Chapter 19

Joyous News

He was healing quickly and for that I was grateful. Dr. White had also been keeping an eye on me for some reason, at least ever since I had become sick after making the porridge. But now Ratonhnhake:ton was restless and wanting to find Lee. I found him sitting up in bed one afternoon and bit my lip.

"Ratonhnhake:ton."

He looked at me and smiled like always.

"Dr. White is coming soon."

"I have no doubt he will tell me I have healed."

I nodded and he held out his hand. I took it and sat down.

"You don't seem happy."

"I am. Believe me I am. I never want to see you in pain. It's just that…"

I sighed and shook my head.

"Lee no doubt thinks you killed Kenway. He will be coming after you…and everyone here. He will kill you slowly and painfully."

He moved towards me and pulled me to his warm chest.

"I won't let that happen."

I closed my eyes and breathed in his scent of pine trees and leaves.

"I can't take you with me this time. This is something I have to do alone."

"I understand, but I don't want you to go alone. Let me just follow you. You won't even know I'm there."

He pulled away and put his hands on my face.

"I will know. I can always feel it when you are near me."

I covered his hands with mine and he kissed me gently. I heard Dr. White knocking at the door. I pulled away and went to let him in. He had an unnaturally large smile on his face. We went upstairs and he looked at Ratonhnhake:ton.

"And how are we feeling today Connor?"

"Better."

"Good."

He looked him over and nodded in approval.

"I should say by tomorrow you'll be well enough to resume your regular activities."

I was happy but scared at the same time.

"Thank you Dr. White." he said.

"There is also another bit of information. You may want to sit down Sisika."

Ratonhnhake:ton reached for me and I sat down beside him.

"Over the past few weeks I've noticed certain changes in Sisika, especially after she nearly threw up after the smell of the porridge hit her."

"Is she is alright!?"

"Oh she is more than alright my friend. She is going to give you a child."

My eyes went wide and I looked at Ratonhnhake:ton. He put his hand over me and I looked at Dr. White.

"You are certain?"

"Of course. Congratulations my friends."

I started to smile and tears came to my eyes. I put my hand over my mouth and I saw the smile on Ratonhnhake:ton's face.

"Sisika I would advise you to come see me once a week until the child is born."

"Yes I will. Thank you!"

He left with a smile and Ratonhnhake:ton stood up.

"Now you can be certain I will come back. This child will have a father."

I smiled and put my hands on his strong arms.

"Don't let him kill you." I whispered.

He rested his forehead against mine and I closed my eyes.

"I won't. I promise you."

I put my arms around him and kissed his cheek.

"I'm leaving at sunset."

"But Dr. White said-"

"I won't be doing anything until tomorrow. Trust me."

I took a deep breath and nodded. He kissed me softly and then went into the bathroom. My fingers toyed with my necklace. I had planned to sneak onto the ship as I had when he went after Lee the first time. But now that I knew I was pregnant, I couldn't. It wouldn't be long until sunset, and I had no idea how long he would be gone. I walked down to Achilles' grave.

"Look after him…please." I said.

I looked down at the ship and saw Faulkner already loading it. I knew this was something he had started long ago. And I knew he had to do this on his own. He had been hunting Lee for so many years. He wanted to see it through to the end. And that was what I wanted for him. This time it was my job to stay here. I heard him coming towards me and I turned. He took my hands in his and looked at the ship.

"I'll take care of this quickly."

"I know you will. You find him, and you kill him." I said.

He smiled a bit and then kissed me. Slowly we separated and looked into each other's eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you too." I whispered.

He kissed me one more time before going down to the ship. I watched him board it and then sail off. I took a deep breath and ran after the ship. When I could go no further I stopped. I saw him give Faulkner the wheel and look at me. I smiled and held up my hand in farewell.

Connor's POV

I smiled as I saw her. I held up my hand to her and she nodded.

"I'm surprised you didn't bring her with you captain."

"It's too dangerous for her."

"Personally I think Sisika can handle herself well."

"No I mean…" I faced him. "She is going to have a child."

He seemed to choke on his drink and he looked at me. He smiled and laughed.

"Well done captain! You hear that you lot!? The captain is going to be a father!"

The crew cheered and I smiled a bit.

"I thought she seemed to be glowing a bit."

"Yes. And yet she could never be more beautiful than she is. It would be impossible. She is already so beautiful."

"Aye and I bet if you have a daughter she'll be just as beautiful as her mother. And a son….well he would be a fine sailor. The sea runs in your blood."

"Boy or girl it would not matter to me. All that matters is that it grows safely, happily and loved by it's parents. And it will be loved. Sisika and I both lost our mothers at a young age. My father killed hers and never wanted anything to do with me. Things will be different for my child. Better. It will want for nothing."

"You sound like a father already captain. We had best make this a short trip then. Can't keep Sisika waiting too long."

I chuckled and nodded.

Sisika's POV

I watched them sail out of sight and I nodded.

"Sisika?"

I turned and looked at Norris and Myriam.

"Did Connor leave?" she asked.

"Yes. He had some business to finish up."

They smiled.

"We heard Dr. White talking. We came to congratulate you."

I smiled and nodded.

"Thank you. Does anyone else know?"

"No."

"I would like to keep it that way for now. At least until Ratonhnhake:ton returns…I mean Connor."

"Is that the name his mother gave him?"

I nodded again.

"It's different. Interesting." Norris said.

I nodded with a smile.

"I would like to wait until he gets back."

"Of course. If you need anything just let us know." she told me.

I smiled gratefully and they left. I turned back to Achilles' grave and knelt down.

"He will make you proud Achilles. I know he will. You trained him and cared for him since he was a young boy. And I know that even though he did not show it, you were like a father to him in a way. Please look after him."

I lightly touched the gravestone and smiled softly.

"You are always with us Achilles. Always."

I stood up and walked down to the harbor. I would wait there until Ratonhnhake:ton returned home. Though I felt as though I were alone, I knew I was not. I knew my father was beside me still. I knew he would never leave.