The Map

Usual Disclaimer: Not mine.

A great big thank you to Betsy for reading through and finding the many and varied mistakes… any remaining ones are all mine and I take sole responsibility for them! ;-)

I think that’s all…. Just hope you all enjoy it…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Norrington looked down at Nell’s bent head resting against his shoulder as she slept.

“We’re sailing again,” he said quietly to Bryant who was sat on Nell’s other side, his head leaning back against the hold, eyes shut.

“Storm’s abated too,” Bryant replied not opening his eyes.

Norrington peered into the gloomy depth of the other brig. He was disconcerted to see about half of his crew were slumped where they stood. They were so tightly packed that there wasn’t even room to sit down, let alone fall to the floor when they lost consciousness.

Jimmy groaned and shifted restlessly as he regained consciousness.

His movements woke Nell, who sat up hurriedly, her eyes glassy as she looked around her wildly.
“Jimmy?”

Jimmy moved away from them, groaning as the movement brought intense pain to his shor.
r.
He crouched, his hand going to the bound wound on his shoulder.

“Where?” he looked up out of pain blurred eyes, completely disorientated.

“Rest easy lad.” Bryant moved forward as Jimmy looked up at them. “You’ve been shot.”

Realisation dawned in his eyes as his memory came back to him. He looked quickly around him and then back at Nell.

“Pa?”

Nell shook her head, her eyes tearing up, deciding then and there to say nothing about his father being shot. She had no idea what had happened to Soames but she couldn’t tell him she had seen him shot, she just didn’t have that kind of courage.

“I’m sorry Jimmy. I really don’t know.” At least she was truthful in that.

“Where are we?” he asked next and then he suddenly realised who Nell was sitting between.

“In the brig of the Relentless,” Norrington spoke firmly. “The ship has been commandeered by another pirate.”

Jimmy looked at Nell and then, turning, he looked at the sailors in the other brig.

“Poor buggers,” he muttered and looked back at Nell. “Capt’n and Pa will come for us, I’m sure of it,” he said firmly and Nell could see he was convinced of this.

Nell nodded, unable to stop the tears creeping over her face.

Jimmy stared at Norrington distrustfully and moved his hand to Nell’s knee.

“They didn’t’ try and ‘urt you did they?” he asked carefully, keeping his weary gaze on Norrington.

“Mister Bryant took care of you Jimmy. They saved your life,” Nell said, not at all surprised by the complete look of shock that filled his face, followed by weary nervousness.

“Why?” he asked them, eyes darting between Bryant and Norrington.

Norrington regarded him silently, mentally wondering when he had ever seen a dirtier, more untidy lad.
“We couldn’t just let you die lad,” Norrington said quietly, his blue eyes intent on the lad who was starting to sway with the exertion of sitting upright. “Lie down and let Bryant look at your wound. It has been stitched up as best as possible, but the risk of infection is high.” Norrington’s voice was firm and authorative and Jimmy found himself obeying in much the same manner he did Jack or his father.

Bryant lifted the torn shirt from his shoulder, making the boy grit his teeth at the pain.
Nell could see, even in the relative gloom, how red and painful it looked with the dark stitches running unevenly down the length of the cut Bryant had made.
Bryant re-covered the wound and looked at Norrington.

“With any luck the salt from the sea water will help,” he said quietly and restrained Jimmy gently when he tried to sit back up.

Before anyone could say anything else the hold was thrown open and six pirates armed with swords and loaded pistols came stomping down.

The door to the other brig was thrown open and the sailors were herded out; the ones that fell were left lying on the floor of the brig.
Nell watched in horror as the ones still conscious were herded up the steps by three of the pirates.

“Get up!”

One of the pirates rattled the bars of the brig and barked at the three of them crouched on the floor.
“And get the lad up as well. Capt’n wants you all on deck.”

Nell and Bryant helped Jimmy to his feet, but he shook their hands off him and he lifted his head as he walked with them out of the brig and up onto the deck. The pride in his face and the way he refused to give in gave Nell a little courage to do the same.

The change in weather was astonishing and the sun was instantly warming as they came out into the open.

It took a while for Nell to be able to see after coming from the dark brig but she was aware that
Jimmy was beside her and they were both flanked by Norrington and Bryant.

Beaumont came down from the Quarterdeck and up to them.

“Well well.” He smirked, “have you looked behind us yet?” he inquired of Norrington.

They all looked behind them and Nell felt intense relief flow through her. She closed her eyes as she saw the striking black sails and colours of the Black Pearl. She had her sweeps out and although she was still some distance behind them, Nell knew they were getting closer.

“Bitten off more than you can chew, I think,” Norrington spoke softly, turning back to look at Beaumont. “You’ll never outrun the Pearl. She’s the fastest ship in the Caribbean.”

Beau smi smiled with amusement but something flickered in his eyes.

“Is that why you’ve never managed to capture her?” he asked Norrington lazily and saw the flood of colour that burned his face before his composure returned.

“I see I’ve hit a sore spot,” he said to Norrington.

“You’ve touched a sore spot with Sparrow. Do you really think he’ll let you get away with this?” asked Norrington calmly.

“I wasn’t aware he holds you in such high regard, Norry.” Beaumont began to pace in front of them. He stopped when he saw Jimmy.

“He doesn’t. But he won’t let you attack one of his own and get away with it. He’s not like other pirates,” Norrington replied. “He’s the best pirate I’ve ever seen.” His voice lowered as he clearly insulted the other man.

Beaumont flushed with anger and reaching forward gripped Jimmy by his injured shoulder.

The lad howled in pain as Beaumont dragged him forward.

Nell reacted instantly and caught hold of Beaumont’s arm.

“Let him go!” she cried out.

Beaumont looked at her and smiled cruelly as Bryant caught her arm and pulled her back against him.

“Is this the kind of crew he has?” Beaumont looked down at where Jimmy had sunk to his knees; tears pouring down his face as the older man clenched his hand into his shoulder. “Children at playing pirates?”

“He is a child.” Norrington spoke calmly, but his clenched hands gave away a little of his anger. “Let him go.”

“Hurting children doesn’t make you a better pirate; it just makes you a coward,” Nell snapped at him as she held tightly the arm that Bryant had around her waist.

Beaumont looked at her and let go of Jimmy and moved towards her.

Jimmy sank to his knees sweat breaking out as pain wrenched through him.

“And you know all about how good pirates can be don’t you, Helen dear?”

Nell said nothing as she shrank back against Bryant as his arm tightened around her.

“No words of defiance?” Beaumont stepped closer to her. Nell shrank back even more, unaware of how tightly pressed to Bryant she was now. The top of her head came to just below his chin as her back was pressed tightly to him. Bryant’s arm was still around her waist, his fingers clenched into the material of her britches at her hip.

Beaumont’s eyes dropped to Bryant’s hand and a cruel smirk crossed his face.

“And now you are aware of how good the King’s Navy is, I see. My, how you do get around considering your previous devotions.”

Bryant stiffened behind her but he didn’t loosen his grip on her, aware of how much she was relying on him to keep her upright.

Nell shook her head, her knees shaking as fear crawled through every vein turning her blood to ice.

“I wonder if you’d be willing to show my crew how good you are?” he looked around as several of the crew began to laugh appreciatively.

“They seem quite willing.” He looked back at her and stepped forward again till he was inches away from her. “Mayhap we can have some fun?”

Bryant backed up slightly taking Nell will him but he stopped sharply when he felt the cold blade of a sword prick his neck.

Nell whimpered as Beaumont reached out and ran a finger down her cheek.

“You always were more trouble than you were worth,” he muttered. “I was very short-sighted in using you in the first place. You are too much like your mother. I don’t like making mistakes Helen. And you are one big mistake that needs rectifying.”

“All this chit-chat isn’t getting you farther away from Sparrow.” Norrington stepped forward to Beaumont, ignoring the dozen or so drawn pistols that were aimed at him as he moved, intent on drawing Beaumont’s attention away from Nell.

Beaumont turned icy eyes on him and raised a black eyebrow.

“Who says I want to run from him? He has something else of mine that I intend to get back.” He turned and motioned to Tristan to step forward.

Nell looked across at where the other man had been stood, leaning back against the bulwarks, looking for all the world as if he were watching some amusing play.

He pushed himself away from the bulwarks and came towards Beaumont, his eyes on Nell.

“What do you think we should do with the lad?” Beaumont asked him.

“Throw him over?” he suggested lazily.

“You can’t! He’ll drown! Don’t. Please don’t.” She wrenched herself away from Bryant and rushed to stand in front of Jimmy protectively. Bryant moved to follow her but rough hands caught his arms and he was forced to his knees. Norrington clenched his fists tighter, knowing that if he made the wrong move he’d kill them all instantly. He tried to make eye contact with Bryant but the pirate behind him had his head forced downwards as he held a pistol to the back of his neck.
Nell looked from Jimmy to Bryant and back to where the Pearl was gaining but still not close enough to be of any help.

“If we’d had more time it would have been interesting to see which of them you’d be willing to save given a choice,” Tristan mused as he watched Nell’s obvious distress at seeing Bryant threatened. “And how far you’d be willing to go to save them.”

Nell glared at him, aware that he was playing one of his games, aware that they both viewed this as nothing more than a game, a sport. They were just sport to them and she realised that the more they responded to their moves the more they enjoyed their game. Anger crept into her mind slowly, edging past the fear until she was able to look directly at him without shaking too much.

“Are you really willing to see how far Captain Sparrow will go to claim Jimmy back alive? And are you really willing to see his revenge if Jimmy is killed?”

“I’ve already seen what Sparrow will do to a man that breaks his code,” Beaumont said quietly, the cruel amusement gone from his voice to leave it blank and emotionless.

Nell frowned, aware of Jimmy getting to his feet behind her. His wound was bleeding again and the blood loss combined with the pain was making him very shaky. But he staggered to stand beside Nell.

“And that were just for tryin’,” Jimmy slurred “If ye’ve ‘urt ‘er…”

Nell saw Tristan move forward to hit Jimmy but she stepped sideways without even thinking, intent on shielding Jimmy. Tristan’s fist connected with the side of her head and she went down with a cry of pain.

Norrington moved instantly, growling, but the pistol aimed at him was pressed into his temple and he dared not move again.

Jimmy crouched beside where Nell was lying on her side. Pain seemed to explode through every vein in her face and down her neck to her arms. She shook her head as her vision blurred and then came back into sharp focus. She could see blood dripping down onto the deck as she pushed herself up onto her arms.

“Miss Nell?” Jimmy reached forward and gave a howl of outrage mixed with pain when he was forcibly dragged backwards by a pirate as Tristan waved him aside so he could crouch down next to Nell.
He took her chin in his hand and, using his other hand he helped her to sit up. Her fingers went to her face and she felt the blood from a cut under her eye.

“My ring.” Tristan shrugged but there was no apology in his voice or face, just wry amusement. He took her upper arms and stood, bringing her up with him. Too shaken and still reeling from the pain in her head, she could do no more than just hang limply in his grip.

“We really should get on with our plans before Sparrow gets any closer,” Tristan said to Beaumont.

“Quite!” he agreed and turning, began to bark orders at the rest of his crew.

Nell watched in dawning horror as several pirates began dragging the barely conscious sailors towards the side of the ship that faced the Pearl. It occurred to her that sometime in their coming above deck, the anchor had been lowered and the ship turned so that they were now side on to the rapidly approaching Pearl.

She cried out as they took them to the sides of the ship and tied them over the edges so that they were hanging down above the water, suspended by their wrists, forming a human shield.

Two more pirates took Bryant and Norrington and they were dragged, struggling, to the edges.
Beaumont crossed to Nell and motioned with his hand for Tristan to let her go.

“Now do you see what a mess you’ve made?” he asked her quietly. “This is all your doing, my dear. If only you’d stayed at the convent like a good girl.”

Nell looked at him and fury built in her that over-ruled her fear. She spat at him full in his face. He reacted instantly and back-handed her sharply. Pain exploded in her face as she stumbled backwards into the arms of Tristan again.

“String the boy up,” Beaumont barked at some of the pirates.

She looked up and saw Jimmy being dragged to his feet. He was tied to the mast and she saw with some relief that he had once again slipped into unconsciousness.

“Ready the canons and run up the white flag. Let’s see if Sparrow will parley with us.” Beaumont shouted out.

Tristan set Nell onto her feet and let go of her arms.

“You really must stop throwing yourself at me,” he said cheerfully and it finally dawned on Nell that both Beaumont and Tristan were mad. Not just slightly unbalanced as Jack appeared to be, but completely, dangerously insane.

Nell moved away from Tristan and grabbed the side to keep upright. She could see the Pearl getting closer; no flags other than the Jolly Roger were flying.

She began praying with all her might that Jack would get them out of this. She could hear the groans of the men below her and it curled into a black sickness in her stomach that had her head spinning.

She looked down, seeing the agony clearly etched on the faces of the sailors. She saw Bryant and Norrington almost immediately below her and helplessness flowed through her.

Suddenly an order was given behind her that had her turning in sheer horror. A scream left her lips and she flailed with all her might as two pirates grabbed her and tied a rope around her waist. Their intent was clear as one lifted her over his shoulder and, with a grunt, threw her over the edge of the bulwarks.

Her scream was intense and bloodcurdling as she fell towards the still slightly choppy waters below, only to be halted violently as the rope tightened around her stomach and jerked her into the side.
Nell hung there facing outwards, the rope cutting painfully into her stomach, and the thin material of the shirt and the open fabric of Norrington’s topcoat doing nothing to ease the pain of her full weight on the rope.

The fall had cut her screams off as the air had left her lungs on a grunt.

“Think yerself lucky yer not ‘anging by yer arms like yer friends,” the pirate that threw her over shouted down at her.

Nell frantically tried to gain some sort of purchase with her feet to relieve the pain in her stomach.

“Lift… feet.” A hushed hoarse voice came from her right.

Nell turned her head and through the tears in her eyes she saw Norrington, his face was etched in agony, sweat running down his face. His arms were up stretched over his head, wrists bound together and then tied to the ropes hanging down. She could see every muscle in his arms pronounced a hun hung there.

“Ledge.” He was having trouble breathing; the effect of his weight on his arms was crushing his chest.

She looked down and saw the heels of his boots were wedged onto a small ledge that ran around the ship’s hull. It was no more than a decorative detail and could have been no more than a finger length in width, but it was enough to relieve some of the intense pressure on their arms.

She scrambled with her feet; every dip and rise the ship made through the waves was enough to have her whimpering in pain. Her boots finally found the ledge and she dug her heels down, her legs taking some of the weight from her stomach. Her arms above her head with her hands clenched around the rope as she tried to hold her weight up.

She looked towards the approaching Pearl and began to pray out loud.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hock cursed fluently and bounded up to the Quarterdeck, the spyglass in his hand.

“Capt’n.” He stopped in front of Jack and held out the spyglass. “You oughta see this,” he said darkly.

Jack took the glass, knowing from Hock’s voice that he wasn’t going to like what he saw.
Gibbs took the wheel from him and he stepped forwards bringing the glass to his eye.
He scanned the edges of the ship, his eyes seeing the line of nearly naked sailors that Beaumont had hung over the edge of the ship. He followed the line to the end, his mouth forming a thin line of fury as he saw first Bryant and then Norrington and then, his stomach dropped and his mouth went dry when he saw the hanging figure of Nell.

Jack’s fingers clenched around the spyglass as he realised without a doubt that it was Nell. Her head was hanging forwards; her long hair had come adrift and was hanging forward as well. He could see that the rope was not tied around her wrists as with the others, but around her stomach and a small amount of relief flowed through him. Had she been hanging with her arms above her head and no purchase for her feet, she would surely be dead before he could get to her.

He made himself look back along the line of sailors. There was no sign of Jimmy. Raising the glass slightly he scanned the decks till he saw Jimmy tied to the mast. His jaw clenched as he watched intently, searching for Beaumont. He saw the tall dark man standing next to another man that had to be D’Mornay, judging by their dress.

He looked back at Nell before closiis eis eyes and lowering the spyglass.

He turned and looked at Hock, Gibbs and Will in front of him. Hock had told them both what he had seen while Jack had been looking through the glass. All three of them wore expressions of anger mixed with horror.

Jack looked back over his shoulder for a few moments before looking back at them, no humour anywhere on his face or in his eyes.

“He wants to parley, so first we’ll parley.” He handed the spyglass to Hock and stepped forwards swaying slightly as he moved around them. “And then we’ll kill them all. No mercy,” he muttered as he passed them.

“Jack?” Will looked at him in concern but he ignored Will’s gaze.

“Mister Gibbs, double check the canons. Mister Hock, make sure every man knows his place and Will… keep Elizabeth locked up somewhere. I do not want to run the risk of Beaumont getting hold of her….” Jack stopped and frowned. He patted his pockets as if looking for something.

Gibbs held out a tankard of rum to Jack who took it with a nod of appreciation. He took a swig, looked at it and then took another swing before returning it.

“When you’ve finished that I’ll tell you the plan,” he slurred and turning walked away, his usual swaggering gait still in place. He stopped, looked back over his shoulder and frowned “I’ll be in my cabin.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Well.” Beaumont raised an eyebrow as he finally looked upon the Captain of the Black Pearl.

“He’s shorter than I expected,” he remarked to Tristan, disappointment showing in his voice.

“And a lot more… strange,” Tristan replied, eyeing the many beads and trinkets that were woven into the black hair of the man on the other ship. The red band around his hair looked stained and the kohl that lines his black eyes gave him a sinister look. He was unsmiling as he looked across at them. One hand on his hip, the other hand on the handle of his pistol.

“He isn isn’t he?” Beaumont remarked. “A fop, I’d say… except that his reputation says otherwise.”

“Care to get the parley over and done with quickly, mate? Mayhap even just skip right along to the part where I kill you, relieve you of your crew overload and sink your ship? I do have an island waiting for me.” Jack shouted out to them, bing ing into their conversat his his hands dancing as he spoke.

Beaumont’s eyebrows went up and he stepped forward ready to do battle.

“Well, that’s mighty kind of you,” he called back “But I’ll have to decline on your offer and point out to you that I hold all the cards, so to speak.”

“And what cards would they be mate?” Jack called out.

“I have your boy, the lad Jimmy. And …” Beaumont stepped forward and taking a knife from his pocket he leaned over and held the knife to the rope that was holding Nell up.

But neither Jack, nor the others made any movement that it concerned them at all. Had Beaumont been closer he’d have seen Will’s hand clenched below the bulwarks and the muscle that ticked in Hock’s jaw. But no other signs were given that his actions had meant anything to them.

“Now don’t be too hasty there,” Jack called out cheerfully, his usual drunken slur present and completely convincing. “You need her just as much as I do and for the same reasons,” Jack shouted back “I really don’t think you want to do something that stupid, mate.”

Beaumont stopped and straightened. He turned to Tristan and pulled a face of disbelief at him. Tristan moved forwards and leant close to Beaumont whispered in his ear.

“Call his bluff. Cut the rope and let her fall.”

“You really think he’s bluffing? The man sounds drunk!” Beaumont hissed back angrily.

“It was you that told me not to underestimate him. Call his bluff,” Tristan insisted softly.

“And what then?” Beaumont replied snapping at him. “Lose the only hold we have over him? I do not want to have to fire on that ship. I want her for us Tristan. She’s a beauty and I will be her Captain.” Beaumont’s voice became slightly petulant before he cleared his throat.

Tristan nodded calmly and smiled at him.

“We will have the ship, James. Don’t worry. We still have the boy and the way he reactsher her will tell us exactly how to proceed with the lad.”

Beaumont quickly thought over the options and narrowed his eyes.

“Let’s see shall we?” he murmured and turned back to face Jack, an evil smile on his face.
“I’m afraid you’ve been mistaken. I have eed eed for Helen anymore and neither do you.” He flicked the knife expertly catching it. “I believe that we can come to a satisfying conclusion that will be beneficial to us all.”

Jack blinked and frowned.

“That’s my line!” he complained to Will. “He’s stolen my line. I should kill him for that alone,” he raised his voice and called out to Beaumont.

“What do you have in mind?”

He moved back a pace, watching Jack’s reaction closely, but the man was giving nothing away.

“I suggest a little exchange might be in order and I must say you’ll be getting the better deal. I’ll release all the soldiers, your boy and even Helen… in exchange for the items you took from her.”
Jack brought his fingers to his chin and contemplatively tugged on his braids.

“Let me see if I’ve got this straight,” he replied. “I give back Nell’s effects to you and you give us young Jimmy, Nell, all the red-coats and the Commodore and his good lieutenant.”

Beaumont nodded, watching, as Jack seemed to be considering the deal.

Jack snapped his fingers together.

“Seems to me that whatever Nell had must be quite precious to you,” Jack stated his head inclined to one side. “Why else parley with us?”

“Why indeed Captain Sparrow?” agreed Beaumont.

“Also seems to me that you’re holding a lot on the value of your … exchange.” Jack fingered his braids and then spread his arms wide. “I’m assuming that you’ve been hiding in England for a while and I think it’s made you a little soft round the edges somewhat. Me?” Jack gestured widely bowing slightly at the waist. “I’m a pirate mate. Not given to caring much about anything except me own lot, if you get my drift.”

Beaumont stiffened with anger; he hadn’t expected Sparrow to be so laid back, so disinterested about the whole affair. It seemed he hadn’t been far wrong when he’d told Nell that he wouldn’t be interested in her any longer. He tried once last time.

“According to Helen she’s been warmiour our bed for you; surely you wouldn’t be willing to give that up now?”

Jack’s eyes briefly lowered to where Nell was still hanging over the edge. Her head was lowered but he was in no doubt that she could hear everything that was being shouted between the two ships.

“C’mon mate!” Jack spread his arms once more. “There’s plenty more wenches in the inns.” He allowed a smirk to cross his face. “Not that I wasn’t grateful to her but she’s hardly irreplaceable, especially as, if as you say, she holds no further use to find the gold.”

His eyes flickered downwards but she made no movement that she’d heard him.
Beaumont felt irritation flow through him. He had never dealt with quite such a laid back, irreverent man and he could see no indication on either his face or the faces of the men on his ship that would make him think it was all an act.

“Such bravado, Sparrow.” Beaumont tried again. “Especially coming from the pirate who sacked Nassau without firing a shot. Surely such a humane pirate won’t allow a woman to drown?”

Jack placed his palms together and shrugged at him, a wide smirk on his face.

“What can I say? I was low on shot that day, didn’t fancy wasting whenwhen I didn’t have to.”
Beaumont shook his head in frustration; it me ome obvious to him that he’d never win a war of words.

“Have it your way then, Sparrow,” Beaumont called and with one quick movement he motioned with his arm behind him and Joe cut Jimmy down from the mast. He dragged him forwards and smacked him lightly to wake him up. Jimmy began to struggle till he saw the Pearl and he smirked.

“Told ye ‘e’d come fer us,” he slurred and earned a smack around the back of his head from Joe.
Beaumont took Jimmy from Joe and forced him to his knees, his arms were re-bound behind his back by Joe.

“I don’t think you’re taking me seriously, Sparrow,” Beaumont shouted and none of the lazy tone was in his voice now. “Perhaps a demonstration that I mean business.”

He drew out his knife again and with a quick flick what was left of Jimmy’s shirt was torn from his body. The wound on his shoulder was angry and inflamed, the stitches had torn slightly and fresh blood was seeping out.

Beaumont brought the knife to the wound, close but not touching it.

Jimmy began to shake in fear, his eyes searching out Jack’s.

“Don’t force me, Sparrow. It’ll be no hardship for me to see him bleed.”

Jack’s face closed and no emotion showed at all as he looked at Jimmy, he could see the boy tried hard to look brave but he was close to retching.

“What is it you want, Beaumont?” Jack’s voice had taken on a hard edge making Beaumont smile.
He looked back at Tristan and grinned at him, mouthing the words ‘progress’ before turning back to Jack.

“Just Nell’s effects.” He smiled. “Oh, and your ship would be nice. While I admire the Commodore his, it’s not quite as… worthy as yours.”

“You’re a bit above your station I think, mate,” Jack called.

Beaumont let out an exasperated grunt and lifting the dagger indicated to Joe.

“Cut them loose!” he said angrily.

Joe moved forwards and sliced through the rope holding Nell up before moving to the Commodore and Bryant. He managed to cut both of them free before a shot from Gibbs pistol killed him on the spot.

Everything seemed to happen at once after that, Hock roared in anger as in one fluid movement he dived smoothly down into the waters below them.

Beaumont brought his dagger down to stab Jimmy in the heart when he felt something slam into his arm making him loose his grip on the dagger. It took him a few seconds to register that he had been shot and when he did register it, all hell had broken loose on board the Relentless and it was all he could do to swing his sword up and around to block the sword of Gibbs who had swung across with the rest of the Pearl’s crew.

A shouting rang in his ears and with a sudden feeling that he had bitten off more than he could chew he realised they were shouting “No mercy”.

He turned and fighting with a skill born of constant practise he made his way to Tristan. He could see that the Pearl’s crew would quickly overpower his own crew so it was time to revert into Plan B. His crew were tired from the crossing from England and unused to fighting other pirates. Sparrow’s crew on the other hand seemed to live for this, judging from the shouts of ‘No Mercy’ that went up every time one of his crew was killed.

Beaumont could see that Jack was trying to fight his way through to him and he couldn’t afford to have Jack reach him. He ducked behind one of the sails that had fallen and turning ran through a pirate from the Pearl that was fighting Tristan.

“Burn her!” he ordered Tristan “Burn her and spread the word to jump ship.” He barked out and made his way to the where they had already placed out powder.

He looked backwards as Tristan disappeared below deck. He offered a short silent prayer that not only would this plan work but that both of them would live to see it through.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hock couldn’t see her as the downward thrust of his weight kept him going. He frantically turned trying to spot her in the clear waters. Swimming downwards he suddenly spotted her white shirt and he realised she was on the bottom. Ignoring the growing pain in his lungs from need of air he forced himself downwards until he could grip her arm and then using his feet he pushed himself upwards keeping her with him. He fought his way to the top, bringing her to the side of the ship, she was unconscious and to his despair her eyes were open.

He looked upwards frantically treading water and trying to keep them both above water. He saw Dwent looking out for him and relief flowed through him as he threw down a rope. He caught it and tied it around her bruised and bleeding waist. He signalled to Dwent, his eyes on the Relentless as he saw the pirates fighting viciously, the moment the rope was tied around her and Dwent started to drew her upwards, Hock turned and diving back down began to look for Norrington and Bryant. But he held little hope of finding them alive. He just hoped that Nell would be faring better now Dwent had her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A/N: Okay so my fingers completely ran away with themselves over this one. I just hope you enjoyed it. I’m no good at writing at fight scenes as I don’t fence myself ;-)

Thank you to everyone who gets this far and hasn’t fallen asleep! Just hope you enjoyed it!

GylzGirl: Thank you! I hope you like this one too and that Norrington isn’t too out of character!

Shasjin Saber: Wow! What can I say *blushes*. I’m glad that you enjoyed it so far and I hope it continues to rock your tacos. ;-)

Calendar: Thank you! Hope this does it for you too.

Sophie: Thank you, thank you! I really don’t know many more chapters there will be, although I’ve written the last chapter so I know how it ends, just not sure how it gets there! ;-)

Lan: Nell/Jack chemistry will back soon. I was originally going to have Beaumont take her all the way to the island. But he’s too cruel and he would have killed them all before they got there so I really had to have Jack catching up. I just hope you continue to enjoy this. Thank you!

Daelyan Sandheaver: What a great pen-name! Thank you for your review! *blushes* I’ve actually had a hard time trying to see which way Jack’s crew would go, but I wanted them to be like Jack in a way and possess some sort of moral code albeit a slightly deranged one. So I figured that they’d fight for one of their own, especially one whose just become a part of the crew as a real ‘man’ ;-) and the son of one of them to boot. But I hope you like this one too.

Lilitaliandragon: Thank you! Not sure if this one is all that long but I hope you like it anyway.

Jess: Thank you! I have to admit that I trawl through looking for good POTC stories as well. Hope you like this one too.

Twilight Whisper: Jack to the Rescue!!! Hope you like it and thank you for making me smile.

Pika Pika: Thank you! I do get worried sometimes, cause as my hubby tells me, my imagination isn’t so much overactive and hyperactive, so I think my fingers runs away with me, but I hope you like it anyway.

KrissXed: Sorry you haven’t been well! Hope you’re feeling better. We’ve had the cold/fluy thing here so my sympathies to you. I hope that you liked this one, especially had Norrington had a large part. It was hard writing him in this scene, trying to keep in character in a scene that he hasn’t been in is canon as you have no guidelines to follow. Thank you.

Braveheart: wow! I’m touched. Thank you and sorry for the errors. Grammar and I have never been on very good terms, we have agreed to disagree many times! ;-) Hope you like this though!


BlackWidow: Thank you, you made me feel warm and happy. I hope you continue to like it.

Thanks to everyone whether you review or not.

Have a great day wherever you are and take care of yourselves.