Chapter 3 Joining Forces
Sure enough, the compass led Leah and company to Jack. The Pearl was anchored off shore, which Leah and her shore party rowed past. Hunter, though about two weeks old, was wide awake and stared up at the Pearl.
"Is it wise to bring the kid," Kas asked.
"Like I'd trust the crew I left on board."
The longboat hit land and the occupants clambered out. Once the carrying basket was situated on Leah's back, the party began their trek inland and their search for Jack. Leah was careful with the path she took, sniffing all the while. Something was not right, she knew that much. A slight turn of her head showed her that one of her men was taken by an ambush predator.
"Kas, Marcus, with me," she said as if nothing happened.
The two pirates agreed and took flank on each side of Leah. Leah picked a good hiding place and watched their shore party be picked off.
"Where are we," Kas asked.
"Cannibal Island. I don't know why of all places Jack chose this place to hide. The last time he was here, Jack and the others were to be eaten. So I've been told."
"Disgusting," Marcus said.
"Not when you believe your chief is a god trapped in a fleshy prison. The cannibals believe if they roast and eat him, it'll release the god," Leah whispered.
They fell silent as the cannibals walked by. When the last one past by, Leah silently motioned to her novice pirates to follow her and to be quiet. They follow the ambush party back to their village. It took all that Kas and Marcus had to be quiet during the trek. Finally, they arrived and Jack was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Jack," Marcus asked.
"Don't know."
Leah pulled out her compass and watched the pointer spin and come to a stop. It was in the tree line; which Leah followed. A ways from the village, the trio found Jack hiding in a tree.
"Jack, I need to talk with you," Leah shouted up.
"It can wait, Kid. I see no..."
"I can help you find the Fountain."
"How?"
Leah held up her compass, causing Jack to look down at Leah. She had what he needed, but what did Jack have that Leah needed?
"The Pearl or the Dragon," he asked.
"Jack, you know I didn't try to kill you. Where's the charts," Leah said.
Jack was being vague; perhaps a little too vague, even for him. They were on the Dragon Star, discussing their course of action; with Leah demanding where the charts were.
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because I have the compass. Surely you would want help."
"Only if it has some profit for me."
Leah sighed. Dealing with Jack, or any pirate, was suppose to be a thing of the past. Old habits die hard.
"You get to the Foutain of Youth. That's more than enough profit for yerself."
Jack had to think about that. Jack would gain immortality, but then would Leah. Why would she want some water, he wondered.
"What be your motive for it?"
"It's a personal matter. Ye willing tah sail with me tah find the Fountain?"