Dead Men Tell No Tales
Turner versus Turner
Disclaimer: Nothing new so I won't bother. Savvy?
I stood motionless beside Barbossa as The Pearl dipped and rose, cutting through the waves. Barbossa's tall muscular frame was silhouetted against the sky and the cold breezes tossed his dark hair about. "You'd better keep a sharp eye out Sparrow. She doesn't look like a large ship, but we will be able to tell more after we get closer. If your friends are on it, you best say prayers for them now."
My loosely tied shirt began billowing like the sails of the ship. I was definitely dry now and I was really wishing Barbossa would turn the ship around. I studied the vessel and I tried to shake the unwelcome sense of foreboding, but it wouldn't go away and that annoyed me. I once again placed my cuffed hands on Barbossa's shoulder.
"Barbossa, why attack? We don't have room for anything on this ship, unless you store it in your cabin. I know for a fact the hold is bursting with treasures taken from less swift vessels."
Barbossa pushed me aside. "Really Jack, we are not taking anything. We will sink her and go on our way. Now either help or you will be thrown back into the brig."
Some of the crew gasped as smoke belched from the quarter deck and a cannon ball slammed through The Pearl's sails and rigging, ripping holes through the canvass.
I once again stood in front of Barbossa. "Listen Barbossa, when you woke up this morning your objective was to sail out to sea, not to submerge a ship, so let us stay with that goal. Savvy?" As The Pearl rocked, I turned to see more cannon balls pounding across the waves. I now got right up into Barbossa's face.
"It's a fine goal to be sure, but it seems to me there is no point or purpose to attack her. You know The Pearl is the fastest ship in the Caribbean. There is no ship that can match her. We can out run Justin and his crew and avoid damages to The Black Pearl. What do you say to that mate?"
"Sparrow, you may want to check our bearings. We are no longer in the Caribbean." Barbossa shoved me out of the way and I fell back onto the rail, almost going over. I was surprised when Hector grabbed me, preventing me from tumbling over and pushed me toward the helm. "Hold her steady Sparrow, if you value this ship." He trained his telescope on our adversary. "Load and run out the guns," Hector yelled. "I see no need for a challenge. That has already been offered." Barbossa sneered at his enemy.
"Sparrow, keep your eye on her, I can't let her pass and you know that. You know as well as I, she is not full of treasures and I am not out to plunder her. She fired on us. We know they are on a rescue mission. Justin is after his pretty little wife, and if I were Justin I would not stop until I got her back. Would you?" Barbossa looked down his nose at me. "Would you, Jack Sparrow?"
I felt as if that statement had nothing to do with Justin and Maddy but it was directed at me and my intentions toward Jem. Would I do anything to save Jem? The answer would have to be yes. I shook my head and looked out at the oncoming craft. I had to try one more time.
"Barbossa, I have an idea." I pulled the telescope out of Barbossa's hand.
"You would," Barbossa said sarcastically as he snapped the instrument back from me.
"You knew I would Barbossa, after all I am Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?" I cocked my head and gave him a slight smile.
Barbossa waved his hand in my direction. "Silence Jack Sparrow, you are part of my crew now." He pulled out the whip and smacked it in his hand. "I am the Captain of The Black Pearl, and you will be taking orders from me. We will take that ship and we will sink her. Are you worried they will damage The Pearl, or are you concerned I will kill the Whelp and everyone on that ship? If I were you, I'd be more troubled by the latter. After all Sparrow, this is The Black Pearl," he gave me an evil smile. "And I am, Captain Hector Barbossa. Savvy?" He rolled his eyes. "Can you not see how annoying that is?" Barbossa said mockingly.
As he stood there I could sense his contained power and I felt as if he was getting ready to explode. The powerful ship beneath him seemed to be an extension of him. My ship, my Pearl was giving him the power and I was being drained.
Another bang rocked the ship as a cannon ball flew past before throwing up a waterspout well off our bow. Hector looked about angrily, "Bootstrap, run up the colors. I want no haphazard shooting today." His tone of voice had hardened. "This is not a mere fight. It is a matter of honor."
"Barbossa, if you plan to win I'd say you'd better wake your sleeping beauties and unshackle me. I am of no use to you with cuffs on my ankles and wrists."
Barbossa scoffed at my comment but as he looked about he saw what I saw. His crew was standing still as statures. They appeared to be in shock as the cannon balls flew by and the sails were falling down around us. Nobody seemed to be moving.
"They don't look very lively," I said with a smirk on my face. I almost started to laugh, but thought better of it. I did not want to see The Pearl at the bottom of the sea, but I also did not want to see William and Justin blown out of the water.
Barbossa started to bark orders. "Smith!" he bellowed at an extremely thin man who came at a run, "Get those lazy dogs on their feet. We'll never capture that ship if they don't move. They best not be waiting for an invitation. They are all wallowing about like sea cows and I'm tired of it."
"Aye, aye sir," Smith immediately jumped to get the men on their feet.
Barbossa gave Smith a stern look. "Take the usual precautions, but let's hope they decide not to put up much of a fight. Now turn to!" Barbossa shouted as he placed the spy glass up to his eye.
At the sound of Barbossa's booming voice more men appeared as if by magic. They went about their preparations with efficiency, each sailor knowing exactly what was expected of him. I had always figured Captain Barbossa would not sail with men who could not or would not work. Any reluctant seaman would find himself cast adrift or left to the mercies of the ship's crew.
The ship was now alive with action. All the men were flying to their positions. I watched as the gunner signaled from the foredeck that the guns were all loaded and run out.
"Fire!" Barbossa yelled out.
The sharp explosions were closely joined, jarring the deck and probing my ears with the thunderous sound, making me almost deaf. The crew began to shout and cheer as they hauled in the guns to swab them out and reload with a minimum of delay.
I saw Justin's ship shake violently and I knew that a cannon ball had hit the hull. It had hit close to the water-line. Barbossa lowered the telescope and began to laugh. "I'd say her disorganized crew's futile attempts to prepare for battle are somewhat comic. Continue to shoot at them; let them know we are attacking and they will have to surrender."
To my surprise, Barbossa released the cuffs my hands and ankles and then handed me the spyglass. I could see tiny figures moving around the deck, working the braces and halliards, just like the men on The Pearl were doing. As I looked, Barbossa ordered the crew to fire again. The shots sailed across the bow of the vessel and they in turn fired back. I winced as the balls banged into the side of The Pearl.
There was a sudden explosion and then another and I could tell we were in trouble. A shaft of silver went flying past me and then more shots. Balls were slamming into the wood and hissing away over the sea. I was hoping beyond hope Justin would not sink The Pearl. After all, did he not want his wife and son back? Unfortunately it would only be his wife.
Voices bellowed over the sounds of the shots and feet were slithering in the spray of blood. I averted my eyes from this bloody mess and looked towards the horizon. Ah, the sky, it arched over the limitless horizons and it was an azure blue with enormous expanses of broken billowing clouds, rising like gigantic mountains. Huge sea birds hovered along with us. They were weightless and sailing on their outstretch wings, riding the powerful ocean drafts. How I longed to be sailing like them. How I longed to have my freedom.
"Sparrow, take us in closer." Barbossa's voice rang into my ears, pulling me out of my trance. Another ball hissed through the shrouds and brought down another sail complete with boom, cordage and a trailing of tangled canvas. Men dashed with axes to hack it free.
I looked out at the oncoming ship. I could see a school of fish scattering before it as she knifed through the water and there were dolphins following the fish, in search of food. I could not help but to admire them, as they darted playfully through the swells of the waves during this battle. The outstretched sails of Justin's ship were filled by the brisk wind. She was a sturdy pirate ship, speedy and efficiently designed.
I gritted my teeth as Barbossa swung the whip at my back. "Sparrow get us in range of that ship. Stop you're daydreaming, and sail The Pearl the way she is suppose to be sailed. Are you not Captain Jack Sparrow, the former captain of this ship? Now hurry, we are going to board Justin's vessel and I would like to do it today, not tomorrow."
I put my mind to the helm and then I started to yell out the orders. "Give me more sail and pull out the sweeps." I knew what I was doing and I could only hope Justin would retreat. He would not need luck today, he would need skill and I hoped between him and William Turner they had it.
The Pearl was straining and pitching. What sails she had left were booming under the pressure but she did respond. Like huge ears, the sails were out and they looked like tremendous black pyramids.
As we got closer Barbossa ordered the crew to fire again. It only took one shot. CRASH! I saw a flash from the other vessel as the black blur of the iron ball ripped through her side and tore along the deck like a saw. Men yelled and ducked, as the ball smashed its way through the opposite side. I had to admit it was a wonderful hit.
Another ball hit, bringing down some of their sails, then more flashes brought down several lengths of rigging and then we heard the great crash. The topmast with yards of heavy canvas plunged down, splintering as it fell and lurched over the side of the ship. The main mast had fallen into the sea and a chorus of shouts and yells were made from Barbossa's crew.
"I will steer as close as I can." I looked into Barbossa's menacing eyes. He knew he now had the upper hand.
With the range falling away and Justin being fully conscious of his own peril, he started firing at us in rapid succession. I tried to ignore the cries from Barbossa's men as they were being wounded. Barbossa just ordered for them to shoot back and those who were still standing did.
Across the angry wave crests and above the din of battle I heard the ragged cries from Justin's crew. His ship quivered, slowly at first, then with terrifying speed the canvas began to stagger away. All the sails collapsed along the deck. The seaworthy thoroughbred Justin had come to attack us with was now in shambles.
Barbossa's crew snatched up their weapons and ran to their stations for boarding. I figured there would be more of us then them.
Barbossa pointed his sword and looked along his blade as if sighting a pistol. "If they are smart, they won't fight." He stood there silently as I ordered the sails to be taken in. The two hulls of the ships were getting closer. The tiny figures I had seen on the deck had now become men, and I recognized their faces, but I did not see Justin or William.
Barbossa stood before the crew, his voice sharp. "Surrender or we will sink your ship and kill you all." His sword swung like a pointer towards our guns. "We won't hesitate to fire!"
With a lurch the two vessels came together, bringing down more broken rigging and spars to add to the confusion. The grapnels soared through the air I heard a few defiant shouts and there were gun shots and swords flying threw the air. The men's cries echoed between the hulls as we were pulled close together.
Barbossa yelled, "Stand by to board." He did not even look around as a man fell kicking on the deck beside him with a bullet in his neck. Barbossa raised his gun and shot the man who did the shooting. The rest of the crew seized up cutlasses, axes and dirks.
Barbossa pointed his sword. "Now take em!" He shouted as he himself went over the gang-plank slashing at a man as he did so.
Yelling and cheering like demons most of the crew clambered over the gaps between the ships. I also jumped over.
As I landed on the deck one of Barbossa's men fell beside me, without a sound. Another threw his hands to his face and screamed, the sound ending with a sharp gasp as a boarding pike flew through the air and impaled him. I turned to see who had thrown the pike but through the chaos I could not. I picked up the fallen mans sword and joined in the battle. I am sure people would wonder whose side I was on.
Shoulder to shoulder Barbossa's men advanced along the deck accompanied by pistol-fire and clashing of swords. Across the heads and shoulders of the yelling, cursing men I saw William. I heard his voice and he was urging for the men of his ship to fight. I looked about and did not see Justin, but I did see Jem. I could not believe my eyes. Jem was standing next to Will and picking her father's crew apart with her sword. As I watched I saw several limbs go flying. Aye, that's my girl.
"We must separate and defend ourselves," Will yelled. "We cannot let them be the victors or we will be abandoned on some spit of land or worse, be fed to the sharks." He looked directly at me and then turned his attention to Barbossa who was standing only five feet from him. Jem backed up slowly and disappeared in the fog of the gun smoke.
Will raised his sword and challenged Barbossa, but before their weapons could meld with each other a cutlass swung like a scythe through the air and it was most definitely directed at Will's head. Will ducked just in time and the man beside William had his head almost cut from his shoulders. It was a bloody mess as the young man fell to the deck.
William pointed his sword at the man who threw the weapon. I couldn't believe it, Bootstrap was standing in front of Will and William was challenging him. The first thought that went through my mind was Please don't do anything stupid. I realized William had no idea who he had just challenged. I also had no doubt in my mind, he would win and he would indeed kill his father.
Barbossa, like the gentleman he is, backed down. I could see the wicked gleam in his eye. William Turner the stiff tightly wrapped young lad was going to fight his father, a well known and excellent swordsman.
I attempted to make my way towards them. I did not want Will to kill his father. I knew Bootstrap would not kill Will. Will's face was full of determination and I could tell his intentions were to kill the man in front of him.
I never made it to Bootstrap and Will, Barbossa stood in my way. He placed his arm about my shoulders. "Jack…Jack. Did you not notice we have won, and The Pearl is secure? See what great things we can do when we work together." He gave me a sinister laugh.
I gave him a crooked smile and cocked my eyebrow. "I did notice."
Barbossa took the sword from my hand and tossed it to the ground. "You won't be needing this."
I looked about the ship it was evident that Barbossa's men had taken it over and Justin's crew had dropped their weapons. I looked at their faces and watched their cowed expressions as Barbossa's men pushed them around and started tying them up. Jem was no where in sight and the only two who kept fighting were Will and Bootstrap. They were oblivious to what was going on around them.
Barbossa looked towards William and Bootstrap and he let them continue. He turned to one sailor. "Where is he? Where is Justin Bartholomew?"
The sailor tried to back away and then relented to Barbossa's glare and he led Barbossa towards the poop deck. Barbossa yanked me along with him. "Come Jack, I am sure you want to see your old friend and let him know we are taking over his ship. After all mate, you are one of us now."
I attempted to pull away but realized it was futile so I followed Barbossa, but my eyes were on William the full time. I knew Barbossa did not want me to interfere. There would be one victor of the battle. My wager was on Will but I had the distinct feeling Barbossa felt it would be Bootstrap.
We arrived on the deck which had taking the full brunt of the fallen mast. I could not believe my eyes. I pulled away from Barbossa and ran over to Justin.
Justin was pinned underneath one massive spar, his face screwed into a mask of agony. He was still breathing and as I stood over him he opened one eye and looked at me. I attempted to pick up the spar but I could not and I could tell I would have no help. I knelt down beside him. I could see the blood pouring from his mouth and I could tell from the position he lay in that he had many broken bones.
"Jack, you are too late. I know I won't have the pleasure of seeing me wife and child again. Please take care of them and take care of your own."
Barbossa came and stood beside me. He lowered his sword so the tip rested on the deck within inches from my leg. "Justin, I had intended a more fitting end for you. If you had not been so bull headed and attacked The Pearl, you would have gotten your wife back. I had no intentions of taking your woman or child."
Justin's eyes moved towards the glittering blade. "I would have preferred that but I was not meant to live and die the way most pirates do. I will not be dancing at the end of a rope, but I can only hope you will." Then with a great groan he died.
"Cut this wreckage away." Barbossa ordered as he looked down at Justin, almost untouched by the events and the sights around him. "Pass the word. Tie the crew up to whatever is left to this ship. We will cut her away and blow her up.
I closed Justin's eyes and then looked up into Barbossa's face. "What of Bootstrap and William Turner?"
"What of them?" He pointed to the two of them. His smug look irritated me, as I glanced at him and then at William and Bootstrap.
"Sparrow, I do intend on letting them finish their battle. Evidently the lad does not know who he is fighting and Bootstrap has not informed him. I know I have crossed blades with both, and I must say the skill of young Mister Turner has grown with time and he is indeed, better than his father."
The whole crew stood still watching Bootstrap and William spin around each other. One moment they were face to face and the next they were separated by a blades length. Will had jammed his palm under Bootstrap's chin and shoved him back off his sword. I could tell Will was toying with him. Why didn't he just slice him down where he stood?
Watching them lunge at one another made me want to crawl out of my skin. I stood up and got close to Barbossa. "You know Barbossa, Bootstrap will not kill his own son. He wants to save him from the poison you put into his veins. What is the point and purpose of this?"
Barbossa began to laugh. "Ah so I see you have been talking to Bootstrap. Jack, if William Turner kills his father then I'm down one pirate, whom I really won't mind loosing, he does complain and I am tired of hearing about all the wrongs he has done in his past. He wished to die penniless and at sea, maybe he can have his dream. I am sure Mister Turner will not regret taking a pirates life and ridding the seas of one lost soul."
Barbossa gave me an evil look. "That is, he won't have any regrets until he finds out he killed his dear old dad. If Bootstrap is as good as he claims he is, he will take his son down without killing him and then I will get the map and a prisoner."
"You don't need the map Barbossa, you have me."
"Jack, you can be replaced. I will get the map from William Turner, dead or alive and then I will deal with you. Since Mister Turner is occupied and I don't have to look over my shoulder waiting for the Whelp to attack me I can go about other duties. Men, disperse the powder; we are going to blow this ship up. We will kill them all and leave no survivors; hence there won't be any stories to tell."
My eyes opened wide as I looked at Barbossa. "Barbossa what makes you think the Whelp has the map with him? You yourself said he came on a rescue mission. He did not come hear seeking treasures."
Barbossa pulled me close to him and looked into my face. "You do realize Jack that after I get the map you are useless to me. You may want to start thinking about your fate. Do you wish to be left on a spit of land with a pistol and a single shot, or would you rather get blown up with this ship and her crew?"
"Barbossa, I thought you were a man of honor. You promised me fifteen percent of the plunder and my daughter."
"I am a man honor Jack, which is why I am giving you a choice. Island or ship?"
"Barbossa what of our deal? I thought you were a man of the code."
"There's your mistake, Sparrow. You thought. Aye, I did promise you what you mention, but I did not promise you that you would be alive. Your daughter can have you dead or alive and you being the pirate you are can give her your fifteen percent. Of course she won't see any of it unless I get the map."
I twisted my body out of his grasp. I grabbed a sword off the deck and attempted to turn to fight Barbossa. As I did, I felt the pain of a sword lance my arm and then I felt the whip go across my face. I dropped the weapon and fell backwards, looking up to see Barbossa standing over me. He graciously pulled his sword out of my arm and it was dripping with my dark red blood.
"Jack, I told you, you are part of the crew now. For your actions you will sustain an ample beating. You went against our accord first and you just attempted to kill your captain."
I looked up at him and gave him my golden smile. "I'm sure if I apologized you would not accept it, and as for our accord I knew you would ruin it."
I rolled to my feet and grabbed the sword. Once again I pulled it on Barbossa and we began to parry, slashing and cutting at each other. Several times he lunged at me and each time I deflected his blade. He was constantly upon me and time and again I had the narrowest of escapes. He had an advantage over me; I was wounded and weaker than him.
He was very sure of himself and he was shrewd with his blade. I could tell he meant to kill me. I circled and stepped in a spot of blood. I slipped and instantly he was upon me, his sword lifted for a killing thrust. As he stabbed downward I threw myself at his legs in hopes of knocking him off balance.
He laughed and pulled me up off the deck and placed his blade at my neck and turned me to watch William and Bootstrap.
"I can't kill you yet. You must first see what your Whelp is going to do. You have taught him the skills of being a seaman and possibly a good pirate, even though you cheat. Watch Sparrow; watch the lad take his father down. William Turner is no longer a boy, he is a man."
Will was in the heat of battle with Bootstrap. He was shoving him back harder and harder. His blade stayed firm. His arm suddenly drew back as he sprang away from Bootstrap. William looked him in the eye. "Have we ever crossed blades before? You look somewhat familiar."
"No, I have never lifted a weapon on you son. Never." Bootstrap said with all honesty.
I was hoping Will would see some family resemblance, maybe feel a bond, but no, Will jerked his wrist and struck out with a wild slash that ripped wide Bootstrap's shirt and left a bloody gash across his stomach.
"I am not your son and don't every make that mistake again." Will swiftly thrust his sword forward and put the blade into Bootstrap's ribs. He then pulled it out and with a twist of the blade cut the man's check. Bootstrap staggered backwards.
"Will stop," I yelled "STOP!" Barbossa pulled back on his blade and I could feel it cut into my neck.
"Not a word Sparrow, or you will lose your scrawny neck and it won't be a hemp rope taking it," Barbossa whispered into my ear.
There was nothing I could do or say that could stop Will's onslaught on Bootstrap. Obviously Will did not hear me; he just went on, fencing harder and harder. Suddenly Bootstrap lunged back and took Will by surprise. His blade caught Will and it went deep into his arm.
Bootstrap stepped back and stared unbelieving for a moment as he saw the blood spray from Will's arm. He leaped back and raised his sword and threw it in the air like a spear aiming for Will's leg.
I had seen this trick done before but it was normally William who did this. Bootstrap was not as skilled. Will lifted his blade and caught Bootstrap's sword, throwing it aside.
"Well sir, that was a fine try and I am told a wonderful trick, but now you have no weapon. Do you surrender or must I kill you? I'd suggest you surrender and give me Mrs. Bartholomew and her son, along with The Black Pearl and my crew. Have them untied and released now!"
Will looked about as he saw his crew was tied up and they were all unarmed. Barbossa's crew stood around Bootstrap and William with their swords pointed at him.
Bootstrap smiled at Will. "I may have no weapon in my hand but that does not mean I am unarmed."
He extended his hand and motioned at the gathering crew. Then he nodded his head towards Barbossa and me. "You see Lad, if you surrender, I will stop Barbossa from killing your friend, Captain Jack Sparrow, and I will let you have The Pearl and your crew back. What do you say to that?"
Will tilted his head and lowered his weapon. "Why the change of heart? What profit is in it for you?"
Bootstrap gave a faint laugh, "Ah, spoken like a true pirate. I will do all this, if you give me the map. Give me the map that will lead me to the Treasure of Revere and tell me where I can find Jem Barbossa, Captain Barbossa's daughter."
Will now looked at me. I opened my eyes wide clapped my hands together and mouthed. "Don't do anything stupid."
Will looked around the deck, scanning the faces of all the pirates who had their swords drawn and pointed at him. "This fight is between me and this pale, sickly man. Drop your weapons and let me finish my business with him."
Now Barbossa spoke, as he pulled the sword tighter around my neck and I could fell the blood oozing down my chest. "Really Mister Turner, have you not learned anything? Look deep inside yourself. Can you trust this man?" He nodded down at me. "And can you trust the man standing in front of you?"
I gave a heavy sigh and rolled my eyes. "Barbossa, he just said this was between him and his attacker. I told you he wouldn't kill him and now you will have to face the consequences."
Barbossa pulled his sword deeper into my neck. "No Sparrow, you will have to face the consequences. If I hear another word from you I will take your head off."
Barbossa looked back up at Will, "Now, as I was saying before I got so rudely interrupted, you have come a long way from that lad who lived in Port Royal. You find the good and bad in all people and with that knowledge you make wise judgments, mostly. In other words, you do not judge a book by its cover or a man by what he does."
He looked at his crew and then back at William "I'd say you have to work on the art of bargaining, and I could teach you that. Men, drop your weapons," Barbossa ordered.
Barbossa shifted his position which also altered his sword deeper into my neck. I'm sure it was intentional. "Mister Turner, by all means we will let you finish your negotiations with the pale sickly man."
Barbossa motioned for the crew to lower their weapons. "I'd say you are a very confident young man, your abilities with a sword are remarkable and your determination is impeccable. You indeed are not a blacksmith, nor the son of a merchant sailor. You are a pirate. Yes, you are indeed the son of a pirate. Perchance you would like to sail under the command of a real pirate. Perhaps you would like to meet your father, I don't know." Barbossa was hesitant as he scanned Will's serious face. "Possibly you would like to know the name of the man you are fighting?"
"Barbossa I would never sail under your command," Will answered quickly. "Jack is a real pirate and a good man, my father is dead and it does not matter who I am fighting, for he will soon be dead."
"Ah lad, is your father dead?" Barbossa was highly amused at Will's reaction.
Bootstrap flashed his eyes at Barbossa. "Barbossa no, this is between him and me. You are to stay out of this. You know William would never sail under you."
"Aye, but he sails under the command of Captain Jack Sparrow, now that mate, is a joke. You are a man of such little faith." Barbossa pointed his long finger at Bootstrap. "I say we give the Whelp his choice. I'm for giving people choices today."
Bootstrap looked from Will, to Barbossa, to me. Barbossa loosened his grip on me as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vile. "I'd say it would be in your best interest to convince him."
Bootstrap's eye widened as he saw this. "Please Lad," Bootstrap looked at Will with pleading eyes. "Give me the map. This way, you save my life and I'll save yours. We will be square. If you don't, I promise you, someone will get shot."
Will looked at him in confusion. "Sir, I don't know you and I am not here to save your miserable life. If you intend on shooting someone, I'd say shoot Barbossa."
Barbossa saw the wild look in Bootstrap's eye and he pulled me straight in front of him. "Lad if he shoots me, he will have to go through Jack first."
"Damn it William, just give me the map." Bootstrap was now begging.
Barbossa loosened his grip on me. "Why this is pathetic. Yes William Turner, son of Bootstrap Bill, give him the map. By all means put the measly man out of his agony. Just give him the map."
While Barbossa was preoccupied taunting Will, I jabbed my elbow into his stomach, hoping he would drop his sword. He did and I quickly dropped, rolled and picked it up, raising it to Barbossa's chest. I was ready to run Barbossa through.
"NO! You cannot kill him Jack. I need Barbossa alive," Bootstrap yelled at me.
Several shots whisked over my head, fired by Bootstrap. "Jack, surrender or I will have to shoot you." Bootstrap stood in front of Will but his gun was pointed at my head.
While Bootstrap's attention was on me, Will jumped him. I had asked Will not to do anything stupid. Will's sword went into Bill's stomach and Bill fell towards the rail, bracing himself up. Bootstrap now aimed his gun at Will. "Give me the map or I will, I will shoot."
"Bootstrap," I yelled, hoping Will heard the name. "I'm doing this for you and for Will, your son. I will also get the damn bottle." I raised the sword and as I did I heard the gun and I felt the bullet rip through me. As I grasped my stomach and fell to my knees, I saw William leap for Bootstrap and they both hit the deck, hard.
"Will, no!" I yelled out in pain. "He won't kill you, he is your father." As I yelled another bullet ripped through me, this time it was from Barbossa's gun.
"Sparrow, I told you not to say a word. Now you and the Whelp will both die." Barbossa stood above me with a sinister look on his face as I struggled to stay on my knees and not fall on my face.
"Jack," Will cried out. "He may be my father but now he is no better than Barbossa, he is a pirate, a cut throat and he is trying to kill you." As I fell flat on the deck, I saw William lift his dagger and stab it into Bootstrap.
Bootstrap fell to the ground. Blood was pooling beneath him. He crouched, teeth bared in anger. "Jack warned me. He said you were good. He also told me you would stand up for him before me. I did not believe him, I am sorry, I was a fool."
He started coughing and choking up blood. "Jack please, you know the truth, save my boy, save your boy." Then suddenly like a flash he turned and threw himself over the rail and into the water.
William looked at me in disbelief and then went to the rail. Barbossa yanked me up off the deck and pulled me over to the rail with him. I was bleeding badly and I have to admit I was hurting like hell. I couldn't help but think all the times I wanted someone to shoot me and they wouldn't and now everybody was aiming at me. I leaned over the rail and I saw blood on the water. Bootstrap's body had gone down, his blood mixing with the bubbles of the sea.
Barbossa released me and I held on to the rail for support. Thinking maybe jumping wasn't a bad idea, until I saw the sharks. Barbossa stood beside me holding his sword loosely in one hand and nonchalantly tossing a small vile up and down in his other hand.
"Mister Turner, do you know what you just did?" Barbossa glanced down upon the turbulent red water. "Do you know what this is?" He held up the small bottle and placed it in his pocket.
Will took one last look into the ocean and then came close to my side. "Yes Barbossa, I do know what I just did and no, I have no idea what that is, but I am sure you will tell me."
Will looked about at the pirates faces. "This is the day I saved my friend Jack Sparrow, and I sent a lost soul to Davy Jones's locker. Jack, put your arm around me. It is time for us to leave." Will put his sword away and handed the map over to Barbossa.
"Hear is your precious map and you will find Jem below. She is waiting for you in the Captain's quarters. I will warn you, she is armed and she loves this man who is standing beside me."
Barbossa took the map and started to laugh. "He is barely standing and my daughter, just like you, would probably kill her father. You see, I am not an idiot Mister Turner. Thank you for the map and the warning."
Will looked at me. I tried to give him a smile as I attempted to hold my guts in. "William is she really below? Is Jem really waiting for Barbossa?"
"She best be on the ship or you and your Whelp will not be leaving." Barbossa spoke as he examined the map and looked at Will skeptically.
Will placed his hand on his sword, "You promised to let us go Barbossa. You said you would let us go and you would give Jack the Black Pearl back, if I gave you the map and told you where you could find Jem."
Barbossa mealy raised his hand and his crew rushed the both of us. Will raised his sword but it was too late, eight men were on top of him. They pulled his sword away and tossed it on the deck.
I could not pass up this opportunity. I picked up Will's sword and began locking blades with everyone near. I was slashing with Will's heavy cutlass and I was having a hard time. I fought two men single handed. Then I was brought down by a whole group of slashing weapons.
"Damn you Barbossa," I gritted my teeth. I pulled free only to get struck on the side of my head. I was now on my knees, again.
Will was struggling under the weight of his attackers. Barbossa stepped up to him and grabbed his face in his hands. "Boy, I am Hector Barbossa; you don't have to tell me what I promised. You may recall, I did not promise you anything. It was your father's words, not mine, that guaranteed you the safety of your crew and the possession of The Black Pearl. Men take Captain Sparrow and William Turner too…well let me see, where should you take them?"
"We could tie them to the helm and let birds peck at their bodies" Ragetti smiled at Barbossa and then at Will and myself.
"No…No… I think we should let them endure the barnacle drag." Pintel offered his opinion. "Mister Turner is such a fine swimmer it may be entertaining to see if he could do it twice. But that Jack Sparrow, he would most likely die, and then I could have his daughter with no worries."
"Pintel, my daughter would never have you. She would hang herself before she ever laid her hands on the likes of you, and it's CAPTAIN, CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW, if you please."
Barbossa released Will's chin but still glared at him. "If Jem is not below you will be walking the plank or better yet tied up with the rest of the crew and blown up with this wreak. If indeed she is there, I will take you on the Pearl. I will also take," Barbossa rolled his eyes as he looked over at me, "Captain Jack Sparrow. He will remain in the brig for the rest of the journey. You Mister Turner, will be shackled and work for me and the crew. Since you show so much loyalty towards Captain Sparrow, I am sure you won't step out of order. If you do he will receive the punishment. Understand?"
Will narrowed his eyes and then lowered his head. "She is below. She is waiting for you, Barbossa."
"Smith, go below and bring Jem to me. Tell her, if she values her lover she will come or I will make sure he will never sire another child again." He looked at William and then at me. "We will get the treasure and between the two of you, you will have fifteen percent."
"William I can't believe Jem came with you. I can't believe you let her come." I spoke low, so only Will could hear me. I was still down on my knees holding my stomach.
Will looked at me with his deep brown eyes. "Jack yes, believe it. Jem is on the ship. She is here just like the blood on your shirt, just like the fact I killed my father for you. She is definitely here. I told Jem to stay with Elizabeth but you know Jem, she will not take an order from any man. She is an independent spirit and she is the one who noticed you were gone." Will averted his eyes then looked back at me. "Nobody else really missed you, sorry. Jem really does love you."
"Don't make me retch." Barbossa backhanded Will. "It is not love, it is stupidity."
"Smith go," Barbossa ordered. "Bring Jem to me; bring her over to The Pearl. I will be in my quarters, the Captain's Quarters. Pintel, Ragetti, take these two over and throw them in the brig. The rest of you scally wags I want this wreck cut away and blown up. Keep Turner's crew with the ship, they can be blown up with it and their dead captain, Justin Bartholomew."
Barbossa now smiled at Will, "I will keep one of Bootstrap's promises. I will take you and Sparrow back to The Pearl."
Barbossa looked down at me and kicked me in the side then patted Will on the check. "I have some unfinished business with him and you lad; will be sailing under my command."
Darkness was closing across my mind as I pitched headlong onto the deck; I felt my cheek grind into the wet wood of the ship. I remembered my last conscious thought; I would never let William Turner sail under the command of Hector Barbossa. Never.
XXXXXXXX
I opened my eyes very slowly. As I did so I groaned. I knew by the way I was hurting Barbossa had attacked me again with the cat-of nines. I struggled to remember what had happened, and as realization was returning to me so was the pain in my head. All the past events came flooding back as I stared around with dazed bewilderment.
I was lying on a thick fur rug, in front of a roaring log fire. I was covered with warm wool blankets and I could tell my clothes had been removed along with the bullets I had received from Bootstrap and Barbossa.
I peered under the covers to see bloodstained bandages wrapped around my stomach. The heat was stifling and if I had been dressed I would have tossed the covers off. I felt as if the great heat was going to steam me or better yet I was going to burst into flames. Then I realized I was not alone.
Someone was kneeling behind me, and I saw a plump, young girl scrubbing her hands reaching around to support my head, which I knew was also bandaged.
She stroked my head and murmured, "Rest easy sir." A wide smile came over face as she gazed down at me. Her teeth were yellow and broken and she had a large mole on the end of her nose. I could not help but stare.
She then called over her shoulder. "He's awake!"
I heard a familiar voice and I saw William standing above me. "Awake, Jack, are you really with us? You damn near died on me!"
He handed the young, homely girl a bowl. "Have him drink this."
She knelt behind me and placed my head into her large lap. The rolls of fat from her stomach almost suffocated me. She stroked my hair back from my face. "Aye, you are just as cute awake as you are asleep."
I shook my head as she tried to get me to drink. The liquid was hot and I could tell it was not rum. She gave me and then William, a disapproving look. "You said he would be friendly."
Will looked at me and frowned. "He generally is Lass. Jack, where are your manners?"
Will took the bowl from her and attempted to help her up off the floor. She did not budge. She stayed in her sitting position, caressing my head and shoulders with her round pudgy fingers.
I tried to move but I ached all over. My back felt as if it were burning, my stomach was tied in knots and my skin was covered with perspiration. "Will what happened? Where are we? Where are the others? Where is Jem?"
I tried to move away from this unattractive, chubby girl, who seemed to be enthralled with me and couldn't keep her hands still.
Will sat down next to the fire. "They are all dead. It is a damn miracle we are not." He sounded as if he could not believe it.
"Dead? Dead! What do you mean? Where is my Jem?" I pulled myself up, off the fat girls lap and looked directly at Will, who just kept staring into the fire.
"Barbossa knew the map I gave him was a fake and by the time Smith went down to retrieve Jem she was gone. I truly have no idea where she went. I know she was fighting with me and the others when she went back to the captain's quarters. She was setting a trap for Barbossa, but I fear she was trapped instead. I can only hope she got on The Pearl and got off the other ship, before…before, Barbossa blew her sky high."
Will stood up and placed more wood on the fire. I was hoping he would let the fire go out. I groaned as I shifted my position and the young girl tried to pull me back down on her folds of fat.
"Madam please, if I can call you that," I pushed her away and she stood up placing her hands on the blankets and started to pull them down. I instinctively pulled them back up, even though I would have welcomed the cool air. "Leave me the bloody hell alone! Where are my clothes, where is my Jem?"
"I am your Gem now Luv and you are mine. I saved your life and now you are mine. William said so, yes…yes he said so."
"William," I looked at her and then him. "Who the bloody hell is this woman, and tell her to leave me alone. I am not and I never will be hers. Savvy?"
She was once again tugging on the blankets. I pulled back so hard I fell on my raw back and yelled out of pure frustration. I gave her an evil glare. "Madam, please stop touching me. I only need one woman to take care of me and she apparently is not here."
She looked at me with her blue eyes. They were the only thing about her that was half way pretty. "Please sir, my name is Emily. My sister and I found you and William on the beach. You were both beaten by the waves and frozen to the core. We thought you were both dead. It took hours to warm you up. You were, and you are, injured badly and I must tend to your wounds. The more you move, the more you will hurt yourself." Her eyes were very blue and she was frowning with concern.
"Luv, I'll be alright. I'll let ya know when I need tending too."
Will turned from the fire and looked at me. He laughed but it wasn't his typical tone. "Jack when did you get so modest? I told you, I think Jem is dead; you don't have to remain loyal to one woman anymore. It's a pity you never did marry her."
"William Turner, what has gotten into you Lad? I know Jem is not dead. She is a survivor and as alive as you and I. I saw her on the ship, and if you don't mind Lad, I will pick me own female companions when and if I want them."
Will stood in the flickering light and shook his head. "Give Emily a chance. She has already tended to your injuries and she has bathed and dried you three maybe four times, I have lost count. The first time because you needed it, the second time because the blood had soaked through the bandages and the bed covers, the third time because she just wanted to. The fourth time, well… she likes you. She likes you a lot. Believe me she knows everything about you. She has been lying with you day and night keeping you warm with her body."
I sat very still looking up at William as the fire light danced on his features. The way he talked to me was as if he was off in another world. I could see the girl watching me and for some odd reason, she did make me fell very uncomfortable.
As Will spoke, a wide smile came across her round face. "Yes, I do like you and I have been taking good care of you."
"I bet you have," I mumbled under my breath. "That is a lot of body to keep me warm with."
"Jack," Will looked at me as if I had just stolen a cookie from a baby.
"Will, is this your pay back for what I did to Elizabeth?" I rolled my eyes and looked back at the frowning girl. "William please, call off your ugly dog, we have to talk."
Emily looked over at Will. "You men are all alike. You said he would be different. You said he would be as nice as you. You lied. I must tell my sister." She flopped beside me and started to cry. "I am not a dog and I am not ugly."
I could see I had hurt her feelings and now I did fell somewhat remorseful, she was right, she wasn't a dog. "Luv, I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. Really I'm grateful for what you have done. Please stop crying."
I reached my hand out and touched her flabby skin. As I did she took my hand and kissed it, then she pulled herself up beside me and climbed under the covers. I cringed as her body touched mine.
"Let me keep you warm. I can do that very well, like Will said I have been doing it for quite awhile now."
"Why Captain Jack Sparrow, I do believe you are turning red!" Will walked over to a small table and poured to mugs of rum and came over to me.
"If you can sit up and hold the mug I will let you have it. Unless you would like to lie back in Emily's arms and she could give it to you."
I attempted to sit up and it was not easy. I finally did maintain a sitting position with some difficulty and with Emily beside me to help prop me up. I reached to take the mug from Will but Emily grabbed it. She placed the mug to my lips but I pushed it away. I took it from her hand and then looked up at Will. I was not amused and I felt a lot of anger towards Will.
"William I am red, because I am hot. You should know that Captain Jack Sparrow has been called many things, but modest has never been one of them. Where is the ship, where is The Pearl?"
"Since Barbossa did not have his map or daughter he decided it was time to blow us up. I hate to tell you this Jack; he did eventually get the original map. I did try to bargain with him, but he was correct in his assumption. My skills of bargaining really do lack. Now he knows where the treasure is, he has possession of the Pearl and I can only assume he has Jem and your child. I can only hope he does, or she was blown up with the ship and fed to the sharks."
Will drained his mug and went to fill it up. He placed the cup on the table and just picked up the bottle. Not asking if I wanted more he put the bottle to his lips and started to drink. He then looked over at me and Emily.
She was cuddling down into the covers. Her presence was quite annoying but I could not do much about it.
Will gave me a slight smile and then gave his head a slight nod. "As I see it, Barbossa got the ship, the treasure and maybe Jem. He tied you and me together on what was left of Justin's ship. I would not do what Barbossa wanted and he kept his word, he struck you for all my actions. I'm sorry Jack, if it were not for my pride we would be on The Black Pearl."
"Will, that is the past. Don't dwell on it." I winced as Emily ran her pudgy fingers down my body. "Please Emily; will you stop, I am trying to have a conversation."
"Jack," Will took another long drag on the bottle. "I finally had to give in. I really thought he was going to kill you. That is why I gave him the map. I told him I would sail under his command but it was apparently too late, and he evidentially did not believe me. Barbossa had made up is mind, you and I were to go with the ship. Luckily for us, Ragetti did the tying."
I lifted my mug towards Will so he could fill it. With my other hand I slapped Emily's hand away; she was becoming a little bit too familiar with me under the covers. Will looked at me and took another drink from the bottle ignoring my raised mug.
"Jack, before the ship blew up I got us free and we went for a swim. Emily and her sister Helga found us. Their father had bought them to this remote and cold island seven years ago. He has since past on but they have survived, he was a retired, dare I say it, pirate. Thanks to the both of them you, we, are alive. Yes, they did save us and we are in debt to them."
I looked down at Emily. "Wonderful, I mean, thank you. Thank you for saving our lives."
"Nothing to it sir." Emily smiled crookedly as she ran her hands over me again.
A door opened and another large woman entered. She appeared to be somewhat older then Emily, she had the same blue eyes, similar body-build and needless to say was just as unsightly.
The unattractive woman smiled at Will and then looked over at me. "I'm sorry William; the ship my father had is not seaworthy."
Emily gave a slight sound and her sister gave her an abrupt look. She then turned to hang up the fur coat and hat that she had just removed. "William my dearest, if you wish to repair her you and your friend can try, but it will take some time. I'd say several months."
"Months?" Emily blurted out.
Helga looked over at Emily and she now rolled herself out of the blanket and stretched out on the fur rug beside me.
"Yes, months you idiot." Helga's eyes flashed with anger and then they took on a cooler appearance. "William, I see your friend is alive, I told you my sister would take good care of him, just as I took care of you."
She walked over to Will and placed a kiss on his check. "Would you like to come down to the shore with me and see the ship for yourself?"
I looked at Will with astonishment. I couldn't believe he was letting this woman kiss him. Was he not afraid of catching warts from her? "William how long have we been here? How long have I been under the care of…of…?"
"Emily, my name is Emily." She reached out to caress me and I pulled back. I had had enough of her fondling of me.
"Longer than I'd like to admit Jack. We were both in sad shape when these fine women found us. It took a month for Helga to nurse me to health and I'd say you have been out of it for at least six weeks. I really did think you were a dead man Jack."
He glanced over at me but spoke to Helga. "Helga, I would like to introduce you to Jack Sparrow. Jack this is Helga Preston."
Helga came over to me and placed her cold hand on my forehead. Just by her touch I could tell I did not like her. There was something dishonest about her.
"Nice to make your acquaintance, Jack. My sister and I have been taking care of you. I am glad to see you are alive. William has been very attentive to you and I can see he is relived that your eyes are open and you are…drinking?"
She looked at her sister. "Emily, you do not give a man who almost died, fire water. Give him the soup that I have on the stove. You may be of a simple mind, but if you want him to live he needs nourishment not alcohol."
"I tried Helga, I really did." Emily appeared as if she were about to cry again.
I looked up into Helga's angered face. "It is true, your sister and Will offered me the broth, but the rum goes down better. Don't blame your sister for what I eat or drink. I, like William, can take care of myself, and yes, he would like to see the ship. How did it get damaged?"
Helga looked scornfully at her sister and then at me. "We have been here for many years and we see few people, let alone gorgeous men as yourself and William. You and William are welcome to stay with us as long as you like. There is really no need for me to take William out on such an evil night to see a ship that is not going anywhere."
"Then why, prey tell, were you out there checking to see if it was seaworthy? Could you not have waited for William to go with you at a more opportune moment, or was the moment opportune for you?"
"Really Jack Sparrow, I don't like your tone of voice or the way you question me. Is this how you treat people who take care of you?"
"It's Captain, Captain Jack Sparrow if you please, and yes, when I sense people are not tell the truth, I do get somewhat defensive. How was the ship damaged? Did you deliberately sabotage it?"
She looked down at me tossed her thick blond braid over her shoulder and went to fill herself a bowl of hot steaming soup. She looked at Will and gave him a warm smile. "Your friend has to work on his manners or it will be a cold several months." She walked over to him and took his face in her free hand and gave him a passionate kiss. I noted the tremendous cringe in Will's posture as he accepted the gesture. I figured there wasn't enough rum in the world that would make a kiss from her pleasant.
William pulled away from Helga and came to me. She proceeded to a small table that was on the opposite side of the room from the roaring fire and sat down to eat her soup.
"Jack," Will spoke as he finally filled my mug with more rum. "We will talk later, please lie down and get some rest. You really did almost die."
Will looked at Emily. "Please, my sweet thing, could I have a private moment with Jack?"
She giggled and extended her hand so he could help her up. Will pulled her up off the floor and I could see the strain in his face. She must have weighed a ton. She gave him a big squeeze and I thought for sure his chocolate brown eyes were going to pop out and roll on the floor. She finally released him and went to join Helga at the table.
"Jack," Will sat down on the floor beside me. "Emily and Helga are both lonely women and they do long for male companionship. They will be good to us if we are good to them. Remember mate there has to be a profit for everyone concerned. They are after all daughters of a pirate. You see I have been listening to you and yes, I have a plan but you must be well. Please, entertain Emily as I have Helga. We are technically marooned unless I can fix the ship."
I pulled my head back and smiled at Will. "You have entertained Helga? What would Elizabeth say?"
If looks could kill I'd be dead. Will blazed his eyes at me and I could feel the heat. "Jack, Elizabeth won't say a word because you will never mention this to her. If you do you are dead."
"Am I not dead now?" I looked down at myself then back at Will. "Lad, they are not only lonely, they are wanting, they are leaches. If that thing touches me again she will lose her hand and that…that so called woman went out and ruined a perfectly good ship. Will, look at them they are ug---"
"Jack I know, they are ugly and disgusting. They are pirates." Will was whispering very softly as he glanced over at the sisters. I could hardly hear him. "They both smell like pigs and all they want is a roll in the hay at anytime of day or night and anywhere. Emily is longing for your company. Now, will you please find your hidden charms and charm the bloomers off of Emily and Helga."
I looked at Will and curled my lip, showing my disgust at the whole idea. "Lad, you must have fallen on your head. I have been asked to do many things and I have done it, but I cannot snog anything that ugly, even in the dark. Can you? Oh sorry, you already have." I held up my hands showing I surrendered. "You must be a better pirate then I. There comes a point where I do draw a line. Savvy?"
Will shook his head. "Jack, this is a fine time to start drawing the line. Do you or do you not, want your freedom? We have got to get out of here and the sooner the better. I know for a fact there is no way off this spit of frozen land except for their father's ship. Whatever she has done to it, I am sure I can repair it. I am just asking you to be nice to those… those women. Be real nice, close your eyes if you must, think of Jem, think of the Pearl, think of anything. Please Jack, help me don't hinder me. I know you can ooze with charm when you want too and believe me you want to." Will looked at me hard and then he also curled his lip. "Really Jack, there is a profit in this for us."
"William I will be glad to help but there has to be a better way." I looked over at the fat hideous sisters. Emily looked at me and waved her chunky fingers through the air.
"Will, we must find The Pearl and Barbossa."
"Jack, please for once, forget the Pearl and your revenge on Barbossa. Our first goal is to get off this island. Now lay down get some rest. I promise you, I will keep Emily away from you for tonight but I can't promise what will befall us tomorrow. Whatever you do, don't hurt her hands." He poured me some more rum and I drank it greedily.
Helga and Emily sat at the small round table eating soup and staring at Will and me. Maybe Emily could be trusted but Helga gave me the creeps. Actually both of them did. A chill ran up my back but I was far from being cold.
The heat of the fire and the effect of the drink were putting me back to sleep. I could feel the exhaustion taking over. "Will, if…if it …is not…too late…"
"Jack we have nothing but time on our hands. I can fix the ship, it is not too late. My goal is to get us out of here in one piece and go home. You will go back to Katheryn and I will return to my beautiful wife and son. I swear I will never be anything like my father. Jack, I can't believe it, I killed him, I killed my father." He lowered his head into his hands and sat uncommonly still.
"Will…Will…Barbossa…he… he…"
"Jack I told you, forget about Barbossa. Get some rest; you will have to face Emily tomorrow." Will lay down next to me and closed his sad brown eyes.
I fell into a deep sleep and I dreamt I was in Jem's loving arms. I knew deep in my heart she wasn't dead and I knew I had to find Barbossa and get the antidote for Will. Little did Will know, time was running out.
A/N Now the question is. Is Will really poisoned? Time will tell. Can Jack and Will survive the "ugly" women? Jack better find his charm, quick. Will is very charming but he won't be able to handle this all on his onesy, savvy?
For those of you who don't know about pirate tortures there are many. Pirates would get punished for quarreling, failing to keep their weapons clean, stealing from one another, and deserting their posts. The most server offenses included murdering a fellow pirate and disobeying the captain's orders.
Punishments most endured were flogging, using a special whip known as the cat o'nine tales. The nine strands of a rope were unwound, knotted, and then covered with tar. Sometimes fish hooks or metal balls were affixed to the ends of the cat. The person wielding the cat cleaned the ends between each lash, but not always. The man to be whipped had his shirt removed before being tied and after a flogging; salt and vinegar might be applied to the open wounds.
Barnacle Drag or Keel Haul was the act of throwing a man overboard, tied to a rope that goes beneath the ship, and then dragging him from one side to the other and hauling him out. Besides the torment of being dragged under water, this would drag the victim across the barnacle studded ship's hull and cause great pain and injury. This was a serious punishment and not administered lightly.
Of course the most dreaded of all punishments was marooning. It was a slow, cruel death. They were usually left on a deserted island, preferable a sand bar without fresh water, food, or shelter. All the man could have were the clothes he wore, a bottle of water (Usually one day's worth), a pistol, powder, and shot.
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. That's what keeps me writing. I love hearing from all my loyal readers and the new ones too. Thanks for taking the time to click the review button. Princess Morning, Jack is just very talented when it comes to his eyes. It is a Disney thing. Savvy?
As always, read, review and enjoy.
TA FOR NOW
LOVELY RAVEN SPARROW