Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 1 <3 Zillah

AN: Edward, but his hair would be shinier, and pulled back in a ponytail. This is actually my second version of Chapter One. For those of you who have read it already, all I did was include a description of Edward, according to Zillah, and a quick prayer from her.

Oh, and bear with me here. I know the beginning is a little bit boring, but try and fight through it! I promise it gets better. For all you Twilight phans, think of that beginning and how it turned out. For all you Non Twilight Phans, think of your favorite book. Not all good books start at at a fast pace! PLEASE bear with me! This first chapter has over 100 views, but the others are only at about 50, and it goes down from there. If I hit 1,000 views, I'll do something special! I promise!

Chapter 1- Zillah

The sun boiled the air around the Port Royal gallows. Many men and their wives had shown up in their Sunday best, ready for a show. I shuffled slowly past the men and women in my once beautiful gown. Now it was torn, tattered, worn, and not a trace of its original color showed. I knew why I was being led to my death; I was a pirate. Or so they said. I had been with my brothers down by the docks and we were playing with our dog, Shadow. Something distracted him, and he ran up onto the deck of a ship, my brothers and I followed. Behind us came the king's men, and declared everyone on the ship was under arrest for piracy. I tried to explain what happened, but instead I was shackled and led away, the solider saying something about strict orders. Out of the corner of my eye I could see my brothers escaping, praying they would make it home. I spent a good three months in prison, but never once did my family come and visit. The day of my trial came and went, and there was still no sign of them. I gave up, but continued my prayers, hoping for a better afterlife. I was only thirteen.

The mask hid the executioner's face, but his eyes were revealed. I saw his hesitation at hanging a young lady, and it clearly bothered him, but he wasn't about to stop it. My gown was a low necked gown, so as the rope settled around my neck it scratched and itched, but my hands were tied, and I was unable to move. I was beat tired, and it took tremendous effort just to keep my eyes open. My lips moved in constant prayer; over me, over my family, over all those who would be affected by my death. I watched as the executioner walked over to the handle and slowly pulled down after it was said why I was being executed. I felt the floor beneath me give way, and then a sudden catch of breath as the rope closed around my neck. I heard a whoosh, and felt something solid beneath me, and I looked down and realized it was just a wobbling cutlass. I could breathe again, and worked on trying to get my thin hands through the shackles. I had tuned out the grumbled and scream of soldiers and crowd, too busy to notice the man who approached me, until I heard his deep voice, and felt his strong hands lift the rope from my neck.

"Follow me."

I looked up, and followed him, not caring who he was, just wanting out of there. We easily made it through the crowds unnoticed, and soon we emerged on the docks, where all my trouble had started. It was when I stood on the deck of a ship for the second time of my life that I felt scared. I had followed a stranger from my death, to a ship. ************* THIS IS THE NEW PART!!!!!!!!**************I looked up at the man, and took in his features. His jet black hair shone gently in the sun, giving him the air of a gentleman. It was pulled back into a ponytail, though strands of escaped and danced around his sharply chiseled features. I was mesmerized by his dazzling stormy grey eyes. I had seen plenty of grey eyes; my own father had them, but never like his. They seemed to speak of the ocean. His eyes were mostly grey, but there were wisps of crystal blue, and a dark midnight blue. His mouth was drawn up at the corners, I guessed from much laughing and smiling, but his eyes seemed to be left out. A permanent sadness seemed to be fixed there. I found myself drawn into his eyes, and tried to concentrate on where I was.

"Oh Lord, please help me!"I prayed quickly. *****************NEW PART OVER!!!!!!****************

"Excuse me, but what am I to do now?"I asked as he broke my shackles off. I rubbed my wrists as he answered.

"You clearly can't stay here; they would find you and execute you."He answered.

"So what am I to do now?"I asked, slightly angered at his vague answer.

"My ship is headed towards the Port of Vienna tomorrow. You can stay on and sail to safety, or leave now and walk to your death."He answered.

"I don't even know who you are."I protested.

"Well we can fix that. I am Captain Edward Dubois, captain of the ship beneath your feet, Nan's Jewel."Edward introduced.

"I am Zillah Taffton, eldest daughter of Lord Chandler Taffton and Lady Paige Taffton."I said, with a quick curtsy. "Now if I may ask, why did you save me?"

"I saw what happened that day Lady Taffton. I saw your dog run up there, and then the King's men after you. I knew you were innocent."Edward replied, turning away from me. "I do have bad news though. The three boys who climbed off the edge of the ship, one of them slipped, and fell into the water. The others fell in after him."

"The- The- They're dead?"I asked.

"I believe so Lady Taffton."He responded.

After dropping the news on me of my brothers' death, Captain Edward led me to the captain's quarters where he left me. I stretched out on his curved bed, looking around his room. It was elegantly furnished, though it practically screamed bachelor. He had a stylish wooden desk covered with papers and maps, bookshelves covered with not just books, and a small armoire, the door open to reveal several silk shirts in varying colors, and black breeches. Knowing I would need strength, I kneeled down beside the bed, gently laying my head on my folded hands. I could smell Edward, a scent only belonging to him. I prayed for strength, and what to do.