United States of America – 1784

Shay Cormac was on board the ship, bound for the land he drew his first breath. New York was less than a day's sail and the anticipation was high for the veteran Templar. He rested his arms on the bow of the ship, a smile formed on his face as he inhaled the fresh air rushing his face swiftly. He looked down at his arms, noticing his hidden blades resting on his wrists, they reminded him of his younger days whenever he would gaze upon them, his smile ceased, however. He looked back up toward the first piece of land that had emerged from the horizon.

"Master Cormac, we should be docking soon," a sailor said.

"Many thanks, friend," Shay replied, barely giving the man any attention.

It was a strange feeling for Shay, being so far from home for over twenty years. Many things have happened since he had been gone. The land he knew as a young man had grown as he did, it was now in lieu of rebuilding from a great war that birthed a nation that Shay knew in his heart would be destined for greatness.

As the ship docked, Shay disembarked his vessel. He looked around and saw the docks were filled with sailors, fisherman and markets. He was taken aback by the glimmer of prosperity the land had and gave a slight grin in response. A man approached Shay, he was tall with a moustache that was almost too big for his own head and hat with a feather resting on its side.

"Hello, am I correct in assuming you are Master Shay Patrick Cormac?" said the man graciously.

"I am indeed," Shay replied

"Splendid, my name is Coleman – I will be your assistant in your…business."

"Is that right? Well then, best we get to my lodgings, Coleman" said Shay.

"Yes sir, I believe the White Horse Tavern will be to your satisfaction."

Coleman took ahold of one of Shay's bags, Shay grabbed the other. Coleman took the lead, with Shay the following suit. On their way, they passed by many pubs, shops, print shops and general stores. Shay remembered from his youth the sense of wonder that New York had, it was different from the streets of Paris or the boroughs of London he had visited over the years. It was again to Shay's satisfaction that his Templar duties brought him back to the one true place on Earth he could call home. The men arrived at the White Horse Tavern, it was a medium sized tavern with a very homey charm. The men proceeded inside, they rented a room and headed to the upstairs part of the tavern. Once the men were inside, Coleman with haste closed and shut the door and waited a few moments before speaking again.

"It is good that the Father of Understanding has seen fit to see your return here, sir." Coleman smiled.

"It is good to be back, I have to say, this place is doing quite nicely for itself" Shay replied.

"Indeed, what with the war won, it is now the time for fresh beginnings and prosperity. More importantly, for this new country to become the host of the New World." Coleman declared.

"It really is a chance to reinvent this place, for me to have a fresh go of life." Said Shay.

Shay and Coleman began unpacking their bags, the room was large which allowed for the two ample space in their temporary stay. It was not for a few minutes until the silence was broken by the looming thoughts of Shay's mind.

"I was informed by the Grand Master in London that with Lee gone, Templars been low on numbers," said Shay.

"Yes, unfortunately. As it is now, the Templars here in America are a dying breed. It's not been the same since Master Lee was slain by that brute Assassin. The Order is in dire need of a rise from the ashes. I believe you could guide us to that, Master Cormac." Coleman explained.

"I didn't know Lee all too well, but Haytham always spoke highly of him." Said Shay.

"The loss of Grand Master Haytham was a tragedy I must say…" Coleman expressed with sadness.

"He was a good man, a fine leader. I couldn't believe the words on paper hearing of his death." Shay replied.

The two proceeded to sit on the table in the middle of the room, there were food and wine already prepared. They ate the food and discussed at length the purpose they respectively have and found solace in their shared goal of putting the Templar Order back on track in America.

"So, how many Templars have we in our Order? Besides the two of us of course." Shay asked.

"I cannot lie to you, sir. It is not good, many of our colleagues have been murdered by the growing Assassin Order these past few months and as of now we only have two…" said Coleman bluntly.

"Only two?!" Shay exclaimed in shock.

"Those Assassins are everywhere, Master," said Coleman.

"I've heard of this Connor fellow, he's Haytham's son," Shay asked.

"Yes, now he is the leader of the Assassins and his army outmatches us significantly," Coleman explained.

Shay pondered on the information for a few moments, he shook slightly. It was clear to Coleman that Shay was a calm, polite man but could see that there was anger in the man's eyes that was waiting to be let out.

"We must gather our allies and see to making our mark here, in America." Said Shay.

"I'm glad to see your will to lead is present, Master Cormac! Rightly so in fact! As you were inducted into the old Colonial Rite, my colleagues and I saw it fit that you become our new Grand Master.

"Grand Master Cormac, I believe you will allow for the Templar Order to soar on top in this nation!

Shay was pleased by the words of Coleman, he stood up quickly and stuck out his arm towards his colleague.

"Coleman, gather our two Templar men, we have a lot of work to do." Said Shay

"Yes, sir!" Coleman replied happily.

"May the Father of Understanding guide us." Said Shay.