A/N: Uh my TV emotions are all over the place: first Castle series finale then the NCIS season finale. By the time this week is over, tissues will claim the world. Anyways, in Rizzoli and Isles world, new chapter and lots of action.
A/N 2: Yes, if you've seen Assassin's Creed trailers, they love to do a rescue during an executions…I might have used snippets to help like Ezio Auditore almost hanging but used awesome skills to get out. However, you know me, I like to change things up so…warning: adrenaline rush coming!
Disclaimer: Read Ch. 1
"When I was a young man, I had liberty but I did not see it, I had time but I did not know it, and I had love but I did not feel it." – Ezio Auditore de Firenze from "Assassin Creed II"
Ch. 20: The Rescue
He was walking the street when he saw a prisoner wagon coming through. People were shouting that they were innocent and some look like they were but he also knew that some weren't. He was about to walk toward a tavern to get a drink until he caught sight of a familiar face.
He ran over quickly, making sure the Centurions didn't see him approach the back. As he sneaked up, he hissed, "MacCoughlan!"
Alexandra turned her head quickly and her eyes expressed hope. "Rondo," she called out in surprise.
"What are you doing here?"
"It doesn't matter. I need you to get a message to the princess and Jane before they place me in the Tower."
Rondo's expression grew grim and jaw dropped. "You mean…"
Alexandra glanced up quickly to see a man exiting the castle; a villager she recognized. She pointed to the man, "Watch him."
"Okay but…"
"Rondo, just listen to me now then run."
"They infiltrated without anyone noticing," Moore commented as they sat at the table.
"They also removed her armor, her hidden blade and sword," Korsak pointed out as he placed them on the table.
After the announcement that Alexandra went missing, Korsak sent out assassins to see if they could find any evidence of where they could have taken her. They hoped that they would come back with leads.
Jane glanced at Maura who sat in Alexandra's seat with a worried expression. The bandit looked around briefly to see no one really paying attention to them, prompting Jane to take Maura's hand and giving it a light squeeze.
This wasn't exactly how they expected the day after they became lovers to go.
"Is it possible we have a traitor among us again," Korsak questioned aloud.
Jane moved her hand away from Maura's as she stood up. "Someone who knows that you are here," Moore pointed out. He turned his head toward Maura and inquired, "Everyone in your troop you trust?"
"Yes," Maura answered confidently.
"The assassins," Jane whispered, looking around with a questioning expression. She looked up at the walkways to see assassins all over the place then she looked back at Moore. "The assassins have been the only people we've encountered besides the villagers. How many hold loyalty to Hoyt," she questioned.
"Not many. Hoyt made enemies out of the villagers and assassins. If any assassins held any loyalty toward Hoyt, they would've killed the princess by now," Moore pointed out.
Maura stood up from her chair, lifting Alexandra's hidden blade. "We just need to find her," Maura stated simply with worry across her face.
"Moore! Princess," they heard.
Jane and Maura stepped out first of the room then looked up to see an assassin pointing out into the distance. Everyone looked to see a group of assassins that Korsak sent out, returning then they noticed that with the lead rider was another man.
Immediately, Jane recognized the man as they entered the courtyard. "Rondo," Maura called out in surprise.
"This man stated that he knows where the Master's at," the lead rider informed them.
Rondo stepped off the horse and stated quickly, "They are taking her to the Tower!"
There were loud gasps and even Maura felt the blood become cold. Infreann [Hell] Tower was the most well known dungeon for the people to be imprisoned for life. However, with Hoyt in charge, rumors spread that the Tower held innocent people who were executed later on by hanging, stabbing or poisoning.
It was an ominous sign that Alexandra was at death's door soon.
"Was she alright," Maura asked.
"A couple of bruises. Nothing too bad but she said that you all must remain here. No rescues whatsoever."
"Why not," Jane questioned.
Rondo shrugged, "All she said was that she needed Maura to not leave the Fortress."
Maura crossed her arms over her chest then looked at Jane. "When did you see her," Maura questioned.
"Around dawn."
"If the Centurions were being quick, they would've already placed Alexandra in a cell."
Jane noticed the thoughtful expression across Maura's face. She could see the wheels turning in her lover's head, prompting her to state, "You're thinking about a plan, aren't you?"
Maura nodded, "I'm not sure if it will work or not…"
"What do you have in mind?"
R&I
The Tower was an isolated area up in the hillside that wasn't too far from the Doyle castle and the large village connected to the place. It surrounded behind stonewalls, creating a fortress with Centurions patrolling outside the wall and inside the courtyard and the Tower, making it very difficult for any common folk to enter. Maura and Jane with Korsak and Cavanaugh traveled to the Tower quietly, making sure that they weren't spotted especially as the sunset.
Korsak drew out his scope and peered into it. "About a couple Centurions patrolling the main entrance and I bet there's several more inside," Korsak commented quietly.
"So the question is how do we get those uniforms," Cavanaugh questioned.
Jane looked at Maura and asked, "It's your plan. Got any ideas?" Maura pressed her lips together, observing the Centurions. She watched as two went behind the Tower then came back around while the other two went behind the Tower. The never-ending rotation continued on and on until it clicked in her mind. "Maura," Jane called out to her as she noticed Maura's thoughtful face turned to a determine one.
"I got an idea."
Quietly, they followed Maura's lead as she moved closer to the Tower. She watched as Centurions rounded the corner, passing bushes and supplies that they had. Maura took in a deep breath and snuck down to the bushes much to Jane's apprehension. She hid in the bushes then moved toward a crate, using it as cover.
She watched as two Centurions walked with one in the front and the other trailing behind. Maura let the one leading walk by then the second man came. She waited until he passed the crate then she snuck behind him, knocking his legs out and knocked him out with a fast kick at the head.
"What is she doing," Cavanaugh hissed as he watched.
Jane shrugged, unsure as well at what Maura was doing until she noticed Maura grab the Centurion by the arms and dragged him into the bushes. Jane moved further down to meet up with Maura to watch her remove the Centurion's armor off his body. Realizing what Maura's idea was, Jane took cover behind the crate that Maura was by and waited for the next Centurion.
This might work, Jane thought.
Not to Maura's surprise, Korsak and Cavanaugh fit perfectly in the Centurion uniforms. However, Jane and Maura had to figure out a way to tighten theirs. Eventually, they tied up the unconscious Centurions to a tree and made sure that when they woke up that they wouldn't create much noise by placing some cloth over their mouths.
Wearing the uniforms and the helmets disguising them, they marched toward the Tower, passing several Centurions. As they reached the door to the Tower, Jane moved the amour around and grumbled, "I feel disgusting in this."
"Same," Maura agreed.
They entered the Tower and immediately, the air that was in Maura's lungs were knocked out of her. Instead of cold-hearted criminals, she noticed that there were more women, children and men that she knew were innocent people. She was tempted to step forward to help but then she felt Jane's hand on her shoulder. "We need to find Alexandra," she reminded the princess.
Maura nodded and began to move through the Tower until they reached a staircase. Quietly, they looked through cells and along the walls to see if they can spot Alexandra. For most of the ascent, they discovered that Hoyt imprisoned many people recently and it pained Maura immensely.
She bowed her head and Jane stepped up next to her. "We'll get them out of here," she whispered into Maura's ear.
Maura nodded then suddenly stopped. Jane brought her attention from Maura toward the direction she was gazing to see a door guarded by two Centurions. Jane glanced over her shoulder at Korsak and Cavanaugh who noticed this as well. Korsak stepped forward first and questioned in a deep voice, "Who's the prisoner in there?"
"Who's asking," the Centurion questioned back.
"We're doing a routine check in. We're suppose to-"
"Interrogate the assassin," Cavanaugh cut in.
The Centurion's shoulders relaxed and sighed, "More interrogators? Hoyt really wants the princess and that bandit dead." He then moved aside, unlocking the door and pushing the door open.
"You may go," Jane ordered in a deep voice.
"She's dangerous. She beat up several Centurions before we chained her up."
Jane and Maura exchanged quick glances then Korsak piped, "If she's chained then I think we're fine."
The Centurion and his partner laughed at this comment but began to walk off. "It's your bones," he commented before descending down the staircase.
As soon as they were gone, they rushed inside and shut the door behind them.
"I'll keep watch," Cavanaugh voiced while Maura, Jane and Korsak walked further into the room. They kept going until they heard a groan and moved closer until they saw Alexandra. Her hands were chained together while her legs were chained to the walls. She was leaning back against the wall, gazing up at the window that only gave a small peak of light. It shined on her face, revealing the bruises and small cuts on Alexandra's face, which caused Maura to gasp.
She turned her head slightly and groaned at the sight of the Centurions. "More of you fuckers," she spat. She stood up weakly and continued, "How many times do I have to tell you that I won't say anything? I'll take another beating from you fuckers before I betray anyone." At these words, Maura tore her helmet off causing Alexandra to mumbled, "Maura?"
Jane and Korsak did the same action, prompting Alexandra to move closer but pulled back by the chains. Maura grabbed Alexandra's arms, making her lean back as the assassin questioned, "Why are you here? I told Rondo to tell you not to come."
"Like we are going to listen," Jane retorted. She crouched down to observe the chains then drew her sword, "This is going to take a bit." Before she could even stab the lock, Alexandra grabbed her arm, stopping her immediately. "What are you doing," Jane questioned in confusion.
"You can't let me out."
"Why not," Korsak hissed.
"Because Hoyt wants you to." She turned her head and looked at Maura, "All these people are innocent. I overheard the Centurions and many of these people either couldn't pay the taxes or stood up to Fairfield, Hoyt, and O'Rourke. If you release me, Hoyt will send O'Rourke's men and have this place burn to the ground with people."
"But if we leave you here, you'll die soon," Maura argued.
Alexandra bowed her head. "Hoyt already had me sentenced to death. I go to the gallows at dawn to hang," she confessed. Suddenly, Maura drew out her dagger and Alexandra grabbed her wrist, "Don't. I am only one person, Maura, in this whole thing."
"Jane and I won't let you. Vince and Sean won't let you. Just…"
"I'm telling you as your aunt to go. I love you too much as my own to let you fall because of me," Alexandra pleaded. The assassin then looked up at her apprentice and whispered, "Take her out of here. It's not safe."
Jane shook her head and before Alexandra could even reply, Cavanaugh shouted, "I think they found the unconscious guards!"
"Through the window," Korsak suggested.
Jane and Maura stood back up, looked at each other then back at their weapons before Alexandra ordered, "Get your helmets on and leave me here. Save yourselves and help the people. Stop Hoyt." Before they could take any other action, the Centurions entered the dungeon, which prompted Alexandra to stand up quickly in pain. "Go," she hissed, forcing Jane and Maura to sheathed their weapons and joined Korsak and Cavanaugh, escaping out of the window into the night.
"She dies at dawn," Angela gasped.
Upon return, everyone expected to see Alexandra among the rescue group but when they didn't see her, they gathered around the table. They explained how Alexandra wouldn't let them out because it could kill people and that Hoyt sentenced her to death at dawn by the gallows.
"We can't let her die," Constance voiced.
"We aren't," Maura retorted quietly.
Moore gave a confused expression as did the others as he questioned, "Then what are we going to do? She ordered us to not do it because the imprisoned people could be killed. You're going to risk that?"
Before Maura could even reply, Jane stood up from her chair suddenly and questioned, "Why do you question everything the princess suggests?"
"Pardon?"
"You heard me," Jane barked. She walked up to Moore, getting pretty close to the man causing Korsak to get in between them. "Ever since we've arrived, you've questioned all of us especially Maura. So what's your problem," Jane questioned.
"You have no right," Moore barked.
"I do! My duty is to protect the princess and that means from idiots like you," Jane argued. "You are a high-ranking assassin," she pointed out, "and you serve the Doyle court again. Is that what's bothering you, Moore? You have to serve a kingdom again?"
"No, I have to serve a Doyle again. A Doyle caused this kingdom to collapse because their naiveness. A great order fell because of naiveness. How can I be assured that if what she plans will not be our downfall?"
"Cause I can't," everyone turned to see Maura rising from her chair.
"Maur…"
Maura raised her hand and Jane stopped. "I can't assure you that what I'm about to plan will be successful," Maura informed Moore. "I would be lying if I did and I can't lie."
"That's true," Jane piped, remembering how during their break in between their lovemaking how Maura explained that she wasn't capable of lying. It made Jane love her princess more than ever.
Maura smiled slightly then became serious once more. "However, I can assure you that I will not let you all go out to fight without me by your side," Maura informed Moore as well as the others. "My father made mistakes as did Kaspar, Thomas but I assure you one thing that I will not make them again."
Moore crossed his arms for a moment then lowered them as he asked, "What's the plan, Princess?"
Maura smiled and she gestured for everyone to gather around the table. "Drake, I need that new invention you made that launches arrows quickly," Maura said. Unknown to them, Dean returned as well, listening in on their plan. He began to back away, prepared to run out of the Fortress and back to Hoyt until he crashed into someone. He turned quickly and began to bolt until Rondo said, "I don't think so."
He grabbed Dean and dragged him to the ground as he shouted to the group, "This is the traitor!"
Jane ran over and took Dean from Rondo, pushing him against a pillar. "Are you sure, Rondo," Jane questioned.
"MacCoughlan told me to watch him but the sneaky way he was going, I have to guess it."
"Please don't hurt me," Dean mumbled.
Frankie approached and drew his sword. "How much did you tell Hoyt," he questioned while moved the sword closer.
"I…I…I told him about where you were and he took the assassin." He raised his hands and Jane immediately noticed the large pouch at his side. She took it from him and he shouted, "Give that back!"
Jane tossed the pouch to Frost. He opened it and poured its contents on the ground, which revealed to be gold coins. Jane watched this then looked back at Dean as she hissed, "You snake."
"I say we kill him," an assassin piped.
"Actually," Jane looked at Maura, "he might be useful to us."
"What news do you have for me, Gabriel?"
"They plan to rescue the assassin tomorrow night."
"Excellent."
"How, my Lord?"
"She dies at first light."
Maura's plan was either brilliant or completely insane. They weren't sure if would work or they could save Alexandra but they were going to try. Quietly, Maura sat on a roof, gazing at her family's castle then down at the gallows that were set up in the square before she brought her attention to Alexandra's hidden blade that rested on her wrist. "I hope this works," Maura commented aloud.
"It will," she heard, prompting her to turn her head to see Jane taking a seat next to her. She slipped her hand into Maura's, lifting it up and kissing Maura's hand gently.
Maura gave a brief smile then it disappeared as she whispered, "I can't let her die."
"We can't let her die," Jane emphasized. She then cupped Maura's cheek and gave her a small kiss on her lips. She then pulled back while Maura rested her head on Jane's shoulder, taking in a deep breath then releasing it. They sat there together, taking in each other's company for several minutes until Jane commented, "Everyone's ready."
Maura nodded then they noticed the sun was starting to rise over the horizon. People began to exit out of their homes, gathering around the gallows but left a single aisle open. The princess stood up with Jane who placed her hood up. Maura turned her head at Jane and tugged her by her collar, making their lips crash against each other. The princess then pulled back and whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too," Jane retorted quietly. She then let go of Maura, running to her designated spot.
Please work, Maura prayed.
R&I
After Jane and others left, Alexandra was removed from the dungeon and placed in the wagon that was meant to head toward the gallows. She dozed off briefly on the ride until she felt water poured on her. Her eyes opened and she stood up from her seat with a displeased expression as the Centurion ordered, "Move!"
They opened the wagon and Alexandra stepped out. They knocked her legs out causing her kneel onto the ground. They placed the chains on her wrists then picked her up from the ground, dragging her into town.
She raised her head to the sky to see the night sky changing from the dark blue to a purple. She closed her eyes then looked down at the chain around her neck as she whispered to the heavens, "I tried, my friends."
As they reached the main square, she brought her attention to the gallows and executioner. She took in a deep breath then stopped the Centurions by placing her feet down into the ground. "Move," the Centurion ordered, shoving her to the ground. She cringed in pain but stood back up, waiting for the Centurions to move away from her. "Move," the Centurion shouted again, preparing to swing at her again.
"Let her walk on her own two feet," the Centurion stopped and Alexandra looked up to see Hoyt in a pavilion with King Fairfield and O'Rourke. The Centurions stepped back from Alexandra, prompting her to resume her walk to the gallows.
She could hear the whispers of the people; some wondering who she was and others saying that she's a rebel. She stepped onto the gallows and stepped in front of the executioner who placed the noose around her neck. She then faced the pavilion and watched as Hoyt stood up from his seat. "Alexandra MacCoughlan, Master Assassin and Freedom Fighters rebel," Hoyt called out causing the crowed to stir, "you are sentenced to death for high treason against the crown. Do you have anything to say?"
"You're a coward," she spat.
Hoyt smirked, "How so?"
"Because if this was true death sentence by you, you would like to kill me with your hands."
"True but now, I don't need blood on my hands."
"You have a lot on you already and I don't care if you kill me, Charles. People will rise," Alexandra shouted.
"Like you did. Look at you, Assassin, this is how the Master falls."
"I will not be the last to rise against you, Charles. I will live on. The Doyle kingdom will live on. Long live Queen Maura Doyle!"
The people cheered at this, prompting the Centurions to draw their swords.
Hoyt's fist clenched as he gestured for the executioner to approach the lever. "He killed the king! He killed your queen! How much more are you wiling to lose," the assassin shouted, prompting the Centurions to keep her in place.
"End it," Hoyt shouted.
As she was about to hang, Alexandra noticed out in the distance a familiar figure. "Hoyt," she heard and everyone turned with realization hitting Alexandra for the figure was Maura, prompting to crowd to become louder, cheering for the princess.
The older woman struggled, turning her head to see another figure on another cottage. It can't be she thought while Hoyt and the others turned their heads. At the sight of Maura, Hoyt's rage took over. "Get her," he shouted at Rockmond and a group of O'Rourke's men
"Run," Alexandra shouted before Hoyt gestured for the executioner to proceed. Jane drew her arrow back in Drake's invention quickly, shooting it at the executioner, killing him instantly. However, his body weight collapsed against the lever with Alexandra, realizing that the noose was still loose, lifting her chained hands up to her neck. As the platform dropped, the noose began to tighten and Alexandra's hand stopped it from connecting it to her neck then she heard the rope snap from another arrow hitting, making her hit the ground with a thud.
Feeling the ground, Alexandra removed the rope and felt an arm wrap around her waist, lifting her up. She looked up to see Frankie with Frost, helping her run from the gallows into the crowd with the Centurions following close behind. "We have to lose them," she shouted.
"Got it," Frost shouted. Suddenly, a smoke bomb activated, blinding the Centurions chasing them. Using this to their advantage, Frankie and Frost pulled Alexandra into an alleyway.
For a couple minutes, they waited for the Centurions to pass. Once they heard them go a different direction, they further back into the alleyway, looking for Jane. About halfway, they noticed two people and Frankie drew his sword until he recognized Jane and Korsak. Jane, holding Drake's crossbow invention, removed Alexandra's sword from her back and informed, "You'll need these."
"I told you not to come for me especially because of the people."
"That's handled," Korsak retorted as he used his hidden blade to unlock the chains.
"What?"
"Maura sent Moore with a large number of assassins and villagers invaded the Tower. They should have removed everyone from there right now."
"Hopefully."
Korsak nodded then pulled out from his satchel a robe. Alexandra took her cloak from Korsak, placing it on quickly before she began to climb onto the roof. "Where are you going," Frankie barked.
At first, Jane was confused as well until it hit her. "She's going after Maura," she told them before chasing after Alexandra to join the fight.
Maura was running as fast as she could as Centurions chased after her. Rockmond ran faster, passing all the Centurions and tackled her to the ground. Maura began to struggle, punching him then kicking him until he cringed in pain. She kicked him off then stood up, pulling out her sword.
Rockmond drew out his sword then stood up, slamming it on Maura's. The princess pushed him back then stopped, realizing that she was surrounded. "You are done, Princess," Rockmond stated.
Maura prepared for it until she heard a loud shout of pain. Rockmond looked over to see a hooded figure taking down two of his soldiers. Suddenly, they stood up and a sword came at Rockmond, making him move out of the way quickly with the sword hitting another soldier. As the soldier collapsed to the ground, Alexandra pulled down her hood.
Rockmond began to charge at Alexandra, prompting her to move out of the way quickly. However, she cringed from the pain in her ribs and collapsed slightly. Using this to his advantage, Rockmond kicked Alexandra then try to stab her with his sword, which she blocked. However, in this defense, Rockmond used his sword to disarm her, leaving her defenseless. "She needs help," Maura whispered as she glanced down at her wrist.
Alexandra looked up to see Rockmond about to stab her again with his own dagger. Preparing for the blow, Alexandra didn't expect to hear a loud cry of pain to reveal Rockmond being stabbed in the back.
Rockmond shoved Maura off his back and Alexandra stood up weakly. She watched as Rockmond and Maura fought each other with Maura swinging the hidden blade at Rockmond who staggered back. Rockmond kicked at her and she ducked before she kicked him right back, making him land onto the ground.
"Got you," Maura stated as she placed the hidden blade against Rockmond's neck.
Rockmond chuckled, "I don't think so."
Maura gave a questioning look then she heard her name being shouted as she was shoved to the ground. She heard a loud cry of pain and looked up to see the arrow piercing Alexandra's back.
"Got you," Rockmond smiled as he staggered back up.
"No, you don't," they heard a cloud of smoke came over them. Maura felt a hand and looked up to see Jane while Frankie and Frost grabbed Alexandra, carrying her into the alleyways.
They met up with Korsak and Cavanaugh then found the horses and Maura pulled away from Jane, running toward Alexandra who mounted her horse weakly. "You can't ride," Maura told her.
"I can and I will," Alexandra argued quietly, cringing in pain.
They reached the Fortress by midday with Alexandra holding on weakly. About halfway, Korsak and Cavanaugh had to move to both of her sides to make sure she didn't fall over. As the gates opened, it revealed large groups of people cheering with Moore and the assassins. Maura and Jane dismounted from their horses while Moore praised happily, "Your plan worked, Princess!"
Maura and Jane smiled at each other briefly until they heard Angela cry out, "Alexandra!"
They turned their heads quickly to see the older assassin fell off her horse, breaking out into a cold sweat. Korsak crouched down, holding her up while Cavanaugh removed her robe to reveal the bloodstain on her back as well as the arrow. "We have to pull it out," Cavanaugh whispered.
"It might kill her," Maura argued as she approached. She cupped Alexandra's cheeks causing the assassin to look up tiredly.
"Pull it," Alexandra whispered.
"It will hurt you or even kill you."
"I've lived through worse."
Maura nodded then pressed her forehead against Alexandra's while Jane moved to her back, placing her hand on the arrow. The assassin whimpered then took in a deep breath as she ordered, "Pull." At this, Jane pulled the arrow out causing Alexandra to cry out in pain, dropping to her knees completely with Maura holding her. The princess didn't release but held tightly as Alexandra took in several deep breaths.
"Take her to her chambers," Angela told Nina, Susie and Riley.
Maura watched as the women grabbed Alexandra taking her to her chambers. Jane held the arrow in her hand then took her place next to Maura as she stated quietly, "First part of your plan worked."
"We need to get the second part ready."
"Drake's been working on the weapons with the villagers. We'll be ready before sundown."
Maura took Jane's hand, giving it a light squeeze.
"Hoyt won't see it coming," Maura declared.
Bum bum…cliffhanger! What's Maura planning with Jane? What will happen next? You have to wait and see! So please REVIEW cause I like reviews and now, since I'm on summer break, I can get typing. So review so I can have fuel! Please! Thanks for reading!