The Fine Line Between Legends And Lies

Chapter 23:

A/N: Okay here is the latest chapter and I hope you enjoy it. Will decides to help Jack escape from prison realizing that Elizabeth would never recover from the loss of the man she so deeply loved. Feedback is much appreciated!

Will’s dark eyes darted about nervously as he paced the deck of the Interceptor. They would be making port in Port Royal shortly. Very shortly in fact, within the next few minutes. His heart slammed against his ribcage as he searched the deck for Elizabeth. She approached him from the Commodore’s cabin holding baby Jacob in her arms. Will smiled fleetingly noticing how incredibly beautiful she looked holding the baby. He strode over to her quickly taking her by the elbow gently as they walked over to the ship’s railing to talk more privately. His voice was low when he spoke so that no one else would hear them.

“Once we get ashore the Commodore will insist upon escorting you back to the governor’s mansion himself. Use that as a way to distract him while I go on ahead to the prison.”

“And then what will you do?”

“I’m going to change into a soldier’s uniform and then procure one for Jack.”

“Jack dressed in a soldier’s uniform? Do you think it will work?”

“It has to. Now just wait out here for Norrington to approach you. Encourage him to accompany you to the mansion.”

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose in distaste at the thought of having to flirt with James. But she could force herself to be polite, gracious even, if it meant securing Jack’s freedom. She nodded and watched as Will headed down to the brig. No doubt to tell Jack of his plan to help him escape. A short time later the Interceptor and the Hesperia were sailing into the harbor and dropping anchor. Norrington approached Elizabeth placing a hand on the back of her neck softly just above the spot between her shoulders. She flinched before forcing herself not to shrug off his hand. That would not do to entice him to escort her home and give Will the much needed opportunity to get Jack safely away from the prison. Elizabeth craned her neck and titled her head back to look up at James smiling sweetly. He smiled back at her immediately.

“I’m so glad that you’re alright Elizabeth, you and your son.”

“That’s very kind of you James.”

“You are alright aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’m just exhausted and I want to go home.”

“Of course. I shall see to it that Officer Lennox escorts you home safely.”

Her eyes widened quickly. No this would not do at all. She had to think fast to try and persuade him to escort her or else the plan wouldn’t work.

“Oh.” She had said it in as pouting a fashion as she could muster. Norrington looked down at her and she didn’t fail to notice the curiosity in his eyes. She had him…..perfect.

“”Something wrong Elizabeth?”

“Oh no….I just thought….” She trailed off for effect watching in satisfaction as his brow wrinkled in thought.

“Thought what?”

“I was hoping that you might escort me and Jacob to the mansion. Seeing as how I know you and I hardly know Officer Lennox as it were.”

Norrington smiled broadly before speaking. “Oh is that all? You want me to escort you home?”

“Yes please?”

“Of course. How can I say no to such a beautiful lady?”

Elizabeth flashed him a big toothy grin batting her eyelashes flirtatiously. As long as he was buying it she might as well sell the act for all it was worth.

“Thank you James.”

“It’s my pleasure Elizabeth.”

Officer Lennox approached them clearing his throat to draw Norrington’s attention away from Elizabeth.

“Yes?”

“We’ve docked sir and made ready to depart the ship.”

“Excellent, thank you Officer Lennox. Well, shall we Elizabeth?”

“We shall.”

Norrington offered his arm to Elizabeth and she took it willingly smiling up at him as they walked over to the gangplank to leave the ship. Down in the brig Will had reached the cell where Jack was being held. He called out in a low whisper.

“Jack?”

“Who’s there?”

“It’s Will.”

A groan came from the cell before Jack replied. “An’ jus’ what do ye want boy?”

“I’ve come to help you.”

“Seeing as how I’m locked in the brig an’ all set t’ spend a night in jail before I hang from the gallows t’ morrow, I think ye’ve helped quite enough William.”

“I’m sorry Jack, for everything.”

“Bit late for apologies don’t ye think? Where’s Elizabeth?”

“Norrington is escorting her back to the governor’s mansion.”

“An’ my son?”

“Safe with his mother.”

“Good. Then why are ye here?”

“As I said I’ve come to help you.”

“Really? What brought bout this change of heart?”

“Elizabeth……I love her still Jack. And I just couldn’t bear the thought of how miserable she would be without you.”

“Ah right, ye still love her. How should I know yer not planning on taking her all for yerself?”

“As if she would have me since I helped Norrington capture you.”

“True enough. She’d never take ye back, not after that kinda betrayal mate.”

“Just shut up and listen to me Jack.”

“Alright. Shutting up. Right now.”

“I’m going to help you escape from prison.”

“An’ jus’ how are ye going t’ pull that off?”

“I’m going to disguise myself as a soldier and infiltrate the prison. Once inside I’m going to bring you a soldier’s uniform and then we’re going to slip right out of there, no trouble.”

“Sounds easy enough. I like it.”

“I’m going to go swipe a uniform from the crew’s quarters. See you on deck shortly.”

“Good luck.”

“Right.”

Will hurried back up the steps to the middle deck where the crew’s quarters were located. He scoured the deck until he found what looked like a storage closet. Opening the door he grinned as he saw the folded up uniforms of the Royal Navy. So this was where they kept extra uniforms then? Will quickly grabbed a shirt, breeches, boots and a red coat. He hastily stripped off his own clothes and put on the soldier’s uniform. Finally grabbing a hat he then closed the storage closet and grabbed his pile of clothes. Looking around frantically he spotted an empty barrel. Tossing the clothes in he then remembered that he needed a uniform for Jack. Glancing around he saw a burlap sack lying next to one of the barrels. Picking it up he went back over to the closet and opened it once more. Grabbing another set of breeches, shirt, coat, boots and hat he stuffed them into the burlap sack. Tossing it over his shoulder he headed up to the main deck. All the other soldiers were busy scurrying around the deck securing the rigging and sails to notice as he made his way to the gangplank. Will quickly exited the ship before any of them took notice of him.

He waited on the pier until he noticed a couple of soldiers bringing a still shackled Jack up onto the main deck. They escorted him down the gangplank and gestured to Will. “You there, Officer…..I’m sorry, what is your name?”

“Officer Turner.”

“Right, Officer Turner, give us a hand escorting this pirate to the prison?”

“Yes sir.”

Will quickly fell into step on Jack’s right side. Glancing over at him Will gave a brief nod to Jack. Noticing it was Will in the uniform Jack smirked and returned the nod before turning his eyes forward again. The group of four soldiers made it to Fort Charles shortly. The soldier who led the expedition, Will learned his name was Officer Blanchard, stopped them at the entrance of Fort Charles.

“Now then, Officer Turner?”

“Yes sir?”

“I want you to escort the prisoner to his cell.”

“Yes sir.”

They walked inside the fort and Officer Blanchard approached the soldier who was sitting at the desk while the other two soldiers and Will stood watching Jack.

“The keys to the cells Officer Abbott?”

The young soldier immediately opened a drawer and fished out the key that was hanging from a large iron ring. He handed it to Officer Blanchard.

“Here you are sir.”

“Thank you Officer Abbott. Officer Turner?”

“Yes sir?”

“Here is the key, now show Mr. Sparrow to his cell.”

Captain Sparrow! “Yes sir.”

Taking the key from Officer Blanchard Will took a still shackled Jack down the hallway towards the cells. Officer Blanchard turned to address the other two soldiers still standing in the entrance of Fort Charles.

“Officers Lennox and Wilkes?”

“Yes sir?” They both replied in unison.

“You may enjoy a bit of free time now that Jack Sparrow has been caught. Go into town and celebrate if you like.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Yes thank you sir.”

The two young soldiers glanced at each other before exchanging a nod and turning towards the door. They quickly left the fort to head for town to enjoy a drink and the pleasurable company of some of the town’s whores. Down the hall in the cells Will led Jack all the way to the back of the room where he knew there to be a back exit.

“Alright, now hurry up and put these on.” He handed the burlap sack to Jack who opened it and looked inside curiously.

His nose wrinkled when he pulled out the red coat before glancing at Will. “Ye want me t’ dress up like a soldier? That’s yer brilliant plan William?”

“You got a better idea?”

“At the moment…..no.”

“Well then I guess this will just have to work then won’t it?”

“Looks that way.”

“Now hurry up.”

Jack set the bag on the ground and began stripping off his clothes while Will turned to keep an eye out for anyone. Jack quickly dressed in the soldiers uniform and tapped Will on the shoulder. Turning around Will looked Jack over carefully.

“What do ye think?”

“I suppose it’ll work.” Fishing a leather cord out of his pocket he thrust it into Jack’s right hand. “Here.”

“What’s this for?”

“Tie your hair back and then put the hat on.”

“Oh. Right.” Jack did as Will instructed and then put his clothes into the burlap sack quickly. “All ready mate, now what?”

“Go out the back exit and wait for me.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes. Then I’ll take you to the governor’s mansion to get Elizabeth and your son.”

“Sounds good.” Jack grabbed the burlap sack and slipped out the back exit of the fort to wait against the wall for Will to join him. Thank God the sun had set and they were now under the cover of darkness. Jack’s dark eyes shifted around anxiously as he waited for Will to come get him. This just had to work.

Will walked back to the front of the fort where Officer Blanchard was talking to Officer Abbott. “Here is the key Officer Blanchard.”

“Ah excellent, thank you Officer Turner. And the prisoner?”

“Safely locked away.”

“Good. Well you may join the others in town to celebrate a successful capture.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Yes. I’m going to retire to my house, let my wife know that I’ve made it home safely so to speak.”

Will quickly left the fort and ran around the back to where he found Jack still waiting patiently. “Alright let’s go Jack.”

“Lead the way William.”

The two headed out into the streets under the safety of their disguise as soldiers of the Royal Navy. It would take them a good fifteen or twenty minutes just to reach the governor’s mansion.

Norrington and Elizabeth had just arrived at the gates of the governor’s mansion. He opened the heavy iron gate and ushered Elizabeth inside.

“Thank you for escorting me home James, it was very sweet of you.”

“Oh it was no trouble really Elizabeth, it was my pleasure actually.”

She plastered on another fake smile and batted her thick eyelashes at him in mock flirtation. James smiled broadly at her as they headed up the cobblestone walkway towards the front porch of the mansion. Elizabeth shifted Jacob in her arms receiving a small whimper from the infant before he yawned and went back to sleep. Standing outside the door James reached towards Elizabeth gently stroking her cheek with his gloved hand.

“Thank God you’re home safe Elizabeth, I don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to you.”

“James, you shouldn’t do that, it’s not proper. I’m a married woman now.”

He sighed heavily before removing his hand. “Yes so you are. Well then let’s get you and your son inside then shall we?”

She nodded and turned towards the door watching James knock on it. Soon it was opened by the butler and they were ushered inside quickly.

“Tell Governor Swann that Commodore Norrington has arrived with his daughter.”

“Yes sir.”

The older man turned and headed upstairs towards the governor’s study and knocked on the door frame. Governor Swann looked up from the documents he had been reading.

“Yes Nigel?”

“Commodore Norrington is waiting for you in the foyer sir, and he had Miss Elizabeth with him.”

Governor Swann’s eyes lit up when Nigel mentioned his daughter. “Elizabeth! Thank you Nigel.”

“Yes sir. Shall I prepare some tea?”

“Yes that would be wonderful.”

Governor Swann left the study to head down to the foyer where his daughter was waiting. When he reached the stairs he looked down to see Elizabeth standing there clad in only a long taffeta nightgown with Commodore Norrington’s red coat draped over her shoulders. Her long tawny locks were dirty and tangled and her feet were bare. In her arms she held something wrapped in linens. She’d had the baby! He rushed down the stairs quicker than he had in years and greeted them.

“Oh Elizabeth, my sweet little girl!”

He went to hug her but she stepped back quickly. “Father, careful of the baby.”

“Oh yes, the baby. When did you have him?”

“About a week ago.”

“Is he alright? Are you alright?”

“Yes Jacob is fine and so am I.”

“Ah Jacob Swann, now that’s a fine name.”

She frowned before replying. “Yes it is a fine name, but that’s not his name. His name is Jacob Sparrow.”

“Elizabeth?”

“Jack is his father and he’s my husband.”

“Oh God in heaven, you married that scoundrel?”

“Yes and I’ll not have you speaking about my husband in that manner.”

“Yes. Well I’m sure you want a bath then?”

“Yes that would be lovely.” Taking the coat off her shoulders she handed it back to James. He took it quickly and put it back on.

“Run along upstairs Elizabeth, I’ll tell Nigel to heat some water for your bath.”

She nodded and headed upstairs with Jacob. Turning into her bedroom she padded over to the bed and gently placed Jacob down on it. Walking over to her night table she lit the oil lamp to create some light in the room. Opening the chest at the foot of her bed she pulled out a fresh taffeta nightgown. Soon her bath was ready and she was immersing herself in the hot water. Elizabeth scrubbed the dirt and grime from her sore exhausted body before rinsing the dirt from her hair. Stepping out of the now lukewarm water she used the linen that was folded on the chair to dry off before pulling on her nightgown.

Will and Jack approached the governor’s mansion and climbed the large tree that grew next to the brick wall that surrounded the mansion. Dropping down to the ground they quietly made their way to the side of the house where they knew Elizabeth’s room to be. Will led the way up the stone staircase to the terrace outside of Elizabeth’s room. Approaching the French doors he saw he walking around the room holding Jacob. He removed his hat and knocked on the doors drawing her attention to them. Elizabeth walked over to the door and opened it.

“Will? What on earth are you doing in a soldier’s uniform?”

“I brought you something.” He stepped aside so that she could see Jack who was also in a soldier’s uniform.

“Hello love.”

“Oh Jack! Thank God you’re alright!” She embraced him quickly careful not to crush little Jacob in between them. “Nice clothes.”

“Yeah I do look quite smashing in uniform eh darling?”

“Yes, but I much prefer my pirate husband.”

“Not t’ worry love, me effects are in this burlap sack. This is jus’ a temporary disguise. It’s how we made it out of the prison.”

“How did you ever think of this?”

“It was all William’s idea.”

Elizabeth turned to Will and he nodded. She hugged him quickly before pulling away. “Thank you Will, for risking your own freedom to save Jack.”

“You love him Elizabeth, and I love you, I wanted to fix what I’d done wrong.”

“And you have, thank you.”

Jack spoke up. “Alright love, no time for mushy reunions. We’ve got t’ get a move on.”

“Jack’s right Elizabeth.”

Handing Jacob to Jack she headed over to her chest and pulled out two pairs of breeches, two taffeta shirts, two vests, a tricorner hat and a pair of boots. Jack and Will watched as she stuffed the clothes into the burlap sack. Hurrying over to her closet she grabbed a dark blue cloak and slipped into it fastening the buttons under her chin quickly. Jack grinned as she stepped into the black boots and then took Jacob from him.

“Alright I’m ready, let’s go.”

“I can’t wear this coat an’ hat anymore, it’ll look a bit odd with her in the equation.”

“Yes you’re right.” Will and Elizabeth watched as Jack took off the red coat and black hat to lay them on the bed. He took out his old leather tricorner hat and his navy blue overcoat. Slipping them on quickly he placed the soldier’s coat and hat into the burlap sack.

“Jus’ incase I should ever need them again.” Will and Elizabeth smiled at each other before the three of them made a hasty exit towards the terrace. A knock on the door and the sound of her father’s voice halted them.

“Elizabeth?”

“Yes?”

“Are you awake?”

“Oh yes, but I was just turning in. I’m so exhausted.”

“Of course you are my dear, well then goodnight.”

“Goodnight father.”

“We’ll catch up in the morning.”

“Yes in the morning.” She listened to his footsteps retreat down the hallway. Running over quickly she locked her bedroom door and then followed Jack and Will onto the terrace. The three headed down the stone steps and into the night. “Jack, where are we going?”

He held up a bag of coins before speaking. “Pay for passage out of Port Royal on one of the merchant ships.”

Will spoke up. “Where did you get that?”

“I borrowed it from one of the young soldiers keeping watch over me in the brig when he fell asleep.”

“You mean you stole it.”

“No no, borrowed, borrowed without asking.”

“And without the intent to pay back.”

“Pretty much.”

“Pirate.” Will shook his head at Jack’s crooked grin and felt a small smile stretch across his face at the sound of Elizabeth’s laughter. They made it to the pier just as the first rays of dawn were appearing on the horizon. Jack approached a man that was overseeing two other men loading cargo onto a ship. Will hung back as he slipped off the red coat and shoved it into an empty barrel quickly before rejoining them.

“Hey mate, might I ask where yer going?”

“To Singapore.”

“Ah Singapore, lovely. Might I pay for passage for myself an’ me wife an’ friend?” Jack held out the heavy bag of coins to the man. The man took it weighing it in his hand.

“Where you wanting to go sailor?”

“Tortuga mate.”

“I suppose we could drop you off there, since it’s on the way to Singapore.”

“Thanks mate.”

“Sure. Go on aboard.”

Jack Elizabeth and Will boarded the ship that they found out was named the Keswick. Elizabeth found a place to sit on the steps that led down into the lower decks while Jack and Will helped the crew make ready to sail. She sighed as she looked down at Jacob who was still sleeping in her arms. Smiling she leaned down to place a kiss on the top of his head. They were making a clean escape out of Port Royal. Once they were in Tortuga and found the Pearl they would be free to get on with their lives.

A/N: Okay this is a good place to stop. Sorry no sex in this chapter, but I will make up for it soon enough! Let me know what you think!