Drabble: 'O Fortuna' (Barbossa, Jack)

[dwgm]

The drabble challenge theme this week at blackpearlsails is 'Fortune'. Here's 150 words of pre-CotBP Barbossa and Jack, with thanks to hereswith for editing (twice!) and suggestions.



~ O Fortuna ~

“Stay a moment, lad. Here’s a parting gift for ye.”

Jack, who had barely resigned himself to the plank -- though it did seem to offer more hope than the thicket of swords behind him -- reluctantly turned to face his tormentor once more. “And what’s that?”

“Pistol.” Barbossa waved it about with a smirk. “And a single shot. Yer a good man, Jack, and that’s a hard death. Least I can do is ease yer suffering – provided the sharks don’t get ye on the way in.”

Barbossa’s expression was scornful enough, but there was something at the back of his eyes that looked too much like pity. Jack’s fear, intensified by the sight of the proffered weapon, drowned in a wave of fury. “Fortes Fortuna adiuvat,” he snapped. Fortune aids the brave.

But Barbossa chuckled. “Nay, lad. Fortuna caeca est!* Really thought ye’d learned that before, at Beckett’s hands.”

~.~


* Fortune is blind

Comments

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Marooning was no doubt a slow, and ultimately horrible way to die. It was pure luck that the island had a cache of rum, and that the rumrunners came in time.

I like that Barbossa might have had some pity

They might have had a love/hate relationship, but Barbossa is ruthless in pursuit of his goals. Jack always goes for a win-win scenario, if possible, but Barbossa's end, and Beckett's, speak of lines crossed and judgements passed.

I'm glad you found this interesting!