Welcome back readers! Hopefully everyone is enjoying this story so far! I've got a lot planned and I hope ya'll have fun reading it. Here's chapter 3, let me know your thoughts!

Connor POV

"Well, here we are," Father announces.

Before us is a large two-story brick house. It doesn't appear as large as the manor from the outside, but still is probably the largest house I've seen in Boston. The shutters are so white that they appear to shine in contrast to the dark color of the house, and surrounding a front yard is a fence that matches in color. The house a decent size plot of land, with stables to the right of the house.

What does a man living alone need with such a huge place?

I put my horse in the stables with Father's. I stroke my horse's neck as she drinks from the water trough. Father heads toward the house, and I follow.

Inside, there is a hallway going straight through the house, and I can see a back door from here. On either side of the hall there are varying rooms, and just ahead to my right there is a staircase.

"I… suppose you can stay upstairs. Let me show you a room," Father says. He begins up the stairs and I follow.

"You do not have to do this," I say.

"Obviously." We make it to the second floor, and he opens a door that reveals a plain room. It contains only a bed and a dresser. "It's not much, but…" his voice trails off.

"It is fine. I will not be here long anyway."

"Ah, yes. I forgot you intend to go help the man who betrayed you and used you. But I guess I shouldn't be upset if you aren't."

"I am upset, but this country's peace means more to me than my personal feelings."

"I know, I just wish you didn't let him use you."

"Yes, I know that's all he's doing." Father sighs and puts his hand to his shoulder. "You should get some rest." He nods.

"I suppose that would be wise."

"Oh, before you go, I was planning on going back into town. Can I borrow a horse?"

"Of course."

"Thanks." He nods once more than goes down the stairs. I go down as well and exit.

I look at the different horses. I wish to let mine rest, and so of course the one Father had been riding is off limits as well. Beyond those there is a white horse, a brown horse, and a black one. The first two appear strong and healthy and are very well groomed. The black one, however, has a dirty coat and mane and untrimmed hooves, yet it looks stronger than the last two. I approach it, wondering why it isn't taken care of like the others. The horse flicks his head and shakes his mane. I slowly extend my hand but do not touch him. He sniffs my hand before going and plopping down in the corner.

"You don't like people much, do you?" I whisper. The horse just huffs, and I sigh. I saddle the white horse, mount her, and ride away.

Haytham POV

I watch Connor ride away, then exit the house. I have a task of my own I'd like to see through, and with luck he'll never know I left. I do not wish to have him worry about me. I mount a horse and ride away.

"Sir, there's someone here who wishes to speak to you," a man says after I send him to the Commander.

"Who is it?" I hear Washington ask.

"He wouldn't tell me his name or his business but insisted to speak with you."

"If it's of importance, he will tell you the answer to both of those." I roll my eyes and step in.

"I think you know me," I say. Washington sighs.

"Unfortunately. Give us a moment. Just… stay outside the door." The man nods and leaves. "What?"

"Who the hell do you think you are? My son is not a disposable toy!"

"What do you mean, Kenway?"

"I mean after what you did to him, you should not have called on him. Honestly, I don't know why he agreed to help you, but it had damn well be the last time you call upon his help."

"Are you threatening me?" I smirk.

"I haven't gotten that far, but I'm glad you know where I'm going with this. I do not think it necessary to continue then."

"Look, I tried not to call on him. But I didn't know what else to do. This requires skill that only he has. But I swear in the future I'll not call on him unless it is of the upmost importance."

"No. Unless he forgives you. Those are my terms."

"Very well."

"Good day." With that, I storm out. I do feel a little more at ease, though I don't really trust him to leave my son alone.

I arrive at the house just in time for Connor to ride up. I look at him, noticing he not only looks exhausted, but is covered in blood as well. He reaches the stables and dismounts.

"What happened to you?"

"I got into a fight with some Regulars. Do not worry, none of the blood is mine," he replies, then goes into the house.

I follow him in, and see he disappear up the stairs. I hope he's going up to get some rest. He'll get sick if he keeps this up. But to my dismay, he comes back down a few moments later. He removed his outer layer, and now he looks more like a civilian than I think I've ever seen him.

"Do you intend to rest any time soon?" I ask.

"I must clean these first," he replies.

"Well, there is a bucket out back I use for bloody clothes, but I have a maid who will do it if you don't mind waiting."

"You have a maid?"

"Yes. She will attend to whatever needs you have."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. So why don't you get some rest?" He sighs.

"Fine, since you're so worried. But only if you do too." I chuckle.

"Deal." He begins up the stairs, but then stops. He faces me again.

"What's with that black horse?"

"He's just really aggressive. No one's been able to handle him without getting hurt."

"I can try."

"Absolutely not."

"But I feel bad for him."

"I know, but I don't want you to get hurt."

"I will be fine, Father."

"I'm not debating with you."

"Fine."

Connor goes up the stairs and shuts the door. I go and sit on the couch and pick up a book. I told him I'd rest, not that I'd sleep, after all. I hear him shuffling around upstairs, until finally it gets quiet. Hopefully he is in bed trying to sleep. I sigh contently before reading my book. But before I know it, I fall asleep.

When I awake, I see Connor sitting in a chair by the window sleeping. He must have been looking out the window at the horses and fell asleep. I close the book in my lap and sit it on the table next to me, wondering how long I've been asleep.

Connor looks so peaceful, and I smile. I wish I saw this side of him more. Even his usual dark, angry scowl is gone. That in addition to the fact that he's not wearing his robes makes it hard for me to believe this boy is the trained killer he is.

"Ah, you're awake," my maid says as she enters. I look up at her and smile.

"Hello, Eleanor," I say.

"Who's the boy?"

"Oh, this is my son. His name is Connor."

"Your son, hm? I can see the resemblance. Is there anything I can do for him that you know of?"

"He's got some clothes upstairs that could use cleaning."

"I'm on it." She goes up the stairs. When she returns, she is shaking her head.

"Do I want to ask if this blood is his or not?" I smile.

"He is my son." She sighs and shakes her head again. She heads out back.

I glance over at Connor to see his face twisted into a frown. He suddenly opens his eyes and gasps. After looking around, he sighs and relaxes again.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"Yeah," he replies.

"Bad dream?"

"Yes." He looks out the window. "He's pretty. The horse."

"The black one?"

"Yes. I wish to break him for you."

"I told you that's out of the question. It's not safe." He rolls his eyes.

"Because being an Assassin is quite safe."

"I'm not changing my mind."

"I don't need your permission."

"Son."

"In fact, I'm going to get started right away." Connor gets up and exits. Through the window, I see him approaching the stables.

"Everything I say he has to oppose."

Connor reaches out to the horse, and he sniffs Connor's hand. Connor gently rubs his head, then reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a carrot and gives it to him. He takes it from his hand and lets him stroke his neck as he chews it.

"I don't know why I'm watching," I mumble and go into the kitchen.

"Your son is either very sure of himself or an idiot," Eleanor says as she joins me in the kitchen.

"I vote both. I told him to leave it alone, but it would kill him to listen to anything I say."

"He'll hurt himself."

"Well, maybe he'll start listening to me if he does."

"Anyway, his clothes are hanging out front drying. Though I'd like to wash what he has on as well."

"He probably needs to be cleaned too, so maybe if he bathes you can wash them."

"If? He'll bathe if I have to wash him myself." I laugh.

"I wouldn't try and force him, if I were you."

"I doubt he's as stubborn as I."

"I wouldn't like to have that tested." Just as I say that, Connor enters.

"He isn't so bad. Granted I didn't try to do any more than pet him, but I think he likes me," he says.

"Connor, meet Eleanor," I say. I have no desire to talk about the horse.

"Hello, ma'am."

"Good to meet you, young Mister Kenway," she says. Connor frowns, but only for a second.

"Please don't call me that, it's just Connor." I feel myself frowning. Now that I think on it, he's only ever introduced himself as Connor as far as I know. Does he not take the Kenway name?

"Well, Connor, I washed your clothes. They're out front drying."

"Thank you."

"But what you're wearing is pretty dirty too. I want to wash it." He looks down at his clothes.

"I have nothing to change into."

"That's fine, because you need a bath anyway. I'll go get some water warming and while you're bathing I'll wash these."

"What will I wear when I get out?"

"I'm sure I have something you can wear," I say.

"Okay. I could use a bath anyway."

"I'll go get it going," Eleanor says before leaving.

"I wasn't ready for the day to be over yet, but I guess this is fine."

"You've had a long day and a long night. You really should take it easy." He rolls his eyes.

"I'm fine."

"So you say, but you're of little use to me if you die of exhaustion."

"Well thank you for worrying, but I think I will live." I smile.

"You'd better." He chuckles and rolls his eyes.

"I love you too, Father." My smile grows.

"Did I say that?"

"Yes."

"I don't recall."

"Please. 'You should take it easy,' and 'I don't want you to die of exhaustion,' are the same as 'I love you.' That's how Achilles says it."

"You know, the two of you confuse me."

"How?"

"Well, you clearly love him, and he admitted to loving you. But you guys seem so… emotionless."

"We aren't. You just don't understand it. He and I are both terrible with expressing how we feel, and quite frankly it's awkward when we try. We know we care about each other, we just express it differently."

"I guess if it works, it works."

"And it works. You, however, have to say you love me."

"I have to?"

"Yes. You are required to." I chuckle.

"Connor, bath is ready. Go on," Eleanor says, walking in.

"Yes, ma'am." Connor leaves the room.

"You hear that respect? Cherish it," I say. She chuckles.

"Please, don't pretend like he doesn't respect you," she replies. With that, she leaves the room.

What does she mean by that?

Connor POV

I enter the kitchen and sit down at the table after I finish my bath. I yawn as Eleanor puts a plate of food in front of me. My stomach growls, and I realize I've not eaten anything other than an apple since breakfast. I shouldn't have thrown that fit at the tavern.

"There you are, boy. Do you always take so long?" Father asks.

"No," I reply as I take a huge bite of food.

"Then what took so long?" I shove another mouthful of food into my mouth. Eleanor smacks my arm.

"Ow?" I say around my food.

"Not such big bites, boy," she scolds. I chew and swallow it.

"Sorry. To answer your question, Father, I fell asleep," I say. He laughs.

"I told you so," he says.

"Huh?"

"I told you that you were exhausted."

"You're right as always, all knowing one. I apologize for questioning you." He sighs.

"Smartass."

"You are correct." He chuckles.

"Well, you are going to bed after dinner."

"If you insist." I look up from my food out the window. I hear a horse galloping up, and in confirmation I see a rider approaching. "Expecting company?"

"No…" I get up and leave the kitchen just in time for the front door to fly open.

"Master Kenway! You won't believe what we caught!" the man exclaims.

"Oh?"

"Two Assassins, and feisty ones too!"

"Oh… well actually…."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you have a guest?" He must've noticed my plate of food. I step from around the corner.

"The Assassins and us are going to—" The man notices me and gasps.

"Oh my God! It's the Assassin!" He grabs a knife off the table and lunges at me. I easily deflect him with my hidden blade and grab his arm, twisting it behind his back.

"Connor, enough."

"Tell him about it, this is the only way he'll listen," I say. Father sighs.

"Connor and I agreed on a truce. And I mean order wide. So when he lets you go, you'll go back and release the Assassins you've captured, and tell the others of the truce. If they do not believe you, send them to me. Understood?"

"Yes sir," the Templar says.

"Good. Now, Connor, let him go." I release the man hesitantly.

"If they are harmed, even slightly, you will regret it," I say.

"Th-they'll b-be unharmed, sir. I p-promise!" he stutters.

"They had better be. Now get." He runs out the front door. I fight the urge to follow the man, deciding to sit down instead. I need to try and have some trust in these Templars if this will work.

"We really need to spread the word. I fear they'll keep killing each other for no reason other than ignorance," Father says.

"Uh-huh," I reply, eating my food.

"Why do you have your blades on, anyway?"

"I always have them on. You never know what could happen, and they're convenient enough to carry." I finish my food and sigh contently.

"All done, Connor?" Eleanor asks.

"Yes ma'am."

"Don't call me ma'am. Just Eleanor."

"Sorry." She takes my plate and goes to wash it. I feel weird letting her take care of my stuff, but I know she's paid for this, after all.

"Now, go to bed." I raise my eyebrows at her.

"I'm sorry?"

"I said go to bed, boy. You're so tired you can't even stay awake in the bath, you have no business being up." I look at Father, who's smiling.

"It's finally not me," he says. She raises her eyebrows at him.

"If you want me to scold you for something, I'm sure I can find something, Haytham." His smile drops.

"No, no I'm good." This time I chuckle.

"I'm beginning to wonder whose house this is," I say, standing up. "Goodnight, Eleanor. Goodnight Father."

"Goodnight," Eleanor says, resuming cleaning.

"Goodnight, son. Sleep well," Father says. I walk past him and pull on the ribbon holding his hair, causing it to come undone. "Connor!" I laugh and run up the stairs.

Connor POV

I wake up several hours later, but it's still dark out. I'm not sure how early it is, but this is why I don't like going to bed so early. I sit up and stretch, yawning as I do so.

I know I won't get any more sleep, so I hop out of bed. I climb out the window and down the building to get my robes. I go back in through the window and change into it, relieved to finally be in my own clothes. I'm larger than Father, so his clothes fit me rather tight. Not to mention they were too fancy, like everything else the man owns.

I arm myself with my bow, quiver, and tomahawk, and fasten on my hidden blades. I decide to leave my sword since I rarely use it. I pull on my hood and head out the window. I hope I managed to get out without disturbing Father.

I find myself wandering the streets of Boston. It's terribly cold out at the moment, and I guess this is what I get for going outside in the middle of the night. I step inside a tavern for some warmth. After I enter, though, I realize this is where Stephane works. As this occurs to me, he steps out from the back.

"Ah, Connor!" he says with a smile.

"Hello, Stephane," I reply.

"What can I do for you?"

"I… I'm honestly just here for the warmth, I didn't even realize this was where you work a first."

"Ah, let me get you some tea then."

"Stephane, do not worry about it."

"No, it's fine! On me." I open my mouth to argue, but he slips into the back before I can. So instead I sit down at a chair by the counter. I look around, noticing I'm the only one here. After a few minutes he returns.

"Thank you." I accept the tea.

"You're welcome. So, how did it go?"

"How did what go?"

"The fight! We helped you get in, but no one has heard word since. We heard that Kenway died, but nothing of you." I frown.

"I sent a pigeon and a letter."

"No one received either."

"Wow. This is not good."

"What?"

"My father is not dead, for starters."

"You didn't kill him?"

"No. I almost did, but…"

"He got away?"

"No, I saved him."

"What? Connor, why?"

"Because… because he's my father." He sighs.

"Dobby was right. What does this mean, then?"

"We talked about it, and we agreed on another truce. Except…"

"Yes?"

"This is order wide."

"And you agreed to this?"

"It was my idea."

"So… he agreed?"

"Yes."

"Wow. What about the other Templars?"

"Well, I think they'll do what he says, but they don't seem super excited about it. I met Shay Cormac today, and was there when Father was informing Charles Lee of the truce."

"Wait, Shay Cormac is in the Colonies?"

"Not anymore. He stopped by on his way past and heard that I killed my father. He was planning to kill me."

"I see. How did it go with Lee?" I look into my tea.

"I… may or may not have gotten into an argument with him." He shakes his head.

"I have a bad feeling about this…"

"I understand that we need to tolerate each other or else this truce won't work. It's just that he thinks he's better than me and in turn constantly feels the need to talk down to me. It's so frustrating."

"Tell me… is this truce because you really want peace with the Templars, or is it because you don't want to lose your father?" I sigh.

"Well, I asked myself the same at first. I won't pretend that my motivation isn't my father, but… I mean, when we worked together before everything we did was so efficient. I just can't help but believe that that will only occur more when we're all working together. Plus, maybe if we aren't fighting, we can find some actual solutions and make progress."

"I just hope it goes well. But we need to make sure word gets spread."

"Yes, we do. I do not want things to get ruined before they even begin."

"What are you going to tell Miss Cooper?"

"She's not even here."

"She sent a letter saying she expected to be back in a couple days." I sigh. Daisy Cooper is my second in command. She is the one I'm most worried about approving of this.

"How did her mission in England go?"

"It was successful, from what she said. She does not know about the attack on Fort George yet."

"Well, I hope you have fun telling her."

"Oh, no, Mentor. That's your job."

"I will be too busy elsewhere."

"Doing what?"

"Washington asked me to investigate something for him." He frowns.

"With… with all due respect, are you sure your judgement is good? I mean, the truce is crazy enough, but now you're helping Washington again?"

"Only because there's a threat against the Patriots. Apparently, someone is already planning an attack on them."

"The war hasn't ended!"

"Yet. Washington says they're negotiating. But the point is that I need to see what truth there is to his sources about the possibility of another war." He shakes his head.

"What about Kenway?"

"He is to do nothing. He's not fully recovered, and I don't really want him to kill himself because he thinks he's okay. Which reminds me, I have a favor to ask."

"Oh, boy. If it has anything to do with Kenway…"

"It does. I want you to watch him and make sure he's keeping out of trouble."

"You want me to babysit your father?"

"Well… kind of. Hey, I could be asking something much harder."

"There's something harder than spying on the Templar Grand Master to make sure he 'stays out of trouble?' I doubt that." I sigh.

"It's probably nothing to worry about, but just in case he gets into something I want him to be okay. To have backup if nothing else." He sighs.

"I'll do it, but this is a favor to you, not him."

"I know. Thank you." I finish my tea. "I suppose I should be going. It would appear I need to talk to the others about the truce. Thank you for the tea."

"You're welcome." With that, I leave.