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What A Man Must Do
A sequel to 'The Sacking of Port Royal'

by TortugaBlack
First Post: February 27, 2006

Three

The words were quietly spoken, the soulful brown eyes filed with a pain that puzzled the pirate captain. “Why?”  

Turner leaned forward, “Jack, I took the man’s only daughter from him---” 

“Aye, in the dead of night.” A flash of gold at the memory and Sparrow chuckled. “I’m not likely to forget, mate, seeing as how it was me what did the taking,” He sobered, thinking back on the incident. “Actually, she came willingly so I’m not sure that qualifies as taking her.” He tipped his head in serious contemplation. “Does it?” 

Will shot him a look of exasperation then hurried on. “He’s got to be worried about her, Jack, wondering what has become of her.” 

“Write a letter.” Already tired of the angst and drama of the boy’s words, Sparrow again reached for the bottle between them. “We’re sure to find someone headed that way; flag down a ship if we must, but I see no reason to risk all when such a missive…perhaps in dear Elizabeth’s own hand…would accomplish your objective.” 

“When Elizabeth came away with us, we expected that she would return once the danger of the impending attack against Port Royal had passed,” Will explained ignoring Jack’s suggestion. He dropped his gaze to study the tankard all but forgotten in his hand. “That was not possible and, before another day had passed, there was no going back…for either of us.” Pleading eyes rose to find and hold Jack’s gaze. “Therefore, it falls upon me as Elizabeth’s husband…and as a man…to tell her father that she is well and happy.” 

“Forgive me, mate, but just what do you expect in return, the man’s blessing?” Sparrow queried in disbelief. “You’ve been outlawed, Will, you and sweet Elizabeth. Accused…if somewhat unjustly…of aiding known pirates in the taking of a British warship. By now, everyone in Port Royal must know that you both were seen when we took the Morning Star.” Sparrow fingered the small braids at the end of his chin thoughtfully. “Seems I remember Elizabeth sending a parting message to her father before the crew pitched the good Commodore over the side, did she not?” 

“Aye,” Will whispered, his expression one of sad remembrances. “’Tell him I’m with the man I love…and at his side I will stay.’” He recited with feeling. 

“There!” Sparrow leaned back satisfied that nothing more was needed. 

“Jack, I cannot be sure that the Commodore delivered that message. No,” he strongly refused with a shake of his head. “I cannot leave it at that. I must talk to the Governor. I’m Elizabeth’s husband and the Governor’s son-in-law; it is my duty and mine alone to deliver such a message.” 

Taking another drink, Sparrow edged away from the subject. “It would be of interest, lad, to know how you managed to talk my crew into this when you’re having such difficulty convincing their captain.”  

Turner fidgeted in his seat, avoided Sparrow’s gaze only to wet lips that seemed to have suddenly gone dry. “I promised each who would agree a new sword or knife from my inventory.” 

Jack Sparrow was momentarily caught speechless. Clearing his throat he pushed both tankard and bottle to one side to better study the young man across from him. “Let’s see if I have the right of this. You’ve gone to my crew…behind my back…bribed them into following your orders, tried to get their captain drunk, and lied to your woman.” He watched Turner flush a bit deeper with each additional accusation, but his gaze had not wavered. “Lad, you are well on your way to becoming a bloody fine pirate.” 

“I did not try to get you drunk!” Will hotly denied. “You were well into that condition when I arrived.” 

“Too bad,” Jack moaned. He glanced down at the tankard with a look of betrayal. “I need to be drunk.” From outside the cabin came sounds of hurried footsteps, shouts, lanyards creaking as lines and backstays were pulled loose and sails unfurled. The Black Pearl was coming awake in the darkness of pre-dawn. 

“It seems your crew has arrived Captain Turner.” It was a hard-eyed gaze that Sparrow settled on the younger man. “You took a lot upon yourself, Will Turner. What if I decline this venture of yours?” 

“Then I shall be forced to find another ship. But I shall find one.” Will leaned forward. “I have to do this, Jack, and I’m asking you to help me.” 

“And what of Elizabeth while you are gone? Are you to leave her alone?” Sparrow settled a disapproving look on his drinking companion. 

“Of course not,” Will denied, his voice tempered with indignation. “The Hovilas, an Arawak couple I hired in Port-de-Paix, are with her…and Cotton.” 

“Cotton? Sparrow was again caught off guard. “Have you left any of my crew to follow my orders?!” 

Will squirmed uneasily in his chair before taking another quick drink.  

“You and I will definitely have to have a serious discussion on your means toward accomplishing your objectives, mate.” Sparrow sat quietly for several long moments, his expression grim and allowed the sounds of the Pearl’s awakening to fill the silence between them. He poured himself another drink. 

 “It’s an honest and proper thing you wish to do, lad, I’ll give you that.” He tilted his head to better study the other. “But we both know it to be ill-advised. Should we fall into British hands during this venture there will be neither clemency or head starts granted either of us nor any kindness given to my crew. We would all hang. Furthermore, I bloody well suspect the Governor will be all the more eager to see your neck stretched along with mine once you’ve delivered your message.” Sparrow paused, eyeing the younger man closely. The tightening of the jaw muscles and the steady determined gaze that remained firmly on his face told Sparrow the lad would not be forced off course.   

Sighing, the pirate captain rolled his eyes upward, closed them briefly, and when he returned his attention to the anxiously awaiting blacksmith, he had made his decision. “I will see you to Port Royal, William Turner, but I will not put my ship or crew in danger for so little reason…and no return.” 

“Nor would I ask you to do so,” Will replied earnestly.  

 “The Pearl will stay seaward and sail immediately should I feel the need…with or without you.” 

“I understand.” The boy was not to be swayed by the threat. 

A cunning light touched the dark eyes much like that of an alley cat looking upon a small bird within easy reach of his claws. “However, I cannot deny a certain enjoyment at the thought of the Pearl slipping in and out of Port Royal under the good Commodore’s nose and him without means to follow.” He sobered, turning a worried countenance to the blacksmith. “You are sure the Dauntless still lies in dry dock?”  

Turner smiled at the pirate’s sudden uneasiness. Yes, Jack. Do we have an Accord?” 

Sparrow looked somewhat disappointedly at the tankard before lifting his concerned gaze to meet Will Turner’s expectant one. “I must be drunk to agree to this.” He sighed then offered his hand to the other. “Aye, lad, we have an Accord.”

To Part Four

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