Disclaimer: I own no part of Pirates of the Caribbean. Original characters and plots belong to me.

Chapter 10

A Difficult Alliance

"So ye were sent off t' seek wealth beyond yer wildest dreams," Hector said with a dry chuckle. He lounged in his chair with one elbow propped on its arm. "Not plannin' to ransack Havana, were ye?"

I stared blankly at the side of my goblet, tracing its stem with one finger. Was Hector merely aiming an idle joke at Jeremy, or was this a sign that my misgivings were warranted? I wondered how much malice might simmer beneath his remarks.

Jeremy responded with a polite laugh. "Far from it, Captain. But I'm not at liberty to say more."

"No matter. I only wondered how a King's agent ended up in El Morro, needin' a pirate ship t' get him out," Hector regarded him with an ill-concealed smirk.

Jeremy's features softened into a regretful smile. "I can only say that I was acting in service to my country, and it could not be avoided."

"I'm sure ye did the best ye could," Hector replied, in a smug tone that set my teeth on edge. "As it happens, success crowned me own venture there."

"I'm sure success is no stranger to you, Captain," Jeremy replied graciously.

Hector lifted his chin and puffed out his chest. "'Tis me constant companion."

His remarks were not sitting well with me, but my best hope of avoiding a quarrel was to keep my mouth shut. Annoyed, I stirred the mashed turnips on my plate. Hector was master of a fine ship laden with gold, whilst Jeremy sat before us in rags, recently rescued from prison. Why did Hector persist in lording it over him?

Not discomfited in the slightest, Jeremy turned an appreciative eye towards me. "I see you've found a skilled, experienced ally, Nina dear. Well done!" He raised his glass, gazing at me just slightly longer than necessary.

I prayed he did not notice Hector's possessive, disapproving look, but I knew Jeremy was as sharp-eyed as he was astute. I was certain he had been studying Hector's attitude towards me all evening. There was no doubt that this compliment was intended as a test.

"You credit my judgement too much," I answered. "I hope that in time, it may not be flattery when said to me, but at present, I pray you will spare my blushes and divert us with more of your wonderful stories."

To my relief, the verbal jousting proceeded no further, and Jeremy's conversation turned again to chit-chat freighted with the flattery and barbed wit that mark fashionable discourse. Rufus, Elizabeth and I made conventional replies, whilst Hector maintained an air of supreme self-assurance. Behind his satisfied, lynx-like smile, however, he seemed quite watchful.

When we had eaten, Jeremy drew back my chair with the casual grace of one long accustomed to keeping good company. He offered me his arm, and we followed Rufus and Elizabeth to the door.

"Oh, Miss Bitter!" came Hector's voice, easy and velvety. "A word with ye."

"Of course, Captain." I turned back as Jeremy hesitated.

"A private word." He gave us a broad, obliging smile. "If ye please."

Jeremy's expression did not change, but his speculative gaze moved from Hector, across the captain's day room, and finally to me. I answered his questioning look with a nod, and he departed.

Hector waved me to my chair, still smiling, though the rest of his expression was all business. "I see Mr Norrington finds ye much to his likin'," he said.

Then he leaned forward and rested his forearm on the table, holding his palm out to me. I took his hand and his fingers caressed my wrist. As we gazed at each other, he said, "What's done is done, but I expect ye t' keep no more secrets from me."

The earnestness in his sharp blue eyes was warm and compelling, mesmerising me until I could think of nothing but the tender affection that bound us together.

"No more secrets," I repeated, and the phrase echoed in the chambers of my heart. I was fortunate indeed, to have such a strong, bold adventurer for my most intimate friend. Pledged to each other, keeping nothing back – that was how it should be. The right thing to do was to make a clean breast of it and tell him all the things I had learned from Maroto. There would be no more secrets.

I edged forward in my seat, and smoothed the whiskers at the side of his face. Our lips were inches apart, when he remarked, "And when we reach Tortuga, I'm inclined to let him find his own ship. I have me own business to attend to."

"I understand." We were nose to nose now, my fingers brushing strands of hair back from his face. "What business do you need to attend to, love? A new venture you have in hand?"

He set his jaw at a determined angle. "I mean to find the Fountain, with or without Sao Feng's map." He drew back, awaiting my response.

My pulse jumped. "Ahhh. I see." I nodded and lowered my eyelids to conceal my alarm.

And to think I had been on the point of telling him all I knew about the Fountain! Hector wouldn't have given my warning a moment's thought – in fact, he would have exploited whatever I shared in order to reach the Fountain with all possible speed.

Needing time to think, I searched for a suitable reply. As the seconds ticked by, we slowly drew back from each other and our mood of intimacy silently faded.

"You are a Pirate Lord and the master of the Medusa," I said at last, trying to smile. "You answer to no one but yourself. Unfortunately, I am still a King's Messenger, and my orders are to help Jeremy re-capture his ship. I can't consider another venture until that is settled."

There was a hint of disappointment in his face, but his expression quickly hardened. "Ye must do as ye please, then," he replied with sudden coolness, and released my hand. "Ye'd best get t' yer cabin, if ye don't want t' make yer friend suspicious. We don't want him t' know yer wed, do we?"

I shook my head. No, we did not want Jeremy to know.

Dismissed, I wandered out to the main deck in a very low state. If only I could have clasped his hand, made him understand that I had reasons for what I did, unspoken reasons that were firmly rooted in my love for him. I sighed. Unspoken reasons. Just another name for secrets.

I had made a promise and broken it, all within a few moments. What sort of deceitful person had I become? He was right to distrust me. I knew things about the Fountain that I would not share with him, now or ever.

Instead of returning to my cabin, I made my way slowly along the larboard rail, hoping the beauty of the stars and the soft rushing of the night wind would pacify my spirit and ease my remorse.

The deck was nearly deserted, and the few men who were on duty went about their work quietly. We all moved as if we were sleepwalkers, called forth from our beds by the lustre of the tropical moon. I moved forward, almost to the forecastle, then stopped and glanced behind me. I entertained a momentary hope that I might see Hector coming after me; but I was quite alone. As I looked towards the ship's stern, I felt the breeze full on my face and remembered that we were still running before the wind.

I have always thought of running as the most deceptive point of sail. The ship feels as if she is moving slowly, because she travels with the motion of the waves. In truth, she "runs" at her greatest speed, because the sea does not resist her.

But running is, by far, the most precarious manoeuvre. The waters seem calmer than they are, and the sea state ahead is hidden from the helmsman's view. One small misjudgement, and the ship can veer off course and even broach.

Nothing is as it seems—not the wind, nor the water, nor the way ahead.

I shut my eyes and exhaled, praying that I could protect Jack and Hector from the Fountain without causing some unforeseen disaster.

And I had just had a narrow escape. It would have been folly to confide in Hector. When it came to the cursed Fountain, I couldn't trust him any more than I could trust Jack.

Some distance off to larboard, I noticed the Pearl, running almost abeam of us, her black sails silhouetted against the Milky Way. I looked up and took a sharp breath. The constellation Orion could be seen, just over the Pearl'smainmast. A dark sense of foreboding returned from deep in my memory, and bound my heart with long, silky threads.

I held tight to the railing. Sleep had no appeal for me now – I dreaded finding Orion and his dog waiting in my dreams, crying Danger, danger! But what was the danger? Whence did it come?

Looking astern once more, I could see no light under the doors to the captain's quarters; Hector had likely retired for what remained of the night. I left the deck and quietly entered the day room. Hector's soft snores grew louder as I stole into our private cabin.

I could dimly make out his sleeping form, lying on the bed at an angle, tangled in the bedsheets. I sat on the edge of the bed, and he stirred, surprised to see me. Before he could speak, I slipped into the bed with him, and wrapped my arms tightly about his waist.

He was warm and full of sleep, and he gathered me in, holding me close.

"I don't care if the world finds out we're wed," I whispered. "I needyou so . . ." I kissed his collarbone.

He helped me pull off my clothes, and I pressed my body against his, from neck to knees, unwilling to allow the tiniest amount of space between us.

He rubbed his hands across my back, pushing gently against the side of my face with his nose and mouth. "I like the way ye do that," he murmured in my ear. I looked at him quizzically. "The way ye keep tryin' to get closer," he added. He cupped my chin with his hand and kissed me, forcing my lips apart with his tongue. Desire swept over me like flames through a parched forest, and I groaned loudly.

"Hush," he said quickly, and covered my mouth with his hand. He rolled my trembling body onto my back, and settled on top of me. I closed my eyes and let myself be carried away as he began rocking me with slow, heavy thrusts. Even at the peak of our lovemaking, I stifled my urge to cry out, gripping him violently as my muscles tightened. When all was accomplished, he settled me against his side, one arm around my shoulders.

"This be where I want t' find ye," he said, giving me a squeeze. "Not fritterin' yer time away at court."

"Oh, Hector . . ." Did he consider my escape from Newgate to be "frittering"? But perhaps, in a larger sense, he was right. I belonged here, not at court.

I tenderly brushed the back of my hand across the patch of wiry hair on his chest. "When I've discharged my orders, I won't need to return to London. Not until I'm summoned, at least."

After a moment, he spoke in a low, raspy whisper. "When be it your intention t' stop yer royal errands an' join in me ventures?"

The words hit me like a quick jab to the stomach. I had no answer – what with my own venture, and fretting over the Fountain, my mind had been fully occupied. I tried to make light of his question. "As though you would need my help in any of your ventures! What ever would I do – keep the books?"

"I could use a good purser."

I laughed under my breath, but I was shocked that he could take me seriously. "Do pirate ships have pursers?"

"I mean t' have one." He turned on his side so we were face to face. "Might as well be ye."

I felt as though a net were slowly being drawn closed, and I looked for an escape. "I don't think it would suit me. I'm dreadful at sums."

"Ye'd be paid."

The darkness hid my smile. Oh, yes, I would be "paid" in the sense that Hector could keep more plunder by claiming an extra share for me.

"I can make more as a Messenger." And it would be my own.

"If that's yer choice, then so be it." He withdrew his arm, and turned away from me, adding, "I advise ye t' dress yerself an' be in yer own berth before they call the next watch, Miss Bitter."

So much for diplomacy; now he was well and truly offended. I lay against his back, aching to make amends with hours of kisses and caresses, but it was too late. He had retreated into the brusque and dismissive humour that he always showed the world.

I finally rose from bed, reluctantly pulling on my clothes as he settled into sleep. The best I could hope for was that the remainder of the voyage would pass without incident, and I could make it all up to him once we reached Tortuga.

The wool mattress in my berth felt inflexible and itchy that night. I tossed and turned for ages before weariness carried me off but, once asleep, no dream of Orion troubled me.

-o-

When I emerged from my cabin that morning, I found Jeremy pacing about the main deck. "I'm glad to see you're on the mend," I said as I joined him.

The corners of his mouth widened into a smile, and I tried not to stare. It was a marvel to me how he could be so like his brother in looks and voice, yet so opposite in character.

"I haven't properly thanked you for all you've done," he said. "But I intend to see to it that you receive a generous reward from my superior."

"From King George?" I was sceptical. No one ever hoped for a generous reward from the royal skinflint.

He raised his brows. "Why, no, my dear. My superior is Lord Hervey and none other. I assumed you knew."

At that moment, I heard Hector on the quarterdeck, shouting orders for more sail.

"Does he always call his own orders?" asked Jeremy lightly.

Off-guard and distracted, I let the words tumble out. "Hardly ever. He usually has the bo'sun do it. I suppose he's keen to make port."

Then I quickly added, "As far as I know, of course."

But I was mortified by my lack of discretion. If I didn't watch my words, Jeremy would piece things together and discover everything, up to and including my marriage. I resolved to detach myself from Hector and play the role of disinterested party to the hilt.

"Good mornin', Miss Bitter, Mr Norrington!" I looked up to see Hector calling down to both of us.

I nodded formally to him, and turned away, head held high. With great relief, I spied Rufus near the hatchway. "Do excuse me," I said to Jeremy, and hastened off to speak with my old friend.

Rufus watched me hurry towards him. "Been 'aving a row?" he asked with a grin.

"Worse," I said. "I've not been cautious enough, and I feel as though Mr Norrington has my marital status under a microscope."

Rufus suddenly beamed. "As ye brought up microscopes, it seems t' me this be a fine time t' show ye me new surgery. 'Tes a reg'lar St Barts, though some o' me patients be better suited t' Bedlam." He laughed at his own joke and took me below deck to his surgery.

It was small but well-appointed, with room for all manner of instruments to hang upon the wall or be stored in cases, and a sturdy wooden table, long enough to accommodate a tall man. We sat face to face on two chairs that were intended to allow Rufus to perform operations on the skull or face whilst the sufferer was seated directly in front of him.

He poured out two drinks, and after expressing pride in his new surgery, took up the subject of our guest.

"Ee seems a well-spoke enough gent," he mused, swirling the rum in his mug. "But perhaps . . . a bit too inclined t' seek 'is own advantage?" He glanced at me quickly out of the corner of his eye.

"Impeccable judgement as usual, Rufus," I replied. "You must be wise as Solomon. His own brother was never easy around him. For my part, I shall be delighted to send him on his way. I hope we hear news of his ship in Tortuga."

"There always be news in Tortuga. 'Tes down t' which be truth and which be lies," he said, looking pensive. "Take me last visit. Many were swearin' that Blackbeard was dead – killed by Maynard's men, off the coast o' Carolina." He shrugged. "Tes feasible."

He studied his drink for a moment. "But others said Blackbeard come back t' life. Come back an' swimmed in circles about his ship. Mortal strange, sez I." He shook his head, the corners of his mouth arcing down. "If ye believe all ye hear in Tortuga, ye'll be seein' bogles in every shadow."

This made me recall Ponce de Leon. It seemed I had discovered a bogle without any help from Tortuga. I hesitated a moment, then asked, "Have you ever heard tales of the Fountain of Youth?"

"'A course I 'ave. 'Tes a legend that's been around since long before my time. Seems t' me I heared it called the sumpthin' o' Darkened Souls long ago, though why 'twould be, I couldn't tell ye. Never caught me fancy, livin' forever. Seems like meddlin' wi' things." He gave me a piercing look from under his straight grey brows. ""Not tryin' t' get t' the Fountain, I hope?"

"No." At least this was the truth. "I'm pretty sure I wouldn't care for it at all." I took a last swig of rum. "Now let's have a look at those bullet extractors you spoke of."

-o-

Supper that night commenced with an announcement from Jeremy.

"I wish to apologise to the ladies for my, ah, déshabillé," he said to everyone. "I should have done so last evening." He managed to look embarrassed of his own appearance in a way that still conveyed genteel tolerance towards the humble attire of everyone else present.

"When we reach Tortuga, I shall lose no time in shedding my prisoner's garb for more presentable clothes." Then he fixed his hazel eyes upon me in a way that made my heart jump a bit, so closely did he resemble James. "In fact, Nina, I should greatly value a woman's opinion, if you would be so kind."

There didn't seem to be any harm in granting his request. I shrugged. "If you like, although I fear I'm very backward when it comes to fashion."

"Then it's settled!" He smiled at me, but I thought he was also keeping a sly watch on Hector. "You'll accompany me to the tailor's shop and help me choose."

A visit to the tailor was not what I had bargained for. Still, I hesitated to object. What reason could I give that would not be as obvious as producing a record of my marriage? And so I smiled and replied, "Of course," and avoided looking at Hector.

The remainder of our voyage was just as intolerable to me. Each supper discomfited me more than the one preceding it, and I spent most of my time walking the decks, sunk in my misery and insensible to the mild spring air.

Wariness prevented me from venturing another secret rendezvous with Hector, and so no private word was able to pass between us. I was lonely even in his presence, haunted by the fear that I might inadvertently betray myself to Jeremy.

After five days that felt like an eternity, our ships at last reached the Tortuga road. Exhilarated and impatient, I was like a prisoner who has served his term, and waits only to hear the key unlock his cell for the last time. Soon Jeremy would take his leave! My promise to go with him to the tailor seemed far less of a burden now that the end of my assignment was in sight.

As we were setting our anchors, a longboat was rowed over from thePearl and, moments later, Jack appeared on our deck. He sauntered over to me and drew me out of earshot from everyone else.

"Right, darlin', I'll have me compass back now, if you wouldn't mind." He held out his hand and I surrendered it at once.

He held it up for a moment. "You shouldn't play games with this, love. It could save your life some fine day."

"I'm sorry, Jack. You did promise to help with my errand, and I thought this might help you, umm, make the right decision." I looked abashed, and he grinned.

"Ah, that's alright love. You couldn't help taking it – you come by it naturally. Runs in the family, savvy?" He patted my cheek.

Then he spied Jeremy at the other end of the deck and his kohl-rimmed eyes grew round with surprise. "Bloody hell, looks just like 'im," he said nervously.

"They weren't on good terms. He seems quite ready to do business with pirates, and he blames Beckett for, for—well, you know." I looked away from Jack quickly.

Even though more than a year had passed, I still found it difficult to say the words, James' murder. I wondered if Davy Jones had asked him the fatal question: do you fear death? I knew what his answer would have been.

Brave and true to the last, that was James Norrington.

Next: Chapter 11 - The Gathering Storm - Jeremy learns the fate of the Berwick, and Nina discovers more about his mission, while her own situation takes a turn for the worse.