Book Two - Chapter Ten: About Amelia

Jack's crew was amazed to see the boat return with all of the same contents as it went out with. Captain Jack Sparrow was determined to keep his word so his first instruction was to gather up at least three boats filled with their treasure to take over. The crew protested of course, but the captain told them that it was part of the parley. He did not explain that Captain Darius had been killed let alone that Amelia had been the one to do it. All of that would be discussed in time. Due to the lack of information, the crew very hesitantly followed their orders.

As the gold was being ferried over Jack ordered a meeting to be held with Barbossa and his daughter in private. Barbossa was caught unawares of this sudden request, especially considering how earnestly the captain insisted upon it. The captain did not look happy. He had a pensive look in his face. Barbossa had a fear that something had gone awry.

Jack sat at his table. Barbossa sat directly in front of him and Amelia sat off to the side, not even pulled up to the table, as though she were ashamed.

"When everything is finally settled with the Sirin, we must change course to Shipwreck Cove," Jack said.

"Aye, Captain? A matter for the court, I presume?" Barbossa said.

"Your daughter has found herself the victor over Captain Darius. He is - or was - recently appointed as his father's heir to the lordship of the Caspian Sea. According to the code Amelia has the right to the lordship and the piece of eight. I've already informed the first mate - or the new captain, rather - about this. I am determined to see that this exchange is recognized in order to keep the peace. I have thus permitted the Sirin to follow our lead as we sail on."

Barbossa was greatly shocked by all of this new information. He did not know where to being in his questioning of the matter. He looked over at his daughter many times and each time her gaze was lowered. It was hard to tell if it was shame that overtook her countenance or a sense of disbelief in the events that had just occurred.

Finally, Barbossa could only sigh and say, "I trust Captain Teague to evaluate the situation properly."

"I have every confidence that he will do so," the captain replied.

"I have only one question," Barbossa said a little unsure about raising the subject. He turned to his daughter. "How the blazes did ya manage to take down a pirate lord?"

Amelia finally looked up. She could hear the subtle tone of approval in her father's voice.

"I did as you told me to do," she said modestly. "I prepared myself for facing him."

Barbossa laughed. "That's my girl!"

The meeting was officially over but Amelia asked her father for permission to remain and speak with the captain privately. Given the current circumstances Barbossa agreed to leave his daughter's side.

Once alone, Amelia took out the figurehead once more and placed it on the table. Jack looked at it and then back at her.

"Will you not take it?" she asked him.

The captain shook his head and said, "I can't, love. It's not mine to take. Besides, I've already got one."

"So what am I expected to do with it, exactly?"

Jack took in a deep breath knowing that he would probably have to explain the workings of pirate lordship.

"It's a piece of eight."

"I know that. I was there when you explained it on the island. But what am I supposed to do with it?"

"For now, you just need to keep it. Tradition states that you'd become the next lord of the Caspian Sea, and when ever the Brethren Court would be held, you'd be expected to attend and cast your vote with it," he explained.

"And you're already a pirate lord, so that's why you cannot take it from me?"

"That's why I cannot let you give it to me."

Amelia gave a nod to thank her captain for his time. She stood. The captain stood as well. She took up the figurehead from the table and looked at it.

She turned to her captain once more and said, "I don't know anything about pirate lords. I'm barely a pirate as it is. I've never taken on anything on my own."

The captain approached her. "You did today."

She looked up at him. He put his hand on her cheek and began to lean in. Amelia raised her hand and pressed her fingers over his mouth. He did not move but looked uncertain of her action.

"I'm not supposed to let you, remember?" she said.

Jack placed his palm over hers, taking her hand in his. He kissed her hand and then placed it over his shoulder. His hand traced hers, down her arm, to her shoulder. From there he slid over her collar, delicately tracing over the teardrops around her neck. Amelia began to tremble, but said nothing. Feeling her chest rise from her quick breaths, Jack raised his hand up along her neck until he reached the back of her head. He leaned in a little further. Still trembling and feeling short of breath, Amelia barely managed to utter his name. He brought her in closer to him and kissed her. Amelia dropped the figurehead. For a moment neither of them cared and thus failed to look for it. Jack felt it roll alongside his boot. Fearing that he would some how step on it, he slowly released his grip on the girl. Amelia took a step back, wiped her mouth, and received the figurehead in her hand that the captain had picked up for her. She closed it in her hand and turned to walk out from that cabin.

After Amelia had closed the door behind her, Jack sat down on the corner of the table. A million thoughts were streaming through his mind.