Chapter 2

The Black Pearl sailed into the night, heading towards Isla Cruces, Elizabeth sat on deck looking out into the inky blackness of the caribbean night. There was no moon and no stars, a thick layer of clouds was blocking the sky and the night was deathly still. Their progress was slow, they had to rely on the occasional light breeze which was few and far between tonight, but their captain knew that whatever they were sailing into would wait for them. It was time.

Looking up at Jack standing at the helm, Elizabeth walked over and stood close beside him. He turned and gave her a quick, casual glance, then returned his attention to the horizon.

"How much longer?" she asked.

"About a day, maybe two. The wind will be with us in the morning." he stated matter of factly.

Elizabeth stood very still for a moment, then anxiously she wrung her hands together. Jack noticed the tension in her body.

"Something bothering you tonight, love?" he inquired.

"I...I have a request...if you don't mind? Her mouth was as dry as the sand on the beach. She could hardly speak, she was a bundle of nerves. Once again she would have to confront him with a subject that would put her in a position to choose if she should believe him or not. The thing is, she needed to know everything and this man standing beside her was the only one who could give her this information.

"Let's hear it!." Jack invited.

"Tell me the story. I'm ready to listen now." she stated firmly.

Jack turned to face her, he reached over and pulled her so that she was standing directly in front of him. Lifting her chin to ensure eye contact, he caressed her cheek as he spoke.

"Aye, I knew you'd come 'round" he whispered and smiled. "Come with me, darling. For this, we need privacy." He led her to his quarters and motioned her inside, before he followed he called for Mr Cotton and instructed him to take over at the helm, then he entered the room and closed the door. He lit a few additional candles, then walked over to his ample supply of rum (he had stocked up at their last port, he had a feeling Elizabeth would agree to his "proposal") and grabbed two bottles. Elizabeth had sat in a chair next to his desk but the captain made his way to the bed with both bottles in his hand. Stretching out in an upright position he motioned for her to come join him but she hesitated.

"Come now. Not being modest at this point, are we? If we're to get you reunited with your betrothed, William, then I don't see what the trouble is. Surely you can see the logic in that?"

Elizabeth did.

Slowly, she rose from her chair and joined him on the bed. She inched over next to him and he handed her a full flask, she uncorked it and took a drink.

"Before I start, answer me this dearest Lizzie. Just why do you suddenly want to know all the juicy details of 'ol Jack all of a sudden? You seemed quite satisfied with the condensed version earlier, why the change of heart?"

"I need to know you're telling the truth. You lie as much as you tell the truth, I need to know that this isn't one of those lies. I need to know if..." she swallows hard, "If I can trust you. If you won' t betray me."

Jack laughs out loud at this. "It seems to me, darling, tis' you who are the betrayer and I believe you know where betrayers go, or do you need a little reminder? I'm sure one of Barbossa's old crew can tell you. If it weren't for me, they'd be there right now."

Elizabeth looks away, a little frightened and very ashamed. Jack see's this and softens, just a little.

'Listen love, for what it's worth, I admire your strength in owning up to your shortcomings, otherwise I wouldn't be doing this." he says, studying her reaction.

She looks back at him and smiles shyly, then takes a small sip of rum.

"Well then! That being settled, I guess it's on with the story!" Jack said in an almost jovial tone.

Elizabeth sat very still, listening to his every word.