Guess who's been writing all week-end? I wrote two whole chapters in the past three days, which is a record for me. I'm always a good few chapters in advance so I've just finished writing chapter 13 :)
As always, thank you so much for the support, the favorites and everyone who follows me - it makes me smile and pushes me to write better and faster. Kaytee33: I'm glad you thought that, I wanted it to be sweet and innocent because so much is going to change in the future! Laura201112: Thank you :) I hope you continue to like it! AssassinsGurl2012: I'm so glad you love it! :D

If anyone is wondering, there will be about 15 chapters before Connor's story starts, and then possibly another 10 after that. It's only estimations at the moment but that's what I'm gathering. I hope you all enjoy it and please review, it brightens my day up :) And a huge thanks to TAyukii, I posted this one much earlier than I would have just for you :)

But Haytham wasn't waiting for me. In fact he didn't turn up at all that night and I ended up falling asleep angry, deceived, hurt and slightly worried. He didn't turn up the next day, or the day after that either. In fact, I didn't see him for the next week. In that time, Achilles had given me two contracts and I had executed both Templars easily without any difficulty whatsoever. But what was very unusual was that whenever I spied on the Templars, not once did I see Haytham, Charles Lee, or any other major Templars. It was like they had all fallen off the face of the Earth and I started to worry. Had something happened to Haytham?

I asked Achilles about it and he said that none of the Assassins had seen head or tail of the six Templar leaders. It was good news it seemed, one that should rejoice the Assassins. But I wasn't rejoiced, in fact it was quite the opposite. Khan saw and followed me home one day and I told him everything that had happened between Haytham and I. I saw no point in hiding it from him even if he was going to be angry, because I couldn't hold it in.

Khan sighed and rolled his eyes. " It's just like you to fall in love with a Templar. " He grumbled. " But I suppose I should have seen it coming. "

" You're not mad? " I asked as I sat across from him on my sofa.

He shook his head. " Of course not, you can't help who you fall in love with. We'll go looking for him in a few days if he still hasn't turned up, I promise. " He said, kissing me on the forehead before leaving me to myself. I was glad he was on my side even though I knew he hated the Templars with a burning passion, and gratitude took over from the worry I had been feeling before.

The next day I decided to go to the docks and look out at the ocean all day to think. On the way there, I passed one of the large forts owned by the crown. It was a horrible looking place, full of guards and weapons and often attacked small ships that refused to serve the king. I paid no attention to it until I heard one of the guards speaking at the entrance.

" I hear they are going to be executed today. Serves them right, the bastards. " Said one.

" That Hickey character certainly deserves to have his head chopped off. " Said another.

" I don't trust none of them. Especially not Kenway. " Spat the third, making me pause in my tracks. I looked over to them and saw they were standing guard at the entrance, paying no attention to any of the passers by. I strolled over to a fruit stall that was situated nor far from the guards so listen to the rest of their conversation.

" Captain Hufford says they are to be shot for being traitors to the crown. "

" All six of them? "

" No, not Lee and Kenway. They are to be hung publicly to let the last of their followers know that they will be flushed out for good. "

" Haha, I bet they pissed themselves when they found out! "

" They all got angry except for Kenway. He just ignored us like he always does. "

" I reckon he's the devil, he don't seem to feel nothing. Have you seen his eyes? "

" I know, they're empty. I hate passing by their stocks, it scares the shit out of me. "

" Me too, every time Hufford sends me to patrol the eastern courtyard I feel like - "

I walked off, having heard everything I needed. Eastern courtyard, stocks. I could free Haytham and leave the others to rot, thus effectively ridding the New World of the Templars and keeping Haytham all to myself. But would Haytham let me leave his friends to die? Doubtful. Knowing him he'd probably want to be left with them unless I freed every single one of them. Would I do that? Yes, of course. I would rather that then leave Haytham to die. He'd saved my life three times, now it was time for me to repay him.

I scanned the Fort's high walls and spotted some boxes stacked up underneath where there was a dip in the wall where a cannon was stationed. I looked around to make sure no one was watching and climbed the wall, pulling myself up onto the cannon. A soldier was stationed there, facing the other way so I leapt onto his back and slit his throat so he didn't make a noise. I crouched down so the guards from the other towers didn't see me and looked around. The Fort was essentially square with a large centre courtyard filled with guards. Each corner was extended into a pointed area like the one I was currently standing in, with ramparts around the edges and on the ground floor was a smaller courtyard, also filled with guards. From where I was crouching, I could see at least fifty armed soldiers, and I couldn't see half of the Fort.

" Henry are you alright? " Called someone's voice. " Henry? Are you there? Henry! "

I realised that the man I had just killed was the Henry this man was looking for and panicked. I hid around the corner as the guard came up the stairs and managed to silence him before he left out the yelp of surprise when he saw his fallen colleague. I quickly picked both bodies up and dropped them off the side of the Fort, away from the road so no one would see them. I looked around again and decided that the easiest way for me to get to the courtyard Haytham was in was to stick to the ramparts. The only problem was that once I started killing the guards up there, the entire Fort would know I was there and start attacking me. Thus I was stuck, biting my nails in nervous anticipation. The only way to do it would be to not kill them, but how? How would I get round there without… Oh of course!

I climbed onto the outside wall and dropped off, holding onto the edge with my hands and made my way across the Fort's eastern wall like that, hoping no one would notice my fingers on the edge of the wall as I passed them. Luckily no one did and I disposed of the soldier, this time by stabbing him in the back and pulling him off the wall to land on the rocks bellow me, and pulled myself up when I reached the next corner courtyard, topped with another cannon. I was growing even more nervous, constantly looking around to check no one was acting out of the ordinary. I peered over the top of the stairs and saw a row of stocks that held Thomas Hickey, Benjamin Church and Jonathan Pitcairn. The other row of stocks was underneath me so I couldn't see them, but I knew it was there because I could hear Charles Lee in an argument with one of the guards that I also couldn't see. The other guard was standing behind Church and had a smug look on his face as he watched the prisoners, and I noticed three other guards sitting on a bench cleaning their swords. I had no choice, I would have to run in there and alert the whole Fort of my presence. With some luck I'd be able to free the prisoners before reinforcements arrived so that we could fight them off all together and have a chance of surviving.

Before reason could tell me that I was being suicidal, I positioned myself over the sitting guards and landed on top of one with my knife digging itself into his neck, killing him instantly. The four other guards immediately looked round and started shouting, pulling their swords out to attack me. I looked up and saw that there wasn't one but two soldiers shouting at Lee, who looked worse for wear as his face was black and blue and covered in blood. Haytham looked better, but he was still bruised and bleeding and looking very tired, dressed in only his trousers and white shirt as were all the prisoners. His eyes begun to light up when he recognised me but I didn't have time to do anything as the two men sitting on the bench started to attack me.

I stabbed the tip of my sword through the heart of the guard on my right before spinning round and ducking as the other man's sword swung over my head where my chest would have been before. I hit him in the knees, sending him to the floor and impaled him in the neck with my sword just as the third guard got to me. Again, I ducked and quickly took out one of my daggers which I thrust into his groin, leaving him incapacitated on the floor whilst I took care of the two remaining guards. I ducked and jumped over several of their attempts to kill me and eventually I was surrounded. On of them went to stab me so I whirled around him so that he stabbed his colleague and at the same time I thrust my dagger into his neck to end his life, before throwing my dagger at the still agonising man on the floor, ending his life. I could hear other guards making their way towards me so I acted fast and slammed the hilt of my sword onto the lock that kept Haytham's stocks shut. Once it was released, Charles Lee ran over to the guards and picked up a sword whilst William Johnson released the three others. Haytham hobbled over to me and I noticed his left thigh was injured but he seemed to ignore the pain.

" Are you mad woman? " He scolded me, his eyes furious. " You'll get yourself killed! "

" Well shut up and help me then! " I shouted back at him, tossing him a sword.

Haytham sighed heavily and turned to his fellow Templars who were looking at us with confusion, shock, disgust and anger all at the same time.

" You're actually friends? " Spat Thomas Hickey, looking me up and down.

" What's going on master Kenway? " Asked John Pitcairn. " I thought she was the enemy. "

" This is hardly the time for questions! " I snarled at them all, waving my arm towards the couple of dozen soldiers that were nearing us. " You'll need to work with me if you want to live. " I spat as I ran past them directly at the incoming soldiers, damning myself for getting into such a troublesome situation. To hell with it, if I was going to die, I'd take as many with me as I could!

I randomly chose one of the soldiers and ran directly towards him, swinging my knife into his forehead whilst swinging my sword around me to keep anyone else away from me. I turned around and had to block a hit with my sword, and kneed the older man in the groin before kneeing him again in the head when he bent over and, as I ducked to avoid someone else's sword, I sunk the tip of my sword into his heart. Standing up again I saw Haytham struggling to join the other Templars and I, slowly staggering towards us. I shook my head to tell him to stay back but he ignored me, so I went to push him back. Unfortunately by that time I was completely surrounded and had to fight my way through, slashing and hacking at the soldiers around me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see three soldiers run over to Haytham who could barely lift his sword up and I panicked. I didn't free all these Templars for Haytham to die! I snarled at the young boy in front of me who simply dropped his sword and ran away and charged head first at the last guard blocking my way to Haytham. He was prepared for the attack but I caught him off guard when I suddenly changed course and ran to his left, swinging myself around and slashing his back with my sword and ending his life by stabbing him in the back of the neck.

Haytham was now on the floor surrounded by the three laughing soldiers and anger boiled inside of me. I tightened my grip on my weapons - my long sword in my right hand and my dagger in my left - and charged at them while letting out a cry of anger and rage. One of the men turned around in time to see me jump on top of him with my dagger pointed directly at his face, and it embedded itself into his mouth. The other two guards looked down at me as I stood up, my face covered in blood as I snarled at them. The younger one swung his sword at me so I ducked and twirled around him to come at him from behind, but he anticipated the move and turned around to face me again. I attempted to stick my sword into his heart but he deflected the move and punched me in the face, sending me backwards a few steps from the brute force of it. But I wasn't deterred and spat at him. I ran towards him again and changed tactic, this time sliding my leg under his so he tripped and fell and when he looked up at me I already had the tip of my sword positioned over his head ready for decapitation. But before I could I was sent flying backwards, a soaring pain in my shoulder and I landed on the floor in pain. Confused, I lifted my hand to investigate the pain and felt myself bleeding out, and then I noticed the other guard recharging his pistol, a wicked smile on his face. The two guards were now surrounding me as I hopelessly swung my dagger at them, my right arm rendered useless.

The end of a sword suddenly appeared out of the stomach of one of them, who then dropped to the floor revealing a struggling Haytham. He went to attack the other guard but in his weakened state, Haytham couldn't deflect the hit and his sword flew away from him. Pushed by my will to save him, I struggled to my feet and jumped onto the man's back, sticking my dagger into his back once, twice, three times until he fell to the ground. When I looked up, Haytham breathing heavily and smiling weakly at me, nodding his thanks. I turned to look around and the Templars were finishing off the remaining soldiers who hadn't fled and I sighed in relief that it was over, letting myself roll onto my back on the bloodied ground and close my eyes as I tried to block out the pain of being shot.

I must have passed out because when I opened my eyes again, I was laying on an uncomfortable, small bed. I looked round and saw Haytham sleeping in the bed next to me. Relief took over and I sighed heavily, smiling as he groaned in his sleep. He was wearing a clean white shirt and brown trousers and was covered in bandages and cleaned cuts. His right eyebrow was cut and the eye was black. His stomach was heavily wrapped in bandages as was his left thigh. I went to sit up but a sharp pain shot through my right shoulder, down my back and arm as I put weight on it and immediately let myself fall back down onto the bed.

" I wouldn't put any weight on that for a good few weeks, you've been shot. " Came a calm voice. I looked around to see a tall man dressed in expensive looking red and brown noble clothes. He looked tired but relaxed as he leant against the doorway to the small medical ward I was in. " My name is William Johnson, it's a pleasure meeting you. " He said quietly as he came into the room.

I didn't know what to say to the man. He was doing exactly what Haytham had done the first time I met him. He was being calm and kind when I expected him to want to murder me that very second, but I was still wary of him. I backed away when he came nearer to me and searched him for signs of weapons but couldn't see any.

" Shh, girl, I will not harm you. Not after you saved all of our lives. " He calmed me, lifting his hands in the air s if to prove he wouldn't harm me.

" Alright then. " I decided to give him a chance and tried to sit up using only my left arm. William saw me struggle and helped me sit up and propped up some pillows behind me so that I could lean comfortably against the wall as there was no headrest on the damned bed. " What happened ? "

" After you fell unconscious, Haytham had us bring you here and made the doctor heal you. He wouldn't let himself be healed until you were safely wrapped up in bandages and only then did he let the doctor take a look at him. Charles, Benjamin and Thomas went around to make sure the Fort was safe and Jonathan has gone to call for reinforcements in case the crown sends another attack on us. But for now, you're safe. " He explained to me. " Especially as Haytham threatened to kill anyone who touches you. " He added, winking at me.

I smiled at the thought and looked over at the Templar leader still deeply asleep. Had I done the right thing, freeing the Templars? Not only had I freed them all, I had given them full possession of a fully equipped Fort. What had I done? I had betrayed the Assassin order and empowered the enemy, just because I couldn't bare to see Haytham executed. Stupid me! I should have waited until he was brought out to be publicly executed and saved him that way, it would have been easier and I wouldn't have ended up doing the Templars a favour! Why couldn't I be the sort of person who stopped to think now and then instead of charging head first into trouble all the time? It wasn't fair.

I noticed William was watching me so I glared at him. " What ? " I grumbled.

" You are an Assassin. " He stated, to which I nodded slowly. " Then why did you save us? Surely our deaths would serve your purpose greatly. "

I sighed heavily. " It would have yes. " I agreed, looking over to Haytham. " But I couldn't let that happen. " He looked so peaceful but it physically pained me to see him hurt.

" I knew Haytham was hiding something. " He exclaimed, laughing. " He doesn't go around threatening to kill his friends for nothing. "

" He really did that? " I asked the man, deciding I quite liked him.

" It seems you have a profound impact on our dear leader, despite his attempts at hiding it. " He smiled. " But beware, not all of us are as accepting. " He warned me as he stood up and left me to ponder his words. I suspected Charles Lee and Thomas Hickey were the 'less accepting' of the lot.

I looked around and sighed. I was bored. I got out of bed, realising for the first time that I was wearing a clean white shirt and white trousers, both of which were far too big for me. I picked up the belt that was at the end of the bed and attempted to put it on but with only one arm, it was hard.

" Are you always so hopeless at dressing yourself? " I heard Haytham tease me and I turned to look at him with a wide smile on my face.

" Shut up. " I laughed and sat on his bed as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. " How do you feel? "

" Like I've been crushed by a dozen horses and beaten up. Other than that, I feel fine. " He groaned, clutching his side in pain. " How are you? "

" Hungry. " I shrugged. " What happened to you? "

Haytham chuckled, his deep voice resounding inside of me and making me forget my dark thoughts. I was just glad he was safe. " You're shot and all you can say it that you're hungry? " He smirked and kissed me on the tip of the nose, making me frown. I wanted his lips. " As you know, I left your house to meet up with my men at the Green Dragon. But once there, there was a raid on the tavern and we were taken unawares. Long story short, we were captured, knocked unconscious and brought here. " He explained as he played with the tips of my hair as they dangled down against his chest. " The better question is why did you save us? "

" That's hardly a question. " I exclaimed. " They were going to kill you! "

" And you couldn't let that happen? " He inquired, searching my eyes for something.

" Of course not. " I couldn't believe he was asking that question. " I… I don't know what I would do if you died. " I admitted, feeling nervous about admitting that I had feelings for him.

This seemed to please him because his lips slammed against mine passionately and I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him closer to me as I melted into the warmth of his body. All the pain in my shoulder disappeared and all I could feel, smell and see was Haytham. I smiled against his lips and rubbed my nose against his like we always seemed to do. It was our little thing and I liked it. Haytham broke the kiss and brushed my hair out of my face with his hand, a small smile on his face as he looked at me. " You are beautiful Eleanor. " He sighed, making me grin and kiss him again.

Half the day passed while we teased, kissed and talked about everything and anything. Haytham was slowly opening up to me completely and I couldn't help but love him more and more. Love him? Yes, definitely. How could anyone not love him? He was perfect in every way and I didn't care that he was a Templar anymore. He was just Haytham. He teased me about how angry I got when I fought, but then told me it was actually quite attractive despite all the blood that had covered my face at that time. I laughed and told him he had a mental problem, to which he simply reminded me that I had saved six templar leaders from execution. I could only stick my tongue out at him like a child, and to further annoy me he simply licked my tongue with his.

" Excuse me, master Kenway? " Came William's voice from the door suddenly, scaring me a little as I had almost forgotten where we were.

" Yes William? " Haytham looked over to his friend, his voice becoming cold and serious once again. I looked down at my hands and felt awkward at being found in such a situation.

" If you are feeling well enough, the men would like for us to hold a meeting in the hall. "

" Of course. " Haytham agreed and William disappeared again. " Come with me? " He added, turning to me.

" What? " I asked, confused. " Why? "

" If it weren't for you, we'd all be dead. I think you've more than earned your place at our table. " He explained, standing up to pull on his grey blue coat that was folded up on another bed.

" But I'm an Assassin. They all hate me. " I protested. " And I could easily turn around and tell Achilles everything tomorrow. "

" Will you? " Haytham asked darkly.

I thought for a second and then replied without hesitation. " Yes. "

This seemed to catch him off guard and he paused for a second, then picked up my grey coat and tossed it over to me. " Don't tell them about it and you'll be fine. " He told me coldly and left the room, leaving me confused. If he didn't want me to tell Achilles about their plans, why was he still letting me join them for their meeting? Sighing, I struggled to put my coat on, my shoulder protesting painfully as I did so, and then ran out after Haytham.

The Templars were all sat around a table in a dimly lit room. I noticed though the windows that the sun had set and the stars were shining brightly. They all looked up as I entered the room and I grew nervous, unhappy that I was unarmed. Haytham was directly to my right, and next to him was William Johnson and then John Pitcairn. To my left was Charles Lee, Thomas Hickey and Benjamin Church. I instinctively hovered on Haytham's side, feeling stupid as I had to sit at the end of the table where everyone could watch me.

" Eleanor, I gather you know my men. " He said, waving to his fellow Templars who all but gawked at me except for William, who smiled slightly.

" Yes. " I squeaked, smiling faintly back at William.

" Men, this is our saviour. " Haytham declared proudly, though he didn't show any emotion on his tired, worn face. " As you all know, she is an Assassin but her friendship to me and her sense of justice lead her to save all of our lives and leave us with our hands on this Fort. " I swallowed hard as I looked at my hands, trying to ignore the stares I was receiving from everyone.

" What's her name anyway? " John Pitcairn asked.

" Eleanor. " Haytham answered.

" Eleanor Van Etten. Thought it was about time you knew. " I added, looking at Haytham who raised an eyebrow at the name. " My grandfather was Dutch. " I explained quickly.

" But she's an Assassin sir, surely she'll compromise our position! " Exclaimed Charles, ignoring the small exchange.

" Yeah, the bitch can't be trusted. " Thomas agreed.

" Please do not insult our guest Thomas. " Haytham reprimanded him in a harsh tone as I glared at Thomas, who only glared back. " I have complete faith in Eleanor despite her allegiance. We have often spoken of the matter and I trust that we will only ever do what she feels is right even if it means going against her order. I think she has proven that to us all today. " He said, looking around to see if anyone wanted to challenge his words.

I was grateful to Haytham for defending me against his friends but I could see that none of them were going to be nice to me very soon. Not that I blamed them because I didn't like them either. It was principle, even if I had betrayed my order for them. No, not for them, I did it for Haytham. And no one needed to know, did they?

" But it might be a ruse sir. " Thomas insisted. " Use the opportunity to infiltrate us and bring us down from the inside. "

" If that was true Thomas, then we still need to thank her. For we are still alive and we can still stop her from bringing us down if she attempts to do so, which I have no doubt that she will. She's a stubborn young thing. " I smiled slightly as he said this, and I noticed William hide a smile as well. " Now does anyone else have any problems or can we get onto the real business? "

No one answered and the Templars went on to discuss their plan of action. They decided to set up the Fort as their principle strong hold and make up their own guard to populate it. They had enough men already to keep it all in working order and set about deciding who would command what and so on and so on. Eventually, Haytham looked up at me and bit his lip nervously.

" We have news about someone of interest to you. " He informed me.

" Oh? Who? " I wondered half-interested.

" Pierre Duchateau. " He spoke harshly, knowing my attitude would immediately change at the name of my family's murderer.

" What? What news? " I exclaimed, standing up and listening intently.

" He traveled here to Boston some months ago, and dealt with Edward Braddock. The red coats hardly have any information on him but we know that he is head of one of London's top banks and owns a trading company. He's filthy rich and loyal to no one but himself. " Everyone was watching me now, no one understanding why this was of interest to me other than Haytham.

" Thief. " I hissed. " That company belonged to my father. As was the position at the bank! " My voiced rose suddenly and I grew angry. " When did he leave? Where is he now? "

" He only stayed three months. He took a ship headed to Spain but the port is well known for being the crossroads between America and most of southern Europe. He could be anywhere. " I sighed unhappily at Haytham's words and fell back into my chair feeling defeated.

" Let me know if you ever hear anything about him. No matter how small the information is, I want it. All of it. " I informed him, to which he nodded. The Templars then took to discussing their plans again and I grew bored, but stored at the back of my mind as many names as I could for future reference. As Haytham already knew, I would be telling Achilles everything as soon as I got to see him, though I would have to find a pretty damn good excuse for knowing it all. Maybe I could say that upon hearing of their escape, I entered the Fort to eaves drop on their plans and, after ending up in a small fight with them, I got shot and ran to safety. Yes, that seemed like a good enough story as long as none of them opened their mouths. I'd have to ask Haytham to make sure they didn't. My life just got a whole lot more complicated than it already was.

As I sat there deep in thought, Charles Lee walked over to me whilst everyone else was talking at the other end of the table. " You seem to mean a lot to my master, but know that I do not appreciate your presence. But… Thank you for saving our lives, for whatever reasons pushed you. " He spoke quietly.

I nodded. " As long as Haytham protects you, I will try to still my blade. " I smiled up at him innocently, letting him know that the dislike was reciprocate. He understood and went back to the others who were arguing over something I didn't care about, so I wondered over to the window and stared up at the stars.