Chapter 5
Hold Back
Over a year later, a man named George Washington was made a commander. I sat with Ratonhnhake:ton and Sam Adams.
"Truly there is no man more suited for the job."
"Really? I can think of several."
"Charles Lee." Ratonhnhake:ton hissed.
My eyes widened and he got up. I got up and put my hand on his chest to keep him back.
"Do I know you?" He asked Ratonhnhake:ton.
"I would not expect you to remember."
"Don't! Not here and not now." I said.
He looked at me and I hoped he could see the pleading look in my eyes.
"I'd listen to your woman there boy."
I glared at Charles Lee and he seemed even more confused than before.
"I'd be quiet if I were you, boy." I hissed.
He looked very offended and I pulled Ratonhnhake:ton away.
"He will get what is coming to him, just like Kenway and all the rest."
He nodded but I knew he was still angry. Sam introduced us to Commander Washington.
"This is Connor and his lovely friend Sisika."
"It is a pleasure. You saved many lives at Lexington and Concord."
"The Patriots did that, we just lent a hand."
Washington smiled.
"As humble as he is brave. We could use more men and like you and Sisika. Now if you'll excuse me, I should tend to Charles over there. He looks none too happy about being past over for command."
He left and Ratonhnhake:ton looked at Adams.
"Tell me you have news of Pitcairn."
"I'm told he's taken shelter in Boston, where he's guarded by a thousand redcoats. The only way you're going to get at him, is if we draw him out. Lucky for you, we're launching an attack on the city. Israel Putman has been put in charge of our forces. Show this to him and he will provide you and Sisika whatever you need. You'll find him at the encampment on Bunker Hill."
"You have our thanks."
I nodded.
"No need. It's the least I can do. John Pitcairn is a dangerous man. The sooner he's gone the better."
"I would say the same of Charles Lee."
"Now that's an altogether different beast. Listen to Sisika and let us leave it for another day. Best you two head to Boston."
He was still looking at Charles Lee.
"Now is not the time, Ratonhnhake:ton. Come."
I took his arm and we left the room. Whatever Charles Lee had done…it had scared him deeply and for life.
Connor's POV
She didn't ask any questions, she just walked beside me on our way to Boston. When night fell, we stopped and made a fire.
"He's responsible for my mother's death." I said.
She looked up with wide eyes.
"When I was a boy, I was playing with my friends when they came. He hurt me, choked me and then Johnson knocked me out cold. When I came to, my village was burning. I ran through looking for her, she was trapped. I tried to free her but I couldn't. One of my people came and took me away. The last time I ever saw my mother, she was trapped and bleeding."
I looked at the flames and shook my head. Sisika put her hand on mine and I looked at her. There was sadness in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry. I wish I could bring her back for you. I think I understand why you want to help me so much. There's nothing I could ever say or do to heal the pain of losing your mother. But if you need to talk, I'll be here to listen." she said.
For the first time since I'd known her, she had tears in her eyes. She was special to me, a true friend. She meant more to me than my life's mission. If I had to choose between them, I'd choose her. I held onto her hand and smiled gently.
"Thank you Sisika."
She smiled and nodded.
Sisika's POV
When I woke up Ratonhnhake:ton was in a tree.
"What are you looking for?"
"Redcoats."
I nodded and got up. He jumped down and gave me a small smile. I could only smile in return. We kept going until we were stopped by a Patriot.
"I'm looking for Israel Putman."
"On whose orders?"
Ratonhnhake:ton showed him the letter.
"Samuel Adams."
He read the letter and then handed it back.
"Follow me."
Ratonhnhake:ton got on the horse and then pulled me up. I was still very tired so I laid my head on his back and closed my eyes for a bit. All I saw was Kenway killing my father. I woke up to the shout of gunfire.
"We're here."
I nodded and slid off the horse. I heard a man shouting and apparently that was the man we were looking for. Two cannon balls came flying towards us. Ratonhnhake:ton grabbed me and threw me to the side.
"I rest my case." the man said.
Ratonhnhake:ton pulled me to my feet and I blew my hair from my face.
"What a lovely welcome." I growled.
"I'm going back to Bunker Hill. Good day gentleman."
Ratonhnhake:ton and I went after him.
"General Putman."
"What!?"
"We're looking for John Pitcairn. I was told you'd be able to help me find him."
"He's tucked away inside that city with no reason to leave. So long as that ship continues to assault, we'll never flush him out."
"But if the ship was silenced?" I said.
"Then poor John would be forced to come forward."
Ratonhnhake:ton picked up a fallen flag.
"We shall fly this flag to signal our success."
"And I shall speak fondly of you and your woman at your funerals."
He walked away and I picked up another flag.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
I nodded and we ran forward.
"We must move quickly. Do not fight them unless you must." he said.
I nodded again and shoved my way through a group of redcoats. I dove into the water and swam towards one of the ships. I saw Ratonhnhake:ton climbing onto the other one. I threw a knife into the bigger one and they ran off in that direction. I quickly placed the explosives and lit the fuse. I ran as fast as I could and jumped back into the water. I surfaced just in time to see the explosion. I nodded and then climbed back up to hang the flag. I stood at the top and looked over. Ratonhnhake:ton stood at the top as well. He looked at me and I smiled. I jumped off and dove into the water. I made it back to the docks and then held out my hand. He smiled and I pulled him up.
"We did it. Now I would like to see what the man has to say."
He chuckled and I smiled in surprise. We went back to Putman. He was giving a speech and I knew this was it.