Music Inspiration: Lorne Balfe- "Beer & Friends"
Sales Resistance
16 June 1771
Business kept growing in the tiny Davenport community as Lance's carpentry skills and the lumberjack's business brought untaxed income as their new beginning rolled into full swing. With spring's arrival, the frosty winter thawed to reveal fresh grass for animals slipping out of hibernation along the warm sun that bathed Davenport in its cozy embrace. The Burnett children no longer ran out of bed to warm up by the fireplace to dress and Elizabeth was happy to roam over the green hills to watch squirrels scurry through flower patches and up the trees in escape. Alice, Ann, and Samuel missed making snow balls to throw into the cold air but winter would come again one day with its delicate snowflakes. Elijah was no longer the little puppy that slept in a little blanket bed beside the warm fireplace but had grown to Alice's waist and kept doing so throughout the months. All of the children adored him as he protected them loyally and bit into their clothes whenever they approached any form of danger to keep them safe. Before they knew it, summer rolled in with its bright rays of sunlight and they spent all of their time outside as they had during their first day after arriving. They were proud to mark the upcoming first year in Davenport since they no longer had to move constantly and could sustain themselves from the land.
Caroline had decided to help out in the family business by taking orders and keeping inventory of their stocks so her father and Uncle Terry could handle the rest. It gave her a sense of purpose in Davenport and at fifteen years old, she'd seen her share of the lumber business as she traveled across towns with her father. Even her first memories were of him chopping wood and telling her the distinct smell of a pine tree as he sniffed it with a proud smile. When she'd asked to help, her mother had sighed that men's work was not fit for a lady but Caroline assured she wouldn't be partaking in actual manual labor. . .yet.
The smell of freshly cut wood pleased her nose and she was glad to have no allergies to speak of as she walked between the stacked logs along the grassy clearing beside the river. Throughout the previous winter, convoys of lumber were sent to nearby towns and firewood was snatched up faster than they could supply it. Caroline had been more than happy to lend a hand in chopping wood (after years of practice) to cut down on the hours of manpower. Now, however, they were sending large logs and sawed boards for home projects as homesteaders were looking to build homes inside and on the outskirts of towns.
She noticed the only dark-haired boy of Davenport walking down the trail next to their lumber barn. Being lumberjacks, her father and uncle didn't need to pay for anything but nails and hinges in town for its construction. When they made enough money, they would build a large mill to make sawing logs easier since their client list was growing steadily. They would have to hire hands to help in its construction so it would not be a cheap project in slightest and both men wanted to avoid a heavy debt. Ratonhnhaké:ton had become the 'go-to' boy in town as he never hesitated to offer free help whenever anyone required it and didn't mind helping. Due to that, the boy had earned the same respect as any grown man and would undoubtedly grow to be one of Davenport's most reputable members.
"Mornin' to ye, Connor!" she greeted cheerfully as her accent thickened and waved him over for a quick chat since she'd often been busy with her father while he went on errands. She picked up a few wooden chips off the floor to deposit them in her white apron pockets since they helped feed the smoking oven and the hearth. He smiled pleasantly to his friend since he couldn't miss her auburn hair color as it contrasted against the neutral browns and greens of nature. Gold had been the first hair color outside of his tribe that he'd seen as it resembled hay and often heard Martha say it was the prettiest to have. Red hair was a new shade that he grew to admire due to its varying intensity (Amelia held the lightest and Caroline the darkest) but he wouldn't change his hair color for either.
His modest smile widened when her clear blue eyes twinkled with delight (reminding him of the sky overhead) and she piped up, "Where are you off to?"
"The frontier to visit my tribe" he answered happily because he was eager to return to his original home to be among his people and enjoy a week with them. He'd been gone from the village for more than a year and it was time to bask in his culture before he stepped into another farther than he needed to. He longed to hear his natural language and to work the earth with his hands to help the village thrive since harvesting season was upon them as the month of Ohiarihko:wa (or Ripening Time) approached.
"May I ask if you've family there?" she asked sheepishly to respect his privacy and appreciated any tidbits he disclosed about his culture and people. She'd often read about natives warring with colonists and amongst themselves, to which he'd admitted that the Algonquians had done so with his in older days. Nowadays, his tribe remained neutral and kept to themselves to avoid any sort of conflict.
"In a sense, we all are but I have no blood relations" Ratonhnhaké:ton disclosed since he'd slowly come to trust the family that opened their home to him and Caroline often shared family stories with him. It was rare to find that in the settler colonies due to his skin color and nationality but here he was with Caroline, who merely smiled with kindness. She looked anything but a colonial girl as her bonnet hung from its knotted strings at the bottom of her neck rather than her head, wore handmade breeches of brown linen that held fading marks at the knees, a girl's blue blouse smock that she wore for everyday work, and moccasins that matched his own during the summer.
Ratonhnhaké:ton was certain that her mother would have a word or two to say about her boyish attire since Mrs. Burnett wanted her oldest to dress accordingly now that she was fifteen. Caroline, however, seemed to enjoy working outdoors like men rather than inside a home as a woman should. In his culture, it was an admirable trait since women helped with farming as they shared the workload with their spouse but it was seen negatively in colonial women. Why was it wrong to be seen as an equal partner?
She nodded in understanding and flicked her thumb towards the rushing river behind her and admitted, "Same here, my Uncle Joseph is back in New Hampshire and the Galloway's are our extended family in a way after years of friendship. The rest are back in Glasgow so we receive letters every year."
His shoulder-length hair swayed elegantly with shine that reminded her of the tall grasses in the wildflower patches as he nodded. His hair was as black as the night itself but Caroline could swear that when the sun struck it at the right angle, brown undertones peeked through. He looked to the stacked logs as metal chains and wooden posts stored them securely, asking with curiosity, "What are you doing today?"
"Checking on inventory to make sure there are no mites or illness from within" she replied easily since her father had taught her the basics for judging a tree as satisfactory. If it wasn't, it was chopped up for kindling but wood damaged by moisture must either dry or be turned to mulch due to the extensive damage. Amelia and Martha found no fascination in logging as they followed a lady's upbringing to maintain a home but Caroline enjoyed learning about the world around her. There were so many species of trees and each carried a different quality, not to mention smell!
She remembered their father playfully asking her and Amelia what type of house they wanted in the new world years ago (before their dream to have a business sprouted), leading a six-year old Caroline to declare oak. You could never go wrong with oak. Her knuckles rapped on the sturdy oak logs that had yet to be shaved of their rough gray bark and smiled confidently, "Sure, trees can look pretty on the outside but they can be rotting from within- just like people. We always replace cut trees with seeds or young trees for future logging. Might I interest you in purchasing a young oak tree?"
Her hands moved in an arc towards a batch of young trees that were ready to be planted around properties for protection against the elements. Trees were always a wonderful addition to a homestead to brace against winds so homes wouldn't bear the cold brunt of the force. Ratonhnhaké:ton, however, didn't own (or want to own) anything from the land and declined politely, "Not today, Caroline"
"Please, call me Carrie- easier on the tongue" she chuckled good-naturedly since everyone in her family had taken to shortening her name but he never did. He'd previously told her that her name was unique, just as his own was, and would grant her that respect.
"I prefer Caroline and can pronounce it well" he disagreed gently since the short name sounded quite odd on his tongue and preferred using her longer name since it matched half of the sound of his. Short names were quite strange to him but he never stated it aloud since only important sentences should be uttered.
"Is that a subtle chide for my terrible knack of becoming tongue tied on yours?" she teased playfully with a friendly grin as she moved on to another load of pine logs. Just when she thought she had his name perfectly, he corrected a note in her pronunciation and lost the entire name in the process. She always felt guilty since he'd taken the time to learn hers but he was kind enough to let bygones be bygones. Her fingers pointed to the young trees in their little row again and she tried to coax him with a salesman pitch, "Are you sure you wouldn't like a tree? I can make you a good offer and throw in a cut and polished log of your choice at the same time. I could even ask Mr. O'Donnell to pitch in and create a holder for all of your . . . eh, weapons."
Well, she knew he hunted so she'd hold onto that reasoning for the arsenal he carried . . . even if he was fifteen. Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled since her voice had hitched higher and carried a confident swagger that he'd heard with peddlers and storekeepers. She must've picked up a few tips from her father and uncle since they were the only ones with experience to sell their goods.
"You really enjoy this, don't you?" he asked with light amusement and she shrugged with a coy smile since this was her father's dream. It was a privilege to help him and as the oldest child, had no issue doing so. If she'd been a boy, she would've been cutting down trees alongside him but her gender barred her from doing so. Since Ratonhnhaké:ton had money to spare from his random jobs, he decided to take care of one task that had been on his mind and admitted, "Now that I think about it, I wanted to make a second bow for myself. Being on the road can bring dangers and I'd feel safer having another at home in case I happen to lose this one."
His request had Caroline grinning from ear-to-ear as she beamed to her first sale!
She cleared her throat anxiously as her heart thumped wildly in excitement and spoke confidently, "You made the best choice by coming to Burnett and Galloway's Lumber or as our slogan goes, 'We got all the wood you need and if we don't have it, it has never been cut'. Come with me and I'll show you all of our fine selections for your project."
"I'm only looking to craft a bow, not a house" he reminded gently with a low chuckle as she slapped on her best seller voice.
"Well, what you're going to use is hardwood due to its durability and density" she explained matter-of-factly with a hasty nod and moved downwards toward the hardwood collections. He didn't know how she was able to distinguish each so easily since only a few varied in colors but again, she was a logger's daughter. She stood next to a stacked pile of oak logs that had been shaved smoothly clean of their bark and smiled modestly, "Since we're a small business, our stock isn't large-"
"Wouldn't that make the slogan misleading?" he asked curiously since she'd stated otherwise and Caroline blinked rapidly as she'd made a snafu on her first sale. Ratonhnhaké:ton would still buy what he needed but he enjoyed humoring her since she was eager to grab the reins of her new position. She wanted to be capable of handling a sales transaction and he'd help however he could.
"You want a bow or dont'cha?" Caroline pressed hastily as her cheeks darkened to a rosy hue since they actually hadn't made a slogan at all. She was playing everything by ear in the hopes that she could shine with the same potential as a boy with the same position in a business. She was expected to act as an adult but there were certain instances where she was struck with shyness and felt embarrassment for making a mistake. His brown eyes merely shined with warmth and she lost that constricting feeling in her stomach. He would never laugh or criticize her and she took his silence as a sign to continue, smiling sincerely, "Oak is the best for what you're looking for."
Ratonhnhaké:ton decided to hear her entire sales pitch instead of being truthful that he knew what supplies were needed. Caroline was happy to be a part of her father's business and it was infectious enough to let him allow her that joy.
Lance O'Donnell glanced at Connor and Caroline with surprise as they pulled a small wooden cart towards him. Each adolescent pulled one handle each to carry the load and he wondered if his inventory was arriving earlier as he spotted different sizes of lumber. Wait, was that a tree in the back? He gazed away from the workbench as he labored on a custom-ordered dresser to stare at the two since the visit was unexpected and wondered what they were up to. They stopped to let the cart rest on the ground and Ratonhnhaké:ton requested politely, "I'd like to have a bedroom chair done- any style would be fine."
Ratonhnhaké:ton would whittle the bow himself out of the oak log since he'd done so with his current one years before. In his village, children were taught to be self-sufficient and he'd learned to craft his hunting weapons when he was a boy. Regardless, he wasn't a great carpenter yet (a hobby he enjoyed) and needed help in another project he had in mind. He'd saved his earnings from his excursions on the Aquila to protect trade routes and since his room was vastly empty, he wanted to make it cozy like the Burnett household. He had several tables but he lacked a decent chair to sit by when he wanted to practice his writing and sitting on the soft bed often made him sleepy.
"All right, but I don't see why you'd need the rest . . . or that tree" he explained uncertainly since a chair didn't require that much lumber and Ratonhnhaké:ton was reluctant to agree. Caroline smiled cheerfully at both men and Lance assumed the boy had innocently fallen as prey to her sales pitch. The young girl had grown eager to help her father boost the business but since she couldn't wander outside of Davenport, was stuck practicing in their community.
"He needs barrels for his things and a tree looks mighty nice in any yard" Caroline supplied confidently to her first sale as she patted the mound of small cut logs of pine and oak. Ratonhnhaké:ton was too kind not to say no to her suggestions and had walked out with not one, but five pieces of uncut lumber and a young oak tree. She flicked her thumb towards the thin tree that had a moist cloth wrapped around the roots to keep it alive. Her father had brought a few this week since he wanted to plant two around the homestead to protect the home against the winter winds and suggested, "Might I talk to you about our selection? We've naught but the finest young trees in this beautiful young forest."
"You should set up shop in town, Caroline" Lance laughed to her advertising since he'd seen many boys do the same in Boston as they followed in their father's footsteps. Seeing as Godfrey didn't have sons to help him, Caroline was the best alternative and Lance could already see Elizabeth doing the same in a few years. Caroline couldn't help but beam at the comment since she sought to bring in a family income or lighten the workload. Unfortunately, society placed women in the home and that was what she must do in the upcoming future (despite her dreading it).
Lance halted his work with a sharp carving knife as he designed intricate leaves over the front center of a drawer. Since the dresser would require him to have a few more pieces of lumber, he decided to cut his trip short to the river's edge and told her, "But I do need five 50x300mm pieces of black cherry to finish this project."
"Will do, Mr. O'Donnell" she promised with an eager smile and popped out Amelia's slate to scribble down her newest order. Oh, her day was absolutely grand today! Her father had found the beautiful timber for their neighbor after he requested the specific tree and they'd harvested the tart cherries it held on its leaves. It had been a trip north of the forest for her father but she and the children had enjoyed making preserves of the cherries and eating them fresh.
"Connor, you don't really need barrels" Lance tried to dissuade as he saw the bundle of wood and Ratonhnhaké:ton shoulders slumped slightly. How could he admit Mr. O'Donnell was absolutely correct? He hadn't wanted to hurt his friend's feelings and could spare a few coins for wood for future projects or kindling when he wasn't feeling up for chopping down dead trees.
"All sales are final" Caroline pointed out to practice the same last words shopkeepers uttered to customers after transactions were completed. If she allowed herself to allow easy returns, everyone would trample over her one day if she decided to venture out to sell firewood. However, seeing that Connor was her dear friend and someone they all respected, she caved in. She smiled sincerely so he wouldn't waste his money on anything impractical (how he earned money was beyond her) and reassured gently, "I will take the rest back, I'm sure my papa will pop a vein if he realizes I threw this entire inventory at him. All I can say is that he made it so easy to do so and you shouldn't, Connor. You should stand firm if I or anybody else gets pushy with you."
"That's because he has no sales resistance and has to grow immune to it" Lance lectured the young man since he was too polite to decline anything. It was time to develop a tough shell against pushy salesmen but Ratonhnhaké:ton had been taught to keep negative thoughts to himself and maintain civility. He wasn't a boy that spoke endlessly and whenever he engaged in conversation, he'd utter cordial words. The men of Davenport, however, took it upon themselves to raise the boy with a good head on his shoulders for business and Lance instructed, "Whenever Caroline tries to sell you something that you'll never need- say no."
Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't accustomed to being direct and tried to find alternative ways but colonists were insistent sometimes. With negative slurs flying around about his people, how was he not supposed to instigate their fury if he spoke curtly? His brow furrowed in uncertainty as his personality clashed with the rules of their society and asked slowly, "Won't it be rude?"
"Of course not, I'm here to help the customer" Caroline replied earnestly since she considered him a dear friend and wouldn't dare try to swindle him. If she even tried, her father would give her quite the heated lecture since it was his business on the line. Her native friend was the kindest spirit she'd met since arriving in the colonies and would never dare to create a fracture in their friendship.
"This is Caroline, who will easily hand back your money" Lance pointed out gently to show the boy a few business ropes and deliberated further, "I'm sure when you're in the colonies, merchants will sell whatever they can to meet a quota and put food on the table- even if it means leaving you pantsless. Some will understand but others will state all sales are final."
"I'm pretty sure those trousers would sell, given they're deerskin" Caroline added in innocently and she saw the smallest flicker of a frown on his face. Her amused smile with a glittering twinkle in her eye reminded him that she was joking and his expression smoothed to offer a small smile. His clothing was quite comfortable but he wouldn't be relinquishing any of it under any circumstances (well, unless he saw someone in dire need).
Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced between the girl and the woodworker as he took the advice for future transactions. He tended to trade with Achille's preferred Boston storekeeper but there were times he needed to trade an item immediately. Looking to the cart full of items, he squared his shoulders to puff out his chest and tried to sound confident as he told Caroline, "I'll keep the tree but the rest . . . goes back?"
Caroline blinked in surprise since she'd expected everything to be returned (except the oak for the chair and bow) and smiled softly. Well, maybe she wasn't too shabby. Lance shook his head since he wanted him to carry a strong voice because certain traders wouldn't look kindly upon a native boy and he needed to be steadfast. Giving him a kind smile as he crossed his arms, he stated carefully, "You have to be firm, boy."
Ratonhnhaké:ton decided to follow through and his deepening voice helped to carry his message, "The rest goes back, I . . . have no need of it, ma'am."
Caroline chuckled to being called a 'ma'am' at fifteen and smiled pleasantly, "Don't make me blush now. When I'm old enough, maybe I can be by your side during trades to handle any sneaky swindlers."
"Your father would never let you out of his sight in the towns" Lance chuckled warmly since fathers took care of their daughters until they were arranged to be married. With Godfrey having five daughters, he'd be having his hands full finding suitable husbands one day and the towns were becoming bigger by the years. Caroline, however, held no eagerness to be bridled by a husband and longed to be in the beautiful outdoors of Davenport.
"I can protect her, she's always safe with me" Ratonhnhaké:ton stated simply since he had no issue defending himself and would never allow anyone near any of the Burnett children. He'd taken down dangerous wildlife, human enemies, and vessels during his travels so a rude civilian would be of no issue to him. Caroline silently agreed in her own mind since the young man carried weapons and she'd seen him take down a wolf in front of her so she'd no doubt he'd keep her safe.
Lance smiled at the young man since he didn't know about their social rules and explained kindly, "Only parents can walk besides their daughters unless they have an older brother to care for them, especially in town when trouble can arise. Other ladies may walk with their betrothed during courtship to maintain their safety and propriety. Caroline will soon be of that age and nobody wants a seedy man to act improperly around her."
Caroline sighed mentally since she had no inkling of ever leaving home since the land was beautiful in her eyes as it laid untamed. She'd be more than happy to be by her parent's side for another decade (or two) since home was where her heart lay. Ratonhnhaké:ton was puzzled beyond all meaning halfway through the man's words and asked uncertainly, "What's betrothed? And courtship?"
He smiled at the young man's inexperience since he'd learn soon enough as he interacted with other settlers and chuckled gently, "You'll know when you're older, Connor. Now run along, you two."
The two adolescents quickly unloaded the pieces of lumber for Ratonhnhaké:ton's chair and bid farewell to their neighbor to leave him to his work. They carried the lighter cart to the main dirt path the wagons used for travel but while Caroline headed north, he headed south. The two stopped as he retrieved his small traveling satchel from the side of the cart and slung the fabric strap over his shoulder. She didn't know how he bore the elements and wildlife with only one pack of belongings and hoped he'd packed enough food for the trip. How would he make a tent? And cook his food? What about a bed?
"Be safe on your trip and remember, no means no" Caroline encouraged with a fond smile in case he happened to meet traders during the trip and he nodded quietly. It was hard not to admit she'd miss him when he was gone as he'd become a part of her life. She fiddled with the pockets on her apron to fish out the chips she'd collected and handed him the bundle with a modest smile, "In case finding twigs for kindling isn't easy. You'll have more need of them than I will."
He used both hands to hold the small pile she'd given him but had absolutely no place to put them. His food had been wrapped in cloth but he was certain he could use an article of clothing in his pack to keep them in one spot. His eyes caught the faltering smile on her face as she worried for his safety but admired him for venturing out into the unknown for adventure. He smiled kindly to reassure her that he'd return to tell her a few tales and softly said, "Plant the tree east of the stables so the horses can have shade one day."
Caroline nodded to fulfill his request and moved to continue up the road with the barrow but he asked quickly, "May I ask what your favorite fruit tree is?"
"Apple" she replied earnestly since there were many uses for it and her mother was ecstatic over the little garden they'd built. It was harvest time for the vegetables as the girls helped pull up turnips and carrots- even Samuel pitched in to pull stubborn radishes. One day, they hoped to have a decently sized garden that they could use to support themselves through the winters since towns were far and they didn't have farmers in the community.
Ratonhnhaké:ton kept her answer in mind and departed down the trail to head to his village for a taste of homemade food.
25 July 1771
"You're back!" Caroline exclaimed happily as she finished brushing the brown coat of one of her family's mares, Dolly. She would be traveling with her partner, Molly, tomorrow to head to Boston for another shipment with their father. They might not be gorgeous racing horses but Elizabeth wanted their horses to look as pretty as human ladies did on their journeys to towns. The smaller girl joined Caroline's friendly greeting as her head popped out from the adjacent horse stall as she used a bench to brush one of Achilles' horses.
She came around so much to see them all that the two stallions recognized her by her hasty pitter-patter footsteps. To keep the stallions happy for company, Elizabeth brought their mares to brush them altogether and knock out two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, in her haste to make them friends, Molly and James decided one day to mate when they were out on the pasture and her mare was more than likely pregnant now. Godfrey and Achilles reminded her to be careful with Dolly since she was their last horse but a new colt or filly could be sold if tamed to be docile. Elizabeth had proudly taken on the responsibility of taking care of all the horses and Molly's expecting foal.
Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled at the two and touched Roger, the chocolate thoroughbred stallion, on the snout as he whinnied to his arrival. James, the sorrel quarter horse, was contently being groomed by Elizabeth and paid him no mind. He didn't use a saddle with the horses after growing accustomed to riding them bareback but used halters with reins (but no bits) to prevent losing either in towns. The two stallions had happily adjusted for him and Ratonhnhaké:ton often thought of lonely stray horses he saw in the towns. They had no homes to go to and wandered the streets alone- why did their owners leave them so callously? He decided that next time, he would bring them with him so they could find a better home where they were decently cared for.
"What are you two doing?" he asked amicably since Elizabeth loved her chores of tending to the livestock while Caroline normally stuck with helping her father.
"Helping Mr. Davenport with a few chores" Elizabeth answered helpfully and shook her brush to emphasize her tools of the trade. She didn't care about being perfectly literate like Martha and Amelia, choosing to spend her days tending to the animals since they didn't nag. Achilles had been surprised to find his horses taken with the young girl as she visited every day and in his old age, allowed her to groom the horses under his supervision. After many months, they'd become docile and she'd feed them as well when Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't around to do so. For her generous help, Achilles was planning to pay her a few coins this upcoming Christmas to delight the young girl. She smiled widely as she ran her fingers through James' golden mane since he was such a stunning chestnut color and piped up proudly, "He lets me groom his horses."
"Well, he allows me and she helps" Caroline corrected as she kept a good eye on her sister since she was still small in height and didn't want anything to happen to her. Amelia and Martha were more than enough to help their mother with the day's chore of washing so they'd headed to the stables to feed and groom the horses instead of their father. With such a large family, Godfrey and Catherine could rest as their children grew older to handle more responsibilities. Only Samuel and Alice were spared from chores but they didn't mind cleaning the floor with a broom.
"The horsies like me better" Elizabeth insisted in regards to their affection as she hugged James around the neck, burying her cheek into his golden mane. He was such a pretty horse with his light coat but then again, she thought the same of the others. Nobody was better than anyone else since each carried their own quality.
Caroline laughed to her affectionate display and turned to ask her friend, "Was your trip safe?"
"Nothing I couldn't handle" he replied pleasantly since the summer was the easiest to traverse in comparison to winter. The animals weren't eager to eat him for food since they'd been fattened up throughout the spring and fall had yet to prepare them for hibernation. He enjoyed watching the brown rabbits scurry away in haste and the plump beavers waddle towards their homes by the rivers but he steered clear of any territories that showed sign of recent wolf or bear activity.
Elizabeth poked Caroline's left shoulder as she scuttled by to dump her horse brush in the bucket for a smaller, softer, and rounder brush. She loved knowing just about everything on horses and smiled at Dolly as she whispered covertly to her sister, "He probably fought a bear."
"Your imagination is wild at times" she chuckled softly to the mere notion since bears were menacing and doubted any human being could tangle with them to live to tell the encounter. Ratonhnhaké:ton heard Elizabeth's quick whisper since training to overhear conversations was part of his teachings and was amused by her ideas. He'd never fought a bear but there had been occasions when he had to flee or hide to prevent being seen. He wasn't that strong just yet.
"You're probably starving, you should tell Mr. Davenport to let you have supper with us" Elizabeth invited cheerfully to have their friend regale them with his travel tales since Samuel loved them. Caroline sighed with embarrassment since only their parents were allowed to invite others for dinner and didn't want to be disrespectful to them. Her little sister waved a hand since their parents didn't hesitate to set a plate for him and grinned impishly, "Don't complain, you'd like it too."
"I could not inconvenience your family and six mouths are enough to feed" he declined politely since he'd never want to burden the large family and could feed himself quite easily. The Burnetts treated him so kindly that he often brought them a catch or a few dry goods he purchased from traders that didn't turn their nose away from him. They were a sweet hospitable family that despite their previous poverty, didn't hesitate to share their food with him.
"We had two more babies but mama lost them before I was born" Elizabeth confessed privately since he could keep a secret well. Colonial families were rather large since more children equaled extra help around the household, especially when women produced sons.
"Disease ravages the young quite easily" Caroline agreed quietly since one lasted three weeks and another five months as she remembered them perfectly. It wasn't something she could forget after holding each in her little arms and watching their life wither away. They had both been boys so seeing Samuel grow up safe without illness was a great blessing for her parents after that tragedy. Boys were highly valued due to their strength in general labor but Caroline tried her best as the oldest girl (males really did have more freedom). She hoped it was all a stroke of bad luck and not something more sinister that could pass to her one day when she stepped into her role as a wife. Not eager to ponder about the future, she added in quickly, "We've all watched over Eliza, Alice, Samuel, and Ann since they were born here."
"Do you have brothers or sisters?" Elizabeth asked curiously but Caroline sent her a firm look since Connor was a private boy with his thoughts and past. Good girls and ladies must never pry- a trait Elizabeth didn't carry. Caroline always gave him the option of refusing to answer or changing the subject but she'd teach little Elizabeth to use restraint. The copper-haired girl obeyed her silent warning but piped up perkily, "I'd like to have more friends. Nobody's been very nice to me until Connor."
Caroline's face softened since it was the truth and Ratonhnhaké:ton agreed with a faint smile, "I've yet to find others of my age in your settlements that behave the same. They all tend to move away or whisper behind my back."
"They called me Patches" Elizabeth muttered sullenly since her parents never bought her new dresses and she tended to quickly wear out what her mother made by hand. Children that were better off could afford to buy imported clothing but Elizabeth's were handed down by her sisters so they'd be outdated compared to others. She absolutely hated going to school in all of the towns, especially New York town, due to the name calling and had rejoiced when Lake Champlain held none. Nobody there made fun of her simple dresses or about her father's low-paying work as the children belonged to the same working camps. Of course, she was sucked out of cloud nine when they moved to Boston for a few months while their father built their house on the homestead and the laughing returned.
"Freckle face" Caroline added in dully since she'd had her own experiences due to her carefree and tomboyish demeanor. Besides, who'd made the rule that girls played with girls only? All they did was sit daintily on the schoolroom steps while the boys used sleds or ran around in circles- games she loved. Her hands rubbed Dolly's backside as she finished brushing the brown draft horse and sighed softly, "Chicken legs."
"I'd rather not sting my tongue with harsh words" he stated quietly to the numerous slurs he'd heard throughout his travels and thinned his lips to the cruel words. Mr. O'Donnell was right about growing a tough outer shell because he'd be hearing that and much worse as he grew older. He didn't understand why they branded him as an 'evil heathen' by generalizing him to his people and besides, his tribe and many others had lived on the land before the colonists. They tried to bridge coexistence but the majority of settlers wanted to claim it as theirs to do as they saw fit. His community, thankfully, was the exception as they only wanted a homestead in the outdoors and leave the land as it was.
"No matter what people outside of Davenport say, you're our friend and we've nothing but good words about you" Caroline encouraged sincerely and wrapped an arm around Elizabeth as the little girl nodded hastily. Each member of Davenport had slowly become family and nobody would hurt one another in their community.
Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't able to offer his similar sentiments as Achilles opened the back door to walk outside since he'd heard noise. Since the girls were young, his old fatherly instinct returned to make sure they were safe since bandits roamed the lands nowadays. He halted abruptly as he noticed his young student had returned without injury and pointed his cane at Ratonhnhaké:ton, "I thought I heard you out here. No dilly-dallying, you've been gone long enough and it's time to resume your studies."
The Burnett children had no idea what the older man meant but assumed he taught their friend similarly to how their mother schooled him in English. Ratonhnhaké:ton excused himself to leave the girls to their task as Molly was the last that needed brushing and he entered the brick manor to resume his other life. It was hot outdoors under the glaring sun but the coastal breeze made it bearable unlike the southern colonies that bore humidity. The brick manor was considerably cooler as it kept the heat outside like an impenetrable fortress but it diffused slowly into the night to keep its inhabitants warm. Ratonhnhaké:ton hurried up to his room on the second-floor to place his satchel of personal items on the bed to sort it all later and hung his water canteen from a nail on the wall. Leaving his weapons on, he descended the staircase with light footsteps but the wood creaked under his weight to betray him and he withheld a sigh. Was the noise because of his recent growth spurt?
He poked his head into every room in resemblance to a gopher to find his mentor and tried to ignore the grumbling in his stomach. Apparently, wild berries and pieces of hardtack for breakfast weren't enough. Ratonhnhaké:ton found Achilles waiting for him in his library as ceiling length bookcases filled two walls of the room with leather bound books of numerous colors. He'd no idea why the old man was here of all places since their training was in the secret chamber under the manor and asked uncertainly, "Am I not to train in the cellar?"
Achilles fingers tapped against the gold handle of his cane and he explained carefully, "Training includes many forms. You've currently been increasing your strength and dexterity but what about intelligence? An assassin cannot be all brawn and no brains since Templars have already proved themselves as cunning manipulators from the shadows. You are a boy with good morals but you lack the patience to stay still and it can hinder your choices between right and wrong."
"I've learned from the Burnetts how to read so I've been lucky to be granted that" he pointed out since Achilles hadn't exactly offered to teach him English and had pretty much taught him physical training. The Burnetts had offered their help without his asking and if they hadn't, he'd be wandering the land with a limited vocabulary. He understood what most settlers said and wouldn't be lost in translation so he knew how to take the civil road without risking his integrity. His brow furrowed since he was trying his best to be patient by not tracking down Lee himself and pointed out hastily, "I can handle myself in the towns without being swindled or harassed."
Achilles resisted from rapping him on top of the head with his cane since he was dealing with a boy going through his adolescence. Stubbornness and impatience were the markers during that phase of life but if the boy wanted to be a decent assassin, he had to cast it aside. Teaching him would be similar to breaking a wild horse for domestication and he pointed out firmly, "Language is one thing but you need strong principles to keep you from slipping from your goal. For example, let us say there's a runaway wagon hurtling down a street in Boston. In its path are five people who will definitely be killed unless you manage to pull the horses' reins. This will divert it on to another street, where it will kill one person only. Should you divert the original path?"
Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't answer such a question because he wouldn't want anyone to die at all! Achilles looked to him for a quick answer since time would be a factor in such grim scenarios and his student answered with what he considered the best logical choice, "I'd save the five people then."
"What if I said they were Templars and the single person was a child? What then?" Achilles restated as he shifted the situation to test his student's quick thinking and how he would react. Ratonhnhaké:ton's lips parted since distinguishing who had the right to live wasn't an easy business but he'd save the child. Why wouldn't he? Templars were their sworn enemies but before he could tell his mentor, Achilles twisted the situation and made it grimmer, "Or there were five children and the other was an elderly woman?"
Achilles saw his hesitance as his eyes widened to making such a horrible choice and he affirmed, "This is why you must gain insight to many disciplinary fields to shape the world you want to create. The peaceful free world that the assassins want to preserve. You must take care not to destroy or deviate from your goal due to a moment of conflicting emotions or recklessness because consequences can be dire."
"What am I to do then?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked since he'd undoubtedly have to shift into a new form of learning but Achilles made a valid point. He acknowledged that he had a tendency to be brash but he only behaved as such since he thought his ideas could have a better outcome. There was no questions that his optimistic view of mankind clashed with Achilles' rational viewpoint but Ratonhnhaké:ton would learn to combine both for a balanced relationship.
Achilles handed Ratonhnhaké:ton a list of two titles and he explained carefully, "First, I want you to read these books and study them carefully. If you need help translating or understanding a concept, feel free to ask me. Secondly, I want you to write a verbal prose on the following questions: Is Socrates correct when he says that evil and other negative actions are the result of ignorance? What is justice, in your own words? How do we determine if something is "just"? Is justice universal or is it a human social construct? Finally, do the ends ever justify the means? You can do so on this paper or on your slate, it's up to you."
Ratonhnhaké:ton knew he'd be in his room for many days with this assignment because he'd never written a paper in his life! Not to mention, reading two novels greatly concerned him. He wrote sentences and words to recite to Mrs. Burnett but he'd never written entire paragraphs on his own. Was it too late to ask for more physical training? No, he would see this new task to the end to enlighten himself since it would be an opportunity to learn of concepts he'd never been exposed to. Ratonhnhaké:ton would look to the brighter side of things as he always did and looked at the crisp paper in his hands to ask quietly, "How long do I have?"
"A week but you will continue learning about philosophy throughout the month" Achilles explained since he had other subjects for him to learn over the years but Ratonhnhaké:ton inwardly winced to the short time. He wanted his student to be a capable man one day that wouldn't run recklessly into a fray and unknowingly worsen a situation simply because he 'thought it would be better'. The boy held an optimistically naïve view of the world but he wanted to prepare him for the pitfalls of the raw reality and stated simply, "You'll be learning many disciplines- I hope you're prepared to learn Latin."
Ratonhnhaké:ton's lips parted in astonishment since he'd barely learned to grasp English itself and hoped these new subjects wouldn't be too challenging. Achilles shuffled out of the library but empathetic to his return, stated, "There's fresh milk from the Galloway cow in the kitchen and sweet corn cakes in the cupboards."
The old man left the library to attend to other business since the Burnett girls were still outside and Ratonhnhaké:ton slowly approached the book shelf to find the specific titles on the list. He looked over the black, red, brown, and blue leather bound books filling each shelf to sigh mentally, All the corn cakes in the world won't make this assignment easier.
A/N: I found it interesting that colonization in Missouri by the French and Spanish caused no troubles for native tribes but once the Americans started pushing for more land there in 1803, the natives were immediately troubled by their influences on young generations. You'd think there was enough land for all the colonists after gaining the Northwest Territories but no. Also, since there are yearly gaps between a few of the sequences during the Revolutionary war, I wanted to see Connor's take on the Mohawk people joining Joseph Brant with the British despite his village remained neutral. I can't wait until the 1775-1781 years of the story. As for the next chapter, we'll have Connor and Caroline bonding as they take pleasure in the quiet life of Davenport since it's the quality- not monetary quantity- of life that defines happiness.
I'm ecstatic to have received quite a few alerts this week on the story so thank you, new and loyal readers alike!
NoNeedToAsk: Thank you for loving the story!
ShizukaRen-Hime: I'm glad you loved Connor's first Christmas and the relationships will grow as more residents arrive. Writing the chapters makes me realize how much they need Prudence and Warren since it can't be easy going back and forth to town for dry goods they can't grow at home. I took your advice for searching music and I found a great site with a ton of old Scottish songs with lyrics. I love the scrambling idea for the children but the guests will have to do without liquor since Mohawk weddings don't have any of it (I can already imagine Terry and Godfrey lamenting) since Connor and Caroline will be compromising. Lol. I do thank you for the help, I appreciated it!
Tk: Samuel really does see Connor as his older brother and will try to imitate him as he grows up. When he first sees him with his Aquila garb, he runs around with his hat and defiantly grows his hair out to match him. I actually will have Haytham pass through Homestead during the Church chasing missions since they need the Aquila. I hadn't thought of using a spy but that would be a good idea and can see the little Burnett gang chasing them off with Elijah on their tail.
HoldenCaulfied: I usually attach a theme or focus for each chapter and add the respective dates on each section to make it an easier read. If a page break does occur within a chapter and has no date at the top left, it will still take place on that same day as the previous segment. I hope that makes sense a little bit? I will be showing Connor's training since we still have a few years left (and more throughout) but the broad focus will be on Homestead and his interactions with residents.
NinjaxSketcheartx: It was either going to be Edward, Henry, or Elijah, and I really liked the latter. Caroline won't be whittling yet but she'll grow into it as she grows. She will eventually conform to the lady's way of dressing when she ventures into towns but her identity will struggle to find her purpose when Amelia leaves the nest and Martha finds her own way (being the oldest in the nest won't feel so good). Caroline will absolutely adore pistols to the point that I'm sure Connor will buy her a few in the future. Lol
Tellemicus Sundance: I'll be focusing on the interactions of the Homestead folks with Connor- especially the Burnetts- but since there are time gaps between sequences, I want Connor to venture into other areas of the colonies (and show interactions with his assassin peeps). I actually wanted to write my current Altaïr story in the east but since he traveled there in his later life, it defied what I could've written so I stuck to exploring Africa. I do love Japanese history and had written down that the three Imperial Regalia of Japan could've been POE's if I'd ever crafted a fanfic like that. I'm hoping once I finish one of my current fanfics, I can add another but at the moment, I've taken a request for an Altaïr/Malik friendship tale about empathy after Solomon's temple.
Next Time: The Simple Things In Life
Everyone was in such a jovial mood that Caroline couldn't help but grin to greet him from behind, "Connor, I'm-"
"Caroline, go wash your face- it's full of wooden debris" her mother lectured softly as she saw her unkempt appearance and wanted her daughter to have a clean face at the least. Catherine shook her head to the pieces of sawed splinters lingering in her unkempt hair and saw dust smeared on her cheeks. She'd seen the same on her husband after continuous lifting of lumber and dusty hands swept the face to clear away perspiration, leaving behind a dirt trail from the smearing. She ushered her oldest out through the doorway as Caroline withheld an exasperated sigh and Catherine added quickly, "I'm sure Connor will afford you that time."
She hurried outside to run towards the covered well behind the house and lifted the wooden board over the hole that protected it against contaminants. She lowered the wooden pail down into the dark well until the heard a faint plop and felt resistance in the rope as it filled with water. Not needing much, she pulled it up quickly with the pulley and placed the bucket on the edge of the well to splash cold freshwater on her face. She didn't think it was too bad until gray-brown droplets cascaded down her palms and she grimaced at the color.
Goodness, how did I really look?, she wondered with a brief flicker of embarrassment since she liked working but wanted to keep a decent appearance. Resembling a mud monster would not bode well for her or anybody else and she reminded herself to wash her face at the river next time.
Untying her handy white apron, she used the backside to wipe her face clean and her damp arms to appear presentable. She didn't want Connor running off in fear. . . although she highly doubted a young man like him was capable of it. Her fingers ran through her messy hair to smooth down flyaways from the single braid down her back that had become unraveled through perpetual motion.
"I hope everything is well with your father's business?" Ratonhnhaké:ton's voice asked as it echoed through the grassy field and she turned around with a modest smile. Although he might be growing to resemble a mountain, Caroline's spirit for hard work grew the same and he smiled in admiration.
"Yes, it's not a paying job but I'm by his side" she answered earnestly since she was happiest with her family and wouldn't be leaving them anytime soon. The future was uncertain and she'd make the most out of living in Davenport. She folded her apron with nervous hands, hoping she didn't appear odd in her appearance, and asked softly, "Did you run into any trouble on the high seas?"
"Not this time" he confided as he straightened his broad shoulders and she stared with curiosity as to why he kept his hands folded behind his back. He hadn't gotten injured and was trying to keep it secret, was he? No, no, he'd just seen him give Ann a piece of candy so it wasn't that. Besides, the captain of the Aquila must've been a formidable man since her friend never had a scratch on him.
Caroline shook her head as to why she felt bashful in his presence and blamed his handsome attire while hers was shabbier than the dirtiest waddling beaver (they were adorable, though). She hoped he wouldn't grow anymore because he was starting to resemble a man faster than she was matching a woman and she didn't want to be left behind. Her thoughts halted when she brought his arms forward and she saw why he'd been standing so upright: he was holding a small tree. Well, it looked more like a long twig with little green leaves sprouting but Caroline knew a tree when she saw one. . .especially this kind. Did he . . . Was he . . .?
"You told me that your favorite tree was apple" he spoke up quietly in regards to the summer he'd visited his village and handed her the young tree wrapped in cloth. Caroline's hands trembled slightly to the generous gift since she'd never expected it and balanced it in her hands. Is that why he'd asked so many months ago? She couldn't believe it! Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled modestly to her abashed expression and looked to the tree before meeting her gaze to explain, "I managed to find one and thought you would like it, given your growing garden."
She was completely flabbergasted to his unexpected gift that she could barely utter coherent words and whispered, "But. . .you. . .I-I couldn't take this knowing you spent your hard earned money-"
"You've always given me items without expecting anything in return, it's time I repaid your kindness" he replied wholeheartedly since she'd given him her slate, a Christmas gift, and a steep discount from his lumber purchase that was practically free. When he was at home and his time was free, he would seek her to take a walk around the trails so he wouldn't feel lonely. There were many things the two shared together as they grew older and he wouldn't forget it, stating truthfully, "You're my dearest friend here and I hope to enjoy many years of friendship under this tree once it's fully grown."
She chuckled to his endless optimism since illness could strike at any moment and smiled widely, "I will take good care of it, I promise. It'll be years before it produces anything but it will be worth the effort to see it grow to fruition. I'll even make you the first pie!"
"You are nothing but determined, Caroline" he chuckled with encouragement to her vow and she gazed at her covered tree with sheer joy. It was simple things in life like that little tree that brought her fulfillment and could care less about living in a town, courting a man, or having the latest fashions.
"You should come to supper tonight, the girls are putting on a play" she invited warmly since Amelia decided to write her first tale and would appreciate his company. Her sister had given each of the children a part of the story so they all had equal chances to speak and Caroline would help them set up later. They'd crafted decorations and would use Amelia and Caroline as curtain holders since it would take place in front of the house. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't have anything planned as of yet for that night and she deliberated sheepishly with pink cheeks, "It's not a fancy opera but . . . well, I don't think people like us will ever see that upscale life. It would be a nice dream to have though, wouldn't it?"
He preferred stories told around the hearth as they'd done in his village but was actually interested in the girls' performance but nodded for her benefit. Caroline held dreams of a brighter future but being born of lower stature didn't bring hope that it would come true. She'd often heard people in the logging camps mutter 'we were born with nothing and will die with nothing' so it was always hard for her to shake that out of her mind. He sailed on that same boat but Achilles had opened the door to a new life and although it led him to enlightenment, he didn't want to tread into their culture completely. Caroline was an outsider by social class and he was the same due to his skin color but they were most happy in each other's company.
"You could always imagine" he suggested helpfully, offering a different perspective and she smiled faintly. Yes, that could work when she closed her eyes at night to sleep. He swept his hand over the log house to play the creative game with her and he smiled warmly with twinkling brown eyes, "Maybe we could see this play as one of those? This plot of land is the grand hall as we sit outside like the audience and watch your siblings like those trained actors. We could even imagine the decorations as the curtain opens to unveil the start and your house is the background since all actors need an area to prepare."
He was a boy that never failed to make her smile, even when she felt at her lowest. Caroline couldn't ask for a better friend and she was glad to have him by her side.
Thank you for reading, I appreciate it!