I know...it's been a while. Ages even. And it's been ages since I wrote on the original story. Not because I didn't feel like it, but there was another story - no fanfic - I had to get out of my system and it took me seven years in total...five years since I haven't written on By your side and I can't guarantee whether or when I will continue. I only hope I find more time translating for you.
I am forever grateful for all the reviews and messages I have received since the last update. Despite the long wait. It really means a lot.
Everything comes together (II)
The day went by agonizingly slowly, but after the morning events, it was also surprisingly quiet. Lillian and Ratonhnhaké:ton only left their tent to get their share of a warm meal, while most men stayed away from them. They couldn't find themselves being bothered by it. They didn't see Jefferson, Haytham or even Logan and didn't mind this either. Both hardly talked to one another, sticking to their own thoughts. But whenever Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced at Lillian and saw the deep sadness on her face, even tears on her cheeks, he was even more determined in his plan. He wouldn't accept all of this any longer and would finally take on their own fate. As he should have done long ago. Ratonhnhaké:ton knew that Lillian would be mad, if he told her. She would try to talk him out of it and call him reckless and she wouldn't be wrong. It was reckless but it was their last chance, as well. If he failed, Lillian would be proven right and he had challenged powers too great for him. But if he didn't fail, everything would be fine again. He hoped so.
After nightfall, Ratonhnhaké:ton lay on his back, staring into the darkness and listening to Lilian's regular breathing beside him. It had taken her long. to fall asleep but now she was lying calmly and relaxed next to him, one arm over his chest, which he carefully moved to sit up. Lillian mumbled in her sleep, but didn't wake up. Carefully Ratonhnhaké:ton slipped out of the blankets, moved off their bed and put the warming layers back over Lillian's sleeping form. He grabbed for his tomahawk beside him and fastened it to the leather belt around his hips. Pistol and ammunition bag followed and finally he swung his quiver and bow over his shoulders. He would only leave his hunting knife behind. He swapped it against the much smaller knife which was lying next to Lillian and also grabbed her bonnet. She would probably hit him for it if she knew what he was going to do with it. But he had never liked that thing, that was covering her hair - making her look gray and plain - on her anyway. To him and his taste, it was just as needless and ugly as wigs on men and women alike. Or those tight fancy breeches.
Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled the knife out of the sheath and wrapped it tightly into the bonnet. He made sure that the thin fabric was covering the blade and the hilt evenly and left no gaps or bumps. The latter would draw unwanted attention, while the former…well former could get quite uncomfortable for him. He paused in his preparations when Lillian moved and mumbled quietly. But as she simply rolled onto her other side and kept sleeping, he continued. Carefully he pushed the wrapped-up knife into the front of his pants, until the hilt was hardly held by the waistband and he tightened the laces until he was sure that it couldn't slip. Then he adjusted it until only a closer look could tell that he was carrying more in his pants than any man would call his own. It certainly was the most unpleasant and inconvenient way to carry a weapon but the only way to do it as unnoticed as possible. At least Ratonhnhaké:ton hoped that no one would look there of all places, if they should check him for weapons.
As he had made sure that the knife was fastened enough and couldn't hinder his movements, he carefully moved closer to Lillian. His gift revealed her light blue silhouette to him and he asked himself, if he was doing the right thing. If he failed and did not return, she would be left alone. Did she remember what he had told her before going to Arnold's fort? That she should seek out his village? Would Oiá:ner take her in and accept her as his wife? His widow? Would she care for her?
To fail is not an option, he thought and reached out a hand to carefully sweep away some strands of her hair. He leaned down and gently brushed her cheek with his lips.
"Konnorónhkhwa, Tiakení:teron."
Lillian mumbled something in her sleep but luckily didn't wake up. Maybe he would be back before she even noticed that he was gone.
He didn't believe it.
For one last time, Ratonhnhaké:ton looked at her relaxed features before sitting up and leaving the tent. The rebel guarding their tent noticed him immediately. He was supposed to have an eye on Lillian. Just as the two men who were doing the same with Franklin. To make sure that they weren't put under Washington's influence again. At first, Ratonhnhaké:ton had been furious about this decision of Jefferson, but luckily Igor - the rebel in question - was one of the few men who had always treated Lillian with care and respect. Even today and so Ratonhnhaké:ton had a better feeling with having this man guard the tent Lillian was sleeping in while he wasn't there was with her.
Igor nodded at Ratonhnhaké:ton. who returned the gesture silently and walked away from the tent as calmly and slowly as he could. Igor probably thought he was simply going to relieve himself in the woods and no rebel would have wondered about his weapons. They were at war, after all. Even if the rebels were more talk than action. But Ratonhnhaké:ton would take care of that later.
As he had left the tents behind and was only surrounded by trees, he quickened his steps until he was running and his feet were hammering onto the wet forest floor in a regular rhythm. He had to hurry and leave the camp behind as far as possible. In just a few minutes, Igor was going to ask himself where he was. They would search for him and there would be men who claimed he had run off while Lillian would be the first to know, where he might have gone. She wouldn't wait for his return. She would turn to his father and Jefferson, no matter the events of the day passed. She would ask them to follow him and at least his father would give in to her request. Not out of concern for his son, but for his own plans. If Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't mistaken, his actions tonight would have a significant impact on them.
But Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't think about all of this. His mind was clear and only focused on his path through the dense forest. He stuck aside the road and used narrow paths through the thicket which had been used by animals sometime before. He avoided roots, leaped over tree trunks and dodged twigs and branches. He kept a tempo he could hold without getting tired while not loosing too much time. It took a while until the forest cleared and he left the trees behind. Now there was only open field in front of him and behind it, the ragged silhouette of the destroyed New York district. And the pyramid. His destination.
Ratonhnhaké:ton quickened his pace again, ran over the field and towards the first burnt-down buildings. Only after he had reached their shadows, he slowed down and stopped. Ratonhnhaké:ton leaned against against one of the blackened walls and finally took the chance to catch his breath, relax his muscles and prepare for the rest of his way. His gaze roamed over his surroundings, the streets, buildings and even the roofs. Until now, he couldn't see any soldiers but he didn't plan to wait for the first patrol anyway. Soon enough, the bluecoats would know that he was here.
He turned to the building behind him and felt for a way to climb the wall. When he found it, he started to pull himself up, bit by bit, carefully and slowly. Every grab on the destroyed wall could be a mistake that could take his life, the higher he got. Even when he was finally on the roof, he took every step with care, crossed the building, jumped over to the next and moved through the district, always checking for danger beside the instable buildings. Despite his expectations, he didn't see a single bluecoat and soon he had reached the intact and inhabited districts. Here, he simply had to look out for rocky or slippy tiles as he quickened his step and soon he was only a shadow, scurrying over the roofs, leaping over chimneys and crossing gaps between buildings. From time to time, he noticed bluecoats patrolling the streets. But they never looked up. Only when he approached the giant square in front of the pyramid, he saw bluecoats on the rooftops.
Ratonhnhaké:ton stood on the roof of a tavern and leaned against the smoking chimney to watch the wooden platform on the opposite building. He had always headed north, towards the pyramid that was now to his right. Both bluecoats on the platform were facing it and had an unhindered look at the square. They were standing sideways to him so that he wouldn't be able to assassinate them from behind. They were also standing too far apart from one another. If he killed one of them, the other would have enough time to alert the other soldiers on the surrounding roofs. This would have been a problem to solve if he had planned to reach the pyramid unnoticed. But he hadn't. In the contrary. He wanted them to know that he was coming. Now that he had almost reached the pyramid, it didn't matter if they noticed him or not.
He sneaked towards the back of the building and climbed down the wall. Now he stood in the backyard of the tavern but despite the flickering lights in the windows, there was no sign that it had any visitors. It was silent, just as the streets. So it was much easier for Ratonhnhaké:ton to listen for the trotting of nimbly climbed over the low wall surrounding the backyard and found himself in a dark alley, leading directly to the square. Contrary to the streets, it was illuminated by several lamps that were surrounding the square. The stone Apples of Eden on the sceptres of the two giant statues of Washington were illuminated, just as the entrance of the pyramid right ahead, on the other side of the square. According to Franklin, this entrance - which seemed to be as wide and high as their house in Davenport - was the only way inside and it was guarded by at least five soldiers, as far as he could tell.
I should not wait any longer, Ratonhnhaké:ton thought and let his gaze roam over the surrounding buildings again. As soon as he left this alley, they would spot him. His instinct told him to avoid that. He had never run knowingly into his enemies arms. It was the dumbest and most reckless thing a man could do.
But he did anyway.
Ratonhnhaké:ton pushed himself off the wall, squared his shoulders and left the alley with wide, determined steps. He was immediately hit by the light of the lanterns and in the same moment, he heard the first calls coming from the roofs. He knew that at this moment, several rifles were trained at him but he kept walking anyway. He kept staring at the entrance of the pyramid where two solders were approaching him. They also trained the iron bayonets of their rifles at him. The blades gleamed in the light of the lanterns but their bearers were only hunchbacked shadows. They moved quicker as they noticed that he wasn't slowing down but kept approaching them. Only when they were only a few feet away, they finally told him to stop. He did.
As they reached him, they kept aiming their bayonets at him and looked him over attentively.
"What are you doing out here? The city is under curfew", one of them asked and Ratonhnhaké:ton noticed, that his hunchbacked silhouette hadn't been an illusion of the dark. His shoulders were slumped forward as he straightened up to appear more threatening.
"Willy, don't you recognize him?", the other asked. His voice didn't seem to know whether it wanted to belong to a man or a boy. He probably wasn't much older than Caleb. "It's the one from the posters. The savage."
"You think?" The first cocked his head and looked Ratonhnhaké:ton over again. "They all look the same, if you ask me."
"But he is right", Ratonhnhaké:ton said calmly but still their weapons twitched towards him. If he wasn't mistaken, the men in Washington's army were just as useless as the rebels. "I am here to turn myself in. But I want to speak to Washington first."
The two soldiers stared at him as if he had just risen from the ground. Probably these words were the last thing they had expected.
"But…why?", the boy asked in confusion and got punched in the side.
"Don't ask, stupid", his comrad hissed and seemed to try to square his hunched shoulders to no avail. As he rose his chin, he looked like a duck, ready to waddle on. "What makes you think the King wants to speak to you?"
"He is looking for me and I am turning myself in. If he really wants to get me, it is my condition to be brought to him."
"And what are you going to do, if we don't let you to him?"
Ratonhnhaké:ton met the childishly mocking look of the boy and felt like he was actually speaking to a petulant Caleb. Still he replied calmly and with an unmasked seriousness in his voice: "Then I will kill you, turn around and leave the city."
He could see the boy shy away and certainly thinking about pulling the trigger of this rifle. bus he picked up his courage and shared an insecure look with his comrade who seemed to be overburdened himself. Finally he cleared his throat and snapped the tip of his bayonet towards Ratonhnhaké:ton's tomahawk.
"First you will put down your weapons. All of them."
Ratonhnhaké:ton nodded and slowly started to follow their order. Every movement was followed by nervous glances as he loosened the tomahawk from his belt, put it on the ground and did the same with his pistol, quiver and bow. After he was done, he raised his hands to show that he was now unarmed. At least as far as he wanted them to know. They shared another look and the hunchback hissed: "Go on, search him. Check if he's hiding something. Shoes, shirt, pants."
"Why me?", the boy grumbled but handed his weapon to his comrade before stepping to the Mohawk with obvious hesitance. Ratonhnhaké:ton calmly met his gaze and didn't move as the boy reluctantly started to search him. He felt his torso and his legs, as if he feared his hands could fall off with every touch.
"Just imagine, he's a hefty girl. Like the one we paid for you", the hunchback snickered and only earned an irritated grumble. The search remained superficial and inconclusive. Just as Ratonhnhaké:ton had hoped.
In the meantime, two more soldiers had stepped to them and scrutinized Ratonhnhaké:ton sceptically, as they heard about his request. One of them took his weapons and they surrounded him as they lead him to the pyramid. The gate was opened and out of the wide, dark corridor behind it, they were approached by more soldiers, who obviously had been informed about their nightly guest and detained him. They all seemed confused by Ratonhnhaké:ton's absolute and calm surrender and whether it was his expressionless face and defensive posture, or the stories people were telling about the Mohawk who had singlehandedly driven a whole troup of soldiers out of a village: They were so filled with fear, that nobody lost a mocking word or even came closer to him than necessary. But the only person they feared most, was their king.
The corridor they were leading him through, was long, dark and only illuminated by a few lamps and torches. Ratonhnhaké:ton felt like they were walking right to the heart of the earth and not further into the pyramid. But finally the corridor ended at a junction. More corridors to their right and left kept leading into even more darkness and he thought they would choose one of them because there seemed to be no other way. There was only a giant hole in the wall ahead, which had the wooden double of the Apple of Eden in it. It was as tall as three men and was just as wide. It's bulge rose into the room so that it looked like this sphere had been rolled here some day before the whole building had been built around it. It was just another image of the megalomania Washington had fallen victim to by the Apple. In front of the wooden giant stood a small pedestal with a much smaller Apple in it. It was guarded by a soldier in the uniform of an officer. He was told why they brought in a prisoner in the middle of the night, but he didn't say anything about it. He simply turned to the pedestal and Ratonhnhaké:ton watched him pulling a strange-looking key out of his pocket and pushing it into a hole in the smaller Apple. A loud crack sounded which was quickly followed by several more, all around the huge replica of the Apple and despite his calm posture, Ratonhnhaké:ton froze in surprise as the wooden giant slowly turned into the wall on both sides and revealed an opening to a likewise giant hall. He would have asked for the mechanics behind this construction, if this had been a different situation.
The officer stepped throught the opening and became smaller, the further he walked into the hall which must be just as huge as everything about Washington's residence that Ratonhnhaké:ton had seen so far. It took a few minutes until the officer returned and told them, that the prisoner was asked to meet the king in private. Ratonhnhaké:ton believed to see relieve on the soldiers' faces as they silently beckoned him to enter the hall. He squared his shoulders again and even thought he was grabbed by an uneasy feeling as he stepped towards the round opening in the wall, his steps remained calm and determined. Even when he heard the loud cracking and scratching, telling him that the wooden Apple was closing behind him, he didn't turn around and kept walking.
He was in a hall whose roof was high above his head and supported by hundred of huge stone pillars. It certainly could have been divided into two floors but it was entirely open so that his steps echoed like he was in a cave. It was the only sound a an otherwise ghostly silence. Furthermore, the hall was almost empty. Only wooden scaffolds on its side showed that they were still working on it in the daytime but there was no one working at this hour. There was no one in this giant hall but Ratonhnhaké:ton and a silhouette, sitting on a stone throne in the middle of it all. Three small steps lead to the seat that was small and not really impressive, compared to the enormous dimensions of this building. But still, the person on the throne managed to make it look as if they could steer the fate of the whole world from here. The dark-blue cloak was only thrown over one shoulder and fall to the ground, while the back was leaning in the corner between back- and armrest. Washington was sitting there, as if the throne was a comfortable seat and it didn't seem like he intended to sit up. His left elbow was resting on the armrest, his chin on his hand, while the right arm was laying on one of his knees. You could have think he was bored, while he was scrutiniting Ratonhnhaké:ton the same way, he did with him.
He had only made guesses about the self-proclaimed king by the things he had heard about him. Some had called him emotionless and dead, others sublime and redoubtable. Ratonhnaké:ton only saw a man who was decorating himself with robes and insignias of a power he didn't really possess and whose empty and tired eyes showed, that this power had rather taken possession of him and didn't let him rest. The object decorating his sceptre and reflecting the light of the fires on both sides of the throne was obviously taking its toll. As if the price of its power was not only the sanity, but also the strength of its master.
"Behold! The native who has dared to question me." Washington sat up a bit and the golden crown on his head gleamed in the flickering light as he leaned forward without turning his eyes away from Ratonhnhaké:ton. "I'm surprised to see you and not only because I believed you to be kissed by death. Quite literally. Maybe I should have known that you can't trust a woman with a task you need a man's skill for." His thin lips twisted into a mocking smile. "I hope you weren't too mad with her. It would have been a shame. She's so lovely."
"She is fine. She already recovered from your influence", Ratonhnhaké:ton replied coldly and stopped in front of the stairs to the throne. He didn't like Washington sitting above him, but he didn't let it show. As he didn't let himself be provoked. It seemed to be Washington's intention since his smile became wider and smug.
"Did she now? And now you are here to revenge her, aren't you? There must be reason for you to be so stupid to come here unarmed. I doubt that you want to confess your crimes and be punished for them."
"I neither want to confess, nor I want to revenge Lillian. I am here to talk to you. I want you to give up the Apple."
Washington uttered a hollow laugh about the blatant honesty. But it didn't reach his eyes, just as his smile didn't. There was no light in them. No life.
"Give up the Apple?", the self-proclaimed king asked and tilted the sceptre in his hand, so that the Apple almost touched his chest. As if he wanted to make clear that it belonged only to him. "Why should I do that?"
"It is dangerous. It is controlling you", Ratonhnhaké:ton answered. Still calm, but noticeably more keenly. Maybe he was crazy to have this conversation with Washington at all. Only a few weeks ago, he simply would have attacked him to take the Apple, even kill him, if necessary. But back then, he had underestimated the Apple's power. Now that he was so close to it, Ratonhnhaké:ton believed he could feel it. It was some kind of pulsation, coming from the Apple and making the air vibrate. It flickered like the horizon on a hot summer day. He had already felt it the first time he had seen the Apple in Washington's study on Mount Vernon. But now this feeling was stronger and his instinct told him to be careful. One wrong word, one wrong move and Washington could unleash the Apple's power and Ratonhnhaké:ton had no idea how this would end. He wanted to act peaceful eventhough he knew that his chances were small. Washington was already so possessed by the Apple that the mere thought of loosing it angered him.
"No one and nothing is controlling me!", he growled and leaned forward threateningly, pointing the tip of the sceptre and the Apple with it at Ratonhnhaké:ton. "I am controlling the Apple. Its power only belongs to me and I won't give it up. I have plans your small mind cannot even fathom and I will make them all come true. With the Apple."
"You fought for this land to be free", the Mohawk replied and raised his hands in a calming manner as Washington bared his teeth and wanted to speak again. "It was supposed to be governed by its own people. I fought by your side. I know that you…"
"You know nothing!", Washington interrupted him shouting and rose from his throne. His face was a furious grimace. "You are a simple savage who believes he has to interfere in things far above himself. Someone like you could have never fought by my side, nor you could understand the plans I have for this country. Big plans. It needs a strong hand to lead it. I am this hand and with this Apple, I will make this land greater than anyone could have ever imagined."
"The Apple will destroy you. You cannot control it. No one can."
Ratonhnhaké:ton had taken a step back when Washington had stood up and stepped forward again. His hands were still up even though he doubted that it would calm Washington. It seemed to be impossible to have a reasonable conversation. But he didn't want to give up.
"Commander, you need to listen to me. You are no longer in control of your senses but it is not too late. Give up the Apple and…"
"Silence!"
Ratonhnhaké:ton was forced to step away again, as Washington leaped down the stairs in a surprisingly agile manner and thrust the Apple into his direction, as if he wanted to hit him with it. Again he could feel the pulse of its power, a prickling sensation on his skin. His hand twitched towards his belt but he didn't grab the hidden knife yet. He just kept stepping backwards as Washington approached him threateningly.
"No one tells me what to do", the tyran growled and raised the sceptre again, prepared to strike. Ratonhnhaké:ton fully expected to defend himself as Washington's mood suddenly changed entirely. He cocked his head and the fury in his eyes was replaced by scrutinity as he slowly said: "Admit it. You want it for yourself. You are here to steal it from me. Jefferson sent you, did he not? I knew that he was planning something like this. He, Adams and their ridiculous rebellion. I knew that there was more behind it, although I doubt that Jefferson is the only one in charge."
He stopped and turned the scepter in his hand to regard the Apple. Like something he had just discover and whose mere existence he wanted to fathom. Suddenly it seemed like he was talking to himself. As if he wouldn't notice Ratonhnhaké:ton, who didn't like this change of mood at all. An unpredictable component was dangerous and he rested his hand on his belt. Ready to pull the knife at any time.
"He's not a good commander", Washington kept murmuring and even turned away. "I heard rumours that he got involved with someone more powerful. The British? They don't simply want to dispossess me, they want my power. They want to steal the Apple and take everything I built and that's what they sent you for!" His voice had gotten louder again and he trained the tip of the scepter at the Mohawk. "You are their pawn. Are you supposed to trick me? Is that it?"
"No", Ratonhnhaké:ton replied as calmly as possible. "No one sent me. It was my own decision."
"But you're not denying that you want to steal it from me. But you can't. No one can take it from me. I won't let them. I AM the king!" Washington's voice got louder with every word, until he was shouting. Ratonhnhaké:ton felt the pulse of the Apple getting stronger and its surface started to glow. His instincts warned him, before it even happened.
Washington thrust the scepter into Ratonhnhaké:ton's direction, the Apple glowed in a seething light and Ratonhnhaké:ton felt that he was hit by a hot blast that threw him backwards. He hit the ground hard, skidded over the flat stone floor and lay motionless, breathing heavily. The impact had pressed the air out of his lungs but especially his limbs felt like they were no part of him. His muscles were frozen, as if the Apple still had its power over him. Everything inside of him screamed that he had to get up, because he could hear Washington's steps approaching. But just as he thought he was able to, the false king was already leaning over him and gave him a cold smile.
"No one can take it from me", he repeated, raised the scepter and struck the metal handle against Ratonhnhaké:ton's temple. Pain exploded in his head before the world around him sank into darkness.
When Ratonhnhaké:ton woke up, he felt like he had been beaten up. His whole body was hurting and a dull pain was throbbing in the rhythm of his pulse behind his eyes. He couldn't hold back a groan as he slowly sat up to look, where he was. He was lying on the cold, dirty stone floor of a prison cell. Nothing but silence and darkness around him. Slowly he stood up, stepped to the cell door, put his hands around the cold bars and tried to glance into the dark corridor. Further back, he could see the light of a torch but apart from that, there was nothing and no one down here. Shortly he thought about drawing attention to himself but he pulled away from the bars and stood in the middle of the cell. Staring at some spot on the stone wall in front of him. Now he was Washington's prisoner. Maybe he shouldn't have come here but what else had been left? If he had attacked Washington with the rebels, the false king wouldn't have had any trouble defeating them all with the Apple. An ice cold shiver ran down Ratonhnhaké:ton's spine when he remember how effortlessly the Piece of Eden had brought him down and how its presence had felt. It had a power much greater than the Apple his people had possessed. Greater than the Shard of Eden and even greater than the Shroud and this power lay in the hands of a madman.
I should have thrown these keys into the sea as they spoke of the Apple, he thought bitterly. The memory of everything that had happened before this twisted reality had been forced back into the depths of his mind and was now coming back clearer than ever. He could almost see the two blue halves of the key that had started everything. As well as Ray and Lilian who had been in trance and had given him these cryptic messages. He cursed himself for ever dealing with them. Xaman Ek, the old Maya had been right. He should have had destroyed these blue stones or got rid of them. They had led him to the Apple and because of them, Lillian and him were trapped here. He had known about the power of the Pieces of Eden because he had experienced them often enough and should have learned his lesson. At least he tried to convince himself of that.
Outside, on the corridor, sounded the metal cracking of a lock and shortly afterwards, he could hear voices and steps coming closer to his cell. Ratonhnhaké:ton's hand slid to the small knife but only now he noticed that it was gone. He suppressed a cuss. So they had found and taken it after all. Now he had nothing left to defend himself with, except for his fists and he doubted that he had any chance against several opponents with guns. The steps had almost reached his cell and a flickering light brushed floor and walls before its source finally appeared in front of the cell and made Ratonhnhaké:ton blink, after he had been in total darkness for so long.
"Turn around, hands behind your back", one of the shadowy figures in front of his cell said. Ratonhnhaké:ton did as he was told, even if he did it reluctantly and a lock opened with a crack. He glanced over his shoulder and saw three soldiers entering his cell. Two stayed behind in the corridor. He would only risk his life by trying to fight them all in this small space. So he had to allow one of them to bind his wrists with a rough rope and turn him around by his shoulder.
"Go", he ordered shortly and Ratonhnhaké:ton followed again. The three soldiers stayed behind him as he left the cell and followed the other two through the corridor. He tried to look into the other cells but it was too dark to see if they were inhabited.
"Where are you taking me?", Ratonhnhaké:ton asked as they left the prison through a massive wooden door and he was led up a steep staircase.
"To your date with the executioner", one of the soldiers in front of him answered. He revealed several rows of missing teeth as he gave a mocking grin over his shoulder. "The whole city came to see you die."
It had been years since Ratonhnhaké:ton had found himself in this situation. Unarmed, bound and led towards his death by smug men. How ironic that back then, he had been accused of planning an attack on Washington. Certainly he was now facing the same accusations but he wasn't led through a crowd of people shouting and spitting at him while they were awaiting his execution. He could only hear such a crowd as they approached the main gate that was opened wide and flooded the corridor with daylight that burnt in Ratonhnhaké:ton's eyes. He lowered them until they stepped through the gate and the shouting of the people crushed over him like a wave hitting the beach. They screamed, roared, stamped and whistled. A bloodthirsty pack, already waiting for a man to die. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't know if he should feel disgusted or sorry because of their obvious blind trust in Washington.
The soldiers led him along the pyramid to a wooden stand, where more soldiers and a man - who he recognized as General Putnam - were awaiting their arrival. As always, Putnam had a cigar between his yellow teeth but it didn't stop him from grinning widely, as Ratonhnhaké:ton came up the stairs to the stand.
"We got you after all", he grumbled with satisfaction and looked Ratonhnhaké:ton over, who coldly returned his gaze. "You're even dumber than I thought. Thought they were joking when they told me, they locked you up. But I will be even happier watching your execution."
He laughed and stepped aside to make a great gesture towards the wooden block in the middle of the stand. Beside it stood a heavily built man in a dark linen frock. His strong arms were resting on the handle of a heavy looking axe. It seemed like it wasn't the gallows that were awaiting Ratonhnhaké:ton today.
"Chopper here wanted to sharpen his axe, just for you. But I told him that it's fine, if he needs two or three more strikes to do the deed. He's too quick in these things and I don't think that you will mind", Putnam said sneeringly as he followed Ratonhnhaké:ton's look to the block. But the Mohawk wasn't listening to him. If fate wanted it this time and the executioner did his job, he would ignore all the sneering and face it without giving his judges one grain of satisfaction about his reaction.
So his eyes were fixated on the angry mob as he stepped in front of the block. Men and women, young and old, poor and rich had come together. United in their lust for a bloody spectacle. How ironic that these people kept claiming that his people and all the other Natives on this continent were bloodthirsty barbarians. If they could only look at themselves.
They only got silent as the man - who kept feeding them with rumours and false visions - left the pyramid and entered the stand with proud steps. Washington seemed more rested than the night before but his eyes told a different story. A story about another sleepless night where his mind had succumbed to the madness of the Apple and had dreamt of a power no man should ever possess. The gold of his crown caught the light of the son, glimmering with every step. But it was nothing compared to the strange light of the Apple, whose presence seemed more malign than ever.
"People of New York. People of this great nation", Washington raised his voice, as he stopped near the block and raised his arms. "I know what you want. You are here, to finally witness the punishment of a criminal. This man-" He pointed at Ratonhnhaké:ton and gave him a triumphant look. "-shall be the victim of his own delusions. The delusion of destroying us. Forcing us to our knees. At first, he made a whole village rebel against my men and with that, succumb to their own misfortune. Then he maliciously murdered Benedict Arnold who fought so hard for the progress of our nation. He plotted an uprising in Boston where innocent people were killed. Innocent people like you."
The voices of the crowd rose and made Ratonhnhaké:ton experience a wave of hatred. He asked himself how they would react, if they knew that said civilians had been killed by men who pretended to care for their safety in the name of their king.
"The list of his crimes is long", Washington continued and his audience got silent again. "Unfortunately there are more men like him. The rebels will keep recruiting criminals like him to realize their destructive plans. But today, we will send them a message. They shall know that we won't be defeated. They shall know about the punishment awaiting them, if we catch them and we will, sooner or later. They are not as strong as they may think. We are stronger!"
Thunderous cheering sounded and a benevolent smile appeared on Washington's lips as he received the applause of his subjects. He was basking in it, enjoying the power he had, even in his words. He absolutely believed in them, too. Ratonhnhaké:ton had to admit that he hadn't gained the trust of the people with the Apple alone. Washington was a good leader who could use words and gestures as well as a weapon. Ratonhnhaké:ton himself had been impressed by these words and gestures for quite some time. When he had finally seen through them, it had been too late. He was sure, that these men and women were awaiting the same fate, sooner or then they would be facing a madman with the power of an unnatural object.
While Washington raised his voice again, Ratonhnhaké:ton's eyes roamed over the many awestruck faces. Over the see of raised fists until he saw two persons, a man and a woman, who didn't fit into this image. They weren't in awe. They weren't cheering. They made their way through the crows with their heads down, closer to the stand. The woman walked ahead, determined and without minding the protesting people on her path. The man was close behind her, pushing everyone aside, who called her out. But Ratonhnhaké:ton could tell that she didn't hear it. He could tell by the determined look on her face, getting more obvious the closer she got. She was halfway to the stand as she raised her eyes and met his. He didn't know whether he should be relieved to see Lillian or not. He was prepared that there was no way saving him. Even when it was his father, who stopped behind Lillian and looked up to him, too.
By now, Ratonhnhaké:ton knew that it had been Haythamwho had saved him from the gallows. But it would be naive to think he could save him this time, too. In all these years, Ratonhnhaké:ton had learned to face death and greet it like an old friend when the time had come. He wasn't afraid but knew that there was no point in hoping for his rescue. He would fight as long as he could. But up here, on the stand and with the block in front of him, he had no chance to, if he didn't want to delay his death.
Fully away that he might not get off this stand alive, his heart felt happy, but also reluctant about Lillian's presence. Happy to see her one more time. To look into her eyes, that always infatuated him and told him more about her feelings, than she could ever express in words. Now he saw fear in them and it strengthened his wish that she didn't have to see him die like this. The last thing about him that she saw, shouldn't be his head being held up like a trophy by an executioner called Chopper. Apart from that, she was endangering herself, too. Probably the bluecoats knew her face by now and if they arrested her, she would be the next to stand here. And how long would his father be able to protect her against so many soldiers?
Washington had continued with his speech about his plans to stop the rebels. But Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't listening. His whole attention lay on Lillian and he hoped she could tell what he was thinking. That he didn't want her to be in danger. But whether she did or not, she stood there and returned his gaze.
Go. He silently formed the word with his lips. Please, go.
Lillian's eyes had shortly left his but as she realized what he was saying, she raised them again. A frown appeared on her forehead, she pinched her lips and pushed her chin forward. It was an expression of the same stubbornness he loved as much as he hated it about her that told him what she was thinking, before she could mouth it.
No.
It was difficult to appear calm and resist the urge to express his wish more forcefully. He wanted to tell her to turn away and leave, as her lips began to form words again. Trust? Trust…us?
Ratonhnhaké:ton wanted to look at his father, as a heavy hand was put on his shoulder, pushing him down.
"Your head will look good on a pike", Putnam mumbled into his ear before he got kicked in the hollows of his knees and sank down. Putnam pressed his hand between Ratonhnhaké:ton's shoulder blades, making him lean forward and lay his head into the mold on the block. The wood was sticky with the blood it had suck in like earth did with rain. It smelled rancid and rotten and suddenly Ratonhnhaké:ton asked himself, if blood could make wood rot like water did. He was staring at the stand in front of him. His heart was beating fast and painfully in his chest. He had a hard time breathing with the wood of the block pressing against his throat. Still he tried to remain calm. To not appear frightened and to…trust. He closed his eyes and remembered Lillian's face as he heard the heavy steps of the executioner, taking position beside the block. It became entirely silent as he grabbed the handle of his axe with both hands. There was no sound. Not even a whistle of the wind or the singing of birds. It was silent, until the loud bang of shots and the screaming of people put an end to it.
The sound of metal hitting the stand, followed by a heavy body told Ratonhnhaké:ton that the executioner had become the executed, before he had even opened his eyes and sat up. He was surrounded by chaos. Armed men had surrounded and stormed the stand, fighting against the bluecoats, who had been surprised by the attack. The rebels, who Ratonhnhaké:ton had already thought of as a useless bunch, were now fighting with a fire he would have never thought they had. Their wild shouting muffled out the screams of the citizens, who were running away in panic. He was still leaning against the block and couldn't sit up because his bound wrists. But then he felt two hands on his shoulders and heard a quiet groan as his body was pulled up and into a kneeling position. It was Lillian, kneeling beside him and cutting the ropes with the sharp blade of his hunting knife. He saw his father and Igor behind her, fighting off all the attacks against Lillian and himself.
"You should not be here", he said as she finally freed his hands and he rolled his shoulders, to relax his muscles.
"You shouldn't be either", Lillian simply replied, but he saw anger flickering in her eyes. "If the situation was different, I would love to give you a telling about your recklessness. I was so scared for you."
"I had to do it."
She didn't say anything. She simply looked him in the eyes until she closed hers for a moment, sighed and pressed the knife into his hand.
"Put an end to it then."
Ratonhnhaké:ton held her hand and gently squeezed it, as he nodded. "Get to safety."
As he leaped up and turned to the stand, he needed a moment to examine the situation around him. Bluecoats were fighting rebels everywhere, even on the square, where many citizens were still caught between both fronts, trying to escape. But they weren't the only ones. Over the the masses of fighting men, he could see the golden shimmer of a crown. Washington was trying to make his way through the crowd by stabbing everyone, who got in his way - rebel or bluecoat - with his rapier or hitting them with the scepter. Putnam was beside him, armed and screaming to fight for the life of his king.
They shall not reach the pyramid, Ratonhnhaké:ton thought and ran. He made his way through the bluecoats and rebels, his knife firmly in his fist without letting himself get involved in a fight. As a bluecoats lunched his rapier towards him, Ratonhnhaké:ton raised his own weapon in time, blocked the other, turned on his heel and slipped away before the bluecoat could attack him again. But Ratonhnhaké:ton kept running. The wooden stand beneath his feet was slippery from the blood of the fallen and he had to jump over their bodies to not step on them. He never turned his eyes away from Washington, who had already left the stand and was now running towards the entrance of the pyramid, Putnam by his side. He wasn't far. He just had to speed up a bit.
Ratonhnhaké:ton ran faster. He pushed men out of his way, not caring whether they were friend or foe. He leaped down the stairs to the stand and was only a few steps away from Washington and Putnam, when a rebel stopped the latter. The general raised his rapier and the blade slized through the man's stomach like a knife through butter. The broad-shouldered man stumbled backwards, his feet caught got in one another and he fell face-first into the dirt, right into the path of the Mohawk. There was no time for Ratonhnhaké:ton to react since he was already prepared to attack Putnam first. When the dying man fell to the ground in front of him, he had no other chance but to jump. His left foot made contact with the man's back and he only caught a short glance of his face in the dirt. Logan.
Ratonhnhaké:ton turned his attention back to Putnam, who wanted to ran off again, after Washington who had almost reached the pyramid. Ratonhnhaké:ton leaped off of Logan's body, raised the blade of his knife and thrust it into Putnam's neck, as he landed on his back. The general could only utter a huff, before he died. His cigar still in his mouth.
Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled the blade out of his flesh and stood up. "Commander Washington!", he shouted over the screaming, shooting and clangor of stopped and only now he seemed to realize, that he was alone. He looked at the dead Putnam on the ground, before raising his eyes up to Ratonhnhaké:ton, who immediately tightened the grip around his weapon. They stared at each other, as the Mohawk started to run again.
His feet barely touched the ground, as he crossed the dirty main square in front of the pyramid. His weapon shimmered in the sunlight, with every swing of his arms and caught the fearful gaze of the tyran, who remembered the piece of metal in his own hands far too soon. He dropped the rapier and raised the scepter. The Apple glowed, sending a wave of pulsating energy towards Ratonhnhaké:ton, that made him shiver but didn't slow him down. In the contrary. He ran faster and prepared to jump, as he was close to reaching Washington. He tore the knife in his hand over his head and thrust it downward, as the Apple released its power. Again he was hit by a blast. Heat flooded his body, made his muscles freeze and his mind go numb. He hardly felt how he hit the ground. His eyes opened wide, he stared into the gray autumn sky, surrounded by the dust that his body had swirled up. His ears were ringing as if he had been too close to an explosion. The only thing he could hear were his heartbeat and his own, heavy breathing. And Lillian's voice in his head, telling him: Put an end to it.
Ratonhnhaké:ton laborously freed himself from the numbness, the Apple had put him in. His muscles protested, feeling like he had been in a ruthless fight for hours. As he stood up, his legs were shaking, but held him upright. Looking up, he saw that he hadn't been the only one who had been hit by the Apple's power. The square was covered in motionless bodies. Some dead, some as stunned as he had been, but even they didn't utter a sound. It was deadly silent.
Slowly Ratonhnhaké:ton moved on, still not trusting his own legs. He staggered and almost fell over the body of a woman, who hadn't been able to flee from the square, when the rebels attacked. She was dead.
She reminded him of Lillian, who had been in the middle of the fight herself. Searching for her, he looked over the square, but couldn't find her anywhere. He wanted to go and look for her, but then his eyes landed upon Washington. He was leaning against the pyramid's gate. His chin resting on his chest, stabbed by Ratonhnhaké:ton's knife. Beside his right hand lay the scepter but the Apple was gone. It was lying on the spot where Washington and Ratonhnhaké:ton had clashed into each other. As if it had never been the tip of the scepter and as if it had never released its power. The golden metal was shimmering in a light that wasn't there. It felt like it wanted to lure Ratonhnhaké:ton like jewelry would do with a magpie. For a moment, Ratonhnhaké:ton felt euphoria about a victory that wasn't his. It felt like he only had to take the Apple and every concern he had ever felt, would be gone. As if there was a whole world of possibilities he had never had. But even though he simply had to lean down and take the Apple, these allures had no attraction for him. He just stared down at the Apple of Eden and questioned why he felt this way. Didn't he wish for this moment for all these weeks?
"Ratonhnhaké:ton?"
Only her call made him raise his eyes and turn around. Relief washed over him as he saw Lillian running towards him. She was limping and stumbling, but despite her injury, she seemed to be unharmed. He reached out his hands and grabbed hers as she reached him, breathing heavily. She looked him over, concern and fear in her eyes.
"Are you hurt?", she asked, her voice shaking. "I was on the other end of the square as I saw you and all the others being thrown down. I thought you were…"
She paused and her eyes dropped to the Apple, still lying to their feet. The colour, that had risen to her cheeks, vanished and her eyes widened.
"This is it", she whispered and looked past Ratonhnhaké:ton, to Washington. She gasped. "You did it." There was disbelief in her voice, but no joy. No euphoria about the fact, that they had reached what they had wished for for so long. She still seemed scared as she looked into Ratonhnhaké:ton's eyes. He knew, what she was thinking. It wasn't over, yet. There was a reason they had wanted to get the Apple, after all and the plan, to take it from Washington, had been the only thing they had been certain about. Now they didn't know if all their fighting and hoping had been worth it.
"Will it bring us back?", Lillian asked quietly.
"I do not know."
Ratonhnhaké:ton let go of her hands and bent down to the Apple. It was heavier than he remembered. Colder. But he felt the well known prickle, running from his fingertips through his whole body. He held the Apple with both hands and turned to Lillian. Their eyes met and he heard her taking a deep breath before raising her shaking hands and laying them on the Apple. Ratonhnhaké:ton expected the feeling of being torn off his his vision would get blurry and everything would become dark. That he would see memories flickering before his eyes.
But nothing happened.
Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't even hit by the heat of power, the Apple had radiated happened at all. The Piece of Eden in his hands suddenly felt like a useless piece of metal.
"Maybe…we did something wrong", Lillian said, her voice shaking and breaking. As if she was already struggling with the same disappointment and helplessness Ratonhnhaké:ton was feeling. He didn't know how the Pieces of Eden worked. How they allowed someone to use their power. He had thought it would be enough to touch the Apple. As they had done before it had brought them here.
Ratonhnhaké:ton slowly shook his head and lowered the Apple, separating Lillian's hands from it in the process. "I do not know what it could be", he admitted quietly.
"So…this was all for nothing? We can't go home?"
The look in her eyes pained him. He saw the same desperation and sadness he had sworn to end. But he couldn't. Just as he couldn't give an answer to her question. Positive or not. He could only put an arm around her waist and pull her trembling body against his, as she burst into tears. As all her fears became true and she realised that they couldn't return home to their daughter. Ratonhnhaké:ton felt her pain, but he also felt anger.
Anger about the Apple and its treacherous power that seemed to destroy people rather than helping them.
Anger about all the danger and deprivation of the last couple of weeks being for nothing.
But also anger about himself because he felt so helpless. Ratonhnhaké:ton held Lillian tight, staring over her shoulder at the Apple in his hand. He wanted to throw it away as far as he could.
The steps of several men made him raise his eyes and he found himself in front of his father and the remaining rebels, approaching and circling them. Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled Lillian closer against his chest and watched some of the rebels putting their hands on their weapons. He didn't like this situation at all.
"You did it", Haytham said, giving a short glance at Washington's body, his face a motionless mask. "You did a great service to our cause. His men fled into the pyramid after they realized they are without leader."
"I did not do it for your cause.", Ratonhnhaké:ton replied. "Even though I owe you my gratitude. If it was not for you, I would not be alive."
"We had no choice. It was an opportunity we had to take."
Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't say anything to this, although the words were burning on his tongue. All this time, the rebels had dismissed real opportunities. His execution had certainly not been one of them. But by now he was aware that Haytham didn't care for the rebellion. He had a different goal in mind and he was the one carrying it in his hands. So he wasn't surprised when Haytham stepped closer and nodded at the Apple.
"Give it to me. You saw what it is capable of. It should be in capable hands."
"So in yours?" Ratonhnhaké:ton frowned and shook his head. "Yes, I saw what the Apple is capable of and that is why I will not allow anyone to use it for their own good again."
"You will keep it then?", Haytham asked, raising his eyebrows. "What are you supposed to do with it?"
He was tempted to hand the Apple over. It wasn't of use to him anymore and right now he wanted nothing more than getting away from the Apple as far as he could. But the assassin in him refused to give the power of a Piece of Eden to a Templar and condone that the order would use it for their own good. Washington had been an unrightful and cruel ruler but the templars would practice another form of cruelty. He could only imagine what they would do with the Apple.
"You will abuse its power."
"Its power will be used for something good. It will correct what Washington destroyed", Haytham replied and folded his hands behind his back, as he slowly paced back and forth. "He didn't know how to use the Apple and what opportunities it could bring. He only followed illusions while I am following a vision."
The vision of the order. The vision of a cold, ordered world where everyone had to do the templar's biddings. Maybe the Apple wouldn't bring him and Lillian back, but if they had to stay here, Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't want to live in such a world. Not as long as he held the key to it in his hand.
"I know about the visions you are talking about and there is nothing good about them", he said and saw Haytham frown. Lillian, who had stopped crying, raised her head to look at him. But he didn't turn his eyes away from his father. "No, you will not get the Apple."
Haytham had stopped by now. His hands still folded behind his back, he looked his son over with serious eyes. Ratonhnhaké:ton knew this look. Haytham had kept looking at him like that while they had worked together during the revolution but he had never learned what was behind it. Maybe he would never. Haytham's attention moved to Lillian and as he spoke, his tone was keen, almost begging.
"Don't be stupid. I'm giving you and Lillian the chance to leave and find a place to lead a peaceful and safe life. Don't risk it for an object like this. Otherwise I will have to take it from you by force. Do you want to do this to Lillian?"
Haytham was clever and he knew exactly, what to say. Ratonhnhaké:ton never expected him otherwise. He had seen what Ratonhnhaké:ton would do to protect Lillian and for a short moment, he actually thought about giving in. But as he lowered his eyes, he looked directly into Lillian's. They were red and still wet from the tears she had shed, but they were also serious and Lillian shook her head.
"Don't", she said so quietly that he was the only one to hear her. He could tell that she knew what this would mean. He was unarmed and wouldn't be able to defend them against so many men. Keeping the Apple was only a useless act to delay the inevitable. But Ratonhnhaké:ton wouldn't hand this power to the templars willingly and it seemed like Lillian felt the same. Maybe because like Ratonhnhaké:ton, she knew that there was no life for them to live here. Not without their daughter.
Ratonhnhaké:ton tightened his grip around her waist and pulled Lillian even closer. He felt her hands caressing his chest before she leaned her head against him and remained still. Maybe he was about to make a great mistake but there was no going back.
"I will not give it to you."
He saw that Haytham had expected a different answer. "Lillian, you have nothing to do with this. I don't want to see you hurt."
Lillian raised her head to look at Haytham. "If you have to force the Apple from Ratonhnhaké:ton, you will have to do the same with me. I stay", she replied, her voice clear and stern and Ratonhnhaké:ton lowered his eyes to look at her for a moment. Even though he wanted her out of harm's way, he did not only feel the deep love he had for her, but also pride and gratitude. She could have decided to flee and get herself to safety and he wouldn't have stopped her. But she stayed by his side, facing whatever was coming next. Her support had always meant a lot to him but since the Apple had transported them into this strange reality, into one extreme situation after another, Lillian had shown how far she went for this support and her loyalty. It only confirmed what he had said to her once: That she didn't need to stand by his side fighting to be a valuable partner and support.
Something like regret appeared on Haytham's face as he nodded. "Then you will leave me no choice. I whished there was another way."
He raised a hand and gave a signal to the rebels. Ratonhnhaké:ton muscles tensed and made him prepare for a fight, as he heard the sound of metal and pulled weapons. For one last time, he looked down at Lillian and noticed that she was looking at him, too. Love and warmth in her eyes and her lips curled into a faint smile. It was the last thing he saw before the world around him exploded in a searing light, followed by absolute darkness.
It wasn't like the first time, when the Apple had carried him away. It didn't feel like falling and there were no flickering images. His feet were on solid ground but no matter where he turned, there was nothing but darkness.
Am I dead?, he asked himself and felt ridiculous at the same time. He just wanted to dare to take a step forward, when there were flickering images after all. But they were no memories.
At first he saw Peter Callaghan, the current Grandmaster of the order, grabbing for the Apple with greed in his eyes. Then he saw the State House in Boston. Long, white banners were decorating it, fluttering in the wind. They had the red templar-cross on them. The sight was disconcerting, even frightening, but nothing compared to the scene in front of the State House. Three bodies were dangling from the gallows. They had linen bags over their heads but Ratonhnhaké:ton recognized them anyway. Clipper, Duncan and Stephane. He had barely realized it, when the image disappeared again and was replaced by another. Burning houses, screaming people, trying to save their belongings and loved ones. It was a burning Davenport.
Another flicker and Ratonhnhaké:ton was looking into the burning bedroom in the mansion. Emily's fearful screams for her mother made his blood run cold. He saw Lillian running to their daughter, avoiding the roaring flames around her until she could lift Emily up and hold her tight.
"It's fine, don't be scared", she said, but he could hear the panic in her voice. Hastily she looked around for a way to escape and ran, as suddenly the wooden floor beneath her feet collapsed and they both fell into the sea of flames that was the first floor.
"No!", Ratonhnhaké:ton screamed and reached out his hand, as if he could grab through the flickering image. But it disappeared and left him in darkness.
His heart was pounding in his chest and he was gasping for air as he tried to make his mind understand, that none of this had been real. And still it felt like it had really happened.
"Welcome back, guardian."
Ratonhnhaké:ton whirled around as he heard the voice behind him. All of the sudden, the darkness around him was reeved by golden streams of light, forming symbols he didn't know. They appeared and disappeared over and over again. The only thing remaining was the bright silhouette of a woman in a white robe. Her body was sheer, as if she wasn't really existent. Therefore her voice was clear even though she sounded like she was talking out of a different time. Ancient. He knew her. It was the spirit he had seen years ago and who had told him about his destiny. That had made him become an assassin and fight the templars.
"It is you", Ratonhnhaké:ton uttered and stepped to the woman whose eyes were lifeless but all-knowing at the same time. He felt as much respect as he felt distrustful. "Why did you bring me here? Why did you show me these images? Where is Lillian?"
"She is well. You will be reunited with her once you wake up."
"Wake up? Does it mean, you brought us back?"
"You were never gone", the spirit replied. "What you experienced was simply a vision, created by the Apple. For you, weeks have passed while in reality it has been seconds."
A vision? Ratonhnhaké:ton had thought about this possibility but everything had seemed so real that he had stopped believing it could only be in their heads.
"Buy why? Why did this Apple show all of this to us?", he asked and felt like the boy he had been when the spirit had appeared the first time. Full of questions he needed answers for.
"It was you who had to see it", the spirit explained, fully unbothered. Her voice was without emotions, just as he remembered. "The Apple was supposed to show you what it is capable of. You need to see what would happen, if its power ever got into the wrong hands so that you understand the urgency of your task."
"My task?"
"You have to bring it to safety. Many are after it to use it for their own purposes. You just saw what would happen. As long as it isn't hidden, more people will try to possess it and many more will suffer from it. Even those you love."
"But where am I supposed to bring it?"
"To a temple where it will be safe. No one will be able to find it and abuse its power. Use the keys you have found to find it."
There was another flickering image between them and Ratonhnhaké:ton recognized the blue stones. The source of everything that had happened.
"Waste no time, guardian", the spirit said and the image disappeared. "History will repeat itself and people will die."
With these words, she turned away and Ratonhnhaké:ton knew that she was about to disappear and leave him with his questions. As she had done years ago. It angered him. He had spent years doing what the spirit had told him but he had never learned the reason. He felt use. Like a tool, taken when needed but soon put away and forgotten.
"How am I supposed to know that you are speaking the truth?", he asked and failed to keep his anger at bay. "Once you appeared to me, telling me about my destiny and what I had to do. You showed me images of what would happen if I did not. You spoke about sacrifices that had to be made and I did as you asked. But for what? Why don't you answer my questions?"
"Because they are irrelevant for you. I already told you that you only have to do as we say. Everything else will not concern you and you can continue your life as you please."
"You already said that the last time we spoke and still we are here. Why?"
The spirit turned back to him. "Because things have changed."
And with that, the woman disappeared in a searing bright light.