the pirate's credit, Jack stared back, unblinking. "You were broken this morning pirate, you were mine!" Morris spat.
Jack didn't immediately answer. The two men silently eyed one another. Then, with a flicker of triumph on his battered face, the pirate whispered, "That's what you thought."
James had never seen such determination in all his life as Jack, pressing one hand to the wall for support, got very slowly and painfully to his feet. One quick glance at Morris, and James knew that even he was impressed, though his admiration was tainted with his unconcealed fury.
James had over heard as the guards had said that only this morning, badly battered and weak, all Sparrow could manage was to crawl across the floor. Now, only a few hours later, he stood on his own two feet, unsupported. The Admiral realised Sparrow had snatched victory from his clutches again, only this time the bastard had humiliated him in front of Norrington. He would make the gloating scum pay and pay dearly.
The Commodore decided to break the tension and addressed Jack once again.
"Sparrow, I need to ask you some questions. I understand Admiral Morris has had little success gaining answers from you". Morris spun around and fixed Norrington with a murderous look.
"I only need a little more time," he spat. Norrington nodded politely.
"Of course sir, but perhaps you would allow me to try." Morris eyed him for a moment and then nodded.
"Be my guest James," he said and then stepped back.
Norrington turned back to Jack.
"Sparrow, where is the Black Pearl?"
Jack reacted at the mention of his beloved ship's name. "Careless of me," he murmured, more to himself, "losing her again."
"Sparrow," Norrington repeated, more urgently, "your ship and your crew, where are they?"
The pirate sighed. "I wish I knew," he said very softly and turned away.
Morris scoffed. "Sign of a good Captain indeed." He sneered, "losing your ship and your crew. Twice." He laughed loudly. Both Jack and Norrington ignored the odious Admiral, much to his indignation.
"Jack," Norrington said almost kindly, "tell me what happened to you."
Exhausted, Jack sank to the ground again and let out a big sigh. His eyes met Norrington's.
"The problem is, Commodore, I don't know what happened. I don't remember, alright!" He absently rubbed his arm and then hissed from the pain. Norrington frowned.
"You must remember something, Sparrow," he snapped and then leant in closer, "Don't you see? I am trying to help you."
Jack attempted to give the military man a wide smile. "That's not your usual attitude to pirates, is it mate?"
Norrington nodded. "Be that as it may, it is the truth. Now, tell me what you remember."
Once again, Jack struggled to his feet. "Very well, Commodore. Since you asked so nicely, I'll do me best." He told his story as if he was talking to a small child, every man in the small room listened intently.
"It happened one night, I can't tell you when. We were on the Pearl. Everything was normal when suddenly; out of nowhere a fog came down and surrounded us. I must have passed out though, as the next thing I knew, I'm in a longboat in the middle of the Ocean. No Pearl, Gibbs, AnaMaria, anyone to be seen. After a few hours, maybe days, I was picked up by two passing fisherman who, very kindly, decided to dump me here." He finished with a quick glance at Morris.
Norrington stared at Jack for a moment.
"You really cannot remember anything else?" he asked.
"Not a single, tiny little thing, mate." Jack replied and then brought one hand up to his forehead, as if in pain.
"Absolute rot!" exclaimed Morris, causing Jack to glare at him. "He's made this cock and bull story up for your benefit, Commodore Norrington. I told you what happened, how I caught him. This story is completely far-fetched and there is not a grain of truth in it!"
Norrington didn't reply to this outburst but it was clear whom he believed. Head bowed in thought, he turned away from the red faced Admiral. Then, after a moment, he spun back around and looked at the pirate captive.
"From what I have been told today, I believe that Sparrows' men are still out there somewhere, most likely searching for their Captain -" Morris interrupted him.
"I told you, Sparrows men –," Vehemently, Norrington shook his head in interruption.
"I know what you told me, Admiral, but as I was saying, I would prefer to continue searching for Sparrow's crew and for the Black Pearl. I believe she would be a worthy replacement for the Interceptor, which was lost." He frowned at Jack, who obviously found this statement amusing.
Jack's face turned serious. "If you find me ship Norrington," he said softly, "look after her for me."
Morris laughed loudly. "Oh, don't you worry, Jack. You will soon be beyond caring about your precious Black Pearl."
Norrington eyed Morris. "Perhaps Admiral, Sparrow's hanging is somewhat overdue."
Morris smirked. "I agree, James, and am pleased to tell you that one week from today, it will all be over for Captain Jack Sparrow." He laughed cruelly. Jack lowered his head. Norrington watched the pirate thoughtfully.
"Well," he announced, "I believe I have what I came for and it's now time for me to return to Port Royal." He gestured to his men who instantly moved towards the steps. Morris, however, put up his hand to stop Norrington.
"Just a moment, Commodore," he said, "there is one more thing I would like you to see before you leave."
Norrington paused and eyed the Admiral ominously. For some reason, the gleam in Morris' eye worried him... he had a bad feeling about what was to transpire.
Morris nodded to one of his guards who then promptly unlocked Jack's cell. Sparrow gave the man an uninterested glance.
"I wish you to have fully enjoyed your visit to Port Mary, James." The Admiral said cheerfully. He moved to the back of the room and picked up some sort of tool, then returned to the light, where Norrington could see it clearly. To his horror he realized what it was; a branding iron. "And, I believe this will assist in that."
Having the Commodore's full attention, Morris walked to a large forge and placed the long piece of iron into the hot, red glowing coals. Norrington swallowed the bile that had built up in his throat and exchanged looks with Dawson.
"Admiral, could you explain the meaning of this please." Norrington asked, giving Sparrow a quick, concerned glance. Jack appeared to be taking no notice of Morris' actions. He had crouched back down again and was softly humming to himself,
"It's, well, a tradition for me, my dear Commodore," Morris said, turning the iron in the fire, "before I hang a pirate, I brand him with the crest of my town, the lion.
Jack laughed and then unsuccessfully attempted to turn it into a cough. Norrington was impressed with the man's daring. Morris merely smiled at Jack before turning back to the Commodore.
James stared at the branding iron in the horrid man's hand, his stomach churning. There was no end to Morris' viciousness, and little Norrington could do to stop him, but try he did...
"Sparrow has already been branded a pirate, Admiral," he declared. "The mark on his arm –."
"I don't mean to brand the scum a pirate, my friend. This symbol will mark him forever as another of Richard Morris' victims." The evil brute than withdrew the red hot metal from the flaring coals and struck it against the wall hard, causing a spark. Morris laughed softly and purred, "perfect." He then strode across to Jack's cell.
Nearly panicked, Norrington watched him go, trying to think of something to say, to stop this somehow but what could he do? Morris arrived at Jack's cell, pulled open the door and walked through.
The Admiral marched up to the pirate and snapped, "On your feet!"
Jack looked up at his nemesis. His face looked calm but his eyes were flaming. "I'm just having a sit down actually, mate."
Suddenly, Morris reached out and hurled Jack to his feet. The bastard held the iron a hair's length away from the pirates face. Norrington was pleased to see that Sparrow didn't flinch.
His superior leered in Jack's face and then turned to his nearest guards.
"Force him to the ground and take off his shirt," he ordered.
A sigh of irritated frustration escaped Jack's lips. "Really, mate, one minute you want me to stand up, the next I'm on the floor again," he murmured. "Make up your mind, eh?"
A strike to the back of his head sent Jack flying to his knees and he was held there firmly. What was left of his favourite white shirt was then ripped off of him. The pirate didn't attempt to struggle. Instead, he twisted his head to look up at his captors but they would not return his stare.
Morris moved to stand behind Jack, his branding iron at the ready. Morris smiled evilly at Norrington and then, without warning, he slammed the red hot iron down onto the pirates' shoulder and held it there.
Jaw clenched, Jack closed his eyes tight and gritted his teeth. The pain had to have been overwhelming. At least the East Indian Trading Company made it quick. This was much, much worse.
Fists clenched in outrage, Norrington cast his eyes down to the ground, unable to watch the sadistic torture. He knew what Morris was waiting for. 'Cry out Jack,' he thought, 'Just cry out.' Dawson cleared his throat and most of his soldiers also looked away. Their Admiral's brutality was sickening even to them.
Violent trembles now wracked the pirates' body as the iron was pressed harder into his seared flesh, but Morris did not relent. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Jack could suppress it no longer. A blood- curdling cry filled the small room and echoed down the narrow hall ways. The pirate screamed and screamed and the sound cut through Norrington. The Commodore had never felt so disgusted in his life.
At last, Morris decided that Sparrow had suffered enough. He threw the branding iron down and gestured for his men to release the captive. Jack fell hard onto the stone floor, clutching his shoulder and shaking all over. His gaze met Norrington's blue eyes and Norrington saw tears in the other mans brown eyes. He looked away.
Morris gave Jack a vicious kick to his ribs for good measure and took great pleasure in the moan the pirate let out. The Admiral then strode from the jail, a spring now in his step. He smirked at Norrington and said softly, "Now James, I'm ready to hang him." The other man didn't reply, he merely stared at Morris in disgust. Morris chuckled and then moved towards the stone steps without another look at his crumpled victim in the cell.
The weary Commodore glanced one last time at Jack and was both surprised and pleased to see that the pirate had forced himself to sit up. With a small nod to the poor wretch, James turned to follow Dawson up the steps.
"Commodore," came a hoarse whisper from behind him. Norrington turned and looked uncomfortably at Sparrow.
"Yes Captain?" he enquired, politely.
Jack smiled, obviously pleased that Norrington had used his proper title.
"Would you be kind enough to fetch me hat for me please?" Jack asked with a ghost of a smile and inclined his head towards where his hat was resting on a table, his coat beside it.
Norrington shot Jack a look of surprise and then gave Morris, who was perched on the steps, watching, a questioning glance. The Admiral shrugged. "Give the fool his hat Commodore. After all, I don't think he will be able to engineer a miraculous escape with it, do you?" Morris guffawed loudly at his own joke and then disappeared up the steps.
Quietly, James crossed to retrieve Jack's hat. He approached the cell and held the hat out to the prisoner. A guard remained in the cell with the captive and he watched closely as Jack shuffled painfully forward.
The pirate held out a shaky hand to accept his hat. At the last possible moment, instead of taking the hat, he grabbed Norrington's arm and pulled him closer.
Surprised at the strength in that grasp, Norrington let out a low gasp. Their eyes met and the pirate leaned closer to the navy man and said softly, "help me." Time seemed to stand still and Norrington stared into those coffee brown eyes.
Then, without warning, the guard struck Jack hard across the back of the head. Jack released Norrington and fell to the floor with a shout. The big guard then began to repeatedly kick Jack, each time inducing a cry of pain from the man.
Norrington demanded, "Leave him!"
The guard stopped and glared at the Commodore, disappointment etched on his face. Jack lay at the guard's feet, gasping for breath. He looked up and stared at the Commodore.
Dawson had arrived behind his superior officer. "You heard the Commodore, Sturt," he snapped to the guard, "Step away from the prisoner. You will accompany us back to the docks."
Sturt growled, "Someone's got to stay with the prisoner, Captain. Admiral's orders, sir."
Dawson glanced up the steps. Morris had not reappeared. He turned to a different guard. "Matthews, stay here and watch Sparrow. And fetch him some water, lad." He added, eying Jack.
"Aye, Captain," Matthews answered and moved into the cell.
Being sure to tread on Jack as he stepped over him, Sturt exited the cell and trudged up the steps.
Dawson gestured towards the steps and said calmly, "Commodore?" Norrington gave Jack one last glance and then rushed up the stairway, closely followed by the young Captain.
Norrington was relieved to step back into the sunlight. He coughed, trying to clear his throat. He still felt nauseous, unable to remove the smell of burnt flesh from his nostrils. He stared back at the monstrous building that was Port Mary prison, torn between his duty and his humanity.
He turned to see a smiling Admiral Morris approaching him. Norrington fixed the other man with a look of utmost disgust that Morris didn't appear to notice.
"Sturt tells me you had some problems down there Norrington."
The Commodore shrugged his head. "It was nothing Admiral."
Morris' grin grew wider.
"Ah but you were attacked by a prisoner, my proud friend. Sparrow will be punished suitably, I promise you."
Norrington frowned. "There's no need to go to any trouble on my account Sir," he argued.
Morris shook his head. "No trouble at all Commodore. Sturt, see to it would you?"
Sturt grinned a toothless grin to his Admiral, saluted and then strolled back into the jail. Norrington watched him go, powerless to intervene.
Morris offered his hand to the Commodore. "I must leave you now James, lots of paperwork to do. Must prepare for next week. Dawson will see you back to the Dauntless. I wish you a pleasant journey home."
Norrington glared at Morris. "As you will remember, 'sir', I prefer to stick to protocol. Good day to you Admiral." And with that, James turned his back on the hated man and marched away, Dawson close behind him.
Norrington bit his lip in fury. He had a decision to make; he just prayed that it would be the right one.
TBC
Thanks to –
Morph – I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I hope you liked this update, please let me know. Sorry, the Jack bashing isn't over yet..
InsanePirate624 – Thanks for the review, I hope you like this chapter and can't wait to see what you think
Gaze – Yeah, sorry for the delay. It was a nightmare losing internet connection. Thanks for sticking with me. Enjoy this update.
Ellanor – Many thanks! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Sparrowpiratess – Enjoy this update. Hope to hear from you again.
And ofcourse big hugs, kisses and lots of thanks to my great beta Julie. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help honey.. Thank you.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Back to the Black Pearl – Chapter 8
Norrington coughed quietly, still trying to recover from the sight of the pirate Captain. Feeling Sparrow's intense gaze upon him, he turned his attention back to the man in cell.
"Mr Sparrow, I trust you are –." Unable to complete his question, James looked quickly away. Out of his periphery, he saw that Jack actually managed to flash him a smile, albeit a painful one.
"Well," the pirate supplied helpfully. "I believe that's the word you were looking for, eh Commodore? Nay, I must say I've been detained in nicer prisons."
Directly behind him, Norrington heard Morris let out a low growl but he chose to ignore it.
"Your luck had to run out eventually, Sparrow." Norrington continued.
Jack gave him a thoughtful look and then replied, "It was skill that kept me free mate and someone else's good fortune that found me in this stinking hole." He then winked playfully at Morris.
The Admiral stepped right up to the cell and poked his nose in through the bars.
"MY fortune scum?" Morris hissed, "Is that what you are suggesting?" His voice was low and dangerous. Norrington noticed that all of the Admirals' men shuffled uncomfortably where they stood. Sparrow though, gave Morris a happy smile.
"Admiral, you are in good form today," he said and clapped his hands together. "A spark of intelligence there, well done mate!" Morris slammed his fist against the bars, causing Norrington and the men to jump. The pirate, on the other hand, didn't flinch.
Suddenly, the Admiral gathered his composure and emitted a low, throaty chuckle. The commander now bared yellow teeth, sneering at his prey, never once taking his eyes off Jack. In return, and to the pirate's credit, Jack stared back, unblinking. "You were broken this morning pirate, you were mine!" Morris spat.
Jack didn't immediately answer. The two men silently eyed one another. Then, with a flicker of triumph on his battered face, the pirate whispered, "That's what you thought."
James had never seen such determination in all his life as Jack, pressing one hand to the wall for support, got very slowly and painfully to his feet. One quick glance at Morris, and James knew that even he was impressed, though his admiration was tainted with his unconcealed fury.
James had over heard as the guards had said that only this morning, badly battered and weak, all Sparrow could manage was to crawl across the floor. Now, only a few hours later, he stood on his own two feet, unsupported. The Admiral realised Sparrow had snatched victory from his clutches again, only this time the bastard had humiliated him in front of Norrington. He would make the gloating scum pay and pay dearly.
The Commodore decided to break the tension and addressed Jack once again.
"Sparrow, I need to ask you some questions. I understand Admiral Morris has had little success gaining answers from you". Morris spun around and fixed Norrington with a murderous look.
"I only need a little more time," he spat. Norrington nodded politely.
"Of course sir, but perhaps you would allow me to try." Morris eyed him for a moment and then nodded.
"Be my guest James," he said and then stepped back.
Norrington turned back to Jack.
"Sparrow, where is the Black Pearl?"
Jack reacted at the mention of his beloved ship's name. "Careless of me," he murmured, more to himself, "losing her again."
"Sparrow," Norrington repeated, more urgently, "your ship and your crew, where are they?"
The pirate sighed. "I wish I knew," he said very softly and turned away.
Morris scoffed. "Sign of a good Captain indeed." He sneered, "losing your ship and your crew. Twice." He laughed loudly. Both Jack and Norrington ignored the odious Admiral, much to his indignation.
"Jack," Norrington said almost kindly, "tell me what happened to you."
Exhausted, Jack sank to the ground again and let out a big sigh. His eyes met Norrington's.
"The problem is, Commodore, I don't know what happened. I don't remember, alright!" He absently rubbed his arm and then hissed from the pain. Norrington frowned.
"You must remember something, Sparrow," he snapped and then leant in closer, "Don't you see? I am trying to help you."
Jack attempted to give the military man a wide smile. "That's not your usual attitude to pirates, is it mate?"
Norrington nodded. "Be that as it may, it is the truth. Now, tell me what you remember."
Once again, Jack struggled to his feet. "Very well, Commodore. Since you asked so nicely, I'll do me best." He told his story as if he was talking to a small child, every man in the small room listened intently.
"It happened one night, I can't tell you when. We were on the Pearl. Everything was normal when suddenly; out of nowhere a fog came down and surrounded us. I must have passed out though, as the next thing I knew, I'm in a longboat in the middle of the Ocean. No Pearl, Gibbs, AnaMaria, anyone to be seen. After a few hours, maybe days, I was picked up by two passing fisherman who, very kindly, decided to dump me here." He finished with a quick glance at Morris.
Norrington stared at Jack for a moment.
"You really cannot remember anything else?" he asked.
"Not a single, tiny little thing, mate." Jack replied and then brought one hand up to his forehead, as if in pain.
"Absolute rot!" exclaimed Morris, causing Jack to glare at him. "He's made this cock and bull story up for your benefit, Commodore Norrington. I told you what happened, how I caught him. This story is completely far-fetched and there is not a grain of truth in it!"
Norrington didn't reply to this outburst but it was clear whom he believed. Head bowed in thought, he turned away from the red faced Admiral. Then, after a moment, he spun back around and looked at the pirate captive.
"From what I have been told today, I believe that Sparrows' men are still out there somewhere, most likely searching for their Captain -" Morris interrupted him.
"I told you, Sparrows men –," Vehemently, Norrington shook his head in interruption.
"I know what you told me, Admiral, but as I was saying, I would prefer to continue searching for Sparrow's crew and for the Black Pearl. I believe she would be a worthy replacement for the Interceptor, which was lost." He frowned at Jack, who obviously found this statement amusing.
Jack's face turned serious. "If you find me ship Norrington," he said softly, "look after her for me."
Morris laughed loudly. "Oh, don't you worry, Jack. You will soon be beyond caring about your precious Black Pearl."
Norrington eyed Morris. "Perhaps Admiral, Sparrow's hanging is somewhat overdue."
Morris smirked. "I agree, James, and am pleased to tell you that one week from today, it will all be over for Captain Jack Sparrow." He laughed cruelly. Jack lowered his head. Norrington watched the pirate thoughtfully.
"Well," he announced, "I believe I have what I came for and it's now time for me to return to Port Royal." He gestured to his men who instantly moved towards the steps. Morris, however, put up his hand to stop Norrington.
"Just a moment, Commodore," he said, "there is one more thing I would like you to see before you leave."
Norrington paused and eyed the Admiral ominously. For some reason, the gleam in Morris' eye worried him... he had a bad feeling about what was to transpire.
Morris nodded to one of his guards who then promptly unlocked Jack's cell. Sparrow gave the man an uninterested glance.
"I wish you to have fully enjoyed your visit to Port Mary, James." The Admiral said cheerfully. He moved to the back of the room and picked up some sort of tool, then returned to the light, where Norrington could see it clearly. To his horror he realized what it was; a branding iron. "And, I believe this will assist in that."
Having the Commodore's full attention, Morris walked to a large forge and placed the long piece of iron into the hot, red glowing coals. Norrington swallowed the bile that had built up in his throat and exchanged looks with Dawson.
"Admiral, could you explain the meaning of this please." Norrington asked, giving Sparrow a quick, concerned glance. Jack appeared to be taking no notice of Morris' actions. He had crouched back down again and was softly humming to himself,
"It's, well, a tradition for me, my dear Commodore," Morris said, turning the iron in the fire, "before I hang a pirate, I brand him with the crest of my town, the lion.
Jack laughed and then unsuccessfully attempted to turn it into a cough. Norrington was impressed with the man's daring. Morris merely smiled at Jack before turning back to the Commodore.
James stared at the branding iron in the horrid man's hand, his stomach churning. There was no end to Morris' viciousness, and little Norrington could do to stop him, but try he did...
"Sparrow has already been branded a pirate, Admiral," he declared. "The mark on his arm –."
"I don't mean to brand the scum a pirate, my friend. This symbol will mark him forever as another of Richard Morris' victims." The evil brute than withdrew the red hot metal from the flaring coals and struck it against the wall hard, causing a spark. Morris laughed softly and purred, "perfect." He then strode across to Jack's cell.
Nearly panicked, Norrington watched him go, trying to think of something to say, to stop this somehow but what could he do? Morris arrived at Jack's cell, pulled open the door and walked through.
The Admiral marched up to the pirate and snapped, "On your feet!"
Jack looked up at his nemesis. His face looked calm but his eyes were flaming. "I'm just having a sit down actually, mate."
Suddenly, Morris reached out and hurled Jack to his feet. The bastard held the iron a hair's length away from the pirates face. Norrington was pleased to see that Sparrow didn't flinch.
His superior leered in Jack's face and then turned to his nearest guards.
"Force him to the ground and take off his shirt," he ordered.
A sigh of irritated frustration escaped Jack's lips. "Really, mate, one minute you want me to stand up, the next I'm on the floor again," he murmured. "Make up your mind, eh?"
A strike to the back of his head sent Jack flying to his knees and he was held there firmly. What was left of his favourite white shirt was then ripped off of him. The pirate didn't attempt to struggle. Instead, he twisted his head to look up at his captors but they would not return his stare.
Morris moved to stand behind Jack, his branding iron at the ready. Morris smiled evilly at Norrington and then, without warning, he slammed the red hot iron down onto the pirates' shoulder and held it there.
Jaw clenched, Jack closed his eyes tight and gritted his teeth. The pain had to have been overwhelming. At least the East Indian Trading Company made it quick. This was much, much worse.
Fists clenched in outrage, Norrington cast his eyes down to the ground, unable to watch the sadistic torture. He knew what Morris was waiting for. 'Cry out Jack,' he thought, 'Just cry out.' Dawson cleared his throat and most of his soldiers also looked away. Their Admiral's brutality was sickening even to them.
Violent trembles now wracked the pirates' body as the iron was pressed harder into his seared flesh, but Morris did not relent. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Jack could suppress it no longer. A blood- curdling cry filled the small room and echoed down the narrow hall ways. The pirate screamed and screamed and the sound cut through Norrington. The Commodore had never felt so disgusted in his life.
At last, Morris decided that Sparrow had suffered enough. He threw the branding iron down and gestured for his men to release the captive. Jack fell hard onto the stone floor, clutching his shoulder and shaking all over. His gaze met Norrington's blue eyes and Norrington saw tears in the other mans brown eyes. He looked away.
Morris gave Jack a vicious kick to his ribs for good measure and took great pleasure in the moan the pirate let out. The Admiral then strode from the jail, a spring now in his step. He smirked at Norrington and said softly, "Now James, I'm ready to hang him." The other man didn't reply, he merely stared at Morris in disgust. Morris chuckled and then moved towards the stone steps without another look at his crumpled victim in the cell.
The weary Commodore glanced one last time at Jack and was both surprised and pleased to see that the pirate had forced himself to sit up. With a small nod to the poor wretch, James turned to follow Dawson up the steps.
"Commodore," came a hoarse whisper from behind him. Norrington turned and looked uncomfortably at Sparrow.
"Yes Captain?" he enquired, politely.
Jack smiled, obviously pleased that Norrington had used his proper title.
"Would you be kind enough to fetch me hat for me please?" Jack asked with a ghost of a smile and inclined his head towards where his hat was resting on a table, his coat beside it.
Norrington shot Jack a look of surprise and then gave Morris, who was perched on the steps, watching, a questioning glance. The Admiral shrugged. "Give the fool his hat Commodore. After all, I don't think he will be able to engineer a miraculous escape with it, do you?" Morris guffawed loudly at his own joke and then disappeared up the steps.
Quietly, James crossed to retrieve Jack's hat. He approached the cell and held the hat out to the prisoner. A guard remained in the cell with the captive and he watched closely as Jack shuffled painfully forward.
The pirate held out a shaky hand to accept his hat. At the last possible moment, instead of taking the hat, he grabbed Norrington's arm and pulled him closer.
Surprised at the strength in that grasp, Norrington let out a low gasp. Their eyes met and the pirate leaned closer to the navy man and said softly, "help me." Time seemed to stand still and Norrington stared into those coffee brown eyes.
Then, without warning, the guard struck Jack hard across the back of the head. Jack released Norrington and fell to the floor with a shout. The big guard then began to repeatedly kick Jack, each time inducing a cry of pain from the man.
Norrington demanded, "Leave him!"
The guard stopped and glared at the Commodore, disappointment etched on his face. Jack lay at the guard's feet, gasping for breath. He looked up and stared at the Commodore.
Dawson had arrived behind his superior officer. "You heard the Commodore, Sturt," he snapped to the guard, "Step away from the prisoner. You will accompany us back to the docks."
Sturt growled, "Someone's got to stay with the prisoner, Captain. Admiral's orders, sir."
Dawson glanced up the steps. Morris had not reappeared. He turned to a different guard. "Matthews, stay here and watch Sparrow. And fetch him some water, lad." He added, eying Jack.
"Aye, Captain," Matthews answered and moved into the cell.
Being sure to tread on Jack as he stepped over him, Sturt exited the cell and trudged up the steps.
Dawson gestured towards the steps and said calmly, "Commodore?" Norrington gave Jack one last glance and then rushed up the stairway, closely followed by the young Captain.
Norrington was relieved to step back into the sunlight. He coughed, trying to clear his throat. He still felt nauseous, unable to remove the smell of burnt flesh from his nostrils. He stared back at the monstrous building that was Port Mary prison, torn between his duty and his humanity.
He turned to see a smiling Admiral Morris approaching him. Norrington fixed the other man with a look of utmost disgust that Morris didn't appear to notice.
"Sturt tells me you had some problems down there Norrington."
The Commodore shrugged his head. "It was nothing Admiral."
Morris' grin grew wider.
"Ah but you were attacked by a prisoner, my proud friend. Sparrow will be punished suitably, I promise you."
Norrington frowned. "There's no need to go to any trouble on my account Sir," he argued.
Morris shook his head. "No trouble at all Commodore. Sturt, see to it would you?"
Sturt grinned a toothless grin to his Admiral, saluted and then strolled back into the jail. Norrington watched him go, powerless to intervene.
Morris offered his hand to the Commodore. "I must leave you now James, lots of paperwork to do. Must prepare for next week. Dawson will see you back to the Dauntless. I wish you a pleasant journey home."
Norrington glared at Morris. "As you will remember, 'sir', I prefer to stick to protocol. Good day to you Admiral." And with that, James turned his back on the hated man and marched away, Dawson close behind him.
Norrington bit his lip in fury. He had a decision to make; he just prayed that it would be the right one.
TBC