Andromeda Swann: POTC

Hang-man's Noose

Andromeda's POV

I stand next to James my arm linked with his. Today Jack is being hanged for his crimes. James has given me a gold engagement ring with a diamond. It's beautiful. Elizabeth and father stand beside us as a town official starts his speech.

"Jack Sparrow, be it known that you have for your willful commission of crimes against the crown. Said crimes being numerous in quantity and sinister in nature, the most egregious of these to be cited herewith – piracy, smuggling..." he starts to list.

"This is wrong" I hear Elizabeth say quietly to father.

"Commodore Norrington is bound by the law. As are we all" father reminds her as the official continents to list Jack's crimes.

"Impersonating an officer of the Spanish Royal Navy, impersonating a cleric of the Church of England" he states. Jack laughs and the official glares at him. Before continuing "sailing under false colors, arson, kidnapping, looting, poaching, brigandage, pilfering, depravity, depredation, and general lawlessness. And for these crimes you have been sentenced to be, on this day, hung by the neck until dead. May God have mercy on your soul" he finishes.

Just then Will walks through the crowd over to us. "Governor Swann, Commodore, Andromeda, Elizabeth" he says. "I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you" he tells her before walking away towards Jack. Who now had a noose around his neck. Elizabeth and I notice Cotton's parrot. And I gave her a short nod.

"I can't breathe" she states and falls to the ground. Dad and James go to help her as I watch Will push through the crowd. The drums stop as he throws his sword. The sword sticks into the wood and Jack has a foothold. Will fights to the gallows and there cuts Jack free. They fight all the way up to a tower where they are cornered by James' men. Elizabeth, father, James and I walk over to them.

"I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill-conceived escape attempt but not from you" James says pointing his sword at Will.

"On our return to Port Royal , I granted you clemency. And this is how you thank me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate" dad states.

"And a good man" Will states dropping his sword. Jack points to himself proudly, mouths 'that's me'. "If all I have achieved here is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it. At least my conscience will be clear" Will declares.

"You forget your place, Turner" James tells him.

"It's right here, between you and Jack" Will states.

"As is mine" Elizabeth declares and stands by Will holding his hand.

"Elizabeth! Lower your weapons. For goodness' sake put them down!" Dad orders and the soldiers do so.

"James why not spare him just this once? I don't want anyone getting hurt while you try to grab him" I suggest. James nods as  notice Jack look up.

"Well! I'm actually feeling rather good about this.I think we've all arrived at a very special place, eh? Spiritually...Ecumenically...Grammatically?" Jack tells my father. "I want you to know that I was rooting for you, mate. Know that" he tells James who looks at him confused."Andromeda, Elizabeth ...it would never have worked between us, darlings. I'm sorry" he says and I roll my eyes. "Will ...nice hat" he adds and Will smiles.

"Friends! This is the day that you will always remember as the day that..." Jack starts to say and falls over the ledge.

" Idiot. He has nowhere to go but back to the noose" Gillette states.

"Sail ho!" a sentry calls and we see the Black Pearl appear.

"What's your plan of action? Sir?" Gillette asks James.

"Perhaps on the rare occasion pursuing the right course demands an act of piracy, piracy itself can be the right course?" dad says.

"Mr Turner" James says and Will approaches us. "This is a beautiful sword. I would expect the man who made it to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life" he tells him.

"Thank you" Will says smiling as James sheathes the sword.

"Commodore! What about Sparrow?" Gillette asks.

"Well, I think we can afford to give him one day's head start" James tells him and I smile. "Andromeda, let's go for a walk" he suggests and we link arms. We reach the beach and I take my heels off stepping into the cool water smiling happily. "You loved it out there, didn't you?" he asks me.

"Very much so" I say looking out at the ocean.

"Andromeda, I know you love the sea and still have not seen it enough. So I have a proposal" he tells me.

"Another one?" I ask giggling and he chuckles.

"I have a boat prepared for you, with supplies and your weapons. Go out and explore the sea" he tells me gently.

"But we have a wedding to plan, what about my family, Will and you?" I ask stroking his cheek.

"We'll be fine and wait for you, as will the wedding. Andromeda you have the hear of a sailor and should explore the seven seas. Before we marry and you won't be able to anymore. I want you to be happy" he states.

"I am happy here" I tell him.

"No you're not, know the boat is ready whenever you wish to leave. I only ask you take the ring with you and think of me when you look at it. Don't forget me or your family" he tells me. James kisses my forehead before leaving.

(That night)

I'm dressed in my pirate clothes and leave four letters on my nightstand. If I am going to sail the world, I'd rather not deal with goodbyes. I have my engagement ring on a chain around my neck. Leaving the manor undetected, I head for the docks. I found the boat James had prepared for me and leave straight away. Looking back one last time, before I left the harbor. Entering the open sea.

Third Person POV

James watches the small boat leave the harbor and sighs. He knew she had to do it. Otherwise she'd never truly be happy when they married. He just prayed she would return to him and her family safely.

The End Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

A/N

Picture above of Andromeda's engagement ring and picture on the external link of her dress. See you all in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in the next chapter.