Chapter 17

Sacrifice

Connor's POV

I waited until she was fast asleep. I quickly and quietly got out of bed. I dressed myself and then looked at her. I covered her with the blanket and then knelt down.

"Please forgive me, my beloved Sisika. This must be finished, and I don't know how dangerous it will be. I cannot bear the thought of losing you. I love you more than anything. And I promise I will come back to you alive. I love you." I whispered.

I kissed her soft lips gently before leaving the room. I took my horse and rode for Monmouth.

The battle was already waging when I arrived.

"Connor my friend. You have arrived just in time to witness our glorious victory. And where is your lovely wife?"

I kept my eyes ahead.

"She stayed home this time."

"A good thing."

"Where is Charles Lee?"

He looked at me.

"That batard (bastard). He shows up in the middle of our preparations and just takes charge. Screams at everyone to advance and then rides away. I am left to pick up the pieces."

He walked over to a cannon and I sighed.

"Where did THEY come from!?"

I turned and saw hundreds of redcoats marching towards us. My eyes went wide.

"Send word that we are falling back! Everyone to me! Now! Now!"

I looked at him.

"I will hold the area while you bring them to safety." I said.

I heard him whisper and several men came forward. He looked to me again.

"I grant you my finest soldiers to serve as your personal guard. There is nothing they will not to do to ensure we are victorious. Bonne chance mon amie. (Good luck my friend.)"

He left quickly and I turned to the cannons.

Sisika's POV

When I woke up, Ratonhnhake:ton was gone. I called his name and searched the house. I was worried but then I sighed. I knew where he was going, and I knew he wanted me to stay here.

"Ratonhnhake:ton."

Connor's POV

I had them fire the cannons and shoot at the redcoats.

"We are low on ammunition sir- and the enemy advances."

I nodded.

"Then we need to pull back, rejoin the others and cover their escape."

He nodded and we all started to run back. The redcoats were starting to execute the Patriots. I stopped as many of them as I could. When I finally reached Monmouth, Washington was there. The French sailor walked up to me.

"Well done my friend! You have saved many lives today."

Washington turned, he seemed surprised to see me.

"Connor?"

"Charles Lee has betrayed you. He forced retreat in the midst of battle- hoping the loss would take the lives of your men and see you relieved of your command."

He stepped closer.

"What?!"

I narrowed my eyes.

"I'm sure he will come and weave a tale- saying he was outnumbered, or I was somehow to blame. All lies. I will sat it one last time- that man is your enemy and he will not stop until you are dead or dishonored."

"Connor's tale rings true. Lee was acting most odd upon the battlefield."

Washington nodded.

"I will investigate these allegations at once."

I shook my head and looked away. I almost laughed at how foolish he was.

"The time for that is long past."

He put his hand on my shoulder. I honestly wanted to hit him.

"This must be done properly, else we're no better than those we oppose. Nevermind the political ramifications of such an act."

I just stared at him.

"Should you choose to spare Lee's life then I will take it myself. And if I fail, Sisika will not. Enjoy your victory Commander. It will be the last I deliver you."

I walked away.

I knew Lee was hiding in Georgetown. I only needed a distraction. I went back to the Aquila and spoke with Faulkner. A French Admiral would also be helping us. We laid out a plan and then sailed. I told them to wait until I lit the fire to start using the cannons. I made my way through the tunnels until I met with my French companions.

"Connor!"

He moved to embrace me but I looked away and he stepped back.

"This tunnel will take you into the military district."

I nodded.

"And the Admiral?"

"He waits for you to light the signal- and then the strike begins."

I nodded and started to walk forward.

"My friend," I stopped. "be certain you return to her. A love like the one you have is rare and precious. Do not leave her in this world alone."

I smiled to myself.

"I can assure you…" I looked over my shoulder. "I will go back to her alive."

He smiled and nodded before I walked into the tunnel. I climbed up and out of a well, killing a guard as I did. I made my way to the tower as quietly as possible. I climbed up and then looked at the sea. The ships were waiting for my signal. I took a deep breath and lit the fire. I jumped off and into the hay as they started to fire. As I climbed out, a cannon ball hit a building next to me. My ears were ringing and I'd been thrown to the ground hard. I was in no condition to fight anymore. I had to get inside the fort. I slowly made my way, stumbling through buildings. I had to stay away from the guards and then I fell into a courtyard. I leaned against a barrel and looked around.

"Where are you Charles…?"

The last man I expected, answered me.

"Gone."

I turned and faced my father. He hit me and then kicked me to the ground. I hit him between the legs and then threw him back. He hit me square in the chest but I grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back.

"Come now, you cannot hope to match me, Connor. For all your skills, you're still but a boy- with so much left to learn. And Sisika is not here to help you."

He twisted away but I managed to shove a knife into his arms. He screamed in pain and I looked at him.

"Give me Lee!"

"Impossible. He is the promise of a better future. The sheep need a shepherd."

I pulled myself up despite the pain.

"He has been dismissed and censured. He can do nothing for you now." I managed to say.

"A temporary setback. He will be restored."

He drew his sword and I looked at him. Sisika and Achilles had been right. He fought me, and I had to use all my strength. He kept spouting his excuses but I could only think of Sisika and that I had to survive this and get back to her. I threw him into anything and everything I could to weaken him. Eventually, both of us knocked the other to the ground. I laid there in pain, but I had to keep going.

"Surrender and I will spare you." I said.

"Brave words for a man about to die."

He pinned me to the ground and put his hands around my throat. My arms and legs were pinned and there was nothing I could do. My vision started to go dark, but then he was pulled off me.

Sisika's POV

I saw him choking Ratonhnhake:ton and I ran forward. I pulled him off him and he glared at me.

"You! I should have taken care of you long ago."

He drove his blade through my chest and I cried in pain. I took deep breath and looked at him.

"Yes, you should have." I knifed him in the neck. "But you didn't." I managed.

I pushed him off me and he fell to the ground. I pulled the knife out and ripped Kenway's cloak. I took piece of metal and put it in a nearby bucket of water to clean it. Then I held it over some flames before pressing it to my chest. I'd never screamed do loud in all my life. I took the piece of cloak and poured water on it. I pressed it to the wound and took deep breaths. I moved to Ratonhnhake:ton and pressed my ear to his chest. He was still alive, but I had to get him out.