Author's Note-- Slightly shorter chapter this time round- I've just had soo much work! It's insane!

Chapter 5

Another thought swims through the confusion of my mind.

"You mentioned my father… that is, my foster father if your story is indeed true… following us on the ship of 'The Serpent'? What is that?"

"Not what, darlin', but who." I have started to accept that however much I shoot disapproving glances at Sparrow when he calls my by these casual terms, he is not going to break the habit. However, I still do not like them- they make me feel common and grubby, as though I am some whore of his.

"The Serpent is otherwise known as Paul Serpiente, but whether that is his real surname I have no way of telling. He was the main rival to your father- they were forever jostling for the finest plunder in their haunting grounds, which overlapped by a considerable amount. However, normally it would be Falcon who was first to take the spoils, and Serpiente hated him for it. He would love to get one final victory over your father, and stealing his treasure is the perfect way to go about it. For this reason, Chalmes has enlisted his help and his ship- originally to help to retrieve the prize but now also to track you down- in return for some of the takings and also the chance to say that it was he who finally found the booty of Denver Falcon. Oh, and he also gets to take you as his wife, if you live after all of this."

Who could add a sentence such as the last one with such casualness? I marvel, although I know the answer to my own question. A pirate, that is who.

"I have never heard of this pirate 'Paul Serpiente' before…" Perhaps this is the moment where I catch Jack Sparrow out, and he reveals this story was all just an elaborate lie…

Sadly, I have no such luck, and Sparrow seems to take joy from revealing yet more disturbing news.

"You've met him, though… Of course, he was under a different name at your father's party- John Almsworth? Ringing any bells now?"

I let, my jaw drop- I am too surprised to think about any decorum at this moment in time.

"Thought you might recognise the name… Part of the reason for your party was so Chalmes could meet with Serpiente and discuss the final… arrangements. And, of course, so the man could meet his wife-to-be."

I shudder at this proposal

Robert Chalmes was willing to give up me, the one who he had cared for as his own child, for some gold and jewels? Although, as soon as I have this thought, I can see how it would be possible- I know what lengths my… my what? Foster father?... has gone to before to try and gain recognition. I just would have never thought it possible for him to be desperate enough to try something like this.

Anger at being betrayed bubbles up inside me, along with the beginnings of another feeling- hatred. Sparrow sees these emotions darkening my expression and tries to soften the blow.

"Don't get me wrong, luv… I'm sure Robert Chalmes had good intentions when he first took you in, before he knew you were connected to Denver Falcon. Sadly, his ambition has taken over now- he's not thinking straight, you can be assured of that."

"But that doesn't mean he has to resort to deception and betrayal, does it? Surely?" I am clinging to straws, trying to find some way out of this nightmare I have been thrown into. However, all the exits have been blocked.

"Apparently, it does…" Jack replies.

I cannot take it in. Robert Chalmes- the man who has been my father, doting upon me and buying little presents as treats as any father would, the only family I can remember… All he has stood for is a lie.

"You are lying…" I make one last feeble attempt to try and make Sparrow announce this was all a hoax, but I know it will do me no good- he speaks the truth.

The Captain smiles- almost a little sadly this time, it seems to me.

"Betrayal is a hard thing to live through- trust me, I've had my fair share of it. But I always find the best remedy is…"

"Let me guess… Rum?" I say.

Jack shakes his head, making beads jangle.

"No, luv. Not this time… Although it's a good way to numb the pain in the meantime. What I was going to say the best remedy for betrayal is… a settling of scores. Revenge in short, although I never did like that word much- it sounds too… ruthless."

"And how, pray tell, is this 'settling of scores' going to happen, Captain? Please, I'm very interested to know."

"How would you like to… remove… your father's treasure from under their noses, Sierra? Give Almsworth and Chalmes the ultimate dissatisfaction- they follow us to the island, and watch helpless, as you take what is rightfully yours. Almsworth loses his treasure and a beautiful wife, Chalmes loses honour, which for him will probably be even worse than losing a fortune. Think about it…"

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Crazy-obsessed-jacksparrow-fan-- Bows. Thankyou, Thankyou.

Wolf.at. Heart-- Hehe! Did you like the next little twist I put in?

Twadrummer-- Hahahahaha. You keep on shaking your fist at him! He deserves it! And as for quoting POTC... When do I ever do that? I'm just an almost-innocent bystander to all of this... Whistles innocently.

Chocolat Pirate-- I put the plot down to my very over imaginative mind! And thanks very much!