The gray light of day made time uncertain, but the smell of sausage from the kitchen alerted me to morning. I entered with softly purposeful steps, unsure of what scene I would encounter. Achilles raised his head to me as I came through the dining room and stood in the doorway nervously. Connor glanced over from his place at the wood stove for a second before resuming his cooking.

"Good morning, Faith," the old man greeted. "Did you sleep well?"

I pushed aside the clouded memories of the odd dreams and nodded. Achilles stood up and entered the dinning room. He sat at the head of the table and I took the seat near him, the same as I had the night before.

"I'm sure you have many questions," he said. "And I will answer all that I can after breakfast. But I only ask that you extend me the same courtesy."

I put my elbows on the table and rested my head in my hands. "That sounds fair," I told him.

"Good," he said. "Elbows off the table."

The order elicited an amused glance from the boy serving breakfast. I got by his expression that he had been chastised in the same way on occasion. I hid a grin as I did what I was told. I looked at the plate of bread and sausage that he put in front of me. My stomach rumbled, but I could not bring myself to eat the meat. I picked at the bread, wondering if it would be rude to ask for something else. I noticed Connor was watching me, but ignored his gaze.

"Is something wrong?" he asked at length.

"I don't eat meat," I stated.

He frowned at me. "Why?"

I shrugged. "I just don't like it."

There was quiet where the men looked at me for a moment. "In that case," Achilles said, "you're welcome to any food we have that you find appetizing. We don't have much, but surly you won't starve."

"Thank you."

I got up and went into the kitchen. There was quiet a bit of food in the cold room, but most of it required preparation. I managed to find some butter and apple preserves for my bread and made due with that for breakfast. I ate feeling much better about being free to whatever I chose.

After breakfast, Connor began to clear the table.

"Do you want some help?" I asked.

The offer struck him. I felt certain he'd never received aid in chores before. I didn't mind cleaning. I was used to it and felt it only polite since I was a guest. It seemed a fitting exchange to the hospitality I had been shown. Connor looked tempted to oblige me, but Achilles answered before he had a chance.

"He doesn't need any assistance."

Connor gave the other man a veiled glare and went about his chores alone. Achilles either didn't notice the look he was given or chose to ignore it. He looked at me instead.

"Last night you asked me how I knew the history of the Assassins," he reiterated. "There is a simple answer, but not one that is easily given. You may be well versed with the lore, Faith. But I doubt you understand the needed secrecy that accompanies such discussions. You already know too much, and I worry telling you more will put everyone at risk."

His words confused me, but I nodded nonetheless. His seriousness required my attention and I was willing to give it if it provided me with an explanation to the situation. My reasons were not entirely pure, but I knew the value of silence. My life thus far had contained many events that were never to be spoken of. I didn't see this one as any different.

"I know how to keep a secret," I told him truthfully.

Achilles studied me intently for a moment, then seemed satisfied with whatever he saw. "I don't doubt that," he muttered. "I will tell you the true story of the Order and how I came to learn it firsthand."

Achilles spoke for the next two hours on the true tale of the Brotherhood. He told me more of Altair and the war with the Knights Templar. Then of Ezio and his struggles to liberate Italy from the same faction. He told me how the Assassins had failed in most of their attempts and how they had established a base in the Colonies. Achilles then regaled me with his personal experiences with the Order and how he had once been mentor until the fall of the Colonial Brotherhood by the Templars now seeking control. He stated the names of the order, some of them gave me a jolt of disbelief because I found them familiar. Charles Lee, William Johnston, John Pitcairn. I knew all these men had significant roles in history, but I found it difficult to believe they were enemies. They had all helped to shape America into the nation it was during my time.

"I have a crazy question," I interrupted. Achilles looked at me with bewilderment.

"Only one?" he asked.

"For now," I revised. "What's the date?"

"December 21st, 1772," Achilles told me with a frown.

I was shocked. That could not be right. I felt I was the butt of a joke. A horrible joke that was not entertaining in the least. The month and day didn't sound that off, but the year...From what scattered recollections I had, the year should have been two hundred and forty plus what he stated. Yet, it explained so much. The way of life, the lack of modern conveniences. I rubbed my eyes, unsure how to respond. I looked at him again, noticing my elbows were on the table and hastily moved them.

"I see you have other questions," Achilles said.

"Many," I murmured.

"As do I," he returned. "I've told you my story. I would like to hear yours."

I was unsure how to begin, or even what to say. "There's not much to tell," I said. "My parents abandoned me when I was a kid. I was raised in a series of foster homes. None of them were good, but some were worse than others. My tattoo was given to me when I was ten by a man I stayed with for a few months. He was..." I searched for the correct word to describe him. I didn't even remember his name. That house had been one of my shortest stays. The times the man had chosen to acknowledge my presence there was with an indifference that might as well have been hate. He had forced me to preform all sorts of work, besides the chores I was usually assigned. He had beat me until I learned to defend myself and I felt nothing short of happiness the night he never came home. I wasn't sure why he had given me the tattoo, but he had sedated me to keep me still while he drew it. It had ached for days and I never wanted anyone to see it.

"Crazy," I finished my sentence.

Achilles said nothing when I finished. He appeared deep in thought. I noticed Connor standing silently in the far corner, staring at his hands, but listening intently. Any thoughts he had were not shared and I wondered what his part was in any of this. He noticed me watching him and met my eyes.

"What about you?" I asked him.

Connor was quiet for a moment. "My story is only now beginning," he said.

I frowned, realizing that his answer only prompted more questions. I wondered if he was almost as new to this as I was.

"Connor is my apprentice," Achilles told me. "Even with all he has learned, there is still much to be taught. But he has proven a capable student so far."

That statement seemed to please the boy and his pride was evident in his stance and expression.

"I suppose your next decision is the most difficult one, Faith," Achilles said. "You must now decide what you are going to do."

"That might be easier if I knew all my options," I mused.

Achilles chuckled softly. "Indeed. I suppose – in light of recent developments – that you can stay here until you find your path. But you will be expected to work for your room and board. There are many chores that need to be done and Connor does have better uses for his time. Your treatment will be fair and I can pay you a little for your trouble."

"Before I agree, can I ask what would be expected of me and where I would stay? I'm assuming Connor doesn't want to share his room with me."

The boy in question looked away quickly and I noticed a faint tint on his cheeks. I hadn't considered that my words could be taken out of context and certainly hadn't meant them to mean anything like that. Yet the discomfort they cause him made me sniffle a laugh.

Achilles ignored the reactions. "We have couches that will do for now. You can take your pick of them. As for what's expected..." he sighed. "I suppose you could consider it women's work. The house needs cleaning, the grounds tending, but – above all else – we could use a cook."

The glance he gave Connor was accepted with a smile by the boy.

"Doesn't sound any different than most of the other places I've stayed," I said. I guessed it was not a bad deal. I currently had no desire to wander more. I could remain here as long as I was treated respectfully. "I accept."

Achilles smiled at me. "Good. Familiarize yourself with the house, do what you feel needs to be done. I'd like dinner to be served at sunset." He stood up and looked at the young man. "It's best if we get on with your training. I'll meet you in the basement."

Connor nodded and left the room. Achilles looked back at me. "Do you have any other questions?"

I started to shake my head, then thought of one. "Where's the bathroom?"

"The toilet is out back," Achilles answered. "But use the front door. The back is jammed and Connor hasn't fixed it yet."