Bad Blood
He was thrown roughly into his cell. Hitting the wall with his sore shoulder the cell doors had closed. Loudly with dust floating in the still air, echoing through the prison's cold stone walls. The key was placed in the keyhole to lock and secure this criminal behind the cage he was meant to be placed behind. A man torn from his family which he had left to pursue their safety. A past locked behind dark crevices that broke the foundations of a once happy life. A short one, but a one he could be most proud of. In the shadows the common criminal stood still clinging on to his sore shoulder. A bruise was already forming. The prison guard scuffed not truly believing the rumors spreading around the prison about this one particular man. This particular dog, he thought not truly seeing what other prisoners saw. Since his mysterious arrival, the man had gained a reputation...fast. The prisoner's were wanting to fight him one a daily basis because of this so-called reputation.
A story they have heard. A story that has been told many times to those willing to listen.
"Ye canna' keep from trouble." The guard said looking to the prisoner.
The man inside the cell did not speak nor did he look to the guard. He kept his eyes to the ground finding something interesting to look at rather than stare at his captor's. He felt like an caged animal. He felt low. So far down the food chain like a nat. The sound of his footsteps against the cold damp stones walked into the light. A bare chest marked by scars and freshly made bruises(from previous fights). Black ink covered both shoulder's marking him a criminal (a pirate above all others), hair loose from it's tie making him look like a wild man, but his eyes were cold and unemotional. This man all were speaking and fighting with was Salty Bones.
A once famed pirate that sailed the seas-plundering navy ships, stealing goods, whoring with women. His ship was known through the seas. Sailors spoke often at the time of how the ship could maneuver with such grace on the waves. The ship could not be easily brought down by any Navy ship. A pirates life until the stories no longer talked of Salty Bones. They say he went mad driving his ship into ice to forever remain. The crew went on to lead civil lives while Salty Bones was said to have died from his madness.
They say he heard voices speaking to him. They say the pirate who mutinied against his own captain was dead.
"The' shoulda took ye ta the gallows or are ye jus' another criminal?" The guard walked away from his cell not wanting to look at this wild man. It was making his eyes sore not truly knowing the answer.
Salty let out a sigh from his dry lips. Shaky hands were placed on the back of his neck- rubbing trying to relax sore muscles. Tired eyes looked to the prison where many eyes and sneers looked back to him. Those inside knew who he was or what he used to be. In here, however, your reputation from your past or present would get you killed here.
To keep away from the gallows Charles Lee made sure that he does not hang. Pirate or not, the reason was unclear for Salty. Unless there was a true reason for him to hang the man was to be locked away behind these walls.
I let out a frustrated sigh while cursing every word I knew in Spanish. My head was throbbing as my eyes looked back and forth between these coordinates and the map of the known world. Navigating had been a task to which I was not good at. It was one of my weakest skills. Lines, number's, degrees, each time I tried to pinpoint the location stated in the documents (taken from the merchant ship) it would lead me to a island or somewhere near it. This place was just that! An island that was claimed by the wolves, as stated by the documents. This island had no landmarks that were visible not was this island inhabitant by people. This was where the Ark lies hidden underneath the ground- or so the documents say. It was simple, yet Gray eye could not even pinpoint it. He does not have these documents. My father knew all along that it was there hiding in plan sight but not in sight.
I groaned feeling my head throb once more.
The book that held the documents was more than a Holy Bible. Oddly enough it was just a I possessed in my own hands was what my father has been trying to keep out of Gray eyes' reach. The Ark. I may have found it's exact location (if my navigating skills were correct), but these documents were much older than any I have ever seen. They contained a language I did not know nor have I seen. Signs and symbols pointed to this island, but I was doubtful of it all. There was a few documents that I could understand since I could read Spanish. The Spanish documents talked of a bloodline of a Templar that was killed during the crusade war centuries ago by a man named Altair. What was interesting about the documents that made me question was that some of it was translated.
Scratched out marks translated easily into Spanish with some words in English. Whoever had possession of this had been hard at work. Each word, each sentence was a riddle talking about known assassin and Templar bloodlines. Locations of hideouts across the world, history, and something containing more information about the Ark.
Two names have found a significance in my my mind since they stood out among the others. My father and one by the name of Edward Kenway. Kenway?! I thought feeling my heart race. Could it be that this was the Edward Kenway that was blood related to Haytham and Connor since both men had the same last name? A relative perhaps, that lived many years ago during the golden age of pirates. The date was clear which would make this man-if true- Connor's grandfather and Haytham's father. What made it confusing in my mind was why Edward and my father were placed in the same category as the Ark?
What did I just discover?!
"How fares the hunt Connor?" I heard Achilles' voice say bringing me out of my musings.
"There is progress, but I worry it's not enough." The assassin sounded discouraged by how far we are going. The knowledge we are given. Pieces of a puzzle were falling in-front of us with only the bigger ones left to find. His struggle only grows when his mind was always doubting. It was not enough for I could only watch and say things that would comfort him and he the same for me.
Our days were numbering thin. Something big was in store for us.
"How about you, Seliah? Find anything of interest in that book of yours?" From where I was I looked over my shoulder placing the documents pertaining bloodlines in the book leaving out the coordinates of the Ark.
With a small grin and irritated stance I said, "All is well on my part. But I am with Connor on progress. These Templar's are truly like foxes in holes. Little bastards are like moles rather than foxes. May the God's strike them down." Spanish spoken when I stood straight popping my sore bones. Muscles needed to relax after hours of slumping over documents, maps, the light hurting my eyes; I needed to get away from it for a little while.
Walking away from the documents I made my ways towards the two men. My hand rubbing at my neck. Where once I would feel all five of my fingers I could only feel three rubbing against my skin. Quickly I took that hand and placed it at me side not paying it any mind. Hazel eyes moved towards the table in-front of us to the wall. The portraits of the Templar's always haunting Connor each time he came close to a lead. The red marks crossing out the one he killed. Still, we were at the bottom working our way up. There was still little that was of use in the search for the Templar, Thomas Hickey.
"They have eyes and are much stronger than us. We are only two people, but Connor has to cut these men down while I tend to my father's mistakes." I confessed crossing my arms. Thoughts of all that I have come across leading to now has been a struggle. I was only here to help and with the pirates quiet I had to keep them aside until one of the sea dogs showed themselves again. I let out a sigh feeling that dissapointment.
"We use the orphans, but even they have little. Stephane has eyes and with other assassin's none existent, I could only follow clues that are from the front-lines." Connor felt defeated. My lips made a fine line on my face lightly nodding my head.
"Which is why we must recruit." I eyed the assassin. There were names of people that could be of use to the brotherhood, but with much keeping us away from recruitment the brotherhood had to be relied on by outside sources. Such a great disappointment to an order that once held mighty. Achilles eyed us keeping silent for a moment.
"You must strike when you're needed most," Achilles looked to Connor than to me, "Your father's mistakes are still his. Gray eye and the Templar's are a force that could not be handled by two people with skills not like many. The brotherhood is not dead. There are much assassins, but they have been in hiding in the other part of the world. They are seen but not seen. Do not compromise the brotherhood, child."
I raised a brow to the older man's words of wisdom. Well, he did call me child but it did not strike a nerve in me. Such snide comments blew past me like the wind on a sea shore. On some occasion Achilles would scorn either the assassin or myself for having such doubts and trying to understand the way's that we were taught. Our teacher was this older man and my teacher Connor. First being my father, than Achilles, and then Connor. For some odd reason (or maybe I am just imagining) but Achilles seemed to be acting rather strange. Have we grown on this man to a point where he was now mentoring the mentor and his... jaguar warrior?
"What if you pursued Charles Lee and your father- what then of Paul Revere? And the soldier's of Lexington? What of your allies purpose to help with the pirate problem?" Tense air was heavily settling in when Achilles began to scold the assassin. He was trying to point out something that we both were not seeing. I kept my mouth shut for the moment until I found it right to speak.
"Soldier's? There were no soldier's in those towns- only men and women who were forced to defend themselves." Connor stated. "Our allies are only Seliah and her father, even they are having their own problem as you have pointed out."
"Is it not why you fight? To protect your people? Your struggle is the colonist's struggle. Both your struggles are each others. In helping one, you help the other." Achilles turned from us to walk to the stairs.
I kept my stance and my eyes on the assassin. There was enough weight for two people to carry, but fighting one another was going to get us nowhere. There was already a war trying to tear a nation apart. Men who threaten the lands of the natives. People fighting, dying, and pirates who have sided with Templar's. There was only so much that we could do. Other colonies are trying to liberate themselves but with Templar strongholds keeping Patriots from gaining control, there was nothing Connor and I could do.
Unless we begin recruiting assassins.
"What more could any of us do? The brotherhood has it's roots deep in the desert where it all began." I whispered knowing both men did not hinder my words.
"Encouraging words from one who thought mine a fool's errand." Connor turned away from the portraits with anger evident on his face. Pointing to the older man who was already ascending the stairs, I turned my back as well trying to keep myself calm and out of the way of fire.
Achilles turned to the assassin with no emotion. "Make no mistake-I still do. But I can't help but feel some pride in your success. You two have shown much, but you both have much to learn."
Before I could speak Connor already beat me to it,"And why should I or Seliah give you credit?"
"It is best to stay calm Connor. We have much to worry about than bicker. To do anything rash with your temper will not solve the riddle to what we seek." I said through clenched teeth failing to keep calm. My words went unanswered as Achilles glared to the assassin.
"Then don't. But first, return the robe. And the blades. And the darts. And all of the years of training and knowledge I have bestowed upon you," Achilles looked to me, "Have Seliah and her mother cast out from Homestead. Have all you two worked hard for thrown away while the Templar's and pirates raid and plunder. Return these and your words may have some merit."
Silence filled the air when Achilles reached the top. His footsteps echoing lightly. Connor and myself still downstairs, my mind was racing with what just happened. We talked peacefully until now. What caused such un-rational thinking? This was not the time for it. Before I could say one damn word and stop Connor from acting rash, he ran up the stairs. Cursing loudly in my tongue I ran up after the man. Today has been nothing but a tense day for all. Making it to the top and turning a corner I was surprised to see my mother giving a cup to a man I have never met before leaving the air not only tense, but pretty awkward.
The man looked to both Connor and myself while Achilles was also given a cup forgetting quickly about the incident downstairs. The man's eye's caught mine once again. His stare was that of a confused, yet surprised look. My mother walked past me blocking my view-and thankful she did- with a small smile on her face. Moving out of her way I could not help but notice my mother turning back to me with a knowing look. She turned before I could question when Achilles began to start the mixed conversation.
"Connor, Seliah, this is Benjamin Tallmadge. His father was one of us, no need for secrecy. I think he has something he wants to say."
There was a sense of calm. All that anger, frustration, was all for nothing or was it because Achilles knew all along that this man was here? Even if that was the case Benjamin could not stop looking towards me. There was something-knowledge perhaps- that he knew who and what I was. When he looked to Connor it was easy for him to recognize a member of the brotherhood. A high ranking member if Achilles acknowledged it. The robes, the signs, it was dead center on the native.
"Achilles tells me you uncovered a plot to kill the commander in chief." Benjamin said. "And we have ourselves a newly appointed jaguar warrior. I say, it has been many years since we have had any aid from such people. Honored really."
My hazel eyes widened in surprise and I could feel my jaw slack from the lack of proper words. The assassin's have many secrets that I thought I had uncovered. Even my mother's own people had some alliance in the past with these men?! She never told me nor had I had knowledge of such a thing. It made me wonder if Benjamin knew about the pirates that are aiding the Templar's. No doubt he may know, this man was intelligent.
Achilles walked over to me to lightly slap me in the cheek to focus me on reality rather than my musings. Protest was not in my fortune for he mumbled something about me being rude or of another nature. Connor paid me no mind to my manners. He was too focused on calming himself.
"Yes, but I only have false starts and dead ends to show for it." Connor said. "We-Seliah and I- have been searching for months. Our leads are doing all they can without any word."
"Not anymore, my friend. Thomas Hickey's your man- and I aim to help you catch him." Placing the cup down, he walked towards Connor placing his hand on the assassin back.
"How?" He did not sound convinced and I did not either.
"Aye, since when was a jaguar warrior of use to assassin?" I walked besides the men wanting to have my question answered.
"I'll explain on the way. I will explain it all so there will be no confusion in our ranks." Benjamin had a small smile on his face knowing much more than he was leading on. With his eyes on the assassin we moved towards the door leading outside. "You, Seliah, and I are going to New York."
"Gather 'round ye ol' scoundrels. Thieves of a commo' purpose. Fer the story I's ta tell ta ya's is legend. The sea-She- brings us' the legend 'imself. Salty Bones' lives and he's a here in these walls ta face you's. A man back ferm the grave! Davy Jones 'imself through 'im ferm the depths of the sea. A pirate!"
He dodged the oncoming fists that was heading straight towards him. He knew that he was not as agile as he once was as a younger man. Moving to his right as the crowd cheered in excitement to watch as a man no older than his early forties fight against three brutes two or so younger than himself. Muscles were defined and toned for such a man of such old age, but speed was diminishing. It was his weakness. The brutes could see it and they took full advantage of it.
He moved to dodge a kick from the second brute, only to kick the third square in the chest when he was face to face with the third. With the air knocked right out of the large man, dark eyes quickly took notice and using his body weight against the man, the brute fell on his back. His head hit the ground hard instantly knocking him cold, but not dead.
"Salty Bones sailed the seas in a ship that's not 'is own. Ghost of Davy Jones belonged ta a'other pirate. Captain Gray eye 'as reclaimed Her! Revenge 'as taken Her coarse fer Salty Bones must pay fer 'is sins!"
Breathing in through bruised lungs with sweat rolling down his brow, Salty knew his body could not keep up with these fights. His body may have been in shape but age was not in his fortune. His once great speed, agility to kill has vanished. Lost in mere thought the second brute grabbed hold of Salty by the shoulder's; startling the former pirate. Picking him up the brute threw Salty onto a table. The object buckled underneath the weight causing the legs to snap. Any game that was being played had been discarded.
"Back off, all of ya!" A guard shouted.
Salty could feel the pain go down his back. Arching with clenched teeth the rowdy crowd backed away with protest. Guards kicked, punched, even threw some of the criminals to the ground. Order had to be restored and having one man cause the chaos was going to be punished.
A/N: Many of you may be wondering: "What?!" I know, I know. Curve ball right there. The many secrets about the ark are coming closer. Its location may or may not have been found. I wonder what does Edward have to do with it? Well, you may just have to wait next chapter. It is a surprise. I will give you something though, it will contain a ship battle. Gray eye and his pirates are going to war in the seas. Charles Lee has many tricks up his sleeve. Remember last chapter when he and Gray eye met? There is a reason behind such madness.
Any questions, concerns, reviews, favs, follows, please press that button on the bottom. I will get back to you when I can and the next chapter is being written as we speak.