The Map

A/N: well here we are again. I just hope you all like it. Another chapter that I really enjoyed writing, so I hope it does you all justice. Not checked by anyone other than myself. I try to read it and then re-read it but sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees so to speak, so please, forgive my mistakes. Don’t own as usual!
By the by, anyone here interested in the new Depp film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Trying to talk hubby into taking me to see it at the moment… he thinks it’s a kids film and he doesn’t do kids film!! (Yeah right… says he who wants to see the new Herby film when it comes out!)
Which brings me to another waffle point… aren’t men great? I mean they can be right royal pain in the ‘ahems’ but he puts up with my not so little obsessions over film characters… Jack Sparrow, Snape, Spike, Dracula, Matrix Twins…. I guess he must know how much I really love him.

Chapter 18

Little Choice


Bryant watched Jack start to climb the rocks that lined the waterfall. It suddenly clicked into place in his head and a red haze covered his vision as he lost control of his temper.

“You whoring son of a bitch!” he shouted and launched himself at Jack grabbing him by his jacket to drag him back down into the water.

Jack was taken aback and found himself floundering in the water, being pummelled and kicked. He reacted quickly and fought back sending Bryant to his back in the shallow water.

He scrambled to his feet as Jack reached him.

“Mister Bryant!” Norrington tried to reach him, but Bryant landed a solid right punch to Jack’s jaw sending him backwards into the water.

Dwent and Hock reached Bryant first and although he put up quite a fight they soon had him strong armed between them. He pulled uselessly against their hold as Jack staggered to his feet, his fingers touching his aching jaw line.

“What the devil are you thinking Mister Bryant?” Norrington advanced quickly and angrily “Did you not listen to a word I said to you earlier?”

He looked at where Jack was eyeing Bryant with black watchful eyes, his fingers still gently probing his jaw. Jack suddenly smirked and half bowed to Bryant before he waded closer to him.

“You may or may not have reason enough for that hit, but I will tell you now, it’s the last time you’ll touch me. Next time I won’t be so amiable about it. Savvy?”

“If I touch you again it will be to kill you!” Bryant hissed, glaring at Jack completely ignoring his commanding officer or the dark looks of the crew holding him.

“An explanation for your actions Mister Bryant!” Norrington was rapidly loosing his own hold on his temper as he glared at his second in command.

Bryant didn’t break eye contact with Jack.

“You knew. It was why you refused to let us hide her. You were quite prepared to just hand her over without even trying to stop them.” Bryant all but spat at him.

Jack sighed deeply and rubbed his chin gently, aware that even Hock looked surprised by Bryant’s words.

“I had little choice.” Jack replied carefully, realising that there was a lot at stake here.

His crew would be loyal to him and on any other occasion he wouldn’t even begin to explain his actions. But he realised now that Nell had unwittingly wiggled her way into the affections of most of his crew. And judging by the look on both Hock’s and Dwent’s face, they were also waiting for his reply.

“I realised the moment they took Elizabeth that they’d be back not just for the map but also for Nell.” He replied softly and placed his hands at odd angles.

Norrington stared at him, his earlier anger at Bryant put to one side as he listened to Jack’s soft slightly slurred voice.

“So why the hell didn’t you at least try to make it harder for them to get her.” Bryant shouted.

“My hands were tied.” Jack said quietly. “They were going to take her no matter what you or I did to stop them.”

“You might as well have handed her over to them.” Bryant hissed straining to break from the hands on his arms.

“Yes perhaps I should have done. Maybe then Stewart wouldn’t be lying dead.” Jack said coldly and none of his usual good humour showed.

“You’d sacrifice Nell so easily?” Bryant shouted angrily.

Jack sighed shaking his head in denial. The beads in his hair swung around his face, he brought his hands forward and circled his wrists as he swayed slightly.

“Way it stands she be safer with ‘em anyway.” Came the slightly harsh voice of Timms.

Bryant glared at him and shook his head.

“Are you insane? How can she possibly be safer with them?”

“’Cause they know everyfing there is to know ‘bout this cursed place.” He reasoned.

“She ran from them.” Bryant reminded him hotly “She ran for the trees. How do we know they caught her back again? She could be out there now….” He choked to a stop. He didn’t even want to think what could happen to her let alone speak it aloud.

Jack bent to pick his hat from the water; he inspected it carefully before placing it back on his head and lifting his eyes to Bryant once more.

“My hands were tied.” He repeated his earlier words as he moved right in close to Bryant.

He stared into Bryant’s eyes for several seconds and sighed when he saw the answer he was looking for.

“Aye, she’s a fine lass.” He said quietly “one worth dying for and there aren’t many of them about.”

Bryant stared right back at Jack, his eyes still hot with anger.

“I really don’t have to be explaining anything to you at all, me being Capt’n that is. But I’ll say this just once so please pay attention as I don’t wish to repeat myself.”

Jack stepped closer again and cocked his eyes to one side, one hand raised and making small circles as he spoke.

“If I thought, which I did and do, that Nell stands a higher chance of surviving this by my giving her to Beaumont; I’d do it. They had Elizabeth and past experiences show they are not particularly nice. They wouldn’t think twice to kill her should the need arise. But Nell?” he shook his head “She’s too valuable to them, right up until they have that treasure, and then? That’s when we need to be making sure that Nell is with us and not them.”

Jack rubbed his jaw gently and stepped forward even closer till he was right in Bryant’s face.

“Last chance Mister Bryant. You don’t question me; you don’t question my men you just do as you’re told. I won’t bother talking to you again; I’ll just tie you up and leave you to die here. Savvy?” Jack inclined his head to one side, his black eyes glinting dangerously.

Bryant nodded unwillingly, hatred still clear on his face.

“Pardon?” Jack lifted one eyebrow “I didn’t quite catch that.”

“I understand.” Bryant hissed between clenched teeth “But once this little adventure of yours is over…”

Jack nodded his head amiably the glint gone from his eyes as he stood backwards.

“Why of course, wouldn’t expect anything different Lieutenant.” He indicated with a nod to Hock and Dwent to release Bryant.

They stepped back ready to grab him again should he lunge for Jack. But he merely shook his arms and ran a hand through his dark hair taking deep breaths.

Jack placed his hands together and half bowed to Bryant before turning and once more heading towards the rocks to begin climbing.

“If there are no more distractions perhaps we can get back to the task at hand gentlemen.” He called over his shoulder.

Norrington stepped forward sharply and gripped Bryant’s arm pulling him back out of ear shot of the crew and his soldiers. He turned his back on everyone so only Bryant could see his face.

“I don’t expect to have to keep repeating myself Mister Bryant.” Norrington said quietly.

“No sir.” Bryant took a deep breath “I apologise to you. I just…” he hesitated and frowned “I saw red.”

“You are an officer in the King’s Navy and as such you should be above petty things.” Norrington used his ‘official’ voice and then sighed deeply.

“I know this is hard Joshua.”

Bryant started at the use of his first name. Although in private they were on first name terms, he had never heard Norrington use it in public, not even when they were off duty together.

“And I have the feeling that things are going to get harder.” Norrington carried on “I need to know that you’re behind me totally. I need to know that you won’t jeopardise Miss Nell’s safety, or indeed your own, by your hatred for Sparrow. .”

Norrington drew a deep breath and placed his hand on Bryant’s shoulder.

“I realise that Miss Nell is in your affections. It has become increasingly clear to me and to ask of you to put those feelings to one side is hard. But I have to do this; I have to make sure you put aside all personal feelings and thoughts on both Miss Nell and the pirates, Sparrow especially. I need to know that you are still my Second in Command, a Lieutenant of the King’s Navy first and foremost.”

“I…”Bryant was at a loss in defending himself. It cut him deep to think that Norrington no longer had complete trust in him. It suddenly dawned on him that somewhere along the line he had lost his capacity for viewing things objectively. He frowned as he tried to pin point when the lines had blurred. When he had forgotten what he was and why he was here; when his dislike of Sparrow and his hatred of Beaumont and De Mornay had overtaken his ability to view things with clarity.

Nell. Maybe this was where the lines had become blurred.

Norrington was correct that he had affection for her. He had never met anyone quite like her. So strong and yet so fragile; he knew she had endured so much, knew her fear of her guardian but he had also seen her protectiveness over young Jimmy. She brought out protective instincts in him that he never knew were there. He remembered her pale face as De Mornay caught her to him, the bile leaving her stomach at the sight of Stewart shot in the chest. If he was to make sure she was safe she needed him to remember himself. His Commodore needed him to remember himself.

“I…” he straightened his back “I apologise. You won’t need to remind me again.”

Norrington looked at him briefly and nodded in satisfaction.

“No I believe I won’t.” he said quietly and turning he indicated for Bryant to follow the rest of the men up the rocks.

BREAK

Elizabeth sat beside Will, his hand in hers as she watched the scene unfold. It was clear to her that Bryant had feelings for Nell and she knew how much this would complicate things.

She looked down at Will and sighed, his face was ashen but his eyes were open as he watched Jack climb the rocks.

“Will they dual for her do you suppose?” he tried to make light of the matter but talking was difficult for him and left him breathless.

“Will.” Elizabeth felt tears prick her eyes as she looked down at her husband. She knew the extent of his injuries, although she had said nothing to him. She knew that sword wielding would be a long time in the future and forging swords… she closed her eyes briefly.

“Elizabeth.” Will saw quite plainly the emotions on her face.

She looked down at him and smiled wanly.

“This hasn’t been good trip has it?” he said quietly and his eyes travelled to where Benjamin had put his injured arm into a sling.

“Well… things always do have a habit of getting nasty when Jack is around.”

“Jack isn’t to blame for this.” Will husked “He never has been. He saved our lives Elizabeth; he may have set off a change of events by taking Nell from the Rose, but if he hadn’t Nell would now be in a much worse position, if not dead.”

“I know Jack isn’t to blame. Although I’m not sure James or Mister Bryant are aware of that.”

“James is.” Will rested his head back onto the rocks “I rather think he’s had to re-evaluate his thinking on Jack.”

Elizabeth looked into her husband’s brown eyes and was alarmed to see how bright they looked. She reached out and touched his forehead gently, it was burning hot and dry. She looked up quickly at Benjamin who was sitting close enough if needed; she caught his eyes and he nodded silently before shrugging.

“Rest Will.” She said quietly and gripped his good hand tightly.

“Yes. This heat is making me very tired.” He closed his eyes and Elizabeth was frightened by the speed he slipped into sleep.

“He has a fever.” Benjamin had got to his feet and crossed the slight distance to where they were sitting beside the water. “There’s not much we can do but sit it out. His wound has become infected.”

“But there must be more we can do.”

Benjamin looked at most of the crew, save for the few that would act as guard, climbing the edges of the waterfall.

“I need a poultice.” He remarked “Whether I can find what I need close enough to the water I’m not sure…” he looked about him and saw Timms sitting close, his bites weren’t too bad now the blood had been washed away. They still covered most of his skin but at least they would heal quickly.

“Timms. Watch young Master Turner, I’m going to keep close to the water and try to find some plants for his wound.”

Timms nodded and came across slowly to take Benjamin’s place.

Elizabeth took Benjamin’s arm as he passed her.

“Thank you Benjamin.” She said softly “Take care.”

“I will Miss.” He smiled, showing a row of glistening white teeth in his black face.
Elizabeth watched him edge down stream, his eyes scanning for the plants he knew he needed.

BREAK

Nell had found wading through the shallow parts of the river easy enough; but that terrain had quickly changed into deeper faster flowing water. The water was now up to her waist and she needed to keep her arms high to enable to wade upstream.

She felt something brush around her legs and shuddered, trying hard not to think about what could be swimming in the water with her. She kept up a mental chant that it was just a fish brushing past her but when she felt it begin to wrap around her left calf she stopped short and screamed loudly.

Half of her was terrified of whatever was wrapping itself around her and half of her was hoping that Jack would hear the scream and know where she was.

“Shut up!” De Mornay hissed but the thing was tightening around her leg and Nell found herself doing more than screaming. She dragged herself backwards trying frantically to kick it off as she cried out for them to get it off her.

She floundered in the water falling backwards and going under. Mental images of being sucked down by more of whatever was around her leg caused her to flail about.

Hands grabbed harshly at her and she was hauled to her feet and dragged to the high bank.

“Something’s got me!” she gasped, trying to reach downwards “Something’s got me…”

De Mornay took his dagger and ducked below the water. She felt his rough hands on her leg and a ripping sensation as he tore away the offending item. He stood up and Nell saw the long green weed like plant that had tangled itself around her.

“Oh!” she sank back against the bank relief flowing through her. She had been certain that it was a snake or something worse but the green reed in his hand looked harmless enough.

“You got tangled in a plant Helen.” De Mornay said dryly and threw the plant back into the water. Nell watched as it floated down stream slightly. She gave a gasp as it turned against the direction of the river and began to float back upwards.

“That’s no plant.” She cried and turning dragged herself up the bank and out of the water.

Beaumont and De Mornay followed her as quickly as they could but it soon became apparent as they lifted themselves out of the water that there was more than one plant. Beaumont’s boots were entangled with the reedy looking plant. He ripped at them and De Mornay started cutting at them with his dagger. They came off easily enough and they flung them into the water and watched as they floated downstream harmlessly before suddenly disappearing below the surface.

“What was that?” De Mornay looked at Beaumont “I don’t remember that from last time.”

“We joined the river higher though.” Beaumont said his eyes still on the water “Perhaps they are only in this part of the river.”

“We can keep close to the bank here until we reach the start of the boulders and then we’ll have to use them till we reach the bridge.” De Mornay said quietly.

“Bridge?” Nell looked at him “Who put a bridge here?”

Beaumont cast her an amused look.

“Why, we did of course, providing that it’s still there.”

“The sun will be setting soon. We have to get to there before then.” De Mornay said “We need to get behind the waterfall before it gets dark.”

Nell looked up at him but he frowned and stood up.

“I’d forgotten just how bad this place was.” He remarked quietly and once again Nell heard the fear behind his words.

“We survived once before. We’ll survive again. Get up Helen.” Beaumont said cheerfully and Nell realised how quickly the mood between these two changed. One moment it was Beaumont who was defeated and De Mornay who was rallying him up and then the next the tables had turned and Beaumont was the optimist. She wondered if they were naturally this way or if the madness that infected them caused it. And then the most horrifying thought occurred to her.

Were they mad because of what they had seen and endured first time on this island? And in turn did that mean that everyone else who encountered this place and survived would be made mad? Jack had told her that only five monks survived and that they were all stark raving mad. Would she go mad too? A shiver ran down her back as she stumbled to her feet.

“Keep close to the edge of the bank and be prepared to get into the water if told.” De Mornay said and using his hand on her back propelled her forwards. She began to pick her way over the rocks and fallen branches that lined the gradual slopes of the river bank.


BREAK

Jack stopped and then instantly started again, going faster this time.

“Did you hear it?” Hock said behind him “I’d stake my entire share on that being Nell’s scream and not a parrot.”

“It was Nell.” Jack said and using a rock that protruded to lever himself up and over the edge of the waterfall.

He scrambled up and turning held out his hand to Hock. Hock took it and hoisted himself over the edge.

“Such a beauty this island.” Hock remarked as he looked out over the river that flowed down and over the waterfall. “And such beauty hides more evil than good I’d wager.”

Jack lifted an eyebrow as they began to wade through the shallow waters of the river’s edge. His eyes scanned the trees and plants that lined the edges of both banks but they were very dense and only black shadows could be seen between the trees.

“What of Bryant?” asked Hock quietly, aware of Dwent falling in beside him.

“’e could prove t’be a liability.” Dwent agreed “’e allows ‘is ‘eart to rule ‘is ‘ead.”

“And that makes him dangerous indeed and most possibly stupid to boot.” Jack said quietly. He looked back over his shoulder but Norrington and Bryant hadn’t climbed up yet. “I knew someone else like that once…” Jack remarked picking his way over some rocks “He was stupid when it came to his lady love.”

“You think he loves Miss Nell?” Hock sounded surprised.

Jack chuckled dryly and nodded his head, his beads swinging in the movement.

“Aye he’s smitten.” Jack said quietly “Do you not think she’d be a good match for the young Lieutenant?”

Hock regarded his question as he looked back over his shoulder at where Bryant was climbing over the edge now.

“I think he’d be the wrong match for her.” He remarked casually.

And if ever there be a strange match it be you and the toff.” Dwent cackled and Jack grinned as well.

Hock laughed and scratched at his chin.

“Can’t explain it, she makes my blood boil with anger sometimes… and others…” he shrugged.

“What she like on ‘er back? Can she put that sharp tongue of ‘ers to good use?” Dwent chuckled rudely.

“Mister Dwent.” Jack shook his head but then looked at Hock pointedly.

Hock sobered and his face became shadowed with anger.

“Tis private. But this I will say; she’d been treated badly by her husband, both in and out of bed.”

Jack’s eyebrows raised at that last piece of information. If there was one thing he couldn’t abide it was bad treatment of a woman. Any woman; even a sharp tongued witch like Lady Clarence.

“So you’ll be leaving my ship when we get this treasure, or will you set her up somewhere and stay with the Pearl?” asked Jack.

Hock shook his head at Jack.

“I’ll be staying with you Capt’n. Couldn’t live with her all the time, promised to be faithful surely that be enough for her. I’ll set her up somewhere nice and visit when the urge takes me.”

Jack regarded him silently and shook his head before looking ahead once more at the twists and turns in the river. The next bend in the river veered to the right and the water appeared to get deeper.

Jack indicated to stop and he turned on his heel and almost upended into the water.
“We’re going to walk along the bank of the river.” He called out to the men behind him. “We’re close enough to jump in should the need arise; but we have no idea what lies in these waters and I really don’t wish to be meeting a wet version of the flies.”

There were nods and murmurs of agreement and everyone waded out of the water and began to walk along the river bank. Although the way was strewn with branches, rocks and smaller plants it was still faster going than wading through the water.

They had been walking for awhile when Hock suddenly stopped and bent down.

“Look boot marks in the mud, someones been here. Must be Beaumont…” he crouched and looked around him carefully. He reached out and snagged something of one of the bushes that overhung the river edge.

He held it out to Jack who took it carefully.

“Thread.” He said and peered down at the white thread in his fingers. It had to be Nell’s, as both Beaumont and De Mornay wore darker clothing.

“Well.” Dwent nodded “We be ‘eaded in right direction then.”

“And it’s fairly certain they haven’t headed inland either.” Hock replied and indicated the almost untouched tangle of plants, bushes and branches that grew there.

Jack nodded and slapped Hock’s back before moving forwards once again.

BREAK

Nell shook her head in sudden alarm. They had reached the bridge and Nell was shocked to say the least.

Ahead of them the expanse of river was deep and wide, but stretched from one side to the other was a bridge constructed of four ropes. Two parallel to each other and two more parallel above. Stretched between the two bottom ropes were more ropes twisted and knotted forming footholds across the river. They were tied quite securely to the trunks of trees on either side of the river.

“You can’t swim can you Helen?” asked Beaumont.

She shook her head as she eyed the rope bridge with fear and trepidation.

“Well even if you could we can’t swim across there so don’t fall in Helen dear or we’ll not be seeing you again in this life.” De Mornay said cheerfully.

“Why?” Nell wasn’t sure she really wanted to know but she asked all the same.

“Fish. Piranhas I believe they are called.” Beaumont laughed “Strip a body faster than those flies they can.”

“Flies?” Nell looked at him frowning.

“Just take our word for it.” De Mornay laughed “Up you get!”

“Can they jump up?” she asked as he helped her to get hold of the first rope.

“Not so as I remember.” Beaumont grinned “But we’ll soon find out!”

Nell looked out over the river and closed her eyes briefly.

“Put your right foot up onto the first rope and then swing your other foot up.” De Mornay said quietly in her ear. His hands snaked around her waist and held her firmly. Nell would have rather shaken him off but she knew that she wouldn’t get up there without his help.

It reminded her of Jack when he swung her across from the Rose to the Pearl. She had been terrified then, terrified of Jack, his crew and the uncertainty of her future.
But now, although she was terrified still, it was a different fear. This time she knew she was not alone, she knew that behind her and hopefully gaining on them was Jack and at least some of his crew. It gave her courage to face whatever was ahead of them… well she hoped it would.

She fought now to gain purchase on the ropes, the whole bridge swung dangerously as she struggled to remain upright. De Mornay still had his hands around her waist as she frantically tried to stop wobbling.

“Keep still!” he said harshly his fingers biting painfully into her sides. He held her still until the ropes had stopped swinging madly.

“We need to get moving Tristan.” Beaumont said suddenly looking back over his shoulder.

“Helen.” De Mornay loosened his grip slightly “Keep your eyes on the ropes under your feet.”

”Are you sure this will hold?” she asked her voice shaky with fear.

“It will hold.” He said gently “I’ll be right behind you, I won’t let you fall.”

His tone of voice was gentle, almost kind and anyone else hearing wouldn’t have known how dangerous he was. But Nell wasn’t fooled; she’d never be fooled again by either of them.

“Of course you won’t.” she snapped, fear and hatred making her voice harsh. “If I go and you loose the map it will have been a pointless exercise in stupidity won’t it?”

De Mornay laughed completely unruffled by her tone of voice or her words.

“Whatever does the great Captain Jack Sparrow see in you? A sharp tongue like that won’t win you a permanent place in his bed my dear.” De Mornay spoke softly as he climbed up onto the ropes behind Nell. The swing of the bridge almost toppled Nell, but her hands gripped the ropes tightly either side of her waist and her feet curled around the ropes underneath her.

“Of course it’s something I had never expected from you y’know.” He was close behind her, close enough for Nell to feel his body heat and his breath on her neck.

“Keep moving my sweet.” He chuckled and used his knee to tap the back of her knees.

Nell bit her lip and taking all her courage she stepped forward onto the next rope. He moved in behind her making her inch forward again.

Nell inched forward until she was seeing the swirling waters of the river between the rope rungs. Her mouth dried in fear and even though she knew De Mornay was speaking behind her the words didn’t register with her. Her eyes were glued on her feet as she took each step carefully. She was glad she had her boots on; they at least helped to give her some purchase on the ropes. Her eyes widened slightly and she faltered when it suddenly dawned on her that slipped into the top of her right boot was the dagger Hock had given her. She felt De Mornay steady her with one hand but she ignored him and kept going wondering how she could have been so stupid as to forget she had it. She knew she couldn’t use it yet, knew that in Jack’s words she had to wait for “the opportune moment”, but that was fine, the knowledge that she had it, that she wasn’t completely defenceless gave her renewed courage.

Her time on the Pearl had taught many things; not least that she was stronger than she had realised when she was in the convent. The things that had happened to her in the relatively short time since leaving the convent were enough to leave her breathless, but each event, everything she did made her stronger. She hadn’t cracked when the Rose was bordered by pirates, she hadn’t cracked when she found what Beaumont had done to her, and she hadn’t even cracked when he had caught her and hung her over the side of his ship. She wouldn’t crack now, she would take whatever they or this island threw at her and she’d use it to make her even stronger.

“Nearly there!” came a voice in her ear and she looked up, surprised to see that they were well over half way there.

The ropes suddenly swayed violently and Nell shrieked as she lost her footing and slid between the ropes. She hung on desperately her hands burning against the friction of the rope slipping between them.

“Hang on!” De Mornay twined the rope around his wrist and reached down to grab Nell by the shirt. He hauled her up as she fought to regain her hold on the ropes, her feet slipping until once more she was balanced upright, the rope under her feet again.

“Bloody hell James!” Tristan turned his head to look back over his shoulder “What the hell do you think…oh!”

Nell struggled to look behind her but he was urging her onwards cursing violently.

“It seems as if Sparrow has caught up quicker than we had hoped.”

“Jack?” Nell couldn’t help the sudden surge of relief and hope that filled her heart and her voice.

“Don’t get to excited yet my sweet. There’s many a slip betwixt the cup and lip.” He laughed but Nell heard the edge of fear back in his voice. She tried to stop moving but she felt a press of a dagger in her side.

“Don’t even think of trying anything now Nell. We’re desperate people and desperate
people do desperate things. I will cut you and I will let you fall if needed.”

“And loose the map?” she tried to sound doubtful but his words rang true.

“We’d take our chances Helen. I think the knowledge of what lies on your back has given you a false sense of safety. You think that we’ll do anything to keep you alive.” He laughed and it was cold and mocking.

“Poor Helen. The only good you are to anyone is what’s on your back. Sparrow may have used you for his whore while he had the opportunity but don’t for one moment think that he needs you for anything more than the map. He won’t save you if it comes down to choosing between the treasure or you and neither will we. Now keep moving and we won’t have to test whether the sweet scent of your blood is enough to excite the fish beneath us.”

“Bastard.” She hissed but her words were empty and useless and his mocking laughter told her that he knew it.


BREAK

Jack rounded the bend of the river bank, cursing as once more the branches and leaves of the plants tangled in his sword. They had reached a particularly overgrown stretch and although there was evidence that Beaumont and the others had already passed through the foliage still caused problems and hampered their progress.

“Bugger!”

Jack looked back as he heard Dwent’s sudden cry of horror “Look where they be!” He was pointing ahead of them.

Jack whirled back round and used his sword to keep the leaves down. He peered through and saw quite clearly the rope bridge stretched over the river ahead of them. De Mornay and Nell were about half way across, but Beaumont was nowhere to be seen.

Jack cursed with more fluency than Dwent as he pushed forwards quickly.

“She can’t swim can she?” Hock spoke up from behind Dwent.

“No.” Jack shook his head and cursed again when one of the branches caught his hat.
He clutched it tightly and drove forwards with his sword swinging from side to side clearing a way.


“But that’s something I will rectify when we are back aboard the Pearl and away from this cursed isle.” He muttered.

“There’s Beaumont!” Hock called and they saw where Beaumont had appeared at the end of the rope bridge. Beaumont had seen them also and was climbing up onto the ropes. It made them sway violently and Jack started when he heard Nell scream, he watched helplessly as she lost her footing and slipped between the ropes. De Mornay made a grab for her shirt, securing his own hold on the rope as he held her up. Jack stopped long enough to see her regain her hold on the ropes. Relief filled him as he surged forwards once more.

He heard the crew behind him starting to shout to Beaumont what they’d do to them when they caught them and Jack couldn’t help but laugh when he saw the man move faster across the rope bridge.

“Shoot him!” someone suggested.

Jack whirled around quickly, almost loosing his footing and pitching into the river. He swayed to regain his balance.

“No pistols!” he ordered sharply “I don’t want any mistakes.”

“I can take De Mornay from here.” Hock said quietly to Jack as they turned to carry on.

“I know you can Mister Hock, but if she slips again who’ll catch her, not withstanding the possibility that if you shoot him you might just take her with him.”

They arrived at the foot of the rope bridge, Beaumont was nearly half way and De Mornay and Nell were almost across.

“Let Nell climb off safely and then we have after them gentlemen.” Jack ordered.

He looked over his shoulder briefly and sighed when he saw Norrington and Bryant moving towards him passing by the other men.

“What do you propose?” Norrington asked him directly, hands going behind his back as his dark eyes watched the progress on the bridge.

Jack looked at him and using his sword he indicated Beaumont’s progress over the bridge.

“One of them dies; I care not which one for they both hold the same knowledge, but one of them pays now; not later, not at the end of a rope, but here at the end of a sword.”

Norrington nodded, knowing that to argue with Jack would not only be pointless but would waste valuable time. Plus he knew that while his position as Commodore called for justice with a public trial and death by hanging; his feelings as a man ran deeper and that death was a fitting punishment for either man in any shape or form Jack Sparrow chose to employ.

Jack looked at Bryant raising his eyebrows in question.

“Not going to argue with me Mister Bryant? Not going to accuse me of reneging on my earlier deal with you?”

Bryant bristled, but he felt Norrington touch his elbow gently and it was enough to have him back down. He inclined his head to Jack, half smiling.

“No of course not Captain Sparrow. You have already informed us the deal is off. I would be hard pressed to accuse you of something that has already transpired. It would be pointless to bring to mention the word of a pirate now.”

Norrington hissed out his breath and his touch became a prod in Bryant’s back.

“Thank you Mister Bryant.” He sighed and glared down at the shorter man.

Mister Bryant had the grace to look slightly uncomfortable in front of Norrington and he inclined his head to Jack again.

“My apologies. I find the situation… frustrating.”

“As do we all.” Norrington added and looked out over where Nell was finally inching from the bridge.

“I believe we can now proceed with care.” He said softly, watching as Jack looked round him, saw where Nell was and promptly set out without a backwards glance at anyone.

As Jack climbed nimbly onto the ropes, they swung violently and Beaumont almost lost his grip, but he was over half way across and without looking back he carried on.

BREAK

Nell turned the moment the ground was beneath her feet De Mornay jumped down in front of her and tried to push her back slightly and then decided to change his mind.

“No, watch this Nell. Then you might realise just how false your hope truly is.”

He turned and watched as Beaumont moved swiftly across the bridge.

Nell saw De Mornay take his dagger from his waist and it dawned on her his intentions.

She stepped back from him, watching as he waited by the ropes, ready to cut them the moment Beaumont was across. It would send everyone on the ropes into the river below.

“Time to find out whether piranhas are hungry all the time.” He laughed his back to Nell.

She realised that Jack’s “opportune moment” had arrived and that if she missed it, she just might not live to regret it.

She moved very slowly, bending down and sliding the dagger from her boot and into her hand, slipping the blade and handle up her sleeve slightly. She straightened just as he looked back at her.

“Nothing to say Helen? No pleas for mercy, no offers to save their lives?”

“What would you have me do to save their lives” Nell’s voice was shaky; sweat ran down her back, she was certain he would see her intent clear on her face.

Do?” he blinked at her and then laughed coldly, he looked her up and down, scorn on his face.

“Jack Sparrow may not be too picky; heaven knows his reputation for whores proves that, but me? Well let’s just say my standards are higher. I don’t run to whores, not even ones who were once married to Christ.”

Nell flushed red with hot shame and embarrassment. He laughed at her and turned back to the bridge.

Nell saw her chance and his words gave her the encouragement she needed. She lifted the knife and lunged at him. She knew she couldn’t kill him, not only because she didn’t have it in her, but because he would still be needed.

The first thing De Mornay registered was the full weight of Nell landing on his back. He honestly thought she’d just launched herself at him in anger, but when he whirled to throw her off; the pain registered.

His shoulder radiated intense pain and he became aware of blood flowing down his arm. Nell backed away from him, breathing hard, her face flushed with exertion and adrenaline.

“I am NOT a whore.” She hissed.

He looked down at her hand in muted shock and saw the bloody dagger still clenched in her hand, lifted ready to attack him again.

“What have you done?” the words were stupid and he knew it, but the pure shook mixing with the pain made his senses dull.

“Tristan! Tristan!” Beaumont had reached the last stretches of the bridge and had seen Nell launch herself at him, stabbing the blade downwards into his back.

De Mornay looked behind him and Nell took her second chance. She launched herself again but this time he was ready for her. He whipped round; his hand caught her upraised wrist and twisted till Nell gave a cry of pain dropping the dagger.

“Stupid Girl!” he grated and yanked her forwards against him, twisting her arm up behind her back painfully.

“Tristan!” Beaumont jumped from the ropes down onto the bank. “You little…..”

“The ropes James. Cut the ropes!” De Mornay turned sharply but the others were already too close for the time it would take to cut through the thick ship ropes.

He wrenched around dragging Nell with him. He forced her to her knees letting go of her abused arm.

He grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her head back.

“Sparrow!” he watched as Jack continued forwards.

“Release her De Mornay.” Jack called and reaching the end he jumped nimbly down onto the bank. Beaumont backed up till he was beside De Mornay; he had his sword raised and a pistol in his other hand. He held the pistol to Nell’s head, pressing it into her skin. De Mornay’s words flicked through her mind and she realised that if it came down to it, he’d had no compunction in pulling the trigger. Fear trickled down her spine making her shake.

Nell stared as the rest of the crew soon jumped from the rope bridge. Her eyes found Hock as he winked at her before lifting his own sword. Their pistols were still too wet to be of any use, but they raised them anyway.

A trickle of blood ran down Nell’s neck from where it was still flowing down De Mornay’s arm. She knew that it was up to her to help herself this time. Jack’s hands were tied with the pistol being held to her head but she also knew that she was far weaker than Beaumont or De Mornay. She cast her eyes downward but she couldn’t move her head. Her hands were raised gripping De Mornay’s hand in her hair. She knew that she had stabbed his right shoulder, if she could put all her weight on that arm and try to slide downwards away from the pistol, maybe it would be enough for Jack to do the rest. Whatever that would be she had no idea; but desperation was running her thoughts and actions now. They may well shoot her but at least she would go down fighting to save her life. She had been weak and under the control of someone all her life, but not any more. She was going to take control once and for all.

Lifting slightly, feeling the round end of the pistol digging into her head, she closed her eyes and yanked downwards hard on De Mornay’s hand. She flipped her head downwards and sideways breaking contact with the pistol.

De Mornay cried out in pain but didn’t loose his grip. Beaumont taken by surprise; looked away from Jack briefly, but it was all Jack needed as he lunged forward.

Hock moved at the same moment and De Mornay went crashing backwards taking Nell with him. He lost his grip on her hair and she yanked herself free rolling to one side and getting to her knees.

She saw De Mornay was flat on his back, hands raised slightly as Hock stood over him sword pressed dangerously into his windpipe. She looked across at where Beaumont was curled on the ground cradling his hand to his chest. Jack stood swaying over him, blood gleaming on the sword blade.

She looked down and gagged as it registered why Jack’s sword was gleaming with blood. The pistol lay uselessly on the ground but Jack hadn’t been fussy how he’d got Beaumont to drop it; Nell could see the fingers lying with the pistol, one still curled around the trigger.

Hands gripped her shoulders and Nell’s vision was blocked by Norrington crouching in front of her.

“Nell. Are you hurt? Have they hurt you?” his tone was hushed and filled with worry mixed with relief.

She shook her head, not certain she could reply. She looked up at him, Bryant was crouching beside him and it suddenly sank in that she was safe again.

The adrenalin deserted her and she covered her mouth with her hand when her stomach rebelled again. Norrington moved quickly, catching her round the waist and turning her as once more she lost the little contents of her stomach onto the dirt at her knees. There was only scalding hot bile but she couldn’t stop gagging, dry heaving and coughing, sweat broke out on her forehead as his firm hold on her held her up.

“Deep breaths Nell. Take deep breaths, just lean on me.” Norrington instructed her softly in her ear as he held her firmly.

“Mother Mary…” she took deep breaths and the gagging subsided as she sank back in his arms. He lost his balance and sat back on the ground; Nell still cradled in his arms. Her head fell back against his chest; she turned her head to the side her eyes closed as sweat ran down her face. She was exhausted, mentally and physically.
A cold cloth wiping across her face brought her eyes open. Bryant was wiping her face clean gently.

“Thank you.” She whispered “All I ever seem to do around you both is be sick.” She tried to laugh and ended up crying instead. Tears poured down her face as she turned completely burying her face into Norrington’s chest. She gripped his shirt and sobbed nosily, uncaring who saw her crying. She had no defences left at the moment and was grateful for the strength of the man holding her.

Her tears dried slowly until she had more control over her emotions. She sat back slightly wiping at her face.

“I’m so sorry.” She hic-cuped before laughing softly. The sickness and crying had left her physically drained but it helped to clear her emotions. She was feeling less shocked and more in control again.

“There is nothing to be sorry for.” Norrington said quietly, suddenly aware how close he was holding her. His hands were clutching her lower back as she sat on his lap.

He looked at Bryant who was still crouched beside them holding the cloth.

Do you think you can stand?” Norrington asked Nell softly and she suddenly realised she was sitting on him.

She blushed, flustered, as Bryant stood up and held out his hand to her.

She took it and, with Norrington’s help, she got to her feet. She was surprised at how shaky her legs were and was mortified when her knees buckled and she sank slowly to the ground.

“Kneeling is good too.” Bryant said trying to lighten the situation.

She looked up at him gratefully and nodded.

“Thank you gentlemen.” Came a slow slur that Nell instantly recognised. She looked around and saw Jack standing slightly to the left of Norrington; his face was closed of emotion but his dark eyes were watching her carefully.

Nell wasn’t ready for the barrage of emotions that hit her when she looked at him.
She sank back onto her heels still staring up at him.

“Excuse us please.” Jack looked pointedly at Bryant when neither man made any signs of going. He placed his hands palms together and touched his chin, looking at Bryant still.

Norrington nodded and indicated for Bryant to follow him.

“We are pleased you are with us again.” Norrington spoke to Nell as he got to his feet.

His voice sounded formal and stiff, especially considering that between them they’d mopped her clean of sick, and held her while she cried.

“Thank you.” She said quietly, as they backed away and moved towards where De Mornay and Beaumont were now tied securely.

Jack crouched in front of her and reaching out tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

“I didn’t keep my promise to you did I?” he slurred slightly as he spoke.

She looked at him, at the braids hanging from his chin, but she couldn’t meet his eyes.

“You tried.” She said quietly, unsure what to say to him. If she looked at him, really looked into his eyes she was sure he’d see every secret she held and she knew for a certainty that she wasn’t ready for him to know how much she loved him. She may never be at the point where she was willing to lay herself that bare to him.

“I’m sorry Nell.” He said it quietly and she could hear the genuine regret in his voice.
She shrugged and tried to smile, her eyes on the beads in his hair.

“Alls well that ends well.” She tried for humour “Is there any water… I think I cried all I had left over the Commodore.”

Jack looked around him and called to the closest man to get some drinking water. He looked back at Nell and pulled on the braids hanging on his chin.

“Are you hurt?” he asked quietly “Did they touch you?” he reached out suddenly and caught her chin lifting her head slightly. She had a purplish bruise along her cheekbone from where she’d been slapped. Her face was still showing signs of her previous encounter with them. A small scar ran under one eye and there was a small scar in her hairline. He narrowed his eyes at her when she merely shook her head.

“Nell. I need to know, did they touch you… anywhere?”

Nell suddenly realised what he had been referring to and she shook her head, hot shame filling her as she remembered what De Mornay had sneered at her just before she stabbed him. Her eyes flicked over to where she could just see De Mornay. He was kneeling with his arms tied behind his back painfully. The stab wound in his shoulder had been left unattended, although a quick glance at Beaumont showed Nell that they had bandaged his damaged hand before tying his arms behind his back too.
She shuddered and looked back at Jack, her eyes fastening on the skin showing through his open shirt.

“No. They didn’t touch me.” She said hollowly and gathering together all of her strength she got to her feet.

Jack jumped to his feet and caught her elbow helping her up.

“Capt’n.” Hock came over, his eyes on Nell; he reached forward and patted her shoulder gently.

“Tis good to have you back with us Miss Nell.” He said cheerfully before looking at Jack “They’ll talk now Capt’n.”

Jack’s face darkened and with one last searching look at Nell, who still refused to meet his eyes, he turned on his heel and strode across to them.

Nell sighed slumping slightly and was relieved when Bryant and Norrington immediately crossed back to her. Bryant offered her his arm and Nell took it gratefully.

One of the crew, Coals, appeared in front of her with a flask.

“Water miss.” He smiled at her.

“Thank you.” She took the flask and drank the contents; relishing the feel of the crystal clear water sliding down her parched throat.

“Are you hungry?” Norrington asked but wasn’t surprised when Nell shook her head. She looked across at where Jack was standing over De Mornay.

“What will he do now?” she asked moving forwards slightly so she could hear what was being said. Bryant tried to pull her back.

“You don’t want to witness this.” He said quietly.

Nell frowned at him before looking at Norrington.

“What will happen?” she asked.

“De Mornay will die.” Norrington replied “It would be best if you do not witness this. He would have hanged anyway.”

“NO!” Nell shook her head and pulling free from Bryan raced forwards towards Jack.
“No! You cannot kill him; you cannot kill either of them!”

Jack looked up with surprise on his face as Nell stopped beside him.

“Nell.” Jack took her arm and tried to lead her back, he cast a glance at where Norrington and Bryant had followed her also registering surprise on their faces.

“Defending them?” Jack’s eyebrows rose almost disappearing into the bandana around his forehead.

Nell shook her head and took a deep breath.

“No, of course not!” she bit out and looked down at them. De Mornay looked up at her and smirked, despite the pain he was in.

“Was it that good for you Helen? I personally found you rather mediocre!”

Jack reacted instantly and drew his pistol aiming it directly at De Mornay’s head.

Nell gripped his arm and tugged at him.

“Please, just listen to me.” She shuddered as she looked back at them.

Jack looked down at her and allowed her to tug him away from them. Hock and a few others followed, obviously curious as to her reasons.

“You can’t kill either of them. They are dependant on each other.” She said and looked directly into his eyes. She stopped and floundered for a way to explain it.

“What do you mean?” asked Hock.

“They are both mad. Quite insane.” She shook her head “Not the way you seem to be mad Jack. They are truly unbalanced but they balance the other out.”

Jack frowned at the reference to his own sanity.

“I’m not certain that I’m liking the comparison to madness here, and I’m not entirely clear on what you mean.”

“Several times it switched between them. One moment De Mornay would be defeated, even panicky at points and Beaumont would be the one to rally him round and then moments later it switched and De Mornay would be rallying Beaumont. If you kill one of them and the other has a …has a…” she was lost for a good enough word.

“Turn?” Hock provided

“Yes, thank you, if one of them has a turn and the other is no longer there to rally them around….” She drew a deep breath, realising that Jack was with her reasoning now “They spoke about having to leave through a different route, that we can’t leave the way we came in…”

“Anything else?” asked Jack softly

“They were quite eager to get to the waterfall before nightfall. No, no..” she shook her head “No, they said “behind the waterfall.” Whatever that means.” She shrugged, satisfied that Jack now understood her.

Jack nodded his head and looked back at where Beaumont was obviously in a lot of pain from his hand.

“A temporary reprieve.” He said to them sharply “On your feet… you!” he used his sword to poke Beaumont in the back “You’ll lead the way.”

Beaumont struggled to get to his feet, not one person moving to help him.

Nell waited till once more they were headed forward. She was exhausted and found putting one foot in front of the other almost physically impossible, but she struggled to keep going and made her way forwards to Jack.

“Jack.”

He looked sideways at her and sighed.

“We have to keep going.” He said quietly “Can you keep going Nell?”

Nell looked at him briefly before looking down at the ground beneath her feet. They were once more making their way over rock and branch strewn ground and she had to keep watch to stop herself from tripping.

“Yes.” She nodded, that hadn’t been what she wanted to talk to him about “About my beads Jack.”

Jack stuck one hand in front of him and circled it.

“Tis nothing to worry yourself about Nell. They managed to make it off without them before we’ll make sure they can do it again.”

“No. I mean yes, no what I mean is…” she was so tired now that even trying to think coherently was difficult.

“Nell.” He touched her arm gently, briefly “Save your breath Nell. We’ll talk when we set camp for the night.”

Nell nodded tiredly. She was bone weary and aching all over. She just wanted to lie down somewhere and never move again.

Jack watched her without making it obvious what he was doing. He could see the fatigue lining her face clearly and it concerned and unsettled him. He looked behind him and saw Dwent and Coles right behind them.

He slowed slightly letting Nell walk on ahead. He fell into step with Dwent and indicated his head towards Nell.

“Keep watch please Mister Dwent. Don’t allow her to fall.” He said quietly.

“Aye Capt’n.” Dwent nodded, his dark eyes taking in Nell’s fatigue easily.

Nell trudged on, unaware that Dwent was right behind her, ready to catch her should
she trip.


BREAK

Nell groaned low and deeply. She couldn’t do it.

They had finally stopped for a rest and Nell could see the rocks that veered sharply upwards, lining the edges of the crashing waterfall. It wasn’t gradual, or gently sloping. It went up vertically and she knew that they would have to climb up there and before the sun finally set behind the trees.

She made her way forwards to where Jack and the others were looking up at the waterfall.

“Can’t we make camp here?” she asked trying hard to not whinge but failing slightly.

Jack looked at her and grinned at her whinging tone.

“We must get behind the water before darkness falls.” Came the husky pain filled tone of De Mornay.

Jack frowned and looked over at him.

“And why is that?” he asked quietly.

“Because if we don’t….” Beaumont looked at Nell “We’ll all die and quite horribly too.”

Nell shuddered, taking a step backwards. A hand on her shoulder had her looking up sharply. Hock stood beside her a reassuring grin on his face.

“Tis all wind and water.” He said quietly.

“No.” De Mornay shook his head “They’ll come for us tonight.”

Nell looked back at him quickly.

“Who will?” she asked sharply.

He shrugged and turned away from her, he was kneeling awkwardly, the pain radiating from his shoulder was getting worse and he knew that they had a long night ahead of them.

“What of the waterfall?” Jack asked him kicking his none too gently in the leg.

He cast Jack a dark glare before muttering something incoherently.

Jack kicked him harder and smirked when he growled at him.

“Didn’t quite catch that last bit mate. What of the waterfall?”

“We need to be either in or behind the water. I don’t know why, but they can’t touch you if you’re in the water.”

“Y’mean like them flies?” Dwent asked coming forwards.

“Yes.” De Mornay nodded “But these aren’t flies…” he looked back at Nell “I don’t know what they are, but I know they aren’t human.”

Nell felt her heart sinking as she stared at him.

“I’m quite sure it won’t be anything we can’t handle.” Norrington said firmly, his hands behind his back as he looked on. Bryant stood beside him in an identical pose.

Beaumont laughed, it was loud and hinted to his lack of sanity. He stopped suddenly and looked at the Commodore.

“We lost a lot of men before we realised the safety of the water… but they were the lucky ones.” He laughed again and Nell shuddered, feeling true alarm at his words now. Hock slid his arm around her waist quietly and she was glad for the contact.

“But you can hear them….” De Mornay continued, his eyes lost in thought as he stared at the ground “Haven’t heard anything like it…” he looked once more at Nell “Do you remember the tales we told you lass, when you were but a child?”

Nell nodded shakily, her large eyes on his face. Jack narrowed his eyes and stepped closer to Nell without even realising he’d moved.

“What you hear tonight will make you think they were lullabies.” He looked up at Jack “You’ll never be the same after tonight.” He whispered “She’ll never be the same, if we scarred her body, tonight will scar her soul.”

A/N: Well, there we go another chapter. Probably a bit hasty but my fingers do run away with me.

Thank you so much for all your reviews and encouragement. I’m back into Jack in a big way now and I can’t get this story out of my head so I’ll keep pounding the keys till it’s done.

My dearest, dearest aunt bought us a laptop for our anniversary (9 years this year! Where does the time go!) Poor hubby has had only the occasional look in! I do love it so and it’s so versatile as to where I can type.

So my fingers have had the chance to type and type and type… hence the next chapter is well on its way to being finished.

Nell is back with Jack and I know a few of you wondered if they’d ever get it together and they will, but a new complication has arisen in Bryant. I wasn’t at all sure about letting him fall for Nell and I’m not 100% certain that he has yet. May be only the fact that they are in such close quarters and that his manly protectiveness is woken by her. We’ll see….

Some else asked whether Norrington would be taking the chop… well I’m a hopeless romantic and I love the man too much to kill him, not that there won’t be a few deaths still…. But it won’t be Norrington.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Take care and have a great day.