When love interferes

Chapter eight: To the rescue.


The following morning Elizabeth arose early, just after sunrise. She stretched herself and yawned as she sat up on her bed. She was really looking forward to this rescue operation, it had always been her dream to go on an adventure and meet pirates. Her father was very kind to her and loved her deeply, but she was a grown woman now, and perfectly capable of making her own choices. She knew he only wanted the best for her and she respected that, but now it was time for him to let her go. She stood up from the bed and walked over to her screen, where her clothes awaited her. When almost dressed her maid walked in. She was a middle-aged woman with dark hair, that by time had faded and was almost completely gray. She always kept it in a bun, but Elizabeth had occasionally seen her brushing it late in the evening.

'' Good morning miss, your father sent me to wake you up.'' She was surprised to see that Elizabeth wasn't in bed and worriedly scanned the room for any sign of her. When her eyes landed on Elizabeth by the screen she breathed easier.

'' Thank God…I didn't know what to think.'' She shook her head. '' With these pirates everywhere you never know when you're safe!''

Elizabeth smiled at her reaction. '' I'm sorry if I frightened you, I just couldn't sleep.''

'' Dear child, I don't know what I would do if something would happen to you…'' She continued to shake her head. '' Let me help you with this.'' She took the laces on the back of Elizabeth's dress and tightened them.

'' You don't have to worry about me, James will keep me safe. He would never let anything harm me.'' Elizabeth stated with a smile.

'' I sure hope you're right my child…'' The maid finished tying the laces and patted her on the back.

'' There…my god you look pretty…almost like an angel.'' The maid complemented her. Elizabeth blushed.

'' Thanks Greta, it's really nice of you to say.'' At that moment James walked in.

'' I see you're up…I hope I'm not disturbing anything…'' He inquired when he saw the maid.

'' No not at all, Greta was just helping me with my dress.'' Elizabeth replied with a smile.

'' Doesn't she look marvellous?'' Greta inquired with a sigh. Elizabeth smiled at him apologetically.

'' Yes she does…I didn't expect otherwise.'' He replied with a smile, blushing slightly. This caught Elizabeth's eyes and she smiled to herself. He had never been good with ladies, always blushing if spoken to. To save him from more embarrassment she decided to change subject.

'' So when will we be leaving?''

'' We have to make a quick stop at the blacksmith's shop, but are otherwise ready to set sails.'' Norrington replied.

'' Wonderful! I don't know how to thank you enough for taking me with you…'' Elizabeth said as she approached him. He smiled a bit nervous, for her closeness made him uncomfortable. The smell of her perfume was intoxicating and the feel of her small hand on his forearm sent shivers through his spine.

'' There's no need thanking me…'' He replied when he had gained his composure. Elizabeth smiled.

'' Well I beg to differ.'' She leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek. He instantly flushed bright red which made her chuckle.

'' I'll finish getting myself ready and will meet you downstairs in a minute.'' She turned away from him and headed towards her screen. When she looked back, he bowed and quickly left the room. When the door was shut she burst out laughing.

'' You shouldn't be laughing at him, he might lack a bit of communication skills, but is a fine man to be sure.'' Greta said with a smile.

'' Yeah he is…a really decent and sweet man.'' Elizabeth said with a smile. '' But I can't help but to laugh at him whenever we meet. I don't mean any disrespect by it, he's just so…awkward. ''

Greta shook her head. '' Now hurry up child, you don't want to keep the commodore waiting!'' She packed her bag while Elizabeth combed her hair and pinned it up in a bun. Greta took her bag downstairs where James was waiting.

'' She will be down soon, you know how those young girls are…'' Greta said with a smile.

'' I can afford to wait a bit longer.'' James smiled back and took the bag from her. At that moment Elizabeth descended the stairs.

'' I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long.'' She apologized.

'' Not at all, a young woman as yourself needs her time to look proper.'' James replied with a smile. He immediately noticed that what he said didn't sound quite right.
'' Not that you ever look indecent!'' He blushed madly. Elizabeth chuckled.

'' No need to explain yourself, I know you meant no harm.'' He smiled awkwardly.

'' Shouldn't we be going? '' She inquired to spare him from any further embarrassment.

'' Yes, we better should…'' James replied as he scratched his forehead, still feeling a bit awkward. He led her out to his carriage and they drove off towards the Blacksmith's shop.

The journey was rather quiet, James not wanting to embarrass himself any more than he already had and Elizabeth not having anything specific to say. The carriage stopped outside the shop and the driver opened the door, offering her his hand to help her out. James knocked softly on the door before entering.

'' Good day Mr. Turner, I've come for my order.'' A young dark haired man was hammering on an anvil by the fire, but turned around when he heard them entering.

'' Good day Commodore, I have it right here…'' He went to a back area and came out with his hand full of swords.

'' The best I've ever made…I hope you'll find her.'' Will said with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

'' Did you know her? '' Elizabeth inquired curious. Will hadn't noticed her being there so he was stunned when he hear heard her spoke.

'' Well more acquainted with her, I helped her to find your house the other day Commodore. She seemed like a really nice girl, I hope she's alright!'' Will said sympathetically.

'' I can't even begin to imagine what she might be enduring right now…'' Norrington shook his head.

'' We've got to keep our hopes up, she needs it.'' Elizabeth stated. Norrington nodded.

'' Oh how rude of me…Mr. Turner, this is Miss. Swann, the Governor's daughter.''

'' It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Swann.'' Will said as he bowed.

'' And you Mr. Turner.'' Elizabeth said with a smile.'' Will you be joining us on the ship?'' Will opened his mouth to answer when James cut him off.

'' Actually I wanted to talk to you about that…I am in need of a strong man who is skilled with a sword. It would be a great honour if you would consider joining our crew.''

Will was left speechless. '' Oh the honour would all be mine… ''

'' So is that a yes? '' James inquired.
'' Yes…I'll come with you.'' Will said with a smile.

'' Splendid…get your things and meet us down at the harbour in an hour.'' James said as he bowed and walked away. Elizabeth smiled to him and turned around to follow James.

'' I'll be there…'' Will said out loud, but they were gone.

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Christine sat on the bed preparing for the worst when she heard a smashing sound and a man's body fell on top of her. She screamed as she pushed the unconscious body of Terrance of her. Terrified she looked up and to her relieve saw the boy she met earlier, with the neck of a bottle in his hand.

'' Come quickly, the captain won't be unconscious for long!'' The boy ordered as he threw the bottle on the floor. Christine wasn't sure if she should trust him, after all he was a pirate, but then she felt the captain starting to stir so she quickly grabbed the boy's hand and he led her out of the room.

'' Why did you do that? '' Christine inquired puzzled as he led her through the ship.

'' Do what…safe you? '' Lucas replied. '' I couldn't let him rape you could I? ''

'' Why do you care? '' Christine inquired confused. '' You don't even know me!''

'' Even so I feel like I do…'' He replied. They had reached his quarters and he led her through the door.

'' Here you will be safe…at least until he finds out you are here. '' Lucas said as he sat down on the bed. Christine stood by the closed door, not daring to move.

'' Sit down…'' He offered as he patted on the bed beside him. '' I know my cabin isn't much, only a bed and a trunk, but I think you might be quite comfortable here.'' Christine walked over to the trunk and sat down.

'' It's fine of you want to sit there…but you might want to take this blanket and put it beneath you…you might get a sore bottom after a while…'' Lucas said with a frown as he handed her the blanket. She took it from him and put it on top of the trunk as she at down again..

'' Thanks…'' She said with a small smile.

'' If the captain won't find you today you are welcome to stay here with me…of course you would get the bed…I will be fine sleeping on the floor. '' Lucas said with a blush.

'' You are being way too nice to me…'' Christine said confused. '' Why are you helping me?''

There came a moments silence between them, but then he opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by a loud bang on the door.

'' I know ye're in there! Open the door! '' The captain ordered.

'' Oh no…we've got to hide you! '' He said in panic as he skimmed the room, looking for any possible hiding place.

'' Open the bloody door or I'll break it down! '' Terrance threatened as he banged the door forcefully.

'' Hide inside the trunk…it's the only way!'' Lucas whispered frightened. If the captain would find her there he wouldn't only rape her, but most definitely keelhaul him!

'' I won't fit in there!'' Christine mouthed panicking.

'' Yes you will…just try it…it's your only chance!'' He whispered back. Christine knew he was right, if he would find her all hope of sanity would be gone. She climbed into the trunk and he piled the blanket and some pillows on top of it, making it less noticeable.

'' Boy…if ye won't open the door this instance you'll be sorry you were born!'' The captain cursed as he banged the door vigorously.

Lucas made sure Christine was alright before he opened the door, yawning , pretending to have been asleep.

'' What is all this commotion about captain? '' Lucas inquired as he stretched himself and scratched his head.

'' Where's the girl? '' Terrance spat out, pushing him aside, entering the cabin.

'' What girl…the one we brought here earlier? '' Lucas feigned ignorance. '' I haven't seen her since I left your room…has she gone missing? ''

Terrance grimaced in fury. '' You know very well what I'm talkin' about boy…where is she? ''
Lucas looked at him bewildered. '' How should I know…I told you I ha…'' Terrance pulled him up by his collar, slamming him against the wall. Christine twitched as she heard the noise. She was shaking with fear, crouching inside the trunk. '' Oh god…how could this have happened to me?''

'' Don't try to mess with me…I know you're hidin' her…'' Lucas groaned as his captain pressed him harder against the wall.

'' Tell me where she is…'' He threatened.

Lucas was struggling with breathing. '' I really don't know… *cough* …what you're talking about…*cough* '' Terrance growled and threw him forcefully onto the bed.

'' You'll be sorry boy for disobeying me orders…'' He turned to leave when a sneeze was head coming from the trunk. He spun around quickly, glaring angrily at Lucas.

'' What was that? ''

Author notes: oh oh...will he find her? will she become his sex slave forever? will James and his rescue team find her in time? all will be revealed in future chapters....so review!!