pirates rpg 2

[tancred]

Jose slept that night like he hadn't in some time. His words to Gabby, her's to him...that was a big step. A positive and most welcome one. There was hope yet!

The next day came, and it found all of the crew sleeping in. Little Sioux children peered through the tent flaps, laughing and giggling at such lazy people. The adults shook their heads disapprovingly, and went about their daily business.

At least most of the crew slept in. Ana did not. By the time the rest of the crew arose, and came out to the light of day, Ana had already been speaking with the Chief and Running Deer for several hours. What passed between them, noone knew.

But now, it was council time. Running Deer and Ana brought Jack and the others into the large communal tent. It was here that great councils of war, peace, harvest, and celebration were held. The Chief sat at the head of a great circle. To his right sat his son, Running Deer. To his left was the tribe's Medicine Man. To either the right or left of them, sat various tribal elders. Jack, Ana, and the crew made up the rest of the circle.

The Chief spoke in a slow, wise, and grainy voice, "Strangers from afar, you come to our village unlooked for. Yet, I welcome you as friends. Brothers and sisters. For behold! Indeed, you bring back one of our own, Nahimana, our long lost sister. For that, we are greatful. We thank the Great Spirit for you, and for her safe return." Ana blushed slightly, and bowed her head.

The Chief continued, "However, we also perceive that this was not the only reason that brought you to us. Tell me now, why do you come from afar, on your large trees that ride the Great Waters?"

Ana looked to Jack, and he nodded his ascent; it would be best for them if Ana represented the group, Native as she was. "Great Chieftan of the Lakhota People," said Ana with another bow of respect, "we come to your village, as it is along our path. The path we choose leads us along a great quest...." Ana struggled for words now; she was not certain it would advantageous to let the Natives know they were in search of gold--the yellow dust that the tribes had no value for, and which only brought more and more White Men to their shores.

"A spirit quest," asked the Medicine Man, a hopeful smile upon his face.

Ana shook her head. She looked again to Jack. The pirate captain was also shaking his head, trying desperately to signal her to not let any information about El Dorado sneak out. Ana shook her head again, and aswered, "No, oh wise Medicine Man." Jack placed his hand to his head in defeat, and tried covering his face.

"No," continued Ana. "I will not lie to you. Our path is perhaps not the best one. Yet, there are so many reasons why we must take the path we are on. We seek the way to El Dorado, the City of Gold."

There was a murmur and then a hush amongst the Natives in the tent. They looked to each other in shocked disbelief, and knew not what to say.

Only the Medicine Man broke the silence. "Then your coming was not entirely unforseen as our Chief and we all once thought," he said in a foreboding voice. "For harken to me! Two moons ago, I sat upon a stony hill in deep contemplation. And, as has happened before, the Great Spirit came down to me in the form of a large eagle, the rays of the sun upon its breast. I became aware of him, and him alone. All else exited my mind and senses. He spoke to me saying, 'New times have come. Mother Earth is changing. To you will come a group of the White Man. They seek that which the Lakhota have no need for. Their coming is a great portent. They will think that their search will only affect them. It will not. It will change Mother Earth itself, and alter forever the Great Hoop of the Lakhota People.'"

"I fell to my knees, and began to weep. I begged the Great Spirit that these people would never come, or that they might be turned away. He answered me, 'I did not say that the changes would be bad. As with all things, there will be good and bad. What will ultimately happen to the Lakhota People, I will leave to them to decide if the good outweighs the bad or not. I will always watch out for my People. Yet, either way, these White Men will come. Their journey can not be stopped.'"

"I then asked the Great Spirit how I should know this group of White Men. For we see White Men every few moons here; they come to trade with us, or their soldiers march across our lands, saying it is theirs'. The Great Spirit said, 'You will know this group. For one of their number will be as an old friend to you. And they will have with them an animal you will have never seen before. A squirrel with a tail longer and thinner than any squirrel that walks the lands about you.'" The Medicine Man pointed to Jack the Monkey, and the little monkey squealed, and hid underneath Jack's long hair. Yet its long, thin tail still stuck out from underneath, and could be seen shaking above Jack's head.

"This is that group," said the Medicine Man. "They bring great change to us all.

Running Deer spoke up, "Yet, the Great Spirit also said they could not be stopped. Their journey would continue, no matter what. So, I think it must be the Great Spirit's will that we help them. We can certainly not harm them, or urge them to turn back. And what brothers and sisters would we be if we turned one of our own, Nahimana, away and unaided?"

The Chief, and all of his advisors spoke in Lakhota now amongst themselves. After a long time had passed in which Jack and the others could only look uncomfortably at each other, the Chief finally spoke. "Let it not be said that the Lakhota People are ungenerous. We will aid you as we can. Horses and weapons you already have. We will provide you with more food then you now have. I can not say that we are entirely pleased with your path. It is one followed all to often by the White Man, so that now, our people are pushed away, and told we can no longer live on lands we have been sleeping upon for generations. Yet, it seems to be the will of the Great Spirit. Who can tell him 'No?' I will not be the man to say that."

"What is more, I will provide a guide for you. None of the Lakhota know where the City of Gold is. It is to the north, further than we go. Tribes not of our People dwell there. Some are friendly to us. Others are not. Laughing Maiden shall be your guide. She is not of the Lakhota. We found her in our northern lands, and took her in. She is from the far north. She may not know exactly where the City of Gold is, yet she knows the lands it should be in, and can speak the languages of the people who dwell there. Yes, let it not be said the Lakhota are ungenerous."

There were smiles and sighs of relief among the crew. Yet Running Deer interrupted, "It is custom among our People that if a gift is given, one is to be returned. What is more, in the past other White Men have asked for guides. Always when we have made this agreement with them, they have left something of theirs' here with us. A sign of peace and good will. A sign that our brother or sister who we lent to them as guide will return safe and happy. That something is usually a person of their own, or at least something of great value. Who now will you leave with us as a sign of our friendship with you?"

[~Kawaii~]

The crew fell silent. Puzzled and worried looks were passed between the company, they'd come this far, and the prospect of an entire city of gold was on the horizon. No one wanted to be left behind now.

Except one.

"I'll do it!" Cried Aimèe as she jumped to her feet.

"Eh...no she won't" Jack announced stubbornly as he grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. Upon seeing her expression of protest, he quickly added, "It's too risky...for a girl such as yourself. No not you, maybe one of these fine gentlemen of the crew can..."

"None of the men will stay." his daughter interupted, "And why not me? I'm not used to this, traveling business. I'm bored with it. And it's all pointless if you ask me. By all means you lot carry on, but don't drag me along with you to some imaginary city of gold. And I'm tired of moving all the time. I want to stay still for a while in a place that isn't constantly going up and down, and I'm sick to death of smelling of horse! And my feet hurt and my legs ache and god knows my butt hurts from that stupid saddle and my head hurts from those lot and their stupid goings on about stupid you and your stupid rum!" Aimèe got up and stomped out of the tent.

After a moment of stunned silence, Jack turned to the chief, "Well that's sorted then. The girl can stay with you."

The chief looked worried "Is there no one else willing to stay?"

" 'Fraid not mate. Now you're stuck with her." He flashed the chief a grin and followed Aimèe out of the tent.

[Bosun]

Jack stood silent for a moment, watching his daughter stalk away. He wasn't sure what to say to her. After a few moments, he took a few paces after Aimee, calling out, " D'you really think I'm stupid?"

Aimee didn't stop walking, but she slowed a bit. "What do you think?" she retorted.

Jack gave a hurt expression that was lost on her retreating back. "But the rum?"

"Stupid rum," she muttered, heading for the tent she slept in.

Well, Jack reasoned, he couldn't follow her in there. He sighed, swinging his arms a bit. Aimee was doing what she probably thought was best. And being stubborn and grumpy about it was the only way she seemed to know to get her point across. Still, it'd feel odd to go on without her. He'd grown used to the idea of having a daughter. A sigh escaped him as she vanished into the tent.

"Sure ye don't want to come along?"

No answer.

He could understand how Gaell felt.

[Aladrien]

Ehawee lay inside a tent beside a small fire in pain as the other Natives fetched the little belongings she had. They spoke to her quietly and comforted her. Ehawee heard very little of when they said. She was too tired and weak to pay any attention. Instead, her dull eyes focused on the tiny fire flickering, sending sparks spiraling upward. She wished she could laugh at the memories of the stories her father used to tell her, but her grief was all too near. She had never known a live without her tribe, and now that they were dead (for as far as she knew), she didn't know if she could carry in. She wished she could have her drum to hold and pat as she rested.

Before long, a man entered her tent. She heard him ask the other Natives to leave so he could speak to her. Ehawee could barely tell who the figure was. Her sight was too blurry. He looked like the one they called Jose. He knelt down beside her and began to speak.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Something didnt feel right to Calen as she walked around the village.She felt as if she was being watched,Calen shook her head of course im being watched the villegers are watching all of us she reasoned knowing that that wasnt the cause of her feeling.Looking around she spied Ana, maybe i should tell Ana she thought.Calen twirled around and called out to Ana.

"OI ANA" she yelled blushing slightly as many of the Natives gave her diaproving looks.

Ana turned around to look at Calen who signeled that Ana should come over to her, which she began to do.



*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

[tancred]

Jose looked with pity upon the poor, little Native girl that lay before him. Her stare was almost listless, and seemed to go beyond him. He spoke slowly, "The Chief's son has told me that you have lost your people. That your family is gone. Is this true?"

Ehawee did not look at him. She merely nodded her head yes.

Jose continued, "Then you and I are very much alike, Laughing Maiden. My family was also taken from me. All that I loved at the time, and all that I cared for or owned. It was very difficult."

Only now did Ehawee look at the Spaniard. Here was someone she could relate to. "What did you do," asked Ehawee. "How is it that you are well and not weeping now?"

"I always carry my loss with me," replied Jose. "My family and what they meant to me...I think about every day. It can not be forgotten. And yet, my sister, who was the last of my family to die, she taught me to always think about them, yet carry on at the same time. You can not let yourself be absorbed in sorrows. That is not a life I would want to live. There is purpose out there. One simply has to find it." Jose thought for a moment, and then admitted with a slight blush and laugh, "And there is always the ability to love again. Yes, that is what keeps me going."

Ehawee smiled a little. "Yet, I have no one to love," she said after awhile. "No family, no purpose. The tribe here is nice, and they care for me, but they are not family."

"Would you let me and my friends care for you," asked Jose. "It seems we both need help. You need healing, a sense of purpose, and a family to take care of you. We need someone who is wise in the language and layout of the lands to the north. And believe it or not, I think my friends and I also could use a little sister to look after. Someone to soften all our hearts from time to time." He smiled at her. "The Chief has given us permission to have you as our guide. We only need you to say yes."

Ehawee smiled for the first time in a long time. "Fetch for me a drum, and I will think about it," she said.

"Very well," said Jose. "A drum! But first, how is your wound healing?" He looked at Ehawee's stomach. Her hide shirt had been drawn up slightly, and her stomach had been tightly bandaged.

Ehawee winced at the memory of the pain. "I am much better, yet I still hurt."

"Alright then. I will go get Kira and Gwen to look after you. And I will return with a drum!"

Jose returned shortly with the two women and a drum. Gwen was not a complete expert, yet she believed Ehawee would be alright, as long as they rode at an easy pace. Too much, and the wound would reopen. So they had to be careful. Ehawee looked pleased now, though. She wanted to go along. She had a look at both De Soto and Ana's map, and believed she knew the general area the maps led to.

Now all they needed to do was depart. And that was scheduled for the next morning.

[Aladrien]

Ehawee was ordered to rest until their departure, and rest even then. She felt cramped in her small tent, so she was carried out beside a fire. She rested alone for a while, feeling much safer with the Spaniards near and a new drum to liven her mood. She lay on her left side, her left arm cradelling her head and her right arm atop the drum which sat by her chest. She began to tap the drum lightly, a beat she recalled from her childhood, one her father had taught her. Pum-pa pum, pum pum pum. Pum-pa pum, pum pum pum... she played louder eached repetition until her arm was weak. She smiled and closed her eyes, knowing Jose's friends would be near to protect her. For the first time in days, Ehawee slept with an inner peace and the feeling that life could be restored.

[Niphredil]

That night, Gabby again sat alone in front of a large bonfire, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. She didn't know who to sit with. Should I sit with Jose? Could I sit with Jose? All the while these questions swirled about in her mind, she avoided the looks Derek was casting in her direction; the emotion that showed on his face made her heart ache. Frustration was evident. Perhaps a bit of sadness... and anger. She really did need to talk to him.

Hesitantly, Gabby stood and walked towards Derek. When she was only a few feet away from him, she motioned for him to come with her. He stood, and followed, as Gabby led him to a quieter area of the village, away from any eyes or ears that may overhear their conversation. Gabby wanted to do this privately. Discreetly. Or at least, that's what she was hoping for.

"You're going back to Jose, aren't you Gabby?" Derek asked suddenly, as soon as they were out of ear-shot of anyone else.

"It looks like it," Gabby said quietly. " Derek, please believe I never meant to hurt you."

"I thought you loved me!"

"I do care for you, very much. And I cherish your friendship more than you'll ever know. But I can never love you the way you want me to," she said, her eyes pleading with him to understand, to forgive. "I made a terrible mistake when I kissed you. I am deeply sorry."

"Well, I wish-- I wish you only the best happiness," he said. His eyes glistened, and his voice shook as he spoke. He walked away quickly, before another word could be spoken. And in the back of his mind, a plan was forming.

~**~**~**~

Gabby awoke early the next morning after a most refreshing sleep, eager to begin the next leg of their journey. Upon exiting the tent, she saw Gavin, awkwardly stumbling along with a bunch of waterskins in his arms.

"Gavin, what on earth are you doing?" Gabby asked, walking up to him.

"Well, apparently water will be a bit scarce for awhile, so the Indians were kind enough to give us some extra water-skins." Gabby stood by and listened, nodding her head while he talked. " Do you think you could possibly help me?" he asked in an exasperated tone, as one of the water skins fell to the ground.

"Sure, Gavin," Gabby said, stooping down to pick up the fallen waterskin, and unloading a few off Gavin. "I doubt that I am your first choice, though."

"What do you mean?" he asked. Gabby just rolled her eyes at him and, taking a few of the water skins he was burdened with, she walked by him in the direction of a small creek on the outskirts of the village. "No, really! What do you mean?" Gavin asked again, when they were by the creek.

"I mean that perhaps you would rather spend your time with a lovely young woman with blonde hair and green eyes whom you so obviously adore," Gabby said, "rather than with you boring, annoying little sister."

Gavin gulped, his cheeks turning a shade of red.

"Just a thought that happened to pop out of my silly little head," Gabby said. She picked up a few of the now fully waterskins and slung them over her shoulder. "You can handle the rest of these, can't you?" she said, shaking Gavin out of his thoughts.

"Um, yes, sure," he mumbled. Gabby smiled at him and walked away towards the village.

Gabby's words echoed in Gavin's mind. He would rather spend time with Lydia. In fact, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but he was too afraid to admit it to anyone, though apparently it was obvious to everyone. At that moment, he made up his mind. He decided that he would'nt be afraid anymore, that he would confess his true feelings to Lydia. Gavin filled the last of the waterskins, and made his way back to the village... to Lydia.

[~Kawaii~]

And Jose picked his nose.

[tancred]

It was early morning now, and the company was ready to depart. Jose rode up to the head of the company upon Rocinante. There was Ehawee, astride a small but swift mustang the Chief had given her. Her drum was strapped to her saddle (something she was getting used to, as most Natives road bare-back) along with the rest of her supplies.

It now seemed the company wasn't entirely ready to leave; Ana was standing a ways away, speaking with the Chief and Running Deer. What the topic of conversation was could not be guessed, yet Ana seemed very serious. When she returned, she was silent and deep in thought.

Jack and Aimee were also standing a good distance away. From a distance, it seemed like quite a volatile talk. Aimee almost walked off. Yet Jack held her there, and she stayed. It ended in smiles and an embrace. Uncomfortable ones at that, but at least some sort of care was shown. Jose sighed in relief at that.

Finally, everyone was there. Jack at the head of the company, and Ana, Ehawee, and Jose also there with their maps to confer with. Jose looked over the group. Derek caught his attention. The sailor was sitting low in his saddle, and seemed distracted. As soon as he and Jose's eyes met, Derek looked down uncomfortably. Lydia and Gavin were sitting very close to each other; uneasily close for their two horses. Gavin whispered something to her, and of all things, Lydia actually smiled. For seemingly the first time since Jose had met her. He wondered what was going on. Finally, Jose's eyes fell upon Gabby. She looked radiant (how could she not?). Apparently, Ana and many of the other ladies had woken up extra early, and Ana had given them all hide dresses like the Natives were wont to wear. Gabby was wearing her's now, had her hair braided in pig tales and a small eagle's feather through one of the braids. Yes, radiant as always. Jose winked, tipped his hat to her, and turned Rocinante around.

A few last words of blessing, friendship, and safe return from the Chief, and the company rode off quickly. The dust they kicked up was blinding and choking. Only the Chief and Running Deer stayed to see the long lost Ana retreat in the distance, and Aimee was by their side, watching til her father became a small dot upon the horrizon.
******************

Thirty minutes had passed since Jack and his crew had left the village, and the pirates up on the nearby hill were chomping at the bit to be done with their raid and in hot pursuit. Carlitta held them back. "Not yet," she said.

Poor Latimir sat off by himself on the side of the hill. As he watched the village, he bemoaned his fate, his tight bonds, and his inability to be near Aimee again. Yet it was just then that he noticed Aimee had stayed behind. There she was walking just outside the village, down by a nearby stream. Latimir almost jumped up. "Aimee is still there," he exclaimed.

Latimir was wrong in thinking that he was alone. The cold voice of Captain Carlitta monotoned behind him a ways, "That is interesting news, Latimir. I had not noticed. Thank you for pointing that out."

Latimir gulped, and looked behind him. The Captain stood there with George the Blade by her side. How Latimir desparately wished he could have kept his excitement to himself now.

Carlitta continued, "Latimir, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Your motives, deeds, and whereabouts in the past few days have been questionable at best. Yep, I've a way for you to prove yourself and your loyalty to me. It would be a great boon for this crew if we were to have Ms. Aimee Sparrow in our keeping. All you have to do is persuade her to join us. And let me assure you, boy, you have no choice in the matter." George laughed sinisterly, and Latimir gulped once again.
************

Aimee walked along the river bank. Sometimes she picked the horsetail reeds that were there, or stooped to pick up stones and skip them across the water. She was torn in mind. She was relieved to be still in one place. Not moving. Yet, part of her also wished that she could be with her father; not that she was totally comfortable with Captain Jack Sparrow actually being her father, or that she was what a dutiful, loving daughter should be. Just that she was afraid he might forget her and not return again.

So lost in thought was the young girl that she hardly noticed the yells, screams, and other sounds of confusion rising from the village above her. It was only when there were gunshots that she started from her revery. She dropped her reeds, but not her stones, and gasped. The Natives did not have guns, or at least not many of them. Yet, there were shots going off all around. What was going on?

Suddenly, Latimir appeared above her on the bank. "Latimir," exclaimed Aimee. "What are you doing here? Where have you been? You just disappeared a few days ago, and noone knew what happened."

"Hush," hissed Latimir. "No time to explain now. You have to come with me. We'll be safe." He held out his hand. Aimee noticed it was shaking. She nervously took his hand with her left, yet kept her stones in her right hand.

Latimir led Aimee up the bank, and started to make his way away from the village. Aimee tugged back. "Where are we going," she asked. "I should go to the village, and see if I can help!" She tugged away completely this time, and looked in confusion at the young man before her.

Suddenly, George the Blade appeared from behind Aimee. He grabbed her about the waist with one arm, pinning her arms to her sides, and just before she could let out a scream, he clamped his other hand over her mouth.

Captain Carlitta walked up beside Latimir, and placed a hand upon his shoulder. "Good work, Latimir," she praised. The young pirate bowed his head in guilt. Carlitta continued with a sneer, "Hello Ms. Sparrow. It is good to finally meet you. What do you say to catching up with your father? You'll make for a good bargaining chip once stupid Jack leads us to El Dorado."

Aimee fumed. Her rising ire, and George underestimating her strength allowed her to break free. She stomped upon the top of George's foot, and he let go of her with a howl of pain. Aimee quickly elbowed him in the ribs, and let fly two stones. Both were right on target. One hit Latimir in the chest. The other struck Carlitta on the cheek, leaving a slight cut. Both fell on their backs.

Aimee turned around, and attempted to make her way back to the village. She kicked George in the ribs as he lay prostrate before her, and ran. She didn't get far. Other pirates blocked her way, and soon had her in their clutches. Many of them had horses now, stolen from the Native village. Carlitta came running up. "I can see you're a wild one," she spat. "Yet, I've had about enough of you today already!" The Captain closed her fist, and hit Aimee squarely on the jaw. Aimee slumped backwards into her captors' arms, as all went black.

[Bosun]

"Aimee!" Latimer cried out, more in shock than in warning. He scrambled to his feet and made for the men who held her, but was caught by the shoulder by the surprisingly strong grip of Captain Thellen.

"How dare you!" he spat at her, his bruised chest heaving in fury. "How dare you hurt her!" He struggled to get free, but she held his upper arm firmly.

" Did you really expect any less of me, Mister Baker?" she replied coolly.

With sudden repulsion, she flung him away from her. As Tim stumbled and fell, he felt tears sting his eyes. Without looking up he knew that the pirates were now dragging Aimee away from him. A shuddering sob went through him. He was starting to regret everything he had done with his life since he was fourteen.

"Shall we have him tied again?" George asked Carlita eagerly, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"That sniveling brat is of no further use to us," she dismissed, digust evident in her voice. "Swanson. Put him out of his misery."

Latimer barely registered the words, but he was aware of the shadow of someone standing over him. He hardly dared look up, and when he did, it was to see the end of a gun's barrel.

"Jim..." he gasped, voice strangled. " Don't..."

"Sorry Latimer," Swanson replied. But he wasn't sorry. His voice was indifferent, his eyes so cold. He shot.

"No!" Tim yelled, rolling away from the bullet's path and leaping to his feet. He took off at a run, straight for the Indian village, for the thick of the bloodshed. Gunshots whined past him. He kept running.

A fist hit Swanson hard in the back of the neck, and he keeled over forward. "Idiot," sneered Carlita, standing over him, her fist still tightened. "There is no room for mercy on my ship."

"We're not on your ship!" George retorted. "And we need all the men we have."

"That blow wasn't fatal," she replied, indicating Swanson. "And traitors are no good to me."

She turned her steely gaze after Baker. It was pitiful that none of her crew or George's had managed to hit him yet. But, Carlita told herself with grim satisfaction, he wouldn't make it through the crossfire of the village.

Only Latimer was nippier than she gave him credit for. He hardly paid heed to the bullets and arrows zipping overhead, the blood that was slick underfoot. He just kept running. Because that was all he could do.

***

"This little trip is turning out quite nicely," Jack mused. "And of course the company of a pretty lass is always welcome," he added with a smile to the Native child, their guide Ehawee. "Especially one as well acquainted with the local scenery as yerself. We'll be well stocked with gold and back to the Pearl in no time," he said happily, his eyes gleaming.

"With luck," Jose nodded good naturedly.

"And with you navigating, too."

"I'd be glad to assist Senorita Laughing Maiden in guiding the company," he consented.

"Ah good. Oh, and I suppose congratulations are in order," he commented with a smirk.

"Oh?"

"Well you've got that spy down in the mud about something."

"Ah, well..." Jose was caught a little offguard by Jack's observation. "It was unintentional."

"Word to the wise, Senor," Jack murmured, leaning over to Jose confidentially. "When you're in my good graces, it's better for you to go along with it. Savvy?" He straightened in the saddle again and looked forward.

Jose shook his head slightly, catching sight of Gabby in the corner of his eye as he did so. The sight of her made him smile, regardless of Jack or Derek or anyone else.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Calen rode between Ana and Will and her feeling of impending doom came along as well .It hovered over her like a dark cloud on a rainy day.She had told ana of her concerns but ana had dissmissed them as a wish that something would happen, yet it didnt feel like that not at all.

**********

James watched as the group left the indian village and signeled his men to follow , he was not letting her out of his sights again. This woman had led him on a merry chase so far and this only made him want her more.


*********************

[Niphredil]

The end of the group's second day of travel from the Indian village came swiftly, and they set up camp near a grove of trees and a small stream. After supper a few decided to go straight to bed, while the others gathered around the campfire and talked, mostly of El Dorado. Gabby was laying near the fire on her bedroll, a blanket drawn over her to keep off the chill of the night air. She listened as the others talked.

"We're so close," Ana was saying, "We'll be there within a few days' time!"

"Has anyone else considered that the map may be fake?" Susanna asked quietly. "That El Dorado isn't real?"

" Don't go talkin' like that!" Kira yelled, much to the annoyance of those trying to sleep. "Ye'll jinx us fer sure!"

"I don't believe in jinxes! They're just superstitious nonsense," Susanna retorted.

"Well, believe in 'em or not, Miss Susanna," said Gibbs, "Better safe than sorry, says I! El Dorado'll be there."

"Aye, it'll be there," Jack said, as he used the point of a dagger to pick his finger nails clean. "I'd bet the Pearl on it."

"As would I!" Ana said, with a big grin. "That is, if the Pearl were mine to bet."

At that point the conversation lulled, as each person was lost to his or her own thoughts. Derek, who had been sitting quietly on the outskirts of the group, rose and began walking towards the other end of the camp. As he was passing Gabby, who was just beginning to drift off to sleep, he suddenly stopped, pulled out a dagger and lunged down at her. She sat up quickly and screamed, and not know what was happening. Jose jumped up, hand on the hilt of his sword, at the moment he heard Gabby's scream. Derek stood up slowly, still holding the dagger, the blade of which had been thrust through the neck of a snake... a very lone rattlesnake. The very sight of it nauseated Gabby.

"Guess I saved your life yet again, love," he said to Gabby, and winked at her. He removed the dagger from the snake, and threw the dead snake far off into the bushes. Then he continued on his way to the other side of camp, saying to Jose as he came nearer, "Someone has to look out for her, don't you agree?" He grinned at Jose wryly and continued on his way, bumping purposely into Jose as he passed.

Jose only took his hand off his sword after he saw Derek laying on his bedroll. "I'll take the first watch," Jose said. "The rest of you should get some rest." The others voiced their agreement with his suggestion, and turned in. After they were all settled, Jose took a seat near Gabby, his back against a tree. Gabby was laying on her back, blanket pulled up to her chin, eyes wide open.

"Gabby?" Jose whispered, startling her slightly. "Are you all right?" She turned to him, and smiled, after a moment she nodded her head yes. Soon after she drifted off to sleep, happy to know that Jose was watching over her.

~***~***~***~***~***~***~

The group was awoken before dawn by Derek, yelling, shaking people awake, making all kinds of commotion. "I found it!" he yelled over and over. He was damp with water from head to foot, and panting as though out of breath.

"Slow down, lad!" Emil said, getting a firm grip on both Derek's shoulders. "What have you found?"

"El Dorado! Haven't you been listening?" Derek said. "I was looking for firewood and found a waterfall, not more than an hour from here! And there was a tunnel behind it!"

Most of the others were very excited, bombarding Derek with question after question. Did he actually see the city? Did he find any gold? How big was the waterfall? How big was the city itself? And most importantly, did he find any gold??

Gabby looked on quietly at the spectacle, a flurry of questions racing about in her own mind. "Why were you looking for firewood when we have a pile of it already? Why did you go so far?" But her questions were drowned out by the others'.

Jack rolled his eyes, and tried to calm everyone down. "Everyone, I think it would be wise if we sat down, had some breakfast, maybe a spot of tea, and discussed this in a calm, civilized manner." The rest of the group completely ignored him, still busy bustling around Derek, pumping him for any further information. Finally, Jack had enough. "QUIET!" he yelled at the top of his voice. This time, they listened. Everyone looked at Jack, all with eyes wide.

"Now, as I were sayin'--" he started again, "I think it would be wise if we sat down and discussed this."

"What's the matter, Jack?" said Derek. " Don't you trust me?"

"Well, let me think. No. You're only an officer in the British Royal Navy, a spy, and a nuisance," Jack said, muttering the last one under his breath. "Oh, and that's Captain Sparrow, and don't you be forgettin' the Captain."

"I agree with Captin Sparrow," Gabby said. "Amy said last night that we'd be there in a few days, how could we be so close already? It doesn't make any sense."

"I'm telling the truth! I know what I saw," Derek said.

"Are ye sure ye didn't see a different City of Gold?" Ana asked, rather hopefully (for if there was another city of gold then that meant... well, more gold).

"Another city of gold? You can't be serious," Derek said.

"There is a waterfall near here," said a small voice, Ehawee.

"How near, Ehawee?" asked Jose.

"Almost one hour, as he said. But it is not in the direction we are going. It is farther west and we must go north west from here."

"Maybe we should check it out," Ana said. "Just to be sure."

"I have an idea," said Gavin. "Some of us can go to this waterfall of Derek's and see what's there; the others can stay behind, and pack up camp. And when we return we can either go back west to Derek's waterfall, or northwest, according to Ehawee."

"Sounds like a good idea 'cept for one thing!" Kira said.

"And what is that?" Derek asked, looking down at the pint-sized kid standing next to him.

"You didn't say anything about breakfast, an' I'm not goin' anywhere without no breakfast!"

"The lass has a point," Jack said.

And so, some of the group set about making breakfast, and while they ate they discussed whether or not they should go on this seemingly wild goose chase. Derek sat quietly the whole time, mulling over what he had told them and what was yet to come. Ignorant fools, he thought. Oh sure, they're back and forth on whether or not to go now, but in the end they'll go. They have to. Greedy pirates the lot of them. And then when the time is right, when I have them happily searching for... nothing, I'll make my next move....

[tancred]

As hungry as she was and as determined to eat breakfast as she was, Kira was far hungrier for gold. To noone's surprise, she finished her meal rather quickly, and hounded the others to do so, as well.

Once the meal was over, it then came into question as to who was to head for the waterfall, and who was to stay behind to pack up the camp. There were some there who, if there were the possibility of gold to be had, did not want to be left behind by any costs.

"What if I'm sittin' here loadin' up the horses, and you all are off gettin' rich," questioned Calen with some vehemance. "I'm taggin' along, says I." As if to prove her point, she put her hand to the hilt of her sword. Gibbs and Emil voiced similar opinions, yet with more tact.

"Come now," reasoned Jack. "We left most of the crew back with the Pearl. They trust us to return with equal shares for all. An' I take offense with anyone who would imply that I wouldn't return an' treat me mates with equalosity and generousnesses."

"Equalness and generosity, you mean," corrected Jose.

"Right," said Jack with an uncomfortable look on his face. "Them, too!"

Despite the Captain's assurances, many people still seemed reluctant to stay behind. Gabby rolled her eyes, groaned, and said loudly, "This is silly! I volunteer to stay. I'm tired, and in no mood for more riding right now anway."

Gavin and Jose both chuckled at the fiery Gabby. Standing near each other, they noticed that each had thought the same thing about dear Gabby. They looked at each other for a few seconds, discomfort in their eyes, and then looked away without a word.

"I will stay, also," said Lydia in a quiet and weak voice. Those were the first words she had said all day. Gwen and Damien quickly joined those who would stay behind.

"That's settled then," sighed Jack with a smile upon his face. "You four stay and pack up. The rest of us will be off to this waterfall to see what's what."

"Hold on," interjected Derek. "I'm staying, too."

"But why," asked Ana. "You're the one who found the waterfall and El Dorado. Shouldn't you be the one to show us where it is?"

"Normally, yes," answered the sailor. "But, as you can see, I'm still soaked to the bone here. I'm bedraggled, and need to dry off and get some new clothes on. All that water...I think I'm coming down with a cough." Derek coughed on cue at that moment, and wrung out a corner of his shirt, the water dropping in immense puddles to the ground. Ana and the others nearby looked at him unconvinced. "Besides," continued Derek, "the little Native runt knows the way. She can show you the way."

Ehawee did not appreciate being called a runt, yet she shook her head in agreement, "I show you the way to this waterfall. Yet, I still think we find El Dorado more to the north-west."

"Very well," said Jack. "Let's be on with it. The day is passing by."

Faster than usual, everyone mounted up, and prepared to follow Ehawee. Jose bid Gabby a farewell with a kiss on the hand. She smiled back at him. " Don't be long now," she said.

"I won't," said Jose. He winked, and rode off after the others.
*************

The five who remained behind sat around the fire for a few minutes. There wasn't actually much to pack up, for except for food and water supplies, they were all travelling lightly. "I'm going off in the trees to change," announced Derek. "I'll take the remaining waterskins with me, so I can fill them up afterwards." True enough, the man walked off with the skins and a fresh change of clothes. He could be heard whistling as he went, and the sound eventually faded away.

Lydia was watching the bright fire rather blankly. A sudden smile crossed her face. Gwen noticed. "What is it, madamme," she asked.

Lydia looked away as if she had been caught red-handed in something, yet her smile did not fade. Gwen prodded her further. "Oh, very well," said Lydia. "I was just thinking of...."

"Gavin," offered Damien.

Lydia shook her head, and replied, "Yes. We spotted many violets and other flowers on the prarie down the hill. There were some new, small, and bright flowers there I have never seen before. Ehawee was trying to teach us their names. I can not remember. Yet Gavin commented that they looked so beautiful he would pick some for me."

"That is a very nice and sweet gesture of him," said Damien. "Almost romantic even. Perhaps we could go pick some for you and Gavin?" As he said this, he looked at Gwen. She blushed, looked downwards, and played with the wrinkles in her skirt.

"I would like that," said Lydia. "Will you come, Gabby?"

"No," said Gabby. "I'll stay. I need to look after the fire, and I did use a lot of blankets last night. Need to roll those up, and put them on my horse. You all go ahead. Have fun!"

Damien helped Gwen and Lydia to their feet, took them hand in hand, and led them off down the hill. Gabby remained by the fire...alone....
******************************

There was a loud SPLASH as all of the company jumped through the waterfall and into the pool that lay behind. They emerged gasping and spluttering. "Shiver me timbers, this water is cold," shouted Ana, her teeth chattering.

"Aye indeed," said Gael. "We must be careful to get near a good fire as soon as we can."

"But first...El Dorado," said Kira enthusiastically.

It was dark in the cavernous chamber they were in. The waterfall could be heard roaring both behind and above them. While almost everyone had dived into the water, Emil alone had swam from further upstream. He did so by swimming upon his back, and holding a few torches and a flint and tinderbox in one hand above the water at all times. He shielded them as best he could when he passed under the waterfall. He had done a good job of it, for as soon as the company reached the shores of the pool, the torches lit up fairly easily.

"Now let's find us some gold," cheered Calen.

The cavern was large. Yet it did not take long for the company to realize that it ended in a definate wall. No side passages, no city, and no glint of gold in the approaching torchlight. Groans of anger and disappointment began to echo throughout the cave. Ana folded her arms about her body, and shivered even more now--the prospect of no gold had chased all warmth and good-naturedness out of her for the moment. "I got soaking wet for this," she yelled. "Ahhh!"

"Where's the gold," asked Calen.

"There is no gold," answered Gibbs. "Not here. This is no El Dorado." Jack the monkey began to chatter. He bowed his head, and looked depressed.

"Then that would mean that Derek was lying," said Captain Jack suddenly. "But why?"

A sudden fear came upon Jose. "We need to return to camp," he said urgently.

[Lady Disdain]

For the twentieth time, Lydia wished she had one of her parasols with her. She just knew that she was going to freckle, or even burn. Not that the flush on her cheeks at the moment had anything to do with the sun.

The other two, talking quietly in their native French, had quickly outstripped her, and Lydia felt no urge to go after them. Her confusion would not bear company.

How long had it been since she had begun to think of Mr. Scott in a not indifferent manner? Her mind poured over their aquaintance, trying to remember the look or word that had captured her, but it was to far back. She couldn't isolate the moment. Maybe there wasn't a moment to isolate. Maybe she had loved him from the first, even when she was scared and desperate, terrified that these... people would harm her. She wasn't scared any more, at least, not like she had been then, with a pulsing nerve wracking fear that any moment one of them would come for her and kill her.

Her unease was now for the long term. They hadn't hurt her, or at least not more than her initial bruises, but they hadn't let her go either. And how could they? She wasn't a simpleton, she knew the information she held - names and plans and such - was dangerous. Even if she swore never to tell, they could still fear a betrayal. It wasn't like she had any loyalty to them, and her words could hang the lot of them. No they couldn't let her go. But why keep her around at all? She could only suppose it was for insurance purposes, that she was a final bargaining chip if things went wrong.

Insurance. The word floated back to her carrying with it memories of her father's study. Of the men who would come to talk to him. Hard men she remembered thinking. Men who would smile without looking happy, or laugh without sounding pleasant.

It was those men she'd first been reminded of when first surrounded by her captors. Except for Gavin. He had never looked through her, as though she wasn't there at all. He had never watched her with the cool appraisal one might show when buyng a horse. as though he was looking to own her. But then, he wasn't one of them, really.

He'd come to her the other night, saying - stammering really - that there was something she needed to know, something he had to tell her. And then he'd explained what had happened the night she was kidnapped. He'd assured her that he had nothing to do with it, pleaded with her to understand he had been impressed into service. Lydia remembered the disappointment she had felt along with the relief, and realized she had been hoping he would say something else.

He'd almost looked like he was going to she thought, remembering the expression on his face. Acutally, now that she thought back, he'd worn that expression before. Or she'd though he had. But even if he did, there could be no hope of anything.

Even assuming they let her go eventually - which she wasn't at all sure about - she could never marry Gavin. Her father would have her locked up before he'd let her marry a poor commoner. Common born himself he had spent his whole life trying to forget that to most men of quality he might as well be a common shopkeeper.

Gold could only elevate one so far. He wasn't one of them, and he knew it. He would never let her marry someone who wasn't at least landed gentry. He'd probably hold out for a title if he thought the possibility existed.

And if she chose to follow Gavin instead? Such things made wonderful stories, of course, but in the stories the couple never had to worry about money or social position. It wouldn't work in reality, their worlds were too different. Even if she did love him...

Lydia's vision blurred and she realized that she had started crying. That no matter what her head told her, her heart wanted to be with Gavin. If only she could be sure that he felt the same about her.

Lydia didn't know how long she sat huddled, the tears flowing down her cheeks. She felt foolish, but she could do nothing to stop the flow of tears. All the pressure and fears of the last month seemed to be forcing themselves out at once and she felt it was all she could do not to burst from the stress of them.

Eventually she recollected herself, realizing the others had disappeared from view some time ago. They probably expected her back at camp, but she couldn't return like this. She was sure her eyes were red from the tears and there was no way she could explain what had caused them. Bad enough that they suspected her feelings for Gavin, it wouldn't do to be so transparent. She had better find the stream, and wash her face, and stave off any comments.

Wiping away her tears with the back of her hand, she made her way rather blindly toward the copse of trees, knowing the water was somewhere just beyond it. Her thoughts on Gavin and her own confusion she saw very little around her. She certainly never saw the blow coming.

*****************************************

Carlita bent briefly over the body, then turned on Swanson, her face a perfect mask of rage. How in the hell were they going to mask their presence now that he had killed a member of the other party. It was the rich girl too. These people were such fools.

Swanson stood as defiantly as he could, although truthfully he had grown to fear this woman. So he had misjudged the blow, it could have happened to anyone, and it was better she be dead than go back to her little band and tell them they were being followed. He was in the right, and he held on to that thought as Carlita berated him, eventually becoming so angry as to yell right back at her, only to be sent sprawling by a far stronger strike than he could have thought a woman of her size could manage.

It was George who eventually stopped the quarrel, pointing out that all the subterfuge in the world wouldn't do them any good if they were heard by the others of Sparrow's group. This calmed Carlita enough to see reason, even if Swanson did continue to protest he had only done his job.

Another, calmer, conference was held, but there was no way of getting around the body. If they hid her, it would only look more suspicious. No, they would just have to remove all traces of themselves and hope that the group would assume that she had been attacked by a band of natives.

Casting baleful looks at Swanson the group cleared out, looking for a new place to camp.