Chapter 8

The long, narrow strait that led to Tia Dalma's secluded hut echoed with the noises of forest creatures and a mysterious sound of what appeared to be humming. Two small longboats slowly drifted along the path, each occupant wary of what they could run into. In the lead boat sat Will and Elizabeth Turner while Jack was standing up, glancing around at their surroundings. Gibbs was also scrunched up in the small boat.

They had been at sea for a few days now, and both Will and Elizabeth were growing suspicious about Jack's motives for this quest. Jack had divulged that the crew would more likely run into Blackbeard himself; the most vicious and ruthless pirate out there. And yet, Jack didn't seem fazed at all at the possibility of meeting his demise in the Bermuda Triangle; on the contrary, he seemed unusually confident. Not being able to stand all the mystery anymore, Will leaned in closely toward Gibbs.

"Something's been bothering me ever since we joined you on your little treasure hunt."

"What's that, lad," Gibbs asked.

"Why does Jack seem unmoved by the idea of facing Blackbeard in the Bermuda Triangle?"

Elizabeth now joined in on the conversation, curious to hear the answer.

"Ah, well that's a tale," Gibbs smiled. "You see, Jack and ol' Edward Teach have had the pleasure of briefly meeting one another some time ago."

"Really?"

"Aye. It was years ago, probably just before Blackbeard and his crew were shanghaied into protecting the Bermudan Treasure. Blackbeard was on an island somewhere in the Caribbean, apparently preparing to carry out an execution. Well, we were sailing by the same island and happened to spot him tying two men's hands behind their backs. Jack, being the noble hero he is, immediately swam ashore and saved the two men, killing a few of Blackbeard's old crew in the process. Blackbeard was forced to retreat and he vowed to one day exact his revenge on Jack somehow."

"And Jack thinks that he can repeat history," said Will.

"Aye."

"But doesn't Blackbeard and his crew have the advantage of shape shifting," asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, but I have the knowledge of Tia Dalma on my side." Jack had been listening to the conversation and had interjected that last comment.

"You see, what Jack probably didn't mention to you is that the Bermuda Triangle is home for a pirate prison in which every pirate who happens to sail across the triangle's threshold is doomed to spend the rest of their life in. An eternity of damnation. That's what awaits you in the Bermuda Triangle."

Will suddenly glared up at Jack. "You knew about this, and yet you neglected to mention it?"

"In my defense, I thought that mentioning the prison would convince you two not to come along. But now that you know and we're on our way to find out how to accomplish that feat, there should be no real problem anymore, savvy?"

"Just what information on the Bermuda Triangle do you still need, exactly," Elizabeth queried.

"I obviously need to know how to defeat ol' hairy and his men and what to do in order to find the treasure. That's where Tia Dalma comes in."

"That lady still gives me the willies, Cap'n," Gibbs commented.

"She seems to have that effect on almost everyone it seems like."

Just then, Tia Dalma's hut came into view after the crew had turned a brush in the strait. As always, it was illuminated by countless candles blaring in the gloomy sky above. The hut caused many memories to come flooding back to Jack, but before any of them could take over his consciousness, Jack managed to refocus himself on his current objective. Once his longboat had docked with the hut, Jack climbed out and started to ascend the stairs leading toward the hut's main door. All the others quickly followed suit.

"What do you want me to watch this time, Cap'n? Your front or your back?"

Jack paused in momentary thoughtfulness. "Both, as a matter of fact. Oh, and get someone else besides the parrot to mind the boat this time."

Jack turned around and slowly pushed the door open. He then entered the hut, breathing in deeply upon doing so. As always, Jack was met with the sight of many abnormal animals and eyeballs hanging from the ceiling in glass jars. In the center of the room sat Tia Dalma, crouched over her usual wooden table, experimenting on a small sea creature. When she noticed the other presence in the room, she smiled.

"Jack Sparrow!"

"Tia Dalma," Jack greeted politely in his usual manner.

"I see that the Kraken didn't leave any permanent scars," Tia Dalma eyed his father, who had just stepped inside along with Will and Elizabeth, "and that you were successful in the rescuing of your father from World's End."

"Yeah, and let me tell you, that was quite a pickle."

Tia Dalma made her way over to James and shook his hand. "A pleasure to finally meet the famous James Sparrow, Sr."

"I get that a lot," James smiled.

Tia Dalma then eyed Will and Elizabeth, who were holding hands. "You managed to change your fate, I see, William Turner."

"I thought fate was unchangeable. I've lost count of how many times you've told me that," Jack piped up.

"You'd be surprised at how powerful true love can be. Especially in cases like this."

"Sure." Jack seemed unmoved by the observation.

Tia Dalma eyed Elizabeth mysteriously for a moment. "It seems you have another destiny in front of you. A more personal one I might add." Elizabeth gave her a slightly confused look while Will did the same with his wife.

"Enough destinies," Jack intervened. "We came here for information and we're not leaving here without it." As Tia Dalma made her way back to the table, Jack added in an undertone: "How do you do that?"

"So," said Tia Dalma, "what may I assist you with this time?"

Before Jack could say anything, Will stepped forward. "It seems we have a need to sail into the Bermuda Triangle."

Tia Dalma's eyes lit up at the mention of the legendary location. "Ah, the Devil's Triangle itself. What information do you require?"

"How exactly do you defeat the protectors of the Bermudan Treasure and obtain the prize at the same time?"

"Well, as you probably already know, the guardians of the treasure are given the gift of changing their appearance at will. However, that ability lies with them so long as both the treasure remains hidden and the medallion granting them their power remains in their possession. If both circumstances change, then the crew is suddenly mortal again."

Will and Jack both sat down opposite Tia Dalma while Elizabeth stood behind Will and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Will only doing one of those things guarantee the loss of their shape-shifting powers?"

"No. If you just steal the medallion, for example, they'll still have their powers if the treasure still lies in its burial place."

"Are these pirates immortal," Jack asked tentatively.

"No, they simply have increased physical strength."

"Then let me phrase the question this way, can simple human adventurers like us take them on in a fair duel?"

"That would depend on your level of stamina."

Jack nodded. "Alright, part one of my inquiry answered. Now, onto part two and the more important point I might add. How do we locate the treasure."

"You mean besides the treasure map," Tia Dalma joked.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Very funny. No, seriously. What special kinds of trinkets come into play here?"

Tia Dalma stared at Jack a long moment. "Well, let's just say it'll take more than your compass I gave you."

"Can I trade it in for a new and improved one, then?"

"Certainly." Tia Dalma held out her hand for Jack to give her the compass. Slightly surprised, Jack produced his handy compass and reluctantly placed it in her palm. Tia Dalma tossed it away, apparently uncaring about its condition, and reached into a pocket on her dress and placed a brand-new compass in the middle of the table. "New and improved to better suit your needs than the last one."

Jack picked up the compass and examined it closely. "It looks exactly the same."

"So?"

"Shouldn't something new have a different appearance?"

"Who says?"

"Everyone."

"Do you want to find the treasure or not?"

"I do."

"Then take my advice and keep the compass."

"Are you sure it'll help?"

"If you don't want it, give it back."

"No. Finders Keepers."

Will cleared his throat. "Anything else that could be useful?"

"Just the swords in your hilts, the pistols tucked into your belts, and your skills with them."

"Only one thing of use," Jack questioned. "That's odd for you."

"I can't predict the abnormal occurrences you'll encounter in the Bermuda Triangle, so you'll just have to improvise."

"My area of expertise," Jack smiled.

"Oh, and before I forget, be warned," Tia Dalma added. "Blackbeard may not be able to harm you in the presence of a woman when you first enter the triangle, but he can once you set foot on land."

"And why is that?"

"The waters of the Triangle are enchanted with the magic of the three creators. And if a woman is present aboard a ship, that magic provides an invisible barrier around your vessel. But once you set foot on land, that protection can't be guaranteed until after you've obtained the treasure."

"I hate these loopholes in legends," said Jack. "Well, it looks like we have quite a journey ahead of us, so we'd best be off. Unless, of course, you have something else of value to us. Say, another jar of dirt?"

Tia Dalma shook her head.

"Bugger."

Jack turned and left, followed closely by the rest of his crew. But just as Elizabeth made to leave, Tia Dalma gently grabbed her arm. Elizabeth glanced at the fortuneteller.

"How long have you known you're pregnant," Tia Dalma asked.

Elizabeth looked surprised. "How did you...?"

"Being who I am, Mrs. Turner, I can't help but notice these things. Does William know yet?"

"No, not yet. I only found out a two days ago. I felt something inside my stomach. I've just been waiting for the opportune moment."

Tia Dalma nodded. "My advice, tell him immediately. He'll want to know."

Elizabeth considered her words for a moment. "I will."

That being said, Elizabeth exited the hut and joined her husband, who was waiting outside the door for her.