Chapter twelve: Legends Continue

The hourglass turned slowly in the air, suspended telekinetically between Dave's palms. The sands inside it roiled and gleamed as the artifact faded and disappeared.

"Now that Sparrow and Dastan have been returned to their own times," Balthazar explained to Ben, Abigail, Riley and Becky, who were seated comfortably in Dave's laboratory, "The hourglass itself is a liability, so we spread its essence across the time machine, in essence, well, no one will be able to find it again, let alone use it. It's too dangerous, the impact someone could make on past, present and future with that device is unfathomable."

"The scientist in me is a bit sad to see it go, actually," said Dave. "We could have learned a lot with a working time machine. But the sane part of me agrees with you."

"Sane?" Balthazar raised an eyebrow.

Dave held up his thumb and forefinger and inch apart.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Gates," Balthazar shook hands with Ben. "You're one of the finest mortals I've had the pleasure to work with."

"And you're among the finest historical artifacts," said Ben. They both laughed.

"Take care of yourself," Becky hugged Abigail, "And these two."

"Oh, I'll do my best," said Dr. Chase. "I hope you do the same."

"I'll try, though I doubt Dave needs much protection, not now."

"Thank you," Riley said to Dave, "For disproving half a dozen of my theories."

"You're welcome, I think," said Dave.

"Wait a second," said Riley, "Why are we all saying goodbye? It's not like this is really the end. I mean, I for one will remember this for the rest of my life."

"Actually…" said Balthazar, with an apologetic tone.

…

Dastan awoke with visions fading before his eyes, like a most peculiar dream. Night was falling, and he recognized his surroundings as the place he'd last remembered making camp. Tamina. She would be fine, he hoped, Bis was with her, but there was no time to loose, not with people like the bandits who had attacked them earlier about.

Dastan moved into a brisk walk. Who had sent the black-clad men, and what had they wanted, other than to kill him and his men. Dastan hadn't the slightest idea, but he intended to find out. The safety of his wife and even his kingdom could depend on it.

There was something else too, the one warrior, he had done things Dastan could not have imagined before. There was mystery afoot, arcane powers looming, neither of which Dastan was ill-equipped to deal with. Still, as he moved across the sand in pursuit of his wife and best friend, he felt some reservations.

…

"Why did you do that?" Becky asked, "Wipe their memories before sending them away?"

"It had to be done," said Balthazar "To protect them, and to protect us. The less people who know about magic the better. If the general public knew about us the results would be disastrous."

"Yeah, we might even have to tell the truth once in a while," said Dave.

"There's always another threat, Dave."

"Morgana's dead, Ysabelle's dead, Drake Stone and that Chinese guy and that Salem witch are all dead. And Horvath's imprisoned in the Grimhold."

"Well…there'll be someone. You make my words."

"Consider them marked."

"I guess it just makes me uncomfortable," Becky admitted. "As if any moment you'll do that to me."

"Not to worry, you're far too valuable," Balthazar told her.

"Valuable, to you guys?"

"To him," said Balthazar. "Dave needs you."

Dave flushed. "I, uh, well…yes, so…"

"Just kiss me," Becky told him.

And he did.

Balthazar sighed, looking away. "The sorcerer's life is a lonely one…"

"Are you sure about that Balthazar?"

"Veronica?" She padded in on bare feet. She looked worn, tired, but she was alive and her wound was healed.

"Oh, I helped her out with that," Dave called. "Put my new healing powers to good use. Maybe I should go into medicine as well as physics? I could go places."

"Sure, though the whole keeping magic secret thing might…" Balthazar trailed off, his eyes only for Veronica.

"Just kiss me," she told him.

And he did.

…

Goyne looked up from his ale and was quite surprised to see Jack Sparrow slide into the seat across from him. It was early yet; the Calling Siren was mostly free of patrons. Goyne kept his voice down, "I thought you were dead."

"Not this time," said Jack.

"It's been months since The Indulgence set sail, you must have gotten even more drunk that usual. What was her name?"

"Ysabelle," said Jack.

"Sounds exotic."

"She was a feisty one," Jack said, "But her charm…now that was magical."

Jack Sparrow remembered everything. Almost everything at least. He could guess what Balthazar had tried to do him before sending him home, but Jack had kept his focus, pondering on a few techniques Tia Dalma had taught him to avoid the worst of magic to ensnare the mind.

"Are you quite sure you got away scotch-free?" Goyne asked.

Jack patted his arms, looking down at himself. "I think so. Why?"

"I just hear things."

"Oh," Jack felt for his coin purse.

"Thank you," said Goyne. "Word said you were captured. Not by Bronson, now. These were King's men, British soldiers. They're said to be taking you across the sea to merry old England to stand trial for your crimes. Quite a catch, one of the nine pirate lords and all that."

"Oh, interesting," said Jack. "That could be worth a look." He took out another coin, "Any news of the Pearl? Me old crew? Even Hector Barbossa?"

"No, I'm sorry to say," said Goyne. "But there are rumors afoot, ill tidings. A new threat, a rogue pirate. Ships of all kinds are disappearing, no survivors to be found."

"I'll be careful," said Jack, "I always am. Do you know where I could book passage to England?"

"There's a merchant vessel here in fact, taking on cargo from a rumrunner. You might be able to book passage; he's rather open-minded or sympathetic if you catch my meaning."

"Consider it caught."

"Be careful, Jack. A man can't stand alone against the world quite so well anymore. Not even Jack Sparrow. There's a change in the tide, I can smell it."

Jack got to his feet. "I've sailed stranger."

THE END