Music: Audiomachine- "Nothing to Prove to You"

United Fronts

In the end, the team was forced to implement their diversion tactic in order to fetch a few minutes with Ratonhnhaké:ton. The false priest infiltration had been their best gambit so utilizing that gathered information, they would climb the prison walls to find him. Their problem lied in the guard duty surrounding Bridewell. For that, the assassins would use Stephane's culinary skills and alcohol to entice their targets.

Norris and Clipper had temporarily borrowed a table from a random unaware owner to set up their plan. Stephane bought a barrel of ale and meat pies from a nearby vendor for the heart of their plan. Myriam had borrowed a dress from Martha to play the female lead while Caroline kept to her sailing attire since she'd be scaling a wall soon enough if the plan succeeded. Her sisters were tucked away safely back at the Aquila under the eye of Faulkner so she knew they weren't going anywhere. Duncan had changed his attire to match the everyday colonial wear to avoid arising any suspicion to his identity earlier that day. Clipper had managed to put together a brown beard made of hog hair and sap to glue it onto his face to change his identity and added a straw hat on top of his head. The Irishman felt absolutely ridiculous in the getup but Myriam was in the same boat because Martha's dress didn't cover her ankles and the waistline was too tight.

"Stop scratching your beard, it'll fall off" Clipper lectured with a quiet hiss as the team moved forward to the left side of Bridewell Prison. It was now or never to unveil their plan and the group of six walked nonchalantly to avoid suspicion. Stephane carried the keg of ale while Caroline lugged the basket of meat pies while Norris and Clipper moved the small table to their destination.

"I already have a beard, that's why!" the redhead shot back swiftly because it made more sense to shave it off. Stephane had declared blasphemy on shaving it off and had ordered Clipper to find him one so the young assassin wasn't letting his work go to waste. Even if he agreed with Duncan in the first place. Bringing up a valid alternative, he asked aloud, "Why couldn't we use shoe polish instead?"

"Because nobody said it during the brainstorming!" Duncan shot back to the lateness of that possibility because he could saw himself the horrible itchiness on his face. How did a brown bear even naturally match red hair?!

They didn't venture too close to the guards on duty but the men set down the table and Stephane quickly loaded the keg on top. Caroline placed the basket of warm meat pies beside the keg and silently nudged Myriam in the ribs to begin the show. The huntress closed her eyes to summon whatever feminine spirit dwelled inside and whistled at the small group of guards with a wink attached.

Clipper set out tin cups that they'd also purchased so their plan would work in getting them inebriated and focused on eating. Caroline and Duncan stuck to the rear of the table so they wouldn't be detected and stay as silent background characters. If anybody recognized their voices, the plan would be in jeopardy. With the French being allies in the rebellion against the crown, they placed Stephane and Norris as their key players.

Stephane pretended to laugh at something with a boisterous voice that caught everyone's attention. He was filling the cups with careful calculation that would lead the guards to wanting more and grabbed an empty cup to mimic drinking. Clapping Clipper on the back, the young man echoed a half-hearted laugh since he wasn't a great actor but Stephane took the lead by declaring, "What I'd tell you? A quiet night brought to us by our Patriots."

Myriam leaned against the table to copy one of the poses she'd seen on brothel workers and held out a cup to greet slyly, "Evening, boys! Mind sharing an ale with us?"

Norris felt his ears grow hot when she managed to catch most of their attention and almost slipped on his practiced line, "Oui! My friends and I travel the town to unwind at night with fighters from the rebellion."

Stephane pretended to spit on the ground as he slipped perfectly into his role and declared with annoyance, "They kicked us out the bar tonight for badmouthing the Loyalist pigs so we stole their keg!"

Clipper smiled widely as he pointed to the closed basket and invited, "We have meat pies. Please, join us! At this hour, you all need a little something to unwind."

Caroline tried not to laugh when the guards agreed simultaneously to free food and clinched a success when they moved away from the prison. Their intent wasn't to lure them away entirely but to leave Ratonhnhaké:ton's side unguarded for her and Duncan. Their friend was wrongly accused but the group of assassins and colonials were on the Patriots side so they didn't mind offering them a hot meal. Norris was quick to pass out the meat pies as he encouraged their morale to fight and Stephane handed out drinks faster than people could finish them. The guards were more than happy for the free meal and Stephane laughed as he patted the keg, "Come now, drink! This girl here has enough to knock out the first floor of that building!"

Myriam nodded quickly to ensure the beer would dull their senses and smiled charmingly, "We plan on drinking this keg until there's nothing left. We might not have a lot of food but we have a lot of drinks!"

A rabble of thanks echoed from the guards since night duty was slow and tedious. With battles raging in the countryside outside of cities, they were stuck with watch duty. The group had picked a time when most residents were home and this area of the city was rarely visited at that late hour. As for the assassins, they made sure Templars wouldn't be wandering nearby since one of theirs was also on lockdown.

Duncan and Caroline pretended to quietly drink and laughed when prompted by their friends. The guards were keener on speaking with the others, especially Stephane which surprised them. They expected Myriam or the fresh-faced Clipper to seize most of the conversation but either way, the plan worked. Coughing abruptly, Duncan made an excuse about finding a corner to use as a latrine and Caroline piped up with a lower pitch in her tone, "Same here. Let's go!"

The guards were more engrossed in drinks than watching them leave and the two walked off casually away from the prison. They sought to sneak around the adjacent building and Caroline frowned when the doorknobs were locked tightly. If they could take a detour through the building, why not? She jiggled the brass knob again but there was no give, forcing her to continue quietly on the path.

She heard a sharp clink as metal struck metal and turned around quickly to discover that Duncan had broken the lock. Her eyes caught onto a metal glint of a small knife under his right sleeve but before she could ask, he opened the door to venture inside. Caroline quickly followed into the dark building, closing the door behind her and let out a breath in relief when it closed instead of staying ajar. She had no light source but the filtering moonlight and dangling outdoor lanterns to guide her around the first floor of the building.

Tables were littered with empty buckets and cutting boards, along with kitchen tools, and she figured this place either fed the prison population or guards. She tried not to accidentally kick anything in the dark as she followed Duncan's dark outline and whispered softly, "How do you not crash into anything?"

"Sharpen your hearing and use what little light you have to focus on the edges of items" he advised with a careful whisper because one wrong move and they could be detected by the guards for illegal trespassing. His footsteps were careful as he headed straight through the room serving as a kitchen and looked to the left for any visible windows.

Caroline took careful breaths as she worried the slightest hitch would lead her to accidentally hitting a hanging skillet or knocking off a utensil. She would need to practice in the dark back at home to tune her senses to her surroundings. Being accustomed to open spaces, she was unfamiliar to tight spaces and treading through complete darkness. She heard a soft 'psst' as Duncan beckoned her and she hurried as best she could.

The assassin had found a window and within the darkness, felt around the sides of the shut window to find the wooden latch to open it. The smell of stale salted meat hung in the air and he was more than happy to unlatch the window to open it slowly to avoid any creaking noises. The cool night air filled his nose as it pushed back the smells of the empty kitchen and he heard faint laughter in the wind. Good, they were still distracted.

Quickly, he hoisted himself through the window and jumped back outside to the cleared out western wing of the prison. He held out his right hand to help Caroline join him and she grasped it tightly as she flung one leg over the windowsill before clambering over. Landing on the ground, Duncan motioned silently with his fingers to stick to the shadows as he moved to the side of the prison. Her heart skipped a few beats as she added more trespassing charges to her name but Ratonhnhaké:ton was worth the risk.

Duncan kept his gaze trained on the guards until he could no longer see them and heard only echoing laughter instead. Their friends were playing their parts beautifully as they kept them entertained and away from the western side. Seeing this as the go ahead in the plan, he whispered to her quickly, "They're distracted, go!"

Caroline didn't need to be told twice and she jumped upwards to grip the first crack her fingers touched. The tip of her boot dug into a shallow groove and it was enough to boost her for the next grip in the brick building. She hadn't climbed like this in a while and she was surprised to how easily her mind remembered it. Two years didn't seem like a long time for learning to climb tall buildings but with everything that had occurred in her life, it was nothing. She'd been accustomed to climbing homes, however, not prisons.

She pushed her body to make the journey towards the barred window on the third floor, knowing he was right behind it. At the same time, she had to keep quiet as her lack of practice would make it easy to make sound or worse, fall. She tried to ignore the screaming and muffled cries of the prison as each window she passed offered a somber ambience to the inhabitants inside. If this was how they felt, how was Ratonhnhaké:ton bearing it?

Duncan was already adept to climbing and she swore the man was a phantom gliding up the building while she felt like a drunk raccoon with her coordination. Quickly, she forced herself to climb faster to make up for lost time because their friends could only buy them so much. There was little light coming from the window they pinned as Ratonhnhaké:ton's and Caroline hoped they were approaching the right one and that he was all right. Her stomach was summersaulting on itself as her heart hammered away for his safety rather than hers.

"Connor!"

Her friend reached the iron bars first, digging his feet into the smallest grooves as he used his upper body strength to hang on. Caroline followed seconds later as she managed to grab one bar with her dominant hand, securing her feet into a groove between the bricks. She heard shuffling inside the dark cell but the form of Ratonhnhaké:ton was visible as glowing lanterns from the prison halls illuminated part of it. Her left hand reached through the bars when she caught sight of his unkempt appearance, focusing on it better now than earlier. All he wore was a stained tunic and tattered breeches, old blood splatters surrounding the neckline. The dark bruises on his face and the new gash over his right eye told her his stay here was far from safe.

"Caroline!" he whispered with surprise but he leapt onto the cement bed to grasp her hand into his. The warmth of her fingers comforted his cold skin as he was left to the elements without proper bedding or clothing. What was she doing back here of all places? He caught another face peeking through the bars but this time he hesitated as he squinted to figure out who it was. The only clear giveaway was his icy blue eyes and he asked with confusion, "Uh. . .Duncan?"

The redhead sighed as his costume confounded many, including himself, and muttered, "That's me."

"Why do you have red hair and a brown beard?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked bluntly as the mismatching colors didn't make sense. They weren't naturally occurring colors on the same person and wondered the reason behind that decision.

"We should talk about believable costumes at our next meeting" Duncan sighed glumly because he was vetoed in the vote earlier that day. It was painfully clear that assassins needed better concealing attire but they didn't look for him just to talk about that subject. No, they needed answers and he sighed softly to remind them, "That's also not the most important right now."

Caroline squeezed his hand, desperately wishing the bars weren't there to separate them. The strength she'd often felt in his grip wasn't there and she wondered if he was even eating. How long had he been in this awful place? Her concerned gaze fanned over his face with disbelief to the clotting blood on his new wounds, hissing with question, "What did they do to you? Those brutes!"

"They believe I am their enemy" he answered simply because the Templars had manipulated the situation against him. With every step he took to clearing his name, they pushed back twice as hard and slapped more charges to his name. He hadn't even seen the warden's death and that was being pinned on him!

Caroline released his hand with reluctance to reach into her vest, retrieving a small packet of food and a leather canteen full of water to jam it through the bars. It was all she was able to stuff into her interior pockets but for him, she'd do anything. Ratonhnhaké:ton accepted it with deep gratitude after going many days without eating and even daring to smell the slop they brought for meals made him dry heave. He was glad to simply see his friends and appreciated the care package. His eyes widened slightly when she slipped a pocketknife through the bars to leave it on the windowsill to avoid noise and whispered sneakily, "For protection."

"We're here for you" his assassin replied with a covert nod since Caroline was out of the loop with their business. They had managed to track him down here from Boston and Ratonhnhaké:ton felt pride in teaching capable assassins, especially because he was meticulous on not leaving tracks. In hindsight, it was not the best thing to do because he likely wouldn't have been in this predicament for so long.

Seeing Caroline in his company, curiosity stirred in his mind to how the two became acquainted and he asked, "How do you two know each other?"

Duncan was quick to remind him about an old forgotten conversation and answered, "She's the one I told you-"

"We met before my first voyage" Caroline replied simultaneously as their voices overlapped and all Ratonhnhaké:ton heard was gibberish. The mental fatigue from his weeks in the prison were beginning to affect him, especially after being unable to fight back against Lee. That futile attempt had wasted the last of his energy. She helped refocus his gaze as her fingers brushed against his as he held one of the bars and she smiled with relief, "He helped us find you."

"You have a lot of friends" Duncan agreed with a warm smile because the quiet native had pulled together a strong niche of friends. Caroline had informed him she'd brought his closest friends from home but if possible, the entire town would've rallied to his aid.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was glad to hear that others valued him, seeing it firsthand across his iron cage, and murmured bitterly, "I wish the same could be said in here."

Caroline's left hand snuck in through the bars to brush down the uninjured side of his face and she whispered with promise, "I'm sorry they're treating you like this. We'll get you out somehow."

"Don't worry about me, Caroline" he spoke gingerly and squeezed her hand to convey that message. Her presence alone brought him peace of mind and he wished to hold her hand for a moment longer, knowing she had to leave. The warmth of her hand seeped into his skin as her thumb grazed his cheek and he cursed the grim twist of his life. He might have fallen into this current predicament but he could shield her from it. She deserved to be at home, none the wiser about his wellbeing, and live a happy life. Instead, she was here witnessing him in one of his worst moments and he pleaded softly, "Go home where it's safe. You shouldn't be anywhere near here. There's powerful forces at play that you aren't aware of."

"I refuse to budge when they're torturing you here" she hissed protectively because he was her captain and a beacon to the people of Davenport. What kind of person would leave her friend behind in a cell without a second thought? She wished to have the strength to bend those bars and free him, knowing he was innocent of everything. She wanted to take him home where they belonged and she felt tears burn her eyes as she met his somber gaze. They were crushing his spirit in that forsaken place and she reminded him with a fond smile, "My strong wolf."

"The longer you stay, the more danger will rise" he pointed out firmly to protect her from forces she was unaware of. She was treading too close into his secret life and the Templars wouldn't care. This would simply be more ammunition to use against him and if they found the others, Davenport would be at risk. His gaze hardened with hope that she'd believe his words and he vowed, "You will see me again. There's many things I wish I could tell you but time is against us."

Seeing his condition hadn't settled her worries at all, simply heightening them, and she shook her head swiftly. Letting him go and leaving him behind to that tiny musty cell felt horrible but she couldn't free him. There was nothing tangible with evidence to free him and filing the iron bars on the window was impossible. Her hands were tied in this situation and she was forced to remove herself despite every fiber of her being screamed to stay. She had promised to always bring him home safe when they were together and she whispered sadly, "I can't leave you behind-"

"Don't lose your resolve" he interjected to bolster her heart because she was meant to be strong and never in despair. Touching her forehead to his as he managed between the bars, he gave her one last job, "You have to protect our home in my stead."

Duncan coughed awkwardly as he found himself at the center between this interaction and realized this was why she was adamant on finding him. There was respect and friendship binding them but there was clear affection from both sides. It was rather touching- that is, if they were anywhere but a prison cell. Both snapped out of their private moment at remembering Duncan's presence and she pulled her hand back with shaking fingers that she curled into a fist. Ratonhnhaké:ton was right, she couldn't give in to despair when he needed them the most.

"We'll free you" Duncan assured with a firm nod because the assassins were already present in the city. They were keeping a sharp surveillance over the prison so if they moved him, they would follow.

"I am being framed for the death of the warden, along with the other charges" Ratonhnhaké:ton explained carefully so they were aware of the severity of his predicament. Caroline gripped the bars tightly before she accidentally released them from shock. She had nothing to lean against and shrunk against the brick exterior when Duncan placed a comforting hand on her head. Why were these people so insistent on criminalizing him? "There is to be a trial tomorrow but I've no idea on what little evidence I can provide to prove my innocence."

Caroline grasped his arm as worry flickered in her eyes and she demanded, "Who is doing this? They can't-"

"We will plan for tomorrow now that we're aware and we'll be here before sunrise" Duncan intervened to deescalate her rising voice because being caught was not on the agenda. He sympathized with her anguish but it wouldn't help anyone. Ratonhnhaké:ton's situation was tricky and they had to plan carefully in extreme privacy if they were to succeed. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he beckoned her hastily, "Come on, Caroline."

She was reluctant to release his hand now that they'd found him, wishing for more time. Weeks had gone without hearing his voice and seeing the conditions of his cell was demoralizing. Ratonhnhaké:ton agreed quietly with Duncan, although his grasp lingered for a few seconds before releasing her. She had to return to safety and he wouldn't risk it for a mere touch of the hand. Duncan was forced to yank Caroline's vest to break her away from Ratonhnhaké:ton and with one last tearful glance, she followed him back down.

Caroline returned to the Aquila with her team with a nagging bite of defeat. She kept her face stuck on neutral until she entered the empty captain's cabin. Everything inside the room reminded her of Ratonhnhaké:ton and in the privacy of his quarters, allowed her emotions to break through for a minute. If she didn't purge the hurt trapped inside, it would only build and likely explode at the worst time. Her mother had taught her to keep a stiff upper lip in all situations but Caroline's life was anything but ordinary nowadays.

After drying her eyes, she wiped her face clean with a nearby cloth to erase all evidence. It wouldn't do anyone any good to carry on that way for any longer. Taking a deep breath, she exited the cabin to head straight for the Aquila's wheel since Faulkner was awaiting her. Most of the sailors were retiring for the night but she heard muffled laughter from her sisters as they tried their hand at fishing over the bannister. Myriam and Norris had headed downstairs to enjoy a quick dinner they bought along the way but Caroline had declined their invitation.

Robert could hear the glumness in her footsteps as she ascended the stairs. He'd seen the stoic expression often enough on Ratonhnhaké:ton's face that it was easy to spot on hers. A mixture of curiosity and apprehension filled him, leading him to sigh, "I don't like that face, what happened?"

Caroline matched his sigh as she leaned against the bannister, wringing her hands as she admitted quietly, "A trial is taking place tomorrow by town hall. He's being framed for murder and monetary fraud."

"What's the plan?" he asked simply because he'd never believe the boy could commit evil atrocities. He was too kindhearted and believed the best in everyone to do so. Knowing Caroline, she wouldn't stand by and watch a trial convict him.

"My lead has his plan" she informed with optimism that Duncan and his contacts had a failsafe plan. She was relying on him and hopefully, together, they would rescue him. she wasn't leaving him in a cell for the rest of his life and promised she'd bring him home. He had people on his side and she ran a hand over her unkempt hair to sigh, "Apparently, he and Mr. Davenport know each other so they're in contact. He sent us back and will meet us here within the hour to go over everything."

Rubbing her eyes since she'd gotten little sleep, she muttered softly, "We all need a drink right about now."

"Don't worry, kid, their group and ours will be enough" Robert assured her with a warm smile because he'd fought enough Templars to know their group could give them a run for their money. He was aware that high-ranking enemies were lurking about but the assassins also had civilians capable of putting up one hell of a fight. Davenport was a peaceful town but the residents were quite familiar with weapons to defend themselves.

Caroline spoke up quickly because she wasn't risking damage or losing the vessel, "But the ship-"

"I can spare a few men but I'm not leaving that boy at their mercy" he intervened because he wouldn't abandon his captain during a trying moment. The Aquila was awaiting her captain to return and he would do his best to get him back safely. Her crew was more than ready to fight for their leader as well since Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't hesitate to help a sailor in trouble. Placing a comforting hand on her tense shoulder, he promised confidently, "We'll free him."

"I hope so, Mr. Faulkner" she sighed softly under her breath and he chuckled to the fond but accursed polite surname. The girl was barely twenty winters old and tackled everything thrown her way, similar to the native boy awaiting his freedom within a cell. Robert saw the likeness between the two and saw the potential in Caroline to succeed him, similar to how Ratonhnhaké:ton had easily filled his captain's shoes.

"You're doing good" he complimented to keep her hearty on the mission and patted her back. Caroline shook her head as her confidence plummeted into the slums at having to abandon her captain. Everything she'd learned that year was because of Ratonhnhaké:ton and she couldn't figure out a way to free him. What kind of help was she? Biting down her feelings of inadequacy, Robert broke into her thoughts by reminding, "I saw you grow from a sapling into a damn good sailor and now, you're planning escapes from jail."

"I don't feel like I'm contributing enough" she whispered forlornly since she expected better of herself, especially in the society she lived in. Ratonhnhaké:ton personified valor and justice in her eyes, a feat she tried to live up to now that they traveled together. Shaking her head, she pointed out miserably, "If I were Connor, he would've already broken in and saved someone-"

Robert raised a hand to stop her rampant thoughts and reminded matter-of-factly, "You can't compare yourself to another, we all have our strengths."

"Connor manages to do it with ease while I stumble in the dark" Caroline mumbled with disillusion as she failed to be as efficient in rescues as he was. She promised to keep him safe but she reacted late in attempting to contact him. Pushing aside her negative thoughts, she wouldn't give into fear and reminded herself she was still in the fight. Moving away from the bannister and squaring her shoulders, she stated firmly, "Still, griping about it won't help anyone so I'm going to do whatever it takes to get him back."

There was that little flame of courage that he was used to seeing. She was prone to moments of insecurity but bounced back when pressure mounted. Nodding with approval, he complimented her determination, "You never give up, Burnett."

He trusted her to carry out the plan without adding more fuel to a fire or needless casualties. She was quiet and ranged on her fighting approaches so he wasn't worried about her being caught. There was no doubt that she wouldn't leave without Ratonhnhaké:ton in two and encouraged, "However this plan goes down tomorrow, you give 'em hell."

"Yes, sir" she replied with a faint smile because she would do everything in her power to win. There would be no second guessing or turning back- it was all or nothing.

Bidding him farewell for the moment, she descended the stairs with a lighter heart for the pep talk. Robert was her mentor when their captain wasn't available and he offered more than naval advice for the young woman. The sight of her whispering sisters brought a sense of calm as they represented her safety net away from the harsh world. Her family was her foundation but they were also a part of Ratonhnhaké:ton's life, bridging both of her roles for the first time. Elizabeth tugged on her fishing line as she pulled the pole back and groaned miserably when she saw nothing on the hook. Martha suppressed an amused snicker to her annoyed face and covered it with a pretend sneeze when the smaller redhead glared at her.

The footsteps creaking over the floorboards brought their attention to their eldest siblings and their conversation ceased. They had never seen her sister in action on a ship and her dedication to her position, not to mention hearing her holler orders, was a sight to see. They were accustomed to their protective and polite sister at home but the sea brought a fierce side that was new to them. Both sisters could only wonder if she was like this, how was Ratonhnhaké:ton at captaining the mighty frigate?

Still, eager to please her older sister, Elizabeth set her fishing pole down on a crate and piped up excitedly, "What should we do, Carrie?"

Caroline was quick to dampen any acts of heroism from the two as she crossed her arms to state firmly, "You're staying onboard."

"What?!," they exclaimed in unison to being sidelined from any brave feats. Martha wasn't keen on partaking in any of it but watching it from the shadows stirred curiosity in her. Elizabeth, however, was annoyed that she couldn't lend a hand to free her friend. Why did being underage have to bar her from helping others?

"I'm not kidding this time" Caroline advised carefully before they could argue with her because she wanted the two safe. Her stress levels were through the roof with Ratonhnhaké:ton in jail and having her sisters in danger was unacceptable. She took full responsibility for their care and wouldn't dare to disappoint their parents by failing. Glancing between the two young women, she reiterated her order with a softer edge, "You have to stay here where it's safe. I can't protect Connor but I can protect you."

Elizabeth wasn't the type to wait around for nothing and pointed towards the luminating city to remind, "But Connor-"

"We will free him tomorrow but I cannot risk you there" Caroline intervened to promise that she'd try her best to rescue him. Having her sisters there would only cloud her judgement because it would leave her concerned for them, her crew, and captain. Martha nodded quietly because danger and fighting was not her interest but Elizabeth thrived on it. Caroline saw the same burning desire for valor in her eyes but she was still her little sister and not ready to tackle such a mission. There were harsh realities in the world that she'd yet to witness and Caroline didn't want to be the one exposing her to it. Shaking her head, she dissuaded with a firm tone, "It will not be a pretty setting and emotions will be high-"

"Carrie" she whined to have even the tiniest task to feel important but her sister wasn't having it.

Caroline grasped Elizabeth's shoulders to convey the seriousness of what tomorrow would bring and spoke softly, "We've planned it as best we can but if it goes south. . . if we fail. . . I cannot have either of you there to witness anything traumatic."

"You two always escape and this time, you have help" she mumbled hastily because her sister and Ratonhnhaké:ton were always heroic in her eyes. They succeeded in every venture and the possibility of failure hadn't entered her mind. Caroline's worried expression served to finally remind Elizabeth that they were only humans at the end of the day, prone to mistakes. Her voice cracked as the realization that they might not get a happy ending struck and she whispered, "You're getting him out, right?"

"We're going to do our best" she promised truthfully because that was all she had at that moment. They had been planning for days, keeping their identities hidden in the city, and she hoped it was enough. The dark sky overhead and still waters of the sea amplified her worries as she stood safely on the Aquila while Ratonhnhaké:ton was in a place no innocent man should be. Brushing back stray hair from Elizabeth's freckled face, she admitted quietly, "It's a hanging with a guilty verdict, Elizabeth. I cannot have you bear that aftermath and even I am having a difficult time accepting that possibility."

"I believe in you" Martha piped up to encourage her efforts because that was all she could do. Her hands were skilled to be in a home, not a fight, but she would support her sibling. Looking to Elizabeth with a firm glance, she emphasized, "We both do."

Caroline managed a faint smile for the positive thinking while her stomach clenched repeatedly to the thought of failure. Releasing a shaky breath, she confessed nervously to trust them with her worries, "This plan has to work, the cost is too high if it doesn't."

Elizabeth pulled her into a hug to comfort her sister, knowing this wasn't an easy task for her. Caroline returned it wholeheartedly and her calm mask cracked when Elizabeth reassured her everything would work out. Her brow furrowed to keep her maelstrom of emotions at bay and her lips thinned with a restrained smile, closing her eyes to hold back tears.

Caroline's nerves hadn't settled from the moment she woke, cleaning up and throwing on her attire as if she were a quiet specter between worlds. Food had no taste and it was at the insistence of her sisters that she ate before heading into town. Her courage had dwindled to nothing until Myriam wrapped an arm around her shoulders to remind her she wasn't alone. Norris and Myriam had been true friends during the entire ordeal and she was proud to have their camaraderie. Faulkner and the Clutterbuck brothers had joined her to add numbers in strength to bulk up their group to six. Together with Duncan's group, they would be short of ten but Achilles was already in town collaborating with his team.

"Whatever happens, we're having a drink after this" Myriam stated with a tight smile to lighten the situation for her friend. Caroline appreciated her words and nodded quietly, hoping it would turn out for the best.

"Or ten" Robert sighed with a shake of the head to what they were walking into. The men didn't hesitate to agree and the two women smiled to their small joke.

The team stuck to the empty backstreets and alleyways to make their way to city hall. The building for each municipality held quick trials and executions, especially during the ongoing rebellion. Duncan had already laid out a plan for them that would leave Caroline's friends and the naval team on the ground floor. They would render guards unconscious but Robert and his crew were aware of the Templar threat so they wouldn't hesitate to kill. The sailors were accustomed to close combat so knives would be their specialty in this fight. If needed, Myriam and Norris would cause a diversion since the two could easily look out of place in a bustling city.

There was a crowd already forming in the center to witness the spectacle, causing Caroline's skin to break out in goosebumps. The view of the gallows was high above the crowd and the gentle wind swayed the hanging noose ominously. She couldn't let that thing touch Ratonhnhaké:ton's skin and narrowed her eyes at the weapon her government used to enact justice. She flinched when someone grasped her shoulder and turned around swiftly, ready to elbow the person in the face.

Duncan quickly placed a hand over the offending limb before it gave him a black eye and chuckled, "Good morning to you too, Burnett."

Caroline breathed heavily out of embarrassment and relief, sighing, "My apologies, I didn't mean-"

"Faulkner, take your team into the square" Duncan advised quickly to initiate their plan and leave nothing to chance. Stephane and Clipper were already in place on the rooftops as they scouted ahead for Ratonhnhaké:ton's arrival from the prison. They already expected the Templars to guide him to the execution site so Duncan was left to lead the remaining team into place. The old sailor nodded, wishing them luck before ushering the small team into the crowds.

They weaved into the moving rows seamlessly and Myriam tipped her head towards Caroline for good luck. The redhead managed to smile back before Duncan motioned for her to follow him, "Our turn."

With Faulkner and the other four on the ground team, Achilles would have enough backup while he stuck to the front of the crowd to keep an eye on Ratonhnhaké:ton. Duncan needed another set of eyes for his team on the rooftops and he believed Caroline was suited for the role. She wasn't an assassin like them but he was slowly training her in their way. At the same time, her work alongside Ratonhnhaké:ton and Faulkner increased her skill set.

Caroline followed him quietly when he ascended the wall of a building to rejoin his team. She couldn't let nerves get the better of her and sucked down that ball into the deepest pit in her stomach. With her friends on the ground, she also had their safety to look after. Climbing a building had never felt as long to her as it did now, even when she'd first began to stumble with beginning decent grips. She'd come far in the last three years from a humble farmhand and amateur lumber salesman to traveling at sea and climbing buildings to see sights unlike others of her time. Although she might've changed, the only thing that hadn't was Ratonhnhaké:ton's presence and she would stop at nothing to return that piece of stability to her life.

Reaching the top of the two-story building, she caught her breath to calm her hammering heart and wiped her hands on her breeches. There were three more buildings that she could see before they could reach a parallel position to the gallows. Each building had a stationed guard overseeing the pending execution, casting a gloomy aura over the square- more so than the dark sky above them. Duncan patted her on the back to compliment her efforts and instructed, "We're heading to the front before-"

An eruption of boo's and insults broke the silence of the air as the two turned to see Ratonhnhaké:ton enter the square. As Duncan expected, he was being led by Hickey to the front of the gallows and the extra guards only served to incite the crowds. Caroline faltered at seeing Ratonhnhaké:ton's disheveled and bruised appearance but Duncan hastened for her to move. Throwing hesitation to the wind, she broke into a run as she followed her friend to the edge of the building to prepare jumping to the next.

Stephane had already taken care of dispatching a Templar in guard's clothing, wiping his assassin's blade on his pants before sheathing it. He nodded in welcome to Duncan when the redhead landed a few feet from him and quickly informed, "Keep moving. I have this one covered."

The two carried on as another echo of protests rang out but Caroline ignored the thundering noise. It wouldn't help her in this and as she launched herself off the building, cleared her mind of it. Duncan landed first on his feet as he kept the lead as her teacher but her eyes widened at seeing him strike down a guard. He hadn't even touched the ground before he'd sunk a sheathed blade into the back of the man's neck. For a moment, she swore it was similar to one Ratonhnhaké:ton held but she had more important matters to attend to.

He kept her away from the edges of the building to avoid being seen but he took covert looks when he needed to. The crowds were more than ready to see a hanging and he sighed under his breath at seeing Hickey had allowed the angry civilians to have their fun with Ratonhnhaké:ton. Thankfully, Achilles put a quick stop to that and Duncan kept moving. Caroline was surprised to his skills and as they continued running, asked hastily, "Where did you learn that?"

"Don't worry, you'll learn it too" he replied cryptically because she had potential to learn all their skills. The question was whether his mentor would allow it- well, once he was free of his current predicament.

She was ready to implore further to occupy her worried mind but the rabble of civilian booing was broken by a louder authoritative voice, "Brothers. Sisters. Fellow Patriots. Several days ago we learned of a scheme so vile, so dastardly- that even repeating it now, disturbs my being. The man before you plotted to murder our much beloved General."

The duo picked up their pace to reach the end of the building while Clipper disposed of the last guard on the third building. He and Stephane were sent ahead to clear the path to Ratonhnhaké:ton in case the situation turned bad, which it clearly was, and add support to the ground crew. From his vantage point, the sailors were clearly scaring away the guards without even trying. Their rugged exteriors were enough to keep the guards at bay, allowing them to move within the first rows. Norris and Myriam were covering their backs as she drew the attention of any suspicious guards and Norris easily rendered them unconscious behind conveniently placed crates, courtesy of Stephane last night.

Clipper's right hand moved to the hunting bow he'd left on the ground as he watched Charles Lee carry on with his dramatic speech. Duncan had stationed him on the building due to his long-range skills but he wasn't the best with bows like his leader. Rifles were his expertise but cutting a rope with one bullet was a rare skill and he couldn't risk exposing his position to the Templars with any noise. Quietly, he withdrew an arrow from its quiver to knock it against the bowstring and pulled back his right hand to aim at the rope. Now, he just had wait for the right moment.

"May God have mercy on your soul."

Duncan and Caroline landed on the last building just as Lee finished addressing the public. Activating the wooden lever to drop the floor hatch, Ratonhnhaké:ton's noose tightened around his neck as the floor gave way underneath him. Clipper was quick at unleashing an arrow to cut through the rope but horror struck when the sharp arrowhead failed to cut enough threads to sever it. Caroline didn't think twice before jumping off the edge of the building to the lower balcony off the second floor, ready to throw her own faithful knife for a closer strike.

Before either her or the assassins could hurl another weapon, another knife flew from the crowd to cut the rope. Ratonhnhaké:ton fell to the bare ground roughly on his back as he coughed desperately for air to fill his lungs. Caroline looked to the moving crowds that were now dispersing to find her captain's savior but she was surprised to find it was neither of their friends. Instead, she spotted the odd Englishman she'd had an argument with the other day. Why would he be interested in saving a supposed criminal?

Hearing her name, she let that question disappear as she glanced up at Duncan. He motioned to meet him on the ground floor and she didn't hesitate. Glancing down, she noticed Ratonhnhaké:ton was on the move but towards another man. What was going on? Shouldn't he be focused on escaping? Hopping off the balcony, she decided on descending the wall of the brick building rather than throwing herself onto the next balcony and possibly risking an injured leg.

Their friends were doing a fantastic job shooing away the public, whom was running in hysteria to potential danger, and keeping the guards from Ratonhnhaké:ton. David and Richard were having a little too much fun by using the environment to slam people into barrels and crates. Caroline barreled into the crowd to keep him in her sights as he headed straight down the road, keeping a tight grip on Ruth if anyone crossed her path. Without decent sustenance and water during his incarceration, he was running on the last fumes of energy he held but he managed to tackle Hickey long enough to drive his tomahawk into his back for an assured kill. He didn't move far from the body, however, as he found himself surrounded by soldiers at the end of the road.

Tension was high as they cornered him and Achilles worried he was about to witness a massacre between incensed civilians and Assassins. The Templar forces had already fled and he failed to see any sign of Lee now that Hickey was dead in front of Ratonhnhaké:ton. The Assassins would listen to Ratonhnhaké:ton but the people of Davenport would disobey his orders and protect him at all cost.

The soldiers at the top of the stairs parted as General Putnam shoved them aside with haste to holler, "At ease, men! At ease!"

When the men hesitated, he narrowed his eyes and barked an order, "I said lower your goddamn guns! This man's a hero!"

The group breathed a sigh of relief when the weapons lowered and the assassins knew it was safe when they spotted Benjamin Tallmadge behind the general. Duncan had sent him on multiple errands to free their leader and his plans worked. He'd never stayed awake at night for so long to map out every detail but seeing the guards stand down and Ratonhnhaké:ton face the rebellion's general set him at ease. Quietly, he motioned to Stephane and Clipper to disperse between the buildings to stay out of shift as their creed dictated.

Ratonhnhaké:ton stirred the pot once more when Putnam rudely kicked the corpse of Hickey and asked him to stop. Even while injured, half-starved, unarmed, and facing guards, he kept his moral compass. Putnam shook his head to his self-righteousness as he snapped matter-of-factly, "He wanted to kill the Commander. Nearly killed you as well. He was a scoundrel."

Caroline was shocked to hear this as she stuck close to her friends, looking to Myrian to check if she'd heard the same. The huntress wore a similar expression to the unexpected news because they all believed he'd been wrongfully pinned with a crime. The fact that he was trying to stop the murder of a high-level officer carried a heftier weight if they hadn't interfered.

"But still a man" the assassin replied calmly because even the dead deserved their respect. They would not be harming anyone anymore so there was no qualm.

Putnam snorted to his opinion of the dead, even their enemies, and grumbled, "Hmph. You're nothing, if not consistent."

Ratonhnhaké:ton ignored the chide and turned to glance around the open courtyard to demand, "Where is Washington? I need to speak with him."

The other man shook his head to inform he was long gone from the area and explained, "Bundled off as soon as your execution went sideways. He's likely on his way back to Philadelphia by now."

"Then so am I" he replied swiftly because one clue to his current whereabouts was better than none. For all he knew, the Templars were already two steps ahead of him and he couldn't risk that. He'd wasted enough time being held prisoner and had to return to his work as an assassin.

"Something wrong?" the soldier asked quickly as he took another inhale of his cigar, pointing to the guards to return to their posts. The entire show was over with nothing more to be a spectacle and order needed to be established in the city once more.

Ratonhnhaké:ton moved away from the general to begin his next move and declared, "He is still in danger. Hickey did not act alone."

He had no time to waste, even as his stomach cramped for food and his skin itched for a decent bath. Every time he was on Lee's trail, the man would set numerous obstacles in his road. He had escaped this recent tangle with the help of his assassins and turned to find Achilles waiting for him with a calm smile on his face.

There was no need for thanks as the old assassin looked to the left road where he'd left his carriage and offered, "I have a ride for you to Philadelphia."

Despite their little arguments, Ratonhnhaké:ton was grateful that his mentor hadn't abandoned him to the gallows. There had been a flicker of fear when the noose tightened around his neck but his assassins had cut it to free him. He was glad for their help, knowing they were watching their interaction from a secret place. All his training passed down to them and they were indeed making the world a better place by helping those in need, himself included.

His surprise came in seeing Caroline run up to him with his friends from Davenport and the sailors. He had never seen Faulkner travel very far from a port, or a bar, so seeing him was another shock. Her right hand grasped his bare forearm as she caught the exhaustion in his eyes. He was finally safe, away from that dreadful prison, but she knew from experience that he was ready to run off somewhere.

She tugged his arm towards her in a subconscious effort to sway him against it and asked worriedly, "Connor, where are you going?"

"To find Washington" he answered simply because that was his focus, nothing else.

"You need to eat and get new clothes!" she exclaimed with bewilderment that he'd abandon his well-being for whatever ominous plan he was trying to undermine. What good would he be against a foe in rags and without weapons? Not to mention, the fact that he hadn't eaten food in who knows how long. She tugged his arm slightly with the hope that he'd accompany her and she pleaded, "Please, let me at least buy you a meal."

Myriam wasn't as gentle as Caroline with the truth and played the stern older sister by stating sharply, "You were almost hanged just now. You realize that, right?"

Please, come home with me, Caroline thought hopefully to bring him home or at least to an inn. She couldn't tell whether the lack of food made him delirious or he was crazy enough to run off to the next colony. Her free hand grasped his wrist to keep him close and her fingertips could feel his steady but rapid pulse. This wasn't her Ratonhnhaké:ton at his strongest and his headstrong idea to head out of town could backfire horribly.

Achilles intervened in their exchange as he understood their worries after the ordeal and explained calmly, "I can take care of those bare necessities, Ms. Burnett. We have a wagon ready for transport."

Caroline was reluctant to release him because she wasn't buying the invincible façade he was displaying. He was human, just like her, with his own frailties and she whispered, "I. . . Connor, come home-"

"Thank you for helping me but go home where it's safe" he cut in because he had a mission to continue and he couldn't risk lingering behind or bringing her along. He broke the grip she had on his arm to motion he wasn't going with her and swallowed the guilt he felt when her face twisted into despair. She was concerned for him but he wanted her safe at home while he ventured into dangerous roads.

Faulkner had seen his captain do some bold and idiotic things but he was always there to knock him upside the head. Recently released from prison or not, he wasn't going to let him slide on another crazy plan and approached the couple to chastise, "Boy-"

Ratonhnhaké:ton was severely exhausted but he'd heard that moniker long enough to know it meant an incoming swat. Dodging the old sailor's smack to the head, he placed a hand on his shoulder and ordered, "Mr. Faulkner, you and Caroline lead the Aquila home until I return. I won't need a ship to where I'm going."

The old sailor was quick to shake his head vehemently to how calm he was and questioned, "Are you daft? Achilles, you can't-"

"It will be fine" the old man assured because he wouldn't let his charge collapse on the way there. Their first stop would be a safe place to eat and he'd brought a bundle of belongings to clothe and arm the young assassin. He wasn't new to road trips but this time, he would lead the carriage while Ratonhnhaké:ton was the one on the mission.

"I thought he was simply mysterious at home but never mind" Myriam muttered under her breath to his public persona as it matched the one back home.

With that said, Achilles and Ratonhnhaké:ton exited the square by turning to the left road where carriages lined the cobbled streets. Caroline was a mixture of emotions as relief flooded her for saving him but disappointment filtered in for not bringing him home. Their sailors and her family awaited his return but he'd gone off on another trip without a second thought. Robert laid a hand on her left shoulder in support since she'd formed their team to bust him out and although they succeeded, it was a bittersweet victory.

"Have a safe trip!" Norris called out to wish them luck after everything that happened. Unlike his currently baffled friends, he wished his best friend the best of luck.

The group turned to glare at him for the chirpy farewell since it wasn't part of their original plan and the miner sputtered innocently, "I can't wish him ill, can I?"

Myriam's deadpan expression only made him feel lousier and he threw up his hands to reason helplessly, "I was only helping!"

"Did any of you expect this ending?" Richard asked bluntly because he expected a little more fighting and a neat tidy happy ending. His boss was rather particular about those but there they were, no boss or treasure or even a good ale.

While everyone muttered a disgruntled negative, Robert moved his right hand from side to side to admit, "Eh, maybe a lil' bit."

"Anyone up for a meat pie?" David suggested as he pointed to the closest bar in the square. He figured food and an ale would make the depressed aftermath settle a little better.

The whole group blew up in agreement about food because they weren't of use to anyone right now. They might as well have breakfast before returning home without their town hero.

A/N: It was fun writing out Bridewell Prison from start to finish as both of Connor's lives begin to mesh together. Although he's now run off to Philadelphia, the aftermath will be explored in the next chapters as a party throws them into their first argument. The revelations of his secret life won't help Connor either since the two will continue working together on the Aquila. Now with Bridewell Prison out of the way, 1776 will be close to ending bringing in 1777 and soon, 1778, my next piece of excitement, the Haytham/Connor missions. I'm excited to write those out!

Thank you to my readers and last chapter reviewers:

East Coast Captain: You're definitely on the right track, their paths will meet up again and he'll have no choice but to tell her.

jynxhasadragon: I don't know why Haytham's character always makes me go 'omgitshaytham!' while Connor leaves me with the 'aww' factor. Either way, I can't wait to pin the two together in 1778. Caroline has definitely grown to be the mom now that she's an adult and sees her sisters growing up as well, which we'll see in the next chapter.

Merrick15: I need to have more interactions with the Boston trio and Caroline, haha. I still have to chisel out the New York assassins since they'll be coming out by the end of 1776. I need more Haytham in my story, haha, and I can only imagine him thinking she's a crazy lady that stole church clothes. No assassin would be crazy enough to go up to him point blank and argue. I can't wait for them to meet up again.

Next Chapter Excerpt:

"Lord, what have I stepped into?" Myriam cringed to the sight before her and Elizabeth wore the same expression. Only Martha and Alice appeared to be drawn to the new temporary look of the inn.

The inn didn't look like the Mile's End anymore! The rustic wooden chairs and tables were gone as white linen-covered chairs lined the walls and a large banquet table was in the far back with food. There were porcelain vases with fresh flowers decorating the bar counter which had also been covered with a white tablecloth to portray a high-end inn. Elizabeth couldn't believe her eyes, blinking repeatedly until she remarked with reluctant acceptance, "Well, I know where I'm heading."

"It's so . . ." Amelia trailed off as she searched for the right word to describe the inn. Martha had worn a white dress to the party but the stark cleanliness of the room made it look more like a sanitorium than a hall. Awkwardly, she finished lamely, "White."

Martha noticed few out of towners in finer attire than theirs, leading her to feel flickers of self-consciousness. She assumed they were friends of the family as they stuck to speaking with the grandchildren. As much as she desired to speak with Walter, she would wait her turn like any respectable lady. Still, she didn't hesitate to smooth down her hair as she removed her matching bonnet.

Caroline spotted Ratonhnhaké:ton off to the right as he dressed in colonial attire in dark blue and knew Clara had gotten her claws on the poor man. He'd run away from her but returned in time to be at Clara's side?! If that wasn't indicative of where his interests lay, she might as well have been blind. Martha gasped at seeing him mingle with others and whispered vehemently, "Oh no, she's converting him into one of them."

Elizabeth whistled to catch Ratonhnhaké:ton's eye and a few of the guests stared in disdain. Amelia sighed to having the country bumkins label placed on them but that was one way to go about it. Either way, it caught the man's attention and he left the other group to meet his old friends. They had never attended a social for their age group and he smiled at the well-dressed women to greet, "All of you look radiant."

"And you. . .you combed your hair into a ponytail!" Elizabeth declared with aghast to his polished appearance and pointed to his new hairstyle. Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled faintly to her bewildered expression because this was his first time attempting to bridge both of his worlds. He'd often rebelled against it in his youth but now, it allowed him to blend in social settings. Elizabeth turned to the women and whispered with accusation, "The transformation has begun!"

"I didn't expect to find you here, given our last encounter" Caroline remarked coolly as she tried to keep her emotions in check. She wouldn't cry over spilt milk and was here out of a favor for Martha, who was now waiting for Walter. The poor young man kept trying to leave his sister's group but she kept pulling him back in by sharply pulling on his sleeve. She was aware Clara wasn't fond of Martha but Caroline wouldn't hesitate to interfere for the two.

"I arrived yesterday and found the invite in my satchel of mail" he explained quietly to finding out about the party and decided to attend. He had expected something similar to the social parties of the townsfolk but this was more suited to city residents of higher social classes. The dry conversation with Clara's friends boggled him so he was happy to leave the group for his friends. Caroline's presence set him at ease with her calming blue dress and he admitted, "I figured it would be rude to decline."

Her blue eyes narrowed slightly as she felt insulted after everything she'd done. Instead of seeking her or Myriam for a thank you, he'd gone to Clara's home instead? Her voice hitched as she chastised swiftly, "You didn't write that you were safe, we worried-"

"Glad you're back!" Myriam intercepted loudly as her friend's voice rose, draping an arm around the redhead's shoulders. She was clearly aware that she was unhappy with him but as her friend, wouldn't let her make a blunder.

"I am sorry for leaving abruptly in New York" he apologized genuinely for his abrupt exit but he couldn't risk revealing his secret life to them. Caroline risked her life enough on the Aquila and he couldn't pull her deeper into that web. He wanted to protect her and his residents, meeting her firm blue gaze to emphasize, "I had to ensure the true criminals didn't succeed with their plans. It wasn't an easy decision to leave after weeks in that cell."

"I hope you succeeded then" Myriam replied earnestly to avoid future repercussions for him or them. Meeting Caroline's firm gaze, Myriam's brown eyes narrowed to silently convey for her to behave before they were promptly kicked out. They were here to eat and drink then bail to the other party for actual liquor.

Thank you for reading!