Oh my gosh I never expected so many reviews! I love you all :3
The Biggest Geek In The World: Muahahaha I feel like the big bad girl sitting behind my desk torturing peopel XD Maybe I should just kill everyone off! Joking! (or am I?... =P)
ObsessedFableFreak: Thank you for loving Khan! :D Makes me happy when the less important OCs get love. Thank you so much for supporting me!
AssassinsGurl2012: Yeah they don't have the easiest of relationships. But it would be boring if everything was simple and straight fowards x)
edgaryg: Again, what can I say? As I've said, things will work out between them after a while. Haytham's had enough bad luck in his life to loose Eleanor as well But yes, Khan! :3 He's really just a big ball of fluff. The guy doesn't get enough love, I mean he only really has Eleanor yet he manages to keep himself together all the time. I have a lot of surprises up my sleeve, just you wait! :)
Victory Goddess: I'm so glad you think so! I can't wait for Connor either :D Thank you for reviewing!
Vanilla.T.2323: (Sorry for shortening your name, but it refused to publish itself properly on the page u_u) Yes, the book is absolutely wonderful, it's given me a lot more depth to Haytham's character. Thank you so much for the complement, it means a lot :)
lala: You hate her Eleanor? Why is that? And if that's the case, why did you read through 12 chapters just to come to this conclusion? I don't understand
LurkingLady: I know Haytham usually hides his emotions but I like the idea that he loves Eleanor too much to be able to keep up that facade. But I do promise that things will work out between her and Haytham, but it will take time. Huge changes coming before then though! It's time Eleanor grows up properly! So don't worry, no need to get all pirate on my arse! XD
DanAlaya: I agree completely, Haytham has brought me over to the Templar ideals and because of him I can't decide who I would side with. He's such a refreshing character and I love him to bits. You have a vivid imagination though! I'm not saying anything but I do promise that my story has a happy ending. I have thought of multiple endings, many of them horrible and sad, but I literally cannot do that. So don't worry too much! And thank you so much for reviewing, I'm so glad that you're enjoying this :)
Sorry if this breaks your hearts lovelies. It broke mine just by writing it...
Khan and I moved back into my house in Boston over Christmas to save on money. As the church bells sounded the twelve strokes of midnight, 1759 started with an ill-feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had told Achilles that I wished to retire as an Assassin, something he frowned upon but I did not give him the opportunity to voice it. I was through with it all - with the Assassins as well as the Templars. I didn't want anything more to do with it, it had broken me. Khan had been more than kind and told everyone that the assassin I had killed died from an unknown Templar who had come to Haytham's aid, but I still felt horrible about it. Even as winter faded and Nora's fourth birthday arrived in February, I had to force myself to take her to the docks like I always did for her birthday.
It wasn't that I didn't care for her, that I didn't want to see her, I just felt tired. I was tired of everything, tired of life. It was becoming harder and harder for me to get up in the mornings, and I took no pleasure in anything anymore. I hadn't been in a fight, or even practiced fighting in eight months and I knew that if I didn't hurry, I would never be able to get back into form. I also took to wearing a skirt and corset all the time, after having burnt the waist coat and coat that I had bought back when I first met Haytham. I wasn't that person anymore, I didn't want to be.
But Khan forced me into my trousers and shirt one morning in early April and took me outside of Boston and pushed me up a tree. " Now run. " He ordered me, his arms crossed as he stood at the bottom of the tree looking up at me.
" No, I want to go home. " I whined.
" Move! " He shouted. He wanted me to get fit again, he was desperate to end my suffering, to see me smile again, but I was still stubborn. That was one thing that would never change. " I'm just going to wait here until you start running through those trees. I am very patient. "
I sighed heavily and stepped along the biggest branch of the tree, feeling myself wobble as I opened my arms wide to keep balance. I nearly fell as I jumped across the gap to the next tree and I realised just how out of shape I was, and I hated it. I still wanted to be the best. So I frowned deeply and pushed myself to make my way through half a dozen trees, trying to get myself used to it again, but in the end I fell and landed on top of Khan who laughed at me. " Get back up there. You can rest when you stop falling. " He smiled and helped me climb back up.
It took me two weeks until I felt comfortable free running again. I practiced in the forest as well as in town, forcing myself back into shape. My muscles ached and protested against their use again but I pushed through the pain, determined to never let my body fall into disuse again. The first of may 1759, Khan and I were eating a picnic in the forest when a Mohawk woman came running to us. I didn't recognise her, so she didn't come from Khan's village, but Khan immediately stood up and spoke to her in their native language. She had dark skin, much darker than Khan's half French skin, and freckles over her nose and cheeks. Her long dark hair was hanging either side of her face in braids and she wore a pale brown dress and boots. She spoke quickly, and Khan seemed horrified.
" What is it? " I asked, annoyed that I couldn't understand.
" This is Kaniehti:io. " Khan explained. " She is a friend of the Assassins. "
" You must listen to me, Kahnawà:ke, Eleanor. " She spoke in a very good English. " The north district of Boston is going to be attacked any moment now by a clan of French mercenaries. I do not know why or who is ordering the attack. "
I stared at her wide eyed whilst Khan answered her. " How did you find this out? "
" I overheard their convoy as they entered through the Southgate of the city. " She explained. " There were too many of them, I couldn't take them by myself. "
" Wait! " I suddenly cried. " The north district? "
" Yes. " Kaniehti:io nodded and my eyes widened.
" Mary… " I whispered before running back towards Boston without another word, realising that my friends were in danger. I ran as fast as I could but soon I heard hooves behind me and Khan called to me.
" Get on! " He shouted, slowing his horse down and grabbing my hand to pull me up and we pushed the horse as fast as it would go, entering through the Southgate fort at full speed. He had to slow down as we made our way through the city. For the first half of the city, you would think Kaniehti:io had been lying, but as we passed by the harbour we started to see people fleeing south, and as we neared the north district, we heard more and more people shouting. When we finally arrived, redcoats were standing guard, stopping anyone from entering the district.
" Stay away, we are fighting the mercenaries as we speak. " He told me, pushing me away as I tried to pass him.
" But my friends are in there! " I cried, desperate to save them.
" Then pray they are alive! " He shouted. " Now stand back! "
I growled and pulled a dagger out of my boot, stabbing him in the arm. When he cried out in pain I ran past him into the district, making straight for Mary and Edmund's house. But as soon as I turned a corner, I came face to face with three mercenaries as they exited a house, their hands full of gold and anything valuable, their clothes covered in blood. One of them lit a torch and threw it inside, setting the house on fire. I growled and unsheathed my sword, hearing Khan do the same behind me.
I charged at them as they laughed at me, and embedded my sword in the first man's stomach. The other two seemed to realise we meant business and Khan and I duelled back to back. I blocked and parried the brute's attacks and managed to kick him back against the wall making his dizzy, and I sunk my dagger into his neck to finish him. I turned to see Khan slitting the other brute's throat and I ran off towards my friends' house at full speed. We stumbled across five mercenaries fighting against three redcoats but we didn't stop. Smoke was rising around us as several houses were burning and I had to stop yet again to kill some more mercenaries. Then at last, could see Mary and Edmund's house, and hope swelled inside of me when I noticed it wasn't on fire.
I all but broke the door down, calling their names and I was immediately greeted by a crying Nora as she wrapped her arms around my waist. " Help. " She sobbed. " Please! "
I brushed her off, letting Khan pick her up into his arms as I rounded the corner to look in the kitchen and I unknowingly let out a horrified scream. Both Mary and Edmund lay dead in a pool of their own blood, still holding hands even in death. I rushed over to kneel next to Mary as I sobbed, brushing her hair out of her face to find her eyes still open, staring into nothingness. I sniffed, my tears falling onto her beautiful face as I closed her eyes. These two people were perfect. They were kind, open, caring and giving. They never judged anyone and always smiled. They had made me feel part of a family when I had none, they had given me normality when I had none. Mary had been like a sister to me, the person I went to see when I felt down. Her laugh and her smile always made me feel better, and she used to fuss about my appearance and push me to be a nicer person. It was thanks to her that I had been a happy, care free person. And Edmund... He was just as caring as his wife, hard-working and true. He was the most honest man I had ever met, and loved his family above everything else. He would let me ride on his cart when he went to work and we would laugh at Mary's obsession for cleanliness and order. They had let me into their home when I was nothing more than a penniless thief and helped me clean myself up. They had cared for me when I came to them, beaten and bloodied from boxing, and never scolded me. They were saints. And now they were dead.
" Eleanor? " I heard Khan call quietly from behind me. " We need to get out of here. "
I didn't reply. I stood up, grabbed hold of my sword and dagger and held onto them so hard my knuckles went white. I turned to stare at Khan and noticed he was still holding Nora in his arms, stopping her from looking around at her parents. " You go. I have business to take care of. " I growled.
" No, it's too dangerous. " He protested, but I pushed past him and launched myself at the first mercenary that I saw, who was coming out of the house next door. I jumped onto his back and stabbed him multiple times, sending platters of blood all over myself and onto the wall. His friend charged at me when he came out of the house and I snarled at him, tackling him to the ground and straddled him, grinning as I sliced his neck open. " Eleanor! " I head Khan cry from behind me, but I didn't look back as I charged through the streets, leaving him behind me. Revenge was the only thing on my mind, and I didn't care if I killed mercenaries or redcoats. They were all guilty.
Five redcoats were fighting against four mercenaries. I ran towards them, seething in anger against them for murdering my friends and I ran my sword through the first mercenary, preparing myself to attack the next one. But it seemed the redcoats had been ordered to kill anyone who was armed and dangerous and two of them turned towards me. I ducked and swung my sword at them, having trouble fighting off the eight men all at the same time as I was getting thoroughly confused as they also fought among themselves. I managed to bring down two redcoats and a mercenary, but I soon found myself being thrown backwards, landing on the ground with a thud, sending my sword flying from my hand. The redcoat lifted his sword to finish me when a figure appeared in front of me, his pistol firing a bullet straight through his skull.
I looked up to see Haytham fighting off the remaining men, two redcoats and a mercenary. I jumped to my feet, grabbing my sword and joined the fight. Within minutes Haytham and I were the only ones left standing. " What are you doing getting yourself into a fight you cannot win? " He scolded angrily as he turned to face me. " Where is that Mohawk friend of yours? "
" I sent him back. " I protested. " Does it matter? "
" You would be dead if I hadn't shown up when I did! " He shouted angrily.
" So what?! " I cried. " These bastards deserve to die more than I deserve to live. " My voice started breaking, my anger failing. " They murdered them. " I sniffed. " Mary and Edmund. "
Haytham's face fell and he took a step towards me. " Is Nora safe? " He asked. When I nodded, he seemed relieved, betraying his sentiment for the girl. " I am sorry Eleanor. Truly sorry. But you cannot put your life in danger when that young girl needs you. " He reasoned. " Come on, I shall take you back to Kahnawà:ke. " He muttered softly, putting an arm around my shoulders and pulling me after him as he headed back towards the central district of Boston.
Dead bodies littered the ground, most of them mercenaries, and smoke killed the air as some houses were still in flames. But we didn't come across anyone alive. " What were you doing here anyway? " I asked, slowly coming back to my senses as the anger faded, being replaced by numbness.
" I was buying some supplies when the attack was launched. I was making my way back to our hideout when I heard your panting. " He explained. " As soon as I head a woman fighting, I was afraid to find you in danger. "
I didn't answer, only nestling myself into him more closely, enjoying his presence. I had missed him more than I had ever thought possible, he was so precious to me that it hurt. Khan gave me wonderful hugs, but Haytham's arms were warmer, softer, and felt like home. It was where I belonged and though I knew we couldn't be together right then, I still let myself enjoy his presence. I needed it to cope with Mary and Edmund's passing.
" Eleanor! " I heard Khan's relieved voice as we emerged from a side street out onto a larger one, blocked off by a redcoat who let us pass when he saw we were not mercenaries. I felt Nora run to me and wrap her arms around my waist despite me being covered in blood.
" She is safe, but in shock. " Haytham told Khan.
" Thank you. " he answered.
" Take care of her. " The Templar's voice was harsher than I would have thought as he told Khan to be more careful with me. He then went to leave but I couldn't possibly let him do that, and before I knew what I was doing, my hand shot out and grabbed hold of his.
" Please. " I begged quietly, my eyes boring into his as he turned to face me.
Haytham looked over to Khan, who nodded. " I shall see you to sleep. " He smiled sadly, wrapping his arm around my shoulders again to hold me against him as the four of us made our way to my house.
Khan prepared some soup while I bathed Nora and dressed her in one of my shirts. She grew very tired so I put her to bed in the small single bed in the corner of Khan's room on the first floor.
" You know where I am if you need me. " I spoke softly as she curled up under the covered. " Sleep well princess. "
" Where is mummy? " She asked, yawning.
" Mummy and daddy have gone away for long time. " I explained, pushing tears back. " They asked me to tell you that they love you very much. "
" Are they travelling? " She asked innocently.
" Yes princess, they're having a nice time. " I was relieved that she seemed to understand that she wouldn't see them for a while, but I was scared that she would keep asking. She was too young to understand, wasn't she? But I had no choice, and I would have to take it as it came, so I kissed her goodnight and made my way downstairs into the kitchen where I could hear Khan and Haytham speaking to each other is hushed voices. They looked up at me when I came in and Khan served us all some steamy hot soup.
" How is she? " Haytham asked sadly.
" I think she'll be fine. " I sighed. " She thinks they are travelling. "
" Will she understand that? " Khan frowned.
" She will when she is older. " Haytham nodded. " She is too young to understand death. "
We ate in silence and Khan quickly went upstairs to go to bed, kissing me on the forehead as he wished the both of us goodnight. I sighed, still in shock about loosing my friends, so Haytham took my hand and guided me upstairs to the second floor where he pushed me into the bathroom so that I could rid myself of ash and blood while he fetched me a thin white nightgown which he delicately pulled over my head when I was ready. I took him by the hand and lead him into my bedroom, blowing out the candles and buried my face in his neck, breathing in his comforting scent. " Please stay with me tonight. " I begged him, ripping the ribbon from his hair so that I could freely run my hands though the soft, straight black mane that fell around his shoulders.
He went to protest but I stopped him by pressing my lips against his, and all thoughts of leaving abandoned him as he took hold of my hips and guided me backwards to the bed, laying himself on top of me, his hair tickling my cheeks. " This cannot last. " He warned me.
" I know. " I muttered. " It's my fault. " I admitted, feeling as if our failed relationship was because I was not strong enough to overcome our differences.
" Do not talk such nonsense. " He scolded me. " We are enemies Eleanor. I should have realised from the start that it would end badly between us. "
" Shh. " I whispered, not wanting to repeat the conversation we had already had. I only wanted to feel him against me, to forget what had happened over the past few months, and I clawed at the bottom of his shirt, desperate to feel his soft skin one last time. I smiled sadly up at him and he smiled back, his eyes full of regret and sadness as his lips claimed mine with a sense of desperate need.
I woke up when I felt Nora jump onto my bed and bury her face in my hair, the sun shining brightly into my room. I looked around to find Haytham's side of the bed empty except for an envelope addressed to me, and I sighed sadly. So this is what life was going to be like. Alone with someone else's child to raise.
I hugged Nora, making sure that the blanket covered my naked body, and I found myself enjoying the feel of her small body curled up against mine and felt a wave of protectiveness overcome me. I would make sure she had the best life she possibly could, no matter what it cost me. She hummed happily to herself until Khan popped his head through the door. He noticed that I was naked, tried not to laugh and took Nora downstairs for some breakfast, giving me time to dress. I looked down sadly at the letter Haytham had left, and opened it, preparing for my heart to break all over again.
My dearest Eleanor,
It pains me to leave you like this, but I fear it is the only way. Our relationship, however precious and unique, cannot continue. It has already cost you too much and I cannot help but feel responsible. I know you think yourself guilty, but please do not. I never once thought that I would fall so deeply in love yet these past four years by your side have no doubt been the best years of my life and I shall forever treasure the memories. I know you will understand as you were the first to bring up what has become painfully obvious to the both of us.
I sincerely hope your find the happiness you deserve. You are the most caring, lovely, thoughtful, beautiful, annoying woman I have ever met, and no matter what you choose to do, I hope you feel fulfilled.
Take care of yourself little one,
Haytham E. Kenway.
I couldn't do anything to stop the tears from falling onto the letter as I held it to my chest. I had lost Haytham, I had lost Mary, I had lost Edmund. I had lost my parents, my brother, my childhood. I had lost my place among the assassins, I had lost my youth and happiness, and it all hit me like a brick wall, smashing me to pieces. I let myself cry for most of the morning, knowing that Khan would look after Nora while I attempted to pull myself together, preparing myself for the years to come.
From that moment on, I was even more lost. What was I going to do with myself now that I had Nora to look after? How was I even going to bring her up? I wasn't a mother, I didn't have a clue what to do. Of course I had helped Mary and I had often played with Nora, but there's a big difference between spending time with her and having to bring a four year old up.
After Mary and Edmund's funeral, which I attended alone as I didn't want to put Nora through something she wouldn't understand, I found myself wanting to leave Boston for good, never coming back. It was the first place I had seen in America. It was where I met Khan, where I learnt to free run, where I had my first assassination contract. I had lived in an abandoned house, bought it and renovated it with money I earned from boxing. And I had almost died because of it, and I was saved by Haytham. Boston was where I had lived with the grand master, where he had teased me, where I had raced him through the snow, where we kissed. It was were I had been tortured, kept prisoner, where I had betrayed the Assassins. I wanted to get away from all the memories, I wanted to start afresh. " We could live in New York. " Khan suggested when I told him.
" It's still too near. " I sighed. " How is your French? Can you still speak it fluently? "
" What? You want us to live in France? " He asked, his eyes wide.
" I don't know. " I sighed again, resting my head on his shoulder as I watched the flames dance in the fire. " Maybe we could go back to London and try to find Pierre Duchateau. If we wait long enough he's sure to turn up at the bank. " I knew that I was just running away but I couldn't cope with anything right then. I just wanted to disappear.
" That is a good idea. " He agreed, making me sit up and watch him, surprised. I hadn't actually meant it seriously. " You have no other leads on the man, it might be the only way of finding him. And it doesn't matter how long it takes to find him, we have nothing to come back here for. That way you can get your revenge, claim what is yours and we can buy a nice house somewhere and live a happy life together. " He explained, making sense.
" But what about you? You can't spend your life following me around. " I argued. " You have to live your own life. Find someone you love, have children. "
" And what will happen to you? " He countered. " I go where you go Ella, have you not learnt that yet? "
I smiled gratefully, and buried my face in his chest. He was the most wonderful person in the world and I would die without him by my side.
So a week later, Khan, Nora and I found ourselves at the docks with three small bags, walking onto a ship destined for New York. When we arrived in New York, the sky was grey and threatening rain so the ship was delayed. We headed to a small, cheap inn not far from the port and asked for a room, but a large smile came to my face when I recognised one of the men drinking at the bar. " Charlie! " I exclaimed as the older man stood and opened his arms.
" Eleanor! It's good to see ya lass! " He chuckled deeply. He shook hands with Khan and looked down at Nora, who was hiding behind me. " And who's this little one, eh? "
" This is Nora. " I smiled, sending the man a warning look to tell him to be careful with her. Though she seemed to understand that her parents weren't coming back, she had become quiet and withdrawn, acting older than she really was. She wasn't openly sad but I knew she was suffering.
" Hello Nora! Aren't you a pretty one. " He grinned as he bent over to her level. " You'll certainly be a looker when you're older! " He chuckled when I slapped him on the arm. " Stay at my home, the wife will be glad to see ya! " He boasted, pulling me by the arm.
" Thank you for your kindness. " Khan spoke softly, picking Nora up into his arms as he followed Charlie and I out into the wet and windy streets.
Catherine was indeed glad to see us, in her own reserved way. We shared a hot meal over the table and I was glad to be around Charlie. He was still as loud as always, his deep laugh warming my insides and making me feel better. But he intimidated Nora who stayed hidden beside me, only eating when I told her it was safe to do so. Catherine took a great interest in the young girl and Nora seemed to trust her rather quickly, of which I was surprised. Usually she was wary of anyone other than Khan and I. " So, what brings ya to New York this time? " Charlie asked once she had gone to bed.
" We are travelling to London in the morning. " I explained.
" No! " Charlie exclaimed, a large smile on his face. " Well I'll be damned. "
" So are we. " Catherine smiled, a lot calmer than her husband. " We were supposed to be taking next week's ship but a couple sold us cheaper tickets for the one that was supposed to leave tonight, so we hurried to prepare our bags. "
" That is great news, we shall travel together! " Khan smiled happily.
I already felt better about leaving America but had to excuse myself. I was becoming more and more tired, becoming exhausted from the smallest of things. Khan told me that it was probably just the emotional trauma I had been through, and the weight of having to care for Nora resting upon my shoulders. I hoped he was right, I didn't want to fall ill.
Again, I'm sorry! I promise the next chapter will be happier! And everyone makes mistakes, so if you consider Eleanor to be making a huge mistake by leaving or not, that's up to you. Even I can't decide if it was a mistake or not. But I need this to be able to get the story where I want it to go. And that means huge character building!