A Traitor in Our Midst

by: Shadow Chaser

Story 4 – The Hanged Man

Summary:

Season 3, Episode 10 "Trial and Execution" post-Benedict Arnold DLC. Ben and Washington discuss recent events and possible future alliance with Connor. Takes place after the Culper meeting between Anna, Caleb, Ben, and Washington and before André's trial.

Story:

The glow of embers slowly dying in the fire was oddly soothing in Ben's opinion as he hunched forward and watched one particular spark ebb and flare on its last dying breaths. It looked like it was trying to fight and survive and somehow, Ben wondered if it was a sign of sorts – a sign of the Culper Ring itself. Even with André's capture, the biggest risk now for the ring was that Arnold knew of the name Culper, but still did not know whom he was or where he was located. He had no doubts that Washington's offer of a trade for Arnold was to be denied – hence his impassioned plea mere hours ago to his Commander-in-Chief to set an example with André and hang him as a spy. He knew of the man's request to be shot as an officer, but Ben had no sympathy for him.

The man had eventually confessed to being a part of General Lee's turn as a traitor, though claimed no affiliation or knowledge of a man named Haytham Kenway. That particular question bothered Ben a little more than he liked, but as far as he could tell – there was truth in André's words since he knew he was to be a dead man and had been freely confessing his transgressions.

"There is truth to Major André's words, Tallmadge," Connor's quiet voice spoke up just as the Assassin sat down near him around the small fire. "He has no Templar ties, though he was associated with known Templars."

"Lieutenant Gamble," Ben kept staring at the dying ember, watching it flare brigh t yellow-orange before fading to a red-orange color. "Lee...Hickey, probably a few others."

"He has said as much about Lee's whereabouts and considered him a failure after Monmouth," Connor sounded exhausted and Ben finally pulled his gaze away from the ember to stare at the Assassin. There was no new sign of blood or exertion on him from his questioning of André that he could tell, so he surmised that it must be a mental affliction of sorts.

"I'm sorry," Ben apologized and saw the Assassin snort, shaking his head a little.

"André heard of the Templars and Assassins, but only through associations and business connections. He had no interest and was amenable to telling me what he knew of Lee's whereabouts," Connor offered and Ben blinked, puzzled before it occurred to him what the native meant.

"You mean to say that he and I are alike," he saw the Assassin shoot him a brief look and nod before turning back to stare at the fire.

Ben was about to deny it, but paused, considering his words. There was truth to it, but it seemed that he had come out the victor in this case. Ben had crossed into British territory more than once, both in uniform and out and knew how dangerous it was. He supposed the only advantage he had was that he knew the lay of the land and trusted his instincts and training that his father had instilled in him. In this case, he had been luckier than André who had little to no experience outside of his uniform and going undercover. Connor was right, the two of them knew of the Templars and Assassins, but decided for reasons of their own to only use the resources they provided to some advantage, preferring to fight the war on their own terms. Except André lost.

"Will you stay?" he asked the Assassin after a moment of contemplative silence.

"No," Connor shook his head, "André told me that he last heard that Lee was in Fort George in York City. I mean to find some way of breaching it."

"I understand," Ben had seen the fort during the evacuation of York City and supposed that with the British now occupying it, they must have made its fortifications stronger than ever. He had heard rumors that the fort itself was unable to be attacked head-on, its garrison numerous and heavily armed. Even for an Assassin of Connor's caliber, Ben knew that he would have to carefully plan his attack.

"Washington asked to see you," Connor suddenly said as he stood up and Ben scrambled to his feet. He was surprised by the native's words and it must have shown on his face as a faint smile appeared on Connor's face. "We have come to an impasse," the native explained, "and your Commander understands that I will not offer my services again for as long as this war rages on."

"T-That's, that's...I understand," Ben stuttered, unsure of what to say before he saw Connor extend a hand out. Ben reached out and clasped it, feeling the man's firm grip and the power behind it.

"You may have denied your heritage, Tallmadge, but your heritage will not deny you," Connor said, "I call you brother, and wish you well in your future hunts."

Ben had little knowledge of native custom, but he knew that what Connor had called him and said to him was extremely significant and nodded. He had to offer something to the man – to tell him that he had appreciated their time working together. The thought occurred to him not even a second later, "Connor, if you need any information, any help with Fort George, do not hesitate to ask."

He could not offer the services of the Culper Ring since he nor Washington knew whether or not Townsend would return to their fold, but he at least could offer his own skills to helping Connor. It was also an offer that told Connor that even though he would not use his skills for the Patriot cause, that the line of communication was still open – that information could be shared. And it seemed Connor understood it as well as he nodded once and released his hand.

With that, the Assassin turned and walked away, disappearing into the line of pitched tents and soldiers milling about. Ben tried to spot him, but could not and smiled to himself as he turned and headed back to Washington's main tent. He could not deny the Assassin's ability to blend in with the crowds so easily – to become so unassuming in a camp full of soldiers or even in a crowd of civilians.

He nodded greetings to the two Lifeguards that were outside of Washington's tent and entered, holding the flap open to let Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton out who was carrying a small stack of papers and several books. The Colonel bid him a quick thanks and grateful nod and Ben watched him head to the tent where André was kept. Hamilton had studied law at King's College before war had broken out and was to defend André at the military tribunal. There was no doubts about André's capture, so Ben knew that Hamilton was going to argue to the tribunal to be treated as an officer instead of a spy. But André's actions elicited no sympathy from Ben and he tried hard to not harbor any ill will about Hamilton's preparation for the tribunal. After all, they were all officers and gentlemen and each one of them would have been presented with the same option should they have been captured.

"Sir, you requested my presence?" he stepped in and let the flap hang close behind him. He saw Billy in the corner, putting a few things away while the Marquis de Lafayette was sitting at another desk, his quill moving fast. He supposed the Marquis was more than likely writing letters to the other French commanders, especially to Admiral de Grasse of the French fleet. They had only recently arrived and it had been intelligence that his ring had received that saved them from an ambush by the British.

"Yes," Washington had been looking over several pieces of letters and set them down when he had spoken up, "your arguments for setting an example has been heard, Benjamin. Though there will still be an official tribunal held for Major André, I will recommend to the board that they decide to try him as a spy for his actions."

"Sir?" Ben was a little confused as to why his Commander-in-Chief was telling him this. He knew that as ranking officer, Washington's opinion would be taken with some serious weight, but it was ultimately up to the board to decide what to do with André. There was no need for Washington to tell him this unless-

"Ah," he realized what he meant based on what Connor had just told him, "a message needs to be sent."

"Yes," there was something that looked like pride in Washington's eyes and Ben felt warmed by it. He was starting to finally understand the shadows and words that his General had been trying to make him understand for the last few years since he had become his head of intelligence. "I also mean to draw out any other elements that Master Kenway might have hidden away. André might not have been a Templar, but his connections to them are undeniable."

"Sir," Ben knew that he was more than likely in no position to ask such a question, but he also knew that if he did not ask, it would bother him until the end of his days, "if I may speak my mind?"

An interesting expression flitted across Washington's face, almost like the one that Ben had seen his Commander wear after he had tore into him about setting an example with André. He had to admit, when that had happened, he had let his anger about everything override his sensibilities – but at that time, he had thought his Commander was too taken in with the polished, urbane, and gentlemanly nature in which André had conversed with them.

"Please," his Commander seemed to wear a mild expression and Ben licked his lips before proceeding.

"You mean to make a statement to the Templars," he did not concern himself with the Marquis' presence since the man had all but proven that he knew Connor and more than likely knew of the Assassins and Templars. "But what of your use of Assassins such as Connor, Mr. Sackett, and even Billy?"

"And yourself?" Washington countered and Ben ducked his head, blushing a little.

"Sir, I am not-"

"Your skills prove otherwise, Benjamin," Washington interrupted him in a gentle tone, "even if you had explained your reasoning for Arnold's escape to the Vulture. Granted, it is his own personal hell he has created, and I understand the shock and nature of what had transpired before, but you cannot deny your growth in skill with firearms and of your actions."

This time, Ben could not keep the blush hidden as he felt his face warming quickly. He looked up and saw his General gesture to the Marquis, "I mean to make a statement to the Templars because it seems the Assassins understand my message already. Lafayette has provided me with some interesting knowledge regarding the Templars and Assassins in France itself."

"Oui," the Marquis set his quill down and turned, his youthful face bright and energetic, "in my homeland, the Templars and Assassins have actually come to an impasse, an agreement of peace between them. While I am not a part of them per se, politics and family history, I do have friends and allies among the Templars and Assassins themselves in France. This peace was achieved with a medium of growth and support that could not allow France to thrive as it has now. The monarchy listens with both ears and both sides and their goals are considered with a thought to the needs of its people."

"There isn't a war there?"

"There is, but those of the aristocracy understand that they are rabble rousers, peasants who deny the peace that the Templars and Assassins achieved, those who do not understand that this war can be stopped," the Marquis explained and Ben stared in surprise. "It is complicated," the Marquis looked a little troubled, but shook his head, "but nonetheless, peace can be achieved between the two factions."

"And it seems the Assassins understand this more than the Templars," Washington continued and Ben nodded.

He would have never thought of the day that the Templars and Assassins could actually achieve a modicum of peace, but the Marquis was saying it was a goal that was not so lofty or above the heavens. He understood Connor's words now, to remove himself from helping Washington, to not directly interfere even though there had been anger towards Washington in the beginning. That reasoning had changed now and Connor knew that American independence was not dependent on the hidden war between Templars and Assassins. With Washington's recommendation to the board of inquiry, it would be sending the same message to the Templars.

Maybe, after André's execution, they would be finally free of any Templar or Assassin influence. Ben could only hope, but silently kept his counsel on the fact that he had offered Connor any help in hunting down Lee. It was, after all, what he owed the man who had helped them so much over the last couple of years.

~END~