The Map

A/N: Sorry it’s taken awhile to get this up. Real Life has sucked for awhile. I hope this was worth the wait for you though….

As usual many thanks to AniSparrow for her hard work on checking this! Any and all remaining mistakes are mine, all mine!

Chapter 32

Amor Vincit Omnia

“Let’s send them to hell!” Nell said with determination. “Amor vincit omnia!”

Elizabeth looked sideways at her, the light of battle and anger in her eyes. “You can tell me later what that means!”

Nell grinned at her and moving forwards they raced through the sands together, crosses raised, a war like cry coming from Elizabeth, a quick prayer to Mary from Nell.


At first Nell thought that it was making no difference; that they had failed. The monks were still converging on the crew and it was with a cry of horror that she realised she could no longer see Jack or Hock in the melee taking place - monks were swarming everywhere and had now been joined by the islanders and dead crew. Nell’s courage faltered and almost deserted her but she took a deep breath, holding the crosses high, refusing to back down. Three of the monks in front of them turned and Nell almost backed down when she saw their un-natural red eyes glaring at her. They began to advance towards them and Nell knew that if the crosses failed there was nothing on earth that could save them now. She watched as they drew closer, swords raised, mouths twisted bitterly; she fell back a step, her legs were shaking so much that her knees gave out and she sank to the sand. She raised the crosses higher, almost level with her face, until the sun hit the surface of the gold and a glint of light refracted from them. It sent a beam of light in a wide arc, sweeping over the monks and the result was instant - the light making the monks scream and back up, trying to get away from the blinding light and flinging their arms up to cover their faces. Nell blinked, at first her brain was too shocked to register what she was seeing; she was completely unable to look around for Elizabeth or Will, they didn’t even enter her mind; the only thing that filled her mind was the monks in front of her.

“They can’t take the light!” Elizabeth cried, a bit un-necessarily but Nell found the sound of her voice comforting and galvanising. She staggered to her feet, seeing Elizabeth and Will, who was now on his knees holding one cross up in front of him, the sunlight reflecting onto the islanders that were in front of him. Nell staggered forwards the light sending the monks backwards from them and felt rather than saw Elizabeth fall into step with her, but Nell had only one thing in mind and that was finding Jack. The glint from the three crosses shone out in a brilliant arc of light that spread over the retreating forms of the monks, creeping slowly over them, shinning far beyond what normal sunlight would reflect. Their cries were agonised as they dropped their swords, raising their hands to cover their eyes against the blinding glare. Nell could feel the heat from the cross in her hands scorching her palms and moving up her arms but she refused to let go as she searched through the sea of brown for any signs of Jack. The monks retreated further and with a cry of joy mixed with horror she saw Jack and Hock on the ground a few feet in front of her. Jack was on his front, his hat knocked from his head, one arm stretched out, his hand still clutching his sword, his other arm underneath him with Hock beside him, motionless and also on his front but his arm was across Jack’s back, the cross still clutched in his hand, pressed into Jack’s coat as they lay so completely still that Nell’s heart went cold. The sound of the monks was drowned out by her fear that she was too late. Surging forwards once more, the cross clutched tightly in her hands, the sunlight keeping the monks at bay, she shouted his name.

“Jack? Jack!” Nell wanted to throw herself down beside him, shake him until he woke, but she couldn’t let the crosses lower for fear she’d lose the reflection that was glinting from them. At first there was no reaction from either of them, but then slowly she saw Jack move his head and relief washed over her, making her breathing hitch. Hock twitched and Nell saw the cross suddenly catch the sunlight and cast its own beam upwards and then Nell knew for certain that this was their salvation; nothing natural and nothing tangible, but their salvation none the less.

Jack lifted his head, shaking it vigorously sending his beads swinging around his face. He looked sideways at Hock who was coming around also and with an angry grunt he staggered to his feet, reaching to help Hock to his feet too. He looked at Nell, his face already bruising on one side, blood dripped from a cut across his cheek.

“You look like an angel,” Hock muttered blood dripping down his own face and his hands.

“We need….” Nell’s voice was croaky as she looked around her feverishly, knowing that the monks were not defeated. Jack stepped forward again, lifting his sword watching as the monks cowered back from the glint of the crosses, but never completely backing down.

“We need to leave this bloody place.” Jack stated, his eyes looking around at his crew. He moved towards where Dwent was kneeling, clutching at his chest as he tried to get to his feet.

“You can not leave!” hissed one of the monks, unable to come into the light that was projected from the crosses. “You will not leave here!”

“Oh yes we bloody will, mate!” Jack muttered pulling Dwent to his feet and quickly moving through with Hock, moving everyone backwards to the boats. “Is everyone accounted for?” he called, turning to see Hock take the cross from Will as Dwent took his weight despite the cut to his chest, and with Elizabeth, began moving backwards towards the boats. It left Nell and Hock alone to hold the crosses up against the evil facing them. Jack could see the strain on Nell’s face; her whole body was shaking with the effort of keeping the crosses high; the fear was apparent in the way she wouldn’t look directly at the monks in front of her. He was torn - torn between going to help her, taking the cross from her, and getting them all into the boats and away safely. He hesitated slightly but a shout from Dwent brought his head round, beads swinging with the movement - they were cut off from the boats by the islanders and, he noted with a wince, his former crew. He felt someone grip his arm, he swung sideways away from the grip and raised his sword, narrowly missing Bryant’s hand; he let it drop again sighing heavily. “Idiot,” he grunted and glared at the younger man.

“I can’t find James, I can’t find the Commodore,” he stuttered, wiping his face with a bruised bloody hand. “I can’t find…”

Jack nodded at him and looked around again at Dwent. “Take one of the crosses from Hock and try and keep that lot back…” he ordered Bryant.

“But…”

“No buts!” Jack shot back firmly. “We’ll find the Commodore, but first we have to make sure we keep ourselves alive in order to be able to find him. Take the cross!”

Bryant looked at him for several seconds and then nodded before turning towards Hock, who held out one of the crosses sideways but didn’t turn. Bryant took it and turned towards the islanders, slightly in awe of the instant effect the cross had on the islanders. They fell back the closer he came to them; he looked back over his shoulder at where he’d last seen Norrington disappear and a coldness filled his soul. He had no reason to think that Jack would go back for him, or even try to look for him. He looked back at the islanders and the crew that had been lost in the island; he saw Brown and Knowles, headless, hands out-stretched as they moved forwards. Bryant shuddered, the image searing itself in his brain forever. Fear almost rendered him immobile; he backed up slightly bringing the cross up in front of him with both hands. Relief surged through him as the light from the sun caught the cross and speared outwards driving them back.

“Way’s clear!” Dwent hollered as Bryant held them back far enough for the crew to be able to get to the boats. Jack ordered for immediate retreat and the crew that were more able helped the ones who were more badly injured.

Nell could hear them retreating behind her, a sudden urge to drop the crosses filled her mind; the muscles in her arms were screaming in the effort of holding the crosses so high. She lifted her head, determined not to lose now they were so close, her eyes made sudden contact with one of the monks and it was if her entire being was being assaulted with their thoughts and feelings. A mix of emotions were bombarding her, extreme hate, anger, guilt and fear that weren’t her own; emotions so strong that she staggered back slightly. Hock looked at her sharply, saw her swaying on her feet, the shaking in her arms from abused muscles, and knew she’d reached the bottom of her strength.

“Nell, make your way back slowly, I’ll hold them here!” he ordered her looking back at the monks, aware they were edging forwards and knowing that he couldn’t give an inch, not yet, not till they were in the boats and leaving this cursed island.

Nell heard his voice, but it was disjointed, she could hear the voices in her head, hear their thoughts; it was disjointed and vague but slowly one thread was making itself quite clear. They were asking for her help, still telling her that she could help them, begging her to help them, but then there was another thread running through the voices; it was recrimination, she’d agreed to help them and she had rejected them, turned her back on them. She had forsaken her faith and the Lord; she of all people should understand how they needed something, anything. How long had they waited here, waited and hoped for some form of help, for salvation. Nell shuddered; the feeling that she had betrayed them was strong. She shook her head, trying hard to break eye contact with the monk in front of her, her arms were shaking so much she had lowered the crosses to her throat but she didn’t notice as she stared at him. An image slid into her mind, an image of when she was in the caves, a hand - strong, firm and reassuring holding her hand, making her feel secure, except she hadn’t been secure and it hadn’t been Watts as she had expected; another image filled her mind - floating downstream, deathly tired certain that she would drown and then feeling the pull, gently but firmly, drawing her out of the current and into the shallows. The realisation that somehow they’d saved her then had her lowering the crosses even further.

“Nell!” she could hear her name being called, but it sounded so far away, so unconnected that it did no more than brush over her. Her eyes were held by the monk, and somewhere in the last few minutes, the hatred had drained from his face; his eyes were a soft brown filled with sorrow and endless pain. Pain she could stop, all she had to do was lower her crosses and step towards them. Somewhere in the back of her mind a small voice was trying to tell her that she was being tricked again, but the swirl of emotions almost crowded it out. She hesitated, her eyes caught by his, she wanted to help them, wanted to step forwards but still that voice in the back of her mind held her back. Nell could hear him, hear him talking to her, the same way he’d spoken to her in the monastery, whispers echoing in her mind, promises of safety for the others; for Jack. She sighed, the feeling of warmth and security he was entwining around her making her sag slightly, but the voice in her mind that told her it was a trick was getting louder; it was lies, just lies and she wouldn’t allow them to fool her again. Deliberately she raised the cross higher, straining to block against the pressure they were putting her under, stepping forwards until the beam of sunlight fell back on the monk and the change was instantaneous, a snarl replaced the sadness and his eyes darkened to black again. Hatred and anger spilled from them, revealing their true nature as they fell back a few steps out of the light, but they continued to assault Nell with a barrage of emotions until she felt her knees start to buckle under her. She shook her head and dragged her eyes away from his, concentrating instead on his robes; she fought hard against the feelings, concentrating on anything but what they were trying to undermine her with.

Hock looked behind him anxiously, relieved to see the last of the crew climbing into the boats. He saw Jack start to make his way back to them, indicating frantically with his hands for them to start backing away.

“Nell, move backwards slowly, watch your feet!” He stepped sideways until he could nudge her arm. For one heart-stopping moment he’d thought that Nell had given up; he’d seen from frantic sideways glances her arms dropping lower and lower, the small whimpers she’d made telling him that she was suffering something he was unaware and immune to. But then something had changed and she’d fought against it.

“Nell, we can go backwards towards the boats,” Hock repeated and sighed with relief when she started to move backwards slowly and surely.

Nell could see their fury was growing, could feel the strength of it but at the same time she also sensed their growing desperation. She realised then and probably for the first time, that she and the rest of them really were only one step away from surviving and leaving the island. It gave her renewed strength as she stepped backwards with Hock, careful to watch her step. Nell felt hands on her waist and she knew Jack was behind her.

“We need to keep a cross in each boat,” Jack said quickly, talking to Hock, but his eyes were on the monks in front of them. “Give me one of your crosses, Nell.”

Nell nodded and bough one of her hands down slightly, letting him take the cross from her. It was if she’d let go of a heavy weight, her arm sailed upwards and she would have overbalanced if he hadn’t kept one hand on her waist as he took the cross. Jack squeezed her waist and looked at Hock briefly. “Take two of the crosses from Will and Elizabeth and share them between the boats. Order them to start rowing out. I don’t think we’ll be safe till we go through the mists.”

“What about Bryant?” Hock looked across at where the Lieutenant was struggling to keep the islanders away from the boats, turning in half circles to keep them back. Sweat dripping from him as he cursed at them, frantically trying to keep the path clear.

“He needs to keep the way to the boats clear!” Jack said and let go of her waist. He stepped sideways until he was beside her. “I have the Commodore to find!” he muttered and lifting his cross in one hand and his sword in the other, he started forwards, shaking the cross angrily to keep the monks back as he forced them outwards in a wide arc, his eyes searching the sands for signs of the Commodore.

“Starboard!” Hock suddenly shouted from where he was backing Nell towards the water’s edge. Jack looked right and saw where the Commodore was lying, unmoving in the sands. He didn’t know if he was dead and he had no way of stopping to find out. He sheathed his sword, glancing backwards to satisfy himself that Nell was safely going towards the boats; he turned and inched his way towards Norrington, cursing and swearing at the monks as he kept them back. He was aware that as he moved towards the prone man on the sand, the monks were encircling him from behind, effectively cutting his way off. He hesitated and looked behind him again when he heard a yell and grinned when he saw Bryant swinging his cross in a wide arc at the monks, cutting a path through them till he was behind Jack.

“I’ll watch your back this time,” Jack slurred and stepped behind Bryant till they were pressed back to back, crosses sweeping a wide swath of light around them.

“Is he….?” Bryant’s voice cracked slightly with effort but he didn’t finish his statement. As a unit they moved slowly and surely towards the Commodore until they were beside him, Jack took Bryant’s cross and held them up, leaving Bryant free to haul Norrington up and over his shoulder.

“Keep close to me and stay in the light,” Jack ordered, already knowing that Bryant was well aware of what he would have to do to stay alive.

Together they worked their way back to the water's edge; the press of the monks and islanders was so overwhelming now that Jack was sweating with effort. They stopped at the shoreline and saw Nell and Hock waiting just slightly further out, the water lapping around their knees, crosses held high to protect the boats behind them and Jack surged forwards making sure that Bryant stayed with him at all times. He was pleased to see that the other boats were all equipped with crosses and were being rowed away from the shore, but he knew that he’d lost several men on the beach and it stung him to think of the lost lives.

Suddenly without warning, clouds crossed the path of the sun and the light from the crosses instantly faded. The monks surged forwards angrily through the surf towards them.

“Into the boats now!” Jack roared as he and Bryant struggled through the surf to the boats. Hock saw the islanders coming from the other direction, and along with them, he could see Jones and Spade advancing angrily and with a start of shock he saw Brown and Knowles, headless and bloody, advancing with Jones. He shook his head as if trying to rid himself of a bad dream; but this was real and they were getting closer.

A clap of thunder could be heard in the distance and a streak of lightening lit the sky. Hock gripped Nell’s arm as they waded through the water to the boat and climbed in and then hauled Nell in, his eyes on where Jack was helping Bryant through the water, the monks drawing closer behind them.

“Grab the other oars, Nell!” Hock hollered over the rolling thunder as he sat on the seat and took up the oars.

“You can’t leave them behind!” she screamed at him, the cross lying useless in her lap.

“I’m not!” he yelled back at her. “As soon as they’re in we need to row! Now bloody do as you’re told, Nell!” He looked across at the other boats but they were further out and, he hoped, safe from the evil.

Nell clambered onto the seat opposite to Hock and took the other oars. She could see Beaumont and De Mornay cowering in the prow of the boat. Will and Elizabeth were watching Jack’s progress with fear, Elizabeth yelling at them to hurry up. Nell looked back and with overwhelming fear saw one of the monks reach forwards and grip Norrington, pulling him from Bryant’s hold and into the water. Bryant pitched head first into the water and floundered. Jack hauled him to his feet and tried to use the cross to keep them back as they clawed at Norrington who was face down in the water. Jack lifted his sword and struck forwards the sword going straight through the monk as if it wasn’t there. He backed up as Bryant dragged Norrington over onto his back and a tug of war began. But the other monks were closing and Nell could see that they would soon be out-numbered. Jack gave up on his sword and instead thrust the cross into the face of the monk; making him fall back hissing, losing his grip on Norrington and Jack gave a cry of triumph.

At any other time the sight of Jack thrusting and paring with a cross instead of a sword would be funny; but the situation was grave and Nell could only watch in fear as Bryant dragged Norrington back behind Jack as they made their way into the deeper water until they were beside the boat. Hock dragged the Commodore in and then Bryant while Jack continued to keep the monks off. But now there were more monks and Jack was struggling to defend himself. They reached forwards with clawing fingers, hissing and retreating as Jack swiped at their hands with the cross as he backed through the water that now reached his thighs. Nell looked down at the cross in her hands and without giving it much thought she stood, making the boat pitch dangerously. She heard Hock yell at her to sit down but she lifted the cross high and threw it with all her might, watching as the cross narrowly missed Jack’s head and caught the monks directly in front of him. They screamed in anger and fell back slightly, but it was enough for Jack to be able to widen the distance and get to the boat; hauling himself in and yelling for them to row.

Bryant pushed Nell out of the way, making her fall awkwardly onto Beaumont’s lap, and took the oars with Hock, and they began to row strongly away from the monks, into deeper water. Rain began to lash down as lightening once again cracked across the sky. The boat was tossed about on the growing waves as the storm crashed around them, but Hock and Bryant continued to row powerfully.

“Take us through that mist, Hock!” Jack yelled above the noise of the thunder. “We’ll not be safe till then!”

“If this keeps up, we’ll not make it to the Pearl!” yelled Hock as the waves continue to toss them around. “Were the hell has this come from?”

Nell scrambled from Beaumont’s lap and leaned over the edge of the boat so she could see the bay behind them, the islanders and the monks still wading through the surf trying to reach them; but it was behind them that caught her attention. A man was standing with his hands raised above him. His hair was white and long and the wind was wiping it around his face, which was painted blue and white. She recognised him as the chief of the islanders and now she realised he was calling down the storm on them.

“There!” she pointed but no one was paying much attention to her. The wind had picked up and the rain was falling harder, stinging them as it pelted down on them. She peered through the rain but gradually she could make nothing out of the bay at all and it was with relief that she realised they were rowing through the mist that covered the island.

A sudden scraping noise had Jack climbing down to the front, pushing his way through till he could lean over the edge and peer down into the murky water.

“Reefs!” he called and tried to guide them through but the bottom of the boat was scraping the reefs as it passed over the top of them. Nell began to pray as she peered through the rain that fell like a curtain, but she couldn’t see and then with a feeling of intense relief she realised they were rowing through the mist that surrounded the island. The mists cleared and they sped forwards into blue calm sea, the reefs behind them.

“Now, I can truthfully say, with hand on heart, I have seen it all!” drawled Jack as Hock and Bryant stopped rowing, leaning forwards in exhaustion at the effort of rowing through the storm.

Nell looked around her; the water was calm, the sky blue and no sound of thunder could be heard. The other boats were close by, having made it through sooner, and Nell could see where Coales in the nearest boat, was leaning over the edge of the boat, trying to see what damage had been done by the reefs.

He looked over at Jack. “We’re taking on water, Capt’n!” he called.

“Aye!” Jack called back, looking down at where they were leaking too. “Keep together in a group; we’re heading for the Pearl.”

A groan brought Nell round to see Norrington opposite her, beginning to stir. She shifted forwards till she could lean over him, bracing herself on the edge beside him. His face was badly bruised on one side and his shirt was slashed, seeping blood through the material. Nell could see blood in his hair and she reached down and carefully parted the hair seeing a nasty graze with bruising around it. She realised he’d been hit on the head as she sat back and took his hand in hers.

“Is he coming round?” Hock asked her as he continued to row towards the Pearl with Jack. Bryant and Elizabeth were busy bailing water as it seeped through the cracks in the seams of the bottom of the boat.

Nell placed her hand on Norrington’s forehead and nodded when he moaned again and opened his eyes. She grinned down at him but he merely blinked up at her, totally disorientated.

“What…” he pulled himself into a sitting position, his hand going to his head. “One of those bloody monks cracked me over the head,” he muttered and seeing Bryant, sighed in relief. “I take it we made it out?”

“Just,” Bryant said as he pulled on the oars in unison with Hock. “But not before we had the mother of all storms beating down and reefs ripping the boat from under us!”

“I think it was the man on the shore doing it,” Will spoke up from where he was trying to look round for something to bail water with. His arm was bleeding again and the bandages were hanging off. Nell caught a glimpse of torn bruised flesh before Elizabeth sat up and glared at him.

“Stop that!” she said firmly. “You sit still, William Turner!”

Will grinned at her, his eyes dark in his pale face. “Elizabeth, if we don’t get the water from the boat we’ll drown!”

“I’m well aware what could happen, thank you,” she said primly and then relented by leaning forward and kissing him gently.

Nell looked down at the water in the bottom of the boat and looked around for something to bail with. Jack was using the only pail they had and Elizabeth was using her hands. It wasn’t effective and Nell realised it was coming in more than they were bailing it out. She looked around her and spotted Jack still wearing his hat. She reached forwards, leaning over Bryant, and plucked it from his head and started to bail water with it.

“Oy!” Jack blinked at her. “That’s my hat you’re using, Missy!”

“I know,” she replied scooping water into the sea quickly. “It’s a minor miracle that after everything that happened on that island you still have it! Shame to see it and us at the bottom of the sea… besides it’s already wet,” she pointed out, not looking up from where she was bailing.

“Well, it is now! Just don’t drop it or anything; I’m attached to that hat!” he said as he bailed water, winking at Bryant in front of him.

“I can’t believe he did it!” came a low voice and Nell turned to look at Beaumont beside her. “We sacrificed far more and only just made it, he’s lost only a few…” He was looking at De Mornay who was resting wearily beside him, hands still tied and the gag still in his mouth. He closed his eyes in fatigue and his head drifted onto Beaumont’s shoulder.

Nell looked across at Norrington who was trying hard to bail with his hands; he looked sideways at her and grinned and Nell grinned back as she realised that Beaumont was right; Jack had got them off the island. She looked over at the other boats, she could see that there were several crew missing, but overall most of them had made it.

“The Pearl!” Hock suddenly cried not breaking his rhythm. It gave them renewed energy and with relief they surged forwards through the water until they were beside the anchored ship. Ropes were thrown down from the side and Nell sat back, Jack’s hat still in her hand as she watched Hock securing the boats.

“Take the chests and drag the boats up!” Jack called across to the others. He looked up as another rope came coiling downwards. He stood and caught the rope before looking down at everyone.

“Commodore, we’ll take this boat up with everyone in it. Mister Bryant, watch them,” he indicated Beaumont and De Mornay and then nodded his head at Hock. Hock stood and waited as Jack shimmed up the rope, disappearing over the side before following him up.

“Can they drag us all up?” asked Nell watching as the chests were tied to ropes and being carried up. Her fingers went to her throat where the emerald still lay against her skin.

“If they have enough man-power, which they do,” replied Norrington fingering the bump on his head. “Thank you for not leaving me, Mister Bryant,”

Bryant looked at him, “Sparrow found you, he looked for you.” Bryant frowned and looked down at his hands, “he stopped them taking us in the sea too; he saved our lives.”

“Mine twice,” Norrington muttered as he remembered how Jack had turned back and dragged him to his feet when they were being chased from the flies.

“How foolish he was then!” Beaumont muttered. “Because the first chance you have, he’ll hang from your rope won’t he, Norrington?” Beaumont sneered at him. Nell bit her lip and looked at Norrington.

Norrington said nothing as he looked away from Nell. The tension in the boat was suddenly tangible; it was Elizabeth who spoke again.

“What was it you said before we went back?” she asked Nell quietly.

Nell looked at her, confused at first until she remembered what she had said. “Amor Vincit Omnia,” she said quietly.

“Don’t you believe it,” snorted Bryant dryly and regretted his words when he saw Nell colour up.

“What does it mean?” asked Elizabeth with a frown.

“Love conquers all things,” Nell said quietly and looked up at the railings of the Pearl high above them. Before anyone could reply, the ropes came down that were to be tied to the boat and Norrington and Bryant made sure the ropes were securely tied before sitting back down as the boat was hauled slowly upwards.

Nell’s mind was still on Beaumont’s words to Norrington. She sighed heavily and looked out to sea, some things were resolved and some things still remained unsettled. The boat inched over the top and Nell hung back deliberately as they took Will off first, followed by Elizabeth. She watched as Benjamin helped them both towards Jack’s cabin, intent on tending to Will now he had more equipment on board. Beaumont and De Mornay were taken from the boat and hauled toward the lower levels. She heard Jack call out that he wanted their injuries looked at, but only after everyone else had been seen to. Bryant looked at her, reached forwards and tapped her arm gently.

“Ready, Nell?” he said quietly. She accepted his out-stretched hand and got up and he helped her towards the edge, then Jack caught her round the waist and lifted her out of the boat and down onto the deck. She sighed when her feet touched the deck and Jack waited till she had her balance before he let go of her.

“Miss Nell!” the deep tone behind her was familiar and very welcome. She turned quickly and saw Soames, his arm still in a sling, coming towards her. She grinned and stepped forward, not prepared for the one armed hug he gave her. His solid presence and the roll of the deck beneath her feet finally sank into Nell that she was on board the Pearl and they were safe. She gripped him tightly, fighting the sudden tears that threatened to fall then eased back from him, refusing to let them see her tears.

“I’m very pleased to see you, Mister Soames,” she said and smiled at him before turning as a red head appeared at his elbow.

“Jimmy!” Nell was delighted to see the young lad who was grinning widely. Reaching forward, he patted her shoulder awkwardly.

“’Tis good to see yer, Miss!” he smiled.

The sudden motion of the ship changed and Nell realised that the anchor had been raised and they were moving further away from the island and she looked around her and saw Jack making his way up to the wheel. They were all still soaking wet but Jack didn’t notice.

“I’ll bring some hot water for you to the second cabin, Miss,” Soames said bringing her attention back to him. “Some food too, if you want.”

“Oh, please!” Nell nodded quickly. “That would be… wonderful,” she sighed.

“Go on then, Miss,” he said softly grinning at her.

Nell thanked him and began to cross to the entrance. She was halfway there when Lady Clarence came out of the door, her eyes alert and her face anxious as she saw them.

“I had no idea!” she cried and crossed to Nell quickly. “You are well?” Lady Clarence caught her arm, peering intently into Nell’s bruised and dirty face. She lifted her hand and ran her fingers over the bruise on her jaw gently. “What happened?” she asked and her eyes met Nell’s, concern clear in her manner and tone.

“Too much for me too relate now,” Nell sighed. “I can’t… I’m just so bone weary!”

“Come!” Lady Clarence took charge and leading her by the arm, drew her down the corridor to the second cabin. Nell crossed straight to the bed and sank down onto it thankfully.

“I’ll see about some water,” Lady Clarence spoke kindly. “Wait here and I’ll fetch some clean clothes too.” She smiled brightly at Nell and went out shutting the door behind her.

Nell felt fatigue wash over her as she looked down at the soft pillows and covers; she would just rest her head while she waited.

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Lady Clarence opened the door quietly and peered in. She smiled softly at the sight of Nell curled on her side in a tight ball fast asleep; she wouldn’t disturb her now. She pulled back and shutting the door turned; Hobbs was standing behind her with the small hip bath that they had.

“We’ll leave her for now, she’s fast asleep. I’m sure Elizabeth would appreciate the water, take the bath to her and then you can tell Mister Soames to take the hot water into the Captain’s cabin instead.” She spoke firmly, her manner and tone much the same as when she spoke to one of her maids at home.

Hobbs didn’t make any comment, the crew were slowly growing used to Lady Clarence and her ways and each had developed their own way of dealing with her. Hobbs was older than most of the crew and wasn’t as vocal as some of them were; he merely arched one shaggy, grey eyebrow at her and stayed still. Lady Clarence realised and rolled her eyes; she still found it hard at times remembering that on board this ship there was no class distinction. The pirates obeyed the Captain, First and Second Mate and that was it; most certainly not a woman.

“I’m sorry, please can you?” she asked quietly, her tone softening but the proud tilt to her chin still present.

“My pleasure!” he cackled and grinned at her, showing blackened teeth in his wizen face. He turned and began ambling up the corridor; she watched him as he turned the corner. She heard him cackle with laughter and frowned, wondering if he was still laughing at her but all thoughts flew from her mind when she saw Hock come round the corner grinning from where he had spoken Hobbs.

“Mister Hock!” her hand fluttered to her throat without her even knowing it, her heart sped up as he came towards her. He stopped a few feet from her and grinned, the scar on his cheek was smeared with blood and he was still wearing his torn, dirty clothes from the island.

“Tilly,” he said quietly. Tilly was her given name and he insisted on using that once she had told him that Lady Clarence was her married name. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, lass,” he sighed and without any hesitation he stepped forwards and scooped her into his arms, hugging her to him so tightly it was almost painful. His hold on her was almost desperate as she wound her arms around his neck; his face was buried in her hair, his hands wrapped round her so tightly his hands were cupping her hips.

“I never thought I’d see you again,” he muttered into her hair.

“Was it that bad?” she asked him, her own mouth close to his ear.

“Worse,” he shuddered and then composing himself he loosened his hold on her enough to cover his lips with his own. She kissed him back with all the passion she hadn’t even known she had.

“Hey, break it up you two!” came Jack’s slur. “There’s a Commodore on board who knows your husband, and until we’ve decided the best way to secrete you away somewhere, the less he knows the better.”

Hock gave her one last kiss and stepped away; admiring the effect he’d had on her pale skin. “Just proving to myself I made it off alive, Capt’n,” Hock smirked at her reaching out to stroke her cheek gently.

“What happened? Nell wouldn’t say,” Lady Clarence said, her curiosity got the better of her and she looked between the two of them.

“Where is Nell?” asked Jack, looking over her shoulder at the closed door of the cabin. “She in there?”

“She’s asleep!” Lady Clarence said firmly and moved backwards to block his way to the door. “She needs it by the looks of her.”

“Indeed she does,” Jack replied grinning at her. “And you’re her protector, well I’ll let her sleep, but she also needs to eat.”

“Jack!” Jack turned to see Norrington and Bryant coming towards him, holding fresh clothes in their hands. Their various cuts and bruises had been seen to by Benjamin and they had washed up below decks. Norrington’s face was pale against the bruising and Lady Clarence looked at the state of Jack and Hock.

“You look terrible!” she pointed out. “Please tell me what happened?”

“All in good time, lass,” Hock replied and turned as they stopped beside them.

“We need to discuss where you’ll drop us off,” Norrington said quietly, fatigue clear in his face despite the formal stance he was holding.

“Later,” replied Jack with a circle of his wrist. “I think we all need a darned good meal, followed by several hours sleep. Grab some kip below deck, there’s plenty of time to be sorting things out later,” he dismissed, not missing the reservation in Bryant’s eyes. “We’ll not be killing you in your sleep,” he chuckled.

“I hope not,” Norrington replied with a hint of amusement. “I think you would have just left us to the monks if that were the case.”

Jack merely smirked at him and then flapped his hands at them. “Go on before you drop on your feet! I’ll give you a heads up that we’re headed to La Romana first. We need supplies but I’ll not be putting you ashore there.”

Norrington nodded to Jack and then they half bowed to Lady Clarence in respect before turning and going back the way they had come.

“Am I growing soft in my old age?” Jack mused as he watched the red-coats go round the corner.

“I think you have all been through enough without having contentions now!” Lady Clarence said quietly. “I think you are doing the right thing.”

“Why thank you, my Lady.” Jack grinned up at Hock. “Now I can sleep well tonight, knowing you agree with me.”

Lady Clarence blushed glaring at him. “Please don’t tease me,” she said primly. “I meant no ill will.”

“Ah, but you blush so well when teased,” Hock said and slipped his arm around her waist, pinching her side gently and eliciting a soft squeal from her.

“Lady Clarence, take Mister Hock and clean him up.” Jack grinned at Hock. “I’m thinking he’ll need help with the places he can’t reach.”

“Captain Sparrow!” Lady Clarence went fire red at his words, but Hock merely laughed and led her down the corridor.

“Mister Hock, discretion please!”

“Certainly, Capt’n,” Hock nodded seriously at him over his shoulder.

“And have yourself some shut-eye! I’ll need you sharp!” Jack called with his hand already on the door handle.

“Aye, Capt’n.” He called and carried on.

Jack opened the door and went in; he could see Nell still curled up fast asleep facing away from him. He crossed to her quickly and silently; the sheets under her were wet from her wet clothes and her boots were still on. He could see from the colour of her skin that she was cold and knew that he should really wake her and get her to take off her wet clothes, but he also knew how badly she needed to sleep. Jack stretched, feeling his own fatigue keenly, so he stripped quickly from his own damp clothes and dressed quickly in clean dry britches and shirt before crossing back to look down at her. He rested his hand on her shoulder; satisfied when she didn’t stir he reached down and gently took her boots off, but Nell made no movement at all, so encouraged, he undid the laces of her britches and drew them down her legs, studiously avoiding her naked skin, knowing that he’d be doing himself no favours were he to look at her. Jack was a little disconcerted when she still gave no indication of stirring; but then he knew how exhausted she was. He dropped the wet britches next to his own and taking the blanket covered her legs and lower half before starting on her shirt, his worry deepening when he was able to lift her limp upper half and slide her shirt off without as much as a murmur. He settled her down, not even noticing her breasts in his concern for her, and drew the blanket up and shook her, but she made no movement at all. Truly worried now, he knelt by the bed and placed his head to her chest, the rhythmic beating of her heart settled him slightly and he pushed her across the bed and climbed in next to her, drawing her into the comforting circle of his arms. Nell sighed then - a low sigh that relieved him. He settled down, making sure she was completely covered with the blankets and snuggled into her before he closed his eyes - he knew that for the first time in five days he could sleep without keeping one ear open. Gibbs was at the helm; his crew were on guard; Beaumont and De Mornay were locked in the brig and the chests of treasure were safe in the hold. Will was going to mend slowly, but surely and Elizabeth was safe too; Nell was safe in his arms, were he intended her to be every night from now on. A slow smirk crossed his face as he thought, not for the first time, that being Captain Jack Sparrow was a pretty good thing to be.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Nell could see them, stood at the bottom of the bed. They were there, standing with their hoods up, faces hidden from her, hands folded inside their sleeves as they watched her. Fear slid through her, cold fear that had her gripping Jack’s arm painfully. She knew he was beside her, curled up fast asleep; she could hear him snoring; she tried to shake his arm but he merely grunted and tightened his hold on her. Nell watched the monks through half-shut eyes, knowing that while they thought she was still asleep she was safe. If she made any movement that showed she was awake, they’d kill her. How she knew this didn’t cross her mind, she just knew. Panic was beginning to grow like a black cloud inside her mind, panic and terror clawing at her heart, making her breathing shallow and shaky.

One of the monks moved and his hand slid from his sleeve, his ring caught the light from the lantern, but it was the dagger in his hand which held her attention. He raised it up above his head and brought it down in a swinging ark, aiming for her heart. Nell screamed, scrambling to get away, she fought from Jack’s hold dragging herself up backwards as she struggled to get away.

“NELL!” her name came as a roar, dragging her brain out of the hold of sleep.

She was sitting upright on the bed, screaming and Jack was shaking her, trying to wake her up. Nell turned and looked at him; her eyes reflecting the horror of her dream. Recognising Jack, relief speared through her as she collapsed against him, glad when he wrapped his arms around her.

“Ssh, Nell,” he rocked her gently, drawing the blanket up and around her with one hand. “It’s just a dream, darlin’, just a dream.”

“Oh God!” Nell shuddered in his hold before drawing back to look at him. “They were here, Jack. Stood there!” she looked at the bottom of the bed with scared eyes, but there was nothing there except the ladder up to the bunk above them.

“No, Nell, they weren’t here. They aren’t here,” he said firmly. “You were just dreaming.”

“Just dreaming,” she repeated nodding her head wearily. She felt foolish now, silly and foolish. Of course it had been a dream; they had left all that far behind on the island. Nell ran a hand over her face and realised for the first time she was completely naked.

“Where are my clothes?” she asked blinking at Jack.

“They were wet, darlin’,” he supplied casually. “I couldn’t let you sleep in wet clothes now could I? I did try to wake you, but, well, you needed that sleep; still need sleep by the look of you.” He rubbed his thumb gently under her eye tracing the black shadows that lay there. Jack got up from the bed and went to the chest of drawers searching through for clean, dry clothes.

“I’ll get you some warm water for a wash and I’ll see if Soames can rustle up a bite or two to eat.”

Nell nodded in gratitude. “I’m starving,” she agreed and then coloured up as it sank in that Jack had stripped her of her clothes. She drew the blanket higher shivering, but not from the cold.

“Don’t fret, lass.” Jack grinned at her, correctly interpreting her blush. “I took no liberties with you. I want you wide awake when I do that, not unconscious,” he winked at her and swaggered towards the door and went out without a backward glance. Nell sank back against the pillow and breathed deeply, her heart rate was only just slowing from her frightening dream. Her eyes went to the ladder at the foot of the cabin bed, it was foolish to think it looked like a monk, but now Jack had gone a shiver went through her that had her diving deeper under the blankets for security. Her eyes searched the dimly lit room for signs of anything out of place, but everything was as it should be. It should have relieved her, but it didn’t stop her jumping in fright when the door was opened again and Jack came swaggering back in with an arm full of clothes.

“Here you go; Mister Hobbs will knock with some hot water and some food in a few moments. Take your time, Nell,” he put the clothes on the table and looked up at her, taking in her large, startled eyes. He sighed slightly before swinging his arms out at angles. “I’d offer you the tub, but Elizabeth is still using it.” He stopped as a thought occurred to him. “Would you to like to wait for it?”

A knock at the door had Jack turning on his heel and opening the door enough to see out, but not wide enough for anyone to see in.

“Ah! Mister Hobbs, perfect timing! Oh, Elizabeth has finished! That must be the quickest time for her yet!” he reached out and took the bath from where Mister Hobbs was standing. Jack drew the bath in and the door swung open leaving Nell able to see Mister Hobbs quite clearly; and him her. She coloured up, almost disappearing under the blankets completely in embarrassment. Mister Hobbs cackled in delight, shut the door and ambled off to fetch the water. Jack looked at where only Nell’s head was showing under the blankets; he chuckled and crossed to place the small tub in the centre of the room.

“You’re going to have to get used to it, y’know,” Jack said amused. “The entire crew will know soon enough you’re my woman.” He wasn’t looking at her as he spoke, so he didn’t see the grin that crept across her lips. His woman. It had a ring to it that made Nell’s heart sing and her toes tingle. Jack Sparrow’s woman, sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow’s woman - yes, she could live with that; live with it her whole life if possible.

The tub was soon filled with hot water and Nell suddenly found herself nervous at the thought of Jack being in the room. She stayed where she was, despite the arched look he gave her.

“C’mon lass, the water won’t stay hot forever y’know, and to be sure, it’s not like I haven’t see you before.”

Nell went red and tried hard to gather enough courage to get up from the bed and cross to the tub, but the funny thing with the cold light of day was it made things like that exceptionally hard. Jack smirked and half bowed to her before crossing to the door.

“Make sure you lock this behind me,” he said and opening the door went out. Nell wasn’t sure where she was relieved he’d taken pity on her, or frustrated that he had left. Shaking her head at her own foolishness she slid from the bed and walked towards the tub. She stood there, looking down at the hot water when the door was opened suddenly and Jack poked his head around.

Nell gasped, her hands flying to cover herself, but the wide smirk on Jack’s face told her it was to little advantage.

“I told you to lock the door behind me,” he slurred, his eyes taking in her naked form with appreciation. “I’ll be back later with some food for you, now lock this door.”

Nell nodded; bright red from embarrassment, but her body was reacting to his bold looks. She bit her lip and looked down at the water to summon up some courage.

“You could always stay… with me,” she peeped at him from under her lashes. “Stay and wash my back, it didn’t happen last time…” she stopped; aware she was starting to babble. He looked at her wordlessly, his eyes glittering as he slipped back into the room and shut the door behind him. She heard the key click in the lock and she swallowed hard. There was no going back now, but then she already knew she didn’t want to go back, only forwards to whatever this man would offer her.


A/N: Yeah, yeah I know, stopped it at the juicy part. The next chapter will be split between the tamer version for fanfiction and the racy version for Adult Fan Fiction.

I’m sorry this one took forever to get out, the next won’t be so long I hope; I’ve been waiting to write this next scene for what seemed like forever and now the time has come I’m nervous in case it’s bad!

Thanks you so much for all your reviews and emails. Inspiration in art form!

Take care of yourselves and have a great day!