The Map

A/N: A big thank you to AniSparrow for checking this through for me.

I've been nominated at the Perfect Bloom Awards (http://awards.perfect-bloom.com) for the following categories:

Best Jack Sparrow
Best PoTC Het

I don't know who nominated me, but thank you! You've made me happy!

Usual disclaimer and I hope you enjoy it…

Chapter 24

Almost There.


Nell eyed the ropes in dismay. “How are we supposed to get the bridge from this side to the other?” she asked quietly to no-one in particular.

They had worked out the rope bridge quite quickly and secured it to one of the trees on this side of the bank. But this still left the need to take the entire bridge across the river and tie it that side to make it passable.

“We swim across,” Jack slurred, already tying the ropes to another section of rope that he could tie around his waist.

“NO!” Nell stepped forwards quickly. “You can’t go in there, you can’t!”

“Nell, if I go across now they won’t be bothering us.” He didn’t look up from tying the rope tightly. It would serve two purposes; it would save him having to carry it across and it would also serve as something to pull him back by if the current was too strong with the weight of the ropes around him.

“How can you know this?” she demanded. “It’s been ages since… since…” she couldn’t bring herself to say it and settled for grabbing Jack’s arm tightly. “Please, Jack.”

Jack sighed and took her hand from his arm, squeezing her fingers before letting go to carry on tying the ropes. “Nell, I’ve come across piranhas before. They only feed when they’re hungry, a bit like people really; not that people eat other people - well, not all of them anyway. They won’t be hungry now.” He finished the ropes and looked up at her. “They didn’t hurt us before when we were in there, did they?”

“Did you know? Did you know they wouldn’t touch Beaumont?” she asked and Jack clearly heard the unspoken question in her voice.

“Yes, I knew,” he nodded at her, neglecting to tell her that he’d been acting on intuition when he’d thrown Beaumont in. He’d been almost certain that they wouldn’t touch him; but what he was certain of, was that if they had been interested in Beaumont, they wouldn’t then be interested in any of his group should they have to cross the river in the water, and that was all that concerned him.

“Please be careful,” Nell said softly.

Jack nodded his head exaggeratedly and spread his arms wide, “I’m Captain Jack Sparrow; of course I’ll be careful.” He winked at her and swaggered down to the water, turning to look at her with a funny expression on his face. “We’ve still to be discussing this business about the monks,” he said as he turned away, and began wading out into the water.

Nell bit her lip, as she clasped her hands together, missing her rosary, but muttering her prayers anyway. Hock and Norrington were stood to her side, pistols out and ready, although Nell knew that against the shoal of fish they’d be useless in helping Jack if he should need it.

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Nell breathed out, sweat pouring from her, as she watched Jack swimming. The water had quickly become deep and was very fast flowing in the middle. He struggled to swim through the pull of the flow of water and Nell saw with dismay that he was getting further and further downstream. But just when she thought he’d be swept away he broke free of the flow and was swimming in quieter water until he clambered out of the water on the other side - he’d crossed safely, and Nell felt almost light-headed when he turned and waved at them. She heard Hock let out his breath on a curse as he slid his pistol into his sash, and she watched as they went to the ropes that were now dragging into the water and out the other side. They waited as Jack shinned up one of the taller trees, the ropes lifting out of the water as he climbed higher and higher. He secured the ropes tightly and then shinned back down, indicating for them to start crossing over.

Hock automatically took control over the crew men as he ordered the chests to go across first. Nell waited behind with Norrington, watching anxiously as they struggled to edge across the ropes while holding the chests. It was not easy and several times Nell thought they’d pitch head first into the water. She stood at the bank edge, one thumb firmly between her teeth as she gnawed on her nail in fear.
Eventually they made it across and the only ones left were De Mornay, Beaumont, Dwent, Hock, Norrington and Nell.

Beaumont and De Mornay were sent across with Dwent and Norrington, leaving Nell and Hock waiting as they crossed.

“Give them time to clear the bridge and then we’ll go across, Miss Nell,” Hock spoke softly, his watchful eyes on Beaumont. “The ropes aren’t quite as strong as they were, due to the weight of the chests and their age, so try hard not to make them swing too much.”

“You have my word,” Nell muttered. The bridge was constructed in much the same manner as the last one and Nell remembered well how hard it had been for her to keep her balance. “Can you help me up?” she asked him when Norrington jumped down the other side.

“Of course,” Hook replied. “I’ll be right behind you all the way, Miss Nell. I won’t let you fall. Jack’d have my hide if I did,” he laughed, trying to ease her fears.

Nell gripped his shoulders and let him hoist her up onto the ropes. Her feet gained purchase and she let go of him to grip the ropes, making the whole bridge sway violently. She felt Hock climb up behind her and it reminded her of when it had been De Mornay behind her.

“Ready then, Miss Nell?” Hook stayed still behind her. Years of living on board ship had made climbing and walking across ropes second nature to him; but he was well aware that Nell would struggle to keep her balance. “Keep your eyes on your feet, and take as long as you need.”

She nodded; the rope bridge had stopped swaying now and was steady. The water flowed beneath her feet as she began to cross, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. “How on earth did they manage to get the chest across and make it look so easy?” she asked, her voice slightly higher pitched with effort and fear.

“When you spend your life running up and down the rigging, this is a piece of cake,” he murmured from behind her.

Nell was tired, sweat was pouring off her, and her arms were aching. She wanted to stop, wanted to look up and see how far across they were but she was frightened in case it would seem as if she’d got nowhere. “Are we nearly there?” she asked, her voice shaking now.

“Almost, Miss.” Hock’s voice was strong and reassuring; despite the fact they hadn’t even reached half way.

“Please, call me Nell,” she said quietly. “Miss Nell sounds so formal.” She focused her mind on the man behind her. “Everyone else calls me Nell, I wish you would too.”

“All right,” he replied laughingly. “Nell it is. And, my pretty little Nell, what do you have planned when we leave this island with all that treasure. I know Capt’n has promised you a share - will you take it?”

Nell welcomed the subject, eager to take her mind off the racing waters below them.
“I’m afraid I have no pride left, Mister Hock. If Jack can keep to his word, I’ll take it.”

“Hock, just Hock,” he said wickedly. “Mister Hock sounds so formal.”

Nell laughed out loud at his words. “All right,” she replied equally wickedly. “Hock it is!”

Hock’s deep rumbling laughter made her feel warm and secure. A small grin played across her lips as she relaxed enough to step more confidently across the ropes. Without warning, one of the ropes beneath her feet gave way, and they pitched sideways as the bridge titled dangerously. Her feet slipped off the ropes and she fell grabbing the hand rope. She hung there, the strain on her arms unbearable as she fought to keep her grip on the rope. Nell could see Hock hanging beside her; he had swung his legs upwards around the rope, and bending his knees, he hung like a sloth from a tree branch on the rope.

“Nell…” he called to her. “Bring your legs up like mine!” he ordered.

“I can’t!” she cried out. “I can’t hold my weight.” Fear speared through her as she felt her hold on the ropes slipping.

“Nell, don’t you dare let go!” someone shouted from the bank and she realised it was Jack.

She tried valiantly to lift her legs but it was too much for her, she just didn’t have the strength in her arms. Hock shimmied across the rope till he was closer to her. He made certain he had a good hold on the rope and then he reached down with his other hand.

“Kick your legs towards me, I’ll help you,” he ordered firmly. His face was lined with strain from holding his own weight.

Nell obeyed him and kicked her legs upwards; the movement sent the rope swaying frantically, and she felt it slip as it started to give on the other side.

“Nell, we don’t have much time,” Hock shouted.

Nell tried again but her grip on the rope just wouldn’t hold and with frightening slowness she felt the rope slipping through her fingers. She closed her eyes, letting out a blood curdling scream as her fingers lost their purchase and she plummeted feet first into the water below her.

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Hock didn’t think twice, he didn’t have to. He let go of the ropes and plummeted down after her. He knew she couldn’t swim, knew she wouldn’t stand a chance against the current, and he just prayed that Jack had been correct in his assumption about the piranhas not being hungry any more. If they were hungry he’d make bloody sure he’d haunt Jack for the rest of his life.

Nell broke surface, gasping in lungfuls of air before going back under. She could feel the pull of the water and despite kicking her legs frantically she knew she was being pulled downstream. She broke surface again, frantically trying to keep her head above the water. The weight of Norrington’s coat was too much for her and it kept dragging her down; she shrugged out of it and let it go. Images of Decker came to her mind and the fear that followed almost had her blacking out. But survival kicked and overruled her fear. Adrenalin flowed through her veins as she fought to keep her head above water. She’d come too far on this island to give up now.

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Hock broke surface, and striking out strongly, he used the current to swim as fast as he could to where he could see Nell. She was fighting to keep her head above the water, but it would only be a matter of time till her strength gave up and she went under. The pace of the water was unmerciful and several times he was tipped under, losing sight of her, until he finally lost her completely. He struggled to swim towards the bank, knowing that her best hope now would be to follow her and try and catch her further down. He fought against the current and was glad when he felt hands pulling him up onto the bank. Hock slumped onto his hands and knees, coughing up the water that had found its way into his lungs.

“Follow us when you’re ready!” Jack ordered quickly. “Norrington, Dwent, you’re with me.”

Hock was aware of Jack and the others racing down the banks of the stream. He struggled to his feet, aware of hands helping him up. He looked up into Bryant’s eyes. “Let’s go,” Hock coughed, unwilling to waste any time. Bryant nodded and with the others following at a slower pace with the chests, they headed after Jack.

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Nell felt something tangle around legs and for several horrible moments she thought it was the fish again. But there was no pain, only a gentle tugging and it didn’t take her long to realise she was being pulled from the centre of the river, where the flow was fastest, towards the shallow sides. She could feel the river bed beneath her feet, could almost touch the bank. She waded out, stumbling to her knees as her strength gave out. She knelt half in the water half out of it, coughing up water as she tried to regain her breathing.

“Nell!” A shout from up river caught her attention and she just had the strength to lift her head. She saw Jack come crashing through the undergrowth, arms at odd angles as he ran as fast as he could manage through the tangle of bushes and reeds. Another wave of sickness caught her as she brought up more river water. She slumped backwards onto her heels, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as Jack skidded down the bank, using his outs-stretched arms as balance.

“Are you hurt?” he demanded, gripping her shoulders as he checked her for signs of cuts or bruises.

“I’m fine,” she coughed. “I am wet again, and I’ve lost the Commodore’s coat,”she said dejectedly. Nell wanted to curl and sleep and never get up again, but she knew they had to keep going. She gripped Jack’s arms and let him pull her to her feet.

“I think the Admiralty will spare me another coat, Nell.” Norrington came down the bank behind Jack. He stopped and looked at her, a strange expression on his face, but he said no more.

“Not to mention that fine wig you also lost,” Jack slurred, relief evident in his voice at finding Nell safe. He turned back to her. “I was thinking you’d be swept out to sea at the speed of the river!”

“I was just praying that there were no more waterfalls along the way.” She looked up at Jack. “Have we gone far from the bay?” she asked anxiously, still relying on him to keep her upright.

“Nay….” He shook his head, beads swinging across his face. “Tis just a short walk now. Can you manage it or can you not?”

Nell nodded her head and lifted a shaky hand to her throat. “I can manage it,” she said firmly. “Jack, I know I’ve already had my rations…”

“Say no more, lass. Dwent.” He didn’t have to say any more as Dwent was already searching through the bag he carried across his shoulders. He brought out a roll and a small flask.

“’Ere, ye go, Miss. This ‘un has water not rum in it.” He grinned at her as she took the roll and flask with grateful thanks. Nell bit into the roll hungrily before letting Norrington and Jack grip her arms and all but carry her up the steep slope to the bank above. She was still chewing when Hock and the rest came. Hock’s face cleared when he saw her and he stepped forwards catching her in a bear hug, before letting her go quickly.

“You worried me,” he gruffed. “We’ll have to work on your arm strength,” he added softly.

She tried for some humour. “Give me a few weeks running up and down the rigging and I’ll soon resemble a monkey!” Now she was back with them, safety was beginning to reassert itself.

“Calling me a monkey, Nell?” Hock arched an eyebrow at her and laughed when she nodded at him.

“Well, now we’re all present and accounted for, let’s be moving onwards.” Jack spoke cheerfully but he watched Nell for her reaction. She tried to hide it, but it was clear to him that she wasn’t physically able to go anywhere. He sidled up to her as the rest of them began to walk in the direction of the bay.

“Fancy a lift?” he slurred and winked at her.

“Pardon?” She licked the crumbs of her fingers as she stared at him in puzzlement.

“A lift,” he repeated himself. He looked round, Norrington was holding back and Jack had a sudden impression he wanted to speak to Jack. He frowned and lifted a finger at Nell. “One moment darlin’, don’t move and ol’ Jack’ll be back.” He strode over to Norrington and arched an eyebrow at him, looking down his nose at the taller man, tilting his head back to do so.

Norrington looked at Nell, but she was busy drinking from the flask and not looking at them. “Did you see it?” he hissed quietly at Jack. “Did you see how she was dragged into the shallows?”

Jack frowned, shaking his head. He’d been too intent on keeping up with her and staying on his feet amongst the undergrowth as he had run.

“She didn’t drift into the bank - something pulled her in,” Norrington said quietly, aware of Nell finishing the flask and wiping her mouth.

Jack blinked, taking in the information Norrington had given him. “What something?” he asked quietly.

“I don’t know… I couldn’t see anything, other than she was going against the pull. That isn’t natural.”

“No,” Jack nodded. “But I am thankful for whatever it was,” he muttered and looked over his shoulder with narrowed eyes at Nell. She was standing limply, hands at her sides, knees slightly bent, looking all in. He figured that if he blew on her she’d keel over and not get back up again. “I’m going to carry her,” he slurred to Norrington, changing topics quickly. “Will you be able to take her if needed?”

Norrington nodded, also watching Nell. Her gaze was fixed on the ground at her feet, her mouth still moving with some of the roll she was chewing.

Jack nodded and went back over to her, swaggering as he walked, arms akimbo. “Come on then, luv, up you get.” He was surprised when Norrington passed him, placed his hands on her hips and lifted her onto Jack’s back. Nell caught on quickly and she wrapped her arms round his neck as her legs went around his waist.

“Are you sure you can manage?” she asked him, her head already lolling on his shoulder, her eyes closing in fatigue.

“You don’t weigh more than a sack of feathers,” he laughed, nodding his thanks to Norrington, who waited for Jack to move off before he walked behind him. Jack had his arms tucked under Nell’s legs, his hands clasping her tightly. Her grip relaxed on his neck and her soft breath against neck told him she’d fallen asleep. He walked easily, the swaggering gait still in his step; so that Norrington spent more time ready to catch her than at making sure they were safe from anything around them.
Norrington could see she was asleep and spoke up knowing Jack could hear him.

“Has she explained her theory on the monks to you?”

“She has a theory?” Jack slurred, surprised at his words.

“She thinks they are protecting us,” Norrington said carefully. “She thinks that they were only trying to warn us that night in the cave.”

“Bloody funny way of doing it!” Jack snorted. “I take it that was what Mister Decker was ranting about in the river?”

“Yes. He was there when she was speaking to Mister Hock about it.” Norrington scanned the area around them, talk of the monks made his skin itch and the hair on the back of his neck raise.

Jack remained quiet, thinking over what Norrington had said to him. “I don’t know,” he finally admitted quietly. “My experience with the un-dead and cursed up to now, hasn’t exactly put them in a good light.”

“She thinks they were trying to protect, or exorcise, the island when they placed the cross in the river. She got herself in a state trying to work it all out.” Norrington looked ahead of them, glad to see the bay was getting closer.

“So that’s what you were doing with her,” Jack slurred softly. “I wondered what was being said.”

“But you didn’t interfere?” Norrington registered surprise at the knowledge.

“We don’t all try and take over at every given chance, Commodore,” Jack grinned as he had a dig at the Commodore. Norrington’s only reply was to snort ungraciously, his eyes still alert as they walked.

Jack frowned as he thought over what Norrington had told him. He was a little surprised at what Nell had been talking about, but the more he thought about it, the more he thought she might just have a point. It hadn’t been the monks that had threatened them at the caves, and on more than one occasion they’d been sighted but not done any harm, only been seen silently. Had they been warning them and they just hadn’t seen it. He mentally shook his head - even if they were, he wasn’t about to put any trust in it. Jack trusted only a few, and dead monks weren’t part of the few. He’d file it away and maybe use it if necessary, but that’s all he’d do for now.

He shifted Nell up slightly; where she was asleep, she was not holding on to him and he was taking all of her weight. He was a little disconcerted that she really didn’t weight much more than a bag of feathers. That would be something else he could correct back aboard the Pearl.

A loud whistling from up ahead signalled that they had finally reached the mouth of the bay. He sighed deeply; it wasn’t over yet, but they were one step nearer to getting out of this alive.

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Jack looked at Norrington. “Help me put her down.”

Norrington took Nell from Jack’s back, cradling her like a baby in his arms. He waited till Jack had shrugged out of his coat, and laid it down on the ground before he placed Nell down on her back. No one was surprised when she mumbled and turning onto her side, curled into a ball and slept on.

“What do we do now?” Bryant asked quietly, his eyes still on the drop below him.

“We track back for Will, Elizabeth and the others,” Jack replied, already checking his pistol and sword. “Commodore, Mister Bryant and Mister Dwent, you’re with me.” He looked at Hock briefly, “Mister Hock is in charge while we’re gone.”

Norrington nodded and began checking his own weapons. “How are we going to get the boats?”

“We’ll go back to the boats and try and bring them around the coast. Now we know where we’re headed it shouldn’t be too hard finding you again.” Jack nodded his head at Hock. He looked quickly down at where Nell was still curled up. “Stay by the river and Mister Hock…” Jack didn’t say anything else, just pinned him with his black eyes.

“With my life Capt’n,” Hock replied quietly and Jack knew he meant it. He nodded his head again and turned to Norrington, he half bowed indicating for Norrington to take the lead.

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An uneasy feeling had eased its way into Nell’s sleep and brought her awake suddenly. She sat up, disorientated and slightly afraid as she heard voices talking from behind her. She turned quickly still crouched on Jack’s coat.

Hock looked up from where he was holding a stick into the fire they had set up in the small camp. “’Tis all right lass.” He held out another stick and Nell saw some cooked meat that made her stomach rumble loudly. Hock laughed at the blush that covered her face. She sat forward and with a murmur of thanks, she took the stick and began chewing the still warm meat.

She looked around her and with a sinking feeling realised there were some missing.
“Where’s Jack?” she cried out, trepidation evident in her voice.

“Capt’n and Dwent have taken Norrington and Bryant to fetch the others.” Coales said before Hock could reply.

Nell nodded and looked back down at the meat. Her appetite had deserted her as she thought about the four of them trying to make their way to the others safely.

“They’ll be fine, Miss,” Knowles spoke up cheerfully.

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Jack moved quickly with Bryant behind him and Dwent bringing up the rear. Norrington was in front and moving with the precision that only the military could have. Without the hold up of the chests or Nell, they made good speed back to the river and followed it downstream. Jack was more than worried about what they would find once they made it back to the pool. He knew that Benjamin and the others that had been left with the Turners would guard them well, but he was also aware that Will’s wounds would hinder them considerably - he would be all but useless in protecting them physically. Jack also knew that Will would be physically hampered for a long time to come, maybe even permanently. He’d seen the wound inflicted on his arm, his left arm, his working arm. He’d not wield a sword for a long time and depending on the damage down, he might not wield one effectively again. And considering his trade, this gave Jack quite a lot to worry about. Will Turner was his friend and as such he felt duty bound to see him alright. But he also knew the pride that ran in the man’s veins. He wouldn’t accept charity. But Elizabeth? Maybe he could work through Elizabeth….

“Down!” Norrington dropped into a crouch, indicating with his hands for them to follow suit. Bryant and Dwent dropped instantly, but it took Jack a few seconds to respond, unused to taking orders from anyone. He crawled forwards awkwardly till he was beside Norrington. “Look!” Norrington indicated carefully through the bushes that covered them. Jack peered at where Norrington was looking. His eyes went wide as he stared at the sight before them.

“What is it sir?” Bryant whispered from behind them.

“Tis what looks like the start of a monastery.” Jack answered smartly.

“Now whose interfering,” Norrington murmured, but it was half-hearted and vague as he stared at the pile of stones ahead of them.

“It’s fairly well established.” Bryant had moved forwards with Dwent until they could peer over Jack’s shoulder. “They must have been here a fair while to get that started before they were bothered.”

“It’s established all right… I can see where the door was and there be windows over there!” Dwent gawked at the strange sight in front of them.

What had appeared at first like rocks covered in grass and plants, was now becoming quite plain to see. Stone steps, cracked and broken, covered in moss and grass lead up to a black hole that had once housed a wooden door. The building was two storeys high and had there been a roof at one time, which had long since gone and only the few struts could be seen now. Ivy, grass and other climbing plants had reclaimed the walls and only a few roughly cut stones were visible through the foliage.

“Where did they get the materials?” asked Norrington in surprise. “Those windows are glass… and struts look properly hewed. Did they bring them in? Did they find the rocks here?”

“The mystery deepens,” Jack murmured. “There’s no sign of this at all on the map so Beaumont can’t have found this…”

“Sparrow!” Norrington looked at him in dawning horror. “You can’t…!”

Jack looked at him innocently, hands spread wide. “What Commodore? I can’t imagine what you’re thinking?”

“We are not going in there. We are not going on some blasted treasure hunt! We have Elizabeth and Will to think of…”

Jack’s eyes widened and Norrington groaned when he saw the glee shimmering in his eyes. “Why, Commodore! What a glorious idea of yours! I would never have thought of looking for more treasure myself… you’d make a wonderful pirate, if I might say so.”

“No!” Norrington shook his head worriedly, ignoring Jack’s ‘compliment’. “Jack, it’s too dangerous. We have no idea what’s in that place.”

“It’s still relatively together on the ground floor,” Bryant added. “It could be home to more than one dangerous animal, let alone anything else that roams this cursed place.”

Jack looked at Bryant slyly. “If you live your life hiding from things, I can’t begin to imagine what business you have being in the Navy.”

“There’s a difference in hiding from things and walking into something un-necessarily,” Norrington replied quietly. “You, as a pirate, should know that better than anyone. If you face three of the King’s finest ship do you continue onwards regardless?”

“No. No, I don’t,” Jack allowed. He placed his hands together towards Bryant. “My apologies, Mister Bryant, for the slur on your bravery.” Bryant blinked, unsure whether he was being silently laughed at by Jack, or whether he was genuinely repentant of his words. “However…” Jack grinned at Norrington. “We are going in there, and it’s nothing to do with treasure hunts either, although should we happen upon something of the treasure variety then…” he shrugged his shoulders, his grin quite evil.

“Then why are we going in there?” Norrington demanded, his voice still a harsh whisper.

“Because, Commodore, we aren’t getting off this island tonight,” Jack said, his eyes darting upwards towards where the sun was gradually beginning to edge westwards.

“And you propose we sleep there tonight?” asked Bryant, his voice had risen a notch in disbelief.

“Well, yes, actually - I do.”

“You think we’ll be safer in there than out here?” Bryant asked incredulously.

“Well, let’s find out shall we?” Jack said firmly. “One thing’s for sure; it’ll be harder tonight with no cave to block the view, so to speak.”

Norrington nodded reluctantly. He had no desire to enter the building; but his desire to stay outside in the dark was even less.

“If it proves to be….”

“How are we going to know if it’s truly safe or not?” Bryant interrupted Jack who looked annoyed. “What if it doesn’t become dangerous until the sun sets? We could end up in a far more dangerous position in there than out here.”

Jack shrugged his shoulders in exasperation. “I don’t know. And I don’t deal in ‘What ifs’ either - a complete waste of time. A complete waste of valuable time, I might add, which is entirely what we are doing right now!”

“No! We can’t just barge in there willy-nilly and get ourselves killed!” Bryant shook his head firmly, once more at logger heads with Jack.

“Willy-nilly?” Jack cast a weird look at Norrington, “Where do you find them Commodore?”

“He has a valid point, Jack,” Norrington said quietly.

“We don’t barge in there at all,” Jack explained slowly. “I’m a pirate; therefore by sheer definition I am sneaky by nature. You are a red-coat, thereby not so sneaky by nature. No offence meant.”

“None taken, I can assure you,” Bryant snorted.

“Right, well that’s decided upon then. Mister Dwent, you’re with me. Commodore, Mister Bryant, please remain here… and try not to do anything stupid.” Jack cast them a pleading look before turning to look back at the ramshackle building in front of them.

Bryant rolled his eyes at Norrington, who merely shrugged and knelt down more comfortably to wait for the strange man beside him to head out with Dwent.

They watched quietly, as both Jack and Dwent headed left through the bushes, all at once seeming to disappear in the undergrowth.

“Well, he’s correct when he says he’s sneaky,” Bryant whispered quietly.

“Still think he’s the best pirate you’ve ever seen?” Norrington cast Bryant a slightly amused look before looking back at the building.

Bryant snorted but had to nod reluctantly, “Yes, I do.”

“I’m still inclined to agree with you,” Norrington mused quietly.

“Bloody infuriating isn’t it?” Bryant grumbled, completely aggrieved.

“Indeed.” Norrington blinked as he watched as Jack suddenly appeared by the side of the main entrance with Dwent beside him. Swords and pistols drawn and ready they calmly walked up the steps and through what would have once been the main doorway.

“He just walked in,” Bryant muttered incredulously. “I don’t think it would have surprised me more if he’d stopped to ring the bell. Why isn’t he dead yet? If that was me I’d be dead by now!”

“Maybe he’s immortal,” smirked Norrington.

“Please don’t curse, sir,” Bryant replied smartly. “It’s enough to know he’s a nuisance without knowing he’s going to be a nuisance forever.”

Norrington frowned and looked briefly at Bryant before looking back around him. “Talking of nuisances, we have to determine now what we are going to do once we leave this island.”

“Sir?” Bryant lifted an eyebrow but didn’t look away from the ramshackle building.

“It’s going to be delicate,” Norrington replied carefully. “Several things are going to be more than awkward.”

“You are referring to the loss of the Relentless,” Bryant replied heavily.

“I was duped and the Governor is not going to be pleased,” Norrington sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.

“With respect sir, we were duped,” corrected Bryant softly. “We didn’t walk into it with our eyes shut; there was no indication that there would be anything untoward about that ship.”

“I should have realised the moment Beaumont mentioned black sails that things were not right. I should have known that it just wasn’t Sparrow’s style.” Norrington pulled a face and shrugged. “But it’s too late now. Now we have to decide what we’re going to do. We’re going to be at his mercy until he either sets us off somewhere or takes us directly back to Port Royal.”

“He won’t come into Port Royal,” Bryant snorted. “He’d be to worried he’d end up at the bottom of the hangman’s rope.”

“A short drop and a sudden stop,” mused Norrington.

“Plotting my demise Commodore?” came a sly chuckle from behind them.

Bryant jumped, cursing strongly, but Norrington hid surprise better and merely turned to look at Jack’s sardonic face behind them.

“You are very good at being sneaky aren’t you?” he mused dryly.

“Why, thank you,” Jack grinned at him, revealing gold teeth. “When you’re ready gentlemen; let’s be heading onwards for the others. We’ll bring them back here, set them up all snug and warm in the monastery and I’ll head back for Mister Hock and all.”

“It’s safe then?” Bryant asked quietly, his heart still hammering at Jack’s sudden appearance behind them. He should have been watching and it occurred to him that it could have been something far nastier than Jack that had surprised them.

Jack rolled his eyes at him. “No, it’s not safe. There’s several crocs, a handful of rather large spiders, a whole battalion of ghosts and that was only in the first room; but I thought what the hell, let’s send everyone to their deaths anyway.” His voice was heavy with slurred sarcasm making Bryant blush a fire red.
Bryant stood up, still glaring at Jack and brushed his britches off. “Well, I wouldn’t put it past you, considering what you’ve lead us into so far!” he snorted.

“I’m a victim of circumstance here,” Jack slurred and stood up to stand in front of Bryant.

“A victim?” Bryant laughed, but it held none of the malicious edge that had previously been present. “You’re no victim, Sparrow.”

Jack regarded him quietly and merely shrugged in reply. He looked down slightly, still regarding Bryant through dark eyes.

“We have to move on,” Norrington spoke firmly. “There’s not much daylight left and we don’t know what’s still to come.”

Jack shrugged again and using his pistol indicated for Norrington to move ahead. “After you, Commodore, after you.”

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading so far. I hope you enjoyed it.
Thanks also to all your lovely reviews; you make my day, make me think and make me want to continue, so thanks!!
Have a great day wherever you are!