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CHAPTER 11 – Jack Sails On For Tortuga “Raise the anchor!” Jack yells. “Sail on for Tortuga! We stop for nothing else!” Gibbs walked up behind Jack, putting a hand on his shoulder that Jack quickly slaps it away. “Gibbs, I want no lectures.” “I wasn’t goin’ lecture ye. All I was goin’ ta say was I think you made a bad decision but your ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’, knower of everything. Captain Jack Sparrow doesn’t make mistakes” Gibbs continued. Jacks hands gripped the wheel tighter and tighter, fighting the urge to spin around and punch Gibbs in the mouth. “That will be enough Mr. Gibbs,” Jack snarls. “Still can’t believe you did it” Gibbs comments, walking away. “Neither do I,” Jack breathes. “Neither do I.” Jack takes one more look over his shoulder only to see the Dauntless fading in the distance. He knew he had done the right thing, sending you home to find someone that would take care of you the way you deserved. A man to love you the way you should be loved. Right now what he wanted to do was sail on to Tortuga and get rip-roaring drunk and forget about you. That would be the best thing that he could do, although he wasn’t quite sure if the entire island had enough rum to erase your memory. * * * * * CHAPTER 12 – Severing All Ties ~Two months after your return~ Nathanial drug the toy soldiers through the house, pulling them in a wagon your father had built for him. All their guns, fellow officers, and tanks were kept inside so they would not get lost. The nine year old boy, doing what boys do, abandons the wagon at the top of the stairs, rushing back to his room to gather the ones that were still in jail for going A-W-A-L-L. You were leaving your room, reading a book when Nathanial had abandoned the wagon, not realizing that it was there. Since you had started to show a month earlier, your parents had forbidden you to leave the house and you chose to spend the time buried in a book. You had walked the hallways of the house for years, knowing every twist and turn. There were exactly twenty-four steps from your doorway to the stairs, a large wooden banister that you would rest your hand on before taking the first step. The last thing you would have even thought of was Nathanial leaving his wagon there. You see movement out of the corner of your eye, seeing the black and white of the servants dress and go back to the reading. You reach your hand out for the banister, resting it atop the marble globe that accented the deep-tinted stained wood. “( )!” Marie yells, but she was too late. As your eyes shot up, your body is already in motion and tripping over the wagon. Your scream of fright echoes through the house, bringing the servants running from every direction. You reach out from something to stop your decent but there is nothing around and you have no choice but to endure each and every bump and bash that occurs to your body. Each stair collides with your body as you roll, your body being battered by the wood. Blackness engulfs you by the time you reach the bottom. Some bruises are already appearing on your body and blood soaks your dress from the baby. Hour by hour, day by day, rolls by and you drift in and out of consciousness. The pain in your stomach is unbearable and you curl your self into a ball, crying and screaming for Jack, for Elizabeth. Elizabeth is summoned by your mother and stays by your side for a week. Liz had been the only person outside of the home to have any knowledge of your condition. Uncle James stood outside your door after Louisa told him what had happened, listening to the painful cries that came from his beloved niece. Damn Jack Sparrow, he cursed in his mind. James knew what he had to do, as much as it went against everything he’d been taught and believed in. He marched to his study, followed by four of his most trusted men. He had never denied you a thing and he’d be damned if he’d start now. * * * * * CHAPTER 13 – Getting Back To a Normal Life ~Three months later~ Sergeant Jonathan Mason had donned his civilian clothes when his boat docked in Tortuga. There was no way in hell if he wanted to see tomorrow, he was going onto the island in his uniform. It wasn’t hard to track down Jack. After one mention of his name, a drunken sailor pointed to a tavern near the docks. The tavern/inn was run down like the rest of the island and Jonathan had to stumble over a handful or whores just to get inside of the bar. The smell of smoke choked Jonathan as he entered but through the haze, he made out Jack in the corner, slumped backwards in the chair. He fought his way through the crowds of drunken pirates and whores, trying to get to Jacks table. After dislodging many of the ‘ladies’ wandering hands he sat down in a chair opposite of Jack. “What can I get ye?” an older woman asked who was missing half of her teeth. The ones that remained were blackened and rotting. “What ever he’s having” Jonathon replied, still staring at Jack whose eyes were locked on him. Jack recognized him from Norry’s ship. “I figured I would find you here,” Jonathon told him. “Where else is there?” Jack questioned, swinging his arms around, showing off the dingy bar. He had stayed drunk since his arrival in Tortuga and saw no reason of sobering up. “I have something for you,” Jonathon said, sliding the letter across the table. “What is it?” Jack asked. “A waver of my hanging if I admit to kidnapping ( ). You can hang me now; I didn’t kidnap ‘er.” “James sent me here to find you,” Jonathon stated. “Something’s happened to ( ) and he thinks that you should know about it. Why you even let her go like that is beyond me.” “What‘re ye talkin’ ‘bout? In case you haven’t noticed son, I’m a bit too drunk to be readin’ anything,” Jack slurs, smirking sarcastically. “( ) fell down the stairs in her house and almost died loosing the baby. Don’t you even care?” Jonathan yelled, slamming his fist on the old wooden table that separated them. “What are you talkin’ about?” Jack asks, leaning forward on the table. “Your baby. ( ) was pregnant with your baby. You simply let her walk away. She fell down the stairwell in her home and Elizabeth has been by her side for the past week. We weren’t even sure ( ) would live.” Jack thought back to your last day together. You hadn’t even mentioned it. How could you possibly keep something like that from him? “Oh my God,” Jack said, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. “That’s why she’d been sick every morning. I just thought she never got ‘er sea legs, it does happen ye know.” Jack pulled open the letter, squinting through drunken eyes at the parchment. “Jesus, just tell me the important parts,” Jack growled, tossing the letter to Jonathan. Jonathan didn’t move but relayed to Jack about the party that James demanded he come to. He was granted clemency for his stay and no longer but he was expected to show up at the party or the next day, James was hunting him down and there would be no means of escape. “Alright Jonathan,” Jack said, standing up from the table and swaying terribly. “I need to gather me crew. I’ll be at the party, count on it,” Jack told him, holding out his hand and they shook. He would definitely be at the party. Obviously your meaning over ‘severing all ties’ differed from his. ~Back in Port Royal~ “( ), you have ten minutes to get upstairs and fitted for your dress. Must I remind you that next week is the party? Have you found an escort yet?” your mother asked. If she reminded you once more, you were going to scream. You didn’t give a damn about the party. “No mother,” you said sweetly, sweetly enough to let your mother know that shit was going to hit the fan if she told you once more. “You need to find a husband. Thank God you don’t have that bastard growing inside of you anymore. One will be easier to procure.” she sneered. “Why you don’t let your uncle hunt him down, especially for rape, is beyond me.” “He didn’t rape me!” you screech. “I gave myself to him…willingly. Nor will I be finding a husband anytime soon. If you bitch at me one more time about it, I’ll let the entire island know everything that has happened. Now, get out of my room!” you yell. How dare she bring up something so hurtful? Your mother walked off, muttering how you were ‘definitely your fathers’ daughter’, and slamming the door in her wake. Your eyes roll and you laugh, knowing that she would leave you alone for the rest of the day. The doors to the balcony from your room were open, allowing the air to drift in from the water. The smell of the bay calmed you as you breathed deeply, letting the salty air fill your lungs. You press a hand to your stomach. If you had been more careful. If you had watched for the toys that your little brother always drags around and leaves everywhere you wouldn’t have tripped and fallen down the stairs. “( )?” Elizabeth calls from the door. “I heard your mother and you fighting again.” “Come in Liz. I need someone on my side,” you say, smiling. Liz would never judge you the way your mother did. “Will and my offer still stands. If you want to come stay with us, you’re more than welcome,” Elizabeth said, wrapping her arms around you in a hug. “You know we have more than enough room.” “You are both still newlyweds. I couldn’t intrude. Besides, if I was there the way I am now, Will would never want children,” you say, smiling. “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Elizabeth said, a sparkle in her eye. “No,” you whisper, starting to laugh. “When?” “The spring,” Elizabeth conveys, smiling. “I was so scared to tell you after all that you had been through. I was so looking forward to being pregnant together.” “I know, I was too but it can’t be helped.” “Your mother has influenced you,” Elizabeth said seriously. “No. If I was supposed to have the baby I would have. I’ve come to terms with it. Let’s not talk about it anymore though,” you say, smiling even though you’re dying inside for the baby of Jacks that you lost. After the party, you agree to move in with them only until you find your own home. Hopefully, some point later on in your lives when Will had calmed down and didn’t want to kill Jack, you could get him to write a letter and send it out. Jack did deserve to know that you had been pregnant, didn’t he? What would he do? Would he blame you for loosing the baby? Would be blame himself for not being there? For giving you up? Only time would tell all. * * * * * CHAPTER 14 – Changes ~The Friday of the Party~ You arrive early at your mothers’ request, knowing that she would need help. The cooks and servants had been working since before sun up, readying the house to accommodate all the people that would be arriving that evening. The table for your family, the Governor, Will and Elizabeth, and Commodore Norrington sat across the front of the room. One seat staying open between you and Elizabeth incase you should choose to have someone join you for dinner. Elizabeth bustled around with you, lighting candles and putting the finishing touches on the tables. Checking and rechecking the silverware to make sure they were in proper order. Name cards were placed on the plates as Elizabeth and you wrote them out. The crystal stemware had been brought out for the evening. The silver candelabras were placed in the center of the tables, their white taper candles lit, casting their dancing shadows upon the walls. The large dinning room was transformed over the day into a ballroom which was expected of your parents. Your mother had always been known for throwing the most exclusive and memorable parties. You had met all the guests at the door, Elizabeth at your side as always, and escorted them to their seats. After everyone had arrived, the room was filled. People had found their way out into the gardens, walking in the warm summer breeze. Most were dancing to the small quartet of musicians your mother had brought in. After all the guests were taken care of, you had taken your place at the table with your family and the others. The evening seemed to be going well enough except for all the stares you were receiving. No one had known about the pregnancy but world had traveled fast about your being kidnapped and everyone was eager to hear about your horrendous ordeal. You had already declined several invitations to dance and were continuing to dismiss them, knowing that your mother had put out the word that you were still available. “My lady? Would you grace me with a dance?” one of your uncles Sergeants asked but you brushed him off. If one more man came up to you tonight you were going to scream. “Child, what is the matter with you? your mother asked, placing a hand on your shoulder. “That was one of your uncles’ finest men! I know you went through such an ordeal, being kidnapped and all. If you are not up to this tonight, you may retire. I will not tolerate having the attitude being given to our guests.” “Oh mother, do you really not see what the problem is?” you ask, resting your head against your gloved hand. “I didn’t want to be found. For once in my life I was truly enjoying something.” “Being a whore to a pirate is not to be enjoyed,” your mother hissed into your ear. You heard the fury in her voice. “You are so ungrateful sometimes. Loosing that abomination was the best thing that’s happened to you.” “I was not a whore. I took a lover and now that I have, you and father are worried that no respectable man will want me and I hope that is the case. I wish you’d left me on the Pearl. Had you, I would not have lost the baby,” you sneered. “You will shut your mouth. Word of that has not gotten out and I will see to it that it never does. But, you will see that it was better loosing that baby than keeping it,” she hissed in reply. You brushed your at your skirt as you left the table, smoothing out the wrinkles that had marred the beautiful fabric. Your mother nearly exploded when she saw your dress, the hundreds of thousands of pearls that had been sewn into the fabric, making the intricate design of flowers. The low dipping bodice left nothing to be imagined and you could see from some of the looks of the men that their imaginations had shut down completely. You try to contain yourself as you make your way through the crowd, wanting to get to the balcony. You take a glass of champagne from a man walking with a tray of ready glasses and continue on. You greeted people, caught up with Elizabeth and Will, telling them that you will be outside and slipped out the doors quickly. The breeze on the balcony was lovely. The smell of the ocean floated up, making you torn between weeping and smiling. How Jack could have let you go so easily was beyond you but you had come to terms with it. Stop being naïve, you tell yourself. He’d never proclaimed his love to you. You were just another girl to Jack Sparrow. A single tear falls down your cheek, landing into the glass that rested on the railing at the thought. “I dare say I have seen no one else to compare to your beauty lass, providing you do not cry and redden those sparkling eyes. They have been my undoing tonight.” “Sir, do you think that it would take a few pretty words to win my attentions? If you do, you are dead wrong. You can go back inside and find some other woman to bestow your affections on this evening because I’m not it. Now, if you would kindly leave, I’d like to be alone,” you snap, knowing that when your mother hears of this you’re going to get an earful. “Would you care to dance lass?” the man asks, still as pleasant as ever. “What didn’t you under---Holy shit!” you gasp. The sight you see when you turn around nearly floors you. Jack stood behind you, dressed to the nines, easily blending in with every other man there. His beard was gone, revealing the rest of his beautifully chiseled face to your gaze. His hair had been shortened considerably, held back by a piece of leather at the nape of his neck. He looked every inch of a gentleman. “What are you doing here?” you ask quickly, pulling him from the gaze of eyes that would look through the glass doors. “You know what will happen if Uncle James sees you,” you scold. “I came as soon as I received the letter,” he says, staring down at your stomach and you closed your eyes. “I’ll put another child there yet, I promise you” he says, kissing you gently. “Had I known you were pregnant---“ “Shhhh,” you say, putting a hand to his mouth. “I still can’t bring myself to talk about it. It hurt me so much to loose something that we had made together.” You turn away, not wanting to let him see you cry and you seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks, resting his hands on your shoulders. “I tried once,” you say. “I asked if you would ever leave the sea. You said no. I knew then that it would take a lot more than getting a girl pregnant to make you want to give up pirating.” “( ), had you told me I would have docked at the closest port and settled down. You really have no clue how dangerous it can be on the sea,” Jack says. “I wouldn’t take that chance with you pregnant with our first child.” You pull away from Jack, pushing his touch from your body. “You talk like I still am Sparrow, but I’m not,” you snapped. “Please, either stop talking about it or leave, take your pick.” Jacks hand moved to his chin, needing to toy with his braids to calm himself and remembered that they were gone. “I’m sorry ( ). Jonathan found me as soon as he could but by then, everything had happened.” You hear the sadness in his voice and you feel like such a bitch for snapping at him. “Is there anything I can do?” he asks. “Hold me,” you whisper, your voice catching from the tears that were threatening to fall. “Just hold me and never let me go again.” Jack readily complies, enveloping you in the protection and warmth in his arms. He holds you tightly against him, wishing he could take away every ounce of pain that you had endured. The idea of Uncle James finding Jack here comes to your mind and it brings you out of the web of happiness you had been in. “Jack, you have to leave. If Uncle James finds you---?” You don’t want to even think about it. “( ), he has no clue. Will, Elizabeth, and I have talked for most of the evening with Norry and the moron has yet to suspect. You yourself have walked by me four times and have not noticed. You above all people should have seen through this disguise.” “You’re cleaned up like a gentleman. I would have never suspected that.” “Exactly. Mr. Smith is always a gentleman,” he said, his eyebrows moving up and down mischievously. “Mr. Smith is it?” you ask, circling round him to take in the entire new Jack. “Tonight I go by my given name; Jackson Alexander Smith. At your service, my lady,” he said, bowing. He smiled up at you, his gold teeth showing in the setting suns rays.“What do you mean by your given name?” you ask, eyeing him oddly. “Who would surrender to Captain Jackson Smith? I got my tattoo before I became a pirate and Jack Sparrow was born,” he tells you, pointing to his right arm. “It’s all history after that. The only people that refer to me as Jackson Smith are my parents when I’m home. Now, are you going to dance with me or will you leave me to find another partner to enjoy the evening with?” he asked, turning around to walk inside. “I don’t think so,” you snap, grabbing his hand, smiling. Ah, there was the smile I’m so fond of, he thought. “I thought so lass, now come here and show me how you have missed me” Jack says, pulling you against his body, his lips capturing yours and you clung to him, your arms wrapping around his neck as his mouth devoured you. “( ), are you still---“ Elizabeth and Will walk out onto the balcony, seeing you both and smiling. “I thought we would find you both out here” Will said, taking Elizabeth’s hand. “Whelp, you have the worst timing in the world,” Jack says, smiling down at you. “I haven’t seen ( ) in weeks and you dare to interrupt?” “Sorry Jack. If it’s any consolation, Elizabeth and I haven’t seen you in months and we would like to spend time with both of you.” “You can spend time with us but I am going to take this ravishing woman to dance.” “Jack, they are waltzing inside. It’s not like the dancing you do on the ship,” you tell him. “Darling, I’ll forever amaze you.” Jack leads you out onto floor, his right band resting possessively on your lower back while his left lifts your right aloft. Your left hand rests lightly on his right bicep and the dance began. Jack leads you around the floor with ease, even capturing a few eyes at his smoothness. “Charles, James?’ Louisa asks. “Who is that man dancing with ( )?” Both of the men look to the floor. James could care less of who it was; you were smiling and laughing again. “That’s Jackson Smith,” James tells her. “An Englishman. His mother and father own a tobacco plantation in Cuba. Wonderful bloodlines. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with him already this evening.” “We shall have to meet this man,” Louisa says to Charles, already wondering if they could get the man to marry you. Jack and Will trade you and Elizabeth back and forth through several dances until you both are exhausting and beg your men to sit. Once the four of you were seated, dinner has started being served. Jack truly impresses you. You would have never thought that he would know which fork to use for which part of the meal. “Jackson,” emphasizing his name around your family. “Where exactly do your parents live?” “Originally England. That was where I was born. Fifteen years ago though, my father got it into his head that he wanted to try his hand at a tobacco plantation and they settled in Cuba. They also wanted to be closer to their son,” he said, winking. “They have been thinking about acquiring a house here on the island. I recently have done so.” Your fork drops from your hand, clinking on the plate which draws your mothers gaze. You clear your throat and apologize to Mr. Smith for the rude interruption. “Did you hear correctly that you have bought a house on the island?” you ask. “Where might that be?” “There is a plantation over near the fort. Cherry Grove, I believe. Beautiful house and land,” he comments. “So I take it that you will be docking in Port Royal more often?” you ask. Jack was spared the answer when James approached. “( )” James says, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “I see that you have met Mr. Smith.” Your pulse begins to speed, fearing that your uncle will see through the disguise. Jack simply sits back and watches, making you more uneasy. How could he be so calm? “Has my niece been a gracious hostess, Mr. Smith?” “Commodore,” Jack says. “I was not aware that ( ) was your niece.” “Ah yes, my brothers daughter. And quite the beauty at that. You may have some competition Mr. Smith as every man in Port Royal has been trying to win her hand since Elizabeth married Turner.” Will rolled his eyes. He had resigned himself to being called ‘Whelp’ or ‘Turner’ for the rest of his life depending on who was addressing him. Elizabeth smiled sweetly at James and he returned it. The little smiles of friends didn’t bother Will as much anymore. James looked down at the two of you and when Jack smiled, James’ eyes grew huge. He saw the golden teeth and the burn of a ‘P’ peeking out from underneath his shirt cuff. Not wanting to cause a scene, James leaned down between you and Jack and demanded that you both follow him immediately. You gave a Jack a look of fear and followed your uncle out of the room. After James shut the doors to your fathers study, he turned around staring at you and Jack. Jack leaned against your father’s desk, his arm around your waist. You closed your eyes, leaning forward so your head rested on Jacks jacket. “Uncle James” you started, your face still against Jack. “I will do anything for you to keep this secret. Just for this one night,” you plead, your hand moving to rest on Jacks stomach. God, you hadn’t realized how much you missed his touch, missed the feel of him. “Commodore,” Jack started, “Would you really deny her anything?” “Sparrow, you’re a pirate,” James said as if it was an answer to Jacks previous question. “I feel like a fool that I didn’t know it was you earlier.” “Uncle James, you don’t know who he is” you said as your head came up. “He truly isn’t your normal pirate. I was with him on the Pearl for months and learned so much about him. He risked being caught and hung to come here and spend an evening with me. Would you have ever done something like that for anyone? No, you wouldn’t and don’t try to tell me otherwise. You have your mind set on what you think a pirate is and you’ve dedicated your career to capturing them all. If you had never seen his brand, you would have never known.” James stares at you both, at a loss. What else was he going to be able to say? Everything you said had hit home. “( ), what would you have me do? Ruin your parents’ party? Really, you give me so little credit” James said, hoping to redeem himself, somewhat. “Jesus, I was the one that sent the letter to you. Sparrow,” he said, as he walked over and put an arm around your shoulders as you looked at him oddly. Uncle James had sent the letter? “( ), I heard you screaming day and night for him and Elizabeth and because of me she was the only one that could come. I asked Louisa what had happened and I almost died myself, knowing that you were in that much pain and there was nothing that I could do about it. To think that the wretched bitch was happy you’d lost the baby.” Jacks eyes grew cold at your mothers’ attitude towards his child and you felt his grip tighten on your hand. “Why your father married her I will never know,” James said, giving you a hug. “( ), is you mother truly as bad as he says?” Jack asked. “Unfortunately,” you mumble. “Now do you see why I pretended to be kidnapped? Wouldn’t you try to leave also?” “Wait a moment, you weren’t really kidnapped?” James asks. “You planned this entire charade?” You nod. “All I wanted was to see if mother and father really cared and I saw how much. Mother and father really could have cared less if you had brought me back.” “I came after you more for myself than anyone else” James said. “Do you honestly think that I would have let some filthy pirates, no offense Sparrow,” James said, nodding his head. “You honestly thought that I’d let some pirates kidnap my favorite niece?” “James, I’m your only niece” you say, smiling. “Exactly, so you’re my favorite. As for you Jack,” James says, turning towards him. “I’ll tell you something and you better mark my words. My niece is a beautiful piece of treasure. I would expect the man who takes the time and finds that out to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life, manly the times when they pertain to her. If I hear of one instance when you have made her unhappy, I’ll hunt you down.” “Norry, you can stop hunting me from now on. You have no clue how much I treasure this woman” Jack says, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “As it happens, I handed over me ship to Gibbs and Anamaria before I came to the party. Seems that I’ve seen all there is on the water and now I’ve taken a liking to what’s on the land” Jack said, smiling at you. “Jack? What do you mean?” you ask. “I have given the Black Pearl up luv. Gibbs and Anamaria have taken it and they are off, Gibbs being Captain and Anamaria, the first mate. They will do well. Although, I do believe that I’ve made out better.” “You’re not going to miss the sea?” you ask, a hand resting gently on his cheek which he covers with him own. “Luv, how can I miss the sea when I want for nothing when you’re with me?” he replies, smiling when your eyes tear up. “James?” Jack asked, making James give him an odd look. When had Jack actually used his real name? “Yes Jack?” “I may as well ask you. Would you mind terribly if I asked for your permission to marry ( )? I think I would treasure you’re consent more than her fathers.” You stare wide eyed at Jack then at James, hardly believing what you’re hearing. “If she will have you,” James said, smiling at you. Jack pulled the onyx ring from his pinky and sunk down to the floor. The tears that had flooded your eyes overflowed, falling over your cheeks. “( ), I know I’ve done a lot of wrong things in my life” Jack said, glancing at James and smirking. “But this is the one thing I’m going to do right. I want you to marry me. I want to have babies with you and want you to grow old loving me. I want to see you grow more beautiful with each passing day and God willing, I want to be there up until your last breath. And if I can make it happen, neither of us will live one day without the other. If I have my way, we will die in each others arms. So, before you flood the room with those tears, what say you to marrying a reformed pirate?” “Yes,” you whisper, barely heard through your tears but Jack knows what you’ve said and a smile breaks over his face. You watch as he pushes the onyx ring onto your hand. The large stone glitters in the candles flames on the mantle behind the desk. “I never got to say it before darling. I love you, always have and always will,” he whispers into you ear. “I love you too Jack,” you whisper in return. “Well James, what say you? Do you think I live up to being your nephew-in-law?” Jack asks, extending his hand. James stares at you, crying with your arms around Jacks waist and knows that he could never stand in the way of your happiness the way your parents do. He takes Jacks hand in his, shaking. “We have an accord,” James says, smiling at you both. “Hell, I may even take you out of the ship with me. I can always use someone who knows the ins and outs of all the islands. It can be payment for skipping out on the noose.” Jack rolls his eyes and they land on you. He would suffer any payment Norry could deal out to be with you. THE END * * * * * A/N: I never thought I’d get this done! Please review this. This is my first piece that I have submitted to OM and I hope it’s not the last. For those who are wondering, yes, I loved the character Jack Sparrow so much that I did get the sparrow tattoo on my leg. I can’t wait for the sequel and the third PotC to come out. For now, I must return to Isla de Muerta to work on another story. |