Chapter Four
We stood before this Barbosa character, surrounded by tha otha pirates. Me heart pounded in me chest partially outta fear an' partially o' adrenaline. Sparrow's face was wide wit' a cocky smile an' Barbosa didn't seem ta like it one bloody bit.
"I'm inclined to kill you now, Jack Sparrow, without so much as a word, if you don't lose that grin from your face," he warned.
Ta this me cap'n's smile remained. There was an snarky glint in 'is eyes too. Barbosa rested 'is hand on his cutlass.
"The girl's blood didn't work, did it?" Sparrow inquired loudly.
Barbosa hesitated an' hesitantly looked 'round at our audience.
"I know who's blood you need to end tha curse," Sparrow continued.
"Say the name, or I'll slit your throat."
Me eyes went wide an' I inhaled sharply.
"No you won't," captain chuckled.
I swore ta God if tha arse didn't wipe tha' smirk off his damn face, we'd both be shot. He exuded too much pride fer his own good. But luckily Barbosa nodded. Instead, tha' portly pirate tha' caught us originally, an' tauntlin'ly put a blade ta Sparrow's neck. At this, Sparrow's smirk grew. Me heart was beatin' so awful I was almost certain e'eryone coulda heard it.
"Now?" he asked, ready ta pounce on me captain.
"Now, Pintel," Barbosa nodded.
Pintel grinned.
"No, don't kill 'im," 'is captain instructed.
Wit surprise an' disappointment, Pintel lowered tha cutlass.
"Allow me the humor of listening to your terms."
Sparrow explained,
"Simple. I have something you want more than anything. The way to free you from the curse of the treasure. You have something I want—more than anything."
"The Pearl?" 'is enemy laughed. "Oh, that's fine. And just how do you expect this to work?"
"You give me the Pearl. Then I tell you who you need."
Tha nasty pirate stared at Sparrow incredulously. Me face got real hot an' I tried focusin' on takin' small, quiet breaths.
"That's your offer? I'm supposed to… trust you?"
Our audience laughed cynically. Goosebumps rose on me spine.
"I'm a man o' my word. Ya see, I've got this honest streak in me—in its own way, a sort of curse. Oh, and there's the fact that you have no choice," Sparrow said.
"I'll torture it out of you!" Barbosa threatened wildly.
I glanced ta Sparrow, intentionally smug. Barbosa began ta pace, hand upon 'is sword. Tha cave seemed much more bleak. I realized then tha' tha life I had been chasin' may come ta an end all too quickly.
"You left me on a desert island—what worse can you do?"
"Blast you! I'll throw you in prision."
"Wait as long as you'd like. If I tell you the truth, you become mortal, and you won't come near me because you know I'd kill you."
Barbosa hesitated 'gain. Tha pirates crowdin' us appeared amazed at 'ow tha tide had turned. Their cap'n was considerin' tha idea, an' I prayed he'd go through wit' it.
"You're playing this as close to the edge as any man, I'll give you that. Pintel… set sail. If this fool plan is to work, we'll need the medallion and that means catching the ship which brought 'em here."
Sparrow's smile faltered.
"What—you don't have the medallion?"
"That fool woman took it. You-," Barbosa paused an' looked me dead in tha eye. I shivered involuntarily at his icy stare. Damn. He noticed me fer tha first time, an' scrutinized me from head ta toe. His scraggly beard an' feathered hat suddenly more intimidatin' ta me. "And just who might you be?" he spat, though an evil smile was plastered on 'is weathered face.
Jus' as I was 'bout ta speak up, an' attempt ta stand me ground, Sparrow beat me ta it.
"No one, she's no one," he waved me off. "Distant cousin o' me aunt's nephew, twice removed."
I scoffed, an' when he spun 'round ta glare at me, I went silent. I was a bloody idiot ta 'ave done that. Tha crew laughed an' it echoed throughout tha cursed cave.
"Bosun!" Barbosa called. "Set up Mr. Sparrow's quarters, nice and fine… in the brig. His distant cousin is to join him."
Sparrow nodded, an' we were swiftly whisked away ratha roughly by tha immortal men. I fought back an' struggled ta wriggle free, but their grip only tightened.
"Curse ye fer this, Sparrow!" I shouted.
He looked ta me an' shrugged.
Angrily crossin' me arms, I slumped down ta sit on me bum in tha far corner o' tha cell. Stupid man got us both behind bars on tha enemy's bloody ship. Though, I had ta admit, she was a beauty. Grand, tha Pearl was. Jus' like I'd seen when docked those times in Tortuga. But bein' aboard was a bit different. It was eerie, an' tha tears in tha black sails blew hauntin'ly between tha winds. I wondered wha' it'd been like when Sparrow was captain.
Speakin' of, he sat on tha ground too, leakin' wit' water. I couldn't find it in meself ta care because I was so annoyed. Maybe wit' any luck tha arrogant bastard would get sick wit' some sort o' contamination. Least he was in a separate cell from me.
"I hate ye," I growled, keepin' me gaze down on me boots before me.
"Hate is a strong word, love," he commented.
Rough waters tossed me from side ta side an' I struggled ta sit upright. Who tha bloody hell was steerin' tha thing? Sparrow didn't mind, he absentmindedly starred at tha water, more an' more gatherin' round our feet.
"Because of yer god damn esteem, we're locked in tha brig," I complained hotly.
He raised a finger an' smirked.
"Ah, but, you're still alive. You're welcome."
Rollin' me eyes, I tried sinkin' further inta tha wall, hopin' tha' perhaps I'd disappear.
"Fer 'ow much longer? Hmm? How's tha magnificent Captain Jack Sparrow gonna get his tail outta this one?"
"On the contrary, Cora Gallagher, you wouldn't be here had you bloody listened to me," he retorted.
Lettin' out a loud ha!, I uncrossed me arms ta let 'em drop ta me sides. I shook me head an' argued back.
"An' let ye 'ave all tha fun back there?! No, Captain Sparrow, I'd much ratha be included."
He rolled his eyes an' sighed dramatically.
"My ship, I'm captain. I give the orders. You need a bloody leash or somethin', woman."
I gasped an' stood up, inchin' closer ta his cell, an' put me fingers through tha bars.
"An' where's yer ship now, cap'n? Ain't nobody controllin' me," I said defiantly.
He didn't reply. I hoped I struck a nerve, although tha man didn't seem ta get offended too often. Suddenly tha ship lurched an' sent me back ta tha floor, water splashin' me in a mockin' fashion. I groaned an' knew it'd leave a bruise on me arse. Anudder thing ta pin on Sparrow. I watched as he crawled ova' ta a small hole in tha wood. He peaked through.
"It's the Interceptor," he explained.
Hope sprang through me as I imagined bein' outta tha brig an' out on tha open ocean. I sat up straighter an' couldn't help but acquiesce tha smile on me lips.
Sparrow turned 'round an' pointed out tha ship's wound.
"That there is tha ship I was temporarily captain of," he said, an' then he pointed his finger downward, "this is the ship of which I am rightly captain of."
"Therefore I hope all goes well fer ye," I replied, drippin' wit sarcasm.
His expression went flat, as if he didn't give a rat's ass what I'd said. I smiled, smug, when a boom rang out an' shoutin' ensued. Tha noise sounded like a thunderstorm an' cannonballs went off e'ery minute. Smoke seeped its way down inta tha brig. Tha Interceptor decided ta make a stand. Good on 'em.
A shrill scream left me as a cannonball went through tha ship an' out tha otha'. I ducked ta tha side o' the brig an' when I cautiously stood up, I thanked God.
"Stop blowing holes in my ship!" Sparrow shouted through ta hole.
Lucky fer me, tha cannon blew right through tha keyhole, leavin' tha door open. I was free. I took a step out an' Sparrow came up against tha bars, rollin' his eyes.
"Oh, come on," he groaned.
I chuckled an' examined tha situation. Me dear captain in need o' me help? What a scenario. His face looked begrudgin'ly pleading.
"I saved your life, now you save mine. So we're square," he said.
Tha betta o' me told me ta break 'im out, but it woulda been all too satisfying ta leave him. Wit one last look at his face, I obliged ta his pleas. He looked like a child, beggin' ta escape a time out. I went 'bout searchin' fer tha keys an' came up empty. I groaned.
"Barbosa has 'em," Sparrow concluded.
I nodded, eyes landin' on his belt. An idea struck.
"Take off yer belt," I demanded.
A spark rose in his eyes an' he grinned.
"I'm terribly flattered, darling, but it's going to be a bit difficult wit' you out there and me stuck in here. 'less you can find a way around it, I'm up for anyth—"
"Shut up!" I scolded. "I have a plan."
Tha' grin neigh leavin' his face, he unbuckled tha belt from around his sash an' pushed it ta me through tha bars. Carefully, I took tha buckle an' stuck tha skinny part o' it in tha keyhole, fiddlin' an' twistin' fer a few minutes. Eventually a click confirmed tha job was over. Sparrow slowly opened tha door an' looked at me.
"Smart girl."
"We're square," I smiled.
Makin' way out ta tha ruckus, shots were bein' flown 'round, swords clashin' an' smoke putrifyin' tha salty air. I squinted, fer some reason thinkin' it'd be clearer. I turned ta see Sparrow havin' disappeared an' I grumbled curses, tryin' ta sneak me way over ta tha grapplin' hooks. I'd swing back ova ta tha Interceptor. But a cursed pirate interrupted me an' gave me a nasty grin. His sword drawn, pointin' ta me stomach, ready ta go. Me eyes widened an' I felt an icy panic when I realized I was weaponless. Mumblin' tha bloody stupid maeve hypnotism' wouldn't work on tha immortal, I'd learned that tha hard way back in Tortuga. Instinctively, I took off runnin 'cross deck, dodgin' bullets an' blades. He scurried afta me an' once I got ta tha railin', I kicked a pirate off tha rope. Poor guy splashed inta tha water. I held tightly an' swung ova jus' in time ta miss a stab from tha man chasin' me before. I took a deep breath an' hopped off, barely landin' on me feet. When I steadied meself, I ran ova ta help Gibbs fight off two pirates at once. I sprinted forward an' held me fist up, clockin' tha man square in tha face. He toppled ova an' I reached down fer his sword. But jus' as I wrapped me fingers 'round it, I was grabbed from behind by rough arms. I shouted curses an' fought 'gainst them, but more came an' though I screamed louder than a bloody heartbroken siren, they wouldn't let up.
Tha entire crew o' tha Interceptor, meself included, ended up huddled ta tha mast o' tha Pearl. Tha' Pintel arse aimed 'is pistol ta us, makin' a circle.
"Any of you so much thinks the word "parlay," I'll have your guts for garters," he threatened.
"Oh, please," I sighed, annoyed.
A boom sounded from next ta us as tha Interceptor took 'er last stand an' went under in flames an' debris.
"You've got to stop it!" Elizabeth screeched, runnin' ta Barbosa as if she could actually take 'im. He took her arms instead an' smiled evilly.
"Welcome back, miss! Last time on board, you played me right clever. I hope your stay this time is more pleasant. Boys, show her some hospitality!"
He shoved her inta tha group o' hungry immortals as they hollered happily at their approval. At least it wasn't me this time. They pushed her from one ta another, laughin' an' gropin' at her.
"She goes free!" a voice came tha' caused us all ta whisk our heads ta tha source.
William Turner?
He steadied 'imself on tha rail, hangin' onta tha rigging. He aimed his pistol at Barbosa.
"What's in your head, boy?" Barbosa inquired.
"She goes free."
Tha former mutineer chuckled.
"You've only got one shot—and we can't die."
"You can't. I can," Will said an' changed tha aim ta his own head.
"No!" Elizabeth cried.
Tha lad had courage, but he wasn't tha sharpest in tha bunch. I heard Sparrow chantin' quietly over in another group o' pirates, holdin' him back,
"Don't do anything stupid, don't say anything stupid."
Barbosa squinted an' tilted his head in confusion.
"Who are you?" he asked bluntly.
Sparrow sprang forward an' spoke wit' his hands.
"No one! He's no one. Distant brother of my au—"
"My name is Will Turner,- son of Bootstrap Bill Turner. His blood runs in my veins," Will continued.
A lanky pirate from tha back recognized this an' pointed up in surprise.
"He's the spittin' image of old Bootstrap Bill! Come back to haunt us!"
"You need my blood. And on my word I will pull this trigger, and be lost to Davy Jones' Locker," tha' insane son explained. Now tha gun was pushed harder ta his forehead.
Barbosa grinned.
"Name your terms, Mr. Turner."
"Elizabeth goes free!"
He was dedicated ta tha girl for sure.
"Yes, we know that one. Anythin' else?" Barbosa asked mysteriously.
"And the crew! The crew are not to be harmed. And her! Cora! She's to go free as well," he added.
I nodded me head ta him in thanks. I guessed me attitude towards him could be a grateful one. God knew wha' tha crew would do ta me.
"Agreed," tha older captain answered, revealing a revoltin' set o' blackened teeth.
Pintel untied me wit' loathing an' a resentful expression. I was pushed ova ta tha line behind Elizabeth ta walk tha plank. There was a small island in tha distance.
Ah. So I was ta be marooned after all. Brilliant.
Elizabeth hesitantly approached tha board o' wood ova tha ship, inchin' herself forward painfully slow.
"Barbosa, you lying bastard! You swore she'd go free!" Will roared, under tha restrain o' several cursed men.
"Don't dare impugn me honor, boy! It was me who said she'd go free but it was you who failed to specify when or where. Though it be a shame to lose something so fine, don't it lads?" Barbosa laughed. He motioned ta tha exquisite red velvet gown she was clothed wit' an' narrowed his eyes. "So I'll be havin' that dress back before you go."
She stared him down before unbuttoning tha garment an' flung it at 'im.
"It goes with your black heart," she spewed.
He merely chuckled an' handed it over ta his crew.
"Ooh. It's still warm," he admired.
Worse than molasses, she crept ta tha edge. Wit' a look ova her shoulder at Will, an impatient pirate groaned an' stomped on tha plank wit' such force tha' she fell in, screamin' all the way.
I stepped up. I wasn't exactly happy 'bout tha deal, but I'd best get it over wit'. I heard snickerin' an' crude comments said 'bout me from behind. I spun 'round ta face them. Wit' a wickedly sweet smile, I blew them all a kiss 'efore divin' in.
Bastards.