Chapter 3
"Blessed are the ones whom the rain falls upon."
The words echoed hollowly within Elizabeth's head as she stood hand-in-hand with Will at her father's funeral. The weather conditions for this particular day could not have been more appropriate; the sky was a dark gray and rain was pouring down in a relentless manner. A crowd had gathered to pay their final respects to their former Governor; everyone was wearing black clothing.
Will, Elizabeth and Michael were standing inside the part of the port overlooking a grassy expanse of land that was reserved for the Governor. But seeing as Elizabeth's father was no longer alive, Will had immediately been appointed to the position the instant the news of Governor Swann's death had been released to the public. The reaction had been sorrowful and one of mourning, as everyone in the town either came directly to Will and Elizabeth, offering their sympathies, or had sent them meaningful letters of the same nature.
Two days had passed since Will and Elizabeth had discovered the body. Since then, they had made all the necessary arrangements for a proper funeral, and now here they all were. The fort was also occupied by a few Naval officers, all of whom stood astutely at duty.
Elizabeth was currently staring down at her feet, which were partially hidden underneath her black dress. Will was dressed pretty much the same way, as was Michael. Joining them in the fort were Mary and Jacquelyn Thomas, each of whom wore a somber expression much like those of Will and Elizabeth. From the distant side, Barnet and Mercer were watching the group with cruelly indifferent looks plastered across their faces, given the circumstances.
Suddenly, the sound of harmonic music that carried an air of tragedy caused everyone present at the funeral to look up toward the fort, where a closed casket was slowly being brought outside by four men carrying it. Elizabeth glanced up and observed the progression as it passed, tears already starting to form in her eyes. In her hands, Elizabeth cupped a bouquet of flowers, each of them white, which clashed greatly with the sea of black. Elizabeth watched the crowd below them part in order to provide a clear path for the men hoisting Governor Swann's casket; both the casket and its carriers were soaked from the downpour of rain within seconds. At last, the small contingent halted in front of a hole in the earth, which was where the casket would soon be placed.
A minister draped in black robes stood over the casket and began to read words from the open Bible grasped firmly in his hands. Neither the rain nor the wind did nothing to deter the minister from giving his speech, in fact, the wind that caused his wet robes to flap in the air and the pages of Bible to whip back and forth seemed to provide the sight with a more dramatic effect for anyone watching.
Not that it even remotely mattered to Elizabeth; the words about death spewing from the minister's mouth never reached her ears; not because of the howling of the wind, but simply because Elizabeth chose not to listen. She did not care what anybody else had to say, there was now one less person she cared about in the world and Elizabeth could not cast away the waves of grief sweeping over her, no matter how hard she tried. Just then, Elizabeth felt Will slip his strong arm around hers, clearly a show of affection to help his wife get through this difficult time. Elizabeth welcomed the action gratefully as she switched the flowers to just her left hand and used her right to grasp Will's arm tightly. She then gazed meaningfully into her husband's tender eyes.
When the service finished and the crowd had dispersed after viewing Governor Swann's casket being lowered into the grave created for it, the rain had begun to subside, allowing people who wished to pay respects to their former leader to step upon the fresh, yet moist earth to do so. This mainly happened in groups of three or four until everyone except Will and Elizabeth had stepped forward.
Will was the first to come. He stood directly in front of the grave, drops of rain that still dropped from the air lightly hitting his shoulders. He stared down at the tombstone in solemn silence for a few moments before putting his hat back on his head and joined Michael as Elizabeth stepped forward, almost cautiously.
She froze the instant she was close enough. Staring blankly down at the tombstone as if she could not bring herself to believe that this was really happening, Elizabeth let her already tear-stained face to become even more wet with the salty liquid originating from within her eyelids. Elizabeth spoke soft words of love to the tombstone, her final good-bye to her father.
Without saying a word, Will came up behind his wife and enveloped her in a tender, caring embrace; the type of hug that could only be offered by a loving husband. Elizabeth turned herself around in Will's arms, wrapped her own arms around him, and started to cry into Will's shoulder. A few feet away, the same thing was happening with Michael and Jacquelyn; Jacquelyn had interlocked her fingers with Michael's as they both looked on, Mary grasping both of her daughter's shoulders firmly.
As Will and Elizabeth stood there comforting each other, they were both able to sense someone else walking toward them. Or rather, two people, each draped in black coats and suits beneath. Will and Elizabeth broke apart in order to get a better look at who it was. But the instant they saw, Will and Elizabeth's blood ran cold.
Even though they had not been formally introduced as of that moment, Will and Elizabeth were immediately able to recognize who these two men were. They placed the man bringing up the rear instantly; the man who had helped Lord Cutler Beckett almost ruin their lives eight years ago: Mercer. The second man, who wore an expression only found on the most strict of bureaucrats in the position of power. This had to be the man who was attempting to follow in Beckett's footsteps, the man who was in possession of some rather incriminating evidence that could seriously damage Will now that he was Governor of Port Royal. The East India Company certainly chose their representatives well, Will and Elizabeth thought, as they watched Captain Jonathan Barnet stride up to them, his two-cornered hat dripping with rain he had endured when he joined the outside congregation in the middle of the funeral.
Barnet stopped when he was close enough to shake hands with the couple, which was what exactly he intended to do as he stuck out his right hand as a form of greeting.
"Governor Turner," Barnet said politely to Will.
Will eyed Barnet's hand for a moment before shaking it. Will reminded himself that he would now have to get used to hearing the title of "Governor" before his name.
"Mrs. Turner," Barnet turned to Elizabeth, who still had one arm draped around Will's neck. Elizabeth gracefully shook Barnet's hand as well.
"Captain Jonathan Barnet of the East India Trading Company. First of all, please allow me to offer my condolences. Your father was a good man, Mrs. Turner. It's a shame that we lost him so suddenly."
"I didn't lose him," Elizabeth said bitterly, "he was taken from me. Murdered in cold blood. He didn't deserve this fate."
"Of course he didn't," Barnet agreed in his most convincing voice. "And let me assure you, we will do everything in our power to hunt down the person responsible for this heinous crime and make sure they are brought to justice."
"You can count on that," Will said softly. "As my first duty as Governor, I'll make sure the murderer is captured." He hugged Elizabeth tighter.
"I think you ought to know that we did catch another man inside the Governor's Mansion on the same night you killed the other one who broke into your home. An odd coincidence, really," Barnet added thoughtfully.
"What are you suggesting, Captain Barnet?" Elizabeth asked seriously.
Barnet shrugged. "Everyone has secrets. Perhaps your father had one, one that called for an action as extreme as assassination."
Will listened to these words, but he did not voice what was on his mind. The tattoo that he had seen on the forearm of Elizabeth's father and the intruder's claims of him being connected to a society known as The Clan Of Cortez echoed throughout every inch of Will's mind, but he did not wish to discuss the matter in front of someone like Barnet. After all, Will was positive that the Captain could not be trusted. It was Barnet's businesslike tone of voice that brought Will back into the conversation.
"If you wish to interrogate the prisoner, feel free to do so. I would not want to deny our new Governor the opportunity to uncover vital information concerning this murder."
Will nodded. "We'll take that into consideration, Captain. But for now, we would like to have some time alone. As you can imagine, this is a difficult time for us."
"Of course. But if you should feel compelled to ask for help, know that I'll be in my office located in the middle of the town."
"We'll remember that."
With that being said, Will and Elizabeth marched past Barnet and began to walk back to their house with Michael, Jacquelyn, and Mary in tow. Barnet watched them leave.
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Barnet entered his office swiftly, Mercer right behind him. Due to the gloomy sky outside, Barnet's office was filled with the glow of many candles, illuminating the full bookshelves, wall-sized map on the far left wall, and many other artifacts such as globes and ship models that were scattered about the civilized area. Barnet removed his hat and cloak and placed them upon a coat rack in the far corner. He then crossed the room to a small table, where he uncorked a bottle of brandy and filled two glasses with the brownish alcohol. After handing one of the glasses to Mercer, Barnet settled himself behind his large desk.
He downed a bit of the brandy before starting to converse with Mercer. "Is there any news on McGivens?"
"The last I heard from him, he was only a short distance away from Tortuga," Mercer answered.
Barnet nodded. "And you're confident he'll get the job done?"
"Positive."
A moment of silence passed in which both Barnet and Mercer drank from their glasses of brandy until they had emptied them of their contents. Finally, Barnet spoke again.
"How about our man inside the Clan itself? Has he divulged anything of interest recently?"
Mercer shrugged. "Merely that The Clan has received word of Swann's murder and that they are indeed reconvening."
"Did he say where?"
"He was mum on that, sir," said Mercer in a monotonous tone.
Barnet smirked. "Hmm, then he knows the value of information."
Mercer set his glass down on the table beside him. "Captain, with all due respect, are you sure about having someone to back up McGivens? Because I can personally vouch for him."
"Because you're the one who brought him to me in the first place. But let me remind you, Mercer, there are advantages to having someone on the inside of the very group we are trying to infiltrate."
"And you're certain of his loyalties? Because perhaps it would be prudent to at least inform McGivens of him."
"His loyalties lie with me, and me alone. After all, I'm the one who promised to deliver that which he is after. And it never hurts to be prepared for anything tragic that might befall McGivens."
"And what would that be, if I may ask?"
Barnet smiled again. "There is a certain level of confidentiality between men of business. I trust you can understand that. All I will say, though, is that our little friend is from Singapore."
"Singapore?"
"Yes, my tentacles of power stretch far beyond the limit of any captain in the East India Company. This Singaporean acquaintance has some unresolved issues that I assured him would be cleared up once I deliver on my end of the bargain."
"And what does this bargain involve?"
"A piece of nautical mythology...or perhaps it is real considering the facts that support his claims. Now, I trust you won't inquire further into this particular matter?"
"Of course." Mercer paused. "But what about the Turners?"
"What about them?"
"What if they decide to take matters into their own hands and pursue Swann's killer?"
"Then that would mean they would have discovered the map. In that case, all we would have to do would be to order McGivens to discreetly follow them to the Clan meeting since Swann no doubt would have left a letter explaining how to find The Clan."
"And then McGivens would just have to incorporate his methods of persuasion."
"Which is something he's rather gifted at."
"Are you banking on the Turners going to Jack Sparrow for help?"
"I'm certain of it. That way, we'll be able to kill two birds with one stone. Sparrow has already interfered once when we tried to obtain the Amulet of Atlantis, so the time has come for him to pay. Along with the Turners."
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The cool night breeze ruffled Elizabeth's sandy hair as she sat alone on her porch which overlooked the sea. The moon was full tonight, and it shone brightly upon Port Royal, which was slowly turning in for the night. Elizabeth was staring blankly ahead at the ocean, the flawless surface of it twinkling in the moonlight. A blanket was tightly wrapped around her shoulders, keeping her warm.
From behind her, a door creaked open. Elizabeth did not even bother to turn around in order to see who it was, mainly because she knew who was approaching her. The sound of boots clunking upon the wooden porch came to a halt beside her, and Elizabeth soon felt a soothing hand rest on her shoulder.
Elizabeth gazed up into Will's eyes, which were filled with concern.
"How are you feeling?" he asked genuinely.
"Better," Elizabeth replied truthfully. "All of the grief seems to have gone away. At the moment, I simply feel empty." Elizabeth scooted over in the long chair, allowing enough room for Will to situate himself beside her, which he did.
"You're going through the grieving process. It is only natural for you to experience all of these mixed emotions. But you will always have me right here to help get you through it all."
Elizabeth laid her head down upon Will's chest as he wrapped his arms around her slender form. She then tenderly placed her hands on his muscular form, now listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart. Whenever Elizabeth found herself nestled in Will's strong arms, she was able to feel like herself again, no matter the circumstances and this was certainly no exception. "I love you, Will," Elizabeth whispered, her eyes closed.
"I love you, too." Will paused a moment, gazing out at the shimmering ocean. Finally, he spoke again. "Just try to remember all of the good times you had with your father. That's how he would want you to remember him."
Elizabeth nodded. "I'll always remember him as he was: a respectable man and a loving father. My only regret is that I was deprived of the opportunity to tell him that I loved him before he died."
Will rubbed Elizabeth in a comforting manner. "He knew it. You were his daughter, he always knew that you cared for him. There is a special bond between a child and their parents that can never be broken." He kissed Elizabeth on the forehead.
"It's just...I wish I knew the purpose behind his murder. What could possibly prompt someone to kill a man like my father, who never once committed a crime in his life?"
The thought of the mysterious intruder and the tattoo once again invaded Will's consciousness. The complexity of it all drove him to the point of insanity, when he had to voice his thoughts.
"Elizabeth...perhaps we should consider what we've heard about your father being a member of this secret society...The Clan Of Cortez. Maybe a secret such as that involved something worth killing for."
Elizabeth's face took on a troubled expression. "If the claims we heard about that were true, why wouldn't my father ever tell me about it?"
"What makes you so certain he would?" When Elizabeth gave him a look that mixed annoyance with interest, Will continued on. "If The Clan Of Cortez is real and your father was a member, then don't you think he would have taken an oath to take the secret he was entrusted with to his grave?"
"And not tell his own daughter?"
"That would be the whole point. He would have been forced to not tell anyone at all." Will recalled something the intruder in their house had said. "Maybe he was given the duty of protecting a map which led to whatever The Clan swore to protect."
"And you think that was what the thief was after when he broke into our home?"
"He could have easily been under the assumption that we had what he was after."
"But Barnet told us another robber was caught in the Governor's Mansion the same night."
Will shrugged. "Maybe the person whom they worked for wanted to be ensured; cover any possible alternative." He stopped talking, which brought an uneasy silence down upon Will and Elizabeth.
"What evidence even supports this theory?" Elizabeth blurted out abruptly, causing Will to jump slightly.
Will hesitated, knowing full well that if he told Elizabeth about the tattoo, then that would literally be confirming that Swann's murder had been premeditated. Taking a deep breath, Will came to his decision. "The night we discovered your father's body, I noticed something. A type of tattoo on his forearm. It showed the world with a curved sword surrounding half of it; it clearly represented a "C". This could be the symbol of The Clan Of Cortez."
Elizabeth's face had now changed from troubled to confused. "But...who could do such a thing? Who would be willing to kill in order to gain information?"
"Any man blinded by ambition. Whenever greed consumes us, we as a people have a tendency to commit horrible crimes in order to acquire that which our heart desires."
Elizabeth stared into space for a while, lost in thought. "But, if our conjectures are true, then there is a possibility of something of great importance to my father being hidden in his mansion."
Will nodded in agreement. "The criminal who was caught by Barnet's men inside the mansion only adds to that idea."
"Unfortunately, there is no way of being absolutely sure of this."
A sudden thought entered Will's mind. "Actually, there may be one way."
Elizabeth gazed up into Will's thoughtful eyes with curiosity. "What are you talking about?"
Will shifted himself in the chair so that he was in a straighter sitting position. "I'm suggesting we go to your father's mansion and search it for any trace of a map or something of the same nature."
"Then you believe The Clan Of Cortez may be real?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm not sure what to believe at the moment. And I see only one way to settle this matter," Will said. "Whoever killed your father was after something, and if you wish to uncover the motives behind this terrible crime, then digging up relics of the past may be the only way to do so."
Elizabeth listened to what Will had to say, but she was not entirely sure that she could bring herself to agree with them. It was true that every fiber of her self-being had been consumed with hatred and sadness over her father's death, but Elizabeth was not entirely sure that she wanted to resort to revenge. But as she gazed out at the calm ocean once again, there was something deep down inside of her that attempted to goad her into searching for this map, even if there was one that existed in the first place. Elizabeth bit her lip, running over her options in her mind.
It was ironic, she thought. At the time when Elizabeth truly believed that Will and her were finally free of the life of pirating that had plagued their past, events had transpired that were seemingly forcing them back into it. But Elizabeth felt something else inside of her that did not seem bothered at all at the idea of sailing the waters of the Caribbean again, on a quest to find something only uttered about in bedtime stories. However, her care for Michael invaded her senses all too soon, and Elizabeth uncomfortably thought of what would happen if she and Will were to bring him along for the journey this time as well. Michael's life had already been endangered once, and his parents were certainly not about to put it at risk for the second time within the course of a few weeks. But her feelings of vengeance concerning avenging her father's death overtook Elizabeth and she finally came to a conclusion.
"Alright. Let's look for this map in my father's mansion. I have to know if my father either died for something or died for nothing. There is a vast difference between the two."
"And if the map is real, what will we do after we find it?"
Elizabeth lifted her head from Will's chest and looked down at him in a slightly surprised manner. "I thought that would have been obvious. We get a ship and search for whatever it is the map leads to. If my father's killer is after it, we need to beat him to it; I don't want them succeeding in their mission."
"How exactly do you propose we go about finding a ship?"
Elizabeth gave Will a lopsided grin. "Again, Mr. Turner, your lack of awareness at the moment amuses me. Seeing as we need a ship in order to hunt down my father's killer, we need Jack...who captains the fastest ship in the Caribbean."
"And Jack's in Tortuga at the moment," Will said, recalling his last words with the pirate when they had returned home.
"So all we have to do is find the map, commandeer another ship to Tortuga, and find Jack."
Will raised an eyebrow. "'Commandeer'?"
Elizabeth shrugged. "Nautical term." She paused as she caught Will's questioning stare. "You said it to me eight years ago: pirate is in our blood. Also, if you were in my position, wouldn't you want to do everything in your power to make sure the man who murdered your father is brought to justice...in some form or another?"
Will sighed and nodded, which caused Elizabeth to genuinely smile for the first time in two days.
"Thank you, Will." She leaned down and gently kissed him on the lips.
"I'll get my father to come stay with Michael while we search the mansion."
Will got up and reentered their house, leaving Elizabeth outside to gaze once more out at the sea. Her confused emotions then evaporated as one of satisfaction began to well up inside her. The knowledge that she was doing something to ensure that her father's murderer be brought to justice somewhat made Elizabeth feel better.
A light breeze blew against her cheek, and Elizabeth sighed as she stared up at the starry sky. She just knew that the wind was her father's spirit giving her a gentle peck on the side of her face. Once again, Elizabeth smiled.