Not All Treasure is Silver and Gold...

Chapter 13

I closed my eyes in relief as Jack's rich velvety tones rang out beside my ear. I was safe. I glanced up at Barbossa who was staring behind me, looking irritated, his rough bony hand still clutching my arm tightly. I turned to look at Jack. His eyes were blazing with a fury I'd never seen in him before, half of his face bathed in shadow.

"I said let her go," he said, in a voice unlike his usual one. It was shaking with anger. Barbossa loosened his grip and strode towards Jack, his steps echoing around the silent cabin.

"Your battle is with me," Jack said, his dark eyes flashing. Barbossa narrowed his eyes, smirking slightly.

"Mr Sparrow...I wondered when you'd show up. Indeed we've all been waiting for a demonstration of your...ah...heroics," Barbossa sneered spitefully. I saw Jack's hand close on his knife. I glared at Barbossa and then raised my eyes to Jack.

"Do you know the sort of things he did to my mother? He stole from her...tortured and raped her, probably...and then killed her," I spat, the words tasting sour in my mouth. Jack's face contorted and he pointed his knife at Barbossa threateningly.

"She was a good woman," he snarled.

"Oh, indeed she was good...in certain areas," Barbossa smirked. I felt sick. Jack lunged at him suddenly, knife raised, but Barbossa simply dodged and grabbed Jack's arm, twisting it until Jack dropped his knife and it fell to the ground with a clatter.

"Now now, Jack, play nice," he sneered, and shoved him away towards me, looking disgusted. He bent down and picked up the knife, pocketing it. Jack placed his hand on my cheek, eyes sorrowful.

"I am so sorry, Rose. I never should have left you. In fact I-"

"Get your hands off my daughter, Jack," Barbossa called idly, cutting Jack off. I lowered my gaze, blushing slightly. Jack's hand slid down my cheek and dropped to his side. He looked at me and gave a tiny disbelieving laugh.

"Barbossa, you lying piece of scum! How dare you call her...how dare you...how can you refer to her as...as that?! It's not true!" Jack said furiously, reaching out and gripping my arm protectively, pulling me closer to him.

"Oh very well Jack, it's not true...though why don't you ask her?" Barbossa shrugged, pointing a grubby finger at me. Jack turned to me expectantly.

"It isn't true, is it Rose?" he asked, his warm brown eyes searching mine. I couldn't bring myself to reply. I didn't know what was true and what wasn't. A treacherous tear dripped down my cheek, dribbling down past my trembling lip.

"It...is true?" Jack said, saying it as though it was a question, but his tone showed me that he already knew the answer.

"It doesn't...I don't even know him! He’s been no part in my life! It doesn't mean anything, does it?" I cried desperately. Jack wouldn't look at me.

"No...it means...nothing," he replied flatly. Barbossa watched us both, smiling smugly. Suddenly we all jumped as there was a massive bang outside and an eruption of voices. Barbossa swore loudly and swung open the cabin door, hurrying out. I looked at Jack, who was gazing at the floorboards blankly, and hurried out after Barbossa. My heart leapt as I saw the source of the noise. The Pearl was sailing past, once of the cannons out. It must have just fired at us. I waved frantically to attract attention to myself. Several of the Pearl's crew swung over on ropes and landed on the deck of Barbossa's ship and began clashing swords with his crew. I ran to the edge of the ship, trying to spot a way for me to get back to the Pearl. Suddenly I felt a soft hand on my arm.

"Are you alright, Miss Callaway?" came Will's voice. I turned and faced him. He looked pale as he peered into my face anxiously.

"I'm fine, thanks...I just want to be back on the Pearl," I said, raising my voice over the blasting of cannons. Will nodded and put his arm around my waist, grabbing at a thick rope dangling from the mast.

"Hold on then," he said and took a few steps backwards.

"Wait! What about Jack?" I asked worriedly. Will paused.

"He'll be fine, he can look after himself," Will told me.

"You promise?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder.

"I promise," Will said and then ran forwards, taking a leap at the edge. I buried my head in Will's neck, not wanting to look down as we passed over the turquoise waves. My feet met the familiar floorboards of the Pearl and I steadied myself, clinging onto Will. His arms were still linked around my waist. I blinked up at him, smiling shyly. He smiled back at me, his eyes sparkling.

"I'm glad you're okay," Will said quietly. "I've really mis-"

"Woah, woah, sorry!" Jack shouted, swinging towards us, causing me and Will to leap apart as he landed with a thump on the floor. He got up and rearranged his hat, then looked from Will to me, frowning.

"Uh, William! I er...need to speak to you," he said suddenly, and began walking away from me, gesturing for Will to follow. Will nodded apologetically at me and followed Jack quickly. I watched them walk across the deck. I tried to lip read and failed as Will said something to Jack, but I saw Jack grin and nod, his hand placed carefully over a small bulge under his shirt.