Chapter 10

The hunt begins

I returned to Ah Tabai, James, and Dag, with Gabe's Templar cross necklace in hand and a small smile on my face.

"The Templar lieutenant is dead," I said, "I brought back his cross as proof."

"You are just like your father," said Aha Tabai, "he always brought back proof of his kill to me, it makes me smile to see that such a trait like that has been passed on down to you Sarah-Beth. Truly, you have the blood of the Assassin in your veins."

"Thank you," I said.

It seemed strange thanking this man, like something inside of me had fully awakened and… it didn't want to go back to sleep… was this what it was like for my father when he became an Assassin?

"No need to thank me child, it is I who should be thanking you and apologizing as well," said Ah Tabai, "it's only ever so rare that I underestimate individuals who bear the same qualities as their Assassin parent."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I said with a smile.

"She certainly has her father's charm," said James.

"Indeed," said Dag, "we should go, before anything else happens."

"Alright," I said, "uh… here, I suppose you'll be wanting these robes back."

"Keep them," said Ah Tabai, "think of them as a token."

"Keep the bow too, like I said, it was your father's," said James, "I'm sure he'd want you to have it."

I smiled.

"Thanks," I said as I turned and followed Dag to the ship.

Just then, something made me stop and turn around.

"What's your real name James?" I asked.

"Huh?" she asked.

"What's your real name?" I asked, "come on, we're practically friends, I won't blab if you tell me."

James looked at Dag, then she looked at me and walked over. James leaned towards me and in hushed tone she said, "Mary. Mary Read, why?"

I smirked.

"My father told me about the… friendship the two of you had," I said in a hushed tone.

James blushed, I chuckled.

"Tell anyone and I'll stick my blade in your throat," she warned.

"Ooo harsh words… princess," I teased.

James smirked and gave me a hearty pat on the shoulder.

"I'll catch you later, sister," she said as she walked away.

"Céad slán James (Farewell James)," I said.

Since that day I met the Assassins, life with Dag and his crew hasn't been the same for me, sure we still attacked cargo ships and plundered British warehouses on occasion, but the thing that changed most was my training. I didn't receive the usual training I've become accustomed to, at night Dag would take me out so I could receive Assassin training like he did during his youth, he and some of his officers… his former students taught me the skills needed in order to be an effective Assassin.

Days became weeks and weeks turned into months and months turned into years, I became faster, tougher, and smarter in battle. Thanks to the traits I inherited from my father, I became quite a fast learner in combat, so much that I earned the rank of Disciple by the time I reached the age of eighteen.

From that point on, Dag unleashed me on the ten remaining lieutenants belonging to Blackheart. As I took out my time, hunting down my targets one by one, I eventually forgot about my revenge on Blackheart himself, preferring to focus more on learning about my heritage and where these… Assassins came from.

Dag also taught me a little bit of philosophy as well whenever I trained with him at night, preferably one piece of philosophy that even had my father confused when he first joined the brotherhood: Nothing is true, everything is permitted.

"I don't understand," I said as I practiced my sword flourishes, "how is nothing true, but everything is permitted? That seems a little… confusing, don't you think? I mean if anything it sounds a bit misleading, especially for a pirate that's trained by Assassins."

Dag laughed.

"Your father said the exact same thing," he said, "the phrase isn't exactly a doctrine to follow, but more like an observation of the world."

I stopped and gave Dag a look.

"That doesn't help me still," I said.

Dag sighed.

"Many years ago… an old Assassin once spoke of that phrase in detail," he said as he rose and walked over to me, "he said, "To say nothing is true, is to realize that the foundations of society are fragile, and that we must be the shepherds of our own civilization. To say that everything is permitted, is to understand that we are the architects of our actions, and that we must live with their consequences, whether glorious or tragic". Do you understand now?"

I pondered for a minute before speaking.

"I have a feeling that this phrase is supposed to teach Assassins that they can't always follow the truths that the world has to offer, and that if they always followed the laws that were presented to them…" my voice trailed off.

Dag smiled and pat me on the head.

"Don't think too hard on it, it took your father years before he understood it," he said.

I smiled and nodded.

"Okay," I said.

"Dag, we got a letter from James," said Kindred.

Dag received the letter and opened it up, he raised an eyebrow.

"This is new," he said, "it says here that two of the five remaining lieutenants have been found in Great Britain."

"Great Britain?" I asked.

Dag nodded.

"Yeah… why do you sound slightly alarmed all of a sudden?" he asked.

I shifted my feet and said, "Well… it's just that I have family in Great Britain… my Uncle Fredrick Ames and my cousins Patrick and Alexandra. If I go to Great Britain… I don't know how they'll react if they see me."

"Then I suggest that you do your best to stay away from them during your trip to Great Britain," said Dag.

I nodded slightly and said, "Alright… when do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," said Dag, "I don't want us to miss the chance to take out two lieutenants at once."

I nodded and yawned.

"Alright," I said, "well, then in that case… goodnight."

I went into the cabin, headed to my bedroom and got ready for bed, I was exhausted. As I flopped onto my bed and prepared to go to sleep, there was a small knock on the door.

"It's open," I said groggily.

The door opened, Balto walked in. I smiled.

"Do you always wait for me to come to bed so you can tuck me in?" I asked.

Balto chuckled sarcastically and said, "For your information, I actually do a lot more than just wait for you to go to sleep so I can "tuck you in"."

I giggled.

"I was just kidding," I said, "you're so sensitive at times."

"I'm not sensitive, I was just stating a fact," he said, "so… what's going on tomorrow?"

"I'm going to Great Britain," I said, "two of Blackheart's lieutenants are there and I plan to kill them both."

"Sounds like fun," said Balto, "didn't you say that your heritage dates back to Great Britain?"

"My heritage actually consists of a mix of British and Irish," I said, "to be honest Balto… I'm a little worried… I don't know how my cousins or uncle will feel when they see me like this."

"Would you feel better if I accompanied you to Great Britain?" he asked.

My eyes widened.

"Huh?" I asked.

"I could accompany you on this trip," he said with a smile, "come on, I've always wanted to go to where your father was born. I don't mind Ravenswood Cove or the Caribbean, but I want to just… expand my horizon you know?"

"I don't know… What if there's a problem and the Templars cause a… problem?" I asked.

Balto leaned in and kissed me on the lips, I blushed deeply as he pulled away.

"Don't worry about me kiddo," he said as he stood up, "I might look like an ordinary cabin boy, but there's more to me than meets the eye."

Before I could ask what he meant, Balto walked out of my bedroom. I sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

"That boy makes me feel some sort of way," I thought.

It was the next day, Dag, Balto, Kindred, Trident, Danielle and I got an all-accessed paid trip to Plymouth so we could find the two lieutenants located there… oh and when I mean "all-accessed paid" I mean London smuggled us to Plymouth via… disguise.

"Ugh, I look ridiculous in these clothes," said Trident.

"Don't we all?" asked Danielle.

"Captain, tell me you're armed at least," said Trident.

"My blade is too conspicuous in these clothes," said Dag, "don't worry, London's having some of his men carry our belongings to the Tavern we're going to be staying at."

I looked around the town and let out a sigh, it's been so long since I've been here… so many wonderful memories I had with my family… before Blackheart… before my parent's death… before-

"No, you have a mission Sarah-Beth," I scolded to myself as I followed behind Dag.

As we arrived at our destination, I bumped into someone who was coming out.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" snapped the guy.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Yeah you'd better be you…"

The guy stopped when he saw my face, I gasped and blushed, and the guy blushed too.

"Sarah-Beth?" he asked.

I didn't say anything, instead I just turned and hurried inside, I put my hand on my heart and started to breathe very fast.

"Sara-Beth, what's wrong?" asked Balto, "you look like you've just seen a ghost."

"I… I'm fine," I lied.

"Well, alright," said Balto, "Dag managed to find us some rooms, you're stuff's on your bed waiting for you when you're ready."

I nodded and headed up to my room, I opened up my bags and pulled out my robes and weapons, there was something else I pulled out too. Something important: A note.

"Sara-Beth, I thought I'd write this little note to let you know that this is your mission, we are merely here for support if things get out of hand. Inside is a number of places where the targets normally go to. Good luck and be careful.

-Captain Dag," it read.

I let out a sigh, I should've expected this though, I mean since this was practically my mission Dag would've wanted me to take care of it. Either that or he still wants me to continue proving that I'm the daughter of Rowland Ravenswood-er, Raven Lord… whatever.

"Looks like I'm going in alone then," I thought as I slipped out of my disguise and into my gear.

It still felt a little weird wearing these robes, I didn't mind that they were light and provided me with a lot of mobility, but seeing Dag's robes that day with that armor and such made me feel so… vulnerable.

"I hope I get some armor myself soon," I thought as I made my way to the door.

As I prepared to turn the knob, I stopped short.

"There shouldn't be a problem with me going down there in my robes, right?" I thought, "yeah there shouldn't be, it's not like there's Templars here right?"

I turned the doorknob, walked out of my room and headed downstairs. As I made my way to the door, I saw people give me a quick glance and went back to their business. I smiled under my hood and walked out into the cool night.

"Let's see, I have two targets to take out, both of them go to different locations… how am I going to do this?" I murmured to myself.

"Why not ask for help?" asked a voice.

I turned and saw someone in the same robes as mine, step out from the shadows. I gasped.

"Balto… you're… you're…" I started to say.

"An Assassin?" he asked, "yes, I am an Assassin."

"But, but, but I thought you were just another member in Dag's crew," I said.

"I told you Sarah-Beth, there's more to me than meets the eye," he said as he walked over to me.

I didn't know what to say, my mind was still processing what was happening.

"Balto… what are you doing here?" I asked.

I know it might've sounded kind of blunt, but it was the only thing I could spit out.

"Dag knew that you would try to take out the two lieutenants on your own, so he had me come and accompany you on this little mission," he said, "and don't worry, I'm able to handle my own, Dag trained me himself."

I smiled and gave Balto an affirmative nod.

"Alright, then let's get to it," I said.

Balto and I took off into the night, leaping from roof to roof, sticking to the shadows, and keeping an eye out for any possible sentries… because apparently rooftop guards don't like people hanging out up here.

"Sara-Beth, down there," said Balto.

I looked over the edge of the roof and saw some British talking to a man, I raised an eyebrow.

"It's just some old farts having a conversation," I said.

"That's not an old fart, that's one of the Templars," he said, "that's Brian Gold."

I looked at the man again, and suddenly something inside me flared up, as if the whole world appeared to have slowed down by 90%. I looked down at the man's hand and sure enough, there was a ring with the Templar cross etched on it. It was one of the lieutenants.

"What are they talking about?" I asked.

"I don't know," said Balto, "let's get a closer look."

I saw Balto jump onto the edge and stand up. I started to get worried.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, what the hell are you doing?" I asked.

"Sara-Beth, you're about to witness a leap of faith," said Balto.

And with that, Balto jumped off, not knowing what he meant, I got scared and ran over to the edge so I could be sure he didn't kill himself… to my shock, the crazy bastard landed in a passing cart full of hay. Balto hopped out and motioned for me to jump.

"Are you insane!?" I demanded.

Balto motioned for me to keep my voice down.

"Are you insane!?" I repeated in a loud whisper, "I'm just gonna climb down."

I climbed down the building and walked over to Balto, who was grinning from ear to ear. I glared at him.

"Glaoch orm righin, leomh mé leat (Call me a stiff, I dare you)," I said firmly.

Balto and I followed the Templar and the guards closely, keeping in mind not to make ourselves look suspicious. I looked over at Balto and saw that he had his head down and also had a hand up to his right ear.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Shh, I'm listening in on them," he said.

I looked at the people ahead of us, they were way further ahead of us, how the hell could Balto possibly even hear what the fuck they're even saying!?

"I need to learn that trick," I thought.

We kept following them closely, while Balto kept listening in on what they were saying, finally he looked over at me.

"Well?" I asked.

"They have some kind of shipment that's waiting down at the docks," he said.

"What kind of shipment?" I asked, "is it food? Medical supplies?"

Balto shook his head.

"No, he didn't say," he said, "but I think it's only fair that we find out."

I saw Brian Gold and the soldiers turned at the corner of the street and kept walking, I heard Balto eject his wrist blade and started to pick up the pace, I followed close behind him.

"Do you have you're bow on you?" asked Balto.

I shook my head, Balto reached into his robes and handed me two knives.

"Aim for the soldiers," he said.

I looked at the two soldiers and then I looked at the knives. I never threw a knife before, so there was no telling on how this would end, if I missed, Brian would call for help and Balto and I would be in big trouble; and if I hit Brian, the soldiers would call for help.

"I hate lose-lose situations," I thought as I took aim.

I focused on the soldiers, brought the knives towards my body, focused on the soldiers, and threw the two projectiles.

Thunk!

Thunk!

The guards were hit and went down, before Brian could react, Balto charged, jumped with his wrist blade in the air and drove it into Brian's shoulder as he turned to see what was behind him. Balto picked up Brian and slammed him against the wall of a building.

"Alright Templar, a little birdy told me you've got a shipment waiting for you and your buddies down at the docks," growled Balto, "what's the shipment, huh?"

"Go fuck yourself, Assassin," mocked Brian.

Balto punched Brian in the nose, causing blood to drip out.

"Try again," he said.

"Gur fhéach cosúil Gortaítear sé (That looked like it hurt)," I thought.

"Alright, alright," said Brian, "the shipment contains important items that will help Blackheart give his crew the edge they need against you Sea Wolves and your Assassin pirate officers."

"What kind of items?" asked Balto, "and don't you say what I want to hear or I swear I'll cut something off."

Brian let out a weak laugh and said, "Weapons. Military grade."

I looked at Brian, pushed Balto out of the way and grabbed Brian by the scruff of his shirt.

"Military grade?" I asked, "like military grade rifles and cannons?"

Before Brian could respond, I punched him in the stomach.

"Kind of like the same weapons used to attack my home? To kill my family and friends?" I asked getting upset.

"Sara-Beth," said Balto.

"Y-Yes," gasped Brian.

I growled.

"Píosa tú de cac fucking (You piece of fucking shit)!" I yelled.

I punched Brian in the stomach again and punched him again in the mouth, breaking a few of his teeth.

"What's he going to do with the weapons after we've been dealt with!? Huh!? Is he going to go back to attacking innocent people!?" I asked as I threw Brian to the ground.

Brian tried to run, but I tackled him to the ground, flipped him over and started to punch him in the face until he was bruised and bloodied, I didn't stop there.

"Tell me where the other lieutenant is! Tell me where Blackheart is! Tell me!" I demanded as I kept punching Brian, "tell me! Tell me! Tell me!"

Just then Balto pulled me off and shook me by my shoulders.

"Sara-Beth stop," he said with concern.

I looked at Balto and started to slow down my breathing.

"I'm sorry… I lost control," I said shamefully.

I turned towards Brian, ejected my wrist blade and stabbed him in the ribs, ending his life.

"Feicfidh mé in iúl do chara a fhios a dúirt tú "Dia duit" (I'll let your friend know you said "Hi")," I said as I rose to my feet.

"Come on, we have a Templar to find," said Balto.