(Thanks soooo much for 4,000! This means so much to me! Ahhhh! XD Well now I can be able to update more often since summer has come. Whenever it's summer I hibernate so I can get pale to much my dyed red hair. It's so hilarious every summer I hibernate so I can be snow freakin' white. Literally. I never go outside, and when my parents want me to be active, I run around the house parkouring. Anywhoz~ While I'm hibernating, staying away from the sun, I'm going to continue updating my story which is sadly, coming to an end :P Anywhoz!~ HOPE YOU ENJOY! GOD DAMMITT! PRESS DA FREAKIN REVIEW! I know how to make it look like an accident…)
Chapter 18
They both returned safely allowing the crew members to regain their strength to reach to their homes to rest for another adventure. They reassured Mr. Faulkner that each one of them either returned to their homes or stayed with him until another day at sea. By then Connor and Mr. Faulkner were already chatting about their adventures like they would always after a trip.
"I apologize for my father's annoyance. He grows impatient-"
"No need," Mr. Faulkner replies by placing a hand on his back, patting him in a hardy manner.
"I would be to if I have never been on this ship with you, I would've thrown you overboard and sailed er' myself." He chuckled lightly, placing his rum bottle towards his lips. Connor shook his head, chuckling a bit for himself as well. As for Evelence he stopped until she was next to his side.
"You seem troubled," Evelence paced herself slowly up the trail along with Connor.
"No not troubled." He responded, making eye contact with her. "I owe Achilles an apology."
"Seems I have missed the argument," Evelence chuckled, allowing a smile to maintain her face.
"Yes, but this argument between us conflicted based upon our relationship. I fear that he will think of nothing but hatred towards my harsh words he has received before I left." Connor's eyes darted through the sea and within it, his ship.
"I am positive he won't think of such things toward you. I have known him long enough as much as you, that even I know he will not reject you from your relationship with him. He is very kind and humble. He wishes and guarantees our safety every day, hopeful that we won't do something reckless like he has done in the past."
"When I returned from the battle of Bunker Hill, he greeted me with an embrace. He was furious, yes, but he was also worried. It had taken me awhile to realize this, but maybe it has helped me from arguing like an oblivious child." She teased herself and smiled. They both glanced at each other than chuckled to themselves. "
"We should return with haste before the old man starts to worry even more, for I have been gone longer than I have expected."
"That'd be best." Evelence jogs along with Connor as they both reach the end of the trail, entering the Mansion that was empty, filled with silence.
"Achilles." Connor knocked on the side of the hallway, halting him and Evelence, waiting for the signal to approach him.
"Connor," Achilles paused from his writing and took a glance at Connor, showing a warm smile.
"You have returned." He waved a hand for him to enter.
"So it seems." Connor entered hesitating to speak the right words that were trying to come out from his mouth. If what Evelence's words were true, he was sure he wouldn't be as furious as he thought.
"Achilles I…owe you an apology." Connor stood up straight revealing his upper body muscles. It was rather amusing to Evelence to see him act so polite around Achilles yet later on an argument would approach them both.
"It was wrong of me to say the things I did." Achilles glanced toward Evelence who motioned toward him to receive an embrace.
"Your words were harsh, but there was also truth there. I failed the Order, allowed the Templars to take control.." he paused as he sighed heavily from the thought. Achilles rubbed Evelence's back to break the embrace, continuing to speak to Connor. Evelence grabbed a chair from nearby, sitting next to Achilles while glancing over at Connor.
"But now there hold has weakened, which makes me believe there's a chance for peace. Imagine what might be accomplished if we were to unite." Connor explained, stopping himself, allowing Achilles to think through what he explained.
"Why the change of heart? Where is this coming from?" Achilles raised an eyebrow, setting his pen down to look at both Connor and Evelence. Neither of them made eye contact as they remained silent.
"You've met your father haven't you?" Achilles guessed correctly.
"Yes. It is true." Evelence placed her chin on the board of the chair.
"I do not claim to trust the man – or even like him. But I would be remiss to ignore this opportunity."
"Keep in mind that such opportunities need time to adjust in someone's opinions." Evelence warned. "You may think so of uniting the Templars and Assassins, but would Haytham agree so?" Achilles nods his head, agreeing. "She is correct. You must think wisely on this, Connor."
"Now suppose he does listen and agree, the only question that will remain is, 'will he understand?"
"Even he has to admit that we achieve more together than we do alone." Achilles sighs and stands up relying on his cane to balance himself.
"I assume you're off to find him." Achilles breaks the eye contact, allowing his hat to cover his eyes.
"Yes. I ride for New York to see what might be done." Connor makes a motion for Evelence to follow.
"Evelence." Achilles calls out, motioning Connor she would return shortly to him. Connor nods in a polite manner, arranging their horses outside. Evelence returns to her seat, listening to Achilles words.
"Connor has grown more attached to his father, if he will not understand that his father won't understand when he listens there will be more damages to be done from him. I have come to realize Connor has grown quite bold and strong, but will he let his father's actions reflect from his thoughts and opinions?" Achilles slips his hand into hers, securing them tightly.
"There is also a matter of time that is left for me," He begins. Evelence's expressions changed immediately, leaving no expression only a straight face with worrisome eyes.
"You have lost so much in little time, but I'm afraid soon it will be my time as well. For this I will ask of you not to speak of this with Connor. He worries too much as much as he is for you and me." Evelence nods, understanding, awaiting for his next set of words.
"I have seen the way Connor acts towards you. He is not in favor of women, though since I do not have much time left, I have a feel of need about telling you this personally." Achilles coughs slightly, clearing his throat.
"You may have not noticed, for you both are blind by the connection you both have, but you both grow closer towards one another every few months I see you. It is as if you both have always looked after each other since the day you both were born," He chuckled only then to cough violently. Evelence securely holds his hand and pats his back with her worrisome eyes. He manages to maintain himself, explaining more.
"Blind you both are by what I see. You both continue to grow your feelings toward each other. He relies on you for support as you do the same. During this, you have grown closer and share your feelings with one another."
"Do you mean as more than a friend relationship?"
"Yes. A relationship in which you both keep hiding from each other."
"But…I believe he does not feel the same way."
"You must trust me, I will never lie to you in any such way, nor have I done so in the past." Evelence glances down toward the floor, twisting her boots. Achilles lifts her chin, meeting his eyes with hers.
"Do not be afraid to express your feelings. You have as much time as possible, yet if you wait longer than expected, he will move on." Achilles nods his head, reassuring her.
"What will happen if he agrees?"
"You enjoy the time you have left with each other." Achilles gifts her with a warm smile. Evelence bits her lip and furrows her brows, only then to relax them while thinking over his choice of words.
"I would not have called you over if it weren't true. All I ask of you is too look after one another, and be careful in your future. This discussion will not discuss to anyone, only between us." Achilles gently grabs her by the arm and pulls into an embrace. Evelence manages to shed a tear, a tear of happiness and sadness. She returns the embrace and secures him tightly, whispering in his ear.
"Thank you, Achilles for everything. You have been so kind to us. We will never forget this ever." Evelence breaks the embrace as he places a hand on her cheek.
"You are most welcome. Now, you must go. Connor is waiting I am sure." Achilles smiles as he watches Evelence exit through the front door.
New York 1778
Both Evelence and Connor roam through the streets on New York, the place near his execution. The stand and its people evacuated the area as well as the Redcoats. There were still the same amount, blocking every exit from trespassers, yet this did not concern them both. Evelence's mind was set on the sadness that filled the atmosphere around them. There was no cheering and ranting, only whistles being blown and children hiding from the recoats marching in the street. This matched the mood Evelence was put in several days before she entered the Caribbean Sea with Connor and the Aquila. As she trailed farther toward the center of town she noticed a big building that was broken and burnt down, the same situation that happened with the building filled with slaves, including her mother.
Without knowing she was trailing farther apart from Connor, he quickly grasped her wrist tugging her gently towards him as he paced himself faster. Without a word, Evelence glanced up to see Connor's father. She quickly looked up at Connor then down at her wrist, releasing herself from him as her cheeks flared red. As she regained her senses, she noticed his father motioning for them to stop.
"We need to know what the loyalists are planning if we're to put an end to this." His father was speaking to another, never leaving eye contact.
"I've tried! But the soldiers themselves are told nothing now – only to await orders from above." The man responded with plea.
"Then keep digging." Haytham clenched his fists from behind his back, aggravated by his answer. "Come find me when you have something worth sharing." Haytham nods his head to make the man understand him. Haytham flipped his cape in with anger entering a new conversation with Connor.
"We're so close to victory. A few more well-placed attacks and we'll be able to put an end to this civil war and be rid of the Crown."
"What do you intend?" Connor responded.
"Well nothing at the moment, since we're completely in the dark." He teased.
"I thought the Templars had eyes and ears everywhere." Connor brought up his point.
"Oh we did. Until you started cutting them off."
"Your contact said orders from above. It tells us exactly what we need to do: track down the Loyalist commanders." Haytham nods in agreement no longer arguing with his son.
"And who do we have here? The lovely pet who follows the alpha?" Haytham teases Evelence as they leap toward the burnt building. Evelence chooses to ignore the comment he made, concentrating on following Connor.
"Not the talkative one this time? What a surprise." Haytham misses the leap and slips, landing his knee on the ground.
"Perhaps you should pay attention of where you are to go instead of concentrating on amusing yourself with such worthless comments." Evelence made no expression, but balanced herself on one of the stools that wasn't left to burn.
"Oh I wouldn't say that, be careful with your words, you never know if you might jinx yourself with them." Haytham grinned, a sly smirk for a sly wolf. Connor and Evelence choose to ignore his remarks and follows in his footsteps as they enter through a high elevation. With no more conversation but the sound of Haytham complains once more, Connor halts as soon as his father stops in motion.
"Where are we going? It seems as if you are running in circles-"
"Ah, ah, ah. Complaining won't get you very far." Haytham waved a finger while giving her a sly smirk.
Evelence shakes her in frustration, making a face by his mockery in her words.
They looked down to see a few redcoats chatting. Haytham crouched down listening to receive any information from down below.
"They're talking in circles. We'll learn nothing, watching as we are."
"Then what do you propose we do? March in there and demand answers?" Connor exaggerates.
"Well, yes." Haytham tips his hat and jumps down as a farewell to Connor.
"Your father has filled my annoyance bar." Evelence remarks as Connor sighs in frustration as his father calls them both to help.
"Leave the commander's alive Connor! We can interrogate them." Connor jumps down from above placing both his hidden blades in both of the Redcoat's neckline. The blades cut through their throat revealing a front view of blood spilling. As for Evelence she grabbed her sharpened tip blades to strike the two other redcoats down below from her. Once struck, she landed on them both, releasing her hidden blades, digging deep in their backs.
A quick kill for the three of them, yet there was only just the three Loyalists that matched the amount of the group Connor was in. Haytham tightly secured their hands with rope as he began to curse under his breath.
"We'll bring them to my quarters at Fort George and see what secrets they might share." As he explains his process of the interrogation, one of the Loyalists manages to slip out from his bounds at the corner of Haytham's eye. Haytham looks back at the two that didn't flinch, then to the redcoat that managed to escape from his bounds.
"Really?" Haytham sighed in frustration, annoyed by the sudden action. "Well you best get after him, then."
"You go I will watch the prisoners." Connor instructed.
"No you do it."
"Why me?" Evelence stood back and watched the two Kenway's argue, darting her eyes over to Connor then Haytham.
"Because I said so! Now go!" Haytham demanded, ordering Connor. Connor nor Haytham said another word, only the sound of Connor's heavy footprints sprinting off to capture the escaped prisoner.
"That boy needs to learn to obey his father's orders." Haytham adjusted his garb, loosening his collar.
"Perhaps we are to go take the prisoners to Fort George? I suspect Connor will retriev the escaped prisoner only to meet us at the Fort." Evelence suggested.
"Indeed, it would make sense to already rally these two remaining at the Fort. Come, we must hurry." Evelence nods her head in agreement, pushing the two remaining Redcoats to Fort George.
"I am curious to know what connections you and my son have, care to explain?" Haytham brought up the question, ruining the silence that was between them.
"I am from the same village as him. We both lost each of our family members therefore we were chosen to live with the Clan Mother. Connor is the grandchild of our Clan Mother. It would make sense if he were to turn to his grandmother." Evelence answered.
"How did your father pass away?"
"A bear attack. He was attacked while hunting with other members of our tribe." Haytham noticed her eyes avoiding his.
"I'm sorry to hear that." There was no response.
"No matter, my last question I have for you is why you still choose to follow Connor."
"Because since I have no family members left, nor someone to fight for, I look up to Connor. He has shown me and taught me much with not only words but with actions. Yes he may be the Alpha and I may be a follower, but that just shows I have much to learn in order to perfect the skills I acquire today. He has been my only friend and ally since we both left our village. He is the only member of my tribe I can trust, my only friend I have. The one person I do not want to lose. I have no one else to follow or to feel loved by. It would make sense to me." Evelence continued and concluded her answer as she paced herself further.
"I see." Haytham nods and sighs with sympathy. "The connection with you and my son is strong, How lovely." Evelence's cheeks flare yet left no expression.
"I only wish in the future you are to unite what has been lost."
"They weren't lost. They were taken from me by those who share the same fate, Cruelty."
"Cruelty is not what others have, it's reflected from their actions that make them cruel. Your father did not know the bear was destined for him."
"And my mother?" Evelence sprung up, her eyes burning gold.
"You mother was reflected upon another's, if you think otherwise you or foolish to think so."
"Foolish to think what is true? I think not. What happened to my mother happened purposely so. I have asked myself questions that have been answered, yet they remain in my head as if there was another answer. For example, why was my mother there in the first place? To be bait. This is the definition of cruelty. The same way Lee took Connor's mother." Evelence snarled along with Haytham, both dogs snarling and growling until they realized arrived at the Fort.
"You know absolutely nothing about what happened, in fact our people-"
"Father." Connor could be heard panting from a distance, the escaped prisoner by his side.
Evelence and Haytham adjusted their garb, standing straight towards Connor.
"There you are Connor, I was afraid you might have gotten lost." Haytham ignored the look from Evelence's face and reached to grip the escaped recoat tightly. "Come along then." His mood changed drastically. Connor forcefully pushed the Recoat toward the staircase and up to the Fort where the other two prisoners were kept, waiting near an abandoned warehouse inside. Soon after a while, the three Loyalists were tied together, strapped, and tied securely.
"What are the British planning?" Haytham immediately charged in with a question.
The man gulped which could be heard, fearing the two assassins.
"To march from Philadelphia. That city's finished. New York is the key. They'll double our numbers – pushed back the rebels."
"When do they begin?"
"Two days from now." He trembled as his lip quivered with fear.
"June 18th, I must warn Washington." Connor informed.
Haytham just merely remarked with the sly smirk of his, a sly that would be mistaken for a friendly smile.
"You see, that wasn't so difficult was it now?" Haytham chuckled.
"I've t-told you everything! Now l-let me go, please." The man's expression did not change, for he was still frightened. He glanced up to Evelence who was standing in the corner, watching cautiously for Haytham's actions.
"Of course," Haytham's sly smirk remained as he took several steps behind the man.
"Haytham, wait!" Evelence reached her hand out to stop him from doing anything rational.
Haytham gritted his teeth by the interruption. The man's eyes widened with fear for it was too late, his eyes were set on Evelence with his throat cut open, along with the rest of them.
"You killed them all." Evelence clenched her fists, ready to charge. "Do you enjoy doing this? Or was this you plan all along?" Haytham ignored the comment made and opened to exit the door, but was stopped when Connor pressed his firm hand on his garb.
"You think of me so kind that I will not care? You killed them, why?" Connor growled.
"They would've warned the rest of the Loyalists."
"You could have held them until the fight was done!" Connor argued, baring his teeth.
"And waste precious time and money on their care? What would be the point? They'd given up everything they knew."
"But you did not need to kill them blindly, yet alone by a cold-blooded murder such as yourself-"
"I'll meet you Valley Forge." Haytham took his leave, letting the door slam behind them. Silence filled the room in the next few moments as Haytham left Connor with Evelence alone.
"Your father had shown no respect to our people or to those who are innocent, and purposely orders you to more work so that he could brag his opinions to me." Evelence hissed in their language.
"What would you propose I do? Kill him?" He responded in the language in which they spoke in.
"Yes! Have you forgotten who we are to kill and hunt down? Or have you grown attached to your father that you have become so blinded by what I see?"
"You must be patient, perhaps he will understand if I talk with him."
"Talk with him? What else is there to talk to him? You haven't talked up pursuing the dream you told Achilles back at the Homestead. Seconds thoughts? Or are you just unsure of how your father would proceed if the Assassins and Templars were to unite?" Evelence opened the door only to be pulled by Connor.
"I promise you he will change, I will exchange each other's thoughts and opinions about the idea, only then will I decide whether this 'dream' of mine will happen. Then will our village be free from the connections of the outside world." Connor determined his response and released Evelence as she continued to exit and follow Connor to Valley Forge.