Dead Men Tell No Tales

Duty Calls

Disclaimer: Same old stuff.

When I awoke it was morning. I could see the hard wintry light streaming in through the windows. I opened my eyes very slowly. I wanted to make sure Helga and Emily were not near. The fire was still roaring and to my surprise William was lying peacefully beside me. I looked at him as the light flickered across his young yet stern face. "So Lad," I mumbled to myself. "You know you killed your father. You once told me you would not be able to kill someone in cold blood. I knew you had it in ya. You just had to dig deep enough. I guess I owe you and I'm glad you're on my side, you have come a long way."

Freeing myself from the thick blankets I stood up carefully to my feet and stared at myself in a hanging wall mirror. I looked like a shipwreck. My body was aching from my head to the soles of my feet but I agreed with Will. The only way we were going to get out of here was for me to get up and start pulling my weight. By the look of me I didn't have much weight to pull.

I began walking around the room and to my good fortune I found me clothes. I pulled my breeches on and I found my old ragged shirt that someone had mended. I looked back at Will and then around the room. "I owe a thank you to who ever did the sewing," I said out loud knowing that nobody would answer.

Despite the fire the room was cold. I threw another log onto the hot embers and then walked over to put on the fur coat I had seen Helga hang on the hook. The coat was very warm and also heavy. I placed my hand into one of the deep pockets and to my horror I pulled out a box of matches.

"Bloody hell," I now yelled. "William that…that bitch, she did burn the ship!"

I walked over to the door and I was about to leave when I heard Will's voice.

"Where are you going Jack?' Will sat up and rubbed his eyes. "I'm sorry I must have fallen asleep." Will glanced around the room and I had the impression he was not surprised to see Helga and Emily gone.

"You must be feeling better if you plan to venture out into the cold. You may not know it mate but there is snow out there. I don't know where it is Barbossa was heading for but I can tell you we are no longer in the Caribbean."

I opened the door and I could feel the cold brisk air push its way in. "Aye Lad, Barbossa was kind enough to inform me of that awhile ago. Get yourself ready and we will go see what that woman did to the ship."

I stood by the door watching Will as he pulled on his boots and he found another fur coat to put on. "Jack I have been up most of the night. The wind was howling and I just could not get to sleep."

I grinned "I know how you're feeling Lad."

"Listen Jack, Helga had told me that her father's vessel was anchored off the cove. The question is what cove. I have not had the opportunity to explore this waste land and between you and me, we are not fit for this climate."

I looked down at myself and then at Will. "Speak for yourself Lad."

When Will was ready we walked out into the cold, bright morning with the snow changing to slush and the sky without a trace of clouds. "William Lad have you ever noticed how different things look in the light of day. Perhaps the ugly sisters would look different to me also." I gave Will a slight smile. "I know don't count on it."

Will gave a painful laugh. "Jack, you look terrible and I hate to tell you they do also."

"Thanks Will, I love ya too mate." I slapped his check and headed down a narrow trail leading toward the coast. Together we walked down the path. I managed to keep a good pace even though it was steep. I almost expected to see some corpses lying on the beach and burnt pieces of wood. To my surprise I saw a ship off in the cove. She was not a large one but she would do.

"William, do you have any idea where the sisters are and is there any way they know of this ship that is anchored in the cove?'' I stood staring at the beautiful vision and then my eyes fell upon the burnt out remains of another vessel.

Will's eyes also fell on the charred remains. "Lord Jack, those women are ruthless. They destroyed their only means of getting off this island just to have us stay with them. I really feel like a piece of meat on a chopping block. Jack we have got to get out of here."

"Correction Lad, Helga did that. I believe poor Emily, in her defense, knew nothing of Helga's torching adventures last night. Emily is of a simple mind and she only has one thing on it. Savvy?" I raised my brow at Will and he nodded his head in agreement. "Helga, on the other hand is cynical and conniving."

As I said that I saw a long boat pull up onto the sandy beach and Helga got out of it along with four sailors. I could tell by the way the men were dressed they were not of the Royal Navy and they were not pirates. "William this is our lucky day. That is a merchant ship and I believe Helga is purchasing some supplies. When she leaves we will be paying them a visit."

We made our way down to the beach and we crouched low like a wild animal readying itself for an attack. I watched as men went back and forth from the ship, bringing supplies over. Both Helga and Emily sat on the beach entertaining the men and making sure they were getting everything they asked for.

The whole sight was sickening. Obviously these men had not had any female companion for months and Helga and Emily were taking full advantage of this.

The day was getting old and finally the last of the provisions were hauled ashore. Helga and Emily finally made there way back up the beach trail and I knew this was our opportune moment. I made sure the women were out of sight and then I strolled up to the crew of the last long boat getting ready to launch for the ship.

"Begging your pardon sir but me mate and I are seeking a small personal business venture and we were wondering if we could have passage with you."

The sailor looked skeptical and then he looked over at Will. "If you're contemplating a sea voyage that can only mean the law is hot on your heels or breathing heavily down your necks.

"No Lad, it is nothing like that. There's no need for you to give it a moments thought. As a matter of fact the voyage is for my health." I gave a slight cough, I glanced at Will and then coughed again as he stood beside me rolling his eyes.

"If you are ill, why would we wish to take you on our ship?" The sailor was once again directing the question at me.

"Lad, as I said it is nothing you have to concern yourself with. What I have you cannot catch but I will soon die of it." I winked at him and then put my hand to my chest.

"You see boy, I like to drink too much and I enjoy the opposite sex way too much and without going into a lot of detail mate my antics have caught up to me. Savvy?"

The young man gave me a dubious look. "What did you say your name was and tell me the truth? Also restate your purpose and I don't want any lies."

"I didn't say me name but it is Smith, Smithy if you want and if I told you the truth you would not believe me. I'm sorry for the way I talk, it must be due to the company I have been keeping." I threw my arm around Will and patted him on the chest. "You see me brother is a lot younger than I and I am hoping to find someone to keep an eye on him when I am gone." Will tossed my arm off.

"Don't be blaming me for your actions and the fact that you are dying of…syphilis."

I turned around real quick and looked at Will. "Sypa what?" I looked at him questioningly.

"You heard me, you might as well live up to your indiscretions and your raunchy ways. Now that the poor lad knows what you have and he knows you are dying maybe he will take pity on your sorry soul and let you sail the high seas at least one more time before you meet your maker." He now patted me on the back and gave me the most evil smile.

"Now stop playing games or this kind man will not help us and he won't take us to the Captain." Will turned to the young sailor. "Please, grant us one more voyage." Will now moved in a little closer and whispered but he made sure I heard him. "I am hoping I can get him back to Tortuga so I can bury his sorry ass. You wouldn't believe how many women and children this fellow has."

The youthful sailor was speechless. He stood there staring at the both of us and I couldn't believe the way Will had taken off with the story but, syphilis. Lord what was he thinking?

We both now stood side by side and waited for the sailor's reply. He just stood there staring at us and then he started roaming his eyes up and down my body. I knew what he was thinking and I didn't like it. "Well, what is your answer?" I busted out.

"Well…I don't know…you see…" The sailor looked at his small craft then at the ship and then at us.

"Aye, I can see you are a smart boy," I interrupted. "Me mate and I will gladly work for passage. We will even work in the galley and peel the potatoes."

"We will?" William looked at me with astonishment.

I nodded my head towards the hill and to where Helga and Emily resided. "Aye, we will. We will peel the potatoes."

The young lad shook his head and stepped into his boat. "Climb on in gentleman. I will take you to the ship but I can't guarantee you will be able to sail with us. You will have to take the matter up with the Captain. We are sailing on the morning tide so the captain will have plenty of time to make up his mind whether to take you or not."

"Why the mornings tide Lad? Doesn't your captain know that sailing time is midnight under the dark of night?"

"Dark of night, what kind of talk is that?" Will said. "When we do something it is under the cover of darkness, not dark of night."

I looked at Will and I was about to smack him silly. I really wanted to get on the ship and far away from this spit of land. If and when Helga found us missing in action she would be combing the island for us and I knew she would come here first. "If you want to be all proper Mister Tur--- I mean brother, you say it your way and I'll say it mine. Savvy?"

Will laughed and he nodded as he climbed into the small boat. I followed him and I felt a wave of relief as the small craft headed for the ship.

We climbed aboard and the minute my feet hit the deck the captain grabbed me. "Who are you and what are you doing on my ship?"

I yanked away and gave him my golden smile. "Permit me to introduce meself. I am Jacob Smith and this is me brother Wilhelm."

Will gave a slight bow. The young sailor we had been talking to came up from behind and pulled his captain aside. Obviously he told him our plight for the captain came back with a less arrogant attitude.

"So are you the one that is sick?" He also looked at me and started to evaluate my physique. He looked long at my head and noted the bandage. I knew I looked a little worse for wear but I was getting tired of the third degree.

"What I don't look like a ladies man? Grant it I have had better days mate. Give me a break, after all I am Captain…"

"Ouch!" I looked at Will who had kicked me in the shins and he was now bending his head away from me acting as if nothing was wrong.

"Excuse me sir," I looked at the Captain and then at Will. I pulled Will aside and whispered. "What the hell is wrong with you? I have to get in friendly with the Captain and I have to find out where we are going."

"That's fine Jack but you were about to spout off that you were Captain Jack Sparrow or Captain Somebody. I don't think it is wise that you tell anyone you are a Captain. Remember this is a merchant ship and we are looking for passage to enhance a business endeavor, and for your health."

The captain now came up behind us and placed a hand on both of us. "I can see your brother is worried about you. Yes, you can sail with us and you can work in the galley. The cook is not very good and my young friend over there told me that you offered to cook for passage. He has also informed me that your illness is not contagious and you have only months to live. I am sorry. I am sorry for the both or you."

He turned to go to the helm and then he turned around to face me. "I hope you enjoyed your recklessness and lack of caution. I myself have always been loyal to one woman and that is the way it will always be."

I shook me head and smiled at the man. "Aye they say it is good to be loyal but mate all of us will eventually die and yes, I will die with a smile on me face. Now can you tell me where we will be sailing too?"

"We are heading back to Africa or Java, wherever the seas take me. I know you wish to go to Tortuga but that is the land of pirates and I won't go there. I will start you on your adventure and hopefully you will get to your final destination before you die."

I nodded my head and gave him a faint smile. "Oh good, no worries then, this will give me time to see the world. Although I must admit, I have a hankering to feel the trade winds and see my homeland again. Ah Scarlet, Giselle, Samantha, Jem and especially Elizabeth." I put an emphasis Elizabeth just to get at Will.

The captain looked at Will and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Lad, I can see you have a long road ahead of you. You have my condolences. I have to say the two of you look nothing alike. I hope your life ends better than his. I will have Caleb show you to the kitchen and the two of you can start the evening meal. We will set sail now. There is no reason to wait till morning."

Caleb came and took us to the galley. "I hope the two of you know how to cook. Our last cook turned up missing. He served us rat and we did not like the entrails floating in the soup. Also don't burn down the galley because if you do we will all be in the ocean, and I for one want to eat my dinner, I don't want to be dinner."

He quickly left the galley leaving Will and I to stare at the pots and pans.

"Well then," I said as I pulled a large pot off the wall. "The crew does not look very large so if they don't like the broth, at least we won't have too many men to contend with. I am sure between you and I we can take them all on."

"Jack I have no idea what is going through that head of yours but you better let me help you make the stew or broth or whatever you plan to conjure up. I know you have two left hands when it comes to measuring. I have seen the food you make and I wouldn't wish it on Barbossa."

In less than an hour the spit and polish galley was a disaster and Will and I were no closer to a simmering broth than when we had started.

"Begging your pardon, Captain, I mean Jack. This tastes like water with a fishy taste. I think you're supposed to put in bones or dried meat and then let it cook."

"I did that," I said belligerently while a fine bead of perspiration dotted my brow and upper lip.

"All I can say Jack, and I say it with all due respect, is that if the crew eats this it will either kill them or we will be killed. I have never tasted such vile stuff in my life. It's worse than Roger's swill."

"What do you suggest then Mister Turner? I'm no cook and obviously neither are you." I said it with more anger in my voice than I intended.

"Jack, you were the one who volunteered us for this job. I thought you knew how to cook." Will said with just as much irritation in his voice.

I sat down and looked around the room and then I saw the bottles of rum. "I think we should have a drink and ponder the matter. Maybe it will taste better if it cooks longer," I said, uncorking a bottle of rum.

"You know when Rogers cooks, he cooks from sunup to sundown. Yes, I've decided it just has to cook longer."

Will's face darkened to that of a thundercloud. "Captain if you botch up this meal I will also be blamed for it and I don't want to turn up missing."

I took a deep gurgle from the bottle and then I dumped some into the broth. "You know Will you worry way too much. I have an idea and with this idea we will be headed away from Africa and toward the island of doom to find Barbossa, the Pearl and my Jem."

I added another dollop of rum to the pot. "Aye I don' know why I didn't think of this before."

"Jack, I told you to forget about Barbossa. We should head back to Santa Maria. I have to let Elizabeth know I am well and you, you have to get back to Katheryn before she does something stupid."

"Will I can feel a change in the weather. Which way is the wind blowing?" I looked at him and smiled. "I know you want to see the fair Elizabeth again and I too want to see Miss Katheryn" I poured more rum into the pot. "We will see them in due time Lad. We have come too far to turn back."

I handed Will the bottle. "Here have a drink it will make you see the light of day."

While Will finished off the bottle I busily uncorked not one but two additional bottles. "One for you and one for me," I hiccupped.

"Well you don't think I'm putting mine in the pot do ya." I took a drink and smiled at Will.

"I'm the captain, you are only the first mate. Rank does have its privileges. You can pour yours in." I smirked.

"Who told you a thing like that Jack? It's supposed to be you should not ask someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself." Will spoke as he dumped some of his rum into the pot.

"Fine then Lad, then let us both dump." I turned my bottle upside down over the pot and Will did the same. I uncorked two more bottles and laced the pot liberally. "You see Will I am going to be the captain of this ship."

"You are a damn good captain. You are the first captain I have ever sailed with who knows how to make broth. Even my mother did not know how to cook like this." Will was now laughing happily and not acting like himself.

"I know Will, it's a damn shame. The crew should eat heartily but all they every get is slop. It really isn't the duty of the captain to come into the galley and cook. This will be the first decent meal we have had in days."

We both peered into the pot. Will looked up at me and his eyes were watering. I could feel that mine were also.

"Jack why is the room spinning?" Will asked as he staggered back from the strong fumes rising from the pot.

"Damned if I know. Must be from the onion I put in there," I said, wiping at my eyes.

"That was no onion, it was a potato. You know I have not seen a single onion in this kitchen." Will said with a slur.

I uncorked another bottle of Rum and passed it to Will. "That's for the pot. I am the Captain and I shouldn't have to put the last bottle in the pot."

"Well, I'm the first mate and it wouldn't look right if I did it, so we should share again. Lets us both pour it in."

"That sound right to me," I agreed drunkenly and placed my hand on the bottle and we both poured the contents into the pot. "We seem to have quite a bit here, enough for an army. Everyone will eat hearty tonight."

"You're a good man, Jack Sparrow, even if you do provoke my wife and you constantly go on and on about your silly ship."

I pointed my finger at him. "Watch what you say about me ship Lad. I know I can be nothing but trouble Wilhelm, but things will change. Things will get better; I can feel a change in the weather." I put the bottle up to my lips, forgetting that I had dumped it in the pot. "The damn bottle is empty," I announced, flinging it across the room.

Will laughed as the glass shattered in all directions. "You broke it, let's hope the Captain does not walk into the galley with bare feet. You know, now you have to clean it up."

"I'm the Captain. All I do is steer the ship and cook broth. You have to wield the mop."

"That doesn't sound fair to me." Will peered into the pot again and reeled back, putting his hands to his face. He stumbled into me and then righted himself and stared into my dark eyes. "I think, Captain, that you put just a little too much rum in the broth."

"How can you tell? Too much is never enough. If you're worried because the fumes unclog your nose and burn your throat, that doesn't mean anything. It's cooking away. See how thick it's getting? I backed away from the stove and fell heavily against the doorframe.

Two hours had gone by and the Captain decided to check on us. He came down and opened the door but immediately turned away. The fumes from the cooking pot drove him back into the passageway. Cautiously, he poked his head around the corner of the door all the while dabbing at his eyes.

Will and I were now sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall. Will was asleep snoring loudly with a rum bottle clutched in his hand. I was playing with the shaggy end of the mop and looking at the broken glass.

"And what do you think you're doing? Who made this mess? Who's going to clean it up?" The Captain demanded.

At his words I dropped the mop and clapped my hands over my ears. "Isn't it bad enough I can't keep my eyes open? Do you want to make me deaf, too with your caterwauling? Don't look at me for this mess!" I smirked as I pointed a shaking finger at the sleeping Will. "He made the dinner and he made the mess. All I did was watch. After all I am a sick man."

I nudged Will with my elbow. "Pity he won't be awake to try it but," I looked up at the Captain. "I think it's going to be the best damn broth you ever ate."

The Captain took one step and then another toward the rum-laden pot and threw his hands up in the air. "What have I got to lose?" He said out loud. He ladled out a generous portion of broth. "It looks like pure, undiluted, hot rum to me."

"Bon appetite," I smiled up at him, closed my eyes and went to sleep beside Will.

A/N Yes, I have updated. Sorry the chapter is short compared to my others but my time has been occupied with NaNoWriMo. (National Novel Writing Month) Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. I enjoy hearing from you. Please keep in mind everyone writes differently and we all have our own ideas of what we like and don't like. The reviews are supposed to help and the little button is not there to fling trash and to cut down on other reviewers. I don't need it and hey neither do you. Savvy?

TA FOR NOW

LOVELY RAVEN SPARROW