A series of new explosions could be heard along with the cries of the crew manning the guns above. Nicholas' cry echoed in Veronica's ears as she grasped Jonathon's hand.
"I'll go see what's going on," he said, reaching for the door handle. He seemed to hesitate slightly, looking back at Veronica, but he moved out through the door swiftly.
Veronica tried to comfort the shocked little boy, her arms wrapped around him. He begged to know where his parents were, and she wished she knew as well. She wondered what was going on and what she should do to help stop the ensuing madness.
Minutes later, Jonathon stormed back into the room, carrying a sword and two pistols. He handed one to Veronica and tucked the other into his belt.
"Pirates," he said flatly after a moment.
Veronica felt a small cry escape her throat and remembered seeing the Pearl earlier. A sudden fear passed through her that sent her whole body into shudders. Jonathon wrapped his arms around her. Tears filled her eyes as she silently begged him to stay with her.
"No, Veronica," he finally said. "I cannot stay. I have to fight – for you. If all should go ill, have no fear to use the pistol." With that, he pulled her up into a passionate kiss and then was gone.
After he left, Veronica locked the door behind him. Her heart pounding, she also pushed her traveling trunk up against the door. Though she tried to move the bed, she found that it was bolted down.
Veronica knew her barricade wouldn't last long and trembled as she heard thundering footsteps above her. Thick, surly voices boomed above deck, and the cries of sailors and merchants alike could be heard through the thick ceiling and walls.
Veronica leaned against the wall behind the barricade, holding Nicholas in her arms. Tears streaked her face as she tried to hold back sobs and be brave for her little companion. The two must have sat there for the better part of an hour before she heard the heavy clump of boots before her door.
As the door handle was turned, Veronica scrambled to her feet, gripping the pistol in her hands. Nicholas stood behind her, his cries muffled through the thick fabrics of her dress.
Veronica tried to steady her hands as the lock gave way and a black boot kicked in the door. With another strong kick from the booted man and a muffled curse, the door moved further in. Veronica chocked back a scream and hardened her gaze, trying to aim for whoever should appear.
The booted man gave one final kick, sending the door sprawling open.
To his shock, before him stood a young woman dressed in finery such as only a lady would wear. Her fine, delicate features were etched in fear, her jaw clenched. She seemed to carry the regal, distinct features of a Spaniard, softened by English blood over generations. Her raven hair contrasted with her blue-green eyes, a contrast most attractive on her. Through out all his years of piracy, he had never seen such a beautiful woman – with a pistol aimed right at his chest.
Mentally, he swore to himself. No women were supposed to be aboard the ship.
The woman began backing away from him, still keeping the gun leveled at his chest.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
"Smith, Smithy if ye like," the man said, analyzing his situation all the while. Though she had him at gun-point, he found the odd slightly in his favor, seeing as his ship had just taken over hers. Also, her hands were shaking, and the way she held the pistol was awkward, leading him to believe that she had never held a gun before.
The pirate to slow steps towards her, and her eyes widened slightly.
"I might as the same of ye. What be yer name and what are ye doing aboard this merchant vessel?" he asked, still moving forward.
"Don't come any close!" she said, trying to back away from him. However, as she reached the opposite side of the room, she ran into the wall, sending up a cry from behind her skirts.
The man looked down to see a small boy appear. Not children too!
Though he had been distracted, he noticed that the woman had too. He quickly crossed the room and wrenched the pistol from her hands. Pushing her up against the wall, he held his dagger up against her pale neck.
"What be yer name, luv? Answer me, luv, or me old dagger here has found a new sheath, savvy?" he muttered grimly, turning his blade this way and that.
"Ver – Veronica," she whispered, fear dripping off every word.
The pirate savored her terror and placed the point of his blade under her chin, forcing it up.
"Now, luv, tell me, what's to keep me from killin' ye now, as I did yer shipmates?"
The girl's eyes moved back and forth in thought, and finally, she closed those beautiful portals to the soul.
"Well?" the man asked again, more gruffly this time.
Suddenly, her eyes popped open, and she cried out, "Parley!"
Slightly confused, he murmured, "Come again?"
"Parley! You cannot harm me! You must take me to your captain." She was breathing hard, but her eyes had narrowed, the fear lessened.
The man pulled his face closer to hers.
"Parley, eh? Well, mate, you forgot just one thing. I'm Captain Jack Sparrow!"
A/N: thanks for reading (finally some action you're saying to your self). Hope you loved it. If you didn't – I'm so sorry. Any way! Please R&R! If you hated it though, please be kind and gentle with an aspiring writer such as myself and don't tell me exactly how awful it was. Ciao for now!
loriendeva
