Chapter 1:
"Setting Sails"
The silence of her mother as she sat in front of the warm fire was nothing new to Katia Robin. Her mother did it quite often, and though sometimes it concerned her (for her mother would often be so still that her daughter would question whether she was even breathing), Katia knew to say nothing of it and allow her mother to stay in her small, quiet world as she stared at the jumping flames before her. She knew better than to disturb her when she was like this.
Though, Katia was called upon her mother to meet her in the drawing room, so she guessed she should maybe clear her throat to her mother at least. Not to be rude, of course, but simply as an indication that she was there, standing uneasily in the doorway, waiting for her mother to notice her. Her mother rarely called a meeting with Katia, and when she did, it had always been about something important. Or bad. Or both.
That fact only fuelled Katia's uneasiness.
Finally, when she realised that her mother wasn't going to look up from the flames and acknowledge her any time soon, the young girl decided to tap lightly on the door beside her, clearing her throat. Her mother snapped out of her thoughts, blinking, before looking up and noticing her daughter, a smile gracing her face as if looking at her for the first time.
"Oh, my pretty girl, come in, come in," her mother cooed, swishing her dark brown skirts about her in her seat. Katia obliged and walked into the room, her red head down, and took a seat on the cushion nearest the fire.
"You called on me, Marmee?" she said curiously, and looked around the room and noticing the lack of one figure in particular. "But where is Father? Is he away?"
Her mother smiled gently and reached out to stroke the curls upon her daughters head. Elizabeth was still a beautiful woman, despite her age, and Katia often hoped that she would age as graceful as her mother. "Father is with a business gentleman, dear, and will be back shortly tonight." Elizabeth sighed and looked at her daughter more seriously. "Dear, I wish to speak to you about something," she said gently. "It is very important. I urge you to listen carefully, and stay open–minded. And, please, do not lash out before I explain, my dear." At this, Katia's face fell, and her chest tightened in anticipation. What was her mother going to tell her? Was it bad?
"What is it, Mother?" the young girl asked cautiously. "Please do not hesitate in telling me. I am seventeen, Marmee, I can handle it." Though, a thought came to her mind, and it made her a little bit sick. "Is it...the matter of marriage?"
But her mother shook her head, her hair net lightly bouncing. "No, my sweet. It isn't marriage." Sighing a deep breath, her mother took the girl's hand between her's. "It is the matter of...you going away. Please, listen to my explanation before you—"
"Going away?" Katia interrupted, her stomach dropping. This was worse than marriage. "But, mother, if this is a matter of your—your work—then you shan't allow it to separate us! I—"
"Katia, child, listen to me, please." Her mother wore a pained expression, her blue eyes darkening with sadness. "This is not only a matter of my work, but of yours, too. You are aware of what it is I do, are you not?"
"You're an Assassin," said Katia duly. "But I don't understand—How is you being an Assassin making me be sent away?"
"I have made enemies, Katia," her mother said, her eyes pleading Katia to understand. "Incredibly powerful enemies, who have threatened to—to hurt you, to get to me. Please, child, it is best to send you away, so that when they do come looking here—and they will, I know it—you will be long gone. Far, far away."
Katia knew she ought to be scared. There were people out coming to get her specifically, and if it made her mother scared then surely she should be one hundred times more so, but the only thing running through her head was the "Far, far away" part of her mother's story. Just how far was she going?
"But—But where are you sending me?" asked Katia, her voice smaller than it had ever been. She had a grave feeling that she would not like the answer.
"I am sending you to Syria, my child. You are to be sent to Masyaf, and trained to be like me, an Assassin warrior, with the Levantine Brotherhood." She gave a weak smile. "You have every right to hate me for this, but you will still go. It's final, and not up for discussion."
Katia was enraged. How dare her mother do this to her? She, of all people, knew that Katia had never been anywhere without her mother or father beside her, and now she wanted to send her to Syria? And now, out of nowhere, she was supposed to train there, too? Who said she even wanted to be an Assassin? And besides, she didn't even know where Syria was!
"I shall not go!" Katia yelled, narrowing her eyes stubbornly at her mother, who looked at her as if she had expected this reaction. It only annoyed Katia even more. "Mother, you must be mad! I don't want to be an Assassin! I—I would rather be married!" Which was true.
But her mother was having none of it. "Fight this all you want, Katia, but you are going, and that is the end of it. Tell me, why don't you want to be an Assassin? The women in your family have been apart of the British Brotherhood for generations!"
"The British Brotherhood, mother!" exclaimed Katia, her cheeks flushed. "I would assume that the Levan...the Levantee..."
"The Levantine, dear," her mother helped.
"The Levantine Brotherhood would be different! What if I am bullied by the men, or worse, assaulted even, for being there! Women are hardly accepted in society today, imagine what it would be like, thrusting me into the unknown!"
"You will either sink or swim, Katia. You choose." Her mother looked at the young girl coldly, and that look alone was enough to make the red–head falter. "If it troubles you so much, we can postpone your training until you get back, but you will still go to Masyaf. You can't get out of that."
Katia huffed childishly, but knew that it was pointless. Her mother was the most stubborn (and bosiest) person she had ever met, and when she had her mind set on something, it was always accomplished. No matter the cost, she got done what had to be done.
Maybe that's why she has so many enemies, Katia thought privately, but then flushed and scolded herself harshly. She was never one to think ill of her mother, for Elizabeth was also the strongest person she had ever known. If Katia could grow into even half the woman her mother is, she would be glad.
"B-But..." Katia could feel her lip tremble at the thought of going away. Syria seemed so far away, it was like another world. "How long will I be gone, Mother? Will I have to go...entirely by myself?"
Elizabeth's face softened at her daughter's frightened tone, and bent down to reach for her. "What kind of mother would I be if I sent my precious girl to an unknown land by herself? You shall have an escort, one of the best and my most trusted fighter. His name is William Nornan. Only a few years older than you." She smiled, only a little bit. "As for your amount of time there, it will be a little while. Probably a couple of months, at the least. Though I will send word straight away if it's safe enough for you to be back sooner."
And Katia tried to find comfort in that, but she struggled so much that she gave up. The decision was final. She was going to be sent to Syria—wherever that was—and was to be kept in the protection of the Brotherhood there. She felt her insides tremble at the thought of being surrounded by men wearing weapons who crept around in the dark killing people, but took a deep breath to calm herself. She was her mother's daughter, after all. She wouldn't be phased by any man.
She would make the men fear her.
The next morning, Katia woke before sunrise. She was told that the travel was long and would be hard, and that she was to wear trousers—trousers!—like a man, and riding boots, as well as a scarf to cover her hair and face. Her mother had warned her of bandits, and the thought of them frightened her more than anything. Though, once she was assured and reminded that there would be an Assassin escort for her every step of the way, her mind was eased, if only a little. After all, this Assassin must have slain hundreds of bandits in his past!
She was told beforehand that she wasn't to bring any luggage with her, and all the money and food they needed was going to be provided by the Assassin escort. All Katia was to bring was herself.
Katia dressed with haste, the lady maid of the house helping her strap strange things to her body without question. Her name was Gretel, and had apparently been helping her mother out with "Assassin business" for years, and knew her way around the strange clothing very well. Katia's legs felt odd, but comfortable, in the black pants, and her feet felt even odder in the knee–high boots that went outside of the trousers. What felt strange of all, though, was the black scarf wrapped around her head and face to conceal her hair and, as Gretel had said, "To hide yer face that is too pretty to be passed as a lad." Katia felt a tad bit suffocated inside the scarf, but as soon as Gretel adjusted it correctly, she could breath a little more comfortably.
Once a jacket was thrown over her, and she looked every bit the boy she was supposed to look, Katia turned and thanked the maid. "You did a wonderful job, Gretel," she said, smiling, causing the maid to blush.
"Oh, it were hard work, ma'am, lemme tell you that," the maid chuckled. "I mean that of no offence, mind me. It's just yer so pre'y, Miss." Katia smiled and embraced the maid.
"Thank you, Gretel," she said, and the girls broke apart. Katia made her way downstairs, where her mother and father were waiting. She embraced her mother, who wore a very strong front, and then her father, who missed her temple and whispered, "I would go with you if I could, Katia. But I can't. I must make sure your mother stays out of trouble." They pulled apart, Katia a little teary eyed, and smiled at her father.
"Katia." It was the deep, feminine voice of her mother. Katia turned towards the middle–aged woman and saw that she was holding a fancy box with intricate designs out to her. Curiously, Katia took the box from her mother's hands.
"What is it, Mother? A gift?"
"Of sorts," answered the older woman. "It's a family heirloom, my girl. It has been passed down to the first child of every generation in my family. I hope you pass it down to your firstborn, also."
Katia, her fingers itching to open the box, smiled gratefully at her mother and, after a deep breath, opened the box. Inside, sitting peacefully atop of the soft velvet material, was the most beautiful dagger she had ever seen. With a long, golden arched blade, thousands of little silver designs were made into it that fit the whole length of the blade. There was no sign of it ever being used, but Katia guessed that the blade was bound to have been used during the generations. She touched the blade carefully, and found that there were indeed small signs of its use around the sharp end, and she wondered, absentmindedly, how many lives this blade had taken.
Katia shivered, but managed a large smile for her parents. She embraced her mother. "Thank you, Marmee," she whispered.
Elizabeth patted her child's head softly. "I hope you don't have to use it, but just in case," she said. Katia nodded in understanding at her mother before her mother took the blade out of the box. "This will be right here," she said, placing the sheathed blade inside a secret pocket inside Katia's jacket. "I never want you to part with this, Katia. If it's not inside this pocket, it's in your hand, understand?"
Quickly, Katia nodded, causing a light chuckle from her father. He embraced his daughter one last time before grabbing his wife's hand. The two lead their daughter out of the manor with heavy hearts, and Katia could feel the heaviness in her very bones as they closed the large, oak door behind them.
Two black horses were waiting outside, and sitting atop one of them, a top hat on his head and dressed every part of a young gentleman, was a handsome young man with a light skip in his step as he approached them. He was tall, and Katia assumed that this was the Assassin named William.
He took her small hand in his, and gently kissed her knuckles. He had quite a sweet face, Katia acknowledged shyly. He was all tan skin, black hair and dark eyes. High cheekbones and a strong jaw, with curling hair that was getting long but didn't quite need a trim yet. He had broad shoulders and a tough chest. Quite a striking set of features.
"You must be Miss Katia Robin," he said, planting his lips on her knuckles before straightening and looking at her kindly. "I had heard of the beauty in which you had, though I am disappointed that I can't see it at this moment, for your scarf is covering yourself."
Katia blushed under the scarf at the compliment and had to suppress a giggle. "You must be Mr Nornan," she said. He smile charmingly at her, nodding, before looking over her head to Katia's parents.
"Sir. Madam," he said, nodding in acknowledgment and respect. Charles shook hands with the bouncy young man and soon, Katia was lead onto one of the tall, strong stallions by William. She was frightened of the beast, but with help from the Assassin and a small smile from her mother, she took a deep breath and allowed William to help her mount her horse. The beast lightly nickered underneath her, which caused the girl to tense, but then she shook the fears away. She had ridden a pony before, after all. Why was this horse any different?
She blanked out of the real world and became lost in her emotions as her mother began talking to William. Katia didn't know how to feel. She was being sent away by her parents to a place she had never even heard of, and though she wanted to be angry, she didn't quite feel it anymore. She knew their reasons, and couldn't fight them for it. Of course, perhaps her parents should have told her of this sooner, but alas, it was done, and she couldn't change anything now.
She heard a low mumbling at her side, and blocked out the stern and quiet voice of her mother and light laugh of William. And that was another thing. How could her mother not inform Katia of how handsome the certain young man was? It was shocking, and Katia expected that the young man knew it, too. Why else would he have smiled in such a knowing, almost smug way before?
Ah, but one would have to be blind to not know how handsome he was.
A few minutes went by, though it only felt like a mere seconds, before William mounted his own horse and walked it next to her own. "Say goodbye now, Miss Robin, for we are leaving now."
Katia felt her eyes water again, but willed herself not to cry in front of the Assassin, before turning and waving to her mother. Elizabeth waved back once, and her father strode towards her horse to grasp her knee. "Be safe, my darling," he said quietly into the cold, dark air. Katia nodded before Charles looked at the Assassin.
"Look after her, boy," he said coldly, causing the Assassin to slightly flush.
"With my life," he responded, blinking. Katia almost giggled. "Are you ready?" asked William to Katia. "Shall we be off now?"
With a final nod, Katia turned away from her parents and beckoned her horse into a slow trot. She didn't want to look back over her shoulder, for she feared that if she did, her strong façade would crack, so she kept a straight face and her head forward.
They trotted slowly next to each other, neither the Assassin nor her speaking first. She found it slightly awkward at first, but then appreciated it when she found herself become lost in her thoughts once more. Where was Syria? Her father had told her that it would take at least one day by boat, and another three by horse. She hated the thought of being on a boat, for the endless, terrifying possible disasters that could occur on the ocean made her stomach sick.
So, Syria was a whole new country, then?
Katia found herself sighing as they rode through the main streets. The sun still wasn't risen yet, for the hour was still early, and Katia found her eyelids become slightly heavy. Every now and again, she felt her hand reach into her jacket and clasp around the hold of the dagger. She wondered, absently, what it was like to take a life, and that if she'd be able to do it if it ever came down to that. She thought she would never be able to. She wasn't a killer, nor was she an Assassin. To take another person's life would be...
Well, she'd be sent straight to hell, that's for sure.
Katia thought of her mother then. Of her mother's gentle but rough hands as she used to plait her hair when she was just a child, but of those same hands wielding a knife to end someone else's life. She couldn't see her mother as a killer, for she was one of the gentlest people she knew. Elizabeth was an Assassin, of course, and she had probably ended more lives than Katia would like to know, but at the end of the day, her mother was still her mother, and she only killed those who were a danger to others. Katia didn't exactly understand her mother's job, but she knew enough to know that her mother would never take an innocent's life.
A sudden thought came to her head, and Katia turned her head toward the Assassin by her side. "Mr Nornan, may I inquire to know how you became acquainted to my mother?"
The Assassin turned to look at her kindly, a ghost of a smile gracing his lips. "Of course, Miss," he said, keeping his eyes on the road ahead. "I was a child when I met Mrs Robin, and had been living alone on the streets, for my parents had died in a house fire and no one would take me in." Katia looked at the young man, her heart going out to him, but he only continued. "I met her one night when I was caught in the act of stealing her purse. I had run away, but was eventually caught by her, and I had to cough up the purse.
"I thought she was going to punish me, to hand me over to the authorities, but your mother surprised me by showing nothing but kindness. She was impressed by my skills, she told me, and she gave me a choice: I could either live a short life on the streets as a thief, or I could be taken under her wing as her apprentice. Obviously, I chose the latter. A year later, I became a Novice Assassin, and then three years after that, I was ranked a soldier. And now, I am an Assassin, third rank."
Katia smiled. "I see," she said quietly. "Is that why you are doing this job for her, then? Because you wish to be ranked higher?"
The Assassin smiled and shook his head. "If your mother hadn't of brought me under her wing, I would most likely be dead right now," he said evenly. "I am not only Mrs Robin's apprentice, but I also owe her a life debt. I owe it to her to take care of her daughter, even if it takes my life."
Katia's cheeks flushed. "Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that, shall we?" But her heart was touched, if only a little, and made the rest of the ride to the docks easier. She smelt the dirty water before she was able to see the tall masts and flags in the dark sky, and the young girl wrinkled her nose despite her scarf covering her nose. The pair dismounted their horses and dropped them off at the nearby stable before making their way along the smelly docks, William carrying a single bag which Katia guessed held food and water. She wondered where he kept his weapons, for she couldn't see any on him, save for the pretty sword at his side. She didn't even see any wrist blade on his person upon her curious inspection.
They made their way, side–by–side, towards a certain ship. It was large, as ships were, but still blended in with the other ships around it, having nothing but the King's flag as it flew in the wind standing out. They stopped at the edge of the pier in front of a tall, grubby man, whom held a bottle in one hand and a small knife in the other.
"Captain Hathaway," voiced William, causing the man to look up in surprise. As his eyes settled on the pair (Katia noticed the man had a large scar across his left eye) a smile was brought to his face and he stood up, hastily shaking hands with William.
"My dear boy! How long it's been since we last met." His voice was low and gruff, but he seemed genuinely happy to see William. He then looked at Katia, and a knowing look came upon his face. "You must be the lovely Katia," he said, bowing a little awkwardly. "I am Captain Haytham Hathaway, pleased to be of service."
"Charmed," said Katia, extending her head towards the man in acknowledgment. They boarded the ship quickly (her mother had paid the man in advance) all the while the Captain barking orders to the ship crew. He had told her that it would be wise of her not to take her scarf off unless she was safely in her cabin below deck, and not to interact with any of the men, for many were dreadfully skittish about a woman being on board.
Katia had agreed and followed the Captain's advice, and promised him that she wouldn't leave her cabin unless he or the Assassin was with her. She was happy to stay in her cabin, anyway, for it gave her a lot of time to think.
It had turned out that Katia's mother had given William strict orders to stay with her at all times, and so the two shared a cabin. Of course, it was incredibly strange for Katia, and though she knew it was necessary, she found herself often blushing behind closed doors when the Assassin was with her. Especially when she had taken off the scarf, and William had openly gawked at her face before clearing his throat and leaving above deck to talk to the Captain. Katia had blushed wickedly after that, and decided to calm her ego by laying on the tough cot and taking the blade out.
She stared at it and sighed, running her fingers along the blade whilst being careful not to cut herself. She truly found the golden blade to be beautiful but not just in looks. When she held the blade firmly by the hilt, she thought of all the people before her whom had held that same hilt and used it for different reasons. She knew it was silly, but she couldn't help feeling closer to her mother by holding the dagger and just admiring it.
Katia sighed and placed the dagger back into its sheath. "I'll be strong for you, Mother," she whispered, before turning to drape her scarf back over her head and face so that only her eyes were shown before she headed above deck. Katia was greeted by a fresh sea breeze and loud yells and shouts by the crew as they walked and were tossed about while they worked. She felt a sick feeling come in her stomach as the ship rocked beneath her, and quickly looked for the familiar navy blue jacket of William. She spotted him near the Captain's cabin, lounging against the door talking to the Captain himself. Hastily, Katia made her way towards him.
"Miss Robin," William said in surprise when he noticed her. He gave her a small smile. "Is anything wrong?"
"I do hope the cabin is to your liking, Little Miss," added the Captain, taking his hat off under the glaring sun. It was midday, and already hot. Katia knew for sure they weren't in London anymore, for London was never this hot.
"It is indeed, Captain, thank you," answered Katia kindly before turning back to William. "I was wondering, how much longer will this sea adventure take? I don't—I don't feel well." Katia was sure she was turning a little green as the sea swished beneath her.
Before the Assassin could answer, the Captain laughed. "Ah, the infamous sea illness!" he chuckled. "Most landlubbers suffer from that. This must be your first time by ship!" Katia nodded, and felt her head and stomach swim. She caught onto the Assassin's arm, startling him, as she felt her head grow dizzy.
"Miss Robin, calm down," said William, but his voice was lost as she felt sweat trickle down her spine. The sun was too hot, the ground too shaky, and that Goddamned scarf atop of Katia's head was only making matters worse! She felt suffocated.
Blinking and keeping control of her breathing, Katia pushed herself off of the Assassin and all but ripped the scarf off before tossing it over the edge and into the ocean. Damn the men that were "skittish" about a woman being on board, she thought angrily as she leaned over the edge of the ship, taking deep, long breaths.
A small voice came at her shoulder and a hand came upon her back. "Miss Robin, I believe you should stay below deck," said William advised, taking notice of the men about them glaring and looking at Katia in disbelief. Annoyed, Katia threw glares right back at them before replying.
"It's too claustrophobic down there. I prefer being here, out in the open air."
"Indeed, Miss, but—"
"You may cease calling me 'Miss,' from now on, Mr Nornan," interrupted the young girl as she closed her eyes, enjoying the open breeze between her red strands of hair. "I give permission to you to call me by my Christian name."
"Uh...thank you, Katia," the Assassin mumbled, before placing a hand on her shoulder in an urging manner. "I must advise against you staying above deck. The men here... They are not fond of any woman coming above deck. They believe it to be bad luck."
"How much longer are we staying at sea?" asked Katia, ignoring everything the Assassin had just said, much to his irritation. She almost cracked a smile. She may be kind, but she was just as stubborn as her mother, and the Assassin had to know that.
"Until tomorrow morning, at least," answered the young man, clearly annoyed but too kind to show it. Katia nodded and took in another deep breath. Sure, she was afraid of the ocean, but she had to admit that there was just something beautiful and refreshing about breathing in the nice, unpolluted air.
"I believe that I will stay above deck a little while longer," she said, and quickly continued before William could interrupt her. "But, if it truly troubles you, then I will eat dinner in my cabin and stay there until we dock again." William's shoulders visibly sagged in slight relief, and Katia smiled kindly at him before looking back out to sea, her long hair flying behind her in the breeze.
She felt she had to prepare for when they docked again. She would be in an entirely new country, after all, and although the thought scared her, it also had an exciting ring to it. This would be an experience, she thought, that would stay with her forever.
[A\N: First chapter, done! Sorry that not much happened in this chapter, but it is only the first chapter, and I mostly focused it around Katia. How do you like the young girl, anyway? Please, share your thoughts with me, whether they are good or negative! Hopefully you like the fact that she is a generally sweet girl, but once tipped off... Well, she gets feisty. Just like her mother.
Next chapter, they will be in Syria, and things will start kind of speeding up. A little bit. Maybe. Depends on how I'm feeling.
Anyways, please review and tell me what you think. I don't want to be the girl that begs for reviews, but because this is the first chapter, I really do wish to know what you guys think! Once again, thank you for clicking on my story!]