Dead Men Tell No Tales
Disclaimer: All Disney characters belong to Disney the rest belong to Lovely Raven Sparrow.
GONEJem was no sleepier than I, so we sat together on the bed with our legs stretched out and our backs against the pillows, listening to the sounds of the night and the moaning of the ship. It took us awhile to swab up the blood and Jem hardly spoke a word as we worked. Amber cowered over in the corner. She wanted nothing to do with me; I think she could sense I wasn't quite alive.
It was raining hard and the storm that had been threatening us, now hit the ships with a vengeance. A hard wind was blowing and blew the oceans spray like icy needles against the windows.
"Jem, where was your home?" I asked. "I mean, when you were very young?"
"Dominica," she spoke softly. She watched the sea for a moment. "It is a small island inhabited by strange natives. They are believed to practice cannibalism, so my mother told me. Needless to say she did not like the island. I was happy there; I was the only one among us that was. My brother was never happy, he was sick or to put it nicely, slow. Thinking about it now, I'd wager my father put us on that spit of land to hide the fact he had a sick son. You know, a pride thing?"
She looked into my kohl-rimmed eyes and laughed. Holding her hand up to her head and circling it around her ear. "He was as you would say, not quite right in the head. My mother however, she was beautiful and loving and she should not have been trapped on that island. Jack, she was filled with love, but she was always crying. She did worship my father so and I truly thought my father had to be a good man. He knew everything of the sea, he was brilliant." Her eyes gleamed as she talked of her mother but turned harsh as she mentioned Barbossa.
"Like I told you years ago, my father and mother were inseparable, they really did love one another. My mother sailed with Barbossa as his pirate wench and then became his wife. We lived on the ocean and on land until my father decided to settle his family down once and for all. You see he joined the crew of The Black Pearl, captained by your father. We saw him on rare occasions, whenever The Black Pearl was near."
"Aye, I can imagine my father would not sail to an island known to be inhabited by cannibals. Perhaps this is where your father became acquainted with the underworld? If my history does not escape me that island is the land of the Caniba, who are people of the Manioc Clan. They are warlike and eat human flesh. They periodically raid the peaceful folks of the larger islands. I can see your father would fit in well with them."
"Jack my father may be many things but he is not a Cannibal." She folded her arms over her chest and sighed deeply.
"Luv, I didn't say he was, but if I were dining at your house I think I'd want to check the menu. I'd rather be eating a dozen live snakes with a side of raw rabbit brains instead of crunching down on Uncle Henry."
"Jack Sparrow, that is the most disgusting thing I have heard you say in the past twenty-four hours." She nudged me with her shoulder and looked at me with disapproval.
She then continued. "I remember I would go to the beach and spend hours looking out at the sea waiting and watching for him to come home. I felt he was out searching for treasures to help us, to give us a better life. How foolish was that?"
She ran her hand down my chest and placed her head over my heart. "I believed he intended to come home and make my mother happy. Like I said, he did come home on occasion but he never stayed long. When he was with us, mother laughed. He bought us jewels and treasures from all over. Jack, he really was a good man, at that time he did have a heart. I know he loved me. He like William, was or should I say is, very good with the sword. He taught me the basics, of course my mother had to show me the finer points. You see, he taught her how to fence."
She snuggled closer into my body. She was covered with goose pimples and shivered slightly. I placed my arm around her shoulder. I wanted to remove the pain she was feeling but I knew I couldn't.
"Jack, my father gave me a monkey when I was a child." She gave a slight laugh. "He told me you are nothing if you don't have a monkey. My father has always loved monkeys. I named him Diego. My mother was not pleased and my brother was jealous. You see, he did not get one. He was a nothing."
Jem huddled closer as the hard winds blew on the ship. "I only had him for three days and Jeffery saw fit to kill him. Barbossa was furious with him but he never laid a hand on him. I truly believe that was because of my mother. He just shook his head and told him that he would rue the day for crossing his sister."
Jem wiped a tear from her eye. "I guess in a way he was right. I did get even with my brother, indirectly, by using you." She caressed my leg and tilted her head up to look at me. "I'm not sorry for that and I'd do it again. He was a monster. He hurt everything he touched, my dog, your daughter, everything, including me. Jack does that make me a bad person? Does that make me as heartless as my father?"
I looked down at her. "Luv, I am not the one to ask. I hate monkeys."
She pulled herself off the bed and walked over to the window. "That was the last time I saw my father. He had mentioned The Black Pearl to my mother and the fact that he was the first mate. He told her he was going for the treasure of a life time and after that he would return for her." She turned and looked at me. "Jack was he going for the treasure of Santiago or was he going for The Treasure of Reverie?"
"Jem where ever your father was heading it appears he went to hell. You should count your blessings Luv. You are perhaps his only true treasure and it appears he has come to the same conclusion and he wants you back. There are many things I don't like about your father but I have to admit he isn't stupid."
"Jack that will never happen. As long as there is breath in me I will not let my father come between you and I. I love you, Captain Sparrow."
"I know that Luv." I stretched myself out on the bed. "But if I were you I would not speak with such haste. You may find yourself looking like Will, Elizabeth and meself."
I smiled at her as she stood staring out the window. A good five minutes of silence transpired between us. "You know Luv, I am beginning to understand the blight of being a pirate after all these years. You see, finding treasure is a very small problem. The greatest problem is keeping it. To do that you must keep its location secret. Perhaps that is why your father stashed his lovely wife and daughter on that island."
I propped myself up on my elbows and tilted my head in her direction. "Jem, do you think if you went back to Dominica they would know you? Would they know your father?"
Jem turned to me and shook her head. "I think not. It was a long time ago. A few may recognize my looks but I'm sure nobody would say anything. As far as my father I told you, he hardly visited and when he did it was for a short time."
She came back over to me and climbed onto the bed. She sat close to me in the darkness.
"Jack, please take me to bed." She asked softly. "Jack I need you tonight, I need you more than ever."
My breathing stopped and I looked over at her. I was glad yet shocked to see she was no longer frightened of me. I hesitated as I reached for her, the strength of my desire was obvious but as a grasped Jem's arm I could not feel her warmth and as she lay a hand on my cheek I could see her outstretched fingers but I could not feel her touch.
I wrapped my arms about her and pulled my face into long luxurious hair. I then sat up and looked at her. I felt as if I wanted to cry. Damn that Barbossa, I swear I will get him. I yelled in my head. He did this deliberately I know it. He will pay and I will make him pay dearly.
"Jem, no." I blurted out, as I bent down and kissed her. I scooped her up and sat down on the bed, holding her on my lap. "I can't." I rolled my eyes and looked at her playful grin. She lay down and pulled me determinedly down on top of her.
I rolled next to her and turned her into my arms clasping the solid curve of her back and letting my hands run up and down her spine. I nibbled the edge of her neck and ear. Her hair was loose and she looked gorgeous. I was glad I wasn't blind. I'm sure if Barbossa had his way he would take my sight also. Usually the soft auburn locks tickled me but I was aware of naught. I lifted my head and peered into her deep, dark, cat like eyes. They were gleaming. I let my head fall back on the pillow, totally frustrated with my lack of sensation. Aye, it is hard to lust for such pleasurable company and to know I could not enjoy it.
Sighing in resignation I pulled her on top of me. Belly to belly and lips to lips. She promptly kissed me and ran her hands down my body before I could stop her.
I opened my mouth to protest further, but instead I closed my eyes and pulled her hard against me. It took us no time at all to remove our clothing and then I stopped short.
"I can't Jem. I just can't."
"Why ever not? Jack my father is already pissed that we are together, please don't give him the satisfaction of denying us each other. That is what he wants. Please Jack give me what I want."
"Jem, really no." I protested. "It's not you Luv it's---it's me."
"What the bloody hell is wrong with you?" She stared at me for what seemed like minutes.
"Other than the obvious? Do you really have to ask?"
She threw her arms up in the air. Clearly she did not understand the full effect of the curse and I did not feel like sharing. There was a peremptory rap at the door and with impeccable timing Elizabeth pushed her way in.
"Jack Sparrow, I will not be pushed aside. I know the weather is bad but you must reset the bearings. I am a reasonable woman and you know me very well, Captain. I do not ask for frivolous things and I have to insist, no demand, that we go now and break the curse. There is a storm raging out there and there is one raging in my mind. William and I both need to know exactly when you and Jem plan to break this curse."
She looked directly at me and then lowered her eyes. "Oh my god! I am sorry Jack, Jem." She backed up and pulled Will in front of her.
Jem looked at her in astonishment and then had the gall to laugh. "Elizabeth I guess it is observable that we will not be breaking the curse now or any time soon?"
I looked at Jem then at Elizabeth and gave a heavy sigh as I saw Will now standing before us. Elizabeth was hiding behind him but she still had her eyes on me and they were shooting daggers. "William can you not control your property?"
"OH! Jack Sparrow you are dead!" Elizabeth flew from behind Will and leaped at me.
Both Jem and I cringed back hitting our heads on the wall.
"WHOA Elizabeth!" Will yelled as he grabbed her and yanked her down to earth. "Please Elizabeth, violence won't solve this." He once again placed her behind him.
"Pardon me Luv" I smiled at Lizzy and then smirked at Will. "I meant your wife, not property."
Will was now trying to turn Elizabeth around, but she would not budge. She was definitely as stubborn as he was. He looked at Jem and I then smiled broadly. "Jack, sorry for the intrusion but in all honesty you do owe Elizabeth and I an answer. We do have an infant son who needs his mother's milk and tender touch. If you think about it we are here because of you and Jem and your dysfunctional ways."
"No Lad, you may be here because of me, but Elizabeth is here on her own accord as well as young William, Bill, whom ever."
Jem snickered. "Well Jack I don't really think Bill had much of a choice."
William flashed his eyes at the both of us. "This is not a joke. You know if you and Jem had been truthful from the start with each other we would not be like this today. It is amazing what communication between people, couples---"
"LOVERS," Elizabeth interjected.
Will sneered at Elizabeth "Yes, what Elizabeth just said. All this could have been prevented if you two had trusted each other and talked with one another."
Elizabeth placed her arm around Will's waist. "Well they evidently don't have that problem anymore."
Jem slid under the covers and I placed a pillow strategically across my lap as I parked my elbows on it and rested my chin on upturned palms.
"Ah Mrs. Turner, always a pleasure." I looked at Will and rolled my eyes. "William if you would please remove your woman. I will meet you up on the deck. Elizabeth I would advise you to follow your husband or I will toss this pillow at you."
"Captain Sparrow, I am sure what ever you have, I have seen before."
"Elizabeth please don't encourage him." Will's eyes opened wide as he tried to push her out the door. She fought back and he ended up pushing her to the floor.
"Have it your way Lass." I tossed the pillow at her and it hit her flat in the chest. I then sauntered over and grasped her by the arm. I hauled her up off the floor and pushed her into Will's arms.
Giving her a wide golden grin I spoke to William. "I believe this belongs to you? I will see you in ten minutes and I would advise you to loose this." I patted Elizabeth on the head. "If you would be so kind you can close the door after you leave."
"Ten minutes Jack, I will wait no longer, I will be back and I promise I won't be alone." Will, with some effort, guided Elizabeth out of the room.
After they left I picked the pillow up and tossed it at Jem and proceeded to get dressed.
"Where do you think you're going?" She protested.
I glanced down at her and a reluctant smile curved over my mouth. "Luv I'm unable to resist you but I cannot stay. It would not be fair to you, to me, to the Turners." I pulled on my boots and grabbed my jacket. "Bloody hell, can you believe that woman? She is like a tenacious terrier. I do feel for that young Lad. Once she sinks her teeth in, you are forever marked. Ouch! Living with her must be painful."
I placed my hat on me head and looked over at Jem and smiled. "God you are lovely and I would say your father knew exactly what he was doing." She looked at me and I could tell she did not quite know what I meant.
As I walked out the door the waves were like walls of black ice rolling down upon the decks, their crests broke like bared teeth and the spray was blinding but I had no problems finding William. He was standing at the helm waiting for me. I looked around to make sure Elizabeth was not near.
Will grimaced. "Don't worry Jack, Elizabeth is safe on The Pearl with Kat and Bill. We are quite alone."
I took the helm from him and checked our bearings. I could hardly hear my voice above the wind. "William when the weather calms down we will lower a long boat. Jem, you and I will steal ashore and get the map." As I spoke the waves tossed us roughly.
"I will inform the crew they can go to shore in shifts knowing they would want to spend their plunder in an orgy of drinking, gambling and whoring." As I spoke, we slid steeply down the slop of one wave only to rise abruptly on the cliff of the next.
"Will, I shall make sure to leave some men aboard to watch over your--your-- fair lass," I choked on my words, "and son."
"No Jack. I don't trust your men. I want Elizabeth to come with us."
I looked at him in disbelief and then a great wave of water fell upon us. As we pulled ourselves up I shook my head. "That, mate, is out of the question. I wish to spend as little time as possible with that woman."
Sharply I leaned forward, staring into the storm. "Look William, there is something dark and looming over there, low down on the horizon."
Will grasped my arm and shouted. "Land, Land!"
"Aye yes, it is Tortuga." I placed my hand on Will's soggy shoulder. "Elizabeth will be fine on The Pearl with Kat and Mister Gibbs."
"Mister Gibbs? Come Jack, you know his feelings toward women."
"William please, who in their right mind would try to seduce your wife when they find out she is a skeleton? Would you?"
Another great wave washed over us. We were both now clinging to the helm. I could only hope Gibbs was handling The Pearl as well as I was the Silent Falcon. Pointing her westward I was fighting to position our bow toward the black mass.
"Jack! They won't know she is cursed unless the moon is out." Will looked at me with anger and then he looked at me with fear. "Rocks! Rocks!"
"Will!" I yelled. "There are rocks along the shore so far as I can see, the visibility is poor. Hold on Lad it's going to be rough."
We rose upon a giant wave and then I saw the shore only a short distance away now, the wind was shrieking and howling like all the banshees in hell.
"Mate, any man in their right mind would leave Miss Lizzy alone, you know that. They know she is your wife and you would kill them with one swift strike of your sword. Also, any man who values his goods and his ears---."
"Jack please, you are talking about my wife, and the woman I love."
"William!" I yelled, as I suddenly attempted to grasp his arm but I was too late. The backwash of a great wave carried him away. I started to jump and realized it was useless. The winds and currents were too strong. I was too late!
"Will." I yelled. "Swim, swim with all you're might we are only a half-mile from the shore."
As I shouted Jem joined me at the helm and she was quite aware of what had occurred. I looked at her and shook my head. The wind and rain ripped at our clothes and bodies with its brutal fingers.
"Where are we heading for?" Jem asked as the waves were now sweeping us toward the shore.
"That's where we were going." I said after a bit. "South by a little west, there is an inlet that runs through there and hopefully we can make it and keep our ships out of sight from traveling eyes."
"You mean Barbossa?" Jem asked.
As I pointed to our destination I saw an enormous wave hurrying at us with another one right after it. The wave washed over us swallowing The Falcon in one large gulp. I grabbed Jem with one arm and grasped the helm with the other. She did not resist. The shore was rushing upon us now, or we upon it.
I clung hard, both to the helm and to Jem. Suddenly the waves seemed to lift us and throw us bodily upon the rocks. I hit my head hard and it took me awhile to figure out exactly what happened. I attempted to stand up shaking my head and trying to get my bearings. The waves continued to pummel me and I landed with a crash on the sharp rocks, cutting my hands and legs. I could tell that I was bleeding from my head as the blood and salt water washed into my eyes. Obviously I could sustain injuries but to my fortunes I felt no pain.
I climbed up the rocks and sprawled myself on the sandy beach. I lay there breathless and looked about me. I couldn't believe out of a crew of eighteen only I made it to the beach. No, I knew I wasn't the only one. Scrambling to my feet I looked for Jem. I knew I had a hold of her one minute and the next she was gone.
My heart sank into my chest as it occurred to me, The Silent Falcon was also gone. My god where is Jem? She had to have been thrown clear of the boat. I stood above the rocky shoreline and searched the coast, looking for anything that appeared to be human.
The beach was covered with pieces of wood that had once been the Silent Falcon. As I put my hand to my bleeding head I saw Jem's body down on the rocks. I climbed down as quickly as I could before the water took her body out to Davy Jones Locker.
I grasped Jem and lifted her off the rocks and pulled her up on the sand. Her body was beaten, bruised and limp. Her head was also bleeding.
I had to make sure she was alive. Letting many thoughts run through my mind, I placed my head on her chest to listen for a heartbeat and to see if she was breathing. To my horror she wasn't. I immediately turned her on to her stomach and pressed my palms to her back until the water spewed from her mouth. Her body shuddered and she started to cough up more seawater. After clearing her lungs she was breathing normal. She gave a slight moan and I could see the pain in her face. She was now feeling the effects of being thrown from the ship. Her eyes slowly fluttered but did not open.
"Jack?" She asked weakly.
"Jem, yes I am here." I looked into her face. I was surprised she could speak at all. "Jem." I knelt next to her pushing the wet hair from her cheeks. "Ye alright Luv?" She lifted her head up slowly from the sand. I gave her a forced grin.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked about her. She looked at me and we locked eyes and stared at each other. She smiled and lay back down, she groaned faintly and then was silent.
"Jem darling, please say something." I received no answer. She had once again lost consciousness. I gently picked her up and carried her to the grasses above the sand and out of reach from the sea.
I walked back to the shore to see what was left of The Falcon and if there was any sign of The Black Pearl. The sea was rushing in again and there was but a moment I could see wood floating in the water. The sea tore the ship apart and the wreckage of the Falcon was being tossed upon the rocks or carried out upon the waves.
Going back to Jem, I carried her further inland near a group of trees, hoping the tree limbs would protect us from the weather. My only thought was to get Jem far from the clutching fingers of the sea. I laid her down and sat close to her, placing her head in my lap. I stroked her temples and grumbled to myself.
"How? How could I have lost the ship and the crew? I'm Captain Jack Sparrow, this just doesn't happen." A surge of relief went though me when it occurred to me Kat, Elizabeth and Bill are all on The Black Pearl. Then it hit me like an oar over me head. Amber, Jem's faithful companion, her friend, her baby. I looked at Jem and then toward the sea.
"There will be no living with her when she finds out her ship and dog are gone." I spoke to myself and then gently laid her head on a bed of flowers and lie down next to her, closing my eyes, hoping to wake up and to see this was all a bad dream.
When I woke up the night was still dark, the wind had died down and the rain had stopped, however, the sea was still making great waves. The clouds had broken and a few scattered stars could be seen. I could tell morning was not far away.
Jem moved slightly beside me. "What of the others? Are we alone?"
"I believe so Luv. When the sun comes up over the horizon I will go comb the beach looking for supplies and survivors."
She opened her eyes and looked over at me. Our eyes met as I lay there on my back looking at her. I was never so glad to see her eyes on me. She tried rolling over but it was pointless. The pain riveted through her body and she shut her eyes. "Jack why am I not dead? I know why your not. I feel---I feel-- so much pain. I wish I was dead."
I stared at her with wide eyes and sat up quickly. I rolled over and knelt beside her. "Jem Barbossa, I don't ever want to hear those words come out of your mouth again."
"Jack what happened?" She spoke in a mere whisper. She knew very well what had happened but she wasn't sure what had happened after she flew from the ship.
I touched her stomach and than ran my hands up and down her arms. I looked at the large gash on her head. It was deep and bleeding profusely. She was loosing a good amount of blood. I removed my bandana and wrapped it around her head hoping to stem the bleeding. She could see the concern in my eyes as I bent down and kissed her forehead. "The Silent Falcon," I muttered. "She's gone. She was torn to pieces. I'm sorry Jem."
I pulled her close to me and cradled her in my arms. "What about Amber?" Jem whispered.
"Jem get some rest, we will manage. She will too. I love ya, remember that. I will take care of ya; Old Jack won't let anything happen to ya. Savvy?"
"Yes Jack I trust you, I love you too---but what about---" She laid her head on my arm and shut her eyes. I wasn't sure if she lost consciousness again or went to sleep. I wrapped her in my jacket to keep her warm and kept a constant watch on her through the night.
Morning came and Jem was not doing any better. I looked around for fresh water and food to give her some strength but I lacked both. I made my way down to the beach and looked for food, supplies and crewmembers.
The beach was littered in chunks of wood that once belonged to The Falcon. I continued my search for survivors. I rounded a great pile of rocks and came upon a small cove. I found more remains of The Falcon but nothing I could use. I stood there for the longest time watching the rise and fall of the sea. If it weren't for the curse, I would be suffering like Jem or be dead. I felt so alone and small as I looked out at the vast ocean realizing that Jem was hanging on by a thread and she could die. The sea bought her to me and it could take her away.
As I turned to go back to Jem I heard a familiar sound. It was barking. Yes, it had to be, Amber.
"Amber!" I yelled. "Amber girl come! I'm over here. Come girl!"
I looked down the beach and sure enough there was the big mangy mutt and she was heading in my direction. Then I noted she was not alone. I paused for a moment and I saw there was a horseman riding towards me. There were three horses and they were coming swiftly.
I couldn't believe my eyes. It was Will. He survived the oceans currents. I knew he was a strong swimmer and the sight of him did bring my spirits up. I started to run towards William and Amber.
Will galloped up to me and leaped off the giant animal, landing on me.
"Jack! Jack Sparrow!" He laughed. "Thank God I found you. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the wreckage up and down the coast."
"Will, you are a sight." I gasped as Will's body hit mine and we rolled in the sand. "How the bloody hell did you find me? Have you seen The Pearl? Have you found any other survivors?"
We both rolled over and sat in the sand looking at each other.
"Yes Jack, to all the above. I was washed up several miles down the coast. I did see The Pearl and many other damaged ships. Gibbs had pulled her into a secluded cove and anchored her there. I had no idea what your fate was after I was washed overboard. I guess I should put on a little more weight." He patted his chest and waist. "Of course I will get a lot lighter when the moon comes out." Will laughed as he threw his arms around me again and rolled us both on the hard gritty surface.
I was amazed at Will's familiarity. He was genuinely thrilled to be rolling and sitting with me on the beach. I moved from his grip and stood up. Shaking the sand from my hair and brushing of my breeches.
Will remained in the sand and started to rub Amber's head. "Like I said, I did see the Pearl. She was listing near to scuppers after the storm but with the proper materials and time, Gibbs and the men can fix her. You don't have to worry she is in good hands. Kat, Elizabeth and the baby are fairing well also. Due to your request I left Elizabeth behind. She will need to be taking care of Bill."
Will now shook his head to loosen the sand from his dark locks. "God Jack we thought we had lost you. I thought all hope was gone when I saw the ornately carved figurehead of the great falcon lying on the beach. I did find some of your crew, they were beaten badly by the sea but I think they will survive."
"The Silent Falcon is gone." I mumbled. "She was torn to pieces."
"I'm sorry Jack, but just remember. She was just a ship made of wood and sails. Ships can be replaced people can't. When I saw the pieces of the ship I knew then and there I was not the only one thrown into the water. I found Amber lying next to the Silent Falcon's figurehead as if she was waiting for something or someone. She came with me eagerly and I knew you had to be on land somewhere. In my travels I passed a stable and grabbed these fine horses."
Will now stood up and gripped the rope to his horse, checking to make sure the other two were still attached. He looked back over at me.
"I was passing by a stable and I knew we were going to need some mounts. As you would say, I waited for the opportune moment and I commandeered them." Will gave me a wide grin. I could tell the Whelp was proud of himself. "Now Jack, I know they hang pirates but they also hang horse thieves, so I guess I'm just as bad as you?"
Will's horse reared up as he moved his hands around erratically the way I more often do than not. The animal was young and frisky. The other two looked to be the same. As I looked at the animals all three appeared to be huge.
"Will, did you have to find the largest animals on the island?"
"Jack they are Percheron's. I am not quite sure how broken to the saddle they are. Beggars can't be choosers. I know this one is a splendid animal. She will serve us well. The other two, judging from the dappling on their hides indicate they are two or three. As you can see even young Percherons are big. Of course these two are males, hence they are larger."
As Will talked the horses tails lashed from side to side. All three had massive shoulders. They were gigantic. They proceeded to stand there and twitch as the flies buzzed around their enormous heads. They made me nervous.
Will stroked the noses of the steeds. "Jack, I sure hope you can manage to stay on one. Being such a large horse they have a nice to and fro trot. Savvy?" Will gave me an evil smile and I felt very vulnerable. "Jem has told me she knows how to ride. I am sure she will approve of my animals." Will pat the female horse on the neck and then his smile went to a frown.
"Jack, where is Jem? She is with you isn't she?" Will looked around and then at me. "Jack she best be with you and she best have those damn medallions. They didn't go down with the ship did they?"
I had yet to tell William of the events that had passed on The Silent Falcon. He would have both hands around my neck if he knew I no longer possessed the medallions. I estimated it imperative to keep that little secret to meself.
"Will, yes Jem is with me but she is injured bad, real bad. She may even have internal injuries. Let us take her to The Pearl and you and I will go retrieve the map. Come I will take you to her. She will be glad to see you."
Will looked at me with concern. "Yes, lets go take care of Jem. You pick which horse you want. I can ride any."
I glanced at all of them and I selected the one Will had been riding. It was the oldest and most likely saddle broken. She was a beautiful horse, dappled gray with a black mane and a splendid tail.
"Now, show me how to mount this animal the quickest way possible. It is always wise to be prepared." As I attempted to mount Will began to laugh.
Putting my foot back square on the ground I looked at William questioningly. "Whelp do you plan to show your captain how to ride a horse or do you intend to stand on this beach all day?"
"Jack, you really don't know anything about horses do you?"
I rolled my eyes. "William the one and only thing I know about horses is that they and I do not mix. Now what is it you find so amusing and do you wish to share it with my fine gray and me?"
Will shook his head, grasped me by the arm and pulled me to the left side of the horse. "Jack when you ride a horse you mount on the left not the right. Can I assume you know the front end from the back end?"
I looked at him. "Mate, that comment requires no answer." I looked at the twitching animal. "You mean to tell me this creature is smart enough to know it's left from right?"
"Jack, just get on. You can be really tying at times."
"And you can't?" I retorted as I placed my hand on the horse's back.
It took me three tires to get on the beast. First, the animal did not want to stand still so as I attempted to place my foot into the stirrup I ended up on the ground. After Will had his fit of hysterics he held the animal. The second time around I successfully hoisted myself into the saddle just to find out I did not have to do it with so much gusto. I ended up on the other side of the horse; once again flat on my back and on the ground. The third time around was the charm.
"I must say Captain Sparrow you have style!" Will was enjoying himself immensely.
"Bloody hell Will, this horse is big. How dangerous is she? I mean if I fall off?"
Will looked at me and shook his head. "Jack you can't be killed so don't worry about it."
"Oh no worries then. I'll just let the horse take care of everything." As I sat on her I felt my legs were stretched nearly at right angles across her broad back. She moved slightly and I grabbed a hold of her mane with a death grip. The horse seemed bewildered as I grasped her mane and I tightened my legs around her girth. Unbeknown to me what I had just done, she took off. She gave a panicked whinny, got her hindquarters under her, and took off like a Derby winner, heading straight for the little knot of trees further up the beach.
"WHOA! Not good! Not good!" I yelled. Then I tried a different tactic. "Good horsy, good horsy!" I was now yelling at the top of my lungs.
Will immediately mounted another horse and was after me in fast pursuit. My horse was rearing and twisting, altogether spooked, churning all forelegs. I could hear Will shouting. "Jack let go. Just let go!"
I ignored his advice; I squeezed my eyes tight shut as I clung to the handful of horsehair I had. I was holding on to it like a lifeline. I really did not want to fall off the horse and be trampled. Yes, I couldn't die but the horse could break every bone in my body, but I didn't see how I was going to avoid that fate for much longer. The horse made a sudden dash for a small clump of trees that were near to Jem. I didn't know if the horse was seeking shelter or possibly having concluded that a branch might scrape off the idiot on its back. As it passed beneath the first branches, I caught a glimpse of Will coming up beside me.
Then I couldn't believe it. Will launched himself from his horse to mine. His body struck mine with a glancing blow and we both flew to the ground. I lay on my back under a tree. I was sure my face was a dead greenish-white. Both my eyes and mouth were wide open. Will's arms were locked tight around me. He clung to my chest like a leech. I blinked at him and made a faint effort to smile.
The faint wheezing from his open mouth deepened into a shallow panting. Realizing we were no longer moving he relaxed and rolled off of me and onto his back. Then he sat bolt upright. "Why didn't you let go?"
"Mate, we may not be alive but I wasn't quite ready to die either. I guess I owe you one? Thank you."
Will started to laugh. "I wouldn't admit it this to any one, but you. That was fun. I can't say I have moved like that in ages."
"Glad you enjoyed yourself Will." I said dryly.
Will stood up and retrieved both horses. "I can see you are going to need some lessons. Let's go get Jem and the other horse."
I took my horse from Will and proceeded to walk it over to where Jem was. Will leaped on his horse and rode down the beach to get the other animal. Amber accompanied me, I was sure Jem would be happy to see her fuzzy friend. When I arrived at the spot I let go of my horse and threw myself to my knees and buried my head into my hands. Will came up behind me talking softly to the horses. He tied them up and placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Jack, are you sick. What wrong?"
"Will she was here, right here." I raised my head. "You can see where she was lying, you can see the blood. Lord, Will, he has taken her. She is gone. My enemy has deliberately stolen all my goods." I turned and looked right at him. Suddenly and with awful clarity I saw it. "Will, he will stop at nothing. He has no regards for people and never did. He is a man who is totally evil because he is totally selfish. Men follow him because he leads them and because of hope of gain or fear. He will use people and discard or kill them without wasting an instant. He is also the finest swordsman I have ever met."
"Jack I can only assume you talk of Barbossa." Will looked about the beach and the cove of trees. "If he has taken Jem then we can only assume he knows just what we are doing. He could be spying on us now."
"Come Will, we can't waste anymore time. Set the one horse free and lets go get the map. I need it more than ever now, we need it." I stood up walked over to my horse and mounted her. This time she stood still and I did get on the first time around. Will placed himself in his saddle and we headed out.
"I have fought Barbossa before and I will do it again. It was a long time ago and I have learned a lot. I hope I have learned enough." I looked into Will's chocolate brown eyes. "One thing I do know, Barbossa is a fine swordsman but I stand corrected, you are the best I have ever met and if I don't kill him you better."
Will looked at me but said nothing. Together we rode down the beach heading inland towards the farm. He gave me a few instructions and told me not to grip to tight with my legs or the horse would take off.
We rode in silence for a long time. Will did eventually pick up the pace and my horse followed the speed. We rode briskly.
"Will where does the farm lie?" I asked finally.
"It's not far Jack, it is off to the south." We rode along for a while. We were avoiding the main roads for fear of being stopped. We paused occasionally to let the horses rest. The sky was sullen and the sun was going down into the clouded night. Will finally drew his horse to a walk.
"Walk gently." He said to his horse. His horse twitched an ear so I said the same thing to mine thinking it was wise to talk to the animal.
The ride to the farm was a rough one and far from short. As we approached the farm I could only sit on my horse and stare. The house was partly burned, the windows boarded over and the barn was nonexistent. I pulled my horse in front of Will's and walked on. I walked to where the barn used to be. I swung my leg over the horse and dropped to the ground.
"Jack, please tell me you buried the map and it didn't burn." Will looked at me from the saddle of his horse.
I merely shrugged and pulled my gun from my sash and placed it to me head. "Will if this would work I would use it now." I looked up at him as the eerie evening light flickered on his face and hollowed his cheeks throwing shadows into the orbits of his eyes. It made him look older than he was. I tended to forget that he was quite a bit younger than me.
I walked over to him. "Will, The Silent Falcon is gone, Jem is gone, the house and map appear to be gone and I guess you have already deduced the medallions are gone." I shook my head and turned from Will. "Everything, everything is gone!"
Then I turned back and smiled. "No Will, there is hope. We must find her. The young girl Samantha, the one that used to live here. She can't be gone. She saw me. She saw where I placed the map. I know she would not let it burn and she must have known I would be coming back for it."
I walked back to my horse and patted her on her large nose. "Come Will we must ride into town. She would be eighteen years of age by now; perhaps she has taken a job. We can offer her a way out of Tortuga. I will give her an offer she can't refuse." I gave William a golden grin as I climbed back on my horse and headed for town and my favorite tavern, The Faithful Bride. I figured if there was any news to be heard I would hear it from drunken pirates and other miscreants.
A/N Yes, everything is gone. Or is it? There is hope. For those of you who have not read my story, Aye Show Me The Horizon, Samantha and her farm were in the second to last chapter, Flight-Flee-Run Away. For those of you who do not ride horses I will let you know when you tighten your legs that is the signal to go faster. Jack being Jack didn't know this. Also a bit of geography, there is an island called Dominica; today it is part of The Lesser Antilles. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews are always appreciated. As you can tell, poor Will certainly has his hands full. Taking care of Jack is a full time job. Hey, what are friends for? Yes, we all know Jack owes Will BIG TIME! BIG TIME!