Birds of a Feather
The Curse of the Black Pearl
Chapter Two
An Exciting Afternoon
Elizabeth Swann's afternoon had been anything but exciting. As usual, she was forced to attend a boring, formal occasion that lasted far longer than necessary. She understood that Norrington was a skilled sailor, but three hours for someone to publically announce that he now was in charge of multiple ships seemed ridiculous. Sure he had demonstrated his fencing skills with the new sword presented to him, but when the Caribbean sun was beating down hard and Elizabeth was wearing a dress that felt ten pounds too heavy and ten inches too tight, she couldn't care less.
She took pleasure out of knowing her cousin hated the ceremony as much as her. Philip shifted his weight on the balls of his feet, pulling at his collar during the service while occasionally glancing up at the sun like he was angry at it for doing its job. Elizabeth could see his internal battle as Philip constantly looked down at the bible on his belt. She had no doubt that if it wasn't considered rude, Philip would have just read it during the ceremony.
It was on days like this that Elizabeth wondered how her father could bear it. He was almost as heavily clad as she was, and he had to wear his wig on top of it.
Of course when the ceremony did end, then came the reception and suddenly Elizabeth missed the ceremony. Suitor after suitor asked Elizabeth to dance, to get refreshments with them, to discuss Norrington and the ceremony, or to just socialize with them in some form. Clearly none of them could tell as she fluttered her fan ever faster that all she wanted to do was sit in the shade and remove the accursed corset.
"Are you doing alright?" Philip asked as he danced with Elizabeth to the envy of many a gentleman in attendance. "You look like you're about to drop."
"It's this bloody corset," Elizabeth grumbled low enough so her father didn't hear. She looked especially pale as Philip spun her around in time with a dozen other couples, "Honestly if men are so concerned about thin waists being attractive, they should wear the corsets."
Philip laughed and shook his head.
Elizabeth was thankful that Philip was there to fend off her suitors. Someone asked her to dance? Philip would swoop in claiming she had already promised him the next one. Someone asked her to get refreshments? Philip would magically appear with ones already. Someone wanted to talk about Norrington or the ceremony? Philip would eagerly join the conversation and bring it to a grinding halt when he constantly made the suitor explain the simplest things. Philip drove away the last one when he pretended to just simply not grasp the concept of what exactly a Commodore was.
And if a suitor just didn't give up? Philip would start talking about religion. Usually the suitor would suddenly find he had something else to do and depart swiftly. Sometimes they wouldn't even bother with an excuse before they ran. It bugged Philip that people showed such a disdain for the word of the Lord, but at least it worked.
It was a system the cousins had used for years, and it went both ways. Elizabeth was more than happy to help when one of Philip's admirers got overzealous. And as the rich and handsome nephew of the Governor of Port Royal, boy did some of them get overzealous.
The closeness of the cousins was a widely known fact in Port Royal. In fact, they were so close that some townsfolk had come up with the rumour that Philip intended to marry Elizabeth, as this was a time where cousin marriage wasn't exactly frowned upon. However, the cousins had laughed so hysterically upon hearing the rumour that the suspicions were quickly dispelled.
Yes, Elizabeth dearly loved Philip, but never in that way. Philip was her cousin by blood, but her brother by heart. Of course, Elizabeth would fiercely assess any woman who tried to become romantic with Philip. It would take a very special person to receive the blessing of Elizabeth Swann.
But at the end of the day, Elizabeth knew exactly how Philip's life would turn out. As much as he claimed to desire adventure, Elizabeth recognized that it was a passion that would fizzle out. Philip would play missionary for two or three years, and then realize that wasn't the life he wanted. He would live the fantasy of playacting his father, and then return to Port Royal with no regrets. Philip would find a pure, pretty, demure girl to become his wife. She would probably be petite, blonde, and named something like Hannah or Abigail. Philip would become Port Royal's Pastor and settle in a small cottage overlooking a cliff.
And he would probably raise a few sheep... Elizabeth had actually put money on that with Lieutenant Groves.
No, Philip's future was as predictable as her own. Someday soon, one of the suitors would actually work up the nerve to propose to Elizabeth. She'd be reluctant and stall as long as possible. Philip would head off to his mission and leave Elizabeth defenceless. After months of her father's insistence and Philip's absence, Elizabeth would crack and say yes. Then she would spend the rest of her life trapped in a loveless marriage and never going on the adventures at sea she so desired.
Elizabeth just prayed that such a day was far off.
"Pardon me," Norrington interrupted Elizabeth as her dance with Philip came to an end. The Commodore looked both nervous and confident as he extended an arm to Elizabeth. "May I have a moment?"
Elizabeth shot a look to Philip that clearly read, 'help me.'
He hesitated for a second, but felt Weatherby Swann's eyes on them. Philip knew that Elizabeth would reject the Commodore, so he might as well let the get it over with rather that have it happen and have his uncle lecture him later that night.
He smiled apologetically at Elizabeth, and she glared daggers at him.
"Of course," Elizabeth took Norrington's arm, putting on her all too familiar societal pleasantries mask.
As Norrington led Elizabeth off, Philip couldn't help but trail them at a distance. When Elizabeth and Norrington passed through the archway leading to the fort's bell, Philip lingered behind a pillar to watch. He was torn between hoping the rejection would be humorous and the fear that Norrington wouldn't take it well. Not that Norrington wasn't an honourable man and if he wasn't, he certainly wouldn't attempt anything at such a public event.
Philip was caught up watching as Norrington began speaking about his promotion, when a hand clasped his shoulder. Philip nearly jumped a foot in the air.
"Maybe you should leave them be," Weatherby chuckled at his startled nephew. "I know it's a big moment in Elizabeth's life, but there are some things that should stay private."
"I much agree uncle," Philip replied when his heart rate had returned to normal. He side eyed his cousin and the Commodore, looking for some excuse to stay. "However, Elizabeth was complaining about feeling light-headed, and I wanted to make sure she didn't fall down. She is standing on the edge of a cliff after all."
Weatherby chuckled, "Oh, Philip. You have your mother's imagination. I suppose if the Commodore has elected to do this in such a public venue, he should expect some eyes turned on them. Just promise me you won't interfere."
"I promise."
Philip gave a sigh of relief as his uncle walked away. The minister-to-be chuckled as he glanced at Elizabeth. Sure, the dress was tight, the sun was hot, and her fan was beating ever harder, but Philip knew Elizabeth wasn't about to fall off a cliff.
So he was greatly surprised when she did.
Philip's jaw dropped as his heartbeat stopped. He was frozen with shock. Had Elizabeth truly gone over the cliff?
Norrington said nothing because he had yet to notice. The Commodore's back had been turned when Elizabeth fell.
Philip could think of no words, only one action.
Save Elizabeth.
Philip bolted, tearing rudely through the startled crowd, thinking only of his cousin drifting to the ocean floor. The governor's nephew running through the reception like a madman caught everyone's attention, and started a commotion.
As he reached the exit, someone roughly grabbed his shoulder and yanked him to a stop.
"Philip!" Weatherby exclaimed, looking rather red from chasing after his nephew. "What is going on?"
"Elizabeth... Cliff... Fell!" Philip panted, unable to think of any other words.
"Philip, relax. I think you've had too much sun. Come. Let's getting you in the shade, and get you a cool drink."
"No!" Philip jerked out of his uncle's grasp. "Elizabeth went over the cliff!"
Weatherby shook his head, "Philip, Elizabeth didn't-"
"ELIZABETH!" came Norrington's roar.
As Weatherby's attention was drawn in horrified disbelief to where his daughter had previously stood, Philip escaped.
Philip ran faster than he thought himself capable. Muttering words to the Lord, he prayed that God's plan for Elizabeth was not about to come to an end. Philip knew that the docks weren't as well guarded as usual due to the ceremony. It was also common knowledge that many naval officers in Port Royal didn't know how to swim. There was a very real possibility that no one could save his cousin. Even at that moment Elizabeth could very well be dead, but still Philip ran.
Reaching the dock, Philip didn't think as he began stripping his clothes. He tossed aside his belt containing sword and bible. His hat went clattering at the feet of the two naval officers yelling something to him. Philip yanked off his jacket, ripping off a few buttons in the process. He barely noticed when a huge ripple jutted through the water and the wind began to blow oddly.
Philip didn't think; he just dove into the water.
The second he hit the cold ocean water, an eccentric looking man surfaced with Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth!" Philip cried out, swimming over to meet them.
For a moment Elizabeth and the man went back under. When they came back up Elizabeth was in only her underclothes, and the grand dress Weatherby had spent a fortune on was sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
"Oi!" the eccentric man called as he struggled to balance Elizabeth and paddle toward the dock. "Help me get her on deck!"
Reaching the man, Philip helped shoulder Elizabeth and tow her to the dock. The two men lifted her onto the planks, and Philip pulled himself onto the deck beside her.
"Elizabeth," Philip whispered helplessly at her side, his hands tenderly holding her face. He had never seen his cousin so pale and still. He never imagined Elizabeth Swann ever being described as still. "Come on. You're alright. Please, God, let her be alright. Merciful Lord, do not take her away from me."
"She's not breathing!" one of the officers pulled Elizabeth's hair out of her face.
Tears shook in Philip's eyes as he bowed his forehead to Elizabeth's and whispered desperate prayers to God to save his more sister than cousin.
"Move!" the eccentric man forced his way between the officers to get to Elizabeth. He considered shoving Philip aside, but the man could see how desperate the boy was, bent forward, clutching her head to his and saying pleas to the Lord Almighty like Gibbs did whenever faced with certain death. The boy wasn't in the way, so the man let him be.
The man pulled out a knife, and before anyone could stop him, ripped the blade through Elizabeth's expensive corset. The puritan part of Philip struggled not to tackle the man for such an obscene action. However, joy overtook Philip when Elizabeth gasped, coughing the water out of her lungs.
Any angry words were quickly replaced by glories to the Lord God for his mercy.
"It's alright," Philip happily held his cousin's face as she regained her breath. He would praise the Lord exceptionally that night for his blessings. "It's alright, Elizabeth. I'm here. You're safe. Oh, thank you, Lord. Thank you for saving Elizabeth."
"Philip?" she moaned, trying to make sense of the world. She smiled weakly as her cousin's face came into focus above her. Nothing would have made her happier in that moment than to see Philip's joyous face in that moment.
Well… maybe if it Will Turner there instead.
"Where did you get that?" an unfamiliar voice asked.
It was an odd looking man with suntanned skin, kohl caked around his eyes, and dirty black hair filled with charms and covered by a red bandana. He held the gold medallion she stole from Will Turner all those years ago looking utterly flabbergasted.
Philip frowned at the strange piece of jewelry his cousin was wearing. He very much too would have liked to know where she had gotten a large, gold, Aztec looking medallion bearing a skull. And more importantly, Philip wanted to know why so had such heathenish jewelry.
Lord help him if it had been a gift from his mother.
But Philip would not get his answer at that time, for that was the moment Norrington, Weatherby, and nearly half the naval officers of Port Royal arrived at the dock.
Without a second's hesitation, Norrington pointed his sword at the eccentric man and ordered, "On your feet."
As the man slowly rose to his feet, Philip pulled Elizabeth to hers, hugging her tight. She hastily stuffed the medallion down the neckline of her undergarments.
"Later," she murmured as Weatherby came running up to his children.
Philip nodded, and he and Elizabeth were pulled into Weatherby's embrace.
"Are you alright?" Weatherby pulled off his jacket and covered Elizabeth's indecent state.
"She's fine, Uncle," Philip hugged Elizabeth shoulders tight. As confused as Philip was about the medallion, he was still happy she was alive.
Weatherby caught sight of the naval officer holding Elizabeth's corset. The officer looked shocked as his situation registered in his mind and quickly pointed to the eccentric man.
"Shoot him!" Weatherby ordered.
"Uncle!" Philip chastised, ready with a lecture about sin and loving thy neighbour.
"Father!" Elizabeth cut Philip off before he could start.
"What?" Weatherby directed his question to Elizabeth, knowing full well his nephew was prepared to respond with an hour long sermon. While he certainly loved the Lord God, his sister had been the religious fanatic. He did not enjoy dropping biblical references left, right, and center like his sister, and Nathaniel's tendency to evangelize with any question asked of him was probably the only thing Weatherby disliked about his brother-in-law.
"Commodore," Elizabeth turned to Norrington while she pulled her father's jacket around her tight. "Do you really intend to kill my rescuer?"
Norrington glanced at Philip, "Of course not. Mister Swift is an upstanding young gentleman."
"I believe she means me, Mate," the eccentric man said. "The lass' beau was nothing more than a glorified tow line."
"Cousin, actually," Philip corrected. "Elizabeth's my cousin."
"My mistake, Lad," the eccentric man bowed his head. He looked to Norrington, "Now where's my thanks?"
Reluctantly, Norrington sheathed his sword and extended his hand, "I believe you are due."
Hesitantly, the man reached out to take Norrington's hand. He was right to hesitate, for the second their hands grasped, Norrington wrenched the man's arm forward, and yanked up his sleeve to reveal a brand in the shape of a P.
"Had a brush with the East India Trading Company, did we, pirate?" Norrington shot.
At Norrington's revelation, Philip didn't know what he should focus on. At the mention of the EITC, Philip heard his uncle shudder. At the mention of the word pirate, Elizabeth brightened up. Neither thing meant any good.
"Hang him," Weatherby simply said. Most likely as a reaction of not wanting Cutler Beckett to get involved in any of this.
Or seeing Cutler Beckett in general.
His uncle, Philip decided. He would focus on his uncle.
"Keep your guns on him, Men," Norrington ordered and the officers secured their weapons on him. "Gillette, fetch some irons."
"Uncle," Philip implored as Gillette ran off, "please listen. He saved Elizabeth."
"That doesn't absolve him of his crimes." Norrington pulled up the pirate's sleeve further to reveal a tattoo of a bird flying above the water at sunset, "Well, well. Jack Sparrow, isn't it?"
Philip and Elizabeth shared a quick look.
"Jack Sparrow?" Elizabeth whispered, knowing her cousin would recognize it.
Philip couldn't believe that it was the Jack Sparrow standing before them. Sparrow had been one of the pirates his mother shared stories of with himself and Elizabeth. In fact, it seemed the majority of Rebecca Swift's pirates stories were centered around Sparrow. When Elizabeth was younger and more naïve, she had claimed to have wanted to meet him. Now that she actually had the chance, Philip knew she was not as elated as younger Elizabeth would have expected.
…Or at least, Philip hoped she wasn't elated.
"Captain Jack Sparrow," Jack corrected, "if you please, Sir."
Norrington arched a brow, "Well, I don't see your ship, Captain."
"Philip," Weatherby whispered.
Philip looked up, wondering when his uncle had managed to sneak up on him. There was disapproving look on his uncle's face... Though that might have just been from the mention of the East India Trading Company.
"Your possessions," Weatherby nodded down the dock where the trail of his disrobing lay.
Philip nodded and rubbed Elizabeth's shoulder before darting off.
As Sparrow and Norrington bantered about the pirate's effects, Philip collected his own. He winced as he picked up his bible. How could he have so carelessly thrown aside his beloved father's bible? Even if it was to save Elizabeth.
"Pirate or not, this man saved my life," Elizabeth said as Gillette returned to bind Sparrow in irons.
Collecting his last item – the sword belt – Philip rose and tied it around his waist as he observed the scene. He noted with disapproval that Elizabeth had shed her father's jacket and was now parading around the dock uncaringly in her undergarments.
Weatherby didn't look thrilled at that development either.
"One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness," Norrington replied to Elizabeth, respectfully ignoring the fact she was so improperly covered.
"Though it seems enough to condemn him," Jack pointed out.
"Indeed," Norrington shot the pirate a look.
Feeling sympathetic to Sparrow's cause, Philip began flipping through his bible to mount a defense on behalf of the pirate. As much of a struggle it would be, even this pirate's soul could be redeemed.
"Finally," Jack suddenly threw the chain of his irons around Elizabeth's neck and pulled her violently against him.
"No!" Philip cried out the same time as his uncle.
The crowd surged forward, and the guns set hard on Jack and Elizabeth.
"No!" Weatherby shouted. "Don't shoot!"
"I knew you'd warm up to me," Jack smirked to Elizabeth.
Philip shoved his bible back in its holder, and withdrew his sword. Forget saving the pirate, Philip needed to save Elizabeth.
He pointed out the blade, trying to look as heroic as possible. However, based on the snickering behind him, Philip felt like he wasn't exactly achieving such an effect.
"Withdraw, Philip," Weatherby ordered his nephew. "He might hurt her."
"Based on how he's holding that sword, I'd be more worried about him hurting her," Jack chuckled. "Put the sword away, Son. You're only embarrassing yourself."
Philip scowled and sheathed his sword. He'd have to get Will to teach him how to look manly while brandishing it.
"Commodore Norrington, my effects, please." A thought occurred to him, and Jack quickly added, "And my hat."
Philip frowned at James when he made no move to save Elizabeth.
"Commodore," Jack threatened, pulling the chains a little bit tighter.
Even Elizabeth looked scared.
Looking very angry at having to do so, Norrington turned and grabbed the pirate's effects. Everyone watched the Commodore carefully, very aware that Elizabeth could easily lose her life from one wrong move.
Philip closed his eyes and touched the cross around his neck.
"Please, Lord," Philip murmured a prayer, eyes slipping back open, "see Elizabeth safe from this pirate's grasp, and bring an end to this day that has been so threatening to her life."
"It is Elizabeth, isn't it?" Jack asked.
"It's Miss Swann," Elizabeth practically growled. As much as she hated to admit it, she was starting to see why her father disliked pirates so much.
"Miss Swann, if you'd be so kind," Jack said as Norrington hesitated who to give the effects to. "Come, come, dear. We don't have all day."
Norrington thrust the pirate's possessions into Elizabeth's grasp. Sparrow spun Elizabeth around so he was in an inappropriately close embrace, and in perfect mirror to each other, Philip and Weatherby forced themselves to look away.
"Now if you'll be very kind," Sparrow directed Elizabeth.
As Elizabeth was forced to hold herself close to the pirate, Philip shared a chagrined look with his uncle. Philip couldn't help but murmur a quick prayer about Elizabeth's virtue.
He was only able to get himself through the moment by picturing how Will Turner might have reacted to the scene. Philip couldn't stop a small grin as he imagined Will expertly dueling the pirate. It certainly would never happen, but hypothetically would be a good show.
"Easy on the goods, Darling," Jack advised as Elizabeth shoved his compass onto his belt.
"You're despicable," Elizabeth seethed at the man she once would have been so excited to see.
"Sticks and stones, Love," Jack replied. "I saved your life. You save mine. We're square."
Sparrow spun Elizabeth back around, and held the pistol to her neck. Slowly he began to walk them backwards. The group of soldiers and Swanns followed carefully, but Philip couldn't take his mind off the worry that someone would accidentally harm Elizabeth. One accidental shot aimed for Sparrow could become a great tragedy.
Boldly, Philip darted in front of his uncle and Norrington. Thankfully, Jack didn't make any sudden movements. In fact, the pirate grinned. He seemed delighted that Philip had pulled in front of the group.
"Gentlemen." Jack nodded to Elizabeth as he slowly led them backwards, "Milady. You will always remember this as the day that you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow."
Like a flash, Jack pulled the chains off Elizabeth, and Philip realised too late why Jack wanted him in the way. Sparrow shoved Elizabeth directly into Philip, knocking both cousins hard – Philip on his back and Elizabeth on Philip – crashing onto the deck.
As Sparrow ran for a hanging rope, Norrington, Weatherby, and a few officers stumbled over the not yet recovered cousins.
"Pain," Philip groaned as Norrington pushed off himself and Elizabeth. "So many things hurt."
The group had just barely got to their feet when the raised cannon crashed through the deck. Sparrow went flying up high, and swung around to escape.
"Now will you shoot him?" Weatherby yelled as he and Philip held Elizabeth protectively.
"Open fire!" Norrington hollered.
As Norrington's men began attacking, Sparrow made another daring escape that would travel the seas in legend. Philip pulled Elizabeth away from the excitement, forcing her to take cover with him behind s pole.
"Philip, let me go!" Elizabeth struggled as her cousin held her back.
"Oh no," Philip refused. "You've already had two near-death experiences that day. I'm not about to let it be third times' a charm."
Elizabeth groaned loudly and rolled her eyes as they watched Sparrow escape.
"You know," Elizabeth said after a minute, "Aunt Rebecca was right. He really is a marvel to watch in action."
Philip looked at her in shock, "You mean you've just been taken hostage by him, and forced to touch him in ways you should only touch the man you have bound your soul to in Lord blessed matrimony, and you still are enamored with him?"
"What can I say? I've always wanted to meet a pirate."
"Lord Almighty, give me strength."
When Sparrow had long been gone, Philip finally allowed the cousins to emerge.
"There you are," Weatherby said in relief. He hugged his daughter and clasped his nephew's shoulder. "I'm glad you both are safe."
"Honestly, father," Elizabeth smirked, "you know Philip would never let me do anything daring."
Philip shot his cousin a look, "You just went cliff diving. I'd say that's pretty daring."
"And you came running right after me."
"How do you even know that? You were underwater!"
"Because you always run after me like a puppy, no matter what I do!"
"Oh, please, I don't always-"
"Children!" Weatherby snapped.
"Sorry, Sir," Elizabeth and Philip said automatically in perfect unison. They looked at each other and smirked.
Weatherby just shook his head, "Unfortunately, I must go to the Fort and sign a few things for Sparrow's execution tomorrow-"
"If they catch him," Elizabeth pointed out.
Weatherby shot her a look, "Philip. Take Elizabeth home."
"But Father!" Elizabeth objected.
"But nothing!" Weatherby snapped. "You've have more than enough excitement today. I'll tell you what becomes of the pirate when we are all safely back in our Manor. Now return to the carriage, and go straight home."
"This is completely unfair!" Elizabeth pouted as she and Philip rode through town toward the rich end of town and their towering mansion. "Finally something exciting happens in this port, and we have to go home."
"Elizabeth," Philip groaned sitting across from her, head slumped against the wall, "after the stress of you falling off a cliff, trying to go save you, you almost dying, you getting taken hostage by a pirate, and having your maybe fiancé fall on top of me, I want nothing more than to go home, take a hot bath, do my daily devotions, and be done with this day."
"Well, it's not my fault you have no sense of adventure. Honestly with parents like yours, how did you end up so straight laced?"
"Your father raised me. The only real wonder is how you got so adventurous. You know if we weren't born eighteen months apart and different genders, I'd suspect we'd been switched at birth."
Elizabeth sighed and laid back against the wall of the carriage, "Where do you think the pirate went?"
"I have no idea, Elizabeth," Philip yawned, exhaustion setting in. He gave Elizabeth a lazy smile, relief at her safety overtaking him. He shifted over to sit on her side of the carriage, wrapping an arm around her, holding her like a promise that nothing else would come to harm her that day. When Elizabeth automatically bowed her head against his shoulder, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and his smile grew larger.
"Well, let's think then, Dear Cousin," Elizabeth had a playful hitch to her voice. "He couldn't have gone far wearing those irons. He'd have to find someplace to get them off."
"A blacksmith would be the best bet."
"Yes, I suppose it would."
They had a blissful moment of silence, reveling in the comfort of each other.
It hit them at the same time.
"Will!" they yelled.
"Stop the carriage!" Elizabeth sat up and called up to the driver.
"No!" Philip ordered back. "Don't stop the carriage."
"Philip," Elizabeth looked at him in shock, "Will could be in danger. We have to go help him!"
"Elizabeth, Norrington is a smart man. If we figured out Sparrow would go to the blacksmith, then Norrington will too."
"But what if he doesn't get there in time? What if Will's forced to face the pirate on his own?"
"Uh…" Philip looked down at the sword in his lap. "Something tells me that Will is fine on his own."
"Well, I can't take that chance! Driver! Stop the carriage!"
The carriage slowed to a halt and Elizabeth threw open the door.
"Elizabeth, stop!" Philip yelled as she scampered out. "Elizabeth, you're not going to run through town in your undergarments to face a pirate, and-"
Philip let out a strangled cry as Elizabeth ran off.
"Lord, why must you test me with such a frustrating cousin?" Philip lifted his eyes upward. He growled again and barrelled out of the carriage, running after her, "Elizabeth, wait for me!"
The Governor's children got many funny looks as they ran through town. Philip was less concerned with gossip - or even Sparrow - but rather feared that they would get caught by one of Norrington's officers. This was a situation Philip really didn't want to get a lecture from his uncle for.
"Come on!" Elizabeth came to a skidding stop in front of the blacksmith shop. She pulled at the door, but it didn't open. "It's stuck!"
"Let me try," Philip pulled the handle, but it didn't nudge an inch. Frowning, Philip pressed his ear to the door, "Listen."
Elizabeth copied her cousin, and they heard the faint clanking of metal.
"Maybe Will's just working?" Philip suggested.
Elizabeth didn't buy it, "Then why would the door be locked?"
Philip wracked his brain for a reasonable answer, "It's a hot day, and Will works next to a fire… Maybe he's shirtless and doesn't want people to see?"
Suddenly, Elizabeth looked very eager to get into the shop.
"Elizabeth, leave it," Philip grabbed her arm as she tried yanking on the door again. "This is madness! We have no proof that Will's in there fighting a pirate."
It was at that moment they heard Will's voice yell from behind the door, "I practice three hours a day, so that when I meet a pirate, I can kill it!"
Philip stared at the door, gobsmacked at the timing.
Elizabeth smirked at him, "Need more proof, cousin?"
He rolled his eyes, "Come on!"
"Where are you going?" Elizabeth called as Philip ran down the street.
"To get Will some help!" Philip answered.
He ran through the street, hoping Elizabeth wasn't following. Maybe he could hide the fact Elizabeth had joined him- Or to be truthful, that Philip's visit to Will to see if the blacksmith's apprentice was fighting a pirate was Elizabeth's idea in the first place. Elizabeth didn't need to get into any more trouble today, and that nugget of knowledge would not go over well with Weatherby Swann.
Luckily, the officer that Philip found was someone friendly to the cousins.
Philip ran up to the man, "Groves!"
Groves frowned at the Governor's nephew, "Mister Swift? What are you-"
"We- I mean, I found the pirate! Come on, he's in Mister Brown's shop!"
"Men, follow me!" Groves ordered a few officers, and one ran to the Fort to bring Norrington and the Governor word.
The officers stormed down the street until they reached the blacksmith shop where Elizabeth was still desperately trying to get the door open.
"You found the pirate?" Groves asked Philip suspiciously.
Philip shrugged, "It was a group effort."
"They're still fighting!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"They?" Groves asked.
"William Turner's in there with Sparrow," Philip explained. "We think he's trying to hold the pirate off."
"The boy must have a death wish," Groves shook his head. He turned to the other officers, "Come on, Men! Let's get this door open!"
Philip and Elizabeth watched nervously as the men tried to bash the door open.
"What if they don't get there in time?" Elizabeth worried.
"They'll get it open," Philip assured her.
"Philip?" Elizabeth had an odd look on her face. "What did Will means he practices three hours a day? What does he practice?"
"Uh…"
"You two are supposed to be home!"
The cousins looked up in shock as Weatherby Swann came storming down the street with Norrington and Gillette.
"Uncle," Philip put his hands up in a gesture of surrender. "I can explain."
"It's my fault," Elizabeth confessed. "I thought Sparrow might go after Will- Mister Turner, and I wanted to make sure he was safe. Philip had no choice but to follow."
"Thankfully your hunch is correct," Norrington tried not to sound too displeased. "I'll take it from here. Is the door almost down?"
"Unfortunately not," Groves reported. "Whatever the pirate did to block it, it's effective."
Philip couldn't help but remember the six months Will had practiced sword throwing last year.
"We need to get into the smith!" Norrington snapped.
"Has anyone tried the back way?" Philip asked.
Everyone looked at him.
"There's a back way?" Groves looked confused.
Philip sighed, wondering how he had suddenly become the smart one, "Follow me."
As Gillette continued to have the officers batter at the door, Philip led Norrington, Groves, Weatherby – and to his uncle's objection – Elizabeth down the street and into the back alley. He carefully counted the shops until he came to the smith.
"Will showed me where he hid the key," Philip produced one from under a well placed rock.
Norrington took the key, and gestured for Groves to cover him and the others to stay back. On the count of three, Norrington opened the door, and the group came barreling into the smith, ready for a fight.
Though the clanging of metal continued, neither Will nor Sparrow appeared to be in the shop.
"There!" Elizabeth suddenly called, pointing up at the rafters.
"My word!" Weatherby cried as the group looked up in amazement.
Will was expertly dueling Sparrow. It appeared neither the blacksmith nor the pirate had noticed the entrance of the group, completely absorbed in the massively impressive duel.
"Get the rest," Norrington ordered Groves.
Groves nodded and raced out the shop to get the rest of the officers.
Philip, Elizabeth, and Weatherby watched in awe at the duel. Will drove Sparrow back hard and easily overpowered the pirate, all while maintaining his balance as he wove through the rafters.
As Groves returned with the other officers, Will disarmed Sparrow. Will grinned at the pirate, and Sparrow jumped down from the rafters. The blacksmith's apprentice followed, only to stop short when he saw the shop filled with Navy officers, the Governor and his children watching in shock – Philip grinning widely and Elizabeth in her undergarments for some reason – and James Norrington with a pistol pointed at Sparrow's head.
"Not one move, Sparrow," Norrington warned. "Gillette, Groves take the prisoner."
Jack scowled as the two men clapped him in irons again. Only this time, they knew better than to let him go.
Norrington smiled at Sparrow, "I trust you will always remember this is the day that Captain Jack Sparrow almost escaped. Take him away."
As the officers led out the pirate, Will suddenly became very aware of how underdressed he was compared to the formal wear everyone else had donned… except Elizabeth. Will was careful to avert his eyes from her state of undress. There were far too many weapons around and men who would love to use them on Will for him to even consider daring to take a glance.
"Mister Turner?" Norrington caught the blacksmith apprentice's attention as the officers began filing out. He holstered his pistol, "Excellent work. You've assisted in the capture of a dangerous fugitive."
Will bowed his head, "Just doing my duty, Commodore."
"That was more than just duty," Weatherby Swann stared at Will like he was a new man. Almost like one would like at a King or a figure of legend. "That swordsmanship, where did you learn it?"
"I taught myself," Will admitted. "I…I'm always worried that the swords we make aren't strong enough, so I started testing them. I suppose I picked up a few things."
"So that's what you were talking about practicing three hours a day," Elizabeth said.
"Three hours a day?" Norrington repeated in shock.
Weatherby chuckled, "Well, I suppose if you're practicing that much, you would pick up-"
His words stopped dead.
"Three hours a day?" Weatherby shot Philip a look. "Self taught?"
Philip's eyes widened as he remembered what he had said to his uncle earlier that day.
"Uncle," Philip calmly said, holding his hands up in surrender. "Please-"
"You are not learning to swordfight from a blacksmith!" Weatherby snapped.
"But you've seen how good he is!"
"It doesn't matter," Weatherby shook his head, ignoring Will who had his head awkwardly lowered. "I understand that Turner is your friend, but he has no real world experience."
"No real world experience?" Elizabeth muttered, "He just fought a pirate."
"Enough." Weatherby eyed both of his children harshly. "Philip will be taught properly, and that is the end of this discussion!"
"But-" Philip started.
"The Governor is right," Norrington interrupted. "We should bring this conversation to an end. This is a discussion best left for private, and we have much to do."
"Thank you, Commodore," Weatherby smiled at the man he hoped to be his son-in-law. "Philip, you will take Elizabeth home now, and no stops on the way this time. Understood?"
"She's the one who brought me here," he pointed at his cousin.
"Traitor," she muttered.
"I asked if I was understood," Weatherby snapped. He winced slightly. He hated how much that tone made him sound like his cruel father.
"Understood." Philip hung his head, "Bye Will."
"Goodbye Philip," Will replied. He looked to Elizabeth, something confident growing in his eyes, "Good day… Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled at the blacksmith and took her cousin's arm, "Good day, Will."
"Miss Swann," Norrington stopped the cousins. "A word first?"
Elizabeth looked nervously at him, "Of course."
Norrington took a nervous breath, trying to ignore the eyes of Philip Swift and William Turner on him, "I understand that today has been rather eventful, but I still have yet to receive an answer to my offer."
Elizabeth glanced at Will, "Um… Commodore, the day had intend been eventful. My apologies, but I need some time to sort out all that has happened."
"Take as much time as you need. Good day, Miss Swann. Governor?"
Weatherby shot a look at his children, "You two had better be home when I return."
"Yes, Uncle."
"Yes, Father."
"Good. Now, let us depart Commodore."
The four headed to exit the smith but before Philip could leave, Will grabbed his arm.
"Offer?" Will questioned in a low voice.
Philip sighed and looked over at the waiting Elizabeth.
"Norrington," Philip told his friend, "…has proposed to Elizabeth."
And Philip left without looking back at Will.
He couldn't bear to see his friend's heart break.