A change in the winds

A.N. I’m so sorry for making you wait so long. I’ve finished my summer job now so I finally have some time to write again, there is if my teachers will be kind to me and won‘t assign me too much homework. These last few months have been really hectic and I hope you haven’t given up on my story.

Chapter twenty-eight: The whipping

The sun was shining bright when Kenna opened her eyes. A ray of sunlight landed across Jack's chest, illuminating the tanned, smooth skin. She felt a sudden urge to run her fingers over the exposed skin and smiled when she felt him entwine his fingers with hers on his chest.

'' Good morning,'' she said as she leaned down and brushed her lips against his. Jack replied by deepening the kiss. His hands encircled her waist, pulling her against his body. She chuckled and eagerly returned the kiss. She snuggled up against him, listening to the soothing sound of his breathing. His stomach growled and she raised her head to look at him.

'' I think this is my signal to go get some breakfast for us,'' she said as she crawled out of bed and walked over to the chair she had laid her clothes on the night before.

'' Ye don't have ta do that, I'm fine with eatin' in the galley,'' he replied as he sat up.

'' It's easier this way, believe me.'' She put her shirt and breeches on and blew him a kiss. '' Won't be long.'' She disappeared out the door and headed towards the galley.

Inside the galley a few crewmembers were eating. When they saw her enter they saluted her and then turned their attention back to what they had been discussing before she arrived but choosing their words more carefully since they were in the presence of a lady and a quite fearsome lady to be sure. None of them had forgotten the strange magic session she had out on deck during the storm.

Kenna placed some bread, cheese and milk on a tray along with two bowls of porridge and an apple, and carefully manoeuvred through the group of crew members out into the hallway.

When Kenna entered the cabin she saw that Jack now had a pair of breeches on but his chest was still exposed. She rolled her eyes and placed the tray on the table. Jack approached the table with a smirk.

'' What did I do ta deserve this service?'' he asked amused.

'' Nothing. Do I always have to have a reason for being nice to you?'' she asked with a shake of her head. Jack wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck.

'' Of course not. I'm just not used ta people bein' nice ta me without wantin' anythin' in return. There always be somethin' behind their kind words.''

She turned around in his arms. '' You don't have to worry. I'll never betray you.''

He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. '' I sure hope not.'' Pushing her body closer to his he deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue nimbly against hers. His hands traced her curves, slipping under the shirt to feel the smooth texture of her skin. She chuckled against his lips as she felt his thumb tease her nipple and pushed away from him.

'' You need to eat, you have a big day ahead of you.'' she said as she picked up the apple and took a bite. Jack stepped closer to her and leaned down to take a bite of the apple. '' A big day indeed. I can't wait ta see the look on Christian's face when we tie him ta the mast for a nice whippin'.''

'' All in good time, dear,'' Kenna said as she pushed a bowl of porridge over to him.

After they ate Kenna went to return the tray to the galley which hadn't set well with Jack at all. Since she brought the food he should be the one returning the tray. She had assured him that she didn't mind, there was no need to act all gentlemanly around her. Besides, he would return the favour some other time.

Kenna returned a moment later with a smile on her face. Jack was sitting by his desk, looking at some maps. She immediately realised what he was looking for and sighed.

'' How far is it until we reach Tobo?'' she asked as she placed her hands on his shoulders.

With all the commotion aboard the initial reason for their journey had almost been forgotten. Of course she hadn't forgotten about her grandmother and the terror she was facing but being around Jack had certainly kept her mind busy.

'' Not very far accordin' ta yer father. He's supposed ta be residing on the island of Madagascar.''

Jack felt her hands tighten on his shoulders. '' I know ye worry about yer grandmother. We will find her.''

'' He's too strong. You remember the storm…''

He stood up from the chair and took her in his arms. '' We will defeat him. I don't know how but we will defeat him. Ye be the most precious thing in the world ta me and I would be crazy not ta fight with all me might ta keep ye by me side.''

'' It's not enough. You can't defeat him with sheer willpower. He knows all sorts of magic, dark and dangerous magic. Your weapons have nothing against his powers.''

'' We can't give up. The crew of the Black Pearl never gives up. Even if it will end in our death I can't just stand aside and do nothin'. I'd rather die tryin' than livin' with the shame of not havin' the guts ta help this poor woman.''

Kenna felt her eyes water. '' I don't want to lose you. I can't.'' Jack hugged her closer. '' Ye won't. Whatever happens we'll be together.''

Kenna dried her eyes and cleared her throat. '' You're right. We have more important things to take care of.'' Jack kissed her forehead and smiled.

'' I need to change your bandages or else the wound might get infected.''

Jack looked down at his chest and saw the slightly coloured gauze wrapped around it. '' Bloody Christian,'' he mumbled as he sat down on the bed. Kenna fetched new bandages, water and the ointment she made the day before.

'' Not that again…'' Jack said in horror as he saw the ointment.

Kenna laughed. '' Don't be such a baby, it only hurts for a moment. It's amazing that a man with your reputation is scared of a slight burning sensation.''

'' I'm not scared. I just don't like it,'' Jack said in his defence.

Kenna gave him a soft kiss. '' My big baby.'' She carefully cleaned the wound, smeared the ointment on - to Jack's dislike - and rewrapped him in bandages.

'' Is it too tight?'' she asked concerned as she tied the bandages.

'' No it's fine, '' Jack replied, feeling the wound burn like hell. He fished his shirt up from the floor and put it on. '' I think I'll go out and check on Gibbs, will ye be all right on yer own?''

Kenna snorted. '' You don't have to worry about me, I can take care of myself. Besides I have enough to do. I'm going to check up on Christian, see how he is doing and give him something to eat.''

'' Is that necessary?'' Jack asked with a displeased grunt.

'' We can't starve the man, we aren't savages. He will get what he deserves, there's no need to put him through more misery.''

'' I can't see anythin' wrong with that. Ye're too soft, hun.''

'' Well I am an half angel so I must have some compassion. You should consider yourself lucky that I'm not a real angel, then I would never have agreed to allow you to whip him. Angels are supposed to be all nice and peaceful aren't they?''

'' Accordin' ta legends, aye, but I guess ye have ta take it up with yer father ta get that straight.'' He kissed her softly on the lips and left the cabin.

Kenna went down to the galley to prepare a meal for Christian. He had been locked inside the brig the whole night without any food and she suspected that he might be hungry.

Christian's head shot up when he heard someone open the brig. His heart raced as he felt the terror spread throughout his body. This was it. The time he had been dreading for so long had come.

Light footsteps descended the stairs and Kenna's face rounded the corner. Christian relaxed a little seeing that it wasn't his Captain coming to lead him to his doom. She smiled at him as she walked towards him with the tray in her hands.

'' Can you open the cell for me?'' she asked the guard standing by his cell. '' I have my hands full.''

'' Are ye sure ye want ta be doin' that?'' the guard asked sceptic.

'' Yes, don't worry. I know what I'm doing.''

'' Does the Capt'n know what ye're doin'?''

'' Of course he does. If you don't believe me then just go and talk to him yourself.''

The guard stood there unsure of what to do. Kenna felt her patience wearing out and sighed.

'' Please just open the cell. I can promise you I'm not doing anything forbidden.''

'' I don't know…'' the guard said puzzled.

'' If you don't open the cell I'll turn you into a toad,'' Kenna said annoyed.

The guard's eyes widened and he started to stutter. '' Ye…ye..ye can't do that.''

'' Says who? Jack has given me permission to practice on those who do not cooperate with me.''

The guard didn't know what to think and stood there stunned. Finally he decided he would rather face the wrath of his Captain for his disobedience than be turned into a toad. He fetched the keys from his pocket and opened the cell with shaky hands.

'' Thank you. Now you may go,'' she said with a forced smile. He didn't think twice about it and fled out of the brig, leaving the keys in the lock.

'' Ye sure be an amazin' woman,'' Christian said with a shake of his head. '' Is there anyone ye can't manipulate?''

'' Shut up,'' she said as she placed the tray on the floor.'' I've threatened a few people but I wouldn't call that manipulation. I only use what I've got to get what I want.''

'' And what ye wanted was ta see me. I'm touched,'' he said with a grin. The old Christian was back.

'' Are you seriously going to play that game? I really don't want to spend time with you and your witty comments about how much I'm in love with you,'' she said with an annoyed sigh. '' I only came here to bring you food.''

'' If that's the case then why did ye want him ta open the cell?''

'' Because the tray is too big to be put through the bars and eating porridge out of a bowl that's outside of the cell might prove to be a bit tricky.''

He sensed that she really wasn't in the mood for his games. '' All right, I get it. Ye only came here ta bring me food. Me apologies.'' He scooted closer to the tray and grabbed a piece of bread. Kenna sat down on the cot and watched him eat. He quickly finished the bread and cheese and turned to the porridge. Halfway through the bowl he glanced up at her and saw that she was staring at the wall outside the cell.

'' What be troublin' ye? Have ye realised ye made a mistake by lettin' Jack have the pleasure of whippin' me?''

'' No, I still think you deserve it.'' she answered blankly.

'' What be it then? Trouble in paradise?''

'' No, me and Jack are doing good.''

'' Are ye goin' ta tell me what the problem is or do I have ta drag it out of ye?'' he asked curious.

'' No, it's none of your business.''

'' Why are ye bein' so cold? I only want ta help,'' he said hurt.

'' Your cocky attitude annoys me. That's why.'' Some time passed without either of them saying a word. '' I actually liked you before I found out you were a sadistic bastard,'' she said with a sigh, still facing the wall. '' We could have become good friends.''

Christian looked at her like she had lost her mind.'' I'm havin' serious doubts about yer sanity right now.''

Kenna chuckled weakly but didn't look at him.

'' Ye're startin' ta freak me out here…'' he said worried.

She stood up from the cot. '' I'm sorry. If you've finished eating I'll go.'' She bent down to pick the tray up from the floor but Christian stopped her.

'' What be the matter? Ye can tell me, I promise ta behave.'' She saw the concern in his eyes was real and sighed.

'' I'm just scared,'' she answered, sitting back down on the cot.

'' Scared of what?'' he asked as he sat down beside her.

'' Everything. I don't want to lose the people I love.''

'' Why do ye think ye'll lose them?''

She didn't reply so he asked again. '' What is it that makes ye so afraid? Did anythin' happen?''

'' I need to go.'' She stood up from the cot but he grabbed her arm.

'' Please tell me what be wrong. Maybe I can help ye.''

Kenna stood still, staring at the floor in front of her. '' There's no use…nobody can help them.''

Christian allowed her arm to slip out of his grasp as she walked out of the cell and locked it.

'' I'll come back later to bring you up on deck.'' And with that she left the brig.

***
The sun was high in the sky, sending warm rays over the deck. The ship was bathed in glorious light and the sea played softly against its sides, creating a soothing melody. Jack stood by the helm, humming a tune while the crew did their chores.

A low sound of footsteps ascending the stairs up to the main deck alerted him and he turned around to see Kenna followed by her father and two strong men who held Christian between them. A wide grin spread across his face as he left the wheel to join them by the main mast.

'' So the time has finally come,'' he said triumphant. He signalled for the men to tie him to the mast and they complied. Christian mumbled something incoherent but Jack knew it was pointed at him.

'' Ye can curse all ye want but it won't do anythin' for the pain when I peel the skin from yer back.'' He turned to Kenna who took the whip from her father's hands.

'' Are you sure you want to do this?'' Malak asked concerned. '' There must be another way to settle this.''

'' No, there isn't. He's been warned before but he doesn't seem to be able to learn his lesson. This is the only way to get his attention,'' Kenna replied as she handed the whip to Jack.

'' She's right, we've tried reasonin' with him but he doesn't listen,'' Jack said with a shake of his head but was evidently enjoying the situation. He turned back to Christian with a grin.

'' I'm not gonna tell ye this won't hurt, because it will.'' Christian cursed some more and Jack laughed. He turned to his crew, who had gathered around to witness the whipping.

'' Gents, let this be a reminder of what happens if ye disobey yer Capt'n.'' He reached back and flung the whip at Christian's bare back. A loud scream emitted from his lips as he felt his back burn from the whiplash. Jack chuckled and reached back for another blow.

Kenna averted her eyes, she didn't want to see him in pain. The screaming wounds on Christian's back were bright red against the tanned skin and the blood flowed in small streams down his back.

'' I can't watch this,'' she said as she turned and headed for the stairs that lead down below. Her father followed after her but she stopped him. '' I need to be alone right now.'' Her father nodded and she left the deck.

Jack was having the time of his life. Christian's screams were like music to his ears. Slash after slash formed on the smooth skin, opening up a new stream of blood every time the whip smacked against his back. Jack reached back for another blow but this time Christian didn't scream.

'' What is it? Have ye given up already?'' He flung the whip at his back again but as before Christian didn't say a word.

'' I think this be enough Capt'n,'' Gibbs said concerned as he watched Christian's slumped form tied to the mast. His back was crisscrossed in angry cuts which coloured his back with blood. His chest was heaving with the effort of keeping his screams down and he felt his consciousness starting to fade in the boiling sun.

'' Take him down ta his cabin and send Steven ta tend to his wounds,'' Jack ordered, slightly annoyed for having to cut his torturing session short. The men untied him from the mast and dragged him down below. Jack sighed and handed the whip back to Malak.

'' Where's Kenna?'' he asked, surprised that she wasn't there.

'' She left a while ago,'' Malak replied. '' It was too much for her.''

'' I didn't notice she had left…'' Jack said, feeling guilty.

'' You were quite caught up in what you were doing. I'm sure she's fine, she just needed some time alone.''

'' Yeah…'' Jack replied absent minded as he headed below deck. He found Kenna in her room - which she rarely used anymore except if she was feeling upset and needed time on her own. When he opened the room she didn't turn to see who it was.

'' Luv, are ye all right?'' he asked concerned as he lay down beside her, wrapping an arm around her.

'' Is the punishment over?'' she asked disinterested.

'' I'm sorry that I didn't notice that ye left. Ye could have told me ye didn't want ta be there. I would've understood.''

'' I thought this was the right thing to do. I was so sure. I'm not that sure anymore,'' she said, her voice filled with sadness.

'' Baby…I know this must be tough on ye but it was the right thing ta do. He broke the code and had ta be punished. There be no need ta beat yerself up about it.'' He kissed her sweetly on the neck and hugged her closer to his body.

'' Do you mind if we don't talk for a while? I need some time to think.''

'' Of course luv, we can lay here in silence for as long as ye need.''

She turned her head around and kissed him sweetly on the lips. '' Thanks Jack.'' Then she turned around again and stared out the window towards the clear blue sky.


Author's notes: I hope you haven't given up on me for not posting for A WHILE. I'm so sorry I never intended for it to happen, time just flew by without me noticing. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I promise to try and pay close attention to the word TRY to post again within a month. I can't promise anything but it would be great if I could keep my promise at least once.