The Map

Parley

Usual Disclaimer: Not mine.

A great big thank you to Betsy for reading through and finding the many and varied mistakes... any remaining ones are all mine and I take sole responsibility for them! ;-)

Right! Little warning... and it is a little one... Beaumont is an evil toad and in this chapter he is quite nasty. Nothing stomach wrenching or cringe inducing unless you are very sensitive. But it is there, so fair warning.

I think that's all.... Just hope you all enjoy it...

Norrington looked down at Nell's bent head resting against his shoulder as she slept.

"We're sailing again," he said quietly to Bryant who was sat on Nell's other side, his head leaning back against the hold, eyes shut.

"Storm's abated too," Bryant replied not opening his eyes.

Norrington peered into the gloomy depth of the other brig. He was disconcerted to see about half of his crew were slumped where they stood. They were so tightly packed that there wasn't even room to sit down, let alone fall to the floor when they lost consciousness.

Jimmy groaned and shifted restlessly as he regained consciousness.

His movements woke Nell, who sat up hurriedly, her eyes glassy as she looked around her wildly.

"Jimmy?"

Jimmy moved away from them, groaning as the movement brought intense pain to his shoulder.

He crouched, his hand going to the bound wound on his shoulder.

"Where?" He looked up out of pain blurred eyes, completely disorientated.

"Rest easy, lad." Bryant moved forward as Jimmy looked up at them. "You've been shot."

Realisation dawned in his eyes as his memory came back to him. He looked quickly around him and then back at Nell.

"Pa?"

Nell shook her head, her eyes tearing up, deciding then and there to say nothing about his father being shot. She had no idea what had happened to Soames, but she couldn't tell him she had seen him shot, she just didn't have that kind of courage.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy. I really don't know." At least she was truthful in that.

"Where are we?" he asked next and then he suddenly realised who Nell was sitting between.

"In the brig of the Relentless," Norrington spoke firmly. "The ship has been commandeered by another pirate."

Jimmy looked at Nell and then, turning, he looked at the sailors in the other brig.

"Poor buggers," he muttered and looked back at Nell. "Capt'n and Pa will come for us, I'm sure of it," he said firmly and Nell could see he was convinced of this.

Nell nodded, unable to stop the tears creeping over her face.

Jimmy stared at Norrington distrustfully and moved his hand to Nell's knee.

"They didn't' try and 'urt you did they?" he asked carefully, keeping his weary gaze on Norrington.

"Mister Bryant took care of you, Jimmy. They saved your life," Nell said, not at all surprised by the complete look of shock that filled his face, followed by weary nervousness.

"Why?" he asked them, eyes darting between Bryant and Norrington.

Norrington regarded him silently, mentally wondering when he had ever seen a dirtier, more untidy lad.