The Map

Usual Disclaimer and a big thank you to Betsy for beta-reading this for me. She’s poorly he mhe moment so “Get well!” soon. *hugs*

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

Beaumont felt the cold press of metal to his temple and instantly stilled. Tristan behind him fell to his knees as a pistol was pressed to his temple at the same time.

Beaumont raised his hands in the air slowly.

“Gentlemen!” he implored, “Surely we can discuss this.”

“If it were up to me you’d be joining your crew at the bottom of Davey Jones Locker.” Will spoke coldly as he held his pistol to Beaumont’s head. “But it’s not. Although I doubt whether Captain Sparrow will be any easier on you.”

Gibbs moved forward and bound their arms behind their backs as Will and Timms kept their pistols trained on their heads.

“Now get up!” snarled Will, “And call out for your crew to surrender or I won’t wait to see what Jack does to you.”

Beaumont moved forward as Tristan stumbled to his feet.

“DO IT!” shouted Will.

“WE SURRENDER!” Beaumont shouted and wasn’t at all surprised to see the few remaining pirates from his ship down their swords, almost immediately bringing their hands in the air.

Jack came across the deck, his hand on Jimmy’s arm as he limped along, clearly in a lot of pain and suffering from blood loss. Jack’s face darkened when he saw the bound and captive figure of Beaumont.

He looked at Gibbs briefly.

“Get young Jimmy back to the Pearl.” He instructed him.

“Where’s Miss Nell?” Jimmy asked anxiously, his voice cracking slightly as he looked around him.
“Mister Hock dived in after her and took her aboard the Pearl. Now get along,” Jack spoke, not taking his eyes of Beaumont.

Gibbs led the lad away and Jack still watched the man silently.

“What do you want done Jack?” Will spoke softly and moved forward, his pistol still held threateningly towards them. “Shall we kill them yet?”

“No.” Jack shook his head. “We wait for the opportune moment, mate.”

Will nodded but looked confused a second later.

“What opportune moment?” he asked.

“THE opportune moment.” Jack rolled his eyes at Will. “Get them back aboard the Pearl and lock them in the brig.” He turned from them, not looking back and shouted orders for Beaumont’s crew to be set adrift in the small boats from the Relentless without oars.

Two of Jack’s crew came running up to him out of breath and worried.

“The ship is on fire below deck,” one of them panted. “It’s only a matter of time before it ‘its the ammunition store room. Place will blow sky ‘igh and we’ll all be bugger’d.”

Jack swung into motion calling for all speed on evacuating the ship. The remaining Redcoats that were still hanging over the edge were cut free and brought aboard the Pearl while Beaumont’s crew was set adrift.

The moment the last pirate was aboard the Pearl, the grappling hooks were cut and the Pearl was brought about and away from the Relentless.

Jack looked around him at the nearly naked surviving Redcoats. It was clear to see that very few of them would last for much longer. He could only guess at what they had to endure; his thoughts were broken by the sight of a dripping wet Commodore and his lieutenant slumped against the bulwarks, coughing and spluttering as they brought up the water that had gone into their lungs and stomach.

Hock came towards him, dripping wet and clearly out of breath.

“Capt’n,” he wheezed before bending forward at the waist, hands going to his knees as he tried to regain his breath.

Jack looked back at the Relentless as the fires broke out onto the upper deck and soon spread up the masts.

“Bring out the sweeps,” he called to Gibbs. “I don’t want to be anywhere near when she blows!”

He turned back to where Hock was straightening up, his breathing slowly returnio noo normal.

“Get yourself dried and rested, Mister Hock.” Jack stepped forward and placed his arm around the taller pirate, making Hock bend forwards again slightly. “My gratitude for retrieving Miss Nell,” Jack said quietly.

“I wouldn’t see anything happen to her Capt’n, none of the crew would,” Hock said slowly, “She’s kinda grown on us.”

Jack nodded and stepped away from Hock; suddenly aware he was getting himself wet. He brushed the drops of water from his arm and waved Hock away.

He saw Norrington struggle to his feet, his usually proud face a mask of despair as he saw his flagship burning.

His eyes caught Norrington’s and he placed his hands together in sympathy. He may dislike the Commodore, but he did know how it felt to lose one’s ship.

Norrington stepped forward and found himself facing the end of a drawn pistol.

Bryant, immediate to react, went for his own pistol only to growl when he realised he didn’t have one.
Jack stepped forward waving at Timms to lower the pistol.

“The Commodore and his men are guests aboard the Pearl,” he slurred, his hands dancing as he swaggered across to Norrington.

If Timms was surprised at Jack’s announcement it didn’t show on his face as he lowered his pistol.
“Aye Capt’n,” Timms said and stuck his pistol back into the waistband of his trousers.

“What are you going to do with us Sparrow?” demanded Norrington, his face etched with weariness and pain. He still held extreme distrust and dislike for the pirate in front of him.

“Nothing that will cause you harm. Or at least not straight away, anyway,” Jack replied; he inclined his head and narrowed his eyes at them.

“Mister Timms, show the good Commodore and his lieutenant to Will’s cabin and find them some clothes that are dry.” Jack gave the Commodore the once over and smirked before turning and swaggering off towards his own cabin, intent on finding Nell.


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

Nell winced as Daniels cut the shirt from her midriff. She was still soaking wet and was starting to shiver. Lady Clarence drew a blanket around her shoulders and Nell caught it closer.

“Thank you,” she said and winced again as pain shot through her bruised jaw line.

“Keep still, please, Miss.” Daniels spoke quietly, his accent thick Jamaican. She looked down at his bent head over her wounded stomach. His skin was the blackest she had ever seen. It was so black it almost shined blue; his hair was tightly coiled curls and looked wiry. He looked up at her and she was struck by how brown his eyes were and white his teeth were. He was exceptionally good looking with a firm, strong, handsome face and she found herself staring at him.

He grinned at her and bent back over her stomach.

“You’ll be feelin’ that for awhile, Miss,” he said, and Nell winced as he lifted the material of her trousers slightly to see the extent of the rope burns.

“What can you do?” asked Lady Clarence peering down at the burns and gashes on Nell’s otherwise white skin.

“First things first. We need to get you out of these wet clothes before you chill.”

Nell gaped at him and he laughed at her.

“’Tis alright, Miss. I’m sure her ladyship here will be of assistance. I will be outside until you call.” He got up, and Lady Clarence waited until the door was shut before she helped Nell out or wer wet clothes.

She whimpered as she sank back on the bed several minutes later dressed in dry undergarments that Lady Clarence had brought with her.

“I’ll get him back again,” Lady Clarence said quietly and Nell looked at her, aware that something had changed in the time she had been aboard the Relentless. The arrogant air had gone from her face and her eyes were softer.

“What is it?” asked Nell without thinking.

Lady Clarence looked at her surprised.

“What?” she asked blinking.

“You seem…”

Lady Clarence smiled and her eyes glazed slightly before she looked back down at Nell.
“I won’t be needing your offer anymore,” she said.

“What?” Nell frowned and winced as the pain in her stomach rippled throughout her body.
“I’ll tell yoter,ter,” she said, and to Nell’s eternal shock she winked at her before calling out for Daniels to return.

Nell was unable to ask any more as Daniels came back in with something that looked like a needle and thread in his hands.

“What’s that for?” demanded Nell sharply as all thoughts of Lady Clarence disappeared.

“You need stitching up in places across your stomach,” he said matter-of-factly. “The rope cut you badly as well as burning you.”

Before Nell had chance to say anything the door opened and Jack came swaggering in. Nell looked up at him just as Daniels wiped the cloth across her stomach.

She gasped aloud as the intense pain racked through her.

Jack came striding across, his face blank of any emotions as he looked over Daniels’ shoulder at her stomach. He made a face at the bloody burnt skin and looked at Lady Clarence, who had gone a pale shade of green.

“I got to stitch in places, Capt’n,” Daniels spoke quietly, and Nell froze in fear.

“No. Please no.” She tried to move backwards but the pain in her stomach was too intense.

Jack looked at Daniels and nodded quietly before looking at Lady Clarence.

“You’d be better off on deck helping Elizabeth with the soldiers,” he said quietly, and Lady Clarence shrugged at Nell before leaving the room quickly.

Daniels rinsed out his cloth in the warm fresh water and looked back at Jack.

“Fair weather.” He laughed and looked back at Nell. “Ready?”

“No.” she shook her head. “Not really.”

“I have just the thing,” Jack informed her and witflouflourish brought out a bottle of rum and, opening it, handed it to her.

“I’ll clean these as best as I can, but I’ve got to stop infection setting in and the bleeding.” Daniels looked at her with pity in his eyes.

“Drink enough of that and I promise that you won’t feel a thing.” Jack knelt beside her. “Trust me.”

Nell took the bottle with a shaky hand as she saw Daniels get up to organise the needle he’d need.

“It’s just a little scratch isn’t it?” she asked Jack, trying to sound hopeful. “Surely stitching is a little dramatic for just a scratch!”

“Nell.” Jack realised she couldn’t bend forward enough to see the state of her stomach. “You’re stomach looks as if you’ve been flayed. The rope has cut you badly and you’re still bleeding. We have to stop the bleeding.”

Nell realised that it had to be done, and she took the bottle from him.

“Drink it as fast as you can, it’ll work quicker,” he advised her.

Nell nodded andttintting the bottle to her lips, she took a small sip and then closing her eyes swallowed down as much as she could muster before she had to stop to breathe, coughing and spluttering, which made the pain in her stomturnturn to true agony. Tears spilled over her cheeks due to more than just the fire of the rum in her throat.

Jack’s hand fluttered around her shoulders, his fingers dancing befor sli slid one arm around her shoulder and gripped her free hand with his other hand.

“It’ll work soon enough,” he slurred. “It always does on me anyway.”

“It’s not working,” she said anxiously and before he could say anything had upended the bottle again, almost draining it.

“I believe the Pearl has been a bad influence on you, luv,” he said as she pulled the nearly empty bottle from her lips and looked at him.

“I don’t feel….” She stopped as it suddenly hit her. It was the strangest feeling and it seemed to work from her toes up. She began to giggle as she looked at him, the pain in her stomach was still there but the edge had been removed.

“I think it’s working.” Jack let go of her hand and took the bottle from her, taking a long swig. Nell looked at him, as he seemed to spin in front of her.

“Are you moving?” she asked quietly and hic-cupped which sent her into another round of giggles. Daniels looked over at them and laughed.

“That was quick,” he said cheerfully.

“Thank goodness.” Jack agreed, and smiled as Nell reached out her hand in front of her and wiggled her fingers, her eyes crossing as she watched them fade in and out of view.

She looked at Jack and, reaching out, tried to touch his cheek and instead ended up tangling her fingers into his hair. She was getting confused as the neat alcohol worked its way into her blood.

“Did you… Did I…” she stopped and tried to get herughtughts together. “Have I… told you…” she squinted at him. “He thought… I had…” her voice dropped to what she thought was a whisper but was just like a stage whisper, “Slept with you…” she nodded at him gravely and dropped her voice lower still, “And I let him!” she nodded and saw Jack’s eyes widened in horror.

“Oh no!” she shook her head and then nodded at him. “I didn’t let him do that…” she stopped and reached for the bottle of rum. She took another long swig and winced as Daniels came back across and began to clean her stomach carefully.

“He wanted to… was going to… but…” she tried to slap at Daniels hands, almost knocking his head with the bottle of rum, until Jack liberated the rum and caught her hand in his again.

“I led him to believe that I’d….y’know.. Which is okay, because we have. Slept together I mean, I think.” She screwed her face up in confusion. “Well we’ve slept together but we haven’t…done that… whatever that is anyway.” She nodded again at Jack who was listening to her intently. “And he said… said…” she frowned as she tried to remember what he’d said. “Something about not knowing… who’d given me… no….” she stopped and looked down at his hand holding hers. “You have very dirty hands,” she suddenly announced, making Daniels snigger which he quickly changed into a cough when Jack glared at him.

“What did he say, luv?” asked Jack calmly.

Nell looked at him and grinned disarmingly.

“That you mighta given me something….” She nodded happily “On acc…acc..acc…because you’d slept with every whore in the Carry…cabbi…world.” She laughed happily and reached for the bottle of rum, which Jack let her take. He watched her as she finished the bottle and then looked at it sadly, completely oblivious to Daniels cleaning her stomach now.

“It’s gone…” she stopped and turned sad eyes on him. “It’s all gone.” Tears began to run down her face.

Jack looked at Daniels and nodded for him to wait a little longer before stitching her up.

“Nell. Did any of them touch you while you were aboard?” Jack asked her, aware of Daniels listening intently.

Nell looked at him and her tears dried instantly as she grinned at him.

“Only half the Navy!” she giggled and Jack’s eyebrows went sky-high.

“He thought that Mister Bryant and I… ‘cos he was holding me… Where is Mister Bryant? And the Commodore? Where is he?” She tried to sit up and look around her for them as if they were in the room.

Jack pushed her back down and took the empty bottle from her.

“They’re safe. On deck.”

“Oh good. Have they told you about my boots yet?” she said quietly, shutting her eyes. “Such lovely men and so good looking!” she sighed and Jack realised she was close to passing out.

She opened her eyes and looked directly into his black ones.

“But not as good looking as you, Jack,” she whispered. “You make me feel funny inside and I have no idea why.” She sounded quite sober as she snuggled her head into his shoulder. Her eyes shut as she passed orom rom the effects of the rum.

A smug smile crept across Jack’s face before he looked at Daniels.

“Not a word of this goes outside that door,” he warned him, and Daniels grinned at him.

“Course not, Capt’n,” he replied and began to stitch Nell up.

Jack continued to hold her until Daniels had finished, and then he eased her gently back onto his pillow and got up, crossing to where Nell’s wet boots were lying in a heap on the floor. He lifted them up and turned them upside down ignoring the water that came pouring out. The rosary came sliding out with the water and landed on the floor with a soft thud. Jack dropped the boots and bent to pick up the rosary on the chain.

“Interesting,” he murmured, looking at the smooth beads.

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

Jack stood in front of the two men and narrowed his eyes.

“Most of my crew are clambering to see you two walk the plank,” he said, his hands doing their usual graceful dance. “You shot tw my my crew members in cold blood, kidnapped two of my crew.”
Beaumont’s lip curled as he smirked at Jack.

“Helen is one of your crew now?” he smirked “What is she; the ship’s whore?”

Jack cracked him hard across the face, the ring on his finger cutting him below his eye.
Beaumont spat a mouthful of blood and a tooth onto the deck beside him.

“You can’t kill me,” Beaumont spat. “You can’t kill either of us.”

“Pray tell me why exactly,” Jack asked, his head inclined to one side as he looked down at Beaumont with hatred in his face.

“Because you need me. You nes bos both. We’re the only ones to sail into Benedictus and return alive.”

Jack began to pace, his black eyes not leaving Beaumont as he paced.

“And I can’t do that?” Jack asked and spread his arms wide. “You’re forgetting something, mate, I’m Captain Jack Sparrow. And I can do what I like.”

“Doesn’t matter who you are, there’s only one way onto that island and a thousand ways to die trying. We can get you on without loosing a single soul. Without us you probably would manage to get on eventually, but are you willing to loose half your crew trying?”

Jack looked from Tristan to Beaumont and back again, his face unreadable.

“One of you would be able to do that. Why should I spare both of you?” he asked coldly.

“It’s both of us, or neither,” Beaumont replied and narrowed his eyes at Jack.

Jack stared down at him and brought one hand to the braids in his chin.

“I would admire you; under different circumstances, I’d really admire for for that,” he said casually, “But as it stands I actually hate you. One wrong move, one wrong word and you’ll die. Both of you.” He looked back at Hock and indicated with his head for them to be taken below.
Hock and Dwent moved forward and, grabbing them painfully, they shoved them forwards, making them crawl to the hatch that would lead them below.

Jack looked back; under ordinary circumstances he wouldn’t allow bad treatment of prisoners, but this was different. He knew that the crew were braying for their blood and would be very disappointed to find out they were to stay alive. They had committed the ultimate sin in attacking one of their own and for that the crew would demand they pay with their blood.

But he knew that it would be easier for him if they remained alive along enough for them to get them onto the island. Once the treasure had been found… he shrugged as he made his way to his cabin.

He opened his door and was assaulted with a cacophony of noise. He looked around and saw Norrington arguing heatedly with Will and Elizabeth. Lady Clarence stood watching, her own voice added occasionally, as she seemed to be backing Will and Elizabeth. Bryant was defending Norrington, the five of them grouped around his table as they argued.

Jack looked across the room to his bed and wasn’t at all surprised to see Nell with her head buried beneath a pillow.

“QUIET!” he roared and then swaggered forwards cheerfully as they all stopped talking at once to look at him.

Nell lifted the pillow from her face and looked across as him.

“Now what seems to be the problem?” he asked and looked from Will to Elizabeth.

“You go too far!” Norrington rounded on Jack who raised his hands defensively and took a step back.

“I do?” Jack looked at him in surprise. “Care to define in what exactly I go too far?”

“You can not possibly be thinking of carrying onto Benedictus, still. It is a Fool’s journey and one that will get everyone killed. You have women aboard this ship, Sparrow, women to whom you owe a responsibility, tooou cou cannot take them on this wild goose chase without a care for their protection.”

Jack shook his head and waved his hands about to get some silence.

“Let’s just be checking on one thing first,” he slurred lazily as he swaggered across to where Nell was still clutching the pillow watching him.

He stopped by her and swayed slightly as he peered down at her.

“You don’t look too good there, luv,” he commented and brought his hands forward to lift the sheet that was covering her midriff. He peered at the bandages that were covering her stitches and the burns. They were white and showing no signs of bleeding again.

“I have a headache, too,” she whispered and winced as the thumping in her head increased.

“That would be the rum,” he informed her, his head inclined slightly as his hands danced gracefully.
Lady Clarence moved across to sit on the edge of the bed, her face petulant as she glared at Norrington.

Jack eyed her carefully before turning to Norrington.

“I really have to object, Sparrow!” he said angrily. “Miss Nell is in no condition to be charging off a fool’s errand, least of all with Miss Elizabeth and Lady Clarence as well.”

“A fool’s errand you say?” Jack asked and looked down his nose at the man, which meant he had to tilt his head back quite a way, as Norrington was easily a good six inches taller than he was.

“Yes. A fool’s errand!” Norrington hissed; Bryant moved to stand behind him.

“Well now, all I can be saying is this: You have little, no correction, NO say in what I do or do not do on my own ship,” Jack replied, his face deadly serious. “Especially when you are relying on my good nature to not drop you both, along with your remaining crew, into a boat and let you float in the middle of nowhere. Savvy?”

“You are despicable!” Norrington hissed at him, his face white with fury.

“I’m also Captain of this ship and while you’re aboard…” Jack stopped and a slow grin curved his lips, “You’ll be doing as I say, savvy?”

Nngtongton sucked in his breath as his eyes narrowed.

“I’ll not allow you to hurt them, Sparrow. None of them,” he hissed at him and wasn’t surprised to see two pirates materialise, seemingly out of nowhere through the still open door with their swords drawn and pointing at him and Bryant.

“An admirable warning, Commodore,” Jack slurred, “Admirable but completely unnecessary.” His head bobbed as he spoke and Norrington clamped his lips together.

“Jack, please.” Elizabeth took Jack’s arm, eyeing the way the pirates were looking at Norrington as if running him through would make for a fine treat. “They mean well.”

“And there’s nothing more dangerous than a well meaning man,” Jack replied and, not looking at Elizabeth, he moved away and swaggered out of the door.

Norrington glared at the two pirates but they merely grinned back at him before following Jack out.
“You really must trust him, James.” Elizabeth spoke again. “He’ll not do wrong by any of us. I know you find it hard to accept him as anything other than a pirate…”

“I’m well aware of how you and Will have continued your friendship with Sparrow,” he stated firmly. “I have until now chosen to turn a blind eye…”

“Until now?” Will stepped forward, a dark frown on his face. “James. Don’t ask us to choose between you.”

“I am not.” Norrington sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before looking at them both carefully.

“He’s going to sail into the most dangerous of waters imaginable. Not even the Navy ventures too close to those shores. There is every chance he’ll kill us all trying to get something which doesn’t even belong to him. I cannot let him do this without at least trying to stop him.”

“He won’t get us killed.” Will nodded. “He has Beaumont and D’Mornay aboard now and they know exactly how to get onto the island and to the treasure.” Will squared off to Norrington.

“In case it has escaped your notice, Jack Sparrow is completely and utterly mad. He probably thinks he can fly as well!” Bryant interrupted with a snort.

Elizabeth glared at him and folded her arms.

“He’s not as mad as you think he is,” she said hotly.

Norrington suddenly straightened up and looked down at Will.

“I had rather hoped you would care more for Elizabeth’s welfare than you are currently showing,” he said coldly.

Elizabeth reacted before Will even had chance to register the words. She slapped Norrington around the face sharply.

“While I appreciate your concern, James, it really is none of your business,” she spat at him. “I am my own woman, and I choose what I will or will not do. I will not be patronised by anyone.”

Norrington closed his eyes briefly and sighed again.

“My apologies,” he said tightly.

“When Beaumont destroyed the Ardent; Jack came to our rescue. He searched until he found us and then he brought us aboard the Pearl. We are, as are you, at his mercy.”

Norrington looked down at Elizabeth and his face softened as he nodded at her. He realised she was right and it angered him beyond belief. But at the same time he knew it was unfair to take it out on Elizabeth and Will.

“He’s a good man, he won’t see us wrong. Any of us,” Will said, quietly placing his hand on Elizabeth’s waist.

“He’s a pirate, and therefore he stands for everything I have made a vow to destroy. But you are correct in saying we are at his mercy,” Norrington replied, glancing at Bryant who was frowning down at his boots.

“I believe a truce is in order,” Norrington said finally, watching Bryant’s face closely. Bryant looked up at him and nodded curtly, but his eyes showed his relief.

Elizabeth grinned widely and stepping on her tiptoes reached up and kissed Norrington’s cheek.
Nell watched the whole exchange quietly before looking at Lady Clarence and pulling a face.
She recognised the truth behind Elizabeth’s words, but Will’s words about her guardian had chilled her to the bone. Jack Sparrow had made a deal with Beaumont, and he was aboard this very ship.

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

“I’m beginning to think I should start charging rent,” Jack said gloomily to Gibbs as he saw Norrington and Bryant step out onto the deck. Every crewmember stopped to watch as the most hated man in the Navy made his way towards the stairs that would lead to the Quarterdeck and where Jack stood with Gibbs.

“Tis bad luck to have Redcoats aboard. Even ones that can’t fight,” Gibbs said lowly, his face dark and foreboding as he watched Norrington.

“In this matter I am inclined to agree with you.” Jack arched an eyebrow and stepped forward, leaving Gibbs at the wheel.

“I assume you are here to apologise profusely.” He grinned with his usual exaggerated manner.
“How far are we from Benedictus?” Norrington asked quietly, ignoring his words. His hands were behind his back, the muscle in his cheek working.

“Why would you be asking that, I wonder?” Jack inquired, standing with one hand on his hip and the other at an odd angle.

“Is there an island you can leave us on?”

Jack shook his head, the dice and beads in his hair jangling together.

“’Fraid not, mate.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Well, there are islands to be sure, but not ones that are inhabited and, speaking from personal experience, I can say that you really don’t want me to be marooning you now, do you?” his hand danced as he spoke.

Norrington’s lips clamped together even tighter as he shook his head.

“I was afraid you’d say that,” Norrington finally said and took a deep breath. “What exactly do you havennednned for us, Sparrow?”

“I have been ruminating on your current position, and I think I’ve come to an arrangement that would suit us all in every way.” Jack grinned at Norrington. “Now I don’t know if you’ve been thinking what I’ve been thinking…”

“I highly doubt it.” Norrington snorted. “Unless of course it involved your dangling from the end of a rope.”

Jack tutted and shook his finger at Norrington before standing on his toes and leaning in very close to Norrington. His eyes dropped to the scabbing line on his neck where the blade had caught him before raising to look directly into his angry grey eyes.

“A word of advice, mate,” he poked him in the chest with the fingers of both hands as he swayed slightly, “S’not a good idea to be aggravating the man who could have you killed in an instant.” Jack grinned as Norrington leaned back from him in disgust.

“What do you propose then?” Norrington hissed through clenched teeth.

Jack looke him him for several minutes before moving back and tilting his head back slightly to look down his nose at Norrington.

“Well, it seems to me that I have something aboard that would be very interesting to a man like yourself.” Jack leaned forward again and held out his hands. “Ever fancied being an Admiral, Commodore?”

Norrington narrowed his eyes and clamped his lips together.

“Oh come on, mate.” Jack clapped his hands together before swaying backwards slightly. “Everyone has an eye to the main chance, and yours must certainly be rank. It’s what all you naval men are about, well, that and the very unfair sport of pirate hunting.”

“I told you once before Sparrow. I serve not only myself.”

Jack shook his head and laughed at him.

“Ah, that might be so. But when the correct carrot is dangled… and correct me if I’m wrong, but I clearly remember the hand of Miss Elizabeth being the carrot that was dangled back then… serving only others then were we, Commodore Norrington?”

Norrington fumed slightly before replying tightly.

“As I informed Miss Elizabeth’s father. Mr Turner was a British Subject and therefore under my protection.”

Jack held his arms wide and looked about him with mock puzzlement.

“Am I not British? Born just outside the sound of Bow Bell’s, me!” he grinned. “In fact there isn’t a one aboard this ship that isn’t British…” Jack frowned. “Except for Miss Nell who was born in Port Royal, I believe… oh, and Daniels who I think it is clear to see is most definitely not British. Unless, of course, in the time since I’ve been there the sun has increased somewhat dramatically, which I rather think not.”

“The fact remains…” Norrington cut his ramble off angrily, “that while you may be of British origin you are now a Pirate, and therefore are under no protection but your own.”

Jack swayed as he regarded Norrington; he lifted his fingers to the braids in his chin.

“I think we’re off subject slightly.” He half turned to look at Gibbs, winking at him in the process. “Mister Gibbs, what was I saying?”

“You be talking about dangling carrots to his nibs there.” Gibbs grinned at Jack.

“Ah yes indeed!” Jack turned back to Norrington and placed his hands together.

“I have on board, James Beaumont and Tristan D’Mornay, the very two pirates that plundered the Tresorta. The very same…”

“I know who they are and what they have done, Sparrow,” Norrington snapped.
Jack looked aggrieved at being interrupted again.

“Well then in that case you also know how grateful the King would be upon having said pirates caught and duly hung for their crimes of stealing from the crown.” Jack blinked innocently at them and clasped his hands together briefly before once again they danced gracefully as he carried on talking.

“Grateful enough to be bestowing the title of Admiral upon the Commodore that brought them to justice, I wouldn’t wonder.” Jack grinned at him, raising his eyebrows. “And you….”

“And just what is in it for you, Sparrow? What do you get from all this?” Interrupted Norrington again, sharply.

“If you’d be so good as to stop interrupting me!” Jack looked very aggrieved. “It’s very bad manners you know, not to mention dangerous to your health if I lose my patience with you.” He took a deep breath and smiled at him.

“What I would be getting out of this deal as you put it is this: Your full, and I might add instant, co-operation in the time you remain aboard the Pearl.”

“That is something that could be achieved by holda pia pistol to my or my crew’s head. Why hand over the pirates to me for something that is already in your power?” Norrington inquired smoothly, his eyes narrowing as he regarded the much shorter and far dirtier man.

“Good point!” Jack nodded. “In fact, a very fine point indeed. But you see the difference being this: I want your co-operation without force. I don’t want to have to be wasting time pointing my pistol at you when I should, in fact, be pointing it elsewhere. Savvy?”

“Indeed, I do,” Norrington replied. “And just while you’re running around on this island pointing your pistol at various dangers, where will the women be?” Norrington shifted slightly and brought his hands round to clasp them in front of him. He could in fact stand for hours without moving a muscle if required, but his shoulders, arms and chest were in some considerable pain and his standing ramrod straight in front of Jack was taking its toll on him.

“Lady Clarence will remain aboard with protection if she so requests, which I rather think she will. Elizabeth will, no doubt, be one step behind young William. And if you disagree with Elizabeth’s position, then I suggest you take it up with the young lady in question as I have had more than my fair share of face slapping,” he slurred and rubbed at his cheek woefully.

“And Miss Nell?” Bryant spoke for the first time, and Jack regarded him in surprise, but Norrington merely nodded, taking in the look of reflected pain in his eyes, although nothing else about his stature gave away his pain.

“Indeed. What of Miss Nell, where will she be?”

“Why, with me, of course.” Jack grinned and couldn’t resist winking at them. “It would seem a trifle unenlightened if I were to leave behind the most important part of finding the treasure, don’t you think?”

Bryant looked to Norrington immediately and then down at his boots, a small frown forming between his eyes.

“So you’re quite prepared to risk Miss Nell’s life just so you can get your hands on a treasure which belongs to the King of England.”

Jack merely grinned at him and spread his arms wide.

“Do you accept?” he asked him casually. “Do I have your complete assurance that you will do as I say in return for Beaumont and D’Mornay and safe passage back to Port Royal?”

“You are despicable,” Norrington said darkly

“Why thank you Commodore. I can’t say I like you much either but in time, who knows? Our feelings may grow.” Jack grinned at him easily. “Now, do we have an accord?”

“I and my men will do anything within our power to keep the women aboard this ship safe, on that you have my word.” Norrington spat.

“And while that is very noble of you I’m sure, it’s not exactly what I’m requiring of you.” Jack lifted his hands once again. “It’s very easy, Commodore, and I’m even willing to add to my end of the agreement, seeing as you’re very gallant. I’ll add that while you and your men are aboard the Pearl or the island, they will be in no danger from my crew or myself. Providing that neither you nor your men do anything to endanger myself or my crew.” He frowned slightly and then his face cleared, as he was certain that it had made sense.

Norrington was fuming, his hands were clenched, and his lips were clamped together in a thin white line.

“Come on Commodore… Two pirates for the price of one. A possible admiralty in the offing.” Jack clicked his fingers, “And in way of showing my good intentions towards you I’ll even let you take some of the treasure back with you. That might even be worth a Fleet Admiralty, eh?”

He leaned forward again and pressed his fingers to Norrington’s chest again.

“Perhaps I should add that it really isn’t in your favour to be denying what I want. Marooning isn’t really all it’s cracked up to be, take it from me!”

“And if I do give my word that we will follow your orders, how do I know that you will keep to yours?” Norrington inquired, furious that he was being manoeuvred into a position where he had little choice but give his word.

Jack grinned at him and patted his chest gently before stepping back away from him.

“Well, you don’t,” he said cheerfully. “You’ll just have to rely on what you judge me to do, don’t you?”

Norrington narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“You have my word, in order to protect the ladies and our safe passage back to Port Royal, that any orders you give will be followed by myself and my crew,” Norrington hissed just loud enough for Jack to hear.

“Wonderful!” Jack cried out and held out his hand to Norrington who took it very quickly and let go just as quickly.

“But I have to add, Sparrow that once this is all over then I will hunt you down.”

Jack grinned and bowed mockingly.

“Why, of course, Commodore. I wouldn’t want our little game of catch to end either. I find it quite exhilarating; you chasing the Pearl, getting so close…” Jack’s face fell “Although it might be even more one-sided now the fastest ship in your fleet is no longer with us.”

Norrington’s face hardened as he remembered watching his ship burning.

“He’ll hang for that alone,” he said coldly.

“He’s going to die for a lot of things,” Jack remarked.

“I’m surprised that you’re willing to hand them over to us. Surely for your crew members they demand their deaths.”

“Just a small testament of my faith in you, Commodore. I care not how they die, just that they do die, and I’m certain that you won’t be ordering a reprieve for them.” Jack looked at Bryant as he shifted uncomfortably, his arms hanging limply at his sides. Jack could see that the two men were in quite some considerable pain and he actually quite admired their tenacity in standing there without complaining. But he could also see they had had enough.

“You’re free to roam around on board this ship with the exception of two places. You will not go into the hold or the brigs. Other than that: be my guest.” Jack waved them away nonchalantly.
Norrington nodded and turned to leave, Bryant following him.

“Oh, and gentlemen.” Norrington sighed and turned back to Jack.

“What?” he snapped.

Jack grinned at them both and indicated the wheel.

“This is out of bounds too.” He smiled, and Norrington gave a curt nod before moving off.

Jack stepped backwards and then turned on his heel to look at Gibbs.

“Ain’t my place Capt’n to question your orders; but the crew isn’t going to like you giving up Beaumont so easily. Neither’s Soames, not after what happened to young Jimmy.”

Jack grinned at him and tapped his nose before taking the wheel from him.

“Ah, but I can’t help it if they don’t survive the island, can I?”

“Indeed not Capt’n.” Gibbs grinned back and left to follow the Commodore down onto the deck.

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

Beaumont was sitting with his legs straight out in front of him. His hands were manacled in front of him. Tristan sat beside him and wasn’t much better off.

“At least they’re going to feed us.” Tristan motioned with both of his hands to the tray of food that lay inside the brig.

“They have to keep us alive. Sparrow might seem stupid, but he realises we’re his best chance at getting onto the island without loosing his ship or his crew.”

“How long do you think it’ll take him to figure out it’s the rosary he needs?” Tristan mused staring at a point just past his boot.

“Probably already has.” Beaumont replied quietly “Won’t do him much good until he’s on the island though, and by that time we’ll have led half his crew to their deaths anyway.”

“He doesn’t look like a man that can be easily fooled,” Tristan said. “I actually admire the way he played that part out with you earlier. I could have sworn he couldn’t care less about the lad or Helen.”

“We both underestimated him,” Beaumont replied. “But never mind that now; as my old nanny used to say ‘there’s plenty of ways to skin a goose.’”

“Indeed there is,” Tristan replied, with an evil chuckle.

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


A/N: Okay. So I hope this doesn’t qualify as a Cliff-Hanger. I do try hard to avoid them but sometimes it’s unavoidable! *grins evilly*

Thank you to everyone who is reading this, whether you review or not. Although reviews are good and are in fact almost Visge Beatha (Gaelic for Water of Life), although in reality that’s whisky! (Rum if you’re Captain Jack!) enough rambling!

Onto more ramblings of the reply variety:


Pirate: Thank you! I loved the DVD too! Did you find the three Easter Egss? Good news that they are on both region 1 and 2. It really bugs me when you get eggs on Region 1 but not 2! As for Norrington, my favourite scene is between him and Elizabeth on the Blooper Reel. “Ankles all the way!”
ti tti the Crazed Grasshopper: Thank you *blushes* I’m so glad you like it, I just hope you continue to like it.

Hellyn: I’m glad you like Beaumont. I think that both he and Tristan are a trifle unhinged which makes them a lot of fun to write. Thanks for the offer of a live journal, but I really have no idea how to do that sort of this, (another reason why I don’t have a website!) Although thinking of diaries, the only time I have ever religiously kept one was when I was pregnant with my little girl. Thanks though, offer is very much appreciated.

Lilitalliandragon: Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy this too!

Braveheart: Sorry, sorry, sorry. I try hard to avoid cliff-hangers but sometimes it’s just unavoidable, honestly! I write myself into a frenzy and then have to stop to draw breath and then I grind to a halt for a bit and the whole process starts again. As for Beaumont he really comes into his own on the island. He has evil plans of his own and knows what lies ahead of them on that island. Thank you for sticking with me despite evil cliffy.

Nightfox the Gypsy: Thank you! I’m so glad you like it. *beams happily*

Hils: *bows before your wonderful story* Anymore? You know I’m greedy!

Daelyn Sandheaver: Thank you *blushes madly again* I’m glad you like it. Sorry about it being a cliff-hanger. As for Elizabeth… *hides in shame* she’s here in this one but I find her so hard to write as I didn’t actually like her character much in the movie, she was too wishy-washy, not developed enough. I know that gives us writers more room to develop her, but I’m certain that my idea of Elizabeth is different to everyone elses. Oh well… just hop you like this one too.

P Veronice Tyler: Dwent got to give Nell C.P.R. but because he’s a grubby pirate with half his teeth missing I thought I’d save you all the details. I wanted it to be either Hock or Jack, but Jack was busy vengeance seeking and Hock was busy Commodore searching. I laughed at your vision of Hock collecting boots for souvenirs. Thanks for making me happy!

Twilight Whisper: Thank you! Hope you like one too! Beaumont will definitely get what’s coming to him. There’s line of people waiting to deliver the final blow so I haven’t worked out who gives him the chop yet, but someone does!

Jess: Thank you! Beaumont’ll get worse as there are only three things he really care about, himself, Tristan and the treasure. I just hope you continue to enjoy it.

Eradwyn: Thank you thank you! *blushes happily*

Lan: What did you think of the extra scene of Norrington in the DVD? I think ultimately he’s a good guy – in fact I like him a lot! Does it show? There’s still a few days before they reach the island *wink, wink* although there are a lot of people aboard that just might try and save Nell from Jack. Thank you for making me happy.

KrissXed: Thanks for the insight into Norrington and the advice in writing. I’m trying. Honestly. *winks* Have you seen the DVD extra scenes with Norrington yet? Quite revealing… and that laugh…. ;-)

Sophie: Thank you! There’s a long way to go yet. I have plenty more waffling to do before I can even get to the gold. Hock and Clarence will get some screen time as well… as I love him to bits.

Redmond: Sorry about the delay on “One time thing” I find it hard getting my backside in gear sometimes! – but thanks for reading this one as well!rinsrins*

CJ: Thank you! I hope it didn’t disappoint you!

Gylzgirl: Thank you, thank you. Hope you like this too.

Big brat: Hope I haven’t left you hanging too long. No real cliffy either *beams proudly*. Hope you like it!

Claire: Thank you! You make me happy!

Well I’m not sure of the next update because of family coming to stay, Abby being on holiday from school… wrapping up in front of the telly (with a big big big box of chocs in my sweaty little hands!) and watching all the old and new films…. I see High fidelity in on BBC2 sometime… John Cusack… I’m a happy lecherous old woman!

If you’ve got exams at this time of year I wish you all the best and have a great holiday everyone!