Shay POV

I'm still filled with rage as I travel through the frontier. I arrived in Boston this morning, only to be told by Charles that Master Kenway is dead. Murdered. By his own son, no less. I will kill him for that. I've always considered Master Kenway— Haytham one of my closest friends. It really hurt me finding out he is dead.

I shiver as I trudge through the snow. I wish I had thought to get a horse, not only is it freezing out here, but this snow is slowing me down. I'm still determined to find that damn boy and do what Haytham should have in the first place.

I stop in my tracks, seeing a man lunge from a bush and kill a deer. He mumbles in a language I assume is Native, then skins the animal. I almost pay the man no mind until I notice his clothes. He wears the standard Assassin uniform, and when I catch a glimpse of his face I realize this is the man I came to America for. I hide behind a tree, so he doesn't see me. Once he picks up the parts he wishes to salvage, he climbs a tree and takes off in the opposite direction of me. I follow.

I'm careful to keep my distance. He is a Master Assassin after all. I must admit though, I think I need to worry more about keeping up than keeping my distance. The boy is fast, that's for sure. After several minutes, Connor jumps out of the trees and rolls on the ground. I look down to see who the young native is meeting with.

"About time, how long does it take to kill one deer?" Haytham says, and my jaw drops. He lives?

"Oh, I am so sorry. I cannot just run out and shoot one, you know. I had to find one, then kill it without damaging the pelt. It will be of use later," Connor says, pulling out the meat he collected.

"You were gone forever." Connor rolls his eyes and begins cooking.

"Maybe I just didn't want to come back and listen to you complain. Besides, you should be grateful I'm not making you get your own food."

Haytham shuts up at that. Connor smirks, seemingly satisfied to have won the argument. They sit in silence the next several minutes, and I can't help but wonder why the hell they're here together. In fact, I'm still shocked the Grand Master is even alive. I was sure he had been murdered by none other than this brat he's with now. It doesn't make sense.

"How far are we from Boston?" Haytham asks.

"Since I'm guessing you don't wish to travel by night, then if we get a good start in the morning we can be there by noon," Connor says, looking around as if to assess the area.

"Do you often travel by night?"

"I prefer to. There are less soldiers, and the wolves are more active."

"Why are either of those a good thing?"

"Well, the soldiers don't like me much. And I enjoy hunting wolves."

"Ah, I see."

I frown as Haytham tries to hide his shivering. The poor man is going to get pneumonia, yet he will never complain about the cold. Instead, he simply pulls his legs closer to his body and rubs his hands together. Connor glances at him for a moment and frowns, then hands him some meat.

"Are you cold?" he asks.

"Is it that obvious?" Haytham replies.

"You're shivering."

"Yes, son. It is rather cold." Connor stands up and begins to walk away.

"I will be right back."

"Where are you going? It's getting dark out."

"I'm sure you'll be fine if there are wolves, I'm going to get you something to help you warm up."

"I'm still injured, you know."

"Quit trying to act helpless." With that, Connor climbs a tree and takes off. I consider following, but I'm sure he'll return. Besides, I won't pretend that I can keep up easily. So instead of tailing him, I jump down from the tree. I land behind Haytham, who doesn't turn.

"Back so soon?" he asks.

"It's not who you think," I say. Haytham turns and looks over his shoulder at me. He doesn't look surprised to see me, though I think surprise isn't something he experiences.

"Shay? What brings you?"

"I thought you were dead! Everyone thinks so! And I come to avenge you, only to find you here with the enemy! I think you're the one with explaining to do." He sighs, facing the fire again.

"Well, I am not dead. Surprise."

"Haytham."

"Fine, so I almost did die. But come on, when no one found a body, someone should have asked questions. Anyway, Connor and I fought, and he did stab me. But then he rushed me back to the homestead's doctor and had me tended to. We're only just returning to Boston."

"Why did he spare you? And since he destroyed the Templars, why are you still with him? Why is he breathing?"

"Connor and I… have a very complicated relationship. Besides, you think I could make it back to Boston in my condition?"

"Hey Father, I killed a bear for you. It's still warm, so if you wear it around your shoulders it should warm you up," Connor says as he approaches, carrying said bear skin. "Who's this?" he asks as he hands it to Haytham. Haytham wraps it around himself.

"I'm here to kill you," I say, unsheathing my sword.

"Shay! No!" Haytham says.

"I can get you to Boston fine, you don't need him." Connor's hand hovers over his tomahawk, though he doesn't draw it.

"I know, that's not it." I look at Haytham.

"You actually care about him, don't you?" Haytham looks at Connor for several moments.

"Yes."

"I don't believe this."

"Father, who is he?" Connor asks.

"He's a Templar," Haytham says simply.

"So he wants to kill me because I'm an Assassin."

"Or because you destroyed the Templars. I thought I was avenging Haytham too, but I suppose not."

"I didn't destroy the Templars." I roll my eyes.

"Haytham, why can't I kill this brat?"

"Because I am your superior and I command you not to bring him any harm. Put your sword away," Haytham says. I clench my jaw but obey.

"But why?"

"He is my son, and as silly as it may seem I do feel sentiment toward him."

"I don't like this."

"You wouldn't understand, Shay."

"Clearly! Just because he's your son doesn't excuse away the fact that he destroyed your life's work!"

"I… we're actually going to make a truce. We already agreed on it."

"How do the Assassin feel about this?"

"Well, I sent word, but I don't know how many know. Either way, they'll not oppose my choice," Connor says.

"And what makes you think a truce is possible?"

"You of all people should know that the Assassins and Templars aren't so different," Haytham says.

"But different in the ways that count."

"Honestly Shay, I think it will be beneficial. We'll balance each other out."

"I don't understand where this sudden change of heart came from."

"Oh trust me, there was nothing sudden about it. But with that said, I'm exhausted. I'm going to get some rest, and both of you had better be alive when I wake up."

"Yes, sir." Haytham goes into his tent.

"Well, my father may trust you, but I do not. I'm going hunting," Connor says before taking off.

"I should never have come back."

I sit down and stare into the fire, feeling so confused. Haytham must have changed so much over the last several years. The man I knew wouldn't let blood ties to the enemy cloud his judgement. So I thought, anyway. Connor must've just found a weakness in the Templar that no one else has. I sigh and rest my head in my hands.

The next thing I know, I'm waking up in a tent. I sit up and stretch, tossing the deerskin blanket aside. When and how did I get here? Surely Connor didn't move me here, right?

I exit the tent, seeing the sun is up. The fire has burned out, and the snow is glistening in the sunlight. I look around, seeing no sign of either Kenway. I'm assuming Haytham is still asleep, and Connor is likely out hunting.

"You are awake," I hear Connor say. I look over my shoulder to see him approach with an armload of firewood. He gets to work on constructing a fire.

"Aye. I don't recall falling asleep," I reply.

"I know you did not mean to, when I returned in the night to check on things you were sitting upright in an odd position."

"Did you move me?"

"Well you certainly were not moving yourself. And Father would not forgive me if I let you get sick and die." I smile faintly.

"Thank you, Connor." He shrugs.

"It was the least I could do, I suppose."

"Is Haytham up yet?"

"I do not know, but considering he's not out, I doubt it." I watch as Connor pulls some meat from one of his bags and begins cooking.

"Why did you spare him?"

"Well, I saw an opportunity for us to build an alliance."

"You do not seem the type to think of people as opportunities."

"And I do not. I see our previous partnerships as an example of the success we have together, and our blood ties are a foundation for something more permanent."

"Yesterday he admitted he cares about you. Where do you stand? Do you care about him?"

"I do. I do not know if I could have coped with losing him. I do still feel bitter toward him, though."

"Why?" He sighs.

"Just that… well, his men were there when my village burned, killing my mother. I believed for a long time they were responsible, but even after discovering their innocence… I don't know, I feel like for people who claim to want the greater good, they were not particularly interested in the well-being of my people. That aside, I do not know what happened between my parents, but I am still upset at Father for not being there. He could have saved Mother. At the very least, things would be so much different— easier, really— if he was there for…"

"For you."

"Yes." I sigh. This boy has felt much pain in his life, that much has become clear. I can't help but see him now as no more than a lonely child.

"You lied." He looks up at me.

"What about?"

"When you spared him. It had nothing to do with any opportunity or goals you thought you could achieve. It had nothing to do with the Assassins or Templars. You just wanted to have a father."

"Yes. As I said, I do not know what I would have done if he died. I love my father. Even with our different views and disagreements, I look up to him. He is still my father, and he is a good man. I'm just glad I saw that before it was too late."

"Maybe I was wrong about you kid."

"We never had this discussion, okay?"

"Promise."

"Are you hungry?" I look at him warily. "Please, I'm not going to poison you. If I planned to kill you, I would have."

"You make a fair point. I could go for some food." He hands me some meat, and I accept it. "Thanks." He nods, then gets up. "What are you doing?" He approaches the other tent.

"He needs to wake up. Father? Father!" He sighs, but then smiles slightly and bends down.

"Now what?"

"I'll wake him up another way."

"Connor, don't do it!" He stands upright, a snowball in hand. He glances at me for a moment then back in the tent. He throws that snowball inside with heavy force. I hear a grunt as it hits its target.

"DAMMIT CONNOR!" Haytham shouts, and Connor laughs heartily. Haytham storms out, brushing himself off.

"Good morning, Father," Connor says. He finally stopped laughing, but still is grinning.

"Brat." Connor laughs again, covering his mouth with one hand and resting the other on Haytham's shoulder.

"You know it's hilarious when you're mad." Haytham rolls his eyes, but I see a smile forming on his own face.

"I'm glad to entertain you. I must admit, I think this is the first time I've heard you laugh." Connor's smile quickly turns into a frown.

"I do not exactly hear you laugh much either."

"But you have heard it." Connor shrugs.

"Are you hungry? I cooked some rabbit." Haytham comes and sits by me, then begins eating.

"You better come eat too, boy." Connor obeys without a word. "I'm glad to see you both alive."

"I was not even here all night."

"Oh? Where were you?"

"Hunting."

"Did you catch any wolves?"

"Yeah, and a few bears as well!"

"I don't know if it bothers me more that you caught so many wild animals or that you're this excited about it."

"Do you know how much bear skin goes for?"

"Not a clue, since I never even considered fighting one."

"Maybe when you're feeling better we should go hunting." Haytham raises his eyebrows.

"You wish to do something with me besides a mission?"

"I… uh… well… I just thought…" Connor looks down in shame. "Sorry."

"Don't be. I'd love to spend the time with you, and I may even enjoy hunting." Connor looks up, his smile returning.

"You would?"

"Yes." I smile at the excitement on the boy's face. Now that my anger has faded, I can see why Haytham likes the kid. He's already growing on me.

"So, uh, how did you sleep? Were you warm enough?"

"I was. The bear skin kept me quite warm. Thank you for that, son."

"Of course. Would you like to keep it?"

"Oh, I don't know. I hear they sell for a lot. You can have it for trading."

"No, I will be fine. I insist."

"Okay, then. Thank you, son."

"Of course."

"So, Shay, what are your plans?"

"Oh, I don't know. I suppose I'll head to Boston and go back out to sea," I say.

"You just barely made it to land and you already are going to leave?"

"I have some things to attend to, I was honestly just stopping by when I heard the news. Besides, you know I love the sea."

"Yes, and I suppose it's a good thing you do. I would never want to be out at sea that long."

"Yeah, you complained the whole trip when we were on the Aquila," Connor says.

"Well part of that had to do with your wonderful abilities."

"Do not try and act like you know what you're talking about, you literally took the wheel for like five seconds and nearly destroyed my ship." I laugh.

"You let him steer?" I ask. Connor rolls his eyes.

"There was no 'letting' involved. He decided that I was moving in too slow, so he shoved me away and slammed my ship into the one we were preparing to board." Haytham smiles.

"I guess I got overeager," he says.

"Yeah, I guess you did. It only cost me a month's work to repair."

"Um, oops?" Connor chuckles and gets up.

"I'm going to get ready to go." Connor works on packing everything up. In no time, everything is packed and put over the horses' backs.

"Alright, let's go." Haytham gets up and put the fire out.

"Um, Mister…?"

"Oh, where are my manners? My name is Shay Patrick Cormac," I say. Haytham rolls his eyes.

"I forgot you did that," he mumbles, and I shrug.

"Anyway, Mister Cormac, it would be easier if you travelled with us," Connor says.

"Please, lad, call me Shay. And I appreciate the offer, but I do not have a horse," I say.

"Father, double up with me. Shay, you can ride Father's."

"Thanks, kid." He nods.

Connor POV

Shay, Father, and I arrive in Boston. I hear Shay chuckle and glance at him. He's looking at Father, who is currently asleep and leaning against my back. I smile slightly. He seems so peaceful.

"He has healed well, but still doesn't have much energy," I say.

"It was a bit of a long ride too, I suppose," Shay adds.

"Father, wake up. We are here." He stirs and then sits upright, covering his mouth as he yawns.

"Sorry, Connor. I did not mean to fall asleep," he says sleepily.

"You are fine. I know you are still recovering, so I expect you to be tired. Especially after this journey." He pats my back gently.

"I'm assuming we're taking Shay to the docks?"

"I planned to." Father rests his head against me again.

"I really do appreciate how kind you're being, Connor, especially considering yesterday," Shay says.

"It is not a big deal. It was a small issue that we figured out."

"Still, I just wanted to mention I think you're a good guy. Maybe with you leading the Brotherhood, a truce can be possible."

"You make it sound like I'm risking my life for you. It is not a problem, really."

"Son, as much as I appreciate your modesty, it is fine to accept his gratefulness," Father mumbles. I shrug.

"I suppose." Suddenly, a man approaches the three of us.

"Connor?" he asks.

"Who is asking?" I reply.

"Commander Washington wants to speak with you." Father sits up at that.

"Tell the commander I want nothing to do with him or his problems."

"He's been searching you out for months."

"He has wasted his time."

"Please, sir. He just wishes for a moment of your time." I sigh.

"Fine. Is he far?"

"No, sir. He's at his residence here in Boston."

"Take me to him then. Father, will you be okay to take care of the horses?"

"Yes. Meet me at the Green Dragon tavern," he replies.

"Okay." I dismount.

"Thank you, sir! This way!" the man says. I look at Father, who shrugs. Then I follow the man.

We walk briskly through the city. The man is slightly shorter than I, yet I find myself struggling to keep up. Perhaps because I am so tired. It isn't long, though, before we are standing before a two-story white house. I cross my arms behind my back as the man knocks. A short, petite woman opens the door, then smiles when she sees the young man in front of me.

"C'mon in, gents. Ya here ta see the commander?" she asks.

"Yes, he's been looking for this man," the man replies as we enter. They lead me through the house until we reach a door, and the man knocks.

"Enter," a voice calls in response, and the man opens the door.

"Commander look who I found," he says as we enter the room. Washington looks up from his papers and smiles.

"Good job! You may leave us." The man obeys, and I scowl at Washington from under my hood. "Connor, how are you?"

"What do you want?" I say curtly.

"Ah, yes. Straightforward as always."

"Well?"

"I'd like to talk about what happened that night." I scoff.

"I'm guessing you're in reference to the night you betrayed me?"

"I think that word is a little extreme, don't you?" I rest my hands on his desk, causing me to bend closer to his eye level.

"If it was, I would not have used it." He sighs. "You act as if I am being unreasonable. But you tried to attack my village, knowing full well those are my people. And they mean more to me than your people ever will."

"Look, it's not like I just woke up one morning and decided to kill them. We've been trying to make peace for months to no avail. They were harming the cause and it needed handled."

"Oh, so you just decided to murder a bunch of people?" He gives me a cold stare.

"Like you have room to talk about murder."

"No, don't you dare pretend to know anything about me. I do what I do for a reason, and it isn't because of a mere inconvenience someone is causing. Death should always be a last resort."

"Look—"

"Enough. Am I here for a reason?" He sighs once more.

"I… I need a favor."

"There it is."

"There have been some disappearances of my soldiers lately. I was hoping you'd look into it."

"And if they're just runaways? I have more to do with my time than that."

"They could be, but I received word of some third-party group trying to recruit people to start another war."

"This one hasn't even ended."

"Yet. We're negotiating now. But that isn't the point. According the reports, the group is trying to prepare for another war because they fear more tyranny." I take a deep breath and stand upright once more.

"Where do I begin?"

"The most common place for disappearances is actually at a fort nearby. If you can disguise yourself as a soldier and investigate from within, that may be the best way." I roll my eyes.

"Look at me. I will stick out. How would I even get in?" He raises his eyebrows.

"You think the Commander-in-Chief doesn't have the power to get you into a small fort? Truly Connor, all I have to do is send word and you're in."

"Fine. I will see what can be done." I turn to go.

"Thank you." I stop and turn halfway.

"Do not think this is a favor to you. I'm only trying to ensure peace."

"Understood."

"Anything else?"

"Report back to me when you find something out. The man who brought you here can fill you in on details." I nod, then exit.