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CHAPTER 20: Into The Gallows

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ 20 ❖ ◦ ━━━━━

       THE NEXT DAY, it was already morning and it's quite windy, notifying we're back in the Port Royal. I snapped my eyes open to see what's going on. Everyone's preparing themselves and apparently there's trouble. The surviving Barbossa's crew members were taken back to Fort Charles to be executed, but soon escaped the clutches of the Royal Navy. In fact, I hadn't seen Jack since we left the Dauntless earlier today, but the British Royal Navy are bound on Jack Sparrow this time and the trials must proceed.      

       "Anything else, Miss Faye?"

       I snapped my eyes out of reverie. The sailor man named 'Benedict' from the Dauntless called me and handed me the long coat and a nice hat as I had requested. I assured he was quite familiar. I've been thinking of this since I met him. In fact, he is very kind and polite. I'll give him that. "I'm all set, thank you."

       Beneath a blue sky lies the bucolic town of Port Royal, built on a natural harbor. Just then I walked outside and I noticed a macaw bird squawking at us from the sky, and the bird landed into the post. Suddenly, Will saw the bird and looked at me, "...Cotton's parrot."

       "The Black Pearl." I said in quiet tone. In that moment, we turned around and narrowed into the horizon, hoping if there's a black sails in the distance but it's nowhere there. Will turned and said. "They've come for Jack. I hope that's the signal."

       I dig into my pocket and grab Jack's compass, and the needle keeps spinning. "I guess this pursuits isn't quite over yet." I said. "So, what are you going to now, Mr. Turner?"

       Will just smiled. "...Something incredibly stupid. Care to join me?"

       Out of our reverie, Elizabeth called me and I followed her into the carriage. We are already dressed except I refused to wear heavy velvet dress like Elizabeth, so I wore trousers, long coat and a hat instead. Now I herded into the carriage and Elizabeth straightens her back, gathers her skirts and strides past Will. "Good day, Mr. Turner."

       Will gazed into her eyes and never said a word after but I knew he was about to say something to her but doesn't. Not long, the carriage moved forward and make way into the stronghold place.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

       The loud hum of drums was already being played. It is the courtyard on top of Fort Charles. A trial is underway with Jack as the defendant.

       It burst my anxiety. I stifled to look ahead and drifted with worry. Even I knew what will going to happen later but it was terrifying. It felt like real.

       Jack stands straight, wrists bound and unmoving. Around him are members of the Royal Navy, standing before for a group of witnesses from town. An Executioner checks the mechanism of the trap door with a sandbag, while the Official drones on recounting a list of Jack's crimes. "Jack Sparrow! Be it known that you have been charged, tried and convicted... For your willful commission of crimes against the crown. Sad crimes being numerous in quantity and sinister in nature. The most aggrieves of which to be cited herewith: Piracy. Smuggling..."

       The parade ground is crowded. I stood near beside Elizabeth, Mr Swann and Norrington. All resolutely watch the proceedings. Elizabeth looked worried, "This is wrong."

       Commodore Norrington does not respond. Swann speaks for him: "Commodore Norrington is bound by the law. As are we all."

       I saw Will makes his way through the crowd with a nice attire. He glances around the square, clearly watching for something. I hope he stays with his plan. I'd really wished there won't be any alteration in this particular scene.

       My eyes turned and were staring straight ahead to Jack. I really wonder if I was there in the noose with him. What could happen? I'm just glad the situation didn't alter this time since I was still here, and I owed him for everything he'd done to me. I was really worried for him but in the meantime he had been smiling at something the speaker was saying. And as he looked down into the crowd, he spotted me and locked his eyes. I couldn't help myself but smiled with closed mouth. I wished I could tell him our plan earlier for him.

       Suddenly, I heard another squawk over the guards. I glanced and saw Cotton's parrot. It lands on a flag pole held by the guards. He reacts as the bird soils his coat and surreptitiously tries to dislodge the bird.

       In that moment, I saw Will heads into the crowd, knowing that's the signal. His route takes him past Swann, Norrington and Elizabeth. He pauses, "Elizabeth. I should have told you every day from the moment I met you... I love you." He said softly.

       Now Elizabeth's shocked, as are Swann and Norrington. I smiled with relief seeing her cheeks were flushed. Will seems if he's going to say more but then nods, satisfied that he's said all that's necessary. All of a sudden, Will gave me a glance and exchange looks. I traced into my mind with indecision, 'Should I?'

       Yet I'm still devastated that I failed looking for the painting. I'm admitted I'm a failure. I just accepted my fate. I guess I'll be staying here for awhile. And now what else I should do right now anyway?

       Just then I noticed there are three swords in a sheath underneath Will's coat and as ready to hand the other sword to me. Of course we were going to save Jack. Apparently, I have been imperil myself since I got here. One moment's hesitation on my part, I staggered away from Elizabeth and decided to join Will.

       "Marines!" Norrington saw us and yelled.

       The purr of snare drums grew intensely, the executioner placed the noose around Jack's neck. The commotion has distracted the crowd where Will and I shoved forward, making our way close into the gallows. The other sword is in my hand while Will throws open his cloak, puts a hand on his sword hilt. "MOVE!"

       With a final thud of drums, the Executioner grips the release lever. Will draws and throws his sword as the executioner pulls the lever. The trap door opens. Will's sword embeds in the door. Jack drops onto the sword, balances on it, struggling to keep his feet on the slippery steel.

       Will races up the steps of the gallows. Jack still balances on the sword bending, the noose tighten in his neck. The Executioner slashes an axe at Will, knocking his sword away. Both of us ducks another swing, the axe inadvertently cutting Jack's rope.

       Will knocks the Executioner off the platform. The Executioner falls into the crowd on top of Norrington and his men. I helped and lifted Jack from the ground below the gallows. I pulled out the sword that I had tucked into my coat and sliced the rope that binds at Jack's hands. "Thank you, love."

       Jack is all free and races from under the gallows as Will leaps down. Jack pulls off the noose, tosses one end of the rope to Will. They tripped some Marines coming down the steps as they run up. On my conclusion, I stopped following them dashing to escape, worried about the outcome knowing the marines will snag us anyway.

       "Well, I think I've had enough today." I told myself as I shoved my sword back in its sheath. I don't have to fight these marines anyway.

       As might be expected, Will and Jack rolled under more marines, led by Gillette. They forced into a column holding up the fort. Rifles are brought to bear and were aimed at them. They are cornered.

       Norrington strides up, followed by Swann and Elizabeth. Norrington holds his sword at us, "I thought we might have to endure some ill-conceived manner of escape attempt." He pointed at Will, "But not from you two."

       Norrington's eyes flashed in anger, regretting he should've arrest us before.

       "On our return to Port Royal I granted you clemency, and this is how you thank me? By throwing in your lot with him?" Governor Swann hollered. "He is a pirate!"

       " —And a good man." Will exclaimed, throws his sword aside. "If all I have achieved here is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it. At least our conscience will be clear."

       "...You forget your place, Turner." Norrington look annoyed.

       Will pointedly glances down, back up with a small smile. "It's right here — between you and Jack."

       Finally, Elizabeth steps beside him. "As is mine."

       She links her hand in Will's. Norrington takes this in, realizing the deeper truth behind her actions.

       "Elizabeth." His father chimed in. "Lower your weapons! For goodness sake, put them down!"

       Norrington's glances from Elizabeth to Gillette, nods almost imperceptibly. Gillette gestures for the marines to lower their rifles. "So this is where your heart truly lies, then?"

       "It is." She said in conclusion.

       He looks at Will narrowly. It's anguished to him. Mr. Swann realizes what Norrington has already figured out. Poor man. Elizabeth stands defiantly beside Will. A tense stand-off. I perceived it's quite awkward.

       Jack is worried about the outcome but I poked him up to see something at the top and spotted Cotton's Parrot again. The bird flew away. All we knew that's his cue.

       Jack smiled at me then he chaffed at them. "Well, I'm actually feeling rather good about this. I think we've all arrived at a very special place, eh? Spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically..." He moved closer to Norrington. "I want you to know that I was rooting for you, mate. Know that."

       All of them gave a bewildered look at Jack.

       "...And (Y/N)."

       My eyes snapped open. Jack nudged at me and I glanced at him quizzically. His eyes flickered toward me. He reached out my hands gently, "I'm very much obliged to accompany with me—"

       I don't know how to react but I already made a decision. In fact, it didn't matter now.

       "About that, I had nothing to do after this anyway..." I laid my hand in Jack's. He grasped it and pulled me to his side. I suppose I shall come with him. But one such thing...

       I looked steadily towards Will and Elizabeth. "Well, I think I shall leave now then. It has been fun and great adventure. I'd really appreciate it. It was great meeting you guys. How I wished I could ever see you again somehow, and..." I smiled, "thanks a lot."

       Jack showed off his golden smile as we walked towards the stairs. "Will..." He throws up his hands, 'Well, what's there to say?'. "Nice hat."

       "Friends!" With that Jack and I springs up the steps to the wall in the parapet. "This is the day you will always remember as the day that you—"

       Wait, Oh no... no no no. I just realized how this going. I'm just not ready yet.

       In that moment, Jack slips, losing his balance and he's pulling me over the ledge with him — DAMN IT!

        I screamed as we fell down. I'm not highly keen on heights. This is the worse. Both of us plunges, turning the fall into a passable dive and hits the water. Jack's eyeliner dripped across his face. "You alright, love?"

       I squinted, coughed then I grabbed my hat in the water, and handed his compass back. I glanced back over to the sea and smiled. "The Black Pearl."

       Sure enough, below in the bay are the distinctive black sails of the Pearl. The ship cuts through the waters very close to the point. We swam towards the ship. The crew cheered at us. Cotton in high atop the aft mast, throws a line in our direction. "Heave!"

       We catches the line with Jack's arms around me. We lifted up, around the fantail of the Black Pearl and tugged roughly onto the deck.

       Before Gibbs could say something to greet us, Jack chimed in. "Thought you were supposed to keep to the code."

       "We figured they were more actual... guidelines." Gibbs smiles, offers Jack his hand and helps him to his feet. Gibbs looked at me and also took my hand, "Oh I am relished meeting you again, miss (L/N)!"

       I gave him a grin, "I'm sheer bliss."

       Cotton with a parrot on his shoulder handed Jack his hat back which he took happily. "Thank you."

       "Captain Sparrow," AnaMaria is standing at the wheel. She steps away and holds out Jack's coat, welcoming him aboard. "The Black Pearl is yours."

       In that moment, Jack runs a hand lovingly along the wheel. It feels good right in his hands, but suddenly, he feels the eyes of the crew on him. "On deck, you scabrous dogs! Hands to braces! Let go and haul to run free!"

       The crew scatters, obeying his commands. I just watched, leaned over the rails tickled with enthusiasm on what Jack is going to say. After all, this is his moment.

       "Now... Bring me that horizon..." He opens the compass, takes a reading and adjusts the course. "...and really bad eggs." Begins to hum to himself. "...Drink up me hearties, yo ho..."

       .......

       In spite of how freaky things had become for days, we got over it fairly quickly. How I'd meddled with time's course, I couldn't help feeling a little burst of pride that I'm delighted to be here. I should have perceived the most of it, cherished it for its rare delicacy.

       I've never seen more beautiful sight. I couldn't let it go to waste.

       But then it occured to me this part is coming to an end.

       ...It's the end part of the movie.

       ...And how am I still here?

       I've waited what will happen next but ...nothing.

       Nothing's changing. I'm still here.

       "...It's still not over yet." I said to myself. I closed my eyes to feel the sudden gushed of wind that washed over my face. "Apparently, I'm just glad to be here. The Black Pearl is really ravishing."

       "Mind if we take a little side trip?" Jack was leaning against the rail, watching me. He waved rather timidly, I thought. "Please do not fret, love. Without so much as a thank you, I might add. And here, behold this."

       I should thank him first for all he had done, I thought. I waited. Jack tugged and handed the journal to me. I smiled in relief.

       "...The sketches. I thought I lost it. Thank you!" I grasped the wet sodden journal, opening it then I remember. "...Wait, Elizabeth had told me last night that she saw the canvas in your ship. I'm not quite certain of this but I guess I should check it out."

       Jack smiled at me. "...Thought maybe you'd take a look at the compass that leads to the painting again." Jack displays the compass back in my hand. We watched the quivering indicator points toward me.

       "Right. I hope it works." I looked down into the compass, then I recall my manners. "...Uhh, am I allowed to enter at your cabin, Captain?"

       "Why not?" He considers. "I was feeling rather chuffed you accompany here with me."

       "...Well." I smiled shyly, I didn't know what to say. "Anyway, thank you for everything, Jack."

       "...Pleasure is mine."

       I felt his face is moving closer. Our eyes locked at eachother but I averts my gaze and passes him, following the Compass. The needle swings around the opposite direction.

       Jack and I went downstairs and he reached into the door of the cabin. I looked around, making my way through the room I had never been explored.

       This is it, this is my only chance to find it. I'm not quite certain at all but I hope it was here. I've never been exactly explored the whole interior. I'm glad I got chance to see it more thoroughly. The place feel real to me.

       Now where the heck is the painting? Is it really here?

       Oh please, I really hope it was here!

       I sneaked into the shelf and saw the Wicked Wench diary. Jack prowl the cabin. The stateroom featured a single bunk, desk, file cabinet and a large hanging locker. We scoured every inch of the cabin with the mere ray of hope.

       .......

       Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a glint of gold.

       I jolted, I cast a glance towards it and watched the quivering indicator points toward Jack.

       With its sheen carved, deep yellow and heavy gilt frame. Jack's reflected face registers astonishment as he took the painting from the hoard.

       "...You," I stopped there and gaped. "Is that it?"

       Jack caresses the edge of the frame which was made of gold. I stared towards it.

       "...It's the painting!" I exclaimed. "You found it, Jack!"

       I can't believe it. It was here all along? It was really here in the Black Pearl? Elizabeth was right! How did I never see it before when we met Barbossa?

       Then, I realized I haven't explore the captain's chamber that day.

       My early hopes mustered at this moment. I was just so blissful. I thought it's no more, but now we actually found it. Jack found it. It was exactly the painting I saw it years ago. I remembered the carve and the structures of the frame, but the picture of the painting ...was quite different.

       I furrowed my brows. "...How strange."

       "How so?"

       "It's the same frame, but the picture."

       "What is it?"

       Jack followed me outside the cabin to look the painting more clearer. I'm all perplexed. "It's supposed to be a picture of an ocean and a small ship sailing by."

       There's a small ship with black sails... like the Black Pearl. I examined thoroughly the painting. It was the Black Pearl! But the picture was painted like an abstract expressionism now. It's quite difficult to recognize.

       It doesn't make sense, I thought.


       And now there's another problem, what else am I supposed to do next?

       But I am very certain this painting is where I was looking for. This is the painting.

       ...But what now?

       "How'd this work?" I kept asking myself, how am I suppose to go home with this?

      

       "Perhaps that compass can show you again." Jack gazed into my eyes, "...If that's what you really wanted."

       "...Well, ...indeed." I cannot hold his gaze, cannot maintain eye-contact at him and I didn't know what to response.

       I just smiled at him and scanned the painting again. I checked every part of the painting and the frame, hoping there's some clues I may find. I examined the shapes and ornamental motifs of the frame. There is a cardinal directions like some sort of a navigational glyphs in the back side of the painting.

       Jack glanced at it and staggers. "...It appears we have a heading?"

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