Chapter Two
Lily wandered along, her trousers and top now exchanged for a dress. Her long blonde hair was tied back into a bun, and her face was clean of any dirt that may have gathered from playing with Will.
Ever her faithful shadow, Whelp trotted alongside her, only leaving her side to run and bark at some birds.
As she trudged along, most people greeted her with kind smiles and happy word. Nearly everyone knew each other; living in such a small area prevented anyone from not doing so. To most people, Elizabeth Turner was the wife of a merchant who was often out at sea.
"Lily!"
Lily grinned as she looked over her shoulder, instantly recognizing the voice. Jogging towards her was her good friend, George. Older than her by a few months, the two met when they were both young and were inseparable ever since.
"Hi George."
Whelp barked his greeting at George, leaping up and wagging his tail. George laughed as he stroked Whelp's head and grinned at Lily.
"Why are you wearing a dress?" He asked, obviously holding back laughter. Lily made a face at him.
"Because my mother is sending me to fetch her book order from Mr Carter and I am not allowed to wear anything but a dress." She complained. George laughed sympathetically.
"Poor you," He said. "But it's alright, because I'm on my way to Mr Carter's as well!"
Lily grinned. "I'll race you!"
"Lillian, ladies do not race, they – HEY!"
George laughed as he ran after Lily, who had begun halfway through his lecture. Laughing, she spun around and ran backwards.
"Can't catch m – oof!"
Lily stumbled forwards as she based into something. Something large and soft…
Lily groaned.
Mr Radley.
Mr Radley was also old, like Mr Carter, but, unlike Mr Carter, he was bitter and harbored a particular hate for Lily and George.
"Look where you are going, Lillian." He scolded angrily, glaring at her through narrowed eyes. Lily blushed.
"I'm sorry, Mr Radley."
"You should be!" He snapped. "I almost dropped my lunch and then Shakespeare would not have anything to eat tonight, and I can assure you that she will not be very happy."
"But you didn't drop your lunch, so you and Shakespeare can eat happily." Lily replied with a bright smile. Mr Radley scowled.
"Back talk does not get you anywhere, Lillian."
"No, sir."
Mr Radley glared at Lily before stepping around her and storming away. As he walked, Lily made a face at his back.
"Grumpy old git." She muttered.
"Lily!"
"Sorry, but he annoys me so much. 'Back talk does not get you anywhere, Lillian'", Lily imitated Mr Radley poorly. "Ugh. I hate him."
"Come on,"
Grabbing Lily's sleeve, George pulled her into Mr Carter's shop.
"Good afternoon, Miss Turner. Good afternoon, Master Key." Mr Carter greeted them with a wide, infectious smile.
"Good afternoon, Mr Carter." George and Lily said together.
"I am presuming you are both here for your parent's orders?"
"Yes, sir." George replied.
"Excellent!"
While Mr Carter ducked under his counter to find the orders, Lily turned and looked around the wide bookshelves. She wasn't really one for reading; her favourite genre was adventure but they always made her wish she was part of the story.
"Here we go, Master Key."
"Thank you, Mr Carter."
"And here we go, Miss Turner."
"Thank you, Mr Carter."
Mr Carter smiled as he handed Lily the bundle of books her mother had ordered.
"Oh, and I have something that may interest you, Miss Turner," He said, reaching into his pocket. "My daughter sent this to me from her travels."
Lily watched as Mr Carter handed her a piece of crumpled up paper. Curiosity taking the better of her, Lily took it and opened it carefully, so not to rip the paper.
WANTED
A Royal Navy Arrest Warrant is hereby issued for the capture of
JACK SPARROW
Wanted for acts of piracy and is responsible for numerous attacks on East India and French vessels in the Atlantic and Caribbean waters. Wears a brown overcoat with a tricorned hat, black hair with beaded dreadlocks and carries a sword and pistol. Approach with caution.
One hundred francs reward for his capture.
"Jack Sparrow…" Lily murmured. "Why is that name familiar?"
"Hasn't your mother told you any tales, Miss Turner?" Mr Carter asked. Lily shook her head. "Well, you may want to ask her. From what I've been told, she once had the privilege of meeting this fine fellow."
"Fine fellow?" Lily repeated. "Do you not believe he should be hanged?"
"Oh no," Mr Carter shook his head vigorously. "I do not wish that upon anyone, even a pirate."
Lily smiled as she folded the paper and held it out for him to take, but Mr Carter simply shook his head again.
"Please, Miss Turner, keep it. I have no use for it."
Lily's smile grew. "Thank you, Mr Carter."
Lily, we must get going now." George murmured. Lily nodded, understanding. Mrs Key could fly into a horrid temper if George was late.
"Goodbye Mr Carter, and thank you." Lily said.
"My pleasure, Miss Turner, my pleasure."
As George and Lily wandered along, Lily couldn't help but stare at the rough sketch of Jack Sparrow.
"My mother has met this man and never told me…" She said.
"Maybe she is ashamed," George suggested. "Not everyone is proud of their pasts."
Lily frowned. "I know, but she didn't tell me."
George grinned. "Then ask her about it," He said as he turned the corner that parted his way from Lily's. "I'll see you tomorrow after school."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Bye."
As Lily watched her friend turn the corner and walk out of sight, her mind wandered back to Jack Sparrow, a plan forming in her mind.
