Chapter 2

Sage held her breath as she dunked herself under the water again. It's been about six weeks since Connor found her in the woods. She's been mobile for about a week now, so she decided to take some time to wash up. The last five weeks she's spent recovering from her wounds and the fever she had from being so cold. Sage stayed in Connor's bed and he spent his nights at the inn. She felt bad but he insisted that he was okay. Catherine took care of her most of the time at the manor when she was immobile; Connor felt she would better suit the task than him. Yesterday he introduced Sage to the other homesteaders. They all took to her well and Connor was pleased. He showed her around the property, and told her that there was a waterfall just at the edge of the property she could wash at. She decided to pay it a visit today.

Sage still has yet to discover why she's been sent back in time. Connor told her how he came to discover the Assassins and said that the same orb he touched might hold the answers to why she's been sent. He promised he would take her after her recovery and Achilles agreed that her main focus now was to settle in and take her time to heal.

The knot on her head has disappeared and her wounds from the redcoats have been healing well, other than developing some serious scars, she's pleased with her process of healing.

Sage poked her head up to take a breath, then imitated an alligator stalking its prey, keeping her eyes just above the surface. On a rock nearby Sage's temporary dress, black lace bra, boots, towel, and cloak were neatly folded and she kept an eye on them as she bathed. She's been borrowing a dress from Ellen until hers is finished. Her eyes glanced around the surrounding area to make sure there was nobody around before she got out. She hopped out clutching her breasts and scurried to her towel. Her jaw chattered and her breathing quickened as she quickly dried off her body. Sage was comfortable in her body. In Sicily she had a full body mirror and she would often admire her curves as she dressed. She is five feet, three inches tall (160 cm) and weighs 156 pounds (70kgs).

Sage is short and curvy. Her waist curves in and her hips curve out, having the same measurement across as her shoulders. She has an hourglass figure that perfectly compliments her petite frame. Most of her build is muscle, but ever since she started working at the bakery she's put on some pudge. Specifically her rear and tummy region have gotten slightly soft, but she likes it; it makes her feel more cuddle-worthy. Back in California, Sage began training from a young age in gymnastics and acrobatics partnered with various fighting skills which all were part of her Assassin training. Since she left the creed she's kept her fighting skills sharp by starting a fight club in Sicily. Every other day her, some friends from work, and others who heard of the club would meet in the basement of her apartment complex to simply fight.

Sage quickly put on her black bra. Instead of wearing her stays she wore her bra most of the time. She forgot to bring her shift so she just slid the dress over her head and quickly put on her cloak. Urgently, she dusted off her toes and put her boots on. She swiped her towel up and started speed walking back to the path. The ambiance and atmosphere of the homestead was charming to her. What surprised Sage about it was that everyone on the homestead was brought together by Connor. He was a truly good man. Sage smiled and waved at the homesteaders as she passed by on her walk back to the manor. The sunset bathed their little plot of heaven in shades of orange and red as she made her way back. The sight was truly beautiful. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to stay. She entertained this thought here and there when the charm of the homestead seduced her weary heart.

Sage dusted the dirt off her boots as she opened the front door to the manor. Connor stood writing in a record book and looked over his shoulder as she entered. "Sage," He put the quill back in the inkwell and turned to face her. "How are you fairing?" Sage looked up at him and he noticed how red her lips were.

"I am well." She nodded. "And how are you Connor?"

He crossed his arms, "I am well. Ellen delivered your dress. I placed the parcel in the room next to mine."

"Ooo.. I'm excited. I've never had a tailored dress before." Sage let her formalities drop as she ran up the stairs, carrying her long dress in bunches to avoid tripping. Connor followed her up the stairs. She stopped in the doorway "Did you make this?" Sage gestured in the direction of the bed. Connor stood behind her.

"I had Lance make it while you were healing. We transported it here while you were washing." Connor was pleased when he saw her smile. Then she turned and gave him a concerned look.

"But Connor.." Sage sighed and dropped the bunches of her dress. She walked over to the bed, running her hands up the beams that connected to the overhead canopy. "What if I'm not meant to stay? Who will this bed be for then?" Connor furrowed his brow at her questions. She was right. What if she wasn't meant to stay? She had already been there six weeks so he thought it was time she got her own bed, but he never considered the possibility of her stay ending once she found answers. He was sure the orb at his village would answer her questions.

"That reminds me. We ride at dawn for my village. You seem to be well enough for the journey. Do not worry about the bed. That is the least of our worries." He waved off her questions and turned to go downstairs. "If you are hungry, you may join me to the tavern at the inn." He ate most of his meals there.

Sage nodded her head in agreement. "First let me change, then we will go." Connor waited for her at the bottom of the stairs. Sage switched quickly into her new dress. She ran her hands over her sides and felt how snug the red fabric hugged her curves. It fit her perfectly.

"What do you think?" She stood at top of the stairs.

"It is beautiful. You must surely thank Ellen for her craftsmanship. Perhaps she will be at the tavern." Sage went back into the room and grabbed her cloak. She scurried down the stairs to meet Connor. "Hopefully she is." she swung her cloak over her shoulders and followed Connor out of the door.

Sage was embarrassed to admit to Connor she didn't know how to ride a horse. "In the future, we drive horseless carriages called cars." She pulled the straps of her black backpack, tightening it with a zipping sound. Connor was leading, what was supposed to be her horse, back to the stables and didn't hear her comment. His horse stood in front of the steps of the manor as Sage stared it down. She wore her black hoodie and her jeans. Under she wore her permanently bloodstained and ripped V neck. It's been awhile since she wore the clothes he found her in. Connor stomped back, slightly annoyed that they'd be sharing a horse.

"Perhaps if you remain after all this, I shall teach you to ride upon our return." He leap frogged into the saddle from the back of the horse and held out his hand for Sage. She put her foot in the stirrup, grabbed his hand and swung her leg over the back of the horse as he pulled her up. Connor waited for her to shimmy her way comfortably in the saddle. He pulled up his hood and smacked the reigns. The horse jolted forward and Sage snaked her arms around Connor's waist before she could jolt back. She wore her hood as well.

The horse was swift as they galloped through the homestead. Sage kept her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back. He felt the weight of her head on his back and turned slightly took look at her as the horse came to a trot, passing by sailors coming from the inn. They made their way off the property and Sage watched the frontier fly by her. The sun rose higher and higher as they went on. Thoughts of what awaited her became more and more vivid the more she realized she might actually understand why she is here. Is there a real purpose for me being here? Or was there somehow a rip in the fabric of time that I just happened to fall through? Will things be the same when I get back? Will I ever return to 2018? A pit began to grow in her stomach as their journey continued.

They rode for what seemed like forever and arrived at about noon time. They neared the entrance of his village and Connor pulled the reins to stop the horse. "We have arrived. From here we can walk." Sage took her hands from around his waist and swung herself off the horse. She hit the ground with a thud but caught herself to keep from falling over. In one fluid movement, Connor hopped off the horse. He grabbed the reins, "Follow me." She followed closely behind him. He swiped his hood back and handed the reins to one of the men as they walked through the village. Sage could hear children playing and men and women conversing in their native tongue. She realized that even before the colonists arrived, this land was vastly diverse in language, history, tradition, and people. Sage missed the feeling of connecting with the land of her origin, Hawaii.

"Ratonhaké:ton." Connor bent down and hugged his clan mother. She glanced at Sage and walked towards a long wooden hut. They followed her in and sat down around the fire. The clan mother and Connor conversed in their language for a bit, occasionally gesturing towards Sage. Oia:ner turned and grabbed a wooden box from behind her and handed it to Connor. He took it gently and turned towards Sage.

"This is the sacred treasure of my people I told you about. It may hold the answers you seek. You must only touch it to begin your journey." Sage looked up at Connor and slid her hood back, nodding her head as she looked down at the golden glowing orb. She lifted up her hand and as she moved closer to pick it up, the orb began pulsating brighter and brighter. Instantly when she picked it up she was enveloped in darkness.

In the natural world Sage just passed out. Connor caught her before her body could hit the ground. Oia:ner told him to let her be, she has begun her journey. He gawked at her then set her softly on the ground.

Sage stood up in the darkness. "You have been chosen." Minerva's voice boomed. Sage looked up, searching frantically for the source. "The Assassins have suffered. You have suffered. You've been chosen to bring it to an end. Maluhia Dubois, the mother of change. You will birth a new brotherhood, to bring change to the future. To ensure the Templars do not grow to rule the world." Sage looked down at her feet and she felt the ground shift under her. She was transported to the edge of a cliff and she fell back clutching her chest. She stood up and peered over the edge. Minerva appeared behind her and Sage twirled around to face her. Minerva began walking towards her, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Sage could hear the wind howling and the ocean waves below her crashing. Fear gripped her soul. "Why me?" She shouted over the wind. "Why here?"

"The answers to your questions will be answered as you build up the brotherhood here, in the birthplace of the most influential nation to ever be born." Suddenly, her task became clear. Sage was the one who will save the Assassins of the future by further establishing the brotherhood and by giving them a more stable foundation here, at their start in America. The lengths she goes here in the past to fortify the brotherhood will be felt in the future.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Sage tried to push Minerva away from walking towards her but her hands went straight through her. She stood her ground, assuming Minerva was just a hologram. But she was wrong. Minerva put her hand on Sage's shoulder.

"Wait please, don't-" Minerva pushed Sage off the cliff. That same falling sensation leapt in her throat as she came hurling towards the crashing waves below. Her eyes watered at the edges and she screamed. She felt a hard impact and shut her eyes as she jolted, but she didn't feel wet. Her heart thudded in her chest, adrenaline pumped through her veins, and she opened her eyes to find herself back in the longhouse next to Connor.

Connor looked startled. "How was your..journey?" Sage apparently jolted in the natural realm. She sat up panting, clutching her chest. "Did you find the answers you came searching for Sage?" He put a hand on her shoulder to calm her. Oia:ner took the box back and left the two alone in the hut moments after Sage passed out. "You were only gone for a few moments." His voice was soft and his eyes were even softer. She couldn't find words to describe her vision, but she nodded her head to answer his questions. He stood up and held out a hand for her.

"We should go then." Connor adjusted his bow. "To make it back before nightfall we must begin our journey back." She grabbed his hand and stumbled behind him out of the longhouse, pulling her hood over her red watering eyes.

Connor didn't notice her crying on their way back, but he did notice her excessively wiping her face. Sage hugged him from behind the whole way back to the homestead tighter than before, so he figured something was wrong. He let only few people touch him, to those he considered his friends he gave this sacred privilege, and at this point he saw her as a friend. When they arrived at the manor she hopped off and kept her hood up to keep Connor from seeing her red eyes. He came down from the horse and led it to the stables, thinking of what to say to Sage. She turned and walked slowly into the manor. At the door she leaned into it and weakly twisted the knob. Achilles was in the records room and turned to face her when she came in, "Sage," He balanced on his cane, "What news have you from Connor's village?"

She walked over to the chair in front of the fireplace and slumped down. Sage sighed, "I must stay. The woman in my vision called me to 'mother of change'. She said I will birth a new brotherhood here in the colonies." The fire reflected warm hues off her face and her tears dried in their place. "I'm here to change the future I know to be detrimental for the Assassins."

Sage didn't know why she was cried after her journey. Perhaps the reality of not ever returning to the present hit her. Connor heard her speak then knelt down at her chair. "If what you say is true Sage, we can work together. You and I building up the brotherhood here in the colonies. We can build safe houses in Boston and New York. My recruits can form a network and we can do what these spirits have sent you here to do. Once I silence Charles Lee forever, the Templar order will have lost their leaders in command here in the colonies."

"But you don't understand Connor. I left the brotherhood. All I want is to live a normal life." She leaned forward raising her voice. Her dark brown eyes bore into Connors and he held her gaze.

"You told me yourself that the Templars rule in power and tyranny in the future. Now is the chance to put an end to that reality and forge a new future. One of freedom and peace. How could you bare that symbol and not want to put an end to their Templar schemes?" He stared back with a hard look, but Sage didn't back down. She held her ground. "Come find me when you are ready to speak." He broke her gaze and stomped back outside.

She was annoyed with his tone and crossed her arms. She sat in silence for a moment. "Nevermind him Sage, his insensitivity is caused by unwavering tenacity when it comes to things concerning the brotherhood. Just know his intentions are good at heart. You should get some rest." The sun was not yet setting, but it was about four hours past noon.

Sage rose and marched to her room and threw her backpack on the bed. She removed her hidden blades, shoes, pants and turned to get her phone and headphones out of her backpack. She turned it back on and the percentage was left at 67%. In fetal position under the covers she listened to the music downloaded to her phone and fell quickly to sleep.

Sage woke up two hours later and checked her phone. She read 52% in the top corner and decided to hook it up to her portable charger. It was in airplane mode to not waste her battery. "I'm so glad I packed a charger." She doesn't know what she would do without her music. She knows at some point the charge will run out and refrains from using her phone unless she really really wants to. Her door was open and she heard a knock on the doorframe. She looked over her shoulder to see Connor standing in the doorway. She motioned with her hooded head for him to enter and she flipped over to her other side facing him, phone still in hand. He pulled up and chair and sat facing her.

"I owe you an apology Sage." He sighed and looked at his feet. Sage fiddled with her charger pack, turning it on then hooking her phone to it with the short cord. Her phone sounded in response and the screen illuminated her face in the candlelit room. She squinted. Connor was still looking at the ground, ignoring the sound.

"I realize my words were harsh. And this is your decision, not mine. Whatever it is you choose, I will not fight it." Sage put down her phone and watched him. He looked up at her and noticed her phone.

"I accept your apology Connor." She was over the situation.

"What is that?" He stared at her phone. She smiled and his gaze soften as he looked at her. "Here, I'll show you. It's called a smartphone." She pulled her hood back and her hair frizzed up. She gathered it in her hands and tied up a quick bun with her hair tie. Connor watched her movements. "What is a smartphone?" Sage picked up her phone and put her thumb over the iphone's home button and it clicked open to the homescreen. Connor scooted closer to get a look at this strange contraption.

"It's a device that gives you the ability to contact whoever it is you want without having to go see them or send a letter. Every phone is assigned a number that you can give to use that specific number to call your phone and talk to you. Look." She opened her phone to the dial screen with numbers and dialed a random number and pressed call. "You hold the top to your ear and you speak into the bottom." he leaned in to listen but the phone call clearly couldn't go through.

"Hmm." He squinted at the screen. "It is quite bright."

"Look," Sage ended the call and went to her camera. "You can capture photographs with it also."

"What are.. Photographs?" He furrowed his brow and looked up at her. The foreign word tasted different on his tongue.

"Watch." She turned on the flash and pointed the camera at Connor. He stood up quickly when it flashed and flinched. "What did it do to me?" He looked down at his chest examining himself, looking for something that it had changed. Sage giggled, "It didn't do anything." She tapped the gallery at the bottom of the screen and turned it to Connor. He squinted his eyes at the screen and sat back down. "Is that me?" He pointed at the image of himself squinting in confusion on the screen.

Sage smiled as his cluelessness. "Yes, look I can take one of me too. It's like a painting. A moment held still in time. With this device though you have a piece of what the image looked like in real life." Connor was amazed at how much this small device can actually do. He sat back and watched Sage take a selfie. She smiled big and the front screen flashed, illuminating her face. She opened the photo and showed it to him.

"And that is you?" She nodded in response.

"This technology is gets invented," She opened her calculator and did the math quickly, Connor watched her fingers fly across the screen, captivated by this device. "238 years from now." She said with a proud smile and he leaned back in his chair. He rubbed his eyes and remembered the other thing her came to ask her about. She turned the iphone off to let it charge and slid it under her pillow.

"That is.. Remarkable." Sage stayed under the covers as she became aware of her pantsless state.

"I also came to ask you if you would like to join me to the tavern. If you were in need of a meal after today's long journey we could eat with the others there." He stood up and talked as he walked towards the door. He leaned on the doorframe waiting for her answer. The sun was setting behind the mountains.

"Yeah, I could use some food." She answered him as she took her hair down from its bun. "Give me a moment to dress first." He nodded and went next door to his bedroom.

"I will be in here." Connor called from his room. Sage jumped up and shut the door. She walked barefoot over to her closet and swung open the doors. She undressed then dressed quickly. She slipped on her boots and marched out her room and over to Connor's room. He laid on his bed, looking as if he just plopped down as soon as he walked in.

"Connor," Sage walked over and tapped his knee, "Lets go." He opened his eyes and stood up. "Were you sleep?" Sage smiled as he groaned quietly.

"Perhaps." He looked down at her. Sage wore her hair down for the first time and it reached down to the middle of her back in lush Hawaiian curls. They walked down the stairs and out the manor onto the steps. "Tell me something Sage." She glanced over at him and observed how he walked with confidence, his massive shoulders swayed as his walk looked more like a proud saunter. "After your journey today, have you decided what to do? Perhaps joining the brotherhood again? You seem to be trapped here after all." Sage let out a sigh and held her hands behind her back.

"Yes I do seem to be stuck here." She looked up at the sky as they moseyed their way down the path toward the tavern. "Well, there is no reason for me not to come back to the brotherhood." Her gaze fell to the ground and they walked in silence as she thought about what to say. She looked over at him and a small smile graced her lips.

"I suppose becoming an Assassin again and returning to the brotherhood is what I should do. I need to train though, to get back into proper Assassin shape. It's been a while since I graduated and received my blades." Connor nodded and smiled, not because she chose what he believed to be the right path, but because now he wasn't the only one. He wasn't the only one now who had a responsibility that felt too big and vast. They both carried a load bestowed upon them from a higher power greater and vaster than them both. He knew the path he chose was a lonely one, full of treachery and heartache, but now it wasn't so lonely.