When love interferes

Chapter ten: Liberation or conviction?

Terrance raised his spyglass towards the ship in the distance. The Jolly Roger fluttered high and proud above the main mast, towering over the black sails of the ship.

'' What colour are they flying? '' Lucas inquired nervously. Terrance slowly lowered the spyglass, gritting his teeth.

'' It be a pirate ship…The Black Pearl.''

Lucas didn't believe his own ears. '' The Black Pearl? It's a legend on the seas…and it's captain is known all over the Spanish main for sacking ports and ships without ever firing a shot!'' He said in awe.

'' Nassau Port bein' one of them…'' Terrance said with a malicious smirk. Lucas looked at him hurt, remembering his old hometown.

'' What are we going to do? We can't attack them, they will surely beat us!'' Lucas stated.

'' If they decide to attack we won't stand back…'' Terrance said as he ordered the crew to make haste, the Black Pearl was nearing fast.

'' We don't stand a chance against them…haven't you heard the stories, they are invincible!'' Lucas stated, not believing that his captain would be considering fighting them.

'' We don't have a choice…if they'll attack, we'll strike them back, full power!'' He raised his spyglass again, cursing under his breath.

'' It seams that we be havin' the pleasure of meetin' the crew of the notorious Black Pearl in a short while. Go prepare yerself…this will be a battle ye late forget!''

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Elizabeth was sitting in her cabin, reading a book that she found in the cabinet. It was about strong sailors that had lost their lives in battles and storms over the century, and the great men that survived.

'' I had no idea that being on the sea could be this exciting…or dangerous…'' She turned the page and kept on reading. A light knock could be heard on the door and she raised her head up from the book.

'' Come in…'' She said as she laid the book down on the bed. Will opened the door and closed it behind him.

'' I'm sorry to disturb you, I just wanted to know how you were…'' Will said with a smile.

Elizabeth smiled at his concern. '' I'm fine thank you.'' When he didn't move or say anything she added.

'' James has a high opinion of you and your craftsmanship. He's highly content with the swords you made for the navy, says they are the best he has ever seen.''

'' That's wonderful to hear…I'm glad he's satisfied.'' Will said with an uneasy smile. Being around her made his heart flutter and his body sweat.

'' Please take a seat, I can't have you standing there by the door…unless you have to go somewhere?''

'' Me, go, no…I can stay.'' He said nervously as he sat down on the chair by the desk.

'' Why won't sit down on the bed and tell me how you met Christine, you seem to be quite determined to save her.''

Will stood up from the chair and hesitantly sat down on the bed. He cleared his throat and started telling her the story of how he hand found her crying, sitting on a rock and how he helped her to find Norrington's house.

'' Oh my…that must have been awful…nearly being raped by a man in an alley! The poor girl…'' Elizabeth held her hand over her mouth in shock. '' She was lucky you found her…to think of what might have happened if the man would have found her again…''

'' Yes, that would have been terrible…I hope she's not receiving similar attention now.'' He frowned worried.

Elizabeth's eyes shot up. '' Oh dear…I hadn't thought about that…God forbid that!'' She took his hand in hers.

'' I'm so happy you decided to join us. We will need every help that we can get to find her…I have faith in you two.''

Will swallowed hard as he felt her soft hand holding his. '' I'm flattered that you think so highly of me…I will do whatever I can to make sure your good opinions aren't wasted.''

'' I'm sure you won't let me down.'' She said with a smile as she released his hand. She felt her stomach growl and placed her hand over it.

'' Would you mind escorting me to the galley, I'm famished!'' She inquired with a frown.

'' Not at all, I'd be glad to.'' He stood up and offered her his hand, which she gladly accepted. He pulled her up from the bed and opened the door, linking arms with her as they left the room.
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The Black Pearl sailed against the Scorching Dagger, all sailors on both ships ready to attack if ordered.

'' Jack Sparrow…what are ye doin' here ye scabrous dog? '' Terrance snickered. '' I don't remember invitin' ye… ''

Jack grinned. '' I do not need an invitation…what I seek I get…''

'' Comin' aboard me ship won't be one of it…I not be trustin' ye…'' Terrance narrowed his eyes at him.

'' We'll see about that…'' Jack smirked as he ordered his men to bridge the ships. Two of his men pushed the gangplank over to the other ship, securing a passage between them. Jack walked over the plank with a smile on his face.

Terrance's face was filled with anger. '' What be yer business here Sparrow? '' He spat out.

'' Can't a man visit a fellow pirate without havin' any reason for it?'' He inquired sarcastically.

Terrance frowned. '' Oh cut the crap, what is it ye want?''

Jack pretended to be hurt. '' Well if you want to have it that way… '' He moved over to an open barrel of rum and scooped up some with a mug that was placed beside it.

'' I heard that yer ship was nearby and that ye had recently acquired a large fortune from a Spanish merchant ship.'' Jack gulped down the rum and wiped his face with the back of his hand. '' I came to congratulate ye…and get my share of the loot.''

Terrance growled in anger. '' Ye won't get a shilling from me ye roguish bastard!''

Jack chuckled. '' Ye don't have a choice…'' He ordered his men to find the treasure and take it to his ship. Terrance stepped forward, drawing his sword out, but Jack was faster. He placed his sword by his neck and grinned.

'' I wouldn't be doin' that if I were you…'' Terrance frowned in anger and dropped his sword on the deck.

'' I hate you Sparrow! '' He spat out. Jack placed his free hand over his heart.

'' Oh ye wound me!'' He replied snidely. The men brought the chests up from the storage room and Jack waved them to take them to the Pearl.

'' Is that all you've got stored here? '' Jack inquired, pressing the blade of his sword to his neck.

'' Aye…ye've robbed me clean ye scoundrel!'' Terrance snarled. Jack smirked and removed his sword from his neck.

'' Always a pleasure doin' business with ye…'' He bowed mockingly and stepped up on the gangplank. A sound was heard coming from the captain's quarters, which made Jack spin around on his heels.

'' What was that?'' He inquired, stepping off the plank.

'' What do ye mean…'' Terrance inquired puzzled.

'' That sound…it came from yer cabin…'' Terrence's face went pale.

'' There be nothin' in me cabin…'' He replied, trying not to awake any suspicions.

Jack narrowed his eyes at him. '' What are you hidin'…a mistress perhaps? '' Jack grinned. '' I would love ta see what woman would be so desperate as ta sleep with ye.'' Terrance plunged forward, but was held back by a couple of men in Jack's crew.

Jack walked over to the door and pulled the door knob, but it was locked. '' Ahh…I see, ye be holdin' her captive…I figure it's the only way ye can have a woman sleep with ye.'' He snickered.

'' If I be right…ye be keepin' a key ta the door…otherwise she would be of no use ta ye.'' He walked over to him. '' And if I know ye right, ye would keep it on ye all times, in case the need for a woman will suddenly strike ye.'' He grinned.

'' My guess would be yer coat pocket.'' He reached down into the pocket and drew the key out. '' Oh look…what do we have here?'' He dangled the key in front of him teasingly.

'' Now I'm gonna say hello to yer little wench. Who knows, she might come in handy.'' He said with a smirk.

Lucas jumped forward, drawing his sword out threatening him. '' She's not s wench!'' Lucas said behind gritted teeth. Jack stared at him bewildered. '' And who might ye be? ''

'' My name is not important…don't you dare harm Christine!'' Lucas moved the sword closer to Jack's chest, strengthening his point.

'' Who said anythin' about harmin' her…I just want ta pay her a visit.'' Jack grinned.

'' Leave her alone…she doesn't concern you!'' Lucas said angrily.

Jack smirked, this guy wasn't going to give up. '' Well I'm sorry to disappoint ye…but she does now. '' Jack nodded his head at his crew and two of them grabbed Lucas from the behind, disarming him.

'' Don't you dare touch her! '' Lucas shouted out as Jack walked towards the door. Jack turned around with a smirk and put the key in the lock. A click was heard and the door was opened.

Hearing the click, Christine fled to the corner of the room. She feared that the man who had ransacked the ship was now coming to take her away as a sex slave. She hid in the corer, whishing that she was home again. The door was opened quietly and footsteps could be heard entering the room. Christine felt herself sake with fear as she awaited her judgement. Hearing nothing she looked up from the corner and saw a long haired man watching her.

'' 'Ello luv…'' He said with a grin as Christine's face filled with fear.

'' Don't hurt me!'' She begged as tears started to roll down her cheeks. She buried her face in her knees.

'' Why would I do that?'' He inquired with a sweet smile as he stepped closer to her, sitting down on the bed. Too afraid to lift her face from her knees Christine sat and sobbed until she felt a coarse hand lift her chin up. Her eyes met a pair of warm chocolaty ones, making her forget the situation she was in. Jack smiled as he looked at her beautiful face in his palm. To imagine that something that beautiful would be trapped inside, forced to obey that awful man.

'' Did he hurt you? '' He inquired, releasing her chin. Christine's gaze fell immediately to the floor, but returned shortly to his face.

'' No…not yet…'' She could feel herself trembling with fear, but his husky voice and mesmerizing eyes had a soothing effect on her.

'' Good…what's yer name?'' He inquired, even though he already knew the answer.

'' Christine…'' She replied uneasy.

'' Well Christine, I'm gonna take ye with me on me Pearl…but don't worry, I won't harm you.'' Jack added when he saw the look of terror on her face.

'' How can I trust you…you're a pirate just like him.'' Christine stated.

Jack smiled warmly.'' You've just got to trust me.'' Christine looked him in the eyes and saw sincerity, something that she thought impossible in a pirate.

'' Why are you doing this…why won't you just leave me be?'' She inquired puzzled.

'' I can't leave ye here with him now can I?'' Jack chuckled.'' Ye're just lucky he hasn't raped ye yet…'' Christine looked at the wall, remembering the time when he almost had. If it hadn't been for Lucas he surely would have.

'' Lucas!'' Christine said as she quickly stood up.'' Where's Lucas? ''

'' Who's Lucas? '' Jack inquired with a questioned frown.

'' He saved me from Terrance the day he tried to rape me…I need to see him!'' Christine ran out on deck, but abruptly stopped when she saw all the men out on deck. Jack came out behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

'' Don't worry…they be with me.''

When Lucas saw her coming out of the room he called her name. Christine turned her gaze towards him, where he was being held by two of Jack's crew men.

'' Lucas! '' She ran over to him. '' Let him go…he's my friend!'' She begged. Jack nodded and the men released their hold on him.

'' Are you alright? Did he harm you?'' Lucas inquired, hugging her tightly.

'' No he didn't…he offered to take me away from here.'' Christine replied.

'' Take you away! I can't allow that…he just wants you for his own amusement!'' Lucas glared at Jack.

'' No…I believe he really wants to help me…'' Christine said looking at Jack who nodded in agreement.

'' No pirate thinks like that…it's just a trick to make you go along with him.'' Lucas stated.

'' For yer information boy…'' Jack raised his finger at him. '' not all pirates are all bad…some of us do have a bit of compassion and decency…''

'' And why should I trust you…'' Lucas inquired, his eyes shooting sparks at him.

'' Ye don't have a choice…'' Jack grinned. Lucas prepared himself to attack Jack when Christine stopped him.

'' No…Lucas, calm down…this isn't rational.'' Lucas eased up and nodded his head. Christine turned towards Jack.

'' Can he come too…to assure that I won't be harmed by you or any of your crew?'' Christine begged. Jack thought about it and decided that it wouldn't hurt, the boy was strong and feisty…would make a great addition to his crew.

'' Sure…but ye must understand that I'll be yer Captain, and you will do as I say…'' Jack replied.

'' I guess it won't matter on which ship I serve…but if you ever lay a hand on her I swear you'll be sorry!'' Lucas threatened.

Jack laughed. '' Welcome to the crew of the Black Pearl.

Even though Lucas had only agreed to get under his service to protect Christine, it made him feel a bit proud to be called one of the crew on the Black Pearl. He had always admired it for it's legendary tales and to meet it's captain had been his dream for a long time. Lucas stepped forward and shook Jack's hand.

'' Well since that's settled we should return to the Pearl.'' The men shouted in agreement and started to move over the plank.

'' Not so fast! '' Terrance shouted as he grabbed Christine. '' Who said she would be goin' anywhere?'' Both Jack and Lucas pulled their swords out.

'' Release the girl Terrance…'' Jack warned.

'' Why…I found her…'' Terrance grinned maliciously.

'' Release her! '' Lucas growled in anger.

Terrance laughed. '' And what are ye gonna do 'bout that…ye're just a son of a merchant sailor.''

'' I'm so fed up with your arrogance…it's between you and me now. Man on man…do you think you can handle it?'' Lucas teased him.

Terrance not wanting to be a lesser man pushed Christine away from him. '' I'm ready when you are...'' The man started to dace around the deck, circling with their swords raised.

'' Do ye really think ye can beat me?'' Terrance laughed as he plunged forward, but Lucas managed to duck the blow.

'' I don't think so…I know so…'' Lucas jumped forward, grazing his opponent's forearm.

'' Bloody 'ell…ye cut me kid! '' Terrance roared in anger. He kicked Lucas, so he fell down on the deck. Running towards him with his sword raised all end seemed near for him, but he managed to roll over and plunge Terrance in the stomach. Christine had hid her face in Jack's chest, not wanting to see her friend getting slayed, but when she heard the captain's screams instead of his she looked up. Terrance lay on the deck, clutching his stomach, coughing up blood.

'' I told you I would beat you!'' Lucas gloated.'' Now you will finally get what you deserved for killing all those innocent women! '' Lucas spat on him. Terrance coughed a few more times and then his head fell to the side. The captain was dead.

Christine stood there stunned by what she had witnessed. Lucas walked over to her, embracing her comfortingly.

'' It's alright now…he won't be able to hurt you ever again.''

'' I can't believe you killed him…'' Christine said stunned.

'' He deserved it. He killed my father and all those women, I couldn't let him get away with it!''

'' Ye're a brave boy young man…not many would be standin' here in yer position after a fight with Terrance.'' Jack put a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

'' What should we do about the crew? '' Christine inquired. '' They can't be left alone without a captain…''

Jack walked forward. '' Who may be the first mate on this ship?''

A man stepped forward. '' That would be me captain…''

'' What's yer name sailor? ''

'' My name be Higgins, George Higgins.'' The man replied nervously.

'' I name you captain of this ship. Take care of it and it's crew…or it'll be me ye have ta be answerin' to.'' Jack ordered.

'' Thank you captain…I will.'' The man bowed.

'' Now…lets get over to the Pearl, we have a long sailing ahead of us.''