Ring and Goddess post AWE parts 21-25
Apr. 26th, 2008 12:27 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
soleilpirateTitle: Ring and Goddess
Author: Soleil Compeau
Pairing: Jack/OFC
Spoilers: Set after AWE, a sequel to Life After Loss. It's helpful to have read the first one to better understand Sarah's character and the subsequent events of this story.
Rating: PG to NC17
Disclaimer: These stunt doubles have just reenacted what takes place after the final cut. No profit or wages are being made. I do this out of deep love for the characters.
Summary: Jack and Sarah have settled down into a life of frequent voyages, tending a home, and raising children. But their idyllic life is threatened by an evil man bent on destroying them. Can they call on supernatural forces to save their family and help their friends?
Chapter Twenty One - Summoning
The next day, Doc Baker pronounced Sarah fit, and they prepared to leave. It was decided that Jack and Joshua would escort Sarah on either side with Captain Teague following.
She protested that far too much fuss was being made. "Honestly, there can't be all that many out there! What would the pirates want with me, anyway?"
"To steal you away from me, most likely," Jack growled in answer.
He didn't actually have to brandish a word after all. As soon as the door opened, his glare and the presence of Captain Teague, Keeper of the Code, caused an aisle to open. Sarah looked with trepidation at the crowd, easily as large as what her dances used to attract.
She slipped her hand into Jack's when the catcalls began. "Oooh pretty, come to daddy!" "What has Jack got that I don't?" "Come and ride this mast, darlin'!"
The women didn't hold back either. Two of them were clear enough to be heard. "Chippy! It should be me walking with 'im!" "Good for you! You've got a pretty one!" Though she was unsure if that last was for her or for Jack.
Sarah could tell by the grip of his hand that Jack was glowering fiercely at his competition. With him slightly ahead, they wended their way to the longboat.
"Take care of yourself Sarah," Captain Teague said affectionately, hugging her. Jack glowered even more fiercely. Into her ear he whispered, "And take care of my Jackie!" He kissed her cheek softly.
As soon as she appeared on the deck, the entire crew burst into cheers, laughter, and mad hat throwing. She was deeply touched and a bit overwhelmed. Tears came to her eyes as they began coming in little groups to hug her.
At last they were out in open sea, and Sarah was ready. She went to the rail and stood a moment feeling the breeze ruffle her braids. She was aware of Jack a few paces behind her, waiting expectantly.
Removing her wedding ring, she held it aloft. Sunlight glinted off the gold. In a calm, clear voice she spoke. "Calypso I summon thee!"
There was no reaction from the sea at first. She stepped back a pace and slipped her ring back on. Then little Tom spotted a large wave about fifty yards off the port bow. Then another twenty yards away. Then a spray of water leapt up and splattered the place Sarah had just been standing.
Two hands grasped the rail and a bright golden head appeared before them. With a heave, the mermaid flipped over the rail and landed on the deck. Her tail glistened an iridescent green.
Jack, Sarah, and all those who witnessed it gasped in shock. There was more to this creature than just her presence there that boggled the mind. She was largely, obviously pregnant.
The mermaid cast her glowing eyes around at each of them. She was so bright the very air around her shimmered. "Who calls me?"
"I, Sarah Margita Sparrow, do call upon you." Sarah said formally, stepping forward.
Calypso fastened her eyes on the woman. Her tail writhed, split in two, became legs. She climbed awkwardly to her feet as her skin darkened and her hair twisted into dreads much like Jack's. A dress formed from the remaining scales and her final transformation was a shape Jack knew quite well.
"What you want, den?" Tia Dalma asked tartly.
Sarah held up her hand, prominently revealing the ring. "I am the keeper of one of Calypso's trinkets, and I beg a favor of thee."
Tia regarded her a moment, lips pursed. She glanced over Sarah's shoulder at Jack, who remained still and wary. Then back to the woman, "And what kindness you goan show me?"
She thought for a moment, perplexed. Her eyes fell to the protruding stomach. "Your time is near. I'd say another month. I will midwife the birth for you."
Tia's hand went to her belly. "'Tink you a goddess canno' see to such a ting herself?"
"I'm sure you could Calypso, but it's nice to have another woman there." Sarah answered steadily.
The goddess smiled at that. "All right den. 'Tis agreed. Now, what is your favour?"
"Show me the way to my children."
Tia's eyes flickered to Jack again. "Your children by dat Jack Sparrow?"
"Yes."
She chuckled delightedly. "You got to get dem back, oh yes indeed. And keep um safe always. Dey special ones, being sired by such a one as him!" Jack shifted uncomfortably.
To him Tia said cheerfully, "You know I cannot stay angry wit' you, Jack!"
She abruptly turned serious. "Follow de lights."
Before Sarah could ask her what was meant, the goddess moved to the rail and transformed back into the mermaid form. As she vaulted herself over, she dissolved once again, into a marvelous outline of sparkling flashing white lights as bright as the sun.
Everyone flung a hand over their eyes to protect from the brilliance, and when they looked again, the lights were just beneath the surface of the water in front of the Pearl, in the shape of a huge mermaid. They were cruising steadily north by nor'east.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
She was kissing him again. In the deep night, in their bed, her tongue hungrily chased his lips. He wanted to drown in her, feel her beneath him shuddering and rising up to meet him. He pushed her onto her back.
Sarah caught her breath eagerly. At last she would have him, at last he would give her his body. Their limbs entwined even more.
Jack heard her small gasp and stilled. He'd hurt her. He'd frightened her. Once again in his mind he saw the bruises, the lashes. Oh, that Commodore would pay, and pay, and pay again.
Forcing himself under control, he kissed her nose gently. "Good night Sarah." He rolled away from her, his back to her.
She was confused. What had happened? Her body throbbed with desire. He'd rejected her! Swiftly, she curled up on her side of the bed, back turned to him.
Jack waited until the even sounds of her breathing told him she was asleep. He rolled onto his back and unlaced his breeches. His long fingers curled around his erection, stroking steadily. Images filled his mind of his wife. The way she whimpered as she climbed higher, the way her face looked as she climaxed. Her soft skin sliding over his, the feel of her soft hair, the tight wet grip between her legs.
His hand moved faster. His hips arched up and he moaned. He thought of how her mouth felt taking him in, and his climax rushed over him. He gasped in pleasure.
Next to him, Sarah listened. For the first time in her marriage bed, she felt lonely.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
"I want Mommy!" Mary whined, rubbing her eyes tiredly.
"I know you do," her brother soothed. "She's coming soon. She and daddy are both coming."
"They taking such a long time. Will they weally come?"
"Course they will! Don't ever stop believing that, Mary!"
"Richard says Mommy and Daddy are bad pirates," she lay tiredly down on her little bed.
"Sure, at least Daddy's a pirate. But not a bad one. Don't you remember the story?"
"Tell me 'gain Teague."
John Teague smiled and began. This tale had always been their favorite bedtime story. "Once upon a time there was a young man named Jack, who wanted to live free upon the sea. He tried to make his way in the world with the East India Company. He was given the Wicked Wench, a fine beautiful ship. One day, he was ordered..."
His voice trailed into a blur for little Mary as she drifted into dreamland. "And so, he chose to embrace the life of a pirate on the Black Pearl, rather than die on a gallows, these being his only choices," the boy concluded the story.
Looking down, he saw his sister asleep. Smiling indulgently, he curled up beside her, and fell asleep himself.
Chapter Twenty Two - Healing
There was a thunderstorm brewing. The Captain didn't think it would be a bad squall, but he preferred to take the helm himself. He always did so in inclement weather. If the storm stayed light, he would give the next watch to Cotton. Otherwise, he would continue.
Ahead of them, thunderheads built and piled up against each other. Behind his shoulder, the sun lowered. The crew went below to close the gun ports against rain and bunk down to sleep. Gradually the deck emptied except for Sarah. A strong breeze was blowing and thunder rolled in the distance.
She went to him and stood close by his side as his hands firmly guided the wheel. He tipped his head down towards her and grinned. "We're on our way love. Won't be long till we reach them."
She slid her arms around his neck before he could turn back to the wheel and stretched up to kiss him. He held perfectly still, watching her lips come to him, and closing his eyes in sensual enjoyment when they pressed against his mouth.
She sidled closer against him, hands greedy on his chest and mouth hot on his. He thought about stopping her, but was unable. He wanted her. His stomach fluttered as she pressed close and pushed him away from the wheel.
The next thing he knew, he felt the Pearl's rail against his back and instinctively grabbed hold. What he wanted was to respond, to grab her tight and have her hard and fast right on the deck. But he gripped the wood of his ship in his palms, letting Sarah set the pace.
Her teeth had hold of his lower lip as her hands worked at his waist, untying and unfastening things. His pulse rose sharply, and his excitement rose exponentially.
Sarah nipped at his lip once more, then stepped away. He tried to follow, and discovered to his dismay that what she had done was use his own sash to tie his hands to the deck rail where he'd held on. For a horrible moment, his chest went cold and his breath faltered. He forcibly reminded himself that no Kraken was after him this time.
"Very funny love. Now untie me," he said coldly, flexing his muscles to wiggle free.
The first thing Sarah had learned aboard ship was how to tie knots, and she'd made these fast. He was going nowhere. Nonetheless, he continued to wriggle and twist his wrists. Sarah saw it, and moved close to him again. "Now you can't run away when I kiss you."
"The ship Sarah. I have to steer the ship." He was exasperated. She went to the wheel and rigged a rope around one of the pegs to keep her steady. Returning to him she said, "The Pearl is on course Captain."
She went on, "Jack, do you think me 'spoiled goods' now that the Commodore's had me?"
"No!" He threw his shoulders into escaping, wanting desperately to hold her. "And he did not *have* you Sarah. He took you."
For the first time he thought, not about how angry he was over it, but how deeply it had affected Sarah herself. His shoulders sagged. "He was brutal to you."
The wind lifted her braids and twirled them around her face. "Yes he was. And I'm long since healed. All that's left is the memory. And only you can take it away."
Lightning flashed, lighting up her serious face. "I don't know how to touch you, now. I don't want you frightened of me," he tried to explain.
"Touch me as you always have! I could never be frightened of you! You've taken me hard and rough many times, and I've never complained. In fact, I've begged you for more."
Oh yes, her begging was wonderful. His body began to heat at that reminder. Clearing his throat, he glanced at his bound hands with a raised eyebrow, letting her know he couldn't very well touch her in his current situation.
An impish smile appeared on Sarah's face. She came close and began to touch him, running her fingertips over his sensitive neck. He shivered. His neck was quite tender, and few things aroused him as quickly as stroking or kissing it. Just now, she gave it all. Nibbled along the line of his throat, then deep suckling kisses on both sides from under his ears down to his shoulders.
Meanwhile, her hands were busy working under his clothing and running over his body, teasing and stroking all his erogenous places. Jack was beginning to shift his feet and press closer to her. Sarah's hand drifted down past his hips, causing him to swallow audibly. She freed him from his breeches, and reached for him before he was ready, so that he grew into her hand.
Kneeling before him, she held her face close to him and stroked him to full, helpless arousal. She moved her head forward and gave special attention to the sac beneath his manhood. Jack's whole body tensed as she rolled and lapped her tongue over his balls leisurely. He shifted his weight and tried to push closer. Sarah would not be hurried, she laved his sac until it was glistening wet and quite tight against his body.
Sarah glanced up at him. He was looking down at her, knuckles white from gripping the edge. His face was tense. A rush of pleasure tingled through her body. Jack was the sexiest man she'd ever known. How she ever managed to let him put on clothes and leave their bed she did not know.
Still gazing up at him, she licked the head of his cock. He hissed, eyes burning brightly. She licked it again, and again, faster and faster, only the tip. Jack groaned loudly, eyes drifting shut, body trembling.
Sarah opened her lips and took in the sensitive head, sucking it gently. Jack cried out. "God...yes!"
She gave him several moments of that treatment, then wrapped one hand around his shaft and stroked it as she continued to suckle. He groaned loudly, head shaking back and forth. "Oh God! Don't stop!"
She had no intention of stopping. She eased her lips back and forth over him, taking in another inch with every forward stroke. Soon her nose was being brushed by his curly black hair and Jack was grunting desperately.
The thunderstorm had arrived. Thick black clouds were directly overhead, the wind was strong now. She took hold of his hips and pushed him that last little bit down her throat. Pausing a moment to adjust, she savored the helpless sound he made. Breathing deeply through her nose, she began moving her head again, in little circles over him.
Jack couldn't open his eyes anymore, and he shuddered as Sarah circled over him. It wiggled his cock in extremely pleasant ways. Then without warning she was pumping that heavenly mouth back and forth over him again and he gave voice to the bliss it caused.
Her head bobbed, sliding back to the tip until her lips just barely kissed it, then plunging down until her nose bumped his belly. His legs gave out, only the rail held him up. "Mmmm yes! Take it all, uhhhh god!"
The first fat drops of rain fell on her head and cheeks. She ignored it. Sarah pumped faster and faster, and his cries became more desperate. "Uhhh, it feels so good!" He swelled even more in her mouth, and she felt the first warm spurts hitting the back of her throat. She concentrated on staying relaxed as he spasmed and his hips bucked against her face.
Jack's face had an expression of awe and adoration. The rain fell harder, drenching them in a downpour. She untied his sash and he slid down to land on his rump on the deck. "Come on," she held out her hand to him.
He sat still, chewing his lip and looking undecided. "Sarah...I have the first watch."
She laughed at her foolishness in forgetting. "Then I shall stand beside you Captain, until you are ready."
She did indeed wait for him, letting the rain soak her as it did him, until Cotton came up on deck for his turn. The storm was no more than a summer squall, not dangerous enough to worry Jack. Besides, not much could have dragged him from the promise of her body.
In their cabin, he removed her wet things down to her skin, then she undressed him in her turn. Naked, they lay on the bed and kissed for a long time. He touched her hair and her shoulders lovingly.
He rolled her gently onto her back, watching her eyes for any signs of fear. She gazed at him with open adoration. He kissed her neck, and her skin broke out in gooseflesh as his mustache tickled gently over her rain cooled flesh. Her nipples hardened, and he could not resist the stiff peaks.
Taking them one at a time in his mouth wasn't quite enough. Jack pushed her breasts together until her nipples were only about an inch apart, then he swirled his tongue all over and between them. Every few licks he pulled them both into his mouth and sucked gently.
Sarah held his head to her chest, eyes closed. Desire filled her, desire to lose herself completely in him. To be consumed in the ashes of their passion and be reborn without fear. He would take every horrible memory and replace it with his flesh. Between her legs her slit was sopping with burning want.
Jack lifted his head and his fingers skimmed questioningly over her stomach. She breathed deeply, reminding herself that there would be no pain when he reached between her legs. His hand dipped lower, brushed over her curls. One slim finger swept along her lips, which parted of their own accord.
Jack leaned upon one elbow and watched her face intently as he pushed the tip of his finger inside her. She gasped sharply in happiness. Jack started to pull back but she arched her hips into his hand. Moaning, he pushed deeper instead.
She couldn't catch her breath. Her mind was leaving her. Oh, he was so hot, his nice finger slid up into her and curled against her walls, driving her crazy. He knew just how to touch her. Oh, and then he reached that sweet spot high up in her vagina and rubbed slow circles over it and little explosions went off all over her body.
Jack controlled himself with deep, even breaths. He was torn between watching her face and sliding down to taste her. The sticky sweetness always drove him to heights of bliss. He decided to stay this way because he also loved the expressions on her face, and this way he could make sure she was all right.
Just now she was very close to her peak, but needed a bit more time and stimulation. He slid a second finger into her and ground the heel of his hand at the top of her slit as his fingers jerked faster within her. She was arching her body, panting hard, and one hand grasped his elbow, trying to direct his movements. Suddenly she went still, and then wailed wordlessly as she began to convulse. Wetness flowed over his fingers into his palm.
Jack groaned with the pleasure of it, and soothed her with soft kisses as he withdrew his fingers. When she opened her eyes again he settled himself on top of her. With a languid smile Sarah raised her legs, causing the tip of his erection to slide into her.
He moaned deeply, but held himself still on trembling arms. She grasped his shoulders and pulled him close, murmuring I love you's in his ear. He carefully pressed himself forward a bit more. Now it was his turn to murmur, but his were I need you's. At last he was all the way up inside her, and he began pulling back carefully. Slowly, slowly, he moved back and forth inside her, excruciatingly slowly.
Sarah ran her hands all over his body, feeling the tension in him rise, feeling his skin break out with sweat. Soon he was whimpering with raw hunger, yet refused to move any faster for either of them. At last he could not bear it any longer.
Slipping a forearm under each of her thighs, he raised her legs until her tush was off the bed. At the same time he shifted, carefully so their connection was unbroken, until he was on his knees. Now with leverage to move powerfully in her, he jerked his hips back and forth steadily, plunging deeply each time.
Sarah had an excellent view of Jack's torso as he moved. Muscles in his shoulders, chest, and stomach rippled. His face was beautiful with hazy pleasure. She called out to him, moaning and telling him how gorgeous and wonderful he was. Clearly, he enjoyed her bedroom talk, for his eyes closed in bliss, his hips pounded faster, and he moaned gutturally. And then she had a splendid view of his orgasm as it swept over him.
They fell sleep entwined in each other's arms and legs, neither of them willing to be parted even an inch.
Author: Soleil Compeau
Pairing: Jack/OFC
Spoilers: Set after AWE, a sequel to Life After Loss. It's helpful to have read the first one to better understand Sarah's character and the subsequent events of this story.
Rating: PG to NC17
Disclaimer: These stunt doubles have just reenacted what takes place after the final cut. No profit or wages are being made. I do this out of deep love for the characters.
Summary: Jack and Sarah have settled down into a life of frequent voyages, tending a home, and raising children. But their idyllic life is threatened by an evil man bent on destroying them. Can they call on supernatural forces to save their family and help their friends?
Chapter Twenty One - Summoning
The next day, Doc Baker pronounced Sarah fit, and they prepared to leave. It was decided that Jack and Joshua would escort Sarah on either side with Captain Teague following.
She protested that far too much fuss was being made. "Honestly, there can't be all that many out there! What would the pirates want with me, anyway?"
"To steal you away from me, most likely," Jack growled in answer.
He didn't actually have to brandish a word after all. As soon as the door opened, his glare and the presence of Captain Teague, Keeper of the Code, caused an aisle to open. Sarah looked with trepidation at the crowd, easily as large as what her dances used to attract.
She slipped her hand into Jack's when the catcalls began. "Oooh pretty, come to daddy!" "What has Jack got that I don't?" "Come and ride this mast, darlin'!"
The women didn't hold back either. Two of them were clear enough to be heard. "Chippy! It should be me walking with 'im!" "Good for you! You've got a pretty one!" Though she was unsure if that last was for her or for Jack.
Sarah could tell by the grip of his hand that Jack was glowering fiercely at his competition. With him slightly ahead, they wended their way to the longboat.
"Take care of yourself Sarah," Captain Teague said affectionately, hugging her. Jack glowered even more fiercely. Into her ear he whispered, "And take care of my Jackie!" He kissed her cheek softly.
As soon as she appeared on the deck, the entire crew burst into cheers, laughter, and mad hat throwing. She was deeply touched and a bit overwhelmed. Tears came to her eyes as they began coming in little groups to hug her.
At last they were out in open sea, and Sarah was ready. She went to the rail and stood a moment feeling the breeze ruffle her braids. She was aware of Jack a few paces behind her, waiting expectantly.
Removing her wedding ring, she held it aloft. Sunlight glinted off the gold. In a calm, clear voice she spoke. "Calypso I summon thee!"
There was no reaction from the sea at first. She stepped back a pace and slipped her ring back on. Then little Tom spotted a large wave about fifty yards off the port bow. Then another twenty yards away. Then a spray of water leapt up and splattered the place Sarah had just been standing.
Two hands grasped the rail and a bright golden head appeared before them. With a heave, the mermaid flipped over the rail and landed on the deck. Her tail glistened an iridescent green.
Jack, Sarah, and all those who witnessed it gasped in shock. There was more to this creature than just her presence there that boggled the mind. She was largely, obviously pregnant.
The mermaid cast her glowing eyes around at each of them. She was so bright the very air around her shimmered. "Who calls me?"
"I, Sarah Margita Sparrow, do call upon you." Sarah said formally, stepping forward.
Calypso fastened her eyes on the woman. Her tail writhed, split in two, became legs. She climbed awkwardly to her feet as her skin darkened and her hair twisted into dreads much like Jack's. A dress formed from the remaining scales and her final transformation was a shape Jack knew quite well.
"What you want, den?" Tia Dalma asked tartly.
Sarah held up her hand, prominently revealing the ring. "I am the keeper of one of Calypso's trinkets, and I beg a favor of thee."
Tia regarded her a moment, lips pursed. She glanced over Sarah's shoulder at Jack, who remained still and wary. Then back to the woman, "And what kindness you goan show me?"
She thought for a moment, perplexed. Her eyes fell to the protruding stomach. "Your time is near. I'd say another month. I will midwife the birth for you."
Tia's hand went to her belly. "'Tink you a goddess canno' see to such a ting herself?"
"I'm sure you could Calypso, but it's nice to have another woman there." Sarah answered steadily.
The goddess smiled at that. "All right den. 'Tis agreed. Now, what is your favour?"
"Show me the way to my children."
Tia's eyes flickered to Jack again. "Your children by dat Jack Sparrow?"
"Yes."
She chuckled delightedly. "You got to get dem back, oh yes indeed. And keep um safe always. Dey special ones, being sired by such a one as him!" Jack shifted uncomfortably.
To him Tia said cheerfully, "You know I cannot stay angry wit' you, Jack!"
She abruptly turned serious. "Follow de lights."
Before Sarah could ask her what was meant, the goddess moved to the rail and transformed back into the mermaid form. As she vaulted herself over, she dissolved once again, into a marvelous outline of sparkling flashing white lights as bright as the sun.
Everyone flung a hand over their eyes to protect from the brilliance, and when they looked again, the lights were just beneath the surface of the water in front of the Pearl, in the shape of a huge mermaid. They were cruising steadily north by nor'east.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
She was kissing him again. In the deep night, in their bed, her tongue hungrily chased his lips. He wanted to drown in her, feel her beneath him shuddering and rising up to meet him. He pushed her onto her back.
Sarah caught her breath eagerly. At last she would have him, at last he would give her his body. Their limbs entwined even more.
Jack heard her small gasp and stilled. He'd hurt her. He'd frightened her. Once again in his mind he saw the bruises, the lashes. Oh, that Commodore would pay, and pay, and pay again.
Forcing himself under control, he kissed her nose gently. "Good night Sarah." He rolled away from her, his back to her.
She was confused. What had happened? Her body throbbed with desire. He'd rejected her! Swiftly, she curled up on her side of the bed, back turned to him.
Jack waited until the even sounds of her breathing told him she was asleep. He rolled onto his back and unlaced his breeches. His long fingers curled around his erection, stroking steadily. Images filled his mind of his wife. The way she whimpered as she climbed higher, the way her face looked as she climaxed. Her soft skin sliding over his, the feel of her soft hair, the tight wet grip between her legs.
His hand moved faster. His hips arched up and he moaned. He thought of how her mouth felt taking him in, and his climax rushed over him. He gasped in pleasure.
Next to him, Sarah listened. For the first time in her marriage bed, she felt lonely.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
"I want Mommy!" Mary whined, rubbing her eyes tiredly.
"I know you do," her brother soothed. "She's coming soon. She and daddy are both coming."
"They taking such a long time. Will they weally come?"
"Course they will! Don't ever stop believing that, Mary!"
"Richard says Mommy and Daddy are bad pirates," she lay tiredly down on her little bed.
"Sure, at least Daddy's a pirate. But not a bad one. Don't you remember the story?"
"Tell me 'gain Teague."
John Teague smiled and began. This tale had always been their favorite bedtime story. "Once upon a time there was a young man named Jack, who wanted to live free upon the sea. He tried to make his way in the world with the East India Company. He was given the Wicked Wench, a fine beautiful ship. One day, he was ordered..."
His voice trailed into a blur for little Mary as she drifted into dreamland. "And so, he chose to embrace the life of a pirate on the Black Pearl, rather than die on a gallows, these being his only choices," the boy concluded the story.
Looking down, he saw his sister asleep. Smiling indulgently, he curled up beside her, and fell asleep himself.
Chapter Twenty Two - Healing
There was a thunderstorm brewing. The Captain didn't think it would be a bad squall, but he preferred to take the helm himself. He always did so in inclement weather. If the storm stayed light, he would give the next watch to Cotton. Otherwise, he would continue.
Ahead of them, thunderheads built and piled up against each other. Behind his shoulder, the sun lowered. The crew went below to close the gun ports against rain and bunk down to sleep. Gradually the deck emptied except for Sarah. A strong breeze was blowing and thunder rolled in the distance.
She went to him and stood close by his side as his hands firmly guided the wheel. He tipped his head down towards her and grinned. "We're on our way love. Won't be long till we reach them."
She slid her arms around his neck before he could turn back to the wheel and stretched up to kiss him. He held perfectly still, watching her lips come to him, and closing his eyes in sensual enjoyment when they pressed against his mouth.
She sidled closer against him, hands greedy on his chest and mouth hot on his. He thought about stopping her, but was unable. He wanted her. His stomach fluttered as she pressed close and pushed him away from the wheel.
The next thing he knew, he felt the Pearl's rail against his back and instinctively grabbed hold. What he wanted was to respond, to grab her tight and have her hard and fast right on the deck. But he gripped the wood of his ship in his palms, letting Sarah set the pace.
Her teeth had hold of his lower lip as her hands worked at his waist, untying and unfastening things. His pulse rose sharply, and his excitement rose exponentially.
Sarah nipped at his lip once more, then stepped away. He tried to follow, and discovered to his dismay that what she had done was use his own sash to tie his hands to the deck rail where he'd held on. For a horrible moment, his chest went cold and his breath faltered. He forcibly reminded himself that no Kraken was after him this time.
"Very funny love. Now untie me," he said coldly, flexing his muscles to wiggle free.
The first thing Sarah had learned aboard ship was how to tie knots, and she'd made these fast. He was going nowhere. Nonetheless, he continued to wriggle and twist his wrists. Sarah saw it, and moved close to him again. "Now you can't run away when I kiss you."
"The ship Sarah. I have to steer the ship." He was exasperated. She went to the wheel and rigged a rope around one of the pegs to keep her steady. Returning to him she said, "The Pearl is on course Captain."
She went on, "Jack, do you think me 'spoiled goods' now that the Commodore's had me?"
"No!" He threw his shoulders into escaping, wanting desperately to hold her. "And he did not *have* you Sarah. He took you."
For the first time he thought, not about how angry he was over it, but how deeply it had affected Sarah herself. His shoulders sagged. "He was brutal to you."
The wind lifted her braids and twirled them around her face. "Yes he was. And I'm long since healed. All that's left is the memory. And only you can take it away."
Lightning flashed, lighting up her serious face. "I don't know how to touch you, now. I don't want you frightened of me," he tried to explain.
"Touch me as you always have! I could never be frightened of you! You've taken me hard and rough many times, and I've never complained. In fact, I've begged you for more."
Oh yes, her begging was wonderful. His body began to heat at that reminder. Clearing his throat, he glanced at his bound hands with a raised eyebrow, letting her know he couldn't very well touch her in his current situation.
An impish smile appeared on Sarah's face. She came close and began to touch him, running her fingertips over his sensitive neck. He shivered. His neck was quite tender, and few things aroused him as quickly as stroking or kissing it. Just now, she gave it all. Nibbled along the line of his throat, then deep suckling kisses on both sides from under his ears down to his shoulders.
Meanwhile, her hands were busy working under his clothing and running over his body, teasing and stroking all his erogenous places. Jack was beginning to shift his feet and press closer to her. Sarah's hand drifted down past his hips, causing him to swallow audibly. She freed him from his breeches, and reached for him before he was ready, so that he grew into her hand.
Kneeling before him, she held her face close to him and stroked him to full, helpless arousal. She moved her head forward and gave special attention to the sac beneath his manhood. Jack's whole body tensed as she rolled and lapped her tongue over his balls leisurely. He shifted his weight and tried to push closer. Sarah would not be hurried, she laved his sac until it was glistening wet and quite tight against his body.
Sarah glanced up at him. He was looking down at her, knuckles white from gripping the edge. His face was tense. A rush of pleasure tingled through her body. Jack was the sexiest man she'd ever known. How she ever managed to let him put on clothes and leave their bed she did not know.
Still gazing up at him, she licked the head of his cock. He hissed, eyes burning brightly. She licked it again, and again, faster and faster, only the tip. Jack groaned loudly, eyes drifting shut, body trembling.
Sarah opened her lips and took in the sensitive head, sucking it gently. Jack cried out. "God...yes!"
She gave him several moments of that treatment, then wrapped one hand around his shaft and stroked it as she continued to suckle. He groaned loudly, head shaking back and forth. "Oh God! Don't stop!"
She had no intention of stopping. She eased her lips back and forth over him, taking in another inch with every forward stroke. Soon her nose was being brushed by his curly black hair and Jack was grunting desperately.
The thunderstorm had arrived. Thick black clouds were directly overhead, the wind was strong now. She took hold of his hips and pushed him that last little bit down her throat. Pausing a moment to adjust, she savored the helpless sound he made. Breathing deeply through her nose, she began moving her head again, in little circles over him.
Jack couldn't open his eyes anymore, and he shuddered as Sarah circled over him. It wiggled his cock in extremely pleasant ways. Then without warning she was pumping that heavenly mouth back and forth over him again and he gave voice to the bliss it caused.
Her head bobbed, sliding back to the tip until her lips just barely kissed it, then plunging down until her nose bumped his belly. His legs gave out, only the rail held him up. "Mmmm yes! Take it all, uhhhh god!"
The first fat drops of rain fell on her head and cheeks. She ignored it. Sarah pumped faster and faster, and his cries became more desperate. "Uhhh, it feels so good!" He swelled even more in her mouth, and she felt the first warm spurts hitting the back of her throat. She concentrated on staying relaxed as he spasmed and his hips bucked against her face.
Jack's face had an expression of awe and adoration. The rain fell harder, drenching them in a downpour. She untied his sash and he slid down to land on his rump on the deck. "Come on," she held out her hand to him.
He sat still, chewing his lip and looking undecided. "Sarah...I have the first watch."
She laughed at her foolishness in forgetting. "Then I shall stand beside you Captain, until you are ready."
She did indeed wait for him, letting the rain soak her as it did him, until Cotton came up on deck for his turn. The storm was no more than a summer squall, not dangerous enough to worry Jack. Besides, not much could have dragged him from the promise of her body.
In their cabin, he removed her wet things down to her skin, then she undressed him in her turn. Naked, they lay on the bed and kissed for a long time. He touched her hair and her shoulders lovingly.
He rolled her gently onto her back, watching her eyes for any signs of fear. She gazed at him with open adoration. He kissed her neck, and her skin broke out in gooseflesh as his mustache tickled gently over her rain cooled flesh. Her nipples hardened, and he could not resist the stiff peaks.
Taking them one at a time in his mouth wasn't quite enough. Jack pushed her breasts together until her nipples were only about an inch apart, then he swirled his tongue all over and between them. Every few licks he pulled them both into his mouth and sucked gently.
Sarah held his head to her chest, eyes closed. Desire filled her, desire to lose herself completely in him. To be consumed in the ashes of their passion and be reborn without fear. He would take every horrible memory and replace it with his flesh. Between her legs her slit was sopping with burning want.
Jack lifted his head and his fingers skimmed questioningly over her stomach. She breathed deeply, reminding herself that there would be no pain when he reached between her legs. His hand dipped lower, brushed over her curls. One slim finger swept along her lips, which parted of their own accord.
Jack leaned upon one elbow and watched her face intently as he pushed the tip of his finger inside her. She gasped sharply in happiness. Jack started to pull back but she arched her hips into his hand. Moaning, he pushed deeper instead.
She couldn't catch her breath. Her mind was leaving her. Oh, he was so hot, his nice finger slid up into her and curled against her walls, driving her crazy. He knew just how to touch her. Oh, and then he reached that sweet spot high up in her vagina and rubbed slow circles over it and little explosions went off all over her body.
Jack controlled himself with deep, even breaths. He was torn between watching her face and sliding down to taste her. The sticky sweetness always drove him to heights of bliss. He decided to stay this way because he also loved the expressions on her face, and this way he could make sure she was all right.
Just now she was very close to her peak, but needed a bit more time and stimulation. He slid a second finger into her and ground the heel of his hand at the top of her slit as his fingers jerked faster within her. She was arching her body, panting hard, and one hand grasped his elbow, trying to direct his movements. Suddenly she went still, and then wailed wordlessly as she began to convulse. Wetness flowed over his fingers into his palm.
Jack groaned with the pleasure of it, and soothed her with soft kisses as he withdrew his fingers. When she opened her eyes again he settled himself on top of her. With a languid smile Sarah raised her legs, causing the tip of his erection to slide into her.
He moaned deeply, but held himself still on trembling arms. She grasped his shoulders and pulled him close, murmuring I love you's in his ear. He carefully pressed himself forward a bit more. Now it was his turn to murmur, but his were I need you's. At last he was all the way up inside her, and he began pulling back carefully. Slowly, slowly, he moved back and forth inside her, excruciatingly slowly.
Sarah ran her hands all over his body, feeling the tension in him rise, feeling his skin break out with sweat. Soon he was whimpering with raw hunger, yet refused to move any faster for either of them. At last he could not bear it any longer.
Slipping a forearm under each of her thighs, he raised her legs until her tush was off the bed. At the same time he shifted, carefully so their connection was unbroken, until he was on his knees. Now with leverage to move powerfully in her, he jerked his hips back and forth steadily, plunging deeply each time.
Sarah had an excellent view of Jack's torso as he moved. Muscles in his shoulders, chest, and stomach rippled. His face was beautiful with hazy pleasure. She called out to him, moaning and telling him how gorgeous and wonderful he was. Clearly, he enjoyed her bedroom talk, for his eyes closed in bliss, his hips pounded faster, and he moaned gutturally. And then she had a splendid view of his orgasm as it swept over him.
They fell sleep entwined in each other's arms and legs, neither of them willing to be parted even an inch.
Chapter Twenty Three - For the Children
"Land ho!"
The lights Calypso gave to guide them held true all the way, finally directing them to an English settlement. "Saint Helena! They're on Saint Helena!" Sarah exclaimed with amazement when Jack charted it.
They stood together at the prow, and Jack was quiet. His eyes flickered over the shape of the land, and his head tipped to and fro. Sarah paced in little circles near him.
He made plans by the seat of his pants, utilizing whatever materials came his way, adjusting on the fly. Though Sarah knew him very well and could follow his lead to a point, she would need something more solid. At last he asked her, "What's your thoughts bit o'Sarah? How do you want to proceed?"
She paced some more, and thought it out as was her wont. "There'll be guards most likely. He tried to trap us back in Florida, and he'll most likely be anticipating us. I suggest we go in before dawn, strike quickly and get out fast. And we go in armed as heavily as possible and still move like lightning."
He nodded, a slight smile on his face. His wife wasn't underestimating their enemy. "Then might I suggest a practice round, make sure our skills are sharp enough, along with our blades," drawing his sabre as he spoke and lunging.
She was taken by surprise and skittered backwards, clutching at her own scabbard that she wore every moment she was with Jack. At home, she gave every appearance of being a proper English matron, but she never lacked for a weapon.
Speed was a skill she was very good at, and Jack had of course merely feinted. Once she held her own blade, he was harder on her, but she parried with an angry face and body language that made him proud. She would hold her own in battle, if she could control her rage.
After the first few strokes, he began to test her. "And suppose he threatens the wee little ones, eh? Suppose you find that he's lashed them as well?"
Sarah's eyes flashed, and she growled. Executing a graceful spin, she lifted her sword high and brought it down as she came around to face him again. Jack lifted his sword high to block her stroke, and quick as a wink her free hand snatched her dagger out and thrust it as his exposed belly. Jack was forced to disengage and rear backwards.
A twinkle of pride lit his eyes. "Very good. A move worthy of a pirate, my love." But now he'd awakened mama bear, and had a slight problem.
Sarah kept coming, and thrust her blade at his neck. Jack swatted her sword aside but her dagger arm was now swinging in a roundhouse punch aimed at his side. He dropped his sword, and dropped into a crouch, rolling away.
He fetched up against a pair of boots, and looked up into Gibbs' face. The quartermaster put out a hand to Jack. Faced with the captain and most of the crew, Sarah quirked an eyebrow and chose to sheath her sword. But she did not drop her battle stance.
She faced the men who all had looks of determination. Gibbs spoke up. "Miss Sarah, we're with you. Count on us, you'll need good men at your back!"
The boys hollered assent, several with raised fists. Pintel hollered, "Too right!"
"Oh? Do you know where I can find some?" She smiled to take the sting out of her tease but it did not reach her eyes. Still with a dagger in her hand, she walked to the rail to gaze longingly at the island.
Night fell, and the lights of Calypso hovered near the anchored ship as if knowing their plan and approving it. In the grey twinkling light of very early morning, the boats were loaded up. Jack glanced round at the crew ready to fight beside him on land. Pintel and Ragetti, Marty, Bowen, Snaky Jake, and finally Sarah.
She sat facing grimly forward, a cutlass at each hip, a pistol tucked into her sash. Her hair was braided down her back, her green bandanna kept the rest out of her face. Jack knew full well that a dagger was strapped to each ankle under her boots. She would leave a bloody trail of carnage in her wake. Hell, so would he!
The lights suddenly shot forward, and burst up out of the water to sparkle over a particular house near the shoreline. They seemed to explode in a shower of sparks, then disappeared. "Well, that's a handy trick," Sarah remarked.
The pirates unloaded and quickly ran to the marked house. All was quiet, the perimeter unguarded. Jack drew his pistol and almost casually shot the lock on the door, then kicked it open. Pirates flowed through the opening.
The front room was filled with Marines, woken by the sound of the shot and not at all pleased about it. Several of the men screamed war cries and attacked before the soldiers were even fully aware. Sarah made no cry. She silently went about her work.
Jack was after the Commodore, and to that end he slashed his sword at any that dared stand in front of him. Due in equal portion to his blessed luck and his fierceness in battle, he moved unscathed through the room. A hallway opened up before him. Glancing behind him, he observed Sarah, dancing as she fought. Literally, adagio and allegro as she pirouetted and pliéd with both swords flashing wickedly.
Jack began opening doors down the hallway, when suddenly one at the end flew open and the Commodore came charging out dressed only in his nightgown, sleeping cap askew on his head. Jack saw him and stopped short. The resemblance to Lord Cutler was eerie.
His gut did not care that this was a different man. To Jack, he was the same one that branded him, burned his ship, directly caused much mayhem in his life. Definitely the same man who's taken his Sarah and done unimaginable things to her. He raised his sword and advanced.
"You!" Richard Beckett exclaimed in shock. His eyes narrowed. "I sent ships after you, they came back in shame. I went after you myself, after settling your brats in this house, in the Avenger. You slipped away from me!"
"Too bad for you." Jack sliced his sword down the front of Beckett's nightgown, cutting the fabric neatly in half and leaving a red slice down the man's chest and belly.
"Ahhh!" Beckett stumbled backwards into his bedroom, Jack pressed relentlessly forward. "Where are my children?" he growled, his sword flashing and another line of blood trailed down the man's right arm.
"Do you actually think I'm going to tell you? They're mine now, in payment for my brother!" Beckett grasped his bleeding arm and glared at Jack.
"You will tell me. Or I'll cut you into pieces slowly." Another flash of his sword, another slice. "Your brother was a pompous ass, just like you are. He used anyone and anything to get his way, and still failed."
Beckett lunged for his own weapon just inside the doorway, exposing his back for an instant. That was all Jack needed to place a shallow cut down that back. The Commodore screamed and swung his sword at Jack. He easily avoided the blow.
"If you kill me, you'll never find your precious brats. They call me daddy, by the way." He smiled smugly, but the edges of that smile were ragged.
Frankly, Jack didn't care if Beckett told him where the children were or not. They would be found regardless, and he still intended to exact his pound of flesh from the hateful little prick. He no longer bothered to answer Richard's obviously calculating comments.
"Where are they cully?" he spoke softly, throwing out his arm once again to mark the left arm. And so it went, the Commodore desperately trying to fight back while cowering in his nakedness and getting weaker from pain and gradual blood loss as Jack nicked him again and again.
Suddenly Jack heard footsteps approaching rapidly. He sheathed his sword, moving quickly forward to grab Beckett by the neck and get behind him. Drawing his dagger, he pressed it hard against the man's neck.
It was Sarah. She stood in the doorway, chest heaving, clothes spattered with blood. None of it seemed to be hers, Jack's eyes went over her quickly to confirm that. She stared at the Commodore, and moved slowly closer.
"Shall I castrate him for you, luv?" Jack asked as he lowered the dagger from the throat to the genitals. An evil smile curled her lips when Beckett lost control of his bladder and a puddle grew on the floor between his feet.
Her eyes shifted to Jack. He would have been quite happy to go on torturing the man in any manner she desired. There was only one thing she desired, however. "Kill him," she ordered softly.
Without hesitation Jack put the dagger back to his neck, pressed down and drew the dagger hard and swiftly across Beckett's throat. This was a far deeper cut than any he'd made already. Blood welled up darkly. Beckett made a gurgling noise, his face went pale, his eyes rolled back in his head. He slumped forward in a boneless heap, dead.
Only then did Sarah take her eyes off him and speak. "They are not on this level Jack. I found some stairs, they must be up there. For what it's worth, one of the Marines told me there's about twenty barrels of gunpowder in a back room. I granted him his life for that information."
The staircase was across from the hallway. A quick glance showed the couple that the crew was taking good care of the remaining soldiers. They did not inspect the chaotic room more closely, but they should have.
Up they raced to find a hallway similar to the first one. And coming down it was a woman dressed as a maid or nursemaid, holding the hand of a child on either side of her. Seeing Jack and Sarah, she halted and looked wary. Jack and Sarah stopped as well, surprised.
The woman pushed the children towards them. "Every day, all this boy would talk about was his parents coming to get him and the girl. I thought him mad to show such faith in obviously dissolute rebels as the Commodore said you were. But now I see his faith in you was justified."
The nanny swallowed nervously, watching Teague and Mary scamper towards their mommy and daddy. "They truly belong with you, if you fought the odds I know were surely against you to come get them." She darted past them and fled down the steps, presumably out the front door.
Teague charged up to Jack Sparrow, his eyes glowing and smiling clear back to his ears. "I knew you'd come!" he whispered fiercely, wasting no time climbing up his father's body and into his arms. Jack clutched his son close.
Sarah dropped to her knees and Mary flung herself at her chanting, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" They hugged exuberantly. Sarah ran her hands over the girl, checking for any kind of injury.
Scooping Mary up, she then did the same quick check of her son. Teague leaned over in the middle of it to give her a big smacking kiss on her cheek.
Suddenly a large WHUMP sounded from below the banisters. And a loudly shouted "Fire! Fire! Everyone get out!"
Jack and Sarah ran to the top of the stairs and viewed a glimpse into an inferno. Pirates and injured soldiers alike were pouring through the ruined front door while flames chased them hungrily. They were cut off.
"Jack!" Sarah looked horrified. "I knocked a lamp over during the battle! It'll spread to the gunpowder!"
They raced into the nursery and flung open the windows. There was not much cover, a little greenery along the base of the house, not much. They had to risk jumping, but each of them carried a precious burden.
"Hold tight to me son. Don't let go, for anything," Jack instructed Teague while Sarah murmured similar words to Mary. "Sarah, aim for those bushes."
Amazingly, they landed fairly well, in part because both knew how to land easily, rolling with arms curled protectively around their child. A few bruises were a small price to pay. They could see the pirates ahead of them, almost to the boats.
Jack and Sarah got up and ran, but in the house behind them the flames had reached the gunpowder. A wall of extremely hot air lifted them up and flung them forward many yards, burning their legs and backs and shoulders. At the same time an unbearably loud noise crumped through the air and struck their eardrums.
Hitting the ground, Jack and Sarah bent over the bodies of their children while flaming debris fell all around them.
Cautiously, Jack peeked through his dreads and saw that it seemed to be over. Touching his wife's shoulder, he got up and scurried towards the harbor. The first boat had launched already, Bowen held the other.
They looked back while rowing to the Pearl, seeing the mass confusion surrounding the burning remnants of a once fine house. At the ship, Joshua hauled the Sparrow children aboard. They were rescued at last.
Chapter Twenty Four - Saying Goodbye
Sarah walked slowly through the ashes and dust that was once her home. Occasionally she bent over and picked through the mess to find some treasure that had survived well enough to be recognized. A doll of Mary's, in tatters. The skeletal remains of Teague's kite. Her dresses, the skirts turned to charcoal. A painting of her parents, her father's face had melted, her mother's face totally gone.
The devastation was total. She drifted over to what remained of the banister to the upstairs, and ran her fingers through the ash. Though she tried to remain strong, tears flowed down her cheeks and blurred her eyes. She turned to look at the one remaining pillar of strength she had.
Her husband stood just outside the perimeter of destruction left behind, holding little Mary closely to his chest. He looked sad and concerned for her. Though he had spent less time here than she had, it had become a home to him as well.
Teague went towards her. "Mama, I know where the horses are! Beckett didn't hurt them, he's got a stable here!"
Sarah was surprised. "Well, that's some good news at least!" she exclaimed, ruffling his hair. Wiping her eyes carefully on her handkerchief, she took his hand and walked back to Jack. "We'll have to take them back tonight, after everyone's gone to bed in this town, hmm?"
"Good news Jack! Getting our treasures to Elizabeth won't prove as difficult as we thought! Teague knows where Blaze and Penny are!" Her husband's response to the return of the animals left much to be desired as far as joyful enthusiasm went.
That night Sarah and Mary stood lookout while Teague slipped in, found the horses, and then had to quiet their whinnies of joy. Jack and Joshua found a small carriage and quickly hooked it up to Penny, tethering Blaze behind it. It was the perfect size for a getaway. Back to the barn on Sarah's property they galloped. Beckett hadn't bothered to burn that.
Jack pushed aside the bale of straw in the corner. Sarah bent to the trap door under it and twisted the large metal ring set in the middle. It recessed slightly, then she was able to raise it. Six steps led down to a tiny space, filled with trunks. This was Jack's hoard of treasure.
The men loaded it into the wagon, including Sarah's safe which held some keepsakes of her own. Her and Jack's marriage license, the first plunder he'd given her, baby keepsakes of Teague and Mary, and items she'd pilfered from her uncle's island before wedding Jack. As soon as it was loaded she wrapped the now sleeping Mary in a shawl and climbed in with Teague. Jack settled just behind Joshua so he could watch the road.
Joshua took them straightway to Elizabeth Turner, who despite the late hour greeted them exuberantly. Joshua was nearly bowled over by Esther and they quickly disappeared, oblivious to everyone else. After bedding down their own youngsters in the nursery, Jack and Sarah hugged Elizabeth and themselves went to bed.
In her own bed, alone, Elizabeth heard the unmistakable sounds of them making love. Clearly, some effort was being made to keep quiet, but that they were partaking joyfully of each other's bodies was definite. Joshua and Esther merely rolled over and went deeper into sleep. This was something they'd heard many times during Jack's shore leaves and were accustomed to. In fact, Jack and Sarah had frequently heard the other couple having sex as well.
For Elizabeth, though, it was devastating. She was accustomed now to being alone, but having company was wonderful. She had interaction with other adults during the day, and the security of fellowship at night. The sounds she heard from the guest bedroom was new however, and only served to remind her that her bed was only for one.
She stuffed a fist in her mouth and squeezed her eyes shut to hold back the blinding pain. Even after eight years without him, the loss of Will was fresh. 'Please, please God,' she prayed. 'Please, somehow, let him come home!'
The muffled sounds of what was clearly a climax released her tears. Bitter they were, and she licked them off her face. Jealousy of Sarah choked her, that she could be with her man. Only in the night would she let these feelings out, never in front of her friend. Sarah had been true and wonderful to her.
Next morning at breakfast Mrs. Turner's modest kitchen was filled nearly to overflowing by five adults, four children, and one baby. But it was done by setting children on one side, adults on the other, and passing baby Rebecca and tot Mary around like sweet treats from lap to lap. Sarah gently explained that she was not going to clear the ashes and rebuild. She was leaving, with Jack.
"But where? Where will you go, and how will I reach you?" Elizabeth was a bit stunned. Surely she would not lose another to the sea?
"Whither the wind shall blow us," Sarah answered a bit dreamily, watching Jack place bites of melon into Mary's mouth. "Don't worry Elizabeth, the wind will no doubt blow me to you often. And I shall not be at sea forever."
She caught sight of her son wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "Teague, use your napkin," she admonished.
"Awww. Daddy doesn't have one!" Sarah looked at Jack who couldn't help smirking.
"When on a pirate ship, do as the pirates do. When in more, hmmm, genteel company, do as they do. It's mannerly to adopt the daily habits of those whose company you keep." she explained.
Jack laughed. "'Genteel.' How very diplomatic of you, darling."
Willy looked in awe between Teague and Jack, eyes going rounder by the moment. His own napkin was tucked neatly into his shirt.
"When are you leaving?" Esther looked sadly at the woman she'd essentially grown up with.
"Tomorrow," Jack answered.
Next day Jack oversaw the provisioning of the Black Pearl. Sarah said goodbye to the horses. "Be a good girl now, work hard for Elizabeth," she whispered with a final pat and sugar cube for Penny.
Joshua clearly wanted to follow them aboard as Sarah led her children slowly up the gangplank. Esther clutched Rebecca to her chest and fought back tears. Sarah looked back only once. "Take good care of Elizabeth." To her best friend she said only, "We will meet again, I promise it."
Chapter Twenty Five - Birth
Jack pulled her aside as they cruised past the Keys. "When did you last drink Fountain of Youth water?"
"When I discovered I was carrying your daughter," she answered steadily.
Jack paused at that. He did not like that he had been detained while she swelled in pregnancy, bore a child, and partially raised her while he was unaware. "We'll go and refill our flasks. I gave the last few sips to Elizabeth."
At the magical island, they sipped silently, and filled their flasks. As they walked back Sarah nudged her hand into Jack's and said, almost offhandedly, "Are you sure about living forever? With only me, that is? Only one woman?"
He stopped and pulled her around to face him. Cupping her face in his hands, he let his eyes rove all over her familiar features. He had her nearly memorized. "A hundred thousand years is too short to fall asleep sated in your arms and wake fresh beside you every day," he whispered intensely, lips close to hers.
Her eyes fluttered shut. "Jack..."
"It's funny, you know. You know me so well. You know how to touch me, please me, you know what every word from me really means, you even interpret the twitch of me brow. And yet, every day it's like we just met and I'm getting to know you." His head cocked quizzically. "You're asking me if I'm bored, and I say...never. Every time we make love, we sink deeper into each other's bones."
Sarah and the children settled once again into the routine of shipboard life. She mourned the loss of her flower garden, and complained to Jack so frequently he finally told her to shut it. More amused than insulted, she did.
Mary was delighted with the ship. She considered it her own personal playground, in fact. The crew frequently found themselves followed around while she chattered endlessly, about anything that struck her little girl fancy. She also pestered them to give her piggyback rides until they became exasperated and Sarah spoke to Jack about it. He and Marty, the ship carpenter, built her a little swing. It was fashioned of two slender poles attached to wider bases at the bottom, and rope with a little wooden seat strung between the poles. It was mobile, lightweight, and she could from then on be found on it on the upper deck, particularly while Captain Jack had the helm.
They were perhaps three weeks out of Key West when sudden stormclouds gathered, only above the ship. A sudden towering spray of water reared up on the starboard side, easily the height of the tallest mast, and formed into the shape of a woman.
Calypso's booming voice spoke from it. "Sarah Sparrow. It is time!"
Sarah's eyes were wide. How could she midwife a birth from such a creature? Her mouth worked uselessly for a moment. Only one solution came to mind, and it would be interesting to see how the goddess would accomplish it. "Come aboard," she was happy her voice came out steady and calm.
A pseudopod of water extended from the water woman and poured itself onto the deck. Instead of flowing over the wood, it built a shape from the feet upwards. A shape that coalesced into Tia Dalma, with a look of pain that was universal to women.
Sarah took her hand and cast about desperately for a place to put her. Calypso could not give birth here on the main deck, nor would Sarah bring her below to the crew's quarters. Only one place remained, and with an apologetic look at Jack, she led the goddess to the captain's quarters. "Mind the children, please!" she called just before she shut the door.
Very little work was done as the entire crew waited anxiously. Several paced, particularly Jack. He felt the irony as he was reminded of waiting for his firstborn to come. Thankfully, no bizarre supernatural sounds issued from the cabin. Occasionally, if any of the men came close enough, they could hear Tia's voice grunting and straining with great effort, and Sarah's voice telling her to "push" and "bear down."
Teague, bored with the lack of normal activity, began whittling. Using his precious pearl handled dagger, he carefully coaxed the shape of a ship from a random chunk of wood left over from making his sister's swing. A few hours passed before his mother emerged, wiping her hands on a towel and looking extremely thoughtful.
She closed the door of the cabin firmly behind her. The men waited with bated breath for her to speak. She looked only at Jack. "It's done. She'll rest a bit, then leave the ship."
Going to the deck rail, she gripped it tightly and gazed out, taking a deep breath. Her hair swept back in the light breeze. Ragetti couldn't help asking. "What...what did it look like?"
"I don't want to speak of it." Sarah kept her face turned resolutely out to sea. "Ask me no more!"
She remained there until Calypso walked slowly out of the cabin, carefully holding a small wrapped bundle. No one quite dared to get close enough to see if they could catch a glimpse of the babe, and Calypso didn't seem inclined to show it off. She gave a little smile and curtsy to Sarah, put a hand on the rail, and was once again water, pouring over the side and back to the sea.
Only then did the captain's wife return more to her usual self. She smiled and bantered once again. But that night as she and Jack prepared for sleep, she asked him. "Do you think we will encounter Will Turner at all? I would so like to see the man again."
Chapters 26 - 28"Land ho!"
The lights Calypso gave to guide them held true all the way, finally directing them to an English settlement. "Saint Helena! They're on Saint Helena!" Sarah exclaimed with amazement when Jack charted it.
They stood together at the prow, and Jack was quiet. His eyes flickered over the shape of the land, and his head tipped to and fro. Sarah paced in little circles near him.
He made plans by the seat of his pants, utilizing whatever materials came his way, adjusting on the fly. Though Sarah knew him very well and could follow his lead to a point, she would need something more solid. At last he asked her, "What's your thoughts bit o'Sarah? How do you want to proceed?"
She paced some more, and thought it out as was her wont. "There'll be guards most likely. He tried to trap us back in Florida, and he'll most likely be anticipating us. I suggest we go in before dawn, strike quickly and get out fast. And we go in armed as heavily as possible and still move like lightning."
He nodded, a slight smile on his face. His wife wasn't underestimating their enemy. "Then might I suggest a practice round, make sure our skills are sharp enough, along with our blades," drawing his sabre as he spoke and lunging.
She was taken by surprise and skittered backwards, clutching at her own scabbard that she wore every moment she was with Jack. At home, she gave every appearance of being a proper English matron, but she never lacked for a weapon.
Speed was a skill she was very good at, and Jack had of course merely feinted. Once she held her own blade, he was harder on her, but she parried with an angry face and body language that made him proud. She would hold her own in battle, if she could control her rage.
After the first few strokes, he began to test her. "And suppose he threatens the wee little ones, eh? Suppose you find that he's lashed them as well?"
Sarah's eyes flashed, and she growled. Executing a graceful spin, she lifted her sword high and brought it down as she came around to face him again. Jack lifted his sword high to block her stroke, and quick as a wink her free hand snatched her dagger out and thrust it as his exposed belly. Jack was forced to disengage and rear backwards.
A twinkle of pride lit his eyes. "Very good. A move worthy of a pirate, my love." But now he'd awakened mama bear, and had a slight problem.
Sarah kept coming, and thrust her blade at his neck. Jack swatted her sword aside but her dagger arm was now swinging in a roundhouse punch aimed at his side. He dropped his sword, and dropped into a crouch, rolling away.
He fetched up against a pair of boots, and looked up into Gibbs' face. The quartermaster put out a hand to Jack. Faced with the captain and most of the crew, Sarah quirked an eyebrow and chose to sheath her sword. But she did not drop her battle stance.
She faced the men who all had looks of determination. Gibbs spoke up. "Miss Sarah, we're with you. Count on us, you'll need good men at your back!"
The boys hollered assent, several with raised fists. Pintel hollered, "Too right!"
"Oh? Do you know where I can find some?" She smiled to take the sting out of her tease but it did not reach her eyes. Still with a dagger in her hand, she walked to the rail to gaze longingly at the island.
Night fell, and the lights of Calypso hovered near the anchored ship as if knowing their plan and approving it. In the grey twinkling light of very early morning, the boats were loaded up. Jack glanced round at the crew ready to fight beside him on land. Pintel and Ragetti, Marty, Bowen, Snaky Jake, and finally Sarah.
She sat facing grimly forward, a cutlass at each hip, a pistol tucked into her sash. Her hair was braided down her back, her green bandanna kept the rest out of her face. Jack knew full well that a dagger was strapped to each ankle under her boots. She would leave a bloody trail of carnage in her wake. Hell, so would he!
The lights suddenly shot forward, and burst up out of the water to sparkle over a particular house near the shoreline. They seemed to explode in a shower of sparks, then disappeared. "Well, that's a handy trick," Sarah remarked.
The pirates unloaded and quickly ran to the marked house. All was quiet, the perimeter unguarded. Jack drew his pistol and almost casually shot the lock on the door, then kicked it open. Pirates flowed through the opening.
The front room was filled with Marines, woken by the sound of the shot and not at all pleased about it. Several of the men screamed war cries and attacked before the soldiers were even fully aware. Sarah made no cry. She silently went about her work.
Jack was after the Commodore, and to that end he slashed his sword at any that dared stand in front of him. Due in equal portion to his blessed luck and his fierceness in battle, he moved unscathed through the room. A hallway opened up before him. Glancing behind him, he observed Sarah, dancing as she fought. Literally, adagio and allegro as she pirouetted and pliéd with both swords flashing wickedly.
Jack began opening doors down the hallway, when suddenly one at the end flew open and the Commodore came charging out dressed only in his nightgown, sleeping cap askew on his head. Jack saw him and stopped short. The resemblance to Lord Cutler was eerie.
His gut did not care that this was a different man. To Jack, he was the same one that branded him, burned his ship, directly caused much mayhem in his life. Definitely the same man who's taken his Sarah and done unimaginable things to her. He raised his sword and advanced.
"You!" Richard Beckett exclaimed in shock. His eyes narrowed. "I sent ships after you, they came back in shame. I went after you myself, after settling your brats in this house, in the Avenger. You slipped away from me!"
"Too bad for you." Jack sliced his sword down the front of Beckett's nightgown, cutting the fabric neatly in half and leaving a red slice down the man's chest and belly.
"Ahhh!" Beckett stumbled backwards into his bedroom, Jack pressed relentlessly forward. "Where are my children?" he growled, his sword flashing and another line of blood trailed down the man's right arm.
"Do you actually think I'm going to tell you? They're mine now, in payment for my brother!" Beckett grasped his bleeding arm and glared at Jack.
"You will tell me. Or I'll cut you into pieces slowly." Another flash of his sword, another slice. "Your brother was a pompous ass, just like you are. He used anyone and anything to get his way, and still failed."
Beckett lunged for his own weapon just inside the doorway, exposing his back for an instant. That was all Jack needed to place a shallow cut down that back. The Commodore screamed and swung his sword at Jack. He easily avoided the blow.
"If you kill me, you'll never find your precious brats. They call me daddy, by the way." He smiled smugly, but the edges of that smile were ragged.
Frankly, Jack didn't care if Beckett told him where the children were or not. They would be found regardless, and he still intended to exact his pound of flesh from the hateful little prick. He no longer bothered to answer Richard's obviously calculating comments.
"Where are they cully?" he spoke softly, throwing out his arm once again to mark the left arm. And so it went, the Commodore desperately trying to fight back while cowering in his nakedness and getting weaker from pain and gradual blood loss as Jack nicked him again and again.
Suddenly Jack heard footsteps approaching rapidly. He sheathed his sword, moving quickly forward to grab Beckett by the neck and get behind him. Drawing his dagger, he pressed it hard against the man's neck.
It was Sarah. She stood in the doorway, chest heaving, clothes spattered with blood. None of it seemed to be hers, Jack's eyes went over her quickly to confirm that. She stared at the Commodore, and moved slowly closer.
"Shall I castrate him for you, luv?" Jack asked as he lowered the dagger from the throat to the genitals. An evil smile curled her lips when Beckett lost control of his bladder and a puddle grew on the floor between his feet.
Her eyes shifted to Jack. He would have been quite happy to go on torturing the man in any manner she desired. There was only one thing she desired, however. "Kill him," she ordered softly.
Without hesitation Jack put the dagger back to his neck, pressed down and drew the dagger hard and swiftly across Beckett's throat. This was a far deeper cut than any he'd made already. Blood welled up darkly. Beckett made a gurgling noise, his face went pale, his eyes rolled back in his head. He slumped forward in a boneless heap, dead.
Only then did Sarah take her eyes off him and speak. "They are not on this level Jack. I found some stairs, they must be up there. For what it's worth, one of the Marines told me there's about twenty barrels of gunpowder in a back room. I granted him his life for that information."
The staircase was across from the hallway. A quick glance showed the couple that the crew was taking good care of the remaining soldiers. They did not inspect the chaotic room more closely, but they should have.
Up they raced to find a hallway similar to the first one. And coming down it was a woman dressed as a maid or nursemaid, holding the hand of a child on either side of her. Seeing Jack and Sarah, she halted and looked wary. Jack and Sarah stopped as well, surprised.
The woman pushed the children towards them. "Every day, all this boy would talk about was his parents coming to get him and the girl. I thought him mad to show such faith in obviously dissolute rebels as the Commodore said you were. But now I see his faith in you was justified."
The nanny swallowed nervously, watching Teague and Mary scamper towards their mommy and daddy. "They truly belong with you, if you fought the odds I know were surely against you to come get them." She darted past them and fled down the steps, presumably out the front door.
Teague charged up to Jack Sparrow, his eyes glowing and smiling clear back to his ears. "I knew you'd come!" he whispered fiercely, wasting no time climbing up his father's body and into his arms. Jack clutched his son close.
Sarah dropped to her knees and Mary flung herself at her chanting, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" They hugged exuberantly. Sarah ran her hands over the girl, checking for any kind of injury.
Scooping Mary up, she then did the same quick check of her son. Teague leaned over in the middle of it to give her a big smacking kiss on her cheek.
Suddenly a large WHUMP sounded from below the banisters. And a loudly shouted "Fire! Fire! Everyone get out!"
Jack and Sarah ran to the top of the stairs and viewed a glimpse into an inferno. Pirates and injured soldiers alike were pouring through the ruined front door while flames chased them hungrily. They were cut off.
"Jack!" Sarah looked horrified. "I knocked a lamp over during the battle! It'll spread to the gunpowder!"
They raced into the nursery and flung open the windows. There was not much cover, a little greenery along the base of the house, not much. They had to risk jumping, but each of them carried a precious burden.
"Hold tight to me son. Don't let go, for anything," Jack instructed Teague while Sarah murmured similar words to Mary. "Sarah, aim for those bushes."
Amazingly, they landed fairly well, in part because both knew how to land easily, rolling with arms curled protectively around their child. A few bruises were a small price to pay. They could see the pirates ahead of them, almost to the boats.
Jack and Sarah got up and ran, but in the house behind them the flames had reached the gunpowder. A wall of extremely hot air lifted them up and flung them forward many yards, burning their legs and backs and shoulders. At the same time an unbearably loud noise crumped through the air and struck their eardrums.
Hitting the ground, Jack and Sarah bent over the bodies of their children while flaming debris fell all around them.
Cautiously, Jack peeked through his dreads and saw that it seemed to be over. Touching his wife's shoulder, he got up and scurried towards the harbor. The first boat had launched already, Bowen held the other.
They looked back while rowing to the Pearl, seeing the mass confusion surrounding the burning remnants of a once fine house. At the ship, Joshua hauled the Sparrow children aboard. They were rescued at last.
Chapter Twenty Four - Saying Goodbye
Sarah walked slowly through the ashes and dust that was once her home. Occasionally she bent over and picked through the mess to find some treasure that had survived well enough to be recognized. A doll of Mary's, in tatters. The skeletal remains of Teague's kite. Her dresses, the skirts turned to charcoal. A painting of her parents, her father's face had melted, her mother's face totally gone.
The devastation was total. She drifted over to what remained of the banister to the upstairs, and ran her fingers through the ash. Though she tried to remain strong, tears flowed down her cheeks and blurred her eyes. She turned to look at the one remaining pillar of strength she had.
Her husband stood just outside the perimeter of destruction left behind, holding little Mary closely to his chest. He looked sad and concerned for her. Though he had spent less time here than she had, it had become a home to him as well.
Teague went towards her. "Mama, I know where the horses are! Beckett didn't hurt them, he's got a stable here!"
Sarah was surprised. "Well, that's some good news at least!" she exclaimed, ruffling his hair. Wiping her eyes carefully on her handkerchief, she took his hand and walked back to Jack. "We'll have to take them back tonight, after everyone's gone to bed in this town, hmm?"
"Good news Jack! Getting our treasures to Elizabeth won't prove as difficult as we thought! Teague knows where Blaze and Penny are!" Her husband's response to the return of the animals left much to be desired as far as joyful enthusiasm went.
That night Sarah and Mary stood lookout while Teague slipped in, found the horses, and then had to quiet their whinnies of joy. Jack and Joshua found a small carriage and quickly hooked it up to Penny, tethering Blaze behind it. It was the perfect size for a getaway. Back to the barn on Sarah's property they galloped. Beckett hadn't bothered to burn that.
Jack pushed aside the bale of straw in the corner. Sarah bent to the trap door under it and twisted the large metal ring set in the middle. It recessed slightly, then she was able to raise it. Six steps led down to a tiny space, filled with trunks. This was Jack's hoard of treasure.
The men loaded it into the wagon, including Sarah's safe which held some keepsakes of her own. Her and Jack's marriage license, the first plunder he'd given her, baby keepsakes of Teague and Mary, and items she'd pilfered from her uncle's island before wedding Jack. As soon as it was loaded she wrapped the now sleeping Mary in a shawl and climbed in with Teague. Jack settled just behind Joshua so he could watch the road.
Joshua took them straightway to Elizabeth Turner, who despite the late hour greeted them exuberantly. Joshua was nearly bowled over by Esther and they quickly disappeared, oblivious to everyone else. After bedding down their own youngsters in the nursery, Jack and Sarah hugged Elizabeth and themselves went to bed.
In her own bed, alone, Elizabeth heard the unmistakable sounds of them making love. Clearly, some effort was being made to keep quiet, but that they were partaking joyfully of each other's bodies was definite. Joshua and Esther merely rolled over and went deeper into sleep. This was something they'd heard many times during Jack's shore leaves and were accustomed to. In fact, Jack and Sarah had frequently heard the other couple having sex as well.
For Elizabeth, though, it was devastating. She was accustomed now to being alone, but having company was wonderful. She had interaction with other adults during the day, and the security of fellowship at night. The sounds she heard from the guest bedroom was new however, and only served to remind her that her bed was only for one.
She stuffed a fist in her mouth and squeezed her eyes shut to hold back the blinding pain. Even after eight years without him, the loss of Will was fresh. 'Please, please God,' she prayed. 'Please, somehow, let him come home!'
The muffled sounds of what was clearly a climax released her tears. Bitter they were, and she licked them off her face. Jealousy of Sarah choked her, that she could be with her man. Only in the night would she let these feelings out, never in front of her friend. Sarah had been true and wonderful to her.
Next morning at breakfast Mrs. Turner's modest kitchen was filled nearly to overflowing by five adults, four children, and one baby. But it was done by setting children on one side, adults on the other, and passing baby Rebecca and tot Mary around like sweet treats from lap to lap. Sarah gently explained that she was not going to clear the ashes and rebuild. She was leaving, with Jack.
"But where? Where will you go, and how will I reach you?" Elizabeth was a bit stunned. Surely she would not lose another to the sea?
"Whither the wind shall blow us," Sarah answered a bit dreamily, watching Jack place bites of melon into Mary's mouth. "Don't worry Elizabeth, the wind will no doubt blow me to you often. And I shall not be at sea forever."
She caught sight of her son wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "Teague, use your napkin," she admonished.
"Awww. Daddy doesn't have one!" Sarah looked at Jack who couldn't help smirking.
"When on a pirate ship, do as the pirates do. When in more, hmmm, genteel company, do as they do. It's mannerly to adopt the daily habits of those whose company you keep." she explained.
Jack laughed. "'Genteel.' How very diplomatic of you, darling."
Willy looked in awe between Teague and Jack, eyes going rounder by the moment. His own napkin was tucked neatly into his shirt.
"When are you leaving?" Esther looked sadly at the woman she'd essentially grown up with.
"Tomorrow," Jack answered.
Next day Jack oversaw the provisioning of the Black Pearl. Sarah said goodbye to the horses. "Be a good girl now, work hard for Elizabeth," she whispered with a final pat and sugar cube for Penny.
Joshua clearly wanted to follow them aboard as Sarah led her children slowly up the gangplank. Esther clutched Rebecca to her chest and fought back tears. Sarah looked back only once. "Take good care of Elizabeth." To her best friend she said only, "We will meet again, I promise it."
Chapter Twenty Five - Birth
Jack pulled her aside as they cruised past the Keys. "When did you last drink Fountain of Youth water?"
"When I discovered I was carrying your daughter," she answered steadily.
Jack paused at that. He did not like that he had been detained while she swelled in pregnancy, bore a child, and partially raised her while he was unaware. "We'll go and refill our flasks. I gave the last few sips to Elizabeth."
At the magical island, they sipped silently, and filled their flasks. As they walked back Sarah nudged her hand into Jack's and said, almost offhandedly, "Are you sure about living forever? With only me, that is? Only one woman?"
He stopped and pulled her around to face him. Cupping her face in his hands, he let his eyes rove all over her familiar features. He had her nearly memorized. "A hundred thousand years is too short to fall asleep sated in your arms and wake fresh beside you every day," he whispered intensely, lips close to hers.
Her eyes fluttered shut. "Jack..."
"It's funny, you know. You know me so well. You know how to touch me, please me, you know what every word from me really means, you even interpret the twitch of me brow. And yet, every day it's like we just met and I'm getting to know you." His head cocked quizzically. "You're asking me if I'm bored, and I say...never. Every time we make love, we sink deeper into each other's bones."
Sarah and the children settled once again into the routine of shipboard life. She mourned the loss of her flower garden, and complained to Jack so frequently he finally told her to shut it. More amused than insulted, she did.
Mary was delighted with the ship. She considered it her own personal playground, in fact. The crew frequently found themselves followed around while she chattered endlessly, about anything that struck her little girl fancy. She also pestered them to give her piggyback rides until they became exasperated and Sarah spoke to Jack about it. He and Marty, the ship carpenter, built her a little swing. It was fashioned of two slender poles attached to wider bases at the bottom, and rope with a little wooden seat strung between the poles. It was mobile, lightweight, and she could from then on be found on it on the upper deck, particularly while Captain Jack had the helm.
They were perhaps three weeks out of Key West when sudden stormclouds gathered, only above the ship. A sudden towering spray of water reared up on the starboard side, easily the height of the tallest mast, and formed into the shape of a woman.
Calypso's booming voice spoke from it. "Sarah Sparrow. It is time!"
Sarah's eyes were wide. How could she midwife a birth from such a creature? Her mouth worked uselessly for a moment. Only one solution came to mind, and it would be interesting to see how the goddess would accomplish it. "Come aboard," she was happy her voice came out steady and calm.
A pseudopod of water extended from the water woman and poured itself onto the deck. Instead of flowing over the wood, it built a shape from the feet upwards. A shape that coalesced into Tia Dalma, with a look of pain that was universal to women.
Sarah took her hand and cast about desperately for a place to put her. Calypso could not give birth here on the main deck, nor would Sarah bring her below to the crew's quarters. Only one place remained, and with an apologetic look at Jack, she led the goddess to the captain's quarters. "Mind the children, please!" she called just before she shut the door.
Very little work was done as the entire crew waited anxiously. Several paced, particularly Jack. He felt the irony as he was reminded of waiting for his firstborn to come. Thankfully, no bizarre supernatural sounds issued from the cabin. Occasionally, if any of the men came close enough, they could hear Tia's voice grunting and straining with great effort, and Sarah's voice telling her to "push" and "bear down."
Teague, bored with the lack of normal activity, began whittling. Using his precious pearl handled dagger, he carefully coaxed the shape of a ship from a random chunk of wood left over from making his sister's swing. A few hours passed before his mother emerged, wiping her hands on a towel and looking extremely thoughtful.
She closed the door of the cabin firmly behind her. The men waited with bated breath for her to speak. She looked only at Jack. "It's done. She'll rest a bit, then leave the ship."
Going to the deck rail, she gripped it tightly and gazed out, taking a deep breath. Her hair swept back in the light breeze. Ragetti couldn't help asking. "What...what did it look like?"
"I don't want to speak of it." Sarah kept her face turned resolutely out to sea. "Ask me no more!"
She remained there until Calypso walked slowly out of the cabin, carefully holding a small wrapped bundle. No one quite dared to get close enough to see if they could catch a glimpse of the babe, and Calypso didn't seem inclined to show it off. She gave a little smile and curtsy to Sarah, put a hand on the rail, and was once again water, pouring over the side and back to the sea.
Only then did the captain's wife return more to her usual self. She smiled and bantered once again. But that night as she and Jack prepared for sleep, she asked him. "Do you think we will encounter Will Turner at all? I would so like to see the man again."
