Chapter 1

Madeline Skye stepped through the gates of her modest home in Port Royal. As she was about to open her parasol, she heard the distinct footsteps of soldiers marching. She turned to see a small regiment coming down the street. She noticed Commodore Norrington leading them.

"Good morning Commodore. A bit early for patrol isn't it?" she asked. He smiled at her and bowed slightly.

"Good morning to you Mrs. Skye. And no, not too early. There is a small matter to attend to." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh. Nothing serious I hope?"

"No ma'am. Just a slight ship problem."

"A ship problem?"

"It seems as if Captain Sparrow and the Black Pearl have docked in Port Royal. I intend to find out what why he is here."  Madeline found it hard to breath. Her heart began to race. No. He couldn't be here.

"Mrs. Skye, are you all right?" Commodore asked. He placed his hand on her elbow to steady her. Fear she might faint. She quickly regained her composure.

"I'm fine. Thank you Commodore."

"Perhaps you should return inside and get some rest. Good day ma'am."

Madeline watched him retreat with his troops. Her gaze looking towards the busy docks of Port Royal and saw the all too familiar sails of the Black Pearl. She nearly jumped a foot in the air when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Madeline, are you all right?" she turned to see her cousin Elizabeth Turner.

"No, I'm not all right. The Black Pearl has returned to Port Royal Elizabeth." Elizabeth saw the fear and panic in Madeline's eyes.

"Good morning Madeline." She heard Will say to her.

"No it isn't a good morning Will."

"What's wrong?" he asked as he followed her gaze to the docks. "Jack's back."

Madeline become suddenly alarmed once more. She began to race forward only to have Will catch her on the arm. She looked at him. Her breath caught in her throat.

"JJ is down at the docks. He wanted to go fishing this morning."

"I'll go, it will be quicker." He took off in a run to find JJ. Knowing that he would talk to anyone. And that anyone could include Jack.

"What am I going to do Elizabeth?" she asked.

"Don't worry Maddy. Will will bring JJ home and then we will figure out what to do from there." She took Madeline's arm and led her back inside her house. Praying that Will would find JJ fast.