Harry & the Pirate IV: The Chalice of St. Francis

[geekmama]

Chapter Twelve: Flight of Sparrows



“Tomas!” Juana said firmly, though she laid a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder. “It is nearly midnight! You must go to bed now, I think. We will wake you, if your father comes.”

Tom looked up from the card table where he and Owens were playing Snap. His eyes were heavy, more with fading hope than fatigue, but still he begged, “Please ma’am, just a few more minutes. He… we’re not done with our game!”

Juana smiled, sadly. She brushed back a lock of his dark hair, from where it had fallen across his forehead. “Very well. But only until the game is over, little one.”

Hours before, her husband had come home from a morning visit to the city with distressing news which he had relayed to her, and to Owens, Charles, and Lucia.

“It seems that the roads are being watched. There is talk of the Chalice having gone missing, though Esparza is trying to scotch that rumor. But besides that, I believe Lucia’s absence has stirred the coals even more. And both incidents have been connected with the Sparrows and their expulsion from the city.”

“But the Captain was locked up at the time!” Owens had exclaimed in dismay.

“True, but they still believe him to be behind it. Because of the dark lantern.”

“No!”

“I fear it is so. It seems that its design is of a sort peculiar to the English, and known to be carried on English ships. It is most unfortunate that it was left inside the sepulcher. Though Jack Sparrow is cast from the city, it is suspected that his agents are still at large here, along with the cup, for as you say, he could not be in two places at once.”

Owens had been stunned at this news. When he finally found his voice, he exclaimed, “For the Lord’s sake, don’t tell Tom! He felt so bad about it… wanted to go back down there for it, but I wouldn’t let him! Good God.” He looked at his friends and said, ruefully. “I’ve made a right mess of things, haven’t I?”

But Don Corozón shook his head. “You did the best you could, Miguel. But the Fates have conspired against you, to some extent. Do not give up hope. I think it is well I made an appearance in town today, for besides gathering information, I believe I have warded off suspicion that you are yet in residence here. We have only to wait until your Captain arrives, which he will doubtless manage, in spite of Esparza’s vigilance. Jack Sparrow is a man of parts. All will be well.”

This was nebulous assurance, and though Owens had put a brave face on it, for Tom’s sake, one could see that he was badly shaken.

The previous morning, when Tom, Owens, Charles, and Lucia had stood stunned at the sight of the Black Pearl sailing out of the harbor, the latter three had known immediately that their worst fears had been realized.

Tom, less informed than the others, had shown a moment of panic. “Michael… is Da that angry? D’you think he’s leavin’ us behind?”

The fear in the boy’s voice had roused Owens like a dash of cold water. “Of course not, Tom,” he said, rather severely. “Shame on you for even considering that he’d do such a thing! No… we were afraid something might happen at the reception. Remember when I told you we might not get another chance to get the cup? There was someone there at that reception, someone from his past. They maybe made trouble for him - so much that he had to leave town! But he’ll be back for us: no need to worry about that. Come on. Let’s get back to the Corozóns’. They were at the reception, too, and will know what’s gone amiss, and what we should do.”

Charles had agreed, and had given Lucia an encouraging squeeze, for she was looking a little pale, and did not speak herself.

As it happened, the Corozóns’ coach had arrived at the estate as the party of young people was approaching the house. Owens had ordered his co-conspirators to keep to the shadows of the shrubbery along the drive as a precautionary measure, for he was a little uncertain of their reception. But Juana, Don Alejandro, and Norrington had been on the watch for them for the last mile up to the house, and were greatly relieved to spot them. The four were soon being hustled into the house amid much scolding and exclamation.

Juana had given sharp directives to her staff, first that none should speak of the presence of the children to any outsiders, and next that breakfast should be served as soon as could be managed, for there was no use in any of them starving. Then she went to Tom, who was looking most forlorn as Owens and Charles tried to explain matters to Don Alejandro and the disapproving Norrington.

“Ah, mi amor!” she said, giving the little boy a hug. “How glad your mother and father will be to know you are safe! Your father will be back for you, as soon as he can arrange it, and in the meantime you will stay here, where I can pet and spoil you!”

Tom said nothing, and pressed his lips together, to stop their quivering. He reached into his pocket and drew out the object that had caused so much havoc among them all.

Juana’s eyes opened very wide. “Tomas! The cup! Is this it? You have succeeded?”

Tom nodded, and tried to speak, but the accusing tones of the Admiral and Don Corozón, coming on top of the fear and excitement of the last few hours were too much for the tired little boy. His resolve gave way on a sob, and Juana gathered him against her, and then picked him up when he clung to her.

“Oh, no! My poor darling! And you have done such brave work this night. Hush, now.” She looked over his shoulder and fixed a flashing eye on her husband, and on Norrington. “You two will be silent, if you please!” she said, sharply. “This one - all four of them, in truth, have been through enough, and you see that they have accomplished their purpose. They should be commended, not berated!”

“Thank you, Doña,” said Owens quietly, removing the cup from Tom’s slackening grasp, and patting his back, comfortingly.

Don Alejandro smiled sadly, and even Norrington had the grace to look a little abashed. Everyone followed Juana, who was still carrying Tom, into the morning room where breakfast was being laid out.

Tom’s tears were soon dried, and he was seated in a place of honor: a big, elaborately woven wicker chair cushioned with several bright pillows. After providing him a plate of food and a deliciously cool drink, Juana sat by him, as though guarding him, and took charge of the conversation, directing it with consideration for his shaken sensibilities.

Lucia, too, was happier for Juana’s insistence on tact and calm discussion. Her presence having been explained (“Esparza’s son!” Juana had exclaimed. “Ah, you were very right to come to us! He is a dreadful young man, and a most unsuitable match.”), Norrington agreed that Charles might stay with the Corozóns, and leave with the others on Jack’s arrival.

“There is no doubt Jack will return as soon as may be. He and Harry were quite dismayed to find that Tom was not aboard the Black Pearl, although they did realize you must have had good reason for taking him, even in so clandestine a fashion.”

Owens protested wearily, “Sir! There wasn’t time to argue with Mr. Gibbs. I was that vexed when he caught us as we were leaving the ship, for we needed to hurry and there was no time to explain it properly. I was hopin’ I could get Tom and the cup back to the Pearl before he was missed, but it all took so much longer than we’d planned.”

“Yes,” said Norrington. “That is often the way of things. But do not be concerned. Your decision was based on sound reasoning, and you have succeeded in your quest, even if it was at the expense of Tom’s obedience and safety, and your Captain’s peace of mind. I daresay he will forgive the two of you.”

“Of course he will,” said Juana.

“Will he come for us soon?” Tom asked, hopefully. “Tonight?”

“No,” said Norrington. “They are sending ships to follow the Black Pearl, to make certain it leaves Spanish waters. When they leave off, the Pearl will need to sail back, and find a safe anchorage away from Santiago. It is likely to be some distance for him to travel. Even if he somehow acquires a horse, I would not expect to see him until late tomorrow. You must be patient. The Corozóns have offered you their hospitality. Stay hidden and rest while you may, but be prepared to depart quickly when he does arrive.”

Tom had scowled at these words, for patience was not among his signal virtues. Juana had then told him that all would look brighter after he had slept, and she would now show him to his room and tuck him in herself. But Tom only scowled more at this, for he had the greatest dislike of retiring during daylight hours. “I can’t sleep! It’s morning!” he whined. “And naps are for babies!”

Don Alejandro had smiled at this evidence that Tom Sparrow was not so unusual a little boy after all, but Norrington had frowned, and would have taken Tom to task if Juana had not stepped into the breech. She threw a quelling glance at the Admiral, and commiserated with Tom, agreeing that it was most annoying to be forced to waste a perfectly beautiful day in sleep, even if one had been awake most of the night; however, if Tom would but come see the comfortable room that was prepared for him, and lay down for a little, just for form’s sake, she would read him a wonderful story with which he could entertain his father on the ride back to the Black Pearl. Tom acquiesced to this scheme, bidding Norrington goodbye, and assuring the others he would rejoin them presently.

In the event, he’d fallen asleep within five minutes of laying his head to the pillow, and had slept for most of the day. As a result of this, he was easily able to remain wide-awake until past midnight on both his first evening with the Corozóns and on this, his second.

“Y’know, Tom”, said Owens, casually, looking over his cards, “it may be we won’t see your Da until tomorrow night. Or even the day after. There’s no use stayin’ up ‘til all hours waitin’ for ‘im. Like the Admiral told you, you’ll like to be well rested and ready to go when he does come.”

“He’s going to come for us tonight. I know it,” said Tom, stubbornly.

“You said that last night.”

“Aye. But tonight he really will!”

Owens sighed, and exchanged a rueful glance with Juana.

But ten minutes later, Tom’s prediction proved accurate.

The door to the drawing room opened, and Don Alejandro came in, smiling and saying to the company: “Look who I’ve brought you!”

The cards went flying as Captain Jack Sparrow followed Don Alejandro into the room.

Juana gasped to see Jack, looking even more wonderfully piratical than he had of old. His clothing was similar, but richer: big, bucket boots of fine leather; breeches of a soft, dark material that fit just a little closer than was seemly; a long, black waistcoat embroidered in silver thread, covering a loose shirt of fine linen (open at the neck both for coolness, and to reveal a glimpse of smooth, bronzed chest) and topped by a froth of colorful sash at his trim waist; a swaying frockcoat, large enough to cover an assortment of weaponry; and the faded red scarf (it cannot be the same one, surely!) topped by a rather battered, but nevertheless stylish tricorn. His person was well-groomed, thanks in part, Juana knew, to his valet, Alphonse. The dark hair was longer, and braided, rather than matted, and more full of fascinating memorabilia; and the shadow of facial hair, and the kohl surrounding his expressive eyes all added to his exotic and marvelously rakish appearance.

Juana tore her eyes away from Jack to see what effect this vision was having on Lucia, who had been seated on the sofa, conversing with Charles Norrington all the evening. As Juana had expected, the two had risen abruptly, and the girl was gaping in awe, to Charles’s apparent amusement.

“Da! Da, you’ve come for us!” Tom cried joyously. Quite forgetting that his father might be angry with him, the little boy ran to embrace him.

And was not disappointed. Jack’s brow cleared of worry at the sight of his son. He gave a gold and ivory grin at the scamp and opened his arms as Tom tore across the room. A lesser man might have been bowled over by such enthusiasm, but Jack was prepared, and caught Tom up, hugging him close.

“I told ‘em you’d come tonight,” Tom said, hugging back.

Jack laughed. “And you were right, too. Miscreant brat! Your mother and I were nigh dead with worry. Why’d you do it, eh?” He gave him a little shake, and kissed him.

Tom pushed away a little, and rummaged in his pocket. “For this!” he said, proudly, and held up the sturdy little cup, which he had been allowed to keep against this moment: the Chalice of St. Francis.

Jack gave an exaggerated start, and opened his kohl-lined eyes very wide. “You got it? Is this it, then?”

“Aye! They couldn’t’ve done it without me, Owens says.”

“It’s true, Captain,” Owens said, smiling but looking a little uncertainly at Jack. “Tom got it, easy, but none of us others would have fit the hole he had to go through to get into that room. And we knew it might be our only chance: Lucia here, she’s the niece of the Mayor of Santo Cristobal and his wife, and she told us they’d be at that reception. We were afraid they’d recognize you.”

“And they did, too,” said Jack, with a grimace. “At least the señora did.” He turned to Juana. “Did you tell ‘em all what happened?”

“Sí!” said Juana, coming forward. “How is Harry’s bruise?”

“It’ll be a while healing. It’ll be quite amusing, hearin’ what old Weatherby has to say about it. That’s her brother, the Governor, you know.”

Juana nodded. “She told me - and that they do not always see eye to eye!”

Jack laughed. “They scrap like cats an’ dogs. It’s as well she lives four days sail from Port Royal most of the time.” Jack set Tom down, but took the cup from him, to examine it more closely. “Not much, is it? And all this trouble for it.” He looked at the four youngsters. “We’ll need to get going. Don Corozón has agreed to lend us horses, and to stable the animal I borrowed from Don Antonio Gomez.”

“Don Antonio! I remember him!” said Owens. “So the Pearl’s anchored at Seboney?”

“It will be, by the time we get there. Seboney’s too close to Santiago, so I sent the her off to an inlet further east, away from any towns. She’ll return for us, just before dawn. We’ve some riding ahead of us: it’s near twenty-five miles by the back way Don Antonio told me about, and the road ain’t that easy.”

Don Alejandro said, “You will be careful, even so, my friend. Four horses are far more conspicuous than one, and Esparza is very unhappy with the loss of the Chalice, and of his friend’s niece as well.”

Jack turned to Lucia, who colored charmingly, and then reddened even further as the dark eyes swept over her appreciatively. But then Jack bowed, gracefully, and said, in Spanish, “It is a great pleasure to meet you, Señorita Fuensantos. We owe you deep thanks for all your help in regaining the Chalice. But are you quite sure you wish to begin a new life, among a foreign people? It may not be easy.”

But Tom said, in English, “It’ll be easy, Da! She and Charles’ll be gettin’ married!”

Charles gave a startled laugh, though he didn’t appear to disagree in the least, and Jack’s brows rose.

Lucia frowned in confusion, and Juana, smiling, said to her, “Tomas says there will be no difficulty as you will marry Charles.”

“Oh!” Lucia said, and put her hands against her burning cheeks, “I… oh, Tomas! You must not say such things. He… he has not asked me.”

“He will. Don’t worry,” said Tom, blithely, quite oblivious to her discomfort. He turned to his father. “Can we go now, Da?”

“Aye. Are you all ready?” Jack looked at each of them, and each replied in the affirmative, Charles taking Lucia’s hand in his. “Then we’ll take our leave. Don Alejandro: I thank you, from the bottom of me black heart. Don’t know as I’ll be able to repay you for all you’ve done.”

Don Alejandro smiled. “When you return from Italy, send word. We will come to you, to see your wife’s island, and you may show us your English hospitality.”

“That we will!” said Jack. “I’ll look forward to it.” He turned to Juana, and his eyes grew soft. “Mi Querida!”

“Ah, Malvado!” She came to him, and put her hand up to caress his cheek. “I told you once I would not forget you, and you see what has become of that promise.”

He took her hand, and kissed it, reverently. “I do see. And how glad I am that Don Alejandro has proven worthy of his treasure. It is well.”

“Well, indeed, my friend.” Juana took back her hand, and blinked away tears. “Go now, and be safe. Ah! How I will miss you! And your wife, who is also my friend.”

“And me!” said Tom, tugging at her skirt.

Juana laughed, though her tears. “And you, Tomas Gorrión!” she said, and, pulling him close, gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek.

o-o-o

They rode off, up into the hills, skirting behind Don Alejandro’s property and out around the city, taking care to go slowly and quietly when passing any habitation. Owens, Charles, and Lucia each had a horse of their own, and Jack was pleased to see that Lucia was a most proficient rider. Juana had given one of her own riding habits to the girl, and Lucia was vastly pleased with it, showing a little more confidence in herself, and conversing more easily.

“Ah, it is good to be on a horse again!” she exclaimed. “I have not ridden much since I left Spain, many months ago. But one does not forget.”

“No, more’s the pity,” Jack groused.

“You do not enjoy riding, Capitan?”

“No! Haven’t ridden more than a few miles in a good many years. My wife and I go on short jaunts about the island, when I’m staying on St. Claire. Mostly to get away from the Imp, here, for a few hours. Fifty miles in a night is far too much: I’ll be moving like an old man tomorrow!”

“Don’t worry, Da!” said Tom, from where he sat perched before his father on the horse. “You can stay abed with Mama tomorrow, and Owens and I will take over the ship.”

“Why, thanks, son. Might take you up on that, though I suspect Gibbs’ll have something to say about the new chain of command.”

Owens said, “D’you think he’ll still be riled I didn’t tell him… the whole truth?”

Jack shrugged. “He’ll get over it. Happens I think you were right: he would’ve forbidden you to take Tom on such a venture.”

“And then we wouldn’t’ve got the Chalice!” Tom pointed out.

“No, likely not, all things considered. You came through safe, so everything’s worked out for the best. We’ve put a bad dent in Esparza’s coffers with the theft of that cup; and there’s Lucia here: her aunt an’ uncle, and Esparza and his son will all be in a snit over her defection. But if young Esparza’s anything like his father, we’re doing the lass a very good turn.”

Delighted with these thoughts, Jack quickened the pace. He was looking forward to the end of the ride with most pleasurable anticipation, for they would stop at Don Antonio’s hacienda, and he would surely rejoice in the good news. Tony had agreed to keep any horses Don Alejandro might loan the party until an exchange could be arranged, and Jack had promised him two cases of the finest St. Claire rum as a gift of thanks.

The night wore on, the moonlight and starlight barely adequate to keep the party to the road. The hills around Santiago were thick with trees and other vegetation, and the frequent rains made the roads treacherous and the going slower than Jack would have liked.

Tom began to nod off, after a while, and Jack held him close as they rode through the dark, his heart swelling with love of his boy, and with fatherly pride. He knew, from what Don Alejandro and Owens had told him, that Tom had been torn about leaving the ship against orders, and had made the decision after careful thought. One couldn’t ask for better than that. He was a fine lad, Tom was, high-spirited, but with a good head on his shoulders. Jack would no doubt hear every detail of his adventure several times over, once they were back aboard the Black Pearl.

They made two stops along the way to water and rest the horses, but kept going at a good clip (or as good as could be managed) the remainder of the time. It was the hour before dawn when they came up on the last village before Seboney and the coast. Jack led them quietly off the road, and around the perimeter of the village, for people might be stirring even at that hour. In fact, he mused, by the time they reached Tony’s hacienda it would be near breakfast time - Margarita might be up and baking, even now!

A little past the village, the horses turned onto the road again. They were making good speed, and were about a quarter mile away --on the home stretch at last! Jack was thinking again how good it would be to get out of the saddle when Owens, who’d been bringing up the rear, surged ahead to come up with his Captain.

“Horsemen in back of us!” he said shortly.

Jack whipped around, eyes narrowed to the gloom, listening hard. He muttered an oath, then barked, “We may’ve been spotted. We’ll have to give Don Antonio the go-by and hotfoot it to the bay. Let’s go!”

They kicked up their tired horses, which obliged them with a canter. The moon had set, but the glow of the coming dawn increased, and gave them enough pale light to prevent mishaps. Unfortunately, it also aided their pursuers, who were already familiar with the road. Their enemies were gaining, and looking back Jack finally caught sight of them, and recognized the uniforms: soldiers from El Morro.

“Faster!” Jack yelled. “Down to the bay!”

It was all down hill, and the horses gained speed as they went. Steeds and riders both were on the edge of panic as they swept past the gate to Don Antonio’s hacienda, and onward, toward the coast. The road flattened out at last, and Jack urged them to even greater speed. Another quarter mile, and suddenly the road ended, coming out from between two high ridges onto a wide beach.

“Boat’s over there!” He pointed to a group of rocks on one side of the bay.

The loose sand slowed the horses some, but they kept on, and at last Jack judged they were close enough. He hauled back on the reins, and the others followed suit. Owens leapt from his horse, and came to drag Tom from the saddle so Jack could dismount.

“Run for the boat, Tom!”

“We’re right behind you.”

Charles had helped Lucia down, and they, too, ran, coming up with Tom.

Jack and Owens yelled, shooing the horses, and then Jack was barking, “Come on! Leave ‘em!” when shots rang out in the still morning air. Sand was kicked up to either side of them, and then Owens made an odd sound as his body gave a sudden twisting jerk and he fell.

“No!” Jack was beside him in a flash, but Owens was blinking and looking stunned, and began trying to struggle to his feet. Refusing to think about the charred hole in the shoulder of the boy’s coat, Jack helped him, and then Charles was there, on his other side. Time seemed to have slowed in the strangest way, though in reality it was mere seconds before they had Owens up and were half running, half dragging him along between them.

More shots rang out, one hitting a rock as they reached the outcrop, sending a shower of chips flying, but they paid no heed and scrambled to the boat, which, thankfully, was floating in several inches of water: the tide was coming in.

Tom and Lucia had already climbed aboard, and were looking at the three men in dismay. “Get down! Down!” Jack roared at the two. They obeyed, immediately, and made room for Owens. Jack and Charles shoved the young man over the side and into the boat, where he collapsed, groaning.

Jack turned and jerked on the end of the rope that held the boat, freeing the knot, and then he and Charles were pushing for all they were worth. The vessel slid out into the water. Charles scrambled in, and, after a few more seconds, Jack followed.

There were more shots, and Jack swore, grabbed the pistol from his sash, took aim, and fired back at the soldiers. To good effect: there was a distant cry of pain, and the shooting stopped. “Winged ‘im, begad!” Jack said happily. “You’re revenged, boy.”

But Owens did not reply as Jack and Charles took up the oars.

They had just got the boat turned, and were putting their backs into it, when Tom suddenly pointed. “The Black Pearl! She’s comin,’ Michael!”

Jack glanced back over his shoulder, and caught the glorious sight of his ship, rounding the point and heading into the bay. He turned back to Michael, and muttered an oath - or a prayer. The boy was shaking, and deathly pale, lying back against Lucia who was using the sash from her riding habit in an attempt to staunch the wound. It looked to be in his shoulder, or high up on his chest at least, and though the boy's breathing was raspy, and there might be blood on his lips, Jack smiled encouragement. “Aye, she’s comin’, lad, ‘round the headland there. Hold tight, and we’ll have you aboard and safe in no time! We’re almost home. ”

~.~

On to Chapter Thirteen