I once again apologize for the late update, but a double ear infection, a sinus infection and a perforated eardrum are not conducive to writing.
Starsplash: Edmund, the master of Bridgewood, remember? Oh, and that sucks, I started feeling ill during lunch on Christmas day, so in all the pictures, I'm not exactly happy looking, that really sucked.
Dramalover914: yes, it is Veggie Tales ;) and thank you!
Ah, I guess that if you're reading this, you already know who saves her, no?
All 56 in a row?!? Wow, just how long did that take? I'm glad you still enjoy it. And yes, I have said it before and I'll say it again, Sera is super kid! Hehe!
AKAfredandgeorge: Yes, I agree, little children shouldn't wander alone. As to how many times I've snuck out? I won't say…
AHHH!!! I have to stop writing myself into corners!
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Her hair once again in a long braid and clad in a loose blouse and simple skirt, Katrina stood at the prow of the Huntress watching the Black Pearl slip further away on the horizon. Dread had settled deep in the pit of her stomach. Readying the ship had taken longer than she thought, past noon, they barely made tide. Then they rendezvoused with the Black Pearl at an out-of-the-way island so that Kipp could fully explain the expedition to its captain.
To their surprise, though Kipp made it clear that there was most likely no treasure this time, Jack immediately agreed when he learned that it was Sera in danger. So now Katrina was watching the ship recede on the horizon, hoping that the plan would go smoothly and Sera would be in no position to come to any harm.
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Edmund's scowl grew deeper. All his attempts at civility were flatly rejected by a teary two-year-old, she didn't even respond to the bribes that any young girl should have adored. Now he was sitting in the main cabin, being lectured by a nervous lawyer.
"I'm sorry, sir, but the law is rather particular here. In every aspect of the word, you did kidnap the child. Which in of itself does not speak well for you or your bid for guardianship."
Edmund fairly glowered at the man. "I did not bring you along to lecture me. Your sole purpose is to observe and serve as legal witness to the signing of the adoption papers."
"Which brings me to another point." The lawyer nervously licked his lips. "Your father's will was very specific on that point." The man pointed out a paragraph on a copy of the will in front of him. " 'The funds, capital and property; holdings, possessions and lands are to be held in the name of the guardian and are only to be used towards maintaining the aforementioned and to the education and advantage of the beneficiary until the beneficiary has reached the age of majority.'" He read from the paper. "And well, sir, the guardian of the child must agree to the adoption…"
Edmund narrowed his eyes. "There is more isn't there?" he growled.
"Well…should the guardian, whom, I understand is female?"
Edmund nodded, still glaring at the sniveling little man.
"Right, should she marry, her husband, being the head of the household, would become the legal guardian."
Edmund sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him, a pensive look on his face.
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Elizabeth stared at the note in her hand. "This is not good." She said aloud.
"What isn't good?" Will asked her, coming up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and gently resting his chin on her shoulder so he could see what his wife was looking at. His mouth curved into a grin when he read it. There seemed to be a family tradition concerning ships, particularly involving one certain pirate ship.
"Father will be outraged. Katrina ran off on a ship without an escort. Oh, I know Kipp wouldn't allow anything to happen to her," she hastened to add, knowing that her husband respected the young captain, in truth, she liked him too, "but others don't know that. The rumor mill will have a heyday."
"Only if they get this information somehow." Will gently said.
Elizabeth shook her head. "We have to say something, she is still a bit of a local celebrity, there will be questions."
"Sick?" Will tried.
"No, the doctor will have to come see her, and she won't be here, or at fathers. Even if we asked him to keep it quiet, he discusses everything with his wife, and she is a terrible gossip."
"Visiting a friend in another town?"
"Who would she visit?" Elizabeth asked. "Besides the servants would know it wasn't true. And you know how they love to talk to one another. It would be all over town in under an hour. And who knows what stories people will come up with?"
Will out a frustrated breath. He knew Elizabeth wouldn't like his next suggestion. "It seems there is only one option left." He paused and Elizabeth turned her head to his. "The truth." He stated simply. Elizabeth's eyes grew at the thought.
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"Ye're worried, ain't ya?"
Katrina turned at the voice. The little boy from earlier sat on a barrel behind her, one side of his face swollen with a bruise and a monkey perched on his shoulder. "Yes." Was her simple answer.
"Don' be. If'n anyone can catch this fella it's Jack, and Kipp." The monkey jumped from the boy's shoulder as the boy pulled a telescope from his pocket, pressed it to his one good eye and trained it on the horizon. Katrina took the opportunity to study the boy. He had a shock of black hair, suntanned skin. He snapped his scope closed and looked up at her with a half grin. She was startled by the familiar mischievous glint in his blue eyes. "The plan is a good one." The boy assured her.
"What if it doesn't work?" Katrina asked, admitting one of her fears.
"It'll work. But if somethin goes wrong, Jack is always one step ahead, you can count on that." He said confidently, something akin to hero worship shining in his eyes.
"Truly?" Katrina asked, more to try to keep her mind occupied with things other than worries.
"Oh yeah." The boy started. "Did ya ever hear 'bout how he got the Pearl back?" Katrina shook her head and the boy opened his mouth to launch into the story, but was interrupted.
"Jace, Scamp got into the kitchen again."
"Oh no!" The boy's eyes got big and he jumped off of the barrel. "Beggin yer pardon, miss." He said, knuckling his forehead to Katrina before dashing to the hatch.
Kipp walked up next to Katrina. "That creature of his is going to drive the crew crazy." He shook his head.
"He seems like a nice boy." Katrina commented, turning back to look over the prow. She heard Kipp chuckle from behind her.
"More like a handful." He confessed wryly. Katrina let out a heavy sigh. "Hey." Kipp said, placing his hand on her shoulders. "It'll be alright."
"I can't believe that." Katrina's voice shook slightly. "Not until I have her in my arms and can hold her. I want her back, Kipp." She turned to look up at him with watery eyes.
"I know." He said softly and drew Katrina into her his arms, softly rocking her.
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"Captain ye better come see this." A burly man told his commander.
"What is it?" the captain growled.
"There is a ship followin us, and she's catchin up with us right fast."
"Then let out more sail!" the captain said irritably.
"We're already at full sheet, sir." The big man shifted uneasily on his feet.
Again the captain growled angrily. He had paid a large amount of good money for the ship he now captained. He had been assured that it was the sleekest and fastest sort of vessel on the seas. He stood up and strode to a cabinet secured to the wall, throwing the doors open, showing an impressive display of weaponry.
"There is one more thing, captain." The man said.
"Well, spit it out, man!" the captain commanded, pulling out a set of pistols and checking them over before strapping them beside his sword that was already hanging from his waist.
"She, the ship that is, has black sails."
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Jack peered through his telescope with a grin. He had watched the men of the other vessel scramble around when they had first spotted him and he had enjoyed the chase. With a small huff he lowered the telescope. And ordered the signal for a parley. He really hoped his nephew knew what it was he was doing, but he was willing to try Kipp's way first.
"Cap'n?" Gibbs looked at Jack at the odd order.
"Signal for a parley, Mr. Gibbs." Jack repeated.
A confused Gibbs nodded and called out the order.
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"Captain! They be calling for a parley!" the lookout called to the deck.
"What the devil?" the captain asked.
"You'll agree, sir?" the big burly man asked. The captain found it rather unnerving that the toughest man in his crew seemed nervous about this particular ship.
"Of course I'll bloody agree! Men, keep your weapons handy and be wary! Make sure it is taken care of, I have to check on something." The captain turned and made his way to the hatch as his second in command called for a reefing of the sails and to ready the anchor.
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Jack smiled as the other ship prepared to receive his party. The reputation Barbossa made gave the Pearl persuasive powers on the high seas. The crew lowered a longboat, Jack climbed down with a few members of his crew and they started to row to the waiting ship. Climbing the ladder and gaining the deck, Jack didn't see anything unexpected. All of the crew present had weapons, though all sheathed, they were battle ready if need be. Just as the cannons and crew were ready to fight, if need be, though neither side showed open hostility.
Jack turned to see the captain standing on the fore deck. The man was younger than he expected and even from where he stood, Jack could feel the arrogance of the man who held himself in an aristocratic air. Jack displayed his cocky grin and waited, the young captain would have to come to him. After a short staring match the younger captain did indeed approach Jack.
"What do you want?" he asked in a tone that was barley-suppressing hostility. He had a plan and this was, in his eyes, an unnecessary detour that was wasting time.
"That," Jack held up a finger. "was not very nice."
"You'll find I don't like to repeat myself." The young captain growled. "But I will ask you once more; what do you want?"
Jack's grin grew wide. "Rum."
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Yes, I do realize this is a bit short, but I am already working on the next chapter.
Be kind, re…view! It may sound odd, but the reviews really do give encouragement and inspiration.
Reviews are as good as roasted red pepper hummus on cracked pepper triscuts! Hmm… yummy.
Sneak Peek Quote:
"Limbus grass? You dare steal the truth from my lips with limbus grass?"