The clang of metal rang across the sparring ground as Benji led Chloe through her practice session. "Keep your blade up," He said as he swung his sword at her. "You need to keep your sword ready."

Chloe tried to focus on the lesson, she really did, but her mind did not want to focus. After what she overheard all Chloe could think about was who the other person McKadden was talking to. It seemed like this island was rife with secrets, and she wasn't sure if they should be uncovered.

Pain suddenly shot through her abdomen, jolting her out of thoughts and back to the present. "And that's what happens when you lose focus," Benji pulled back the dulled practice sword that he rammed into her stomach. This wasn't the first bruise Chloe received that morning, Benji really wasn't holding back with his lesson. "Fighting distracted will only end poorly. If this had been a real sword you would be dead right now."

Chloe straightened, giving her instructor a rueful look. "Since when did it become common for gentlemen to hit a lady?"

"When the lady asked for fencing lessons." Benji smiled at her. "Trust me Miss Beale, all forms of chivalry disappear in the heat of battle. You won't get any sympathy from the enemy and you won't get any from me. Now, get that blade back up, stay focused, and we'll run through the set again. "

Chloe did as she was told, bringing the tip of her rapier up to protect herself. True to his word Benji came after her with the same ferocity as before, not bothering to slow his pace for even a second.

It might not have been obvious to her but Chloe was improving. In fact, with this only being the second day of training Chloe had made impressive strides with her swordplay. She could feel herself slipping into the rhythm of the fight.

'It's almost like dancing' She thought. Sure there was no music and her partner definitely wasn't moving in sequence with her but there was a pattern. So despite needing to work on her defense, her foot work kept pace with Benji. But at that revelation a plan started to form, maybe even a way for her to get back at Benji for an entire morning of bruises. Keeping the tip of her sword pointed towards Benji, Chloe adjusted her stance ever so slightly. There was a brief pause in Benji's movements just after an attack when he withdrew his sword after a lunge. It was barely noticeable, less than half a second all told but after hours of studying her opponent Chloe could tell when that brief opening would happen. So she waited for the lunge, deflecting Benji's attacks as best she could in the meantime.

'Now!' Chloe spun out of the way of the incoming sword point, extending her own arm forward in a desperate attempt to score a blow.

Metal screeched against metal as Benji, fast as a snake, jerked his entire body to the side and brought his sword along the length of Chloe's rapier. it slammed into the cross guard, knocking the sword free from Chloe's grip while she, off balance from the attack, tripped and landed in the dirt.

"I think that's enough for today." Benji held out a hand, offering to help Chloe back to her feet and she took it.

Covered in dirt and more than a few bruises, Chloe stood up and dusted herself off. "Damn, really thought I had you there."

"You might have," Benji smiled. "Ten or twelve years ago. But I learned plenty of ways to block that opening."

"Ten or twelve years?" Chloe would have guessed Benji to be no more than a few years older than her. "Have you really been doing this for that long?"

"Sure have," Benji placed his practice sword back among the rest. "My father had me using a sword since before I could walk."

"Was he as," Chloe winced as she rubbed one of her bruises. "Prolific as you?"

"Ha!" Benji laughed. "He was worse. When I was five he threw me off a cliff into a lake to teach me how to swim. Then when I was seven he took me boar hunting." Benji lifted his shirt, showing her a long scar just above his hip. "The beast nearly gutted me before da killed it. There was another time when I was fourteen that some bandits tried to raid our village. He simply handed me a sword and said, 'Have at them boy'." Chloe stared wide eyed at her instructor. Benji's father sounded positively monstrous. But Benji had a fond smile on his face, clearly enjoying talking about his family. "I know it sounds insane but I loved every moment I got to spend with him."

"Is he?" Chloe didn't know how to ask the question but Benji was nodding.

"He died a few years ago, apparently got in a bar fight with the wrong person." Benji shook his head in disbelief. "Crazy old man."

"What about your mother?" Chloe asked.

Benji shrugged. "Never had one. Da raised me by himself after finding me by the side of the road."

"I'm sorry-"

"It's alright." Benji held up a hand to stop Chloe's apology. "I have no complaints about my upbringing. It was full of adventures, probably why I found the pirate life so enticing."

"Then why are you here instead of on the ship?" Chloe asked.

"Uh," Benji's gaze shifted to something behind her prompting Chloe to look over her shoulder. Emily had just emerged from the house, holding Bella's hand as the two laughed at something the little girl said. Chloe turned back to her instructor, a knowing smile playing across her lips as Benji blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Circumstances changed."

"I'm sure they did." Chloe couldn't help but find it humorous how this expert swordsman could get so flustered just at the hint of the woman. "So are you two courting?" She might not be able to score a point while fencing but she definitely could here.

Benji groaned. "Why does everyone always ask that?"

"Because it's painfully obvious you two like each other." Chloe jumped as the captain seemed to appear out of thin air. "If you two would just admit it we could all move on."

"And I don't see how it's anybody's business." Benji said.

"Just grow a pair and ask her" McKadden sighed. "I guarantee you two will be married by the end of the year if you do."

Benji blushed even more. "Is there something you need, captain?"

"Yes," McKadden turned to the woman next to her. "Miss Chloe you may want to see to your friend. I heard her wake up and it didn't sound good."

"You could hear her?" Chloe's mind immediately shot to the conversation she'd overheard.

McKadden shrugged. "It's an old house. Thin walls and all that, easy enough to hear through."

That made Chloe's entire body go stiff. Did she know that Chloe had eavesdropped? If she did the captain's face didn't give anything away, remaining unfazed and disinterested like she had said nothing at all. "Of course, I should probably go check on her." She left as quickly as she could, not trusting herself to keep her mouth shut.

"So," Benji remarked. "How long were you watching?"

"Most of the session." McKadden watched as Chloe disappeared into the building. "She almost had you."

"It caught me off guard," Benji admitted. "But aye, never thought that someone with only two days of practice could find that opening. She's either incredibly lucky or incredibly skilled."

McKadden laughed. "You saw her foot work. Five gold says it's the latter."

"Aubrey?" Chloe called out while knocking on the door. "Are you awake?" There was a muffled groan followed by silence which Chloe took as an excuse to enter. She peaked her head through and saw an Aubrey shaped lump on one of the bunks. "I brought water."

All she got from the lump was a groan so Chloe decided to let herself in. She set the jug of water down on the bedside table before leaning over to where Aubrey's head should be. "Feeling alright?"

The sheet was pulled down just enough for Chloe to see one bloodshot eye staring back at her. When Aubrey spoke her voice sounded raspy, "What do you think?"

"Here," Chloe poured out a glass and held it out to her friend. "It's river water, nice and clean. Benji says it should help with the headache."

Aubrey sat up gingerly, "This isn't a headache...it's a penance." Nevertheless she took the glass and downed its contents in a few short gulps. Once it was empty she held the glass back to Chloe who promptly refilled it, much to Aubrey's relief. "Please, never let me do that again."

"When have I ever been able to stop you from doing anything?" Chloe chuckled.

"Could say the same about you." Aubrey sipped her water while looking out the window. "What time is it?"

"A few hours after sunrise." Chloe explained. "I just finished practice with Benji."

Aubrey raised an eyebrow. "Is that why your covered in dirt?"

Chloe nodded. "I may have missed a step and tripped."

"Uh," Aubrey rubbed her temple. "That will do it."

Chloe sat down and rubbed her friend's back for a few minutes. "I overheard something this morning. There's someone else in the house, she sounds sick or old."

"And?"

"And she didn't seem too happy that we're on the island." Chloe ran a hand through her hair. "It sounded like McKadden agreed with her too."

"How old?" Aubrey asked suddenly.

"What?"

"How old would you say the woman was?" Aubrey rubbed at her temple.

"I don't know," Chloe shrugged. "Why do you ask?"

Aubrey finished her glass of water. "Not sure, but it'd be another piece of the puzzle." She seemed to recover enough to look around the room, seeming to realize were she was for the first time. "How did I get back here?"

Chloe shrugged again. "Last I saw you were dancing with Stacie. Maybe she brought you back."

"Oh God," Aubrey hung her head, her blonde hair falling between her legs while she groaned. "What is with that woman?"

"Apparently you've gained her attention." Chloe sat next to her friend and started to rub her back. "At least that's what the crew says."

"But why? It's entirely indecent." Aubrey complained.

"That's what makes it fun." Both the girl's heads shot up to see the ship's doctor standing in the doorway with a wolfish grin on her face. "I wasn't the one that brought you up here, that was Pierre. I did tuck you in though, could barely escape with how clingy you were." Chloe snorted out a laugh while Aubrey looked horrified. "Would've stayed but I didn't want to be indecent." Aubrey hid her face again while Stacie laughed. "It's alright princess. Lot's of people want this," She gestured to her body. "To keep them warm at night."

Chloe decided to save her friend from this embarrassing conversation. "Is there something you need, Stacie?"

"Oh I need something," Stacie gave Aubrey a once over before finally shifting her attention to Chloe. "Was told to show you both where you can wash up, there's a small bath house down in the village that the ladies use. Much nicer than trying to haul a bunch of water up here when the river runs through town."

"Oh," Chloe looked once more at her dusty clothes and realized she needed a bath. "That would be nice."

Stacie showed her a kind smile. "Then follow me."

"That was divine." Chloe stretched her arms above her head as she left the town's bath house. She never thought she could miss the simple luxury of a warm bath, or just bathing in general. It'd been close to a month since they could properly clean themselves and the hot water was a gift from God. Aubrey was still inside, trying to nurse her aching head with the steam, which left Chloe to her own devices.

Compared to Kingston and even Nassau, the island village was almost quaint. The houses were simple wooden structures with thatched roofs that lined the river. The river itself snaked through the middle of the island, it's source being a small lake at the top of the island to the west. If she looked carefully Chloe could just make out a series of waterfalls pouring over the cliffs near the summit, and on the other side would be the massive waterfall that hid the entrance to the secret port.

To the south was the sea, the waves crashing against the shore while several small fishing boats skimmed across the water. Three large docs dominated the waterline, probably the ports that Benji's sloops moored at when they were not at sea. At the moment they were all empty, still out looking for the other ships from Nassau.

'I wonder when they'll get back.' Chloe mused to herself. That was likely the best way off the island, but who knows when those ships would be back. A week, maybe more? It didn't really matter to Chloe since she was actually enjoying her time on this island, despite the whole kidnapping thing and the mystery woman that wanted them gone.

The town itself was rather busy despite its small size. The fish market by the docks was particularly crowded, with lots of people milling around. Having nothing better to do Chloe made her way over to the market. She was immediately hounded by fish mongers to try their stock but she politely declined, it's not like she had any money anyways. Most of the people around her were just normal, there was no outward appearance of this island secretly being controlled by pirates. Of course it wouldn't be much of a secret base if there was a jolly roger flying overhead.

"Oye!" Chloe looked around to see Amy waving at her "Ginger!"

"Hello Amy, there's no need to shout." Chloe walked over to the over excited blonde. There were two other crew members behind the cook, each carrying large sacks over their shoulders. "Are you alright? Last I saw of you, you were still sleeping on the beach."

"Oh that." Amy waved the question away. "That's nothin, I bounce back easily." She patted her stomach with a cocky grin. "But given that yer up and walkin means you didn't drink anythin last night. No way a rum virgin is gettin up after one of my brews."

There was a look in Amy's eye that sent Chloe's nerves on fire. Somehow, some way, Amy was going to get her to drink that vile concoction.

"Yes, well." Chloe looked around hoping that there was something to distract the cook. "Are you restocking the ship?"

"Aye," Amy glanced over her shoulder. "Convenient to have all these sexy sailors around to carry everything for ya." The two men behind her shared an uncomfortable look.

"Very good." Chloe smiled. "I'll leave you to it and get back to my sight seeing."

"Bah," Amy spat into the dirt. "If it's sights you want you should head up there." She pointed to the top of the island. "Island looks a hell of a lot better from up there than down here."

"Is that allowed?" Chloe looked to where Amy was pointing. "I can just wander about the place?"

Amy raised an eyebrow. "Ain't that what you're doing now?"

"Fair point." Chloe eyed the waterfalls. It would probably take several hours to make it that high, especially through the jungle. "Is there a path or something to get up there?"

"Aye," Amy gestured to the river. "Just follow the water. Once you get out of town there's a trail on the north side of the river."

Chloe nodded her head. "Thank you. I'll see about that."

"It's also the best place to get plowed," Amy gave her a long, exaggerated wink. Which just made Chloe even more uncomfortable.

"For farming?" She asked innocently.

"Oh you sweet summer child." Amy just shook her head and patted her on the shoulder. "Come on boys. We gotta get this to the dock."

Chloe gave the two crewmen a polite nod as they passed, giving them a wide berth on the narrow street. She looked back up at the falls, curiosity made her interested in seeing the whole island from up there but that was unlikely to happen today. Maybe tomorrow she could convince Aubrey to go with her, the blonde would probably jump at the chance to get a ''tactical view''. Chloe smiled to herself, it would be just like Aubrey to look over a beautiful view just for strategy, she was her father's daughter.

She spent a few more hours wandering around the village, waving politely whenever someone called out to her. It was a strange feeling, being recognized in a harbor she'd never been to before. No one ever bothered calling greetings to each other back in Kingstown, the city was too busy for that. But here everything was slow, almost calm. The exact opposite of what one would expect from a pirate hideout.

Eventually she decided to head back to the house. There wasn't really anything for her to do today, and quite frankly she was getting a little hungry after the training from that morning. So she headed for the path that led back up the hill. The hike back to the house took less than fifteen minutes and Chloe was looking forward to seeing what Helena had cooking for supper. She was almost back to the house when something caught her eye. Off in the distance she could just make out a trail that led down to the secret cove. Her curiosity peaked, Chloe changed course and headed down the shaded path. It really was a clever secret these pirates had hidden away. A stranger to the island would never think that the little dent in the tree line actually led to a hidden trail. Chloe only recognized it because she remembered the approximate location from the other direction.

Soon enough she found herself in front of the door that hid the entrance. Chloe tugged on the handle, a little surprised to see that it was unlocked, and headed inside. Almost immediately the sound of wood hammers and saws echoed around the massive chamber. The place bustled with crewmembers, each carrying lumber, tar or some other piece of equipment needed to repair the ship. She could hear Flo shouting orders from somewhere, although she couldn't see from where.

There was another sound, just barely audible over the sounds of saws and hammers. Looking around Chloe spotted the source of the sound. Another, smaller path led off to the wall of the cavern that held a row of small alcoves, each one rimmed with iron bars. A gruff voice carried from the middle cell, singing some sort of song about a drunken sailor. Curiosity peaked once more, Chloe gingerly made her way to the cells, making sure not to disturb the workers. The closer she got the easier it was to make out the voice. She actually recognized it, not that it was any comfort.

"Er-ly in the mornin-" Bumper stopped his song mid verse when he saw Chloe walk around the corner. "Well, look what the croc dragged in. What brings someone like you down to the gallows?"

Chloe clenched her fists. The smug look on Bumper's face made the wound on her leg itch and she felt a deep seated need to slap him. "So this is where they put you."

"Aye, nothin like stale bread, a sea side view." His eyes roamed over her body. "And a show."

"You're lucky the captain didn't kill you on the spot." Chloe said, feeling more uncomfortable by the minute.

Bumper barked out a laugh. "The captain? Watch yerself girly, your kind is meant for dainty things like tea and cakes. If ye ain't careful then you might find yourself hangin from the end of a rope."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Chloe crossed her arms and glared at the prisoner.

"Means yer already talkin like one of the crew." Bumper sneered back. "And take it from me, that's somethin to avoid. Might end up in here with me."

"You're in there because you tried to kidnap people."

"No," Bumper shook his head. "I'm in here cause I tried to take somethin from McKadden. Gets her panties all in a wad when someone dares to actually act like a pirate."

"Didn't you try to stage a mutiny?" Chloe asked. "Seems like a good enough reason to throw you away."

Bumper threw up his hands, making the chains around his wrists rattle. "I did that because McKadden was going to get everyone on board killed! She had us chasing after ghosts and fairytales!" He lunged forward, grabbing the bars and startling Chloe. "Best watch yer back, or McKadden will stick a knife right into it."

"Says the one who tried to take over the ship." From this distance she could smell the stench coming from him but Chloe held her ground. Something was telling her that showing weakness here would a mistake. And, strangely enough, she found that she didn't fear this man. Maybe it was the fact that he was behind bars but

"If I hadn't then all of us would have been caught by her death wish." Bumper stepped back from the bars. "Chasing after somethin that doesn't even exist. Risking the ship and crew for a fantasy."

That sounded familiar to Chloe. If she remembered correctly Blackbeard had said something similar back in Nassau. She also recalled the maps in the captain's cabin and the room she'd seen in the house. "And what is it she's looking for?"

Bumper just grinned at her, an unsettling grin that caused Chloe's skin to crawl. "Naw, if you're throwin you lot in with her then you can find out for yourself." He leaned back against the wall of his cell. "You can all die together, sinking to the bottom of the sea while I sit here. Safe and sound."

A commotion dragged Chloe's attention towards the secret entrance. Someone was at the top of the stairs shouting down to the work crew. Something about a ship. She gave one more glance to Bumper, who matched her look with another unsettling grin. Chloe shook off the uneasy feeling and headed for the door, falling in line with several others as they headed for the exit.

"Miss Beale." Chloe stopped in her tracks and turned around. Behind her she saw Flo staring at the cells before looking at the redhead. "What are you doing down here?"

"Oh," She gestured to the ship with a wave of her hand. "I just wanted to see how everything was going. Do you think it will take long to fix the ship?"

Flo's expression made it clear she didn't believe Chloe. "Like I told the captain, it will probably take a few weeks. What were you doing by the cells?"

The crewmen move past them and soon the only people left are Chloe and Flo. She tries to think of an excuse but ultimately decides to come clean. "I came down here to see how the ship was doing. But then I heard someone singing and went to see who it was. I didn't know it was Bumper."

Flo looked over at the cells once more, her brow creasing in anger. "Dammit. That bastard needs to learn his place."

"Can I ask what happened?" Chloe needed to hear the other side of the story.

"He tried to take the ship." Flo shrugged. "Not much else to say." She made to walk past Chloe but stopped. "Don't believe anything he says. Anything a mutineer says is mierda de caballo."

Flo walked away and up the stairs, leaving Chloe alone. The silence of the cavern was deafening without the sound of the work crew. She heads up the stairs to see what was going on outside but Bumper's story lingers in her mind. Flo's refusal to talk about it makes her think that maybe there's some credibility to Bumper's claims, not like she's about to start trusting that man but it does make Chloe believe she should be more cautious.

Once she's outside Chloe sees that a crowd has formed over by the cliff side so she heads over there to find out what's going on. She pushes to the front of the crowd so that she can see what everyone is looking at, eventually finding herself next to Aubrey who looks more hopeful than she has in weeks. "There you are," She says once Chloe is next to her. "Those merchants from Nassau have finally made it back. We can finally get out of here." Chloe watched the ships inch their way into port. They look terrible, most of their sails are torn and a few of them are sitting frighteningly low in the water.

"Damn," one of the sailors next to them said. "And I thought we had it rough."

"We should get down there." Another spoke up. "They'll need as many hands as they can get."

The crowd broke up and headed for town, leaving Chloe and Aubrey standing by themselves on the cliff. Something seems off though, something is missing. "Where are the sloops?" Chloe turns to Aubrey. "Those are all schooners, yes?"

Aubrey covers her eyes from the sun and takes a closer look. "You're right. Where's their escort?"

"Maybe they're still looking for other ships." Chloe hopes that's the case. Because with the condition of the merchant ships those sloops are the only option for them to get off the island. "We should probably go see what's going on. Surely someone can explain what's happening." Without another word they headed towards the village. Chloe hoped there was a reasonable explanation but something in her gut told her that everything was about to get a lot more complicated.