Chapter 8: Shay Patrick Cormac

There was only one day that Kira ever doubted her creed- and it was the day that Shay Cormac was killed. Now, as she stood, leaning her back against the wall of a blacksmith's, she reflected on that incident. A day rarely passed without her casting her mind back to when it happened, how it happened… She couldn't help but consider how perhaps, had she been there when Shay was killed, then perhaps the outcome would have been different. Every time she thought about it she felt almost overwhelmed with a sense of, what? Regret? Sadness? Anger? Guilt. Always guilt.

More than anything in the world though, she wished to know how it happened. Not only this- but why the Assassins killed Shay.

She was in New York on that day, and having returned, neither her mentor nor companions would tell her anything of what occurred. There were no reasons given, no questions answered. It was always the same. That 'Shay is dead', and that nothing more would be said. On numerous occasions since, she had pleaded with Achilles to tell her something- anything- to satisfy her. He was afraid, for some reason she could not understand, of speaking the truth. He didn't want her to know.

Kira supposed she wanted to know so that she could reassure herself. Reassure herself that it was for the best, or that there was nothing she could have done. Maybe then she wouldn't live with the burden of feeling that she had in some way betrayed Shay. She wasn't there when he needed her, despite him always being around when she needed him to be. He wouldn't have let her die, no matter what the circumstances were. He was her closest friend and someone she could always trust, always rely on. She only wished she could have somehow had an opportunity to thank him, for everything he had done for her, before he had died.

Suddenly something struck Kira on the shoulder, unbalancing her temporarily and awakening her from her thoughts. It was a man, passing by, who hadn't even realised he had knocked into her- that, or a man acting with a pretence of obliviousness to the fact his shoulder had collided with hers. He hurried on, and she cursed after him as she returned to her previous position against the wall. Having been so abruptly brought back to reality, she turned her attention to the street before her. Surveying the crowds, she could not see the person she was waiting for. Sighing, she let her eyes wonder over the mass of people, all crowded around the various stalls and shops that formed one of Boston's many small marketplaces.

Towards the end of the street, two men pushed their way- one with far more dignity than the other- through the crowds. Kira spotted them as soon as they came into sight.

Good. They were finally here.

…

"Now remember, Thomas, I need your constant surveillance over any black markets of which you are aware. If we are to progress any further in locating the precursor site, we will need to find the second amulet." Haytham spoke clearly, pausing only briefly as he stepped around a man conversing with another.

"But what happens if there ain't no second amulet to find?"

"William is fairly certain that there will be, rest assured."

Haytham listened as Thomas Hickey then responded- telling him of the various black markets, and reassuring him that he would do his utmost to trace the amulet, despite the fact that it may or may not exist. As he took note of what his companion was saying, he surveyed the marketplace before him. It was far busier than usual, and he hadn't a clue as to why. Summer was fast approaching, and Haytham observed the various crops and groceries for sale on the different stands, noticing their obtrusive quality. The farmers must be making the most of the good weather, he concluded, and that did explain why the marketplace was always so busy this time of the year.

Realising now that he had missed half of what Hickey had said, he turned his attention back to him. He was about to press him further on the matter of the elusive amulet when he heard, from nearby, a low whistle. Looking around, he seemed to be the only person to have heard it, and presumed that all others had disregarded the sound. He did not, and instead, stopped, and began to look around for the source of the noise. Suddenly it was repeated, and this time he was able to pinpoint it to an alley that lay close-by. By now Thomas had sensed his master's ignorance of his words, and he too stopped, looking inquisitively at Haytham.

"Sir?" He addressed him, cautiously.

"Go on ahead, Thomas. Expect me to join you shortly." Haytham replied, his eyes not leaving the alley.

Knowing that there was no point in questioning these words, the other Templar shrugged his shoulders, and then continued on through the marketplace. Having been left alone, Haytham glanced around carefully before beginning to tread, hesitantly, towards the alley. On nearing it, he noted how it seemed to be bare, and began to doubt whether this was truly the source of the whistle he had heard.

Rounding the corner of a blacksmith's to the entrance of the alley, he felt a sudden grip on his arm, which was then tugged violently to pull him further into the shadows of the side-street. Before he could prevent it he felt his back hit stone as he was thrust up against a wall, and his arms were pinned by the side of his head. He writhed fiercely to get free, and could sense the strain of whoever's grip was restraining him as they struggled to hold him in place. Finally, he allowed his eyes to look down and meet those of his attacker, and he momentarily stopped trying to break free as he realised to whom they belonged.

Kira glared at him as she somehow managed to keep him pinned to the wall. He was much stronger than her, past encounters had revealed, but with the element of surprise on her side, she found she had enough strength to hold him long enough for him to realise who she was. On seeing his expression change slightly, she realised he had acknowledged her, and allowed herself to weaken her grip on him marginally. It was a mistake, for as soon as she did, he pushed her aggressively away from him, causing her to stagger backwards, and giving him enough time to draw his sword and hold it up, warningly, towards her.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He spoke sternly, his sword steady.

She held her hands up quickly in a form of surrender, somewhat worried by the thought of fighting this man, and especially for her life. "Wait!" She beseeched, desperately.

"What for? You'd better have a damned good reason for this."

"I do, please, just…" She cast a glance towards the blade which was so dangerously near to her. "… I just want to talk."

His gaze hardened. "You made it clear you had no wish of talking."

"I know I did. But this is important." She pleaded.

He realised soon enough that she meant him no harm, and with a final warning glance, he sheathed his sword, whilst sighing impatiently.

"I am busy." He said, his voice no longer harsh, but still irate. "I've no intention of wasting my time here, with you."

"Look," she spoke far more confidently without a blade being held towards her, he noted. "When you came to talk to me before at the inn, I had no reason to listen to you. But I did, so you could at least do the same for me."

He hesitated before speaking, a slight smile playing across his lips. "We're back to this again, are we? Owing each other?"

"You owe me nothing, nor I you. I'm simply asking you to show the same courtesy now that I showed you then."

He stood for a while, saying nothing, and seemingly pondering over whether to listen to her or not. After what felt like an hour to Kira, despite only being a matter of seconds, he seated himself on an upturned crate and rested his gaze on her.

"Go ahead. Whatever you wish to say, say it now." He commanded simply.

Now it was her turn to look indecisive. Truth be told, she hadn't expected- only hoped- to get this far, and having done so, she struggled to find the words she needed to ask him what she wanted to know. Having tossed the words around in her head for a few moments, she coolly returned his expectant gaze, and decided to ask him as straightforwardly as possible.

"What know you of Shay Cormac?"

He frowned, ever so faintly. "What anybody else knows. Have you anything in particular you wish to know?"

"You said to Pitcairn the other day that he was on his way here from Europe. Is this true?"

"Yes, what need would I have had to lie about that?"

"But…" Haytham noticed how lost she looked as she tried to finish the sentence. "Shay Cormac is dead. He died a long time ago. If what you say is true, then he would have to be alive."

"He is alive. Very much so. But your brotherhood discovered this years ago, not long after he was presumed dead."

"…They did?"

Her voice faltered, and suddenly feeling a mixture of emotions wash over her, she turned to look into space, her mind desperately seeking answers. It made no sense, that Shay had survived and that no one had informed her. Why would Achilles lie to her? Especially when he knew how much Shay had meant to her, and how heavily burdened she felt by his death. Her mentor would never lie to her, of that she was certain, but then again, what reason would Haytham have to lie to her now? They could not both be telling the truth, but why would either of them be lying?

"Miss Lawrence?" Haytham sensed her uncertainty, and in doing so, knew that she was probably judging the credibility of his words. It didn't surprise him, but still, all of a sudden he became anxious to have her believe him. After all, this was one of the rare occasions he was being sincere. She would be of no further use to him unless she trusted him- clearly something she was far from at present. And now, an opportunity had presented itself for him to start building such faith.

"Yes?" Kira responded, turning her eyes to him once more.

"Shay is due to arrive here two days from now. If you do not believe him to be alive, you are more than welcome to join me in meeting him at the docks."

Kira hesitated before replying immediately. For all she knew this was some sort of trap, and if so, then only God knew what the consequences of falling for it would be. Still, in her mind she concluded that any chance of seeing Shay alive was well worth the risk. She couldn't chance turning down the Templar's offer when he may be telling the truth.

"If what you say of Shay is true, then yes, I'd like to accompany you."

"Excellent. In two days' time, then, I will meet you there."

From the way he spoke, and from the way he looked at her, Kira knew she was doing exactly as Haytham wanted. Whatever grand plan he had, she was playing her part in it exactly as he desired her to. She didn't like it, but what else could she do? If it meant meeting with Shay again, then she had no other choice.

Author notes:

Hi, everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read my story so far. Please review, follow, or favourite my story, as I appreciate all feedback, and I'd love to hear what you think. :)

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed my story so far, it's great to hear from you and to know what you think. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and with luck, I'll get the next one out sooner.

Kittycat312