A week later and a fresh layer of snow fell from the dim sky. Connor was with Achilles by the stables practicing a few Assassin techniques. The horses nibbled on their hay. Connor was warm with the moving about and striking the targets. With the weather getting colder Achilles called it a day and they returned inside. They helped themselves to the tea and food. Achilles was giving Connor tips on how to better his footwork when there was a knock at the front door. Achilles stood up to answer it.
Connor heard the door open. "Yes?" Achilles asked.
"Hello, sir. You're Achilles Davenport?" Connor heard a familiar voice ask. He stood up and stepped out of the kitchen.
"Yes." Achilles said, a little put off by the London accent. "Who are you?"
Connor cut in before she could, "Emilia Spurling."
The old man looked to Connor and then at the girl. He heard that name before. But it couldn't be, could it?
Emilia grinned. "It's good to see you, Connor."
"It is good to see you too, Emilia." Connor studied her. She wore a navy hooded coat with white and brown accents. The beaked hood covered her hair from the snow. Underneath that was a long sleeved grey turtle neck, lightweight armour that covered her chest, and black trousers tucked into sturdy boots. Her pistols were holstered either side of her waist and she carried her rapier on her left hip. He assumed she carried her ammo pouch behind the pistols. Melting snow trickled down the outfit. Connor couldn't see her hidden blades but guessed they were under the leather braces. She also sported a red sash around her waist.
Achilles nearly jabbed himself in the foot realising who stood on his doorstep in the cold. He relaxed considerably. "You're the daughter of María!" He exclaimed. Connor stared at the old man. Emilia smiled and nodded. "Oh! Come in, come in, Emilia. Get out of the cold." Achilles stepped back from the door and let Emilia in.
"Please, call me Millie." She said putting down her hood and pulling her plaited hair free.
Achilles nodded. "Would you like some tea?" He asked. "We're just having some."
"Yes, please." Emilia answered.
Achilles lead her into the kitchen and she sat down in front of him and Connor. Achilles poured her some tea. "How is your mother? It's been a while since I've heard from her." Achilles asked. Connor has never seen him look so happy.
"She is well, still living in England though. I've heard many great stories about you, Achilles." Emilia said before sipping some tea.
Connor glanced at the two of them. "How do you know one another?"
Achilles said, "I knew her mother when I was training as an Assassin in the Caribbean. We stayed in contact when I started the Colonial Brotherhood. Her grandfather was Ah Tabai."
Emilia nodded, "It's true. I know about Achilles because my mother told me any stories about him and the Assassin's growing up. As an Assassin." She added. She was about to speak of the Great Purge and how sorry she felt but she gauged that Achilles didn't want to speak of the subject seeing as it was mostly his fault... or maybe he learned from his mistake. She changed the subject, "Did Connor tell you he owed me a tour of his ship?"
"I did." Connor butt in. "I see that you got your robes."
Emilia grinned, "I did. It's much more comfortable than I thought. But I'm not a Master Assassin just yet, I still have much to learn."
"Good.
"Tom was really glad to see me finally get them after the training and contracts and... well, you know the rest."
"How are Tom and the others?" Connor asked.
"Good, last I heard." She replied. "Tom returned to England a few days after you left. He's now a Master Assassin. Jake and Betty are still in Boston. Betty still wants you to pop in and say hello when you're in Boston." Achilles laughed.
"I have been too busy here with the Aquila." Connor defended.
"Whenever you can take time out to visit- that's fine."
"How long will you be staying?" Achilles asked after a sip of tea.
Emilia sat back in her chair. "Well, how long do you want me?" Achilles and Connor glanced at each other. "I can pull my weight around here. Hunt, clean out the stables, I can help with the Aquila too, whatever you need I'll do it. It would be a nice bonus if I could train with you too... If you didn't mind."
Achilles glanced at Connor beside him. He rose from his chair, "Connor." Connor stood up and followed the old man out of the kitchen to the drawing room. "What do you think?"
Connor nodded. "Yes. She is capable of doing the things she said and I think she would benefit from some guidance from you too."
Achilles thought for a moment. It would be good to have a friend and experienced Assassin here but he didn't want a repeat of... No, it will be good to have someone else here. Connor would also benefit from the extra Assassin here. He had to tell her not to bring up... Shay... he'd tell Connor in his own time. "She'll have to live next door." Achilles said. "We don't have room here. Will you help her move in?"
"I will. I shall talk to Lance about making furniture for her."
Achilles clapped his hands together. "Then it's settled. Emilia can stay." They walked back to the kitchen and Emilia jumped to her feet.
"So I can stay?" Emilia asked looking at the two.
"You can stay." Achilles said.
Emilia beamed and bounced up and down a little. "Thank you Achilles! Thank you Connor!"
End
Thank you for reading everyone! There will be a sequel bit not for a while.