Chapter 17: Regrets and Friendship

The days went by, and to Isabella it felt like an eternity. Beckett was destroying any pirate ship that crossed paths with the Endeavour or Flying Dutchman. His plan was working, he had Jones at the palm of his hand. Along these days, Isabella hardly saw Charlotte. Being on a ship more than a few days was taking its toll on Charlotte. But what bothered Isabella the most was that Charlotte has not been the same ever since she gave birth to Jude, she seemed less ruthless, even after the incident with Robin. Beckett seemed to control his wife's every move. But if Charlotte needed help, she would not seek it. Pride was a ridiculous thing, Isabella thought.

Isabella was walking around the deck, taking in some air. She was also bored out of her mind. The only one who would usually join her for tea and keep her entertained was her Uncle Weatherby, but in the past few days he sank into a state of depression. Of course, Beckett had him working like there was no tomorrow. What also had him in such a meloncholy state was Elizabeth, he has not seen her ever since that night he helped her escape from the brig.

James was looking at a few reports, with leutinants surrounding him. He glanced up to see Isabella walking around. James excused himeself and went to where she was.

"Isabella, are you alright"? James asked concerned.

"Yes, I am alright. Just needed some air, I also wanted to take a turn about the ship". Isabella turned to face him.

"Very well. Just don't go too far, stay close". James ordered.

"Don't worry, I will. But I think I might go back to my rooms, its a bit cold". Isabella smiled at his concern.

"I miss them too". James saw a hint of sadness in Isabella's eyes. He knew it was because of the children.

"I feel so alone without them. I feel incomplete, and I know you are here with me, but I feel like a piece of my heart is missing." Isabella sighed.

"I know how you feel. I miss Robin's laughter and Nickolas's smile". James took Isabella into his arms. "We are in this together, I promise we will be home soon". He kissed the top of her head.

"Admiral, Lord Beckett wishes to speak with you". One of the soldiers came up to James.

"I will be there in a moment". James answered sternly.

"I will see you later tonight". Isabella let go of him and headed towards her cabin.


"You summoned me, Lord Beckett". James was annoyed with Beckett for the past few days.

"Yes. Something for you there, your new station deserves an old friend". replied Beckett.

James walked over to the small table and opened the long box. It was the sword Will had made for him at the time of his promotion to commodore. James unsheathed it and saw the engraving on the sword "August Sword". James bent his head down in shame. Betrayed a man who has helped ever since James rescued him on that crossing from England. Well at least most of his life, he certainly did not help James when he helped Jack Sparrow escape the gallows.

"The bretheren know they face extinction. All that remains is for when they make their final stand". Beckett said cooly.

Weatherby glanced up at James, with grief and sadness in his eyes. Clearly, James Norrington had sold himself when he gave Beckett the heart of Davy Jones.


Isabella was reading a book to occupy herself. But she could not concentrate, she felt something bad was about to happen. She can sense it. Isabella shut the book closed and put it away. She layed back on the silk chair and closed her eyes, maybe sleep will soothe her.

Just then, she heard a knock on the door. Isabella stood, and proceeded to answer it.

"Good afternoon, Dutchess". Jax greeted.

"Oh, its you". replied Isabella, he was the last person she wanted to see right now.

"Come now, that is no way for a beautiful dutchess such as yourself greets people."

"Fine, good afternoon Count Drake". Isabella rolled her eyes.

"Better, now may I come in"?

"You are already here". Isabella opened the door wider to let him in. "Why are you here, exactly"?

"I came here to apologize for the other night. It was very rude of me to say such things. In other words, I desereved the slap". Jax said with complete sincerity. Isabella stared at him, trying to see if he was telling the truth.

"Why should I believe you"?

"Because, although you may not trust me...now. I am a trust worthy man". Jax smiled at Isabella.

"Really"? Isabella raised her brow.

"Yes, that is why I came to apologize". replied Jax. "And...to come to some sort of agreement".

"What kind of agreement"?

"Do you always question people"?

"Only those that I do not trust". Isabella replied with arrogance in her voice.

"I see. Well first things first...do you accept my apology"?

"Alright fine, I accept your apology. What is this agreement"? Isabella had no other choice but to accept.

"That you and I become friends, nothing more...I assure you". Jax put the offer on the table. " I am offering friendship, someone to talk to, I highly doubt you would want to say a word to Dutchess Beckett". Jax waited as Isabella pondered it. "And, also because Nickolas aked me to. I am not a bad man, Dutchess. Simply someone who wants to help you".

"My friends call me Isabella. But just so you know I am not completely on board with this, but I will do it for Nickolas". Isabella agreed because she could see the truth in his eyes.

"And my friends call me Jax. Now if you want more proof, then here it is". Jax pulled out a letter with Isabella's name written on it.

Isabella took the letter from Jax. "What is this"?

"A letter that Nickolas left to you. Read it and then give me a definite answer." Jax bowed and left the cabin.

Isabella quickly opened it and read its contents.

Dear Isabella,

You are probably wondering why I wrote this letter. Well, I wrote it because in some sort of way I was expecting death. I don't know exactly why...but I did. What kept me in this world was you, James, and my beloved Catherine. You and James were to young of a marriage to face Beckett, who wanted to ruin it. Although I am sure he still does. That is why I helped you both...well tried, but I really did not succeed. But I am sure you two can overcome the obstacles and still remain together. Count Jax Drake...my cousin, is certainly a good man, he just does not like to show it. He is practically like my brother. At times he might make bad decisions and say the wrong things and seem like a total rake. He is a man with morals and protects the people he cares for deeply. But you know how I can be overprotective dear Izzy, so I asked him to do me the favor of protecting you and James. I am sure James can do it, I am sure he is doing a fine job. But Jax can control Beckett at times, which is what I am afraid of. Beckett can retaliate at any time. So please, accept this little intrusion of mine. Izzy, you are my best friend and I only wish you and James the best. Good bye Isabella, until we meet again in another lifetime...

your friend,

Count Nickolas Drake


A/N: You might be wondering why I named James's sword...well I bought this book called "Secrets of the East India Trading Company", and it was talking about how Will made this sword for James, well apparently the sword had a name, but they failed to mention it in the movie...so henceforth "August Sword". Thanks to all who reviewed...keep it up!