49 - Boarding the Ship

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The air in the dimly lit tavern was thick with the scent of spilled rum and sweat. Jack Sparrow stood frozen, his usual swagger replaced by a rare moment of unease. Wes's piercing gaze bore into him, and for the first time in a long while, Jack felt like prey caught in the sights of a predator. His hand instinctively flew to his chest, where the compass—his most prized possession—rested against his heart. It wasn't just a tool for navigation; it was the key to his destiny, his freedom, and his survival.

[Damn it, this wizard knows about the compass,] Jack thought, his mind racing like a ship caught in a storm. He needed a plan, a way out, but the gap between him and Wesa felt as vast and insurmountable as the ocean itself.

"Captain Sparrow?" Wes's voice cut through the tension like a blade, calm yet commanding.

Jack's heart pounded in his chest, but he forced a charming smile onto his face, as natural as the waves lapping against a ship's hull. "Of course, it's my honor to serve a wizard," he said with a theatrical bow, though his eyes gleamed with cunning. He wasn't one to surrender easily, but for now, he'd play along.

"Wise choice," Wes replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He knew Jack Sparrow was no fool, but cooperation—even reluctant cooperation—was a start. "Come with me, both of you."

"Both?" Jack feigned confusion, his brow furrowing as he glanced at Angelica. "Who else?"

"Don't play games, Captain Sparrow," Wes said, his voice steady. With a flick of his finger, two glowing orbs of light shot forth, embedding themselves into Jack and Angelica's chests.

"What in the devil is this?!" Jack exclaimed, frantically patting at his chest as if trying to swat away a swarm of bees. The light orb was invisible to the touch, yet he could feel its presence—a cold, foreign weight settling deep within him.

Angelica's face paled, her usual composure cracking under the weight of fear. She had heard tales of witchcraft, of curses that could twist a person's soul. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "What have you done to us?"

"Consider it… insurance," Wes said, his tone as calm as the still waters of a lagoon. "You're pirates, after all. Cunning, deceitful, and not to be trusted. I can't have you running off at the first opportunity."

Jack's wounded expression was almost convincing. "Such mistrust wounds me, truly. We're partners now, aren't we?"

Wes's gaze didn't waver. "Try to betray me, and you'll find out just how unpleasant the consequences can be."

With that, he turned and strode out of the tavern, leaving Jack and Angelica to exchange uneasy glances before reluctantly following.

The streets of the port town were alive with chaos. Soldiers patrolled every corner, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of the infamous Jack Sparrow. Wanted posters bearing his smirking face were plastered on every wall, and the air was thick with tension.

Jack kept his head low, his heart racing as he braced for the inevitable shout of recognition. But to his astonishment, the soldiers and townsfolk alike seemed to look right through him, as if he were nothing more than a ghost.

[Magic,] Jack realized, a mix of awe and jealousy bubbling within him. [This wizard's power is no joke.]

Angelica leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even my father never wielded magic like this."

Jack's mind was already spinning with possibilities. [Play along for now, find a way to break free later. But first, I need to figure out what he's done to us.]

As they reached the docks, the salty tang of the sea filled the air. A handful of pirate ships lay anchored, their hulls weathered by time and battle. These once-proud vessels now sat abandoned, their glory days long past.

"Which one's the best?" Wes asked, his gaze sweeping over the ships.

Jack blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"The ship. Which one is the fastest, the strongest?"

Jack's eyes lit up as he pointed to a sleek vessel in the middle. "That one, no question. Sixteen 18-pound cannons, a streamlined hull—she's a beauty."

But before he could finish his sales pitch, Wes was already boarding the ship. Jack and Angelica exchanged a look before hurrying after him.

The pirates left aboard the ship were quick to react, drawing their swords and charging at the intruders with a roar. But Wesa didn't so much as flinch. With a casual wave of his hand, an invisible force swept through the air, sending the pirates tumbling overboard like ragdolls.

Jack stared, his jaw hanging open. "Mr. Wizard, you've got a real talent for piracy."

Angelica, however, looked more alarmed than impressed. "He's more dangerous than I thought."

By the time Jack and Angelica boarded, Wesa had already cleared the deck. The ship was theirs.

"At least leave a few hands behind," Jack grumbled, inspecting the ship. "We can't sail this thing with just the three of us."

Wes ignored him, snapping his fingers. The sails unfurled on their own, the anchor lifted, and the ship began to glide away from the dock as if guided by an unseen hand.

Jack's eyes widened in amazement. "Now that's a trick I wouldn't mind learning."

"Captain Sparrow," Wes said, his voice cutting through Jack's thoughts. "Take the helm."

Jack's grin returned as he stepped up to the wheel, his hands resting on the smooth wood. "Aye, aye, Mr. Wizard."

The ship cut through the waves, the wind filling the sails as they left the port behind. Jack closed his eyes, savoring the feel of the sea breeze on his face. For a moment, it almost felt like freedom.

[Almost,] he thought, glancing at Wes. [But not quite.]

"How does it feel to be back at sea?" Wes asked, his tone almost conversational.

"Like coming home," Jack replied, though his mind was already plotting. [First chance I get, I'm out of here.]

"Good. Then let's make for Whitecap Bay."

Jack hesitated. "Ah, about that. The ship's a bit… empty. No food, no water, no rum. And we're short on crew. My suggestion? Find a port, stock up, maybe recruit a few hands."

Wes raised an eyebrow. "No need."

With another snap of his fingers, a figure materialized on the deck—a man made of sand, his form shifting and shimmering in the sunlight.

Angelica drew her sword, her eyes wide with terror. "What in the name of the sea is that?!"

Jack stared, his usual bravado faltering. "Well, that's… new."

Wesa's lips curved into a faint smile. "Meet Zandi. He'll handle the crew."

Jack Sparrow and Angelica exchanged a look, their unease growing. This wizard was full of surprises—and none of them good.