Unexpected Reunions
folder
Pirates of the Caribbean (All) › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
7
Views:
2,055
Reviews:
15
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Pirates of the Caribbean (All) › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
7
Views:
2,055
Reviews:
15
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 3 - Unhappy Returns
Unexpected Reunions, by Hellborne (the_ferret_mom@yahoo.com)
Pirates of the Caribbean – 13+
Copyright. Characters, not mine. See the Mouse. Story, mine, but I make no money. He does, but not on this.
Typing convention: / is used for thoughts. * - * - * is used for scene changes and passages of time.
Summary: Four years after the movie, Governor Swann has died. Commodore Norrington wants Jack’s hide, and the new governor is due to arrive.
Beta: The great BetaGoddess Pendragginink. She’s fantastic! And way too modest for her own good!
NOTE: I live for reviews. Being quite depressed lately about my health and missing my job, I could really use some reviews…and don't think I’m begging for cudos! I happen to love flames and constructive criticism just as much and sometimes more! Lord knows, without constructive criticism, I'd have never fixed some of the boo boos I've made!
* - * - * - * - * - * - * - *
Chapter 3 – Unhappy Returns
Will jumped out of the longboat and pulled Elizabeth over his shoulder to carry her to shore when the soldiers came out of hiding, pointing their rifles at the group. Jack immediately grabbed Elizabeth back into the boat and put his pistol to her head, appearing to nuzzle her ear. “Lizabeff, you know I won’t kill you. I’m tryin’ t’ get the whelp and me out of here in one piece. Just play along.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth mumbled, looking terrified for the benefit of the soldiers as Will launched himself back into the boat.
Commodore Norrington stepped out of the ranks and walked a measured pace down the beach and into the water.
“Stop right where you are, Commodore, or you become a widower this night, and there'll be another fine funeral in Port Royal even before your wife’s da is even cold.” Jack moved the pistol slightly at Elizabeth, emphasizing his point by repositioning it below her chin.
James continued toward the longboat, speaking to the pirate in a tone indicating he was weary of having to state the obvious. “Mr. Sparrow, I happen to know you will not murder Elizabeth. In your note, you called her a friend. You are not known for killing your friends in cold blood, nor women at all, if the reports are correct.” He reached the longboat, stretched his arm across the gunwale, and took the pistol away from Jack.
Will, while silent for the while, was not unprepared. He took advantage of the moment and put a dagger to Norrington’s throat. “No, Jack’s not a cold-blooded killer. But if you insist on this lunacy, I’LL kill YOU, Commodore. Do not think I won't. Now, order your men away.” James dropped the pistol in the boat.
Jack pulled the fuming James into the longboat and started rowing away, insufferably smug. Will drew his sword and leveled it at James’ chest. The soldiers on the beach were in shock; they just stood there with their rifles aimed, not knowing what to do.
Cannonballs fell around the longboat as they rowed back to the Pearl. They had to row all the way around the point to catch her, as she moved away from the ships firing at her. When they finally reached the side of the ship, Jack motioned to Will to climb up the Jacob’s ladder first, then followed him up quickly after handing the oars to Norrington. “Mrs. Norrington, my apologies for not bringing you home as I promised, but I believe your husband will be most happy to do so himself.” He bowed from the railing of the Pearl. “Till next time, luv!”
Jack raced to the helm and started shouting orders to get moving, not trusting the two navy ships to stay put, no matter how well moored they appeared.
James muttered curses under his breath as he rowed toward the shore, signaling the Seahawk to continue without him as he brought his wife home safely.
When the Black Pearl sailed out of the Caribbean into the open Atlantic, the Seahawk turned for home, defeated yet again.
* - * - *
“Jack, why the Atlantic?” Will looked again at the maps on the table in the Great Cabin. “There’s nothing out here.”
“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong, lad. Within just a few days, there is due a merchant ship heading for our fair Port Royal.” Jack picked up a paper next to the map. “The Queen’s Pride is due to arrive at Port Royal within a fortnight, weather permitting. All we have to do is wait here for her; this is a trade route I’ve haunted for many a year.”
“I was wondering what you were doing when you went off on your own last time we were in town.”
“Aye, William. You’ll do well to learn to take advantage of any stray situation that presents itself.”
“But Jack, you know I can’t read half as well as you. I still can’t figure that out. You’ve been a pirate forever it seems, and can read as well as any noble.”
“Aye, and you were brought up by that drunkard Brown, not offered a proper education after your mum died. I know. I’m going to have to remember to teach you to read and figure enough that you can take over for me when I retire.”
“Jack, you’ll never retire.” Will looked uncomfortable.
“Aye, lad. I will one day. Lizabeff’s da wasn’t much older than I am now, and he’s dead. It reminded me of me own mortality, it did...that, and that I’m old enough to be your da.”
“I know...but you’ll live forever. Remember, you’re Captain Jack Sparrow.”
Jack gave Will a melancholy smile. “Aye, lad, I am. But while I may live on in stories, I’ll be dead and buried ere too many years go by. If not by natural causes, then by sword or noose. No one lives forever, young William. Not even me.”
“At what age did your father die? You’ll live to his age, at least, right?”
Jack looked at the deck. “My parents are both still alive, William. My father is sixty-three years old and healthy as a horse. And my mother turned sixty in May.”
“Sixty? I thought you were forty-five?”
“I am. My mother was a mere fifteen years old when I was born. She’d been brought to Court by her parents, and my father’s family arranged for them to marry. As she were a beautiful girl, my father fell in love. They were lucky. Many couples don’t have that luxury.”
“Brought her to Court? You mean your parents are nobles?”
“Aye, but don’t say it to loudly, lad. I’m not Captain Morgan. I don’t hold to nobility, and don’t want the highbrow reverence and responsibility that it would entail. I just want to be with my Lady; happy and free.”
“But Jack, I’ve not heard of any nobles named Sparrow.”
“You wouldn’t. I changed my name when I became a pirate. I saw it as the best way to keep my parents safe from disgrace and from ransom. It also kept me safe.”
“You mean it’s put you in danger. Commodore Norrington can’t hang a noble.”
“I don’t believe that nobles should have any special considerations, whelp. You know that.”
“Yes, but to save your own life...”
“...would make me a hypocrite. I couldn’t do that. I do have my principles, you know.”
“Not usually where keeping your life intact is concerned.”
“There, William. You don’t know me as well as you think. I’d never stoop so low as to claim nobility just to avoid the noose. I’d much rather escape before the drop.” Jack rolled up the map and put it carefully into its cubbyhole. “Perhaps we’ll kidnap you a tutor the next time we visit Lizabeff.”
“Jack, if you were born nobility, why don’t you call her ‘Elizabeth’?”
Jack turned his back on Will, moving toward his private room. “Because, whelp. One of the reasons I ran away was because of the betrothal my parents had made on my behalf. Her name was Elizabeth too, and I’d rather not call Lizabeff by that hated name.” He went through the curtain and snapped it shut, ending the conversation.
Will left, feeling somewhat morose and more than a little confounded over what he’d just learned about Captain Jack Sparrow.
* - * - *
TBC
A/N: Jack a Noble? And who lis this Elizabeth he's talking about? These answers and more if you hit that REVIEW button and tell me honestly what you think so far!
Pirates of the Caribbean – 13+
Copyright. Characters, not mine. See the Mouse. Story, mine, but I make no money. He does, but not on this.
Typing convention: / is used for thoughts. * - * - * is used for scene changes and passages of time.
Summary: Four years after the movie, Governor Swann has died. Commodore Norrington wants Jack’s hide, and the new governor is due to arrive.
Beta: The great BetaGoddess Pendragginink. She’s fantastic! And way too modest for her own good!
NOTE: I live for reviews. Being quite depressed lately about my health and missing my job, I could really use some reviews…and don't think I’m begging for cudos! I happen to love flames and constructive criticism just as much and sometimes more! Lord knows, without constructive criticism, I'd have never fixed some of the boo boos I've made!
* - * - * - * - * - * - * - *
Chapter 3 – Unhappy Returns
Will jumped out of the longboat and pulled Elizabeth over his shoulder to carry her to shore when the soldiers came out of hiding, pointing their rifles at the group. Jack immediately grabbed Elizabeth back into the boat and put his pistol to her head, appearing to nuzzle her ear. “Lizabeff, you know I won’t kill you. I’m tryin’ t’ get the whelp and me out of here in one piece. Just play along.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth mumbled, looking terrified for the benefit of the soldiers as Will launched himself back into the boat.
Commodore Norrington stepped out of the ranks and walked a measured pace down the beach and into the water.
“Stop right where you are, Commodore, or you become a widower this night, and there'll be another fine funeral in Port Royal even before your wife’s da is even cold.” Jack moved the pistol slightly at Elizabeth, emphasizing his point by repositioning it below her chin.
James continued toward the longboat, speaking to the pirate in a tone indicating he was weary of having to state the obvious. “Mr. Sparrow, I happen to know you will not murder Elizabeth. In your note, you called her a friend. You are not known for killing your friends in cold blood, nor women at all, if the reports are correct.” He reached the longboat, stretched his arm across the gunwale, and took the pistol away from Jack.
Will, while silent for the while, was not unprepared. He took advantage of the moment and put a dagger to Norrington’s throat. “No, Jack’s not a cold-blooded killer. But if you insist on this lunacy, I’LL kill YOU, Commodore. Do not think I won't. Now, order your men away.” James dropped the pistol in the boat.
Jack pulled the fuming James into the longboat and started rowing away, insufferably smug. Will drew his sword and leveled it at James’ chest. The soldiers on the beach were in shock; they just stood there with their rifles aimed, not knowing what to do.
Cannonballs fell around the longboat as they rowed back to the Pearl. They had to row all the way around the point to catch her, as she moved away from the ships firing at her. When they finally reached the side of the ship, Jack motioned to Will to climb up the Jacob’s ladder first, then followed him up quickly after handing the oars to Norrington. “Mrs. Norrington, my apologies for not bringing you home as I promised, but I believe your husband will be most happy to do so himself.” He bowed from the railing of the Pearl. “Till next time, luv!”
Jack raced to the helm and started shouting orders to get moving, not trusting the two navy ships to stay put, no matter how well moored they appeared.
James muttered curses under his breath as he rowed toward the shore, signaling the Seahawk to continue without him as he brought his wife home safely.
When the Black Pearl sailed out of the Caribbean into the open Atlantic, the Seahawk turned for home, defeated yet again.
* - * - *
“Jack, why the Atlantic?” Will looked again at the maps on the table in the Great Cabin. “There’s nothing out here.”
“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong, lad. Within just a few days, there is due a merchant ship heading for our fair Port Royal.” Jack picked up a paper next to the map. “The Queen’s Pride is due to arrive at Port Royal within a fortnight, weather permitting. All we have to do is wait here for her; this is a trade route I’ve haunted for many a year.”
“I was wondering what you were doing when you went off on your own last time we were in town.”
“Aye, William. You’ll do well to learn to take advantage of any stray situation that presents itself.”
“But Jack, you know I can’t read half as well as you. I still can’t figure that out. You’ve been a pirate forever it seems, and can read as well as any noble.”
“Aye, and you were brought up by that drunkard Brown, not offered a proper education after your mum died. I know. I’m going to have to remember to teach you to read and figure enough that you can take over for me when I retire.”
“Jack, you’ll never retire.” Will looked uncomfortable.
“Aye, lad. I will one day. Lizabeff’s da wasn’t much older than I am now, and he’s dead. It reminded me of me own mortality, it did...that, and that I’m old enough to be your da.”
“I know...but you’ll live forever. Remember, you’re Captain Jack Sparrow.”
Jack gave Will a melancholy smile. “Aye, lad, I am. But while I may live on in stories, I’ll be dead and buried ere too many years go by. If not by natural causes, then by sword or noose. No one lives forever, young William. Not even me.”
“At what age did your father die? You’ll live to his age, at least, right?”
Jack looked at the deck. “My parents are both still alive, William. My father is sixty-three years old and healthy as a horse. And my mother turned sixty in May.”
“Sixty? I thought you were forty-five?”
“I am. My mother was a mere fifteen years old when I was born. She’d been brought to Court by her parents, and my father’s family arranged for them to marry. As she were a beautiful girl, my father fell in love. They were lucky. Many couples don’t have that luxury.”
“Brought her to Court? You mean your parents are nobles?”
“Aye, but don’t say it to loudly, lad. I’m not Captain Morgan. I don’t hold to nobility, and don’t want the highbrow reverence and responsibility that it would entail. I just want to be with my Lady; happy and free.”
“But Jack, I’ve not heard of any nobles named Sparrow.”
“You wouldn’t. I changed my name when I became a pirate. I saw it as the best way to keep my parents safe from disgrace and from ransom. It also kept me safe.”
“You mean it’s put you in danger. Commodore Norrington can’t hang a noble.”
“I don’t believe that nobles should have any special considerations, whelp. You know that.”
“Yes, but to save your own life...”
“...would make me a hypocrite. I couldn’t do that. I do have my principles, you know.”
“Not usually where keeping your life intact is concerned.”
“There, William. You don’t know me as well as you think. I’d never stoop so low as to claim nobility just to avoid the noose. I’d much rather escape before the drop.” Jack rolled up the map and put it carefully into its cubbyhole. “Perhaps we’ll kidnap you a tutor the next time we visit Lizabeff.”
“Jack, if you were born nobility, why don’t you call her ‘Elizabeth’?”
Jack turned his back on Will, moving toward his private room. “Because, whelp. One of the reasons I ran away was because of the betrothal my parents had made on my behalf. Her name was Elizabeth too, and I’d rather not call Lizabeff by that hated name.” He went through the curtain and snapped it shut, ending the conversation.
Will left, feeling somewhat morose and more than a little confounded over what he’d just learned about Captain Jack Sparrow.
* - * - *
TBC
A/N: Jack a Noble? And who lis this Elizabeth he's talking about? These answers and more if you hit that REVIEW button and tell me honestly what you think so far!