Whispered Words

by FalconWing

‘Certain brief writings are peerless in their ability to give one the feeling that nothing remains to be said.’ – Jean Rostand. A collection of drabbles and extended drabbles amidst other, slightly longer pieces stemming from respective challenges.

4. Where Loyalties Lie

Where Loyalties Lie

Challenge: Loyalty/Betrayal

By FalconWing

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Bootstrap Bill Turner had sealed the parcel, giving it into the care of the most trustful merchantman on Tortuga before returning to the tavern where the crew of the Pearl was. Many of them were sitting with dour looks on their faces, glowering at the patrons carousing about on the tables.

Bill didn't have to ask what was wrong.

Over the past few weeks, more and more of them had begun to notice strange happenings: drink not quenching thirst, food not stifling hunger, pleasurable company not sating lust.

Bill had been the first to connect the symptoms with the cause. At first, when he had confronted them with his theory they had scoffed loudly at him.

"Ye spen' too much time 'round Sparra. Getting' near as fanciful as 'im."

Maybe so, but if not for the great deal of time he had spent in Jack's company, he would not have known how to lift the curse. He thought of the plain brown parcel, innocent enough but for the shiny gold medallion within. If not for the great deal of time he had spent in Jack's company, he would have been able to avenge his friend.

He supposed that the intent of his sending that gold medallion was tantamount to disloyalty – to betrayal – but he found he didn't care. They certainly hadn't given loyalty a second thought when it had been Jack's life on the line.

Obviously Barbossa had never heard that to betray was to be prepared to be betrayed.