Chapter 11

Will looked around as they were surrounded by soldiers, but Blackbird was nowhere to be seen. Typical of a pirate to hide at the first sign of danger. He only wondered what made her think she wouldn't be caught.

The soldiers parted to make way for a young man who Will presumed to be the captain. "Will Captain Jack Sparrow please come forward?" the man asked loudly.

Jack stepped out from the crew. "That would be me, sir," he said submissively. "…And might I add that I'm flattered that my name has reached your most worthy ears."

The captain scoffed. "Indeed. I doubt there is a sailor in the Caribbean that hasn't heard your name, it is on wanted posters in every port," he said. "Jack Sparrow, you and your men are under arrest. We will arrive in Port Maria tomorrow, where you are sentenced to be hung. Fetch irons for the lot of them, men."

As the cold metal clamped around his wrists and his weapons were taken away, Will mentally cursed his stupidity. Now who would take care of Elizabeth? He immediately regretted asking the question he already knew the answer to: Norrington. He would comfort the grieving widow and then offer to help raise the child, seemingly out of charity. Will couldn't believe he'd been so stupid.

"Come on, scum," one of the soldiers muttered, leading him below deck to the brig. As they disappeared below deck, Will heard the captain give the order to search the Pearl thoroughly and take her as a trophy. There goes Blackbird's escape.

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"Over here!" one of the soldiers shouted. "It's a lady!"

Blackbird stood up at his motioning. As soon as she had slipped below deck, she had donned a simple blue dress and taken the braids out of her hair. "Is it over?" she asked fearfully.

"Aye, Miss," the soldier said, offering his arm for support. "Might I ask what you were doin' down 'ere?"

"Oh, it was dreadful," she replied. "My ship was attacked by these pirates about a week ago and I was taken captive. When I heard cannon fire today, I thought it best to hide myself, lest I get caught up in the fray. Thank goodness you soldiers showed up; I was beginning to think I'd never see home again."

"Well, I don't know about home, miss," he said, "but you'd best speak to our captain about your situation. I'm sure any information you have concerning these pirates would be helpful." Blackbird nodded bravely and followed him up the stairs. If the captain was as gullible as this soldier, she'd easily gain passage on the ship. Impromptu acting had always been a strong point of hers.

Blackbird was sure to maintain her brave-but-frightened expression as they approached the captain. He was in his mid-thirties and had neatly tied blonde hair with striking blue eyes. "Captain Jones," the soldier with a salute, "I found a prisoner hiding below deck. Miss…I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

"Turner. Raven Turner," she said, curtseying slightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Jones, though I do not much care for the circumstances."

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Turner. What circumstances would find you prisoner onboard a pirate ship?" the captain asked. Blackbird hesitated, though mostly for effect.
"She says her ship was attacked by these pirates last week, sir," the soldier replied for her. "I thought she might be able to provide us with some valuable information."

The captain nodded thoughtfully. "Miss Turner, you have my deepest sympathies for your loss. If you would be so kind as to join me in my cabin, I'm sure anything you can tell me would be appreciated."

Blackbird quickly agreed. They had bought it. "I will do anything you ask to bring those men to justice," she said, following him below deck.

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Captain Jones' quarters were large and nothing like Jack's. Instead of being strewn all over the floor and desk, the maps and books were arranged neatly on bookshelves. The captain offered her a seat and then sat in the chair opposite. "Would you care for a cup of tea?" he asked.

"That would be lovely," Blackbird lied. Truth be told, she hated tea, but it was necessary to keep up the act.

As soon as the tea had been brought and they were alone in the cabin, Captain Jones said, "Now, Miss Turner, would you please tell me everything that happened."

Blackbird wove a tragic tale of how she was on her way to visit family in Port Royal when their ship was attacked by pirates. Being only a small passenger vessel, they had been poorly armed and were soon forced to surrender. The crew and other passengers had been killed, but the loathsome captain had taken special interest in her and ordered that she be taken captive. "I had begun to give up all hope of escape," she concluded. "You have my eternal gratitude."

Captain Jones nodded graciously. "It was the very least we could do, Miss Turner. We will arrive in Port Maria tomorrow. Once we arrive I shall personally see to making arrangements for your trip to Port Royal. Until then, I offer you my cabin. I hope it will do."

"Oh, thank you, Captain Jones," she said. "I promise you shan't even know I'm here."

"I doubt a woman of your beauty ever goes entirely unnoticed, but you are welcome," the captain replied. Blackbird blushed slightly in spite of herself. She was accustomed to men courting her, but not like this. Stay focused on the task at hand, she reminded herself. This isn't the first man you've caught the eye of, and it won't be the last.

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The crew was crowded into three small cells below deck. No one spoke, but the looks Will was giving Jack were saying plenty.

"I'm sorry, alright?" Jack finally said. "You knew the risks when you signed onto the crew."

"I know," Will muttered. "I was an idiot…How long do you think it will be before they find Blackbird?"

Jack hastily motioned for him to be quiet. "Hopefully they won't," he whispered. "Hopefully they'll find Raven Turner. You see, Will, Blackbird has an advantage that we don't: the captain won't jail a lady."

Will scoffed. "I would hardly consider Blackbird a 'lady.'"

"Nor would I, but the soldiers don't know that," Jack explained. "All they need is a dress, a sad story, some good acting, and a bit of flirting. I doubt Blackbird will have any trouble gaining passage."

"And what of us?" Will asked.

Jack shrugged. "That's up to Blackbird."