Hi all. Sorry this took me a while to update but Ive been busy. You won't believe this, but I met that guy again! Seems like everytime I update a new chapter, I've met him again! LOL! Can't post details but suffice to say, stunning! Best meeting so far!!!! And he spoke like Jack to me!! ARRGGHHH!!
OK, thanks to:
Mary - I appreciate that hon, thanks so much. Glad you like it.
Kandy - Thanks, I worked so hard on the characterisation, glad you approve!! LOL!
Istani - Sorry, I know im being horrible hurting Jack.. not to much longer now though, promise! Thanks for the compliments, they mean a lot.
Greenleafslover - Thanks for another great review. Enjoy this chapter.
Shawna Hynd - Sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy this.
FANFIC - Thanks for the review.. hope you like this update.
Maria - Here's more for you!!
Insanepirate624 - Hope you like this chapter, let me know..
FWeasleyFan - Thanks.. hope you keep reviewing!
I deflower elves - Thanks so much.. I'm so glad you liked it. Please keep reviewing.
Morph - Thanks for another review - glad you are still enjoying it. Will and Elizabeth have got a shock in store. Hope you like this chapter.
Kiki - Will and Elizabeth fighting? Nah, more like bickering like all couples in love! LOL! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Amy - Thanks for another review.. hope you enjoy this one!
And thanks to everyone who is reading.. love ya!!
Big hugs as always to my fantastic Beta Julie. The story wouldn't be no where near as good without her so thanks hon!!
Pirates of the Caribbean - Back to the Black Pearl: Chapter 10
Will stood on the deck of the Lady Anne, his eyes gazing upon the ever faster approaching Port Mary. The world around them was engulfed in the pitch black of night, save for the lights of the looming Port that lay dead-ahead. Through it all, it seemed to be a ray of hope.
Adrenalin borne of excitement and nerves caused the blood to pump wildly through the blacksmiths body. Even if he were tired, sleep would be out of reach given the unknown circumstances that lay ahead. Together, he and Elizabeth had left Port Royal two days past and one night ago and the journey had become increasingly frustrating for him. The blacksmith still didn't understand why Norrington had decided to help them, or Jack, and if he was honest, he didn't really care. He'd leave the worrying to his future wife. Will was far more concerned with planning Jack's rescue.
Norrington had left them a very detailed map of Port Mary and had clearly pinpointed the jail and its defenses. After studying the map, Will and Elizabeth surmised that the most difficult part of their rescue mission would come in the escape from the heavily guarded Port, rather than the entrance. No, getting in was the least of their worries. 'Not that surprising,' Will pondered, 'I'll get him out though, whatever it takes.'
"Will," Elizabeth's soft voice called from just behind him. Will stirred himself away from his thoughts and turned to smile at his love.
"Good rest?" He asked her and she replied with a nod. She moved forward to stand beside him.
"It's close," she murmured. "It seems to have come upon us so soon."
Will frowned. "Not soon enough for me. How do we know he's not already dead?"
Elizabeth put her hand on Will's shoulder. It was so like Will to always assume the worst.
"We can't think like that, Will. We're nearly there." Will eyed her for a moment and then turned back to the distant Port Mary.
'You're in there somewhere aren't you Jack?' He thought to himself. 'Just hold on, we're coming.'
As if she had read her fiancé's thoughts, Elizabeth gripped his hand tightly. At the pressure, Will cast worried eyes at her and she offered a comforting smile and said, "We'll get him out Will. We will."
He said nothing, just a smile of gratitude. Then turned back as together, they watched the lights of Port Mary draw nearer and nearer. They were almost there..
While the rescue of the pirate grew ever nearer, Captain Dawson stood in the shadows outside the jail watching and waiting for his Admiral to visit. Breathing deep the heavy night air, he released a pent up breath knowing he'd come again. Like clock work the Admiral would arrive and exact some perverse measure of joy in the pain and suffering of the incarcerated man, Captain Jack Sparrow.
With resolve, Dawson had decided to station himself in front of the Godforsaken place that night. This was career suicide but he knew in his heart this was the right thing to do. Admittedly, he knew he wouldn't be able to stop the Admiral if he did appear but at least he could offer Sparrow some kind of comfort once Morris had finished with him.
A noise from across the way interrupted Dawson's musings. The young captain's heart sank as he turned to see the gallows in preparation for tomorrow mornings hanging. Dawson knew Sparrow was a pirate; therefore he deserved his fate, as did all his kind. But, at the same time, Dawson had grown to know Sparrow as a proud and noble man and, in a way, would be sorry to see him die. The Captain shrugged. Sparrow's decision to engage in piracy was his choice, no one had forced him.
Dawson wondered what the time was. It must be late, well past midnight. He glanced back at the jail and murmured, "Well, at least your suffering will be over soon, Jack, I can promise you that." Still... he swore vehemently and turned to leave... In surprise, he jumped as he walked straight into a smirking Admiral Morris.
"Promises, promises Ben," Morris drawled. Looking first at the gallows, his gaze then traveled towards the jail, then he spoke, "It's late, Captain. Perhaps you should retire for the night. Big day tomorrow." The admiral completed his suggestion with that high, almost shrilly laugh, that sound the Dawson had come to despise so much.
The resonate noise made the skin on the young captain's back fairly crawl, but Dawson hid his reaction with a polite nod, "Yes, sir, it is late, but if it's all the same, I'd much prefer to stay on duty, thank you Admiral." When the admiral didn't respond, Ben continued, "Its a warm night tonight, to hot to sleep."
Morris laughed again. "I agree Ben, that's why I, ahem, fancied a moonlight stroll." He looked over at the jail again. "Sparrow has some interesting tales to tell about moonlight." He shrugged. "All nonsense of course."
Dawson gave his superior a half smile. "Of course," he echoed.
Morris barked with laughter. "This time tomorrow, Sparrow and his pathetic prattling will be all but a memory." Dawson forced himself to smile.
Listening to his commanding officer chuckle yet again, Ben thought at how the man seemed positively giddy. Over the years he'd served under him, Dawson had noticed how the misery of others tended to affect the Admiral in this way. Ben felt his anger rise again...something should be done about Morris, but he was at a loss as to what legal avenue's were available to him.
"Well," Morris added, "time for me to continue my rounds. I do believe the Port is most beautiful at night, don't you agree Ben?"
Dawson nodded. He did agree; he loved his home. Perhaps that's the reason why he wouldn't leave. That and his family.
The Captain swallowed and then asked, "do you intend to pay Sparrow a visit tonight Admiral?"
Morris eyed Dawson for a moment and then replied, "Not tonight, no, Captain. I'll see him hang tomorrow, that will be good enough for me."
The Captain was careful not to look pleased in front of the Admiral.
Morris smirked and then began to move away. "Good night, Captain," he called. "Enjoy your evening."
"And you, sir." Dawson returned.
At that moment, Morris turned and looked back at the younger man. "Just incase you were wondering, Sparrow hasn't gotten off too lightly the last few days."
Dawson gave his Admiral a surprised look.
"Don't insult my intelligence, Ben. I know you've been spying on the jail. That's why I've left our friend Jack alone this week. Still, Sturt was more than happy to go in my stead."
And with that, Morris took his leave of the stunned Dawson with one last throw back of "My regards to Lucy." Ben watched him stride away, too shocked to reply.
After recovering, he glanced at the jail. The bastard had got the better of him again. Concerned, he began to walk towards the imposing building, already preparing himself for what he would see. Then, he suddenly froze. The hair on the nape of his neck prickled and he had the feeling he was being followed. Something told him that it wasn't Morris. Abruptly, he spun around.
Will and Elizabeth stopped and jumped for cover.
Securely hidden, they had watched the conversation between the two naval men with barely restrained interest. Soon, however, they grew frustrated at not being able to hear what was being said for quite possibly it could be something that would aide them in their efforts tonight.
Quietly thought, they had watched as the taller man, clearly by his coat markings a high ranking officer, turned to walk stiffly away from the other. It seemed the other waited for the officer to leave before he stepped off to approach the large building they'd assumed was the jail. Just as they had begun to follow him, the officer stopped and turned around quickly. Will had knocked Elizabeth to one side, out of harms way. They both froze, not daring to breath.
Dawson stood perfectly still, his eyes scanning the shadows. He knew he had seen movement there but now couldn't see a thing. He continued to stare for a moment, confusion on his face, but he didn't move forward. Instead, he calmly turned and walked away, without looking back.
Will, after waiting until he was sure the coast was clear, stepped out of the shadows and moved cautiously forward.
"It's all right, he's gone." He hissed and Elizabeth tiptoed towards him.
"I don't understand," she whispered back, "he must have heard us. Why.."
"I don't know," Will interrupted, "and we don't have time to worry. The prison is unguarded now - let's go."
Not waiting for her to reply, the young blacksmith rushed towards the jail, his hand on his sword. Elizabeth frowned, then set off after him.
At a run, Elizabeth caught up with Will and stood behind him watching for any approaching guards. Nervously, she watched as he shook the door twice then stopped, lowered his arms to his side and turned around. The look on his face was one of defeat and disappointment.
Exasperated, Elizabeth rolled her eyes then pushed past him, "It's a jail William, did you think they'd just leave the door wide open for us to walk in?"
Will threw her an irritated look. "How are we going to get in then?" he shot back.
"We'll use our assets," Elizabeth replied with a triumphant smile. "Stay out of sight." She told him and then raised her hand.
Will grabbed it. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to knock at the door," she returned. When he didn't immediately release her hand, she hissed more urgently, "move away, and sneak in when you get the chance!"
Will opened his mouth to argue further, saw the look in Elizabeth's eye and knew it was useless. He quickly moved back into the shadows. He held his breath as he heard Elizabeth rap on the door.
Elizabeth put on what she hoped was her most flirtatious smile as the door swung open. Desperately, she tamped down the fear she felt as a huge, ugly man now filled the doorway, a spiteful sneer on his face.
"Who are you?" Sturt demanded.
Elizabeth noted a half empty bottle in one of his hands, and her smile widened.
"'Ello there Sir," she drawled. "I 'eard there's to be an 'anging 'ere tomorrow and I loves a good hanging I do."
Suspiciously, he eyed her, "'Ow'd you get in 'ere?" Gazing over her head, he scanned the area behind her.
"I'm not doing no 'arm my sweet," she replied. Her voice became husky and she moved closer to him. "I just wanted to get a good look, tha's all."
A small leer appeared on Sturt's lips. "You'd appreciate it would you
Elizabeth licked her lips, leaned in close and whispered suggestively, "very much so."
A small piece of drool escaped Sturt's mouth. "You better come in then, my precious." He stood aside to allow her entry. He held out a hand to stop her as she went to move past him. "Be quiet mind, can't get caught by the Captain. He's a bit prim about these matters, y' see." Elizabeth giggled childishly and then stepped into the room.
As Sturt went to close the door behind them, Will leapt forward and stuck his boot in the door. The heavy door smashed into his foot and he grunted in pain. Luckily, though, Sturt was far to engrossed in Elizabeth and didn't notice.
Elizabeth coyly ran her hand through her hair and moved back further into the room, hoping to keep the military man's attention on her. It worked. Like an animal he stalked across the room quickly and took hold of her arm, a manic grin on his face.
"You know, it's been too long since I had a good lady. I'm glad you came by here tonight."
It was an effort to keep from recoiling at his touch, but on she went and offered a flirtatious laugh in response. With a calmness she didn't feel, she batted her eyes and said, "I thought you were going to show me the jail."
Ignoring her statement, Sturt pushed her against one wall and moved up close to block any retreat she might consider. The rancid smell of his body threatened to unsettle her stomach and like a cornered creature her eyes widened as he moved a hand to her face and began to caress her cheek.
Inwardly, panic began to rise, yet again, she pushed it aside and held still as he continued, "Plenty of time for that, my precious," he slurred to her as she felt her back being pinned against the wall. "We got all night after all." He laughed loudly and leant into her. The strong smell of bourbon, sweat and unwashed flesh invaded her senses.
Feeling her control ebb, Elizabeth glanced quickly over Sturts shoulder. What she saw, made her eyes widen in a moment of relief and fear.
Just a moment to late, Sturt sensed something was wrong and swung around. With all his might, the young blacksmith smacked the brute over the head with a wooden chair. Sturt fell to the ground with a thump and lay still, blood pouring from his head.
Will bent down and felt the man's pulse. After a moment he muttered, "He'll be fine."
After a brief search of the unconscious guard, Will relieved him of his keys. He held them up in triumph to show Elizabeth but his smile faded when he saw her trembling against the wall. Quickly he straightened and moved to her side, "Are you alright."
She nodded, her eyes still on Sturt. The smell of his breath and his sneering face so close to hers still fresh in her memory. Will read her thoughts and said softly, "that was a daft thing to do, Elizabeth. He could have..."
Elizabeth shrugged and side-stepped his embrace. "Well, he didn't. And it worked didn't it?" Will nodded but he still eyed her closely. She frowned at him. "Really, I'm fine. Let's hurry and find Jack before that gruesome man wakes up and raises the alarm." Will nodded, picked up a lantern off the table and then, taking his fiancé's hand, moved towards the steps that led down to the dark, damp basement.
Both Will and Elizabeth immediately gagged at the smell as they moved down the steps. It was the worst thing either of them had ever smelt, the scent of death.
Nervously, Will tightened his grip on Elizabeth's hand as they continued their grueling journey. The sight of the cells lining the wall filled him with apprehension and anticipation. Together, the two lovers crept across the room looking inside each cell as they passed, until they finally reached the last one and noticed immediately that there was a figure crumpled on the dirty ground.
Elizabeth gasped. Will released her hand and hissed to her, "Stay here, keep a look out." She nodded though her eyes were still on the person in the last cell, her eyes already filling with tears. Heart filled with dread she watched as Will moved closer to the cell. A silent prayerful mantra she sent heaven-ward, 'Be alive, dear God Jack, just be alive.'
Will approached the cell softly, not taking his eyes off the prone figure. It had to be Jack but there was no reaction as he approached. Placing his hans softly on the bars, he whispered his name.
Still no reaction. With a frown Will pulled out Sturt's keys, found the right one and unlocked the door. On silent feet he crept into the cell, not wanting to alarm his friend.
"Jack?" he repeated, this time more urgently.
This time, Jack looked up. Will sincerely wished he hadn't. In absolute shock the lad stared at the state of the pirate captain. Never in all his life had he seen a mans face so bruised and battered, so much so, in fact, that Jack was nearly unrecognizable.
Fury raged through the blacksmith and his fists clenched and unclenched at his side. Jack may be a pirate but he was a good man, something even Norrington accepted. He didn't deserve this. Will would find the man responsible for this and make him pay. A muffled sob from behind him brought him out of his angry silene and he looked around.
Elizabeth stared at him and Jack with her hand over a mouth, a look of horror on her face.
"Keep back!" He snapped to her, "I need you to watch the door!" She did as she was told and turned away, but not before Will saw the tears now streaming down her face.
Will crept forward and knelt down beside his friend. "Jack, can you hear me? We've come to get you out." Jack raised his eyes to Will's for a moment. Will's heart sank. Jack seemed to look straight through him. He didn't even know if the pirate knew who he was.
"JACK!" Will hissed as loudly as he could. He watched as the pirate again turned to look directly at him and waited with bated breath.
Suddenly, Jack's face broke into a large, painful grin.
"What kept you, whelp?"
TBC