Delayed regret

Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't waste much time with equipping himself. He wanted to rely on the traditions of his people in case of a fight. So the only weapons he took were a long dagger, which would be more useful than his hunting knife and a pistol. The only intact one he could find. He put on a holster, fastened the pistol and ammo pouch on it and also took a pouch with three smoke bombs after some hesitation. They were anything than traditional in terms of his people, but he also had to consider that he planned to enter a manned fort alone. The bombs could give him an important, tactical advantage if he used them wisely. With a last look into the room and the hope that the next time he entered it, it was the home he used to know, Ratonhnhaké:ton returned upstairs, where Lillian had prepared his game from this morning. They extinguished the fires, packed their few belongings together and were on the homestead's main road again, until they had left the abandoned Davenport behind. It was a scarily liberating feeling to leave the homestead that wasn't one. Although Lillian was right that they had to stick to their memories, these memories had been unnecessarily hurting in this environment. Only now, Ratonhnhaké:ton felt like he could fully concentrate on his next move and he spent the whole ride with creating a plan. He couldn't know what was awaiting him there, but it wasn't the first time he intended to storm a fort either. He also considered what should become of Lillian while he was gone. He had to find a safe place to hide for her where she could stay until he returned. And he had to consider what should become of her, if he didn't.

Ratonhnhaké:ton lowered his eyes to Lillian who had sat silently in front of him. Her head leaned against his chest as if she was asleep, but her hands lay in the mare's black mane and fondled her, lost in thoughts. When he shortly touched her head with his lips, Lillian's hand paused and she put them on his instead.

"Do you know the way back to my village?", Ratonhnhaké:ton asked and felt how Lillian hesitated, before answering: "No. But why are you asking?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton sighed quietly. He had expected this answer and it made none of his concerns disappear. If he wanted Lillian to be safe, he would only entrust her to people he trusted, too. But how should Lillian get to them and even if she knew the way: How should she survive in the forests alone for so long? But there were no alternatives except of his return.

"Ratonhnhaké:ton? Why did you ask me this?" Lillian's voice sounded impatient, but the light tremble in it told him, that she knew the answer already. That he didn't return from Arnold's fort was her greatest fear and he couldn't take it from her entirely. They had to consider this possibility, no matter if they wanted it or not.

"When we arrive in Valley Forge, we will search for a place where you can hide", Ratonhnhaké:ton started in a calm voice. "As soon as it gets dark, I am going to set off to Arnold's fort. You will wait."

Lillian nodded. "What else should I do? You don't have to..."

"Please, listen to me", he interrupted her. "You will wait until dawn. Should I not be back until then, you will take Ori:te' and leave. Head north-east, then you should eventually arrive in our territory. As soon as you reach the village, you will tell Oiá:ner that I did not make it. Ask her to accommodate you. If she does not, you will further head into the north. Always stay away from the roads. If you reach a village, buy supplies if necessary. Eventually you should be out of Washington's territory and then you will search for a safe place to stay. Do you hear me?"

Contrary to his expectation, Lillian hadn't contradicted him once. He had already expected it when he had told her to leave without him, but she had only tightened her grip around his hands almost painfully. Her nails dug into the balls of this thumbs, but Ratonhnhaké:ton had kept talking and neither moved now, while waiting for her answer. But there was none.

"Lillian?"

Her shoulders trembled as she took a deep breath. It seemed like she was fighting another battle against herself and her own thoughts. When she finally answered, Lillian didn't say anything about his orders. She rather asked a question he hadn't thought of and which was so terribly obvious.

"So I would be stuck here alone?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton closed his eyes and swore inwardly. If he died, Lillian was exposed to all the changed of this time alone. She wouldn't be able to survive here, where ruthless soldiers attacked everyone. Not without a home, without money and without people who would protect her. That was the reason why he had wanted to send her to his people, or at least out of Washington's territory. But she would have no chance to get the Apple and return home. To try it alone would be her death and she couldn't know whom to trust. So there was no answer he could give her. At least not a satisfying one.

"Maybe it will end someday", he said quietly, but not very convinced. Lillian certainly heard it, but she nodded slowly, as if it was encouraging them both. Then they were silent. Minutes passed while nobody said anything, as if this conversation was over. Ratonhnhaké:ton hadn't got the answer he wanted yet, but he didn't ask her further. He didn't want to think of leaving her at all, but he had to. He only had to do everything he could to return to her. This would be his greatest aim besides killing Arnold.

They spent another night in the woods until the plain of Valley Forge appeared in front of them the next evening. There wasn't much left of the camp where Washington and his army had stayed. Strictly speaking, this camp had never existed here. The Continental Army had retired here after losing the battle of Long Island to spend the winter. According to Kaniehtí:io, this battle had never taken place in this reality, because the war had already been over. Now the terrain was only surrounded by dense forest which they crossed until they had reached the most southern tip of the valley. But the only building that reminded of a war was the fort on a low hill.

"Is this it? Arnold's fort?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton nodded slowly. It had to be this fort. It was quite small but could still accommodate about thirty men. He saw at least three of them patrolling on the palisade. Two were standing at the main gate. So it would demand much of him to get inside without being noticed. And he had to hope that Arnold was there at all.

"Let us find a place to hide for you", Ratonhnhaké:ton said, without turning his eyes away from the fort while steering Ori:te' back into the forest. The sun stood low in the sky and it became darker and darker under the trees. He wanted to know that Lillian was safe before nightfall which he wanted to use to get closer to the fort. But as far as he knew, there were only trees, bushes and thicket nearby. No abandoned mines, no uninhabited caves and no unused hunting cabins. The only place coming to Ratonhnhaké:ton's mind was an abandoned and derelict church. It was probably not the safest place but lay in the middle of the forest, far enough from the fort and basically nothing of interest. Hopefully uninteresting enough so that nobody was going to come closer to it than necessary.

When they approached the small clearing where the church was located, Ratonhnhaké:ton stopped the grey mare on its edge and dismounted her. "Wait here", he told Lillian and slowly walked towards the building, one hand resting on his tomahawk. He searched the close surroundings for any dangers with his eagle vision, but found nothing. They were alone. Ratonhnhaké:ton beckoned Lillian over, who immediately steered the mare towards him, regarding the church with open skepticism. He knew exactly what she saw. A derelict building with windows without glass and a doorway without said door.

"You get an unhindered insight, don't you?", Lillian asked and slid off the saddle. "Do you really think it's safe for the night?"

"As long as you do not make a fire. It will be pitch-dark, so nobody will be able to see you." Ratonhnhaké:ton took the reins from her and led Ori:te' into the church. There was no furniture and enough space. He tied the reins to a ledge and pointed at the windowless recess in the church's back where the chancel must have been, as he turned around to Lillian who was still standing in the doorway. "You will be protected from the wind here. If you are hungry, you should eat now. We can bury the remains and your presence will not lure any animals here."

Her arms wrapped around her chest, Lillian slowly stepped inside the church and let her eyes roam through the building. Ratonhnhaké:ton could still see her skepticism, but Lillian just sighed quietly and shook her head. "It's fine. I'm not hungry."

He nodded slowly and glanced through one of the windows. The sun had already disappeared behind the treetops. He had to leave to at least use the last daylight to examine the fort.

"You remember what I told you? In case that I do not return?"

Lillian pressed her lips together and lowered her eyes as she nodded as well. She had completely slumped down and by now her arms were practically clinging to herself. Right now, Ratonhnhaké:ton wished he wouldn't have to leave her alone. That he wouldn't have to risk not to return to her. But he had no choice and she knew it as well.

Wordlessly he stepped to Lillian, put his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. When he rested his chin on her head and closed his eyes for a moment, he didn't care that he had to hurry. He didn't want to leave Lillian just like that if this could be their final goodbye. She leaned against him and he felt the light caress of her fingers on his chest through the thick fabric of his shirt.

"What do you think will happen if we die here?", she asked quietly and made Ratonhnhaké:ton initially frown in incomprehension.

"You will not die. I am not going to let that happen."

"That's not what I mean." Lillian's palms pressed against his chest as she pulled away a bit and looked up to him. He had expected to see fear and sadness in her eyes. But they were just serious. "You said you didn't know how we got here or what we're experiencing. It's possible that the Apple is tricking our minds and so it's possible that we cannot die at all."

It seemed like she had thought about this a lot, probably another reason for her unusual silence in the last couple of days. But Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't deny that he had thought of all of this as well. If everything was a creation of the Apple or really another reality. In the end, he believed the Pieces of Eden could do anything and they would never know the whole extend of their powers. But maybe it could be dangerous to make sheer guesses.

"I do not want to rely on it", he answered. "We should pretend that all of this is normal to us. We should not risk anything."

"Says the man who is intending to storm a fort alone." A dry reply without any reproach and Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't even hold it against Lillian. But still he shook his head. "You know why I have to do it."

"Of course, I do." Lillian wrapped her arms around his neck and when she stood on tiptoes to do so, Ratonhnhaké:ton naturally put his hands on her hips to steady her. Her gaze captured his and this time he saw the fear beside her seriousness. "Just do everything so that I do not have to ride away without you. Please."

"You do not have to ask for it", he replied softly and leaned his forehead against hers. "I am already intending to."

"Good." Lillian smiled faintly and stretched a bit more to touch his lips with hers. "I love you, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

A smiled flitted across his face. These words would always make him forget any dark thoughts for a moment and would strengthen his permanent endeavor to return to her.

"Konnorónhkhwa, Lillian."

A cold wind blew through the thicket Ratonhnhaké:ton was hiding in and made it move. It rustled loudly but regularly so that the two approaching guards didn't suspect anything. It was also too dark for them to see the shadow between the partly bare twigs. The sky was entirely clouded and the only light shining their path of their patrol along the forts backside, came from the lanterns in their hands. Ratonhnhaké:ton needed no light. With his eagle vision he could see the men's red auras in front of him, as well as the silhouettes of his surroundings. It was an important advantage, at least as long as he didn't enter the fort itself, which was well illuminated. He had actually been able to use the remaining daylight to circle the tall palisades with enough distance and it hadn't changed his initial impression. The fort was small but well-guarded. Enough guards on the palisades and at the two gates. Only the main gate stood open and when Connor had glanced inside, he had seen Benedict Arnold. He had talked to a guard at the gate. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't need to take an unnecessary risk. His target was here.

Now he was attentively watching the guards' patrol. He was sitting here for quite a while now and had memorized their and their comrades' rhythm of patrol. They would return in about two minutes and then he had to be near the fort already. He couldn't risk killing them. The guards up there would notice if they didn't come by anymore. So he had to avoid them and he did. Ratonhnhaké:ton waited until they were a few steps away from him and looked up. As expected, the two men on the palisade just met each other, walked past each other and went on. A soldier's stoic routine could be a blessing. Ratonhnhaké:ton took his dagger and put it between his teeth as he ran to the closed gate. He needed to hurry. It wouldn't take long until the guards reached the respective corners of the palisade. When they turned around, they could see him, if he hadn't climbed high enough until then. The roofed bridge over the gate expanded over the actual fence. If Ratonhnhaké:ton reached this bulge, nobody could see him from above.

Using his run, he jumped and clung to one of the narrow gaps between the gate's crossbeams. He pressed his feet against the wood until his hands had enough grip on the upper gap. Now he was underneath the bridge and heard the guards continuing their patrol. Regular steps, coming nearer, crossing over him and leaving again. His cue to keep climbing. Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled his legs closer to his body, pressed his feet against the wood, close to his chest and after taking a deep breath, he pushed himself off the gate. He let go of the gap at the same moment, tore his hands up and wrapped them around one of the supporting pillars. A painful jolt ran through his arms as they suddenly had to carry his whole weight. Clenching his teeth, he loosened one hand from the pillar, turned it and did the same with the other hand, until he hung sideways to the palisade. One short glance upwards told him, that the guards were just taking position in the outer corners. If he was unlucky and they looked attentively around, they could see him immediately. But they didn't. He waited for them to turn around before pulling his legs up and bringing his feet between his hands. They supported him as he loosened a hand and grabbed for the edge of the bridge. He had to wait until the soldiers had passed each other, but as soon as his hand had enough grip, the second followed and he easily pulled himself over the edge. Now he was on the bridge and had an unhindered view over the fort. He had got inside, but he couldn't relax now.

He used his eagle vision to check the yard and the other side of the palisade, where other soldiers were patrolling, too. Nobody was looking into his direction. Not even the men, who were walking just a few steps away and with their backs to him. He didn't hesitate. Ratonhnhaké:ton stooped to the edge of the bridge, looked down, swung his legs over the railing and jumped down. He landed directly in front of the closed but illuminated gate. He quickly ran to some powder barrels in the shadows of the fort's edge, hid behind them and checked his surroundings. Only a few steps ahead were the soldiers' barracks, where most of the fort's staff must be right now. He could see about ten red auras through his eagle vision. The four men on the bridges, two more at the open main gate. Two by the powder storehouse to his left and two by the main building, opposite to his current position. Arnold had to be in there.

Ratonhnhaké:ton needed to find a way to it without getting noticed and without killing anybody. Bodies or simply missing guards would draw attention he didn't need. Arnold should be the only one dying tonight.

Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled away from the powder barrels and took his dagger firmly into one hand, just in case he needed it. He stayed close to the palisade as he walked to the barracks. Near the back wall of the last, he kneeled down and sneaked along them as close as possible, underneath the windows, of which some were still illuminated. He took careful steps, listened to any sound and paid attention to any movement in his surroundings. Soon he reached the last barrack and could look back to the main yard. He glanced up to the bridges on both sides before leaving his place to hide and ran across the yard to the other side of the fort. For this moment, he was uncovered but remained unnoticed. Ratonhnhaké:ton took a moment to take a deep breath and relax his body. Every fibre was tensed an ready to fight but he needed to stay calm. He was almost there. Only a few metres separated him from the house and there still enough opportunities for the guards to see him. Between him and the house was a free distance of six metres. Not much but the guards by the barrels could see him without problems. He just had to risk it.

Ratonhnhaké:ton squared his shoulders, focused the main building and ran. He ran as fast as he could and felt his rushing heartbeat as the light of a lantern hit him. He was barely close to the building, as he dropped himself to the ground and slid the rest of the way, until he kneeled down at the back of the building and pressed himself against the cold stone. He hardly dared to breathe as he tensely listened for voices that warned everyone about his presence. They didn't come and he allowed himself to breathe out quietly. Until now he had had far more luck than expected by himself. It was almost too easy, but probably it was to his advantage that the bluecoats seemed to rely on their power in the frontier and had posted only a few guards because of that. In times of war, there had been twice as much guards on every post. Now he hadn't had any problems getting to the house and only had to expect Arnold's resistance. But this would only satisfy him after he had made it out of the fort.

Ratonhnhaké:ton looked up along the wall and found a illuminated and open window. Too much luck, he thought and walked a bit further, until he had left the window behind. Only then he started climbing the wall. He stopped at the adjoining, dark window and listened for the voices he heard through the open window. Arnold and another man.

"Tell Putnam, I'm going to send men and the money as soon as possible. He doesn't need to worry, I have everything under control."

"But he wants you to hurry. He wants to station the men in Boston before winter comes."

"I don't care what Putnam wants." Ratonhnhaké:ton heard steps and froze when two arms appeared in the window and propped up on the edge. Now Arnold's voice was very close. "What did he do during the last months anyway? He only concentrated on his plan against Franklin and slackened the reins for everything else. My men and I are the ones who have to keep everything in the frontier in order while he's sitting his ass flat, dreaming of future games. He will get Boston soon enough, before the year is over. Tell him that he has my word."

"And what shall I tell him about your problems in this village?"

"What are you talking about?" Arnold's voice was only a growl and the other men seemed to be scared about it. He stammered.

"Well this...attack. Of the Natives."

Arnold's arms disappeared from the window as he seemed to turn around and Ratonhnhaké:ton heard heavy boots walking further into the room.

"First of all: It was no goddamn attack. It was just one of these creatures who incited the villagers. But he already paid for it and I am going to take care of the villagers as soon as they come out of wherever they are hiding. Putnam shall keep out of my businesses, that's what you can tell him. And now: Get out of my fort!"

Stumbling steps sounded, then the bang of a door before everything grew silent.

Ratonhnhaké:ton waited for a moment, ignoring the uprising pain in his spastic hands, before carefully climbing nearer to the window. He loosened a hand from the edge he was clinging to and pulled the dagger out of his belt. Slowly he held the blade towards the window and tried to look inside the room through the reflection on its surface. A joyless smile flitted across his face as he saw Arnold standing at his desk with his back to him, obviously brooding over some papers. This was his chance. Ratonhnhaké:ton put the dagger between his teeth and climbed to the window. Entirely silent he swung himself through it and landed directly behind Arnold, who hadn't noticed anything about his intrusion. He kept scrolling through his papers, murmuring quietly and occasionally scratching the back of his head. He didn't notice the approaching Native, at least not until he felt a cold blade on his throat.

"A wrong word from you and you are dead", Ratonhnhaké:ton growled.

Arnold froze and pulled his hands away from the papers to put them flat on the table top. He chuckled. "You want to kill me anyway, don't you?"

"I do. But for now, I want answers."

"Answers? Well, now I'm curious."

Ratonhnhaké:ton angrily clenched his teeth as he heard the scornful undertone in Arnold's voice and he pressed the blade against his throat with more force. Blood trickled onto the metal.

"I just want to know what kind of men attack innocent and defenseless people. Women and children. Why are you robbing them of their security and their home?"

"Oh, you're talking about your village? Well, it's only about lessons. It's about power through fear. One who is afraid doesn't riot. The people can live in peace and safety, if they obey. Your kind has to learn this lesson, too, no matter how backward and primitive you might be."

"You are killing innocent people!" Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't stop his voice from getting louder and he grabbed Arnold to turn him around. He wanted to look into his eyes, but he saw nothing but coldness and scorn. It seemed like Arnold wasn't bothered by the blade at his neck at all.

"They are replaceable or even worthless, in case of your people. What are you doing for us anyway? You're dwelling in the forest, eating whatever you find. Fine with me, because you didn't bother anyone. But if you decide to intervene in your Majesty's businesses, you must live with the consequences. Either you adjust, or you die. Simple is that." Arnold's eyes roamed over Ratonhnhaké:ton's appearance and he smiled scornfully. "Look at you. Standing here and threatening me. You want to kill me and why? Because you want to stop me?"

"I want to free the people from you and your ruthlessness."

"Very noble indeed." The smile widened. "But somebody else will follow after me. We rule this country and someone like you won't be able to do anything."

"Not alone, but with an army."

Arnold laughed. "An army? You mean this ridiculous bunch of idiots who call themselves a rebellion? They will be extinguished, one by one and you will end just like them: Only a head on a spear, presented in front of the king's palace. People will laugh about you and your foolishness."

"Not if we are successful." Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't know why he was including the rebellion in his words. He hadn't found them yet and didn't know if he could find them at all. Maybe it was the anger he was feeling. The anger which wanted to stump Arnold's words into dust, it didn't matter anyway. He wanted to prove that Arnold was wrong and he should pay for his crimes.

"This land will soon be freed from men like you". Ratonhnhaké:ton growled and took the dagger from Arnold's throat, only to thrust it into his body. Warm blood ran over the blade, the hilt and over his hand but Ratonhnhaké:ton held Arnold up while staring into his wide opened eyes. Not because he wanted himself to be the last person this man saw but because something about Arnold's gaze had changed all of the sudden. Scorn and coldness had made room for something else. Fear. Helplessness. Regret.

"I am sorry."

These words were such a surprise that Ratonhnhaké:ton faltered for a moment. "What?"

"I am sorry. For what I have done. I...had no choice. He...Washington..." Arnold took a breath of agony and Ratonhnhaké:ton allowed him to sink to his knees and did the same.

"What did Washington do?"

"He...with the scepter..." The rest of the sentence vanished into a quiet groan and Arnold finally slumped down. Dead.

Ratonhnhaké:ton swore quietly as he pulled the dagger out of the body, wiped it off and put it away. He needed to know what Arnold knew about the sceptre but he would hardly ever learn about it. Neither he could learn why Arnold had acted so differently in the moment of death. So rueful. He hadn't made the impression of a man with such feelings. Thoughtfully he looked down at Arnold. Washington. He seemed to pull more strings than Ratonhnhaké:ton had expected. He had believed Arnold had acted on his own accord. But why should he suddenly feel regret? It made no sense, yet he couldn't waste time thinking about it. Not here.

Ratonhnhaké:ton turned to the window and wanted to climb through it. He had just swung his legs over the edge when a knock on the door made him freeze. "Sir?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton wasted no time. He pushed himself off the sill and just landed on the ground, when he heard shouting from above. The man who had knocked on the door, had found Arnold and had run to the window, only to see the Native who tried to escape into the shadows.

"Intruder! Seize him! He killed the Commander!"

So the plan to escape from the fort without getting noticed had failed. All guards were instantly alerted and his only chance seemed to be to storm forward and escape through the main gate. Ratonhnhaké:ton ran but the soldiers were already approaching him from all sides. They were leaving the barracks, left their posts and surrounded him. His only chance to escape was to cause confusion. He stopped and took a smoke bomb out of the pouch to ignite it. He threw it to the ground...but nothing. Dumbfounded he stared at the small ball which lay in front of him without having an effect, while the soldiers came closer and closer. Ratonhnhaké:ton closed his eyes and swore inwardly. The bombs had been in the cellar for three years and he hadn't considered checking them. Time must have made them useless. How was it possible that he had made such a beginner's mistake? A mistake that could have fatal consequences. He thought about testing another bomb, but several rifles were already trained at him. One wrong move and they would shoot him.

"Raise your hands", one of the soldiers said. Ratonhnhaké:ton gave him a cold gaze but did as he said. To surrender was nothing he liked to do. He at least would have tried to fight, although it would only delay the unavoidable, regarding his weapons and the number of opponents. He thought of Lillian and the promise he had made to her and also to himself. He hoped that he still got the chance to escape. Until then, he was going to do what the soldiers wanted.

"Take his weapons."

After this order, two of the men stepped to him and took his tomahawk, the dagger, the bomb pouch and his bow and quiver. He allowed it with a grim expression and felt some kind of satisfaction when his gaze made one of the soldiers wince.

"On your knees." The man, who seemed to be in charge now, stepped forward, his pistol trained at Ratonhnhaké:ton who stayed unmoved and just stared into the man's eyes. To raise his hands and give his weapons away was one thing, but he would never kneel in front of anyone and be executed like this.

"Are you deaf? I told you to get on your knees!" The soldier struck out with his pistol to hit Ratonhnhaké:ton but he ducked under it. He just wanted to raise his fist himself when he was struck into the hollows of his knees and fell forward. He could hardly catch himself with his hands, propped himself up and leaped onto his feet again. The soldier glared at him.

"As you wish. I can give you a bullet anyway", he growled and trained the pistol at Ratonhnhaké:ton's head. But before he could shoot, the soldier who had winced under the Native's gaze stepped forward.

"Shouldn't we arrest him?", he asked and pointed at Ratonhnhaké:ton. "I recognize him. It's the savage who intervened in this village. Now that he killed Arnold, the king certainly wants to take care of him himself, don't you think?"

"I'm sure the king doesn't want to waste his time with a dumb..." The rest of the sentence was drowned by a painful scream and Ratonhnhaké:ton was as surprised as the soldiers, who were staring at the arrow which had run straight through the man's hand and had made him drop the pistol. Then everything happened all at once.

AN: Hello everyone. Thank you as always for all your support. I can't believe that this is chapter 62 already. Fun fact to keep you up to date: A few days ago Chapter 112 was added to the German version. So there is still much ahead of us and I'm glad that you like my version of the DLC so far. As I said before, I didn't follow its exact stoyline because I would have found it boring to retell a story that has already been told. I'm sure you will find some similarities, but I tried to keep them as small as possible. Speaking of which: About Chris' question: No, the Red Willow Tea won't occur in my story. :) I thought about it but decided that although the powers it gave Ratonhnhaké:ton were interesting and a wonderful connection to his background, I found them a bit too overpowered. I don't mind wirting about a "hero" with weaknesses and also find it more exiting to write fight scene's in which the protagonist actually has to fight for his life, without having abilities which solve the whole situation within seconds. Despite his training, Connor is still a human being after all. I guess they are more exiting to read, too. At least I hope so. ;)