MsNevermind: I don't care, I love your reviews! :3 But no, they aren't blood related so... hehe ;)
Dolce Latte van Creme: Thank you! Conflict is my middle name ;)
AssassinsVow2012: Thank you so much! :3 Muahaha yes Eleanor would have looked a bit stupid if she said that to Connor XD It would have been funny though! And muahaha the ending is my little secret :D
Victory Goddess: No Haytham can't ignore Connor, but he can try! But he won't be very successful for very long (not after this chapter XD). I love imagining Jim and Mary together, they're like the sun and the moon x)
edgaryg: I know it's getting really complicated I'm working on making it a bit easier! But YES that's exactly how I picture Mary and Jim - It's nice to know that I can portray them exactly as I imagine them! I do love them all so much. Thank you again for being so faithful and so kind :3
TAyukii: Thank you so much! I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying this story, but don't worry about not reviewing, I can understand - studies come first!
In February 1775, I travelled to New York on my own in the hope of finding a birthday present for Nora. It had been several years since I had been in a city all by myself and I enjoyed the freedom that it gave me, freedom I had dearly missed. Having a family was a wonderful thing, it had been my biggest desire during the twenty years between loosing my parents and finding Haytham, but it was nice to get away from it all from time to time. It was something I could rarely do, being the mother of three, a wife, head of a homestead and captain of a ship all at the same time. It may not be as life threatening as being an assassin, but it was every bit as tiring and probably much more time consuming. I happily made my way through the streets of New York, hugging my grey-blue coat around me to protect myself from the icy wind, keeping my head low as I followed other people's footprints in the snow beneath my feet. Snow in February, what was the world coming to?
Having been out of touch with my assassin skills for so many years, I was taken by surprise when I was suddenly grabbed from behind, a hand covering my mouth to stop me from crying out, and dragged backwards into an alleyway. I tried to wriggle out of the embrace but I quickly realised there were more than just one man. I managed to stomp my heel onto one of the men's feet, making him cry out in pain and I used the slack on his hold to turn around and face my attackers. Thomas Hickey had his face screwed up in pain as Benjamin Church and Charles Lee launched themselves at me. I barely had time to prepare myself, still in shock by my attacker's identity. Church tried to pin me against the wall but I kneed him in the balls, trying to reach the dagger in my boot but as I bent down, Hickey came back at me and punched me in the face, achieving what Church had wanted as my back collided with the wall. I tried to focus but before I knew it, Lee had picked up a large rock and hit me on the head.
I awoke in a small room, empty except for the chair I was tied to and another chair opposite me on which sat Charles Lee. My vision was a little blurred still but otherwise I felt unharmed and I narrowed my eyes as I stared at the man who had once been loyal to Haytham. " Charles. " I groaned unhappily. " What the hell is going on? "
" You are far too much of a threat to us to be left running around. " He told me. " Haytham refuses to take action against you so we decided to take it into our own hands. " He smirked.
" He won't be happy. " I spat darkly, pulling on the rope that bound my hands to the back of the chair behind me, feeling the rope dig into my skin.
" Well that's his problem. " He sneered, standing up and looking down at me as if I were nothing but a fly under his foot. " You won't be alone for long. Your precious blonde will be joining you shortly. "
" I shall have your balls on a plate if you touch any of my children! " I screamed, my voice betraying the panic and rage I felt. It was met by nothing other than a cold laugh as Charles left the room, leaving me wide-eyed and panicked. I had no idea where Nora was at that time, I hadn't seen her for two months when she came home for Christmas. I only hoped she was with Connor because at least he would keep her safe. I'd be damned if anything happened to her, or anyone I else cared for. At least Mary and Jim were safe, as neither of them posed any threat to the Templars.
I pulled and pulled on the ropes that bound me to the chair but I couldn't achieve anything. Even my feet were bound, attached to the chair legs, and there was nothing in the room I could use even if I could get to it. Out of the window, I could see the sun start to set and cursed loudly. This was the second time I had been captured by the Templars and kept tied up in a small room. But at least this time I was more or less comfortable, in a warmer room, and not being tortured.
I soon fell asleep, tired from all the struggling and woke up when I heard several roosters outside. The sun was barely up but it was light enough for me to see. My muscles hurt all over from having slept in that position and I desperately needed to stretch. I couldn't hear any footsteps from outside the door and I didn't think I would get any company for some time but then an idea struck me and I felt stupid for not thinking of it before. I leant forwards, careful not to fall flat on my face and stood on my tip toes, carrying the chair on my back. I managed to shuffle towards the wall and took a deep breath - this was probably going to hurt. I then jumped against the wall, putting all of my weight into it as my back collided with the wall and I grinned when I felt the wooden chair crack. But it wasn't enough, so I hit myself against the wall several more times until the chair fell to pieces. I pulled my arms free, ripping the rope from my wrists and ankles, rubbing them from where they had been bound too tightly. I then stretched, feeling my muscles sigh in relief, and looked out of the window.
I was inside a fort, the outside walls and even the buildings all constructed out of wood. So we were in the frontier, far from New York. Why was I so far from New York? And how did I get here? I must have been unconscious for quite some time after Lee hit me on the head. I unconsciously rubbed the back of my head and found a lump on my skull. Of course it hurt but I didn't pay any attention to it, there were more important things to think about. I had to get out of here, and quick.
I tried opening the door but it of course was locked. I knew it would be but it didn't hurt to try - after all, Charles was rather stupid and I wouldn't put it passed him to forget to lock the door. Breaking it open would cause too much noise and people would come looking for me, so I had to use the window. I quietly unlocked it, making sure nobody could see me. I could only see three guards patrolling this early in the morning, all of them a fair distance away with their backs turned. My heart started beating faster as I pulled myself up and jumped out of the window, landing quietly on the wooden platform. I shot a quick glance around to find that no one was looking, spotting another two guards above me on the roof of the building which also served as a lookout post, and quickly ran into some bushes to hide.
My breathing quickened when a dozen or so guards emerged fully armed from the building on the other side of the courtyard, their officer striding out with them to start the morning exercises. I cursed at my bad luck - if I had awoken just an hour earlier I would have been able to sneak out quietly. I decided to stay put, reasonably safe in the bushes, and took a good look around. In front of me lay the open door to the fort, the high double wooden doors screaming freedom. But they were guarded by two heavy armed, nasty looking Scotsmen. To my right were twenty-two redcoats, also fully armed, as well as their officer. To my left was the building I had escaped out of, with the lookout post on it's roof where four more redcoats stood. Behind me, the ground took a large dip and I could see the sea. But in order to get to it I had to sneak past six more redcoats, three of them at least twice as big as me. I was well and truly surrounded and I couldn't see a way out anywhere. How the hell was I going to get out of here?
I searched for some more bushes - hiding places, anything - but found none. The only way out was in the open, which meant fighting. And at that time I was weapon less and achy, hardly prepared to battle against nearly forty men, most of whom were probably younger than me. I was too old for this. I was panicking, my heart beating so fast that I could hear it pounding in my ears and I could only shake my head, knowing that I had to at least try. There was no other way.
3rd Person POV
It took Haytham two days to hear about his wife's capture. He was in Boston when he saw Benjamin Church walking through the streets with one of his associates. Haytham was about to join them when he heard Church talking about Eleanor's capture. He grew angry, striding up to Church and pushing him against the wall. " What have you done with my wife? " He shouted menacingly, growling to the short doctor whilst the other man fled in fear.
" Get your hands off me! " Church spat. " She is where she should have been years ago. "
" Tell me where she is or I'll feed you your teeth. " Haytham hissed, seeing red. He had never felt so protective over anything or anyone in his entire life, and for a moment he barely recognised himself. He didn't care that Church was under his command, he wanted his wife.
" In the frontier fort. " Church sneered. " You can't get to her. "
" And why is that? " Haytham questioned darkly, cocking an eyebrow as he held onto Church's clothes, stopping him from getting away.
" You are no longer our grandmaster. " He spat. " The order no longer recognises your authority, you can go and fuck yourself Haytham, that wife of yours was your downfall. "
Haytham swore and kicked him in the balls before leaving the man to fall to his knees in pain. The only reason he didn't kill him outright was because he wasn't sure if he was telling the truth. Church was a Templar, and so was he. And if Church was right, well… Haytham could always kill him later. Revenge can wait a lifetime if need be. Haytham then strode through the streets until he reached the house he used to share with his ginger assassin, opening the door without knocking. " Nora! " He called, his voice loud and bellowing.
" Haytham? " She appeared from the living room, her eyes wide with panic. " What are you doing here? "
" Eleanor has been captured. She's being held at a fort in the frontier. " He instructed her.
" What? " She cried. " I'm coming with you. " She decided.
" What's going on? " Another man's voice was heard from the living room and Haytham braced himself, preparing for a fight. No one laid their hands on Nora without his consent.
" Ratonhnhaké:ton, it's not what you - " Nora started but before they knew it, Haytham's native son stood in the hallways between the two, looking from one to the other, his eyes narrowing angrily as he understood the situation.
" Father. " He sneered. " What are you doing here? "
" Informing Nora about my wife's capture. " Haytham retorted angrily, not appreciating his son's tone of voice. It was the first time they came face to face, and Haytham was shocked to see how much like Ziio he looked. He had her eyes, her hair, the same chin, and he felt like he was seeing a ghost. But he couldn't let him know that. No, his wife was in danger, this was not the time to be sentimental.
" You have a wife? " Connor sneered, angry that the man had found someone other than his mother. He had hated him before for leaving them, and now he hated him even more. Who could be better than his mother?
" I believe you have met her before. Eleanor. " Haytham informed the boy, his temper becoming shorter, his anger boiling again. He couldn't waste time, his wife was in danger!
Connor's face fell as he understood. He looked to Nora, who was wide eyed and scared. " This is the man you live with? " He asked her, hardly believing it. " I trusted you, and you lied! " The native assassin's voice started to rise, feeling betrayed by the only person he truly called friend.
" Connor please - " She begged, tears forming in her eyes. Haytham watched the two, not understanding what was happening.
" Save it. I don't want to hear it. " Connor said as he raised a hand to silence her and pushed past his father, striding into the dark streets of Boston.
" Ratonhnhaké:ton! " Nora called after the Assassin but he kept up his pace, walking at an unbelievably fast pace through the crowded streets. " Wait! Connor! " Nora picked up her pace and ran after him, refusing to let it go. She eventually caught up with him and grabbed his arm, amazed at how muscular it felt compared to her small hand. He turned around suddenly and faced her, his face contorted into a deep frown as he waited for her to speak. " Let me explain. " She panted.
" There is nothing to explain. " Connor replied, his voice heavy with the accent she had come to love hearing. " We have nothing to say to each other. " He went to turn again but she held him back, making him face her yet again.
" You will listen to me Ratonhnhaké:ton. " She growled angrily. " I haven't hurt you in any way, or even thought of doing so. I want to talk to you and you will listen. You can choose to hate me and leave if you wish to do so, but at least hear me out. It's only fair. " She bargained.
" Fine. " He grumbled, leading her to a small grassy area behind some houses, away from the busy street to give them some privacy. He refused to sit and simply crossed him arms, awaiting the explanation he had already decided he didn't agree with.
" I am not a Templar. " She started, staring up into his caramel eyes that she found so soft and warm, the very eyes that she loved to look up into, eyes that she trusted.
" But you live with one. " He argued straight away, making her sigh heavily. He could be impossible when he wanted to. It was like the world was black and white.
" Just listen! " She commanded, and the boy remained silent. " Yes, I live with Haytham. But that's because he is married to Eleanor, and Eleanor is my adoptive mother. " She explained. " And anyway, he is a good man. " She examined the assassin's features and grew exasperated when he still frowned unhappily. " Eleanor used to be an Assassin herself. She still shares the Assassin beliefs, she's just working on her own now. I share her beliefs. "
" If that is so, why is she married to my father? Why do you agree to it? " He contested, finally looking like he would actually listen to Nora.
" Because she loves him, because they love each other. " She explained, sighing heavily. " I've never seen two people love each other so passionately, it's beautiful. They work together sometimes, righting wrongs and fighting injustice. And Haytham is becoming more and more distant to the Templars because of it, he's starting to reconcile with his father's beliefs. "
" What does his father have to do with any of this? " Connor asked.
" He was an Assassin. " Nora smiled when Connor raised his eyebrows. " He taught Haytham how to think like an Assassin, and he still has the Assassin values after all these years. Haytham has always been what you would call a moderate, walking the thin line between the two orders. " She explained, glad that the native was finally giving her his full attention. " Eleanor decided long ago to choose the path between the orders, to choose her own path. And I am following her, making my own decisions. I do not wish to join either order - not because I disagree, but because I do not wish to be weighed down by the rules and beliefs. I stand for myself and my loved ones, that is all. " She explained, glad to finally have it all out in the open.
She watched Connor as he stared at her for a long while and she started to wonder if he understood anything she had just said. Just as she was about to give up, his expression softened and he uncrossed his arms. " You and your mother are good people, and I admire what you have come to accomplish together. But I do not understand how you can care for my father. " He explained, his voice back to it's usual tone which reassured the girl immensely.
" If you spoke to him, got to know him, you would come to see him as I do. He has cared for me as his own daughter these past years, and he has never challenged my ideals. " She told him. " Please, can we just drop this? " She smiled teasingly, wanting nothing more than to go back to their usual banter and camaraderie that she had learnt to love over the years.
Connor smiled back, amused by her sudden change of attitude. " Why were you so determined to tell me all of this? " He inquired lightly at the woman he had such trouble understanding.
" I like you. " She blushed. " I have known a lot of men in my life and they have all been less than noble, if you catch my drift. " She sighed, remembering all the different men she let into her bed. " I guess that's what I get for living either at sea or among haughty men, you only get to meet people with shallow intentions. " She laughed, rolling her eyes at how superficial she could be. She only ever wanted her dreams to come true, but reality was much harsher than she had thought. " What I'm trying to say is that you are different, good natured and stuff you know? I'm not good with feelings. " She winked, and Connor laughed. She was certainly the most unusual woman he had ever met.
" I am sorry. " Connor said suddenly, making her look back at him. " I should not have jumped to conclusions as I did, forgive me. " He spoke so humbly that she felt her heart swell.
" Don't worry about it. " She winked. " Come on, we need to save Eleanor. " She pressed him, taking his large hand in hers to pull her along after her. He usually hated it when people touched him, he would recoil and avoid contact as much as possible, but he decided to let her hold his hand. After all, she had been there for him like no one else had during the last three years of his life.
They had met at Martha's vineyard when he was out on his first sea voyage to buy cannons for the Aquila, and she had bumped into him while he had been choosing the cannons. He had been impressed when she didn't flinch as she laid eyes on his dark skin, even more so when she could only smile brightly and apologise for being so clumsy. He asked her what she was doing among such weaponry, and she laughed as she explained that she was looking after her mother's ship, waving towards an impressive frigate ship that was docked not far from the Aquila. Their paths crossed again a few months later in December 1773. She had been in the tavern talking to Samuel Adams when he came to seek the man, and she had quickly risen to his aid, happily agreeing to help him in his quest to find William Johnson and destroy his stock of tea. That was when their bond tightened, when Ratonhnhaké:ton decided that he could trust her. She was prepared to give her life to aid him, never once blinking in the face of danger, even when her mother came to pull her away from it all. She hadn't wasted time coming back to him, finding him at the Davenport Homestead, seeking to aid him once more. Achilles had welcomed her rather begrudgingly, and for two months they lived and trained together at the manor until Ratonhnhaké:ton's childhood friend alerted them of the danger Johnson held for their village. Even then, Nora insisted she accompany him, and fought off the Templar guards whilst he assassinated William Johnson, and together they made their escape and took refuge in her mother's home. But even after all these years, Nora was still unable to kill anyone. She refused to do so, saying that she was not in a position be decide who lives and who dies. Instead, she knocked them out, disarmed them or broke a few bones to stop them from fighting.
As he watched her now, making her way back home with her head high and proud, he realised just how beautiful she was. Her long fair hair hanging down her back, swishing from side to side as she walked with speed most women didn't possess. She held herself with a feline grace, her footsteps light and bouncy, her short skirt swaying with the force of her movements showing her long, toned legs. There was no doubt about it, she was born to fight, born to lead. But she had a passion inside of her, a passion that was rare even among good hearted people and Ratonhnhaké:ton found himself enamoured by it and he thought back to what she had said not long ago. 'I have known a lot of men in my life and they have all been less than noble, if you catch my drift'. Yes, he understood alright, but he wasn't happy about it. But now was not the time for sentiment, he had a job to do. Any feelings he harboured for her would have to wait. They had to team up with his father in order to rescue Eleanor.
Eleanor's POV
I was still trapped inside the Fort, trying to find the courage to launch myself into battle. Suddenly, the guards at the entrance left their post, wondering outside of the fort and I could only stare, waiting a few minutes to see if they came back before making a move. Someone did come back, but it wasn't the guards. No, the figure moved swiftly and silently, unnoticed by the whole fort, and ducked into the long grass beside the fort's entrance. I narrowed my eyes, trying to make out who the figure was and then gasped. It was Connor. I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face, relief filling me, knowing that I now had a fighting chance of making it out alive. And then my eyes saw the last thing they ever expected to see: Haytham and Nora joined Connor, sneaking into the fort and taking cover in the long grass beside him.
I looked around to see if anyone had noticed and when I realised that no one was aware of the break in, I tried to think of a way of getting their attention. They must know that I was there - why else would they be here? Especially Haytham. It was his fort after all, why would he even need to sneak in? He was the grand master, he was the one who gave the orders. But now was not the time to ask questions, I had to act. And fast. Before I could do anything, Connor had discreetly rushed up to the building I had been kept in and went inside. It was a small building with probably only two or three rooms, so it wouldn't take him long to realise that I was no longer inside and find the open window. Sure enough, I soon saw his shadow on the wall, but he didn't approach the window for me to wave to him. Instead, he sneaked back outside, shaking his head to the other two.
I saw Nora frown and Haytham curse, frowning deeply and looking around the fort, scanning every inch to try to locate me. I walked to the edge of the bushes to try to make sure he would see me and soon enough his eyes found mine and he looked relieved. I smiled weakly to him and he nudged Nora, indicating my position to her. She immediately started signalling to Connor, who was trapped behind a cart, unable to move without being seen. He turned his gaze to me and nodded, signalling something back to Nora who nodded and set about explaining it to Haytham. I was confused, not knowing what was going on and I was growing more and more nervous. The more we stayed here, the more chances we had of being found.
Then suddenly Haytham stood up and walked straight up to the officer who was busy drilling his soldiers. The officer looked taken aback by his presence, his hand going to the hilt of his sword as the two men started exchanging words. I seized the opportunity to run over and join Connor behind the wagon, so close to the door. " Are you alight? " He whispered to me.
" Fine. " I nodded, looking over the wagon to check on Haytham. He looked as if he was now in a heated argument with the officer and before I knew it, Haytham extended his hidden blade and killed the man. The whole fort was now alert and running towards him as he stood his ground, preparing to take them all on.
" Hurry, get out of here. " Connor told me, pushing me towards Nora as he waved to me to come with her. " I'll take care of this. "
" I can't leave him! " I shook my head, worried sick as I heard swords clashing.
" Just go! " He pushed me again and I found myself standing out in the open, watching in horror as Haytham ducked out of the way of an attacker. A large, muscular redcoat came charging at him from behind and I did the only thing I could think of - I charged at the man, tackling him to the ground. I found myself straddling him, my hands around his neck as I attempted to choke him, but he brushed me off and went to stab me with his bayonet, but I rolled over just as the tip of the steel embedded itself into the dirt, and I kicked him in the balls, grabbing hold of his weapon at the same time. I took aim, and shot him. Haytham swiveled around and nodded his thanks to me when he realised that I had saved his life, and we fell into combat side by side, defending each other.
We were fighting off a dozen at a time, and I could see Connor and Nora doing the same nearer to the entrance. I tried to watch to make sure that Nora was safe but I couldn't as I was too busy trying to defend myself. The only weapon I had was the huge rifle with a bayonet on the end, and I had never used one before. I managed to block and parry, even slicing a few men with the pointy end, but I didn't really know what I was doing and the thing was heavy, long and impractical to wield. So it came to no surprise to me when one of the redcoats managed to slice my left thigh right open, blood gushing out like a river as I fell to the ground, clutching my leg in pain. " Eleanor! " I heard Haytham cry out, pushing his way over to me to protect me from the hit I was about to receive. " Get out of here, I'll find out in the forest. Go! " He ordered me, standing over me to protect me. " Nora! Connor! " He shouted, calling the other two who immediately came over.
" Eleanor! " Nora gasped when she saw me as I forced myself to stand up. Connor protected her as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders and helped me hobble out of the fort, as both Connor and Haytham covered us. There was no point in killing them all, we wanted to get out alive and staying would make that a difficult feat to achieve. I whimpered in agony, the weight I put on my leg causing me excruciating pain as I forced myself to hurry through the outside field towards the trees which would provide cover for us. I looked behind me to find that both Connor and Haytham were still blocked inside the fort and I went to turn back, desperate to help them, but Nora pushed me towards the forest. " They'll be fine. " She reassured me. " They are good fighters. "
" So am I, and look at me. " I groaned, biting my lip in pain.
" Trust me. " She hissed as we finally made it to the trees. We pushed further in, out of view from the fort where the redcoats wouldn't follow. I slumped down and sat on a large rock, hissing in pain as I looked down at my thigh. My brown trousers were soaked in scarlet blood, the gash bright red and unable to discern from all the blood. I had no idea how big or how deep it was, but I didn't have time to pause and think about it. As Nora went back to the edge of the trees to wait for Connor and Haytham, I tore the clean trouser leg off and used it as a make shift bandage, tying it as tight as I could around my wound to try to stop the bleeding. I was already starting to feel a little light headed from the blood loss, and I didn't intend to fall unconscious again.