AN:

Thank you so much for the yet new favorites! It makes me so happy to find my fics to attracts readers who like them!

And about the Liar's Dice…I do have an option on DMC blu-ray where you can play the game, and I've done so more times that can be counted, but I just don't seem to figure it out otherwise than by pure luck. So there's a risk that my attempt to change the game scene is misguided... Hopefully it didn't turn confusing.

Entry 16

I let oot a sigh as directed me eyes towards William 'n' his father whom Edward 'n' me had noticed saunterin' at th' other side o' th' tween deck we'd settled ourselves at when Edward's shift had ended, watchin' 'em talkin'.

Efter leavin' th' cabin I'd used to recover from th' lashin' yesterday, I'd noticed nae to have been obliged to engage in any o' th' work anymair, as th' crew hadn't paid close to any attention to me for some reason. Me nae understandin' what could've compelled 'em to leave me in peace efter th' anger I'd witnessed 'em to express when I'd been caught upoan masqueradin' as a man. Thinkin' that incident to set each 'n' every one o' 'em off by th' very sight o' me, however efter proven wrong me nae declinin' this chance to remain unbothered 'n' nae to be singled oot by th' crewmen, especially Captain Jones, from whom I'd although stayed far awa'.

Th' truth was that efter oor first night aboard his vessel I'd become terrified o' Jones, due to th' wey he'd commanded William 'n' I to be treated me kennin' there nae to be a single part o''im that proved 'im nae to deserve this curse placed upoan 'im. But it was always possible 'im to have become lik' that because o' th' curse, it to have corrupted im 'n' turned 'im inhumane shadow o' a person…but that didn't erase th' fact that he was owerall cruel, malicious man wi' his sadistic course o' conduct 'n' equally disturbed mindset, that resulted 'im in placin' no trust even in his ain crew 'n' drove 'im to mak' all those aroond 'im suffer even mair than 'im. Me thinkin' briefly o' th' tale I'd heard from William aboot Jones 'n' sea goddess Calypso, me however nae bein' able to use it to fully justify Jones' hateful actions albeit I meself kenned what hertbreak could do to a person. If th' luv affair was even true. As it was hard to believe any woman, even if in every wey unnatural 'n' different from a common mortal, would be able to luv a man lik' Jones who didn't seem to have any room for emotions besides hatred within 'im. Th' man had allegedly cut oot his ain hert nae to feel anythin' ever again, for goodness sake.

I noo buried me coupon in me hauns, to hide th' irritated frown I made as I neist rubbed me eyes, me vision doublin' for a second. These headaches 'n' other minor symptoms Edward had warned me aboot were makin' me crazy, as even I was otherwise recovered from th' hit to th' heid these tiny signs o' physical instability didn't leave me alone. Me admittin' me mood to turn fouler at times as had to deal wi' both th' pain o' me back 'n' these frivolous shifts in me health. Efter wakin' this mornin' th' resilient sense o' lightheadedness nae stoppin' but resurfacin' constantly throughoot th' day, for which reason I was also gey pleased nae to have been forced back to work, it bein' mair than likelie me to have fallen intae th' sea if ordered to climb to th' mast.

"Ye're feeling dizzy again?" Edward asked, me shakin' me heid as noo leant against th' ship's hull wi' a deeper sigh. However regrettin' that decision instantly as th' sore wounds reminded me o' their existence due to th' pressure, me lettin' oot a low chagrined utterance afore replyin'.

"Nae since last evening", I lied, Edward appearin' thoughtful as he sat closer to me to keek intae me eyes.

"And the other symptoms? Do ye still have headache, blurring of the vision or any other difficulties with movement or sensation?" he continued, leanin' closer to measure me 'til I hurled remarkable eyebrows at 'im, 'im realizin' his mistake wi' an amused smile as his irises flickered doonward to glance at me back.

"Right."

"Me vision is playin' tricks at times…'n' me mind feels kind o' sluggish", I told 'im, truthfully this time, sighin' yet again. "When will this end? I feel lik' I'm ne'er goin' to recover back to that I was…"

"Ye're not without patience."

"I'm stairtin' to think meself as nae all that patient…How's ye side fearin'?"

I gave Edward's concealed wound a worried keek afore met his eyes, th' man simply simperin' at me carefreely as cast his ain irises doon to his torso briefly.

"It hurts worse than a rot tooth, but it's only a proof that I'm alive…The gash has closed and is starting to heal just nicely after I performed the necessary methods of cleaning and tying it. It won't even leave a scar if I'm to be further fortunate...After all I could've ended up much worse."

"I wish I had yer willpower", I breathed efter noddin' wi' a relieved sigh, exchangin' a brief keek wi' Edward afore me eyes found their wey back to William whom I saw noo to have come to a halt by a wall. In a secluded part o' th' deck that allowed 'im to talk freely wi' Mr. Turner wi'oot anyone owerhearin' 'em, me followin' 'im to tak' oot that drawing o' th' key that he'd showed to Edward 'n' me yesterday. While castin' me eyes doon at th' cloth 'n' recallin' th' task that was yet ahead o' us when we hadn't gotten th' chance to act oan oor plan since learnin' th' location o' th' key from th' crewman in th' brig, me simply wishin' us to find th' darn thing 'n' get awa' from this ship as fast as possible. As nae alone because o' me fear o' Captain Jones, but I couldn't shake th' feelin' o' urgency that had nested in me chest. That if we didn't do somethin' swiftly, it would be too late 'n' we would ne'er get awa' from 'ere to prevent me uncle from findin' th' Chest…which I still had hard time believin' to exist. But by th' keek o' that elderly crewman's evasive behaviour efter he'd pushed oo' th' brig wall due to th' mention o' th' Chest I reckoned there to be some truth in th' story that held up.

"Ye think he's to be trusted?" Edward questioned then, surprisin' me as I saw 'im nod towards Mr. Turner. "He's been under the service of the Dutchman and Jones for many years now after all…I'm not so sure will he prove helpful in our attempt to find the key, even if it is his son who's requesting his help in finding it."

"He luvs William…He wouldn't betray his trust by revealin' us to Jones", I answered, keekin' doon, Eward pickin' up th' signs o' confliction from me face as he then measured me quizzically.

"Is that what ye think or want to believe? Ye haven't seemed all that trusting with the man since having that private talk with him in the cabin."

"I ken he won't betray William. I juist can't agree wi' th' wey he failed 'im in th' past, leavin' 'im…" I kept a sad break, exchangin' a brief goup wi' Edward. "There's nothin' worse than growin' up wi'oot a parent….even if wi'oot only one o' 'em."

"Ain't that true, Randa."

I was baffled by Edward's tone as I noo keeked up to 'im, findin' his countenance somewhat reminiscent 'til he appeared but serious wance mair, leanin' oan his knees in ponders.

"Will he help us or not, it still leaves us without a game plan aside the agreement to locate the key…but if we wish to leave this ship within the next two days we have to come up with a way to get close to Jones without waking his suspicions...and it is also plausible the key to be in his cabin, which is equally difficult possibility to verify. There are several crewmen posted on the main deck around the clock, and we cannot just walk right in there when the Captain leaves the cabin just for enough time for us to search the key", Edward mused, half to 'imself as his haun rose to stroke his beard, efter a moment o' thought 'im releasin' a frustrated sigh. " I cannot say meself to excel at picking pockets, and unless yer friend Turner possesses a skill of invisibility, I can't think of any approach that wouldn't result in all of us getting thrown back into the brig, only if our Captain is in lenient mood. Which is unlikely if we're caught in middle of the intent of theft…"

"He'll have us tossed us overboard then", I stated grimly, contemplatin' upoan oor problems meself 'til efter a few minutes o' silence Edward suddenly changed th' subject, leanin' close to me so that William wouldn't by any chance happen to hear 'im.

"Is everything alright with ye, Randa? With him", he asked, beckonin' to William whose conversation wi' his father had turned a bit heated, his father bletherin' back at 'im rather agitated, where me heid whipped to Edward's direction. Me stealin' another glance at William 'n' th' necklace I hadn't noticed 'im to wear 'til this moment when I saw it rest on his chest, revealed under the torn shirt. Me smilin' at th' red tear shaped stone afore simply keeked to me left indifferent, flashin' a reassurin' smile at th' man by me side.

"O' coorse. We had a chance to talk some things thro' 'n' everythin's juist fine atween us noo that I managed to apologize to 'im", I remarked, me tone however nae managin' to convince Edward as his was sceptical when he replied.

"And that what ye said yesterday in the brig? Ye couldn't even look the lad into eyes when he asked about yer feelings for him", he pointed oot. Me wantin' to oppose that observation but afore I even noticed I'd revealed me true thoughts to him by keekin' up to 'im, seein' understandin' in Edward's eyes that held mine, till he sighed 'n' gazed at William.

"He truly is a lucky bastard to have ye still care for him that much after what he put ye trough. He'd better remember what ye did for him by letting him go, even ye would have all the right to condemn his desire to settle down with another woman after promising the same to ye."

"It had to be done, Edward. It would be but insane to keep clingin' to 'im lik' a barnacle to th' hull o' a ship", I said, smilin' a wee as locked gazes wi' th' man again, placin' me haun ower his to squeeze it. "Even if it hurts I have to accept what his feelings are…I've gone long enough agonizin' ower his change o' hert 'n' as there's nothin' I can do to revert things back to what they were, I can juist adopt. It'll tak' time, but I ken I can do it. So I'm goin' to be awright, Edward. Wi' time."

Efter respondin' to th' man's concern I could've seen written all ower his coupon wi' an assertin' answer, I watched Edward to mak' a light frown as he didn't seem to quite agree wi' me, but let it go wi' a soft nod. Sharin' me smile as captured me haun intae his, pattin' me palm.

"I'm sure ye can, Randa. Ye survived the attack of a sea monster and Spanish privateers without kicking the bucket, so something puny as emotional stir couldn't possibly take ye down... Just another day for young maidens such as ye."

I shifted me incredulous eyes back to Edward to gawk at 'im, makin' a hardly amused smile afore eventually rolled 'em at his sarcasm. "Thank ye, Edward."

"I only mean that in ye I see all the makings of a strong woman, Randa. Woman who I know deep within to have the courage and strength to pull through anything if she just puts her heart into it, no matter what life throws at ye. So if ye ever doubt yer ability to act, to live…remember what I said."

Edward's unexpected confession 'n' its such sincere, hertfelt nature caused me to turn to 'im in brief loss o' words, me nae kennin' what to say to respond to such a wonderful abetment that in fact was juist what I needed to hear at th' moment to lift me spirits. Me forgettin' all aboot th' complexity o' me feelings that momentarily had welled up to plague me as faced Edward, eyein' at 'im a gentle smile risin' to me lips, as afore I kenned it either noo I had wrapped me arms aroond 'im. Truthfully thankful from th' bottom o' me hert that I'd come across wi' such a carin' man who wished to support me, was it juist a few words o' encouragement.

"I will."

"Don't look now, but someone's not taking yer behavior quite kindly", Edward remarked efter a short silence, me separatin' from 'im to follow his eyes all th' wey to William who indeed was observin' us from th' distance. Me realizin' Edward to be jokin' as I simply let oot an amused breath.

"I wish."

But it was then, in middle o' watchin' water to slosh across th' floorboards against me boots that I thought o' somethin', me irises risin' tardily to scan th' visible part o' th' deck 'til I rose to me feet to dauner closer to th' stairs. To see that also th' main deck was close to devoid o' all crewmen. Doubt settin' on me coupon as I pondered upon th' idea that stairted to form in me mind, me turnin' back to Edward who inclined his heid at me quizzically.

"Where's th' crew gone?"

"Ah, that…they're gathered at the prow for some game of dice. The Boatswain granted the crew an hour off duty", he answered, stretching his upper torso. "I sure needed a break…I feel like the strain of me back could easily compete with yers."

I was surprised to hear this, but at th' same time Edward' response made me rather pleased, me foldin' me arms as I could feel th' man's eyes to examine me yet again carefully. Edward tryin' to read me mind as he could clearly see me to be plannin' oan somethin' by th' ghost o' a smile that curtly curved th' corners o' me lips upward. Juist as he was aboot to accost what was goin' thro' me heid me liftin' me gaze to 'im.

"I think I ken how we can find oot where th' key really is."

"What?" Edward questioned, shakin' his heid. "How?"

"We'll ask Jones directly."

Edward was understandably flabbergasted by me response, but I only frowned at his agape face as didn't appreciated to be ogled lik' a crazy person. 'Im standin' in a flash as wi'oot a word mair he followed me to go straight to William (his brows knittin' together in utter confusion as weel as I asked to have th' apograph o' th' key to meself for a moment), 'n' wance in possession o' th cloth both Edward 'n' William were left gazin' efter me in wonder as I instantly headed towards th' flight o' stairs. Nevertheless me soon hearin' th' racin' steps o' Edward to follow me, 'n' as I was crossin' th' main deck to get to th' prow o' th' ship he was quick to close th' distance atween us, keekin' at me sternly.

"Have ye gone mad, girl? Ye're not seriously going to march over to Jones' cabin and demand to know where the key is, are ye?" he queried, me sighing afore leveled equally serious keek at 'im.

"'N' do ye consider me that glaikit? Me heid might be still at times addled, but it hasn't gone soft", I replied, fleetin' dizziness causin' me to pause as me brisk walk took its toll, Edward supportin' me for th' curt moment I felt me eyes to blur again. Me lettin' oot a breath as immediately efter gettin' ower th' ailment stairted to descend th' stairs leadin' to th' lower deck where th' crew had assembled, turnin' to Edward shortly while stuffin' th' cloth intae me breeches. "I ken what I'm doin'."

"Apparently ye do…" Edward stated efter a moment o' tryin' to catch up wi' me train o' thought to piece together me plan o' action, 'im eventually followin' me as I halted neist to th' centre o' th' deck th' crewmen used as their board to play. Me feelin' me features to harden as I concentrated oan followin' th' ongoin' match o' Liar's Dice, watchin' th' First Mate mak' his first wager wi' two other sailors.

"I wager ten years."

"I match ten years."

"Agreed."

"Are ye sure about this?" Edward's voice soon asked behind me, 'im standin' behind me where his attention was also directed to th' players nae to draw attention to 'imself, soon glancin' at me questionably. Unsure. "Because if I've derived yer abrupt desire to watch men to gamble correctly, I'm not all that confident it will work."

"Ye said it yerself that we can't juist sit aroond doin' nothin'", I whispered, th' poignant cry o' th' First Mate callin' his fellow crewman a liar cuttin' me aff as I keeked back at Edward, tryin' to appear confident (even in truth noo that I was standin' there aboot to go thro' wi' me plan, I didn't feel all that sure aboot it either even but few minutes ago it had seemed brilliant). "This is th' fastest wey to confirm th' true location o' th' key, 'n' will save us a lot o' time from searchin' it."

"What is it exactly ye're planning on doing?"

I explained me plan to Edward in brief detail, th' man nae appearin' pleased by it but didn't either dismiss it completely, only questionin' it neist as we again focused on watchin' th' game to unfold. Me noticin' from th' corner o' me eye William 'n' his father to arrive to th' scene 'n' walk neist to th' game area, takin' their place amongst th' spectators.

"But to address the issue openly…Perhaps I should do it, Randa", Edward countered, me liftin' me eyebrows at 'im remarkably.

"I'm better than ye."

Edward couldn't argue against that so he then juist sighed, makin' another nod o' compliance, as me eyes rose to William briefly. To see 'im to be in turn goupin' at th' players in thought 'til his father claimed his attention, by th' amount I was able to read from their lips realizin' 'em to be goin' thro' th' rules o' th' game. Me lettin' oot a nervous breath noo as soon nodded towards th' staircase, however nae darin' to keek at Edward should someone happen to see us. Me voice pacifyin' as it addressed 'im.

"I'll do fine."

One insecure snort later I heard Edward to creep awa' from me silently, me spendin' a moment to gather that famous courage he'd juist afore told to find from within me as another game was bein' set up, it however havin' no time to commence as for me surprise I took' th' definin' step forward efter rather wee thought. Claimin' th' attention o' th' whole crew to meself as me loud voice reached to th' back o' th' enclosed space we occupied.

"I dare Captain Jones to challenge me."

Silence descended as me words sank intae th' minds o' th' crew, me foldin' me arms across me chest as let me eyes round th' coupons o' th' crewmembers 'til me gaze hit William. Truth to be told his current face rather amusin' when he was goupin' back at me in dismay, his geggy slightly open as a sign o' protest or somethin' I'd interfered 'im from sayin' as it then closed. Wi' a brish shake o' his heid 'im frownin' at me 'n' takin' a step forward, turnin' serious, his voice nevertheless but stupefied.

"No."

I simply ignored 'im as it was then when th' organ music that had been playin' oan th' background constantly cut aff in middle o' a melody, efter a few seconds series o' familiar thuds emanatin' from above us. Scarin' even th' tiny sea creatures livin' in th' structures o' th' ship that retreated intae their shells, tardy laughter risin' from amongst th' crew as Captain Jones plodded along th' deck. Me turnin' aroond tensely to welcome 'im only determined but found me hert stairt to beat rapidly for trepidity wance th' sight o' 'im at th' stairs revealed intae what I in fact had gotten meself in again wi' a few careless words. There to be no turnin' back noo as efter a curt halt th' Captain approached th' game area wi' slow steps, his cold eyes ne'er leavin' mine as I tried to stay calm under his unnervin' goup. Liftin' me jaw as he stopped a feet awa' from me, wearin' an amused grin.

"I accept."

I released a subtle breath as relaxed a bit, watchin' Jones to beckon to his men who instantly produced a low table 'n' some stools for us to sit oan, me givin' th' crewmen room to position 'em atween us as William then strode ower to me. Lik' Edward afore 'im keekin' at me lik' I'd gone utterly doolally in these last couple o' days, finally understandin' th' reason why I'd requested to have th' cloth from 'im.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, glancin' towards Jones who received a cup wi' th' dice afore took his seat across from me, waitin' for me to join 'im. "You can't play against him."

"Why nae?" I asked, sittin' as felt same kind o' cup to be placed in me awaitin' haun, William kneelin' by me side wi' another shake o' his heid.

"Miranda, don't you understand what you're doing? You can't win. You don't even have anything to wager for…"

I turned to 'im sharply, also frownin' slightly as wasn't sure how was I supposed to tak' his lack o' faith in me reason. "Havin' ye question me abilities certainly isn't goin' to mak' me quit this match, William."

"Miranda, listen", William pleaded, lockin' serious gazes wi' me. "Let me do this. It's too dangerous for you to risk playing against him with nothing to offer."

"'N' ye have that somethin'? Because I would think ye're th' one wi' maist to lose, William", I reminded, 'im instantly kennin' what I meant 'n' was robbed o' th' chance to protest further, me nae havin' to elaborate when wi' a deep breath I placed me cup o' dice ontae th' table. Facin' Jones, juist as I noticed Edward to push thro' th' crowd to place a deterrin' haun on William's shoulder when he apparently had decided to try to talk me oot o' th' game wance mair.

"Trust her. She stripped half on me men bare from their savings during the last weeks aboard me ship...Before she incurred herself in debt of a few pintfuls. "

I wanted to leer at Edward for his at th' moment nae so appreciated compliment (which also had been pretty much exaggeration taken that I hadn't had all that many chances to practice me skills in Liar's Dice, even if during those times I'd played I'd proven quite guid 'n' notably better at it than 'im...afore indeed endin' up in debt wi' me portions o' crog). Me nevertheless juist bypassin' th' two men behind me as Jones' a wee impatient voice stairted to speak.

"The stakes?"

Afore I could respond me body decided to betray me yet again oan this crucial moment, me feelin' lightheaded lik' so many times afore that day 'n' leant against th' table. Th' wounds oan me back strainin' due to th' tension o' th' muscles as I blinked a few times, waitin' for a few seconds 'til responded. Or at least I attempted to profess me terms…

"My soul. An eternity of servitude."

Wi' a deep, ootraged frown I whipped aroond at th' sound o' William's voice, however gettin' surprised aboot how close he was standin' 'n' I felt his arm to steady me wance I was close to tip ower upoan crashin' against 'im. His eyes however nae keekin' doon to me but remained locked wi' Captain' Jones' ain as they exchanged a grim goup, Edward sharin' me astonishment 'n' measurin' William in wonder, 'til I saw 'im to blend in wi' th' crowd again. Vanishin', Mr. Turner's voice risin' in protest from th' sidelines afore mine.

"No! William, do nae mak' me bets for me!" I exclaimed, jerkin' his arm to have 'im keek at me 'n' face me irritation (that however was mostly a mask for me dread for what he'd juist said). Efter a brief reassurin' keek leveled at me 'im simply sittin' doon neist to me, half o' a smile playin' oan his lips as he eyed at Jones. Me feelin' me dismay to melt awa' in tenderness as durin' that curt exchange o' gazes I'd imagined to see his motivation for such a folly action.

"The bet has been made. Now it's to be answered", he remarked, me measurin' 'im a moment in shock, 'til could feel his hauns to press against me arms to steady me. In other means in addition to simply keepin' me from keelin' ower in middle o' th' game, me sighin' resigned as realized 'im to be right aboot th' impossibility o' withdrawin' th' bet when he'd awready made his wager. Captain Jones respondin' efter a moment o' ponder.

"Against?"

"Ye'll give us this", I cut in, raisin' me this time confident gaze as yanked th' piece o' cloth from me pocket, lettin' it unfold in front o' th' Captain's eyes. His somewhat impassive irises fillin' wi' dismay in turn as he eventually internalized what th' picture oan th' cloth depicted, maist certainly recognizin' it by th' keek o' indignation oan his coupon, where his crewmembers stairted to mutter amongst 'emselves in equal astonishment. Regardless o' me anxiety William's support helpin' me to remain unfazed as Jones' somewhat enraged eyes soon flashed to glower at me when he got past his bewilderment.

"How do you know of the key?" he questioned, frownin' in disbelief.

"That's hardly relevant, Captain", I remarked, William continuin'.

"Nor part of the game, is it?" he stated, his slightly derisive tone turnin' intae severity in an instant as he straightened his posture, me pushin' th' cloth back intae me pocket. "You can still walk away."

Both o' us eyed at Jones as he clearly was hesitatin' whether or nae risk losin' th' key or th' respect o' his crew, who lik' us were watchin' 'im intently to see how he would respond. Efter a short silence 'im finally liftin' his jaw resolutely, nae a sign o' that previous distress oan his coupon as we then followed 'im to glance doon to his chest. Me feelin' me eyes widen a wee as I witnessed th' tentacles o' his beard to move aside, revealin' a hole in place o' his hert that in that moment was proven to be truly missin', instead th' tentacles drawin' oot th' very key we were efter. In addition to be convinced o' th' credence o' everythin' I'd heard aboot 'im 'n' th' Chest it turnin' oot th' crewman at th' brig to have told us th' truth; th' key had been wi' th' Captain all along.

I sighed in wonder, momentarily fallin' in a daze as gouped at th' key 'til efter an exchange o' th' fleetin' gaze wi' th' Captain he hid it back intae his chest. Takin' hold o' his cup o' dice, shiftin' 'em pensively as challenged me wi' his gaze.

"I prefer to bet on what's dearest to a man's heart…Else there's no way to tell if he's bluffing", he mused, me holdin' back a cringe as his irises momentarily rose to William. Me simply remainin' silent as Jones continued. "What a man is willing to risk or not to risk, that's the measure of his soul."

"What makes ye think ye ken what's dearest to me hert?" I questioned, inclinin' me heid as ordered meself nae to be intimidated by 'im. "Th' bet might've been issued in me name, but it does nae show any evidence o' me bluff."

"Doesn't it?" Jones stated, sceptical. "Because it is exactly the nature of this bet made in yer stead that has me think otherwise…"

I thought a moment, nae darin' to return William's gaze as I noticed 'im glancin' at me from time to time, me lettin' oot a sigh as fought against th' ache that I was stairtin' to feel at th' back o' me skull. Turnin' resolute to compensate it. "Then if th' offered stakes have become an issue o' mistrust oan me part, I propose a freish bet."

William was baffled 'n' I saw 'im turn towards me in dismay, nae havin' any idea what was goin' thro' me heid 'n' neither did Jones, 'im simply liftin' a curious eyebrow 'til efter a few seconds made an intrigued smile.

"Agreed."

"In exchange o' th' freedom o' one o' yer crewmembers, I offer ye me soul. Along wi' what it is ye must hold maist dear to yer hert…"

"And what's that, Miss Martins?" Jones accosted, amused, unablin' William to oppose to me words as wance cut aff his eyes moved from me to Jones. Me liftin' me jaw as locked blank gazes wi' 'im nae to reveal that I was noo in fact bluffin', to fool 'im.

"Th' very hert itself. Yers", I revealed, causin' William to turn utterly dumbfounded as he contemplated upoan me words that were all lies, Jones as weel as his crew however appearin' to believe me as I could hear even louder incredulous murmur to rise among 'em. Captain Jones hardly bein' able to deter th' anger that I could see flicker in his eyes as they matched me goup.

"Ye're bluffing noo, Martins", he alleged. "You have no ground to make such a bet when you don't possess what ye offer."

"Do ye dare to call me bluff to see if ye're correct?" I countered, tryin' to sound as convincin' as possible as assumed a stern mien. Leanin' forward. "We have the Chest, 'n' came aboord this vessel for th' sole purpose o' acquirin' th' key to open it. But regardless o' th' lack o' it, we still hold yer ain freedom in oor grasp, 'n' I urge ye nae to tak' me word lightly if ye wish to obtain it back. Me bet stands. Are ye willin' to accept it?"

Efter a long silence I saw Jones make a brisk nod, 'im leanin' forward as weel. "And the sailor ye wish to free?" he asked, glancin' up to William again. "Name the man you're so desperate to save."

"He shall remained unnamed till th' end o' th' game", I announced, takin' me cup o' dice, earnin' another eventual nod o' consent from th' Captain 'til shook me cup. Flippin' th' dice ontae th' table wi' Jones, but as I was aboot to tak' a keek at 'em me vision doubled, causin' me to let oot a frustrated breath 'til I felt dizzy again. Squeezin' th' edge o' th' table as closed me eyes, unable to mak' me bid as for a few seconds I couldn't see th' dice clearly. Jones as weel as others weel bein' able to see me infliction (assumably regardin' it as fear) as th' Captain's jeerin' voice spoke up.

"It's yer bid Martins."

I keeked at 'im in annoyance, cursin' th' damn ache that stairted to mak' thinkin' quite hard, but juist as me vision was returnin' to normal I could feel light taps against me elbow. Soon realizin' William's fingers to be signalin' wi' which bid I should stairt, me releasin' a freish sigh o' relief this time as in truth was glad for his help. No matter what I'd thought afore, in such condition I wasn't all that sure to be able to win against Jones when th' stakes were so high, 'n' as we still had to get th' key. So I had to win this round.

"Two threes", I stated, tryin' to clear me heid as watched Jones to peek under his cup.

"You're indeed a desperate woman to make such a careful bid as yer first", he remarked, amusin' his crew as it burst intae a slight laughter, where their Captain inclined his heid at me suggestively. "It can only be a man."

"As it has awready been established by me terms", I retorted wi' a low huff, noddin' towards his dice. "Yer bid, Captain."

"Three threes", he answered, goin' along wi' th' tentative feel o' th' game to mock me. William speakin' up then wi' a matter-o'-fact tone in his voice.

"A man need not cause you to be desperate…if you choose the right man."

Efter he'd finished I keeked at me dice 'n' gave me counter bid afore William had th' chance to decide it for me. "Four threes."

"I remember now…You're the one that hopes to get married", Jones stated, bypassin' me made bid as his eyes remained focused oan William. His remark equally surprisin' me 'n' confusin' me as I couldn't understand from where could he have learned aboot this…Th' reminder o' th' fact however only causin' me to keek doon when th' Captain finished his sentence wi' a dark voice. "But yer fate is to be married to this ship…if she loses."

Me eyes darted upward to eye at Jones, however nae revealin' had he gotten it right or nae noo that he seemed to have sensed th' feelings that had made me change th' wager, as William simply gouped back at th' Captain indifferently. Unfazed, his calmin' haun pressin' lightly to th' lower o' me back.

"I choose my own fate. It wasn't she who offered my soul to you in exchange of the key."

"Then it wouldn't be fate, would it? Ye claim to have the power to control yours, and yet it is she who holds it in her hands by waging her soul for yers", Jones argued, confident as he then lit his pipe, soon tiltin' his heid at me. "Let's see to which of you it smiles…Five threes."

I frowned as deterred an urge to place a haun on me foreheid, endurin' th' sense o' losin' me consciousness again as suddenly noticed meself to have become rather sweaty, me breaths remindin' mair lik' slight gusts as I tried to get me body under control to continue th' game. William's assistin' fingers however salvagin' me yet again efter he'd taken notice o' me distress. Th' haun oan me back noo smoothin' it reassuringly, 'im tellin' me be right there wi' me, therefore me liftin' me serious gaze at Jones efter pretendin' to have taken a keek at me dice. Still frownin' a bit at th' ludicrous 'n' in truth quite impossible bid William instructed me to mak'.

"Five sixes."

"Liar!" Jones spat efter chucklin' to 'imself for a moment, as expected, me directin' a nervous glance at William whose haun noo only rose to me right elbow to sooth me, 'im liftin' his jaw determinedly. Trustin' in that resolute keek in his eyes me witholdin' a breath as revealed me dice along wi' Jones, curt surprise displayed oan his coupon as weel as me ain as he discovered th' bid to stand wi' me three 'n' his two sixes. Th' crew mutterin' in pure awe at th' unbelievable development as Mr. Turner directed a concerned keek at us, me attention remainin' at th' Captain who smirked then.

"Well done, Miss Martins."

"Noo, as agreed…Mr. Turner goes free", I told 'im, Captain Jones keekin' at William nae all that surprised, 'til I turned to face his father instead. William gawkin' at me taken aback, nae any mair than Jones to have thought th' bet to have involved anyone else but 'imself.

"I'm free", Mr. Turner stated, slowly graspin' th' reality o' what had juist occurred, me noddin' slightly 'til gathered th' dice intae th' cup wance mair. Jones measurin'me.

"You surprise me, Martins", he spoke, honestly puzzled as motioned to William wi' his pipe. "Surely ye would rather wish to save yer lover's soul rather than his father's?"

"Which brings us to th' previous wager", I reminded, meetin' his eyes. "Second game. Same stakes, th' key for William's soul."

"You truly wish to condemn him I see…do ye think to be able to best the devil twice?" Jones chuckled, William in fact noo flinchin' a wee at th' sound o' these words 'n' I took notice o' his irises that keeked doon to me. Me blinkin' a few times in thought as stopped shakin' th' dice.

"No one is to keep their soul forever. Nae even ye, Captain."

"Truly, now? Let's put it to the test."

I waited till Jones had readied his dice 'n' joined his cup wi' mine oan th' table, however a third cup slammin' neist to oors preventin' us from commencin' makin' bids as me 'n' Jones turned to oor right in bafflement to see Mr. Turner, who'd unexpectedly decided to tak' part in th' game. Me feelin' William to stiffen behind me as I narrowed me eyes in wonder at th' man, Captain Jones simply scowlin' at 'im.

"What's this?"

"I'm in, matching her wager", Mr. Turner replied, exchanging a brief glance wi' me 'til William cut intae th' conversation. Facin' his father wi' a pleadin' expression wance he as weel as me realized 'im to be jeopardizin' his juist granted freedom.

"No. Don't do this."

"The dice is cast", Mr. Turner stated curtly, William lowerin' his eyes resigned as lik' afore couldn't do anythin' to stop th' game from proceedin', me placin' a fleetin' comfortin' haun oan his 'til concentrated back to me only true adversary as much as was able. Mr. Turner makin' th' first bid as I was recoverin' from another fit o' dizziness, th' turn shiftin' to Jones who grinned at me.

"Four fours."

I keeked at me dice unsurely, afore William had time to help me th' neist bid slippin' from me lips. "Five fours."

Th' crew laughed, me realizin' it nae to be all that bold 'n' made in clear trepidity. Cringin' at th' comments o' th' crewmen that turned me even mair nervous.

"Bid like that and we tie ye back to the mast."

"Six threes", Mr. Turner said, me keekin' up at 'im briefly as Jones was decidin' his ain bid.

"Three fives."

"Four fives."

I assumed a blank visage as Jones examined me to wance mair see was I bluffin', me simply shiftin' me eyes to Mr. Turner who keeked under his cup afore respondin'.

"Seven threes."

"Seven fives", Jones bid somewhat ominously, me stoppin' meself from swallowin' under his so assertive goup as there had been somethin' oan his coupon that had alerted me o' his sincerity, juist as I was aboot to call 'im oot as a liar or go along wi' his ain possible bluff, th' disorientation nae makin' th' choice any easier as I was agonizingly aware what th' cost o' me loosin' would be. Me wipin' me foreheid wi' a strained breath, juist as freish gentle tap o' William's haun made th' decision for me. Indeed promptin' me to up th' bid, me frownin' slightly as keeked at 'im helplessly (as if hesitatin', where in truth I was gawkin' at 'im in brief ootrage, nae sure aboot what he asked o' me, but he simply nodded me to go oan). Me keepin' me eyes fixated doon at me dice 'til finally voiced oot th' followin' bid, it still causin' me chest to tighten for slight fear o' havin' meself called oot a liar. Hence doomin' William to remain forever trapped oan th' Dutchman.

"Eight fives."

"Welcome to the crew, lad", Jones chuckled right efter hearin' th' bid, me flinchin' 'n' keekin' up to th' Captain frightened as realized th' risk I'd taken to have made th' tables turn. Brandin' me a liar juist as I'd feared, William's haun queezin' aroond mine for a second it took us to fathom what had happened. But juist as Jones was aboot to say th' words that would seal th' made bet, Mr. Turner prevented th' Captain' from callin' it.

"Twelve fives."

Both William 'n' I faced Mr. Turner who was returnin' his enraged Captain's goup unfazed, completely calm even he'd juist intentionally made 'imself a liar wi' such a impossible bet. William's surprise turnin' intae strong dissent when it turned oot his father's fate to have been sealed by this game instead o' his or mine, Jones straightenin' his posture as Mr. Turner continued.

"Call me a liar, or up the bid."

"And be called myself a liar for my trouble", Jones snapped angrily, jerkin' awa' Mr. Turner's cup to reveal his dice, afore throwin' it oan th' table. His voice seethin' wi' ire as he leaned towards William's father. "Bootstrap Bill, you're a liar, and you will spend an eternity on this ship!"

I released a sigh as cast me gaze doon in pity, compassion fillin' me as I turned to William who was juist eyein' at his father in denial. Me however nae gettin' th' chance to put another comfortin' haun oan his arm as Jones stood suddenly, retreatin' from th' table as his attention was directed to us. William's face turnin' but scornful as th' Captain addressed 'im.

"Master Turner, feel free to go ashore. The very next time we make port."

Even I leered up at th' Captain noo as he along wi' his crew broke intae a loud derision, th' tension easin' notably as I then watched 'im to dauner awa' from th' game area along wi' th' crewmen. Leavin me alone wi' William 'n' his father, who noo faced one another. William's countenance filled wi' disbelief as he shook his heid at th' man.

"Why did you do that?" he demanded, glancin' at me."Miranda released you from Jones' service. You were free."

"I couldn't let her lose…You to lose…I'm grateful for what she tried to do, but it is my decision should I wish to leave this ship", Mr. Turner responded firmly, me tiltin' me heid at 'im as he briefly keeked to me to offer his thanks. William sighin' at this.

"It was never about winning or losing", he remarked, noo turnin' to me rather expectant. Eventually hurlin' an eyebrow at me wance I remained silent 'n' didn't either confirm his claim nor said whatever he assumed me to be thinkin'. Me nae understandin' th' meanin' o' that statement as simply gazed back at 'im in confusion.

"It wasn't?" I stated sheepishly, in turn bafflin' William.

"You were trying to find out where the key was, were you?"

"Aye, partially…but I really was goin' to get th' key from 'im. Th' game was only half o' oor plan."

I then recalled Edward 'n' directed me worried eyes towards th' stairs for th' further puzzlement o' both William 'n' his father who exchanged a glance, William turnin' thoughtful as he naturally hadn't been informed o' me plan 'til it had stairted to unfold right in front o' 'im.

"And what was the other part?"

As an answer to his inquiry it was then that I saw Edward jog doon th' steps to th' lower deck, relief causin' th' last ounces o' fear to disappear wance I rose to receive 'im. Edward stridin' to us wi' a frustrated shake o' his heid, appearin' rather peeved as he came to stand by oor side wi' folded arms. Sighin'.

"Nothing. I couldn't find a single key in that blasted cabin", he announced, surprisin' William who hadn't noticed 'im to have disappeared from th' game area 'til noo when he'd returned from his trip to th' Captain's cabin. 'Im keekin' to Edward in wonder.

"You went to Jones cabin?"

"Aye. But what an utter waste of time that was…"

"So this is why you challenged Jones?" William deduced, facin' me even a bit distraught noo. "You were willing to offer your soul to Jones just to give him enough time to search the key from the cabin?"

"It was all I could think aff to distract 'im!" I answered, sighin'. "Besides I don't see why ye should be so shocked by this, even ye were willin' to do th' same. And I'm nae at all pleased that ye decided to interfere by choosin' to offer yer ain soul in place o' mine. I told ye that it was too risky for ye to play."

"I choose my own fate, Miranda", William said to me juist lik' he'd told Jones, me frownin' at his response. "I didn't need you to choose it for me."

"Ye have a fiancé, William! A life waitin' for ye at home!" I exclaimed, causin' William to pause. Me castin' me eyes doon swiftly as found meself to react similarily to th' current change o' topic as yesterday in th' brig. Sighin'.

"I won. That's all that matters."

"And now we know where the key is."

I nodded as keeked up to 'im, us exchangin' a brief goup till I turned me gaze to Edward to fill 'im in wi' what we'd discovered durin' th' game. "The key is wi' th' Captain. He carries it aroond in his chest, in place o' his hert."

"Of course he does", Edward remarked, in amusement though I could detect doubt in his voice. "That's exactly where I was going to look next. Who wouldn't keep the most important things close to their heart? Most logical place to hide important objects..."

I smiled widely at his sarcasm, thankin' me luck that he didn't seem to notice th' slight waverin' o' me balance 'n' flushed bearing, as Edward simply returned th' gesture shortly. Turnin' back to serious however as his attention shifted to William 'n' Mr. Turner.

"So what do we do with this information?"

"Wait for the guard exchange at midnight. I can help you get into Jones' cabin unnoticed and escape with the key once you've acquired it", Mr. Turner responded, us keekin' to 'im afore exchanged a thoughtful gaze wi' one another. William eventually noddin' in consent.

"Sounds like the perfect time to act. There are less guards on duty during the night, and if we can get to the cabin unseen, we can as well vanish from this ship as easily", he mused, convinced, Edward apparently agreein' by th' keek in his eyes 'til he made a nod. Me nae wishin' to argue as suddenly found meself wishin' for some privacy 'n' an opportunity to lay doon for a moment, somewhat overwhelmed.

"Who will it be?" Mr. Turner questioned. "Which of you will steal the key?"

"I will", William said, meetin' me 'n' Edward's eyes briefly. "I'll go in just before the guard exchange, and you stay hidden until the coast is clear for us to take one of the longboats to flee."

"I'll post myself on duty to make sure your escape will go undiscovered till morning", Mr. Turner suggested, earnin' a peedy grateful smile back from William where Edward 'n' I only nodded in understandin'. Me twitchin' at th' jerk o' me back as then closed me eyes wi' a sigh, keekin' up to Edward.

"It's settled then. We leave tonight."

"Where are ye going?" Edward asked, 'im 'n' William both turnin' to follow me dauner to th' flight o' stairs to continue oan to th' main deck, me offerin' 'em a smile back.

"To sleep.

Disclaimer : I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean, not the films or the included deleted scenes depicted in this story. I own only my own characters and additions to the plot outside the original script.

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me = my, nae = not

Recurrent & other words:

blether = talk, glaikit = stupid, doolally = crazy, 'emsleves = themselves, peedy = small, afore = before, hert = heart, aye = yes, ne'er = never, wee = small/little, awready = already, ken = to know, efter = after, doon = down, as weel = as well, wance again/mair = once again/more, 'til = until, likelie = probably, keek = look, ower = over, aboot = about, wey = way, haun = hand, ain = own, oot = out, neist = next, hurl = lift, lik' = like, gey/pure = very, stairt = start, awa' = away, wi'oot = without, o' coorse = of course, heid = head, dauner = walk, freish = new, wi' = with, juist = just, thro' = through, geggy = mouth, tak' = take, coupon = face, face = expression, 'ere= here, goup =stare, aff = off, luv = (to) love