Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates! I do own the three pirates I made up for the purpose of this chapter though! Arrr...
A/N: Thank you so much to all who reviewed and read the Epilogue! I just wanted to clarify; because this is 'AU: alternate universe', for the benefit of my story Elizabeth never broke off her engagement with Norrington-- and Will did not get the chance to tell her his feelings. Since this story takes place almost six months after the first movie, Elizabeth is just days away from marrying Norrington. As a woman of the time, it would have been very difficult for her to refuse the marriage-- and seeing as her father is growing older, she would have to secure a husband to ensure her safety for the future. Just a little bit of background information for those who think: if she didn't want to marry the guy, why didn't she just say so? Back then, marriage meant security. Because women couldn't inherit, marriage was the only way to make sure daughters would be provided for. Anywhos, thanks so much for reading and onto chapter two. Please R&R!
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You have freedom when you're easy in your harness.
Robert Frost
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Chapter Two: Woman in a Gilded Cage
Candlelight flickered tremulously across the piece of parchment, illuminating the inky words with a shudder. Governor Swann approached his daughter's writing desk hesitantly, as if he was terrified of what it might contain. Reaching out with a trembling hand, he picked up the thin sheet of stationary and read it.
My dearest father,
I cannot pretend that what I am about to do is fair, or just. It is utterly selfish and without redemption, and for that I am truly sorry. You raised me perhaps too well-- and now I fear the life of marriage and obligation that awaits me will be too much for me to bear.
Please extend my sincerest apologies to Commodore Norrington; I do not deserve his kindness or his understanding. He is a good man, yet I cannot be his wife. I have changed-- my life was changed by the trials I experienced. I feel at last that I have found some sense of independence and freedom in this world and for that I know I must pay the consequences. Yet I cannot deny this instinct I have in my bones, in my very blood.
I long to sail on the seas again.
Please do not follow me. I will send word when I make port.
Please do not resent me. I love you with all my heart, and it is my firm belief that one day I shall make you proud of me. Not as a wife, a daughter, a fine obedient lady-- but as me, your Elizabeth. I beg you to understand, and accept my fondest wishes for your health and happiness. Yours has been the example by which I judge all men. Your courage and kindness have given me the strength to pursue my heart's desire.
Thank you.
Ever yours,
Elizabeth
Governor Swann held a hand to his mouth, his eyes welling with tears of sorrow and worry.
'Elizabeth...not again!' he thought with grief.
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The evening was bitterly cold, and the air smelled thick with moisture; there would be a storm tonight. The ships docked in Port Royal rocked gently like enormous giants being lulled to sleep by the sea's soothing cradle. Lights shone from dirty windows in the distance as a lone figure made their way deep into the heart of the harbor. Dusk was approaching rapidly, bathing the little port village in a rosy hue. Elizabeth pulled her long overcoat more tightly around her shoulders to guard against the chilly air. Although she wore men's clothing, she constantly had to remind herself not to walk like a woman.
Instead of the light, small steps she was so used to taking due to an over abundance of restrictive petticoats, wearing breeches and tall riding boots gave her much more freedom. For the first time in her life, Elizabeth Swann trudged; and loved it. She was pondering the many benefits of never again having to be strapped into a corset when she saw it; a poster tacked to the door of a small inn where she could hear the tinkling of glass and cutlery along with riotous laughter. She peered at the parchment curiously and read aloud to herself:
WANTED!
Dead or Alive
For crimes against his Majesty and the Realm
Jack Sparrow
Alias: Jack Sparrow
Wanted for piracy and failure to appear before His Majesty's Court
REWARD: 50 £
Elizabeth noted that the picture of Jack was most unflattering-- his hair looked like a crow's nest and his eyes bulged most indecently. Suddenly, the wind burst forth fiercely nearly tearing the poster off its peg. She raised her fingers to smooth out the notice so she could once again see the artists rendition of the infamous pirate's face.
Her heart gave a strange flutter.
Somewhere in the deep, uncharted corners of her mind she wondered if she'd ever see him again. He had been after all her first meeting with a pirate-- something she'd longed for ever since she had been a child. And Jack Sparrow certainly had not disappointed her. He was brash, sly, manipulative, slightly absurd--and at the same time she'd found him utterly fascinating. She remembered with a sudden flush of heat the way he'd gazed at her on the beach when they'd been marooned. His somewhat clumsy attempt to woo her although irking her royally at the time now seemed innocent and in an odd way somewhat sweet. He'd looked like a cat preening his whiskers as he'd eyed her eagerly, trying to persuade her that although he had the mouth of a cad, he had the heart of a poet.
Elizabeth hadn't been fooled.
And yet she had always retained his passionate words...
What the Black Pearl really is...
She remembered leaning closer to him, transfixed by the mysterious glimmer in his dark eyes which told her of countless wonder's he'd no doubt seen.
...is freedom.
Elizabeth took a step back from the poster, her fingers slipping from Jack's distorted face. There was no use denying it-- his words had effected her profoundly that night. And here she was six months later, fleeing in the night from her marriage vows, renouncing everything she'd ever been taught... all for a taste of freedom.
Jack had warned her about her curiosity.
He had warned her how wild a temptation freedom was, it's thorns sharp and unmerciful. She knew he was speaking from experience; she remembered the scars and wounds that had never fully healed on his body vividly. Though propriety told her that when he'd removed his shirt he had been acting like a scoundrel, she knew it must have been a difficult decision for him. There she had been, a young girl who idolized his legend, and there he'd been showing her that he was no devil, no untouchable sinner-- he was a man of flesh and bone. A scarred man.
A tormented man.
Impulsively, she reached up and snatched the poster from its peg. She knew it wouldn't make a difference-- his poster was probably all over Port Royal. But it didn't stop her from trying. Trudging briskly away from the inn, she tucked the poster into her coat and scurried further into the port itself which wound its way along the ocean's edge ending where the high rocky cliffs began. The port was a maze of docks, and she trotted down one which would lead her to a few merchant ships she'd researched. The one she wished to gain employment on was called the Fair Haven, a reputable merchant ship that sailed from the Caribbean all the way to the Indies. There, she would look for William Turner, her childhood friend. She had always regretted the way they had parted company-- and now she would rectify that as well as see the world. And perhaps she would even happen to stumble upon the ineffable Captain himself.
We're a lot alike, you an' me, love...
Elizabeth shook herself free of her memories as she saw three men approaching through the fog, their figures nothing more than shadows against the thick mist. The merchant ports were filled with livestock, and as she tread further the smell of goats, pigs and poultry assaulted her nose. They must be guarding the cargo. It wasn't unheard of for thieves to be bold enough to steal from His Majesty's ships. She assumed the three men must be deck hands, for everyone else was already drinking in the inn; only the most lowliest crewman was left outside to guard the ships. She waited until they were within hearing range before calling out gruffly:
"Oi! Where be the Fair Haven's moor?"
Short, concise and bordering on rude. It was thrilling to depart so greatly from her usually elegant manners. As the they drew closer however, Elizabeth realized that perhaps she should have been more discerning. The three men strode side by side, their long over coats and leather boots covered in dried salt from the wind. All three had large cutlasses strapped to their belts, and all wore the unmistakable expression of men who were used to being feared; and encouraged it.
They were pirates.
Debating whether or not she should simply walk by them, pretending it hadn't been her that had made such a blunder in social etiquette, Elizabethfelther breath draw short as the men stopped just in front of her.
"Beggin' your pardon," the stoutest one said in a voice that sounded like rocks being crushed together, "but I'm assumin' yer either a soldier, or a simpleton. Either way, no one talks to Michael B. Rogers like that..." he leaned towards Elizabeth, his breath reeking of rum. "..and lives."
As if anticipating her escape, the two men on either side of Michael E. Rogers moved swiftly to catch Elizabeth's arms.
"Let me go!" she cried angrily, struggling to free herself. Suddenly, she felt her chin being yanked upwards, and a very wrinkled, sun beaten face leered down at her.
"Hmm, lads do ye know what I think we've found 'ere?"
"What Rogers?" a tall, thin man giggled manically. His eyes were large and very round, as if everything he saw startled him.
Elizabeth fought ashudder of revulsion as the dirty pirate swooped close to her and inhaled the scent of her skin brazenly.He draw back, gazing down at her in a way that made her wonder if he'd ever held a woman who wasn't about to scream. As if reading her thoughts, he chuckled darkly.
"Now, now lil' lamb, we don't want to make a fuss. Thinkin' of stowin' away on one of these fine ships, were you? You should be thanking me for stopping you. The penalty should you be caught is death."
Elizabeth gasped in fear as the man whirled her about to face his comrades.
"Lookie lads!" and to her horror he whipped off her wide brimmed hat to reveal the top knot she'd pulled her long hair into. He grabbed it and tugged it lose, the act inciting a riot of curses and admiring leers from the other two men.
"Well, darlin' let me introduce you. That there be Edward," the tall man bowed mockingly, "..and that there be Freely. And you already know my name."
Whipping her about to face him, he gazed down at her with unbridled hunger.
"Now then fair maid, fer savin' yer life, what do you have for me?"
His crewmates guffawed, clearly amused. The pirate leaned towards her mouth, his grip on her shoulders like a vice. Anger bubbled within Elizabeth, coursing through her veins and settling on one thought: Oh, did you pick the wrong maid tonight! His mouth inches from hers, Elizabeth could smell his rancid breath. "How 'bout you come along with me, and I'll show ye how I like to be...appreciated?" His hands slipped from her arms to grab her waist.
Elizabeth released something akin to a growl as she reared back. Before the pirate could react, she gathered all her strength and threw her head forwards, headbutting him soundly. A dull crack echoed around them, and as Elizabeth's vision exploded into a riot of stars she felt the pirate's hold on her slacken. Taking the advantage she clenched her teeth against the pain bouncing around within her skull and drew her knee up into his groin. The pirate let go of her instantly, dropping to his knees and releasing a torrent of breathless, hissing curses. Stumbling back, Elizabeth tried to escape but found that she had misjudged how hard it actually was to execute a proper headbutt-- the result being that she swayed on the spot, her head throbbing and her vision blotted with red splotches.
Suddenly she felt someone grab her arm. Ready to turn and face her attackers she paused as she heard a clear, deep voice cut through the fog.
"Three against one, eh? Now that's what I'd call an unfair advantage, wouldn't you agree gents?"
The three pirates glanced up at this intruder, this voice that seemed to drip with a confidence that made their blood boil with ire...
...and saw a goat.
The three men blinked heavily. "Whut the--?" the tall one exclaimed, staring at the goat who bleated loudly. "Sweet Mary Merciful Lord--!" cried the one called Freely, who crossed himself dramatically. "I-It's possessed!"
"Don't be daft!" the Rogers cried, his cragged mouth splitting apart in a derisive scowl. "We know you're 'ere, who ever ye are." he rasped, his narrowed eyes searching the mounds of shadowed crates surrounding them. Elizabeth felt her pulse pounding in her ears as she searched the gloomy mist, but could see no one. But that voice...her mind scrambled painfully to keep conscious.
She knew that voice.
"Now why don't you show yourself?" Rogers was shouting. "I promise it'll be quick...just a--" and here, he motioned with his knife and cut an imaginary line across his throat. Suddenly, his ugly guttural sniggers were cut short; the tip of a sword pressed dangerously into his back. The stout man's eyes widened as he heard the cock of a pistol, it's muzzle pushed against the back of his head.
"Perhaps another time, mate." the voice replied from directly behind him, without a hint of sincerity. "Now, why don't you let me worry about the little lamb, eh? Tell them to let her go."
The tip of the blade cut into the man's back meaningfully.
"Let the lass go!" Rogers called out to his comrades, who neither could see nor hear his assailant from where they were standing.
"Oi, Rogers? Let 'er go? Whuts--?" Edward asked in surprise, noting his comrade's ashen face.
"Just do it ya sprogs!" Rogers spat through clenched teeth as the blade between his shoulder blades began to cut into his flesh painfully. Stunned, the two pirates released Elizabeth who stumbled against the crates of fish and poultry, her head still spinning.
"Clever lad." the voice behind Rogers purred. "Now, while we're here why don't I relieve you of your burden..." Rogers felt the sword tip move down to where his gold pouch was strapped to his belt. "Ye scurvy dog!" he snapped, not daring to move with the pistol muzzle still pressing into the back of his skull. "I think I'm the one with the sticks and stones mate," the voice said, and before Rogers could call out to his comrades the hilt of the pistol made sharp contact with the back of his head. Falling forwards in pain, he heard the slicing of leather as his belt was cut cleanly from his hips. "He's right 'ere! Get him!" Rogers bellowed at his cronies.
Elizabeth raised her throbbing head just in time to see the two pirates advance on her savior-- a man in a dark overcoat, with an equally dark beard and shock of long, untidy hair that stuck out defiantly from beneath his leather tri-corner hat. The man wielded his sword exuberantly in one hand, whilst brandishing his pistol on the other. Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat. There was no mistaking that poise; it was Jack Sparrow. "Jack!" she cried, unthinking. Instantly his attention was drawn to her, and in that moment the three men pounced on the advantage. Forming a line they ran at Jack like a herd of wild elephants, hitting him square in the chest and sending him sprawling back into the pile of crates with a crash.
Elizabeth winced. "Oops..!" she whispered sheepishly, before noting Jack's pistol on the ground a few feet from her. Jack lifted himself from the rubble of broken wood and glass, his hat which had fallen over his eyes shielding his attackers from view. "Bloody 'ell," he groaned, feeling more than a few splinters and shards of glass biting into his flesh.
"Don't I know ye? 'Cause you look awfully familiar..." came the gruff, unpleasant voice of Michael Rogers. Jack reached out a hand and tipped his hat back artfully-- partly so as to show defiance in the face of defeat-- partly so he could see. "You'd be surprised how often I hear that, but I'm afraid I've never had the delight of your company before--" Jack halted, the fine point of a cutlass suddenly narrowed at his throat. Rogers glared down at him. "Aye, but I've seen your face before. In Tortuga. You're acquainted with a lady there-- a lady by the name of Marguerite."
Jack gulped. "I think you've got the wrong man, mate--" he said, trying to inch away from the cutlass.
"Aye! Rogers, I know 'im! That's Jack Sparrow that is!" Smithy said excitedly, grinning as if he'd just won at charades. Jack frowned, as if the sound ofthe name offended him. "Captain..." he muttered indignantly. Rogers narrowed his eyes menacingly. "Is it now? Well, Captain...let me give you a personal message from Marguerite-- my wife."
Jacks eyes widened, a look of hastily crafted surprise on his face. "Wife? Well, how lovely eh? I wish you both fondest returns and blessings--"
" 'Blessings'? Is that what they're callin' it now a days? Well, I'll be sure to tell 'er how you squealed for mercy, Captain Jack Sparrow..." Rogers growled, pushing the blade against Jack's neck so that he winced in pain.
"Maybe I'll even bring 'er back yer head. I'm sure she'd appreciate a keep sake."
As the man's arm reared back, preparing to strike Jack winced, squeezing his eyes shut tightly. Yet instead of the sting of a blade, he heard the click of a pistol being cocked. Jack opened one eye-- it was Elizabeth. She stood a few feet from them, his pistol trained on Rogers back. "A lovely sentiment, but I'm afraid Captain Sparrow will be needing a good head on his shoulders," she said. "Let him go."
Growling in frustration, Rogers lowered his sword from Jack's throat. "Meddlesome wench!" he growled as Jack stood and dusted himself off. "Thankin' ye kindly!" he said quickly as he side-stepped the three livid pirates and sidled over to Elizabeth. Stepping behind her he lowered his head to murmur in her ear: "Looks like we've drawn even again, love. We really do have to stop meeting this way."
Elizabeth felt a slight shiver as his warm breath brushed past her ear.
"Now, what say we leave these urchins to their own devices and toddle on--"
"No. Why don't we teach them a lesson? How about we teach them never to attack another innocent woman again? I think I'd enjoy that," Elizabeth said brazenly, her anger boiling over. Her plan to board the Fair Haven had been ruined. How dare they interfere!
"Ye don't 'ave the guts, little lamb," Rogers sneered, advancing a step.
"Why don't we just let bygones be bygones, eh?" Jack said with increasing unease, his gaze flickering from Elizabeth to his pistol.
"Go ahead, little lass. I dare you," Rogers goaded. Elizabeth aimed for his right shoulder, and pulled the trigger. There was a meager click, followed by an uncomfortable silence.
"It isn't loaded!...?" Elizabeth ground out through gritted teeth.
"Have I mentioned how much I've missed your charming company?" Jack offered feebly.
"You can remind me later!" Elizabeth snapped, pushing the useless pistol into his hands and whipping about to escape the three pirates who were advancing towards them steadily. Jack threw a cringe over his shoulder before chasing after her.
"Oi...Elizabeth? Waaaait--!"
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She didn't stop running until she could no longer hear the stomping of boots and the shouting of curses. She could feel Jack right behind her, no doubt hoping to use her as a shield if necessary. As she ducked down into the thick foliage of ferns that grew rampantly beneath one of the large docks, she suddenly stopped. She heard a muffled cry of surprise from behind as Jack bumped into her. "Why'd you stop the escaping--?"
"Shh!" she hissed, listening for foot steps or voices. The rolling waves and the chirp of insects were a welcome sounds. "I think we've lost them," she whispered, cautiously looking around them once more. Ducking low she made her way further into the sharp ferns, until she was directly beneath the large dock. Beneath it's shelter, she straightened up and heaved a sigh of relief. Closing her eyes and listening to the calming refrain of the sea, she could almost believe that she had not just been accosted by pirates and saved by a lecherous cad. Was there anyone in Port Royal whose honor Jack hadn't offended? Suddenly, Jacks frequent trips to the farthest corners of the globe made immenant sense. When she heard no movement behind her, she wondered if perhaps he had yet again slipped off into the horizon. Unfortunately before she could decided whether or not this disappointed her, the cad decided to speak in a dry tone that made her skin prickle with fury.
"I see I was right to check in on you. Have you ever considered taking up a more.. delicate diversion? Crochet, for example?"
Elizabeth grabbed a fist full of Jack's lapel and hauled him into the shelter of the dock.
"Easy, love--!"
"Are you mad...?" Elizabeth said, furious. Didn't he realize the danger he was in? Jack gave her a bemused look. "Was that a question...?"
"Never mind!" she snapped, releasing her hold on his lapels and reaching into her coat pocket. As she unbuttoned the overcoat to reach her pocket, she was too riled to notice the look of shock that crossed his face as he caught a glimpse of her neck. He remembered what the ancient spirits had whispered to him when he'd felt their cold consciousness searching his body and mind.
A gilded cage...a mark upon her flesh...
His gaze flickered from shock to determination as she with drew something from her pocket. But he wasn't looking at the paper she clutched. He was gazing, transfixed upon the prominent, round birth mark on her neck. Elizabeth slapped the poster against his chest, her eyes narrowed in consternation. Jack, brought back to himself by her abrupt action looked down at the paper.
"What's this?"
She didn't answer, but instead unfolded it to allow him to see it. Jack squinted appraisingly at the poster, muttering incoherently. "W...wa...f..majesty..." Elizabeth suddenly felt a surge of pity, her anger dissipating slightly. "Jack...you can't read, can you?"
If she hadn't known better, she would have sworn she saw his cheek bones turn pink beneath his dark skin. "What does it say?" he asked a little gruffly, averting his gaze to look out over the emerald green around them. Elizabeth read it aloud. Suddenly, it was snatched from her fingers.
"Oh my--not good!"
"I know!" Elizabeth said indignantly, "you must be mad to come back to Port Royal with the whole fleet looking for you!"
Jack waved a hand in the air dismissively, his gaze rooted to the poster and his expression aghast. "Is that really what I look like...?"
Elizabeth stared at him incredulously. "I just told you the whole fleet is out there right now looking for you, and all you care about is your portrait?"
Jack frowned, his mustache drawing downwards as well and accentuating the expression. "My nose isn't nearly that big. And what about my teeth?" he muttered to himself, baring his own teeth which flashed with gold, as if the poster were a mirror.
"Jack you have to leave, now before someone else recognizes you!"
"I can guarantee my safety if the poor sods have this to go by. By the by...what were you doin' with it?"
Elizabeth's cheeks flushed. His voice had turned suddenly sly and curious. She knew that tone. It was the tone he used when he was asking a question he most likely already knew the answer to. "I..." she fumbled, andwithout warning he was suddenly very close to her. She could smell the salty spice of the sea wafting from him in waves.
"Where is your Commodore, Miss Swann? Or should I say, Lady Norrington?" he asked in a velvety tone, his eyes glinting with amusement. Elizabeth's temper flared at the insinuation. "It is Miss Swann, Captain Sparrow...and the nature of the relationship between the Commodore and myself is no one's business but our own!" Her words were sharp, but even still she felt his hand reach down and grasp her left hand. Unable to summon up the will to halt his ministrations, Elizabeth watched, betrayed by her own body as Jack cupped the hand in both of his and turned it over so that he could see her palm.
His eyes were focused completely on her palm, but Elizabeth found her gaze trapped on his face. He looked thinner, and there were more wrinkles that creased the corner of his eyes and mouth-- but his presence was still as captivating to her as ever. Jack made a little 'tut-tut' sound in the back of his throat as he traced his fingers across the scar left from when Barbossa had cut her hand. Her gaze dropped to where he was grazing his thumb across the pale scar in a slow, continuous movement. Elizabeth felt her heart beat quicken, her pulse fluttering beneath his fingertips. She was not aware that he was now watching her with a greedy hunger.
...Only then will you possess the way to the city of Thêsea...
His fingers were hypnotizing-- their warmth sending delicious shivers down her spine. She had been close with him before, but now as he leaned towards her she found herself utterly unprepared for his touch. "Jack...?" she whispered, hoping that he would be the one to come back to reason. She saw his lips part, and her eyes drifted shut...
...and suddenly she felt him blow something that smelled faintly like alcohol into her face. Coughing, she stepped back from him in shock. She felt his arms grab her shoulders but she struggled to get free-- her head was spinning, her vision darkening...what had he done to her? "Jack..!" she managed desperately, the frightened confusion in her voice causing him to feel a needle of regret. He grasped her tightly as her knees buckled and she sank to the ground. "W-what are you doing?" she asked, as her eyes drifted shut.
"Kidnapping you."
His face hovered over her for a moment, and then everything went black.
TBC...!
A/N: Thanks to everyone who read/reviewed chapter one! I hope this one didn't disappoint! I tried to get this one posted quickly, because I'm really enjoying writing it! I apologize if I get some of the details wrong, but I'm just having fun writing what ever comes to mind. Thanks again :))