Connor was amazed at the speed and skill with which Jefferson had solved the puzzle, perhaps even more impressed, at how long it took him to craft the key. As Jefferson gave Connor the sheet of paper, he explained it patiently to the Mohawk.
"Obviously, you assume that each letter is represented by a number. Single numbers are probably too simple, three too complex, so they would settle on two." Jefferson intoned as he drew lines dividing the numbers on the codex page into sets of two. "Next, you look for patterns, repeating numbers, this usually denotes what kind of letter it is. This could take as long as hours or weeks to go through, but your father obviously wanted to leave a clue for you." He said helpfully.
"Haytham Kenway was your father's name. So then Kenway would be..."
Jefferson explained as he drew the comparison on the sheet.
HAYTHAM K_E_N_W_A_Y
is
HAYTHAM 71_65_74_83_61_85
"From there, you can deduce which numbers represent which letter, and draw the alphabet accordingly. So A is 61, then by that logic, B is 62, and so on and so on." Jefferson explained as he helped Connor transcribe the title of the book.
"And...there you go." The Ambassador finished with a swipe of his quill, quite pleased with his work.
Connor looked at the title of the manuscript, and read for the first time, the first message from his father since his death so many years ago.
THE MEMOIRS OF HAYTHAM KENWAY
TO MY SON CONNOR
NOTHING IS TRUE
EVERYTHING IS PERMITTED
The title of the book took Connor by surprise. His father was the grand master of the Templar Order, why would he use an assassin's creed as a cover for his memoirs? Then again, his father, like himself, saw everything from a different perspective. Perhaps this was his way of showing that he at least, was empathetic towards his view point.
"Thank you Thomas." Connor addressed Jefferson by his first name, grateful for his help. "I would never had figured this out without you."
Jefferson bowed, "A small pittance on my part, considering what you've done for our cause. It was my pleasure. I will leave you with the code to transcribe the rest of this if you wish. It is hardly my business to pry into your affairs. Of course, if you find any more codex pages you need to solve, simply bring them to me and I will do the rest!"
Connor nodded, taking the codex and settling down on the desk to work. As he started transcribing the journal, he found it no easy task, having no formal schooling during his childhood. He was fortunate that he had taken some time to learn his letters during his time with Achilles, who spent many a frustrating afternoon teaching Connor the fundamentals of grammar and spelling. There were days when the old man nearly cracked his cane in frustration at the proper ordering of his ABCs. The memory, so distant and nostalgic, brought a smile to Connor's face.
Still, the breaking of the code, and the copying of his father's journals another piece of paper was an arduous task. He was more concerned with writing down each and every individual letter rather than reading them. But one set of letters seemed to catch his attention.
FRANCE 1747
So his father had traveled to France as well? He recalled reading some snippets of it from his own collection of his father's writings back home, but never the details. He reminded himself to save it for future reference. Perhaps something in his father's experiences in this country could aid him in his own quest and free the nation from the Templar grip.
Then, realization hit him like a crashing wave. His father had given him the key to the code of the Templars, used by a former grand master such as himself. Perhaps there was a chance that the French Templars were using the same code?
Digging into the pocket of his uniform jacket, Connor quickly produced the crumpled message that he and Arnaud had taken off that Templar messenger in the streets. Comparing the message with the key provided to him by Jefferson, he quickly set to work.
The first word had already popped up as he entered the key : COUNT
Excited now, Connor set to work, decoding the rest of the message within the next few minutes. He was sure he got it, but even then, it made no sense to him.
COUNT
THE APPLE COMES
HOLD THE VAULT
ESTATES 3
FATHER
Still, there was a mention of the Count, which he deduced, must have been Vergennes. So in that regard, Schaefer was right.
Warily, he pocketed the message, and set off for the coffee shop that quickly becoming a familiar gathering place.
Paris, The Next Day
The backrooms of the Coffee shop were as dim as he had remembered it, although it was a lot quieter now. The Parisan crowds were long gone, and only scarce half a dozen men sat around the table as Connor presented his findings. Along with Arnaud and Schaefer, there was another man joining them, who had been introduced only as Augustin. He was a fellow assassin of the order, and apparently, very trusted by Schaefer as he sat on his right.
"So," Schaefer took the sheaf of paper from Connor, scanning the message with his expert eyes. "It seems you have solved our riddle, impressive considering even our best code breakers from Corisca couldn't do it." He murmured in half wonder. "I would ask how you've managed to do it, but it's obvious I've underestimated your capablilities."
Connor stood with a stoic silence, not bothering with a reply. He considered Schaefer, Arnaud and Charlotte allies, but he didn't care one bit for the man's demeanour.
"Still, I don't want you thinking that we're ungrateful. You do have our thanks citizen."
"What does it mean?" The Mohawk asked impatiently. He had decoded the message, but the mention of vaults, apples and the estates eluded him. He was hoping that his French brothers could provide the answer.
At that question, Schaefer gestured towards another of his associates. Arnaud was standing by the door keeping watch, and two more men sat beside Schaefer on the table.
"What do you make of this Augustin?" Schaefer asked.
Augustin, another Frenchman around Connor's age, with the look of a well off gentleman, studied the letter with intent. "It is as we feared? They intend to use the apple?"
Schaefer nodded. "This is disturbing, but it can provide us with the opportunity."
"What is this...'apple'"? Connor asked.
Augustin was wary of explaining it at first, but Schaefer waved it off. "It's okay Augustin, we can trust Connor to know. After all, he will be the one we may send to retrieve it."
The Frenchman seemed to hesitate at first, but then nodded, clearing his throat as he explained. "The Apple of Eden, Connor, is a device created by the Precursors. It allows them the ability to manipulate a person's will, granting its user total and absolute control of their fellow human beings. It is a deadly weapon, which can be used to kill as well as control. The great conquerors and tyrants of history, Genghis Khan, Caesar, Alexander the Great were believed to have possessed these devices." Augustin explained.
"It wasn't until recently, when we assassins have gotten the upper hand." Schaefer added.
Augustin nodded, "Indeed, The Italian Brotherhood under Ezio Auditore obtained an Apple centuries ago, when the Borgia attempted to take over Italy with it. It now lies under their protection in the city of Rome."
"So, this is another Apple then?" Connor replied.
"Yes," Schaefer said sternly. "This may very well be the one from the Russian Order, of Peter the Great."
"Peter the Great?"
"Another monarch Connor, who built his empire on the broken backs of his people. He turned the kingdom of Russia into a great Empire within twenty years. All because of this apple." Schaefer slammed a fist onto the table. "Have you seen Russia, Connor? It is a nation much like our own, ruled by Templars. But it's people are brutalized and enslaved even worse than ours, beyond belief. And the Russians accept this because they've been tamed by the Apple. Their spirits crushed into obedience."
Augustin nodded in confirmation.
"We believed the the Templars had used Russia as a template for what they wish to do here in Europe, taking decades to perfect their techniques. It worked. The Tsars have complete, and absolute control, reducing its people to serfs. They have been doing so for almost a century. Now, they seek to do the same to us in France."
Connor meanwhile, was horrified at this, not sure if he should believe this to be true or not. His father had tried to control the colonies by manipulating public perception and opinion. But to completely take control of a person's will and make them believe anything they wanted? It disgusted hiim.
"We cannot allow them to bring the Apple to France." Augustin said grimly. "It will destroy everything we've worked for and accomplished. It will make even Ezio's work go down in vain."
"They won't." Connor said firmly. "We'll stop them."
"Here here!" Arnaud smirked, leaning cockily against the wall in the background. If it meant slashing more Templar throats, he was in.
"If they are sending out messages to the count." Connor said, "Then that means they haven't received it yet."
"No." Schaefer agreed. "It was probably meant so that he would receive it before calling the Parliament."
At the mention of the word, the room fell silent. So the King's compromise, to call together the first Parliament in over two hundred years was a lie and a ruse? It made perfect sense. To call the leaders of the nation together, where they would be gathered and vulnerable in one place, and use the apple.
"I suppose that's what the message refers to." Augustin offered.
"What do you mean?" Connor asked.
"The ESTATES 3 in this message." Schaefer said grimly. "The Third Estate. It is a gathering of representatives elected to represent the people of France who are not nobility or clergy. So the bourgeoisie, the peasants, everyone else."
"The Parliament would be a first step to using the apple." Augustin deduced. "Once they have the representatives under their control, there would be no united opposition in the government. They would be able to quell any resisting regions in isolation. Divide and conquer."
"And I'm afraid your count is in the middle of it." Schaefer turned to Connor, stating it flatly. "What do you make of his request to work together now?"
Connor's face was a stoic mask. "I will deal with him when the time comes. For now, we must get this Apple, if it is as powerful as they say it is."
This time, it was Arnaud's time to step in, patting Connor on the shoulder. "Our scouts in Bourgogne are sending in reports of Templar activity along the Eastern borders and roads, more to the point, that area is a hot bed of revolutionary activity, with riots in Lyons, Auxonne and Seurre. Perhaps they will seek to use the Apple to quell the area before they proceed to Paris."
"Then that is where we will strike." Connor said firmly.
Schaefer nodded in agreement. "I will send you Augustin and Arnaud to assist in your efforts, along with a few more of our brothers and sister. This is something that may very well decide the fate of our order. Of our nation."
"One more thing..." Connor asked before leaving, pointing down at the last part of the message.
"Who is this... Father? And there is mention of a vault."
"The templars worship this being they call the Father of Understanding. Perhaps it's a play on those words." Schaefer mused, it was ironic, for the Templars did not believe in a Christ, or this, God, but still clinged to some sort of Father figure in their mythology.
"There has been talk of a successor since our friend Connor killed the last Grand Master." Augustin offered carefully, knowing how sensitive the subject was for Connor. "I believe that this 'Father' is simply the code name for the new Grand Master of the Order. Just like the Saint."
"The Saint?" Connor wondered out loud. His message was uncovering revelations more disturbing than he ever imagined.
"Le Saint, to be more precise." Schaefer explained. "He is a ruthless man, who will stop at nothing to maintain the Templar grip on Europe. It is said that he was responsible for wiping out the Corsican Assassins after your father left to the colonies."
"Since your father killed the last Templar Grand Master, Reginald Birch, he assumed his position." Augustin corrected.
Schaefer stood up now, deciding that there was enough talk. "Connor, I will dispatch our men to Bourgogne now. The Parliament is not to be called for some time, so we at least have some time to prepare. Come to us and we can provide you with transport east."
"I will." Connor nodded, as he headed out the door.
"Where are you going my friend?" Arnaud asked as Connor headed out.
"I've got some business to catch up on." The Mohawk replied cryptically.
Versailles
Charles Gravier, The Count of Vergennes scanned the contents of the message that the courier delivered, annoyed at the delays. Once he grasped the contents of the letter, he dismissed the courier, throwing the papers into his fireplace to dispose of the evidence. So, his superiors had concluded that the situation in France was lost, and that they would need to use 'the' apple. Granted, it was the last one the Templars had now, and it had to be used sparingly, thanks to the foolish actions of the Borgia. Now long dead and disgraced.
He sighed, hoping that it wouldn't come to that. After all, he had put a lot of work into making the coalition work. More than that, he enjoyed the great game of diplomacy. The lies, the secrets, the plotting and conspiracy, all to gain an advantage over another. It was the dance of nations, and it was an art he had come to enjoy. The Apples of Eden stripped all that away, and would reduce that experience to a souless transaction.
Still, the Grand Master was right in one sense. The revolutionaries had gotten too strong. Perhaps a demonstration would be needed to get the most radical ones out of the way.
He sighed, turning back to his desk. There were reports of resistance threats to the King, while the Sultan of Turkey was threatening war once again with their brothers in Russia. They were children. All spoiling for the same resources when they should be working together for the common order.
The Americans too, were still clumsy in their newfound freedom, finding themselves engrossed in another rebellion and fighting several Indian wars, all the while decrying poverty when it came to the matter of French Loans. Although those loans were meant to benefit their Templar Brothers in America (now mostly dead), it didn't mean France was not entitled to at least a repayment. Once that matter was settled, and the Royal finances brought to stability, he reckoned, the country would settle down again, and all would be right.
Those dreams however, were for another day. Today, he had a job to do. There was an Apple to guard, and a foolhardy assassin to account for. He hoped that the man would have taken him up on his offer, considering his relationship with Lafayette, but he learned long ago to never underestimate their kind.
He called for his secretary, and when the young man entered his office, notepad in hand. He began dictating.
"A message to Commander De Launay..."
Paris, later that night...
Sheafs of paper lay plastered all over the floor. A sign of the mounting frustration that Connor felt at decoding the messages. It was not that it was hard, far from it, with Jefferson's codes. But Connor was never the type to sit down for so long doing nothing but writing. It was maddening, and he had a new found appreciation for his friend Father Timothy, who spent most of his days writing sermons and reading.
Still, he figured he did enough for one day, and Connor put the pen down, reading the first of several pages that he had already decoded.
Connor. If you are reading this, then you have indeed proved you are worthy of being called an assassin, and my son. It also makes you deserving of the knowledge I'm about to bestow upon you.
Why? you may ask? I've been asking that same question myself, but I guess you can say it's because I came to a realization.
There was a time when I, like you, thought that there were absolute truths in the world. Truths that were worth fighting and dying for. And I followed that truth with the same zeal you do with yours.
I wanted to show you the world as I saw it, and I failed. It seems to me that everything I worked for had been perverted, twisted into something I never intended. That perhaps, is ironic considering my own life. I thought I had control as well, but it turned out that I was being led all along, and I never even realized it.
For good or ill, I created this for you.
Some day, you will realize that it represents more than just a summary of my life's work. It is a key to the future. Your future.
I had once dreamed of leaving behind a better world. A nation built on the ideals that would take us to a better future where we may all live in peace. But now as I see that dream lying in ashes around me, I realized I was wrong.
You are my legacy.
I was limited by my circumstances, molded by others without knowing it. Not until it was too late.
This is why I'm giving this to you.
You will have something I've never had. The ability to choose for yourself what you think is true. The freedom to follow your own path.
Don't waste it.
May the Father of Understanding guide you.
Your Father, Haytham.
Connor dropped the book down as he read the last words, lost in thought. It was obvious his father had written it some time ago, but when? When they first met? Or was it after their meeting with Washington? Or even at Fort George. The fight was a distant memory, but now, he suddenly feeling emotions he never thought he'd feel on that subject, and it bothered him even more as he realized that he left his father's body cold on the ground that day, without so much as closing his eyes, or even giving him a proper blessing and farewell.
He bowed his head low as he recalled that thought.
"Raké:ni, iyeetsatigh..." (father, I'm sorry...)
Animus Database - Tactical Archive by Shaun Hastings - The Estates-General
The Estate-General was the representative body in late medieval and early modern France – and in French society as a whole, the country was divided into three groups called 'Estates'. The First Estate was comprised of the clergy, the Second Estate the nobility, and the Third Estate everyone else. The Third Estate was thus a vastly larger proportion of the population than the other two estates, but in the Estates General they only had one vote, the same as the other two estates had each (which meant that the people at large, as always, were effectively screwed by their government). Do I also have to mention that the First and Second Estates didn't have to pay taxes? And that they had the Third Estate shoulder the burden of financing the King's government and wars? (Although to be technical, they did lose fair and square! two to one in the votes!)
A Shorter chapter for now, as we head closer to the revolution, the story will pick up even more. Thanks everyone for the reviews/faves/reads ! :D
teno-hikari: Thanks Teno! TBH i never played revelations, so I'm glad that I'm at least getting some of those AC2 feels in my story :)
East Coast Captain : I agree, I think that if we ever see another sequel with Connor, they'll play on that Naive part of his character, and the eventual harsh lessons of the real world.
NinjaxSketcheartx: WOW thanks :) Yes, i do love the colonial assassins, My original draft of this story actually had Connor bringing Clipper along with him in Chapter 1 to France, but who knows, i may decide to do something along those lines later on, but with another assassin :) As for Charlotte, you are right that she has a pivotal role to play in this story, but not in the way you imagine. I know Connor's not the type for those one night stand shinanigans, so no worries on that front :)
Will Zona - Thanks :) Ask and ye shall receive!
Nerdman3000 : I'll see if i can squeeze in a mention somewhere ;)
Thewriter1713: Thanks for the review :) And yes, we'll see shall we :D
TheScoutAssassin: Glad you like the database entries, and the fact you are enjoying the ambiguity here :) one of the things that struck me most about AC3 was that the Templars weren't totally evil, sometimes I thought Achilles was actually the one with the destructive naivety, or at least, more zealous in making sure all the Templar's died :O
Mer3Girl: Thanks for the review! (I love long reviews XD) I think you describe Connor perfectly, heart of a child, mind of a warrior. Indeed, he doesn't seem like the type to settle down this part of his life, that's probably one of the few traits he shares with Ezio. I will try to keep this as close to history as possible, as per the AC franchise :) look forward to more!