The Map

Ha! Here again! Yes, it’s me, finally resurrected from the piles of nappies, drool covered clothes and baby toys! Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last 18 months. You know who you are (Frini!) and you deserve much praise and happiness.

I hope you all enjoy this…hides behind chair…

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The trees swayed in a gentle breeze that was blowing in from the sea. Nell lifted her head and watched as several colourful birds seemed to dance in the wind before settling on the branches.

She lifted the plait of her hair and let the breeze cool her neck, sighing at the relief of reaching the camp.

“Ready?” came a soft voice in her ear.

She turned and instantly her mouth went dry and her throat constricted. Jack stood behind her holding out a makeshift towel and what appeared to be a cake of soap.

Nell blinked and took the towel and soap already feeling the blush creeping up her face as she avoided his dark eyes.

“I’ll show you the way.” He said and Nell heard the laughter clearly in his voice. A spark of annoyance lit in her and she lifted her chin but still avoided his eyes.

“Elizabeth gives me good assurance that the water is good but the pool is deep in the middle. Keep to the edges as you can’t swim.” He said and turning away from her began to swagger his way across the camp they had laid out and towards a natural path in the trees.

Nell frowned and began to follow him. She looked around her and blushed furiously as several of the crew gave her knowing looks and lurid grins. She hurried after him, glad when the trees hid them from view.

“I’ll be but a shout away should you need anything.” He called over his shoulder as he made his way through the bushes and trees, holding back branches for her to pass easily.
Nell was suddenly aware of a sound she couldn’t identify.

“What’s that noise?” she asked him and he stopped to look back over his shoulder.

“Wait and see.” He grinned at her and stepping forward he pulled aside several branches and Nell suddenly saw the source of the sound.

A crashing waterfall fell from a rocky outcrop down into a large pool that in turn flowed down over smaller waterfalls and into the river that stretched to the sea.

She gasped at the beauty of the area. Rocky ledges surrounded the far side of the pool, while sandy soil lead into the clear rippling waters ahead of her.

The trees on both sides gave a natural canopy to the pool and the heat here was not so overbearing.
“It’s beautiful.” She said and moved passed him to walk to the lapping edges of the pool. She laid her towel and soap on one of the rocks and looked around her. She had never seen anything quite like this before and her eyes and memory drank it in greedily.

“Aye, beautiful indeed.” Jack replied and grinned at her child like awe. “I’ll send someone for you after awhile, but you’ll be in private for now. If something alarms you; shout. We’ll hear from the camp.”

Nell looked back at him in surprise. She had expected him to stay, had expected him to follow through on his suggestion earlier. He winked at her, tipped his ever present hat and turning swaggered back the way he had come whistling a sea shanty.

Nell blew out a breath, unsure how she should feel. Relief, disappointment, and for some reason even a little bit of annoyance all warred within her. She had made her mind up to give herself up to him and now he was backing away. Or was he just waiting till she had bathed? She frowned again; it seemed unlikely that a man as dirty as he was would have a fixation about having his women clean.

Or maybe he had been playing with her. She kicked off her boots, her hands going to the ties on her trousers. Stopping she looked around, suddenly aware how quiet it was here. No birds sang, only the rushing of the water over rocks could be heard. Her eyes scanned the trees but she could see no movement that would indicate any presence of crew or otherwise.

Feeling very unsure; she suddenly wished Elizabeth was here. She looked down into the waters and making her mind up began to inch her way in still clothed. She could wash her clothes in there and then lay in the sun till they dried on her.

She waded in till she was up to her waist. The feel of the water on her heated dirty skin was so close to bliss she sighed aloud her eyes closing. She slid out of her clothes and washed them as best as she could.

She washed herself quickly, rubbing the dirt from her skin before sliding back into her knee length pantaloons. She moved to the edge of the pool and slid the towel around her upper half and knotting it at the front to keep it in place. She arranged her shirt and trousers on some rocks, spreading them out to dry in the patches of sunlight that filtered through the overhead trees.

Sitting down on the rocks Nell let the water ripple around her legs and bare feet as she dangled them into the deeper part of the pool.

Nell was content here. The peace of the area and the heat of the sun was enough to settle her nerves and make her relax. The skin on her stomach was healing well and Benjamin had removed the stitches before they had left the Pearl.

She brought her legs up onto the rocks and lay down letting her arms pillow her head as she stared up at the swaying branches of the trees above her. Sleep eventually claimed her as the sound of the water lulled her brain into forgetting the events that had lead her to this place.

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

A scream brought her awake and to her knees instantly. She looked around her; disorientated at first until the sleep left her brain. It must have been Elizabeth who screamed. A ripple of unease went though her.

She got to her feet looking around her, suddenly uncertain which way would lead back to the camp.
Suddenly she heard shouting and then several of the crew lead by Jack came crashing through the bushes towards her.

“What is it?” Jack demanded sword brandished as he looked around him “What’s up?”

“Huh?” Nell blinked as she saw all the crew had their swords drawn and were looking around for obvious signs of danger.

“You screamed.” Will said from where he was stood slightly to Jack’s left.

“No. I didn’t. I thought it was Elizabeth.” She shook her head and watched as Jack lowered his sword, confusion clear on his face.

“No lass. You screamed.”

Nell shook her head clutching the towel to her half covered form.

“I think I’d know if I screamed Jack and it wasn’t me. I was asleep. I’d fallen asleep on the rocks and I woke hearing a scream. I thought Elizabeth…”

“I was with her and she didn’t scream.” Will replied “Besides it came from here.”

Nell frowned and shook her head.

“It wasn’t me.” She said again.

“Mayhap ye screamed in yer sleep.” Timms offered; still looking around him “I had a lass once that used to get awful night fears. Scream somefink terrible.” He added “Turned out she’d seen her pa ‘anged.”

Jack looked across at Timms and rolled his eyes.

“Thank you for that Mister Timms.”

“I don’t scream in my sleep.” Nell was feeling hotly embarrassed now and very aware of the speculative looks she was receiving from several of the men. “Can you let me finish dressing please?”

Jack looked at her and it seemed as if he saw her for the first time.

“I wouldn’t make a habit of sleeping in nothing but a towel and your undergarments round here.” He said grinning suggestively at her.

“I didn’t intend to.” She blushed avoiding the looks of the men.

“Well nothing here now anyway.” Jack announced and turning shooed the crew back out of the clearing. “Git with you all now.” He shouted “And no loitering or you’ll loose your eyes.” He re-sheathed his sword and stood swaying slightly as he watched them disappear into the bushes.
Nell looked down at her shirt and trousers and wondered if she could get into them before Jack turned back again. She moved towards them and stopped guiltily as Jack whirled around using his spread arms for balance.

“Well then. Looks like I missed me chance to wash your back.” He lowered his head slightly and grinned at her wolfishly.

“Looks like you did.” She nodded. All her earlier doubts dissolved in the heat of the afternoon sun and the black stare directed at her.

“Ah well.” He took a step towards her and Nell was dismayed to find herself taking a step backwards. Her courage had disappeared too.

“What’s a man to do.” He muttered and Nell found herself taking another step backwards, but this time it was the look in his eyes that sent her backwards. A ripple of fear slid down her spine along with a shiver of anticipation as she saw him advance towards her again.

“I wouldn’t be backing up too much now Nell else you’ll…” he never finished his sentance before Nell let out a gasp of shock as her foot caught on a rock and she pitched backwards into the cold water of the pool. Her hands flailed as she fell backwards, her grip on the blanket lost as she went under the water and immediately panicked.

Hands hauled her back onto the rocks and Nell didn’t think twice about being half naked as she gripped at Jack’s arms for balance, still spluttering.

“Now this more than makes up for loosing the opportunity of washing your back.” He muttered and before she could react he had hauled her to her feet and crushed her to him.

“Nell…. Sweet Nell.” He muttered and plundered her mouth with his own.

Nell’s grip on his shoulders tightened as his mouth took all of her resolve and her fear and turned them into liquid fire in her veins.

She could feel his hands crushing her upper arms as he pressed her against him.

His mouth left hers and burnt kisses across her jaw line and down her throat. Her head fell back of its own accord.

“Jack I….” she wanted to tell him she was his. That she had decided that there was no sweeter way she wanted to meet her damnation. But only a moan left her mouth when she felt him lower her to the rocks. She felt the sharpness of the rocks cutting into her bare back and legs as he knelt over her, his mouth working sweet fire across her throat.

She arched upwards as his mouth caressed her passionately; the sensations flowing through her were like nothing she had ever experienced before.

“Nell…” he suddenly looked up from her and with narrowed dark eyes searched the surrounding area.

Nell was instantly brought back to reality and she half sat bringing her upper body against his.

“What?” she asked in a half-whisper, her own eyes looking around her warily “Is someone there? What is it?”

He turned his head to look directly into her eyes, his lips inches from hers.

“There’s no one here but us Nell.” He said huskily, his eyes dropping to her lips.

“What then?” she asked him and was once again flooded with doubt over this very strange man.

“The rocks are a trifle hard.” He whispered and his eyes slid back up to hers. She swallowed audibly as she stared into the liquid black depths.

“Especially for first times.” He said and eased back from her “I’m getting signals from you Nell that tell me what I’ve wanted to hear for a long time and….” He gave a deep sigh and pressed his lips to hers briefly before pulling back again.

“Signals?” Nell frowned at him wondering if too much Rum was responsible for his odd behaviour.

“Aye signals.” He looked around him and caught her shirt up. “And for some reason I’ve yet to fathom, and against my better judgement I might add, I’m finding myself in a peculiar position.” He frowned slightly and held the shirt out to her.

Nell took it absently, thoroughly confused by his actions. He wanted to have her did he not? He had just said as much. So why now, when she’d conquered all her doubts and moral objections, was he backing off? Had she done something objectionable? Had he been playing her all along?

She shrugged into the shirt and did the ties with shaking hands, her face a flood of burning colour that waved between anger and confused embarrassment.

“Peculiar position?” she queried in a tight little voice “I don’t follow.”

He watched her for a few minutes before taking her hands in his.

“No. I see you don’t follow me.” He grinned at her, the gold in his teeth flashing. “Nell… I’m not much for fancy words….”

Nell gave an un-lady like snort at the absurdity of his last statement. She’d never met anyone who could use the English language quite like he could.

“Well… not when it comes to…” he stopped and frowned, his head on one side “I’ve never much worried about… never had to really.” he suddenly stopped again and shook his head before getting to his feet in one fluid movement pulling her with him.

“I think we’d best get back to camp before something happens that you won’t thank me for.”
He let go of her hands and turned away to scoop her britches up.

“Jack?” Nell frowned as she took them from him. She was feeling decidedly unsettled, as if she was standing in the dark with no light.

He stopped and looked back at her.

“I don’t understand.” She said trying hard to comprehend the situation. She had been perfectly willing to give herself to him, had thrown caution to the wind, and now here he was backing off.

Anger suddenly shot through her as she watched him shrug his shoulders.

“Jack Sparrow.” She said tightly “What game are you playing at exactly?”

“Game?” he stopped and turned back to look at her in wide-eyed innocence.

“Yes game. Because I don’t care for it much.”

He came to stand in front of her, his hands held out to one side.

“There’s no game here Nell.”

“Then why are you running off?” Nell took a deep breath and gathered all her courage and her pride “Why are you backing off from me? I was under the understanding that you wished to…” she faltered slightly and shook her head in a ‘you know’ gesture “with me. And here now I’ve made up my mind that I should very much like to…” the ‘you know’ gesture was used again “and you decide to….” Her hands flailed in the air much like his.

“Have you just been amusing yourself with me? Poor Nell the prim and proper Nun with about as much knowledge of the world as a… as a… as a…” she faltered for a good enough word.

“New born babe?” he supplied helpfully.

“Yes, thank you.” She nodded curtly “as a new born baby. She hasn’t got a clue let’s have a laugh at her expense.” She glared at him hotly, seeing the amused light in his eyes and the grin tugging at his lips. Anger flared in her and she advanced on him, pointing her finger at him.

“I’m not one of your whores you know.” She spat “You’re an arrogant, overbearing, pig-headed, nasty minded... pirate!”

The amusement faded from his eyes as he grabbed her outstretched hand and tugged her against him. His other hand slid to her hips and he pressed her hard against him. But the innocent look in her eyes was enough to quell his sudden anger.

“I know you’re not a whore. Ergo why you are not flat on your back on those hard rocks now.” He said softly; his face so close to hers she could feel his hot breath with every word. “I was trying to be a gentleman Nell. Can I never do anything to lift myself in your estimation?” his words were clipped and none of the usual slur was present.

“A gentleman?” her voice faltered over the words, her mind trying hard to work around the fact he was pressed so intimately against her.

He sighed again and lifted his hand to stroke her cheek gently.

“I couldn’t take you here, despite how much I want to Nell. Not here.”

He stepped back from her and the wicked gleam was back in his eyes.

“That’s not to say that given the correct surroundings, softer ground, more privacy…” his wrists circled with each word “that I won’t be having you on your back faster than you can say “please.”

Nell took a great gulp of air; wondering why fire swept through her veins and not disgust at the base level of his words

“I….” she swallowed and blinked at him.

“I know how much it’s taken you to get to this point.” He stepped forward again and placed his fingers on the pulse point in her throat. “I’m not going to do anything that’ll make you regret it.”

“Ah yes. I er… understand.” Nell said quietly even though she had absolutely no idea why he felt she would regret it.

“No you don’t.” he shook his head, the beads swaying in his hair “You don’t know the first thing about it. But you will.”

“CAPTAIN.!”

The shouting from the camp made Nell jump startled.

Three crew members rushed into the clearing as Jack turned to them in exasperation.

“Just as well I was feeling all gentlemanly.” He muttered.

“Capt’n. They’ve got away.”

Nell felt ice drip down her spine. She didn’t need to be told who they were shouting about. She quickly slid into her britches and tied them, her eyes never leaving Jack’s dark face.

“WHAT?” roared Jack as he drew his sword.

“They’ve taken Mrs Turner and killed Simon, Dubs and injured Mister Turner.” Spade spoke hurriedly and Nell suddenly saw the long gash on his upper sleeve, blood oozing through.

“Elizabeth?” Nell took a step forward and gasped as Jack caught her upper arm in a tight grip.

Jack silenced her with a look and keeping hold of her arm drew her through the trees with the other crew behind them.

“How badly injured?” he shot back over his shoulder, his eyes darting everywhere for signs of danger.

“Damn near took ‘is arm off.” Decker replied soberly “They were just getting away when we got back from ‘earing the young miss screamin’.” He frowned at where Nell looked back at him over her shoulder. “Dark ‘aired one took Simons out with his own pistol. There weren’t a bloody thing we could do with ‘im pressing a knife to the missus neck.”

To Nell it looked like the camp was in chaos. Several of the crew were shouting at each other, several had their swords drawn and were obviously just waiting for Jack to come back before heading after Beaumont and De Mornay.

But it was where Will was lying that they crossed to. She looked down as Benjamin, Timms and Hock were kneeling around an unconscious Will, trying to stop the blood from flowing from a large gash on his upper shoulder close to his neck. Nell paled as she realised how close it had come to killing him. His eyes were closed and his face was deathly white.

“Sparrow!” Norrington came across with Bryant behind him and Nell vaguely noticed how the re-coats that had accompanied them onto the island had separated from the other crew members to stay close behind Norrington.

Jack ignored him to lean over Will.

“Benjamin?”

“Taign’t good Capt’n.” he said quietly “We’ll sew ‘im up like… but I don’t know how long it’ll take ‘im to get on ‘is feet.”

Nell’s hand flew to her mouth as she gasped at the pirate’s words.

“Is there nothing…” she wrapped her free hand around her waist, barely noticing the pull from her own newly healed skin.

Jack looked up at her staring down at Benjamin’s bloody hands as he quickly sewed the jagged edges of flesh together, blood still running freely.

He straightened, gripped her upper arm again, and pulled her to one side away from where the men worked on Will. Norrington and Bryant came forwards.

“Sparrow. They have Elizabeth.”

Nell looked up at the taller man and saw the pinched thin line of his lips. He was clearly very angry and very worried.

“I hear.” Jack nodded “Which way did they go?”

“East.” Bryant replied smartly and stepped closer to Nell, his face also drawn with worry.

“We’ll need to set off directly and leave the camp well guarded too.” Norrington stated.

Jack arched an eyebrow at Norrington.

“We won’t be needing to do that.” He said and while his hands still danced in circles; the slur had left his voice.

“By all that’s…” Bryant took one step towards Jack his hands coming up to grip the pirate’s coat edges as he dragged him to his toes.

The result was simultaneous; Norrington caught Bryant’s upper arm to haul him backwards as two crew appeared with pistols drawn and cocked. One pistol was pressed into Bryant’s head. He let go off Jack, his face red with anger and frustration.

Jack waved his hands at the crew members who backed off.

“You’d risk their safety? You’d risk Miss Nell’s safety? All in the name of your cursed treasure!” Bryant exploded, Norrington’s hand still restraining his upper arm.

“You’ve caused enough damaged. Would you risk her life now as well?”

Jack stayed perfectly silent as he regarded the fuming officer. His hand went to the braids on his chin, his eyes narrowed.

“That’s enough.” Norrington said firmly to Bryant.

“Nell will be in no danger.” Jack said mildly enough but his eyes were glinting dangerously.

“You’ve managed to loose her once before to those blackhearts. Only God’s providence saved her then, would you willing give them the chance to finish what they started aboard the Relentless?”
Jack bristled at the reminder of loosing Nell once before.

“I don’t see as how I’m expected to answer to you.” He said quietly to Bryant, aware of both Nell’s worried face and Norrington’s annoyed one.

“And that’s just it, isn’t it Sparrow.” Bryant spat “You don’t think you answer to anyone and because of that you do what you will, to whomever you chose and damn the consequences.”

“Mister Bryant I said that was enough!” Norrington’s voice brooked no argument and once more Bryant fell back grudgingly.

Jack took one step forwards lifting his dagger and pressed it into the base of Bryant’s throat.

Nell gasped and reached out her hand to pull Jack’s arm away but Norrington grabbed her wrist and tugged her hand away before she could do any damage in knocking Jack’s steady hand.

“I find myself in a particularly unpleasant position here.” Jack said carefully, his head cocked to one side, eyes narrowed as he looked Bryant in the eye. “My instinct tells me to dispatch you, in fact my dislike of you tells me to dispatch you, but I gave my word to Norrington.”

“A pirate’s word means nothing.” Hissed Bryant, his breathing heavy.

“Brave words from one at the end of said pirate’s dagger.” Jack replied calmly.

“Jack please!” Nell begged him “You’re both wasting time. We’ve got to think of Elizabeth and go after them.” She looked at Bryant, but he was still glaring at Jack.

“Mister Bryant please. I’ll be perfectly alright. I’ve made it this far and I really don’t think God had much to do with it. I want to see this through to its end but Elizabeth is the most important thing now.”

“I agree.” Norrington said reasonably “Elizabeth’s safety is the most important thing and we are wasting valuable time.”

“Leave some guards with Will please Jack and let’s go.” Begged Nell again when Jack showed no signs of lowering his dagger. She looked around her and noticed that the entire camp had stopped to watch. She spotted Hock and motioned him to come and help but he merely shrugged at her.

“Will won’t need any guards and neither will you Nell because none of us are going anywhere. We are all staying here.”

Nell heard the murmur go through the camp as Jack’s words spread.

“What?” Norrington looked in surprise at Jack “You can’t mean to let them get away.”

“I have no intention of letting them get away with anything.” Jack replied calmly, his dagger still pressed dangerously close to Bryant’s neck, “They’ve taken Elizabeth for a reason. We’ll hear from them soon enough and once we know…”

“Jack!” Nell stepped forwards “They’ve taken Elizabeth so they can get off the island safely.”

Jack shook his head his eyes still on Bryant who was very quiet now.

“No. I think they mean to barter the map for Elizabeth.” He replied “And damn them for having something I’d give the map up for.” He stepped backwards abruptly, sheathed his dagger in his waistband and turning around walked away from them as if nothing had transpired at all.

Bryant faltered slightly and made to follow Jack but Norrington shoved him back with one hand glaring at him.

“Excuse us Miss Nell.” He said firmly; his eyes not leaving Bryant’s flushed face.

Nell nodded and hurried after Jack.

“Jack, Jack.” She caught up with him and fell into step with him as he crossed once more back to where Will lay, still unconscious.

“Jack what if they don’t come back here? What if they can remember? What if they don’t need the map.”

“Nell, darlin’.” Jack stopped and raised an eyebrow at Benjamin.

“We’ve done the best we can. Only time’ll tell now..” Benjamin answered in reply to Jack’s silent request. Jack nodded and looked up at Hock.

“We need to be ready Mister Hock.” He said and after Hock’s “Yes Capt’n.” he turned once more and made to cross back to where the crew were still waiting for orders.

“Jack.” Nell tugged on his arm, anxious to get an answer from him. She had a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach that went further than worry.

He stopped and looked at her before shrugging elegantly and spreading his arms wide.

“We just have to sit and wait it out Nell. They will be back for the map.”

“How do you know this?” she demanded unhappy with his answer. “And don’t you dare say it’s because your Captain Jack Sparrow.” She warned.

“Well I am.” He replied with his usual arrogance “But mainly it’s because if they didn’t need the map they’d never have gone to the lengths they did to conceal it on your fair back. There’s more on that map than just the way here.” He frowned and patted the pocket of his coat. “I’ve known that for awhile…” he muttered as he turned away from her again “I just can’t seem to read the cursed thing.”

“Jack.” It was only one word but it held every fear Nell had and he heard it clearly.

He looked at her but his eyes were guarded.

“It’s going to be fine.” He said and grinned at her, the gold in his teeth glinting “It’s all going to be just fine Nell.” He winked at her and then turning swayed his way over to his men.

“But what if it’s not Jack?” Nell muttered sarcastically to herself, turning away from him “What if we all get killed Jack? What then Jack?”

“We all go to hell. Well you won’t I suppose, being a nun and all.” Came the familiar voice of Hock.

She turned her head and looked up at him; his scar was prominent today against the sun bronzed skin of his cheek. His blue eyes glittered and Nell could see quite easily why Lady Clarance was attracted.

“Take this. You don’t have one do you?”

Nell looked down at the Knife he held out towards, the handle was white and looked like bone; the blade was razor sharp and looked wicked.

“If I take a life I’ll be going to hell with you.” She said as she reached out and took the knife from him.

“Aye, that may as well be, but at least you stand the chance of putting the journey off for awhile.”

Nell turned the knife over in her hand, her eyes still held by his blue ones.

“Something occurred to me Mister Hock.”

“What’s that Miss Nell.” He asked and some of his humour shone through.

“Hell mightn’t be so bad if we’re all there together.” She tried to grin at him but it was watery at best.
He grinned widely at her and reaching out patted her shoulder gently before going past her to join Jack and the rest of the crew.

“Mister Hock?” she called his name making him look back at her, eyebrows raised.

“Thank you.” She lifted the knife slightly.

“You’re more than welcome Miss.” He replied and kept going.

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

Jack made short work of organising the camp. Spade and Decker were sent into the bushes around the camp to hide out and follow either De Mornay or Beaumont back to where they had Elizabeth. One was to ghost them and stayed hidden while the other would report back to Jack.

He had also instructed four men to taken each compass point and watch for any signs of Beaumont or De Mornay returning.

Nell was lacing her boots when Bryant approached Jack.

“Miss Nell should be hidden somewhere.” He said clearly watching as Jack sat on the floor checking his pistols.

Jack didn’t look up; he didn’t even acknowledge Bryant’s presence.

“We need to hide Miss Nell. They will come for her as well won’t they?” his voice had dropped slightly but Nell still heard him and straightened to cross over to them. Jack looked up at her, no expression on his face.

“It would serve no purpose and we’d gain nothing by trying to hide you.” Jack said calmly and looked back down at his cleaned and ready pistol. He got to his feet smoothly and swayed slightly before tucking it into the waistband of his britches.

Nell nodded and looked to Bryant who was standing with his hands on his hips, his face dark and hard.

“It would serve the purpose of trying to keep her safe.” Bryant bit out.

“It would do no such thing.” Jack replied evenly “They already know of her presence here. We could nothing in which to convince them otherwise.”

“So what do you intend to do?” he asked clearly worried.

“Wait.” He replied and looked once more at Nell. He watched her closely, his dark eyes giving nothing away.

“Then I insist that Nell is armed.” Bryant said finally, catching her attention away from Jack.

“Mister Hock has kindly seen to that already.” She said and indicated the knife in the top of her boots.

“And a pistol?” he asked Jack “She should have a pistol.”

“No.” said Jack and inclined his head slightly at Nell grinning lopsidedly at her “No disrespect luv, but I trust that if we gave you a pistol it would be your first experience of holding one; am I right?”

Nell nodded at him.

“Indeed. We do not have the time to teach you to aim true and in the real fear that you’d shoot one of us by accident; I’m of the opinion you’d do best to keep to your knife and remaining behind one of us should the need of pistols arise.”

“I’ll be behind you even if pistols aren’t required.” She said quietly, a small glimmer of humour shading her words.

Jack smiled at her and used one finger to tip his hat back slightly on his head.

“You’ll do just fine Nell. One thing I’ve learned on this trip is not underestimate the grit of an ex-nun.”

A low whistling brought them all at attention. It was the sign that the camp was being approached.
Jack removed his pistol and looked at Nell.

“Time to get behind me lass.” He said firmly “And remember; no matter what happens don’t do anything stupid.”

Nell nodded and scooted around to stand behind him. Her heart was hammering hard in her chest and her adrenaline was flowing.

De Mornay came striding into the camp, bold as brass with a cocked pistol in both hands.
Jack’s raised hand brought every one to a stand still.

“Brave.” Jack said as De Mornay stepped to one side so he could see everyone.

“No false moves, everyone on their knees, hands on heads or Mistress Turner will be killed instantly.”

No one moved until Jack nodded for them to obey. Norrington bristled as he sank to his knees; the look of hatred on his face mirrored every one in the camp.

“Where is she?” asked Jack, even on his knees he seemed to list to one side slightly.

“She’s…. somewhere. Beaumont will kill her if someone so much as moves wrong, understand?”

“What do you want?” demanded Jack.

“Stupid question Captain. Even for you.” De Mornay laughed coldly. “Call back the guards that you have around the camp and remember if they do anything stupid the woman dies instantly.
Understand?”

Jack bristled slightly but let out a sharp whistle that had the four crew members returning quietly, hands raised. They joined the rest of the crew and waited.

His eyes swept the camp till he saw Nell knelt behind Jack. He motioned his pistol at her.

“Helen. On your feet, keep your hands on your head or you’ll die instantly.” He trained one of the pistols on her.

Nell felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead as she tried to get to her feet without moving her hands. She staggered ungracefully to her feet almost knocking into Jack, her scared eyes on De Mornay.

“Take the map from Sparrow.” He instructed her “It’ll be on him somewhere. Sparrow you make one wrong move and I’ll shoot Helen.”

“I don’t have the map.” Jack slurred and shrugged his shoulders awkwardly, his elbows sticking out sideways, hands on his head.

“I’m not that stupid.” De Mornay said and gestured to Nell to move towards Jack.
“Easy does it Helen.”

Nell moved up behind Jack and bending over his shoulder slightly she slid her hand into his jacket pocket. It was empty. She tried the other pocket, her face close to the side of his face.

“Inside pocket luv.” Jack whispered to her “Don’t get to close to him. Hold it at a distance and don’t do anything stupid.”

“Shut up Sparrow!” De Mornay barked “Move it Helen!”

Nell reached into inside pocket of his jacket and her fingers curled around the parchment of the map. She drew it out slowly and stood up, her legs were shaking and her hand shook terribly. Sweat poured down her back as she looked over at De Mornay.

“Well come on Helen!” he barked “We don’t have all day! Bring it here!”

Nell wavered as the blood seemed to leave her head, dizziness almost overtook her. She took a deep breath, whispered a quick Hail Mary and inched towards him slowly. She did as Jack told her and remained out of reach holding the map forward to him in the tip of her fingers.

“Helen darling!” he smirked his eyes darting around the camp before flickering onto Nell quickly “Just a bit closer and step to the side you’re almost blocking my view.”

Nell did as she was told and bit out a scream as he moved quicker than she thought possible. He gripped the map, tugged her with it and whirled her around to press her against his chest, the pistol now pressed to her temple.

“No!” Nell saw Bryant jerk forwards but he remained on his knees.

De Mornay slid the other gun into his pocket and drew out a knife, he switched hands very quickly and Nell found a knife pressed against her neck, both of her hands were gripping his arm, trying to relieve the pressure from the blade against her skin.

He used his other pistol to indicate towards one of the redcoats.

“Get up! No funny moves! Tie everyone up and make it tight!”

Nell watched in fear, her hands desperately trying to ease his grip on her. The redcoat Nell recognised as Steward made quick work of tying up the men. He tied Jack last and Nell finally made eye-contact with him. His face was impassive but his eyes were dark with anger. She bit her lip, trying hard to keep it together and to not break down into a complete mess. She knew it would mean her death, Elizabeth’s and possibly Jack’s death too if she lost it. But her brain was running on empty and her adrenaline was nearing exhaustion. She had to dig deep for any reserves in bravery.

She could feel her heart hammering against her ribs as she stared at Jack.

“On your knees!” De Mornay barked and Nell’s eyes were once more drawn back to Steward.

“No. Please no!” Steward had dropped to his knees and as De Mornay brought the pistol level with the kneeling man it dawned on Nell what De Mornay had in mind.

“No!” she struggled briefly, but he pressed the knife deeper and hissed for her to shut up.

His pistol fired once and Nell watched in horror as the shot connected with the man’s chest. His eyes went wide as his hand clutched at the wound the shot had made. Blood oozed through his fingers as he stared down at them; he looked back up wordlessly and pitched forwards onto his face as death over took him.

Jack roared in anger and Nell heard the commotion the others made as they saw him fall.

“SHUT UP!” roared De Mornay and fired another shot into the air “One more shot and that’s Beaumont’s cue to slit her neck. If you want her; if you want them both alive you’ll do exactly as I say.”

Nell’s stomach could take no more and she threw up the little that was inside. De Mornay dragged her back slightly, almost lifting her onto her toes. He lowered the knife from her neck and wrapped his arm around her stomach as she closed her eyes in despair.

“Don’t you pass out on me Helen!” he shook her slightly as her grip on his arm loosened. Nell took several deep breaths as she just hung partially over his arm, her hands still gripping his forearm.

She could feel the heat from the pistol pressed into her side. The knife in his other hand was close to her cheek as she struggled to keep the blackness at bay.

“Please.” She whispered but no other words would form.

“Let her go!” Jack called “You have what you want; let her go.”

“Maybe I have.” De Mornay grinned at him “But so does her back and I’m not going to leave that behind. Besides…. It’s been so long since we saw Helen last. We were just getting to know one another again when she was taken from us.”

Jack strained against the rope tying his hands behind his back.

“You’ll die if you touch her.” He hissed.

De Mornay raised the pistol and aimed it directly at Jack. The grin gone from his face as he stared at him.

“What a pity we need you at the moment.” He said softly “Well…. We need some of you.” He looked around, his eyes calculating “We’ll be back soon enough with both ladies. We’ll get rid of the excess here and then the few of you left can help us aboard the Pearl or die here. Your choice and one you can think over while we’re gone.”

He shook Nell again and forced her closer to him as he backed away from the camp taking her with him.

“Jack! Help me!” she cried as he dragged through the bushes. Desperation clawed through her as he pulled her away from the camp.

“Jack please!” she cried out again but Jack was helpless as De Mornay dragged her out of sight into the jungle.

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

A/N : Well I know that it has been far too long since I last updated, although I have been thinking of this story a lot, I just have had the time to commit to screen.

If anyone is still interested, the reason I have been away from here for so long is because I recently (7 months ago) had a beautiful baby girl. I now have two beautiful girls! I had a hard pregnancy that kept me off the computer and since she has been born my time has been taken up elsewhere. But now things are finally beginning to resemble something like normality and hopefully updates won’t be so far apart.

Thanks for continually checking though and for all the encouragement you’ve given me. It’s meant a lot to me.

I hope that the update has been worth the wait. I agonised over this chapter for ages as I couldn’t just rush them into something when I’ve abandoned them for so long. But things will pick up when Jack... well you’ll have to wait and see.

Please excuse any and all errors as this hasn’t been checked through by anyone but me and we all know what that means!
Let me know what you think please as being away from this for so long, I’m feeling a bit fragile.

Thanks again and may you all have peace.