Chapter 8 – The Things You See In Your Head

"Keeping your mind open is just as important as keeping your body strong."

'31st July 1777,

Why is this happening? How is this happening? Can I trust my new friend in the other side of the rowboat? These questions can't yet be answered; hopefully Captain Locker – the supposed assassin – can help me. As for Elizabeta, never before have I seen a woman like her, she is strong willed and skilled with a sword, it is a mystery. Maybe she is just another hallucination…'

Captain Locker sat at his desk, his dark hair was tied up at the back of his head and he held in his hand a pipe, which he began to fill with tobacco as he spoke. Nelson and Elizabeta sat on little wooded chairs on the other side of the desk.

'Elizabeta and I are part of a secret order known as the Assassins. For centuries we have helped to maintain peace and security in the world, working in darkness to keep people like you safe from dangerous societies such as the Templars. The Templars seek only power and control over others, they would rule the world if there was no one there to stop them.' Locker glanced down at the artefact that was sitting on his desk. 'This is where your little artefact comes in. This artefact is a key, built by those who came before; the first society.'

Nelson wasn't exactly sure what Locker meant by the first society, he didn't really want to know, so he remained silent.

Locker gave a slight chuckle. 'This key is one of many, spread all across the globe, once all keys have been found it is said that they will reveal the location to one of the pieces of Eden, also known as the apple. The pieces of Eden are powerful objects, possessing knowledge and power beyond all imagining. If the Templars were to get hold of one, great and terrible things would happen, and that is why we must find them before the Templars do.' Locker watched Nelson's expression carefully. 'I do not expect you to believe all of this, Nelson, but I simply ask that you help us until it is done."

For a long moment Nelson remained still, and then he nodded and Locker continued to speak.

'Good, now you mentioned that you saw the key light up as well as other hallucinations.'

'Yes.' Nelson replied, 'I saw an island, some building and all these other things, landmarks I think.'

Before Locker could speak, Elizabeta cut in. 'When I went to the temple where Nelson found the key, there was an inscription carved into the altar beneath it but I could not read what it said.'

Locker thought for a moment, and then spoke. 'Can you remember what the writing looked like? Could you write it down?' He asked.

Elizabeta stood up and strode over to Lockers desk, he gave her a pen and she began to draw lines onto a piece of paper.

When she was done Locker stared at the strange collection of symbols whilst stroking his beard. 'Yes.' He said, 'Yes, I know this writing.'

Nelson couldn't imagine how.

Locker read the inscription out loud in English. 'It says: "The path to immortality will only be revealed to he who has seen through the eyes of the first."'

'Well what does that mean?' Asked Elizabeta.

Locker put the inscription down on his desk and turned his head towards Nelson. 'It means that Nelson here is the only person among us who can find the other keys. Your hallucinations are like parts of a map, and that is how we will find the other keys and the eventually the piece of Eden.'

Suddenly Nelson was afraid. 'I'm sorry, but I can't do this.' He said solemnly, 'I'm just a sailor, not an Assassin on some noble quest to save the world.'

Locker stood up from his desk. 'I don't think you understand boy, this isn't up to you.' Locker put on his jacket and strapped his sword belt around his waist. 'The key chose you, and now I am choosing you. Go find the other piece's, that's an order. The Assassin's are counting on you to complete this mission, Elizabeta and myself will be here to help when we can, but the rest is on you. Now, return to the deck and begin training, you're a fighting man now.'

Nelson collected the key and walked out of the cabin and onto the open deck, Elizabeta followed close behind.

'You already fight well.' Elizabeta pointed out as they walked together across deck, 'I am yet to meet a man who can best me in a fair duel.'

Nelson laughed, 'I find that hard to believe.' He said humorously.

Elizabeta shrugged her shoulders, 'Perhaps one day soon we will find out.'

'I might just have to take you up on that.' Nelson challenged.