The Cry of Liberty

Chapter Fourteen: Barbossa

"Jack, the Wench..." Sasha ran her hand along the blackened wood of the Wicked Wench. "It's true then? She was sunk?"

"Key word is was." He looked around proudly at his ship. "And it's the Black Pearl now." The ship's wood was stained with ash yet none came away on her fingertips, the sails black with smoke but Jack assured her that the Pearl was still the fastest ship in the Caribbean.

The woman didn't pry, keeping her word that she wouldn't mettle in whatever stupid thing he had done to get his ship and life back. Sasha watched him saunter around the wheel deck, watched him as he carefully inspected the charred wood and picked at a loose splinter. The way he looked at his ship, with so much care and affection, she wondered if he'd ever look at another human being that way.

"So what's next for Jack Sparrow, the pirate?" She leaned against the railing.

"First, acquire a crew." Jack walked over and leaned beside her. "Then we go after Cortés gold."

"You don't think it's just a tall tale? And what happens if you do find it and it's really cursed?"

"I can guarantee there's no curse too powerful for Tia Dalma to reverse." The dreaded pirate grinned at her. "Lovely woman, that Tia Dalma. She's helped me out of one too many situations." Sasha couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'm sure she has."

Sasha followed Jack back to the tavern that night on the promise of a free ale and helping him pick a crew. The barroom was as crowded as usual and the two set up at a large table in the back. Jack got them both drinks and set them down. He watched her adjust her cotton shirt, making sure the tops of her breast were quite visible to whomever sat across from them.

"What are you doing?"

"Using my feminine charm to lure these beasts into joining your crew." Sasha laughed, sending him a wink. "Nothing more tempting to a man than the promise of a woman." Jack grimaced before standing on his chair and yelling over the crowd.

"Listen up you hive of wretched rapscallions, if ye been longing for a life of adventure on the sea then join my crew and enjoy all that piracy has to offer!" He jumped down and plopped in the chair, smirking at Sasha who just rolled her eyes.

"And you questioned my contribution." She took a long swig of her ale. The two sat for a few minutes, waiting for eager men to rush the table at the chance to sail the open waters. Only a few came by, mostly useless but Jack welcomed them aboard regardless. As it seemed no one else would join, a gruff looking man sat down at the table, tipping his hat at Sasha.

"Jack, been a while." He spoke in an exaggerated way that Sasha read as patronizing at best.

"Hector! Come to join me crew?" Jack smiled genuinely at the man. "Sasha, this is Hector Barbossa. Helped him out a few years ago after his ship was sunk." She held out a hand.

"Captain Sasha Hartford, pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure's mine, Miss Hartford." He took her hand and instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles. "I've heard tale of the Black Widow, but never imagined I'd have the honor of meeting you." He was certainly polite to women, perhaps he wasn't so off putting as she originally gauged. Sasha took her hand back and finished her drink.

"So, Hector, I'm looking for a first mate for a treacherous voyage. Know of anyone mad enough to join me?" The younger man waved over a passing barmaid for another round of drinks. Hector looked uninterested but nodded for Jack to continue his sales pitch. "What say you to finding the treasure of Cortés?"

"I say," His blue eyes lit up with delight. "When do we set sail, Captain Sparrow?" The two men shook hands and toasted mugs.

"I just need a few more crewmen."

"You remember the two men from my crew who saved me? They'll do, won't they?"

"The more the merrier." Jack laughed. Sasha noticed the two men in question across the room, a slender man with an eye that she couldn't quite tell was blind or fake, and a portly fellow with a ragged look about him.

"So tell me, Miss Hartford, about taking on an entire fleet of Dutch slavers."

"Please, call me Sasha." She relaxed into her chair and smiled. "And I didn't do it alone. I had just finished up a barter with Gentleman Jocard when the fleet surrounded us and..."