Dead Men Tell No Tales

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Disney unless they belong to Lovely Raven Sparrow. You know which ones.

Welcome To The Santiago

Before the day broke I was up, pulling on my boots and brushing my clothing free of sand. I walked down to the waters edge. I looked in the direction Will said the Pearl was beached. There was no sign of a ship.

I walked down the beach and climbed up on some drift-logs. I startled a large flock of birds that flew off with a great flapping of wings sounding like the applause of a thousand people when gathered around to watch a hanging. I shook my head to get rid of that image. I looked back at the birds as their wings caught the pink and rose of the rising sun. I stood a moment, in awe of their beauty against the morning sky.

As I turned to go back to Will and Samantha I saw a small craft dashed up on the rocks. I sauntered down to it to survey its seaworthiness. If she was damaged I figured Will and I could repair her and then search for the Pearl by sea and get rid of the horses.

The boat was of a common enough type, built to carry twenty men easily and a few more under crowded conditions. I walked around the bow, looking at the damage and the contents.

There was a mast and sail, unused on the trip ashore; three sets of oars, a water cask…empty…a sea anchor and a few tools.

The boat had been banged about. There was a plank near the bow that was splintered and a shirt was stuffed in to stop a small leak. I removed the shirt it was well worth saving. As I climbed about the craft I felt someone move up beside me and I practically jumped out of my skin.

"A little jumpy Jack?" Will questioned me as he stood there with Samantha. They also looked at the boat. "What do you think?" Will spoke softly has he dismounted his horse.

"It can be repaired." I said as I looked at Will. "We will fix this and then go look for The Pearl.

From where I stood I saw some old logs that had also washed up on the beach. "Samantha Luv, if you would be so kind pick up a couple of those sharp shells and follow me. If we are lucky we can peel the bark off those old logs. Will perchance you will make some measurements. The sooner we get her fixed." I looked at the small craft. "The sooner we can be off this rock and go find my Jem, our map and the medallions."

Samantha looked at the both of us. "Could we perhaps find some food and something to drink first?"

My mind was not on food but I could see how the young Lass could be hungry. She had yet to question me about last night and our skeletal forms and she stopped asking me what my intentions were. She truly did trust William and I would let him take care of her questions when she asked.

"Yes my Pet, we will get you something to put in your belly." I took her down the beach and I climbed a palm tree. It bought back memories of when Jem and I had been shipwrecked on a small spit of land.

"I'm sorry Luv this is all I have to offer for now." I yelled down to her from the top of the tree as I sliced the coconut from the branch and dropped it to the ground. "When we arrive on the Pearl I will have Elizabeth fix you a fine meal."

I dropped the fruit and climbed down a fast as I had climbed up. "I think the meat and the milk should hold ya for now Luv."

She picked the fruit up from the ground and looked at me. "Well, how am I supposed to eat this?"

"Woman, do they need a man to do everything? I get you the bloody food now you want me to open it and next you will want me to feed it to you, unless Luv, you want me to eat it too."

She looked at me appalled. "Look here Mister Sparrow, I did not ask to be bought to this beach, and if you don't mind I have a name. It is Samantha. Samantha Morgan, and you may call me Miss Morgan."

I grabbed the fruit from her smashed it open with the butt of my gun and handed it back. "Sorry, Miss Morgan….and you may call me Captain, Captain Sparrow." I chucked her under the chin with my dirty tanned hand.

She pulled back as if my hand was a snake. I brushed her aside and walked over to the log I had spied earlier. Taking the sharp shells Samantha had picked up I started to peal the bark from the log.

Samantha slowly followed behind me eating the coconut as if she hadn't eaten for a week. "Elizabeth?" She looked at me questioningly. "You have another woman on your ship? Is she there by force or by her own choice?"

As I pulled on the bark I rested my eyes on her? "Missy, I take no woman by force. I am a gentleman when it comes to such treasures." I squinted my eyes. "Well, that is if she is a treasure, you see my Pet, Elizabeth can be many things. Annoying is the first thing that comes to my mind." I looked into Samantha's green eyes and gave her my golden grin. Knowing I would irritate her, due to the fact I did not use her proper name.

"Elizabeth is the wife of the young mister Turner." I nodded my head in Will direction. "So if I were you I would get me sights off of him and figure out what it is you truly do want. I have me map and I will take you to a peaceful island as William has promised you and I will set you up nicely. Perhaps Port Royal would be a fine spot for ya. Aye are you looking for a husband, maybe a naval man? There are plenty of young strapping men on my ship. Anyone of them will take a liking to you."

I gazed at her petit body and flowing brown hair. "But you don't have to worry none. I'll make sure no man puts a hand on you, unless you ask for it."

Samantha stood looking at me horror-struck and then turned toward the ocean. "What has become of the rest of your crew and your ship?"

"She was damaged by a storm but I know she is near. Me crew had to make repairs on her and hopefully she is now seaworthy and in the hidden cove where she belongs." I continued to fight with the log and bark, wishing I had more strength in my arms. "If we can get that little ship seaworthy we will be on The Black Pearl by night fall."

I finally gave one big pull and landed on my butt with the bark in my hand. I stood up wiped off my breeches and walked past Samantha with my prize. I was feeling smug with myself but I could tell Samantha was not impressed.

When we returned with the bark, Will had finished the necessary measurements. Will had taken the small canvas bag that held the tools out of the boat and put them to good use. He took the wood from me and went to work immediately. He trimmed off the end of the plank with a hatchet he then cut a strip of bark to the size needed. I made holes with an awl and stitched the bark into place with cords drawn through the holes. As we worked I kept thinking about our situation and it wasn't looking too good.

"Bloody Hell." I screamed out loud as I attempted to stand up and fell. I had also sewn my leg to the ship.

Will looked at me and began to laugh. "You know Jack stitching the bark to the boat is all well and good but stitching yourself seems a little extreme."

Will knelt down beside me and helped with releasing me from the stitches.

"Jack I have to ask, where was your mind while you were doing this?"

"William." I looked into his face as he disengaged my skin from the stitches. "We will get the medallions and we will become living men again. I know Elizabeth must be furious with me and also sick with worry over you. I myself have to get Jem back. There is no telling what Barbossa will do to his daughter. She is too strong minded and independent to take orders from him."

Will looked at me with his concerned eyes. "Jack, do you really think Barbossa would hurt his daughter?"

"Lad, that I don't know and I don't wish to find out. If he becomes aware of how she truly feels about me he will kill her. He will kill her out of malice and he will do it in front of me. I'd be willing to stake he is waiting for me to find him, hand over the map, break the curse and then, kill her." I ran my hand across my neck from left to right showing Will that I would not put it past Barbossa to slice Jem's pretty neck. " I have soiled Jem and he has offered her up to his crew. After all she was the mother of my child. If Pearl were still alive the circumstances may be different. I have been informed that the birth of our daughter, Jem's and mine, did not settle well with Barbossa."

I looked over at Samantha who was sitting on the beach eating her coconut and petting Amber. "Will, Pearl was a beauty, she was just like her mother. I miss that child. I loved that child and I couldn't save her, I failed her but I won't fail Jem. I love Jem and I will save her, I have to."

I looked back at Will who was concentrating on slicing my skin from the cord. "Between you and me mate. I have never felt like this before. Is it because she is a forbidden fruit? Is it because she attacked me and took me prisoner to profit herself?" I pulled up my sleeve and looked at the B she had branded on my years ago. "She used me Will but then again I used her. Will, is this love or is this lust?"

Will finally cut the last piece of my skin from the cord, placing the tools down, he put his arm about my shoulders. "Jack we will find Jem and she will be well. I'd say Barbossa would spoil his daughter and attempt to win over her favor but to your good fortunes it will not work. It is love Jack, and it works both ways. I know, Jem has told me many times just how much she loves you." He looked down at my bleeding leg and then back at me, "and now you have told me how you feel about her."

Will looked out into the calm turquoise water of the ocean. "I knew you had it bad Captain and your heart is on your sleeve today. You always told me your love was The Black Pearl and your freedom. I knew then you had not found yourself a woman."

He looked back at me. "What makes you think Barbossa will kill Jem? I think he is leading you into a trap. He has several things that you want and once we are resigned of the curse he will kill you. Yes, in order to keep you away from Jem, he will kill you. He will not slay his only daughter. You should have married the Lass and had many children just to make him mad." Will gave me a sly smile.

I opened my eyes wide at Will's comment. I liked the way the Whelp thought. Will was a good friend and he did speak the truth, always, which could sometimes be annoying. However, he was right, thinking about it there was no way Barbossa would kill Jem. He would get his revenge by taking my life. I smiled at Will. "So you're saying Jem and I are two peas in a pod and we should procreate many children?"

Will slapped me on the back. "Aye there is the old Jack back. Elizabeth and I have been watching the two of you and yes, you are soul mates. She will bear you many children and you will both sail off into the sunset. The seas may be high and rough now but Captain Sparrow, you and Jem will live happily ever after just like Elizabeth and I."

Now it was my turn to laugh. "Yes just like you and the fair Elizabeth."

"Ahem." Samantha had strolled up behind and interrupted our intimate talk. "I am glad to see the two of you have a close relationship but Captain Sparrow." She gave me a wide grin. "Did you not promise that we would be on The Pearl before night fall?"

I stood up and sneered at her as I wiped the blood from my leg. "The sooner the better Lass, you have no idea."

I looked towards Will. "Whelp take the horses up the beach and get this young Lass some more food for she will be needing nourishment and so will the dog. Unsaddle them and let them go, they have earned their freedom and if they find their way back to civilization we can only assume they are stupid. I will finish here with Miss Morgan's help."

I looked out into the calm tranquil sea and fell into a trance. Forgetting Will and Samantha were standing directly behind me I spoke out loud. "Jem my darling, I told you I was up for a challenge and I am. I will get you back. You will be where you belong, in my arms and in my bed. Where ever you are I will find you for I am Captain Jack Sparrow and I will make you my wife."

Samantha looked at Will and shook her head. "Excuse me Will but has the Captain lost it? Who is this, Jem?"

Will smiled at her and then looked at me. "No miss, at the moment I think Jack is exactly where he wants to be and he is finally coming to his right mind."

Samantha walked over to Will and spoke quietly, yet I could still hear her. "Jem? So now there is another girl involved with the two of you?"

Will rolled his eyes and placed his arm around her. "No Samantha, Jem is all Jack's and I pity the day any man who touches or harms Jem. If anyone hurts a hair on her head Jack will take them down like the mangy dogs they are."

He smiled at her and removed his arm. "You saw the way he fought for your honor, well he would do that and more for her. He would even cheat because he loves her."

Will mounted one of the horses and had Samantha pass the lead of the other to him. "Jack, I will be back within fifteen minutes. If not you best come looking for me." He turned the horses and clapped his heels to the animals ribs and took off on a dead run.

I looked at Samantha as she watched Will travel down the white beach. "Ya know Lass, I cannot remember a time when someone was not trying to kill me. Can you believe that Whelp tried?"

Samantha glanced at me, then back at Will's disappearing form. "Yes, I don't doubt that, but you must have deserved it. Obviously he doesn't want to kill you anymore."

"I believed Jem wanted to kill me at one time also, now I know better. You will like Jem, I am sure. Perhaps I shall live long enough to know what a true treasure is." I rolled the tools into the canvas bag and tossed them in the boat. "Elizabeth Swann Turner does have a prize and if we are lucky lass we will too….someday."

I glanced toward her. She had been looking at me and her eyes slid away as mine reached hers. She was lovely, very much so. Her large, deep green eyes were rimed with long lashes. She had a proud, beautiful face with a touch of sadness in it and a hint of something else that I could not make out.

"Now, come help seal the seams with resin and let us get this craft into the water. We will make ready to sail. It is makeshift but it will serve us as long as we are not pushed against rocks."

Samantha reluctantly helped with the boat and stopped staring after Will. As we pulled the boat towards the water I heard a faint yell and I looked up. I saw Will galloping back at full speed.

I shook my head in disappointment. "I guess William is having a hard time parting with that fine animal." I turned back to attend to the boat when I heard the gunshots and men yelling.

There were a group of men on Will's tail. Their angry shouts rang through the tropical humid air. I could hear the pounding of the horse's hooves and the sand was shaking. Will was ahead of them by five lengths but they were gaining. They rode wildly, heedlessly, thoughtless of their mounts. I could see Will glancing back at them but he continued to race forward.

"Catch him. He is the one who stole our horses. He is a craven thief and I want to see him hang." One of the riders yelled.

I looked at Samantha. "Ouch what a vicious insult, I'm sure William will blame me for that one." I shoved the boat into the water. I swooped Samantha up and tossed her in unceremoniously.

Will was being chased by at least six men, all on horses and all armed and shooting at him.

"Amber, come!" I yelled at the dog and she obeyed immediately. Jumping into the water I heaved her into the boat and scrambled in myself. I hoisted the sail and tossed one of the three sets of oars at Samantha.

"Start rowing it is apparent we are not wanted on this beach and I don't want holes in me ship. Savvy?"

"But what about Will? We can't leave him."

"Lass, William Turner has many qualities and talents. Swimming is one of them. He got on the island by swimming and he will get off the same way."

"Jack, we have to go back! We can't let them have him." Samantha was now hysterical and she was beginning to rock the boat.

I looked back at the beach and could not believe what I saw. Will slowed his pace down and swung his horse around to face his pursuers. They came thundering down on him and had no intentions of stopping. Will slapped his heels to his horse and charged at them. His horse ran into the lead horse of the posse and the lead horse staggered and went down. Will hastily pulled away; the fallen man quickly leaped from the ground and sprang at Will. Will reined his horse away and thrust at him with his sword.

Will was quick but not quick enough. He grazed the side of his attackers head and the man staggered away. As Will pivoted his horse to come at him again another man lunged at him. His hands grasped Will's leg and the next thing I saw Will was sprawled on the ground and the men were standing over him with their weapons drawn.

Will stood up swiftly and struck one man hard in the face as he rose. He tossed sand in another's and then drew his sword. He whipped his blade this way and that as if to show he knew what he was about. He then started to fence with some of them. Watching Will was amazing. The tall youth had skill beyond belief.

"Jack please!" Samantha ranted.

"Woman will you please, shut up!" I pulled her down into the boat. "He can handle himself, he is stalling to give us time to get away. He is the best, he knows how to fence."

With a light wind blowing we started to move out into the open waters. I grabbed another oar and started to row with Samantha.

I once again looked toward the beach. Will was now fighting off two men, he thrust at one and the man went down. Will knocked the second man off balance and while he was regaining his composure Will grasped the closest horse and swung himself to the empty saddle. Once again his horsemanship stood him well. The horse beneath him was quick as he headed down the beach towards the water.

Will had jumped from the horse and leaped into the sea. He was now swimming towards us. He now only had two men after him and they stood on the beach, shooting into the water and at our boat. I shoved Samantha down in order to protect her.

"Stop shooting holes in my boat!" I yelled.

When we were a safe distance from the onslaught of bullets I put down the oars and waited for William to join us. He swam up to the boat and I pulled him in. He was ridden with bullet holes and bright red blood was seeping out every one of them. At first he appeared shocked and then laughed. "I guess I have to thank Jem for placing the curse on me or I surly would be dead now."

He looked at the shore and then at Samantha's shocked face. She looked very pale and I could tell she was going to faint once again. "Of course if it weren't for Jem." Will cocked his head and smiled. "I wouldn't be labeled as a horse thief." He smirked at me. "Thank you Jack, I have now joined you and I have been marked a horse thief and most likely I will hang with you."

I rolled my eyes at Samantha. "Did I not tell you the Whelp would eventually blame me?"

She gave me a weak smile and did as I suspected, fainted. I caught her before her head hit the bottom of the boat.

Will attended her while I reverted my attention to sailing. The wind was light and we were now moving slowly. I looked up and down the coast and out into the waters. There were no ships about. "This just does not make any sense."

I glanced at Will. "William you did say The Black Pearl made it through the storm and was in the cove, true?"

"Aye Captain, she sustained some damage but she was seaworthy."

"Did you inform Gibbs that we would be returning?"

Will removed Samantha's head from his lap and scooted over to me. "No Jack, I told him I would return. I had no idea where you or Jem were. Gibbs would not sail away without me unless he had good reason. You know Elizabeth and Kat would never let him get away with that."

"Well Lad, I think I have found our reason." I stood up and looked out into the cove. I glimpsed the dark bulk of a galleon's hull.

As I started to sail our small craft towards the unknown ship, the waters began to get rough. I pulled the boat over each angry crest keeping my attention on the ship, seeing the towering masts and crossed yards, the deep black hull with its lines of closed gun ports and the Jolly Roger flying high. I was getting a very uneasy feeling.

I lowered the sail and moved in toward her, sculling the boat until I was close alongside. I went around and under the long bowsprit and jib boom, beneath which the brightly gilded figurehead seemed to stare down at us with silences. It was a splendid sight to see the wood-carver's art. It was a majestic woman holding a skull in her outstretched hands.

I listened, but heard no sound aboard the ship. Lines trailed from the side, evidently where the ship's boats had been lowered.

I tied up to one. "Will stay here with Samantha." I grabbed another rope and went up it, swinging myself onto the deck. All aboard was confusion. Lines lay about, scattered tools, even sacks of food. Carefully I worked my way around the ship's deck. All was dark and still. The vessel seemed haunted. I accounted myself as being not alive but I was not keen on going below and getting ambushed.

The ship lay where the tide had left her, yet she seemed to lie on an even keel and would float again. Even an empty ship is not lifeless, for it seems to stir, to creak to yarn even to whisper. She was a small vessel compared to The Black Pearl and I went aft. I entered the passage and all was still. Before me lay the great cabin and I stepped in.

The room was in turmoil. An astrolabe, sandglass and cross staff lay upon a table along with some hastily bundled up charts. I would look at them later.

This vessel was abandoned and it appeared all they might have needed was left with her. Unless… Unless, there was a bigger and better ship that had everything they needed.

I walked over to the desk and found a pistol. I picked it up it was loaded. Along with it was a note.

Captain Jack Sparrow:

It appears The Pearl would accommodate my crew and me better than this small ship. Please make yourself at home, you will find plenty of food and rum, if you desire it. It appears to me my boy that I now have everything you desire and need. Where is your leverage now? If I were you I'd set sail to Dominica, where you and I will come face to face and you can give me the rest of the map. As you can see I left you a gun but it won't kill you, will it? Well…. maybe not yet. Ah the shame of it all, to be cursed and to live forever. Ah yes, one last item. Thefair Miss Swann and her daughter Katheryn give you their best.

Cordially, Captain Hector Barbossa.

I thrust the gun and note into my sash and went into the adjoining room. It was much smaller and without a doubt Jem had occupied it for there was a faint smell of jasmine that lingered in the air.

In the corner of the room was a small chest. It must have belonged to Barbossa, since Jem had bought nothing with her. The top was thrown back, as though its contents had been ripped from inside. Jem most likely was searching for the medallions.

I took another look around and decided I would call Will and Samantha on board. As I turned to go I saw a drawing on the table next to the bed. As I looked at it I could feel my heart pounding.

It was a picture of Jem and I standing face-to-face, chest-to-chest, and hip-to-hip. She had her arms wrapped around my waist and my arms encircled her arms and her waist. Her head was tilted back and she was looking at me with her deep dark eyes. I stood a good six inches taller than her. She was looking up into my face and she had a beautiful smile. Her eyelashes looked like silk and her hair flowed down her back like a chocolate river. She had drawn me looking down on her. My eyes were half closed and I was kissing the tip of her nose. She seemed to have every bead and every scar and tattoo I processed in the proper spot. I than realized how much she must have studied me unclothed. The picture was beautiful and if Barbossa had seen it I am sure he would have been enraged. Then I noticed in the picture around my neck and hers we both wore the Aztec medallions.

I began to fold the picture to place in my pocket when I noticed there was blood on it and then there was also blood on the bed sheets. Perhaps Barbossa had seen the drawing and he attacked his daughter.

Carefully I looked around. I felt I was missing something. Jem was a very talented artist but I didn't think she would do this just to get at her father. I looked in the draws and then I started to throw the bloody bed clothing that lie on the bed. I heard a faint tinkle.

"Aye Jem my Pet, you are good. You draw a picture to enrage your father and you saved the coins." I looked down and saw the two medallions of peculiar shape and design. Putting the picture in my pocket I then took up the coins. On one side was the skull centered on the sundial and on the other was a strange design of twisting lines and a small double circle.

I placed both around my neck and went up to the deck. There was a faint pink in the sky, the day had been passing by fast and the sun was getting ready to set.

The vessel was lightly aground, and the tide would soon float her free. Perhaps she would work free with ease. There was plenty of food on board, casks of powder, weapons. It was time to get Will and Samantha on board and get the ship headed out to sea.

We would set sail on this ship go retrieve Jem, my crew, and The Black Pearl. Could it get any worse? I still had the map but now Barbossa had Elizabeth, Kat and everything I hold dear. I dreaded telling Will Elizabeth was now on The Pearl with Barbossa. On the bright side, Jem was now back on The Pearl but of course my crew was either in the brig, heaved to, or dead. Barbossa was right I had no leverage and I would have to come up with a plan.

I sauntered to the boats rail and yelled down at Will. "Hey Whelp, the ship is clear and we will be taking her. It seems to me I owe Jem a ship."

As I looked down Samantha was quite awake but she was vomiting over the edge. During their wait the waves were whipping them around. The longboat was leaping and Samantha was trying to managed her stomach and survive from being violently sick.

Will looked up and then helped Samantha climb the rope. When Samantha got closer to me I extended my hand and pulled her up and over the rail. Will tended to the boat and then scrabbled up the ship's side. I ran my eyes quickly along the neat lines of the quarterdeck.

"Will, it will be up to us to sail this ship. Our course will be for Isla de la Muerta and to once and for all put an end to this curse." I showed him the medallions that were now around my neck. "We will then go to Dominica and get my ship back."

Will's eyes opened wide. "Your ship?" Will looked around. "Damn I don't see your ship. Where did you get the medallions?"

"Aye we are in the market for a ship Lad. The Pearl and her crew including Elizabeth, Jem and our children are all on it sailing under Captain Barbossa."

Will threw his hands up in the air and walked away from me. He was at a total lose for words.

I looked at Samantha "In a moment I will show you the ship. You will have to help us sail her. Welcome to The Santiago, Luv.

Will turned around with eyes wide open. "As in the Ball of Santiago? I thought you got rid of that?"

"Aye Will I did, I can only go by the name that appears on her. This is The Santiago she is from Spain and has been known to carry many treasures such as Aztec Gold."

Samantha looked at Will and me and then around the ship. "Captain I know nothing of the sea or of sailing."

"Yes Samantha, I know you are fresh from the land by the cut of you." I looked at her small frame and pale face. "I know you know nothing of the sea or ships. By working alongside William and I you will learn. You will be a good sailor and some day my Pet, you will outshine the others and they will be poor examples compared to you."

Samantha still looked green from the small boat trip but she gave me a meek smile. She then ran over to the side of the ship to empty her stomach.

I walked over to her and placed my hand on her back and gently rubbed her. "Whilst on board you will attend to your various duties at all times. You will become so involved with your training and preparation that you will overcome the sickness."

As I said this Elizabeth came up behind Will and threw her arms around his neck. I heard him gasp and I turned around in total shock.

She was standing there not a dozen feet away and Amber stood next too her. There were tears running down her check as she laid her arms around William.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth are you hurt?" Will questioned her as he threw his arms around her and embraced her. "What are you doing here?"

He held her at arms length and then pulled her into his chest again. "Elizabeth I am so glad you are here, you are safe. We are safe and will soon be back to normal. We are heading to Isle del la Muerta to break the curse once and for all. Jack and I will return the medallions and sink the chest to Davy Jones locker."

"No Will, we are not safe. Barbossa has The Pearl." She buried her face into Will's chest and breathed in his sent. She then looked at me.

"I'm sorry Jack; he took it. He took The Pearl along with your crew, Jem and our son Will. I can only hope Jem will protect him.

My eyes widened and I walked over to Elizabeth. I grabbed her and gave her hug. She grunted as I pulled her in close and then she also embraced me. I looked down into her soft eyes. I was also very glad to see her. "Elizabeth what of Kat and tell me of Jem, you saw her? How is she? Last I saw Jem I thought I would lose her, she was near dead."

Elizabeth struggled from my grip and I released her. "Last I saw Jem she was doing well Jack. She is amazing and she can yield a sword."

Elizabeth started shaking and then started to cry again. "I was so afraid Jack. Will please hold me." She went back into Will arms and then looked over at me.

"Barbossa was throwing Katheryn and myself to his crew Jack. It was awful. I was so frightened and Kat was in shock. Pintel wants our daughter and he started pawing at her and ripping her clothes. I couldn't watch, I couldn't let him touch her. I went for him and Boson knock me to the ground. Jem then attacked him. She pulled her sword and took at least three of the crewmember out when Barbossa stepped in. He drew his sword on her and everyone backed up.

"She gave him such an evil smile Jack. She told him to stand down for she would kill him. He just gave a sinister laugh and held up his weapon. They started; the clash of metal was ringing over the deck. The deadly voice of battle rang in my ears. They had taken off their jackets and hats. Jem had said she was the better fighter, she might be, but Hector Barbossa is one mean swordsman. He wove and dodged, lithe as a snake, sword striking like a silver fang. Jem was just as fast, amazing grace in such a beautiful body. I watched, rooted to the deck where I was pushed. I was afraid to move for fear of distracting Jem's attention. They spun in a tight circle of stroke and parry, feet touching lightly as a dance on the deck.

"I eventually pulled myself up and went for Katheryn while nobody was looking. I also grasped a boat hook on my way for protection. Everyone stood stock-still, watching father and daughter battle. Jack, like I said it was incredible, Jem was astonishing. When I had gotten to Kat I did not want to intervene, for fear of causing a fatal interruption. I wanted Jem to know Kat was safe but she was in the heat of the battle. All I could do was wait, to see which of them would win. Hoping beyond hope it would be Jem.

"Hector had his blade up and in place to deflect a mighty and deadly stroke, but he was not quick enough to brace against the savagery that sent his sword flying. You should have seen Jem's strike." Elizabeth stood shaking her head.

"I know my mouth was opened in amazement along with everyone else. As I watched the grace of her disarming her opponent I knew the killing strike must come next. I almost screamed out but did not. In fact a sound did emerge but it was weak and strangled."

Elizabeth walked back over to me and glanced at Samantha who had been standing quietly listening to her tale. "Jack, as I stood there, watching I felt a pain in my back and as I turned around Pintel was standing behind me. I smacked him in the face with the hook and tossed Kat and myself over the side. Yes Jack, Kat is with me, she is hiding in the hull, we did not know who was on board, or if Barbossa was looking for us. As far as Jem, Jack I don't know. The Pearl is gone, so I can only assume she did not kill her father." Elizabeth put her arms around me once again and hugged me tight. "Jack I am truly sorry. Jem really is a treasure."

I pulled away from Elizabeth and walked over to the rail watching the tide come in and gently lift the ship. I pulled the picture of Jem and I out of my pocket and stood for a long time just staring at it. I then looked out at the sea. "Come we must set sail." I glanced at Will, Elizabeth and Samantha then back at the horizon.

"Jem did not kill her father but did he kill her? Jem, I love you Lass and I will love you forever."

A/N 'Ello mates. Thank you for the reviews. Sorry for the delay but when the weather gets nice I find I should be outside rather than inside creating. Princess Morning, you commented to me that Jack did not seem to be too concerned over Jem. Well, now you can see he is. If Barbossa knows what is good for him he won't harm his daughter. I guess time will tell until next time. Read/Review and Enjoy. TA

Lovely Raven Sparrow