Entry 17

I hadn't been completely honest either then while claimin' to go to catch some sleep. I had stairted to feel meself surprisingly tired durin' th' game o' dice, but th' truth was that I needed some alone time to tak' a keek at me wounds that I presumed to be th' cause o' me tiredness 'n' increased shifts in health. As I was noo sure that th' ulcers had become infected, juist lik' Edward had feared. Me whole back had been oan fire since this mornin' 'n' I was feelin' considerably worse than yesterday, even I'd tried to clean th' lash marks accordin' to Edward's instructions. Me nae findin' another explanation why th' wounds had abruptly turned mair painful from afore 'n' why I was so haggard, me understandin' that th' dizziness hadn't been caused by th' heid injury at all but by th' runnin' o' temperature. Although th' sweatin' could be easily accounted for by th' humidity that dominated th' vessel, me nae thinkin' that to be th' reason behind it as me body felt hot itself, me kennin' that much to realize it to be a clear sign o' an infection.

I winced as pressed th' cloth against one o' th' wounds, though th' wounds had been mostly remained closed 'n' th' touch was but fleetin' th' smartin' increasin' to such a level that it made me mind scream for release by th' tiniest layin' o' pressure. Me lettin' oot a half hopeless half frustrated breath as me arm dropped useless oan me lap, me lettin' th' pain subside afore movin'. Shiftin' oan th' cot to dip th' cloth intae th' basin Mr. Turner had arranged for me while bringin' me th' water for th' treatment. Me spendin' a moment goupin' at th' floor in despair, wantin' th' pain to end. I felt so pathetic, noo if ever wasn't th' time for me to become owerwhelmed by me injuries, as in juist few hours we would mak' an attempt to steal th' key from Jones 'n' leave this ship for guid. Which is why I neist turned worried when I wondered would I be able to hold up in th' days that followed, as I didn't want to become burden for William 'n' Edward. So havin' me thoughts run clouded 'n' incoherent right when we were aboot to mak' oor escape 'n' go efter th' Chest…Aye, this definitely wasn't what th' doctor ordered.

Me eyes fell to tak' in th' wrinkly bundle by me side that encased th' remains o' me travel funds that had been spared from gettin' lost in th' ocean, 'n' which for this reason I'd decided to uncover from th' seams o' me claes by rippin' open th' sturdy stitches (Rose's needlework provin' quite challengin' to saw thro' wi' me haircomb, as I obviously didn't have scissors nor any other sharp objects in me person when all o' th' recruits' weapons had been locked awa'). Me usin' th' shreds o' me ol' shirt to wrap th' gems together to mak' sure their safe transport till th' time would come to use 'em. Me noo stretchin' oot a haun to mak' sure th' knots were tight 'n' secure, wance confirmed me flippin' ower me jacket to slip th' bundle intae th' secret pocket I'd made aboard th' Cornucopia. Only noo rememberin' to actually hide th' jewels within it.

Durin' me second attempt to clean th' ulcers I got as far as me left shoulder, givin' in at th' face o' th' agony, 'til told meself nae to be such a pansy. Thinkin' that William must've been goin' thro' similar pain but didn't show it in any wey, where I was sittin' 'ere close to tears feelin' sorry for meself. Naw, I would do what I had to do, 'n' nae mak' such a big deal oot o' it.

I was surprised when I suddenly heard a light knock from th' door, me thinkin' it to be Edward 'n' turned slightly aroond, only to be even further taken aback when noo instead o' 'im I found meself to be face to face wi' William whose concerned eyes were instantly locked wi' mine. Me pausin' for a moment for bafflement as when his father had come to visit me, 'til due to th' remarkable glance o' his I realized to cover me shoulders. Tippin' me heid at 'im questionably efter keekin' awa' timorously.

"You were acting strangely during the game, so I wanted to see you're alright", he specified, me sighin' as dropped th' cloth back intae th' basin, incredulous.

"Ye two have some bigger problems to concern yerselves wi' than me", I stated th' truth, keekin' to 'im as William stepped inside fully, closin' th' door. "I'll manage, 'n' would feel better if ye stopped worryin' ower me."

"How could we not?" William questioned, approachin' as directed a remarkable glance doon at th' basin 'n' me damp shirt, as obviously could see what he'd caught me doin'. "If you're feeling worse, just say so."

"'N' I'm tellin' ye to be awright…as long as I keep th' wounds clean", I answered, offerin' 'im a brief reassurin' smile 'til keeked awa' again uneasily. "Weel noo ye've seen me."

There was a short silence as William eyed at me wi'oot a word, me neither findin' me voice to speak as in addition to remainin' in th' puzzlin' state o' nae kennin' what to say me heid felt a bit heavy. Me nae even wishin' to engage intae any serious conversation, if one o' William's initial intentions to come to see me was even remotely related to that, 'im however then simply sittin' doon neist to me. For me confusion 'im nabbin' th' rag from th' basin.

"Let me help."

"I'm fine oan me ain! Ye don't have to stay", I argued, inchin' awa' from 'im in abrupt sense o' panic when he was suddenly that close to me, but William apparently was havin' none o' excuses 'n' th' least lettin' 'imself to be kicked oot by me. Decisively takin' a gentle hold o' me arm as keeked intae me eyes, his stern.

"How could you be after I had to sit with you through the whole game to make sure you wouldn't faint?" he asked, me avoidin' his gaze. "And if I leave you alone now, how can I know you not to keel over right when I step out of that door?"

"That was then. I'm better noo…"

"Truly?"

I let oot a cry as William's haun pressed against me back oot o' th' blue, me nae bein' able to deter th' loud moan as he in so doin' proved his point o' me to be lyin' to 'im. Me gawkin' at 'im in shock as he only shook his heid at me, sighin'.

"Please, let me help you. Like you've let him help you…We might not have been the best of friends lately, but I don't wish to see you in pain."

All protests ceased oan me lips as William brought up Edward, long enough for me to feel William's unsure hauns stairt to slide me shirt doon, me however takin' swift hold o' it as whipped me heid towards 'im in dismay.

"William!" I couldn't help exclaimin', nae even a thought given to th' fact that I'd allowed Edward see me bare shoulders 'n' much mair durin' his examinations, but he wasn't th' one that caused me hert to leap wi' every touch. Me nae bein' able to tell did he notice th' blush that crept oan me cheeks as reckoned me to keek flushed either wey, William sharin' me abashment 'n' in fact amusin' me deep doon as it had been long time since I'd seen a flash o' that ol', mair timid William when he noo cleared his throat. Lockin' even mair earnest gazes wi' me as turned me aroond.

"This is no time to be….embarrassed", he emphasized, determinedly decidin' nae to listen to any arguments 'n' simply proceeded to reveal me back halfwey, nevertheless causin' me to bemoan as th' shirt had gotten stuck to th' wounds again. 'Im placin' an apologetic haun oan me shoulder briefly efter sweepin' me hair oot o' th' wey, me hearin' 'im let oot a nervous breath, equally uncomfortable wi' th' current situation wi' me as slowly slid th' shirt doon while continuin'. "…or stubborn. If th' wounds won't be cleaned properly you'll catch a fever. And out here at sea, without a chance to acquire medicine until we happen to find a ship that agrees to take us aboard, it could kill you. And no matter how angry I was to you, the last thing I want is for you to die for wounds that initially were meant for me…"

I was aboot to argue against that last remark, but thought th' better o' it when I couldn't brin' meself to respond. Instead me arms hurryin' to clasp th' shirt for me nae to end up utterly half skuddy in front o' 'im, when I was enough fidgety to bolt oot o' th' cabin when sensed his eyes to roam upoan me back. His words however makin' me chest fill wi' fleetin' warmness, 'til th' shame o' havin' 'im so close to me while I wasn't wearin' hardly as much clothes as would've been proper took ower. Th' thought o' this bein' th' first time any man, especially 'im, had seen this much o' me gettin' soon bypassed by th' intake o' th' scorch o' me skin wance William dipped th' cloth intae th' water 'n' placed it onto th' longest slash. 'Im keekin' up to me in regret as I kept oan cringin' under his touch, me sittin' stiffly oan me spot 'n' bein' careful nae to turn too much, or I wouldn't have been able to tak' it. Feelin' meself so bare 'n' mortified that I could hardly breathe normally when William continued to nurse me cuts for a few moments. 'Im apparently gettin' ower his ain embarrassment enough to strike up a conversation efter five minutes o' silence.

"These don't look good, Miranda. Your skin's all red and sore to even the slightest touch", he observed, me deterrin' an eye-roll as instead closed 'em due to another sensation o' pain runnin' doon me back along wi' th' movement o' William's haun. 'Im what else but seein' me to squeeze th' edge o' th' cot, 'til I was startled by his free haun that sneaked oan me forehead to feel it, his voice turnin' serious.

"You are running a fever. You can't leave anywhere in this condition."

I was so ootraged by this notion that I in fact turned half aroond, quirkin' flabbergasted eyebrows at William who returned me goup resolutely. "Are ye really suggestin' that we should stay 'ere instead o' runnin' lik' we planned?"

"You're already sick, and these wounds will make you even sicker if you won't rest", William countered. "We'll have to wait till you're well enough to leave."

"No we will nae, William!" I declared, takin' 'im aback 'til I twirled aroond upoan realizin' to be under direct visual contact wi' 'im, me ain voice however remainin' unwaverin' as I continued. "We have to get awa' from this ship while we still can…Fever hasn't killed me afore, 'n' won't do so noo. I'm nae that weak. I refuse to be treated lik' a weaklin' who cannot tak' care for 'erself."

"And what about what happened to your mother? She was everything but a weak woman, and she succumbed within weeks."

I froze at th' mention o' maw, William too as he likelie hadn't meant to draw 'er intae th' conversation, th' worried tint o' his voice meltin' awa' me resistance 'n' I then relaxed a bit mair. Turnin' me back to William again whom I heard sigh for th' third time, his voice coaxin' as it spoke again calmer.

"I'm not treating you as if you're weak, Miranda. I just want you to get better."

I was silent for awhile 'til nodded, briefly restin' me haun oan his that I noticed to have been set neist to me thigh. Lik' was expected truly happy when that previous statement o' his 'n' th' wey he'd said it told me 'im to mean what he said. That he cared, even if there wance was a time when I'd doubted would he. "Thank ye."

I saw 'im smile at me, th' maist genuinely since oor arrival to this ship, so frankly that it calmed th' racin' o' me hert 'n' caused it to swell, this time me nae even tryin' to hinder it, as long as I wouldn't let it show for th' perpetrator to notice.

"I need to thank you as well…For all you've done", William stairted then, his voice a tad softer 'n' I could feel th' smile in it, me heid tiltin' towards 'im questionably as he took a break from th' wipin'. "I did say it to have been better if you hadn't come after me, and I suppose in a certain aspect that is very much true…" I exchanged a slight laugh wi' 'im, 'im apologizin' as used a bit too much force while crossin' th' cloth ower me shoulder blades. "…but I'm glad you're here. I didn't realize it until I found you from that shipwreck how alone I was, and how great it felt to be able to share this ordeal with someone I trust. Care for…I wasn't entirely fair to you earlier, letting you do all the apologizing when I also regretted that quarrel instantly after leaving Port Royal, saying things that you didn't deserve. And regardless of the way I left things with you, you don't know how glad it made me to see you to have come all the way here to warn me…"

Me gaze dropped as naturally I kenned how braw it had felt to be reunited wi' 'im, me however simply makin' a secret tender smile to meself as his words tugged at me hertstrings all th' while mair while I listened, it surprisingly provin' easier to deter meself from twirlin' aroond 'n' ruinin' everythin' I'd stairted to built atween us by confessin' me luv for 'im 'n' tellin' me to have felt exactly th' same wey. Still me only closin' me eyes, takin' th' wee I could get by havin' his hauns caress me juist for a fleetin' moment.

"I'm ever grateful for you to have opposed your uncle in an attempt to save me and Elizabeth…and for what you did today. Trying to free my father. That lie about the Chest to distract Jones…it was quite clever."

"Ye mean utterly glaikit?" I breathed, me brief amusement however fadin' as I turned serious. "It was th' only thing I came up wi' to unsettle 'im. But aboot what I tried to accomplish by winnin' that game…Ye must ken that I didn't do it for yer father", I continued, noo frankly as glanced at William, seein' 'im eventually nod.

"Aye...I've noticed that yer terms haven't been either all that easygoing as ours."

I didn't have to explain 'im th' reason behind such observation, as he o' coorse was able to guess why me 'n' his father hadn't come to actually get along th' maist ideally. Curt break ensuin' in oor exchange as I took in William's gratefulness, eventually smilin' again. Commendin' meself for appearin' almaist normal, that ol' me from years ago as met his gaze. "Ye're welcome."

William's smile widened a wee as he examined me for a bit, his features however then gettin' shadowed by worry as his thoughts moved oan to other matters…his followin' question turnin' th' ambiance awkward again, but for juist for a brief instance.

"How was Elizabeth when you left? Was she safe?" he inquired, me turnin' back aroond slowly as assumed a composed expression, as had kenned to expect Elizabeth to come up at some point. Me brushin' aff all th' put oot thoughts concernin' th' woman in question as made a calmin' nod.

"She was weel, as much as I ken. I tried to call oan 'er multiple times to brin' 'er clothes 'n' food, but efter a couple o' visits she refused to see me…'N' I can't blame 'er. I'm happy that at least ye're willin' to speak to me."

William was thoughtful for a moment, 'til made a slight relieved smile, continuin' to clean th' lash marks efter drenchin' th' cloth again. "Good."

"Ye need nae to worry. Peter will look efter 'er till ye get back."

An uncomfortable silence fell atween us then, as William perhaps had come to detect somethin' from me voice while talkin' aboot Elizabeth. 'Im spendin' a great deal o' time in silence, in deep ponders, as long as his haun halted in middle o' me back. It soon detachin' as for me freish bafflement I saw 'im frown at me, efter takin' a better keek at 'im me honestly seein' somewhat conflicted countenance to have taken ower his coupon as he eyed at me. 'Im ventually shakin' his heid in sadness, me noo recognizin' that keek in his eyes 'n' fathomed to have seen it afore, but nae as sincere 'n' hertfelt as it was noo. Everythin' aboot 'im consumed wi' such an emotion when he then addressed me that it affected me in a wey I couldn't describe, unable to decide whether it was woe or happiness that stirred me while I heard his followin' remorseful words.

"I'm sorry. I wish I could take away your pain…but I can't even alleviate it", he said quietly, 'n' somethin' told me he wasn't referrin' to any physical ailment o' mine. Efter closin' me eyes 'n' releasin' a subtle sigh me answerin' wi' a wee smile as glanced at 'im ower me shoulder, lockin' sincere gazes wi' 'im.

"I ken."

William shared my smile, but sadly, me soon followin' his example by castin' me eyes oan me lap. Me neist hearin' a splash o' water as he abandoned th' cloth intae th' basin, th' cot shiftin' under me as he turned aroond.

"All done."

William leant oan his knees, his eyes keekin' awa' modestly as I slipped me arms back intae th' shirt's sleeves, wance again suitably dressed me followin' his cue by sittin' side by side wi' 'im. Me measurin' at 'im for a moment in wonder as couldn't come to fathom why he'd seemed so odd juist a moment ago while doin' th' same to me, noo simply goupin' at th' deck below us contemplatively. But I then realized 'im must've been thinkin' aboot Elizabeth, his current visage explainin' itself as I sighed while turned me irises to size up th' cabin. Soon comin' to realize somethin' that should've occurred to me immediately, standin'.

"I'll go get mair water. We can't use this oan yer wounds", I informed 'im, aboot to lift th' basin but some water instead sloshed to th' floor as William's haun shot upward to grasp me forearm.

"I'm fine without. Thanks to McConaughey mine have close to subsided of all pain", he opposed, me meekly then juist sittin' back doon wi' a understandin' nod upoan witnessin' th' momentary awkwardness that he hadn't been able to hide from me. William straightenin' his posture afore he soon leveled a curious keek to me direction.

"How were your first weeks with your uncle? Undoubtedly they must've went by much more preferably than mine…" he queried, noo slightly amused as I deemed to catch his drift, recallin' somethin' he'd mentioned oan oor first day aboard.

"Aye, I didn't get chased by a clan o' cannibals or anythin' o' as excitin' sort", I responded, William chucklin' to 'imself quietly while buried his jaw intae his palm.

"There was nothing exciting about it. I was close to be eaten, thanks to their chief…"

I frowned in confusion at William's resentful countenance that spoke o' a somewhat personal agenda behind it, 'im elaboratin' upoan seein' me baffled face.

"Jack. I was taken aboard a certain ship to an island where the Black Pearl had been seen moored, and once I entered the jungle in search of the crew I was attacked by the villagers and taken straight to him. The cannibals regarded him as their god, and by what Gibbs told me were preparing to eat him as well."

"I wish they would've", I snorted lightly, William lettin' oot a laugh at me remark, where I was so dumbfounded that I didn't even mak' an attempt to earn further details. Nae fathomin' how in the world did that pirate manage to involve 'imself in such troublesome blunders as runnin' intae cannibalistic tribes 'n' makin' deals wi' cursed sea Captains, only to escape perfectly unscathed…

"So?" William asked again, keekin' up to me wi' a peedy tense smile noo as he tried to be sincere. "How did it go with him? Did you get along well with your uncle?"

I let me gaze fall as made an unsure tilt wi' me heid, thinkin' aboot his question 'n' how things had really been back at home afore me departure. Nae kennin' it even meself if I was to be truthful, thinkin' aboot me uncle makin' me rather doilt instead o' elated when one were rememberin' their dear relative. Uncel Cutler nae feelin' lik' that to me at all.

"It was streenge above anythin'", I admitted, bitin' me lower lip. "Efter maw died I thought Peter to be th' only relative I had left in th' world, 'n' to be suddenly thrust to live wi' a man ye don't ken but who declares 'imself as yer blood…It didn't feel right. Durin' those weeks uncle Cutler proved to be quite distant 'n' unconcerned man wi' no interest to other matters besides his business, so I didn't get many chances to get to ken 'im any better. But what I witnessed from th' sidelines by juist observin' 'im…it made me doubt how could such a blithe man to be a brother to me maw who was so gentle."

"At least you've taken on the right side of the family", William cut in, me eyes flickerin' up to 'im to see his mischievous half smile. Me liftin' me eyebrows at 'im.

"So I'm nae lik' me uncle, then?"

"I didn't mean that", William replied, regretful ower somethin' he'd wance said in th' heat o' emotions, but I shook me heid at 'im.

"It might've seemed that wey then, when I still hadn't seen any indications aboot me uncle's true nature …so yer words o' th' time were granted."

"You're nothing like him…but everything your mother was", William said, smile returnin' back intae his voice as I closed me eyes briefly. "Kind woman who always cared for the needs of others above hers."

"I so wish that to be true."

I recoiled then as felt William's fingers to entwine wi' mine for 'im to capture me haun, me shiftin' me quizzical eyes to 'im slowly efter takin' in th' abrupt gesture as he leaned a bit closer to me. Lockin' wonderin' gazes wi' me, his smile falterin' to a mere twitch o' his lips as he gouped at me seriously then. His irises soon risin' to notice th' haircomb o' his makin' in me hair, it causin' 'im to keek ever mair uneasy.

"Is everything good between us? I do not wish to be parted from your friendship any longer by any form of animosity."

"Aye", I agreed, noddin'. "All is guid."

William seemed relieved by me reply, 'im however appearin' to hesitate for a moment afore for me neist surprise he leant noo forward fully to embrace me. It takin' a moment for me to comprehend what he was doin' as I felt 'im sigh, settin' his jaw momentarily oan me shoulder.

"You will always be important to me, you know that right?"

One dejected squeeze o' a hert later I smiled at his words, naturally understandin' their true meanin' as made another nod, gently separatin' us from one another as faced 'im wi' a candid expression. Settin' me hauns oan his, afore slid 'em back oan me lap.

"O' coorse."

"Please, continue", William urged then efter a short pause, referrin' to th' initial subject that had wance again got lost in th' deviation o' th' topic. Me straightenin' me posture carefully as measured th' few furniture within th' room, soon breakin' intae a slight amused smile.

"It sure was th' life o' luxury. Jewels 'n' gowns o' unimaginable quantity, utter freedom o' a lady o' society, released o' all chores 'n' havin' everyone nod their heids at ye respectfully whenever ye daunered by, callin' ye Miss Beckett...Naw, none o' that was me. I wasn't born to be surrounded wi' such grandeur, so how could've it been expected for me to have gotten accustomed to maids suddenly fawnin' all ower me, lacin' me intae th' one enchantin' creations o' fashion after another? To have all those tutors me uncle had arranged to teach me how to eat, dress, walk 'n' speak although I awready mastered all those skills to go by…even to dance. 'N' all those stiflin' dinners when Governor Swann was forced to join us evenin' efter evenin' 'n' listen me uncle's insinuations…naw. It's all too owerhelmin' for me to face again. I'm but a simple servant lass who wasn't meant to become a lady…"

"But should you marry that Scotsman, you would also become a lady", William reminded, causin' me to stiffen as I'd forgotten all aboot Taran 'n' me betrothal to 'im. Or intended betrothal, as th' engagement was yet to be consummated by me consent, however th' simple thought o' it turnin' me slightly awkward again as William's eyes eventually rose to me in interest. "You're engaged?"

"He proposed. But I left afore I could give 'im me answer", I replied curtly, lettin' oot a deep sigh. Givin' William a chance to examine me 'n' see me havin' second thoughts, albeit th' last he'd asked me aboot me relationship wi' Taran I'd announced to practically jump at a chance to be wed wi' 'im.

"What made you hesitate?" he asked, in slight confusion as was expected, although he must've been very much aware o' th' true reason as was I. Me shakin' me heid.

"I ken I should marry 'im. But truth to be told I don't want to marry 'im. Because I don't luv 'im", I told 'im, th' truth I'd been aware all along since meetin' th' Scotsman 'n' beholdin' his evident interest in me that had led all th' wey to that evenin' at th' Swann manor. However even afore th' revelation o' me to have been gifted to 'im by me uncle, me comin' to realize that whatever it was that I had come to feel for Taran, it maist definitely wasn't luv. Nor strong enough attachment for me to be ready to give meself ower to 'im 'n' devote me whole life to 'im, wi'oot a guarantee that I would possibly become happy at some point. Naw, I might've lost th' luv o' me life to another, but I still wasn't goin' to marry someone who wouldn't mak' me even remotely as happy.

"You're right to say that. You shouldn't content yourself with someone who isn't able to give you the kind of happiness you deserve."

I realized that William was speakin' generally, but that statement took me aback by seemin' lik' he'd juist read it from me mind 'n' I keeked to 'im questionably, where he instead gazed elsewhere wi' a faint smile. Me noddin' in concur, fleetin' irritation takin' ower me as I thought back aboot me supposed fiancé.

"Further mair, I perhaps couldn't brin' meself to trust 'im enough any longer efter what he did wi' me uncle behind me back…bargainin' ower me haun in marriage in exchange for wealth 'n' resources bestowed directly to th' Company. So ye were at least partially right to warn me aboot 'im 'n' th' true nature o' his interests."

"What?" William breathed, astounded as his heid whipped to me direction, me watchin' 'im frown in disbelief. "Your uncle promised you to McTavish? What do you mean by that?"

"Taran had known me uncle long afore he even arrived to Port Royal", I specififed, stupefyin' William, 'til I noticed 'im stairt to turn ired. 'Im keekin' in front o' 'im wi' scornful eyes as listened to me recount o' th' events. "Uncle Cutler had sought both financial 'n' military support from Taran's clan that itself holds a great influence amongst th' other clans o' Scotland. In addition o' a brand new fleet o' 50 battleships he promised Taran share o' th' Company's profits 'n' a position in th' British Court, should his clan aid th' Company in th' endeavour o' erasin' piracy from th' face o' th' earth as weel as help it to enlarge to th' northern market wi' their connections. I was juist an endowment to seal th' deal atween 'em wance Taran came to Port Royal afore me uncle, abreast o' me identity to presumably check th' merchandise afore agreein' to th' Company's terms completely."

"He used you to make a deal with that Scotsman?" William questioned, appalled. "His own niece…Well now I'm definitely glad you're here instead of there, forced to be married to a man who hasn't but lied to you the moment he met you. I knew something wasn't right about him."

"Taran claimed to have grown fond o' me durin' those months he courted me, but when I found oot aboot his business relationship wi' me uncle juist afore I was told to be his future wife by agreement, I juist…panicked. I didn't ken what to think 'n' as I was all th' while mair worried aboot what would become o' ye 'n' Elizabeth I…I couldn't stay there. Face me uncle, or Taran. I felt so betrayed by 'em plannin' me future behind me back that I juist had to get awa'...for meself as weel as ye."

"Did you know that he was giving money to Peter? I visited him the day after McTavish saved you from his creditors and discovered a pouch of money from his room...one given to him by McTavish", William revealed efter a curt pause, shockin' me 'n' I faced 'im wi' a doubtful frown.

"What? What…How do ye ken th' money was given by Taran?"

"He gave me one as well after paying me a visit the night before the wedding. Bought a sword from me with it…the pouch the money was in had the same symbol on it as the one I found with Peter."

I was utterly nonplussed, nae seein' th' connection. "But why would he'd been payin' 'im? What for?"

"I don't know…not exactly."

"Then what is it ye suppose is th' cause?"

William was wheest for awhile, nae indeed sure 'imself but seemed to have some idea aboot th' reason behind th' secret exchange o' funds atween me suitor 'n' me brother. William lockin' serious gazes wi' me as he replied. "I think…that Peter had something to do with you two meeting on that street that evening. You after all were called away to take him home, and right after…"

"Ye're suggestin' me brother paid those men to attack me?" I stated, in dismay.

"It would explain why McTavish was there in time so conveniently to save you…to impress you."

"Naw…naw, that's nae true."

"Miranda…"

"No! Peter would ne'er do somethin' lik' that…he would…ne'er do that to me. Go plottin' behind me back lik' oor uncle. He wouldn't…."

There was a even longer pause in th' conversation when so stupefied by these abrupt facts concernin' Peter's affiliation wi' Taran (which was much closer from those fleetin' meetings thro' th' Company matters 'n' visits made at th' Swann manor than I'd assumed) I couldn't say anythin' mair to comment. Th' claim o' 'em to have together devised that incident at that alley for Taran to win ower me gratitude by swoopin' in to save me soundin' so ludicrous but equally devious as uncle Cutler's ploys, that for a moment it made me suspect who was I to trust from that moment oan. Nae understandin' why Peter would've agreed to play me lik' a gowk for th' sake o' nothin' but money…Soon me however decidin' nae to believe th' worst o' 'im. Aye, he'd changed to a mair different man this past year, but even so he was still me brother. So even if William was correct 'n' he'd received a payment from Taran to help 'im in gettin' intae me favor, I kenned he must've had his reasons for doin' it. Because what I kenned was that in naw circumstance would he have done it oot o' nothin' but consideration…I suppose.

"You don't have to marry him", William reassured then, bringin' th' fallen silence to an end, noo mair seriously but there was also assurity in his voice. Me lockin' hesitatin' gazes wi 'im 'n' saw 'im smile at me efter goupin' back at me silently. "Beckett may have pledged you for McTavish to claim, with the help of Peter or not, but you are not obligated to grant yourself to him. You can say no. It is your decision to make, not any of theirs."

I smiled back at 'im gently, however then simply turnin' me eyes awa' from 'im nae to let th' emotions get to me too much at th' face o' William's encouragement that made me but delighted. "Aye."

"How did Peter take the news of your engagement?" William inquired then, thoughtful. "I expressed my suspicions about the Scotsman to him, but he didn't seem all that interested."

"Which ye think to prove 'im to have been schemin' th' betrothal right along wi' oor uncle 'n' Taran?" I asked incredulously, in th' end juist sighin'. "He didn't as much as raise his voice to question th' arrangement. Peter's been quite taken wi' uncle Cutler 'n' his enterprises, so I suppose he had also met Taran somewhere afore 'n' regarded me marriage to 'im as rational…"

"Did he?"

"William?" I asked in turn, puzzled by his countenance that had suddenly turned rather deadpan, 'im remainin' lost in thought for quite some time 'til he turned to me again wi' a heidshake. Efter examinin' me for a moment 'im abruptly offerin' me a playful smile as he rose to his feet, takin' me wi' 'im wance I spotted me haun to have still been in his this whole time. For me wonder us noo standin' face to face afore William inclined his heid at me as a means o' a challenge, measurin' me as he neist brought me to a dance pose.

"Dance with me."

"What?" I stated, bemused as was aboot to be led intae an evident waltz by William, 'im simply cockin' his heid amused at me astonishment.

"For old time's sake."

"William…" I stairted, feelin' a flicker o' joy to emerge among th' reluctance as tried to step awa' from 'im afore he could tak' hold o' me waist. Nae feelin' his suggestion to be actually a guid idea in a sense o' me tryin' to get some distance to 'im, 'im however nae seein' it in such wey.

"Come on, Miranda…Let's see what you picked up in those two weeks of dance lessons. Although when you're concerned I wouldn't wait for miracles to have happened", William said, wide grin spreadin' oan his lips due to th' indignation he undoubtedly could see to tak' ower me coupon at th' sound o' his teasin' remark. Me lettin' oot a freish irritated sigh 'til William surprised me by yankin' me straight back to 'im, his features turnin' a bit mair earnest then as he keeked intae me eyes. Takin me haun again persuasively. "Besides you owe me this dance."

I matched his goup for a few seconds as released another sigh, givin' in to his plea due to that jovial freish hint o' a smirk that he conjured upoan aspirin' to convince me to agree. Me in th' end allowin' 'im to wrap an arm aroond me, this time succeedin' in settin' it briefly oan me waist, as he brought me closer, keekin' rather victorious as he kenned me to luv dancin', but also hatin' it due to th' fact that I had ne'er been better than average in it. So to get to test me maist likely nae improved skills noo when he hadn't been able to have this dance at his weddin' seemed to amuse 'im mair than me annoyance, me levelin' a gentle leer at 'im.

"I'm still goin' to trample yer feet to mush for that."

I heard William to let oot a chuckle as we then took a turn durin' th' first steps, efter a brief objection o' me back upoan th' o' me right arm me placin' it behind his shoulder, lik' in any dance lettin' 'im take th' lead. Efter a couple o' minutes in o' oor quiet 'n' calm waltz me breakin' intae a smile.

"Ye've become better."

"I too was forced to take lessons."

"They paid aff."

I then came to remember somethin' that caused me to almost laugh oot lood, William however hearin' th' amused breath that had left me lips 'n' his heid turned towards me questionably, where I soon juist set me jaw oan his shoulder. Wearin'a wide smile. "Remember that time when we sneaked oot to go dancin' 'n' returned nae 'til it was dark?"

"Aye…I was afraid your mother would hit me on the head with a poker when we climbed to your room and found her sitting on your bed in wait for us…She didn't like me much back then, did she?"

We shared a hearty laugh as though back to that night many years ago, me still bein' able to remember me maw's taut visage when she'd caught us sneakin' inside th' manor in middle o' th' night, standin' in front o' us wi' th' said poker in her haun till her strict eyes had turned to William. 'Er shooin' 'im oot o' me room th' poker dangerously hoisted up in th' air afore givin' me an earful aboot decorum 'n' usage o' common sense. Threatenin' to reveal William's late visits to th' Governor if she would find 'im in me company in such an ungodly hour again…but what could've I done then? I was pure young 'n' so much in luv…

"Naw, William. Naw matter what she said or did to suggest otherwise, ye were always dear to 'er. 'N' she luved ye as much as Peter 'n' me to th' day she died."

I could feel William to nod, efter a brief woeful silence 'im respondin' a smile in his voice, me deterrin' a pained wince as his forearm pushed father to wrap aroond me lower back lightly.

"As I did her."

I wasn't given a chance to dedicate a moment o' sad reminiscence to maw, as I abruptly noticed meself to sway when efter even such a long absence I felt lightheaded again first time in an hour, haltin' in middle o' a pace taken to oor left 'n' brought a palm to me heid. William nevertheless nae havin' time to demand what was wrong as we were then both startled apart when we heard th' door o' th' cabin to open. Edward stridin' in but instantly stiffenin' at th' doorwey as his wonderin' eyes set ontae us, William 'n' I steppin' awa' from another as I drew me hauns aff his arms. Offerin' a smile to th' arrived man where he was measurin' th' pair o' us silently, th' odd keek oan his coupon turnin' me in turn baffled as he neist nodded at me quizzically. Tardily foldin' his ain arms.

"Everything alright in here?" he asked remarkably, comin' closer as cast a glance at th' water basin. Perhaps directin' a careful glance towards William but I wasn't sure as his attention was then fully oan me. "The wounds aren't causing ye trouble?"

William was aboot to respond to his question truthfully, but I hurried to answer afore he could reveal th' truth to Edward. Me hatin' to have to lie to 'im too, but lik' I earlier told ye I didn't want to hinder oor plans o' fleein' by lettin' 'em both compel me intae stayin', especially when I kenned Edward to demand it even mair fiercely if he were to learn th' true state o' me health.

"O' coorse. I'm feelin'much better noo, thanks to William", I reassured, exchangin' a brief smile wi' 'im, as Edward's calculatin' gaze moved from roamin' aboot me features (which I prayed nae to appear too feverish for 'im to pick it up, which however was mair than likely taken his experience in treatin' different inflictions) to 'im. His irises then again shiftin' from William to me a few times pensively 'til th' man made a nod, smirkin'.

"Good. We all need to be at our prime if we wish to stand a chance at escaping should some unforeseen developments complicate it…though I have a feeling these might make it a bit easier."

William 'n' I were surprised when Edward noo revealed a set o' keys from his clenched fist, neither o' 'em however bein' th' key to th' Dead Man's Chest, 'n' we keeked to 'im expectant. Edward jinglin' th' keys a wee 'til pushed 'em intae his pocket.

"I managed to swipe them from the First Mate…when ye go to the Captain's cabin for the key tonight I'll slip to the hold to retrieve each of us a weapon. It's no use running without means to protect ourselves if they wouldn't prove to allow us to leave benevolently."

"Agreed", William replied wi' a brisk nod, me followin' suite as me thoughts then instantly moved oan back to th' upcomin' night. Nae helpin' but feelin' a bit anxious, kennin' what Jones was capable o' should oor plan go askew 'n' either he or any o' his crewmen would catch us in th' act. As noo listened to th' two men to go thro' th' details in full me tellin' meself everythin' to go juist smoothly, in fact turnin' quite jovial then within as realized at this time th'morra us to be far from th' Ducthman 'n' its accursed crew, in safety along wi' th' key.

We remained ducked within ' th' entryway to th' gun deck as Mr. Turner was th' first to emerge, checkin' th' main deck for th' possible guards 'til told us to wait for his signal wi' a nod. William, Edward 'n' I peekin' ower th' edge o' th' hatch as neist followed 'im to dauner across th' ship all th' wey to th' quarterdeck where th' current watch was lounchin' at his usual post. As planned Mr. Turner deceivin' 'im to have been ordered to tak' th' navigator's place at th' helm by Captain Jones, th' crewman facin' his fellow sailor in disbelief, his barnacle covered heid twitchin' to th' side juist slightly as he tilted it at th' arrived man. Snarlin' his response at 'im, 'til eventually moved aside efter a brief exchange o' tense gazes 'n' vanished below decks wance Mr. Turner had emphasized th' order to have come straight from their Captain. Us crouchin' oot o' sight as th' crewman ambled past us, me releasin' a relieved sigh as we saw 'im leave. Th' Helmsman seemed to ne'er sleep, so it would've been troublesome should Mr. Turner had nae been able to send 'im awa', because o' remainin' awake at all times it makin' 'im one o' th' maist attentive crewmembers aboard that could've brought oor plan to naught tonight.

Edward 'n' I glanced aboot th' ship to see was there any sign o' other approachin' crewmen when Mr. Turner settled 'imself to th' helm, beckonin' his heid at William to move oot. Me followin' right behind as all three o' us noo crept silently to sight, Edward 'n' I stairtin' to make oor wey towards th' flight o' stairs that would tak' us to th' lazarette, where William instantly darted towards th' Captain's quarters at th' ship's stern.

"Meet you here in five minutes", William whispered, glancin' towards th' longboat that we noticed his father to have stairted to prepare for us as I nodded in understandin', watchin' William to go to th' cabin door. Openin' it juist slightly when I was aboot to go efter Edward who had awready reached th' top o' th' stairs neist to th' vessel's bridge, but I was stopped in middle o' me dauner by Mr. Turner who abruptly signaled me to go back. Me frownin' a wee in bafflement 'til saw Edward to keek towards th' stern, wavin' at me wildly to retreat afore made 'imself scarce, me twirlin' aroond juist in time to see movement at th' left side o' th' ship that was comin' oor wey. Wi' momentarily widened eyes me seein' th' familiar shark heid to appear from th' dark 'n' dashed towards th' Captain's cabin, slippin' inside for th' bemusement o' William juist afore I got spotted by th' First Mate who apparently had decided go to Mr. Turner. Perhaps to demand why there had been a sudden change in th' guardin' duty, me returnin' William quizzical goup wi' a brief frown as he shook his heid at me, me beckonin' ootside.

"Maccus."

There was a fleetin' undertandin' oan William's coupon as he noo also could hear th' rasp o' th' First Mate's voice addressin' his father, me however ignorin' th' voices comin' from behind th' door as me attention was then immediately drawn to th' figure sittin' at th' other side o' th' isle we were standin' oan. Low snorin' emanatin' from th' back o' th' cabin as Captain Jones sat there asleep by th' impressive set o' organs we had been able to hear 'im play oan several occasion while workin'. Th' sight o' th' terrifyin' man even if asleep what else but causin' me to stiffen, me lettin' oot an unnerved breath as William turned to face me again. Bringin' a finger to his lips, which naturally was o' no avail when I wasn't so foolish as to announce oor presence to Jones by screamin' or anythin'.

"Quiet."

I narrowed me eyes a wee at his hushed prompt, kennin' perfectly weel that we couldn't wake Jones at any circumstance or it meant a ticket to th' brig 'n' eternal imprisonment wi'oot a consent or contract to serve needed. Me tiptoein' past 'im as stairted to approach th' asleep Captain from th' left side o' th' cabin wi' owerly careful steps (in fear o' havin' th' boards creak by every pace made to Jones' direction), William closin' in oan 'im from th' right, as I gave th' miscellaneous objects from candlesticks to books a brief glance. Notin' Jones to be a notable admirer o' theater, or at least he had been at some point o' his life that noo couldn't be all that much referred as such. Th' beautiful melody that we'd found to be playin' within th' room intensifyin' th' closer we got, noo so near that I identified th' source o' th' enchantin' music to come from a hert shaped music box that sat oan top o' th' organs. Opened as if to lull th' restless Captain to sleep, 'n' he did seem lik' wakin' up constantly every few minutes. Mutterin' to 'imself afore wance mair fallin' deeper intae his slumber, me cringin' every time I feared his eyes to snap open to catch us hoverin' aroond 'im as William 'n' I noo came to a halt neist to 'im. Me eyes keekin' up to 'im in fright as William accidentally managed to find a spot oan th' rottin' wood that creaked loudly when he set his foot oan his right, 'im lockin' gazes wi' me as I took a wee step back. Only to crash against a desk that I hadn't realized to be so close behind me, William frownin' at me in turn as we followed a stack o' papers to fall to th' floor. Us waitn' for a few seconds 'til we heard yet another deep exhale o' Jones' afore I knelt to gather th' sheets, discoverin 'em to be several drafts o' a play.

I returned th' papers back to their original place wi' a wonderin' countenance till me eyes noo shifted back to Jones, who was slouched forward in his chair, his fish lik' arms restin' in his lap where his jaw had fallen doon to his chest. His uneven breathin' comin' oot as deep gusts as William neist learned doonward gingerly to tak' a closer keek at 'im to mak' sure he was really asleep (provin' me nae to be th' only one whose hert was racin' for th' rush o' adrenaline), me attention momentarily drawin' to th' peculiar locket styled music box that had th' maist uncommon design to it. Decorated wi' nothin' but a shape o' a man's face molded oanto th' metal, me deterrin' an urge to brush me fingers ower it while briefly reflectin' upoan its origin, as noo bent doon meself to see th' spot where th' key was hidden. William levelin' a warnin' keek at me as I lifted a tentative haun to move aside his coat a tad, only to find that th' key was unreachable because o' those nasty tentacles that guarded th' wey inside th' cache within th' Captain's chest. Coverin' it completely 'n' unablin' us to reach for th' key by haun, us exchangin' a chagrined keek 'til I watched William to glance to his right, snatchin' a quill from a nearby ink container.

I pressed a startled haun oan me lips to prevent me from cryin' oot as Abruptly Jones' clawed haun jerked to th' side, me vaultin' back to avoid to be hit to me stomach as clashed wi' th' desk yet again. Th' snort that erupted Jones lips then causin' William to flinch in turn as I met his gaze in fright, closin' me eyes curtly as we were wance mair saved from bein' discovered. Th' Captain nae stirrin awake from his sleep as William proceeded by raisin' th' quill, very slowly inchin' closer to th' asleep Jones efter he'd taken a stave to his other haun. Cleverly but also quite daringly reachin' 'em both towards th' tentacles to move th' squirmin' appendages oot o' th' wey, his eyebrows wrinklin' in concentration as he eventually managed to reveal th' hole. Both o' us seein' th' silhouette o' th' key amongst th' tentacles that wrapped aroond William's utensils as I brought me haun forth again, navigatin' me fingers thro' th' icky limbs to crane 'em to tak' hold o' th' key. But afore I succeeded in recoverin' it William glanced doon at th' cloth that was peekin' from me pocket, it takin' a moment for me to catch up wi' his thoughts as slid th' drawin' oot. Understandin' when William's irises flickered from th' key to th' cloth efter lockin' significant gazes wi' me, me pullin' me haun back to roll up th' cloth to place it in th' key's place.

But it was then when one o' th' tentacles let go o' th' quill 'n' slid doon ontae th' keys o' th' organ, th' rumblin' sound o' th' instrument breakin' th' silence 'n' echoed in th' wee cabin. Me cringin' awa' from Jones as his slumber was naturally disturbed by th' abrupt noise, William stiffenin' to follow wi' a shocked goup th' Captain's heid jerked back 'n' forth in threat o' awakenin'. His knee bumpin' against th' organ so that th' music box was budged from its place, th' music endin' when I juist barely managed to catch th' locket afore it crashed ontae th' floor 'n' woke th' Captain completely. William sendin' me a startled keek as I hurried to open th' musix box 'n' placed it back ontae th' organ juist as Jones' eyes popped open halfwey to fixate ontae th' locket. Me holdin' back me breath 'n' shiftin' me concerned eyes doon to William who was noo in th' line o' Jones sight where I'd succeeded in leapin' behind th' Captain's chair, however regardless o' me fear Jones nae even noticin' William's presence as efter a brief moment o' listenin' to th' melody I'd heard 'im play 'imself many times his eyes closed again. One oppressive moment later us hearin' th' reassurin' snore o' his efter his heid had flopped back doon, William closin' his eyes in relief where I let oot th' breath I'd been holdin' for th' past minute or so. Me instantly resumin' to me previous position 'n' courageously reached towards Jones' chest, wigglin' th' bundle in me haun a bit 'til th' tentacles indeed wrapped aroond it as me free haun was carefully pullin' th' key apart from their hold. Me makin' a half smile wi' William as soon th' key detached from its stash 'n' I straightened, us seein' th' tentacles to pull th' replacement deep back intae Jones chest, as William released th' tentacles from th' utensils to step back 'imself. Us lockin' gazes wi' a deep sigh, 'til I saw William to tip his heid wi' a delighted smirk. We got it.

I'd ne'er felt so relieved than when we were standin' oan th' Dutchman's deck again, oot o' Captain Jones' cabin that durin' those brief minutes we'd spent inside had felt as guid as a prison cell we'd been at risk to end up in. Me wrappin' me fingers aroond th' key William had trusted in me care as followed 'im to th' dinghy Mr. Turner had heaved ower by th' vessel's gunwale efter seemingly succeedin' in sendin' th' First Mate aff wi' a sufficient pretext to give 'im th' time to complete his part o' th' plan. Th' risen fog givin' us th' needed edge to act wi'oot anyone noticin'. Me attention however remainin' at th' key for awhile, as I did stop momentarily to turn it in me hauns, weighin' it in disbelief. I still couldn't believe us to have gotten it, especially when we'd been one too loud breath awa' from wakin' Jones 'n' havin' 'im find us sneakin' aboot his quarters. While wearin' a slight smile noo me trailin' William past th' capstan, who headed straight to his father, his attention aroused by oor approachin' steps 'n' he twirled aroond a haun oan th' hilt o' his weapon in case it was some o' th' crewmen approachin'. 'Im 'n' William facin' one another where I unwrapped a rope from me wrist 'n' instead o' usin' it to its usual purpose o' tyin' me hair, me threadin' it thro' to key. Makin' it wearable 'n' therefore harder to lose, listenin' to th' two men strike up a conversation as placed th' key aroond me neck.

"Now get yourselves to land and stay there", Mr. Turner told his son, me keekin' up to th' man to see 'im hand a knife to William. 'Im acceptin' it wi' an understadin' nod, 'til I could sense 'im to turn rather reluctant to do what we had agreed oan this mornin' when it was his father who demanded th' same. 'Im keekin' up to his father in confusion, apparently quizzical aboot his clear intention to stay aboard th' Dutchman. Mr. Turner exchangin' a short goup wi' 'im till his eyes were cast doon in chagrin. "It was always in my blood to die at sea…but it was not a fate I ever wanted for you."

"It's not a fate you had to choose for yourself either."

I sighed in compassion at William's tense voice as watched 'im noo to unsheathe th' rusted knife wi' a regretful countenance, clearly hesitatin' to abandon his father, when I could tell 'im to feel guilty aboot havin' played a part in doomin' Mr. Turner in service o' Jones by breakin' th' curse o' th' Aztec gold wi' his blood. Wi' their blood, which made it even harder for William to meet wi' his father's eyes then for a moment. Me hert goin' oot to 'im, as even if I had nae come to be as fond o' his father as I was o' 'im, I kenned how much it must've required from William to comply to his father's plead o' leavin' noo when he'd had 'im back in his life for th' first time in years, even as a forever cursed member o' a soul ferryin' crew o' a fabled ship.

"I…I could say that I did what I had to when I left you to go pirating…But it would taste a lie to say it wasn't what I wanted. You owe me nothing, Will", Mr. Turner answered efter searchin' for suitable words to express his regret in that wee time they had, strivin' to relieve William's guilty conscience wi' his delivery that spoke o' his ain responsibility to his actions in which William had no part wi' any o' his ain. His eyes but sincere when they took in William's features, this time me agreein' wi' 'im 'n' even smilin' at th' older man thankfully, as I then saw Edward to appear from th' direction o' th' command bridge. Carryin' a couple o' bags as weel as th' said weapons in his person as he halted, glancin' at his vicinity afore dared to cross th' deck to join us. Handin' me a cutlass 'n' one o' th' bags as William replied then wi' somewhat distressed voice efter his father urged 'im to climb th' boat upoan Edward's arrival.

"They'll know you helped us."

"What more could they do to me?" Mr. Turner remarked with a laugh, smilin' at William confidently, where his gaze was cast doon in freish hesitation. Me thinkin' aboot reachin' oot a haun to tak' hold o' his arm, but William's abrupt act o' straightenin' his back prevented me. Me followin' wi' Edward how he raised th' presented knife remarkably, bringin' it atween 'im 'n' his father 'til keeked intae his eyes but determined.

"I take this with a promise", he said, surprisin' me 'n' I examined his silhouette when his goup wi' his father lasted wi'oot breakin', William liftin' his jaw to stress his followin' words. "I'll find a way to sever Jones' hold on you and not rest until this blade pierces his heart. I will not abandon you…I promise."

They exchanged a candid gaze, where mine fell from William in pity. Me sighin' at his words, sceptical. So in addition to Elizabeth, he noo took upoan 'imself to save his father from this ship? I didn't find much hope in his promise nor could brin' meself to believe in it, but I then remembered William's undisputed luv for his father that hadn't diminished even by th' passed years, 'n' undertood me to say exactly th' same thing if it were me father standin' there in front o' me. Unable to follow me 'n' make up for th' time we'd lost while apart, havin' to be forced to separate again perhaps forever this time. So I sympathized wi' 'im, 'nae blamin' 'im for havin' faith in that promise. If we would only find th' Chest, then perhaps…

But it was then when I came to remember somethin' th' crewman in th' brig had mentioned aboot Jones hert 'n' th' Chest, th' melancholy o' witnessin' William's difficult goodbye wi' Mr. Turner noo turnin' to plain wonder as I thought aboot th' crewmember 'n' what he'd said. Me train o' thought however breakin' as I saw William neist brush past his father wi'oot a word mair, goin' ower to th' longboat 'n' stairted to haul it doon to th' water. Edward followin' suite 'n' joinin' William efter shakin' brief grateful hauns wi' Mr. Turner, th' man in question noo turnin' to me as I approached. Smilin' at 'im politely wi' an ackowledgin' nod.

"Goodbye Mr. Turner."

"I wish you well."

Wi' another nod I also then passed 'im to go to th' rail, havin' nae to aid me companions to lower th' boat as th' two strong men were awready close to ready. Me threadin' th' bag ower me heid as I followed Edward to secure th' dinghy to th' cordage 'til William was th' first to climb doon by th' ladder Edward had brought along from th' hold. 'Im waitin' till I had heaved meself to th' ladders afore handed th' rest o' th' weapons 'n' th' second bag to me. Me droppin' em to awaitin' William afore settlin' to th' boat meself, Edward followin' but a couple o' seconds behind 'n' reeled in th' rope Mr. Turner unfastened th' moment we all were in th' dinghy. Me takin' hold o' th' oar to separate us from th' Dutchman's hull as William's eyes were directed up to his father for th' last time, his clear pain o' leavin' hurtin' me, me claimin' th' other oar as weel durin' his brief daze. Wishin' to give 'im some time to think as turned aroond, to see Mr. Turner wave us farewell as I dipped th' oars intae th' water, takin' th' first stroke (for th' first time in me life thankful that I'd spent all those summer days rowin' aboot th' coast o' Port Royal wi' Elizabeth 'n' me brother in oor childhood even at th' risk o' drownin'.) Us barely hearin' Mr. Turner's voice as it sent a whisper efter oor retreatin' forms.

"Be safe you three."

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:

timorous = shy, skuddy = naked, peedy = small, hurl = lift, gey/pure = very, maw= mum/mother, afore= before, hert= heart, aye= yes, , wee= small/little, awready= already, ken= know, efter= after, doon= down, as weel= as well, goup= stare, wance again/mair= once again/more, 'til= until, likelie= probably, keek= look, ower= over, claes=clothes, aboot= about, streenge= strange, haun= hand, ain= own, oot= out, neist= next, lik'= like, stairt= start, awa'= away, wey= way, wi'oot= without, o' coorse= of course, heid= head, wheesht= quiet, dauner= walk, freish= new, wi'= with, juist= just, doilt=confused, thro'= through, ne'er= never, naw= no, th'morra= tomorrow, tak' = take, coupon= face, face= expression, greet= cry, qowk= fool/daft etc, glaikit= stupid, 'ere= here, aff =off, goup =stare, luv = love

Thanks for reading!