Chapter 3: Sails and Charts
Jack and Barbossa were silent and brooding on the short trip back to the Pearl. What hope they had had for a remedy to their problems was gone. Brother Thomas had not been able to recommend anything to help. When they climbed to the deck they were greeted by the bosun, Mr. Leech.
"Cpt. Jack, the lookout says there is a sail on the horizon," The bosun's dark face showed concern.
"A sail?" Jack squinted in the direction Leech was pointing but saw nothing. Was it just the wind on Jack's neck or was there more to it than an innocent sail? Suspicion crept into his voice. "Hardly a surprise in these waters."
"It has been cruising hull down at the edge of sight, captain," Leech said in a voice that seemed to reflect the unease of his captain.
"Best we were under way, captain. Don't you think?" Barbossa prompted from over Jack's shoulder.
"As soon as the boat's hoisted and stowed, Mr. Barbossa, set sail and resume our course for Tripoli." Jack hid his irritation with a light tone. He reflected briefly that having another captain as your first mate had its draw backs. Jack took a few steps aft then turned to look once more to the horizon and the unseen sail. "I'll be in my cabin if I'm needed."
An hour later Barbossa entered Jack's cabin in answer to his summons. On the big table Jack had laid out several charts and a map of the coast around Tripoli they'd taken from a merchant ship a few weeks back. Barbossa saw several marks made on the map in pencil.
"Ah, Hector. Good timing," Jack said from his chair. "We need to plan how we're going to do this and I think I've got about as far as I can without you."
"What is it ye're thinking, Jack?" Barbossa crossed the room to look more closely at the map.
"The best I can make out is that there is a sandy spot just west of the port here." Jack's finger went to the spot. "I believe if we try to enter the port there's likely to be trouble."
"Aye. They don't care for uninvited guests like us," Barbossa agreed. "So ye're thinking of marching across country to get there?"
"There's a road marked here but you know how those things go. Might be nothing but a dirt path." Jack slid his finger over the map toward Tripoli. "You've been there before, Hector. I haven't. So what do you think would be our best bet?"
"Landin' where ye marked here should do fine. Especially if we do it at night. They aren't likely to notice the Pearl if we douse the lights." Barbossa scratched his chin. "Entering the city should be easy enough. No war at the moment so they shouldn't be too worried about strangers. Best if we dress like the locals though."
"That'd be simple enough. What about getting to this house you told me about?"
"Fortunately for us it's not far from the water. Easy enough to find." Barbossa looked at Jack a moment. "Gettin' in wont be easy, Jack. Alamgir is a rank bastard but he's no fool. He put a wall up around his place ten feet high. Has guards and everything laid out like a real prince's palace."
"We have to get inside," Jack persisted. "You've been there. Do you know a way in?"
"I lived there for a time, Jack. As best I recall there's a dry ditch that runs under the wall to feed a cistern in the rainy season. It's blocked with iron bars but we could get through. We'd need to be quiet."
"Good. What about the bird though. Any idea where he'd be keeping that?"
"He's got vaults under the main house. Probably down there but where I couldn't guess." A look came into Barbossa's eyes then.
"What is it?" Jack asked. "You've thought of something."
"Well, do ye think we've got time to visit with another old friend?" Barbossa's smile was toothy and lascivious.