OK, here's another update for you. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, I love all the feedback. Unfortunately I dont have time to respond to them all now, I'll do that next time.

Thanks to Julie for all her help and encouragement, as always.

Chapter 9

One full day after returning to Port Royal, the horrors of what Norrington witnessed in Port Mary were still very much with him. Before, he'd been so looking forward to see Jack Sparrow imprisoned and punished, but he had never expected to see that level of brutality the pirate had been forced to endure.

The Commodore was sat at his desk, attempting to get some work done but he just couldn't concentrate. It was clear what he should do, what his duty demanded, but his personal sense of honour, right and wrong were getting in the way. Even now, his thoughts trailed back to visuals of Sparrow sitting in that Godforsaken cell, probably enduring whatever evil torture Admiral Morris had chose for that day. It was not a nice thought.

The worst moment had been when Norrington had crossed paths with Will Turner. It had been very different from their last meeting. On the occasion, Norrington had enjoyed teasing the boy about Sparrow. This time, he had no desire to banter with the boy; instead, he wanted to get away from Turner as quickly as was politely possible. Will, on the other hand, would not be deterred.

"Where have you been Commodore," he enquired urgently.

"I do not believe that is any of your concern, Mr. Turner," James had replied, not able to make eye contact with the boy. "Now, if you'll excuse me..."

"Before you left," Turner continued as he practically ran to stay in step with the hurried officer, "you led me to believe -"

"Unlike you Mr Turner," Norrington cut him off, "I am a very busy man and unfortunately have more pressing matters to take care of at the moment. Idle chatter is simply something I have no time for. So, if you would excuse me -" and he had taken his leave of the annoyed young man, feeling Turner's eyes on him as he hurried away.

Upon arriving at his office, James focus and concentration still wavered. Several times he made to sit and more times still he picked up a file to work, only to find himself on his feet and pacing around his office.

Even if he did regret the treatment of Jack Sparrow, what could he do? The man was a pirate and as such, deserved to be hung. But does he deserve that torture you witnessed? Again that nagging voice queried his subconscious. After several moments of thoughtful pacing, James came to an abrupt stop in the middle of his office.

The Commodore frowned. 'Morris had said himself,' he argued back to the voice, 'Sparrow would be hung in seven days.' He glanced across at his desk calendar. 'Four days now,' he noted. 'Sparow's suffering would be over then and the navy would have put to death a dangerous criminal.'

If you really believe that, the voice whispered to him again, then why is this bothering you so much? Try as he might Norrington couldn't find an answer to that question.

In pure frustration, he picked up a vase and sent it sailing. In a flurry of clay and pottery fragments is shattered, the sound echoing in the room. Norrington stared at the mess on the floor, softly cursing himself.

Almost instantly, his door burst open and a soldier rushed into the room. Gun at the ready, the soldier looked around the room, then from the floor to the Commodore. Surprise evident in his quirked brow.

"Commodore," he asked hesitantly, "is everything alright, sir?"

"Everything's fine Collins," Norrington sighed in response, "thank you. Just a small accident, I assure you. Not to worry." In an attempt to reassure the corporal, James attempted a less than reassuring laugh then added, "Shut the door behind you."

Collins gave him an unsure look. "Yes Sir," he replied, saluted and marched from the room.

Norrington watched the man go and then sank down into his chair with, still without an answer. An answer where there should be no question. Damn, already his thoughts were back to that wretched pirate.

"There's nothing I can do," he murmured, "even if I wanted too."

Unconsciously, his eyes passed to the window and he gazed out across his home. It all looked exactly the same but somehow appeared darker now, less peaceful. As his eyes scanned the Port, they fell upon a beautiful young lady sat on a bench not to far from him.

In awed fascination, he watched as she gracefully worked an amber thread through a piece of what he recognized as embroidery. Elegance and economy of movement gave her a natural grace, almost poetic in its simplicity. It had taken him a long time to get over the sting of her rejection. That rejection was made more poignant in that the object of her heart's desire was that of a penniless blacksmith. When he was honest with himself, he knew he'd never stop loving Elizabeth. He frowned. Those days were well passed and he had missed his chance, if he had ever really had one at all.

Quill in hand, he reached for a paper on his desk, determined to make yet another feeble attempt to whittle away at the paperwork on his desk. At that moment, an idea dawned on him. As much as he tried to ignore it, a new sense of relief flooded his soul and he looked quickly back at Elizabeth. This time, however, she was joined by her fiancé, Will.

The Commodore wondered if he could get away with what he had planned. If it was ever found out that he had assisted – no, he thought, it was worth it. It came down to two simple things, what was right and what was wrong. And James Norrington was simply going to do the right thing.

With a new sense of purpose and a lightened heart, he opened his drawer and took out a blank piece of parchment. With one last glance at the two young lovers outside, he hastily began to scribble on the paper.

Elizabeth sighed. She had been having such a quiet, peaceful morning. No stress, no worries, just a chance for her to relax. Now Will had come to find her and, as had been the case for the last few days, her fiancé always seemed to be spoiling for a fight.

"Listen, Elizabeth," he said for what seemed like the 100th time to his fiancé, "Norrington knows something -."

With a frown, Elizabeth rose to her feet. "Commodore Norrington knows something about a lot of things, William." Elizabeth saw the hurt look on Will's face and instantly regretted her words.

"What's that supposed to mean?" the blacksmith mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"Nothing Will," she replied gently. "I'm just tired, that's all. I'm going home, I'll see you later."

"What's the matter?" Will snapped, his eyes flashed, "not regretting your decision are you?"

Elizabeth threw him a look of pure fury and then began to walk away. Will cursed under his breath and then took off after her. He caught her arm, stopping her.

"I'm sorry honey," he whispered to her, the pain in his voice clear. She swallowed and looked down at the ground.

"If the Commodore does know anything about Jack or his whereabouts, I don't think he has told my father." She turned away again. "Are you happy now Will?"

Her lover grabbed her arms and swung her round to face him. "I am worried about Jack, yes. But I love YOU Elizabeth, so damn much. You know that."

Elizabeth bowed her head, not wanting him to see her tears. After a moment, she fixed him with an obstinate look.

"I do know that, Will, and I love you too. I just want things to go back to how they were before. I know how much Jack means to you, I care a great deal about him too. But, lately, it seems like he is all you care about. I need you too, you know." He swallowed hard. "Let's go home," Elizabeth pleaded softly.

Will looked over at Norrington's house, obviously torn. Finally, he smiled and offered his arm to her. She returned the smile, took his arm and together they walked back to their home.

Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, Will and Elizabeth sat together. Time was measured in a loving glance, a soft kiss, a tender hug. Both knew it had been a long time since they'd felt this close and neither wanted to break the moment. But as the room darkened and the sun's light faded with the day, Will moved to light candles around the modest home they shared.

After casting Will a shy smile, Elizabeth picked up a book and sat by one of the candles to read, whilst Will polished one of his swords. His lover looked up from her book and glanced over at him.

"Expecting a fight Will?" she teased, a small smile on her lips.

He frowned slightly but didn't reply.

Elizabeth sighed and put her book down on her lap. "Will," she began in a worried voice but the young man cut across her.

"Don't start again Elizabeth," he warned her. "I'm just looking after my swords, just like I've always done. What's the harm in that?"

Elizabeth glared at him. "No harm at all Mr. Turner. Damn it, I was only joking!" she exclaimed and then turned away in a huff, her arms crossed.

Will rubbed his eyes with his hand. He had to stop taking things out on his lover. He knew nothing was her fault, she had even questioned her father about Norrington's recent trip - and she had done it for him. He looked over at her, preparing an apology when a sudden noise made them both jump in surprise. Someone had rapped loudly on the door.

After sharing a questioning glance, Will, sword in hand, got to his feet and moved cautiously to the door "Who is it," he called. There was no reply. After waiting a moment and giving Elizabeth another glance, Will quickly pulled open the door.

Seeing no one, Will stepped onto the stoop and looked up and down the alleyway, but saw nothing. He shrugged and was about to go back inside when he saw an envelope lying on the ground in front of him. After another quick scan of the alleyway he bent and scooped the envelope up, stepped back inside closing the door behind him.

Elizabeth eyed him closely. "Who was it?" she asked.

"There was no one there," he replied. He held up his finding to show her. "I think they left this though."

Elizabeth frowned. "Well," she said, "open it."

Will ripped open the envelope and quickly read the parchment inside. His eyes went wide as he looked over again at Elizabeth.

"Well? What does it say," she demanded impatiently. He gave her one last glance and then, clearing his throat, began to read the letter out loud...

Mr. Turner,

Remember your place? He needs your help. The Lady Anne is waiting for you at the dock, you must leave immediately. Take her to Port Mary, you will find a map onboard. Find the jail there.

Hurry.

A friend.

For a moment all they could do was stare at one another. Then, in a sudden movement, Will jumped to his feet.

"Wait," Elizabeth snapped. She had picked up the letter. "Will, I recognize the handwriting."

"I have to leave now, Elizabeth." Will said as he moved to their bedroom and began packing some clothing into a small bag. "Don't you mention this to anyone, especially bloody Norrington," he warned.

Elizabeth took a step closer and placed a hand on his arm. "Will," he stopped and looked at her, "that's my point. Bloody Norrington wrote this."

Will gazed at her open mouthed. He then gave himself a shake and rushed to the door.

"It could be a trick!" Elizabeth called after him. "You could be doing exactly as he wants."

One hand on the door knob, he lover stopped and turned to look at her. "What choice do I have?" he asked her softly.

"You think it's Jack?" she responded.

Will's eyes flashed." I know it's Jack," he whispered. "I have to go now. I love you." And with that, he was out of the door.

With a cry of "Will, wait" Elizabeth flew out of the door after him.

The governor's daughter followed her lover all across the Port as he ran towards the docks. She had mixed feelings of worry, excitement and anticipation. Like Will, she too believed the letter had something to do with Jack. But the knowledge that it came from Norrington, gave her pause. The military man had once sworn to kill all pirates. Could he really be trying to help one such as Sparrow, now? Could he be trusted? It didn't make sense.

At last, Elizabeth arrived at the docks in time to see Will boarding the Lady Anne. It was a small ship, Elizabeth hadn't seen it before.

"Will," she hissed. He glared at her.

"If you came here to try and stop me, don't bother," he snapped back, waving a piece of parchment at her. "Norrington was telling the truth, the ship is ready to sail and I have a map. I'm leaving for Port Mary now, whatever you say." He paused, breathing quickly.

Elizabeth was glowering at him. "Have you quite finished?" she asked him calmly.

"Yes," he returned.

"Good." She smiled, "I don't want to stop you, Will. On the contrary, I'm coming with you." She revealed to him a sword that she been holding behind her back. "I think you'll need some help, wherever you're going." With that, she climbed aboard the ship.

Once she was safely aboard, Elizabeth glanced at Will and grinned. He was completely gobsmacked by her actions. Taking his hand in hers she smiled, "He's my friend too, you know. Now, lets go save Jack," she declared. Will laughed and after planting a quick kiss on her cheek, turned to quickly prepared the ship to disembark.

Together they weighed anchor, set canvas and before long the Lady Anne began to slowly move away from the dock as she took them on their journey. Will took Elizabeth's hand and squeezed. She gave him a sweet smile. They were back where they belonged and, most importantly, they were together.

TBC