The Map

Usual Disclaimer:
Erm I don’t think there are any advance warnings needed for this one, save for my terrible spellings and bad use of the Queen’s English!
This chapter is a bit slower in pace; in fact it’s very slow, but essential to build up the plot… so please bear with me. I hope you enjoy it anyway.

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Sir James Beaumont stood on the quarterdeck and looked down on the men scurrying around as they tried to make repairs.
The sails needed repairing and he knew that with the ship listing so badly at the aft that if he were to try and go after the Pearl now he’d be sending any chances he had of getting Nell back straight to hell.
It angered him incredibly to turn tail and make haste in the opposite direction but he had no choice.
He would drop anchor at Tortuga and either make repairs or find another ship.
Tristan D’Mornay stood to one side of his Captain and life long friend.
“Tobias says there’s an Island off the Port Bow, it will be closer than Tortuga and we can make the necessary repairs James.” Tristan braced his hands on the bulwarks in front of him as looked over the deck below.
“I’ve come too far to let this slide past me.” James said quietly, seemingly ignoring his friend. “We’ve come too far. Twice we’ve had the gold in our hands and twice we’ve had to let it go.”
“We won’t loose again James.” Tristan looked across at his Captain.
Close to Forty he cut an imposing figure. Well over six feet with short blonde hair that was well kept and clean underneath the white rolled wig that he wore. He had kept himself trim and fit and was little changed from when Tristan had first met him over twenty years ago.
He was dressed in a long dark blue coat with gold decorations and buttons. His white britches were in a pristine state as were the boots he wore. He wore a sword at his right hip, a scarlet cord hanging from the handle. His hands were clasped behind his back, which was ramrod straight. He was good looking in a clean cut short of way, with a long straight nose and firm chin. But his eyes were the window of his soul and they could burn a man or freeze him. Through their long friendship Tristan had often been glad that he was his friend and not his enemy, although James had never mistreated him or taken his friendship for granted. They were very much alike in temperament and both devious of character. Very well suited.
“Take us to the Island Tristan and inform the crew that no one sleeps until repairs are made and we’re back on course.”
Tristan turned and left James briefly to carry out his orders. When he came back again James hadn’t moved.
“What do you know of this Black Pearl?” Tristan had heard rumours of the vessel that used to sail in fog and had sacked Port Royal a few years back, but other than that he didn’t know a lot.
“It was Jack Sparrow’s ship.” Beaumont said and looked sideways at Tristan “Till he got himself mutinied, but word has it that he’s got it back again.”
“Sparrow? Jack Sparrow?” Tristan frowned rolling the name around on his tongue “Tis been too long since we sailed these waters. I have not kept abreast with things the way you have. His name means nothing to me.”
“Strangest pirate you’ll ever meet. Seems mad as a jackass, but don’t let that fool you, behind those eyes of his lies a quick and cunning mind. I read that he sacked Nassua Port without even firing a shot and I know for a fact that when he was caught by the East India Company he managed to escape. And not that long ago he took one of Port Royal’s naval ships from under their nose and sailed with just one other person for crew. Not to mention surviving a mutiny in the first place. The man is not to be underestimated, especially if knows what lies upon her back.” He drew a quick breath and looked back over the deck below “Which I daresay he does now. If she did find out about it in the convent and that’s what made her run, then she’ll have used that to barter her life with him.”
“He’d kill her?”
“I doubt it. If he’s willing to sack an entire Port without anyone I’d doubt he’d kill an innocent female. But she won’t have known that. Remember the tales we told her on the crossing to England?”
Tristan laughed as he remembered the very frightened seven year old. She had been very serious and sat quietly listening as they’d told her tale after tale of the way Pirates tortured and killed people they came across. It had amused them to watch her little mind soak up all the information and they knew for a fact that they had even given her nightmares. It had been a cruel sport and one they excelled at.
“But that is beside the point now.” James continued “We have to assume that Sparrow knows about the map. It won’t take him long to pin point which group of islands we used and then there’s a strong chance he’ll work out the puzzle and then he’ll know exactly where to go.”
“Then we had better catch up with them before he gets that far.”
“We can’t attack the Pearl. At least not through the day, we will have to at the them when they least suspect it. Sparrow will know that we’re working on our own.”
“What do you think he’ll do now?”
“He’ll head to La Romana; it’s the closet port in that direction. He’ll need to restock and regroup until he can work that map out. I just hope we’ve confused things enough to make it impossible for him.”
“What will you do once we make repairs.”
“Head to La Romana and retrieve Nell. If he makes out the map and manages to work out where it’s hidden, he’ll still need her for the exact co-ordinates. If he even works out she has them that is.”
“And what if she no longer has it? What if she didn’t bring it with her?”
“She will have.” Beaumont replied easily “But he’ll probably have taken it from her without even knowing what they are, so he will have it stowed in his hold anyway. We’ll get it and her even if we have to send the Black Pearl to the depths of the sea.”


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Nell was stood in the small room that she was going to sleep in.
Now Will and Elizabeth were aboard they would take the cabin she had with Lady Clarence and they were to move to two smaller cabins below decks. Nell was happy enough. She didn’t mind not having a window and she spent so much time above deck anyway that it didn’t bother her much.
She went out now and headed up the steps and onto the main deck. She crossed to the bulwarks and leaning against them looked out over the sea. They were quite some wrom rom where the Ardent had gone down, two days had passed since then and Nell had avoided Jack as much as she could. She was aware that he had allowed her when she had launched herself at him. He had simply let her take her anger and pain out on him and when the anger had left her and she had pulled away from him he had merely smirked at her and muttered something about it being a refreshing change to have a woman punch him and not just slap him and then he had turned and swaggered away without looking back. No one else had said anything and she didn’t think he had told anyone what she had done but she still felt uncomfortable about it
A hand on her shoulder had her turning quickly, startled into gasping.
“I’m sorry. I did not mean to startle you.” Lady Clarence came to stand beside her, her dress has been replaced with one of Elizh’s h’s dresses and with her hair brushed and arranged she looked very attractive. Nell suddenly became aware that she hadn’t even taken a brush to her hair let alone try and do anything with it.
“I wanted to…” Lady Clarence stopped and took a deep breath “I wanted to agisegise to you. I misjudged you. Elizabeth told me about what was done to your back when you were a child and I thought the worst of you. Forgive me.”
Nell was startled enough to gape at her.
“I realise that I said some unforgivable things to you.” Lady Clarence clasped her hands on the black wood and looked at Nell “You must feel very trapped here.”
Nell shivered as she almost mirrored Elizabeth’s words to her.
Nell shrugged and awkwardly ran a hand through her hair.
“I can brush it out for you, Elizabeth also gave me a lotion that will keep the…” she screwed up her nose daintily and wiggled her fingers “lice from your hair.”
Nell blinked as she realised that when she had first come aboard the thought of getting lice in her hair had filled her with horror. Jack had been right; it was funny what a body got used to and no longer even thought about. Her hand went to her hair involuntarily; it would be nice to have her hair brushed.
“I would like that, thank you.” She said quietly and accepted the olive branch Lady Clarence held out.

Half anur lur later found Nell staring at her slightly damp hair in the mirror. The lotion that Elizabeth had given her was drying on her hair and smelled divine. She said it was a mixture of plant roots and coconut oil and that it had always worked on her and Will.
But it was the way Lady Clarence had arranged her hair that made her blink. Instead of braiding it back like she usually did, she had pinned it up into a coils of curls at the back of her head.
“It looks… amazing.” Nell laughed as she peered into the mirror in Elizabeth’s cabin.
Lady Clarence brought her fingers to the now yellowing bruises around her neck.
“What happened?” she asked not touching them.
“I had a run in with one of the pirates on the island after you left.”
“Which one, where is he now?”
“Daniels.” Nell avoided Lady Clarence’s gaze in the mirror and instead kept her eyes on the finger shaped bruises around the sides of the neck.
“I don’t know what happened to him other than he was left behind on the island.” Nell shrugged and tried to smile at Lady Clarence.
“Didn’t you have someone to do you hair? How do you know how to it?” she asked her changing the subject.
“I did have a maid… Sarah, you met her before she left at Ireland.” Lady Clarence frowned slightly at being put out by the absence of her maid.
“How did you wear your hair in the convent?” she asked Nell.
“Well… when I was first taken in they shaved my head and then they only let it grow a few inches when I was a novice. I was able to grow it longer when I could keep it hidden.”
Lady Clarence pulled a face and fused over a curl making it curl down her cheek.
“How old were you when you took your vows?”
“Fifteen.” Replied Nell softly.
“I was married when I turned fifteen.”
Nell could quite clearly hear the bitterness in her voice as she spoke.
“You felt trapped in your convent and you ran away. I admire your courage; I wish I was as courageous as you.” Lady Clarence took another deep breath before continuing
“I thought I was going to die on the Ardent.” She spoke softly “Even when we were picked up by this ship I didn’t think I was in any danger. I was positive ry wry wry would ransom me and because of that they wouldn’t kill me. But aboard the Ardent, when the cannons starting firing and Will knew the boat was going to sink…” she trailed off and std tod to stare into space, obviously remembering.
“You realised that money couldn’t buy your life then.” Nell said quietly.
Lady Clarence looked at her and nodded her face pale and pinched.
“I have never been so pleased to see a pirate ship. I honestly thought all was lost… and then the Pearl was coming towards us and I realised…” she stopped.
Nell didn’t say anything; she just waited for her to continue.
“I realised that I might be saved and suddenly it was as if everything was so much clearer. I was going to live… I’m 23, not that much older than you.” She turned back to Nell and smiled setting her hands on her shoulders “You said to me that you live in hell now. I was living in hell as well.”
Nell couldn’t help the disbelief cross her face.
thi think that because I’m a Lady and that my husband is wealthy I’m happy. That because he gives me expensive clothes and we live in luxury that my life is happy.”
Nell shrugged, not knowing what to say because frankly she did believe that.
“Let me tell you about myself.” Lady Clarence sat down on the bed “I was fifteen when I married Henry. I had no choice in the matter; it was a marriage arranged by my father. I never met Henry until the actually wedding day. He’s fifty nine and I am his third wife. He eats like a pig and he lives like one. He has no manners and even less morals, he made me share my marriage bed with him and then the next nighthad had one of the servants. He makes my skin crawl and when he told me that he was sailing to Port Royal to become advisor to the governor there I was so happy. And then he sent message that I was to follow him. And still I didn’t have the courage to do what you did.”
Nell turned on the seat to look directly at the woman.
“Sometimes, staying takes a lot more courage than running.” Nell replied “What will you do when Jack takes you back to Port Royal.”
Lady Clarence laughed sadly.
“Return to Henry I suppose.”
“You could come with me.” Nell replied “Jack has promised me a share in the treasure. We could disappear together; no one would have to know where we were going.” She knew Lady Clarence would be no better than a pain but she could change. Everyone can change given the right circumstances.
Lady Clarence smiled at her and Nell saw a light come into her eyes that made her even more beautiful, it was hope.
“You think you could put up with me? I won’t change over night because of the Ardent. I’ve been spoilt foo loo long and even I recognise that!” she laughed dryly “Mister Hock had quite a time informing me of every single thind sad said that made me and I quote “a selfish, heartless wench.”
Nell raised an eyebrow at her and shook her head.
“The offer remains; you can choice what you wish to do when the time comes.”
“And if Jack doesn’t find the treasure?”
Nell shrugged and gave a short laugh.
“He’s so determined to get his hands on that treasure that we’ll be looking for it forever if need be.”
Lady Clarence pulled a face and turned away when someone knocked on the door and it was opened.
“Miss Nell, Capt’n wants ye in ‘is cabin now. And ye too ladyship.” Jimmy grinned at them both and then went back out whistling loudly.
“Let’s not keep him waiting.” Lady Clarence said and she lifted her head and Nell followed her slowly.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So you see that leaves us with just the tiniest of problems.” Jack said waving his hands ar as as he spoke.
Nell couldn’t resist rolling her eyes at Lady Clarence making her woman laugh.
Elizabeth frowned slightly but turned back to Jack, her clever brown eyes fixed on him making him squirm slightly.
“So what you’re saying Jack, is that you don’t know where the treasure is.”
“What I’m sayingr Elr Elizabeth is that the map upon Nell’s back makes no sense whatsoever!” he corrected her careful to point out that it wasn’t possibly his fault.
“Why not?” asked Nell frowning at this piece of news.
“Because it’s a chart of somewhere I’ve never come across.” He stated clearly, only slightly slurring his words.
“Nor me!” added Will from where he was bent over the map “It could be the Leeward Islands, except for it can’t be.”
“But you told me you knew where it was and where you were going!” Nell accused him sharply.
Jack shrugged and his hands waved in circles as he looked across at her.
“I actually told you, if you’d been listening, that I knew roughly where it was.d I d I do. I know it has to be roughly somewhere in the Caribbean. I think.” He shrugged again and turned away from her.
Nell shook her head in desperation, the man was a walking lunatic and he was in charge! What hope did they have?
Elizabeth crossed to the table and the three of them bent over the map once more.
Lady Clarence stood up, bored rigid and back in her haughty mode.
“I fail to see how my being here can benefit the conversation in any way. I shall be having an afternoon nap in that box you call a room.” She sniffed at their backs and sailed out of the room without even looking back at Nell.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Will but Jack didn’t even seem to notice her absence. Nell wondered if she could make the same kind of exit just minus the announcement. She stood up quietly and promptly satht bht back down when Jaookeooked round at her, eyebeyebrow rose in question. He grinned as she sat back down and turned back to the map, reminding her once again that he wasn’t quite as incompetent as he appeared.
Nell felt annoyed with herself that she didn’t have the backbone to up and walk out like Lady Clarence had. But no matter how much she started to feel safe with Jack and his , th, there was always, lying at the back of her mind, the stories that she had been told when she was younger. She didn’t think she would ever really relax while she was aboard a pirate ship.
“This here has to be St. Cruix.” Jack slightly slurred his words bringing her attention back to their conversation.
“It could be…. But then this doesn’t make sense because Santo Domingo would be back here and there’s nothing there.” Will pointed out quietly.
“Liz?” Jack waved with one hand in the general direction of his shelving. “Get me the map that shows the northern edge of the Caribbean.”
Nell watched Elizabeth get up and shuffle about on the shelves until she found the rolled map.
It was unrolled and Nell stood up and crept forward to see what they were doing. She stopped behind Jack and peered over his shoulder, standing on tiptoe to see.
”Look it should….” He stopped “That doesn’t make sense at all.” He murmured.
“It’s as if La Romana and Santo Domingo isn’t there at all….” He stared and stared at it going slightly cross eyed in the process.
“Maybe you have the map upside down.” she suggested helpfully, eyeing the two maps as best she could over his shoulder.
Jack closed his eyes and then looked over his shoulder at her.
“Upside down?” he inquired softly “Well now there’s an idea that hadn’t crossed my mind.” He scratched at his head and Nell was prompted to tell him about Elizabeth’s lotion when he spoke again and she clearly heard the mockery in his voice.
“Obviously you know far more about this kind of thing than me, perhaps you’d care to take command of this ship and sail us there straight away.”
Nell pulled a face at him when he looked back down at the map.
“I was only trying to help.” She whined and turned back to the cushions under the window muttering under her breath.
“Maybe the whole thing is an elaborate game, made up to drive an already insane and completely delusional Pirate Captain even more delusional and insaner.…” Nell frowned… was that a word even?
Silence descended over the cabin and she realised they had heard exactly what she’d muttered. She looked back at him her bottom lip firmly in her teeth.
He was standing perfectly still his head bent over the map.
“Leave us.” He spoke quietly but Will stood immediately. Elizabeth opened her mouth to say something but Will shook his head and pulled her up as well.
They left the cabin and Nell felt a fission of unease ripple through her, but he didn’t look up he just stood there and continued to stare at the map.
“You’re frustrated.” He said simply “But I was under the impression that we had previously discussed this little matter of respect and come to a satisfying conclusion for all. But now I’m having a thought that you need a little clarifying in the meaning of the word.” His voice held the usual lazy accent but it was darker than normal, none of the lightness or the teasing tone remained.
“I know what it means.” She began but he cut her off.
“I don’t ask much from you Nell….” She cut him off this time as she came back across to stand in front of him.
“You do. You ask too much.” She corrected him “I don’t wish to hold to your accord anymore. I want you to let me off this boat, ship, thing at the very next habitable port we arrive at.” Her voice was quiet but slightly aloof.
“How manyes des do we have to go through this luv?” he drawled “It really does get boring. I can’t let you go, accord or no accord. What would I do if I lost that copy.” His hands waved vaguely over the map.
“I doubt greatly whether it would make much difference anyway, you can’t seem to read the thing as it is.” She snorted unhappily.
He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“There you go again, insulting my intelligence.” He sighed but it was filled with sarcasm.
“Oh no! I never insulted your intelligence.” She shot back “I know that you’re extremely intelligent, highly cunning and very sly.” She ended quietly “Just a little unbalanced and more than a little delusional, but then I think everyone on here is a little bit. Must be the rum…. What with Elizabeth and her ghosts and you and your obsession with treasure.” She trailed off realising she’d been rambling.
“Obsession?” he held his arms wide to the side “Pirate!” he pointed out incredulously “It’s what I do. It’s what Pirates do.” He supplied as if she were simple.
Nell shrugged and turned away from him to stare back out at the window.
“I see Elizabeth told you about the Aztec gold then.” He stood there swaying with the motion of the ship.
Nell shrugged again and looked back at him, but avoided his eyes.
“I will find the treasure Nell, I will work out this map.” He looked at her unhappy face and stepped forward slightly. “And I won’t let you go till I do. You’re going to have to accept that at some point or to be sure you’ll never be happy.”
“And if we all die trying I don’t suppose it’ll make much difference.” She said quietly and heard Jack’s intake of breath.
“You’re frightened.” He stated “Elizabeth’s tale of the Aztec gold has frightened you.”
Nell laughed and shook her head as she watched the waves once again.
“I don’t believe in ghosts.” She said “And I’m not frightened of dying.”
“But you are.” He contradicted “What fear would it hold have over you if you weren’t frightened of dying.”
“I’m not frightened of dying.” She insisted “I may be a little scared of the way I die, but I’m not frightened of death.”
“Confident of avoiding hell are we?” he asked softly and she could hear the mocking tone back in his voice.
“I don’t believe in that either.” She replied smartly.
He was surprised at her reply. He came to sit beside her on the window seat.
“Really? And you being brought up by Nuns. They didn’t do their job well enough apparently. Or perhaps, having said that, I’m wondering if your words are just a smokescreen to convince me otherwise.”
Nell looked at him and narrowed her eyes.
“Why would God send us to hell when we already live in one?” she asked simply and stood up, anxious to put some distance between them.
She crossed to his desk and sat down in his chair leaning over the maps.
“Bitter words.” He said quietly “I pity you.”
“I do not require your pity.” She stated blankly.
“No.” he agreed and once more stood to cross to her. “Do you know what you require from me?” he asked and bent low to put his face right in front of hers. His black eyes held hers, pinned her. She couldn’t look or move away.
“Do you?” he questioned her again.
He was so close she could feel his breath on her face; it was warm and smelt faintly of rum. And she suddenly found it hard to think, let alone reply to him.
“Let me go.” She whispered and he shook his head, his eyes dropping to her lips.
“You don’t mean that.” He replied softly as his face inched closer to hers. Her breath caught in her throat as her heart began to beat faster.
She tried to pull away from him, but time became suspended and everything around her stopped, leaving just him. Her eyes slid down his straight nose to his moustache and down onto his lips, before looking back up into his dark eyes. He was looking directly at her, an unfathomable look in his eyes. His hand came up and cupped the side of her face, his thumb brushing the skin of her cheek. A sigh escaped her lips at the feeling of his hand. It was as if she’d taken a drink of water after days of going without. It was relief and it was quenching, but it was fire and need as well.
“Do you want me to kiss you?” he asked her quietly, his words almost lost they were so soft. He watched her eyes slide back to his lips and took the decision away from her almost as soon as he gave it to.
H.
He lowered his head until his lips slid across her in the softest kiss he’d ever given. Her eyes feathered shut as he brushed his lips across her. He leaned closer and pressed his lips more firmly against her. He heard the tiniest moan from her and his eyes shut of their own accord as he continued to kiss her gently, making no effort to gain access to her mouth. He brought his other hand up to cup her face, tilting it slightly to gain better access of her mouth.
Nell was lost the moment his lips toucheds. s. It took her breath away and replaced it with pure fire that swept from her head to her toes.
Jack slid his hands into her hair pulling it loose from the curled style Lady Clarence had spent time over, letting it spill over his hands onto her shoul. H. He moved forward slightly and sank to his knees not letting her go and bringing her head down slightly gaining better access. He ran his tongue over her swollen lips and Nell opened her mouth in a slight gasp, she had been completely unprepared for his tongue to touch her lips. feltfelt his tongue glide over her lips again, nudging them apart as his tongue inched into her mouth, gently stroking over her own tongue.
Her hands fluttered around his shoulders at the feeling his tongue caressing hers created in her.
She moaned low in her throat and her hands slid round his neck to bury themselves into his hair, pulling him closer.
His fingers were rubbing her scalp in circles exploring her head even as his tongue ravaged her mouth. Nell was kissing him back now, her arms winding around his neck both hands in his hair, her fingers stroking the skin at the base of his neck, his skin was warm and soft and the tingling he was creating with his mouth made her head sing.
They broke apart reluctantly, the need to breathe forcing the separation. Nell stared at him aware she was breathing heavily, unaware that her hands were still entangled in his hair. His black eyes were more liquid than ever, a sparkle in them that made her breath hitch painfully.
“Gods, you’re beautiful.” He whispered as he looked up at her and in that moment he really meant it. He brought a hand round to rub his thumb over her swollen lips.
“Tis not enough.” He murmured and without another word he stood up and catching her hands pulled her up with him.
Nell’s knees were shaking as he pulled her to him, his arms going around her waist as he held her up. Her head went back as she looked up at him and he leant forward his mouth possessing hers once again.
Nell shivered as his fingers slid under her shirt and across her back. His mouth left hers and trailed tiny kisses along her jaw line. Her hands clung to his shoulders as his lips found the skin beneath her ear. It took her a moment to rse tse the tiny gasps she could hear were her own as he nipped and suckled on the sensitive skin.
He turned them slightly so the back of her thighs were pressed against the table for support and then slid one hand around her waist to splay across her stomach. His fingers warm on her flesh under her shirt.
She moaned at the feelings that spiralled from his fingers; he inched them upwards as she clung to him completely overwhelmed by the feelings he was creating.
Someone knocked on the door, but it didn’t sink into Nell’s fevered mind. Jack drew his head away from her, his hand moved to her hip as he looked down at her flushed face.
He cursed as someone knocked again calling out for him.
Nell eyes widened as realisation sank in and he cursed again as she pulled back away from him.
He cast one last glance at her before turning and rubbing his hands over his face quickly. He straightened up and grinned over his shoulder at her.
“Come in.” he shouted and Hock stuck his head around the door.
“Almost at La Romana Capt’n.” Hock cast Nell a quick glance before doing a double take. Nell wasn’t sure how, but she was certain he knew that Jack had been kissing her. She coloured up even more and tried to look completely innocent, making it even more obvious.
Hock grinned slyly at her before looking back at Jack who had crossed to pick up his coat.
“C’mon luv, time to see a great Pirate Port.” He began to whistle happily as he slid his arms into the sls ans and motioned with his head for her to follow him.
“I’ll be out in a minute.” Nell said, not sure she wanted to come out on deck just yet.
Jack sent her a sly glance and merely nodded before leaving with Hock.
The moment Jack left the room, her knees gave out and she slid to the floor.
She lent her head forward and her hair fell about her face. Cursing softly, she pulled it back into her usual tight plait and fastened it with a ribbon.
Her fingers strayed to her lips as she remembered with detail how he had kissed her.
Her fingers rubbed over her lips gently ae the thought of the way he had felt, with his arms around her, his hands in her hair on her face, across her back. Shivers ran down her spine and she closed her eyes leaning her head back against the wall.
He had set her on fire and she knew that she wanted more, and if it hadn’t been for Hock knocking on the door where would it have ended?
She scrambledher her feet as she realised that he had complete control over her, he could have done what he willed and she wouldn’t have stopped him and in fact she would have eagerly let him.
She didn’t love him, didn’t even like him most of the time, so why on earth did she react like that when he touched her.
And if she him him touch her like that again where did that leave her, or more to the point what did it make her? She would be no better than one of the women who walked the docks and streets, looking for men. Years of the nuns preaching about the sins of the desire and the weakness of the flesh and it had counted for nothing the moment he touched her. She really hoped that hell didn’t exist. Her hands strayed to the cross she wore around her neck. Her prayer beads were in her pocket, confessional would serve her no good now, because she knew that if he chose to touch her again she wouldn’t have the strength to resist him, because she wouldn’t want to resist him.
Nell swallowed as her self-esteem nose dived into her boots, there was nothing she could do about her lack of moral fibre around Jack Sparrow, except avoid him like the plague. And avoid being alone with him she had to do.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Norrington was surprised to see the Merchant Vessel so far off the usual sailing lanes.
“What do you think sir?” asked Bryant stood by his side with his own spyglass to his eye.
“She’s low in the scuppers and has her sails shot to pieces. I’d say she’s making for that Island for repairs.” Norrington replied squinting down his own spyglass. “Take us about Mr Bryant and head for her at all speed. She’s been frequenting with Pirates and will require assistance.”
“Aye Sir!” Bryant gave a smart salute and turned to obey his orders.
Norrington watched the ship further, squinting down the spyglass. Something didn’t sit right with him about this ship; she was too far off course for his liking, even if she had tried to outrun the Pirates. If she had been trying to outrun them she would have been heading for PRoyaRoyal at all speed, not turning in the opposite direction. Unless of course the Pirate ship had approached from the direction of Port Royal, but that was impossible. He’d been on manoeuvres all morning in the waters surrounding Port Royal and he knew there were a three ships out further to sea, one of them would have spotted the Pirate ship and given chase. No, it just didn’t sit right for the Vessel to be so far of course.
He closed his spyglass up and tapped it against his chin, his eyes narrowed.
Bryant came to stand behind him.
“Hales can see a name sir, she’s the ‘Heron’s Reach’ sailing from Plymouth sir.”
Norrington turned to look directly at him, surprise registering in his eyes.
“Plymouth you say?”
Bryant nodded and clasped his hands behind his back bringing his chin up slightly.
“Lord Davenport’s wife was travelling from Plymouth sir.”
“Yes.” Norrington nodded “On ‘The Rose’, according to Lord Davenport that is. There may have been a change of plan at Plymouth I suppose, or there may have been two ships which set sail from there at the same time. But she’s still a long way off course.” He mused half to himself half to Bryant.
“Shall I order for the cannons to be made ready just in case sir?”
Norrington nodded at him slo
“
“I do not want a show of force Bryant, just ready them and have the men armed and below deck with just the usual number above deck. I don’t want to be caught out by a ship of pirates playing at being Merchants.”
“No Sir!” Bryant nodded and moved away again.
Norrington turned to look back out over the sea, the ship was getting closer and he could see what looked like activity on the rigging, where the sails were no doubt being fastened as best as they could.
He clasped his hands behind his deck and waited. There wasn’t much else he could do at this stage.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

La Romana was not like Tortuga in the fact that it was, on the surface, more civilised. Inns were still there and so were the whores that were attracted by the sailors and pirates that had money to spend. But there was also a form of law enforcement and even a governor, albeit a corrupt one, who could be swayed bysuassuasive words and the exchanging of silver and gold.
Governor Jameson was quite aware that it was the Pirates bringing their plundered booty to the town that made it as well off as it was, so as long as there were no out and out skulduggery committed he turned a blind eye and an open hand to the notorious ships that frequented the harbour port.
Jack paid the harbour master the correct coinage to gain passage into the town and then informed his crew they had to re-stock the ship with provisions and only after that had been done could they pleasure their ‘black weasley guts out’ as he put it. They were to be back an hour before the tide turned and if they weren’t they would be left behind.
He had also charged each man to keep quiet about what they were looking for and he threatened any who spoke out of turn or revealed too much with having his tongue removed.
The Inn that Jack had led them to was dark and smelled strongly of rum, sea and dirt.
Nell wrinkled her nose up as she stepped through the door, aware of Lady Clarence close to her and glad of her presence. Will and Elizabeth had disappeared shortly after docking, much to Jack’s amusement and Nell’s confusion.
“Sit yourselves over there at the table right in the back and wait there.” Jack informed them swaying more than usual as he pointed to the dark corner.
Lady Clarence and Nell made their way through the tables of drinking men, careful not to make eye contact with anyone.
“Ere! Gorgeous.” One sailor slapped Lady Clarence firmly on her rump as she passed, eliciting a squeal of outrage from her.
“ ‘ow much do ye charge for a go?” he slurred at her. Lady Clarence narrowed hyes yes but firmly ignored him almost pushing Nell forwards in her hurry to reach the table Jack had pointed to.
“An absolute outrage!” she exclaimed to Nell as they sat down. “How dare he? Filthy ingrate!”
Nell looked back at where the man was supping at his drink, part of it sliding down his filthy beard. She shuddered in distaste and lifted hlf slf slightly trying to catch sight of Jack or any of the other sailors from the Pearl but she couldn’t make anyont int in the growing number of men coming into the Inn now the sun was beginning to set.
Lady Clarence was still fuming at the behaviour of the man as she picked delicately at invisible threads on the skirt of her dress. But Nell was starting to feel nervous, there was no sign of anyone she knew and the comments that were being directed at them were making her face blush.
Lalarelarence wasn’t helping by being her usual haughty, shrill self and Nell decided discretion was the definitely the better part of valour in this instance.
“I think perhaps you should keep quiet. You’re just making them worse.” Nell said to her and turned to face Lady Clarence.
A man from the closet table leaned over and pressed his face close to Lady Clarence.
“You’re a real beaut. I’d luv to give ye a pearl necklace… ‘ow bout it?” Lady Clarence looked at him in disgust and confusion her hand automatically going to her throat.
“I wouldn’t take any jewellery from you, you filthy scoundrel.” She sneered at him.
He looked at her for several seconds and then burst out into raucous laughter. He turned to him mates, pointing over his shoulder at her.
“She finks I wanna give ‘er a real necklace! There’s innocence for ye. Shall I educate ‘er like?”
Nell moved closer to Lady Clarence, not understanding what they were saying at all but she did recog the the intent behind their talk. Daniels had a similar expression on his face when he had attacked her. Nell shuddered as the memory of Daniels slipped into her mind. She had been so careful to avoid thinking of him but the lusty looks on their faces and the remarks they were making brought it all painfully back. Forgetting all about her resolve she wished Jack would hurry up and come back to them.
She felt a hand slide over her hair andoilyoily voice whispered in her ear.
“Fancy a tumble upstairs sweety?”
Nell shifted out of his grasp and huddled even closer to Lady Clarence. Beginning to pray for some sort of assistance.
“Now, now!” came a voice that filled her with relief. “Don’t you ignorant louts recognise a couple of Ladies when you see them?” Hock moved into view and sat himself down next to Lady Clarence slipping his arm around her shoulders, his other hand on his pistol. “Especially as this one’s mine.”
Lady Clarence made a strangled noise in her throat and Nell looked at her to see the blush creeping up her cheeks as Hock’s hand drifted down over her shoulder and rested on the skin above her bodice.
The one who’d touched Nell moved forward towards her and indicated her with his hand.
“’ow about I strike a deal with ye then. I take this little bird out of yer ‘ands leavin’ ye free for ‘er.” He leered down at Nell who screwed her face up in disgust. “Ye come wit me and I’ll pay ye for what yer worth.”
“I have no intentions of going anywhere with you!” she spat out and feeling slightly braver for Hock’s presence she shoved him away from her.
“You can’t be helping yourself to her mate.” Came a cheerfully slurred voice from behind the now angry man. Jack moved forwards and slopped down four tankards of ale, spilling it everywhere.
“She belongs to me.” He stated happily and using his boot tugged out the seat next to Nell and plopped down into it. He grinned at Nell and pushed the tankards of ale over the table to each of them.
The men grumbled and moved away knowing when they’d lost.
Nell slumped in her seat and Lady Clarence threw Hock’s arm off hnd gnd glared at him.
“I thank you for helping me out but don’t ever touch me like that again!” she said haughtily and lifted her nose in the air, but Nell saw her hands shake with fear still.
Hock roared with laughter at her and nodded at Jack.
“I’ll be on my way then Capt’n. See if I can’t find myself a wench that will be more accommodating and a little less frigid!” he eyed Lady Clarence slyly as he spoke and saw the wash of colour flood her face.
“If I’m frigid it’s bec because I’m sick of men being lusting heathen devils with no morals and little respect.” She hissed angrily stung into replying to him.
Hock looked at her calmly and then gave her a mocking bow and stood up.
“Whatever you say your ladyship.” He grinned at her and then nodding at Jack left through the crowd to leave the Inn.
“Of all the infuriating, annoying, lying, cheating, devious, dirty scoundrels.” Lady Clarence hissed really flushed now as her previous fear gave way to anger.
Jack looked at her in utturprurprise and whistled low in his throat.
“Like that is it?” he murmured and Nell looked at him in confusion but he merely winked at her and tapped his nose before finishing off his ale and starting on Hock’s untouched one.
Nell sipped at her drink sandwiched between a still fuming Lady Clarence and a silent drinking Jack. The Inn soon began to fill with crew membef thf the Pearl finished from their chores and ready for some drink. The sun had set outside an hour ago and it was now very dark in the corner, the only light coming from flickering lanterns on the walls and ceiling. It cast strange shadows over the walls and table as the flames flickered in the glass lanterns.
The noise level raised several octaves and Nell could feel a headache forming behind her eyes. She slumped back in her seat and looked at Jack sat beside her. He hadn’t spoken for several hours, just sat there downing tankard after tankard. Lady Clarence had fallen silent too and had taken to sulking.
Finally Nell could take no more, she would have rather remained on the ship.
“Jack, can I go back to the Pearl.” She said, but he gave no indication of hearing her as he watched his crew become more rowdy as young Jimmy, stood on one of the tables, and downed his ale in one shot, spilling more than he actually drank.
Nell laid her hand on his arm and he spun to look at her, beads flicking into his face with the speed he moved at.
Nell was startled slightly and she removed her hand quickly.
“Can we go back now?” she asked him and sent the en Len Lady Clarence a quick glance.
“You’re not having fun?” he asked incredulously and Nell looked at him in horror.
“Fun?” she asked slightly bemused “Well, no not exactly.”
A sudden hoot of laughter drew their attention once more to the crowd of sailors. SoamJimmJimmy’s father, suddenly jumped up beside his son and called for silence.
“Tis Jimmy’s birthday!” Jack announced and slapped his hand on the table “I clean forgot!”
Nell looked over at where Jimmy was beaming happily down at the crew slightly inebriated with drink.
Soames clapped his hands before clearing his throat.
“Tis me only boy’s fourteenth today!” he shouted a the top of his voice and the entire Inn erupted in shouts of Happy Birthday as tankards and feet were pounded on the floor making an unearthly din that had Nell wincing.
Soames called for quiet and then he raised his hands again.
“In the time ‘onoured tradition of all sailors, be they of the nefarious kind or not….” He was interrupted by more shouts of approval and thudding feet. He waited for silence and then continued.
“There tis only one way a lad can celebrate ‘is fourteenth year of life and ‘is passage into adult’ood.” Soames clapped his hands and nodded towards the Inn door where Hock was stood with a beaming smile on his face.
“Mister Hock. If ya please….” Soames turned to Jimmy and clapped him on the back “I’m darn proud of ya lad…. So ‘ere’s me gift to ya. Enjoy it…” he grinned wolfishly “or should I say ‘er.”
Nell strained to see as Hock opened the Inn door and for a few minutes Nell was confused until she saw a woman come striding forwards through the men. Her dress was red velvet and cut exceedingly low at the front showing most of her ample bosom. It was boned in black, which matched the black feathers in her blonde hair. She was very pretty and her figure was eye-popping.
“Oh my lord!” Nell gulped as she realised what Jimmy had been given for his gift. Lady Clarence who had stood to get a better look made a noise of disgust.
“Outrageous. Absolutely outrageous and not to mention disgusting.” She shrilled and lifting her skirts slightly made her way through the tables to the door.
Jack rolled his eyes and jumped up onto the chair gracefully; he put two fingers into his mouth and whistled loudly to Hock who was still stood by the door with his arms folded. Hock looked over as did a few other sailors. Jack waved his arms balancing precariously on the chair as he motioned to Hock to cut Lady Clarence off before she could get away.
Nell stood up to watch what would happen and saw in horror as Hock not only cut her off but hoisted her over his shoulder, he slapped her rump firmly and Nell heard her shrill cry of shock from where she was stood. She watched in mou mouthed horror as he then turned and made his way out of the Inn with her, his arms wrapped tightly around her thighs and waist.
Nell was horrified and she moved forward instinctively.
“You can’t let him…” the horror showed clearly on her face “What is he going to do…”
Jack jumped back down swayed dangerously for a moment and then regained his balance. He turned on his heel until he was facinr.
r.
“Relax. He won’t do anything to her she doesn’t want and to be certain we can safely say that she doesn’t want anything from him, yet.”
Nell swallowed and wrenched away from him bringing her hand back she slapped him soundly. His head flew to the side his hair flying around, his beads catching him across the face. He brought his hand to his cheek and looked back at her.
“What was that for?” he demanded sounding wounded.
“You heathen….” She was close to tears now and furious with him “Why did you bring us here?” her gaze went to where Jimmy was now being led up the crooked staircase by the whore. Every man in the Inn was watching; shouting and making some very lewd comments to the red faced Jimmy. Nell flushed and looked back at Jack’s now amused face, the red patch on his cheek giving testament to her slap.
“You’re embarrassed.” He stated cheerfully “Tis just the way of the world lass and certainly not worth slapping my face for, but if you feel I’ve offended your sensitive sensitivities than I dully apologise beg beg forgiveness.” He was mocking her as he half bowed to her, one hand still cupping his cheek as his other hand gestured wide with the bow.
“I’m not embarrassed.” She replied smartly, speaking loudly to be heard over the noise of the sailors as they settled down to drinking now that Jimmy had disappeared upstairs.
“I’m mortified! I don’t know quite what you think you are doing but I am not one of your crew and I will never be one of your crew! I don’t want to know what goes on and I certainly didn’t want to know what poor Jimmy has to….” She swallowed and closing her eyes took a deep breath ng tng to regain her composure.
“He isn’t exactly complaining luv.” He pointed out with dry amusement “In fact he’s been looking forward to this night for weeks now. Makes him think he’s a real man and a real pirate, good for the self-esteem. Don’t know how I forgot…” he mused half to himself, his black eyes watching her carefully.
A movement behind Jack brought his head around as a slim arm crept around his neck and another round his waist.
“Hello Jack. Long time since you’ve graced us with your presence.”
Nell moved left slightly to see a red headed woman draped over Jack. Nell watched as her fingers crept inside Jack’s shirt to find his bare skin. She smirked at Nell and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“You want to play darling?” she purred into his ear “I don’t usually join in with another lady of the night but if you insist. Is she from here I don’t recognise her?” her other hand moved significantly lower on his stomach and Nell felt something shoot through her that made her vision narrow and her fists clench.
“Little Nell is no whore.” Jack grinned, his dark eyes on Nell’s angry face. “A woman of high moral standards is our Nell.” His tone was light his words slightly slurred which didn’t surprise Nell considering the amount of ale he’d consumed.
Nell narrowed her eyes at the o wom woman, furious that she should think she was a whore. This was all Jack’s fault for bringing her in here in the first place. No wonder she’d been propositioned earlier. They all thought she was nothing better than a common slut.
And this common tart had her slimy dirty hands all over Jack. Nell did not like that one bit but she was far too angry with both of them to realise what she feelfeeling.
Without even thinking about what she was doing she reached forward and slapped hard at the other woman’s hands, making the other woman let go and step back growling at her.
Jack eyed Nell with an amused light in his eyes although his face was straight for once.
“Jealous luv?” he asked her and stepped forward towards her.
Nell straightened her back and lifted her chin, not even wanting to think about the way she had felt at the other woman touching him let alone identify that feeling.
“Certainly not!” she replied waspishly “I would merely be grateful if you could escort me back to the shiforefore you… you…” she screwed her face up at the woman who was beginning to laugh at her behind him.
Jack raised his eyebrows at her and Nell knew he was laughing at her as well. Anger shot through her and she shoved past him knocking him backwards into the woman sending them both sprawling to the floor.
“Oh forget it. I’ll make my own way back while you reacquaint yourself with the slut there.” She hissed and pushed her way through the Inn and out the door.
Anger spurred her down the badly lit street. She marched forwards her head high not looking behind her. She refused to think about Jack with that woman and she refused to think about why it made her angry and hurt all at the same time. It was no business of hers what he did and who he did it with. She lifted her head higher and picked up her pace. She could see the docks ahead of her but the Pearl was difficult to see. Her black sails and black wood made it melt into the darkness and at first she thought it wasn’t there any more. But then she spotted the lantern of the few guards left behind.
She headed towards the ship, the night air making her feel chilled.
She stopped suddenly and looked at the dark shape looming ahead of her.
She looked back over her shoulder; in the dark it was difficult to see but she didn’t think anyone was around.
This was her chance. This was the chance she neededget get away, to escape. Her thts fts flitted briefly to Lady Clarence. She felt a touch guilty at leaving the woman, but Elizabeth would look after her and if she went aboard to fetch her the chance for her escape might be lost. This way she might be able to batter passage back to Port Royal where she could alert the Navy and save Lady Clarence that way.
She brought one hand to her teeth and began to nibble on her nails. She had nothing worth any value except her crosses and prayer beads. How much would that get her?
Would it get her very far? She could hope that it would get her at least passage on a ship to Port Royal. The rest she would just have to work out then.
With her conscience towards Lady Clarence slightly absolved she turned away from the ship and started off in the direction of the quieter part of the town. If she could find somewhere she could hide in till the morning she would be okay. She wondered if Jack would try and find hhe mhe might make a half-hearted attempt to look for her, but she figured all he’d do is make anther copy of the map and that would be that.
Feeling a sense of desolation wash over her she slowed her steps slightly. She looked back at the Pearl, indecision washed her. The cold night air had cooled her anger somewhat and made her thinking clearer.
He may not look for her and she might be left behind here and then what? What if one of those men came across her? What if other men came across her? Would her crosses really be enough to buy her passage? What would she do if it wasn’t? And what about Jack?
She stopped short and blinked, where had that last thought come from? What did it matter about Jack anyway? The whole mess she was in was his fault. It was his fault she’d been taken, his fault she’d almost been choked to death by a pirate bent on having her. It was his fault she was here, being propositioned by filthy men and mistaken for a whore. It was all his fault damn him!
Anger shot through her again and she turned once more and began to walk away from the Pearl.
But it wasn’t his fault really. Not if she was truly honest. She stopped again and stood still.
He might have kidnapped her but then that was because she’d left him with no choice. He’d said himself he would have cast her adrift in the boat with the other crew from the Rose if she hadn’t hidden.
And it certainly wasn’t his fault her guardian had used her as a walkingticatical sea chart. And neither was Daniels his fault either if she was honest, and she had to admit that he had made sure the man wasn’t in a position to repeat his actions. If she was truthful he had actually treated her very well considering he was a pirate.
But then he had kissed her….
Her fingers strayed to her lips as she stood on the dock staring into the darkness. She was certain that she didn’t want that to happen again. Or at least she was fairly certain she didn’t. She sighed and her shoulders slumped as her hands fell limply to her sides. If she was honest with herself here she’d know that she did want him to kiss her again, did want to experience that feeling again. Her lack of control over her reactions should be enough to have her walking away from the Pearl as fast as she could.
She took another step away from the Pearl and then stopped turned on her heel and started to walk back to the Pearl. She took three or four steps and stopped again.
She brought a hand to her forehead and rubbed at the ache that had formed there and was beginning to grow worse.
“I feel, considering the rather lengthy soul searching you seem to be doing with no actual sign of a decision being made in the near future, that I should offer my assistance in making the said decision.”
Nell gave a startled gasp as she heard Jack’s cheerfully lazy voice from her left.
She spun and peered into the gloom seeing his sitting perched on the edge of a barrel, his coat lying across his lap. She could see the occasional flash of steel as he idly cleaned his nails with a dagger.
“Jack!” she felt her heart beat increase at the sudden fright. How long had he been sat there? She realised that she must have spoken aloud when he replied.
“I’ve had the dubious, and I might add cold, experience of watching you change your mind every few seconds from the start, which would be logical considering I followed you out of the Inn.”
Nell wrapped her arms around her waist, not certain what would happen next.
Several minutes passed with neither of them speaking and finally with Nell’s nerves at stretching point she broke the silence.
“What are you going to do?” she tried to make out his features but he was sitting where no light shined and even the blade no longer flashed now. All she could out out was his vague shape perched on the barrel.
“Well, interestingly enough, that does in fact depend upon you.” He stated matter of factly “But I’ll give you the choices as you really do seem to have trouble with them.” He stood up and Nell took an involuntary step backwards away from him.
“You can walk back to the Pearl or you can walk away.” He brought his coat around him and slid his arms into the sleeves drawing it on as he spoke “Of course, in the time I’ve sat there watching you change your mind I have come to the conclusion that the ten years you spent in the convent has in fact, drained any vestige of intelligence you had. Surmising that you actually did possess intelligence before that is.” He spoke carelessly as if he was discussing the weather and Nell felt the anger spark to life in her once more.
“Oh and why do you sur tha that?” she spat at him wrapping her arms tighter as a cool breeze picked up and made her shiver.
“Oh the obvious!” he replied and Nell saw him tilt his head back to look up at the sky. “See I’m having a thought that maybe you just don’t learn from experience.”
Nell sighed and shook her head, he was raving again.
“You’re drunk.” She hissed “And making no sense.”
“Well, see if you can make the sense out of this: Where did walking away from the relative safety in numbers get you last time?” the casualness was gone from his voice leaving it slightly hard although his stance was still relaxed and his hands waving as only they could.
Nell blinked and knew immediately what he was referring to. And she had to admit, damn him, that he had a point. But she’d be damned if she’d tell him that, so she remained silent.
“Ah!” he stepped forward and began to talk his head moving about as his hands flapped around “I see I have to be putting it differently for you; I’ll put it so it makes sense this time. Walk out alone on these streets and I can guarantee you won’t be paid for the services some man will take from you. Am I clear enough for you or would you like it put even more bluntly, because I can do that if you so wish.”
Nell fumed, grinding her teeth together
“I know what you meant.” She finally conceded her voice dark with anger.
He nodded and she saw his teeth flash in the light of the rising moon. He was closer to her than he had been and she didn’t even realise he’d moved.
“Time to make your decision Nell.” He said and opened his arms wide “I’ll not stop you from making it.”
Nell looked at him in doubt and narrower eyr eyes. She wanted to go back to the Pearl, wanted the relative safety it and Jack offered but some part of her refused to seemingly give in to him.
What would he do if she walked away?
“Time’s a passing luv and Bessie back at the Inn won’t wait forever.” He said and she could quite plainly hear the mocking tone in his face and although she couldn’t see it, she knew he was laughing at her.
A wave of anger shot through her at the thought of the Whore back in the Inn. It rankled her to think of him going back to her; she lifted her head, her decision made.
“Well don’t let me stop you Mr Sparrow, but I’m not so sure your wife Scarlet would be approving, but with so little morals and even less integrity I don’t suppose you can help yourself.” She titled her nose back slightly in much the same manner as Lady Elizabeth and turned away from him walking away from him and the Pearl.
Her decision was made, she had chosen, so why did she suddenly feel more frightened and trapped when she was his prisoner?
“It’s Captain Sparrow, as you well know.” he said from directly behind her “As for the other fine points you have raised we’ll discuss them later.” Nell stopped and moved to turn but he gripped her upper arms swept her around and bending down slightly lifted her and slung her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“Hey!” she squealed as he spun on his heel and began to walk back to the ship. “Put me down!” she used her fists to hit howerower back but his swaggering gait made her face connect with his lower back with every step he took, until she gave up and used her hands on his back to brace her face away from hitting him.
“You told me you’d let me make a decision!” she cried, hanging upside down over his shoulder made the blood rush to her head and it was an unpleasant feeling.
“And I did!” he pointed out as he carried her up the gangplank. “I however never said anything about letting you carry out that decision. Just let you make it. Quite a difference if you get my drift!”
“I wish you’d drift out to sea and never come back!” she snapped angrily. But he merely chuckled in reply.
Timms was stood guard with another man she knew to be called Dwent.
“Evenin’ Capt’n.” they said as he passed them.
“Evenin’ men.” He replied cheerfully as he walked past them narrowly missing banging Nell’s head on the bulwarks as he turned to cross to his cabin.
“Don’t disturb me till mornin’.” He called out cheerfully and as soon as she heard them laugh she knew what they thought.
“It’s not what you think!” she called anxiously.
Timms roared with laughter and as Jack took her down the narrow corridor that lead into his cabin she heard Timms shout out.
“It never is Miss! It never is.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A/N

Well… there you go. Please se ase any and all spelling mistakes and whatnot.
I have read it through several times but there are always some that slip through the proverbial net.

A quick word about Will and Elizabeth. They will feature more but I had such trouble writing Elizabeth that I just left her out a lot. Any opinion on what she’s like would be gratefully received.

Thank you to everyone who gets this far and likes it, regardless of whether you review or not, although review are nice ;-)

Thanks especially to:

Sophie: Thank you! I’m glad you liked that chapter, my fingers have a life of their own sometimes and directly linked to my warped imagination, so sometimes I don’t even know what I’ve written till I go over and read it. I hope you enjoy this chapter, although it’s a lot slower.

Chary: ;-) Hi! I was great to see your name here! I haven’t forgotten One time thing, honestly, but I do have to admit to getting jaded with it a little, and then Jack came along and swept me off my feet and refused to let me go until I’d written a story.
I will be posting again soon, I promise. I actually have the chapter nearly done.
Thank you for liking this one too. I have great fun writing Jack and I just hope that I can keep him in character. I have to admit to being a little in over my head with Elizabeth though. She just wasn’t real enough in the movie for me to re-create.
Nell will find out what happened to Daniels and considering you know me well now, you’ve probably spotted the tell tale give away clues, seeing as how are alwaystrantransparent as glass!!!

Hellyn: Another name! ;-) I hope you like this chapter too. And I’m definitely going to get the soundtrack! The DVD is going to be a special 2 disk edition! I’m a very happy bunny!

Niamh McNamara: Thankies! I hope you continue to like it. I will update soon as I can.

KrissXed: Thank you for making me grin widely! I have to agree with you about CJS, there’s just something about his character which is so appealing besides Depp being behind the acting. CJS just is so interesting and so…. I don’t know… writable I suppose. I’m having so much fun writing this story and reading reviews like yours just makes it even more great for me. Thank you very much.

Twilight Whispers: Thank you. I have deliberately tried to steer Nell away from being the macho type of heroine because I really don’t think it would fit with her character of being in a convent for most of her formative life and while I have absolutely nothbut but the greatest respect for nuns, the way nuns used to be treated in convents several hundred years ago and even as recently as before the war, is just not conducive to Nell being able to fight off six men single handed while scaling the rigging and wielding a sword. I hope that you continue to like this and thanks again for making me very happy.

Eradwyn: Thank you! I will finish this one I promise. Hope you continue to like it.

Braveheart: Thank you. I hope you like this one too. Lady Clarence will undergo a bit of a transformation but only because of what she suffers, so I hope I can continue to pull it off.

Tricia Stewart: Thank you for emailing me and making my day much happier!
Calendar: Thank you. I hope you like this chapter too.

Shan: Thank you. Hope you like this one too.

Dylan Black: Thank you! You made me smile!

Niyuluna: Thank you. And I’m glad you liked that line, it was my favourite too!

Robyn Maddison: Thank you! Thank you for your emails. They’ve been of great help! Constructive reviews are always welcome and indeed encouraged! Thanks again.

Lan: Thank you! Another reviewer I’ve come to recognise and love! I will be updating one time thing, honestly…

Elle: Thank you. I hope you like this one too.

Pen5: Thank you. Hope you continue to like it.

Jill : Th: Thank you! This chapter may have been slow on plot but I have to build some things up. I hope you continue to like this.

Cami: Thanks for staying with me. I hope you continue to like this, your reviews always make me happy.

Jessie Seagull Jvernham: Thank you. As for Jack’s shirts…. You’re probably right. ;-) I hope you like this chapter too.

Gylzgirl: Thank you! I hope you like this one and I’m learning to type faster ;-) just for you!

Penny Lane: Thank you! I’ve never had a story called intelligent before. I just hope I don’t disappoint you as sto story progresses.

Veronica Tyler: Thank you! I just got you review going to upload this chapter! So I hope you like this one too.

Have a great day where ever you are.