Dead Men Tell No Tales

There's No Place Like Home

Disclaimer: Same old stuff.

Morning came and I rolled myself over realizing I was lying on the cold galley floor. To my surprise there was a blanket thrown over me. As I looked around I noticed Will was no longer beside me. I sat up with a start and placed my hand on my head. It was throbbing. I smiled to myself. Ah yes, dinner. I'm sure that went over well.

As I sat there rubbing my eyes I noticed the bright light of day was shining in through the small windows and it occurred to me I should muster up some breakfast. After all, I did tell the captain we could cook. As my thoughts were on food, I realized I smelled a wonderful aroma and I heard voices.

I pulled myself to my feet and I saw the captain and some of his crew sitting at a long table and they were eating to their hearts content.

I stood motionless for awhile as I looked at the men and the food. The table was set with dishes and utensils and there was piping hot coffee, eggs, sweet rolls, ham and oatmeal.

My stomach began to growl and I placed my hand on it to keep it quiet. I had not realized how hungry I was. I started for the table when I saw Will over at the stove cooking and shoveling out more food on plates to take over to the men.

I sauntered over to Will and attempted to grab a roll. He slapped my hand and gave me a very disapproving look.

"Jack, you will have to hold your horses. The crew has been waiting patiently and you have been over there snoring, obviously sleeping off your hangover. Grant it, you are a sick man, but we have a job to do."

I pulled my hand back and gave Will a wily smile. "Remember lad, I am Jacob and you are Wilhelm and I haven't had a hangover since I was fifteen."

"Right," Will smiled at me and handed me a cup of black coffee. "You should have seen the mess I had to clean up and half the crew was drunk as skunks after the dinner you made. You better be careful, the coffee is very strong and I did it on purpose."

I took the hot mug and then reached for a bottle of rum so I could lace it down. Will immediately grasped the bottle and started pulling it out of my hand. "Can you please remain sober, Jacob?"

I released the bottle, but I noted where he placed it. I looked at the food and then at Will. "So Whelp, when did you learn how to cook? Have you been holding out on me? What other talents do you have?" I gave him my golden grin and raised an eye brow.

"Jack, I mean Jacob; first of all, you have to watch your language. Remember we are gentlemen looking for a business adventure. Secondly, I have known how to cook for many years. You didn't think I would rely on Mister Brown, a blacksmith, to feed me do you? Last but not least, I have many other talents, but you, Captain, will not be privileged to half of them." Will gave me a sly smile.

"Now Jacob, why not make yourself useful and start cleaning those dishes. Once that is done we should have the morning to ourselves until lunch time." Will nodded his head toward the sink. It was piled high with dishes, mugs and utensils.

"Whoa Will, that will take two months to clean. I'm going to need some food before I tackle that mess." I cringed as I looked at the pile of plates.

"Yes Jack, a mess is what that is. Next time you say you can cook, please don't." Will commented sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes at Will. "I will not apologize for the meal I made last night or the mess. It seems to me you were complimenting me on my cooking skills last night. You see lad I plan to cook like that every night and eventually I will take control of the ship and go after The Pearl. Savvy?"

"Jack I was drunk from the fumes. You cannot hold me responsibly for anything I said or did last night." Will slopped more eggs on a plate and took it over to the captain. He came back and started ladling out the oatmeal.

I placed my hand on his arm. "William, my intentions are to keep the crew drunk, commandeer the ship and go after The Pearl. Did you not hear me?" Will pulled away and looked at me with disgust. I just scoffed it off.

"Please Will, stop feeding them, I need to have them drunk." I once again reached for a sweet roll.

This time Will stabbed me with a fork. "Jack, Jacob," Will was now whispering low. "If I were you, I'd keep your voice down." He looked over at the captain and the first mate. "We will not take over the ship and we will not get the crew drunk. We will go to where they are sailing and then we will find another ship, or commandeer one as you so put it. We will not steal this one and we will not abandon the crew. Yes, I may be a pirate but I am not as ruthless as you are. Really Jack, I thought you were made of better stuff."

"I am made of fine stuff," I looked at Will and then pulled the fork out of his hand. I then successfully got myself a roll. I bit into it and chewed with a vengeance. I had two more rolls and two more cups of coffee, laced with rum. I was then ready to do the dishes.

As I was attempting to finish up the dishes the Captain came over to Will and patted him on the back. "I can forgive you for that meal last night. Breakfast was supreme." He then looked at me.

I was in the midst of rinsing the large pots. The floor was soaked and so was I. Most of the dishes appeared to be somewhat cleaner.

"Do my eyes deceive me, or are you drunk?" The captain asked me as I was ambling around.

Will looked at me and then he saw the bottle I had been using to put in my coffee. He immediately grabbed it and put it behind his back, while glaring at me the whole time. I looked at him and stuck my tongue out. I just couldn't resist.

"You resemble a fish out of water, Jacob," Will said, his eyes narrowed in mistrust. "No self respecting man drinks at dawn, or what passes for dawn. I can't believe you. I asked you to stay sober."

I gave him a wide grin. "I'm sorry brother; one cannot stay sober when he has that disease called Ship Less. I say Lad; it is bad when a man is cut down in his prime. Never mind the coffee, just give me the bottle."

The captain now eyed me suspiciously and then once again patted Will on the back. "Good luck lad, you are going to need it. Maybe after you finish up here you will want to come up on deck. I could probably use your help up there. We are going into some fierce weather soon and the more hands on deck, the better off we will be."

He then looked at me. "You, sir, should best stay below. By the looks of you I'd say you haven't spent much time on a ship and by the way you wobble around you may fall over board. It looks to me as if you have spent most of your time in brothels and bars." He looked back at Will and started to laugh. I was quite incensed.

"WHOA, I can sail a ship…ship…ship" I stated to hiccup. Drunkenly, I motioned to Will to hand the bottle back.

"OUCH!" I yelled as Will slammed the rum bottle into my stomach. "What the bloody hell…hell did you do…do, that for…for? Nobody laughs at Captain…Ouch!" Will now kneed me in the groin and I doubled over.

Will glared at me, "Will you kindly mind your manners and ferme ta bouche." Will ran his hand across his mouth given me all indications to zip mine. He then led the captain away and had some private words with him.

I took the bottle as I mumbled under my breath, "Nobody laughs at Captain Jack Sparrow." I started waving my hands around and mimicking the fool of a captain. "You, sir, look like you have never spent time on a ship. Who in the tar nations does he think I am?"

I had not noticed that Will had come back to my side. He grabbed me and pulled me to the far end of the galley. "Jacob Smith, that's who you are," Will then shoved the last dish in my hand. "If you could, without damaging it, or yourself, please put it away."

The captain and the rest of the crew eventually cleared out and they went to tend to their duties. I was still grumbling as I cleaned the floors and wiped the tables. As I did so I could sense the waters were getting rough and I decided it was time to go up on the deck. I literally spit on the table wiped it with the rag and followed Will up to the deck.

The ship kept true to its course, rollicking amid the low swells, her sails full of wind and promise. The sun was high on the horizon and glinted gold off the starboard portholes. I stood next to Will, waiting for the captain to give Will his orders. I could see the storm clouds building up in the far northern sky but they were not close enough to cause us concern.

I nudged Will toward the captain. "You best go tend to your duties, I'd best stay put or I may fall off the ship and into the dark sea." I lay down on the deck and smiled up at him. "Have fun mate, remember I'm sick and I have never been on a ship."

Will looked down at me and shook his head. "Jacob will you ever grow up? I can see where Kat gets it from. You are stubborn and you can be so childish."

I just smiled up and waved him on as I heard the captain calling to him. "Wilhelm, Wilhelm come over here."

I watched him go and then I just laid back and watched the progression of the light as it cascaded through the mist of the sea. It seemed odd to lay there with no responsibilities or duties. I felt as if I was loosing my identity. Maybe Will was right, I shouldn't take this ship and I shouldn't throw the crew off, but I did need a ship and I needed to get one fast.

XXXXXXXX

One day ran into the next, with Will becoming more and more the Captain's boy and he began to ignore me and my antics. He even stopped pulling the rum bottle out of my hand. The more he ignored me the worse I acted. Yes, I know I should have known better but I didn't have anything better to do. All I wanted was to be captain of the ship and Will made it inescapably clear that that was not going to happen.

Will became very irritated with me and the rest of the crew also started to look right through me. I was beginning to feel like a bilge rat. I was just along for the ride. I could scurry along the deck and hang out on the rigging and eat with the rest of the crew but I was just extra baggage. I was just there. I had no chores and no responsibilities.

One crew member even had the gall to ask Will why he bothered with me. He didn't care if I heard his words or not. He looked at Will and spoke quite clearly. "You know Wilhelm; I don't see why you care so for your brother. He is a scoundrel and he is going to die."

I couldn't believe Will's answer, it did not seem like him, but obviously I had been a thorn in his side for this journey and he was very displeased with me. "Aye someday he will die," Will spoke. "The sooner the better I would think, but I cannot cast him away like trash, can I?"

"Trash is trash Wilhelm. When something is no longer needed, it becomes either treasure or trash. I would say your brother is no treasure."

Will did not refute those words and he continued to carry on with his new duties and pay no heed to me.

Will became chief cook and I was banished from the kitchen. A young lad named Mike took my place. I came to the conclusion I was only allowed passage on this barge, because of my dear brother, whom everyone seemed to adore. Of course, this did not surprise me and he wonders why I drink.

Will and I were relegated to living in the hold with the rest of the crew, and like I said, they all appeared to love Will. They would play cards, they would lend him books to read, and they would sit up to all hours of the night talking. Will would talk on and on about Elizabeth. I could tell he was homesick and love sick and I was just getting sick-sick.

The body stench in the closed confines of the hold was making me nauseous and I had seen Will vomit more than once. Bad weather was preventing us from going up to get our daily stint of fresh air. The captain had asked most of us to stay below and only come up when duty called. Will, being the good boy, did as he was told.

I, on the other hand, never follow orders unless they are mine. I was beginning to see how Jem felt and why she hated to be bossed around.

I had no problems getting away, for nobody noticed I was gone. I figured Will was a big boy and he could handle the smell himself.

As I went topside, the ship rode high on the waves and she dipped and rocked among the white capped peaks. It was high noon but the sky was black and threatening and the wind was buffeting wildly. I cast an anxious eye at the crow's nest and the man in it was trying valiantly to gain a secure hold on the rigging.

As I watched I sauntered over to the captain. "You know sir, it may be none of my business but if I was you and I was captain of this here fine vessel, I would have all hands on deck. There appears to be a bit of nasty weather coming in and you will not be able to handle it yourself."

He looked at me and smiled. "I dare say Jacob, are you actually sober?" He looked up into the skies and then back at me. "I have to agree with you, tell the men to get up here. I need everyone and please have Will come to me."

I was glad to go below and relay the message. I did tell all of them to report to their duties and reluctantly I told Will the captain requested his presence. I was hoping that getting these men out on the deck and into the wind would clear away some or their stench. To my satisfaction, they all jumped up, they were all very eager to go.

As the men worked, the weather got worse. The winds picked up and the water was slapping against the sides of the ship. The waves were tumbling over us and there were several times I felt the ship was going to roll over.

All hands kept their eyes glued on the captain, knowing instinctively by a nod, a shrug, a movement of his leg, what he wanted them to do, since his voice couldn't carry over the wind.

I began to worry about the ship and the crew as the storm gained in intensity. I felt strangely exhilarated by the force of the elements and knew I had to help battle this storm, for it was going to be a big one. The tang of the salt air was an incentive to me as I started to walk over to the captain and Will.

I was going to take over the ship and I was not going to take no for an answer. As the wind howled though the rigging and the sails the urge to take the helm was calling to me.

Gigantic swells, whipped into curly white combers and they rolled over the deck. The storm was coming in from the north and the winds were cold and bitter. The water flew up and was stinging my face as I looked over at the captain, who was still a good distance from me. I lowered my head to keep the wind out of my face as I continued to make my way down the deck.

I glanced up at the captain again when, to my horror, he vanished. He was there one minute and gone the next. As the waves washed over the deck I couldn't believe my eyes; the sea had swallowed up the captain and Will. I should have yelled for the first mate but I knew he would never hear me and in all honesty I had no idea who he was.

I fought my way across the deck and took control of the wheel. My hands gripped the slick, stout wheel. As I looked around for Will, I held on to it tight and I handled the ship the best way I knew how, which I have to admit was bloody good.

Lightening flashed, illuminating the dark, spectral clouds scudding across the sky. The rain had not yet begun to pelt the decks, but it was out there, waiting. Making ready for the onslaught, I lashed myself to the wheel for I did not want to meet the same fate as the late captain and my best friend Will.

Minutes seemed hours and hours an eternity. The storm over took us and it raged in full fury. Blinded by the savage downpour, I kept the ship true to her heading. My body was battered by the elements; my hair beat against my face and twisted about my neck like strangling fingers.

My physical strength began to ebb but my determination to survive kicked in. Nothing would stop me from conquering this storm. I had ridden out worse on The Pearl and always lived to sail another day.

I could only assume below deck everyone had braced themselves and the men on deck were secure to their posts. The wind and the rain were pounding in my ears and I could not make out any other sounds. Then I was stunned when I saw Will's figure on the deck. He had not been thrown overboard.

"Will, tie yourself down. As you know, we have lost the captain and I will handle the lady now," I yelled at Will, but I figured he could not hear me.

He grasped on to the ropes and pulled himself along the deck, making his way toward me. As he got closer I could see a look of relief on his face. I wasn't sure if it was because I was sailing the ship or if he had been looking for me and found me in one piece.

Will was very close to me now and as he reached out to grab another rope a wave leaped the side of the ship and crashed down upon us. Lightening raced across the sky like a fleet-footed runner and then I saw another huge wave coming at us. I yelled at Will as he safely grasped the other rope and wrapped it around his wrists.

Will had also seen the gigantic wall of water coming toward us. I ducked my head and held my breath. I was hoping beyond hope Will would hold on tight. I could barely see him before I lowered my head but I could tell his eyes were tightly closed and he was saying a silent prayer.

The ship heaved with the force of the wave, the masts groaned with the weight of the saturated rigging. The craft rhythmically rose and fell as she rode the turbulent waters. I did my best to guide the vessel from the trough to the crests of each gigantic wave. For moments I would be balancing the ship on the crests and then plunge steeply into the next trough as though dropping off the edge of the world.

I noticed Will had grabbed a water barrel that was tied down and that was standing next to a heavy tack box. He managed, amid the vicious downpour to wedge himself between the both of them. I could tell he was hanging on for dear life as the waves and the rain beat against him like a drum.

For hours the storm persisted, each hour an eternity that took its toll on Will and me. I couldn't see Will half the time and sometimes I didn't know if he was alive or dead or even still on the ship. He could have been washed overboard.

I was beginning to feel antsy; I had to know if Will was alright. I was becoming more tired then I'd ever been in my life. There was no sign of the storm's abating. I began to wonder how much longer I could take this torture.

Then my inner voice answered me. As long as necessary Captain Sparrow, as long as necessary. You can't let this storm beat you.

I now had my body leaning against the wheel, I could feel the burn marks on my rib cage from the line holding me to the helm, and I knew that when I removed my hands from the wheel, my skin would be torn and bloody. I knew I could bear the physical pain, but I would not be able to carry the hurt in my soul for the rest of my life if Will was not with me.

The thought of Will's body being hurled about beneath the relentless tides was more that I could fathom. How would I explain this to his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and to my daughter, Katheryn?

A single lone tear formed in my eye and clung to my lash. I bowed my head and I felt the tear drop from my lash. No one would ever know that I shed a tear for William but it was at that moment I realized I would give my life to him. In some strange way I had been drawn to Will and ever since the first time I had seen him I knew he was different.

The storm persisted in its outrageous assault for another twelve hours. I had long since slumped against the wheel; believing I was half dead and about to pay my debt to Davy Jones. My arms were numb but I continued to steer the ship on a safe course through the swells and stinging spray.

An hour before dawn the storm wore itself out and the waters calmed to a mere boil. Caleb, ah yes, that was his name, the first mate, and Joshua, the second mate, untied me from the shoulder high wheel and carried me to the captain's cabin. I was exhausted.

They looked at me with awe and pity and immediately set to work to help me. As they were administering aid to me, Mike appeared in the captain's quarters carrying Will's limp body. Caleb raised his brows in astonishment. Joshua jumped up and placed Will on the bed opposite mine.

Mike spoke in a somber tone, "I don't know if he's even alive. I found him half in and half out of the tack box. His shoulder's been wrenched by the rigging and it has to be snapped back in. I've seen it done, but I could never be the one to do it. I know it will cause him to suffer much pain."

I pulled myself up off the bed and went to Will. I peered down on his white face and noticed he did look more dead than alive. His shirt was barley existing and I could see deep red welts peppering his sides. His ribs were bruised at best, if not broken.

I looked over at Caleb and Josh. "Mike is right, he is more dead than alive, his breathing is ragged and raspy, yet if his shoulder is to be snapped in, no better time to do it then when he doesn't know what is happening to him."

I placed my hand on Will's head. "Caleb, come over here and help me with him. If you're not man enough to make a good job of it, send me someone who is. I want you to hold his neck and shoulder and I will do what must be done with his arm. Make a good job of it boy, or it's the captain you'll be answering to. And I mean you will be answering to me. Savvy?"

My voice was gruff and my eyes were mean. Caleb did as I asked and he did not question me. My knowledge of this was limited but I was relying on common sense, that's all I had to rely on.

"Will is going to need warm blankets, hot tea, binding for the wounds and tender, loving care." All the men jumped to help. As I had mentioned previously, everybody loves Will.

Will spoke in delirium from time to time. He would cry out pitifully, "Jack, help me!"

I did everything I could for Will. Caleb, Mike, Josh and I took turns bathing his fever and changing the dressing on his wounds. While I had the others caring for Will, I set a course for Elizabeth. Yes, I was taking him home. I knew if he were in my position he would do the same for me.

By the end of the third day Will was lucid but in server pain and he was calling for me.

"Will, it is I, Jack. You must lie still. You've been ill for days with a raging fever. I'm almost sure your ribs are broken but I couldn't chance taping you up for fear I would do something wrong and pierce a lung. I'll do it now, but you must remain still. Will, do you understand me? Will, just nod your head."

Will nodded weakly and tried to speak. I placed my hand over his mouth. "Don't say anything until I have you bandaged and you are comfortable."

Again Will nodded. He was as weak as a newborn infant and barely had the strength to lift his head. I balanced his shoulder and neck as I wrapped strips of cloth around his rib cage. The effort left Will exhausted and he fell into his first natural sleep.

I informed the rest of the crew that Will would be hale and hearty in good time. When Will woke the following day he was doing much better and he was calling for me once again.

I went to him and was glad to see the color back in his face. He was propped up in the bed and drinking a hot cup of tea.

"Jack, the men have told me how you took care of me and I want to thank you."

"There's no need for thanks Will. I saw what I had to do and I did it. You would have done the same for me," I said offhandedly. "Now I want you to get your rest. Savvy?" I walked over to him and took the cup from his hands.

Will smiled at me and closed his deep brown eyes. Later that evening I went to look in on Will. He was lying on the bed. His face was still pale as he lay against the pillow.

He saw me standing in the doorway and gathered his strength to smile at me. The gratitude in his eyes looked like fire flames.

"I'm glad to see you looking alive. How does your shoulder feel?" I asked as I came in and pulled the cork out of the rum bottle that was in my hand.

"Much better, thank you," he answered, his eyes never leaving my face.

"Have you everything you want? Are you thirsty?" I held up the bottle.

Will nodded and I gave him a sip. I could tell he was still quite weak. I knew by the time he was up and around I would have him home. I would have him in Elizabeth's arms.

It took seven more days for Will to get his full strength back and when he did he joined me and the men up on the deck. To his surprise and pleasure he saw we were sailing into his home port. As he came over to me I was giving orders to drop the anchors.

I clapped my hand on Will's good shoulder. "Welcome home, Whelp. It's time for you to go spend time with your wife. I will spend a few days with me daughter and then I will head out with anyone who dares to go with me. Yes, everyone on board the ship knows who I am and they have consented to letting me have the ship. After all, I am Captain Jack Sparrow." I smiled at Will and then ordered the men to lower the long boats.

Will and I went to shore together. As we walked leisurely through the town, many of Will's neighbors ran up to him and asked him a million questions. They all wanted to know what became of Justin and his men. Needless to say the news saddened them all.

By the time we arrived at his home he was quite weary. I attempted to open the door and to my surprise, and his, we found it was locked. I settled Will down on a large chair on the porch and I made my way around the house to climb into a window.

As I dropped to the floor from the window I fell backwards and landed on my butt. As I started to get up I heard the cock of a gun and a soft growl. I slowly turned my head and I saw a young woman and one giant dog. It appeared Elizabeth had gotten herself a new maid and I could only assume the pup was Tiger, Kat's new dog. He was very large and he didn't look all that friendly.

I grinned and winked at her and then narrowed my eyes at the dog. He growled even louder.

"Easy Tiger, I'd say you mum would not be happy if you bit her dad." I then looked up at the confused maid. "Don't mind me Love and please don't shoot me. I have a surprise for Mrs. Turner. Nobody saw fit to answer the door so I had to find another way in. Is Mrs. Turner at home?"

She gave me a slight giggle as I stood up and straightened my clothes. "I'm sorry sir I did not hear the door, you see I was feeding this beast. Obviously you already know him. Mrs. Turner likes to have the door locked. You know there are pirates around here."

I threw my head back and laughed. "Yes, I am quite aware of that. This island is solely made up of pirates." I looked around to see if Elizabeth were near or even my darling daughter.

"Tell me sir, what is your name and your business and I will be glad to go get Mrs. Turner for you." She curtsied and waited for my answer.

"Tell her Captain Jack Sparrow is here, and have her move as fast as her legs will carry her to her husband's arms."

She laughed and then cast a puzzled glance. "But you are not her husband."

"No I am not; her husband is outside on the front porch, waiting for the door to be opened. Now if you will excuse me. I will go get him and you can get Mrs. Turner."

She jumped with excitement "Wait till the girls in the kitchen hear about this. Captain Jack is back and so is Mister Turner. Come Tiger, let us go inform everyone." Forgetting her manners she ran off yelling through the house for Elizabeth. To my good fortune, Tiger went with her.

"Miss Elizabeth, Miss Elizabeth, you're to come quick. There is a gentleman downstairs in the parlor. A gentleman to end all gentleman. Wait till you see him. Lord, he's the handsomest man my eyes have ever seen! Come. He has hair as dark as shadows and skin like bronze. I dare say, though, he is a pirate."

Before I could reach the door to let Will in, Katheryn came running. With the sound akin to a war whoop, she raced down the stairs and jumped off the last few steps, leaving a wide-eyed servant behind her.

Catapulting off the steps and into the foyer, she threw herself into my arms and hugged me with all her might. Satisfied that the living, breathing Jack Sparrow was no mirage, she extracted herself and looked into my face. She was a beauty and I was speechless.

"Daddy, daddy, you've come home." Tears glistened in her eyes. "I have missed you so much. When you went for your walk and you never came back, you gave us all a fright. Jem knew you would never leave her. She was the one who told me you would come back."

I held her away from me for just a moment. "Look at you, you're all grown up. Who would have believed the little girl I saved from that cave so long ago, could end up like this?"

I looked at her closely. Her hair was once again pulled back into a cascading pony tail and she was wearing an elegant purple gown. "I'm not sure I can call you me daughter, you look just like your mother. You are beautiful."

Katheryn hugged me again and began to laugh. It was the first genuine laugh I had heard from anybody in months. I couldn't believe how much time had passed and how long Will and I had been gone. Will, yes, I had forgotten all about him.

"Come Katheryn, there is someone else who would love to see you." She and I both went outside to find Elizabeth already outside and in Will's arms. We stood there and watched the display of emotion between the young lovers. They were no longer on the porch they stood under the large tropical tree in the middle of the yard. I could see tears of joy running down Elizabeth's face.

Katheryn squealed with delight but she stayed by my side as we watched the tender moment between Elizabeth and Will. Elizabeth was hugging and kissing Will and asking him a million questions.

"When did you get here? Why didn't you come in? Did you find The Pearl? Where are Jack and Jem? Did those two ever get married? If not it's time, Jem is Jack's destiny, I can feel it."

Elizabeth placed her hand over Will's heart. "They are like you and I they belong to each other. Jack helped us and now it is time for us to give them a gentle nudge."

Will looked into her soft eyes and laughed. "Elizabeth, I couldn't agree more but let us not discuss this now. I am just so happy to see you. I don't want to talk about anything except you. Tell me how you have been. How is our son, how is Katheryn?"

"You won't recognize your own son or Katheryn; she has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. They have both grown so much."

Katheryn was now grasping my arm. "Oh Daddy, I am so glad you and Will are home. Elizabeth has been so worried." She looked at the both of them and then up at me. "Daddy, Will does not look well. What is going on?" She then looked around the yard and back at the house. "Daddy, where is Jem?"

I looked down at her. "Little bird, William will get better now that he is with Elizabeth. He just needs some tender loving care and a lot of rest. As for Jem, I don't know."

She looked at me questioningly. "You don't know?"

"That's correct Luv, I don't know but I aim to find out. Savvy?"

"Does that mean you are not home to stay?" Her grip on my arm grew tighter.

Before I could answer her Elizabeth turned and saw the both of us. She came rushing over to me and threw her arms about me, forcing Kat to release me. "Well if it isn't Jack Sparrow, how wonderful to see you!"

Suddenly she found herself being lifted from the ground as I swung her around in a circle. "It's Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please."

"Oh Jack, you haven't changed a bit," Elizabeth laughed out loud.

"Elizabeth you're more beautiful than ever." I set her down and then clapped my hands together, and bowed as I apologized. "Sorry, Mrs. Turner."

Elizabeth gave me a wide smile. "No need to be so formal Captain Jack Sparrow, you know you can call me Elizabeth." She once again favored me with her pretty grin. "Now where is Jem? You must go get her and we will all go in and have something to eat. I will even give you something to drink."

She went back and placed her arm through Will's arm. "Come my love, it looks as if you could use a good bath, some home cooking and a glass of wine."

Will followed her to the porch and then he stumbled slightly as he put his hand to his chest and then his head. "I'm sorry Elizabeth I can't walk as fast as you. I am having troubles catching my breath and I feel so dizzy. I have to admit to you, I have been ill, but I am getting better, thanks to Jack."

Will sat down on the porch steps and I could see perspiration on his brow and his breathing was labored. He looked up and gave Kat a slight smile. "I should be fine after I rest. Kat my dear, it is so good to see you. I can imagine you are happy to see your father is home in one piece." Will spoke softly and he tried to stand back up but fell backwards again. His face was white as he was gasping for air.

I knelt down in front of Will and I could see his eyes were dulled and his body was going through some sort of spasms. "Will, how long has this been going on?"

Will looked at me and then up into Elizabeth's face. He was now breathing normal again and his color was coming back. "For awhile now Jack, it seems to come and go without warning. It's as if all my muscles involuntarily take over and I can't control them." He now looked deep into my eyes. "Jack it started the day I killed…I killed."

I placed my hand on Will's arm. "It will be fine Will. Elizabeth is right; a hot soak in a tub, a little rest and you'll be as good as new in a month or so. I think you and your young wife should go rest with one another. You have much to tell her, you have much to share."

Elizabeth was now sitting beside Will and stroking his hair back from his gaunt face. "The day you killed who?"

Will's eyes widened as he looked at me. "A month!"

"Will, who did you kill? Barbossa?" Elizabeth asked again with much excitement in her voice.

I looked at Elizabeth and smiled. "Don't we wish? No, Mrs. Turner, Barbossa is alive and well, and he still has me ship and he has Jem so if you think about it, he also has my child, his grandchild." I couldn't help pulling my lip back and giving a slight snarl. "He also has the map and I'd say he now has the treasure. It appears Barbossa has it all."

I then looked at Will. "Maybe two months, it's hard to tell," I said trying to rid my voice of fear. "Now come, let us get you inside."

Will tried to stand once again and he was still having difficulties. Elizabeth stabled him and helped him to sit back down while Kat ran from my side and got Will a drink of cold water. While Kat sat with Will, Elizabeth stood up and looked down at me.

"Jack what is wrong with Will? He seems so weak." She walked down the steps and I placed my arm around her shoulders.

"Elizabeth," I talked softly in her ear. "I want you to know if I have anything to do about it, William will be back to himself in due time."

"Yes Jack, but…"

"Elizabeth," I interrupted. "Remember, Will loves you with all his heart, he regards marriage very seriously. He is different then most pirates, err men. He wants his wife to also be his mistress, he is loyal to you and always will be, there is nobody else for him and nothing could be better for him right now than just being with you. You are the only medicine he needs right now. Savvy? A husband and wife that really love each other, that my dear is rare. You share your bodies as well as your souls, without the slightest hint of bashfulness."

Elizabeth gave me a meek smile. "Really Jack, your words are kind but you are going to make me blush. You know I will take care of my husband, I love him more than anything in this world, I'm sure he just has a touch of something. It is nothing to be too concerned about." She gave a slight giggle. "I would have never considered myself Will's mistress. I am glad he is not like other pirates." She placed her hand on my arm. "I hope you don't take offence to that."

"None taken Luv, but Elizabeth pay attention, Will has been through a lot. Let him talk to you, he needs you to listen, he needs you to understand."

I noticed Will had finished his water and he and Kat were laughing with one another. "Come on Whelp, it's time to get you inside and out of this hot sun." I helped Will to his feet and let Elizabeth take his arm. I could see the concern in her sun kissed face, I am sure my words filled her with curiosity.

Elizabeth turned to me and gave me an innocent kiss on my check. "Thank you for caring Jack. Will and I will take your advice and we will join you and Kat for dinner after the sun sets and it is cooler. Kat darling, why don't you take your father for a nice horse ride? I am sure he would enjoy it."

As I watched them go in the house Kat came and stood beside me. "Daddy, who did William kill?" Kat asked warily.

I did not hear her for I was deep in thought. Somehow I knew the poison Barbossa had put into Will's system was now kicking in and he was running out of time.

"Daddy," Kat was tugging on my sleeve. "I am so glad you are here, even if it is only for a short time. Please, let's go take a ride on Jack and Luna. I can ride almost as well as Will. I've gotten really good on Jack and I will be glad to saddle Luna for you. She is a sweet horse. Elizabeth bought her so she could ride with me."

I looked down at Kat realizing she was talking to me and I should give her the attention she deserved, which in essence was all of it. I gave her my infamous smile and looked toward the stables.

"That doesn't sound like one of your better ideas, my Pet." I said with a grimace. "I'll let you know right up front Luv, your father does not have a way with horses and I am sure Elizabeth is an excellent rider, hence she would be having a fine feisty horse. I'd be willing to bet it is a chestnut. All red heads have a mind of their own and I'm not sure I want to be sitting on ones back. Now if you had said let's remove ours shoes and go for a romp through the lush carpet of grass and take a swim I would be the first one to do that."

Kat looked at me and tilted her head ever so slightly and smiled. "Alright Dad, if you are afraid of horses I guess we can go swimming."

I drew my head back and my eyes grew wide. "Now who ever said I was afraid, after all me Pet, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow and I'm not afraid of a four legged animal. Now two legged, that is something to run from. Especially if they be female and red headed."

Kat gave me a wide grin. "Are you talking of Scarlet? Will told me about her and how she slapped you across the face and how you said you deserved it." She started to giggle and glanced up at me as I now had a sick smile on my face. "Why did you deserve it?"

I shook my head and looked down upon her smiling face. "Lass, this is not proper conversation for me to be having with you. Let it be known there is only one woman for me and she is not a red head." I looked down into her wide eyes. "Let us go saddle up the horses."

"Oh Daddy please, I want to know more about you. I have always heard you were a ladies man. Elizabeth says you are a philanderer. You love women, all women. Your sole mission in life was to see how many young girls you can get into…"

"Kat," I looked at her with alarm. "I can't believe Elizabeth would say that."

Kat lowered her head and then looked at me. "I'm sorry Daddy. Your right Elizabeth never says anything unkind about you, even though you may deserve it."

"Katheryn Sparrow, is there something you want to say or ask? Please Luv, stop beating the waves and just ask."

"Well, you see dad," Kat started to kick the dirt and now avoided eye contact with me. "There were some young women in the town. They do talk about you some. Actually they talk about you all the time and I am sorry I do listen to there tales. I love to hear stories about you, whether they are true or not. They do not know I am your daughter or I am sure they would pummel me with questions".

"Katheryn my darling," I knelt down and now we were eye to eye. "If there is anything you want to know about me, you just ask. You don't need to listen to stories from strumpets down at the taverns. I am your father, and you can let anybody know that. Savvy?" I kissed her on the forehead and stood up.

"As far as you spending time with those young ladies, I am sure Elizabeth would raise an eye brow. Please Luv, mind who you spend time with."

I once again looked over at the barn. "Now I can tell you wish to do something special with me and it involves your horse. So let us go and ride the steeds but if I fall off and break a bone, you, Lass, will have to do me fetching. Can you fetch under the command of a pirate?"

Kat placed her hand into mine. "Yes, I can fetch under the command of the most notorious pirate of the Spanish Mane. Dad, I could and I would do anything for you. I love you. Savvy?"

"Yes my Luv, I know you do and that is why I will go ride Luna. As long as you say she is a sweet horse. I can only imagine she is named after the moon or some celestial object. She most be heavenly."

Kat looked up at me and began to laugh unmercifully. "No Dad, I will tell you her full name after we ride. I will have to say Elizabeth named her and it really does fit her."

I found out the hard way. Elizabeth is an excellent rider, maybe even better than Will. She bought the horse for the owner was going to kill it. Its name was Luna, short for Lunatic and she was indeed a chestnut with a mind of her own.

Needless to say Kat and I had a wonderful time and I even managed to stay on. After our ride I enjoyed a nice long soak in a hot bath. Elizabeth and Will almost did not recognize me when supper time came. After a mighty fine dinner and several tankards of rum I settled down for the night in a very comfortable feather bed. When my head hit the pillow I was out like a light. Aye it's nice to be back, the only thing I was missing was my Jem.

A/N So ends another chapter. Sorry for the delay but this is the season to be busy and I have been. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. As you all can see Will is in trouble. I know I will get grief from Katrina and from WILLIZ. I know you two love Will, and grant it I can see why. Tell ya what, you both give me a nice review and I promise I will save Will. To my other loyal and new reviewers, thank you for your input and your kind words. I love to hear from you so as always READ-REVIEW-ENJOY.

TA FOR NOW

LOVELY RAVEN SPARROW