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Chapter 22

"Take 'er round!" Israel bawled from his position against the side and Jim acted accordingly, trying not to seem concerned with their situation. As it was, however, he was extremely concerned – Israel was all too in control and Scarlett was...well...elsewhere.

In truth she was sat on a barrel just out of sight watching this unfold, she could see clearly the relish with which Israel gave the orders – he obviously had some sort of plan – and the resentment with which Jim responded. She didn't dare interfere again but she never stopped watching and waiting for the moment when Israel would strike.

Israel's sharp eyes found her and they looked at each other for a second before she turned away slightly, he gave a sneer and went back to directing Jim. They were planning on hiding the ship round near the back of the island, then the pirates would have nothing to bargain with, but Israel had made the whole thing more complicated.

Jim gripped the helm and tried to put his thought in order but it was almost impossible with his back to Israel, every sound unnerved him and he imagined it to be the pirate about to stick a knife between his shoulder blades. However he knew that they'd nearly reached the cove in which he meant to hide the ship and that thought gave him comfort.

Scarlett jumped lightly off the barrel and went to stand at the opposite side to Israel, resting her arm on the rail of the ship, it would have been perfect if she wasn't so scared – the wind was just enough to be refreshing yet the air was still warm, the sea sent up a spray of salt every now and again and the tangy smell made her truly feel part of it's waters; like she belonged there. She realized that the way she felt about being on a ship, being safe and welcomed, was the same feeling she got when Jim embraced her or told her he loved her. Looking at him guiding the ship she suddenly felt the urge to reconcile and was just about to make her way over when Israel called out her name.

She looked at the pirate with narrowed eyes, "What?"

"We're nearly at your destination, why not get us some rum to celebrate, eh?" He said jovially, nodding to the trapdoor that hid the galley. Scarlett looked at Jim and he just shrugged so she marched down the steps angrily, a pout plainly etched on her face.

Jim shook his head, she would not be pleased about being treated as a servant. He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice Israel move one of the barrels over the closed trapdoors to seal it. The pirate grinned and calmly took a knife from his sleeve as he walked up to stand behind Jim,

"Now Jim lad," He said quietly, "I reckon we're done."

Jim nodded, not seeing the double meaning in his words as the ship sailed into the cove, but just then there was a bang as Scarlett tried and failed to open the sealed hatch and Jim spun round, narrowly avoiding being slashed as Israel lunged at him.

"No! You bastard!" Jim yelled, dashing away but Israel cut him off, a savage grin on his face and a deadly knife in his hand.

"Oh yes Jimmy." He sneered. Another bang and a scream of frustration came from the hatch and Jim shot an agonized glance at it. Israel laughed to see his distress.

"Jim!" Scarlett screamed, pounding the hatch with her fists, "JIM!"

Israel laughed and stamped hard on the door, sending a shower of dust onto Scarlett. "Shut it!" He bawled.

"Leave her out of it." Jim snarled, his hands clenching into fists.

"Or what?" Israel mused, stepping closer, still with the twisted smile on his face. Jim's eyes were so dark with anger that they looked black and yet he knew his situation was delicate, his pistols were discarded on the opposite side of the deck. Israel smirked and suddenly threw himself at Jim, his knife an inch from the boy's throat. Jim gritted his teeth as he grabbed the other mans wrist and forced it away then kicked him hard in the stomach, sending Israel sprawling into the barrel. Both barrel and man toppled over and Scarlett all at once felt the hatch give way. Israel growled and picked himself up but just as he was about to run at Jim Scarlett grabbed his ankle and tripped him. He made a furious grab for her but she dashed past him and he only managed to rip her skirt. The sound that escaped from his mouth could only be described as a snarl as he got to his feet and advanced.

Although the scuffle had brought him closer Jim still couldn't get to his pistols and he told Scarlett with a meaningful look to get to them if she could, he would hold Israel off. She nodded slightly to let him know she'd understood but unfortunately for them Israel had other ideas. He attacked without warning but aimed not for Jim but for Scarlett. She screamed as he grabbed her and Jim immediately gave a shout of anger and tried to help her but the knife was already pressed to her throat. She tried to calm her breathing but her heart raced out of control, beating frantically against the confines of her chest.

"Scared?" Israel murmured, she made no reply.

"Let her go." Jim said slowly, his hands outstretched as if he were blind.

"Aye, once you quiet down." He warned and Jim stopped talking, his eyes fixed on Scarlett's. Israel found it quite amusing to see how dependent he was on her, how scared he was for her when he hadn't spared a thought for his own safety before.

"Don't move or I'll kill her." He warned, pushing Scarlett over to the other side of the ship. Jim stood rooted to the spot, his eyes wide with horror as Israel took a length of rope and bound her to the mast. Scarlett struggled of course, kicked and punched and even bit, but he was much stronger and easily detained her. Once she was unable to move he grinned at her,

"You stay right there, Long John'll be so glad to see you." He mocked, playing with a strand of her hair with the tip of his knife. She glared at him fiercely,

"I don't care, I don't care what you do to me, you can't hurt me." She said like a mantra, trembling with fused anger and fear.

Israel ignored her and walked menacingly up to Jim who stood his ground, looking daggers at the bigger man.

"You've no reason to hurt her." He said and Israel shrugged.

"'S up to Long John. You, however, I do have a reason to hurt." He grinned, flicking the knife in his hand.

"No!" Scarlett screamed, straining to get free of the ropes. Jim looked at her with agonized eyes, he couldn't think straight – couldn't function...Long John would kill her for sure...but he couldn't think about that now – he was...

"Oh God." He muttered, unaware that he was speaking aloud. Israel sniggered,

"He can't help you." He jibed, then he pounced. The first blow sent Jim sprawling to the floor and Israel laughed, he tried to get to his feet but the pirate ruthlessly kicked him back down. The boy groaned and kicked out at Israel, clenching his teeth at the pain, but only succeeded in gaining a backhand to the face.

Israel leant down and seized the front of his shirt, lifting Jim slightly off the ground. "One more trick out of you and she's gone." He threatened, his eyes cold and hard.

Scarlett sobbed once but that was enough to make Jim act, he struck out and took Israel by surprise, the man fell backwards and Jim seized the knife, wresting it from his grip.

Israel swore and made a grab for the weapon but Jim tossed it over the side of the ship, turning to face Israel as it hit the water.

The pirates face darkened.

"Bad move boy." He snarled.

Jim steeled himself, they were still by no means even (the other man was much bigger and stronger than he) but at least now he had a chance. He fell into a half-crouch, ready for the attack he was sure would come and sure enough Israel copied his position. They looked at each other and an almost feral snarl broke from Israels lips as he struck out, the blow landing squarely on Jim's chest. The boy staggered backwards but then closed in again, punching out at Israel and managing to knock him off his feet. Jim took his opportunity and ran, knowing that if he could get to his pistols he'd be safe, Israel guessed his intention and ran after him but Jim knocked over a pile of crates and ropes, making it more difficult. As Israel clambered over the makeshift barricade Jim reached the pistols, grabbed them and spun round, pointing them both at Israels heart.