THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION Ch.5

The Black Pearl glided silently through the night, its bow cutting through the fog. They had been sailing for four days and Elizabeth grew more anxious with each passing day. She had started sleeping in Jack's cabin, the only way she was able to fall asleep was to have his scent close to her. She lost count of how many hours she spent with her face pressed into his pillow, tears sliding silently down her cheeks.

Teague Sparrow had taken over the command of the Pearl with an ease and a confidence that showed years of practice. Elizabeth often wondered what had caused the tension in his relationship with his son. Teague was not forthcoming and Elizabeth did not press the issue. He was also not forthcoming about their heading. Elizabeth could understand the secrecy necessary to protect the location of the Fountain of Youth. She could not help feeling frustrated and helpless though that all she could do was to wait and hope they were in time to save Jack.

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The crew of The Redemption were lined up on the deck, many sniggering, enjoying the scene before them. Captain Jack Sparrow was on his knees his hands bound behind his back. His head hung down, a visible steady stream of blood dripping from his nose and split lip. Linus Silverwater stood smugly in front of him. It had been his practice for many years to allow prisoners to heal and then repeat beatings over a period of days and weeks. This method usually successfully broke the spirit of most men. But Jack Sparrow was creating a puzzle. Despite their treatment of him, he remained curiously tight-lipped about the golden haired young woman who travelled with him. His compass had begun to behave quite peculiarly, changing direction frequently and spinning seemingly without direction. Linus Silverwater was rather baffled at how to proceed. Perhaps he should just execute the illustrious Jack Sparrow and have done with it.

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Elizabeth sat in Jack's cabin, picking at the meal Ragetti had put before her. Her appetite was almost non-existent and food had lost its allure for her. She sighed and pushed the tray away just as she heard a familiar rap at the door;

'Come in Mr. Gibbs' she called.

A familiar silver mutton-chopped face peaked in and smiled;

'Miss Elizabeth, Captain Teague sent me to fetch you and tell you the Redemption has been spotted.'

Elizabeth gasped and dashed out the door squeezing past the startled first mate.

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The atmosphere on the deck of The Redemption was electric as the crew murmured amongst themselves. Jack Sparrow watched listlessly as a frightening familiar item was dragged in front of him. He had seen the square wooden frame with a half moon shaped dip in the centre once before on the Dutchman before Will had taken over as Captain. A hinged locking device rested on top of the frame. Jack shuddered as he noticed old, dry blood stains splashed across the frame. His arms were suddenly grabbed and he was dragged forward then pushed to his knees. The sniggering bosun unlocked the hinged cover then unceremoniously shoved Jack's head down so that his neck rested in the half moon dip. Jack felt the pressure of the cover on the back of his neck moments later and heard the lock click back into place. At least it will be quick he thought to himself as he closed his eyes and tried to visualize Elizabeth's face. Suddenly a flurry of sound caused his eyes to snap open, the sound of gunfire and the ring of steel indicated a battle had begun. He could make out feet running behind him and thought he heard a familiar voice. The lock flew open on the frame and a hand pulled his head free. He leaned back and gazed into familiar honey coloured eyes wide with fear. His mouth shaped the word that had haunted his dreams, 'Elizabeth…..'

Elizabeth's hand brushed down his cheek before swinging back into the heat of battle. Jack glanced over and saw the Pearl tied to the Redemption. His loyal crew members had surged over the side of the ship and were locked in fierce combat with Silverwater's men. Jack noticed a discarded sword near him and wriggled over on his elbows until his bound wrists rested on the blade. A quick movement severed the ropes and he was free. He gazed around quickly trying to locate Silverwater. His eyes widened as he saw his captor locked in a sword fight with none other than his father. Jack felt a hand on the back of his neck and spun around to see the piggy little eyes of the ship's bosun. Very few could best him with a sword and the filthy bosun's eyes widened as Jack's sword plunged into his chest. The man fell to the deck with the quivering blade still implanted. A sudden cheer rang out and he saw Silverwater fall, his father's blade buried in his heart. The few surviving member's of the Redemption's crew had thrown down their weapons at the sight of their fallen captain and surrendered with barely a murmur.

'Jack,' a voiced cried out, he turned and saw Elizabeth running toward him.

Without realizing he was doing it he opened his arms then stumbled slightly as Elizabeth slammed into his body. Her arms locked around his neck and she covered his face with kisses. Jack smiled as he felt her tears brush against his cheeks. He pulled back slightly his relief at his bonny lass's presence creating a lump in his throat. It was still a little surreal that one moment he had been facing his imminent demise, the next he was clasped in the embrace of his darling Lizzie. He gazed into her beautiful eyes and saw her love shining out at him. It was that moment he realized he had been searching for this since his return from the locker. His memories of the kiss they had shared had haunted his dreams for months. She loved him! Throwing back his head he laughed suddenly then spun her around in an exuberant hug.

'Jack,' she giggled, feeling free at last. Elizabeth knew where her heart belonged she never wanted to be parted from Jack again. Gazing into his beautiful obsidian eyes she made a silent vow that she would love him until she died.

Jack placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face gently. Slowly he lowered his head and gently brushed his lips against hers. He felt her lips tremble in response. Smiling slightly he closed his mouth over hers finally expressing the love and passion he had held for this girl since pulling her from the sea what felt like a lifetime ago. The road to redemption had brought both of them to a joining that was forged in adversity and cemented in love.

THE END.