The Seven Tongues of God
The Seven Tongues of God- part 2
Author: Tseek_Unique
Rating: NC 17- dark, supernatural themes, disturbing images, violence, twin on twin nibbles, pirate abuse, commodore abuse, and every kind of general abuse.
Summary: While James longs to snuggle into domesticity, Jack yearns for the sea. A ship is captured and a series of strange events begin to unfold...
Disclaimer: Property of Disney, I own nothing. They own me. *sigh*
Pairings:implied: Jack/James, Will/Jonah.
Author's Notes: Oh, Lord, I'm listening to Iced Earth again. *Dusts self off* Jack's confidence may cost him not only his life, but his afterlife as well. Really turning up the suffering on Sparrington here.
Feedback: Cherished as always, my luvs.
Music: "A Question of Heaven" by Iced Earth
The question that lies within
Is so hard to understand
It still tears at me
And in my dying breath
My heart holds no regrets
I wouldn't change a thing
Iced Earth
This is the way it should be between brothers. thought Jack. Naught quarreling, but striving together as one. Jack braced his bare feet on the rat lines and rope bit into his palms as the sloop rolled to starboard. on the heavy swell. Jonah sweated and strained at his elbow as they pulled hard on the lines. The sail came into place and Jack made it fast. He nodded to Jonah and they made their way downward.
On deck, Jack discarded his shirt and kicked it aside. He plunged his head scarf into a pail of fresh water and scrubbed at his flushed cheeks. Jonah cupped his hands in the water and drank. Jack patted his shoulder.
“T’is delighted, I am, t’ see that despite all yer fancy airs, ye are indeed a Sparrow. Ne’er have I seen any sailor who could tie a better or faster knot.”
Jonah brushed a hand through his damp hair and sat back on his haunches.
“Not quite the lazy sod you thought I was, aye?”
Jack grinned, then thought of something and reached for his knife. He ignored Jonah’s wary gaze and with a flick of his wrist, he severed the threads at the neck of his brother’s long shirt. Then he gripped the material, tore the row of stitches and pulled the garment over Jonah’s head. Gleefully, he tossed the shirt aside.
But instead of stretching his bare arms to the cooling breeze, Jonah folded his arms across himself and Jack saw fear creep into his eyes.
“The asylum?” Jack asked.
Jonah nodded and averted his eyes. Then Jack drew Jonah into his own bare arms and held him.
“Remember when we were boys, we would go skinny-dippin’ in the pond at Gram’s house?” asked Jack.
“I remember,” Jonah whispered.
“That’s the way of it ‘ere, just you an’ me. There is naught to fear or to be ashamed of. Trust me, as ye did when we were boys.”
Jack dipped his hand into the bucket and cast the water to the rising wind. Jonah stretched out his bare arms, closed his eyes and savored the drops that rained over his hot skin. Jack felt his heart quicken. How beautiful he is thought Jack. So fair and so like me.
Jonah opened his eyes at these thoughts and the gaze that met Jack’s was wary and unsure. Jack stepped closer and nuzzled against Jonah’s cheek for he had scented more. He had scented Will. Jonah nuzzled back, for he, too, had sensed something alluring. Whether it was James or Will or even Jack himself, Jack knew naught, but Jonah desired to taste.
Then their eyes met and lightning flashed in Jonah’s eyes and thunder rumbled deep inside Jack’s soul. Dare you ride the storm, Jack? Would you risk your soul to see what I see...
Jack’s hands tightened on Jonah’s arms-
...hear what I hear...
Their hipbones met--
...taste what I taste?
Then their lips met and Jack’s world exploded.
I can feel the storm approaching
The pain is it's reality
The death I breathe is in the air I feel no more, no longer care
The trumpets sound as I break free
This vision I see just can't be me
What is this that I have done
Why am I the chosen one
“Stormrider” Iced Earth
“Jack?”
Jonah’s grip on him tightened and Jack started and gasped. He opened his eyes and was surprised to feel the hardness of the deck against his back.
“What happened?” Jack asked.
“You fainted.”
In another moment, Jonah hurried to the ship’s wheel and Jack scrambled to his feet. Jack wrinkled his nose as Jonah spun the wheel. The sloop changed course and in his mind’s eye, so did the Black Pearl. Now she was sailing away from him.
“You are ill! I never should have brought you out here,” said Jonah.
Jack seized the wheel and spun it the other way. Thus, he hoped to avert a disaster.
“Now, leave off there, Jonah! Ye can see that I’m quite well. Give me th’ time that ye promised me, aye? What could be th’ harm?”
Jonah spun the wheel back again.
“Well, if you die on me, that puts me on the wrong end of James’ gun--again. I’d rather return you to Port Royal and let him coddle you to death than risk such dangers.”
Gently, Jack stayed his brother’s hand on the wheel.
“But ye also promised Will,” said Jack.
Jonah huffed for several moments, then rolled his eyes in annoyance. Jack shook his forefinger.
“Ye know th’ lad, Jonah. Ye’ll ne’er ‘ave moment’s peace if I do not get my time.”
Jonah relented the wheel with a sigh and Jack grinned to himself as he took command of the sloop. Jonah sat upon a barrel and stretched his bare arms in the fading light, then suddenly he pulled at the crown on his head and winced in pain. Jack gnawed his lip as he dropped a loop of rope around a spoke on the ship’s wheel. He touched his brother’s shoulder gently.
“T’is your headaches again?” Jack asked.
Jonah nodded. Jack dunked his head scarf in cold water and pressed it to his forehead.
“I’ll fetch ye a bite t’ eat, then. P’raps that will ‘elp.”
“Yes, do, Jack. I’m starving.”
Jack stood up. “I’ve just the thing for ye.”
Jack hurried down the steps to the captain’s quarters, opened a drawer, removed a thick blanket and felt the crock. And it’s still warm! thought Jack.
He fetched plates and cutlery, then returned to the deck.
“Oh, yes,” said Jonah. “The mysterious crock.”
“Somethin’ ye’ll love, I’ll wager.”
Jack placed two plates and cutlery on the deck and the two sat.
“Now close yer eyes an’ open yer mouth.”
Jonah wrinkled his nose. “Jack-“
“Trust me, as ye once did.”
Jonah sighed, but closed his eyes and Jack dipped a fork into the crock and placed a dumpling into Jonah’s mouth. Jonah savored the mouthful and opened his eyes wide in amazement.
“Chicken and dumplings!”
“Do they suit your rather fussy-“
“Jack!”
“I mean your rather stern requirements?” Jack asked.
“Yes! Yes! They are wonderful! Do give me some more.”
Smiling, Jack heaped his plate with food, then unwrapped a linen bundle.
“And muffings!” Jonah cried.
Jack watched, delighted, as Jonah dug into the feast placed before him. Then he paused, gravy dripping from his chin, to fill Jack’s plate, then gestured to him.
“You must eat, too, Jack. ‘ply your knife and fork.”
“Tired o’ Salmagundi, aye? Ah, an’ what’s this?”
Jack seized a newspaper stuffed into a cubby hole
.
“T’is new then?” he asked.
Jonah nodded.
Eagerly, Jack studied the print, then frowned.
“Washington’s charged General La Fayette with defending the whole of Virginia? ‘Pears to me that the colonials’ fine, young Frenchman is about to receive a right royal arse-whippin’ from Cornwallis.”
“It matters not, Jack. Admiral Arbuthnot has returned to England and Commodore Thomas Graves has entered the fray. It is rumored that he is headed for Chesapeake Bay. Whatever the outcome, the war will not last much longer. When the French and Spanish cast their lots in with the colonies-“
“T’was a bad move on the Americans’ part!” Jack interjected. “They should take care who they lie down with. I can think of naught worse than t’ wake up with both France an’ Spain wedged between my legs.”
“With the war in the colonies almost spent, France has set her sights on the Carribean,” Jonah continued. “The French are systematically seizing islands and they will have no truck with English privateers. When they at last seize the greatest prize, Port Royal, you and James will lose your home. Will and I have discussed leaving these waters for good.”
The words struck Jack like a palpable blow. He thrust the papers aside and touched Jonah’s cheek gently.
“You and Will have already discussed this?” Jack asked, astounded. “You would leave yer fine house in Barbados? Where would ye go, luv?”
Jonah drew back from Jack’s touch and took another bite of dumplings.
“I’ve always had an affinity for Asia. And you would be well advised to discuss the selfsame matter with James. I have seen these new French ships of the line and they are formidable. They carry well over a hundred guns and they are too numerous to count. Even if all English privateers throw their lot in with the Royal Navy, we could not stand our ground. Best to leave whilst still in one piece.”
“Da would fall dead o’ shame to ‘ear ye talk so!” Jack protested.
“Da is already dead, Jack. Men like us must take gold wherever we can find it. Heed my words. Speak to James and let us collect all our ships and sailors together. Change is coming to the Caribbean and we best get out of the way- unless James’ family back in London will take you in.”
Jack felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he thought of the Admiral of the Blue, Geoffrey Norrington and his wife, Lady Albertine Norrington. Jamie’s parents did not know Jack even existed. James had made it clear in the past that to impose upon them with Jack at his side would be a grave mistake.
“Of course, I’ll take all your ships to sail under my colors and shall send you a stipend from time to time,” Jonah continued.
Jack scowled and Jonah grinned with glee.
“They don’t know about you and James, do they?” Jonah asked.
He began to laugh and Jack pouted. Jonah leaned across the plates and patted his shoulder.
“There, there. I understand.”
Jonah clasped his hands together and rolled his eyes heavenward.
“Oh, the trials of getting to know one’s in-laws! Why, Weatherby Swann shot me within moments of laying eyes on me. In-laws can be such detestable creatures! But I’m quite sure your-charm- will win them over.”
Jack’s heart sank even further.
“If James decides t’ go back to London, he will ‘ave to go alone. He ‘as made it plain that Lord Norrington would ne’er accept me,” Jack growled.
Jonah wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"I suppose you will have to come with me, then. Oh, I can just hear your whining already: ‘It’s all your bloody fault, Jonah, take your hands off bloody Will, Jonah--‘ ”
“Darling.”
Jack leaned forward and pinched his brother’s cheek until Jonah flinched
“That’s why we’re out ‘ere, luv: so I can get my ship back. Whatever may come, James will be at my side.”
“After the way you’ve treated him, Jack, I am astonished that James would still follow you.”
Jack sighed. “Jonah, do not start in on me, aye?”
“I-I-“
Jack heard the clatter of Jonah’s spoon as it fell from his hand to his plate. Jonah leaned to one side and began to drool. Jack hastened to catch him. As he began to heave, Jack pulled him to his feet and guided him toward the transom. Jonah coughed and vomited over the rail. Jack patted his back gently.
“Might ‘ave known the fare was too rich, aye?”
Jonah breathing was rapid and heavy. He sank down at Jack’s feet, covered his eyes and winced in pain. Jack fetched the wooden bucket of fresh water and cupped his hands in it to give Jonah drink. Then he dipped his head scarf in the pail and held it again to his brother’s forehead.
“Jack, I don’t feel well. I don’t feel well!”
Jack stroked his fingers through the silken locks.
“I’ll fetch ye some o’Doctor Willoughby’s headache pills.”
Jonah clutched his legs. “Jack, don’t leave me! My eyes- they hurt so!”
He heaved and vomited again. Jack lifted him into his arms and swayed for the hatch. He descended the stairs, step by step, and pushed open the door to the captain’s cabin with his shoulder. He placed Jonah upon the bed and grabbed for a bucket as he heaved again. He placed the bucket on Jonah’s lap and pulled his arms around it.
“Hold it, now,” Jack said.
Jack pulled open the drawers of the bureau until he found the paper packet of willow bark pills and opened it. He shook four pills into his palm and dipped a cup into the water keg.
“Here, swallow these... now lie back.”
“Jack, I hurt! I hurt!”
Jonah covered his eyes and sobbed until Jack’s heart nearly broke at the sound.
Jack shushed him gently. “T’is just one o’ ye headaches.”
Jonah pulled at the crown on his head and snarled in pain.
“This isn’t a headache, Jack! My eyes are stricken! Everything is blurred beyond my comprehension and my eyes hurt so that I feel as if I shall die!”
Jack’s breath froze in his throat. He pulled Jonah’s chin up and steadied him.
“Jonah, look at me, lad. That eclipse a few days ago. Tell me ye did not look into it.”
“I did not! I saw Will looking and I covered his eyes.”
Jack cupped his brother’s face in his two hands. “Can ye see me at all?”
Jonah blinked several times then covered his eyes with his hands. “I can not.”
The Eye of Horus sticken blind! What does this mean? With a flick of his knife, Jack cut a strip of cloth from a clean shirt and put it against Jonah’s eyes. Jonah flinched at his touch. He sensed the tremble in Jack’s hands.
“I’ll bind yer eyes, then go topside an’ get this ship about. We must go back to port and find a doctor.”
“Doctor?” Jonah shrieked. “Not Grigsby, that butcher! Just look what he’s done to you!”
Startled, Jack looked down at himself.
“Doctor Willoughby, I meant,” Jack corrected. “Smart gentleman. He’ll know what t’ do.”
Jonah hugged himself and rocked back and forth.
“Jack, this ship can not be crewed by one man.”
Jonah retched again and Jack grabbed the bucket.
“Don’t leave me here alone!” Jonah pleaded.
Jack embraced him and kissed his flushed cheek.
“I dare not take ye topside, Jonah. The sea grows rougher now. Ye wanted t’ test me seamanship, and so we shall,” Jack replied quietly.
He squeezed Jonah’s hand.
“Got a few tricks left in me. I’ll get us back. You lie back an’ try t’ rest.”
With a heavy heart, Jack mounted the steps and returned to the wheel. He watched as the last few grains of sand fell in the hourglass, then he turned it. He loosed the rope from the wheel and kept his eyes fixed on the compass as he changed course. Sails flapped hard in the growing gale. Running flat aft, here, must get her flat in until we get the wind astern, Jack thought.
In the rigging, his feet braced on rat lines, Sparrow muscle and sinew screamed in protest as Jack struggled to draw the flapping sails towards the middle of the ship. Lines bit his palms bloody but Jack did not flinch; he focused only on his tasks until he had completed them. The ship began to turn.
By the time Jack tied his last knot, the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, and the sky became aflame with reds and streaks of indigo blue. A single star twinkled above and the full moon had begun to rise. He sank down on one knee and seized a gourd full of fresh water. He filled his mouth, then turned his face aft and felt the wind. Now to crowd sail and get us home! But as he stood up, something caught his eye and he narrowed his eyes. The gourd fell to the deck as Jack unfolded the spyglass and peered aft. In the fading light saw a heavy frigate lurking in the swell.A ship with no top light? thought Jack.
“Up to no damn good!” Jack muttered aloud.
Swiftly, Jack extinguished the sloop’s lanterns, then climbed the main mast to extinguish the top light. He looked again through the spyglass and tried to focus on the ship’s flag, then his blood ran cold and he gritted his teeth. A black flag! Inwardly, Jack cursed himself. He knew well the punishment: Any man who falls asleep on his watch shall have his head split! Never before had he let a ship sneak up on him.
Quickly, Jack descended the rat lines and loosed the rope from the wheel. The Vesuvius gained the wind and began to fly. Then Jack glanced around to judge the frigate’s position and saw a flash of light. There followed a thunderous report and Jack ducked down in a hail of splintered wood. From the deck he reached for the wheel and turned it but it responded not.
Jack sprang for the hatch as the frigate fired again. Must try to load food and water and drop a boat. Perhaps we can lose them in the darkness. He burst into the captain’s cabin and glanced about. His brother was no where to be seen.
“Jonah? Jonah!”
Jack grabbed the lantern and began to search. He heard the crack of wood and the sound of sobbing somewhere in the darkness ahead of him and he pressed onward. Then he saw a flash of gold in the lantern light. He found Jonah slumped against a tall, wooden packing crate in the cargo hold.
Jack knelt and touched his shoulder. Jonah trembled uncontrollably.
“Jonah, we’re under fire from pirates! I must load food an’ water into a boat an’ put us off.”
Jonah sobbed wordlessly and one of his hands smacked into Jack’s cheek, leaving a streak of moisture.
“What?”
Jack touched his own cheek in the darkness and saw blood on his fingers.
His sightless eyes still bound by the bandage, Jonah snarled and pulled hard at the wooden slats on the crate. Another board came free into his bloodied hands. Jack pulled at him.
“Jonah, we’ve not time t’ fight! Come, I will carry ye-“
Then he saw a familiar image in the flicker of light and Jack froze.
“No,” he whispered. “This can not be. This can not be!”
He grabbed a board and pulled hard. With a screech of nails and snap of wood, Jack saw what his brother what his brother tried so desperately to uncover. Tears of despair welled in Jack’s eyes as a row of Egyptian hieroglyphs met his eyes.
“The Horus panel from the tomb!”
Jack touched the stone with trembling hand.
“Ye told me all the panels were sent back to Egypt- and herein I find the most dangerous one of all!”
The realization struck Jack with the force of a cannonball. If Jonah had lied to him about the panel- something of such great importance- then surely he had lied to Jack about giving back the Black Pearl.
Jack felt his life’s blood drain away. He began to tremble with fury. He shoved Jonah and the man thudded against the crate.
“Ye lied t’ me! Ye lied t’ me, ye son of o’ whore!”
He kicked Jonah hard in the ribs.
“We are beset by enemies and there is a gateway into th’ underworld aboard this ship!”
Jonah shrieked in pain and terror as Jack kicked him repeatedly. Then Jack seized him hard with his left hand and drew his pistol with the other. Jonah chattered his teeth.
“They will find only you aboard this ship an’ no other!” Jack snarled. “I will take back my Pearl as well as all your ships- an’ I’ll take Will into me bed whenever I like!”
Jack, no!
Jack recoiled at the sudden scream inside his head. He felt Jonah’s arms encircle his legs and listened to the sound of their own heavy breathing in the hold. In the dim light, Jonah’s flesh had begun to bruise beneath Jack’s blows. Suddenly, Jack was ashamed.
I swear upon the my life it is not as you say! I have trusted you and now you must trust me! Do not leave me! We both know who comes for me and the crown!
A deathly coldness took hold inside Jack.
“Barbossa!” Jack whispered.
He must not find the panel, Jack. You must scuttle the ship.
Jack bit his lip and considered. He gazed at the panel and narrowed his eyes.
“Aye, we must. A row boat will not avail us. Barbossa will hunt until he finds us. But he will not‘ave ye, Jonah. Nor shall he ‘ave the crown. There is somethin’ I must do.”
Jack swayed towards the captain’s cabin and gathered up an armload of clothing and effects, then returned to the nook where Jonah lay. Jack removed his garments, then pulled on a pair of Jonah’s breeches and one of his long shirts. Then, using both his knife and fingers, he began to strip the trinkets from his hair. He took the jade stone between his fingers and grimaced.
“I’m sorry, Jamie,” he whispered as he cut it from his hair.
Then he used Jonah’s sandalwood comb to untangle and smooth his braids. When he encountered tangles he could not remove, he opened a canopic jar and poured fragrant lotus oil into his palm. He stroked it through his locks and yanked at the tangles until they pulled free.
Jack then removed his brother’s clothing and placed upon him his own personal effects: breeches, tattered shirt, sash, boots and waistcoat. Then his nimble fingers wove the trinkets into Jonah’s hair.
The beards were next. Jack unwound the gold and silver thread from his brother’s beard, fashioned two strands, and wove his own beads into them. Then he used the gold and silver threads to braid his own two strands into one.
Jack looked at the crown and sighed. He would save the scarf until last.
“T’is time, Jonah.”
He gathered Jonah into his arms and leaned towards the panel. With his right elbow, he touched the engraving of the eye of Horus and stepped inward.
Jack and Jonah were immediately enshrouded by darkness and mist. In the distance, Jack saw a glow of white light. And that’s were we must go, but first--! thought Jack. Something ethereal moved in the mist and Jack stepped back. Warily he watched for a hand to approach his breast. Anubis had not once, but twice removed his heart to weigh it and present it to Osiris. He sensed eyes watching him.
“Anubis, Lord of the Underworld!” Jack said.
And from the mist the jackal-headed Anubis emerged, his golden scales in one hand and the feather of Truth in the other. He dropped the feather into the golden bowl of the scales and his hand approached in the darkness. Jack danced around him.
“Anubis, I do na 'ave time fer that, lad! Ye must take me to see Osiris! Somethin’s gone dead wrong with Jonah and we are about to be captured! Come, we’ve not all day. Take me to the Judgement Hall.”
Even as Jack spoke, the light flared and caught the three in its brilliance. He hugged Jonah tightly to his breast and wished that for once he knew some of those fancy prayers that his brother always spoke in Osiris’ presence.
The odor of blue lotus filled Jack’s nostrils and he heard the rustle of linen. Still holding Jonah, he sank to one knee and made what he hoped was a passable obeisance.
“Osiris, I put our souls in your hands.”
Osiris’ loin cloth appeared beside Jack. The crook and flail were gripped in his hands. Behind him he felt the presence of Anubis.
“Arise,” Osiris commanded. “For a third time, thou hast entered into my presence. What am I to make of thy coming and going?”
Jack shrugged. “P’raps ye should just adopt me, yer honor.”
“Why has thou come before me, Jack?”
Gently, he laid Jonah at Osiris’ sandaled feet.
“T’is the Lord of the Urrt Crown. He’s broken!” replied Jack. “Osiris, Jonah has gone blind and we are besieged by enemies. Barbossa means to harm Jonah and take the crown for his own nefarious purposes. He will find the gateway in the panel and enter.“
“All who enter through that gateway shall be judged by Anubis in the manner in which he hath judged thee,” replied Osiris.
Jack stood, swayed toward Anubis and placed a delicate hand on the god’s forearm.
“My sympathies, lad.”
Then Jack turned back to Osiris and set his jaw.
“Your lordship, Jonah can not defend the Urrt crown. He is stricken both in ‘is mind an’ his eyes. I have considered this matter and would like to proffer a suggestion.”
He put a hand on Osiris’ shoulder.
“Make me the Lord of the Urrt crown. I’ll defend it to the best of me abilities and when I have defeated Barbossa I will give it back to Jonah. What say ye t’ that?”
Osiris frowned.
“Why dost thou plead for thy brother when it is thine own hand which hath wounded him?”
Jack ached with shame. He knelt and touched the crown gently. Tears welled in his eyes as he looked up at Osiris.
“I was wroth wi’ him because I thought he had tricked me.”
Jack flinched as Osiris frowned. Then he heard Jonah’s voice: Dare you ride the storm, Jack?
“What dost thou knowest of Urrt crown or of its powers, or how to wield them? Speak!“
“I know naught, only teach me the words. Osiris--”
Jack grabbed a hand full of the crisp linen loincloth.
“Give me a chance to protect my brother! If the crown falls into Barbossa’s ‘ands, he will unleash its curse upon the world. I can not live with that guilt!”
Osiris kept his painted eyes fixed on Jonah’s bruises as he considered. Jack and Anubis waited in silence. Then Osiris caught a handful of Jack’s tears in his palm and gestured for Jack to hold out his hand. Into Jack’s palm flowed a myriad of tiny, white diamonds.
“I will give thee soldiers, Jack. Keep them safe until thou hast need of them. And this one--”
Osiris placed a blue diamond into his palm.
“-is thy instructor. Place it into thy mouth and bite upon it when I place the crown on thy head. From this shall flow the words.”
Jack placed the white diamonds into his pocket and then placed the blue diamond between his teeth.
“Thou must takest great care of thy brother lest he perish,” Osiris said. “And know that if thou should fail, I will curse thee. Anubis shall give thy heart to the Devourer and the gates of Aaru will be closed in thy face.”
Jack drew a deep breath for it had never occurred to him that he could fail. He watched in amazement as Osiris touched the crown on Jonah’s head and it began to glow, then melt. Jack could smell smoke from molten metal as the crown released itself from his brother’s hair, became whole again and then floated on Osiris’ fingertip.
Jack’s heart began to race as the crown floated over his own head. He looked up and saw within the circlet lightning, tornados, smoke and thunder. Shrieks, whispers and cries filled his ears. He could feel searing heat draw close to his hair. He heard the hiss of molten gold. Fire scorched his forehead and scalp as the crown descended onto his head and melted into his hair. He began to faint. At the last instant, he bit the blue diamond and crushed it between his teeth.
***
Will looked up from his tea. Was that lightning? he wondered. His forehead wrinkled into a frown, Will closed his book, left his chair and opened the doors to the balcony. He felt a rush of cool night air upon his face and gazed over the horizon.
“Oh!”
He stared in awe at the shimmers of green, yellow and red that flamed in the night sky. In the back of his mind, he recalled an old Scotsman talking about the na fir-chlis or “merry dancers.” But Will watched the northern lights with a feeling of misgiving. Never have I seen this sight in the Caribbean. Something is amiss here.
A sudden twinge of pain in his heart made him flinch. The stone wall of the balcony was cold beneath his hands as he steadied himself and tried to clear his mind. Jonah, speak to me! He heard no answer. Frantically, Will paced in the shimmer of light, pleading...
“Sir?”
Will spun around and the lights in the sky died. Tillson stood at the door.
“Ye room’s all ready, sir. Shall ye require anything else?”
Will came inside and looked about the room. He looked at the canopic jars of medicinals and measures of blue lotus petals and felt sick with worry.
Suddenly, Will began to shiver violently with a chill. He sat upon the bed as Tillson pulled bedclothes about him and called:
“Missus Fillmore!”
Will heard the rustle of skirts and felt he touch of a cool hand upon his hot forehead.
“The fire, Tillson, quickly!” she said. “He’s taken an ague!”
Tillson stirred the fire, while the elderly maid servant, Peggy Fillmore, unbuttoned Will’s shirt. To Will, the thought of this older woman undressing him was unseemly, but her touch soothed him.
“I’ll get ye undressed and into bed, Master Turner,” she said. “We’ll get some heat on ye chest and a cup of cinnamon tea. Ye’ll be feelin’ fine in a day or two.”
Under the ministering of the two servants, Will fell into an exhausted sleep.
***
James was wakened by the sudden slam of the balcony doors in the bedroom. He reached for his pistol in the drawer of the bedside table, yet he saw no intruder in the candle light, only open doors and draperies outstretched in the stiff breeze. The candle sputtered out and James groped in darkness for the doors, caught them and locked them. He rattled the doors in his hands to make sure they held fast, then he fetched a spunk from the embers in the fireplace to relight the candle. Suddenly, he heard a strained whisper.
Jamie- help me-
James rushed to the doors and flung them open.
“Jack?” he called into the night.
He heard nothing but the sea in the distance. James locked the doors again and sank onto the bed, then held one hand to his breast and wondered why his heart raced so. Then he sighed. Andrew is right. I have become so fearful and nervous I can hardly bear a single night without Jack. Perhaps Jack should have a room of his own so I can learn to sleep properly. Yes, I will consult Doctor Willoughby in regards to this matter.
James lay down on the mattress and hugged his pillow mounfully.
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Author: Tseek_Unique
Rating: NC 17- dark, supernatural themes, disturbing images, violence, twin on twin nibbles, pirate abuse, commodore abuse, and every kind of general abuse.
Summary: While James longs to snuggle into domesticity, Jack yearns for the sea. A ship is captured and a series of strange events begin to unfold...
Disclaimer: Property of Disney, I own nothing. They own me. *sigh*
Pairings:implied: Jack/James, Will/Jonah.
Author's Notes: Oh, Lord, I'm listening to Iced Earth again. *Dusts self off* Jack's confidence may cost him not only his life, but his afterlife as well. Really turning up the suffering on Sparrington here.
Feedback: Cherished as always, my luvs.
Music: "A Question of Heaven" by Iced Earth
The question that lies within
Is so hard to understand
It still tears at me
And in my dying breath
My heart holds no regrets
I wouldn't change a thing
Iced Earth
This is the way it should be between brothers. thought Jack. Naught quarreling, but striving together as one. Jack braced his bare feet on the rat lines and rope bit into his palms as the sloop rolled to starboard. on the heavy swell. Jonah sweated and strained at his elbow as they pulled hard on the lines. The sail came into place and Jack made it fast. He nodded to Jonah and they made their way downward.
On deck, Jack discarded his shirt and kicked it aside. He plunged his head scarf into a pail of fresh water and scrubbed at his flushed cheeks. Jonah cupped his hands in the water and drank. Jack patted his shoulder.
“T’is delighted, I am, t’ see that despite all yer fancy airs, ye are indeed a Sparrow. Ne’er have I seen any sailor who could tie a better or faster knot.”
Jonah brushed a hand through his damp hair and sat back on his haunches.
“Not quite the lazy sod you thought I was, aye?”
Jack grinned, then thought of something and reached for his knife. He ignored Jonah’s wary gaze and with a flick of his wrist, he severed the threads at the neck of his brother’s long shirt. Then he gripped the material, tore the row of stitches and pulled the garment over Jonah’s head. Gleefully, he tossed the shirt aside.
But instead of stretching his bare arms to the cooling breeze, Jonah folded his arms across himself and Jack saw fear creep into his eyes.
“The asylum?” Jack asked.
Jonah nodded and averted his eyes. Then Jack drew Jonah into his own bare arms and held him.
“Remember when we were boys, we would go skinny-dippin’ in the pond at Gram’s house?” asked Jack.
“I remember,” Jonah whispered.
“That’s the way of it ‘ere, just you an’ me. There is naught to fear or to be ashamed of. Trust me, as ye did when we were boys.”
Jack dipped his hand into the bucket and cast the water to the rising wind. Jonah stretched out his bare arms, closed his eyes and savored the drops that rained over his hot skin. Jack felt his heart quicken. How beautiful he is thought Jack. So fair and so like me.
Jonah opened his eyes at these thoughts and the gaze that met Jack’s was wary and unsure. Jack stepped closer and nuzzled against Jonah’s cheek for he had scented more. He had scented Will. Jonah nuzzled back, for he, too, had sensed something alluring. Whether it was James or Will or even Jack himself, Jack knew naught, but Jonah desired to taste.
Then their eyes met and lightning flashed in Jonah’s eyes and thunder rumbled deep inside Jack’s soul. Dare you ride the storm, Jack? Would you risk your soul to see what I see...
Jack’s hands tightened on Jonah’s arms-
...hear what I hear...
Their hipbones met--
...taste what I taste?
Then their lips met and Jack’s world exploded.
I can feel the storm approaching
The pain is it's reality
The death I breathe is in the air I feel no more, no longer care
The trumpets sound as I break free
This vision I see just can't be me
What is this that I have done
Why am I the chosen one
“Stormrider” Iced Earth
“Jack?”
Jonah’s grip on him tightened and Jack started and gasped. He opened his eyes and was surprised to feel the hardness of the deck against his back.
“What happened?” Jack asked.
“You fainted.”
In another moment, Jonah hurried to the ship’s wheel and Jack scrambled to his feet. Jack wrinkled his nose as Jonah spun the wheel. The sloop changed course and in his mind’s eye, so did the Black Pearl. Now she was sailing away from him.
“You are ill! I never should have brought you out here,” said Jonah.
Jack seized the wheel and spun it the other way. Thus, he hoped to avert a disaster.
“Now, leave off there, Jonah! Ye can see that I’m quite well. Give me th’ time that ye promised me, aye? What could be th’ harm?”
Jonah spun the wheel back again.
“Well, if you die on me, that puts me on the wrong end of James’ gun--again. I’d rather return you to Port Royal and let him coddle you to death than risk such dangers.”
Gently, Jack stayed his brother’s hand on the wheel.
“But ye also promised Will,” said Jack.
Jonah huffed for several moments, then rolled his eyes in annoyance. Jack shook his forefinger.
“Ye know th’ lad, Jonah. Ye’ll ne’er ‘ave moment’s peace if I do not get my time.”
Jonah relented the wheel with a sigh and Jack grinned to himself as he took command of the sloop. Jonah sat upon a barrel and stretched his bare arms in the fading light, then suddenly he pulled at the crown on his head and winced in pain. Jack gnawed his lip as he dropped a loop of rope around a spoke on the ship’s wheel. He touched his brother’s shoulder gently.
“T’is your headaches again?” Jack asked.
Jonah nodded. Jack dunked his head scarf in cold water and pressed it to his forehead.
“I’ll fetch ye a bite t’ eat, then. P’raps that will ‘elp.”
“Yes, do, Jack. I’m starving.”
Jack stood up. “I’ve just the thing for ye.”
Jack hurried down the steps to the captain’s quarters, opened a drawer, removed a thick blanket and felt the crock. And it’s still warm! thought Jack.
He fetched plates and cutlery, then returned to the deck.
“Oh, yes,” said Jonah. “The mysterious crock.”
“Somethin’ ye’ll love, I’ll wager.”
Jack placed two plates and cutlery on the deck and the two sat.
“Now close yer eyes an’ open yer mouth.”
Jonah wrinkled his nose. “Jack-“
“Trust me, as ye once did.”
Jonah sighed, but closed his eyes and Jack dipped a fork into the crock and placed a dumpling into Jonah’s mouth. Jonah savored the mouthful and opened his eyes wide in amazement.
“Chicken and dumplings!”
“Do they suit your rather fussy-“
“Jack!”
“I mean your rather stern requirements?” Jack asked.
“Yes! Yes! They are wonderful! Do give me some more.”
Smiling, Jack heaped his plate with food, then unwrapped a linen bundle.
“And muffings!” Jonah cried.
Jack watched, delighted, as Jonah dug into the feast placed before him. Then he paused, gravy dripping from his chin, to fill Jack’s plate, then gestured to him.
“You must eat, too, Jack. ‘ply your knife and fork.”
“Tired o’ Salmagundi, aye? Ah, an’ what’s this?”
Jack seized a newspaper stuffed into a cubby hole
.
“T’is new then?” he asked.
Jonah nodded.
Eagerly, Jack studied the print, then frowned.
“Washington’s charged General La Fayette with defending the whole of Virginia? ‘Pears to me that the colonials’ fine, young Frenchman is about to receive a right royal arse-whippin’ from Cornwallis.”
“It matters not, Jack. Admiral Arbuthnot has returned to England and Commodore Thomas Graves has entered the fray. It is rumored that he is headed for Chesapeake Bay. Whatever the outcome, the war will not last much longer. When the French and Spanish cast their lots in with the colonies-“
“T’was a bad move on the Americans’ part!” Jack interjected. “They should take care who they lie down with. I can think of naught worse than t’ wake up with both France an’ Spain wedged between my legs.”
“With the war in the colonies almost spent, France has set her sights on the Carribean,” Jonah continued. “The French are systematically seizing islands and they will have no truck with English privateers. When they at last seize the greatest prize, Port Royal, you and James will lose your home. Will and I have discussed leaving these waters for good.”
The words struck Jack like a palpable blow. He thrust the papers aside and touched Jonah’s cheek gently.
“You and Will have already discussed this?” Jack asked, astounded. “You would leave yer fine house in Barbados? Where would ye go, luv?”
Jonah drew back from Jack’s touch and took another bite of dumplings.
“I’ve always had an affinity for Asia. And you would be well advised to discuss the selfsame matter with James. I have seen these new French ships of the line and they are formidable. They carry well over a hundred guns and they are too numerous to count. Even if all English privateers throw their lot in with the Royal Navy, we could not stand our ground. Best to leave whilst still in one piece.”
“Da would fall dead o’ shame to ‘ear ye talk so!” Jack protested.
“Da is already dead, Jack. Men like us must take gold wherever we can find it. Heed my words. Speak to James and let us collect all our ships and sailors together. Change is coming to the Caribbean and we best get out of the way- unless James’ family back in London will take you in.”
Jack felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he thought of the Admiral of the Blue, Geoffrey Norrington and his wife, Lady Albertine Norrington. Jamie’s parents did not know Jack even existed. James had made it clear in the past that to impose upon them with Jack at his side would be a grave mistake.
“Of course, I’ll take all your ships to sail under my colors and shall send you a stipend from time to time,” Jonah continued.
Jack scowled and Jonah grinned with glee.
“They don’t know about you and James, do they?” Jonah asked.
He began to laugh and Jack pouted. Jonah leaned across the plates and patted his shoulder.
“There, there. I understand.”
Jonah clasped his hands together and rolled his eyes heavenward.
“Oh, the trials of getting to know one’s in-laws! Why, Weatherby Swann shot me within moments of laying eyes on me. In-laws can be such detestable creatures! But I’m quite sure your-charm- will win them over.”
Jack’s heart sank even further.
“If James decides t’ go back to London, he will ‘ave to go alone. He ‘as made it plain that Lord Norrington would ne’er accept me,” Jack growled.
Jonah wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"I suppose you will have to come with me, then. Oh, I can just hear your whining already: ‘It’s all your bloody fault, Jonah, take your hands off bloody Will, Jonah--‘ ”
“Darling.”
Jack leaned forward and pinched his brother’s cheek until Jonah flinched
“That’s why we’re out ‘ere, luv: so I can get my ship back. Whatever may come, James will be at my side.”
“After the way you’ve treated him, Jack, I am astonished that James would still follow you.”
Jack sighed. “Jonah, do not start in on me, aye?”
“I-I-“
Jack heard the clatter of Jonah’s spoon as it fell from his hand to his plate. Jonah leaned to one side and began to drool. Jack hastened to catch him. As he began to heave, Jack pulled him to his feet and guided him toward the transom. Jonah coughed and vomited over the rail. Jack patted his back gently.
“Might ‘ave known the fare was too rich, aye?”
Jonah breathing was rapid and heavy. He sank down at Jack’s feet, covered his eyes and winced in pain. Jack fetched the wooden bucket of fresh water and cupped his hands in it to give Jonah drink. Then he dipped his head scarf in the pail and held it again to his brother’s forehead.
“Jack, I don’t feel well. I don’t feel well!”
Jack stroked his fingers through the silken locks.
“I’ll fetch ye some o’Doctor Willoughby’s headache pills.”
Jonah clutched his legs. “Jack, don’t leave me! My eyes- they hurt so!”
He heaved and vomited again. Jack lifted him into his arms and swayed for the hatch. He descended the stairs, step by step, and pushed open the door to the captain’s cabin with his shoulder. He placed Jonah upon the bed and grabbed for a bucket as he heaved again. He placed the bucket on Jonah’s lap and pulled his arms around it.
“Hold it, now,” Jack said.
Jack pulled open the drawers of the bureau until he found the paper packet of willow bark pills and opened it. He shook four pills into his palm and dipped a cup into the water keg.
“Here, swallow these... now lie back.”
“Jack, I hurt! I hurt!”
Jonah covered his eyes and sobbed until Jack’s heart nearly broke at the sound.
Jack shushed him gently. “T’is just one o’ ye headaches.”
Jonah pulled at the crown on his head and snarled in pain.
“This isn’t a headache, Jack! My eyes are stricken! Everything is blurred beyond my comprehension and my eyes hurt so that I feel as if I shall die!”
Jack’s breath froze in his throat. He pulled Jonah’s chin up and steadied him.
“Jonah, look at me, lad. That eclipse a few days ago. Tell me ye did not look into it.”
“I did not! I saw Will looking and I covered his eyes.”
Jack cupped his brother’s face in his two hands. “Can ye see me at all?”
Jonah blinked several times then covered his eyes with his hands. “I can not.”
The Eye of Horus sticken blind! What does this mean? With a flick of his knife, Jack cut a strip of cloth from a clean shirt and put it against Jonah’s eyes. Jonah flinched at his touch. He sensed the tremble in Jack’s hands.
“I’ll bind yer eyes, then go topside an’ get this ship about. We must go back to port and find a doctor.”
“Doctor?” Jonah shrieked. “Not Grigsby, that butcher! Just look what he’s done to you!”
Startled, Jack looked down at himself.
“Doctor Willoughby, I meant,” Jack corrected. “Smart gentleman. He’ll know what t’ do.”
Jonah hugged himself and rocked back and forth.
“Jack, this ship can not be crewed by one man.”
Jonah retched again and Jack grabbed the bucket.
“Don’t leave me here alone!” Jonah pleaded.
Jack embraced him and kissed his flushed cheek.
“I dare not take ye topside, Jonah. The sea grows rougher now. Ye wanted t’ test me seamanship, and so we shall,” Jack replied quietly.
He squeezed Jonah’s hand.
“Got a few tricks left in me. I’ll get us back. You lie back an’ try t’ rest.”
With a heavy heart, Jack mounted the steps and returned to the wheel. He watched as the last few grains of sand fell in the hourglass, then he turned it. He loosed the rope from the wheel and kept his eyes fixed on the compass as he changed course. Sails flapped hard in the growing gale. Running flat aft, here, must get her flat in until we get the wind astern, Jack thought.
In the rigging, his feet braced on rat lines, Sparrow muscle and sinew screamed in protest as Jack struggled to draw the flapping sails towards the middle of the ship. Lines bit his palms bloody but Jack did not flinch; he focused only on his tasks until he had completed them. The ship began to turn.
By the time Jack tied his last knot, the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, and the sky became aflame with reds and streaks of indigo blue. A single star twinkled above and the full moon had begun to rise. He sank down on one knee and seized a gourd full of fresh water. He filled his mouth, then turned his face aft and felt the wind. Now to crowd sail and get us home! But as he stood up, something caught his eye and he narrowed his eyes. The gourd fell to the deck as Jack unfolded the spyglass and peered aft. In the fading light saw a heavy frigate lurking in the swell.A ship with no top light? thought Jack.
“Up to no damn good!” Jack muttered aloud.
Swiftly, Jack extinguished the sloop’s lanterns, then climbed the main mast to extinguish the top light. He looked again through the spyglass and tried to focus on the ship’s flag, then his blood ran cold and he gritted his teeth. A black flag! Inwardly, Jack cursed himself. He knew well the punishment: Any man who falls asleep on his watch shall have his head split! Never before had he let a ship sneak up on him.
Quickly, Jack descended the rat lines and loosed the rope from the wheel. The Vesuvius gained the wind and began to fly. Then Jack glanced around to judge the frigate’s position and saw a flash of light. There followed a thunderous report and Jack ducked down in a hail of splintered wood. From the deck he reached for the wheel and turned it but it responded not.
Jack sprang for the hatch as the frigate fired again. Must try to load food and water and drop a boat. Perhaps we can lose them in the darkness. He burst into the captain’s cabin and glanced about. His brother was no where to be seen.
“Jonah? Jonah!”
Jack grabbed the lantern and began to search. He heard the crack of wood and the sound of sobbing somewhere in the darkness ahead of him and he pressed onward. Then he saw a flash of gold in the lantern light. He found Jonah slumped against a tall, wooden packing crate in the cargo hold.
Jack knelt and touched his shoulder. Jonah trembled uncontrollably.
“Jonah, we’re under fire from pirates! I must load food an’ water into a boat an’ put us off.”
Jonah sobbed wordlessly and one of his hands smacked into Jack’s cheek, leaving a streak of moisture.
“What?”
Jack touched his own cheek in the darkness and saw blood on his fingers.
His sightless eyes still bound by the bandage, Jonah snarled and pulled hard at the wooden slats on the crate. Another board came free into his bloodied hands. Jack pulled at him.
“Jonah, we’ve not time t’ fight! Come, I will carry ye-“
Then he saw a familiar image in the flicker of light and Jack froze.
“No,” he whispered. “This can not be. This can not be!”
He grabbed a board and pulled hard. With a screech of nails and snap of wood, Jack saw what his brother what his brother tried so desperately to uncover. Tears of despair welled in Jack’s eyes as a row of Egyptian hieroglyphs met his eyes.
“The Horus panel from the tomb!”
Jack touched the stone with trembling hand.
“Ye told me all the panels were sent back to Egypt- and herein I find the most dangerous one of all!”
The realization struck Jack with the force of a cannonball. If Jonah had lied to him about the panel- something of such great importance- then surely he had lied to Jack about giving back the Black Pearl.
Jack felt his life’s blood drain away. He began to tremble with fury. He shoved Jonah and the man thudded against the crate.
“Ye lied t’ me! Ye lied t’ me, ye son of o’ whore!”
He kicked Jonah hard in the ribs.
“We are beset by enemies and there is a gateway into th’ underworld aboard this ship!”
Jonah shrieked in pain and terror as Jack kicked him repeatedly. Then Jack seized him hard with his left hand and drew his pistol with the other. Jonah chattered his teeth.
“They will find only you aboard this ship an’ no other!” Jack snarled. “I will take back my Pearl as well as all your ships- an’ I’ll take Will into me bed whenever I like!”
Jack, no!
Jack recoiled at the sudden scream inside his head. He felt Jonah’s arms encircle his legs and listened to the sound of their own heavy breathing in the hold. In the dim light, Jonah’s flesh had begun to bruise beneath Jack’s blows. Suddenly, Jack was ashamed.
I swear upon the my life it is not as you say! I have trusted you and now you must trust me! Do not leave me! We both know who comes for me and the crown!
A deathly coldness took hold inside Jack.
“Barbossa!” Jack whispered.
He must not find the panel, Jack. You must scuttle the ship.
Jack bit his lip and considered. He gazed at the panel and narrowed his eyes.
“Aye, we must. A row boat will not avail us. Barbossa will hunt until he finds us. But he will not‘ave ye, Jonah. Nor shall he ‘ave the crown. There is somethin’ I must do.”
Jack swayed towards the captain’s cabin and gathered up an armload of clothing and effects, then returned to the nook where Jonah lay. Jack removed his garments, then pulled on a pair of Jonah’s breeches and one of his long shirts. Then, using both his knife and fingers, he began to strip the trinkets from his hair. He took the jade stone between his fingers and grimaced.
“I’m sorry, Jamie,” he whispered as he cut it from his hair.
Then he used Jonah’s sandalwood comb to untangle and smooth his braids. When he encountered tangles he could not remove, he opened a canopic jar and poured fragrant lotus oil into his palm. He stroked it through his locks and yanked at the tangles until they pulled free.
Jack then removed his brother’s clothing and placed upon him his own personal effects: breeches, tattered shirt, sash, boots and waistcoat. Then his nimble fingers wove the trinkets into Jonah’s hair.
The beards were next. Jack unwound the gold and silver thread from his brother’s beard, fashioned two strands, and wove his own beads into them. Then he used the gold and silver threads to braid his own two strands into one.
Jack looked at the crown and sighed. He would save the scarf until last.
“T’is time, Jonah.”
He gathered Jonah into his arms and leaned towards the panel. With his right elbow, he touched the engraving of the eye of Horus and stepped inward.
Jack and Jonah were immediately enshrouded by darkness and mist. In the distance, Jack saw a glow of white light. And that’s were we must go, but first--! thought Jack. Something ethereal moved in the mist and Jack stepped back. Warily he watched for a hand to approach his breast. Anubis had not once, but twice removed his heart to weigh it and present it to Osiris. He sensed eyes watching him.
“Anubis, Lord of the Underworld!” Jack said.
And from the mist the jackal-headed Anubis emerged, his golden scales in one hand and the feather of Truth in the other. He dropped the feather into the golden bowl of the scales and his hand approached in the darkness. Jack danced around him.
“Anubis, I do na 'ave time fer that, lad! Ye must take me to see Osiris! Somethin’s gone dead wrong with Jonah and we are about to be captured! Come, we’ve not all day. Take me to the Judgement Hall.”
Even as Jack spoke, the light flared and caught the three in its brilliance. He hugged Jonah tightly to his breast and wished that for once he knew some of those fancy prayers that his brother always spoke in Osiris’ presence.
The odor of blue lotus filled Jack’s nostrils and he heard the rustle of linen. Still holding Jonah, he sank to one knee and made what he hoped was a passable obeisance.
“Osiris, I put our souls in your hands.”
Osiris’ loin cloth appeared beside Jack. The crook and flail were gripped in his hands. Behind him he felt the presence of Anubis.
“Arise,” Osiris commanded. “For a third time, thou hast entered into my presence. What am I to make of thy coming and going?”
Jack shrugged. “P’raps ye should just adopt me, yer honor.”
“Why has thou come before me, Jack?”
Gently, he laid Jonah at Osiris’ sandaled feet.
“T’is the Lord of the Urrt Crown. He’s broken!” replied Jack. “Osiris, Jonah has gone blind and we are besieged by enemies. Barbossa means to harm Jonah and take the crown for his own nefarious purposes. He will find the gateway in the panel and enter.“
“All who enter through that gateway shall be judged by Anubis in the manner in which he hath judged thee,” replied Osiris.
Jack stood, swayed toward Anubis and placed a delicate hand on the god’s forearm.
“My sympathies, lad.”
Then Jack turned back to Osiris and set his jaw.
“Your lordship, Jonah can not defend the Urrt crown. He is stricken both in ‘is mind an’ his eyes. I have considered this matter and would like to proffer a suggestion.”
He put a hand on Osiris’ shoulder.
“Make me the Lord of the Urrt crown. I’ll defend it to the best of me abilities and when I have defeated Barbossa I will give it back to Jonah. What say ye t’ that?”
Osiris frowned.
“Why dost thou plead for thy brother when it is thine own hand which hath wounded him?”
Jack ached with shame. He knelt and touched the crown gently. Tears welled in his eyes as he looked up at Osiris.
“I was wroth wi’ him because I thought he had tricked me.”
Jack flinched as Osiris frowned. Then he heard Jonah’s voice: Dare you ride the storm, Jack?
“What dost thou knowest of Urrt crown or of its powers, or how to wield them? Speak!“
“I know naught, only teach me the words. Osiris--”
Jack grabbed a hand full of the crisp linen loincloth.
“Give me a chance to protect my brother! If the crown falls into Barbossa’s ‘ands, he will unleash its curse upon the world. I can not live with that guilt!”
Osiris kept his painted eyes fixed on Jonah’s bruises as he considered. Jack and Anubis waited in silence. Then Osiris caught a handful of Jack’s tears in his palm and gestured for Jack to hold out his hand. Into Jack’s palm flowed a myriad of tiny, white diamonds.
“I will give thee soldiers, Jack. Keep them safe until thou hast need of them. And this one--”
Osiris placed a blue diamond into his palm.
“-is thy instructor. Place it into thy mouth and bite upon it when I place the crown on thy head. From this shall flow the words.”
Jack placed the white diamonds into his pocket and then placed the blue diamond between his teeth.
“Thou must takest great care of thy brother lest he perish,” Osiris said. “And know that if thou should fail, I will curse thee. Anubis shall give thy heart to the Devourer and the gates of Aaru will be closed in thy face.”
Jack drew a deep breath for it had never occurred to him that he could fail. He watched in amazement as Osiris touched the crown on Jonah’s head and it began to glow, then melt. Jack could smell smoke from molten metal as the crown released itself from his brother’s hair, became whole again and then floated on Osiris’ fingertip.
Jack’s heart began to race as the crown floated over his own head. He looked up and saw within the circlet lightning, tornados, smoke and thunder. Shrieks, whispers and cries filled his ears. He could feel searing heat draw close to his hair. He heard the hiss of molten gold. Fire scorched his forehead and scalp as the crown descended onto his head and melted into his hair. He began to faint. At the last instant, he bit the blue diamond and crushed it between his teeth.
***
Will looked up from his tea. Was that lightning? he wondered. His forehead wrinkled into a frown, Will closed his book, left his chair and opened the doors to the balcony. He felt a rush of cool night air upon his face and gazed over the horizon.
“Oh!”
He stared in awe at the shimmers of green, yellow and red that flamed in the night sky. In the back of his mind, he recalled an old Scotsman talking about the na fir-chlis or “merry dancers.” But Will watched the northern lights with a feeling of misgiving. Never have I seen this sight in the Caribbean. Something is amiss here.
A sudden twinge of pain in his heart made him flinch. The stone wall of the balcony was cold beneath his hands as he steadied himself and tried to clear his mind. Jonah, speak to me! He heard no answer. Frantically, Will paced in the shimmer of light, pleading...
“Sir?”
Will spun around and the lights in the sky died. Tillson stood at the door.
“Ye room’s all ready, sir. Shall ye require anything else?”
Will came inside and looked about the room. He looked at the canopic jars of medicinals and measures of blue lotus petals and felt sick with worry.
Suddenly, Will began to shiver violently with a chill. He sat upon the bed as Tillson pulled bedclothes about him and called:
“Missus Fillmore!”
Will heard the rustle of skirts and felt he touch of a cool hand upon his hot forehead.
“The fire, Tillson, quickly!” she said. “He’s taken an ague!”
Tillson stirred the fire, while the elderly maid servant, Peggy Fillmore, unbuttoned Will’s shirt. To Will, the thought of this older woman undressing him was unseemly, but her touch soothed him.
“I’ll get ye undressed and into bed, Master Turner,” she said. “We’ll get some heat on ye chest and a cup of cinnamon tea. Ye’ll be feelin’ fine in a day or two.”
Under the ministering of the two servants, Will fell into an exhausted sleep.
***
James was wakened by the sudden slam of the balcony doors in the bedroom. He reached for his pistol in the drawer of the bedside table, yet he saw no intruder in the candle light, only open doors and draperies outstretched in the stiff breeze. The candle sputtered out and James groped in darkness for the doors, caught them and locked them. He rattled the doors in his hands to make sure they held fast, then he fetched a spunk from the embers in the fireplace to relight the candle. Suddenly, he heard a strained whisper.
Jamie- help me-
James rushed to the doors and flung them open.
“Jack?” he called into the night.
He heard nothing but the sea in the distance. James locked the doors again and sank onto the bed, then held one hand to his breast and wondered why his heart raced so. Then he sighed. Andrew is right. I have become so fearful and nervous I can hardly bear a single night without Jack. Perhaps Jack should have a room of his own so I can learn to sleep properly. Yes, I will consult Doctor Willoughby in regards to this matter.
James lay down on the mattress and hugged his pillow mounfully.
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