This chapter is a little longer than the rest, but it really needed the attention.
Hope you all enjoy this one!
"Captain..."
"Ade please, we need t' talk. There are some things ya need t'know. I'm countin' on ya." Kidd begged with teary eyes.
Ade shut his eyes to the world, inhaling deeply to clear his mind. He left the demands of one pirate captain and ended up strung by another, only now a lot more confusing. "It all makes sense now. So you are a woman."
"Lad is the last thing ya should be callin' me." she sighed.
"It's the Captain's isn't it?" he observed her to have total clarification.
"Aye, it is."
"What do you suggest we do then?"
"We can't stay on Tulum, Edward will surely be comin' back."
"He doesn't know?" Ade asked in shock.
"I didn't want t'tell 'im. Figure it be wastin' 'is time. Ya know 'ow 'e is, all about riches an' glory. Doesn't even care 'bout our creed even when I've asked 'im many times, persuaded—'e's a stubborn goat. After Ah Tabai told me I'm t'be expectin', I asked the mentor t' pardon me from travelin' with Kenway. I'll be doin' some small missions 'round the Caribbean—I don't want t' stay on Tulum either. If I can successfully 'ave this baby, I want t' be able to keep it safe away from 'arm." Kidd said with a sad smile. "An' maybe one day, I can show it t'Kenway... Say ya will come with me Ade. I could use yer 'elp."
"I don't know Captain Kidd—I"
"Call me Mary."
"I have yet to be accepted into the brotherhood. A mission has been received by courier pigeon to Ah Tabai and wants me to do it. If I succeed, then I will be an assassin." he finished still staring at him...her.
Removing the red headband and releasing her hair, Mary opened her jacket no longer needing to hide her image and undid the knot on her blouse to expose her chest."Great. I'll be accompanyin' ya then. Where to?"
Shutting his eyes in haste, Ade quickly looked the other way shielding his vision from the woman before him. "Port Royal."
Reaching the Jackdaw, loneliness is what Edward felt as soon as he boarded overlooking his curious crew whom were searching for two other bodies when it was obvious he is alone. A few of the men asked what happened to their quartermaster and the young captain, but all he could tell them is that they had their own priorities to deal with as they have theirs with his. Pointing to a random sailor, Edward questioned the man on how well he is as a privateer to which the man built himself in a promising image and only a second later promoted to quartermaster. The Jackdaw's new quartermaster delighted in his promotion, ordered the men to work, catching the Eastern wind blowing them directly to the next assassin key item. Standing at the wheel, Edward gripped the hard wood spinning it in every direction to follow the wind out of Tulum's coast feeling somber. He was so used to having Kidd on his ship as if he were the real captain, bickering and ordering him and the crew around; now it was a little too quiet—a little too lonely. No Kidd meant no Mary either to mess with in the evenings or any time they could get privacy and whether she would compromise with him or surprise him into a sexual frenzy. It was not just Kidd and Mary though, it was also Ade. Edward hardly showed any appreciation for the man, but he was a long time companion of his. He actually saw his quartermaster as a friend, someone he completely trusted and held no doubts. A man truly worth his salt and even acknowledged him a finer man than he.
As the burning sun set behind the Caribbean sea, the moon rose illuminating the sand of islands into silver glimmers, an ongoing cycle as the days came and went. Weeks ushered in unfamiliar faces to Edward as he killed and pillaged islands searching for the items the assassin's needed and to see Mary, the greater treasure at the end of the line. He is not the most virtuous man, but when he gave his word to the one that owns his heart, he works his hardest to meet and keep those promises. The ones he killed of course were not civilians or other innocent people, but the templars and some of Benjamin Hornigold's men that are also on hot pursuit to get them before he or the assassin's found them. A month total had passed and Edward only had one left to find. The crew of the Jackdaw shrank by half, most afraid by how mad their captain had become, obsessed with finding objects unknown to them. All they knew is what they are told to do. Sometimes when they had docked at an island, Edward would leave on his own and be gone for a few days coming back a stranger man. The last one he had returned from, their captain covered in blood from head to toe, walked away unscathed as the surroundings behind him blew up.
One fateful evening, the crew gathered together under the deck of the Jackdaw speaking openly of their worries.
"Why are we on this mad dash? Whats happened to the Captain?" one queasy sailor whispered.
"'Tis more than the devil that done him in"
"No man here is daft enough to stop him, his soul belong to Davey Jones now."
"Why not you? But ye be dead before reaching him. He'll gut you faster than a whale."
"Shark Reef I hear is where we be headin to now."
"There's nothing there! Just a big rock surrounded by water! N' sharks! Man eating Sharks!" a jostled sailor frantically packed his belongings. "We'll die!"
"Whatever the captain is looking for, it's the last one supposedly. We are free men after."
"I overheard this one the captain will be going alone again."
In unison, the crew realized what this meant. "You mean-"
"Yes" the sailor eagerly replied "He'll be goin' overboard and we can escape. He won't be able to catch us."
Under the early morning guise of darkness and fog, the Jackdaw swayed on black water creeping in closer to Shark Reef. Located near the Yucatan Peninsula and endless fathoms deep, Shark Reef is a magnet for various types of carnivorous aquatic breeds ranging from sharks to mysterious man-eating sea serpents—or so the legends say about them. Ill minded men would bring their captives or those they murdered to Shark Reef dumping the bodies so that no one could,or ever wish to, find a trace of hair. No man with half a brain would dare go to Shark Reef unless he had a death wish. Unlike the rumors that circulated about the reef, it was now used as a strong hold. Nestled on that bit of land, a fort stood tall and proud, waving the English flag at the very top of the tallest tower and a templar flag underneath; At least the English were brave enough to conquer the death trap, or daft enough. The cool air had the crew of the Jackdaw shivering as they rolled the cannons out on deck and other destructive ammunition adjusting them to their destinations.
"Fire!" Edward yelled slicing his arm through the air assaulting the fort. Puffs of smoke engrossed the ship and the fort as shrapnel flew in all directions. Mens screams, alarm bells ringing, and cannons filled the deaf area in a bright spectacle. The English well versed with preparation, returned fired after the second wave from the Jackdaw over exceeding Edward's expectations about their arsenal. His ship was hit hard on its bow knocking some of the sailors overboard into the cool sea, including himself. Men flailed in the water screaming for their lives. Around him one by one, Edward saw his men being drug under the waves only seeing bubbles gathering at the top before the water got darker. Edward yelped gasping for air as his leg is bitten into by something unknown dragging him under leaving his vision filled with a stinging blur of smoke and fire and looked down at the creature with spaced eyes. Using his free leg, Edward kicked as hard as he could against the change in pressure into the snout of a hammerhead shark chomping on his limb. Razor teeth scrapped down his calf making the pirate scream as blood diluted the water quickly forcing him to grab the beast before it came back for more and stab his hidden blade behind its gills dragging the blade clean through. Free from the terror of the shark, Edward quickly swam as best he could towards the rocky base of the fort passing his sailors that were frozen begging for help as their torso's are torn in half by schools of hungry sharks. Crawling on the sharp rocks, Edward coughed gasping for air ripping part of his trousers making a tourniquet to wrap around his torn leg. Cannon fire from the fort lit the area up as sorrow and anger were starting to take over the pirate, helplessly watching his prized ship take hit by hit as the crew did their best to retreat from the fort. No rowboat to take, no ship near to stow away in, Edward was now all alone in enemy territory and at a great disadvantage with his wound. There were only two ways out of this situation he realized. Standing, his body shook from the pain and large amounts of blood loss, he would either fight his way out, or die. Summoning all the strength he could muster, Edward limped into the fort using the darkness to his advantage before the sun peeked over the sea. Guards scampered like ants around the fort some cleaning, some addressing the wounded, and others on high alert—this would be a tough accomplishment, but if he could do it, not only would he have the last item, but able to retire from the assassin's lap dog position. A stone wall separated Edward and an oblivious guard, whistling to gain his attention and bait him to his site grabbing the man by his collar and smashing his skull against the stone. Remembering how Edward got by in Kingston, he stripped the soldier of his clothes putting the uniform on in record time tossing the evidence over the wall; not a trace of hair left, the perks of Shark Reef.
"Are you alright Jonathon?" a patrolling soldier asked over the heavy breathing man.
"Aye—yes, I—I'm fine." the soldier confirmed in his perfect pronunciation. Smiling with a strong pat on the shoulder, the curious soldier left the man alone understanding how shaken he is at battle assuming him a greenhorn.
Edward's heart raced at the near slip of tongue he gave. He was more than confident with his speech having lived in Whales since he was a lad before privateering for the Royal Navy, but having been a pirate for so long, he is used to the lax speech. Taking a deep breath in, Edward emerged from the shadows stepping on the paved walkway calming himself completely ignoring all the pain he felt knowing to conquer the fort he would have to kill the captain first. Constructed differently, each fort has their own personalities to fit the captain's needs, causing a great disadvantage to Edward's quest on finding the captain's place. In order to properly infiltrate the fort, he will need to ask around inconspicuously. Opening a large wooden door, Edward found a line of men resting on the cobblestone floor, a few bleeding, some missing limbs, and a handful with sheets draped over their bodies; this has to be the makeshift infirmary. Edward saw a man struggling to sit up from the mortal wound in his stomach asking for help. Grabbing hold of the injured man's arm, Edward pulled him into a sitting position waiting for him to speak.
Tears flowed down the man's cheek, hammering his mouth open and closed going in and out of consciousness. "Please—the captain, tell him...Ben..."
"Where is the captain?" Edward pushed for the man to speak shaking him.
"I-in the tower...North...of East and...W-West...batterie..." the soldier trailed off never able to deliver his last message to the captain.
"Don't worry mate, I'll make sure I give a message to your captain." Edward muttered.
Blinded by the sun protruding over the walls of the fort, Edward covered his eyes walking out of the infirmary. The soldiers were less restless than before, but became sharper, patrolling down to the rocks and doubled the men on the galleries each equipped with a spyglass. Ships that were near enough to hear the sounds of cannons rolled close to the lone island circling it mimicking the hungry sharks below. Assuming himself as Jonathon, Edward eavesdropped on a conversation between a troop of men keeping watch on the upper bastion with them.
"You think it was pirates?" a soldier whispered as though the mere mention of the word would send for an army of them.
"Of course you idiot, who else sails with black flags and skull and cross-bones?"
"Your mum." one facetious soldier commented.
"She is not a pirate!" the soldier became irate. "Glad you men can be funny when we are lucky to be alive. Now get serious! The Captain is probably very upset now. All his plans he has worked on probably got destroyed in that little skirmish. You wouldn't want to be the one he kills in frustration. Doesn't help that we are scheduled to patrol his quarters soon."
A heavy soldier came jogging to the making the men straighten themselves out to stand at attention. "Listen men. The Captain is changing locations, you will be on board his ship. Ready to set sail." He gave the orders assigning them their new duty.
"Does that mean we are going to sail on a pirate ship?" the whispering soldier asked.
"Just get on the ship!" a soldier impatiently replied shoving the man towards the entrance gate. "The rest of you grab some supplies."
Handling a box of small cargo, Edward felt relief knowing he picked the right group of men to blend in with. Being on a ship not only gave him a large advantage on eliminating enemy numbers, killing the captain, snatching the item deducing the captain would not leave it behind, and then escape with the ship—but why did that soldier say a pirate ship? Walking out of the fort to climb the ramp on board the unfamiliar ship that is no frigate, Edward is stopped by a harsh hand pushing against his chest forbidding him passage nearly knocking him off into the sea due to loosing balance from his leg.
"You don't look familiar. Who are you?" a large scruffy man asked.
Clearing his throat Edward spoke as best he could through gritted teeth. "I'm Jonathon. I am assigned here with the other men in my group to board this ship and guard the Captain during his passage."
"I don't know a 'Jonathon'."
"Is that so?" Frustration and nervousness beaded down Edward's face as he flexed his right hand ready to spear his hidden blade into the man's heart.
"Hurry up with that crate Jonathon! We don't have all day!" the same irate soldier from before demanded. Edward smirked stepping away from the man's arm muttering nasty words as he glared at scruffy man on to the ship. Going below deck, Edward dropped the crate with the rest of the cargo taking advantage of the time he has before going up to survey the area using his eagle vision to count the number of soldiers stationed below deck and position of items repeating the same thing once he went above deck. In total, there are thirty men on board he could see, thirty-five if counting himself and the fort captain.
Once night came, soldiers formed into small groups boarding row boats. The ship had docked at an island at the captain's request releasing the soldiers to go on shore and make camp. Removing the costume of Jonathon back to his robes, Edward remained on board going above deck slicing the ropes that held the ship anchored at the poorly man-made harbor, setting the ship at sail in an unknown direction abandoning the crew. Sneaking around he eliminated a handful of soldiers that have been permitted to stay, leaving he and the captain the only two men alive. Upon reaching the captain's cabin door, he opened it gently, limping inside watching the captain enamored with his work.
"Evening Captain." Edward said confidently closing the door aiming his pistol at the captain.
"If I didn't know any better—I wouldn't recognize that voice, Edward Kenway." the captain set his quill down to sit up straight.
"Sell out! You coward! Throwing us to the dogs! I once respected you Hornigold, you were once a great pirate! Now you defect!" Edward yelled. "You hide in a tower and work with the templars to destroy your friends and everything you believed in."
Standing from his chair, Hornigold grabbed the pistol off of his desk in line of Edward's heart. "You know nothing of my beliefs." Pulling the trigger, Hornigold shot Edward in his stomach instead watching him collapse to the ground. "This is the second time I shot you, but the third time is always the charm."
"I'll have my revenge!" Edward gasped bleeding out and picked himself up in time dodging the bullet to shove Hornigold down and retreat out the door. In pursuit, Hornigold dashed out the cabin with pistol and sword in hand. Looking down he saw a trail of blood leading to a bundle of barrels.
"Come out from hiding Kenway. You can either let me kill you now, or you can suffer with your wound."
Edward muted his aching pains using a free hand to cover the bullet wound. "I'll kill you Hornigold!"
"I doubt that. See—you're makin a trail of blood. Easy for me to rid of a rat like you." Hornigold popped out behind the barrels but could not see Edward laying there, only a puddle of blood. "Where are you Kenway?" Hornigold looked around him ready to shoot anything that moves.
Edward balanced himself on the main mast watching Hornigold look for him. Before Hornigold jumped behind the barrels, Edward slipped over the ship's rail clinging to the edge and climbed his way to a different part of the ship, ascending above the traitorous pirate perching on a mast. Hornigold walked cautiously calling out to Edward, taunting him to come out, but he kept his patience waiting to strike. Unsheathing his hidden blade, Edward jumped down from his place and stuck Hornigold in the back tumbling on him laying next to the man he once called a friend. Life was escaping the two men as they lay on the deck, Edward gripping his gut tightly wheezing for air while Hornigold laughed at their situation.
"What's...so funny, Hornigold?" the pirate questioned barely able to speak.
"Because of your recklessness, because you lack direction and structure...if you keep going the way you do, you will always be alone...You want that item right? If you live, which I doubt you will, it's in a chest on my desk..." Hornigold smiled breathing his last breath.
Edward struggled to get up. He crawled to the captain's cabin collapsing randomly on his way there finally reaching the desk using it as support lifting himself up and opening the chest removing the item losing all strength crumpling to the floor. Absorbing the final words Hornigold told Edward, he felt a tinge of fear that grew, swelling the emotion in him with every second that ticked feeling colder until there was nothing more, but darkness casing him.
By the time someone had found Hornigold's rogue ship sailing Northeast towards the Florida Keys crashing into a Spanish vessel, there were two aged bodies on the top deck, while a few other bodies were in other places, one of the bodies identified as Benjamin Hornigold and the other some unknown man in odd clothing. News spread wide about the death of Hornigold, once a pirate, but joined forces with the British Navy to end piracy in the Caribbean. Many months went by, and the remains of Hornigold's ship were left to rot in the Key West harbor as a reminder to pirates and those associated to piracy what could happen if caught. A few still spoke about what could have happened, but more speculated on whom the other man could have been.
"I think that man was another pirate and they fought to death!" a young spanish boy exclaimed in excitement to his papa.
"Hijo, calm down. It's been so long already, why still talk abou-" his father bumped into another man cutting his sentence. "Perdon, I was not paying attention. Are you alright?"
"Si." the stranger replied walking away from the father and son into the clinic across the street.
"Is he ok, papa?"
"No se, my son, I don't know."
Assessing the strangers stomach, the doctor disinfected his hands after handling. "I must say young man, you are very lucky to have come here when you did. Any later and you truly would have died. Be fortunate your vitals were missed. Having had so much time to recuperate, you are fine to do your rigorous work." He felt victorious releasing his patient.
"May I ask one last favor? Where can I get a ship?" a subtle English accent broke through.
"There are a few in the harbor you can use, but you would have to join a crew" the doctor answered "or you could always take one, but that would be stealing."
"Thank you for everything Doctor" smiled the stranger and left the clinic hoping never to go back.
Walking down to the docks, the stranger looked around at the ships docked in port. There were a couple of fishermen boats, some merry time sailboats, but there, farthest away from the deck, a lone Spanish schooner was on break from its crew. Climbing on board, the stranger cranked a wooden wheel in the middle of the boat, reeling in its anchor and set sail to the open seas. Edward Kenway was once again captain of a ship and alive. Being on Key West for so long had taken its toll on Edward's sanity and the words of Hornigold before he died constantly echoed in his head. He thought of Thatch, a father figure whom believed he could be a strong pirate is now gone, Kidd whom always pushed him in a direction mostly towards the assassins, is miles away, Ade, a friend that gave an opinion when necessary and stood by his side until he found his own way, Lastly Hornigold, once a friend, preferred the organization and manipulation of human life with the templars. Who is Edward Kenway? why is he wanting fame and at what cost? Why can't he follow a linear path with his life? Constantly changing directions like the waves in the seas. How much further will he go? And what happens after? The faces of each one of the people he thought off appeared one by one echoing throughout his mind. Edward felt demented, swatting them away. He needed to relax, he is a pirate seeking fortune, glory, an easy life—and could care less of what others thought or felt, all he had to do was finish this favor for the assassins. He will leave, he will get away from the dangers they called for and become captain of his Jackdaw once again, only something plagued him since he left Tulum six months ago—getting back to his wife, Mary. Last Edward saw his wife she was sick, but holds hope she is doing better since so much time went by and that Ade has kept his promise to protect her. He knows Mary can take care of herself very well, but a part of him believes that she needs help.
Bouncing on the Spanish schooner, the sight of Tulum had become a wave of relief to Edward sailing at five knots inching closer to the accustomed beach. In the past it would have been a reminder of multiple annoyances, but it had become a warm welcome. Digging through his robes, Edward pulled out the last Mayan item he was searching for clasping it in his hands smiling as he observed the oddity and accomplishment completing the mission stuffing it back safely in his pocket. Dropping anchor, Edward jumped out of the schooner swimming ashore and stuck with a dart in his neck once he touched sand. 'Shit I forgot!" Edward thought going down like a dead horse.
Edward felt groggy as old world dialect of the Mayans buzzed around rousing him from slumber. His head pounded, an after effect of the tranquilizer chemicals sitting up holding his head. He had been brought to a hut, one different from the Shaman's; a little more decorative with flowers instead of animal bones and spacious. There were three older assassin women sitting together grinding what could be herbs talking between themselves as little children played together with straw dolls.
"Feel fine?" one of the women asked pausing from her work.
"Never better."
"We did not recognize your ship. We thought the Spanish wanted to invade us again."
"Where is Kidd?" Edward got straight to the point.
"The man you brought here and James Kidd left the day after you for his induction mission."
"You let him leave? He is sick though! Where did they go?" disappointment rang in his voice.
"Our mentor knows the details." she went back to grinding.
"Ah Tabai, where is he? I will speak to him then."
"You may notice when you leave this hut Edward Kenway, there are not many of us here. Most of our people left to go at war with the templars."
"Cualli, what about her? Is she here?"
"No. The dark one, Ade, he did come back alone, but left with our mentor and Cualli to fight the Templars."
After listening to what the old Mayan assassin woman said, Edward rushed out the hut running around the assassin compound seeing less than half of the inhabitants. Stress took over the pirate feeling more lost than he was before not know what to do next. His wife was somewhere unknown with his former quartermaster and Ah Tabai and Cualli were at war. Tugging on his robes brought him out of his funk searching for the source. A little Mayan boy stood proudly behind Edward waiting for him to make contact.
"James Kidd and the newcomer went to a 'Port Royal'"
Kneeling down to the young boy's level, Edward became attentive. "Are you sure that is where they went?"
"Yes. I overheard them speaking about their plans to leave and the tall dark man said 'Port Royal'."
"Kidd is alone in Port Royal!" Anxiousness in Edward's voice realizing the dangers of the situation. "Thanks lad" Edward ruffled the little boy's hair in appreciation.
"Wait. Take this with you." The boy ran after him stuffing something in his hand.
Setting sail on the schooner towards Port Royal, Edward made sure this time he would not be confused as an enemy or anything suspicious by removing the Spanish flag. Docking at the harbor, the people of Port Royal were all bustling with excitement and headed towards Gallows Point, a known execution destination for many pirates. A few unlucky ones must had been unlucky to make the slip and now are sentenced to their deaths. The volume of people at the gallows made it hard for Edward to get through, whom ever they have, has a great bounty on their head, or a very notorious bunch. Successfully squeezing closer to the wooden deck, Edward kept his presence on low profile a few people in front of him.
A wig stood on the podium with a stack of papers in hand and companions at his side ready to doom the men on trial to their deaths. Lifting the first sheet on his stack, he quickly read the text spoke to the people.
"Bring in the prisoners." British soldiers stood single file along each side of the wooden doors guarding the civilians from danger and from letting the prisoners escape.
"The first two prisoners, pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny." A pair of guards shoved the two women on to the deck of the gallows allowing them their sentence.
Edward nearly leapt out of the crowd anger and worry seething through his body squeezing the shoulder of the person in front of him making them yelp and shoving him off. "What's wrong with you!" Yanking his hand off of the man, Edward clenched his hands into a fist using all his strength to not run out and kill every soldier and the judge present. His wife is not supposed to stand up there, let alone, Anne, the bar wench from Nassau is up there with her. However, the two of them looked a little different from he remembered.
"Bloody pirates. I've heard much about you Mary Read. Your terror ends here today, your sentence shall be death." The crowd roared in satisfaction to see the death of pirates.
"Ya English men lose yer dignity? Yer conscious must be clear knowin' ya sentence a pregnant woman to death and innocence of 'er child. Ya be knockin' on Hell's door." Mary spat at the judge partially dressed as Kidd challenging the system.
"You both are pregnant?" The judge asked with fury.
"We are!" Anne replied flirtatiously.
"Let them both rot in prison and as soon as their children are born, take them away and kill execute the women!" unsatisfied sounds boomed from the crowd as the women are removed. One woman ran out from the crowd to try to lecture Mary and Bonny throwing mud in their faces. "Dirty wenches! Satan's whores!" but was strong armed by a guard shoving her back into the crowd. Mary and Anne walked back to the prison with all their pride and relocated in their respective cells. Edward could hardly think. 'Pregnant', the word forced him to forget his anger at the moment and focus on her condition. Is the child his? He was gone for a long time. He must save Mary and Anne. Reaching for the object the young Mayan boy gave him, he thrusted the object into the ground creating a massive smoke cloud in the crowd. People screamed, panicking in fear of the smoke. Soldiers ran to control the crowds lowering the defense outside of the prison cells. Edward took the opportunity to infiltrate during the chaos.
"Mary!" Edward whispered walking low to the ground. "Mary where are you?"
"Kenway?"
"Mary!Where are you!" he stood frantically looking around the cells.
"Kenway, over 'ere!" Mary waved her hand out of her cell.
"Oh my God Mary..." the pirate ran to iron bars separating he and his wife shoving his hands to embrace her. "What happened? Why are you here?"
Kissing her husband took high priority before talking. "What 'appened t'ya? News came t' me once a month lettin' me know ya 'adn't returned."
"Long story love. So—you are pregnant."
"Aye." she rubbed her stomach circularly.
Extending his hand to place his hand on her belly, Edward felt amazed by the nature of life. "Is it mine?" he asked nervously
The female pirate looked to her husband whom is caught up with her stomach rubbing it wondrously. Deep down, Mary felt happy. They were finally together and he seemed excited about the baby within her, but she knew she couldn't let it stop progression of the mission and with high hopes he would turn to the assassin's for good. "Did ya get all the items Kenway?"
Stopping the motions on her stomach, Edward faced Mary. "When I went to Tulum looking for you, I was told the assassins went to war with the templars. Hardly anyone was there. It surprised me to find out Ade came back and you stayed here. Glad I made it while you still live and with child." He smiled holding her hand. "Cualli and Ade are both with Ah Tabai, so I couldn't give him the items even if I wanted to and trust me—I want to be rid of this curse and leave with you and the child. Problem is I need to get my Jackdaw back since it has the rest of the items on board. When I went to the Yucatán Peninsula in search of the last item, it was Hornigold who had it and on Shark Reef. Thought I would be a dead man. Hornigold is dead now, Took it from him after we fought." A dismal expression crossed him for a moment. Attention back to his wife, Edward grinned rubbing her belly again asking the same important question again. "Is it mine?"
Moving away from the iron bars, Mary looked down to the ground tears forming on her face. "It's not yers Kenway. Livin' 'ere for so long never knowin' ya t' come back, I found meself a new man. Tis 'is."
Edward punched the iron bars so hard, it nearly rattled the entire wall. "You cheated on me!" Rage blinded him, urging him to attempt to pry the bars open with his strength, shaking with fury. "You are mine, Mary! I told you that! So you open your legs for any man who looks at you? Because I am gone and almost die, you go and find yourself a new man?"
Mary closed her eyes doing her best to ignore the furious man as tears streamed down her face knowing the life she has committed him to. " Guards!" Mary screamed as she cried. "Guards there is an intruder!"
Someone must have heard her as footsteps reverberated against the stone walls. Edward pulled his sword out and began hacking soldiers down one by one until he became overpowered and tied down. "Mary!" They hauled him away. "Mary! I will be back!" His cries slowly fading as he was completely removed from the prison.
Mary hugged the walls lamenting in her guilt as she had watched the man she loves get crushed by her lies and taken away from her never knowing if she will see him again. "It's yers Kenway..." her whispers muffled by sobs.
A citizen had leaned over to look at the prison to see all the commotion that was happening and surprised to see a wild man screaming and kicking as he is dragged out then stripped of his possessions and clothes before thrown into a cage. "Mary!" the prisoner kept hollering as his cage had been placed on a wagon to move him into a fort on the other side of town. Ducking into the nearest tavern,, the person asked for a quill and paper scribbling a message down on a tiny piece of paper. The citizen ran deep into the English colony of Port Royal until he reached a shack mingled between buildings housing pigeons. Cutting a piece of twin from the wall of the coop, he tied the message on a pigeon's leg setting it free into the air. The pigeon took off, flying throughout the day landing in the trained destination to where it belongs.
After many months of bloodshed, Ah Tabai, Ade, and Cualli with a few other assassins that survived the war, returned to Tulum exhausted. It was a victorious battle for them, but not without a greater sacrifice, the lives of their men and women; Being home was a relief to them. The temple was just the same as they left it, the women taking great care of the grounds in their absence. Ade and Cualli left on their own to greet a few of the assassins and share the bad news to those whom lost a family member, while Ah Tabai yearned for the comfort of returning to his chambers. Just then, a boy ran to his mentor waving a paper in his hand shouting for his attention.
"Mentor! Mentor! Important message for you!" he handed the assassin leader the tiny letter. Quickly reading the message, Ah Tabai forgot what he was going to do and ran to Ade. Barging in to a delicate situation Ade and Cualli were giving to a grieving family, Ah Tabai requested Ade's time.
"What is it mentor?" Ade asked sensing distress.
" We need to go rescue Edward Kenway and Mary Read, they are in trouble."
Working on this story has been a great thrill for me, thought it may not last much longer, but there will be a second installment I have been mapping out on.
I still have the fanart available for anyone to view if they would like to see it. Simply private message me and you can see.
Thank you everyone whom has been reading! You all make it the best experience for me.
Cheers!