Dead Men Tell No Tales
You Killed Him
Disclaimer: Captain Jack Sparrow is still the property of Disney and wow so is Captain Barbossa.
I looked at Robert and then back at the camp. It was clear my intention should now be to find my ship and somehow contact Bootstrap. I decided to steal a little closer in hopes of hearing more.
"Robert, how long did you say you have you been here?"
He shrugged. "A little over two months…I think. A man looses track of time when the days are all alike and he has no need to be anywhere at a certain moment. It was early summer when I came ashore."
"And you have had no troubles with Barbossa and his crew?" I looked at him warily.
"Aye…with some, I have. Especially that one with the wooden eye. Mostly I keep shy of them." He pointed. "I've got a place over yonder…far enough from their camp that they won't see my fire, but close enough that I can sneak in and get supplies."
I kept an eye on him as I moved with care closer to the edge of the camp. I was like a ghost in the woods. My body glided between the leaves and branches, stirring scarcely a leaf in the passing. Robert, however, was a different story. He followed me and he was very clumsy. He would have to do better. I turned around and narrowed my eyes at him.
"Mate, are you trying to wake the dead? If so, I think ya have succeeded."
Robert looked at me with such stupidity in his eyes I knew then and there he and his brother were as different as night and day. "Robert, does Captain Barbossa know you, his brother, are on the island?"
"I'd say he does not or he would have tried to kill me by now. He knows there were some survivors from The Bonaventure, but not many. That strange pale man they call Bootstrap was on it. He seemed to have a death wish. He hardly ate anything, he slept very little and he would just moan at night, as if he were in pain. When the Black Pearl attacked us, he was the one who warned us to abandon ship. He told us she preys on ships and settlements and never leaves any survivors."
"No survivors? Then where do the stories come from, I wonder?"
Robert looked at me again and I could tell that my comment had gone right over his head. "Mate, in my professional opinion I think we should not let them know we are here. Please pick up your feet and stop charging after me like an elephant." I had no doubt Barbossa knew he was on the island. Barbossa seemed to know quite a lot. Too much for my liking.
Robert looked at me and he was now totally confused. He was oblivious to his clumsiness as he kept plodding along after me.
I shook my head and lifted my hand to stop him. I was now close enough to hear Hector Barbossa and Bootstrap Bill. They stood together, off to one side of the fire. Ragetti, Pintel and the rest of the miscreants were all sitting around the fire.
"Bootstrap," Barbossa barked. "I don't want to hear stories of romance and how Jack just has to marry my daughter on his bloody ship. It isn't even his ship! You have a job to do and you best be doing it. I know all about Jack Sparrow and my daughter and he will never marry her. Do you hear me?" He glared at Bootstrap. "As far as your son, yes I know where he is. I know all about the bloody Whelp and I can get to him at any time."
Bootstrap gave Barbossa a look of disgust. "You can count on me to do your dirty work. I will not attempt to do anything heroic. I have not been a good father to my son and I know it. The call of the sea and treasure was too much for me. I do owe Will something; after all I am his own flesh and blood. He has a wife and two children and he is better to them then I ever was to my wife and child."
"Aye Bill, I'm glad you have seen the error of your ways." Barbossa replied coolly. "Of course you are a better man then your son. Your son is a rather stiff, humble, nervous type. He can be very obedient and subservient if need be, like a loyal puppy dog. You should see the way he follows Sparrow around. Why Sparrow lingers with him is beyond me. William Turner makes for a lousy pirate. Obviously there are no worries, since your son hates pirates. He follows a code as well as we do, but his code involves fairness and justice. He hates pirates and he feels superior to us all. Yes, he hates us all; therefore you know he'll just adore you."
"It seems he likes Jack and last I heard Jack Sparrow was still a pirate." Bootstrap snapped back.
"Aye mate, I'll give you that, but Jack is not like us. He tries to fool people with his inept ways, and it is possible he has done this to your son. But I know better; Jack Sparrow is a deeply complex and disturbed man. He will not kill or maim unless absolutely necessary. He also lives by a code which yes, has been modified. He simply has one wish and that is to be a pirate captain at the helm of his own ship. It is a shame he can't seem to keep his ship. Not much gets by him and that is why we must be watchful. Those beads and bangles he wears I am sure are to enhance the idea of his insanity. One may think rum is the only thing he drinks but I'd wager the answer is no."
"Jack is a good man," Bootstrap replied. "You are right he is not a drunk and he is very sure-footed when on deck. His fighting skills are good. I am sure over these many years he has lost his innocence and naiveté and he has learned a great deal about human nature. He knows the drunkards and the simpletons will pass through life without being noticed and that is why he does it. True he is a drinker, a carouser and a rogue, but he is dedicated to his own goals and a life of freedom on the high seas. Jack will never compromise his own principles. There is only one person who will suffer harm from Jack's hand and that one person is you…Captain Barbossa, his mutinous first mate!"
Hector gave Bootstrap an evil laugh. "I have heard tales that your son went looking for you when he was about the age of eight." Hector removed his hat and looked soulfully at Bootstrap. "The unfortunate lad had to seek passage aboard a merchant vessel after his poor mother died." Hector then replaced his hat back on his head and went to sit with the rest of the crew by the fire. He took an apple from his pocket and bit into it. One could see the look of pleasure on his face as he tasted the succulent fruit.
"Yes your lad was on a ship that I conveniently burned. He had duties as a cabin boy, can you imagine? Life at sea had no allure for him; the Whelp was just seeking his father. Believing his dear old dad was a merchant sailor."
Barbossa threw a glance over at Bill and shook his head as he took another bite from his apple. "Really Bootstrap did you think your son would fall for that? I'm sure by now your son knows the truth about you. Jack Sparrow has most likely told him everything. Jack does have a gift for telling tales."
Bootstrap went and sat next to Barbossa. "I don't care what Jack had to say to my son. Just tell me about William and promise me you won't hurt him."
"Bill…Bill…I am a man of me word, don't impugn me honor. If I say I won't hurt him, I won't hurt him." Barbossa placed his arm around Bootstrap. "Your son was taken in by a blacksmith named Brown. He taught your boy his humble trade of steel casting and forging. Brown looks the type to cast horseshoes and replace parts on wagons, but obviously he taught your son the art of sword-making. Your son holds his swords dearly to him and he is preoccupied with his sword making and fencing. I was told he bragged to Jack Sparrow that he spent time each day teaching himself to fight with a sword so he could kill pirates. Now wouldn't it be a shame if he killed you?" Barbossa removed his arm and looked deep into Bootstrap's face. "Or even worse, if you killed him."
"Barbossa, he won't kill me or I him. I am not glad you sank The Bonaventure, and spared me from the life of a merchant sailor. I was hoping to live the rest of my days at sea, repenting my miserable life. I was hoping to die penniless and have my bones thrown into the sea where they belong. I have learned my lesson of greed and its consequences."
"Really Bootstrap, you should write a book." Barbossa shot him an evil look. "My tales of Captain Barbossa. How he tried to kill me by strapping a cannon to my bootstraps."
Pintel leaned back and laughed. "Strapping a cannon to Bootstrap's bootstraps."
"Silence," Barbossa hit Pintel with the back of his hand and continued. "How he strapped a cannon to me and dropped me into the crushing, black oblivion of Davy Jones's locker, only to be saved by the same Captain, in order to kill Jack Sparrow to spare the son that I sent a precious piece of treasure too."
Barbossa tossed his apple core into the fire. "You know mate, if you had not sent off that piece of treasure, me and the rest of the crew would not have had to search the world for it and your son could have remained untouched."
"Barbossa you would not listen to Jack and you forced me to take the treasure. I for one did believe Jack and the tale of the curse and that is why I sent the coin to my son. I knew you were up to no good and my days were numbered on The Pearl. I figured if I were cursed I could survive anything you threw at me and I could possibly go back to the island and rescue Jack and, eventually, return to my wife and son. Unfortunately for me, you strapped me to a bloody cannon. As a cursed pirate, I did sink to the bottom of the ocean, the pressures of which exploded my brain leaving only fragments of memory. Over the years my mind has come back and I don't like what I am remembering."
Bootstrap placed his white head into his pale hands. "I hate myself and my life and I would end it now, but you tell me in order to save my son I have to kill my friend Jack. Barbossa, I will do it."
Bootstrap raised his head and glared at Hector. "Grant it, those many years ago when you abandoned Jack on that small spit of land I was not much of a friend to him. I was just like you, filled with greed. The desire to sail and find gold and take chances was like wild fire running through my veins. I thought nothing of me wife or son, just me. Barbossa, I know you hate Jack Sparrow with a passion and you feel he is the one responsible for your lost ten years, the death of your wife and the lack of knowing your children. Jack told you the Aztec Gold was cursed but you disregarded the tales of the curse as a child's fairy tale. It was not Jack's fault that you took the gold and lived high on this plunder until you realized the horrible aspect of the curse and that Jack was right. If I had truly known Jack was right, and not consumed with the greed, I would not have followed you, I would not have gone along with the mutiny and I would not have sent the gold medallion to my son. You knew I was against the marooning of Jack but you made me do it, along with the rest of your crew."
"Bootstrap stop your whining. That's the kind of attitude that lost you your mind, your wife, and son."
I could see Barbossa's face in the fire light. It was a bearded brutal face, the face of a strong, ruthless man, but an intelligent one, or such was my immediate estimate. As I stood watching I figured I best be careful. I really did not know much about Barbossa. I have always known him as a pirate but he displayed characteristics one would not associate with pirates. He uses educated vocabulary, he has knowledge of high society life, and he possesses a keen and logical thought process.
"As for your son's family," Barbossa jabbed at Bootstrap. "They too may just end up on the bottom of the sea. You should know that your son only has one child, and that is his son Bill, named after you I presume. His daughter is the illegitimate offspring of Sparrow and your son's beautiful wife, Elizabeth. I guess your son and Jack like to share their women."
Bootstrap now stood up and walked away from the fire. He turned and faced Barbossa. "Well, then my son should have a round with your daughter, ay?"
Barbossa stood up and drew his sword. "You best not double cross me Bootstrap. I want my daughter and I want that map. You take care of Sparrow and you'll have no worries."
Barbossa put his weapon away and the pirates proceeded to mill around the fire, eating, drinking and settling down for the evening. I looked over towards Robert. "Did the two of you grow up in England?"
Robert looked at me questioningly. "Yes, why do you ask?"
"What can you tell me about you and your brother? Why are the two of you so different?"
"We were sons of a prosperous man. He provided us with a proper education including the art of defense with a sword. Our father was a barrister in the courts of England and he trained us to follow in his footsteps. That is why my brother, even though a pirate, uses civilized language and has such adroit barging powers.
"My brother knows how to maintain the letter of the law, in this case the Pirate's Law, while looking for loopholes. You see my father overlooked one very small flaw in Hector. Hector, loves the high life and the long wait to advance into a more highly paid position in the English courts rankled him. He wanted to obtain wealth quickly so he turned to piracy. Hector made the decision to take to the seas rather than the courtroom. You may not know this, but he sailed with Captain Henry Morgan. I don't know if he chose to sail with Morgan or if he was one of the hapless crew that was defeated by Morgan and joined up to save his life? Either way, he learned a great deal from Captain Morgan, including the pirate's code of conduct developed by Morgan and Bartholomew."
I looked back at Hector Barbossa as he sat with his crew and now it occurred to me why the code of conduct was so important to Jem. Hector obviously taught this to his son and daughter in the little amount of time he had spent with them.
"One does not want to double cross Hector Barbossa." Robert whispered into my ear. "I know if anyone can bring him down you can. You seem to be the thorn in his side, Captain Sparrow. As you can see, Barbossa has a thorough understanding of the code and the various loopholes contained therein, prompting his own interpretation of the code as guidelines rather than rules. Those ten years of sailing with Morgan have given Barbossa much knowledge of seamanship and the skills of reading maps and compasses."
I pulled back from Robert. "You say Hector sailed with Morgan for ten years? One can only assume he got along well with him and he availed himself of all the luxury of high living from the spoils of piracy. I have seen his home and the way he likes to live."
"Yes, he and Morgan were very close. Hector was like a son to him until they had a falling out and Hector left Morgan's crew and found his way to Tortuga."
"Aye, I think I am inclined to agree with that. I know that is where my father met Barbossa."
"Don't get me wrong," Robert continued. "Barbossa respects Morgan as a pirate, and his allusion to not question his commands may hark back to some of the deeds and punishments Morgan dealt to disobedient crewmembers, of which Barbossa my have been the recipient at one time. This I think is why the crew of The Black Pearl cows and obeys to Hector's command. Hector is a lot like Captain Morgan."
"When me father met Barbossa in Tortuga, Hector was with no ship or crew and had very little money. Of course, once Barbossa started to sail under my command his true colors came out. He always felt I was too young and naïve to captain The Black Pearl. My downfall was to entice him and the crew with tales of immense treasure free for the taking on the Isla de Muerta and promising an equal share to every man."
I walked over to Robert and motioned him to follow me. "Come, the shadows are getting long and it is getting late. I should return to my friends. They will be wondering where I went and knowing young William he will stumble upon us and give away our secrecy."
Robert started to follow then stopped short. "Captain Sparrow, answer me this. Why did you make my brother your first mate?"
"Well, if you must know, he was the most skilled of seamanship and, as you pointed out, he is a logical and intelligent thinker."
Robert looked at me and laughed. "You mean he talked his way into the position. You told him the fabled tale of treasure and his greed fired in his soul. He gained your complete trust and swayed you to reveal the location of the island and said treasure. He tricked you by telling you to share your information and that every one gets an equal part of the shares. Having acquired the information, he slyly fueled the fire and enhanced the greediness of the crew to have the treasure for themselves and he probably cited the benefits of having an experienced captain, as opposed to a young naive one, such as you Captain Jack Sparrow."
I scowled at him and rolled my eyes. "Mate, keep it down. Are you looking to be captured? There is no reason to bring up ancient history."
"Aye Captain, I am sorry." Robert gave me a sympathetic look as he stumbled over some roots and fell to the ground. He yelled out in pain. I immediately dropped beside him and clamped my hand over his mouth.
"It is amazing how different you are from your brother. You are a blooming idiot!"
Robert pulled his head free as he rubbed his ankle and looked angrily at me. "We all know of Barbossa's accomplishments. The mutiny and the depositing of the young immature, inexperienced, youthful captain, Captain Jack Sparrow, on a deserted island. Yes, Captain Jack Sparrow was left on a deserted island to die."
I gave him a wide smile. "That's enough mate, that's a time in my life I'd like to forget. As you can see, I survived. That was the day Hector Barbossa almost killed Jack Sparrow."
"Yes Captain, obviously you have a lot of near escapes. You do posses a high level of arrogance and confidence. I can only assume that is why you are alive to this date. Or is it just dumb luck?"
"Robert, I have no manner of luck, and evidently neither do you." I glanced at him. "The only reason I am taking you with me is so I can get me ship back. You best know where it is and you best be keeping your mouth shut. I have no use for you or the Royal Navy, now come with me before your brother catches the both of us. Savvy?"
"I can't… I can't get up. I hurt my leg." Robert started to complain. "You will have to help me."
I cursed under my breath. I was having a hard time getting him to his feet. He was a large and clumsy individual. As I attempted to pull him up I felt a sharp pain in my back and instantly dropped Robert.
"On your feet," I heard a voice behind me.
I straighten up to find a sword pointed at me. "Well, if it isn't Captain Barbossa." I cursed silently to myself once again. I clapped both hands together bowed and gave Hector a sly smile. "Mate, think nothing of this, I was just passing by and found your brother. I was trying to help him, but now that you're here, I'll be on me way. I would hate to stand in the way of a family reunion."
"Passing by, ya say?" Barbossa looked up and down the path. "Ya know mate, if you were passing by you should have been more careful and stayed away from the likes of him." Barbossa lowered his sword and grasped me by the arm pulling me closer to him. "So Jack, was that time in your life really all that bad? I think I can remedy that. I can give you a worse time."
I pulled away from Barbossa and rubbed my arm where he had held his vice like grip. "Tell ya what Barbossa; there is no need to put yourself to such trouble. I will just leave now and never come back this way again. Savvy?"
"Jack, Jack…where would my manors be if I didn't thank you for your efforts?"
I attempted to back up but was stopped by several other pirates. "Mate, there's no need to stand on ceremony, nor call to impress me. Just let me go on my way."
"I'm disinclined to acquiesce to you request Sparrow. I can't believe me fortunes. I knew you would eventually come to me, I just did not think it would take so long and that you would be alone. I felt sure I would have to deal with that Whelp who feels he can weld a sword better than anyone. He is a bit of a stick."
"Ah, you mean William Turner?" I looked about to see if Bootstrap were near, but he was not.
Barbossa kept a close watch on me as I started to sway back and forth. "Tell me something Jack. What's going on in that head of yours? Why are you out here without your jacket, shirt and no weapons? Could you be on a holiday? What kind of a pirate are you? It has been many months since I have taken The Pearl. What have you been doing? Laying back, playing house and getting a tan. Have you turned soft Sparrow?"
"No, maybe just a little crazy, thanks to the wondrous large woman that claimed to be your wife. Mister Turner did you the honors of getting rid of her. Did ya not notice?"
Barbossa now gave me an evil smile. "Yes, I did notice. But without your Mister Turner here, how are you going to conjure up another miraculous escape to save your miserable life?"
I looked deep into Barbossa eyes. "Now, to be quite honest with you---"
"Men seize them and take them to the fire. Sparrow you really do talk too much." Barbossa ordered his men before I could finish my answer. Pintel and Ragetti attempted to pull Robert up and they could not lift him.
"Ouch, damn it!" Robert yelled. "Can you not see my ankle is broken? The bone has ruptured the skin."
Barbossa looked down at his brother. "Robert, do you remember Elena, that old nag father had? Do you remember what he did to her when she broke her leg?"
Robert's eyes grew wide. "You wouldn't? I am your brother!"
"I would mate, I would." At that moment Barbossa drew his gun and shot his brother in the head. I winched as I saw the bullet enter the front of Roberts head and leave through the back. I stumbled backwards slightly and opened my eyes wide. I was feeling a bit ill but I decided this would be an opportune moment to keep my mouth shut.
"Dead men tell no tales Sparrow." He could see the shock in my face. "I have to say, Elena was a finer specimen of life compared to my brother." He looked at his brother's corpse, shook his head and then looked back at me. "Jack, I must inform you of several things. First, you can't get your ship back when it isn't yours to take. Secondly, you don't have to bother with Robert, since he will not be showing you the way to The Pearl. Third, I will be taking the map now since it appears you are unarmed, half dressed and alone."
As Barbossa spoke his men came up behind me and grabbed me. They began to search me for the map. One tore my hat off my head and the others attempted to remove my boots.
"Easy on the goods, I'm not going anywhere."
"Give me the map Sparrow, and give it to me now." Barbossa extended his hand out to me.
"I don't have it. The Whelp does, and it appears to me you don't wish to face him. He may just pull his sword on you and win." I looked from side to side at the pirates who were frisking me and gave them my golden grin.
Barbossa walked over to me and backhanded me. "Now I did not deserve that," I cringed away and placed my hand to my jaw; I could taste the blood in my mouth.
"You, Sparrow, have just sealed your fate. You will be coming with me. I know where the island is, I just do not know where the treasure lies on the island and for your sake you better remember. If you are anything like me, I know you have put the map to memory. You appear to be daft Jack, but I know you are not. Really, you can't be as dumb as you pretend to be. Your stupid antics may fool some, but you don't fool me."
Barbossa looked down at his brother. "It was so nice of you to drop in; it has been a long time."
I looked down upon Robert's crumbled body. "Fortunes are hunted and are won or are lost, when men seek after riches at sea. A wise man must reckon he knows of the cost and what the price of his own soul could be."
"How philosophical of you Jack." Barbossa gave me a genuine smile. "Now you may want to take his shirt and coat, for where we are going it might get cold."
I looked at Robert and then over at Barbossa. "You didn't have to kill him; he was of no threat to you."
"Worry about you own fortunes, Sparrow."
I smirked at him. "Remember mate, dead men tell no tales and if you be killing me you will never get to the Treasure of Revere." I pulled away from Barbossa's goons and stripped the shirt off of Robert. The shirt was enormous but it was better than nothing. I left the coat behind. There was no possible way I was going to wear anything that resembled the Royal Navy. After placing the shirt on, Barbossa's men grabbed me again and tied my hands behind my back while pulling a black silk bag over me head.
"Take him to The Pearl, we will set sail tonight. Tell Bootstrap to stay away from the prisoner. I will not be wanting him dead quite yet. Sparrow, if you are wise, you will do as you are told."
"I see no profit in it for me, Barbossa. I can assume you will not be naming me captain of The Black Pearl after you get the treasure." Sarcasm came easy while my head was hidden by the hood. "I'd be willing to wager you will leave me on a small spit of land once again."
My head was yanked back, and it was pulled hard. "I do know where your illegitimate daughter resides and I will have no hesitation to let Pintel go retrieve her and have his way with her, as you have had with my daughter. Yes, I know my daughter is blind when it comes to you and she carries your child. You will do as I say if you value the lives of Jem and your unborn bastard. Yes, news travels. I'll even be a sport and if you behave I will let you see the fair Katherine."
I knew it was useless to fight. The walk was long and treacherous but eventually I felt the deck of The Pearl under my feet.
"Pintel," Barbossa voice echoed through the darkness. "Throw Jack into the brig. Ragetti, go take care of that task I told you of. And Jack, my dear friend," Barbossa placed his arm around my shoulders. "You will be traveling down there with the rats. Your cat has been slacking off on his duties and we have quite an abundance of those darling creatures."
XXXXXXXX
Once alone in the cell I worked my bindings loose and removed the blind fold. I looked though a hole in the shipside and I could see the shore line. The moon was rising but it was low on the horizon. I could hear movement above me and a lot of yelling. As the yelling ceased, I could hear the anchors going up and the ship lunged forward; we were headed out to sea. I once again looked through the small hole and watched the body of land disappear; we were moving at a fast clip.
I was on my ship once again, but I was completely enraged and frustrated that I had lost control of the whole situation. I had to regroup my thoughts. If only William had followed me and stumbled upon us. Perhaps William will find Robert's dead remains. Conceivably, Bootstrap could come to my rescue.
I looked about the cell. Nothing had changed since the last time I was here. There was still water sloshing on the floors and there were rats running along the wooden beams. I sensed they were waiting to jump at me the minute I sat down. I spotted my hat floating in the bilge water. I picked it up shock it out and placed it on my head. I slid myself down the wall of the brig and closed my eyes. I knew morning would find me in the same position and I would be far out at sea. A shiver ran up my back and I pulled the oversized shirt tightly around myself.
Yes, I was where I wanted to be. I had longed to be here, well not here in the brig but out at sea at the helm of me ship. I knew deep in my heart I should be with Jem, Kat and my unborn child. Will was right, I did have responsibilities. Knowing Will, he will think I shirked my everyday jobs and ran for the ocean as fast as I could. He was quite annoyed with me and my handling of his wife. Elizabeth will be relieved I am gone. Kat won't miss me for she is so enamored by the young Mister Turner. Samantha is off in her own little world and she will come to the conclusion I got cold feet. Jem, she will be the only one to miss me. She will want to come looking for me but I am sure her friends will prevent her for the safety of the baby and because of her health. I closed my eyes and fell into a fitful sleep.
I bolted upright from my slumped position on the floor. I was covered with cold clammy water and there was a rat sitting on my chest. I grabbed him by the tail with my forefinger and thumb and tossed him as hard as I could against the bars. "Take that you scum." I walked over to the door and rattled it, knowing it would not open. I once again looked out the hole in the side of me ship. I could see the light from a full moon shining above the peaceful ocean. Oh how I longed to get out of the cell and stand on the deck! After several useless hours spent trying to fall asleep, once again, I heard footsteps near the stairs. Then I heard voices as the door opened and Ragetti was shoved down the stairs by Barbossa. Ragetti was holding something or someone against him. I finally made out that his arms were wrapped around a female, forcing her to lean back against his chest. Barbossa was also holding something close to his chest but I could not make out what it was.
Barbossa held a candle to the females face. "I don't know whom you have there, Ragetti, but it's not Jem. Jem will not be having the baby for several more months. This one has long blond hair. She looks nothing like Jem. Ragetti, are you blind in both eyes?"
"I tell you, I thought it was Jem, it was dark. I thought it was her! She was staying with that old sea coot, Justin. That is were Bootstrap told me I would find her. When I arrived at the house there was much activity going on and I heard the orders to start the kettles of water boiling and Justin had sent for a midwife. I saw the young Mister Turner and his fair lass, Elizabeth, and I just knew Jem had to be having the baby. I didn't see her anywhere but I could surly hear her screaming." Ragetti shook his head as if trying to clear away the ringing.
"Captain Barbossa, they all appeared to be in a dazed state and Justin was thrusting a tankard of rum into Mister Turner's hand. I heard him tell Turner, 'Well, I am glad you will be present at the birth of one of her children.' The screams started to get louder. They were definitely coming from the house Bootstrap had mentioned. I just knew it was Jem, it had to be. That William lad and Justin both looked pale and Miss Elizabeth entered the house. Both men turned paler and paler as they listened to Jem scream. I felt sick myself but I knew you would be glad to have your daughter and grandchild with you, so I laid in wait."
Ragetti wiped the sweat from his brow as he now looked at me and gave me a wide smile. I nodded back and looked at the poor frightened woman and then realized Barbossa was holding a baby.
Ragetti continued. "Until this night, I never knew how much a woman suffers to give birth to a child. When the final tormented scream came, I almost felt like crying out. I thought for sure Jem had died. Every one stood motionless during the silence that followed, until the distinct cry of a child drifted out of the house. I could see the smiles on Justin's and William's faces as they relaxed. Will clapped Justin on the back and said, 'Congratulations are called for.' A few minutes later, Elizabeth came out and she was chuckling. I heard William say. 'Is she all right?' And she replied, 'Yes, she is fine, and so is her son. It was a difficult delivery but little Jack is doing just fine. As you can tell he has a good set of lungs on him.' You see Captain Barbossa, you now have a grandson and you a son, Sparrow. Now isn't this a pretty picture, the baby is in its grandfather's arms and dad is behind bars."
I started to snicker and tired to hold my composure but I could not, I burst out laughing.
Ragetti looked shocked. "What do you find so damn amusing?"
"She just had the baby and you kidnapped them both? Did you bother to look at her face? Did you bother to ask her name?"
"No, but…" He paused and I could feel the tension in the room.
"Damn you Ragetti, you are a stupid blighter." Barbossa pushed the child into the young mother's arms. "I am sorry for the inconvenience miss. Do you have a name?"
The young woman was frightened to death and I could tell she was weak from just giving birth hours before hand. "I am called Madeleine."
"Well Madeleine, you have been mistaken for another but there is not time to take you back. I will make sure my men make you as comfortable as possible until we can place you and your son on a suitable island." Barbossa scowled at me and turned to leave.
"You're sorry!" Madeleine yelled at Barbossa. "How dare you come into my house and kidnap me and my newborn son." She grabbed a hold of Barbossa's hair and she pulled him back. "What makes you think you can be so ruthless and take advantage of women and children, just because they are weaker then you?"
She was rewarded with a smack across the jaw and a tumble to the floor. Amazingly she still held on to the now crying child. "Lucky for you lass, I am in a fair mood. You best be watching what you do with you're hands and keep that child quiet."
Barbossa turned to Ragetti. "Throw her in the cell next to Sparrow and what ever you do, don't mess that up."
By this time Madeleine was halfway across the room, making her way to the stairs. Ragetti, fearing Barbossa's wrath, grabbed a hold of her. She started to scream and he shoved his fist into her mouth and knocked the baby out of her hands as she fell to the floor. The child lay on the floor motionless and silent next to her. Ragetti lifted the mother from the ground and threw her into the cell; he then tossed the baby on top of her. He then turned to Barbossa who was now standing very still and shaking his head. He, like me, could not believe what we had just experienced. Ragetti had killed the child.
Ragetti looked back at the crying mother and then he looked at me. "What? She was trying to get away. I only did what I was told."
Ragetti looked back at Barbossa. "Captain, I found her where Bootstrap told me I would. How was I supposed to know it wasn't Jem or even Sparrow's baby? I told you, IT WAS DARK!" Ragetti winced as he confronted Barbossa's evil eyes. "Bootstrap said Jem was pregnant and she was going to give birth. He did not tell me how far along she was. I thought that you would be thrilled that I got your daughter back."
Barbossa hit Ragetti to the floor. "Blast it you fool. That is Justin's wife and dare I say that was his child you just killed. Do you know what you have done? Justin will send a ship out to look for her and, if I am not wrong, William Turner will be joining them."
"I'm sorry Captain, I was just following orders."
"I did not order you to capture this young lady, I told you to bring Jem to me. I have enough troubles; I don't need to contend with this. It is your fault that the wench is here."
Barbossa looked over at Madeleine. "Please madam stop your noise, you are making it very difficult to think." He then turned again on Ragetti. "Are you soft in the brain? I should have gotten rid of you a long time ago." Barbossa walked over to the bars and looked down upon the sobbing mother and dead child. "I'm sorry for your heartache; the child did not deserve to loose his young life. I do not intend to harm you. You may rest easy on that account. I do intend to punish this fool for his behavior. If you prove to not be a burden and follow my orders, I will release you from the cell and let you have freedom to roam the ship."
Barbossa grabbed Ragetti by the scruff of his neck and pulled him up the stairs. I could only imagine he would be tied to the main mast and whipped for his mistake. As the door closed all I could hear was the soft sobbing of Justin's' wife over her dead child.
"Lass, I am sorry for your loss." I spoke low as I looked at her. "The curses dishonest men bring on themselves can drive any sane man to grief, but eternal damnation seems a small price to pay when a pirate proves naught but a thief. That man stole the life of your child and he will pay for it Lass, he will pay."
I once again slid down the wall of the brig, covered my face with my hat and waited for my next visitor. My visitors came few and far between. I received small meals of hard bread, dried meat and a mug of rum three times a day. I was informed this would keep me going until we reached the island.
After a week at sea we encountered our first storm of the voyage. I knew from experience that this would not be our last. Madeleine became quite ill and to my surprise Barbossa did remove her from the cell and took good care of her. I found it hard to believe that he felt remorse for her loss but evidently he did. Barbossa was true to his word and he did let Madeleine have her freedom as long as she promised to behave in a civil manner. She did as she was told and to my surprise she was able to spend time talking with me but she was not aloud to have any physical contact with me. She had to stay five feet away from my cell. She would come to see me at least three times a day to keep me company and to tell me of our bearings.
It was during one of these visits a most unpleasant incident occurred. Madeleine had just come down to see me when two hands clamped down on her shoulders and spun her around. I had not seen Ragetti come down before her, I must have been napping. He held her tight as his glazed eyes slowly covered every inch of her body.
"Ye're gonna pay fer my punishment. Ye're gonna pay fer the damages to my back. Because of you my back will be forever scared."
Maddy's eyes were full of terror. She pulled away and attempted to run for the stairs. Ragetti yanked her back and as he did they both fell to the floor and lay next to my cell. As Ragetti struggled with Maddy I reached my hand out and snatched the keys from his belt.
"Thanks very much," I said snidely. Ragetti did not notice for he was quite occupied.
"Why are you doing this? Why?" Maddy cried out and looked towards me for help.
"That is a foolish question, my fine lady, but I will gladly answer it." Ragetti said, gasping for breath. "You see, I have dreamed of killing you. I will not kill you immediately, for that would be too merciful, and I feel no mercy. You will beg me to end your life before I am through. I will first have my way with you, several times, and then kill you."
I gave a low moan. I really did not want to involve myself but I could see it was inevitable. I unlocked my cell and stood over the both of them. "Ragetti, I warn you, I would not do that if I were you."
"Well, you're not me, so just leave me alone." Ragetti yelled at me and then realizing I was on the other side of the bars, released Maddy. He stood up and pulled his dagger out.
Maddy gasped and her face turned a snowy white. She pulled herself off the floor and without a word or a scream she turned to run.
"You can't run from me you whore." Ragetti yelled. He grabbed her arm and pulled her against his sweaty body.
"Release her," I ordered, as I snatched her and pulled her away from Ragetti. I shoved her behind me and then went for Ragetti's dagger.
The blade flashed in the scant light that was coming from the sun through the wooden slats, I knew I could win this fight, but he had anger on his side and I sensed he was determined to win. Blood appeared on both of us, more on me since Ragetti had more control over the weapon. I finally overpowered him and pulled the dagger from his hand and sank it into his shoulder, rendering his right arm useless, I then closed my fist to his jaw and sent him crashing against the floor, where he lay in a heap.
"Come," I took Maddy's hand and pulled her behind me up the stairs. I quickly scanned the ship and saw Barbossa walking the main deck.
"Maddy quick, go tell Barbossa of the attack but don't tell him I am free. Please Luv; I need time to pull me thoughts together and to take over the ship. I promise you, once I am captain of The Black Pearl, I will take you back to your husband." I released her hand and I retreated into the Captain's quarters, my old quarters.
Only a few minutes lapsed before the door was flung open and I could see Barbossa's silhouette in the entrance. "Jack, my cabin is not yours. I know you are in here and there is no way out, unless you choose to jump from the windows. In that case, be my guest."
Barbossa walked into the room and lit a lantern. "Jack I know you don't wish to go for a swim and you don't wish to be dinner for the sharks, so why don't you come out and we can talk over MY agenda."
He walked over to the long table that was in the middle of the room and poured two large tankards of rum. "Jack, I know you have vowed revenge on me but you will do something foolish. You usually do. So let me see, what will you try? Will you slit my throat? Aye, I didn't think to remove the daggers from MY cabin. Do you plan to attack me with them?"
As Barbossa spoke, I stepped out from behind a large chest that was in the far corner of the room. I stood there silently, giving no outward sign of the fury I felt. He had guessed right, I had found the daggers and I was attempting to hide them in the folds of my enormous shirt.
Barbossa gave me a crooked smile as he slowly crossed the room and watched my every move. When he reached the table he turned his back on me, giving me a chance to attack, and I did. Barbossa immediately turned around, just in time to catch my uplifted wrist holding the long dagger.
He stared at me in disbelief as he twisted my wrist making me drop the weapon. "Why, Jack, I always thought you were the type to talk things out. I didn't believe you would actually try to kill me. Threaten me or fend my off, yes, but to raise the blade and try to spill my blood? No. What did you hope to gain?" Barbossa asked sinisterly.
"Barbossa, I want my ship back, I want your daughter and I want to see you dead---by my hand!" I flashed my kohl rimmed eyes at him and gave him my infamous golden grin.
Barbossa snarled, "I am just a simple pirate Jack. I'm not sure I can give all that to you." His eyes then took on a more sinister glare. "You don't care much about your own life, do you Sparrow?"
"Well Mate, I wouldn't say that, but I do care to end yours," I fumed, struggling to pull my wrist free from his iron grip. "Barbossa, I will find a way to get me ship back." I struck out at him with my free hand, but he grabbed it.
"Jack, Jack my boy, yes technically I took your ship, but you took my daughter and because of you, my house was burnt to cinders and the village is gone."
"Barbossa, your daughter came to me. She sought me out and as far as the homeless pirates, they are just another excuse for you to maim or kill me."
"Jack, I don't need an excuse. Many pirates have lost their homes because of you. You may be sly and uncommonly lucky and stronger than you look, but you are no match for me. You are merely angry because I didn't allow you to stay with my daughter and to see your bastard born into the world. Now, if you unruffle your feathers and work with me, I will reunite you with your daughter, Katherine, after I have the treasure."
"Barbossa, why would I make a deal with you? I know I can't trust a word you say. You may reunite me with my daughter but you fail to say how and when."
"Please Jack, don't deprecate my dignity. I know how and you will find out. As far as when, I have already told you, after I get the treasure. I will give you a blood oath if that will unfurl your nerves?"
I looked long and hard at Barbossa. I knew deep down he was a man not to be trusted but I had no other choice. I had to make some sort of an agreement with him.
"Barbossa, if I work with you, you must agree by the end of our voyage I am named captain of The Pearl, Jem becomes my wife and Kat is standing by my side, alive. You can have a hundred percent of the plunder and I'll buy you a new hat. A really big one. Now what do you say to those terms?" I nodded my head and squinted my eyes, waiting for an answer.
Barbossa gripped my arms even tighter. "Sparrow you have tried that before. It didn't work then and it won't work now. You should be thanking me; I have saved you from hurt. I have spared you from my daughter's temper and a crying babe. I have taken you from the land and brought you back out to the sea, where you belong. You are free again and you are on The Black Pearl. I will give you three things. I will give you your daughter, Katherine, unharmed, and I will give you your new born child, if it be a girl. If the child is a boy, I will keep it along with Jem. I will also give you fifteen percent of the plunder. Do we have an accord?"
I spat in his face. "I am not free as long as you hold me prisoner on MY SHIP! What of The Pearl? Name me captain and we have an accord. If not, I promise you I will kill you, take my ship and your daughter. Savvy?"
"Really, Captain Sparrow?" Barbossa laughed deeply now. "How do you plan to do that, when you can't even escape my grip?"
I stamped down hard on his soft booted foot and his amused expression turned to one of pain. He released me immediately. I dashed to the opposite side of the table while he clasped his throbbing foot.
"Ha! I do not need strength Barbossa. You underestimate me. I will hurt you again, with great pleasure, if you so much as come near me. I promise you Barbossa, I will get my ship and your daughter."
"You fool," Barbossa growled. "I will do more than come near you. I will have you whipped."
I half expected him to come around the table. I was surprised when he started to climb over it. I picked up the first object within reach, one of many heavy instruments were lying on the table. He backed off when he saw my intent. I was not merely threatening him, I was out to do damage.
I threw the object at him, and then quickly reached for another and another, but he knocked the objects aside. When the supply of weapons dwindled, I picked up the last two that would be of any use, the two heavy tankards filled with rum, which we were going to be drinking from. I hurled them in quick succession and luckily the second one struck Barbossa's head. He fell forward and lay completely still on the floor of the cabin.
I stared, disbelievingly, at his motionless body, but when I noted the blood mingling with his dark hair, I carefully moved his body aside and made my way for the door. I stopped for a moment, and looked back at Barbossa's unmoving body. There was an enormous amount of blood pouring from his head. A short-lived thought of putting a blade in his back came to me, but it quickly left as my instincts for flight took over. I turned and fled, knowing I had to take control of my ship. I had killed Barbossa and the ship was mine.
Before I got ten feet from the captain's cabin, a crewman caught me and pinned me against the wall. "What's this? Is Jack Sparrow out for a little walk?"
"It's Captain, Captain Sparrow if you please, and yes. You will pay dearly if you do not let me go," I said angrily.
"Oh, will I now?" The man asked, but did not release me. "Does the captain know ye be on deck?"
"Yes," I replied quickly. "He's—he's sleeping." I realized my mistake too late.
"Sleeping! The Captain don't sleep in the middle o'the day. What lies be ye tellin' me Sparrow?" The man asked gruffly and then he called out for help. I was suddenly surrounded by members of the crew. Pintel appeared in the doorway, his face pale and disbelieving. "He killed him! He's killed Captain Barbossa."
"Mother of God!" Bootstrap bellowed and slammed his fist down on the railing. "Jack, now my son will be dead. How…how could you have done this?"
I pulled away and dashed through the men who stood around me. I could see escape was hopeless. Bootstrap jumped behind me and grabbed my longest dreadlock, jerking me to a painful stop. Slowly, he pulled me back until his pale face was up against mine.
"I want you to know that you have killed the only man who could save my son. Barbossa has poisoned Will. He told me he slipped William a slow working venom. Actually, Ana Maria did, when she was taking care of him many months ago. Yes, the boy appears strong and healthy now, but after several months the toxins will take hold and William will be paralyzed. His lungs will cease working and he will suffocate. Barbossa is the only one who knows where the antidote is. He promised me the cure in exchange for your head."
I attempted to pull back but I could not. Bootstrap had a firm grasp on my hair. "Bootstrap, listen to me, Will is not poisoned. He is well and living on the island of Santa Maria. You saw him with your own eyes. There is no possible way, no probable way, Barbossa could have poisoned Will. Barbossa did not know you were on The Bonaventure. He had no idea he would encounter you. He has made up this tale so you will kill me."
"Jack, Barbossa told me he has given my son a slow working poison. He will be dead in six months if he does not get the antidote. I have no reason to doubt Barbossa, he was not lying to me; it is not in his nature. Whether he ran into me or not he has always intended to kill Will. He despises William for his skill and his friendship with you. You have killed Barbossa and for this, you will die the worst of deaths, by my hands and mine alone."
"Bootstrap, you do not know Barbossa's nature. His lies are very convincing and he always has a way to make them seem true. If you kill me now, you will be falling into Barbossa's trap. You will be following his orders, even though he is dead. If you kill me, I guarantee you, William will kill you."
Bootstrap began to laugh. "You haven't changed a bit Jack, you still think a lot of yourself. My son will not kill his father, his own flesh and blood, just because I killed the infamous, Captain Jack Sparrow. He loathes pirates and you, Captain Sparrow, are most definitely a pirate."
Bootstrap looked at the various crew members and then back at me. "Tie him to the mainmast and stand by with water. He will feel the full weight of the cat—until he is dead." Bootstraps stormed. His dark eyes showed no mercy.
I struggled to break loose from the men who held me, but there was no escape. I was dragged to the mainmast and tied securely, embracing it. A moment later, someone ripped my shirt off my back. Bootstrap cracked the whip and the cat-of- nine hit my back with a vengeance. I almost yelled out but instead I bit my tongue and I could taste the blood. I jerked as I heard the sound of the whip crack through the air again. Before he could strike me a second time I lost consciousness. Yes, I fainted, but not for long. I was bought back to consciousness by being drenched with cold salt water that stung at my wounds, and then he whipped me again. This happened at least two more times and finally the water did not bring me back to wakefulness.
XXXXXXXX
My eyes fluttered open slowly, then widened to enormous dimensions when I remembered everything that had happened. I attempted to sit up but as I arched my back the pain raked through me. I could see the blood oozing down my side and I could only imagine my back resembled a piece of raw meat. What had happened? Why was I still alive? Why was I back in the brig behind bars?
I started to tremble; I could only assume I was experiencing shock. I ached all over and I was soaking ringing wet. I remembered the awful sound of the whip cracking in the air. How did I escape? I must have fainted. Was Bootstrap just waiting for me to wake up, so he could continue? I had never anticipated that Bootstrap would whip me to death for killing Barbossa. I moaned softly in my misery. What is going to happen now? I would have to get Maddy to help me escape. I would have to jump ship and end my life in the sea.
I knew I could swim, but being so far from land, exhaustion or sharks would soon claim me. Not exactly the way I would choose to die, but a kinder death by far than being lashed by my old friend. Some friend.
I pulled myself up off the floor and then froze. He must be a ghost, was my first thought. But as I stared I saw his eyes were gleaming with merriment, with devilry. His eyes were clear, clear as the bright sky. Hardly the eyes of a dead man.
Bloody hell, I had failed! Barbossa was alive. He had been watching me without speaking. He sat facing me, holding a tankard of wine in his hand, and he was smiling.
"You," I managed to find my voice. "You should be dead!"
"No Jack, you should be. Do you really long to feel the lash across your tender flesh again, Sparrow?" he asked quietly. "Are you willing to go through what would have happened to you had I not come awake in time to stop Bootstrap? You know your friend was going to in fact, whip you to death, because he and the crew thought I was dead and you had killed me. Luckily I dissuaded Bootstrap but it did take a while for him to listen to me." Barbossa poured more wine into his tankard, leaned back in the chair and fixed his gaze on me.
"I have no wish to feel the cat again, as you must know," I answered heatedly.
"Then that means I can be safe and we have an accord?" Barbossa stood up and extended his hand.
I did not extend mine. "Surely you don't wish to keep me around after what I attempted?"
"On the contrary, I will enjoy your company." He chuckled wickedly. "You will be safe from death, but not from harm." He picked up a coiled whip. "I am not opposed to using this."
Before I could say anything the coiled leather sailed through the air and passed through the bars, biting into my bare skin. I jumped back and doubled over with pain. I stared at the red bleeding gash that appeared across my chest. I looked up at Barbossa slowly.
I managed to stand myself up right and grab the bars in front of me. "What is it you wish Barbossa? I will do as you ask, as long as my daughter and unborn child remain safe."
Barbossa burst out laughing. "What I want can wait. Are you hungry?"
I nodded reluctantly, and for the first time I noticed a plate of food on the floor. I was famished.
Barbossa rolled up the whip and gave me a devilish grin. "Sparrow, the terms remain the same. You get your daughter, Katherine, you get your unborn child if it is female and you will receive fifteen percent of the plunder. Every time you step out of line, you will receive ten lashes. For the slightest resistance, you will receive five lashes. Do you understand me?"
Damn him! Again I had lost control of the situation and Barbossa would deny me the satisfaction of opposing him and taking charge of my ship. "You must fear me if you have to threaten me," I said sarcastically, noting the narrowing of his eyes.
"Your ploy will not work. When I can Jack, I avoid conflict. I do try to avoid pain and leave room only for pleasure. Now you best get your rest. I will be calling on you soon." Barbossa left and I finally went to sleep.
XXXXXXXX
The Pearl was making rapid headway into the colder waters, but she still had a great distance to go before reaching our destiny. The weather had changed considerably and the air held an icy bite to it. I spent my time pacing the cell and looking forward to once again facing the warm tropical climates I had left. There wasn't much for me to do but abide to Barbossa's orders and to sleep. He had me climbing and mending the rigging in the cold harsh weather. He sent me to do jobs he would not dare send his crew to do. He also stationed me to man the bilge pumps. He was kind enough to shackle me to the pump so if the water got to high I would have to pump in order to keep my head above water. I spent more then fourteen hours at a time down there, working the pumps. I was exhausted and all the time wet and cold, but I did not give him any troubles. I would bide my time and wait for the opportune moment.
I dozed off after one of my long stints in the bottom of the ship. I awoke suddenly after having a horrible nightmare that I was actually at the mercy of Barbossa and he was enjoying having me under his power. As I looked around, I knew it wasn't a nightmare. Barbossa did enjoy having me under his command. I could see it in his eyes every time I looked at him and I could hear it in his tone of voice. He was a man who cared only about his own desires.
As I lay there, trying to go back to sleep I was thrown against the wall of the brig. I immediately stood up and went to look out my favorite hole. The ship was being tossed, and water splashed in my face. It seemed as if the heavens had opened up and were throwing their retaliation on this ship alone. It stormed all through the night, and the violent pitching made it impossible to go back to sleep. I felt for sure The Pearl was going to crash over into the sea and we would all drown. I began to wonder why I was not stationed at the bilge pumps again.
Sometime in the middle of the night, with my hands braced against the bars, I finally did fall asleep. When I awoke the next morning the seas were calm. I was glad the storm had passed but I was wet and cold and I knew if I did not get out of the brig soon I would most likely come down with pneumonia.
My damp hair fell over my shoulders and I was grumbling to myself as I wrung the water from the new shirt that Barbossa so kindly let me get from my cabin. I jumped when Madeleine appeared in front of my cell. She was bringing me my meal.
"Maddy, be a dear and go ask Captain Barbossa if I can come up on the deck to dry off."
She looked at me and shook her head. "I will do no such thing Jack. You are not going out there this morning or any morning. Your place is below, with the rats and the water. I'm sorry."
"Maddy please, I am cold and wet and there is no place I can go, unless I choose to dive into the ocean. If I die, Barbossa will never get his treasure. Please Lass, it will take forever for me to dry down here and I will catch cold. "
"There are worse things you can catch up on deck," Madeleine replied.
"Please, Maddy, just do as I ask. I will give Barbossa my word that I will cooperate. He can even put me in chains, if he so desires."
Madeleine left, grumbling to herself as she went up the stairs. I quickly put my wet shirt back on and waited for her return. When she returned she was not alone. She was with Bootstrap and he did unlock the cell and placed cuffs around my wrists and ankles. He then led me to the rear deck of the ship.
"Barbossa said to be quick about it." Bootstrap said sternly.
I laughed and then a lump formed in my throat, as I looked at Bootstrap. He was so pale and so cowed down. I could not believe this was Will's father. He looked nothing like Will. No wonder Will did not recognize his own father. Time had taken its toll on Bootstraps and he looked like the walking dead.
"Mate, I cannot make the wind blow faster, but it will not take long I promise you." I faced the wide expanse of sea to let the wind sweep through my hair which was drying. After a few minutes I looked at Bootstrap. "Where is the captain?"
"At the helm." Bootstrap nodded his head toward the helm. "I am surprised he agreed to let you on deck after what you pulled."
I turned to see Barbossa and he was indeed at the helm, in a heated argument with one of his crew. I looked to see what he was motioning at and then I saw it. It was a ship. I saw the sails in the distance.
"Bootstrap," Barbossa yelled. "Bring Sparrow up here."
Bootstrap unceremoniously grabbed me and took me too Barbossa.
I smiled at Barbossa. "Thank you for allowing me to dry myself," I then looked out onto the sea. "It appears we will be having company."
Barbossa snarled. "Aye, if this old seadog of a lookout had been doing his job he would have seen the vessel coming. As it is, they are coming straight for us. She is not flying her colors and I would suspect she is a pirate vessel. I'd be willing to wager it is Justin looking for his wife and child."
I looked out and then back at Barbossa. "Surely they would not attack The Black Pearl?"
"Jack, you or all people should know one can not determine what goes through the minds of these cutthroats. If they want to fight, we will fight."
I placed my cuffed hands on Barbossa's arm. "Perhaps we could try to outdistance them. Really, we don't want to fight." As he spoke a thunderous blast echoed through the air and then I heard the cracking of timber and a loud crash. One of The Pearls masts had fallen.
I tuned and yelled. "Stop shooting at my SHIP!"
A/N Yes, I updated and it did not take a month. I know Jack should have checked Barbossa for a pulse to make sure he was dead, but Jack is not a cold blooded killer. Jack looks after number one, and he has supreme confidence on his ability to survive. Jack does live by fairness and honor, unlike most pirates who have no honor or regrets. This is the big difference between Jack and Barbossa. Barbossa is willing to kill to get what he wants, while Jack tries talk and rationale first, before violence. Jack is not averse to fighting but he is more focused on escape and he had the opportune moment to flee. If he had killed Barbossa, Bootstrap would have beaten poor Jack to death. What a concept, Barbossa saved Jack, but for what? So now Jack is sailing under Barbossa, do you think Jack will do this? We all know Barbossa only spared Jack for his own selfish reasons. Pirate.
Queen Of The Pirates: Yes, Jack and Jem are very playful. As you can see, Elizabeth is not.
Kitty: Elizabeth does pick and choose when to like and dislike someone. Everyone does have problems but hey, that is what makes the story. Savvy? I had to throw the puppy in. I have a 5 month old puppy and she made me do it. Her name is not Tiger or Will. Her name is Adhara.
Depprules: Jack wanted to get back to the sea and it looks like he made it. Yes, WILL…WILL…WILL can get on ones nerves. Glad you liked it!
Mary Read: Good question, will Jack and Jem marry? Only I know. Does make you wonder, did Elizabeth give the wrong directions? I'd say yes, but it was a good thing she had enough food for everyone. Savvy?
Katrina: Of course everyone loves Will, even Jack does in is own odd way. Your right, Jack was way out of bounds and Will should have run him threw, but you know he tried that once before and it didn't work. I hope this last chapter answered your questions. Thanks for the review, I always like hearing from you.
Seabiscuit: Will and Elizabeth know how to live. Of course Elizabeth was The Governor's daughter. Jack is slightly jealous of Will. I mean look, everyone loves Will and he seems to have a lot going for him even though Will does beat a dead horse. Glad you liked the clock scene and I do agree with you, they do drink an awful lot. Can you imagine the headaches?
Fantasy Dreamer: I am so glad you liked the chapter. It appears everyone liked the pond.
Princess Morning: Jack is ornery and bored but now he is Barbossa's slave. Jack has obviously had to make some choices and he does have his priorities. He did go too far with Elizabeth and as you can see Will was not very pleased. But, when you think about it, she did give him bad directions. Will did not recognize his Dad because he is a lot older and Will never really saw his father. Jack had a hard time recognizing Bill too. He recognized his eyes but it took him awhile to figure out he was Bootstrap Bill. The man has had a hard life.
Rum Runner: Jack's pay back was good, wasn't it?
William: I'm so glad you like my story and my talent. I know I love writing it. Thanks!
Black Jack 22: WOW, you are my 200th review. I can't believe it…I will send you a chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk. Kat may be annoying but she is just a kid and look who her father is. You are not alone for feeling sorry for Elizabeth and now you know why Bootstrap is with Barbossa. Love hearing from you.
Everyone, I have to say, I love getting your reviews and I am glad you liked the chapter, Bloody Wrong. I hope you enjoyed, You Killed Him.
As always, enjoy Fan Fiction and enjoy my story. Please READ, REVIEW and ENJOY!
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LOVELY RAVEN SPARROW