The next chapter is here my friends! Please enjoy!
Evie POV
I walked out of my cabin the next morning, stopping just outside to stretch. I was in a pretty good mood. I enjoyed the rush I got from firing the Pearl's cannons. I went up to the helm where Barbossa was standing. Jack was sitting on his shoulder, chewing on a golden coin in his paws.
"I take it the raid last night was successful?" I asked, standing next to the Captain. Jack jumped off his master's shoulder and onto mine. I reached up and stroked the monkey.
"Aye, it was," Barbossa said. "In more ways than one."
I gave him a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"We just so happened to find a bit more than the last medallion."
I put one hand on my hip. "Well, are you going to tell me what else you found or are you going to leave me in suspense?"
Barbossa smirked. "I think I like keeping ye in suspense." I paused in my pampering of Jack to shoot him a glare and he chuckled. "Pintel and Ragetti brought two young ladies aboard and one of them went by Elizabeth Turner."
"Turner," I mused, trying to recall the significance of the name. Then it dawned on me and my eyes widened, a grin spreading across my face. "You've found Bootstrap's child? But that means you can break the curse!"
Barbossa nodded. "Aye, that we can."
"Bout time. Ten years is a long time to be cursed for," I said. Jack screeched at me and I resumed scratching him.
"Yer tellin' me," Barbossa muttered. "Evie, I want ye to help in the galley to make a full course meal for our guest tonight."
"I'm not the best cook, but I'll do my best," I said. "Suppose I should get started on that then, cause that's going to take all day."
Abby POV
I searched the town high and low for Will. I gasped when I found the blacksmith apprentice lying in the dirt. I rushed over and shook his shoulder. "Will. Will!" Will opened his eyes.
"Abby!" Will gasped, lifting his head slightly and wincing.
"Oh, thank goodness," I sighed in relief. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Will replied as I helped him to his feet. "Where's Elizabeth?"
"She's gone. The pirates took her," I told him, my eyes watering. I wasn't sad so much as angry at myself. I had allowed Barbossa to get the better of me when I should have known better.
"Why didn't they take you?" Will asked.
I shook my head, angrily wiping away the tears as they slipped down my cheeks. "I don't know. I think they need her for something, but I don't know what for." Will pulled me to his chest, hugging me tightly.
"I'm glad you're alright. We have to let your father know that you're alright and tell him what happened to Elizabeth," he said. I nodded and wiped my eyes. We raced to Fort Charles. "They've taken her! They've taken Elizabeth!" He shouted as we ran in. My father, Norrington, and Gillette were gathered around a huge map of the Caribbean, Murtogg and Mullroy stood at attention behind them.
"Abigail!" My father gasped when he spotted me. I rushed over and threw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, father," I assured him. "But the pirates took Elizabeth. I tried to save her, but I couldn't do anything." Tears rolled down my cheeks. I had felt utterly useless without my cutlass in the presence of the pirates and I hated it. My father rubbed my back soothingly.
"Mr. Murtogg, remove this man," Norrington ordered without looking up from the map. Murtogg grabbed Will's arm, but Will shook him off.
"We have to hunt them down! We must save her!" Will insisted.
"And where do you propose we start?" My father demanded, pausing in rubbing my back. "If you have any information concerning my daughter, please, share it."
"That Jack Sparrow...he talked about the Black Pearl," Murtogg spoke up.
"Mentioned it, is more what he did," Mullroy corrected.
"Ask him where it is!" Will urged. "Make a deal with him! He can lead us to it!"
"No," Norrington said with an annoyed sigh, still pouring over the map. "The pirates who invaded this fort left Sparrow locked in his cell. Ergo, they are not his allies. Governor, we will establish their most likely course -" I jumped as Will suddenly slammed his axe into the desk.
"That's not good enough!" Will yelled angrily.
Norrington calmly yanked the axe out of the map and walked around the desk to Will. "Mr. Turner, you are not a military man, you are not a sailor. You are a blacksmith," he declared. "This is not the moment for rash actions." He put an arm around Will's shoulders and pulled him a few feet away. "Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only man here who cares for Elizabeth." He then shoved the axe into Will's arms and came back to the map. I watched as Will walked off and I knew I had to do something.
"So that's it then?" I demanded, causing Norrington to look at me. "My sister's out there with a bunch of pirates and the best you can do is pour over a map hoping you will be able to figure out where the pirates are going?"
"And what do you suggest we do, Miss Swann?" Norrington asked irritably, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Talk to Jack Sparrow," I told him. Norrington rolled his eyes and sighed. "I know he's a pirate, but he's the best lead we've got. Can't you forget the law for once? This is my sister we're talking about!"
"Miss Swann, I suggest you go home and rest and let the rest of us deal with finding your sister," Norrington replied.
"If you truly loved her, you would be willing to do anything for her instead of worrying about obeying the stupid law!" I told him. I tore myself from my father's grasp and ran after Will, ignoring my father's call. In hindsight, I was probably a bit harsh on Norrington. I knew he loved Elizabeth and was only doing what he thought was right. I decided I would apologize to him once my sister was safe.
"Will!" I called as I spotted the blacksmith. I ran over to him and placed a hand on his arm. "We will get Elizabeth back."
Will gave me a skeptical look. "And how are we supposed to get her back? We don't exactly have a plan," he argued.
"Of course we have a plan," I told him. "We'll go talk to Jack Sparrow, like you said."
"And then what?" Will demanded. "Even if Sparrow did give us the location of the Black Pearl, the Commodore wouldn't listen to us anyway."
"I have a plan for that too." Will frowned in his confusion. "If Sparrow knows the location of the Black Pearl, then we can make a deal with him. We'll promise to set him free if he can take us to Elizabeth."
"Do you think that would work?" Will inquired.
I smiled and nodded. "He's bound for the hangman's noose. What does he have to lose?" Will contemplated for a few moments.
"Alright," he conceded.
"Good. You go see if Jack knows anything about the Black Pearl," I told him. "I'll meet you there."
"Why, aren't you coming with me?" The young blacksmith asked.
"I can't exactly go on a rescue mission in my night things," I said, gesturing to the night dress I was still in which was just about ruined from my swim back to shore last night.
Will blushed and cleared his throat. "Ok, I'll meet you in the jail." I rushed off towards my home. I quickly changed into a poet shirt underneath a green waistcoat, pair of tan breeches, socks and shoes. I tied my hair into a low ponytail and grabbed my cutlass from under my bed, shoving it in a belt around my waist. I ran back towards the fort, making sure to stay in the shadows. I made my way down the steps of the jail. I could hear Will and Jack talking so I stopped just out of sight to listen.
"Oh, so it is that you've found a girl?" Jack asked with a smirk, raising himself onto his elbows. "I see. Well, if you're intending to brave all, hasten to her rescue and so win fair lady's heart, you'll have to do it alone, mate. I see no profit in it for me." I decided at that point to make my presence known.
"Well, then you're in luck, Sparrow," I announced, stepping out of my hiding place.
Jack turned his gaze to me. "Ah, Miss Abby, we meet again." He looked me over, seeming to appreciate my change in attire. "And what, pray tell, is a governor's daughter doing down here?"
"Saving my sister," I replied. "I may not have much experience with pirates, but I imagine we will have to make it worth your while for you to agree to help us. Will and I are prepared to set you free in exchange for you leading us to Elizabeth."
"How's that? The key's run off," Jack said, though it looked like I had managed to get his attention.
"I helped build these cells," Will spoke up. "These are half pin-barrel hinges." He walked over and grabbed a bench sitting against the wall and placed it at the bottom of the cell door. "With the right leverage and the proper application of strength, the door will lift free."
Jack narrowed his eyes, considering Will. "What's your name?"
"Will Turner."
Jack nodded. "That will be short for William, I imagine," he said nonchalantly, sitting up. "Good strong name. No doubt named for your father, eh?"
Will narrowed his eyes. "Yes."
"Ah hah." Jack was quiet for another moment and I wondered what was going through that head of his. "Well, Mr. Turner, I've changed me mind," Jack decided, getting to his feet. "If you spring me from this cell, I swear on the pain of death, I shall take you to the Black Pearl and your bonny lass and your sister, Miss Abby." He stuck his hand through the bars and smiled. "Do we have an accord?" Will gave Jack a suspicious look.
"Agreed," Will finally said, shaking Jack's hand. Jack looked at me expectantly. I reached out and firmly shook his hand.
Jack grinned. "Agreed! Get me out." Will and I pressed down on the bench, causing the cell door to rise off its hinges and crash to the floor.
"Hurry, someone will have heard that," Will urged.
"Not without my effects," Jack said, stepping over the fallen door. He found his effects on a table and proceeded to strap on his belt.
"Why bother with that?" Will asked. "You could have escaped if you killed me, but you weren't willing to use it."
"Are you advising me that was a mistake?" Jack inquired, leveling his pistol at Will.
"Oi!" I shouted at Jack, but he ignored me.
"When you've only got one shot, it's best to wait for the opportune moment...That wasn't it." For one terrifying moment, I was afraid Jack would go back on his word and shoot Will. However, Jack simply grinned and lowered his pistol. "Nor is this." I stared after him as he pushed past Will and I.
"What did you mean he could have killed you?" I demanded, rounding on Will.
"I'll tell you later," Will said, following Jack.
Jack, Will, and I peeked our heads out from beneath a bridge. At the docks, men were busy loading various crates on the Interceptor.
"We're going to steal a ship?" Will asked. He followed Jack's gaze to the Dauntless floating by the cliffs. "That ship?"
"Commandeer," Jack corrected. We're going to commandeer that ship." He gestured to the Interceptor. "Nautical term." Jack gave us a critical look. "One question about your business, or there's no use going. This girl? How far are you willing to go to save her?"
"I'd die for her," Will replied without hesitation. Jack looked at me.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save my sister," I said firmly. "No one messes with my family and gets away with it."
"Oh, good," Jack said, clearly happy with our answers. "No worries, then."
"So, any brilliant ideas of how we're going to commandeer that ship?" I asked Jack.
"I've got one, yeah," Jack told me with a smirk as he eyed some longboats laying on the shore. "Hope you don't mind getting wet."
A few minutes later, the three of us were walking on the ocean floor, using an upside down longboat to provide an air bubble.
"This is either madness, or brilliance," Will commented from behind me.
"It's remarkable how often those two traits coincide," Jack said.
Once we reached where the Dauntless was anchored, Will used the rope attached to a lobster trap he had accidentally stepped in to climb up the ship. With a bit of difficulty, I managed to haul myself over the rail of the Dauntless, Will close behind me.
"Everybody stay calm. We're taking over the ship!" Jack announced as we descended the stairs to the main deck.
"Aye! Avast!" Will added, brandishing his sword, a fierce look on his face. I face palmed as Jack gave Will a look of disbelief. The sailors looked at us and burst out laughing.
"This ship cannot be crewed by two men and a woman," Gillette said with a smirk. "You'll ever make it out of the bay."
"Son," Jack said, pointing his pistol at Gillette. "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack cocked the pistol and Gillette went crossed eyed looking down the barrel. "Savvy?" Will raised his sword again, giving Gillette a pointed look. "Abby, if you would be so kind as to escort these fine gentlemen to a boat."
I nodded. "Aye, Captain."
Jack grinned. "Finally! Someone gets it right!"
I rolled my eyes at Jack and gestured for the sailors to walk. "Come on, boys."
"Miss Swann, you don't have to do this," Gillette pleaded as his men climbed into one of the longboats. "Commodore Norrington will find your sister."
"Yeah, and she could be dead by the time he does!" I snapped. I closed my eyes and sighed heavily. "Listen, I'm sorry about this Gillette, but my sister's life is in danger and I'm going to do everything within my power to get her back, even if it means working with a pirate." Gillette gave me a sympathetic look then climbed into the longboat. I walked back to Jack and Will and had to cock an eyebrow. Jack was attempting to tell Will how to prepare the sails.
"Could you hook us up with an escape route, luv?" Jack asked.
I nodded. "I sure hope you know what you're doing," I told him.
Jack smirked. "What, don't you trust me?"
I gave him a pointed look. "Pirate," I answered simply. I narrowed my eyes and pointed a finger warningly at him. "But know this, Sparrow, if you so much as think of betraying us, I'm going to make you wish you were back in that cell. Capisce?"
"Aye," Jack replied, a flicker of fear flashing through his eyes. I nodded satisfied. I went and prepared three sets of rope, climbing the mast and tying them off. Once done, I went up to the helm where Jack now stood. Will came running up, looking worried.
"Here they come," Will warned. Jack turned and smiled as he saw the Interceptor approaching. As soon as all the soldiers had made it off the Interceptor and onto the Dauntless, Jack, Will, and I swung over to the Interceptor. Will then used his axe to cut all the rope the soldiers used to get to the Dauntless. I had to hold back a laugh as one of the sailors tried to swing back and missed, landing with a splash in the ocean.
"Thank you, Commodore, for getting us ready to make way!" Jack shouted, waving his hat to the rapidly diminishing Dauntless. "We'd've had a hard time of it by ourselves!" I ducked as the soldiers on the Dauntless shot at us.
"You know, Norrington is probably just going to run out the canons and sink us," I pointed out.
Jack smirked. "I'm sure he would if I hadn't disabled the runner chain."
I stared at the pirate, impressed. "Hmm, I guess you did know what you were doing."
"Was there ever any doubt?" Jack asked. I merely chuckled and shook my head.
Several hours later, we were sailing through the waves. Jack was instructing me on how to sail, showing me what needed to be put where. It was hard work, seeing how it was meant for an entire crew rather than three people, but I enjoyed it. It was exhilarating and I enjoyed the fresh air. Will was sitting nearby, sharpening his sword.
"For a man who's made an industry of avoiding boats, you're a quick study," Jack commented to Will.
"I worked passage from England as a cabin boy," Will replied. "After my mother passed, I came out here...looking for my father." I glanced at Will. So he had noticed that Jack recognized his name.
"Is that so?" Jack inquired, not actually sounding interested as he tested a rope I had just finished tying. He gave me a nod of approval and I grinned.
Will got to his feet. "My father. William Turner?" Jack remained quiet. Seemed like Will was going to have to poke a bit more to get information from him. "At the jail, it was only after you learned my name that you agreed to help. Since that's what I wanted, I didn't press the matter. I'm not a simpleton, Jack. You knew my father."
Jack took a moment before turning to Will. "I knew 'im," he confirmed. "Probably one of the few who knew him as William Turner. Everyone else just called him Bootstrap or Bootstrap Bill." That name got my attention. That was the name Pintel had muttered when Elizabeth said her last name was Turner.
Will furrowed his brows. "Bootstrap?"
Jack moved to the helm. "Good man. Good pirate," he said. "I swear, you look just like him." He pointed to another rope. "Go retie that and make sure it's tight, luv." I nodded and moved to obey.
"It's not true!" Will said angrily. "He was a merchant sailor. A good, respectable man who obeyed the law."
"He was a bloody pirate, a scallywag."
Will drew his sword. "My father was not a pirate!" I rolled my eyes, continuing with my task.
Jack didn't even bother turning around, not at all worried about the sword pointed at him. "Put it away, son. It's not worth you getting beat again."
"You didn't beat me," Will snapped. "You ignored the rules of engagement. In a fair fight, I'd kill you."
"Will, he's a pirate," I piped up. "Whatever gave you the impression he would fight fair?"
Jack smiled. "She's right." He spun the wheel, causing the sail boom to swing and slam into Will's chest. Will dropped his sword to the deck and clung to the boom as he was swung over the water.
"Oh for heaven's sake!" I sighed in exasperation. "Can't you two get along for ten minutes?"
"Now as long as you're just hanging there, pay attention. The only rules that really matter are these: What a man can do. And what a man can't do," Jack told Will, ignoring my outburst. "For instance, you can accept that your father was a pirate and a good man...or you can't. But pirate is in your blood, boy, so you'll have to square with that some day. Now me, for example, I can let you drown, but I can't bring this ship into Tortuga all by me onesy, savvy?" He turned the wheel again, bringing the boom back and Will dropped to the deck. Jack pointed his sword at Will. "So, can you sail under the command of a pirate." Jack flipped the sword, offering it to Will. "Or can you not?"
Will slowly took the sword, considering Jack's words. "Tortuga?"
Jack smiled. "Tortuga."
I cocked an eyebrow at the two, unimpressed. "Are you two done?"
Jack nodded and grinned. "Yup! We're good." Will brushed by me and headed below deck.
"He took that better than I expected," I commented, looking after the young blacksmith. "Though honestly, I'm slightly surprised he didn't put that together earlier."
Jack gave me a confused look. "What d'ya mean?"
"I guessed his father was a pirate back in the jail cell," I said.
Jack narrowed his dark eyes inquisitively. "How did you figure that out?"
"I noticed the way you seemed to recognize Will's name, then you mentioned he was named for his father," I explained. "The way you reacted indicated you knew his father personally, especially since you apparently knew he had a son. Since you're a pirate, the only explanation had to be his father was a pirate too."
"He could have been a prisoner aboard my ship," Jack pointed out.
I shook my head. "You looked like you were recalling times with a friend and I don't think pirates make a habit of forming friendships with prisoners."
Jack gazed at me with his dark brown eyes. "You have rather good deductive skills," he complimented, sounding impressed.
I shrugged, but smiled at the compliment. "More just observant, really." I wandered over to the railing, resting my arms on the railing and gazed out at the vast ocean.
"You know, I couldn't help but notice you didn't seem all that concerned when I threatened you yesterday," Jack commented as he came to stand next to me.
"Should I have been?" I inquired. "I could tell you had no intentions of actually harming me, you were just looking for a way out." I smiled flirtatiously. "Besides, it's not every day I get held hostage by a dashing pirate captain."
Jack cocked an eyebrow. "Dashing, huh?" He asked with a smirk. "Not sure your father would approve of your choice in men."
I shrugged. "Hey, I may be a lady, but I'm not blind. I don't really fancy the upper class men with their powdered wigs and strict social class rules."
"I was never one for rules myself," Jack said, leaning on the rail beside me. "I'd rather be free. Free to roam the seas and do as I please."
"Hence becoming a pirate."
"Exactly." We lapsed into a comfortable silence for a few moments, simply enjoying the fast ocean scenery.
"So, what's this about you beating Will in a duel?" I asked. "Are you really that good or was it just dumb luck?"
"I beat him fair and square," Jack declared, sounding a bit offended.
"He said you cheated," I pointed out.
"All's fair game when fighting for your life, luv."
"Well, if you're so good then, why don't we put those skills to the test," I suggested, drawing my cutlass.
"I don't really think that's such a good idea, luv," Jack commented.
"Will trained me and I'm not so naive to think you will abide by the rules of combat." I smirked. "Unless of course you're too scared to fight a girl."
"I'm not scared," Jack protested. "That word isn't even in me vocabulary."
"So, come on then," I teased, flipping my cutlass and catching it again. "Show me what the great Captain Jack Sparrow can do."
Jack smirked and drew his own sword. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn ya."