Chapter 27
"Land ho!" Gibbs shouted from the crow's nest. Snapping Mari out of her reverie.
"You like him Mari, you should tell him before I get to him. You have been warned, I always get what I want." Sarah whispered in her ear menacingly.
"Mari hop to it! We're going ashore." Jack called. Mari hoped over the rail and into the long boat at the head. Gibbs and Cotton were already in i9t, Will and the others were halfway to shore.
"Oh Jack, can you help me down?' Sarah said in a sweet voice. The side of Mari that admitted she loved jack roared with fury. Orion landed on Mari's shoulder and screeched in a way that clearly said Tell him, you won't know until you try. Jack climbed down into the boat and it dropped with a splash. Sarah leaned against Jack and grinned. Mari ignored her. Almost. Orion screeched and flapped over to Jack's shoulder. Sarah shied away slightly.
"What is it?" Jack asked, noticing this.
"I don't think the parrot likes me. He attacked me this morning." Sarah said innocently. Orion screeched and flapped at her. Sarah gasped and clung to Jack who grinned in spite of himself.
"Orion, enough. It's not your fault she's too stupid to tell you're a falcon that could rip her eyes out in a split second." Mari said, looking away and grinning maliciously.
"Mari no need to frighten her, besides she's a guest." Jack half scolded. Mari just shrugged and let her hand fall into the water.
They reached the shore and Mari helped tie the boats.
"So what exactly are we supposed to find here captain?" Mari asked.
"I don't know. We just reached it." Jack said, as he helped Sarah out of the boat. She 'tripped' and fell into his arms. She giggled and blushed,
"Oh thank you Jack, you're such a gentleman." Jack grinned again. Mari resisted the urge to throw up and strangle Sarah.
They started inward to land hoping to find some mysterious treasure. They had been walking for hours and Sarah was now being half carried by Jack, due to a 'sprained' ankle. She grinned wickedly at Mari every chance she got.
Night was starting to fall and they were about to pitch a temporary camp because it would be impossible to make it back to ship. When Josh, a new member came running through the tree's screaming like a schoolgirl. He slammed into a tree and was unconscious. Then a whole hunting group of local warriors burst through the trees.
The crew was dragged back to the village and most were thrown in cages. The exceptions were the two women. Instead they were taken in the center of the village, in front of the chief. A big, old pudgy man. With odd ball piercing and paint marks all over his face. Sarah sank to her knees when a pressure was put on her shoulders. Mari did the opposite and locked her legs, making it impossible to bend down. After several fruitless minutes of force they took a whip and lashed at her legs until they sank. They spoke in an odd language, but Mari seemed to understand them and was listening intently. Finally as they were about to be taken away for a live sacrifice Mari spoke up, using their language fluently. The chief looked at her, said something to his men and they dragged her off into a hut. Sarah was returned to a cage.
Several nerve racking hours passed by. Jack fidgeted restlessly as dawn approached.
Where is she? What have they done to her, if they've hurt her they'll all pay. Mari, where are you and what the hell did you say to them. These thoughts and others chased each other around Jack's mind.
Finally Mari walked out of the hut, unbound. She walked over and looked at Jack.
"A hunting group will accompany you and the crew back to the boats, they'll let you leave. But no side trips, straight out to the Pearl, Jack. No extraordinary ideas from you. Just plain, simple, and easy to remember." Mari said.
"Great, so how'd you do it? Convince them to let us go?" Jack asked.
"Let's just say I can be very persuasive. Oh and take Orion and take care of him. They won't let me keep him." Mari said.
"What do you mean, love. Judging by the sounds of that it seems like you're angling to stay with them." Jack said. Mari didn't answer and didn't look at Jack.
"Mari, you can't be serious! Why?" Jack said outraged. What had gotten into her? It wasn't like her to do something like that.
"It's the only way you and the crew will get away, since that is the only way, I don't mind. In short, I'm giving you a chance to escape." Mari said, still not looking at him, and fighting back tears. She couldn't cry, she wouldn't cry.
"What kind of deal exactly did you make with him?" Jack asked.
"Marriage, tomorrow before noon. So, this is, I guess; goodbye, Jack." Mari said, then walked over and punched Sarah on the shoulder.
"You win; you get your wonderful lovely captain. But it's a shame too, because you also get Orion. I really hoped he'd never be owned by a whore." Mari said and walked away before A Sarah could respond. The hunting party bound the crew and led them away; Orion was in a leather sack, held by Jack. Mari watched them go then was led away to a hut. This was then locked, to make sure she stayed there. Mari didn't care anymore. Sarah had won, Jack and Orion were gone, she would never be able to return to the sea, and she had even lost her brother. And with that all, went her freedom, and her will. She sank down against the wall and wrapped her arms around her knees as tears fell silently down her cheeks.
Ok, enjoy. Thank you.