The Map

A/N: Usual disclaimer. If I owned Jack I’d certainly not be wasting my time typing! ;-)
I have a beta! AniSparrow, heaven help her, has sat down and tried to make grammatical sense of this. So a huge thank you for making it readable! Any and all remaining errors are mine, all mine!
Thanks to Hils for getting us together and for being part of my ongoing inspiration. I’m going too plug both these ladies stories, because if you haven’t already discovered them you’re in for a treat.
Hope you all enjoy this:


Chapter 19

Darkness Falls

De Mornay’s words had worried Jack. Not for himself, he doubted there was much that could scare him in that way, but Nell? He had seen it wasn’t empty words De Mornay had spoken. It had been written in his eyes that he had been telling the truth; and this was what worried Jack.
He knew that she had been through so much in such a short space of time, how much more she could she take and not break? She wasn’t a weak woman and past the first impression of her; he had never thought of her as such. But he also knew that a person could only take so much before it affected them and Nell was no different. She had her strengths and her weaknesses, she wasn’t stupid or slow, and she wasn’t a coward, despite what she may think herself. But he also knew that a breaking point lay in her. She had lurched from one revelation to another; he’d seen her cry on the Pearl, had held her when she broke over the horror of the dying sailors. He had watched as Norrington had held her while she dry heaved, and cradled her himself when she’d cried again. And each time she’d stepped up stronger for her experiences. He’d watched her change and mature on the Pearl and he held a touch of pride in her, but he also knew that dark corners haunted her dreams. He would make damn sure that tonight would not affect her.

He looked behind him briefly as he climbed the rocks that lined the waterfall. De Mornay and Beaumont had been untied and forced to climb the rocks unaided. They were both helping the other, pain evident in every movement, but Jack had no heart for them and he would shed no tears when they would be finally brought to task. Nell was much further down, struggling even with Hock and Dwent helping her up the rocks. She was the shortest there and as such most of the rocks were completely beyond her for reach and her strength was wearing very thin now. He watched; concern etched on his face as she once more lost her footing and slid downwards only to be caught by Hock round the waist and hoisted up again. Jack heard her laugh slightly but it was strained. Dwent caught her hand and hauled her up the rock ungracefully, making Jack wince as she was dragged unceremoniously up the sharp surface. Nell gained her feet beside Dwent and caught her breath. She looked up then and he caught her eyes. Her smile faded as she stared up at him and it suddenly occurred to him that something had changed between them.

“Capt’n.” A voice directly above him had him breaking eye contact with Nell
“De Mornay says that the entrance is coming up soon. ‘Tis a ledge that will lead to an opening in the rocks that goes behind the waterfall.” Coales was pointing upwards, Jack followed his direction, squinting slightly.
“Keep going.” He indicated with his head to keep moving.
They were climbing in rapidly falling darkness now. The sun had set and only the cold false light lit the sky, but even that was rapidly growing dark. He frowned looking back over the landscape below them, the river winding its way through the darkness of the trees and Jack was struck as to how thick and dark the trees were. Where the sun had dipped below the horizon darkness was creeping over the trees. A breeze picked up that held none of the usual Caribbean warmth. Jack shivered even in his top-coat and his thoughts went back to Nell. He paused again to look down at her and was pleased to see Norrington had climbed his way back down to her and slipped his still slightly damp top-coat over her.

Jack looked around him with narrowed eyes and then back up to where he could see the start of the ledge. He needed to get everyone behind that waterfall and fast. It was coming; he could feel it in his bones. He had no idea what was coming, but something evil was headed their way and he didn’t like it.

He made it to the ledge and groaned when he saw how narrow it was. They would have to cross it sideways, with their backs pressed to the rocks. It would be slow going and he knew they didn’t have that kind of time. He climbed slightly higher and braced himself against the rocks.

“Hurry up!” he called down, his eyes once more scanning the darkness. It wasn’t a natural darkness; it was thick and seemed to be creeping up the rocks behind them, almost as if it were chasing them, or worse - playing with them. One by one he saw his men across the ledge and into the darkness of the cave behind the crashing water.
He looked down and was dismayed to see that Nell, Dwent and Hock were still some way down. Norrington and Bryant were almost level with him. Jack waited till they had passed him and then he climbed nimbly back down to where Hock was trying to tug her up a particularly hard spot. Making sure he was secure, he reached down, and with Hock gripping one of Nell’s hands he gripped her other and they literally dragged her up the rock face.

“We need to get up there Mister Hock, and as quick as we can.” Jack said quietly as between the three of them they tugged and pulled at Nell until they were all level with the ledge.

“I’m so sorry.” she panted, trying to get her breath. Her arms were aching and she had more than one scrape across her hands and knees from trying to haul herself up the sharp rocks.

“Don’t be lass,” Hock said quietly. “It’s a wonder you’re still on your feet and conscious with everything you’ve done today.”

“Yes well…” Nell leant back against the rock. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll probably pass out anyway.”

“Capt’n!”

Suddenly a shout was discernable above the noise of the waterfall beside them. They all looked down the rock face to the base where someone was climbing the rocks quickly to reach them.

“Capt’n wait for me!”

“Who….” Jack frowned and leaned forward to make out which one of the crew left at the pool had caught up with him.

Nell peered down over the edge, her hands gripped on the rocks behind her for support.

“Capt’n!” the crewman looked up and Nell gasped in sheer fright.

To Nell’s horror it was Jones who was climbing up to them. Sand still stuck to his clothes and his hair was matted with blood and sand. He looked up and Nell could see the sand trickling from his mouth, eyes, and nose.

“CAPTAIN!” Jones roared. “WAIT!” His voice seemed to be louder than the crashing of the waterfall now, louder and very angry.

“Bloody hell.” Hock blinked and looked at Jack. “What am I seeing?”

“I have not a clue.” Jack turned and taking hold of Nell’s shirt, he urged her forwards towards the cave entrance. “But I do not intend on waiting around and finding out.”

Nell’s eyes were fixed on where Jones was getting closer by the second.

“Nell!” Jack spoke in her ear. “It’s not real. He’s dead. What ever we see is not real.” He urged her forwards again and her focus snapped back on Jack. “What is he? He’s…”

“NORRINGTON!” Jack hollered the Commodore’s name and was glad to see him edge onto the ledge behind the waterfall. “We have company.” Jack said, and urged Nell towards him. “Help Nell.”

Nell looked towards Norrington and keeping her back to the rocks she inched along the narrow ledge, her eyes on him as he held out his hand to her. She inched along, the sound of the waterfall crashing beside her paled in comparison to the noise Jones was making now.

“You let me die!” His words repeated themselves over and over, the pitch of his voice intensifying until it became a high pitched shrill.

Nell looked back down to see Jones advancing on where Dwent was gripping the rock, unable to move till Nell and the others ahead of him moved.

“NELL!” Norrington all but roared her name. “Catch my hand. I won’t let you fall. Come on Nell!” She began to inch along as fast as she could, desperate to get into the safety of the cave. Jack was scrabbling behind her and for one horrifying moment she thought he was going back down.

“JACK!” she turned her head to see him throw something towards Jones. The loose rock hit Jones square in his face and he pitched backwards loosing his hold on the rocks. He tumbled head over heels, his arms and legs going at odd angles as he bounced of the rocks. Nell could just make out in the growing darkness where he lay crumpled at the bottom. She sighed with relief but the relief soon fled when she watched in disbelief as he staggered to his feet and began climbing again.

“What the…?” she inched towards Norrington, her eyes still fixed on the rapidly climbing Jones.

“Don’t look!” Jack commanded beside her. “Don’t look at him.”

Nell dragged her eyes away and tried to concentrate on the rocky ledge beneath her feet. Moving carefully along sideways she inched closer to the narrow opening that Norrington was standing in. The crashing water sending spray over her as she finally made her way to where Norrington was waiting. His hand reached out and caught hers.

“Come on Nell. Nearly there,” he said and his voice shook only slightly from what he had seen. She let him pull her into the safety of the cave and into his arms. She clung to him, trying to get her breath back and the image of Jones out of her mind. Jack came stumbling into the cave.

“Who’d you see?” asked De Mornay quietly, his eyes on where Nell was still in Norrington’s arms.

She thanked him and stepped away from the relative safety of his hold. It was gloomy in the cave, but there was some light still shinning through the falling water that the edge of the cave. It was a beautiful sight, the water falling in a curtain of white, but Nell didn’t take it in, didn’t take any of it as she stared at the entrance watching anxiously for Hock and Dwent to come through.

“YOU!” Jack crossed to where De Mornay and Beaumont was tied and huddled on the floor of the cave. “Are you absolutely certain we’re safe here? He can’t come past the waterfall?”

“Nay,” whispered De Mornay tiredly. The shouting of Jones was coming closer “They can’t get past the water… we blocked up the entrance just in case, but I don’t think they can have the water touch them.”

Jack looked round him as Hock and Dwent came through the opening at speed.
“He climbs quicker than a bloody goat!” Dwent gasped and backed away from the opening.

“Get back Nell!” Jack ordered and Nell didn’t need to be told twice. She hurried around Norrington and waited at the back of the cave where a few of the crew were already gathered.

“What did you block it with?” asked Hock, coming to stand over them with Jack.

“Our supply bags,” Beaumont replied and looked around him. “But you’ve only got the one bag haven’t you?”

Maybe we’ll block it with you,” Hock said nastily and took out his dagger. “Or at least parts of you.”

Nell shuddered at the mental image and stepped forward again. “Why don’t we just…” she shrugged out of Norrington’s topcoat and taking it to the waterfall held it out for it to get soaking wet. “If we hang it across the entrance somehow and make sure it doesn’t dry out…”

”Excellent,” Jack grinned at her, outwardly untouched by the sight of his dead crewmember climbing after him. He took his own topcoat off and held it under the falling water.

Nell gave the coat to Hock, unwilling to get any closer to the entrance than necessary.

“Captain Sparrow!” a singsong voice could be heard outside the entrance. “I know you’re in there! I’ve brought a friend… you remember Spade don’t you? Before you let them eat him.”

Nell winced and looked across at Jack’s blank face. He caught Nell watching him as he crossed to the entrance with Hock; he winked at her before arranging the coats to hang over the entrance. It didn’t cover it completely but it gave them a measure of assurance that they were safe. He stepped back and crossed to her, taking her face between his hands.

“Tis not real lass.” He said it quietly. “I know what you saw, but it wasn’t Jones.”

“His spirit?” she asked him frowning, his hands felt warm and secure on her face, his liquid black eyes showing his concern as he looked at her.

“Is he trapped here? Because of the way he died?”

Jack watched the conflicting emotions cross her face. He knew that her faith had floundered since she had left the convent. He personally was in no need of faith, but he knew that she needed to regain some balance of understanding.

“I don’t know. What did they teach you in your convent?”

“You know…” She frowned her eyes caught by his. “Heaven and hell. Purgatory.”

“Well, I don’t know much about it, but I do know this isn’t Puragtory.”

“What is it then?”

Jack sighed and let go of her face to catch her hands, aware that they were both being watched but he really didn’t care. He drew her down onto the ground of the cave.

“It’s a curse,” came De Mornay’s voice from the gloom at the rear of the cave. “A curse lies on this isle. You’ll understand better soon, Helen.”

Jack looked up sharply, stopping Nell from turning to De Mornay by catching her shoulders and holding her in place.

“How will she know this?” Hock asked, frowning.

“You’ll see…”

“NO! I’m asking you now.” Hock’s patience with the two men was at an end and he had no compunction in landing a solid kick to the knife wound in De Mornay’s shoulder. The man howled in pain and huddled into himself. He could already feel the fire of infection working its way through the wound, but now the kick had turned it to pure agony. Sweat broke out on his forehead and he longed for the blessed relief of blackness. He looked at Beaumont out of bleary eyes.

“I think we bit off more than we can chew with Sparrow and his men,” he whispered, remembering Norrington’s words to them on the Relentless.

“Faith.” Beaumont muttered through clenched teeth. “Faith, Tristan, and remember to keep your eyes shut.”

“It’s stopped!” Nell said suddenly, and looked at the entrance way. “He’s stopped.”

The shouting had indeed stopped, but there was something else in its place. Something that made Nell’s blood turn cold. She lifted her hands and gripped Jack’s wrists where he was still holding her shoulders.

”Monks,” she whispered. “I can hear monks chanting.” She could hear the slow, morbid chant grow louder and louder. It sounded as if it were right outside the entrance. Nell looked at Jack, fear clear in her eyes. “I thought I saw one before. When we were waiting for you at the shore.”

Jack looked at her quickly in surprise. “What?” he frowned, but the look in her eyes stopped him. She was fazing out, a faraway look in her eye.

“They’re hurting. Pain. So much pain,” she whispered. “They’re telling their story.”

“Nell it’s gibberish!” Jack said, urgently.

“It’s Latin,” Bryant corrected from where he was kneeling behind them with Norrington at his side. “They’re chanting in Latin.”

De Mornay’s words made sudden sense to Jack and he now knew why they said her soul would be scared. He didn’t think twice, didn’t have to. He dragged her forwards and kissed her hard on her lips before pushing her back slightly.

“Sorry Nell, darling,” he muttered and lifting his right fist, he punched her in the jaw hard enough to have her head snapping to the side. She slumped out cold into his arms and he set her down gently.

“Bloody hell, Sparrow!” Bryant was shocked by his actions but Jack merely shrugged.

“Rum would take too long,” he said, and ran his finger gently down her jaw across the bruise already appearing. “I can’t let her hear it if she knows what’s being said.” Jack got to his feet looking down at the unconscious form of Nell.

“I’m impressed,” Beaumont said. “I would have never thought of that. But how do you intend on keeping her out cold?” He spoke loud enough to be heard above the chanting but Jack ignored him and turned to Bryant lifting his eyebrows at him.

“I’m wondering if you’ll be needing to be knocked out cold? I’d be happy to oblige.” Jack grinned at Bryant who shook his head rapidly.

“What are they saying?” Norrington asked him. “Can you make it all out?”

“They’re repeating the same things,” Bryant said with a shudder. “Mostly how they met their end here - bad things, evil things. That is repeated over and over.” He concentrated on the chanting, trying to view it objectively and ignore the fear that was trying to seep into his soul. “The island is cursed. It’s cursed to take souls. Something to do with…” He looked over at De Mornay in the rapidly darkening cave. Not even the water was white now it was darkening. “You can understand it, can’t you?” his eyes widened. “They know who you are. They’re angry - you tricked them….”

De Mornay nodded. “Everyone who loses their lives on this island stays - everyone…” He stopped as the memories haunted him. “They come for your soul - our souls. This island gathers souls.”

Bryant stood up suddenly, not even noticing when Norrington got to his feet in instant reaction to Bryant. “It knows our names. They know our names,” he said and some of the fear showed in his eyes. “They’ll use the island to kill us off. Souls they will gather. We won’t ever leave. We are destined to walk the island at night.” Norrington caught Bryant’s arm as he turned to the entrance, but he shrugged him off.

“The moment we landed it placed its claim on us. Eaten alive, drowned, hung. Flesh stripped from bones… limbs ripped from limbs, eyes gouged out, sacrificed to…”
Norrington had heard enough. He lifted his pistol and using the handle, hit Bryant hard on the back of his head; he dropped to his knees and slumped face first in the dirt.

“Anyone else understand Latin?” Jack drawled and looked round at where De Mornay was cowering at the back. “Obviously you can… but I think we’ll let you suffer.”

Norrington flipped Bryant onto his back and checked his head and eyes.

“Makes me glad I’m not learned like some,” Hock said shaking his head and looking at Nell. “She’ll have a cracker tomorrow - so’ll he.” He looked down at Bryant.

“Is this all we have to expect tonight?” Jack inquired of Beaumont.

“No.” Beaumont shook his head. “It’s only the beginning…”

A murmur went through the few remaining crew and red-coats, and Jack recognised the first stirrings of true fear. Left unchecked he could face chaos amongst the men and chaos could lead to mutiny and almost certain death if they didn’t work together.
He clapped his hands together, resolutely blocking out the sounds outside.

“Listen to me!” Jack waited till he had everyone’s attention, even De Mornay looked at him with haunted eyes. “If we let it frighten us now we be no better than a pack of women and children.”

Norrington raised his eyebrows; it certainly wasn’t the way he would have rallied his men around.

“We’re close to the treasure, why give up now?” Jack swayed slightly not even able to see the back of the cave now. “We’ll probably…” He was interrupted by the sound of loud booming noises outside; he stopped and turned, his eyebrows drawn together. “Sounds like the Pearl,” he muttered, and cocked his head to one side. “How…?” Jack shook his head and turned back now not even able to see further than his own feet. “Are you all still there? Can’t see a bloody thing in this gloom.” He listened and the shuffling of bodies and muted “Aye capt’n.” made him feel better. “I’d suggest getting completely out of it with some rum,” he mused. “But we need to be alert tomorrow, so I’m thinking that we’d do best to try and block out whatever we may see or hear and just think about what you’ll do with the treasure when we liberate it from this cursed place. Or you could be thinking of your lass back home - whatever works for you.” Jack jumped startled when something touched his shoulder.

“Tis me…” came Hock’s low voice. “Turn around Capt’n.”

Jack turned and took two steps back when he saw that curtain of water was starting to glow a pale yellow colour. He frowned as the glow got brighter and brighter, turning around, he realised he it illuminated the entire cave now. Most of the crew had stumbled to their feet. His eyes fell on De Mornay and Beaumont who had turned towards each other and buried their faces in the others neck. His eyebrows shot up and at any other time he’d be baiting them for a rise.
“The water is stopping!” one of the crew cried out pointing.

Jack looked back and rolled his eyes as he saw that indeed the water was slowing.
“Bugger, what now?!” he muttered.

The flow of water slowed, running in rivulets rather than pouring down; and the source of the glow became apparent.

“Mother of God!” Dwent leaned forward, his eyes large like saucers.

Standing, or floating, in front of the cave was a lady. She was ethereal in appearance; her long hair was golden and flowed over her shoulders. Her clothes were pale yellow and covered her from shoulder to toe; her hands were outstretched from side to side, palms open and facing upwards. Her head was turned to one side, chin touching her shoulder, her eyes shut. A soft smiled curved her lips and her eyes opened slowly. She turned her head slightly and her smile softened serenely as she looked at the huddled group of men in the cave.

“Weary travellers…” Her voice was musical and soft. Jack found himself sighing and relaxing as he stared at her. “Come, and I shall save you.” She lifted one hand slightly in a come to me gesture. “I know how you have toiled on this evil island, but I can help you. Faith is all you need.” She held her hand out further, her head slightly bent to one side as she stood there.

“Tis an Angel of Salvation,” came the relieved tone of Knowles. He had scrambled to his feet and staggered towards her.

Jack blinked, his limbs felt heavy and her voice was relaxing him into submission, he understood now, understood everything. Her beauty held him entranced. He so wanted to just reach out and touch her, take her hand. She promised salvation and he knew he badly needed it. He stepped forward, not even aware how every man there was thinking the same and moving towards her.

A low moaning sound caught at the edges of his senses. It distracted him; made him loose sight of her salvation and it angered him. Jack blinked breaking eye contact with her. The moan caught at him again and it sank into his dazed mind. Nell. He whipped his head around, his beads swinging and slapping into his face, but it was enough. The hold she had over him was broken.

“No!” he roughly caught hold of where Norrington was leaning past him, hand outstretched. He shoved him roughly to the side where he barrelled into Hock, Dwent and Knowles, sending them all tumbling to the floor. The chaos it caused was enough to break the hold she had over them.

Jack looked back at her, avoiding her eyes. Her face began to change and then suddenly she screamed, her mouth elongated and twisted into pure fury. Her beauty twisted to show her true form, hands became claws as she hissed into the cave angrily.
“You cannot hide from me!” she spoke and the musical tone to her voice had gone, leaving it deep and burning with evil. “I am the guardian of this island. All may enter - none shall leave!” She was coming towards the cave, her hands outstretched and clawed, mouth open revealing sharp canine like teeth. The pale yellow colour morphed into hideous green as she advanced.

Jack drew his sword and was glad to see Hock and Norrington follow suit. One by one the crew formed a line swords raised, eyes focused on the evil in her face.

“Folly!” she cried and laughed. It was maniacal and stomach churning.

Jack swallowed hard, unsure how they were going to fight this creature, but certain they’d not go down without a fight.

Suddenly the laugh changed into a furious shout that quickly morphed into pain and anger. She backed up slightly, raising her hand to her eyes.

Jack was bewildered and looked briefly at Hock beside him. “Are we that frightening?” he muttered, but Hock was looking down at Jack’s legs. Jack looked down as well, certain he hadn’t wet himself, but bewildered by the look on Hock’s face. He saw a hand between his ankles, stretched out - a gold cross, clutched firmly between slim slender fingers. Jack looked behind him and saw Nell lying flat out on her stomach behind him, one hand clapped over her eyes, her face contorted in effort as she stretched forwards under him and he laughed out loud as a mixture of relief, disbelief and something else exploded through him.

Jack stepped back slightly and held out his hand to Hock for his sword. Hock held his sword out horizontally and Jack placed his own sword to make the sign of a cross, and the thing in front of them shrank back even further, screaming pure fury at them.
The other crew members quickly caught on and soon a line of giant sword crosses faced outwards. The lady suddenly whooshed straight up into the sky and seemed to explode, lighting up the sky before disappearing completely.

Jack found himself breathing heavily as he looked upwards, the stars were shinning and the moon was full. Whatever darkness had prevailed had been banished for the present. He looked down at Nell still stretched out with the cross still clutched firmly in her hands; laughing he knelt beside her quickly, feelings were shifting through him that he couldn’t quite put a name too. Jack wanted to lift her in his arms and kiss her senseless - she had saved them. No doubt she’d been terrified but she had the presence of mind to save them and he doubted whether he’d ever find another woman quite like her.

“Nell?” He touched her head gently before pulling her hand from her eyes. “You did it, Nell. It worked. Your cross worked - your faith saved us.”

Nell looked up at him, breathing heavily, her eyes darted towards where the water was still not flowing fully.

“Where did you get the cross from?” Hock stooped over her, patting at her head before he righted and looked over at De Mornay and Beaumont.

“De Mornay had it.” Nell sat up with Jack’s help and her eyes went to Bryant still out cold on the floor. Her fingers went up to her jaw and touched the forming bruise there. She narrowed her eyes at Jack.

“Did you knock him out too?” she said, and wiggled her jaw painfully.

Jack shrugged, lifting his hand he stroked along the bruise gently. “I didn’t want you to understand what was being chanted out there and rum would have taken far too long even at the speed you go under.” Nell looked away from him quickly, shadows in her eyes that alarmed him. He caught her chin firmly, mindful of the bruise and turned her to meet his eyes. “Nell, we will get off this island. I promise you that.”

She lifted her fingers to his lips and smiled sadly at him. “You can’t promise me that Jack. You can’t promise me anything.”

“I…”

“No. Listen, promises like that are beyond your control. You can’t promise something that isn’t yours to give.” She looked down at his lips and something shifted inside her. Her eyes reflected her sadness as she touched his lips gently with her fingertips. She wanted to kiss him, wanted to feel his lips against hers but this wasn’t the time or the place and she knew that if, no, when, she gave him everything she was, then her fate would be sealed forever. She loved him now and it made her heart hurt knowing it would never be reciprocated; but if she gave him everything there would be nothing left. But she knew that she would have tasted heaven, if albeit briefly, and that one memory would be enough to last her lifetime. It would have to be.

“Capt’n.” Hock spoke quietly from beside him, reluctant to interrupt but unable not to.

Jack looked up; his earlier feeling of euphoria had evaporated at the sadness in her eyes.

“I think they’re breaking.” He nodded his head back to De Mornay and Beaumont.
Jack nodded and took a deep breath before getting to his feet. He looked down at Nell but she was curling on her side, deathly tired as her eyes shut. Jack stood over her for a few moments until he saw her breathing even out in sleep. He had been concerned that after everything that had transpired tonight the fear would be enough to keep her awake. He’d been ready with the rum if necessary; but her body and her brain had all they could take and they’d shut down the moment her eyes shut. Jack looked up at Norrington who was crouched by the cave wall watching everything that had transpired between them.

“Keep watch over her, Commodore.” Jack said quietly and satisfied at Norrington’s nod he turned and made his way through the gloomy cave to the rear.

Jack looked down at Beaumont. De Mornay had fallen into a restless sleep beside him. “How did you expect to come back here if Nell hadn’t run from the convent?” Jack stood over them swaying slightly.

“We were going to wait.” Beaumont replied tiredly. “Perhaps another year or two. Make absolutely certain no one would remember us or guess.” He snorted slightly shaking his head.

“But how did you expect to survive again?” Jack pursued. “Look at him.” He indicated De Mornay with his boot. “He’s fallen apart and you’re not far behind him. But perhaps you’ve always been insane… insane enough to think you’d make it off this place again.”

“You tell me,” Beaumont shrugged. “You are Captain Jack Sparrow, after all!” he snorted sarcastically at Jack, who looked down at him completely unmoved.

“Why didn’t they come for us the first night? Why wait till last night? We were sitting targets at the camp site.”

Beaumont sighed and shook his head slightly. “I don’t know. We were here four nights before we got our first look at her,” he shrugged. “It’s got something to do with water, but I don’t know what. I couldn’t work it out before and I don’t expect I will this time.”

“Water?” Jack frowned at him.

“Aye. The water had to stop before she appeared. Your crew, or their forms, couldn’t enter here for the water. First night we camped here we were by the river; you camped us by the stream. She appeared only to us when we made camp away from the river.” He shuddered as he remembered that night clearly. Jack watched the blankness enter his eyes and kicked his leg to get his attention again.

“What of the beads?” Jack askedquietly and saw a look of desperation flit briefly across his face.

“Stupid chit mixed up the order,” Beaumont said anxiously and then laughed clearing his vision with a shake of his head. He moved wincing as pain lanced through his injured hand.

“Do you remember?” Jack asked coldly.

“Only with the beads,” he replied. “It gives the bearings. The channel we came in is impossible to return by.” He lifted his head slightly. “There’s another channel of rocks on another bay that works in reverse of the currents that lead us here. But…” he shook his head. “I can’t find it without the bearings from the cave.”

“Cave?” Jack’s eyes gleamed. “And is this where the treasure can be found?”

Beaumont nodded grudgingly. He would only give Jack the information he had to.

“But you can get us to the cave without the beads or indeed, to be sure, any more untimely deaths.” Jack didn’t pose it as a question and Beaumont got the distinct feeling that any answer other than yes, would bring him a world of pain.

Beaumont nodded. He could get them to the cave quite easily now, but he couldn’t say how many would die trying to leave the island. With this island it wasn’t a case of if people died but when, and more to the point, making sure it wasn’t him or Tristan.

Jack nodded and turned back to the cave entrance. It had gone quiet of any unearthly noises and the only sound heard now was the noise of the waterfall. It had gradually flowed until once more it was a curtain shielding them from the outside. His thoughts went back to the small group left at the pool and for the first time in a long time, offered a quick prayer to any god that would listen.

He crossed to where Hock was huddled with Dwent whispering quietly. “I’m hoping that for now we’ll be left alone. Organise a watch of an hour in length between the crew and let’s try and get as much kip as possible.”

Hock nodded and got up straight away.

Jack looked across at the huddled form of Nell. Norrington had moved to crouch next to Bryant who was coming round, rubbing the back of his head.

“What happened?” Bryant looked up at Norrington before glaring at Jack. “Did you hit me?”

“I did,” Norrington said making Bryant look at him in surprise.

“Sir?”

“It was for the best,” he said. “We need to rest. Get as much sleep as possible.”

Bryant slid back down, the pain in the back of his head made sleep a welcome mistress.

Jack smirked and knelt beside Nell. He checked her gently, careful not to disturb her. But she was fast asleep curled still on her side in a ball. He saw the glint of the cross, clutched tightly in her hand, the beads still between her fingers; he reached out to slide the cross from her but her fingers tightened and she murmured something intelligible so Jack gave up and settled beside her. His eyes caught Bryant’s and he couldn’t resist a slow smug smirk. He touched Nell’s arm and whispered her name quietly, his eyes not leaving Bryant’s. Nell did exactly what he thought, and hoped, she would. She mumbled his name and scooted in closer to him, pressing against him. Jack allowed his smirk to morph into a full grin at Bryant who was glaring at him with murder clear in his eyes. He slid his hand down her arm and was rewarded with another snuggle from Nell. He tipped his hat at Bryant before pulling it down over his eyes and lying back. The satisfied smirk stayed on his lips; although his thoughts had departed from baiting Bryant to just how he was going to get everyone off the island still alive and with the treasure in tow.

He had his work cut out for him on this one, but he’d faced worse before. The smirk was replaced with a frown. No, he hadn’t faced worse before. Even Barbossa and his band of miscreants seemed like a child’s picnic compared to the danger they’d been in tonight. Nell moaned in her sleep and she clutched his shirt with her hands; the cross still wound around her hands was digging in to him. He moved slightly trying to put a little distance between him and the pointed arms of the cross, but Nell just moved with him. He tried again but she just snuggled closer so he gave up putting up with it, it wouldn’t keep him awake anyway. His thoughts would keep him awake well enough without worrying about that.

Nell began to mutter in her sleep, and he tightened his hold on her. He lifted his free hand and slid the hat from him head to look sideways at her. The glow of the full moon through the water cast them in a silvery light. Jack could see the tears glistening on her cheeks as she cried quietly in her sleep. He turned on his side and cuddled her to him, not caring who saw the infamous Jack Sparrow cradling a woman carefully in his arms but he was a little disconcerted to realise that he needed her comfort as much as she needed him.

A/N: I forgot to mention that the title is unashamedly stolen from the film (which really didn’t do much for me in the hides behind settee stakes). I love play on words and I thought this was quite a clever one. Reminds me of “Players Please”. Not that I’m advocating smoking….it will kill you after all. Just that the English language is a wonderful thing.
Thank you so much for your reviews. You can’t know how much they mean to me. They make me smile, glow and be happy for ages!
So many of you have been so encouraging and it really is appreciated.
I hope you continue to like this and whether you review or not I just hope it makes your day a bit better. I certainly like my Jack fix.
Hubby bought me a 6inch action figure of Jack Sparrow! It’s amazing but not as amazing as my hubby!
Here’s to love and happily ever afters.
Have a great day wherever you are.