Authors Note: Okay, if you have not read Assassin's Creed: Forsaken, I apologize for any confusion toward the end of this chapter. Forsaken is basically what happens to Haytham before and during the events in ACIII. So, spoilers for those of you who have not read it. For those of you who have...I hope you don't almost cry like I did by just thinking about it.

-Silverwing


Heavy flurries swirled as a small gust of wind whipped through the trees. Connor stumbled with an irritated growl before continuing his trek toward the manor again. The young Assassin was in anything but a good mood. He and his crew had just returned with the Aquila, and Connor was shocked and just livid at the sight of more snow.

Connor suddenly wondered why he was so irritated. Winter was one of his favorite times of the year, despite its negative properties. Perhaps it had something to do with the Ghost Ship that almost drowned him two weeks ago.

Connor let out a small sigh. It seemed that he would not be able to tell Ellie of his latest adventure anytime soon. And, due to the weather, he would not have an opportunity to visit his village or travel anywhere safely.

Deciding to not even think about it, Connor continued to stomp his way toward the manor. As he reached for the door, he glimpsed something…off, about the yard.

He leaned back and his frown slowly disappeared when he saw what appeared to be a snowman in the yard in front of the stable.

A small giggle and the rustling of the brush warned him of the oncoming attack. Connor managed to hide behind a pillar as two snowballs shattered against the door.

Connor peered around the pillar with a smirk when he saw two tufts of bright red hair hide behind some trees.

A smaller, high pitched giggle suddenly reached his ears before a snowball hit his back.

He whipped around to see Bonnie's bright red hair disappear behind the corner of the manor. Connor dodged more snowballs from Ian and Gavin before sprinting around the corner.

Bonnie squealed as Connor quickly caught up with her. "Ah! Help!" Bonnie laughed as Connor scooped her up.

"Let her go, you miscreant!"

Bonnie ducked just in time to dodge the next snowball. Connor grunted in surprise as his hat flew off his head.

Connor frowned and looked to see a laughing Ellie. What was she doing here? She said she would not visit until after winter!

Connor tightened his hold around Bonnie and hid behind a tree as Ellie threw another snowball.

He and Bonnie peeked around the trunk. "Miscreant?" he teased, ducking as another snowball flew his way.

"Boys! Your sister is being held captive!"

Bonnie giggled as he set her down. "Will you join me?" he asked, forming a snowball in his gloved hands. She quickly nodded and Connor handed her the snowball. "Follow me. I will guard you."

"Okay!"

Connor peeked out from behind the tree trunk to see Ellie and the boys holding snowballs. "Ready?"

Bonnie giggled and held up her snowball.

Memories of his childhood rose up in his mind as he quickly formed another snowball. He remembered when he and Kanen'tó kon used to help little girls just like Bonnie against their brothers.

"Go!"

Connor leaped out from behind the tree and chucked his snowball.

Ellie tossed her own snowball with a laugh while Ian and Gavin charged at him.

"Get him!"

"Take this!"

Connor held up his arms as their snowballs came toward his face, falling with a laugh as they barreled into him.

Bonnie squealed with laughter as she tossed her own snowball toward Gavin's head.

"Hey!"

"Payback!" Bonnie retorted, sticking out her tongue.

"Why you-"

Connor quickly shoved snow in Ian's face before the boys could chase their sister. The boys suddenly scurried away, and Connor let out a yelp when a snowball hit him in the face.

"Oops," Ellie said, not looking apologetic at all.

Connor arched a brow and got up quickly. The kids scattered and ran away before he could reach them, but Ellie was at a disadvantage.

She squealed and tried to run, but Connor already had a head start. He quickly scooped up some snow, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"No, please-AH!"

Connor smirked at her as she tried to brush the snow away from her face.

"That was uncalled for!"

"Says the person who threw a snowball at my face," he retorted, arching a brow.

Ellie blinked in surprise for a moment before shaking her head. "I suppose I shouldn't complain then," she chuckled, looking down bashfully.

Connor suddenly realized that his arm was still wrapped around her waist and her hands were resting on his chest. A warm, tingling sensation started to crawl up the back of his neck and his gaze met hers once more.

Snowflakes were caught in her hair and long eyelashes, and her cheeks were rosy due to the cold. Her green eyes were dancing with amusement as she looked up at him.

Connor's heart started to race, and he could feel the tingling head start to travel to his cheeks. He knew that what he was doing would probably be considered improper for her people. He cleared his throat, reluctantly letting her go. "Sorry."

Ellie reached up on the tips of her toes and brushed some snow off the top of his head, grinning in amusement. "Why are you apologizing?"

Connor rubbed the back of his neck. He turned and started to look for his hat, not wanting to answer. It was simply too embarrassing and she would probably call him an ox again if he told her.

To his surprise, his hat was not near where Ellie knocked it off.

"I believe what you're looking for is on Mister Snow over there."

Connor glanced over at the snowman and shook his head in amusement. The children ran down the path toward their home, leaving his hat on the snowman's head.

Ellie caught up with him as he trudged toward the snowman. "So, did you just get back?" she asked. She squealed and grabbed his arm when her foot sunk further than expected.

Connor lifted his arm, helping her out of the drift with an amused grin before walking again. "Yes."

"What did you find?"

" We were able to stop pirates on another trading route. And Peg Leg's letter led us to another clue," he answered, putting his hat back on his own head.

"What was it?"

Connor almost smiled at the excitement in her voice. He was honestly glad she was as curious about the clues as he was. "It was another piece of leather with the message, 'And abreast the rock that doesn't fit.'"

Ellie tapped her chin in thought. "I wonder what they all mean. Do you think they're landmarks?"

Connor shrugged and began to trudge toward the manor. "Perhaps."

"Or perhaps they're code for something," she mused as she followed along. She suddenly squealed and Connor immediately held out his arm to help her out of another drift.

"Thank you," she breathed, clinging to his arm.

Connor's cheeks began to heat up again as her hold on his arm tightened. They remained that way until they reached the door and Connor felt confused. Why was he reacting this way around her all of a sudden?

He continued to ponder this as they stepped inside and removed their coats.

Ellie smoothed out her skirts as she glanced up at him with a grin.

Connor's heart started to race again.

Perhaps he should discuss this matter with Achilles later.


Winter passed slowly and with no news of the Templars. Spring finally came rolling in with cold winds and plenty of rain.

Ellie sighed and tossed another note aside, pinching the bridge of her nose. It said the same thing as the others did. There was no news of Hickey. "Blast it all," she grumbled, reaching for the next message.

She studied the seal and tilted her head in curiosity as she broke it. Benjamin Tallmadge's name greeted her at the end of the letter. A hopeful grin came to her lips as she read the letter.

"Achilles?"

"Yes?" The old man hobbled into the study, giving her an expectant look.

Ellie waved the letter at him. "Your man Tallmadge managed to pull through. He has reason to believe that Hickey is behind one of the largest counterfeiting rings in New York. We finally got him," she explained, standing up and giving the old man the letter. She couldn't stop the smug grin from coming to her lips. They finally found the blaggard.

Achilles' eyes trailed over the letter. His brow slowly began to furrow and the corners of his mouth turned down. "So it seems. Will you please tell him to come to Davenport if he can? I want Connor to meet him before they go and try to investigate."

Ellie bit her lip, noticing how grim the old man's expression became. She clasped her hands in front of her, staring down at the floor. Dread started to fill her heart. Why was she so happy to find a man they were trying to kill? All of the pride that filled her before slowly started to disappear. A voice in her head berated her for even feeling accomplished at all.

"Miss Miller?"

Ellie flinched at the sound of Achilles' voice. Did he think any less of her? Did he even notice? She shook the questions away and looked up. "Yes?"

Achilles tilted his head with a sigh. "Hold fast to what you're feeling. It will ensure that you remain human," he said, patting her shoulder before hobbling toward the desk.

Ellie hated the feeling of her heart sinking toward the floor. She was so focused on trying to find Hickey that she almost forgot why they were trying to find him. Since she wasn't the one doing what had to be done, she never saw what happened after she gave the information to Achilles or Connor.

Glancing toward the old man, Ellie wondered if she should tell him how she felt. He had more experience with this, after all.

"What's on your mind, Miss Miller?" Achilles asked softly, resting his hands on his cane.

Ellie wrung her hands, trying to find the right words. "Well…I just feel like a horrible person. In a way, I had something to do with two men's deaths. And now I'm well on my way to more," she paused and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, taking a deep breath, "and I just realized that I just felt so accomplished and proud of the fact that I found the next one. I feel horrible."

Achilles remained silent, but his eyes slowly softened and a kind, but sad smile came to his lips. "Sometimes, we lost sight of the real goal on our way to achieving it. You are not a horrible person, Ellie. But, as I have said before, don't ever forget this feeling. It will help you remember why we do this."

Crossing her arms, Ellie turned away and looked out the window, pondering what he just said.

Why did she do this?

In all honesty, she never saw what the Templars did, and she never truly met any of them. So how could she know they were horrible men?

Suddenly, she remembered all of the conversations between her father and mother that she overheard when they thought she was asleep. Her father's tales were usually gruesome and some of the things he described to her mother were enough to make her shake in fear.

Connor's own stories suddenly came to mind. The Templars destroyed his childhood. Her heart clenched when she realized his father most likely the one that ordered the attack on his village.

All of the Templar's wrongdoings suddenly became clear to her, causing her to stiffen her upper lip and turn back to Achilles.

She strode toward the desk and picked up the quill. "Tell me what you want to say, Achilles."

Achilles gave her a warm grin before telling her what to say in the message. Soon, the message was finished, and Ellie had it sealed in moments.

"There. I'll have James send it right away," she said, reaching for her other messages.

Achilles reached forward and rested his hand on hers. "May I ask something personal, Ellie?"

Ellie furrowed her brow slightly. "Is something wrong?"

Achilles chuckled. "No, I am just…curious about something."

Ellie stood up straight and put her hands on her hips. "And that would be?"

"How do you view Connor?" he asked quietly, almost looking amused.

Ellie arched a brow. "What do you mean?"

Achilles gestured to the other chair and Ellie slowly took a seat. Where was he going with this?

The only sound that could now be heard was the soft patter of rain on the window and the tapping of Achilles' cane on the floor. "Is he a good friend to you? I worry about how he works with others at times."

Ellie looked up in thought before slowly shaking her head. "I don't know why you would worry. He works well with me and all of the people who help us. I've only seen him be…rough with men who don't deserve kind words," she explained, remembering how he defended her in the tavern long ago.

Achilles nodded, tapping her knee with his cane. "Yes, but you didn't answer my question."

Ellie frowned. "Yes, we are very good friends. Why do you ask?"

With a shrug, Achilles managed to push himself to his feet. "Mere curiosity."

It took all of Ellie's willpower to not roll her eyes. She had been around Peter and Eliza long enough to know that people their age never were merely curious about anything. She stood up as well, shaking her head.

"If you say so, Achilles."


A loud clang caused Connor to jerk his head up quickly. His throbbing head caused him to instantly regret the action. His brain felt too big for his skull and his whole body seemed heavy. Every joint in his body screamed out as he looked around his cell. He looked up to see the sneering face of Thomas Hickey. Suddenly, the day's events come rushing back to Connor.

He scowled back at the Templar, quickly pushing himself to his feet. "You," he growled, stepping toward the other side of the cell. He almost stumbled, but he refused to let the Templar see how his head was affecting the rest of his body.

"You miss me, swee'art?" Hickey teased. His eyebrows shot up in mock shock. "Wot? Nothin' to say?"

Connor took a deep breath. He refused to play this man's games. "If you are here, then Washington is safe," he stated, feeling a little relieved, despite the situation.

Thomas nodded. "True, true. Thing is..." he paused as the slam of a door reverberated through the cells. Heavy footsteps started to make their way toward them.

Hickey smirked at the Assassin. "I believe I've just been pardoned."

Connor's blood began to boil when he saw Charles Lee walk by his cell. He stiffened when his own father walked by after him. Lee opened Hickey's cell, allowing the scoundrel to walk out.

"Thank you kindly for the rescue, gents."

Haytham straightened, clasping his hands behind his back. A deep frown was set on the Grandmaster's face. "There can be no further mistakes, Thomas. Am I understood?"

Hickey gestured toward Connor. "Wot about the Assassin?"

All three Templars were now peering at Connor. Connor glared back, meeting his father's eyes. The corner of Haytham's mouth twitched as they stared at each other. Connor tilted his head, narrowing his eyes.

So this was his father?

Haytham's own eyes narrowed. Connor was momentarily shaken when he could see the similarities between him and his father.

Hickey's smirk grew. "Yeah, he's here. They put 'im in the cell next to mine. Guess we didn't quite get 'em all, eh?" he joked toward Haytham.

Haytham, on the other hand, did not look amused in the least. His hard stare turned to Hickey, causing the other man to start looking at his feet. He then looked at Charles Lee. "Deal with this, Charles," he snapped, briskly turning on his heel and walking away.

Connor almost retched at how quickly Lee stood straight with a tiny bow. "At once, sir."

Lee and Hickey glanced at each other before glaring at Connor once more. "Wot are we gonna do?" Hickey asked, scratching his neck.

Lee did not answer right away. Instead, he stepped closer to the cell. "You're that boy from the Continental Congress. Adams' little lap dog." He paused and tapped his chin. "Hmmm, I think I have an idea... Yes. Two birds with one stone."

Hickey's eyes held a wicked glint at he chuckled. "Do tell."

Lee held up a hand, stopping Hickey from speaking more. "All in good time. It's not like the Assassin is going anywhere. For now, we should see about getting you better accommodations here," he said, turning toward the door.

Hickey's face fell before a deep scowl replaced his grin. "What are you on about? I thought I was gettin' out."

Lee paused and sighed in exasperation. "I'm afraid you won't be leaving for a while, thanks to Benjamin Tallmadge. He's been running his mouth, saying all sorts of things. You're being investigated for plotting to assassinate George Washington."

Hickey spluttered before growling, "What a bunch of bollocks! I thought you was gonna handle that."

Lee turned and glared at the other man. "We'll discuss this elsewhere," he snapped, quickly glancing at Connor before walking toward the door.

The door slammed and Connor was left alone. Sighing, he sat down on the sad excuse of a cot, trying to think of a way to escape.

Charles Lee spoke of an idea, and Connor was not willing to stay put and let his plan go into action.

He just hoped he could escape in time to warn the Commander.


"HE WHAT?!" Ellie squawked, crumpling the piece of paper in her hands, glaring at Stephane.

All three Assassins began to back away from her, avoiding eye contact. Clipper actually looked afraid.

"He…is…in jail," Stephane repeated, gulping.

A heavy silence hung over them all. The clatter of a wagon wheels on the cobbled road was the only thing that could be heard in the small sitting room.

Ellie finally sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "That bloody Ox! Wait til I get my hands on him," she snarled. She paused and looked up at the three men. "How did it happen? Do any of you know?"

Duncan stepped forward. "Tallmadge told us that he was arrested along with Hickey. The soldiers believed he was also a part of this whole counterfeiting mess. It was all a big misunderstanding."

Ellie huffed and stood up from the desk, stomping over to her cloak. "I want one of you to tell Achilles. I don't care who does it," she ordered, throwing her cloak over her shoulders.

She turned and pointed at them. "And try to find out if the other Templars are here. Hickey is no good to them if he's in jail. They're most likely here to get him out."

"Will do, Miss Ellie," Duncan replied, giving her a salute with a broad grin.

Clipper stepped forward and opened the door for her. "Do you need help with anything else?"

Ellie glanced up at him, thinking about where her destination was. "Actually, I do. Come with me," she said, walking out the door.

The normal crowded street of New York suddenly was more irritating than usual as she made her way toward the harbor. Clipper managed to catch up and stay close behind as she made her way toward Fort Washington.

Clipper paused as the tall walls of the fort appeared in the distance. "Uh…Ellie?"

Ellie paused and glanced at him over her shoulder with a frown. "Yes?"

"Why are we here?" he asked, furrowing his brow.

Ellie forced herself to relax and calm down. There was time to be mad at Connor later. "As far as I know, Bridewell is mainly used for prisoners of war. I also know that a certain group of Regulars visits Bridewell frequently to try to convince some prisoners to talk. One of these men is our ally."

Clipper nodded in understanding. "Is he your contact amongst the British?" he asked, following as she began to walk again.

"Yes, one of the few," she replied, looking up at the tall gates at the entrance. Making sure to pause where they couldn't be seen, Ellie pulled out a small piece of paper and her piece of lead. As she scribbled her note, she recalled how Connor gave her the idea of carrying those things with her at all times so she could be prepared.

Maybe she should thank him after she nagged his ears off.

She shoved the note into Clipper's hands and gestured to the front gates. "Tell them that you have a message for Captain Jonathan Bell. If they ask who it's from, say it's from his sister."

Clipper nodded in understanding, turning to walk toward the fort. He paused and glanced back at her. "Will you be alright all alo-"

"Go! We don't have much time," Ellie interrupted, shooing him away.

Clipper quickly jogged toward the entrance, leaving Ellie alone. She sighed and looked out toward the sea, hoping that Connor was alright.

Just hang on, you oaf.


Connor scrunched his nose at the small tin plate that was shoved in his hands. He could not recognize the contents on the plate, so he decided to just not eat it.

He glanced down at his pocket, tracing his fingers over the key Mason Weems had made. Tossing the plate aside, he sat on his cot, wondering how much longer he had to wait.

Connor looked up at his window, trying to determine what time it was from the sunlight filtering through.

A loud bang caused him to look at his cell door. He scowled when he saw the usual guard standing here.

"Oi! Halfbreed! You have a visitor," the man barked, stepping away.

A tall, dark haired man wearing an officer's uniform stepped in front of the cell, clasping his hands behind his back.

Connor stood and slowly walked over to the door. For some reason, this man seemed familiar.

"Connor?"

Connor nodded, now wracking his brain as he tried to remember where he has seen this man before.

"My name is Jonathan Bell. I help Miss Miller with her business," he explained, looking around warily.

The name caused a bell to go off in Connor's head and he suddenly remembered seeing the officer many times when he escorted Ellie on her errands. "Why are you here?" Connor asked, looking around as well.

Bell furrowed his brow and leaned forward, feigning intimidation. Connor stepped closer, hoping that it looked like Bell was interrogating him.

"Ellie said to hold on, they are trying to come up with a plan to get you out. In the meantime, try not to get in more trouble."

Connor snorted. "How can I get in more trouble?" he asked, gesturing to his cell and grubby clothes.

Bell smirked. "I'm just delivering her message," he paused before adding on, "She said you would find a way to get into a deeper pit somehow if I didn't tell you."

Connor rolled his eyes. Trust Ellie to come to that conclusion. "Tell her that Lee and Kenway are in New York," he whispered, stepping away as the guard came back, telling Bell that his time was up.

Bell nodded before striding away, leaving Connor alone with the guard. Connor glanced down at his pocket again.

He knew he could not fulfill Ellie's request, for he had no intention to sit back and wait for a rescue.

Hickey had to be stopped.


Ellie bit her lip, trying to push her way through the large crowd that was calling for Connor's death. Her eyes frantically glanced up toward the rooftops near the square, barely managing to see Clipper hiding behind a chimney. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Hickey shove Connor toward the gallows.

Ellie saw the woman that hit Connor earlier and didn't hesitate to shove her as she made her way behind the gallows.

Her stomach started to roll as Charles Lee began to tell the crowd his lies. Her heart felt like a frantic bird flying around in her chest, and she felt like a cannonball had settled in her stomach as the bag was placed over Connor's head.

Charles Lee finished his speech, gesturing to the man on the other side of the gallows. The man pulled the lever and Ellie's voice died in her throat as Connor fell. The shot of Clipper's rifle sounded throughout the square, causing many people to cry out in fright.

"Oh no," Ellie whispered, eyes widening as she stared at the rope. Clipper's shot hit true, but the single bullet wasn't enough.

She yelped when a hand settled on her shoulder and pulled her away. She looked and her heart stopped when she saw the face of none other than Haytham Kenway.

Kenway quickly threw something, and Ellie was shocked to see a knife sailing toward the rope. The blade sliced through, and Connor fell with a thud.

Ellie looked up at Kenway in surprise. What was happening? Why did Kenway save Connor?

Kenway glared at her before pulling the hood of his cloak further over his face. "Not a word," he growled, disappearing into the panicking crowd.

She blinked rapidly, trying to come to terms with what she just witnessed. Haytham Kenway, the man who was behind the downfall of the American Assassins, stopped the hanging of an Assassin. Ellie pulled at her hair, not knowing what to think as she tried to slow her racing heart.

The loud, angry voice of Israel Putnam boomed throughout the square, causing all of the guards and Assassins to stop fighting.

Ellie stood on the tips of her toes and she breathed out a sigh of relief to see Connor standing next to Putnam, looking unscathed for the most part.

She looked back toward where Kenway appeared, pondering what to do next.

Her main question was the one that worried her the most.

Should she tell Connor?