pirates rpg 2

[Bosun]

"Well, of course," Jack responded to Jose, feeling a little irked. As if to demostrate, he swung decisively around and took a lardge stride back the way they had come.

"What's the matter, Jose?" Ana asked him quietly.

"Gabby- and Gwen and Damien and Lydia," he ammended quickly, "are back there with that spy."

"He was too eager to stay behind," Calen murmured regretfully.

"No point standing about speculatin'!" Jack cried to them impatiently, and he dove like a fish back into the pool that lead to the outer fall. Others followed quickly.

"That ruddy spy!" she spat angrily as she splashed in. "He's fixin' for some plot an' he got us all soppin' wet for it."

Susanna cautioned her, "Stay calm Kira, careful you don't swallow any water-"

"Calm when there's gold to be had that I don't have!" Still seething, she swam on after the others.

At the waterfall, Jose was courteous enough even under pressure to help the ladies up out of the water. Emil and Jack followed his lead, and Gaell took it upon himself to hoist Kira onto land, which didn't much improve her mood. Ehawee queried whether they would build up a fire to dry off some before returning, but Jack dismissed the thought in favor of returning quickly to secure Bennet. The lad could do with a spell under lock and key, he decided.

"Isn't that a bit hasty?" piped up Susanna. "We don't even know why he-"

"Lied!" Calen barked. "Whatever his reason, it doesn't change the fact that he was false."

"He sent us after nothing," Ehawee conceded quietly. The bitterness in her words showed the "runt" comment still stung.

"Why?" was all Ana needed to murmur as she strode alongside Jack. Jose was but a few strides away, leading the party.

"Get us out of the way?" Jack suggested.

"He certainly did that," Jose said grimly. The dripping wet but nonetheless firey group marched on.

[Niphredil]

Derek muttered quietly to himself as he quickly changed his clothes. He couldn't believe what he was doing. Those pirates had already long wanted him dead, but the fact that he lied to them -- which they would soon figure out -- didn't help at all. But it couldn't be helped. He had to lie. He had to get them to leave camp. It was the only way that he could talk to Gabby alone, without anyone (particularly that damn Spaniard) around to distract her.

He put his shirt on and gathered up the waterskins, stooping over the creek to fill them. When he stood back up, he noticed that Gwen, Damien, and Lydia had wandered off and were now some distance from camp. This relieved him; now he wouldn't have to make up some reason to get them to leave, or for him and Gabby to leave.

He walked up to Gabby who had been putting a blanket on her horse, and offered her a waterskin, which she gladly took. "Where are the others?" he asked.

"They're picking wildflowers," she told him as she took a swig of water. The two stood in a slightly uncomfortable silence for a few moments before Derek plucked up the courage to say something else to her.

"So are you and Jose definitely back together, then?" he asked.

"Can we not talk about--"

"It's just a question between friends, Gabby," he said, with a slight smile, but his eyes betrayed his obvious sadness.

"Well, I'm not entirely sure. The romance with him happened so... so quickly, I... am not sure what is going to happen." She shook her head and sighed; Derek could feel his heart leaping within his chest. There was still hope! "So, what did the city look like?" Gabby asked suddenly, changing the subject.

Derek gulped, and began twitching his thumb nervously. "Um, well, you know... it's a city!" he said with a laugh and a fake looking grin. Gabby raised an eyebrow at him. He quickly lost the grin, and looked down away from her gaze, as he put a waterskin into the nearest saddlebag.

" Derek?" she asked, looking intently upon him. He let out a heavy sigh, shrugging his shoulders.

"I can't lie to you," he said. "I didn't actually see a city, I made that part up; but there was a waterfall, a big waterfall... and a tunnel."

Gabby felt a sense of uncertainty sweep over her. A cold shiver ran up and down her spine. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to sound firm, unshaken. "Why would you do such a thing?"

"I don't know, I just-- I wanted to get you alone," he said. "To talk to you," he added quickly.

"You could have just asked," Gabby said, growing nervous.

"I didn't want any interruptions from them," he said, moving closer to her; Gabby moved further away.

"They wouldn't have," Gabby said defiantly.

"Perhaps," Derek conceded, "but I wanted to be sure." He put his hand on Gabby's, but she hastily drew back.

"Stay away," she said softly. Her heart pounded in her chest, she felt light-headed.

"No," he said, just as softly. Quickly he moved, planting one arm firmly around her waist, the other behind her neck, and he pressed his lips to her's. She kicked him on the shin, pushed him away, and turned to run, but he grabbed her ankle and she tripped. Within seconds he was on top of her and pinned her arms down above her head. She screamed, so he released one of her arms, placing his hand over her mouth.

"Stop struggling!" he ordered her through gritted teeth. "Why can't you understand? You and I are supposed to be together. I love you!" All the while he talked, Gabby groped around on the ground with her free hand for anything that she could use as a weapon. She would've reached for her dagger, but Derek prohibited her movements. Suddenly some distance away they heard a scream; it sounded like that French-woman, Gwen. Derek was momentarily distracted; he looked away from Gabby toward the creek. She took the opportunity, picking up a rock that was just within her reach, and hit him over the side of the head with it, knocking him out. Gabby jumped up and ran, as far and as fast away as she could....

When Derek came to, his wrists were bound. He could hear some sort of commotion; people were talking loudly at one another, maybe arguing, and he heard someone sobbing. Derek tried to open his eyes wider, but the one was caked with dry blood. The side of his head was throbbing from the blow. He tried to remember what happened. A kick in the ribs reminded him.

"Where is she?" Jose demanded, picking Derek up by the shirtcollar and shaking him.

"Where is who?" Derek asked innocently.

" Don't be coy with me, Bennet," Jose warned. "Where is Gabby?"

"I have no idea," Derek said. And he didn't. "Isn't she here? No? Guess she ran off, tired of you and your ridiculous, pompous--" He was cut off as Jose punched him in the face.

"Jose! That's enough," Ana said, walking up to Jose and putting a hand on his arm. "Leave him be."

"Thank you, Ana," Derek said, bowing his head to her.

"Oh, shut up," she said rolling her eyes, and pushing Derek back to a seated postition on the ground. She led Jose away from Derek, towards the rest of the group, many of whom were in a heated discussion, except for Gavin who was sitting alone, head in his hands.

"We've got one girl dead, another girl missing, and I wouldn't be surprised if that blasted spy had everything to do with it!" Calen was saying.

"Maybe it was some locals," Damien suggested. "Think about it. When Gwen and I found Lydia, she... she had died from a head wound; Mr. Bennet had a head wound as well. Maybe the same person was responsible for those and took Gabby."

"Oh, if that's true, what would they do with her?" Susanna asked. The group fell silent.

"We have to look for her," Jose said. "Now."

"Needle in a haystack, mate," Jack said. "We don't even know which way she went."

" Don't worry Jose, we'll find her," Ana said. She cast a mournfull glance toward Lydia's lifeless body. "But right now there are other things that need tending to."

[tancred]

Still keeping an eye upon Derek, Jose joined the rest of the crew as they stood around the now lifeless body of Lydia. Her crystal eyes stared blankly up at the sky, and even the pall of death could not hide her beauty. There was open weeping, except from the more hardened pirates and sailors. Gavin wept most openly and loudly, perhaps doubly so because not only was Lydia dead, but his sister Gabby was missing, also.

As much as he wanted to be off in search of Gabby, propriety demanded Jose remain behind for some sort of funeral. The crew had been kind enough to participate in Nonna's funeral, so it would be a kind gesture if Jose did the same. And he was sad at what had happened. Poor Lydia! Jose bent down over the body, and closed its eyes. "What are we to do now," asked Jose.

"We need ta burry the lass," said Gibbs, stating the obvious.

Jose rolled his eyes. "Well yes, Gibbs," he said. "But how are we to do that in light of Gabby's disappearance? My heart tells me to pursue her right away, yet my concience says to wait until after we've paid proper respect for the dead. Delays will not help Gabby."

"Yet, we know nothing of where she's gone to, or even if she's alone," said Jack. "The same villains who killed Lydia and knocked Derek could have run off with Gabby. Or even worse."

Everyone shuddered, not wanting to think like that. Ana finally spoke. "No disrespect to Lydia, but we should chase after Gabby as soon as we can."

"But chase where," asked Jack. "We have no idea which direction she went in or where she might have been taken if she was. And the tracks around the camp are so walked over as to be unreadable."

"We can decide then when the time comes," suggested Will. "For now, we should see to the burial of Ms. Thornton." Will was filled with great sorrow, for the sight of Lydia and all of her prim and proper manners had reminded him of Elizabeth.

So it was that the burial began. The grave was dug quickly, yet it was not shallow; it was a good six feet, like good people deserved. Lydia was lain on top of her own hide blankets. Her hands were folded upon her breast. Her hair was washed free of blood, and combed nicely down upon her shoulders. The ends of the blankets were then folded over her, and she was lowered into her grave. All gathered around for some last quiet words. There was some weeping, yet what anyone said over the grave could hardly be made out by anyone else standing nearby. Jose crossed himself, and shovelled the first pile of dirt over Lydia. Soon, she was completely covered. Gwen had made a makeshift cross out of wood, and etched Lydia's first and last name on it. Gavin thrust it through the ground firmly, and leaned his weary head against the wood. His hands dug deeply into the cross, regardless of the splinters and pain.

Derek was questioned again what had happened, yet the spy wasn't saying anything. Soon, the crew was mounted up, and riding slowly away. As badly as the tracks had been muddled up by their return to camp, there were no discernable tracks that fled south, south-east, or south-west. If Gabby had gone or been taken anywhere, it was in none of these directions.

So, the company rode forth. They were spread out as far apart and as safely as possible, and travelled in a generally northwards direction. They called out Gabby's name every now and again. No response.

Ana and Jose had been riding near each other. Jose ambled his Rocinante on over to Ana's horse. He needed to talk. "Senorita Ana," he said without looking at her. His face was cast down to his saddle. "I am terribly melancholy today. Not only because of Gabby, but I also feel awfully sorry about Senorita Lydia. In fact, I can not help but feel guilty in all of this."

"Why, Jose," asked Ana.

"Because," answered Jose, "she needn't have been here. Remember in New Orleans that Gabby, Gwen, and I were fully planning to take her to the British consolate there so that she could be returned safely home. Yet, we did not do so. Whyever did we not?"

"I think ya know why ya didn't, Jose," said Ana. "Your sister Nonna had also died at that same time. You were lookin' after her, and had to see to her burial. You have a reason. You're a good knight. A good man, Jose."

"Maybe," said Jose glumly.

Ana sighed. "Tis I who should be feeling guilty," she remarked. "I was the one who kidnapped her, after all. It was my plan from the beginning, an' I carried it out. Lydia would be safely back at home being courted by some stiff, uptight, boring bloke. Or even Gavin over there. That too was my fault." Now Ana bowed her head in her free hand, and try to hide it as she might, a few tears escaped.

Jose didn't know what to say. He placed his hand upon Ana's shoulder, and finally whispered to her, "It will be alright. You didn't intend any of this. I can't blame you, my good squire. Try not to worry."
********************************

Almost as soon as it had been decided to leave Lydia's body where it had fallen, George the Blade made his way quickly back to camp. Something about the beautiful rich girl lying there unexpectedly slain had quite put him off. Intended murder was one thing. Accidental murder was just sloppy. And unbecoming of a pirate at that. But perhaps that wasn't all there was to it?

While Carlita and Cartierre watched Jack and his company bury the girl through their scope, George was lost in his own thoughts. The camp there was also busy. Preparing for an expected departure. All of this left George relatively alone. And so was Aimee. The young woman lay half reclined against a small tree. Still unconscious, ropes bound her wrists behind the tree, bound her body to the tree itself, and her ankles together. Though still out cold, Carlita did not wish to run the risk of Aimee crying out and revealing their position, so the young bar maid had also been gagged.

George looked over at her, lust in his eyes. Aimee had been passed up before during the mutiny for fear of vengeance from Jack Sparrow. But George had gotten no play then with Gabby or the other prisoners nor in New Orleans. So any fear of repurcussions with Jack Sparrow were quite out the window now.

George looked about, and it seemed noone was paying any attention. He crawled quietly over to Aimee. Her lip was sore and puffed up from where Carlita had struck her. "Fortuneately, this one didn't get accidentally killed," thought George to himself. His twitching, nervous hands made their way to the buttons upon Aimee's blouse. One undone, two undone, and then the third button popped out alltogether.

A sudden exclamation from Carlita could be heard. "They are searching for Gabby! The girl has disappeared!" It had caught George by surprise so much (not to mention the fact that it was Gabby's name), that his already bumbling hands slipped, and totally ripped off the button in hand.

Aimee stirred, but did not awaken. George jumped up and away; Carlita's attention was turned his way, and he didn't want to be caught. Besides, Gabby was out there now, and it was she he really wanted. George rubbed his chin in delightedly evil thoughts.

[~Kawaii~]

It was dusk when Aimèe finally opened her eyes. Not far from her the camp was quiet and ready to move on.

Her head pounded as she woke, and she blearily tried to take in her surroundings and remember what had happened to her. Her mind was blank.

As she gradually came to her senses she found herself laying on the ground in a small clearing, alone. She moved to stand but found she couldn't, her body ached and her head was heavy. Suddenly the pain in her head shot through her and she cried out, she tried to call for help but the blood covered gag was suffocating.

The more she came round, the more she felt the pain she was in, the hot burning around her wrists and the stabbing pain from deep in her stomach crippled her.

"What's this then?" A male voice sneered from behind her, then laughed. "Well if it isn't Miss Sparrow. Not so tough now hmm?"

Aimèe shook with fear at the voice, it sounded familiar yet distant, as if she had heard it once in a nightmare. And for the first time in her life she was scared she was going to die.

Desperately she stuggled against her wrist bonds to get free, but with no success. She tried to stand but her legs felt like jelly and she collapsed back on the ground. Crying with fear and frustration she tried to get away from the laughing man behind her, but her gag was tight and her breathing was shallow.

As her eyes grew darker she looked down to see the remainder of her clothes ripped to shreds and her legs shining red with the cuts and bruises. Her head grew heavy again and the sounds of malicious laughter grew louder.

The sudden realisation of what had happened to her hit her like a whirlwind, panicking she gasped for air, but coughed and spluttered on her gag. The voice behind her grew louder, but she could no longer hear it. All went black again.

[Bosun]

"GABBY!"

"What are you doing?" hissed Calen, as if suddenly coming back to herself.

"How're we going to find the girl if we don't use our voices?" Jack answered coolly.

"By using our eyes. If Gabby's been taked captive, a shout would alert her captors to our presence."

"Gabby's a smart girl, love. If she hears us, I wouldn't put it past her to duck her new friends and come running."

Susanna was part of their group, riding close by, and she piped up as well. "And whatever we can do to find her quicker, we must." Her voice dropped slightly as she felt tears threaten to sting her eyes. "Anything to keep her from the same fate as poor Lydia..."

***

Latimer had witnessed the crime. The sight the innocent girl's blood had shocked him. The jolting realization that it was a lifeless body that fell to the ground sickened him. He had staggered farther up the stream to retch emptily, numbness enveloping him at the thought of what Jim Swanson and people like him could really do.

I have to tell them what happened was the only thought in his mind as he stumbled about, trying to find the Pearl crew's camp while avoiding that of George and Carlita. When he finally came upon it, no one remained. They had left already. He dropped to the ground where he was, despair overtaking him. He needed to find them, to tell them, to warn them. Suddenly he realized he was kneeling before a cross. Lydia Thornton. Tim leapt back in a terror that was soon replaced with sorrow. This is what that lovely young woman had been reduced to. Anger started to broil in him, for the sheer injustice of it all. He turned abruptly, to find the other camp and vengeance.

***

" Damnation!"

Thellen's curse was heard throughout the camp and suceeded in halting just about all movement.

"Calm, Captain," her first mate cautioned her.

"What is it now?" snapped George. He was eager to get moving after Gabby as soon as possible.

"I wanted her bound. I wanted her gagged. I wanted her subdued. I did not want her..." she couldn't even bring herself to say it. It would bring memories flooding back. "It figures," she continued disgustedly, "that one of you lusting scoundrels would try something like this. Blade, your men have have no ounce of decency!"

"My men!" George yelped, failing to consider the accuracy of her statement. "What makes you so sure it was one of my men?"

"My men have some idea of their place. Discipline, Blade! I let them take no liberties, nor make any violations... At least not on so drastic a scale."

George was incredulous. "You're denying them life, ya ruddy prick! There's nothing wrong with what's been done, just a bit of fun had by a lad who hasn't had no fun in years, probably."

"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you George?" Carlita replied, her voice dangerously low. George met her stare evenly, but after several moments of silence started to look a little uneasy. "I saw the way you looked at her. What you were doing when I called. Just a pretty little thing to conquest, is she George?" He started to look a bit hot around the hot. He made to retort, but she continued heartlessly. "You're a fool, George. Do you really think they'll take her back now, knowing she's spoiled?" Through her tirade, Cartierre had seen to it that Aimee be given a cleaner gag and had her bonds tightened.

"They're a bunch of self righteous fools," he told her gruffly. "They'd do anything to get her back, in any condition short of dead."

"You think so. So do I." Her eyes glinted. "But unlike you, I will not assume the mercy of my foe."

[Niphredil]

Gavin rode solemnly along the whole time, his head hanging low. Every now and again he would cast a sad glance at the horse he was leading behind him. Lydia's horse. It was a difficult endeavor to keep the tears he so desperately wanted to shed from coming forth. Inwardly he beat himself. If only he had been there! He could have protected Lydia, and Gabby. He would have given his life for them. But now they were both gone. If only.

He looked to his right. Emil was riding there, leading Derek who still had his hands bound tightly behind his back. The group was divided as to whether or not Derek had anything to do with Lydia's death or Gabby's disappearence, but either way he had lied to them, and he was a spy. Gavin sighed. What if Derek did have something to do with what happened to the girls? If he did....

"Can I have some water?" Gavin heard Derek ask.

"Not now, spy," came Emil's gruff response. Derek rolled his eyes and looked to Gavin.

"What do ya say, Gavin? Give a hand to an old chum?" he asked.

"I'm not your chum," Gavin replied, keeping his eyes forward. They rode on in silence for a while longer. Up ahead were Ana and Jose, who seemed in deep discussion. His ears pricked up when he heard Jose mention Gabby, and he strained to hear their conversation. Jose feels melancholly, blah blah blah, Gavin thought as he listened in. He nearly fell off his horse when he heard something Ana said. "I was the one who kidnapped her, after all. It was my plan from the beginning, an' I carried it out. Lydia would be safely back at home being courted by some stiff, uptight, boring bloke. Or even Gavin over there. That too was my fault." Gavin rode on in stunned silence for a few moments before what Ana said actually registered. It was all a lie? Lydia and Gavin's "rescue" from "bad" pirates had actually been a kidnapping? He could hardly believe it. He suddenly halted his horse, and sat there staring straight ahead at Ana. Emil halted his horse as well.

"What's the matter, lad?" he asked. Gavin did not respond. The others who were up ahead halted as well.

"Something wrong?" Ana asked. Emil shrugged his shoulders.

"It's all your fault," Gavin mumbled. He dismounted, and slumped down on the ground next to his horse. Ana got off of her horse and walked over to where Gavin sat. Stooping down next to him, she put a hand on his shoulder, and said, "Gavin? What's the matter? Are ye ill?"

"It's your fault she's dead! She'd be alive even now if you hadn't kidnapped her!"

"And you never would've known her, now would ye?" Ana said, trying to lighten his anger.

"Never knowing her would have been easier to bear than this," Gavin said. "But now..." He pushed Ana's hand away, pulled out a dagger and leapt on her, holding the dagger to her throat.

"Easy, lad," Emil warned. "You let her up now, or there'll be consequences."

"It'll be worth the consequences to see that Lydia's true murderer is given her dues," Gavin said with rage as he pushed the dagger further onto Ana's neck causing it to bleed a little.

"Gavin, don't do this," Jose said, "Think about your sister Gabby. She's still out there and she needs--"

"Who do you think you are, telling me what my own sister needs!" Gavin said angrily, looking up from Ana. She took the opportunity to push him off of her and Emil grabbed him from behind.

"Get some rope!" Emil said, as he struggled to hold Gavin. After a moment though, Gavin stopped struggling, and started to weep. Jose fetched some rope, and with Emil, tied Gavin up.

"Well, I suppose now would be a good time to make camp for the night," Jack said.

Later that evening....

It had been decided that Gavin and Derek, both of whom were now tied up, should sit together as well. After the rest of the crew had eaten, the leftovers of stew and stale biscuits were taken to them. Damien unbound their hands, though their legs were left tied, so they could eat; Jose and Kira walked over each carrying a plate. Jose set the plate he carried down next to Gavin, and then drew his sword. Gavin pushed the plate away. "I'm not hungry," he said. Derek happily started to consume the food set before him. After a few minutes he looked at Jose and chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Jose asked.

"Your stupidity," Derek said. Jose tightly gripped the hilt of his sword, trying to keep his cool. "I mean, I don't think I've ever met anyone more dumb," Derek went on. "And it's funny how everyone automatically thinks it was my idea to lead you off to that waterfall."

"What do you mean?" Jose asked. "If it wasn't your idea, then whose was it?"

"Well, I guess now I have to tell you everything," Derek sighed. "It was Gabby's idea. She approached a few days ago with this little scheme, when we still at the Indian village. I was to lead you lot off to the waterfall, sneak back to camp, and together Gabby and I were going to leave."

" Don't believe him Jose," Ana said.

"No, no, Ana he should believe it, cause it's the honest truth!" Derek insisted. "Gabby and I were about to leave when we... well, I won't say exactly what it was we were doing because I think you're a tad too young to hear it--" at this point he winked at Jose-- "but I will say that we were happy.Very happy. Then all of a sudden, we heard this scream and before I knew it someone bonked me over the head! It must've been those Natives Damien here had been talking about earlier."

"Liar," Jose growled. "Gabby would never do anything like that." He sheethed his sword, and stooped down next to Derek, tying his hands tightly behind his back again.

"Hey!" Derek protested. "I'm not finished eating!"

"Shut up!" Jose said, hitting Derek across the side of his face. "Tie Gavin up again, too," Jose said before he stalked off.

"Strutting like a peacock," Derek muttered. Gavin was again bound as per Jose's instructions and the two of them left alone.

"Is it true, Derek?" Gavin asked after awhile.

"Is what true?"

"That story you told about you and Gabby," Gavin said.

"Every word!" Derek said. "And I'd raise my right hand and swear it, if I wasn't tied up. You believe me, don't you?"

"Yes," Gavin said. "I certainly don't believe those pirates."

"Good to know I have a friend after all," Derek said. "Listen: you and I need to escape somehow. I doubt they'll want to keep us alive for very much longer, especially when there's gold to be had."

"I think you're right," Gavin said, "But how can we escape?"

" Don't worry about that, mate. I'll think of something," Derek assured him.

[tancred]

Captain George grumbled to himself, "Who does Carlita think she is anyway? Getting on to my men like that! Has she forgotten what we pirates do? Kill, pillage, plunder, rape, and whate'er the hell else we please! She an' her crew are no better. I saw that Nonna lass before she escaped. Everyone knew what she was--just a common whore for that whole crew. And a beaten one at that. Mostly by Carlita herself, I hear. And now she's gone soft for one of my boys having some fun with Ms. Sparrow? Nah!"

George looked on as the unconscious Aimee, still bound and gagged, was lifted up into the saddle in front of Cartierre. Carlita mounted up herself, looked to George, and yelled, "George, order your men to their horses! Jack and his stupid lot are up and moving!"

George nodded to her, yet glared and spat as soon as she had passed. "Just keep orderin' me about," he thought to himself. "I'll bow to ye now, but just ye wait. One o' these days, we all get our comeuppance!"

The pirates rode off, none of them aware that young Latimir was following.
**********************

"Oww," squealed Ana, slapping Jose's hand away.

"I'm just trying to help," objected Jose, as he tried once more to dab the little bloodied prick upon Ana's neck. "Be a good squire, and sit still."

"Squire, squire," mouthed Ana with her tongue lolling out. "I were drunk when I took that silly oath, Jose! And so was you!"

The Spaniard smiled out of the corner of his mouth for the first time almost that entire day. "An oath is an oath, my dear," he said. "And drunk or no, I plan to keep up my end of the bargain."

"Good then," snorted Ana. "As I fully expect my island, gold, rum, an' pastries!" It was only happy thoughts such as these that finally caused Ana to submit to the would-be knight. He gently dabbed her wound, and applied some salve (borrowed from Damien) to it.

Upon finishing, both looked in the direction of their prisoners. Both Jose and Ana fully believed Derek was lying (again). Jose could not fathom Gabby doing anything with Derek of the sort that the spy was implying she had.

But then there was Gavin. A stroke of guilt again enveloped Ana. Kidnapping Lydia had guranteed she and Emil memberships in Calen's crew, and had provided them with ransom money to finance much of their voyage. Yet at what cost? Lydia was now dead, Gavin a pitiful prisoner who felt betrayed by people he thought were his friends (Ana especially, but Will as well, as he had said and done nothing for his friend to help that day), and Gabby was missing and up to an unknown fate. Poor Lydia. Poor Gavin. Poor Gabby.

Jose and Gavin had never exactly gotten along, yet Jose bore him no ill will. He wished Gavin would calm down so that he could be freed. Yet as betrayed as he felt and as wild as he had acted earlier (albeit with some justification), he was too unpredictable.

Jose settled into his bedroll, and said his nightly prayers. His most urgent plea was that Gabby be found safe and soon.

Ehawee whispered to some of the others still awake and gathered about the campfire, "Tomorrow, we reach the falls that lead to El Dorado."

[Aladrien]

Ehawee slept uneasily that night. Her heart beat faster than ever before and her palms were in a constant state of sweat. She was nervous, so many fights, so many deaths. A child should never be allowed to see this. Ehawee wished for someone she loved and trusted to hold her in their arms. She wished she could sleep in the warmth of her parents arms again. Ehawee wished she had a friend to sleep with or at least someone she could crawl to when she was afraid. She could trust no one now. The pirates, Europeans and Spaniads were so much different from Ehawee's old Native tribe. Their lifestyle revolved around alcohol and this frightened Ehawee. She curled into a ball, taking all her thoughts and shoving them to the back of her brain. She turned inward and hid in her bedroll that she had dragged a ways away from the rest of the crew.

Ehawee cried that night. She cried for her parents, for her old life and for her safety.

[Niphredil]

Gabby shivered as she sat under a large oak tree. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she had no food, no water. And she had no blanket. She shivered again. She hadn't stopped running until she was far away from camp; where she was now, she had no idea. Nothing was familiar; the darkness of the night only enhanced the frightening nature of her alien surroundings.

In the distance she heard something howl; a dog of some sort, she figured. Most likely a wild dog. She felt for her dagger, keeping her hand on it just in case something should attack her. She shuddered at the thought.

Her eyes grew heavy. Sleep was beginning to overtake her. Yet every time she closed her eyes, she'd hurriedly open them again, afraid of what might happen if she did happen to fall asleep.

She looked at the canopy of stars above her, and a thought struck her. Jose had taught her much about the constellations, and how to navigate by the stars, maybe she could us them somehow. Where is the north star? We still have to go north west, Ehawee said," Gabby thought. So if I follow the noth star--if I can find it--it will lead me north... I'll have to go a little bit to the left, to go west... "Oh, who am I kidding!" she said outloud. "I knew I should've paid closer to attention to what Jose was telling me. Why did I even come on this ridiculous journey? I would've been better off back home with father." She began to cry, and curled herself up into a ball on the ground. Eventually, after her tears were spent, she fell asleep.

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

Gabby awoke the next morning to the sound of chirping birds. The sun had just risen. She sat up quickly, afraid and unaware of her location. Then she calmed down, remembering the events of the day before. She was alone, under the oak tree. She stood up on shaky legs, sore from yesterday's run and weak from not having had any food or water since breakfast yesterday morning.

She looked towards the sun, and the in the other direction, west. She figured she would walk west for awhile, hoping to cross paths with the others. She had no idea where they were now, but she had to do something. With determination, she set off, hoping that she was going in the right direction.

[tancred]

Jose was up with the sun, scanning the horrizon for any signs that might betray Gabby's whereabouts--movement, smoke, dust, sound, anything. In all directions save the south, the land was flat, and one could see miles ahead. There were no tell-tale signs to be seen. And Jose could not see far at all to the south, where a small range of hills stretched. Hills the group had passed through the day before. Hills that, had Jose known it, hid phantom pursuers.

Jose was not alone for long. The others were soon up and about, eager to find either El Dorado, Gabby, or both. Both Jacks were up quickly, perhaps both being able to smell the gold in some way. "Let's be off for now," said Jack (the man, not the monkey). "El Dorado awaits us!"

Jose looked down dejectedly. "Not to worry, mate," continued Jack. "Ana told me you taught young Gabby some navigational skills. Stars and all that. She knew where we were goin' to. She can find her way, I'll bet on it."

"If she hasn't been kidnapped," interrupted Gavin. "Something that seems to happen quite often with you sorry lot." He cast a dirty look upon Ana.

Jose hoped against hope that Jack was right, lept into the saddle, and followed the others.

Almost four hours later, and the company had found what they hoped was the river that flowed from the City of Gold. An hour further, and there was a fork in the river, both streaming from what seemed to be two narrow valleys, the land suddenly rising on either side of both rivers.

"Two rivers and two valleys," sighed Kira. "Where's the gold?"

Everyone looked to Ehawee. The young girl looked confused, and shrugged.

"Well, let's just try one first," said Ana. "If it isn't the right one, we'll just come back. It won't be the first false step we've taken." Derek looked away as she said this.

Despite this sound advice, it could not be decided which river to follow. Yet, Jack the Monkey seemed gittery about going right. "Hmm...," mused Jack. "When all else fails, follow the monkey?"

And so it was, the group went along the river to the right. The valley was very narrow. Yet, finally the valley ended. Much to the delight of everyone, there was indeed a waterfall at the end. And even better was the fact that there were two large trees on either side of it, just like on the Sioux map that Ana possessed.

The horses were somewhat frightened of the falls, and would not budge. It was unsure how deep the water was, and if the horses could make the swim anyway. "We can come back for them later if the water is shallow enough," suggested Emil.

With that, everyone plunged through the falls and onto the other side. The ground they were walking steadily upon suddenly sloped downwards at their feet, and all but the most balanced slid into a pool that lay beyond the falls.

Ana emerged from the pool sputtering, and utterly soaked. Jack, a rather adept swimmer, had already made it to the other shore, and helped her to her feet. For some reason, she struck him as perilously beautiful at that moment. In half jest, he winked at her, and said, "Arise, pretty lady."

"Oh, its so wonderful," said Ana with a happy sigh and a dreamy smile upon her face.

Jack was quite taken aback; he had jokingly made a pass at Ana, and she was receptive? "Really," he asked. "Well...you know...later tonight we could sneak off, and uh...."

Ana's smile faded. She smacked Jack's hand away, and backed up a step. "Jack," she exclaimed. "What are you thinking? Not you or your charms! That is wonderful. That over there!" She pointed over Jack's shoulder.

Barely recovering from heavy blushing, Jack turned around, and gasped, "El Dorado!"

There indeed lay the fabled City of Gold before them. Behind falls and under ground. Only small (man-made) shafts of light pierced the darkness. Yet so well were they designed and made, that the light they cast was enough to illuminate the sprawling city. From the looks of it, there was a stone wall surrounding it. It was broken in places from the decay of time, yet still stood. Beyond could be seen hundreds of ruined huts. Further were larger public buildings. And in the very middle of the city were two enormous structures. One had a rounded dome. The other was pyramidical in shape. All were intact, yet all in some sort of ruin. No signs of life. El Dorado!

"Where's the gold," asked Kira disappointingly, as if she expected the entire city to be made of gold itself.

Gibbs chuckled, "I think we'll find the gold in one of them thar big buildings, miss."

Jose was the last to emerge from the pool. Ana helped him out. "Come along, Jose," she squeeled. "We've found it!"

She laughed merrily, and followed the others as they ran off towards the city's walls and gate. Jose did not. He shrank back down into a seated position, his back against a rock. He closed his eyes, his thoughts barely on El Dorado at all.

[Athena]

Kira hummed merrily along as she ran eagerly to El Dorado. For a second she hitched the breath of her throat in anticipation of the gold and the riches she will get. For an instant she looked over at her companions, each had the same greedy look upon their face. Towards the back of the group was Gael and he to shared a look of glee. He noticed Kira smiling at him, and for an instant their eyes met and they shared a look of mutual happiness at the prospect of gold. Suddenly Kira recalled herself and the smile faded from her lips, she turned her head slightly and pointedly turned her back towards him. Never noticing his crestfallen face. However angry Kira was at the moment however, the elusive gold lightened her thoughts and brought a gleam once more to her eyes.

[Niphredil]

With the majority of the crew so preoccupied with finding the gold, Gavin and Derek took the opportunity to sneak away when they were sure no one was looking. It was a difficult task as they tried to untie each others hands, which were still bound behind their backs.

"Think they could have tied it just a little tighter?" Derek asked. When Gavin got the ropes undone, Derek rubbed his wrists, burned from the tightness of the ropes.

"Right, now untie me," Gavin said, turning around. He waited, until he looked behind his shoulder at Derek who seemed deep in thought. "Derek?" Gavin said. "What are you waiting for? Untie me."

"No," Derek said, "I think it would be best if you stay here." Derek swiftly punched Gavin in the face, knocking him to the ground, where he then his head on a thick fallen tree branch. "From here on out, I work alone."

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

Gabby had been walking for hours. She felt light-headed as she stumbled along, not knowing if she was even remotely going in the right direction. Finally though, she heard a most welcome sound: the sound of flowing water. The sound of the water got louder and louder as she went on, and after a few moments a river was in sight. She quickened her pace, running as best she could, and dropped to her knees on the bank of the river. She drank the water with her hands cupped, and felt instantly better (though the water did not do very much for her hunger).

After she had had her fill of water she noticed for the first time the abundance of foot prints on the ground around her. She was certainly no tracker, but the prints were unmistakably those of horses. Her pulse began to race as she thought that these could lead her to her companions. She hurried along the bank of the river, not knowing of the danger that lurked close behind her....

She had been running only a few minutes before coming to a fork in the river. She followed the foot prints that went along the right side of the river and after awhile a majestic waterfall and the horses that the others had left behind were in view.

She rushed over to one of the pack horses and pulled some bread out of the saddle bag, biting into it voraciously. By the time she had finished, she started thinking of going into the water and through the tunnel to find the others. She looked through some of the other saddle bags until she found a pistol, along with gunpowder and pelets; she also found a waterskin and Gavin's sword, though she thought it quite odd that he did not have it with him. She did not know if she would really need the pistol, but she also did not know where Derek was, and on an instinct she decided to keep it with her.

She took one of the saddlebags off the horse and emptied it, placing the waterskin and the pistol in it to prevent them from getting wet, and waded out into the water. She took a deep breath, and dove down, the force of the waterfall beating down on her. After a moment she came through into a pool on the other side of the waterfall, and saw a cave with a light at the end of it. She climbed out of the water, following the wall of the cave with her hand to keep herself from tripping, until she came to the end of the tunnel.

Cautiously Gabby exited the tunnel, and saw a path that was very much overgrown and in the distance, the outline of the city; no people were in sight. She walked down to the pathway and began to follow it, walking as quietly as she could, not only so that she might not be heard, but so that she could hear if there were any others around. She stopped suddenly when she heard someone groan; it sounded like Gavin. She raced off the path, and saw her brother lying there on the ground, his hands tied, and a horrible gash in his forehead.

"Gavin!" she called, rushing to his side. She gently turned him over. "Gavin, are you all right? What happened to you?"

"Derek," Gavin said, his voice hoarse. Gabby took out the waterskin and let Gavin drink, then tore off a piece of her shirt to try to clean some of the blood off of his face. She unsheathed her dagger and cut his binds.

"Derek is here?" Gabby said, in a low voice. Gavin nodded. "And he's free?" Another nod.

"What happened to you yesterday? We all thought you had been kidnapped by Indians, the same Indians that-- that--" Gavin choked on the words, unable to say it.

"No, no Indians. Derek attacked me, when we were alone at camp. What do you mean, 'The same Indians that'?"

"That murdered Lydia," he said.

"Lydia is dead? Gavin, I-- I'm so sorry," she said, astonished. "I really am sorry, but we must find the others. We have to warn them about Derek."

"No!" Gavin said quickly. "We're leaving right now, and going home."

"But why?" Gabby asked.

"Because they've been lying to us. It's their fault that Lydia is dead. They didn't rescuse us from 'bad' pirates, Gabby; they kidnapped Lydia for ransom money."

"We might've known. Pirates can never be trusted. But what about Will? He's been our friend for so long. And what of Jose..." she trailed off, making a statement more than asking a question.

"Gabby, listen. You know I love you and want only what's best for you. That's why I forbid you to be romantically involved with Jose," Gavin said. Gabby opened her mouth to speak but Gavin shushed her. "He consoled Ana about kidnapping Lydia. And as hell-bent as he is about being right and chivalrous, he completely disregarded what she did! We cannot trust him. We can't trust any of them."

Gabby was silent, her eyes glimmering, as she sat there with Gavin. "All right," she said softly. "But I'm not turning back just yet. After all we went through in getting here, I refuse to leave without something to show for it." She stood and took off the sword, handing it to Gavin. "You're better with this than I am," she said. She then took the pistol out of the saddlebag she carried with her and loaded it.

"You know they might kill us if we try to take any gold. We should just go home."

"If it's a choice between being killed now by them, and going home and being killed later by father, then I'd rather take my chances here," Gabby said.

"Fair enough," Gavin said. He looked at the sword he was holding for a minute, before strapping it around his waist; then the pair of them set off towards the city.

[tancred]

Jose remained resting against the rock just inside the pool and waterfall that led to El Dorado. His thoughts turned ever to Gabby. Not knowing where she was or if she was hurt or crying was just killing Jose inside. Oh, how he wished she were safe back in the Sioux village with Aimee! The pool was covered with mist from the splattering of the waterfall, and much of it dampened Jose's face. With all of the cool drops upon his face, one could not tell which were from the mist and which were from the Spaniard himself.

Presently, Jose heard a splash. He lept up almost immediately. Much to his amaze, there were Gabby and Gavin walking just alongside the pool. So happy and relieved to see Gabby safe and sound was Jose, that he was practically oblivious to the fact that Gavin was walking about freely. Neither of them seemed to be aware of Jose's pressence.

The Spaniard rushed over to Gabby, arms wide open, and embraced her tightly. The young woman was taken by surprise, and looked on in shock for a second. But presently, she pushed away. "What are you doing, Jose," she asked. Gavin moved somewhat in front of Gabby in a protective stance, his hand upon the hilt of his newly reacquired sword.

"What do you mean, what am I doing," asked a confused Jose. "Gabby! We haven't seen you in two days almost. We didn't know what happened to you. I was beginning to fear the worst. I was so sad. Derek said some terrible things about you and what he and you had done, but I could not believe them. Now I find you here, safe and well, and how can I not be overjoyed? And yet, you almost shrink at my touch. Did something happen to you, my senorita?"

Gabby heard the concern and emotion in Jose's voice and the exasperated look upon his face, and almost melted back in his arms.

Gavin interrupted. "Don't listen to him, Gabby! He can't be trusted. He's one of them now!"

"Them," asked Jose, still perplexed.

"Pirates, you idiot," exclaimed Gavin. "You've said all along you're not one of them, yet your actions say otherwise. You've helped them through many a rough spot. Even did some of the leading sometimes. Your friendship with Ana Pearl is especially obvious, and she's one of the head pirates here. You're no better than any of them, pirate! In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you yourself had something to do with Lydia's kidnapping."

"That is not so," declared Jose. "In fact, it was partially because of Lydia being kidnapped that I was wanting to be on that ship." He looked at Gabby. "And I was planted even more firmly in that crew upon finding dear Gabby stowawayed there. I am not a pirate. Nor will I ever be one. I am my own man. A would-be knight."

Gabby looked between Jose and Gavin, and was unsure what to think; they both had good points.

Gavin spat, "Even if I did believe you (and I don't!), that still doesn't explain your growing attachment to Ana, the one who was directly responsible for Lydia's kidnapping."

Jose looked away. "I can not rightly explain it all," he admitted. "Perhaps I see in her a person that others rarely do, or that she herself doesn't see. There is good in her. She is not ruthless. If you had heard her story, you'd find that she almost had no choice but to join Jack's crew; it was either that or sink with the slave ship she was on. And of course, there is the matter of our oaths to each other as knight and squire. Drunk though I was at the time, and oath is still binding. I can not just throw it away." He breathed a heavy sigh. "I say once again, I am no pirate, and I bear you and Gabby no ill will or danger."

"And that's why you had me tied up with Derek," scoffed Gavin.

"It could not be helped, Gavin," explained Jose. "I did not want our group becoming fractured; we needed all the help and unity we could in order to find your sister. You were wild with anger (understandably), and had to be calmed down somehow. And I'm sorry to say it, but Ana would have bested you so badly in a fight. Emil and I saved you, believe it or not."

"I don't," said Gavin firmly. "Now get out of the way, or you'll regret it!" He half unsheathed his sword.

Ignoring him, Jose turned to Gabby. "Sweet Gabby, what can I say to make you believe me? I am not your enemy here!" He knelt on one knee, imploringly.

Gabby thought for a moment, sinking in all that her brother and Jose had said, and all the events since that day she met Jose and the pirates way back when in Port Royal. She finally spoke. "Jose, there is much about you that I wonder at. I know quite a bit, and yet every so often, you withdraw and will say no more. You have secrets. I know you do. Perhaps they are painful ones. But maybe they also can shed some light on everything here? If you remain silent, or lie to me, or do not answer me well enough, I will go with Gavin. Tell me the truth...all of it...and then maybe I will believe you."

She stood there with her arms folded about her chest, a determined look upon her face. Jose realized he could not keep things in forever. He loved Gabby too much to keep things from her and to have her upset with him. Perhaps it was best she know? Perhaps it was his only way out of there both alive and still maintaing a relationship with her.

Jose sat down again against the rock, burrying his head in his hands. Gabby and Gavin soon sat down also. And then, Jose told them everything, holding nothing back....

[Niphredil]

Gabby listened intently as Jose pleaded his case, trying to explain the meaning behind his recent actions. When he was through, she sat silently pondering. With her head leaned back against the cave wall, she attempted to drink in all that Jose had said. Gavin watched her, a little nervously, and tried to read her expression. He had no idea what she was thinking.

"Gabby," Gavin spoke up, "surely you don't any believe this ridiculous story?"

"Be silent and let her make up her own mind," Jose said condescendingly. He turned to Gabby, "I'm telling you the truth, Gabby. I would not lie to you. In your heart, you know that I--" but he was cut of by a swift punch to the jaw from Gavin.

"If I have to be quite, you have to be quiet," Gavin said sternly.

"Am I going to have to separate you two?" Gabby asked. She let out an exasperated sigh, and leaned her head against the cave wall again. "It's quite a fantastic tale," she murmured, more to the ceiling than to Jose and Gavin.

"It's the truth," Jose said, casting a quick glance at Gavin for fear of another punch.

"I don't know, Jose," Gabby said after awhile. "You just seem too good to be true. How am I supposed to know if you're telling the truth?"

"But I am telling the truth! I love you, Gabby. So much more than you'll ever know," Jose said.

"I wish I could believe you," she said, standing. "But you're not the only one who has recently professed love for me (and all I had to show for that was a near beating). And how can love grow so strong in such a short time? I'm sorry but I cannot be with you. Not now. Maybe not ever."

"Why can't you understand that I did what I did to protect you?" Jose asked. He sounded as though he was going to cry.

"I do understand that," she said. "It's just--" she sighed. "--it's too complicated." She turned away from him, walking away quickly. Gavin stood and followed.

"Tough break, mate," Gavin said, jumping up and not really trying to hide his joy at what had just transpired. He left Jose sitting there on the cave floor, and caught up to Gabby.

"'Ana would have bested you so badly'," Gavin said, mocking Jose. He scoffed. "Who does that arrogant git think he is, anyway? And can you believe that story he told us? Please! Of course he does think he's a knight, so it makes sense he would think up a fairy-tale like that."

"Gavin, please," Gabby said softly. Gavin held his tongue, realizing how hard this must be for his sister, and the two walked on silence.

[tancred]

Jose was many things now: hurt, sad, angry, and very confused. He rose, and kicked a stone into the pool. "Gavin is so lucky I was concerned mainly with recovering Gabby's favor," he thought aloud. "Otherwise, I would have hit him back! I was telling the truth, Gabby. I hope you eventually realize that. And I do love you. Perhaps you'll need me ere this trip is over. I feel as if I need you now. But whatever happens, I hope to be there for you if the time should come." Of course, Gabby and Gavin heard none of this, having left for the city long before.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Jose walked along the pool, and back out through the falls. The pool was shallow near the falls, and only got deeper once there was solid ground to walk on to one side. Thus, Jose could fairly easily lead the horses back into the vale of El Dorado. Much better to have them nearby than outside in the vale, unattended to and easily seen by watching eyes. He especially could not bear to part with his beloved Rocinante. Thus it was, that within less than half an hour, Jose had led the horses through the waterfall, three strung together at a time. Stringing them all together once on the other side of the pool, Jose led the horses to the outskirts of the city, and tied them up on fairly long tethers in the large "guardhouse" just inside the main gate. Plenty of wild grass growing there for them to eat.

Finding the rest of his companions was not overly difficult; fearing that not one ounce of gold should be left behind, Jack and his crew were looking from house to house for any sign of gold. They had come up empty thusfar, and this led to great disappointment. "Not to worry," reminded Gibbs. "Its most likely that the gold is stored in one of those larger buildings in the center of the city. Either the pyramid or the dome."

"Maybe we should skip the houses then," suggested Ana. "We can always come back to search once the main treasure is found."

"I like that idea," said the ever-lusty-for-gold Calen and Kira, almost at the same time.

"Very well, then," agreed Jack. "Let's go. Put yer feet in it, mates!"

As if to announce his arrival, Jose said rather quietly, "I brought the horses through, and tethered them together just inside the city walls." He said nothing about Derek and Gavin being free, or that Gabby had shown up safe and relatively sound. Not that anyone would have noticed anyway; all were in a rush to find some gold.

Plants, flowers, and grass grew and flourished in the vale of El Dorado, despite the fact that the valley opening was extremely narrow and allowed adequate sun only during mid-day. It was a lush, green, and beautiful place. Yet, it was definately devoid of human life. There was not a sign of any residents. Not even any bodies. What had happened to its denizens--whether they died of disease, or were killed off, or simply left--could not be determined at the moment. Yet, it was obvious that noone had walked in the vale for many many years. All was quiet.
****************************

All was not so quiet outside the waterfall that served as the secret entrance to El Dorado. Carlita, George, and their pirate crews had just ridden up. "Ho la," shouted George. "Where'd that blasted Jack and his crew get to? Are ya sure they came down this fork in the river, an' not the other?"

"I am certain," answered Carlita. "Look, there are fresh tracks here along the river bank. Both boot and hoof. They penetrate into the falls. That is where we'll go."

"Not jus' yet," objected George. "My men need a drink, and some rest. I think Ms. Sparrow might, too. And if those tracks are so fresh, it might not be a good idea to go bargin' in right away. Give idiot Jack and his idiot crew some time to plunge in first."

"For once, you are actually using your brain, George," snapped Carlita. "Fill up the waterskins, and rest, everyone! We'll make our way in soon enough."

All of the pirates dismounted, and gorged themselves with the cool water of the running river. Aimee, left in Cartierre's saddle and still bound and gagged, pined away at the sight and sound of the river; she desperately needed a drink, yet wondered if she would ever get one....