Chapter 4

"What has the world done to me?" repeated James Norrington. "More like what has Jack Sparrow done to me. I have lost everything. EVERYTHING! And the greatest of my losses has been you, Elizabeth."

Amanda turned and took a closer look at the young man next to her. Elizabeth? Oh my goodness, it's little Elizabeth Swann! The greatest of his losses? "Elizabeth, do you remember me?"

Elizabeth started at Amanda, then threw her arms around her long lost friend. "Amanda! Why did you never write to me? Oh, I have so much to tell you! The most important thing being that Will and I are getting married!"

Amanda returned the hug. "I always knew you two were meant for each other. Where is he? Goodness gracious, why on earth are you dressed like a man?"

"It's a long story and we don't have the time to tell it right now. James, we must catch up with Jack before he sets sail." Elizabeth stood and tried to whip the mud off her breeches.

"Come, Amanda, I'll explain onboard the Black Pearl," said Norrington.

Amanda had a hard time fallowing the conversation that took place on the Tortuga dock. It would seem that this Captain Sparrow had a compass that was unique, but broken. Apparently, Will Turner had been kidnapped by the mythical Davy Jones and the compass was going to lead Elizabeth to a chest that would save poor Will. Her and Norrington were expected to help.

Norrington's eyes followed Elizabeth until she retired for the night, then he lead Amanda below deck to the crews bunks. Amanda chose a bunk by the Pearl's wall and Norrington took the one next to her. At one point she would have called this improper, but after years of living on Tortuga Norrington's presence did not bother her at all. "Could you please explain to me what has happened since I left? I feel very confused, James."

"After you left? I did exactly what I told you I was going to do. I made the rank of Commodore."

"And . . ."

"And I fell in love with Elizabeth Swann."

Amanda was glad that it was too dark for Norrington to see her face. For years, for most of her young life, she had dreamed of the day that she would marry James Norrington. Tears slid down her cheeks. He had fallen in love with someone else.

When Amanda made no comment, Norrington continued with his story. "I proposed to her. Before she could give me an answer, she was kidnapped by pirates. Will managed to save her before I could, but got himself captured in the process. Elizabeth begged me to help him, but I was worried about losing men and was content enough about having rescued her. Then she asked me to do it as a wedding gift. She had decided to marry me! Oh, Amanda, I was on top of the world at that moment. I was so in love, so excited, that I fell for it. I rescued Will, with a little help from Jack and Elizabeth."

Amanda could hear the hurt in James' voice. She did not trust herself to speak. She wanted to help him, but at the same time she was just as mad and hurt as he was. How could he love Elizabeth after what she had done to him? Had he completely forgotten about her?

"Once we returned to Port Royal, I attempted to have Jack hung. He was a known pirate and I had stopped him. Will and Elizabeth did not agree with me and freed Jack. Jack escaped. Elizabeth, without a word to me, flung herself at Will. She now wanted to marry him, instead. I wanted to arrest him, heck I was ready to kill him. I could see in Elizabeth's eyes that she truly did love him more then me. Out of my love for her, I let Will go. I let her go. I resigned my station shortly after that. I had no intention of being around for the wedding and listening to the town's people gossip. I gave myself one goal, one purpose, - catch Jack Sparrow. Well, you know where that got me."

Amanda finally managed to force herself to speak. "Do you still love her?"

Norrington was silent for a long moment before answering her, "Yes."

"More then me?" Amanda held her breath. Maybe she would be happier not knowing.

"Yes, Amanda. I'm in love with Elizabeth Swann."