Ashes to Ashes

Chapter 16: Almost Over

She had been blindfolded and dragged through underbrush and trees for almost an hour. But, at least she was off of the ship. Granted the company still wasn't any better. Templeton and her crude first mate Markson were the ones dragging her through the forest, followed by several of her crew.

Ashleigh almost wished that they could stop and rest for a moment. Her weary limbs were protesting the quick marching; her legs wobbling and threatening to give way. But she knew no matter how much she pleaded, Templeton would never give her a break.

If only Ashleigh could know, could see, where they were going, then maybe, just maybe, she could feel a little better. But she doubted it. She honestly doubted that wherever Templeton was taking her was anyplace good at all.

Ashleigh just hoped that Jack would not fall prey to her trap.

"Why have we changed course Mr. Sparrow?"

"Its Captain Sparrow mate," Jack replied and turned slowly to face Robert O'Shannon, his brown eyes glinting. "And I changed course because I am the captain an' it's my prerogative."

"How dare you . . ."

"Oh for God's sake father! As much as it pains me to say it, Captain Sparrow knows what he is doing, so allow him to do it!"

"Thanks very much," Jack replied.

Robert turned his attention to his son. "You do not talk to me like that boy."

"Perhaps it is about time I do," Michael answered, sighing. "I know that you want to see Ashleigh alive as much as I do. But if you do not put at least a little bit of faith in Captain Sparrow, then we will never see her again. I do not like it anymore than you do, but he is our only hope."

Robert was silent for a moment, his eyes flicking back and forth between Jack and Michael. "Do you know where you are going?" he asked finally.

Jack hesitated. "Aye that I do."

"Then we will continue to follow you," Robert answered, gesturing at the ship following closely behind the Black Pearl. "And when this is over, I will see you hanged."

Without another work Robert stalked off, making his way to the bow of the ship.

Jack watched him for a moment and then leaned in closely to Michael. "What say we attack 'im in the middle o' the night an' toss 'im overboard eh?"

Michael's eyebrows rose slightly. "I do not find that funny seeing as he is my father."

Jack grinned slightly. "But ya know ya want to."

Michael gave a slight smile, the humor showing in his eyes. "I may not agree with him all of the time, Captain Sparrow, but I would never harbor thoughts of killing him."

"Who said it'd kill 'im?" Jack replied, not turning from the helm. "I'm sure ol' Norrington would pick 'im up."

Michael laughed. "I do not believe that would be wise, Captain Sparrow. I just do not believe that would be wise."

"Will? Are you awake Will?"

Will sighed. "Yes, Elizabeth, I am."

"I'm worried Will, about Ashleigh. What if we don't find her in time?"

Will rolled over, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "We will find her Elizabeth. Jack will not let us down, you know that. Look at all that he has done for us already."

Elizabeth gave a weak smile. "Of course," she replied softly. "Of course. You're right. I do not know what I could have been thinking."

Will smiled back. "You're worried, love. You have been since she was taken. I promise you that we will get her back safely." He paused, planting a soft kiss on her lips. "We will be home in time for our wedding, I promise on my life, that we will be."

Elizabeth was silent for a moment, not meeting his eyes. Will stared down at her, confused. "You do still want to get married . . . don't you?"

"Yes, yes of course I do. I want to be your wife and part of your family Will. I love you and you know that."

"But?"

Elizabeth took hold of his gaze with her own, soft tears beginning to build up in her eyes. "But do you think it is wise to get married so soon after all of this? I mean, after being kidnapped and then losing Ashleigh . . . don't you think we should wait?"

Will smiled over at her, a flood of relief rushing through his body. He had been afraid for a moment that perhaps she had changed her mind; that perhaps she had decided not to marry him after all. After everything that they had been through, he would not have blamed her.

"If you think that we should, then we will. I won't pressure you, you know that."

Elizabeth smiled again, only this time it was broader. "I know," she answered, "and that is why I love you."

Ashleigh felt the rope grind into her skin as she was unceremoniously tied to the small, wooden chair. The blindfold was still in place, covering her eyes so that she could not see where they were.

She could hear their voices, but she could not hear what they were saying. Their voices were muffled as if they were far away. And yet Ashleigh could tell that they were heated; that they were arguing.

Suddenly her head was thrust forward roughly, a pair of hands ripping at the knot holding the blindfold to her head. The cloth fell from her eyes, allowing her to see where she was. Ashleigh blinked against the intruding sunlight. Her eyes had become accustomed to the darkness provided by the blindfold, and even though the sun was setting, the dimming rays were still too bright for her abused eyes.

She looked around the room she was sitting in, taking in the dust covered bookshelves and the moth eaten curtains. Her eyes finally fell on a dusty, velvet covered bed. The comforter was un-wrinkled as if it had not been used in years. Dust and dirt covered it, muting the beautiful red fabric that it was made from. The bed posts were crumbling, the wood having not been taken care of in so long.

Ashleigh's eyes grew distant for a moment as she gazed at the bed, her mind recognizing that it could have been used for only one thing. Images flitted through her mind of a couple sharing peaceful nights alone in that bed, the sheets pulled up over their chests.

She shook her head slightly, attempting to clear the picture out of her mind. Ashleigh did not want to see it; she did not want to know about it.

"What's the matter, wench, seein' ghosts?" Markson sneered, his voice right next to her ear, leading her to believe that he had been the one to take off the blindfold.

"Possibly," she replied, her voice raspy and hollow.

Markson grabbed her from behind, his thick hand crushing her throat. "Yer feisty, wench. If it had been up to me, I would've kept ya fer me an' the rest o' the crew fer some fun." He chuckled as he felt the pulse in her throat quicken. "But the Cap'n has too many plans fer ya. She wants ya untouched and unharmed fer when Sparrow comes to save ya."

"Let go of me," she whispered.

Markson laughed again. "Ye've got spirit lass, I'll give ye that." He squeezed her throat tighter for a moment, cutting off her air. Ashleigh gasped for air, her lungs unconsciously searching for a way to fill.

"Markson!" a voice shouted in the almost silent room.

Instantly Markson removed his hand and stepped back from her, a scowl covering his face.

"What were you doing?" Templeton gritted out between clenched teeth.

"Nothin' Cap'n," he responded, his gaze not meeting her eyes. "Jus' watchin' over 'er like ya asked."

"Leave, Markson," Templeton snapped. "Go out and watch the perimeter. Make sure that no one gets too close without us knowing."

"Aye, Cap'n," Markson replied, beginning to leave the room, giving his angry captain a wide berth.

Templeton stared down at Ashleigh as the door shut behind Markson. "You know what this place is." She stated.

"How could I? I have never been here before."

Templeton smirked. "But you know. There's somethin' deep down inside you that tells you what this place is."

Ashleigh looked down, allowing her black bangs to cover her tearing eyes.

"They would come here. They would come here to be alone; away from all the rest of the world."

"I don't care. It doesn't matter." Ashleigh whispered.

Templeton bent down to look into her eyes. She reached out and grabbed Ashleigh's chin, lifting her face up. "Oh, I think it does."

The sword was at his throat and the pistols cocked before anyone could move. Jack held his head high, avoiding any contact with the blade of the sword. Will and Elizabeth stood just behind him, calmly staring at the men surrounding them. Fear hovered in Elizabeth's eyes. She remembered these men. They had been her torment, her nightmare, ever since this entire event had started; ever since Templeton had them kidnapped.

Will stood stoically in front of her, one arm slightly outstretched to protect Elizabeth. Despite his outward appearance, Will could feel his heart pound beneath his chest. He was just as worried as Elizabeth was, but he would never let her see it.

Norrington and Michael both stood silently behind the other three. Their eyes took in the numerous pirates circling them. Their hands strayed near their pistols although neither one would dare to draw them.

Jack, on the other hand, stood expressionless, his mouth set in a thin, straight line. Although if one watched close enough, one would see the corners of his mouth twitch up into a smirk now and again. They would also see a mischievous glint enter his once empty eyes.

But these pirates hiding in the shadows did not notice the grin; they did not notice the enigmatic expression flicker in his eyes. No, they were too busy gloating.

Markson laughed, brushing the blade of his sword against Jack's throat. "Well, well," he cackled, "looks as if we've caught ourselves a Sparra'."

"Two lil' lovebirds as well," another man said, grinning toothlessly.

Another man snickered. "Two navy birds too."

Markson leaned in close to Jack, the grin widening on his thin lips. "Did ya 'onestly believe that ye could get ta us 'fore we found ya?"

Jack shrugged, his gaze never leaving Markson's. "Worth a try," he stated simply.

"We'll see where yer 'try' gets ya."

The smirk tugged at Jack's lips once again. "Aye, that we will."

AN: Wow. I am so sorry that it took so long. I mean, it's been almost six months since I have actually updated this story. I have just been so busy with the end of school and being sick on and off for the last month and a half. Plus work just blows and I've been there pretty much every day since forever. But, here it is. Tell me what you think although I hope all of you enjoyed.