CHAPTER 4: RIGHT OF PARLAY
SETTING: The Deck of the 'Picaroon'
Somewhere on the Ocean's Surface
TIME: Present Day
"MY LOVE, ARE YOU SURE THIS LOCATOR SPELL IS WORKING PROPERLY?" Robin yelled over the roar of the speedboat's engines.
The enchanted red leather jacket glided along effortless about 10 feet above the ocean's surface. Geared up to high speed, the Picaroon followed as they advanced even further out into the open ocean. The skies remained clear and the seas calm but Robin worried that the jacket might be leading them on a transatlantic journey. The speedboat could never complete such a voyage for a variety of reasons, the greatest of which revolved around their limited fuel capacity.
"YES!" Regina yelled back. "WHY WOULDN'T IT BE?"
Robin stood to glance over Killian's shoulder at the fuel gauge. The captain's intense blue eyes eyes remained fixed ahead as he steered the Picaroon where Emma's jacket led. Robin recognized the determination in his friend's gaze. He would push the boat until it would no longer move if such abuse would bring him closer to Emma, fuel reserves be damned!
Robin turned back to Regina.
"WE HAVE USED UP MOST OF OUR REGULAR FUEL! THE EMERGENCY TANK CAN GET US BACK TO SHORE AT THIS POINT. BUT, IF WE GO MUCH FURTHER, WE WILL BE PAST THE POINT OF SAFE RETURN!"
"THAT'S OKAY!" Regina replied. "MY MAGIC CAN GET US BACK AS LONG AS WE DON'T CROSS WORLDS! I DON'T THINK EMMA IS IN A DIFFERENT REALM OR THE SPELL WOULD NOT HAVE EVEN MOVED THE JACKET!"
Suddenly the jacket banked to the right. Killian adjusted course abruptly which almost sent the Picaroon end over end. Regina and Robin held tight to the rails, narrowly avoiding being thrown into the sea. When they regained their equilibrium, they saw the jacket was heading for a small dark dot on the horizon. What was it? An off shore oil rig?
As they drew closer, they could see that the dot was a very small island or perhaps it would be more accurate to call it an outcropping of rocks forced up from the ocean bottom by volcanic activity. The 'just barely an island' supported virtually no vegetation thus making it uninhabitable to all but a few stout seabirds. They were still a bit of a distance from the island when Killian suddenly cut the engine.
"Hook!" Regina cried. "Why did you stop? The jacket's getting away!"
She pointed towards the jacket. Robin turned in the direction of her gesture. A small bubble arose from the ocean and floated up toward the leather jacket. Then the bubble seemed to swallow the jacket and drag it down below the ocean's surface.
"The jacket is gone!" Robin cried.
"Great!" muttered Killian, "Emma's going to kill me!"
"Hook!" Robin asked warily. "What's that?"
He gazed intently at an object becoming visible off the left side of the island. Was the sun playing tricks on them? A large sailing ship emerged from the black outline of the land. With two rows of gun portals and immense sails, the huge ship moved gracefully through the water.
Bloody hell," Hook said softly, "The rotter still has MY ship."
While no expert in nautical vessels, Regina spent enough time on Hook's ship while saving Henry from Peter Pan that she recognized the approaching ship as the legendary Jolly Roger. The ship sported one item unfamiliar to Regina, a black flag with a horned skeleton holding an hour glass in one hand and a dagger in the other hand. Below the skeleton's dagger arm was a heart with three drops of blood. She wasn't sure of the significance each item held but she did know the unusual flag meant one thing - pirates!
"Hook," she asked, "What's that gruesome flag about?"
"That, Regina," said Killian, "is the signature flag of the pirate Edward Teach, more commonly known as BLACKBEARD!"
SETTING: The Storybrooke Public Library
TIME: Present Day
"Ariel, I don't mind copying all of this information for your father," Belle said as she turned the page of a book and flipped it face down on the copier's glass plate. "But, how will he read it under the ocean? I mean, the paper will become a big wet blob as soon as he removes it from the waterproof pouch."
"Oh, Daddy has a way of stabilizing your paper before it is extracted from its waterproofing. I've seen him do it when he read papers from Eric's state envoy regarding our marriage," Ariel replied.
The mermaid had returned to Storybrooke directly after a very unnerving meeting with her father. King Triton sent his daughter back to the surface as his emissary to Storybrooke. He authorized her to share the classified information Mer Intelligence had gathered on the effects and uses for squid ink. In return, he had requested specific information on certain pirates. Since everything he requested was a matter of public record in Storybrooke, Belle willingly gathered the information. Unfortunately, she could not copy the information digitally because the mer folk did not have the technology to read electronic files. So she duplicated the information the old fashioned way, photocopying one page at a time.
"I can understand why he wants to know all about Blackbeard," Belle said. "After all, Blackbeard seems to be mixed up in this mess somehow... But why Hook?"
"Well," said Ariel, "Daddy knows Hook's reputation and he isn't sure that Hook can be trusted. My father doesn't want to get involved any deeper if his own reputation might be tarnished by association."
"Oh, that makes sense. It took me a long time to accept that Hook had changed."
"Yeah," said Ariel, "Hook is a complex man and he certainly has had an interesting career; assassin for hire, spy, pirate captain,highwayman. But, what surprised me the most was his early career in the Royal Navy. He was considered quite a straight arrow among military men. Didn't even drink."
"Yes, until your father asked for this information, I never realized the famed Jewel of the Realm and the Jolly Roger were the same ship...Captain Liam Jones had made a brief stop in my father's kingdom when I was a little girl."
"Did you get to meet him, Belle?"
"No, but I saw him from afar. Handsome man and a real hero. Jones is such a common name in our world. I never put it together that he and Hook were brothers."
Belle finished copying the final page and fastened the pages with a paper clip. Ariel then placed the stack of documents into her pouch.
"There!" said Belle. "We're done... Let's swing by the sheriff's office again to see if the Picaroon has returned. If they're not back yet, we can get a bite to eat at Granny's."
SETTING: Deck of the Picaroon
Somewhere on the Surface of the Ocean
TIME: Present Day
Killian, Regina and Robin watched the Jolly Roger sail closer to their position. Even with the gun ports closed, the mighty ship spat fear and intimidation. The 300 ton frigate displayed a modified stern that made the ship more suitable for use as an armed transport. With the added firepower, she was able to take 18 prizes under Blackbeard's command.
"My God! What a monster!" said Robin.
"Good thing we're cloaked!" Regina added.
"Aye," replied Killian, "the Jolly is a formidable ship...We cant take her with this small boat."
"I don't know," said Robin, "They have us out manned and out gunned but we have greater maneuverability and speed not to mention the element of surprise and Regina's magic. Perhaps we could get them to wreck on those rocks?"
"No, confrontation won't suit our purposes here," Killian replied. "Emma may be aboard. I won't risk hurting her."
"Then perhaps I could teleport on board discreetly and search for her?" Regina offered.
"That's a better plan," Killian said slowly. "But you would stand a greater chance of success if Robin and I could distract the crew while you search. Can you lift Gold's cloaking spell?"
"Yes, that will make us visible to them. Are you going to have Blackbeard and his crew chase you?"
"No, I am going to invoke the right of parlay. I have questions that only Teach can answer."
"What if he decides he doesn't want to talk? Or worse yet, what if he gets you on board and kills you?"
"He won't." Killian scanned the ship for Blackbeard's red coat.
"Even a rotter like Teach respects the Pirata Codex," he continued as he snapped his scope shut and began removing his deputy vest. "The right of parley allows any person to invoke temporary protection and be brought before the captain to "negotiate" without being attacked until the parley is complete."
Killian folded the vest neatly and placed it on the seat. He then opened a sliding compartment and pulled out his sword and scabbard. After strapping on the weapon, he plucked his black pirate's coat from a second compartment. With a graceful twist of leather, he slide both arms into each corresponding sleeve.
"Regina, I want you to time the uncloaking simultaneously with 'poofing' yourself onto that ship. Best if they don't see you on this boat."
Regina nodded in agreement.
"Locksley," Killian said, "Hoist the parlay flag."
"Um..which one is the parlay flag?" Robin was shuffling through a pile of cloth banners.
"White background. Black skull and crossbones."
"I thought that was the Jolly Roger?"
"No, the Jolly Roger is black with white skull and crossbones."
"Alright...where do we hoist a flag on a speedboat?"
"There is a pole that pulls out of that compartment." Killian pointed with his sword.
Once Robin had the parlay flag flying, Regina closed her eyes in heavy concentration. Then she waived her right arm side to side while throwing her left arm straight up. A sizzling sound surrounded the Picaroon as the clocking spell dissipated. Then Regina disappeared.
Blackbeard's crew spotted the Picaroon almost immediately and signaled acceptance of parlay. When the Jolly Roger safely dropped anchor, Killian started the speedboat's engine and pulled aside the mighty ship. The crew released a rope ladder which Killian and Robin promptly climbed.
"Hook, how revolting to see you again," Blackbeard shouted as soon as Killian's feet hit the deck. "And so soon after our last encounter."
"Believe me, Teach, I am even more appalled to see you. But,I do need some answers."
"As do I, Hook, as do I...For starters, why is it that this world knows me as the most 'cutthroat pirate ever to hoist a sail'... while they envision you as a fop with a wax mustache destined always to be bested by a flying boy?"
The other pirates laughed loudly with their captain. Robin saw Killian's eyes flare up and ignite in unison with his temper. Killian started to step forward when Robin grabbed Killian's good arm.
"Easy, Hook. He's baiting you. Remember Emma and the baby."
"Right, Locksley." Killian swallowed hard to regain control.
"So, Hook," Blackbeard continued, "Where is this crocodile you are always singing about?"
More laughter ensued. Killian bore it through clenched teeth.
"I have a more urgent question, Teach...Where is my wife?"
"Hook! Don't tell me you've lost her already?! Won't your 'charming' in-laws be furious?"
Killian fixed Blackbeard with a deadly stare. He spoke the next words slow and low.
"First, my wife goes missing. Then you show up, Teach. I don't think the two occurrences are unrelated...do you have Emma?"
Blackbeard chuckled suggestively. "HAVING your Emma would be appealing indeed!"
Killian's blood boiled flame and his hook shot toward the pirate's throat but stopped just short of slashing it. Robin held Killian's arm back in a pincher grip, preventing the captain from killing Blackbeard. Pushing Killian behind him, Locksley spoke for the first time.
"Is she aboard this ship?"
Blackbeard looked at Locksley as if just noticing his presence. Something in the archer's manner made the pirate change his demeanor.
"No, she is not aboard this ship."
"Do you know where she is?"
"I do not...I was tasked to keep Hook occupied while the deed was being done. I was not informed of anything else."
Suddenly, a column of white smoke appeared behind Killian and Robin. Blackbeard was taken aback when the smoke quickly lifted to reveal Regina.
"She's not here, Hook." Regina stated. "I looked everywhere."
"Who are you working with?" Killian had regained his composure and turned his attention back to Blackbeard.
"Hook, I would tell you but I'm not sure if my -uh- associate would want to be revealed... You see," he said looking at Regina, "my associate practices the black arts, too."
The Jolly Roger started to shake and shudder. Had they not been on water, Killian would have surmised an earthquake was responsible for the vibrating deck. What was happening here?
"I guess THAT means I cannot reveal the name. Sorry, Hook." Blackbeard looked anything but sorry.
Regina, Robin and Killian were abruptly zapped back onto the Picaroon. A large bubble rose from the ocean and engulfed the Jolly Roger from bow to stern and up to the top of the mast. Killian watched in horror as his beloved ship sank into the sea. Regina tried desperately to hold the ship up but the pull from the bottom was too strong. Whoever Blackbeard's associate was, they had very potent magic.
SETTING: Storybrooke Sheriff's Office
TIME: Present Day
"Ariel, this is quite an honor." David Nolan was examining a piece of parchment given to him by Ariel in her official capacity. "I heard the mer king never mets with humans no matter who they are."
"I know what you mean," Ariel said. "Daddy has mellowed a little toward humans since my courtship with Eric. But, beyond meeting Eric himself, he refused to accommodate any other human. He sent envoys to negotiate the marriage contract in his stead. It would NOT have been conducted by proxy if Eric's people had been mer."
Ariel and Belle had returned from Granny's to find David in the office. David told the two women that the Picaroon was on its way back. Belle immediately sent a text to Gold asking him to come to the station. While they waited, Ariel had handed David the invite to meet with King Triton.
"What I don't understand," said David, "Is why your father addressed this invitation to me instead of Regina? I am merely a sheriff's deputy here in Storybrooke. She is the mayor."
"Oh, mer protocol demands that the king of the seven seas only met with representatives of royal rank."
"Regina is royal and she out ranks me there, too. She's a queen."
"Mer diplomacy is still male-dominant. Daddy won't mediate with a woman even if she is royal."
"I never realized mer society was so antiquated!" Belle exclaimed.
"Tell me about it!" Ariel rolled her eyes. "Actually, mer society itself has evolved a great deal in accepting females as equals. But, the court lags far behind. My father seems to want it that way. His battles with my Aunt Ursula have soured him against female rule of any type."
"I don't care for this chauvinism at all,"said David, "But, if he can help us find Emma, we must accept this meeting."
'What meeting?" Regina had just walked into the room followed by Robin and Killian.
"King Triton wants to meet with us regarding Emma's disappearance," said Belle.
"He could be very helpful," Robin replied, "because it appears that she may be somewhere on or near or perhaps even under the water."
"Why do you think that?" David asked. "What happened?"
"The locator spell Regina placed on the jacket worked immediately," Killian said. "It took us out to the water and we followed it in the Picaroon. Unfortunately, we lost sight of the jacket when we encountered the Jolly Roger."
"Your lost ship?" Belle was surprised.
"The very one," Killian replied, " and captained by that scum Blackbeard. Locksley and I parlayed with Blackbeard and his crew while Regina searched his ship for signs of Emma. She found nothing. But, Teach did admit to being decoy for the kidnapper."
"Then Blackbeard at least knows who the kidnapper is!"
"Yes, he does," Regina said, "and I think I could have made him tell us the name. But, we were abruptly teleported back to the speedboat. Blackbeard's ship then submerged and got away."
"Submerged?" David looked confused. "As I recall, the Jolly Roger was a sailing ship? Did it sink?"
"No," replied Robin. "It was encased in a giant bubble that pulled it down into the deep."
"Magic?" Belle asked.
"Definitely," said Regina. "Very strong and very 'black' magic."
"Well," Ariel said pensively, "that meshes with my father's theory."
"What theory?"
"Daddy thinks my Aunt Ursula may have taken Emma."
The room was quiet for a few moments as they pondered this thought. Finally, Regina spoke up.
"I could see why Ursula would want to harm me. She was angry when I impersonated her. But why Emma?"
"Yes," said Killian. "To my knowledge, Emma never met your aunt."
"Look, the bubble magic is one of Ursula's trademarks," said Ariel. "I realize that's circumstantial. I can't confirm Ursula has Emma but-"
"I can!" Gold slipped quietly into the room. Belle gave her husband a hug.
"Did you speak to Ursula?" David asked.
"Not to Ursula herself. She wasn't home."
"Yeah," said Regina, "she was out foiling our efforts."
"Probably," Gold replied.
"If you didn't get through to Ursula, how do you know she is the culprit?" Robin asked.
"Because Emma herself answered the mirror."
Killian jumped up from his seat. "What?! Is she alright?! Is the baby okay?! Where is she?!"
"Easy, Hook," Gold said gently. "Emma is fine. The seawitch has her imprisoned in some underwater lair but she is treating Emma very well. Emma apparently has the run of the house. She can't escape because she is phantoms below the surface and the lair is the only place with consumable air. The baby is unharmed and, as yet, hasn't been born."
"Does Emma know why Ursula did this to her?" David asked.
"She wants the baby."
The color drained from Killian's face. "No. Please no."
"Ursula has one of her own sons down there," Gold continued. "He is very ill. Ursula wants to use the baby to save his life."
"How?"
"I'm not sure."
"Rumple," said Belle, "Regina, Robin and Hook ran into Blackbeard. Could he be the sick son?"
"No, Emma said the son was a invalid. She also said that his mother calls him "Sam"."
"Black Sam Bellamy!" Belle exclaimed.
"It may very well be, Belle. If you are right and the invalid is Bellamy, then Blackbeard must be the other son," Gold said.
"I knew them both," said Killian. "Your theory that they are Ursula's sons seems plausible. They bore a strong resemblance to each other and they were thick as thieves...I know they have no love for me. Did they pick my wife and child for this experiment because of that? What if this process kills Emma or our baby?"
"We have some time to enact a rescue, Hook," Gold replied. "Apparently the child has to be born before it can be of use. Emma isn't showing signs of going into labor yet."
"Yes," said David, "but we will have to hurry! Ariel, how fast can you set up the meeting with your father?"
"Daddy will meet with us immediately under the circumstances." Ariel pulled a map from her pouch and unrolled it. "He suggested this location. Can you find it?"
Killian studied the map. "Yes, the cutter can get us there in a little over an hour. The speedboat is faster but it needs to cool down. We ran it hard."
"Okay," Ariel said. "I'll swim ahead and get everything set up on my end. See you there!"
SETTING: Below the Sea
TIME: Centuries Past
Ursula hovered just below the surface watching a ferocious navel battle rage above her. Her face glowed an eery orange from the canon fire erupting aloft. Sick with anxiety, the seawitch wrang her hands until they hurt. The ocean depths did little to muffle the horrible sounds of gun fire,swords clashing and battle cries. The smell of human blood and death seeped all around her. He had to be alright! Please let him be unharmed!
The Royal Navy man o'war let loose a deafening barrage at the ship flying the black flag. Even from this distance, Ursula could not mistake the white skull and crossbones sewn on this flag. The Royal Navy ship opposing the pirates was immense. The larger vessel then tacked right, going in for the kill. The next broadside would send the pirate ship to the bottom. How had it come to this? Why did her baby have to be a pirate?
Ursula knew she had to act now or lose her child. She raised her right hand to strike the man o'war with a bolt of magic. But, something powerful struck her arm as she threw and the bolt skid harmlessly into the open sea.
"URSULA!" Triton's voice rang clearly through the ocean depths. "DO NOT INTERFERE! I FORBID IT!"
Ursula rubbed her stinging arm and turned in the direction of her brother's voice.
"TRITON, PLEEAASEE! Just enough to let him escape! I'll be careful not to kill any humans in the process!"
"I could care less how many humans die!" Triton was now swimming aside his sister. "Look at those barbarians! Let them kill each other off! Less humans to worry about that way!"
"Please, Triton!" Ursula's eyes brimmed with tears.
"You were ordered never to contact that boy again or he would die!" Triton was unmoved by her tears.
"I have NOT contacted him! He has no idea he is part mer! He never will if you'll just let me save him!"
"No, Ursula, he chose to be a pirate. If the human authorities punish him for his crimes, that is justice. I will not allow anyone from my kingdom to save him. He is not the innocent boy of long ago. He has grown into a bitter, black hearted man. His soul is rotten."
Triton motioned for his guards to restrain Ursula. She didn't bother to resist.
"If he has turned into a bad seed," Ursula spat, "YOU are solely responsible, Triton! Your damned decree forced him to grow up in the human world motherless, dirt poor and with no hope for advancement."
"He is captain of that ship. He seems to have advanced just fine for a human."
As Triton and the guards escorted her from the scene, she caught a glimpse of the pirate ship escaping. The pirates had outmaneuvered the man o'war's broadsides and taken advantage of the royal vessel's slowness. She wanted to cheer but didn't dare. Maybe Triton was right. Maybe her clever boy would survive after all.
NOTES:
1. The 'right of parlay' was used in the third Pirates of the Carribean movie. But, it is really a part of the Pirata Codex written by the pirates Morgan and Bartholomew.
2. The flag described Flying from the Jolly Roger was unique to the historical Blackbeard.
THANKS FOR READING!
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