The Map

A/N: Usual disclaimer. If they belonged to me I’d be to busy to write about them ;-)

Huge thanks to Hils for making this readable. AniSparrow is currently sunning herself on her hols and I hope she has a marvellous time; Hils has very bravely stood in her editing shoes and corrected my mistakes. Any and all errors are mine!

Without these two stars (whose stories far surpass my own and everyone really should read!) I’d remain as ignorant of punctuation as I still appear to be!

Chapter 22

A sweet kiss

Nell slowed her pace right down, watching as Decker continued on seemingly oblivious to Nell’s hesitance; he walked further away from her not seeming to notice nor care when the flame from her torch was no longer lighting his way. She realised then that something was definitely not right with Decker. An image of Jones climbing the rocks to the cave flashed into her mind and prompted her to turn around in the tunnel and run as quickly as she could the other way.

“OY!” Decker had finally realised and was heading after her at a quick run.

Nell put everything she had into her feet, knowing that now she was running in the right direction. He had been leading her further and further away from them and she really didn’t want to find out why.

She could hear him pounding behind her; fear put adrenalin into her legs and she sped up skidding around a corner almost dropping the torch in the process. He was gaining on her; she could hear him, almost feel him, behind her. Black fear crawled into her skin and through her veins as she ran pounding down the dirt covered tunnels. The flame in her torch was flickering madly and hardly lit ten feet in front of her; but it wasn’t what she could run into that terrified her but what was following her.

She ran down a long straight stretch of tunnel and almost ran straight into the wall as it suddenly veered sharply to the left. She skidded around and slid sideways, her feet going from under her as she was suddenly blinded by the light ahead of her.

“NELLl!” She heard her name but assumed it was Decker behind her and, ignoring the now burnt out torch, jumped to her feet, blinking against the bright light. Hands pulled at her shoulders and arms as she fought madly to get away from Decker.

“Let me go! Let me go!” She felt a hand griping her shoulder and she whipped her head around sinking her teeth into soft flesh before the hand was wrenched away.

“ARGH! Bloody hell, Nell! You bit me!” came a cry that she recognised instantly. She stopped struggling, her eyes growing accustomed to light and she saw Jack and Norrington trying to stop her struggles.

“Jack?” She backed away from them, unsure what she was seeing. Was it really them? Or were they something like Decker? Decker! She had forgotten him the moment she had seen Jack. She turned quickly to look behind her but saw only Bryant and Hock looking worriedly at her. She backed away further when Jack moved towards her, one hand lifted to touch her.

“Nell. It’s all right.” Norrington spoke softly watching her fear filled face carefully. “It’s fine.”

Nell looked wildly about her for signs of Decker but she couldn’t see him anywhere. She looked back at Jack who was frowning at her, his hands at odd angles.

“Nell, what are you doing?” he asked the slur only just present.

“Jack? Is it you?” Her voice shook as she tried hard to decide whether she was truly safe or whether it was another trick; another evil part of this island. Was it really Jack in front of her?

He cocked his head to one side watching her, unwilling to approach her again in case she backed up even further. He could see she was spooked; but he’d have to wait until she accepted she was safe till he found out why. He stuck his left hand out at an odd angle; his other hand went to his hip.

“Nell, would it help if I told you that you sleep like the dead, but if you’re on your back you snore; you’re given to swearing when under pressure or if you think no-one can hear you and your feet smell when they get hot?”

It didn’t occur to Nell then to blush or get angry at his words. He’d spoken the truth and while what he said was true, it was the way he said it, that convinced her he was Jack. Relief filled her as it as it dawned on her she’d found them.

“Mother of God, thank goodness it’s you!” she cried and launched herself at him. He wasn’t expecting her reaction when she wound around him, practically climbing inside him. Her arms went round his neck, knocking his hat from his head, and her legs around his waist; he almost over balanced before taking a few steps back and hugging her just as tightly as she hugged him.)

“It’s alright now, lass.” He whispered into her neck. “I’ve got you.”

Nell’s response was a body racking shudder and then noisy hot tears as she clung to him. Her legs slid down from around him till she was on tiptoes still, her head buried in his neck.

“Nell, Nell.” He slid his hands around her back and patted her gently.

Nell eased herself away from him, blushing as she realised that the others were staring at her. The storm of tears had taken away some of the mind numbing fear she had felt; and the security of Jack’s arms had eased the remaining fear.

“I’m so sorry.” She hiccupped and wiped at her face with her hands; leaving dirty smear marks across her cheek.

“Nell, you can throw yourself at me anytime.” Jack laughed; relief at finding her well made his slur more pronounced.

“Capt’n. Fank the Lord ye found us!” came a breathless voice from behind them. “I fell; I couldn’t keep up with ye, lass. Ye ran as if the devil be behind ye!”

Nell gave a gasp as Decker came staggering into the light. His clothes looked dishevelled and he had clearly been running as his breath came in pants. She backed away from Jack sharply, her eyes on Decker; some of the fear back again.

“Nell?” Hock stepped forwards his hand on his dagger handle, the sword in his other hand slightly raised.

“I….” She looked at Decker. “I…”

“We met up in the tunnels, Capt’n.” Decker suddenly stepped forwards towards Nell but was blocked by Bryant stepping quickly in front of her. “I’m sorry miss.” Decker said quietly. “Ye were right all along… I was leading us the wrong way…” He shuddered and suddenly pitched to his knees as he covered his face with his hands. “I thought we be a goner.” he admitted quietly. “I couldn’t find ye all… I couldn’t find no-one and then the Miss just appeared out of nowhere.”

Nell peered round Bryant’s arm at Decker. He was shaking slightly; Jack suddenly handed him a flask of rum and Decker took it gratefully; drinking from it long and deep before handing it back and getting to his feet. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and took a deep breath.

“And just what did you do to make Nell so jumpy?” asked Jack, sliding the flask of rum back into his britches pocket.

Jack was looking at Nell when he asked the question. Nell opened her mouth to tell him what had happened and suddenly found herself unwilling to say anything. When she thought about it now, with the four of them stood around her, it seemed trivial and silly. Her reason for her distrust of Decker had seemed overwhelming when they were alone, but now, with the relative safety of the four men they seemed small, fanciful and irrational. But even so, doubts lingered as she looked at the rough unkempt pirate who stood beside Jack.

“I fink I may ‘ave frightened the young Miss by bein’ too cheerful,” Decker said astutely and smiled bitterly. “T’was not me intentions to frighten ye, lass, I was trying to make fings seem better than they was.”

Nell stepped forwards away from Bryant, her eyes narrowed as she looked at Decker.

“You didn’t need the light” she whispered and even to her own ears it sounded stupid and childish; but still she couldn’t banish the doubts.

“Years of livin’ on the Pearl and doin’ night watches ‘ave given me sharp eyes, Miss. I don’t need the light to see that well.” he said quietly but he kept his gaze on Nell’s beads that were still wound around her left hand.

“We’re wasting time,” Norrington said quietly. “We still haven’t found Knowles or Brown.”

Decker looked up at the Commodore, surprise registering on his face at his words.

“They be gone too?” he asked and looked behind him at the tunnel that stretched into darkness.

“Aye,” Jack said quietly, his black, watchful eyes still on Nell. She was watching Decker with a worried frown between her eyes; distrust written all over her face.

“Mister Bryant, take Nell back to the others and wait there for us,” Jack said suddenly. “Mister Decker, you will remain with me.”

Nell shook her head; she didn’t particularly want to go back with the others leaving Jack behind. “Let me come with you,” she said quietly, looking at Jack carefully.

“Certainly not!” Norrington said firmly. “You will be much safer back with the others; we’ve already lost you once in these tunnels, and we don’t want to lose you again.

“Go back with Mister Bryant, lass,” Jack slurred, in agreement with Norrington. He was almost getting used to the way the Commodore jumped in, trying to take charge; he recognised that it was mostly subconscious that Norrington did this; years of being a commanding officer made him authoritative in most circumstances. Jack was quite prepared to let him get away with it when he could use it to his advantage; now was one of those advantages.

“But…” Nell started to argue; she wouldn’t feel really safe anywhere on this island, but the safest she did feel was when she could see Jack.

“Don’t argue, Nell,” Norrington cut her off and indicated to Bryant to lead her back the way they had come. “We need to find Knowles and Brown and there’s no telling what lies up these tunnels.”

Nell bit her lip and nodded her head, turning to let Bryant take her arm. He led her back the way they had come. She looked back over her shoulder to see Jack and the others heading the other way. Decker was in front of Hock, but something still didn’t sit right with her.

“Mister Bryant…”

“Joshua; please,” he said quietly and his hand slid down her arm to catch her fingers till he was holding her hand.

“Joshua,” Nell found herself blushing and was glad he didn’t look at her. “I’m concerned about Mister Decker.”

“I believe that Sparrow will watch him.”

“He seemed…” she shrugged; her fingers curling around his larger warmer hand, glad of the security it gave her. “Different.”

Bryant could hear the rest of the crew up ahead. He stopped drawing Nell to the side of the tunnels. He leant the torch against the wall, making sure the flame didn’t go out.

“That’s one of the reasons we wanted you back here,” he said softly. She looked at him, surprised that they had stopped. He turned to face her and caught her other hand, moving her round to face him.

“What’s the matter?” she asked and fear crept into her voice as her eyes darted about. “Is something wrong?”

He shook his head and let go of her hands to grip her face gently.
“Nell.” He stopped and took a deep breath; his brown eyes caught and held hers as he looked down at her. He tilted her face upwards slightly and, before Nell could even begin to wonder what he was doing, he kissed her gently, his lips soft and warm against her own. She went still, shock at his actions holding her immobile. He increased the pressure of his lips slightly, moving across her lips gently before he stepped back, his hands dropping from her face.

Nell gaped at him before her fingers went to her lips to touch them.
“Why did you…?” She faded out as he reached forwards and, gripping her hand, he pulled her to him again.

He let go of her hand and gripped her shoulders, pulling her up against him as once again his lips captured hers. His eyes closed as his mouth moved over hers, more demanding than before but still infinitely soft. Nell stared up at him as his lips moved over hers. She waited for the familiar feelings to course through her, waited for the sensations that Jack stirred in her every time he touched or kissed her.

Bryant’s arms snaked around her back till she was pressed close to him as he kissed her. She frowned, feeling nothing from his kiss or his hold. She closed her eyes as her hands went to his waist. It was a sweet warm kiss and finally he lifted his head to look down at her. He leant his forehead against hers and sighed.

“It doesn’t work does it?” he said softly.

Nell gripped his waist tighter, shrugging.

“You’re sweet, Nell, but there was something…..” He stopped not wanting to insult her.

“Missing?” she asked him quietly as she smiled at him.

“Yes.” He sighed again. “It was a sweet kiss, Nell, and while I’ve never kissed my sister that way, it’s how I’d imagine it feeling.”

“I don’t have a brother,” Nell whispered quietly.

“I’d be honoured if I could fill that role in your life,” he whispered back. “I want to protect you like a sister.”

“I’d like that very much.” Nell smiled and slid her arms around his waist to hug him close, resting her head on his chest.

He snaked his arms back around her and rocked her slightly as he listened with half an ear to the voices of the men waiting with the chests. He looked down at Nell’s head, it felt right somehow, holding her close, but he realised there was nothing sexual in it. He’d thought there was, until he’d kissed her, but it had been sweet and that was all. It hadn’t stirred his blood, only the realisation that Nell would be more precious to him as a sister.

“We’d best get back to them,” he said reluctantly and pulled back slightly to look down at her before retrieving the torch.

Nell nodded and once again he took her hand as they moved forwards and around the corner to where the others were gathered around the chests, swords drawn ready for trouble. Several were pointed in their direction until they saw who it was.

“Miss Nell,” Dwent beamed at her. “Ye rascal, gave us a scare ye did, disappearing like that.”

“I scared myself, Mister Dwent.” She smiled at him, but the shadows still haunted her eyes. She let go of Bryant’s hand and stepped forwards to sit down with Dwent.

“Jack has gone on to find the others,” she said to him, studiously avoiding looking at where De Mornay and Beaumont were sitting slumped on the floor.

“Jack is right behind you,” came a slur from behind them. Nell looked around in surprise and grinned with relief when she saw Jack come swaggering into the light with Hock, Norrington and Decker behind them.

“You couldn’t find them?” asked Bryant addressing Norrington.

“We found them,” Norrington said; something in his tone of voice making Nell realise that they hadn’t found them alive and well.

“They were just around the corner from where you were,” Hock stated gruffly and crossed to where Dwent was leaning on the chest. “’Cept they were dead.”

Nell looked over at Jack but his face was dark and unreadable as he looked at Bryant.

“Aye, dead.” Jack agreed and turned his back on them to sway his way over to the middle tunnel.

“How?” asked Dwent curiously with a touch of anger.

”Lost their ‘eads,” Decker stated and scratched at his beard. “Literally. Couldn’t find ‘em; could only find their bodies.”

Nell shuddered at the mental image and looked away from Decker. She was sure she could see his eyes gleaming in pleasure, as if he was getting some sort of sick pleasure either from their demise or the way they died.

“Thank you, Mister Decker,” said Norrington dryly and crossed to stand beside Bryant. He looked down at his second in command, his eyebrows drawn together in a dark frown.

Jack clapped his hands together and indicated the middle tunnel with a circle of his wrist. “Come on then mates, we’ve a ship to be catching and these tunnels to be leaving as quickly as possible.”

Nell got to her feet as a sudden thought came to her. “What about the others? What about Benjamin, Elizabeth and Will back at the pool?”

Everyone stopped as they looked at Jack for the answer.

“We concentrate on getting out of these caves and down to the correct bay for leaving this place, then a scouting party will return for the Turners and the boats.” He looked across at Beaumont. “I’m thinking we can follow the river down and not have to come through the tunnels again…” He stopped as if he was thinking about it and then shook his head, sending his beads flying.

“Come on then, get your measly black guts moving!” he barked suddenly and without another word he crossed to De Mornay and, grabbing him by his collar, he dragged him to his feet. He thrust him forwards sharply and De Mornay only just managed to keep his feet as he was forced to walk through the tunnels.

Nell looked back at the tunnel they had come from. She sent a quick, silent prayer for the souls of Knowles and Brown, hoping to goodness that they didn’t meet them again before leaving this island. She wasn’t sure if her heart could stand the sight of headless crew members. Her fingers worked through her beads and she suddenly remembered what she had wanted to tell Jack.

She jumped to her feet and headed after him calling his name. He didn’t stop, just slowed to allow her to catch up with him.

“Jack, I meant to say to you before but I forgot… on account of getting lost.” She looked around her disconcerted to see Decker watching them both. She frowned and shook her head trying to rid herself of the cold feeling his eyes gave her.

“Well you’re not lost now, lass, so what is it?” Jack pushed at De Mornay with the point of his sword to keep him moving.

“I think I get can the order back for my beads,” she said hurrying along beside him, watching her feet carefully as the tunnel became more uneven as they seemed to climb upwards.

Jack looked sideways at her quickly before looking back at De Mornay stumbling half in the dark, the torch in Jack’s other hand not doing much to light his way. “How do you figure that out, Nell?” he slurred, his voice devoid of emotion.

“I run the beads through my fingers as I pray. It’s been disconcerting me every time I pray now because the beads don’t feel right.”

Jack stopped abruptly as her meaning sank in. “You can find the right order by praying through them?” He looked at her with wide eyes.

“I think so,” She nodded doubtfully. “I don’t know how long it’ll take and it may not work, but I can try.”

“Aye,” he nodded at her and grinned, his gold teeth flashing in the torch light. “That you can. We’ll stop outside these cursed caves and you can try then.” He carried on walking catching up to where De Mornay had slumped to his knees, aware that Jack had stopped.

Jack hauled him to his feet, aware of the burning in his skin. He turned to where Decker was walking behind. “Mister Decker, help De Mornay please.” Jack nodded him forward and watched unconcerned as Decker came forwards grumbling. Jack helped De Mornay slip his arm around Decker’s shoulder and watched as Decker went forwards supporting the staggering De Mornay.

Jack looked ahead and, realising that De Mornay was of little use to them now the fever had taken hold of him properly, he called back for Hock and then looked at Nell. “Best get yourself back, Nell. Mister Bryant’ll take good care of you I’ve no doubt.” Jack dismissed her with a wave of one hand before he and Hock passed Decker and began leading the way.

Nell frowned after him, his manner was different somehow but she couldn’t put her finger on it. A hand rested on her shoulder making her jump.

“My apologies, Nell.” Bryant smiled at her as he came alongside her with Norrington.

“Just jumpy,” she said, still frowning.

Norrington cleared his throat, opened his mouth and then shut it again, deciding against whatever he had been going to say. Bryant cast him a quick glance but Norrington was staring ahead, a small muscle working at the side of his jaw.

Nell sighed as they trudged on upwards through the rapidly climbing tunnels. Twice they had to stop to find the correct tunnel, but Nell had learned her lesson and stayed away from the other entrances, preferring to sit on the chests and watch as they searched for the correct tunnels. She kept her mind on the here and now; refusing to think about anything but getting out of the tunnels.

A/N: I’ve split this chapter into two as it really was huge. I had no idea just how huge till Hils let me know how many words I’d rambled through!

If you’ve made this far and you’re still awake, thank you! I just hope the effort was worth it!

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. It really makes my day/week/year.

The next chapter is also posted; hope you like it….