EL LOBO DEL MAR

[Welsh Wench]

 
Honour giggled,. "For a minute, you sounded just like a captain I knew! Name of Bacardi, used to come into the tavern and order a rum runner. Had the cutest parrot on his shoulder. I think his name was Aquamarine...no! Blue! His name was Blue. And he loved to look down bosoms and cleavage for any flasks that may be uncorked. Sometimes we tavern wenches would put opened flasks down there just to make Blue happy!"
Jack frowned. "Uh huh....I'm sure he was delirious!"
Honour smiled in remembrance. "Oh...he was! And the feathers tickled. What's wrong, Jack? Jealous of a parrot?"
"Don't be daft! Of course not! Now if we don't get moving, we are going to be caught in a....DAMN!"
The skies opened up to a monsoon. Thunder roared and the heavens lit up with lightning.
Jack yelled over the thunderstorm, "I see a cave over by that big outcrop of rock. Run for it!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I don't think I've ever been so wet in my life!"
Honour stood in the cave and shook the rivulets of water off her hands. Jack took off his hat and the rain ran out of it. Honour's feathers drooped.
He threw the supplies in the corner. "Good thing I wrapped the flints in oilcloth and a blanket or two. Take your clothes off."
"I BEG YOUR PARDON!"
"Honour, this is not a proposition. If you stay in those wet clothes, you'll catch pneumonia."
He looked at her slightly crestfallen look.
"What? Are you disappointed?"
She recovered quickly. "Of course I'm not!  Relieved. That is what I am. Relieved. I don't expect anything from you, Jack Wolfe. No, not me. Not at all."
He tried to hide the mirthful look on his face.
"Alright then, love. Strip!"
"Turn your back and hand me the blanket."
He turned and flipped it over his shoulder.
When he turned back around, he caught Honour wrapping it around her body.
"Now you, " she said a bit too breathlessly.
"I thought you'd never ask, love."
She snapped, "It's for health reasons. It is so you don't get ill either."
Jack reached his hand into the sack and yelled, "OW!"
"What, forgot to sheath your dagger again? You were always doing that."
He looked at his hand in the light of the torch.
"No..but I think we are in trouble. A snake found its way into the sack."

Honour took his hand in hers and looked closely. "You've been bit, Jack."
He watched as his hand started to redden.
"Honour, that was a coral snake. Very poisonous. I think this may be a problem."
His face reflected concern.
"Jack, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying we are in the jungle and no help around. Do you know the way back?"
"Why? What are you saying?"
His voice reflected a touch of fear. "In case this ends badly."

A wave of fear rushed over her.
"Jack, what are you trying to tell me?"
He looked at her and for once Honour saw the worry in his eyes. But the worry wasn't for himself. It was for her.
And then and there Honour realized something.
She loved Jack Wolfe with all her being.
And it was possible she could lose him.

"No, Jack! I won't let this happen. You aren't leaving me here by myself to find my way back to El Lobo."
She looked out into the deluge and said, "I have to find it. I saw some."
"Some....what?"
"Some herbs that will help. It's your only chance."
His hand was flaming red.
"You can't go out in that storm, Honour."
She hastily shed the blanket and put her clothes back on, wet that they were.
"It's your only hope. I learned about it a long time ago. From my..my grandmother."

Within fifteen minutes, Honour came back. Jack was lying on the floor of the cave, his face turning pale and his skin clammy.
He said slowly, "You came back."
She was trying to keep the despair out of her voice.
"Of course. But Jack, we haven't any time to waste."
He took her hand. Honour could feel that his skin was clammy and he was sweating profusely. The rapid pulse gave her cause for alarm.
"Jack, I need you to remain calm. We need to slow your pulse to keep the venom from reaching your vital organs.
She took a deep breath. It was the Mercedes sea battle all over again. Jack was depending on her to save his life.

Quickly, Honour put a few leaves on a large rock and took out her bodice dagger. She scored them and crushed them so the plant was pulpy.
She laid them on his hand. The sap from the leaves oozed into his bite.
She held his hand. "We change the leaves every ten minutes. And from then it is a waiting game."
He reached up and stroked her cheek.
"Honour, I always thought I would die at sea. Going down with my ship. Not from something as idiotic as a snakebite."
"Hush, Jack. You are going to be fine," she said with a bravado she did not feel.
He whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love."
He reached up and touched her cheek. "I love you, Honour."

A chill swept over her and she felt a sense of déjà vu.
Because those were the very words Rhys Morgan uttered to her in his last breath.

[Welsh Wench]

Honour continued to cut the leaves and plaster them over Jack's hand. What was only ten minute increments seemed like hours. She wrapped blankets around him to keep him from going into shock.
She kept watching his breathing as he dozed off and on, touching his skin to denote any kind of change.
Finally it happened. His breathing became less shallow and his skin regained its colour.
She breathed a sigh of relief and sent up a prayer of thanks.
"Honour?"
She could fill the tears of relief fill her eyes. Quickly she wiped them away so Jack wouldnt see them.
"Yes, Jack?"
Jack looked over at her and asked, "I'm not dead, am I?"
She shook her head and said, "Why would you ask that?"
"You are here with me and I am alive. Feels like heaven on earth."

She took his hand in hers and said, "Let me see how it is looks."
She looked down at his hand and took the leaves off. There was no redness.
No swelling.
No fever.

She could hardly keep the joy out of her voice as she tried casually to say, "I am here to inform you, Captain Wolfe, that it looks like your time on earth has been extended!"
"So I am cured?"
She laughed and said, "If you were a fish, I would throw you back!"

Jack started to sit up but he fell back weakly.
"Guess I am not as cured as I thought."
Honour shook her head. "That is not it. You are just exhausted. Your body drew on its own strength to get you through."
She rummaged through the haversack.
"For God's sake, Honour! Be careful!"
She retorted, "I know to jiggle the bag first, thank you very much! Now...here's an apple and some pears. And cheese and bread. You need to clear out the toxins in your body."

After a light meal, Jack laid back on the bed rolls that Honour had rolled out.
"So...tired."
She pushed the hair back from his face and he caught her hand.
Quietly he said, "Thank you, Honour."
She smiled softly and asked, "For what?"
"For saving my life."
"Well, I couldn't very well let the fa---"
"The what?"
"The fates have their way with you."
Honour yawned. "The rain has let up but it is still steady. Are you warm enough?"
"I'd feel better if I could hold you in my arms."
She laughed and said, "I think that could be arranged."
She moved her bedroll next to his and he put his arms around her as she spooned up next to him.
From the dark, she said, "You do know this is for medicinal purposes only."
"Oh, of course!"
"Because staying warm is of utmost importance."
"I realize that."
"So I am just doing what I should."
"I can't ask for anything more, can I?"
"No, you can't."

After a minute, his voice whispered in the darkness, "But I can sure try!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Men began emerging from below decks once the fury of the storm had passed.  Briggs, ever vigilant, had kept his station on the quarterdeck to ensure the ship's safety even as the heavens raged above him.  He also had kept close watch on the beach where Jack and Honour had landed, in case they came back early.  Now he shifted his attention from the island's shore to the crew going about putting anything dislodged by the storm back in its proper place.  Two anxious looking men approached the quarterdeck and respectfully stopped halfway up the steps.

"Mister Briggs!" the first one called.  "We want ta volunteer wot as ta go searchin' for th' Cap'n an' the missus.  We figure they might be in trouble after that 'ellacious storm an' all.  Me an' Marley, that is."
"That'd be me," Marley said meekly.
"'E knows it's you, ye daft..."
"Belay yerself, Bidwell," Briggs interrupted.  "Nobody's goin' anywhere.  I'd wager my boots they found shelter and are safe as houses.  Besides, Jack has the only map.  I'll not send you nor anyone else to stumble about aimless in a haunted jungle."

"H-haunted?" gulped Marley.
"Nobody said nuffin' 'bout a 'aunted jungle," Bidwell said quietly, the sudden fear in his voice all too evident.

The truth was Briggs didn't trust anyone aboard save Duckie and the cat after the previous night's mutiny, and he wanted to keep an eye on everyone.  He continued to weave his yarn. 
"Aye, haunted!  Jack held back that bit of information so as to keep the crew from worryin' needless-like."  He leaned close and pointed at the men in warning.  "Now, I've already said too much about it to ye lot.  Ye'll not breathe a word of this to a soul, or I'll have ye both over a barrel, understand?"
"Not a word ta no one, aye," said Bidwell.  "C'mon, Marley.  We got work ta do."
He turned and started down the steps, but his shipmate was rooted to the spot.
"... haunted?" was all Marley could manage.

Bidwell grabbed Marley by the collar and practically dragged the fear struck man behind him.

Briggs let out a sigh and shook his head.  "Well, Jack, ye always said a good crewman is soft in the head and strong of back.  Those two are prime specimens, they are!"

He walked back to the rail and peered out at the beach.  "Don't make a liar out of me, Jack.  Ye'd best be safe.  Honour, too."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Moonlight poured in through the cave's entrance, bathing the couple in its pale radiance.  Jack awoke from his sleep, and for a moment he was certain he must still be dreaming.  For there in his arms lay the woman he loved with all his heart and soul.  He regarded how angelic she looked as she slept, and he brought his face close to her hair.  Slowly he breathed in, drinking in her delicate scent.  It wasn't the jasmine she usually wore on her neck just behind her ears.  It was simply... Honour.  Without thinking, he reached up and caressed her golden moonlit tresses.

Honour stirred at his touch and snuggled back against him in her sleep.  He smiled, remembering all the times he held her this very way after they made love.  He closed his eyes at the treasured memory and gently kissed her head.

"Jack?  Are you all right?" she asked in almost a whisper.
"I'm fine, darling," her answered, his voice low and soft.  "I just woke up is all.  Nothing's wrong.  In fact, everything feels right."
She yawned and stretched a little, just as she always did upon waking.  Jack chuckled softly as he felt the sleepy little tremor go through her when she arched her back.  She rolled over to face him, a curious smile teasing the corners of her mouth.

"What's so funny?" she asked.
He smiled and shook his head slowly.  "Not a thing.  I was just thinking back to a time when I didn't have to get bitten by a snake to hold you."
Honour could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.  Lying in his arms reminded her of how good things with Jack could be.  How complete she felt making love with him.  The nagging doubts would not go away, however. 
"I remember those times, too.  But Jack, that was a long time ago..."
"Not really, when you think about it.  I've missed you terribly, Honour.  Please, don't make me gather up a sack full of snakes to take back with us.  Briggs has a hard enough time with the cat."

She burst into giggles at the thought of the curmudgeonly quartermaster running a gauntlet of poisonous serpents just to get to his cabin, only to find a stubborn cat curled up on his bed.    Jack never failed to find a way to make her laugh.  In honesty, she missed his off the wall sense of humour, and so many other things.

"No," she laughed.  "No snakes.  This is the second time I've saved your life, and I must say it's getting a little boring."
"Boring!  And just as you were getting good at it.  You're a hard woman to please Honour Bright."
"Not really," she said, the mirth fading somewhat from her voice.  "But I refuse to let you die in front of me, Jack Wolfe."  She poked him in the shoulder where he had been shot during the battle with Mendoza.  "It would please me most if you managed to stay alive, in spite of yourself."
"I shall do my very best, my lady!"  he laughed.

Honour looked down at nothing in particular, absentmindedly playing with the front of his shirt.  "You had quite a fever from the poison.  Are you really feeling better?"
"Thanks to you, I feel wonderful.  Why do you ask?"
"It's just that... when you were feverish, you said... things.  I doubt you even remember them."
Jack gently took her hand and pressed his lips against her skin.  "I meant it, Honour.  I do love you.  I never stopped.  I never will."

She could feel her heart swell in her chest, so full that it felt close to bursting.  All her doubts fled like wraiths from the morning sunlight.  She looked at how the moonbeams glimmered in his eyes, knowing full well that the light there shone for her and her alone.  Her hand squeezed his, and she swallowed hard.

"There is one other thing that would please me, Jack," she said quietly.
"Name it, my love.  Anything at all."
Honour took a deep breath, looked deep in her husband's eyes, and spoke her wish.

"Make love to me."

[Welsh Wench]

 
Jack wasn't sure he heard her right.
"Honour? Are you sure?"
She sat up and said, "When you came to my room after the fiasco with the East India merchant ship, I was under the impression that you wanted me. ME, Jack. But your intention was to get the Sun key away from me. I was too caught up in the moment until I saw you distracted with your hands--one of them, at least--under the headboard searching for it. Do you know how hurt I was?"
Jack looked down. "I'm sorry about that, Honour. I don't know what came over me. Trying to kill two birds with one stone, I guess."
"My ego took a beating that afternoon, Jack. I felt like a commodity. But when the mutiny happened, you came to my rescue. You saved me. And when we shared a whiskey in your quarters, I saw something else in your eyes. Respect. And that meant alot to me."
"I never meant to hurt you, Honour. Well, maybe I did. I came back from Martinique and you were gone."
She took his hands in hers and said, "That is all in the  past, Jack. Some day you will understand. It was something that I had to do at the time. And Wales was the right place for me to go. Maybe when I crawled out of the tavern on my hands and knees, I was hoping you would sweep me up in your arms and take me away again."
He chuckled. "In a matter of speaking, I guess I did, didn't I?"
"How about a little less talk and a lot more action, Captain Wolfe?"


He reached over to touch her cheek, his finger tracing down to her chin, sweeping the hair away from her neck.
He continued to trace a fine line down her neck and across the swelling of what lay beneath the fine cotton of her chemise. Her eyes closed as she drew in her breath. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart.
Jack reached up and wound her hair in his left hand, drawing her face close to his. She entwined her hands around his neck, her lips parted.

They met in a deep, searching kiss that told each other more than mere words could ever say.
When they broke apart, Jack gently tugged on the drawstring of her chemise, loosening it. He reached to cup the softness that lay underneath, gently caressing her.
She let out a soft moan as his lips traced down her shoulders as he pushed her back on the bedroll. Within seconds, the chemise lay on the floor.
She drew him near, her hands pulling his shirt free, her fingers softly playing over his back.
That was all the encouragement Jack needed. Honour need convey no other message than that she wanted him.
Then and there.

Their desire melted into a need, a fire nothing could quench until there was nothing but smoke and ashes.
He slid his hand slowly down her body, his practiced touch never having lost their spell on her. He knew what she wanted. And what she needed.

Her caresses were not lost on Jack. His desire for her grew until there was nothing to do but forge ahead.
They both knew where they were headed and would be satisfied with nothing less. No words were needed.
It was as if the time spent apart had never existed, so in tune were they to each other's needs.

"Honour?" Jack paused and whispered.
She could barely breathe, "No talking, Jack..."
"But I have to know."
"What?"
"Is this number 57 or 63?"
"Neither. It's 74."
"That's what I thought. I thought I had forgotten. Honour?"
"Jack, please, no talking, let's just...."
"I thought you hadn't read that book."
She grabbed him by the hair and pulled his face close to hers.
"I lied, Jack. I LIED!  NOW are you satisfied?"
"Well, not yet because we haven't...."
"Jack?'
"Yeah, Honour?"
"I can forgive you anything but one thing, Jack"
"What's that, Honour?"
"Don't run out of steam Jack, because you had better finish what you started!"
And that was all Jack needed to hear.

They were at a point where there was no going back.
They had come full circle.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Honour lay in Jack's arms with her head resting on his chest.  She could hear his heart beating, it's pace still quickened from the passion they had just shared.  A contented smile played upon her lips as she made lazy circles on his stomach with her fingertip.  She could feel Jack gently run his fingers through her hair, then caress her shoulder.  The peaceful murmur of the jungle enveloped the lovers, adding to their bliss.

"Do you hear that?" he asked softly.
She lifted her head and looked up at him.  "No.  It's not an animal, is it?"
"No.  It's just so peaceful.  Do you realize this is the first time we've made love and not been within a stone's throw of another person?"
She smiled and snuggled up against him.  "Now that you mention it, I do enjoy not hearing footsteps above us."
"Or having to be quiet?

Honour looked up at him again and gave a shocked look, then playfully slapped his belly.  "You are a devil, Jack!  You'll make me blush."
He moved his face close to hers.  "Isn't that part of it, my love?  To make you glow?"
Their lips met in a tenderly passionate kiss.  She sighed and put her head back on his chest.
"Your kisses alone can do that, my husband."
"Don't think you'll get away that easy, darling.  Not while I draw a breath!"
"Good!" she giggled.

Jack stroked her silken hair again.
"Um, any regrets?" he asked.  Honour couldn't help but hear the mixture of hope and dread in his voice.
"About...?"
"About this.  Us."
"Why would I regret something that I freely wanted?" she answered gently.  "Something we both wanted?"  Another giggle escaped her lips.  "And something you obviously still want!  You won't let a girl rest, will you?"
"Shades of our wedding night, eh?"
"And the next day, and the next, and the next," she laughed.
Jack had always found Honour's laughter infectious, and this time was no different.  "We made a bit of history together, didn't we?  But I can't help but wonder what the next day will bring this time?"
"I'm pretty sure you're thinking about something else," she teased.

He gently caressed her neck, and she breathed in deeply at his touch.  Then, without warning, he quickly moved his hand down her body and began tickling her ribs.  Honour yelped and attempted to mount a counter attack.  Before long, the lovers where back in each other's arms, laughing like youngsters.  Jack looked into Honour's eyes and marvelled at the joyous playfulness he found there.  Once again they kissed, only to have the both of them dissolve into a giggling fit.

"Honour, please stay with me," he blurted.
Honour's laugh faded, and a strange mixture of emotions competed to control her expression.  She wanted so much to tell Jack everything; about their infant daughter, the plantation, and what was in her heart.  But the words would not come.  She had woven such a complex tapestry of secrets, half-truths, and lies that there was no simple way to unravel it all.  It would take time for her to find the right words.  When she did, those words would change Jack Wolfe's world forever.

"Jack, please, not now."
"Why not?  Honour, if not now, when?"
"I promise, soon.  When we're back aboard the ship."
He began to protest, and she put her finger against his lips.
"Please, Jack.  Let's just enjoy what we have right here, right now.  We'll talk about everything when we're off this island.  I swear."

Her words were of little comfort to him.  He knew that Honour's definition of 'everything' ran the gamut from full disclosure to a thumbnail sketch depending on the circumstances.
"You know I'm going to hold you to that," he said sternly.
"Jack?"
"Yes, Honour?"
"You're talking too much again."
Jack tilted his head and smiled slyly.  "I suppose you're going to have to find a way to shut me up, then."

Honour snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him into a slow, smouldering, sensual kiss.  Every nerve in his body felt as if they were on the verge of bursting into flame at any moment.  She slowly broke away and looked into his eyes, knowing full well she had his absolute and undivided attention as she moved her body over his.
"Feeling less talkative?" she asked with a devilish smirk.
Jack returned her wicked look and nodded his head enthusiastically.  Once more they kissed, and their lover's dance began anew.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Honour's eyes fluttered open.  It took her a few moments to get her bearings.  They were still in the cave, and she was curled up in her husband's arms.  She looked up to find Jack smiling at her.
"Good morning," he softly said.  The look on his face reminded her of those idyllic mornings at Castara.
"Good morning," she said dreamily.  "Have you been awake long?"
"About half an hour.  I was watching you dream.  You had the sweetest smile on your face.  What was it about?"
Indeed she had been dreaming, of little Zara.  She touched one of his loose brown curls, so like their daughter's.
"Wales, and family," she replied, and yawned.  "I guess we should pack up and leave our private little Eden?"
"You'll forgive me if I leave the serpent behind!" Jack laughed.  "You know, it's funny you should mention Eden.  I think I understand how Adam must have felt, having the most beautiful woman in the world all to himself."
"Eve was the only woman in the world, silly!"
"That's why I'm luckier than he ever was.  You're the only woman in my world, Honour."

She beamed at him, then in a teasing voice asked, "Are you sure about that?"
"Positive!  I can't imagine there being a woman capable of bewitching me the way you have."
"I can," she chuckled under her breath.
"I'm sorry?"
"Nothing!"  She took him by the chin.  "I'll keep you to that, you know."
Jack smiled tenderly.  "You have my word, darling."
"Ha!  The word of a pirate?" she teased.  "You'll have to do better than that."
"Would the word of your husband suit you better?"
"Yes," she answered softly.  "Yes, that would suit me just fine."

Jack began to draw her close for a kiss, but Honour patted him sharply on the chest.
"Save some for later!  Even Adam took a day off every now and again.  Besides, we should get you back and have Duckie check your hand."
"But you healed me!" he protested.
She retrieved her chemise and got up.  "I'd like a second opinion, just to be on the safe side."
"You're gorgeous, too," Jack quipped.
Honour stuck her tongue out at him.  She went about getting dressed while Jack did the same.

"I'm so hungry!" he said.
"I don't doubt it," she said with a little laugh.  "I'm starved, too.  Should I go find some fruit?"
"This is where the apple comes in, isn't it?  I knew it was too good to be true!"
"Oh, fine then.  Out of respect to your tender sensibilities, I'll bring back oranges or something."
"My sensibilities and I thank you," he said with a sweeping mock bow.  "I'll get the meat and cheese whilst you're away."
"Be sure to shake that sack first!  I swear, I only save your life once a voyage.  Any more than that and I shall think you're doing it for attention," she admonished.
"Listen to you!" laughed Jack.  "You'll make a fine mother!"
"And who said anything about children?"
He gave her a lusty smile.  "Come over here, and we'll discuss the matter..."
Honour gave a girlish squeal and ran from the cave.  Her laughter came drifting back to him like chimes on the wind.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

After a breakfast of the last of their provisions and assorted fruits Honour had harvested, the couple resumed their trek back to the beach where they had landed.  Jack had made such a comic production of eating a pomegranate that she still wasn't sure whether to laugh or blush.  It made her happy to see him so light hearted.  She had rediscovered the Jack Wolfe she had fallen in love with.

Still, Honour was worried how he would react to the news about Zara.  Would he be happy they had a child, that he was the father of a beautiful baby girl?  Would he even want to be part of Zara's life?  Would the thought of having the real responsibility of a child change his mind about starting over with Honour?  Or would he be angry about being kept in the dark this whole time?  After all, if things had gone as planned in Glenlivet, she wouldn't have had to deal with telling Jack anything at all.  But life seldom cooperates with one's plans.

As she mulled the possibilities over in her mind, another came to the fore.  A small yet insidious voice within her said 'So don't tell him.  Play it safe.  Go back to Glenlivet and hire passage to Wales.  He doesn't need to know.  Why risk it?'  She recognised that voice immediately.  It was the horrid little voice that had piped up at every major juncture of her life with the same message: 'Run!'  Honour shook her head to clear her thoughts.  If there was anything she was tired of, it was running.  She looked over to find Jack smiling at her.

"You're a million miles away again, love.  A guilder for your thoughts?" he said with a wink.
"A guilder!  My, what a high price you put on my daydreams!"
"I'm a pirate, darling.  Bribing my way in is what I do."
"So that's how it's done?  Not charging in, guns blazing?"
"That tactic is for amateurs.  It's good for the first few times, but it's easy to counter once they suss out your game.  No, I rather prefer the subtle approach these days.  More sincere, and certainly more satisfying."
Honour turned her face away to hide the blush that came to her cheeks.  "You needn't bribe me, Jack.  But what happened to the unpredictable ways that made you a legend?"
"Oh, don't worry my pet.  They're still alive and well."  He tossed his sword that he had been using as a machete over his shoulder.  Honour turned to watch it arc though the air and spear the ground behind them.  Before she knew what was happening, Jack swept her up in his arms and gave her a deep, loving kiss.
"Unpredictable enough for you?  I have plenty more where that came from," he said with a saucy smile.
She looked back at him, her eyes still wide in surprise.  "I can see that!  Forgive me.  I should have known you still have plenty of tricks up your sleeve!"

Jack set her gently back on her feet.  "Didn't want you thinking I'd gone soft.  Just wizened."
"After last night, I'm the last to suggest you've gone soft, my husband," she said demurely.
It was Jack's turn to give a shocked look.  "My dear, I think you made me blush!"
Honour plucked his sword from the ground and, with a twirl, presented the weapon to him.
"I believe this is yours?  You should take better care where it's displayed.  I should hate to think of just anyone coming around to fondle it."
He accepted the sword from her.  "I'll take that under advisement.  You're the only one allowed that close to my blade, I'll have you know."
"See that it stays that way, mon capitan," she said with a flirtatious glance.

Jack had kept his sword drawn more out of habit than need.  The path was still clear enough, even after the storm.  He sheathed the cutlass as they continued on, all the while keeping his eyes on his bride.  Even in such a harsh jungle, she cut an elegant figure.  It was so easy for him to fall in love with her all over again with the changing of the day's light.  But uncertainty nagged at him.  Why was she so reluctant to talk about staying with him?  He had laid his soul bare to her, and as usual, Honour had played her cards close to the vest.  What was she hiding?  Was there someone else?  His stomach tied itself into a knot thinking that Cade Jennings might be out there waiting for her.  If there was one person Jack wanted to exact retribution from, it was that treacherous whelp he had so foolishly trusted like his own son.  He remembered how Cade looked at Honour, and he had always resented it.  Yes, Honour had told him that there was nothing between the two of them, but he couldn't shake the suspicion no matter how hard he tried.  If she evaded his questions once they were back aboard El Lobo, he would have his answer.

Suddenly, Honour took off at a run.
"Jack, the beach!  Here it is!  And the boat made it though the storm!  We can go home now!"
Home.  What a wonderful word to come from her lips!  Jack ran to catch up and get their boat back into the water and return to their floating nation where, God willing, they would reign as King and Queen.

[Welsh Wench]

 
"Well, it's about time ye made it back here, Jack! I was about to send a search party out for ye two!"
Briggs extended his hand out to Jack. As Jack swung his leg over, he clapped Briggs on the back.
"Damn, it's good to have the wood of the deck under my feet again!"
"Ahem!"
The voice came from the ladder.
Jack grinned, "I seem to have forgotten the anchor and chain!" he winked at Briggs.
"I heard that!" the voice responded from the other side of the gunwale.
Jack leaned over and laughed, "Oy! I meant for you to hear that!"
Briggs could scarcely contain himself. "So...did you find it?"
Jack played innocent. "Find what?"
"You know...what was inside!"
Honour's head popped up by the gunwale. "Do you intend, Jack Wolfe, to set sail with me hanging onto the side for dear life?"
"No, love. Although you would make a fine masthead, I'd hate to have to scrape the waterbugs out of your hair!"
He reached over and took both of her hands.
Honour threw her legs over the gunwale and hopped onto the deck. She gave Briggs a warm smile.
"So nice to see you, Josiah!"
He grinned, "And you, too, Honour!"
She dusted off her clothes and said, "The one thing I really want is a hot bath!"
She headed towards Jack's quarters.
Briggs said quizzically, "Um...isn't your quarters over there?"
She winked at Jack and said, "Aye. That is so true!" And she proceeded towards the great cabin, closing the door behind her.

Briggs whirled towards Jack. "Ah....you....and Honour....are...um....."
Jack lit his pipe. "We've come to a mutual accord, Briggs."
"Meaning.....?"
"She knows where I keep the hot water!"

Briggs raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to tell me?"
"I suppose I shall. We did have unexpected company though. As long as Honour is submerging herself and there are parts of her I don't want you to see, let's go down to her quarters and I'll fill you in on what we found. And who."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Briggs and Jack settled back with a brandy, Jack indulging in the pipeweed he knew Honour hated.
"So...tell me! What did you find?"
Jack emptied the haversack and dumped the scrolls onto the table.
"That's it? THAT'S IT? You risked life and limb for PAPER?"
Jack grinned, "Not really."
He took out one of the statues and set it on the table.
Briggs let out a low whistle. "Jack...any idea what it is?"
Jack put his feet up on the desk and folded his arms across his chest.
"LaFourche was right. That is one of the Kings. The chest was only the Keeper of the Kings. And these--" he sifted his fingers through the scrolls "----may be the answer to the puzzle. The Kings are guarding a secret."

Just then Honour came in, dressed in fresh clothes, her wet hair hanging down her back.
"Please, go on with whatever you were discussing, which I am sure was the treasure. I just came in to get a few things."
She opened her chest drawers, humming a tune. She took a few chemises and a few of her cosmetics, then left the room.
Briggs raised his eyebrow and Jack gave him a grin.
"We're working on our accord."

"Before I tell you the whole story, let me get Duckie. I got bit by a snake and this way I don't have to repeat the story twice and it will be easier...."
"There you are! Davis told me you were back. I was taking stock of the drug inventory."
Jack held out his hand "Just the man I want to see!  Duckie, take a look at this, will you?"
Duckie looked and said, "That's your hand. So what?"
"Any sign of poison of a snakebite?"
"Snakebite! What the hell were you two up to? I would have expected it to be on your rump!"
Jack laughed and said, "Honour once again saved my life. For some reason, she knew which herbs to use to draw the poison out. And as long as I have the medical go-ahead, pour yourself a brandy. I am about ready to tell Briggs the story of the last few days!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"..and that is the whole story."
Duckie poured himself another brandy. "Why am I not surprised by all this? Jack, I swear, you and Puddin' have nine lives. By rights, you should have been dead long ago!"
Briggs shook his head. "Bonita. Thought that witch-woman would still be in Castara. Claiming to be one o' the Ancients."
Jack stood up and put the scrolls into the ship's safe along with the Three Kings. "Funny thing, Josiah, is that I believe her. It's too preposterous not to be true."
He locked the safe and said, "Gentlemen? I declare this meeting over. The cook is having a dinner sent to my quarters. Mrs. Wolfe and I have some discussing to do."
As he left, Briggs turned to Duckie and said, "Don't like the sound of that discussin', Duckie."
Duckie poured another brandy and said, "If they are quiet, you won't have to hear it, Josiah!"

[Welsh Wench]

Jack lit the candles as Honour came out of the dressing area.
"Jack! How lovely!"
She stood there in a dress of emerald green silk, her hair swept up and away from her face.
He found himself staring at her. "I don't know what is more attractive, Honour. You wrapped in silk, all brushed and scented, or in the jungle in a wet, dirty chemise with dirt streaked on your face."
She laughed and said, "Jack, you say the most unusual things. But I guess I'll take that as 'sweet talk' coming from a pirate!"

They each took helpings of the food, making small talk, talking about everything and nothing. And avoiding what seemed to be the question hanging between them.
What do they do now?

Jack poured the merlot.
"We never did discuss what you were doing in Glenlivet, Honour."
"I was heading back to Wales."
"Wales. And what is in Wales?"
"My family."
"I did alot of thinking last night after we...got close. And it all comes down to one thing, Honour. We belong together. There hasn't been a day that went by that I didn't think of you. When I saw you on your hands and knees trying to crawl out of the tavern, I almost couldn't breathe. I believe fate has brought us back together. And who are we to laugh in the face of the goddesses?"
Honour took a sip of her wine and looked down.
"Jack, I don't know. So much has happened. Last night we were caught in a moment."
"A moment. Is that all it was to you? A moment?"
She shook her head. "Of course not. It meant so much more. It was just like the last time we were together. Only better."
Jack took her hand and looked into her eyes. "I want you back. Is there any reason why you can't come back to me?"
She felt her breath stop and she consciously willed it to resume.
"When we made our way back to Bridgetown, after you had been shot, you rejected me. You changed. We both said alot of hurtful things. But Jack, I never meant to hurt you."
"What are you trying to say?"
"That we are not the same people we were eighteen months ago. Alot has changed. And right now, my place is to go to Wales."
"Why?"
"I can't tell you."
Jack's eyes hardened.
"Since when can't you tell me? Lord help me, Honour. I'm your husband! I have been your husband for the last eighteen months. Alright, so we had a bit of a separation. Alot of marriages have rocky spots."
"Rocky spots? Try Gibraltar, Jack. You pulled a gun on me and I had to kick it out of your hand in order to stay alive. A wife doesn't forget a little thing like that. I couldn't trust that it wouldn't happen again. If I didn't leave, then I never would have had..."
She stopped short.
"You never told me where you went that night, Honour. But I found out. A friend of mine who happened to know you from the tavern days told me he saw you coming out of the very same inn where Cade Jennings was staying. No use denying it. Turns out that Cade happened to brag about it to someone and he was overheard."

She shook her head. "I don't expect you to understand. Or even forgive me for the way I left."
"You left without a trace. Not even a note. What was I supposed to think?"
Honour knew from the change in his tone that the Wolfe temper was about to be engaged. She braced herself for it.
"I was confused. I had alot going on just then."
"You mean you had Cade going on just then."
"Leave Cade Jennings out of it."
"I would if I could."
"Cade has nothing to do with my decision to go back to Wales, Jack."
"Then why are you going?"
"I told you. Family."
Jack stood up and slammed his fist on the table.
"You know what I think?"
She stood up and met his anger. "I'm sure you are about to tell me, Jack. You always do."
He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her fiercely, "The plantation you were sent out to purchase had been sold to another person. Someone named R. C. Castlemaine. I tried to find out who this man was but no one ever heard of him. Ten chests of my guilders were missing the day after you disappeared. Cade then purchases a ship. The Gryphon. He then leaves the smuggling operation and I am left picking up the pieces. I think you arranged to meet him, gave him my money to buy his ship and then you two sailed off to Wales together. And I think you still have plans. I heard from the captain of the Scarlet Fox that Cade was due in Genlivet any day. And strange that I should find you there too. What were you doing, keeping the bed warm for him?"
"IT'S NOT TRUE! I had a good reason for that money. And it wasn't for me!"
"Right. It was for Cade. Or was it for one of your other lovers?"
"I can't believe you said that. I should have trusted my first instincts. I should have given you the key right away and kept walking! You haven't changed. You will never change!"
Jack looked at her intensely and said in a measured tone, "Where are the chests of guilders, Honour? WHERE ARE THEY?"
She felt her eyes welling up with tears.
"It is for a little girl."
"WHAT?"
She looked up at him defiantly, "A little girl who is waiting for her mama to come back for her."
Jack's hands dropped off her shoulders and he looked at her bewilderedly.
She could barely whisper, "A little girl named Zara Wolfe."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Jack stared at Honour in disbelief.  He blinked a few times before he finally found his voice.
"Honour, are... are you sure?"
"Yes, Jack, I'm quite certain that what popped out of me wasn't a salamander," she retorted.  "It was a baby.  Your child.  I only wish you had been there to share in the pain!  It was like trying to shove Briggs through a porthole.  Good God, Jack!  Didn't your parents explain any of this to you?!"
"You know what I meant!" he snapped.  "How are you so certain it's mine?"

Hot tears rolled down her cheeks at his insinuation.
"Damn you for asking me that question," she said, unable to disguise the pain his words caused.  "What would you make of her?  She has beautiful bright blue eyes, delicate features, skin the colour of almond butter, and thick, curling brown hair, almost long enough to braid when she was born.  Sound like a couple of people you know?"
Jack searched Honour's eyes as her tears continued to flow, and the sceptical look on his face evaporated.
"I believe you," he said softly.
She gave him a puzzled look.  "Just like that?  You usually want to argue until we're both hoarse."
He shook his head.  "You never cry when you're lying."  He took a napkin from the table and dabbed the tears from her cheeks.  "I suppose she's got your defiant chin, too?"
"And your temper."
"God help us all!" Jack chuckled. 

He leaned against the table and looked at the floor for a moment.
"So that was the family you were going back to see?  Our daughter?" Jack asked as he looked back at Honour.  Her tears had stopped, but her expression was still distressed.  He seemed to be taking the news well, but could she trust that the other shoe wouldn't drop?
She nodded yes.
"Why did you come back here?" he asked.  "It can't be because of a forgotten hairbrush."
"I... I wanted to secure Zara's future.  I felt she would have a better life here in the New World.  That's why I went to Barbados and purchased a plantation," Honour explained nervously, "so she would never have to want for anything, and she could grow up where she was... where it all started."
"You got your plantation after all.  Good.  Does it compare to the one you originally wanted?"
"Almost," she fibbed.  The news about Zara was enough candour for one day.

"And when exactly had you planned to tell me about our child, Honour?"
There it was.  The question she had dreaded the most.  "I was waiting for the right moment--"
"The right moment?!" he echoed incredulously.  "We've been together on this ship four days now, and another two by ourselves in the jungle.  You managed to find a way to talk about anything BUT our daughter!  I could have died from that bloody snake bite and never known I have a child.  Or were you waiting for the death rattle before telling me?  For God's sake, Honour, you could easily have died in the mutiny!  I would have been none the wiser, and there would have been a little girl in Wales who would never know her mummy or daddy!"
"Jack, please, you're not being fair...."
"You never had any intention of telling me until I dragged it out of you.  You were content to disappear again and deny me any knowledge of my flesh and blood, just like you did when you vanished from Barbados and cut me out of your life and hers!"

Honour could scarcely believe what she was hearing.  He had seemed so accepting at first, but now he was resentful and angry.  She could feel her face redden with her own anger.
"Now wait a moment, Jack!  As shocking as this may seem, it's not all about you this time!" she countered.  "I cut you out?  You pushed me away after your little grudge match with Mendoza, remember?  Everything fell apart, and you seemed content to let it!  Then, just when it seemed we could set things to right, you had to run off to Martinique and get your precious journal..."
"That journal just netted us the find of a lifetime!  And who knows what other treasures they left out there?
"You had a treasure right here, Jack.  RIGHT HERE!  But I guess I didn't glitter enough to hold your attention."
"That's not true, Honour," he replied.
"You had a damned strange way of showing it," she said sadly.  "Yes, by the time I left Barbados, I knew I was pregnant.  I had suspicions of it on the crossing from Tobago.  But I couldn't trust you any more, Jack.  I couldn't trust you to be around when I needed you, and I certainly couldn't trust your temper."
"Now you're the one being unfair..."
"Am I?  Jack, if you had fired your pistol that night, you could have killed me and Zara.  Think about it!  How was I supposed to trust you after that?"  She paused and looked at him with saddened eyes.  "I knew then I had to leave, to protect the baby and myself.  I'm sorry, but it's true.  I didn't want to.  But you left me no choice."

A wave of guilt washed over Jack.  She was right, of course, no matter how it stung to acknowledge the fact.  It was clear now what his selfishness had cost him this time.  Not only had he driven away the woman he loved, but he had missed out on the birth of his daughter.  A daughter he never knew he had!  Ever since Honour had mentioned wanting children that sunny day at Castara, he had thought that being a father would feel wonderful.  Now presented the knowledge that he had a child in the world, it felt surreal.  But one thing was certain; this was his last chance.

Honour could tell from the look on his face that he was trying to absorb everything she had said.  Jack's world had been turned upside down, changed forever.  She found herself holding her breath waiting for his response.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

"God, I hate it when you're right," he said sullenly.
"I wanted to tell you so many times, Jack, I swear.  I didn't know how."
"We really should find a middle ground between silence and blurting."
She wasn't sure if he was teasing or not.  Nonetheless, a tiny laugh escaped.  "We do spend too much time either keeping our thoughts to ourselves or saying too much, and all at the wrong times," she agreed.
He gave her a wan smile and shook his head.  "It seems to be what we're best at."  He took a swallow of wine and sighed heavily.  "Where do we go from here, Honour?"

Usually, Jack was an easy man for her to read.  Not this time.  Why wasn't he asking questions about Zara?  Maybe he's still in shock, she thought.  She bit her lip and looked toward the windows.  "You know my place is in Wales now."
Jack's body stiffened and he took a deep breath.  "You're place is in Wales, and by my side.  I want to see my daughter, Honour.  So I'll take you home myself."
"Jack, I..."
"Now, don't waste your breath trying to talk me out of it!" he interrupted.  "I know what you said before about not being able to trust me, and you were right.  But I'm a different man now.  To be honest, I can't bear the thought of having you walk out of my life again.  Even more so now that I know about Zara."
"Jack!"
"I know what you're going to say, and it just won't do!  I love you, Honour.  I need you.  And Zara needs us.  Her mother and father, together.  And that's how we'll be going to Wales.  Together.  So don't go making me kidnap you again.  I'm getting pretty good at it, you know..."
Honour stamped her heel hard on the deck.  "Jack, would you SHUT UP?!  Of course you're going to take me to Wales!  Thanks to you kidnapping me, I've missed my ship!  It's only reasonable that you provide me the transportation I need as compensation.  Besides, this ship is half mine."  She put her fists on her hips and gave him an exasperated look.  "Did you really think I wasn't going to let you see your daughter after telling you about her?"

Jack looked back at her incredulously.  "I... you... what?"
"I said, I want you to take me back to Wales so we can fetch our little girl.  Weren't you listening?"
"But, you were just saying you didn't feel you could trust me."
She sighed and shook her head.  "And as you said, you're a different man now.  I could see it in your eyes the night of the mutiny when you showed compassion for Eli, and so many more times whilst we were in the jungle."  A tender smile came to her lips.  "Deep down, you've changed.  For the better."
He continued to look at her as a broad smile broke out on his face.  "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Yes, Jack.  I'm serious."
"Then why the hell did you let me go on like that and make a fool of myself?!"
Honour laughed gently.  "I tried to stop you, but you were on a roll.  Besides, it was adorable watching you try to be all noble."

He went back to his chair and sat heavily, and drained his glass of wine.
"Dear Lord... a baby girl?  You're sure about that?  I mean, they dress babies up so that you can't tell what the devil they are.  Boy, girl, ferret- it's tough to say some times."
"Yes, Jack.  I checked, more than once.  No stem on the apple," she said with a wink.
"There's a cruel twist of fate, don't you think?" he asked as he refilled their glasses.
"How so?"
"Jack Wolfe, the father of a little girl?"  Suddenly, his eyes went wide in horror.  "Oh, no..."
Honour held her breath.  "What's wrong?  Don't tell me you're having second thoughts."  She took a sip of wine to ready her nerves.
"No, no, not that," he said quietly.  Turning to her with a look of worry and concern, he explained, "Honour, I'm going to have to protect her from... men like ME!"
She was barely able to swallow her wine before dissolving into laughter.  "You've got a few years before you have to worry about that!"

After a few moments, she cocked her head and gave her husband a puzzled look.
"Are you all right?  I know this is a lot for you to take in, but I can't remember ever seeing you quite like this."
"Am I all right?" he chuckled.  "I'm overjoyed and terrified, all at the same time.  Even more than when I realised we were married.  I mean, I had no idea you might be... you know..."
"Pregnant?  It's all right to say the word, Jack.  We are married after all.  I wasn't certain myself until you left for Martinique.  There was no way for you to tell as I was only a month along."
"A month?  That means--"
"Yes.  Zara came into being on our wedding night.  Or very soon after.  There were lots of opportunities," she said with a slight blush.
Jack's smiled wistfully.  "From the way you described her, she's beautiful."
"She is," Honour smiled proudly.  "Positively the most beautiful baby ever born.  And very much your daughter.  Every time she got upset, it reminded me of you.  She's got your lungs."
"A hallmark of the Wolfe line," he pronounced with mock braggadocio.  "We're not always right, but we are always LOUD!"

They enjoyed a hearty laugh together, and Honour lifted her glass.
"To our daughter, Zara.  Congratulations, Captain Wolfe.  It's a girl!"
"Another jewel in the family fortune, Mrs. Wolfe!" he replied.
"Ah!  Just a moment, Jack," she scolded.  "She's your child, not some pretty bit of swag in your collection."
Jack nodded and clinked glasses with her.  "I stand corrected, my love.  But I do have one question."
"And what's that?"
"What do you mean, half your ship?"

[Welsh Wench]

"What was it like, Honour?"
"What?"
"Having a baby. I mean, I wasn't there for the grand event.  Hell, I wasn't there for any of it."
She took another sip of her wine.
"It wasn't a picnic, Jack."
He nodded.
She continued, "It was a pain and scary and wonderful and a joy."
"It was really that bad?"
"It was like a mongoose trying to get out of a haversack! Without untying the sack."
"I wish I had been there for you."
"It's probably better you weren't."
"Why not?"
"Because I am sure the whole countryside of Wales heard me scream that your parents weren't married!"
He chuckled. "That bad?"
"That bad."
"What day was she born?"
"March 1st. During one of those dark, stormy nights. I swear, the loudest clap of thunder and the biggest flash of lightning occured just as she made her debut."
"Did it take a long time?"
"The usual nine months."
"Honour, I am not that dense. I mean, did it take long to kick her out?"
Honour poured herself another glass of wine.
"I would say the better part of a day."
"That long?"
"Jack, the better part of the day BEFORE. Your daughter didn't want to be born on a leap year day so she held on tightly. Poor Megan was beside herself."
"Megan? That was the midwife?"
"No, Nesta was the midwife. She birthed me. And my sister. Megan is my sister. She's five years older than me. She's married to Daffyd.  A fine man and I like him very much. He and Megan were very good to me."
"So you went to stay with Megan?"
"I suppose I owe you the whole story on the last eighteen months, don't I?"
Jack opened a fresh bottle of wine. "I think you owe me that much."
She sighed, "I guess it is the least I could do."

"Jack, I want you to consider the frame of mind I was in. We had the encounter with The Mercedes. You had turned aside from me and when we were in port, you practically left me on my own. I know you don't want to hear this, but Cade Jennings watched out for me."
Jack's jaw set and his hand gripped his wineglass so tightly Honour was afraid it would break. She gently touched his hand.
"If we are to make a fresh start, Jack, I need to be completely honest with you."
He nodded, "As much as I don't want to hear it, let's get this part over with."
She cast her eyes down.
"You accused me of being unfaithful to you and in your drunken state, you pulled the gun on me. Thankfully you were so drunk and unsteady that I was able to kick it out of your hand. You don't really remember it all, do you?"
"Just bits and pieces. I remember being furious and then I must have blacked it out. I woke up on the floor with a throbbing headache and the recollection came back in bits and pieces. Honour, I'm so ashamed of what I did."
She nodded. "We both have things we are ashamed of. You accused me of adultery with Cade. You were wrong."
"Thank God."
"Don't thank him yet, Jack. By the next morning, your accusations became true. I ran to Cade and he took me in that night. I fully intended to get lodging there or sleep in the great room. But the inn was full and a ship came in with hungry sailors. So....I stayed."
Jack said softly, "Did you love Cade, Honour?"
She felt her eyes fill with tears. "I--I don't know, Jack. I may have at that time."
"Did you see him afterwards?"
She nodded slowly. "I saw him three or four times."
"When was the last time?"
She said nothing but looked down. Her face was blushed.
Jack said quietly, "I repeat, when was the last time?"
She looked up at him with despair. "He was in my bed when you kidnapped me."
Jack's face registered shock.
"That bastard was in port? I was so close to him after all this time?"
She wiped the tears off her face. "Jack, if we are to make a new start, I want you to know that I don't intend to see Cade again. Ever again."
Jack's mouth was a grim line. "I do. Once more."
She took his hand and said softly, "For me, let it go. For God's sake, Jack...let it go."

Jack shook his head. "There is a code of honour among men, Honour.  You leave your best friend's wife alone. "
"Then do it for Zara. Do it for your daughter, Jack.  Be the better man for your daughter."
He gave her wry smile and said, "Achilles heel, my dear. Achilles heel. And that isn't playing fair."

She let out a shuddering sigh. With shaking hands, she poured more wine. It flowed warmly through her, giving her the courage she needed.
"So. That was when you decided to leave me. Was it for Cade?"
She shook her head. "Cade was a minor player in this, Jack.  I couldn't trust that you wouldn't kill me if you did find out. So I did what I do best."
"And what is that?"
"I ran."

"You went to Wales. How did you get there?"
"I booked passage as soon as you left."
"With whom?"
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jack. On pain of death I promised this individual I would never reveal his name. But he was respectful and didn't lay a hand on me. And he didn't know I was pregnant. If he did, he probably would have made me stay in Bridgetown and made me work it out with you."
"He's that noble?"
"He's that noble. He made sure I got to a transfer spot and then booked passage for me to Wales."
"Where you went with Megan."
"I told her the entire story and I stayed with her."
"One question, Honour. Where is our child now?"

"I left her with Megan and Daffyd. She is as safe as can be there. Megan has two children of her own.  And they are well to do so Megan has servants to help her."
Jack ran his finger along the rim of his wine glass. Quietly, he said, "I have missed so much, Honour. I missed her first smile. Her first laugh. Her first tooth. Her first step. I wish I could blame it all on you. But I can't.  It was my foolishness and my pride that drove you away. "
She felt her eyes fill again. "So you forgive me for Cade?"
Jack shook his head. "I wouldn't go that far...yet. "
She said softly, "Jack Wolfe, can you honestly tell me you have kept celibate in the last eighteen months?"
He laughed, "Touche, my dear. Touche."

"Is there any story you can give me to hold on to, Honour? Something to make Zara a bit more real to me? Because as of right now, she is just a name and a notion. A beautiful notion, but I'd like a bit more."
Honour smiled in remembrance. "She has a habit of when she rolls over, she takes the entire blanket with her."
"Like her mother."
"I do not! Oh, and her laugh is something to hear! I can't really describe it.  But to me, it is a laugh of sheer joy. She is truly a child in love with life. She chews on her fist when she is teething and I can tell when she is sleepy because she twists her hair around her finger."
"Again, like her mother. "
"What?"
"You're doing it now."
Honour stopped in mid-twirl.
She laughed, "I guess I do."
"Are you tired?"
"I guess so. The whole day is catching up to me."
"Well, at least you didn't have the news you have a child dumped on you from out of the blue."
"No. I'm sorry, Jack. I intended to tell you when we got back to the ship and there was a peaceful minute. I--I wanted to do it right."
"Honour, there WAS no right way. I'm sure in the next few weeks, bits and pieces will surface. And by the time we get to Wales, I will know so much about my daughter that it will be like I already met her."
Honour's face glowed. "I can just picture her reaching out and tweaking your nose."
Jack rose and held his hand out to her. "You have had a long day, love. Shall we?"
"Shall we....what?"
"WhatEVER!"
Honour laughed. "That's my line."

[Welsh Wench]

"So what do you make of it, Josiah?"
Briggs leaned over the gunwale, his pipe sending curls of smoke in the air.
"Make of what?"
"The missus. Think she is here to stay?"
"For the moment. Until those two get to bickering and squabbling. Then it is anyone's guess."
"How long you give it?"
Briggs shrugged. "Can't rightly say. It's anyone's guess as to what Mad Jack has planned now. Me, I'm looking to do a fair bit o' pyracy. You don't use it, you lose it. I'd hate to see mildew get on that flag of ours."
Davis took out his flask. "Maybe he will set her up in a house in Bridgetown and visit her when he is in port. He'd at least save some money."
Briggs looked over at the closed door of the captain's quarters. "Don't let him hear you say that. Honour may be many things but she's no doxy. You weren't around when he married her. He changed."
"How so?"
"He was....happy. Like a part of him was where it should be. It was as if that part died after she was gone. Jack had gone into a few taverns to see what information he could pick up on Cade Jennings or Honour Bright. Duckie and I were in a tavern--think it was Aruba--and we got rip-roarin' drunk. We got to talkin' about the way Honour did Jack.
Duckie said only one other woman did Jack that way. What was her name?---Rhonda? Rose? Rose!--that was it. I asked Duckie who she was but then Duckie passed out and I had to half-drag his arse to the ship.
Next day I asked him about it and he denied it.  Said he never said anything of the sort. I let it go. Figured it was Jack's business and it was before we made acquaintance. But still..."
"Still waters run deep?"
"NO! I was going to say that still after that, Jack Wolfe fell for a piece of fluff named Honour Bright. 'Cept one thing."
"What is that?"
"Honour is no piece of fluff. There in that captain's cabin perhaps lies the one woman who if she had breeches and what goes in them could very well rival Jack Wolfe. She can't tame him. But she taught him."
"Taught him what?"
"To feel again. He was happiest when he was with her. And there's one thing."
"That is..?"
"I don't think Jack can stand the heartache of losing her again. One thing that I AM grateful for."
"What's that, Josiah?"
"The two of them never had a wee bairn."
"May keep her on land with the homefire burning."
"Aye but there may be one other thing."
"What?"
Briggs took a deep draw on his pipe and then tapped it on the gunwale. The ash flew up and landed on the whitecaps.
"Pray we don't end up putting a cradle on the crows nest!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Briggs lit his pipe and watched as a pair of playful dolphins frolicked in the ship's wake with the morning sun glistening off their sleek bodies.  The sound of boots on the deck behind him made him turn to find Jack wearing a positively blissful grin.
"Good morning, Josiah!   And how are we this fine morning?"
Briggs cocked an eyebrow.  "We are doin' fine.  You look like ye're over the moon.  I take it that since we didn't see hide nor hair of ye or the missus last night, your discussion went well?"
"Better than well," replied Jack.  "We cleared the air about a great many things.  And we arrived at some important decisions."
"One of which bein' that she's stayin' on, yeah?"
Jack's grin got bigger, if that was possible.  "It's that obvious?"
"If she weren't, I'd have heard ye before I seen ye.  We all would have.  A man like you don't pine for a woman like her and take rejection easy."
"I do wish you'd learn to speak your mind, Josiah.  Being cryptic doesn't suit you.  I know you don't care for her."
Briggs chuckled and leaned on the gunwale.  "I like Honour just fine, Jack.  She's a fine woman, and I know she makes ye happy.  But I'll admit I like her best when she ain't got ye all turned around and inside out."  He sighed and looked thoughtfully at his pipe before poking it back in his mouth.  "I sure hope ye know what ye're doin'."
"You think she'll run off again, don't you?"
"Don't matter much what I think.  There ain't a hope of swayin' ye with sense and facts on this one, I can tell."

Jack leaned on the gunwale beside his friend.  "I realise now she had every reason to leave, and I was the one who gave her those reasons.  But it turns out that there is one very important reason to put all that behind us."
Briggs rolled his eyes.  "Let me guess.  True love?"
"All right, make that two reasons," Jack laughed.  He turned to look at the quartermaster.  "Josiah, I have a child."
Briggs' mouth dropped open when Jack delivered the happy news, and his pipe went tumbling into the sea.  Immediately he began choking on the smoke he'd inhaled.
"Hang me for a lubberly Dutchman!" he gasped.  Dropping his voice to a quiet rasp, he asked, "How is that good?  I mean, what if Honour finds out?!"
Jack screwed his eyes shut in exasperation.  "Josiah, the child IS mine and Honour's!"
Briggs lurched over to the binnacle and retrieved the bottle of rum.  He took three or four full swallows before looking back at Jack.
"Tell me ye're havin' me on!"
Jack shook his head.  "I'm not.  Believe me, I was surprised too.  But it's wonderful, Josiah!  Honour says she's a beautiful little girl..."
The bottle was back at Briggs' lips, and he downed a few more swallows.
"Honestly, Josiah.  I thought you'd be happy for us," said Jack, clearly becoming annoyed at Briggs' carrying on.
"Just tryin' to get used to the idea of you bein' a pappy," answered Briggs.  "Of a girl?  That one I can't say as I'll ever get used to."  He started to bring the bottle up again when Jack snatched it out of his hand, corked it, and put it back in the binnacle with a slam.

Still wearing an incredulous look on his face, Briggs asked, "I guess we'll be makin' for Barbados after we fetch her things in Glenlivet, then?"
"Actually, we have another stop before we make anchor at Bridgetown again."
"Where?  Martinique?  St. Kitts?"
Jack shook his head.  "Further north."
"Anguilla?  We had us a hell of a good time there..."
"Wales."
Briggs' eyes grew wide, and he went for the binnacle again.  The sound of Jack clearing his throat stopped him cold.
"Why the devil are we goin' there of all places?!" he fumed.
"To fetch little Zara, and bring her back to Barbados.  Honour's sister is taking care of her until we arrive."  Jack looked out over the ocean.  "I can hardly believe, Josiah.  I'm a father!  A family man!"
Briggs turned his attention to the men on the deck below them.
"'Zara'.  Honour picked a right pretty name for the wee one.  Aye, that ye have a family now a fine thing, I suppose," he said solemnly as he reached for his pipe, then remembered it was well on its way to the Locker.  "But what plans have ye for this family, Jack?  Your crew?  Given them any thought?  With Honour aboard, I know there'll be not a bit of piratin'.  With a baby to boot?"  He turned and looked at his friend.  "Your days on the Account are over, aren't they?"

Jack gave a heavy sigh.  "When we make port in Glenlivet, we'll give the men a choice of staying on as salaried crew, or they may part company with some extra coins in their pocket.  I know many of them have no desire to venture anywhere near the Commonwealth again.  And many don't dare."
"Ye know ye'll be lucky to keep half of 'em.  A fair number of skilled men are goin' to walk off this ship and ne'er look back," warned Briggs.
"I know, Josiah.  But this is how it has to be.  Honour has been in enough danger because of me.  No more.  I'll move heaven and earth to keep her and Zara safe."
"Is that offer bein' extended to the entire crew, as per the Articles?"
"Of course it-- Josiah, no.  Please don't do this."
The quartermaster gave his captain a weary look.  "You're lookin' out for what's right by you, Jack.  I hope ye don't expect me to do different.  You're the master of this ship, and thy will be done.  But as a man I admire greatly once said, I need to know my options."
He paused for a moment, but Jack was too stunned to speak.  Over the years, Briggs had followed his friend's wild hunches and crazy schemes with little question.  This time he wasn't so sure he could go along.  Change was one thing Briggs did not take well.  What Jack had told him amounted to a new way of life. 
After several long, uncomfortable moments, he quietly said, "I'll be with the men should ye need me.  Don't ye worry none.  I won't say a word about your plans until we're in port and safely docked.  One mutiny this week is enough."
With that, Briggs left the quarterdeck and began inspecting the work of the crew as they went about their duties. 

The words of his long time friend and confidant left Jack stinging.  He had always been able to rely on Briggs' full support, however reluctantly given.  What he never anticipated was outright opposition.  The ship's articles were clear on the matter.  When in port, any man may leave the ship to seek his own fortunes once any outstanding debts to the Company were settled.  Usually that was sufficient to keep the average tar aboard.  Sailors were notorious for being perpetually broke and in debt.  Jack's plan was to soften the surprise change in plans by offering a small quantity of gold to any man who chose to leave.  That would make the squaring of debts easier for everyone.  While he wanted to keep as many experienced men as possible, those who stayed reluctantly were of little use to him.  Jack needed a crew he could trust, as much as anyone could trust a collection of pirates.  He was gambling his family's future on his ability to inspire loyalty in cutthroats and criminals.  Once again, what Jack called a plan would be called insanity by anyone else.

Jack could see Briggs' point of view, however reluctantly.  While it was a personal decision for him, it affected the lives of everyone aboard.  But Jack's concern wasn't about maintaining the cohesive crew of a pirate ship.  His focus was getting himself and his bride to Wales as swiftly as possible.  Nothing would sway him from that goal.  There was far too much at stake.

He did his best to shake off Briggs' chilly reaction to the news about Zara.  There was one person who he was certain would be happy for him and Honour.

[Welsh Wench]

Honour stretched out in the bed in the captain's quarters, the sunlight streaming through the blinds. She woke up with a smile on her face. Tenderly she reached over to hug the pillow next to her, a feeling of contentment coming over her. Contentment? More like a feeling she was finally home after a long journey.

Jack had covered her with the comforter before he left to tend to business. The night had been a long one, filled with accusations and declarations, confessions and confirmations. She was relieved to finally tell Jack about Zara. It was as if a burden had been lifted from her. She smiled as she remembered the look of pride on Jack's face. And the abject terror when he realized the child was of the feminine persuasion.

Honour was anxious to get back to Beaumaris. She had been away from Zara for six weeks now and every week brought about a change in her little girl that Honour could never get back. When Honour left Wales to arrange for the relocation to the plantation, Zara was just starting to pull herself up on the furniture. She smiled as she thought of her tiny daughter with the dark curls and delicate features.  And the set of lung she inherited from her father and her willful ways from her mother.
'Jack, I hope you are up to the challenge of dealing with a little girl.'
But Honour knew that even before he had seen her, Zara would twist him around her little finger.

Honour crawled out of bed and wrapped a dressing gown around her. It was the sky blue silk she had left on the ship when they had crossed from Tobago. Fortunately she had left quite a few clothes on the ship. She crossed over to the chest of drawers and looked through the drawers for a change of clothes and there she saw it.
A black velvet drawstring bag.
And a gold ring.

She took it out very carefully and looked inside. It was a band of gold inscribed with a promise.

WAIT FOR ME

A dozen thoughts and a half a dozen conflicting emotions surged through her. She inexplicably teared up as she remembered the day she was given it.
A brisk autumn day in a cave in Beaumaris.
It was the ring that Rhys Morgan had given her before he left with the promise he would return in six months' time and marry her.
But one factor worked against them.
Mother Superior had her spies.

She thought back to the day that Mother Superior called her into her study. There was no reasoning. She was to be sent home. What was the phrase Mother Superior had used?
Oh yes....'pleasures of the flesh'.
Honour was sent packing the very next day.

She held the ring close to her heart as a tear trickled down her face. In her mind's eye she saw Rhys as vibrant and alive as he had been in all the times she had known him. Her mind drifted back to the first time she saw him.
She had taken a skiff that was beached by the cliffs. She rowed it out to look at a ship that was docked a ways out in the bay. A seagull had swooped down on her and as she screamed and batted it away, Muir decided to leap after it.
Rhys was the one to fish her out of the water.

Six years later, Rhys Morgan had shown up in her life again, as a pirate captain in his own right.
The Neptune Rising had become his.
And so had a girl named Rhiannon Conaway.

She slipped the ring on her finger. It still fit.
'Was it really that long ago that I last saw Rhys Morgan?' she wondered.
Four years.
He reentered her life when she was seventeen. But there were the...complications.
And Rhys paid for it with his life.

Honour hastily wiped the tears from her face.  She took a shuddering breath. The guilt would always be there.  But if not for the turn of events that had followed, she never would have met Jack.
And Zara would never have come into existence.
Softly she whispered, 'I'll never forget your, Rhys. Or your love. But it is time I moved on. I have a man who loves me and a daughter born of that love.'
She felt the tears well up again and she pushed the feelings down like she had done for the past four years.
Once and for all times.

'Good-bye Rhys. I do love you. But my life is with Jack and Zara now.'
She looked at the ring one last time and put it back in the velvet bag, pushing it to the back of the drawer.

She washed her face and brushed her hair, changing her clothes, heading up to the deck to greet another day.
And the man who was her life now.

Briggs was directing the men on deck.
"Good morning, Josiah. Where is Jack?"
Briggs jerked his thumb towards the infirmary.
"In there with Duckie."
He barely said anything else.
Honour took a deep breath and said, quietly, "He told you, didn't he?"
Briggs nodded. "That he did. Told me the plans to go to Wales. And when we make port in Glenlivet, any crew member who didn't want to go was free to leave the Company."
"Josiah, I don't want to disturb any arrangements that Jack may have made with any of you.  I know that you and Jack have been friends for years."
"If you were expecting a wee one, why didn't you have the good sense to stay and hash it out with Jack? Didn't he have the right to know and be there for the birthing?"
She looked down. "I wasn't thinking clearly, Josiah.  And lest you think I am a thief, I still have nine and a half chests of the guilders. I only took them to secure the baby's future."
"And what of the land you were supposed to buy?"
"I did use the money that Jack had given me to buy a plantation."
"In whose name? Certainly not that of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wolfe. He did a title search, you know."
She hedged a bit. "I put it in a name that made it safe and secure for Zara."
Josiah shook his head.
"Honour, I delivered the news to Jack when you weren't there to come home to.  The man had his guts torn out of him. I don't think I could stand to see him hurt like that again."
She nodded solemnly. "I can't say I blame you, Josiah. But I was young and afraid. I never had a baby before and with things the way they had been between Jack and me, I had no way of knowing how he would react. I couldn't afford to be deserted."
Josiah grew indignant. "When have you ever known Jack Wolfe to not be a man of his word?"
"Josiah, I am telling you something I never told anyone before. Not even Jack. But I took a risk going back to Wales. Things....had happened there in another lifetime. Please don't ask as I won't say. But I needed my family. Good Lord, you didn't want me to have a baby on a pirate ship, did you? So I did what was best. I see now how wrong I was. And I'll spend a lifetime making it up to Jack."
"And how do you plan on doing that?"
"By not making him sorry he married me."
"So far, so good, Honour. "
"And one other thing I need to do and I need to do it tonight."
"You aren't going to tell him you have another kid stashed somewhere, are you?"
She shook her head.
"No. I need to tell him one thing."
"And that would be?"
"That I love him."