AN: I really enjoyed writing this chapter...so I hope like it as well. And thank you to Xewioso for the complements and encouragment! It helps...a lot.

"Weigh anchor! Ragetti, Pintel, you come with me and Miss Bronte," ordered Barbossa menacingly. The two men rushed over like scared dogs and quickly began lowering a longboat.

It had been four weeks since her kidnap. Ella supposed it could have gone worse, but it didn't mean she enjoyed it. It was true, Barbossa, considering she was a prisoner, had been about as hospitable as a pirate was capable of, which measured up to him putting a stop to his men from trying anything. And he had maintained the decency to lend her a small room for her own use. But beyond that, he had shown little or no interest for her well being. As long as the key was safe, and she couldn't get away, she meant absolutely nothing.

This knowledge had caused her to wreak havoc on anyone who had the gall to come within ten feet of her. Ella hated being treated as if she were some prize or decoration, which was no doubt what most of the men saw her as. To be ignored…that was an entirely different matter. Ella refused to be ignored.

When she wasn't yelling at the crew members or cursing Barbossa, or trying to plan some sort of escape, she thought of one thing: Richard.

She was slowly realizing why boys had thrown themselves at her feet so long ago. The fact was, she loved boys in general. She loved being with them, talking with them, definitely flirting with them. It was almost like an obsession, except she had the decency to stop it when she realized something had gone too far.

Then there was Richard. He, out of all the men at Savanna, had been the only one who had not thrown himself. Instead, he had watched from afar, never saying anything, never intruding. This caught Ella's attention after about a year, and she never could forget it after that. Soon she was talking to him, wondering what made him different than the rest. She was quick to discover it; he was sensible. He wasn't foolish enough to think he could win against the rest, so he had waited.

It wasn't attraction that began their close friendship, that was something Ella made very clear. After losing Finn, she was certain to maintain a reasonable distance from anyone she could attach herself to. But that was why Ella wanted to be with Richard. He reminded her so much of her best friend, that it was almost like having her back. He alone could bring her back down to earth like Finn always could. He was smart enough, caring enough, loving enough…

Soon the friendship grew into something much more, though it wasn't readily admitted at first. And such were the state of things when Richard had left to Port Royal to sail once again with the Commodore. With him gone, it had left Ella alone with her feelings, a very dangerous position, she admitted. However, it was then that she discovered that she really loved Richard, and that she wished with her whole heart that she could see him again.

"Miss Bronte, after you," sneered Barbossa, motioning toward the boat. Ella, after making a rude face, complied slowly, making sure to take as much time as possible in getting down. Maybe not the smartest move, but if he couldn't treat her with some decency, than why not return the favor?

It was a small island they had arrived at, in which was a small river they were proceeding to go up. There was a mysterious air about it, not quite menacing, yet not entirely friendly. Ella propped her chin on her knees and hugged them toward her chest, glaring at first the floor, than Barbossa, than the floor again. She didn't want to be here in the slightest.

"What are we going to do here?" demanded Ella harshly. "I can only assume it has to do with this key?"

"Both keys, actually," answered Barbossa. "No need to get upset, Miss Bronte. Once we're done with you here, you can be back on your merry way to Savanna. We just need information at this point."

Ella could feel herself pale, and inwardly she shuddered. Something in the way he had said that was unnerving. He obviously wouldn't need her to be safe after this little detour…what would happen to her on the ship back? Ella forced her to block the ideas from her mind; now was not the time to think about such things.

"Who exactly is this Miss Odessa?" asked Ella again. "How in the world can she help us get back my friend's key?"

"All in due time," whispered Barbossa mysteriously. Ella let out a frustrated huff before turning her eyes away, only to see a small shack in the distance. It looked as if it had decayed, yet the skeleton still remained in tact. Along the walls rugs had been hung, only, Ella assumed, to keep out the draft.

"Is that where she lives?"

Barbossa simply grinned manically at her as they approached it. Gulping, Ella allowed herself to be led from the long boat onto the plank way that served for a front porch.

"Pintel, Ragetti, you stay here and guard the boat. Understood?" commanded Barbossa gruffly. "This business is between Miss Bronte, Odessa, and I. No peeking, or I can assure you, the punishment will be…unpleasant." He allowed a soft cackle escape his mouth before turning to Ella. "Shall we?"

Ella glared angrily at him and walked toward the front door confidently, only to stop the second she entered.

It was a small room, but cluttered with who knows what. There were snakes, birds, lizards, books, knick-knacks, looses beads and charms, and a ton of crabs crawling everywhere. Wincing, Ella gingerly stepped toward a round table that, at the moment, was empty. She sat herself down, making sure that there weren't any stray animals occupying it before hand.

"Welcome, Barbossa," drawled a low warm voice. From behind a large cream curtain appeared a small black lady. Her hair was braided and beaded, cascading down in brown ropes that would jangle as she walked toward them. She seemed older, yet her eyes were young and lively, while still holding a small amount of mystery in them. Dressed in a simple brown dress, she approached Barbossa slowly, smiling all the while.

"Hello, Odessa."

"It 'as been too long," she said. "I am glad dat you 'ave finally decided to visit my lowly 'ouse. Though, I sense, once again, you seek something? I 'ope it is not cursed, hm?" Her eyes glittered mockingly, while Barbossa cringed slightly.

"That was more Jack's doing than mine. As I recall, it was your sister that finally showed us the way after you refused. How is Tia, or should I say, Calypso? Where is she?" He smiled, but there was a shade of uneasiness at the mention of 'Calypso'.

"She is right 'ere." Odessa picked up one of the crabs and began to stroke it gingerly. Barbossa twitched at the sight, and proceeded to avoid any crab that might come near him. This was quite the feat, seeing as they seemed to cover the floor. "Calypso was not very 'appy after you released 'er from de human prison you left her in. She 'ated it."

"We did release her…" offered Barbossa weakly.

"No matter," interrupted Odessa. "She is not concerned in human affairs, as long as dis new William Turner continues to ferry the souls."

"Actually, Odessa, that is why we are here." The lady in front of them frowned slightly at the mentioning of this, but signaled for Barbossa to continue. "There is something of value that I am in need of. It's not cursed, but it is at the bottom of the ocean." He swallowed, as if to debate whether to continue. Glancing sideways at a few of the crabs, he said softly, "I was…hoping that we could somehow summon Mister…Captain Turner for him to fetch it back."

Odessa sat rigidly for quite sometime, making Ella wonder if she was suffering some type of stroke. "Dis Captain Turner's duty is not dat of a servant, Barbossa. Calypso is not particularly 'appy with dis request."

If this Calypso was the crabs that were walking around, Ella quickly came to the conclusion that this lady was on the verge of a maniac. However, she had the sense to keep quiet as their argument continued.

"Of course, she is not happy," agreed Barbossa hurriedly, "but it was me who suggested that we release her. Surely she can find it in her heart to help--Ouch!" He jumped in his seat, clutching his hand, which showed a crab hanging off the pinky finger. During is plea, he had forgotten about those crabs on the table, and one had sneaked over to pinch him.

Odessa was once again rigid. Ella sat still, wondering what was going to happen now. Everything she had heard was nothing but confusing, but this William Turner fellow seemed interesting. What had Odessa said he was suppose to do? Ferry souls? Ella was quickly reminded of Greek mythology and the river Styx with the boatman who would give passage to those souls that had died. Did he do the same thing? If so…had he seen Finn?

"Who is dis girl?"

Ella jumped at the mention of her. "I'm Ella."

"I know your name, Eleanor."

"She knows where the key is," offered Barbossa painfully, who was still trying to shake off the stubborn crab.

Odessa was silent, staring at Ella, who began to squirm under her unfaltering gaze. "Dere is something more important dan dis key." The comment was directed toward Ella, but it certainly wasn't a question. "I will summon Turner, but only for dis girl," announced Odessa quietly. "If you get the key, so be it. But dis Ella is looking for something else, so Calypso will permit it. You are lucky you 'ave her, Barbossa."

He turned to grin at Ella, who glared back. At least she didn't have to worry about being useless anymore, nor could he be rid of her. It was a lose-lose situation on her part…unless they found the thing that she wanted…whatever that was.

"Follow me," ordered Odessa. They did her bidding, and the three of them walked to the boat where Pintel and Ragetti were now sleeping. Barbossa kicked them awake, and after much apologizing, they helped Ella and Odessa into the boat, and cast off. "We must go to da sea."

We arrived at the mouth of the river much more quickly than going upstream. It was late afternoon, and the sun was dipping low in the horizon, casting a warm yellow glow over the water. "Stop," commanded Odessa. "This is far enough." From her skirt she produced five crabs that had been attached at the hem. Simultaneously, all three men cowered at the sight of them before Odessa dropped them into the water.

Then they waited. The sun set lower and lower until the rim was grazing the edge of the sky. Stars were starting to shine in the east, Venus sparkling brighter than the rest. During this whole time, everyone was silent, which was extremely had for Ella to manage. Finally, as the sun disappeared, Ella asked softly, "Is Captain Turner going to--"

A great whooshing sound interrupted her mid-sentence. Far off toward the right, the ocean was bubbling and churning until a large ship broke the surface, splashing onto the top of the water with a thundering noise.

Ella's eyes widened at the sight, and she almost fainted. Her own experience with time-traveling had been frightening enough, but watching a ship rise from under the water just about topped it off.

"Go to your ship," commanded Odessa as she stepped out of the boat, only to be supported by an army of crabs, making the three men wince again. "Captain Turner knows da request, but 'e does not know where. Good luck, Ella." With that, Miss Odessa disappeared into the shadows, smiling softly.

"What did she say?" asked Ragetti excitedly.

"Nothing that concerns you," growled Barbossa. "Get us to the Pearl."

A muffled 'Yes, Cap'n' was heard, and the two of them rowed toward the large black ship. About they same time they arrived, the other ship cam up beside her, making the remaining men scramble in panic. They seemed to have recognized the ship, which was called the Flying Dutchman, and were not particularly excited at its appearance.

"At ease, men!" roared Barbossa as he stepped on deck. "We're not under attack!"

The men quickly reformed, a general apology drifting thru the air. Barbossa strutted to the side, Ella following close behind at a much faster pace. He made a motion with his hand, and suddenly, a young man appeared before them out of thin air. Ella gasped in fright, but otherwise stood her ground.

He did not look frightening, in fact, he appeared friendly, except for the scowl that was directed toward Barbossa. His hair was shoulder length and a little curly. A black bandana was wrapped around his head, and he carried a finely made sword at his side. "Barbossa," he greeted coldly.

"Turner. So kind of you to join us."

"I see you have the Pearl again. Whatever happened to Jack?"

Ella couldn't help wondering who exactly this man was, for it was the second time he came up in conversation this day. She was about to ask, but Barbossa answered.

"He needs to learn to keep a better eye on his possessions. But I don't think you are here to chastise me for my misdeeds."

"No," Turner grumbled. He turned his warm brown eyes to Ella and smiled widely. "You must be Eleanor."

"Please call me Ella," she whispered shyly. The man was handsome, and she could feel herself blushing as he took her hand and kissed it…just like Richard always had. His image flashed thru her mind, and all shyness was gone, allowing her to smile easier.

"You…lost something? Calypso wasn't very clear in what she said."

"I…" Ella stopped. What was she suppose to say? Whatever Odessa had said about her wanting something more important than this key had made no sense to her, how could she explain it to this man? The only thing more important was Finn. "Did you ever meet a Finn Delaney? Actually, her real name is Winifred, but…"

Will frowned. "Is this person dead?"

"Yes, she drowned at sea. She…she was the one with the key that we are looking for."

Will shook his head. "I don't usually talk to the souls, unless they beg for me to let them live, after which they become part of my crew." Ella could feel tears beginning to form. Finn would never beg for life…Finn never begged for anything. But hearing from this man that she had indeed passed on was still a hard blow. "You want me to retrieve a key that she owned?"

"Yes," said Barbossa.

"What does this key go to?"

"A treasure, of course. You are dealing with black hearted pirates, Master Turner," answered Barbossa cheekily.

"Of course. Where did she drown?"

"Off the coast of England," mumbled Ella. "I think it was right by Selsy."

Will frowned. "I was never there, for no one died at sea there recently. When did she drown?"

Ella's heart began to pound hard. Did that mean Finn might still be alive? "About four years ago. We were separated in a terrible storm."

"Oh," said Will sadly, "I was not captain of this ship then, I would not have seen her anyway."

Just like that, all her small hopes plummeted to the floor at those words. Ella could feel cold tears dripping down her face, which she quickly wiped away. Will was looking at her with a kind, understanding expression on his face. "I will go get this key for you, but it belongs to Ella."

"There is something else, actually," whispered Ella, a thought dawning on her. "Finn had a pocket watch with her. I don't suppose you could retrieve that as well?"

"Of course, Miss Ella." Will took her hand again, kissed it, and patted her on the shoulders. "Don't worry, I'm sure your Finn is safe, and very happy."

"I know. I just wish she didn't leave me here."

"I'm sure that she didn't want to," assured Will in a strained voice. "No one wants to leave the ones they love. That I know." He nodded to Barbossa icily, then vanished to the helm of his ship.

"Where will we find you?" shouted Barbossa to him.

"I will find you!" answered Will. A gurgling sound came from the bottom of the ship, and soon the Flying Dutchman was immersed once again by the ocean.

Barbossa turned to Ella, confusion written all over it. "A pocket watch?"

Ella did not answer, but dislike filled her eyes as she glowered at him. Soon she would have her pocket watch again, and soon she could go back to Savanna. All her life she had wanted an amazing adventure. But now that she was here, Ella was quickly changing her mind. All that she truly wanted was to go back home and be with Richard again.