Disclaimer: I own no part of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 6

A Parcel of Rogues

A strong, calloused hand was laid lightly upon my shoulder. Hector's long fingers curled as he grasped my arm and gently shook me awake. "Nina," he murmured.

I reached up, smiling as I touched his hand. This time it was not a dream, and I was not in Amsterdam. Brilliant sunlight flooded the cabin. I blinked, stretched and yawned. "Morning already?"

There was a fresh, delicious crispness in the winter air, and I turned over to face Hector, nestling my face and hands against his chest as he kissed the top of my head. My palms warmed quickly, and I began to draw my hands softly across his skin. "Do you know how much I missed you?" I whispered. "I think I ought to show you."

His breathing grew heavy as I caressed him, nearer and nearer to the place he wished me to touch, but only enough to tantalise him and stir his lust. He tightened his grip on me, and I brought my hand to his loins. He responded with a groan, and I felt a wave of desire race through my veins. Our separation had built up an agony of longing in both of us and the passion of our reunion was deep and urgent. Afterwards as I lay in his arms, I breathed a silent prayer. If only he would join me on the King's errand! If only I would not be obliged to part from him so soon!

He placed his hand on my belly. "Ye had no supper last night, did ye?" Without waiting for an answer, he sat up and took something off a small chest of drawers. "I'll give ye breakfast and a tale concernin' this."

He tossed a very shiny coin onto the bed and I gasped as I picked it up. A beautiful, sparkling gold cob –very fine, and freshly minted! Hector chuckled and left me to dress.

When I joined him, I found toasted bread, cheese, and a large bowl of green apples on the table. A pot of chocolate had been set at my place, whilst a tankard of rum awaited Hector's attentions.

"Some time ago, I had word of a convoy," he told me. "Twas bringin' back trade goods an' treasure t' Spain. Coins, snuffboxes, swords – and four hundred kilos o' gold ore, mined in Peru." His eyes glinted. "A pirate's dream."

He selected an apple and rose from his chair. "We lay by, just off Cayo Hueso. Waitin'." Between bites of apple, he stalked about the cabin, bringing the venture to life with his voice and sweeping gestures. "They sailed right past us, colours flyin', bold as ye like, since there be twenty o' them and only one o' me. Ye should have seen it . . ."

I listened eagerly, picturing Hector, sly as a fox and nothing daunted, waiting for Fortune to turn in his favour.

"We followed 'em," he continued, "And bad weather began t' blow up. The ships started t' make fer shore, but the draft on one of 'em was too deep t' follow the others. We got t' windward of her, an' between the Medusa stealin' her wind and the grapeshot tearin' her canvas t' ribbons, we forced her onto the shoals, an' took her."

How many had he killed? He read the question in my eyes and it seemed to amuse him. "Oh, I spared her crew, lass. There was no call t' be killin' 'em. They did the work o' loadin' her cargo on the Medusa themselves." He laughed. "Then I saw the wind pickin' up, so we left 'em to fate."

The fresh scent of apple was on his breath as he leaned over my chair. "Bein' true t' me merciful nature," he bragged, and kissed me.

I traced his jaw with one finger. "Attacking a treasure fleet at the edge of a storm! Only you would dare such an enterprise!"

"'Tis of little account, sweetheart. I've plundered a thousand ships in me time." There was a sly look in his eyes as he smiled. "But now I mean t' venture on somethin' different." I raised my eyebrows, though I knew what he prize he had sought, ever since the War on Piracy.

"I mean to find the Fountain of Youth," he said, and his face glowed as he spoke of it. "How would ye like t' live forever?"

Unease began to thread its way upward from the pit of my stomach. I could no more speak frankly to Hector than I could to Jack. What reply could I make that would stop him?

"Are you sure it even exists?" I finally said.

"''Tis on Sao Feng's map. Which Sparrow stole from me." He drew his chair close to mine and sat peering into my eyes, resting one arm on the table. "Since he brought ye over on the Pearl, no doubt ye can tell me where 'tis."

He would know in an instant if I deceived him, but evasion might work. I gave him a sad little smile. "My angel," I said, "You know my brother better than that. Do you truly reckon him so dull that he would allow me to see such a treasure? Knowing I was hastening to your side? Knowing the depth of my devotion to you?"

He looked disappointed, but I suddenly saw a way to gain my own ends. "And bringing me over was hardly an act of generosity," I remarked, "Jack did so because he is aiding me in my Messenger duties."

Small sparks of interest glinted in his eyes. "Sparrow's helpin' ye? What did ye offer him?"

"A great deal of money – what else?" I laughed. "I was to exchange a man in my custody to free a prisoner. But the man doesn't wish to be traded and offered a large ransom if I let him go. I mean to take the ransom, and free the prisoner on my own, by breaking him out of the gaol."

It seemed a likely tale. Of course, I had only Maroto's word that these riches existed. But I crawled even further out on a limb.

"Jack will welcome the chance to come at a fortune," I declared. "He hasn't made prize of a treasure ship as you have. By the by," I looked innocently about me, "what did you use to pay for all the work on the Medusa?"

He dismissed my question with a grunt, but I saw I had guessed correctly. Much of the gold from his venture had gone into the ship's improvements. With more encouragement, I could persuade him. I was about to go on, when Ragetti poked his head in the door.

He looked apologetic. "Beg pardon, Cap'n. It's . . ."

"Captain Jack Sparrow," Jack announced, flourishing his hands as he made his way round Ragetti. "Still the happy pair, I see."

He sauntered up to us and dropped a letter on the table. "For you, Hector. Picked it up at The Faithful Bride."

Hector grabbed the letter, opened it and scanned its contents before stuffing it in his coat pocket. For an instant I thought it might be the one I sent from London, but as he put it away, I glimpsed my letter, already stored in the same pocket.

He flashed a sharp look at Jack. "Well, Sparrow. Ready t' give up me map?"

Jack's eyes widened. "What – you've lost the map, Hector? Sounds like carelessness to me, mate." Hector gave him a sour smile, but Jack wasn't finished. "Or is it hard to remember where you left things at your age?"

"I'll take it up with ye later," Hector told him through gritted teeth. "I've no time fer bandyin' words. Ye can match wits with yer namesake." He nodded towards Jack the monkey's perch. "I've business in town."

Thrusting out his chin, he strode past Jack and departed.

As soon as he was gone, Jack cocked his head to one side and smiled knowingly. "Your prisoner wants a word with you, love. Alone. I left 'im waitin' in me quarters."

I gasped. "You've left him with Sao Feng's map?"

Jack looked quite smug as he held one side of his coat open. Sao Feng's map was rolled into a tight cylinder and tucked through his waistband. "Best if I keep it on me at all times."

"You dragged it all round Tortuga with you?" I paused. "Does it work yet?"

"Complications arose and, ah . . . no," he admitted. "Not yet. But I think you'd better see Maroto, darlin'."

An hour later, I was on the Pearl, sitting with Maroto in the captain's day room. He had just finished explaining what was either the most ridiculous or the most brilliant design I had ever heard. "You're joking, Padre – you must be," I kept repeating.

He began to protest, but I stopped him. "You must propose this yourself. I couldn't begin to answer the questions it raises. I shall call a sort of . . . of council, and you can lay it all out there. And there are two ships to be thought of, not one."

"Two ships will be even better," he assured me.

By early evening, I had assembled Jack, Hector, and Maroto in the captain's quarters on the Pearl.

Feeling rather anxious, I thrust my hands into my pockets. "I've called this council because I was ordered to exchange this gentleman, Augustin Maroto, for a prisoner in El Morro." I saw Hector's expression change, but I plunged ahead.

"He has a plan to keep his own liberty and still free the Spanish prisoner, but he needs our help."

The two pirate captains looked wary, but at least they were listening.

"In return, we can gain a great deal of gold – enough to fill both the Pearl and the Medusa."

Hector challenged me. "How?"

"By capturing a great treasure in Havana."

"In Havana?" Hector laughed. "And ye mean t' take a man from El Morro? Ye must suit yerself, madam, but I see ye have knowledge o' neither town nor prison."

His voice became louder as he ticked off each point. "One: El Morro be heavily guarded by troops. Two: the walls be too thick fer cannon fire." He paused for a moment.

Jack put his boots on the table and studied his nails. "Three is next. In case you forgot."

Hector glared at him and resumed his lecture. "Three: the entrance to Havana be guarded on both sides. 'Tis a garrisoned town because of the treasure that passes through it. And four: at sunset each day, a great copper chain be raised across the harbour entrance and no ship can pass 'til sunrise." A condescending smile in my direction.

He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "I care not for foolish ventures. What sane man would think a parcel o' rogues could kidnap a man from El Morro an' plunder Havana?"

"Exactly, Capitan!" Everyone looked at Maroto. "No sane man would think it, and that is why we will succeed."

Hector regarded Maroto from beneath half-closed lids. Curiosity and love of gold were keeping him in his seat for the moment.

Maroto continued respectfully. "What you say is true. Havana is an immense port, and well-guarded. The treasure fleet docks there for repairs before sailing for Spain. Until the ships are ready to depart, all cargo is kept in the storehouses."

Something in his voice suggested to me that he was speaking with first-hand knowledge. "They are always full - there is enough in them to fill a hundred ships." I smiled as Hector and Jack leaned forward. Maroto certainly knew how to talk to pirates.

"We will sail to the harbour entrance and beg for protection from the English."

Jack blinked and held up his hand for Maroto to cease. "From the English, you said? As in, our own country of origin?"

"Yes! Because you are pirates! You fear capture and execution. Tell the alcalde that in return, you agree to be brought to the Catholic faith and to attack English merchants in the name of Spain. He cannot resist poking the eye of the English king, and he will at least consider your offer. We only need a few days." Maroto glanced back and forth at Jack and Hector.

"But for those few days, they will allow you to dock," he said. "And you will be near the storehouses. I can arrange the rest."

There was a moment of silence. I crossed my fingers and hoped they would not reject Maroto's plan outright. I concentrated so intently that Hector's voice startled me when he spoke.

"And the prisoner?" he growled.

"It is impossible to escape from El Morro," Maroto acknowledged. "Therefore, we will make the authorities bring him out for us."

Jack looked at me and pointed to Maroto. "I like him," he declared. "Go on, Padre."

Maroto calmly explained the rest of his extraordinary plan. The moment he finished, everyone started asking questions at once.

Jack waved his hands again for quiet. "So let me get this straight. TWO pirate ships sail into the biggest harbour in the Indies, rob the Spanish king, abduct a state prisoner, and sail out again in broad daylight without firing a shot?"

Maroto and I exchanged glances. "Yes," I said uncertainly.

"Preposterous, outrageous and completely mad!" Jack declared. "I'm in!" He rubbed his hands together, then addressed me in a whisper. "You're sure he's not a pirate, love?"

I looked at Hector. "What say you to joining the venture?"

"Aye," he said, then turned a steely look on Maroto. "And ye'd better be right about the gold."

We had a late supper that night, during which our talk turned to my journey from London. Hector listened intently as I described the strange rider that had followed our coach. "And ye said ye were followed in Tortuga?" he enquired.

"Just my fancy, I'm sure," I replied. Now that I was safe in his company, I was inclined to make light of these little details.

"Any other fancies ye noticed?" He gave me a long look.

"No." All at once, I recalled the ship seen by Elizabeth. But what was so sinister about that? I could not even swear that whatever I had glimpsed from the crow's nest was the same vessel – or even a vessel at all. "No, nothing."

He made no reply, but seemed thoughtful as he took a long drink.

I sat upon his knee, put my arm round his neck and rested my forehead below his chin. "The hour is late," I murmured. "They'll call the middle watch soon. You know what they say, love: early to bed and early to rise-"

"Aye, m' sweet," he said. "But they failed t' specify what happens once yer abed." With a wicked leer, he scooped me up and carried me into our sleeping quarters.

The next morning, we made ready to sail for Havana. Jack had insisted upon transferring all of his passengers to the Medusa and, accordingly, two of the Medusa's four cabins were made ready for Elizabeth and Maroto. "I'm unaccustomed to such a spacious vessel," I told Hector, who flashed a proud grin.

I was pleased to find my duffel bag already in the day room. It had been delivered by Mr Cotton the night before, an hour after Hector and I had retired. Once the crew were all accounted for, we would make sail for Cuba.

Elizabeth boarded the Medusa before Maroto was brought over. "The Pearl is nearly ready to weigh anchor," she announced. "Lazaro Smith only just returned from Tortuga. Drunk and disgusting." She turned to me. "He was babbling about some Spanish woman he met in town. Jack was ready to leave him there."

Hector drew Elizabeth aside for a tête-a-tête, and waved me off. I wondered what they had to discuss that he wished me not to hear. Elizabeth glanced back at me twice as he spoke, then nodded. "Thank ye, Mrs Turner," Hector said with an indulgent smile. He went out on deck and Elizabeth rejoined me.

"I do apologise," she said. "He only wanted to tell me that he has signed on a ship's doctor. He thought it would ease my mind to know."

This didn't seem quite right. There was something he had thanked her for . . . what, exactly? A shadow of my old jealousy flickered, an echo of the time I had stood before King Swann to be ordered about, and Hector had played the role of her loyal lieutenant.

"It's nothing." I smiled. "Pirates are famously rough around the edges." I reminded myself that Elizabeth was wed to William Turner and carrying his child. Her nature was too frank to indulge in intrigue. I resolved to accept her friendship as sincere.

I took her to see her cabin and made sure it was to her liking. "Do you need anything? I'm glad we are getting a doctor – I'm not certain how these things work," I admitted with some nervousness.

"Oh yes, I've still got time before my lying-in," she replied. "I don't intend to be a burden." She laid her hand across her belly where the roundness was becoming visible. "I'll get much bigger than this." For a moment she seemed deep in her own thoughts. "Although . . . I do wish Will could be here."

I didn't doubt her iron will, nor how alone she must feel. "I'm sure he must be counting the hours. And in the meantime, you can rely upon us. You may be among pirates, but we are still your friends."

She thanked me and I went back to Hector's quarters to see what I could learn about the new ship's doctor.

When I walked in, Hector was talking with a man who sat with his back to the door. "Elizabeth says you've signed on a ship's doctor..." My voice trailed off as my eyes fixed on the man's long grey pigtail. He turned around and I gasped.

"Devil take me ef it edn't Wild Nina!" he laughed, rising from his chair.

"Rufus!" I rushed forward and threw my arms around him. "I thought I'd never see you again!" Suddenly I was alarmed. "Is everything well with you?"

"Ais, thank ye, well enough. 'Twur a great joy t' see me dattur and 'ur family." His mouth curved into the broad smile I remembered. "But the sea don't let un go that easy. I couldn't shut me eyes t' the ships in the harbour. Many's the day I diverted meself a-watchin' em' an' guessin' where they be bound." He shook his head. "In the end, Jen says t' me 'Fathur, tes plain the landsman's life don't suit ee. We've t' go to Tortuga an' find ee a berth'. The next thing I knawed, here come Cap'n Barbossa an' phfft! – I be signed on t' the Medusa."

"Ye ain't displeased, I take it," Hector said to me with a wry smile.

I laughed and shook my head. "I'm overjoyed, truly overjoyed."

Indeed, I was quite elated. Matters seemed well in hand, almost too much so. The faintest tingle of apprehension travelled down my back. It reminded me that I had other, clandestine business with Maroto. Now that we had accepted his plan, I might learn more from him.

I made an excuse to look in on him before supper, and found him in a congenial humour.

"Perhaps you could tell me something of the papers stolen from your family?" I suggested. My guilty heart pounded loudly in my ears as I thought of the journal in my duffel.

He nodded. "I began to read them when I was a young boy, just before they were stolen. What I know of the Fountain comes from them," he replied. "You see, there came a day when Ponce de Leon finally realized his madness, though he could not escape it by then. So he wrote everything I have told you, and more, in his journal. Then he made one final voyage, to his wife in San Juan. She was an aged woman by then, and he gave her his writings, charging her to keep them either as the secret legacy of his family, or, if any descendant could find a way to stop it, to do so regardless of the sacrifice required."

He paused for a moment, and I prompted him. "But then you said they were stolen?"

"Yes, they were stolen. I have searched for years, and at last I heard rumours that what I sought was in London. I broke into the house, like a common burglar, but found nothing. Then I was caught, and you know the rest."

"Where were you apprehended?"

"I was taken in Great Burlingham Street at the private residence of Lord Hervey."

This gave me a shock, but a greater one was to come. I kept my face impassive, as if I were still in the card room of The Faithful Bride.

"So you've no idea where the writings are. I shall be happy to help you search. What does this journal look like?"

"Small," he measured a little space with his hands. "The ink is faded and the covers worn. And there is a small map inside the first volume."

Trying not to show surprise, I asked, "I see. So there is more than one volume?"

"There are two, señora." Suddenly I recalled the small volume Defoe had kept for my uncle. I heartily wished I had it now. What had it looked like? Why had I not paid more attention to it?

"But though they are gone, all is not lost." Maroto had mistaken my silence for discouragement. "There is a later map, which the family did not receive – we believe it is with him. It shows the way to the Fountain."

"Then you are searching for his tomb?" I asked, remembering that there are tombs from San Juan all the way to Spain. Every one of them was said to contain the body of Ponce de Leon.

Maroto lowered his eyes and hesitated. When he gave his answer, it was one that made my hair stand on end.

"He has no need of a tomb, señora. He is very much alive."

Next: Chapter 7 – Havana – The Black Pearl and the Medusa sail for Havana, Padre Maroto welcomes two new servants, and Nina comes face-to-face with the Spanish prisoner at last.