FANFIC: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY - CHAPTER 10
Author: mamazano
Title: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY
Rating: R (adult themes, content)
Pairings: None specifically
Warnings: Character death, sexual violence.
Disclaimer: Disney owns some, history the rest. Just having fun.
Summary: This is a story of mystery and intrigue, set against the true historical age of pirates. Real people, places and events from history interwoven with the fictional world of Pirates of the Caribbean. An AU set somewhere after CotBP.
A/N: The events in this story are based on real figures and events from history. Henry Jennings, an ex-privateer out of Jamaica did recruit a crew of 300 men, sail to Florida and plunder the Spanish treasure camp. Blackbeard started his career as a privateer in the War of Spanish Succession as well, sailing out of Jamaica. He spent some time in New Providence, where he is purported to have said that it was Henry Jennings, “a sly, crafty old privateer who introduced me to the ‘Brethren of the Coast’.” He was known as Ed Teach in those days, before he went on to cultivate the legend of Blackbeard and terrorize the seas.
A special thanks to
this_weirdnessfor stepping in with beta help this week.
Previous chapters: Prologue -1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5a - 5b - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9
Through a Glass Darkly
Chapter 10 - Devils and Black Sheep
----
Oh some are fond of red wine, and some are fond of white,
And some are all for dancing by the pale moonlight;
But rum alone's the tipple, and the heart's delight
Of the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are fond of fiddles, and a song well sung,
And some are all for music for to lilt upon the tongue;
But mouths were made for tankards, and for sucking at the bung,
Says the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are sad and wretched folk that go in silken suits,
And there's a mort of wicked rogues that live in good reputes;
So I'm for drinking honestly, and dying in my boots,
Like an old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
~ John Masefield
----
“Ever heard of a fellow calls himself Ed Teach?” Gibbs took a long pull from the bottle of rum he was sharing with Frank Davies, as the two men reclined in the shade of a cluster of palms, watching as the tide crept in.
“Big gent? Great bushy beard?” Davies took his own long swallow, sighing contentedly as the fiery liquid burned its way down his throat. He nodded his head towards the camp further down the beach. “Not much known about ‘em. Heard tell he was a privateer, sailed with Jennings out of Jamaica durin’ the war. Worked his way up to ship master ‘fore the war ended.” Davies took another swig and handed the bottle back, narrowing his eyes as he added, “Also heard he’s an ambitious rogue, lookin’ fer his own ship.”
“Aye, was ‘spectin’ that,” Gibbs said resignedly. “Came lookin’ for me in particulars. Wantin’ to sign on with his men.” He gave the now empty bottle a pensive look. “Can’t right find any others willin’ to do the work.”
Davies gave his old friend a sympathetic glance. “S’pose you’ll be takin’ him up on the offer, eh?” He shook his head and added, “Best be watchin’ yer back, Josh.”
Gibbs stood up and gazed at the sea, lost in thought. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. Jack, he be in no state to be sailin’ just yet, his mind still a muddle as it were. Don’t be needin’ a mutiny before ever setting sail. I’ll just go tell that Teach gent ‘no thank you’.
He turned and said aloud to Davies, “I’m thinkin’ I might keep lookin’ some more for a crew. Jack’s got enough on his mind, with that female creature of his. Don’t need t’ be worryin’ none ‘bout losin’ the Pearl too.”
Davies stood as well and dusted the sand off his breeches. Pulling out his pipe he set about filling it as he commented, “Offer still stands, could use a good first mate for the Tess. Enough gold ought t’ get ye the crew ye need. No need t’ be settlin’ for rogues and scoundrels.”
Gibbs nodded. “Aye. Jack’s talking’ about careening the Pearl. Once we have ‘er ashore I might be willin’ t’ take you up on that offer. Ain’t no one, don’t care how conniving, can make off with a ship that’s belly up.”
Davies slapped his friend on the back and said heartily, “There’s the truth of it! Tell ye what. I’ll get some of me boys to help with the pulleys. ‘Bout time they put their sorry carcasses to good use. The season is almost upon us; don’t need no slackers on my ship.” He clapped Gibbs on the back again and headed back towards the tents, shouting to his men as he went.
Gibbs watched him go, relieved yet worried, wondering just how he was going to break off the accord with Teach. Well, best be on with it. He turned and headed in the direction of the ex-privateer’s camp, wishing he had a bit more rum with which to smooth the conversation.
----
Jack Sparrow was getting claustrophobic.
“Everywhere I turn,” he muttered to himself, “the blasted girl’s right there, dogging me steps. Like a burr on a boar’s ass, can’t get five inches away. Worse than barnacles, like having an extra appendage. Wouldn’t be so bad if she were inclined to use some of that closeness in a more intimate fashion. Confounded girl doesn’t seem interested at all. No bloody telling why either. Not like we haven’t sailed them waters. Haven’t I been the perfect gentleman? Saving her from those crazy louts so keen on tossing her to the sharks? Ought to get a bit of something for me efforts. A bit of a thank you. Instead I get a shadow - touching what I touch, doing what I do. Bloody unnerving it is.”
Jack had retreated to the bow, slinking out onto the bowsprit, bottle of rum in one hand as he attempted to distance himself from his silent shadow. She in turn followed halfway, stretching out along the bowsprit on her belly, hands dangling below as if reaching for the figurehead. Now what is she doing?
Jack settled himself comfortably out of reach and swallowed some rum, pretending to ignore her while surreptitiously studying the girl through hooded eyes. She didn’t seem to notice, her eyes fixed on the small bird in eternal flight. She opened her hand as if she were the one releasing it and then slowly closed her fist along with her eyes. A slow shudder went through her body, before she raised her eyes and caught him watching her. She repeated the motion with her hand, reaching for him only to close her fingers around emptiness.
A shadow crossed her face and tears welled in her eyes. A sudden gust of wind arose, causing the Pearl to move restlessly. The sky darkened as a summer squall blew in from the sea. Without further warning a drenching rain began pelting them. Jack scrambled down from his perch, helping the girl back on deck before heading for the shelter of his cabin.
For the first time that day she didn’t follow. Heaving a big sigh he turned and went back out into the storm only to find her standing with eyes closed, arms stretched high, her face tilted towards the sky.
----
The squall ceased almost as soon as it began. Gibbs, having taken shelter under a stand of trees until the rain stopped, reluctantly resumed trudging across the wet sand towards Teach’s camp. He recognized a couple of the men from the tavern; nodding to them he said friendly like, “Lookin’ for Ed Teach. Might you know where he’s at?” The gent nearest to Gibbs inclined his head towards a tent further back near the dunes. Made out of an old canvas sail, the tent swayed, even though the winds from the passing storm had all but died down, leaving the air sultry and warm.
“Teach is what you might say, keepin’ company. Won’t take kindly to being disturbed.”
A low grunting sound now accompanied the hypnotic movement of the tent. Gibbs had enough years on him to know the sound of rutting when he heard it. “Aye. Well, I best be leavin’ him to his pleasures,” Gibbs said, turning to go with a sigh of relief. One of the other men lazing around the camp spoke up. “No need to rush off. Never takes long with ol’ Sadie.”
As if on cue the swaying and grunting stopped and the flap of the curtain opened to reveal a head of tangled red hair, which turned out to belong to the buxom wench herself. She stood up and casually buttoned the front of her flimsy sweat-stained dress, her nipples straining against the thin fabric. Brushing her damp hair back from her face she strolled over to the campsite and, placing a hand on her hip, asked one of the men there for some rum.
Teach’s gruff voice answered her. “Get yerself off now, Sadie. Ain’t a charity ward I’m runnin’. Ye have yer bit o’ shine. Go buy yer own drink.”
“Well, don’t be ‘specting me to come runnin’ next time you’ve got an itch to scratch, Ed Teach. There be plenty of other gents wantin’ some as well. And none of ‘em as cheap as you, either.” Sadie tossed her head indignantly before flouncing off towards a camp further down the beach.
Teach just laughed and sauntered over to where Gibbs was standing, buttoning his breeches as he did. “Like a bitch in heat, that one. Can’t be havin’ yer crew all distracted now, can we?”
Gibbs cleared his throat, avoiding the burly man’s eye. “Well, that be what I’ve come t’ talk to you about,” he said, cringing inwardly. “Seein’ how it might be some time ‘fore the Pearl sails again, I thought it might be best to give you and yer boys the option of lookin’ fer another berth.”
Teach gave Gibbs a long look before speaking. “I ain’t the type to renege on a bargain, once struck. Me and me gents are a patient lot, plenty of distractions here on New Providence to make the waitin’ pleasant enough,” he said, gesturing towards the redheaded Sadie as she plied her trade along the shore. Turning back towards Gibbs he added in an ominous tone, “You go tell that captain o’ yours that ‘fore long he’ll be hard pressed findin’ any crew willing t’ sign on for that little venture o’ his.”
----
“Now, do me a favor and stay here,” Jack said cheerfully, pointing with both hands towards the deck, “and ol’ Jack will row over to the island and see about finding you something pretty to wear. What say you to that?” He cocked his head and flashed his most winning smile at the solemn girl standing in front of him. “Won’t be long, couple of hours, maybe more. These things can take time you know. Might have to go into town, visit a few establishments, see what the latest fashions are…”
He gestured over at Cotton who was standing on the quarterdeck and said loudly, “Now don’t go arguing with Mr. Cotton there. He’ll be staying on board in case you need anything. Savvy?”
Before either of them could argue the point he quickly climbed down into the waiting boat. Marty took up the oars, a frown on his face. Jack settled in the stern, feeling as if a suffocating weight had been lifted from him. “What?” he asked innocently as Marty continued to glare at him. “Not like I’m abandoning her. Can’t right let her walk around New Providence half naked. There’d be an uprising.”
Marty grunted in agreement. “In more ways than one.”
Jack didn’t exactly like the idea of leaving the Pearl with just one man on night watch, but, in her present state, there wasn’t much chance of someone trying to commandeer her. He figured he’d only be gone a short while, stretch his legs a bit. Jack further silenced the twinges of guilt he was feeling by the pleasant thoughts of a nice tankard of rum and a salty wench, one that might be willing to do more than follow him around like a puppy dog. Fortunately, both rum and wanton women could be found in abundance in this particular settlement. Eager with anticipation and feeling freer than he had in weeks, Jack was out of the boat before it reached the shore. He waded through the shallows towards the cook fires dotting the beach in the fading light.
Before he’d gone a dozen steps he heard his name being called. Jack’s face blanched as he recognized the woman making her way towards him from a nearby encampment. She was wearing a purple dress, practically sheer, its light fabric clinging tightly to her large, melon-shaped breasts which swung unfettered as she walked, exuding sexuality with every step. She threw back her head of reddish hair; her face freckled from the sun, a large smile on her red lips. Once she was close enough she called out to Jack again.
“Jack Sparrow! Come back to pleasure ol’ Sadie, have you?” She came up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck while pressing her body against his. Jack grimaced a smile as he tried to extract himself from her grasp.
“Well, actually I came lookin’…”
Sadie was clearly not one easily deterred though. She began kissing him, her arms and legs entwining him like a kraken. “I’ve missed ye, Jack. You promised you’d come back soon.” She pouted. “It’s been months.”
“I was unforeseeably detained. Now if you’ll excuse me…”
She ran her hand down the front of his shirt and grabbed his crotch. “I’ve learned some new tricks while you’ve been gone,” she whispered, grinding her hips against him. “I could show them to you if you’re interested.”
Jack rolled his eyes and groaned, his interest most definitely aroused. Heaving a sigh of frustration, he managed to finally remove her from around his neck.
“Sorry, luv. Ol’ Jack has a bit of business to tend to at the moment. You don’t happen to know where I might find Frank Davies?”
Sadie shrugged her shoulders and wrapped a possessive arm around Jack’s and pulled him towards the tree line. “What’ya want with that old blighter? Won’t let his men have no fun t'all. You come with ol’ Sadie, I’ll show you a good time.” Jack patted her on the bottom and slithered out from underneath her embrace. “Perhaps later, darling,” he told her and made good his escape up the beach.
----
The beachfront came alive as the sun, a molten ball of fire, sank into the sea. The men gathered around the cook fires, lounging and laughing as they passed bottles of rum and wine around. The musicians broke out their instruments and began to entertain; the women from the tents wandered down to find their own entertainment for the evening. The aroma from the cook pots mingled with the unwashed stench of the throng of men, tinged with the salty tang of the sea. The talk around the camps centered on the raid Jennings was planning, and Spanish gold. More gold than most had ever seen, just there for the taking. Many of the men had already signed with a crew, others were looking to sign, virtually no one wanted to be left out of the venture.
There were a few though, that had not found a berth. Among these were a small group of men camped apart from the main crowd. They sat hunched around their fire, silent and morose as they passed around a bottle of rum. The leader of this band of sullen men sat apart, staring murderously across the darkened bay, just able to discern the black ship anchored there.
He barely looked up at Sadie as she wrapped her arms around him and sidled into his lap. She intercepted the bottle, taking a swig or two before handing it back to him. “Why the glum face, Pete? Anything ol’ Sadie can do to help?”
He drank some rum and said in a thoughtful voice, “Perhaps. Your special talents might be just what we need tonight.”
----
The hour was late, that ungodly time betwixt midnight and dawn. Jack Sparrow groaned as he lay on a rough blanket in the soft sand, his breeches around his ankles, several empty rum bottles strewn around. His last recollection had been of sitting around the fire amidst the group of men gathered on the beach, drinking and singing and telling lies.
He hadn’t meant to stay so long, but the rum had flowed freely and so had the women as they had circulated among the men, offering pleasure for a bit of shine. The last one had been Sadie - apparently determined to get her fair share of the action, she had dragged Jack off by the hand, promising paradise…and more.
Now, he woke alone, his head throbbing and his goods feeling as if they’d been gnawed clean off. Gingerly reaching down with one hand he heaved a sigh of relief to find his pertinent parts still intact, just sorely used. Struggling to sit up, the world began to spin out of control. He managed to pull his breeches up before collapsing once again in a dead sleep.
----
The moon skulked over the water, a sliver of white casting a feeble light across the black mirror of the bay. The three men in the dingy rowed with muffled oars towards the dark ship anchored beyond the shoals. No lights shone on board, the ship itself in fitful slumber, her tresses in disarray. The small boat nestled up against the hull, its occupants slipping up the sea ladder, taking care not to make any noise that might alert those aboard the larger vessel.
The leader of these marauders peered cautiously over the starboard rail; gesturing to his cohorts that the way was clear, he slipped noiselessly aboard. The water lapping against the hull was the only sound, the two slumbering figures silent in their repose.
The interloper grinned maliciously as he observed the young woman curled up on deck upon a coil of rope. The steady rise and fall of her ribs signaled she was fast asleep, as was the elderly gent stretched out on a pile of ripped canvas, his mouth open in silent snores.
I’ll show the sea bitch what if feels like to be cast away, he thought to himself, unsheathing the knife he carried on his belt. Lost me place on Davies’ crew due to this creature, me and his mates. Too hot headed he says. Now no one will take us on. We’d be goin’ after all that gold if it weren’t for this bunter. Well, I’ll show them, they ain’t heard the last of me.
Gesturing towards the girl, he mouthed the words to his companions. “Hold her.”
The others moved in unison, one grasping her arms, the other her legs as he took his knife and slit the girl’s shirt open. Startled awake, the girl began to flail about. Unable to scream she fought back as best she could. Turning her head she sunk her teeth into the nearest arm.
“Fucking bitch!” The man wrestled his arm away from her, backhanding her across the face with enough force to knock her back several feet. The older gent, awakened by the cry struggled to come to her aid, his parrot squawking and fluttering overhead. The man who’d been holding the girl’s feet pulled out his cutlass and struck a blow with the hilt, causing the old man to crumble to the deck, his head bleeding profusely across the weathered planks.
The ship, sensing the blood seeping outward, stirred restlessly, adding a swaying deck to the struggle going on. The girl had scrambled away and was frantically crawling amidst the tangle of lines and rigging where she became ensnared, like a moth in a spider’s web. She quivered in horror as the menacing trio descended upon her. Their leader, a gleam of lust and madness in his eyes, slowly unbuttoned his breeches as the other miscreants pinned her helplessly to the deck.
“Heard yer a real suck-you-bye, y’ black spawn,” he leered as he freed his swollen cock and advanced on her. “Let’s see here how y’ like this up yer bung hole.” He laughed at the terror on the girl’s face, relishing the thought of ramming home his message. No need to worry about anyone showing up and stopping them this time, good ol’ Sadie was seeing to that. With the old man out of the way as well, they had all night to slake their lust. They would all have a go at her until there was nothing left but raw flesh. A tasty treat for the sharks.
As he bent over the girl, the ship began to pitch, though the sky was clear and seas calm. Reaching out to steady himself he did not see the spar swinging wildly above him until it struck. Eyes wide in surprise he gurgled once as the jagged wood impaled him against the deck. His two companions, sensing the fury in the ship around them, gaped at their fallen compatriot, panic welling up in their throats as another loose spar barely missed them as it swung wildly about. Without another glance at the stricken man they made a mad dash for the rail, dodging falling debris as they clambered over the side. The Pearl shuddered and bucked, throwing the two of them into the bay, their cries for help going unheard. Unable to swim, their last vision before the black water swallowed them was that of the merry revelers on shore and the menacing black hull of the angry ship above.
Title: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY
Rating: R (adult themes, content)
Pairings: None specifically
Warnings: Character death, sexual violence.
Disclaimer: Disney owns some, history the rest. Just having fun.
Summary: This is a story of mystery and intrigue, set against the true historical age of pirates. Real people, places and events from history interwoven with the fictional world of Pirates of the Caribbean. An AU set somewhere after CotBP.
A/N: The events in this story are based on real figures and events from history. Henry Jennings, an ex-privateer out of Jamaica did recruit a crew of 300 men, sail to Florida and plunder the Spanish treasure camp. Blackbeard started his career as a privateer in the War of Spanish Succession as well, sailing out of Jamaica. He spent some time in New Providence, where he is purported to have said that it was Henry Jennings, “a sly, crafty old privateer who introduced me to the ‘Brethren of the Coast’.” He was known as Ed Teach in those days, before he went on to cultivate the legend of Blackbeard and terrorize the seas.
A special thanks to
this_weirdnessfor stepping in with beta help this week.
Previous chapters: Prologue -1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5a - 5b - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9
Through a Glass Darkly
Chapter 10 - Devils and Black Sheep
----
Oh some are fond of red wine, and some are fond of white,
And some are all for dancing by the pale moonlight;
But rum alone's the tipple, and the heart's delight
Of the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are fond of fiddles, and a song well sung,
And some are all for music for to lilt upon the tongue;
But mouths were made for tankards, and for sucking at the bung,
Says the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are sad and wretched folk that go in silken suits,
And there's a mort of wicked rogues that live in good reputes;
So I'm for drinking honestly, and dying in my boots,
Like an old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
~ John Masefield
----
“Ever heard of a fellow calls himself Ed Teach?” Gibbs took a long pull from the bottle of rum he was sharing with Frank Davies, as the two men reclined in the shade of a cluster of palms, watching as the tide crept in.
“Big gent? Great bushy beard?” Davies took his own long swallow, sighing contentedly as the fiery liquid burned its way down his throat. He nodded his head towards the camp further down the beach. “Not much known about ‘em. Heard tell he was a privateer, sailed with Jennings out of Jamaica durin’ the war. Worked his way up to ship master ‘fore the war ended.” Davies took another swig and handed the bottle back, narrowing his eyes as he added, “Also heard he’s an ambitious rogue, lookin’ fer his own ship.”
“Aye, was ‘spectin’ that,” Gibbs said resignedly. “Came lookin’ for me in particulars. Wantin’ to sign on with his men.” He gave the now empty bottle a pensive look. “Can’t right find any others willin’ to do the work.”
Davies gave his old friend a sympathetic glance. “S’pose you’ll be takin’ him up on the offer, eh?” He shook his head and added, “Best be watchin’ yer back, Josh.”
Gibbs stood up and gazed at the sea, lost in thought. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. Jack, he be in no state to be sailin’ just yet, his mind still a muddle as it were. Don’t be needin’ a mutiny before ever setting sail. I’ll just go tell that Teach gent ‘no thank you’.
He turned and said aloud to Davies, “I’m thinkin’ I might keep lookin’ some more for a crew. Jack’s got enough on his mind, with that female creature of his. Don’t need t’ be worryin’ none ‘bout losin’ the Pearl too.”
Davies stood as well and dusted the sand off his breeches. Pulling out his pipe he set about filling it as he commented, “Offer still stands, could use a good first mate for the Tess. Enough gold ought t’ get ye the crew ye need. No need t’ be settlin’ for rogues and scoundrels.”
Gibbs nodded. “Aye. Jack’s talking’ about careening the Pearl. Once we have ‘er ashore I might be willin’ t’ take you up on that offer. Ain’t no one, don’t care how conniving, can make off with a ship that’s belly up.”
Davies slapped his friend on the back and said heartily, “There’s the truth of it! Tell ye what. I’ll get some of me boys to help with the pulleys. ‘Bout time they put their sorry carcasses to good use. The season is almost upon us; don’t need no slackers on my ship.” He clapped Gibbs on the back again and headed back towards the tents, shouting to his men as he went.
Gibbs watched him go, relieved yet worried, wondering just how he was going to break off the accord with Teach. Well, best be on with it. He turned and headed in the direction of the ex-privateer’s camp, wishing he had a bit more rum with which to smooth the conversation.
----
Jack Sparrow was getting claustrophobic.
“Everywhere I turn,” he muttered to himself, “the blasted girl’s right there, dogging me steps. Like a burr on a boar’s ass, can’t get five inches away. Worse than barnacles, like having an extra appendage. Wouldn’t be so bad if she were inclined to use some of that closeness in a more intimate fashion. Confounded girl doesn’t seem interested at all. No bloody telling why either. Not like we haven’t sailed them waters. Haven’t I been the perfect gentleman? Saving her from those crazy louts so keen on tossing her to the sharks? Ought to get a bit of something for me efforts. A bit of a thank you. Instead I get a shadow - touching what I touch, doing what I do. Bloody unnerving it is.”
Jack had retreated to the bow, slinking out onto the bowsprit, bottle of rum in one hand as he attempted to distance himself from his silent shadow. She in turn followed halfway, stretching out along the bowsprit on her belly, hands dangling below as if reaching for the figurehead. Now what is she doing?
Jack settled himself comfortably out of reach and swallowed some rum, pretending to ignore her while surreptitiously studying the girl through hooded eyes. She didn’t seem to notice, her eyes fixed on the small bird in eternal flight. She opened her hand as if she were the one releasing it and then slowly closed her fist along with her eyes. A slow shudder went through her body, before she raised her eyes and caught him watching her. She repeated the motion with her hand, reaching for him only to close her fingers around emptiness.
A shadow crossed her face and tears welled in her eyes. A sudden gust of wind arose, causing the Pearl to move restlessly. The sky darkened as a summer squall blew in from the sea. Without further warning a drenching rain began pelting them. Jack scrambled down from his perch, helping the girl back on deck before heading for the shelter of his cabin.
For the first time that day she didn’t follow. Heaving a big sigh he turned and went back out into the storm only to find her standing with eyes closed, arms stretched high, her face tilted towards the sky.
----
The squall ceased almost as soon as it began. Gibbs, having taken shelter under a stand of trees until the rain stopped, reluctantly resumed trudging across the wet sand towards Teach’s camp. He recognized a couple of the men from the tavern; nodding to them he said friendly like, “Lookin’ for Ed Teach. Might you know where he’s at?” The gent nearest to Gibbs inclined his head towards a tent further back near the dunes. Made out of an old canvas sail, the tent swayed, even though the winds from the passing storm had all but died down, leaving the air sultry and warm.
“Teach is what you might say, keepin’ company. Won’t take kindly to being disturbed.”
A low grunting sound now accompanied the hypnotic movement of the tent. Gibbs had enough years on him to know the sound of rutting when he heard it. “Aye. Well, I best be leavin’ him to his pleasures,” Gibbs said, turning to go with a sigh of relief. One of the other men lazing around the camp spoke up. “No need to rush off. Never takes long with ol’ Sadie.”
As if on cue the swaying and grunting stopped and the flap of the curtain opened to reveal a head of tangled red hair, which turned out to belong to the buxom wench herself. She stood up and casually buttoned the front of her flimsy sweat-stained dress, her nipples straining against the thin fabric. Brushing her damp hair back from her face she strolled over to the campsite and, placing a hand on her hip, asked one of the men there for some rum.
Teach’s gruff voice answered her. “Get yerself off now, Sadie. Ain’t a charity ward I’m runnin’. Ye have yer bit o’ shine. Go buy yer own drink.”
“Well, don’t be ‘specting me to come runnin’ next time you’ve got an itch to scratch, Ed Teach. There be plenty of other gents wantin’ some as well. And none of ‘em as cheap as you, either.” Sadie tossed her head indignantly before flouncing off towards a camp further down the beach.
Teach just laughed and sauntered over to where Gibbs was standing, buttoning his breeches as he did. “Like a bitch in heat, that one. Can’t be havin’ yer crew all distracted now, can we?”
Gibbs cleared his throat, avoiding the burly man’s eye. “Well, that be what I’ve come t’ talk to you about,” he said, cringing inwardly. “Seein’ how it might be some time ‘fore the Pearl sails again, I thought it might be best to give you and yer boys the option of lookin’ fer another berth.”
Teach gave Gibbs a long look before speaking. “I ain’t the type to renege on a bargain, once struck. Me and me gents are a patient lot, plenty of distractions here on New Providence to make the waitin’ pleasant enough,” he said, gesturing towards the redheaded Sadie as she plied her trade along the shore. Turning back towards Gibbs he added in an ominous tone, “You go tell that captain o’ yours that ‘fore long he’ll be hard pressed findin’ any crew willing t’ sign on for that little venture o’ his.”
----
“Now, do me a favor and stay here,” Jack said cheerfully, pointing with both hands towards the deck, “and ol’ Jack will row over to the island and see about finding you something pretty to wear. What say you to that?” He cocked his head and flashed his most winning smile at the solemn girl standing in front of him. “Won’t be long, couple of hours, maybe more. These things can take time you know. Might have to go into town, visit a few establishments, see what the latest fashions are…”
He gestured over at Cotton who was standing on the quarterdeck and said loudly, “Now don’t go arguing with Mr. Cotton there. He’ll be staying on board in case you need anything. Savvy?”
Before either of them could argue the point he quickly climbed down into the waiting boat. Marty took up the oars, a frown on his face. Jack settled in the stern, feeling as if a suffocating weight had been lifted from him. “What?” he asked innocently as Marty continued to glare at him. “Not like I’m abandoning her. Can’t right let her walk around New Providence half naked. There’d be an uprising.”
Marty grunted in agreement. “In more ways than one.”
Jack didn’t exactly like the idea of leaving the Pearl with just one man on night watch, but, in her present state, there wasn’t much chance of someone trying to commandeer her. He figured he’d only be gone a short while, stretch his legs a bit. Jack further silenced the twinges of guilt he was feeling by the pleasant thoughts of a nice tankard of rum and a salty wench, one that might be willing to do more than follow him around like a puppy dog. Fortunately, both rum and wanton women could be found in abundance in this particular settlement. Eager with anticipation and feeling freer than he had in weeks, Jack was out of the boat before it reached the shore. He waded through the shallows towards the cook fires dotting the beach in the fading light.
Before he’d gone a dozen steps he heard his name being called. Jack’s face blanched as he recognized the woman making her way towards him from a nearby encampment. She was wearing a purple dress, practically sheer, its light fabric clinging tightly to her large, melon-shaped breasts which swung unfettered as she walked, exuding sexuality with every step. She threw back her head of reddish hair; her face freckled from the sun, a large smile on her red lips. Once she was close enough she called out to Jack again.
“Jack Sparrow! Come back to pleasure ol’ Sadie, have you?” She came up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck while pressing her body against his. Jack grimaced a smile as he tried to extract himself from her grasp.
“Well, actually I came lookin’…”
Sadie was clearly not one easily deterred though. She began kissing him, her arms and legs entwining him like a kraken. “I’ve missed ye, Jack. You promised you’d come back soon.” She pouted. “It’s been months.”
“I was unforeseeably detained. Now if you’ll excuse me…”
She ran her hand down the front of his shirt and grabbed his crotch. “I’ve learned some new tricks while you’ve been gone,” she whispered, grinding her hips against him. “I could show them to you if you’re interested.”
Jack rolled his eyes and groaned, his interest most definitely aroused. Heaving a sigh of frustration, he managed to finally remove her from around his neck.
“Sorry, luv. Ol’ Jack has a bit of business to tend to at the moment. You don’t happen to know where I might find Frank Davies?”
Sadie shrugged her shoulders and wrapped a possessive arm around Jack’s and pulled him towards the tree line. “What’ya want with that old blighter? Won’t let his men have no fun t'all. You come with ol’ Sadie, I’ll show you a good time.” Jack patted her on the bottom and slithered out from underneath her embrace. “Perhaps later, darling,” he told her and made good his escape up the beach.
----
The beachfront came alive as the sun, a molten ball of fire, sank into the sea. The men gathered around the cook fires, lounging and laughing as they passed bottles of rum and wine around. The musicians broke out their instruments and began to entertain; the women from the tents wandered down to find their own entertainment for the evening. The aroma from the cook pots mingled with the unwashed stench of the throng of men, tinged with the salty tang of the sea. The talk around the camps centered on the raid Jennings was planning, and Spanish gold. More gold than most had ever seen, just there for the taking. Many of the men had already signed with a crew, others were looking to sign, virtually no one wanted to be left out of the venture.
There were a few though, that had not found a berth. Among these were a small group of men camped apart from the main crowd. They sat hunched around their fire, silent and morose as they passed around a bottle of rum. The leader of this band of sullen men sat apart, staring murderously across the darkened bay, just able to discern the black ship anchored there.
He barely looked up at Sadie as she wrapped her arms around him and sidled into his lap. She intercepted the bottle, taking a swig or two before handing it back to him. “Why the glum face, Pete? Anything ol’ Sadie can do to help?”
He drank some rum and said in a thoughtful voice, “Perhaps. Your special talents might be just what we need tonight.”
----
The hour was late, that ungodly time betwixt midnight and dawn. Jack Sparrow groaned as he lay on a rough blanket in the soft sand, his breeches around his ankles, several empty rum bottles strewn around. His last recollection had been of sitting around the fire amidst the group of men gathered on the beach, drinking and singing and telling lies.
He hadn’t meant to stay so long, but the rum had flowed freely and so had the women as they had circulated among the men, offering pleasure for a bit of shine. The last one had been Sadie - apparently determined to get her fair share of the action, she had dragged Jack off by the hand, promising paradise…and more.
Now, he woke alone, his head throbbing and his goods feeling as if they’d been gnawed clean off. Gingerly reaching down with one hand he heaved a sigh of relief to find his pertinent parts still intact, just sorely used. Struggling to sit up, the world began to spin out of control. He managed to pull his breeches up before collapsing once again in a dead sleep.
----
The moon skulked over the water, a sliver of white casting a feeble light across the black mirror of the bay. The three men in the dingy rowed with muffled oars towards the dark ship anchored beyond the shoals. No lights shone on board, the ship itself in fitful slumber, her tresses in disarray. The small boat nestled up against the hull, its occupants slipping up the sea ladder, taking care not to make any noise that might alert those aboard the larger vessel.
The leader of these marauders peered cautiously over the starboard rail; gesturing to his cohorts that the way was clear, he slipped noiselessly aboard. The water lapping against the hull was the only sound, the two slumbering figures silent in their repose.
The interloper grinned maliciously as he observed the young woman curled up on deck upon a coil of rope. The steady rise and fall of her ribs signaled she was fast asleep, as was the elderly gent stretched out on a pile of ripped canvas, his mouth open in silent snores.
I’ll show the sea bitch what if feels like to be cast away, he thought to himself, unsheathing the knife he carried on his belt. Lost me place on Davies’ crew due to this creature, me and his mates. Too hot headed he says. Now no one will take us on. We’d be goin’ after all that gold if it weren’t for this bunter. Well, I’ll show them, they ain’t heard the last of me.
Gesturing towards the girl, he mouthed the words to his companions. “Hold her.”
The others moved in unison, one grasping her arms, the other her legs as he took his knife and slit the girl’s shirt open. Startled awake, the girl began to flail about. Unable to scream she fought back as best she could. Turning her head she sunk her teeth into the nearest arm.
“Fucking bitch!” The man wrestled his arm away from her, backhanding her across the face with enough force to knock her back several feet. The older gent, awakened by the cry struggled to come to her aid, his parrot squawking and fluttering overhead. The man who’d been holding the girl’s feet pulled out his cutlass and struck a blow with the hilt, causing the old man to crumble to the deck, his head bleeding profusely across the weathered planks.
The ship, sensing the blood seeping outward, stirred restlessly, adding a swaying deck to the struggle going on. The girl had scrambled away and was frantically crawling amidst the tangle of lines and rigging where she became ensnared, like a moth in a spider’s web. She quivered in horror as the menacing trio descended upon her. Their leader, a gleam of lust and madness in his eyes, slowly unbuttoned his breeches as the other miscreants pinned her helplessly to the deck.
“Heard yer a real suck-you-bye, y’ black spawn,” he leered as he freed his swollen cock and advanced on her. “Let’s see here how y’ like this up yer bung hole.” He laughed at the terror on the girl’s face, relishing the thought of ramming home his message. No need to worry about anyone showing up and stopping them this time, good ol’ Sadie was seeing to that. With the old man out of the way as well, they had all night to slake their lust. They would all have a go at her until there was nothing left but raw flesh. A tasty treat for the sharks.
As he bent over the girl, the ship began to pitch, though the sky was clear and seas calm. Reaching out to steady himself he did not see the spar swinging wildly above him until it struck. Eyes wide in surprise he gurgled once as the jagged wood impaled him against the deck. His two companions, sensing the fury in the ship around them, gaped at their fallen compatriot, panic welling up in their throats as another loose spar barely missed them as it swung wildly about. Without another glance at the stricken man they made a mad dash for the rail, dodging falling debris as they clambered over the side. The Pearl shuddered and bucked, throwing the two of them into the bay, their cries for help going unheard. Unable to swim, their last vision before the black water swallowed them was that of the merry revelers on shore and the menacing black hull of the angry ship above.