December 15th, 1862

Baltimore, Maryland

The Assassin Guild

The city of Baltimore, Maryland, despite the war that was raging only a few cities over, was completely drenched in Christmas colors. Wreaths of green and pointsets of red decorated the doors and entry ways of people's homes. Garlands were strung from lamppost to lamppost in an intricate twirl while carolers dressed snuggly in red and white clothing sang hymns with a smile on their face and gleam in their eyes. And despite the earliness of the day, there were people out and about, those searching for Christmas gifts and those gawking in wonder at the decorations.

Margaret traveled through the streets in her civilian clothing, the woolen blue dress standing out among the bright red and green gowns that most women were wearing. She drew the golden and blue shawl tighter around her shoulders as she entered the building.

Her mind went back to the time when she had traveled to the Assassin hideout, before the war to discuss the plan of action. It was a stark comparison to the now hustle and bustle of the bankers of Maryland. She nodded towards the old man that stood by the door, her eyes drifting towards the door that led to the hidden entrance, which at this time was locked until the end of the day when many Assassins would use it as its covering of its deed. Taking a deep breath, she passed the hidden entrance and went deeper into the bank.

She sat down in the waiting area, shifting through the newspapers until she found the one that was marked, opened it and started to read. She sat there for about thirty minutes when the seat next to her shifted as someone sat next to her.

There was someone clearing their throat. "What's the news like, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all." She gently folded the newspaper carefully, laying in a way that would signal the next Assassin to walk through the door that the Mentor was meeting with someone. "It seems this conflict is going to drag on for another few years."

Mentor Kellan wore her own civilian garb, a dark red and gold dress with a dark brown cloak still resting on her shoulders. She looked very different in her civilian garb, and it took Margaret a moment to realize that she wasn't talking to her older friend's civilian double but the Mentor herself.

"Such a shame." The woman said with tone seriousness, standing up in one smooth motion with Margaret following suit immediately. The Assassins, hidden under the visage of two women chatting about socialite things, moved about the building freely, leisurely. Once they were walking towards the back of the building that wasn't really visited by many people, Mentor Kellan dropped her charade and got to the point.

"Thank you for coming, Margaret."

"Not at all, Mentor. Not at all."

"There is a storm brewing. One even worse than what I had previously believed."

Margaret twisted her face into one of confusion.

"Word has reached me that the Army of the Confederacy has reached the conclusion that an invasion of the North is the best opportunity to win the war." Kellan whirred on Margaret with wildness in her eyes. "They are aiming for an attack on Washington, to destroy the Army of the Potomac in a devastating defeat and show of force."

Margaret was silent, her eyes wide.

"They're going for another attempt, this time going through Pennsylvania probably. If they win, Lincoln would have no choice but to surrender, to recognize the Confederacy as its own independent country. A country where the institution of slavery is legal."

Margaret didn't feel as nervous as she did last night, however she did feel a bit on-edge, since while she and her brother knew it, it wasn't common knowledge to anyone.

But apparently it wasn't a secret anymore.

"I want to put you and your brother on the front lines. To stop this horrible plan, or at the very least stall them."

And that was what she needed.

"I appreciate your confidence in us Mentor. I am sure that Henry will feel appreciated as well." She started to breathe a bit easier. With the Mentor's blessing, she and her brother wouldn't have to keep such a massive operation a secret.

"If you need anything, resources, men, let me know. I assure you, anything you need will be at you and your brother's disposal."

"Thank you."

Mentor Kellan sighed, looking tired. "'These are the times that try men's souls'."

"'But he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman'."

"Too true. Too true." Kellan walked a little further down the hall, with Margaret trailing. "Since Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, the Southern Confederacy has made its own proclamation.

"Oh?"

"'Any negro caught in a Federal uniform, shall be cited as servile insurrection against the Confederacy and will be returned to slavery. Any white officer leading any companies composing of negros, shall be cited with servile insurrection against the Confederacy and will be put to death'."

"Goodness." What else could she say to that? This meant that if the 54th Massachusetts moved into Southern territory, they would have to be able to win and fight every battle they face. Otherwise...

There was a pause that stretched on for a while before the Mentor stated, "When shall you leave for the battlefield?"

"I will leave at the first of March of next year."

"I would think that this mission would spur you and your brother into action immediately. What with the chance to end this war once and for all."

"Forgive me, Mentor, but I do have my family to think of. My husband will be on leave until the first of February. I wish to spend some time with them and Lionel. It has been quite a time since I have been home."

"Of course."

"But I am sure that Henry will be willing to leave for Pennsylvania soon. Scout out terrain and come up with a cover story."

"Very good." Mentor Kellan nodded in greeting to the men that strolled by them. The two stopped at the end of the abandoned hallway. "Get in touch with your spies and your resources within the Union Army. This war is about to get a whole lot uglier."

"Is there any unit or regiment that you recommend?"

"I think…...yes that would be appropriate. The Twentieth Maine, under Colonel Joshua Chamberlain."

Margaret shifted through all the men she knew in the army. There was a family friend, one that had been in infantry since she could remember.

She hoped he was still there.

"I will see if I can dredge up an old contact. See if I can get in touch with him."

"Good."

A young man, maybe in his twenties, ran up to them hurriedly. "Excuse me, Mentor. I need to speak with you immediately."

"Oh, very well." Mentor Kellan turned towards Margaret, a tight smile on her face. "I expect a detailed report as soon as you are on the move. I will call for a carriage to take you back to your Aunt's house."

"Thank you, Mentor."

"God speed, Margaret."

Margaret nodded in response before heading back to the front lobby. By the time she arrived, an ally of the Assassins had arrived to take her back to her Aunt's. Smiling at the carriage driver as she did so, Margaret climbed aboard directing him to the address. By the time she arrived, it was already midday, with Miriam greeting her with another carriage that held her packed belongings. Margaret watched as Miriam paid a handsome sum to the hired hands before pulling her aside once they had left.

"Give this to Father for me when he stops by."

She passed the older woman a note that she had written on the way back. A note that would ask him to allow her and her family to visit. So that they could discuss dealing when they could. "I will. Have a safe trip home, Maggie."

"Thank you, Miriam. I shall see you both in a few days' time!" She bid the woman goodbye as she boarded the carriage. With a snap of the reins, the carriage took off down the cobblestones of Maryland and towards her beloved Maine.