Several weeks had passed since Will left and there had been no news. Narcissa had been unable to come up with any feasible plan of escape in that time much to her frustration. Elizabeth remained optimistic about Will's chances and Narcissa chose not to argue. Better to live in hope.
There were a few other prisoners in the cell who had initially made lewd advances but after Narcissa nearly broke the arm of one of the men who tried to grab her they left them alone.
One dark evening Weatherby came hurrying into the prison. Both girls stood.
"We have to hurry. Do you know where the keys are?" before either could answer Jack the monkey swung down holding the key ring. Both Swann's jumped but Narcissa smiled.
"Good boy Jack!" Weatherby cautiously took the keys looking as though he wanted to ask a question but thought better of it.
"What's going on?" Elizabeth asked as they hurried out of the cell.
"My name still hold some sway with the Crown. I've arranged passage for you both to England. The captain is a friend of mine," the older man explained as they exited the jailhouse.
"No! Will's gone to get Jack," said Elizabeth. Narcissa withheld a groan much as she loved Will sitting still in a cell hoping Will would succeed when there was a viable plan of escape seemed foolish. Weatherby appeared to be of the same mind as he said.
"We cannot rely on William Turner."
"He's a better man than you give him credit for," snapped Elizabeth. Narcissa sighed.
"Liz this has nothing to do with how good Will is and everything to do with how untrustworthy Beckett is."
"Your sister is right. This is no time for innocence. Beckett has offered one pardon only one, and that is promised to Jack Sparrow. Even if Will succeeds, do not ask me to endure the sight of my daughters walking to the gallows. Do not." Weatherby said desperately. Narcissa felt her heart break slightly at the word "daughters".
"Perhaps I can ensure a fair trial for Will if he returns."
"A fair trial for Will ends in a hanging," pointed out Elizabeth as they reached a carriage and stepped inside.
"Then there is nothing for you here," replied Weatherby he glanced at the two of them and then pulled out two pistols pressing them into the girl's hands. "Look after each other," he said before shutting the carriage door. They trundled on for a while before stopping at the docks.
They heard Weatherby get down from the drivers seat. Narcissa peered out the window and saw the Governor approach a man.
"Captain?" he asked however the man suddenly slumped forward a sword sticking out of him.
"Liz we've got to move!" she hissed grabbing her sisters hand and getting out the opposite door of the carriage. She heard shouting but diding look back pulling Elizabeth into an alley as guards ran past.
"We need a plan," whispered Narcissa.
"We need to get the letters of Marque to free us," replied Elizabeth.
"So it's off to Beckett's office at the fort," finished Narcissa.
PotC
They reached the fort where two soldiers who she recognized as the relatively dim Murtogg and Mullroy stood guard at the entrance.
"We need a distraction," murmured Narcissa. She glanced at Jack who sat on her shoulder and motioned to the guards.
"Think you can distract them?" she asked. The monkey jumped off her shoulder and scampered out.
The guards were immediately distracted by the monkey who drew them out doing a little dance.
"Aww. Look at the little fellow," said one guard as he approached Jack.
"You sure you should be doing that?" asked the other guard.
"Ah, come on. It must be lost or something look it's got a little outfit and everything." said the first guard. Grudgingly the second guard moved closer both now had their backs to Elizabeth and Narcissa who swiftly snuck past. The guards were now arguing over what to do with the monkey. Narcissa seriously questioned the Navy training.
They reached Becketts office which was empty. Against one wall was a large map. Next to it was a chair and desk as well as a large table likely used for strategy meetings. Elizabeth grabbed the letters of Marque and both women hid in the shadows on either side of the door as the footsteps drew nearer.
Beckett entered the room and didn't even acknowledge them for a minute before finally saying.
"No doubt you've discovered that loyalty is no longer the currency of the realm, as your father believes."
"Then what is?" asked Elizabeth stepping out.
"I'm afraid currency is the currency of the realm," replied Beckett turning to face them.
"Then I'm sure we can come to an arrangement," said Elizabeth.
"And with any luck for you it won't end with a bullet in your skull," added Narcissa her gun trained on the door.
"We're here to negotiate," Elizabeth told him.
"I'm listening," said Beckett. Elizabeth pulled her pistol and pointed it at his forehead. "Intently." he added surprisingly calm for a man at gunpoint.
"These letters of marque are signed by the king." she said.
"Yes, and they're not valid until they bear my signature and my seal." Beckett pointed out.
"Obviously. Or else we would not still be here," Narcissa said.
"You sent Will to get you the compass owned by Jack Sparrow. It will do you no good," said Elizabeth.
"Do explain," said Beckett sardonically.
"I have been to the Isla de Muerta. I have seen the treasure myself. There is something you need to know." Elizabeth began.
"I see. You think the compass leads only to the Isla de Muerta and so you hope to save me from an evil fate." Narcissa scoffed but said nothing.
"But you mustn't worry. I care not for cursed Aztec gold. My desires are not so provincial."
"So, the compass has other uses," said Narcissa making a mental note to interrogate Jack about his compass when they found him.
"Indeed. There's more than one chest of value in these waters. So perhaps you may wish to enhance your offer. Consider that in your calculations."
"Well we could always shoot you somewhere painful," pointed out Narcissa as Elizabeth cocked the gun and placed it under his chin forcing him to walk over to the table.
"Consider into your calculations that you robbed me of my wedding night." said Elizabeth fiercely. Narcissa smirked with something akin to pride.
"So I did. A marriage interrupted or fate intervenes? You're making great efforts to ensure Jack Sparrow's freedom." Narcissa glared not liking his implication.
"These aren't going to Jack," said Elizabeth.
"Really? To ensure Mister Turner's freedom, then, I'll still want that compass. Consider that in your calculations." He said finishing sealing the letters. He then turned to Narcissa.
"I do suggest you reconsider this."
"Why" asked Narcissa raising an eyebrow.
"Because after some consideration I have a proposal for you."
"Oh?" scoffed Narcissa.
"Marry me and I will guarantee the survival of yourself, Miss Swann," Beckett was giving her the same look from earlier and it still make her skin crawl. Narcissa was dumbfounded.
"And why on Earth would you want to marry me? I'm the daughter of a pirate as you so aptly pointed out."
"Aside from your unusual and exceptional beauty, it would send a message to pirates that there is little point in resisting if the daughter of a famous pirate were to consent to marry the head of the East India Trading Company," explained Beckett. Narcissa laughed.
"You REALLY are crazy if you think I would degrade myself and marry someone as twisted and untrustworthy as you. Never mind the fact that it would be an insult to my father's memory."
"Simply keep it in mind. There may come a time when you will see it is the most sensible course," he told her. Narcissa rolled her eyes.
"Don't hold your breath. Come on Elizabeth." And with a final glance they left the room.
Author's note: So Beckett likes Narcissa. Please let me know what you think of the story and characters in the comments below it may not seem like much but it really does help. Until next week!
