Music Inspiration: Rupert Gregson-Williams- "Duck Shoot"
Fallout
Elizabeth jerked Caroline out of her relaxing thoughts when she returned with a porcelain plate full of food. The heat emanated the tantalizing smells of roasted pork and chicken as fresh greens decorated the sides. Caroline couldn't help but laugh at seeing hot biscuits stored inside her bonnet as she tied the string to make it into a basket on her free arm. Her little sister was indeed shaping after her and despite her mother would chide her, it made her a little proud.
Her little sister sat down beside her, her green skirt billowing out like a fluffy sail, and set the plate between them. Placing the bonnet on her lap, she picked up a soft corn biscuit to devour it hungrily. Her blue eyes twinkled against the lit lanterns overhead as she declared impishly, "I might hate the party but the food is delicious!"
"I will take the food if it helps me block out all this" Caroline chuckled softly because the other party had finally begun. Her parents had seen her outside on the way to it and she'd fibbed her way out of a lecture by declaring her feet were tired from dancing. The low lullaby of classical music had now mixed into the lively ways of the fiddle and piano as clapping could be heard from the other side. Boy, did she want to be in the other party.
The girls picked off the hot food quickly with giggles as the secret hoard and the tranquil nighttime hid their fun. The marinades and herbs of the food had the plate licked clean in minutes, leaving the two to share the last biscuit. Elizabeth was full for the night since she'd eaten finger foods before finding her sister and turned to her confess, "You're my favorite sister. Not to get soft or anything but I miss not having you home. This summer has been really great, just having you here."
"You're always in my mind when I'm not here" she chuckled softly with affection to her touching words, assuming the private setting allowed her disclosure. Her little sister would huff and puff before confessing but she still carried a kind heart. She was no longer a little child anymore and was growing into a capable young woman that would soon be an adult like herself. Time had flown rather fast for Caroline and she smiled widely to compliment, "I'm very proud of you and nothing will change that."
Elizabeth smiled sheepishly as she leaned back against the inn's exterior and bit into her biscuit like a chipmunk. Her eyes watched the darkened tree lines as the stars twinkled above the canopies, murmuring softly, "I wish we were little kids again for one night, no worries about the world- just hot cider!"
"Those days are gone but we can still make hot cider and slumber around in our rooms" she laughed merrily to their old days of staying up hearing stories and eating treats before bed. Now, it was either her or her father telling tales with Samuel and Elizabeth listening in. Alice was more focused on chores now that she was old enough to tackle the same tasks she had done in her youth. That, and their mother got tired of them scaring her with spooky tales when requested.
Their laughter stopped when they heard Patrick's voice approach them with a teasing voice, "Is the sky falling?"
Their older cousin appeared from their left as he left the new party, dressed in his best clothes which weren't much for a poor colonist. His family was more than hospitable for him and he appreciated it, bringing along Samuel. The young boy had taken quickly to his elder and the two were peas in a pod as they wandered Davenport. Samuel matched his cousin's simple trousers and tunic since Oliver and Corrine's party was pretty casual for the townsfolk.
"Stop clowning around" Caroline continued laughing because this was the first time they'd dressed up for a fancy evening. He was used to seeing them in worn dresses or casual attire as they went about their day. Samuel bounded up to them as he smelled the lingering food and Caroline swept him into a hug like she'd done years ago. Samuel never tired of them since he was still the baby of the family and she teased Patrick, "Lucky you gets an invite to the adult party while we're stuck playing ladies."
"You're more than welcome to join" he pointed out as he flicked his thumb towards the entrance because he'd happily sneak her in. He doubted his uncle would say much since the three would often share an ale after work at the inn. He and his uncle were tall enough to hide her from his aunt Catherine if needed.
"And face my mother's glower power?" she questioned with pretend horror to that confrontation because she wasn't that brave. Besides, her parents deserved a night out in town to themselves now that she and her siblings could look after one another. Pointing to her bell-shaped skirt and hidden shoes, she emphasized her ensemble with a frown, "I have to be ladylike at least one day a year for her. What brought you out here?"
"One, Norris and Myriam wanted me to fetch you" her cousin replied smartly because the two were happily enjoying drinks as Oliver manned the kegs. Caroline's frown turned even deeper to the news because waltzing right in would have her mother shooing her out with a broom. Although, she could attempt pity points with her father . . . but he'd likely defer to her mother again. Looking down at Samuel as he watched the moths smack into the glass lanterns above them, he added in, "Two, this little guy wanted fancy food."
"I'm not that lil'" Samuel complained about his size because he hadn't reached a growth spurt like Alice. Now, he really was small against his growing sisters and didn't like it one bit. When Elizabeth burst out laughing to his rebuttal, he clenched his fists and complained, "Eliza!"
She handed over her leftover biscuit as a consolation prize but Samuel pouted to the c-shaped bite already indenting half of it. That wouldn't fill him up at all! How was he supposed to grow at that rate? Despite her joking, she didn't want her little brother to go hungry and smiled sneakily to inform, "C'mon, I'll sneak in and get us some more. Meet me outside the other party."
"You ravenous racoons" Caroline sighed with disbelief to her lack of shame and laughed when she stuck out her tongue. With a farewell salute to the boys, Elizabeth darted off quietly back into the party with the brown bonnet in hand. She commended her sneaking skills and would make sure to wash her bonnet before her mother wondered why it smelled of cornbread.
Elizabeth entered the painstakingly white room to focus her sight on the table once more. Her sisters were sitting by the doorway to the left as they ate quietly but Martha was all smiles as she ate beside Walter, who was equally as invested. The redhead winced to the blatant romance and almost bumped into Ratonhnhaké:ton, quickly sidestepping to avoid crashing into her other sister's paramour. When had her sisters become so interested in men? Would Amelia be next? Dear god, would she?
"Where is your sister?" he asked with subdued curiosity because he couldn't find her within the small room. It wasn't surprisingly hard to find the redhead among the sea of dark and fair-haired ladies, making him worried. He hoped to speak with her after missing her for months during his missions.
"I have four, take your pick" she joked with a cheeky grin as she opened her arms to her myriad of siblings. Her parents had produced a bountiful family but Elizabeth would rather have many brothers and sisters instead of none. They took care of her, despite her complaints, and she would do the same. She knew who he was looking for and pointed to the open doorway, "She's outside."
Ratonhnhaké:ton said nothing else as he left the redhead to her business and Elizabeth gladly slid by. Sitting by the open doorway, Amelia quietly hit the doorstop with the heel of her shoe to dislodge it to the side. The door closed behind him without a loud squeak against the music and she smiled to herself, giving the two some privacy. If anybody asked where he went, she would play dumb.
"Connor!"
Samuel's cheerful greeting never failed to make the assassin smile and he nodded to him with welcome. Happy to his presence, the young boy was oblivious to his sister's suddenly tense posture and asked happily, "Are you here for the innkeepers party or the fancy one?"
His shoulders dropped slightly at realizing there was another party with his townsfolk, and reluctantly murmured without a shred of joy, "The fancy one."
"Good luck" Samuel drawled with a loud sigh to that boring party and patted his friend on the arm with sympathy. The door had closed behind him but the boy could see the dancing was rather strange. Who wanted to dance slowly?
Patrick had learned from the Burnett siblings to never come between Caroline and the native. There were knowing looks between the sisters at home whenever he was mentioned but Patrick never pried. Besides, all he could get out of the man was a simple greeting and his height was intimidating enough to stay away. Whistling for Samuel to follow him back to their party, he took his leave and nodded at his cousin, "Good evening then, Carrie."
She waved them away with a snort to their luck of the night and chuckled softly, "Try not to have too much fun without me."
Their footsteps over the dirt path echoed as they crunched over pebbles and she smiled at hearing Samuel boast about the incoming food. Hopefully, her little thief wouldn't be caught or there really would be a scene. Ratonhnhaké:ton watched the redheaded man leave with a suspicious glint in his eyes and he remarked calmly, "You two are rather friendly."
He had seen the man appear at the mill and assumed he was one of the new seasonal workers. Unfortunately, Caroline was keen on spending time with him while she worked there and Ratonhnhaké:ton could say nothing about it. She was free to speak with anyone but watching her interact with another man filled him with dread and jealousy for the first time. He hadn't experienced those conflicting feelings after overcoming the regret and hurt from her leave years ago. Now that those scars had healed with her loyal work alongside him, he feared that she'd run off with someone else and cast him aside again. He had declined returning to their old relationship last year but now . . . he wanted her back. Was it too late?
"We see each other every day, might as well" she grinned with amusement to their growing family but they managed to fit in the house. Chores were done much faster and with her and Patrick working at the mill, her father could afford to take a day off. Wiping off the excess crumbs of bread from her skirt, she sighed softly, "I'd take his bad jokes over this party any day."
Great, she preferred the other man's company already? How was he supposed to compete against that? Was she secretly courting the lumberjack? Caroline had slowly begun to make a life for herself while he'd been away and didn't want to know what else he'd missed. Did she have intentions to marry? Did she love him? Why hadn't he heard anything from her siblings about this man? They were always in his company. He wanted to ask about it and whether he was the only one who felt something other than friendship but it wasn't his place.
Deciding to take a bold move, he sat down beside her to watch her fiddle with her shoes. Her brow was furrowed with frustration as she ripped off her leather heels and gripped them in her right hand. Her left-hand smoothed back tendrils of hair that fell loose as she sighed to upholding that false image and he asked softly, "What's wrong?"
"I really tried my best with these people" Caroline whispered with defeat as she gazed at the twinkling stars. She'd prayed in earnest that time would grant her patience or make their personalities pleasing but it failed. Placing a hand on her forehead, she confided in him with a pleading tone, "Please keep this in your confidence because I do love Oliver and Corrine. I cannot bear to look at their granddaughters any longer and each conversation makes me want to grab my pistol and shoot them in the kneecaps. Well, mostly Clara."
He didn't understand the animosity between the two, hoping for more insight, but she smiled forlornly, "You carry a different perspective since you're the nicest man I've ever met. Truly, you are. My mother warned me of women like her and I don't want her in our town. They're arrogant, disrespectful, and won't hesitate to shove anyone under their shoes to get their way."
Hoping to bridge the two into friendship, he asked with concern, "Where is this coming from? You were happy for new neighbors-"
"Months ago, before I really saw what they were" she shot back miserably since the people they'd invited to the party weren't any nicer and only Walter was bearable. She wouldn't hide her roots by trying to be better than she was and wouldn't rub it in anyone's face either. Her angry face contorted into disappointment as she faltered, "And you, you don't even. . ."
"I don't what?" he asked with confusion to her confessions because it was news to him. What had he been missing? She'd never been upset over new residents.
"I don't see you anymore and when I do, she's there- literally!" she pointed out sharply to their different lives and tried not to raise her voice. Their shared adventures in Davenport had become nonexistent as Clara conglomerated his free time. He was free to choose who he wanted to be with but she had clearly lost when seeing his decisions. Closing her eyes to keep her cascade of emotions in check, she admitted disappointedly, "I miss the man I went horseback riding with, not the chaperone in his wagon and Achilles' carriage. When have I or anyone else made you use someone's property? Clara says let's do this and you don't hesitate."
She didn't want to criticize his choices, respecting his views, and she sighed softly, "Nonetheless, I respect you and so, if you want to keep seeing her. . . I will be stepping aside. I'm not going to make myself ill over watching her pull you into her web nor will I bear her remarks while in your presence. Please do not look for me because this is enough to fracture my friendship with you-"
"Caroline-" he interjected to her stark words because they'd always been in each other's corners. What had Clara done to make her so averted to her company? People had reasons to dislike each other but he couldn't put his finger down on one specific instance for them.
"I'm going home" she whispered weakly and jumped off the bench to feel the cool blades of grass weave between her toes. So be it if she was a country girl, she loved it. Nobody would change her mind or ever make her feel ashamed for her life choices. If he expected her to be bluffing, leaving the inn for the dirt trail back home said otherwise.
He was by her side within five calculated steps as he abandoned the party and declared firmly, "I'm not letting you walk home alone, Caroline."
"Well, you'll be leaving Clara mighty sad by walking this outdated relic" she muttered sardonically as the gravel dusted her feet but she didn't care. The bumpy pebbles against the soles of her feet were more comfortable than the heels of her shoes. She used her free hand to grasp the side of her skirt to lift it to avoid mud caking the hem or she'd get a lecture from her mother come morning.
"Caroline, I'm not losing you to her" he pointed out swiftly because he hadn't recognized the silent feud between the two. Settlers were very vocal and expressive during his travels but Caroline had oddly adapted her own form since her parents taught her to treat others respectfully. He could only wonder how long she'd felt this frustration because her hasty steps were quite telling of her indifference. Keeping his pace with her, he reminded carefully, "When you left, that was enough to never second guess your decisions."
"I'm very serious this time as well" she whispered faintly because she wouldn't bear seeing them together anymore. Being his navigator was of no question because she'd never lead him astray. As for being present around the two while she was silently cast aside like an afterthought was not possible. She had self-respect after fighting to claim her identity and stated bluntly, "I'd never dare to be cross with you, which is why I am being honest."
"You've never hesitated to be vocal about any issues" he pointed out since they had Elizabeth running around in her sister's footsteps. The two Burnett sisters had never been shy about speaking their mind and were the first to stand up for their family. He expected her to trust him openly with her troubles but his recent actions could've also caused a dent in that confidence. Running away without a word of his well-being was not honorable and he was wrong to expect her to simply welcome him back with open arms.
Caroline clenched her fists as she hated feeling that ball of rage settling in her chest and wanted it gone. Well, she mainly wanted Clara gone but that didn't seem likely. She hoped he understood why she was distancing herself and exclaimed with annoyance, "Because this is different! You, I, we- oh, my tongue is twisted like a snake in the grass."
Ratonhnhaké:ton sought her hand to grab her shoes to hold them in his right hand and offered his left arm to her. Sometimes, actions spoke louder than words. Caroline wanted nothing more than to accept but she refused to play the second fiddle to his first choice. They would either be romantically involved or strictly professional, she would not blur those lines. She would not wait around for him either when he felt the inclination to reach for her, choosing to walk ahead of him to decline.
He gazed helplessly at the night sky for comfort to this sudden conundrum before quickly following her. She was silently stewing with annoyance and it showed with her lightning fast steps. He wasn't a mind reader and tried his best to convey his confusion by calling out for clarification, "I don't understand, how is it different?"
"You are never alone without her and I haven't seen you for months" she answered easily to unload her grudge against the other woman. She had pulled him away from the town that loved him and he'd become no more than a phantom over the summer. He appeared at her side only and all his free time went towards her. Nobody could pull him away for a public outing and she deliberated freely, "You did all of our activities with her! How was I supposed to feel? Not even my sisters and Sammy earned a moment of your time. Even Myriam and Norris haven't seen you!"
She had a valid point that he didn't consider because he was simply trying to be kind. He didn't mean to inadvertently ignore his other friends and hints of shame struck at realizing that truth. He was surprised once more when he tried reaching for her arm but she pulled away instantly, feeling rejected by the action. Caroline's words added to that hurt when she accused, "You took her to every place we visited when we were together, even the cove. That was our place to seek peace- we kissed there! Was I supposed to smile when she told me you picnicked there and pretty much trampled over what I did?"
Oh no, I understand now, he thought with panic to the heart of Caroline's troubles. This was not good for him in the slightest and quickly wondered why she thought he was involved with Clara. The girl was nice, although a little uptight for his taste, and was baffled to Caroline's envy. There was no question to who he would prefer by his side and the redhead won in every instance. Why would she think his interests lay elsewhere? He barely had time to spare for her at this point in his life!
Caroline, however, had opened the floodgates of her constrained emotions and unleashed them without hesitation, "It felt like you'd ripped our years together from me and gave them to her without a care. She replaced me in all aspects and the worst part is that you didn't notice it until now- I had to tell you! If I'm meant to be a mere memory of what was, then that's exactly what I'll be."
She wiped her eyes as tears blurred her vision, refusing to look anywhere else but the road, and whispered shakily, "I-I'd rather keep quiet on the rest. A lady is quiet and collected, not this babbling mess."
The chittering of bugs in the night helped dull the throbbing at her temples and pressure in her throat as she walked. Her chest felt lighter at divulging the truth she kept lidded for months and hoped he understood the root of the problem. Their intertwined life was already on the last thread since she'd cast out the safety rope for a reunion. At this point, she merely wanted him to know her side of the story for closure.
He'd never seen her so enraged to the point she refused to speak with him and regretted his actions by pushing for the two to get along. If he'd known that she carried resentment for his behavior, he wouldn't have done it. Their shared travels had given him the hope that they would reunite but looking back on the recent summer, he hadn't made a good case for himself. Reaching the downslope to the major roads of Davenport, Caroline hastened her steps to keep heading straight to her home. Picking up his pace once more, he called out with apology, "I never meant to hurt you, Caroline. Please forgive my carelessness."
The moonlight overhead guided her path as Caroline hastened her steps and kept her free hand firm over the pocket that stored her house key. The entire evening had gone wrong for her and every time she saw Ratonhnhaké:ton, she felt their old bond weakening into nonexistence. The months had been enough for Clara to drive a wedge as she took up his free time and slowly, she'd been cast aside. She would concede her loss because she'd given it a fight and hoped it worked for the budding couple.
She didn't care about the protruding rocks stinging her feet as she hit the rockier portion of the path that headed down to the river. Years ago, she'd bumbled around in the dark but the moonlight and illuminating lanterns on the fences and homes helped her find her way easily nowadays. The lack of wagon and horse traffic at this hour set her at ease for crossing the main road without concern. Ratonhnhaké:ton, however, kept trying to beckon her to his side to speak further and called, "Caroline, come back."
"You ask now instead of all those times you left me behind for her without a word?" she found her shaky voice demanding because she remembered every instance. He'd always come back to apologize but after the third time, she didn't forgive it. She'd become an old little broom to be rid of and he'd traded up for the spiffier new version. If he didn't see her in a romantic light anymore, why did he keep sending her mixed signals? The fight had been knocked out of her and she was taking up the title as the useless old washrag. Her firm voice was clear across the dirt road as she paused in mid-step to emphasize her stance in the matter, "I am done with this bullshit. Go be with her and leave me be."
He threw up his hands in exasperation because there was nothing romantic between him and Clara. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here with her and tried to reason, "I've been helping her as a newcomer-"
That only served for her to continue her path home and he thinned his lips for the nonverbal response. Her voice echoed as she created more distance and pointed out simply, "She's been here for months."
"I can't abandon new residents-" he protested quickly because leaving them defenseless wouldn't make him a very good neighbor. Every individual that had ventured to Davenport for a new life had his hand in making their dreams of a homestead come true. He came from a society that worked as a group rather than individually so he wouldn't be abandoning his teachings anytime soon.
Ratonhnhaké:ton managed to catch up to her when she stopped to readjust her skirt to hitch it higher. She had avoided soiling the ends of it in her hasty step to reach home and turned right to head uphill, passing the white picket fence. The soft grass of her home soothed her dusty feet and she called over her shoulder to chide, "Of course, you'd be overjoyed with her stay. She clings to you worse than swamp leech."
He sighed under his breath to her wrath and unknowingly shot himself in the foot by questioning, "Why does her presence with me make you angry but Myriam's doesn't?"
"That's different!" she exclaimed furiously because Myriam had warmed up to Norris and the two spent most of their time together nowadays. Without her or Ratonhnhaké:ton to join them at the inn, the two shared drinks often. Clara was on a whole different spectrum and she stopped to turn around, digging her feet into the dirt to maintain balance, and pointed out sharply, "She's not vying for your romantic attention."
He had a very hard time believing that Clara was interested in him because he didn't have time to court anyone. Frankly, he'd expected to become attracted to one from his clan but Caroline had seized his heart fiercely. Despite being an adult, he had no skills in the field of charming women and doubted he could draw anyone's attention. Closing the distance between them, he met her incensed blue eyes and refused her assumption, "She's not. There's a cultural difference-"
"That didn't stop us and it won't stop her" she interjected haughtily because she'd disobeyed her traditions to chase him. She'd done it from the allure he held as a survivalist in the outdoors but Clara was doing so out of the assets he held in his name. At least, that's what she and Myriam had assumed.
With that said, she turned around to finish ascending the hill to her home and felt comforted by the lantern hanging on the porch beam. That warmth was ripped away when Ratonhnhaké:ton brought forth his own accusation by demanding, "What about you and that Scot at the mill? I don't question your private life."
Who was he talking about? Caroline's mind drew a blank because she only interacted with her family members down at the mill. Everything else was business with the other workers and she rarely stayed after work unless her father was present. Had Ratonhnhaké:ton hit his head recently and conjured an imaginary paramour for her?
"What Scot? I don't have a private life except for traveling at sea with you! It's always been you but you don't see it!" she stated tightly to the truth and fished for her key quickly as she approached her door. Her hands shook as she felt on the verge of emotional catharsis after years of repressed pain and inserted the key into the lock. Ratonhnhaké:ton underestimated her since her strides were shorter than his but his words riled her.
Caroline turned the knob promptly and opened the door just enough to squeeze through, shutting it close just as he landed on the front porch. He reached to turn the knob but she'd locked it, leaning against the door as she breathed heavily, "I've all that I had to say. I bid you good night-"
"Open the door, Caroline" he insisted because he wasn't going to ruin her family's home by knocking down the door. It would've been easy with his strength but a serious mistake to make when seeking forgiveness. He didn't want to frighten her but they needed to sit down and speak openly without a flurry of emotions. She was the sentimental party in comparison to himself and he requested, "We have to talk."
"I'm through talking, good night" she dismissed coldly to end the conversation because she had closed the case on that heartache. The party only served to solidify her worries and with him dismissing her accusations instead of verbalizing the truth, she was at a loss.
Caroline rubbed her hands together as they shook horribly to control the tremors. She wanted to yell but found no energy to do so after being emotionally drained and sat down in one of the dining chairs to cry to purge everything. Little droplets of tears had sufficed when she'd been alone after being left behind but she needed a private moment to vent and gather herself. Without her family at home as they enjoyed themselves at the inn, this was her best chance to seize that moment.
After writing him that letter, she'd sat with optimism that he'd return the sentiment but received nothing. Instead, she was left to watch him ride off with another while she tagged along like baggage. This isn't what she imagined for herself in Davenport and in her misery, felt the inkling to find solace in traveling once more. Her father allowed her free reign in Boston now that he knew she was capable of shooting a man so it was a tempting thought.
Ratonhnhaké:ton heard the muffled sobs from inside while his ear laid pressed on the door and was torn between worry and shame since he'd never stirred such a reaction from her. They had been happy children in their adventures and their old disagreements on professions had only been discussions but he'd never caused such pain. She was the last person that he would wish heartache on. Had he been so blind to his actions? He'd hurt her deeply with his recent behavior, wishing to erase it, and could only plead, "Please don't cry-"
"Leave me be!" she silenced him because she wanted to be left alone until her family returned. The entire evening had gone downhill for her, minus the food, and she ended their conversation by declaring, "Grant me this respect and go. Please, just leave."
Wiping her cheeks, she stood up to walk to her shared bedroom and undressed before she dirtied her attire further. She'd never have nice things but being robbed of the one she loved had drawn the line with the pain of any grievous wound. It was a hassle removing her stay and petticoats, ready to cut through them with a knife. She'd never felt happier to slip into her loose nightgown to wander around the house as she gathered items to clean up. Water in a bowl and a rag took care of the mess on her feet before she left a dust trail in the house but remembered he held her shoes. It didn't even matter anymore at that point and she blew out the freshly lit candle on her nightstand to sleep the horrible night away.
Ratonhnhaké:ton watched the faint light disappear inside the home and no more noise could be heard from within. She was leaving him outside and barring him entrance to her home for the first time. He sighed softly for the mess he'd made and looked at her brown leather shoes one last time before setting them down beside the door. He didn't want to leave her but what choice did he have?
With regret, he left the darkened porch to let Caroline have her peace and hoped she'd sleep comfortably. He was not inclined to return to the party after that argument and chose to return home to the manor. The wrongful assumptions about his private life would need to be corrected before he lost Caroline completely. He'd no idea when he could catch her alone and wondered if baiting her to the Aquila would work. He could make great plans to foil the Templars but matters of the heart went in a different direction.
20 August 1776
Caroline breathed heavily as she leaned against a chimney puffing out smoke, standing on a rooftop overlooking the harbor of Boston. She had been on another training session with Duncan to familiarize herself to his free running and so far, her stamina was keeping up with his. She used her sailor attire for all her training because she doubted climbing in a dress would be as efficient.
In the recent weeks, Caroline had been spending her time either working at the mill or overseeing orders in their Boston store. The recent quarrel with Ratonhnhaké:ton led her to calling it quits on trying to reignite their old flame and extinguished those memories. She would be focusing on building her own life and had refused a written request to travel onboard the Aquila that month. They weren't on speaking terms lately but she'd gone to the harbor to let Robert know that she needed to skip the voyage but she'd hop on the next one. She didn't want her private life filtering into her work and decided to spend the rest of the month at home or Boston to focus on herself.
This weekend, her father had traveled with her to their Boston store which allowed her free time in the city. She was happy to enjoy time to herself, focusing on her own desires rather than fulfilling roles. Duncan had become an older brother figure for her because he taught her new skills and just like she'd learned from Myriam, he didn't hesitate to correct her mistakes. Her Irish friend stood away from the edge to remain concealed on the rooftop as he watched the moving crowds below. Her focus, however, was the sparkling ocean and the traffic of ships in the harbor.
"I don't think I'll ever tire of seeing the ocean" she confessed with a fond smile to the glittering sea and the white sails in the horizon. These would be the memories of her time and she wondered if travel would advance technologically by the time she perished. Ships had been around for centuries and she tilted her head to wonder aloud, "Maybe one day, I'll be able to return to Glasgow."
"There's a reason your parents brought you to the colonies" he reminded carefully because trips across the ocean weren't always guaranteed safety. With the colonies at war with the crown, that risk increased heavily.
"I do have a better life here but I can't forget my roots" she mentioned with a small sigh to seeing the rolling green hills of Scotland. Her family hadn't seen her since childhood and they likely wouldn't recognize her now. Their interactions were through letters and she shrugged lightly to chuckle, "It's just wishful thinking. You've never thought of returning to the Emerald Isle?"
He came from a very large family and his life back home hadn't ended in the way he wanted. Traveling to the colonies meant a new life and identity, not taking any of it for granted. He had made new friends and lived a justified life nowadays. Despite the beauty of his own homeland, he found solace in the solitude of the colonies and wouldn't desire more.
"I've lived in many places but this is my home now" he remarked truthfully as he pondered the idea in his head. He doubted Ratonhnhaké:ton would send them outside the colonies but if the opportunity arose, he might. For the moment, this place needed his help and he emphasized, "I'm here to protect this land."
"For a land of such promise, there's so much volatile activity" she murmured quietly to the downside of creating a new land of freedom. There wouldn't be victory for both sides in the struggle and sacrifices would be required. Diplomacy wasn't winning despite the involvement of other nations and she shook her head to state, "We should be able to live in peace with others, not oppress, tax, or push them out of the land."
"Are you talking about the natives or slaves?" he asked curiously because many groups were suffering outside the revolutionary struggle.
"Both, we may have cultural differences but we shed the same blood and feel pain" she answered grimly after being raised in a town thriving with diversity. She didn't judge others based on their skin color, gender, or religion, but their merit. It was why she cherished Ratonhnhaké:ton despite their differences and she sighed under her breath, "Guess my parents did a better job with me."
Turning away from the harbor, Duncan scanned the rooftops to find the fastest path back to their safe zone. Caroline pushed herself off the chimney to stretch her arms over her head and crack her joints. She expected another round of running but he ended the session by declaring with a friendly smile, "This is enough for today, let's go swipe some of the Stephane's lunch snacks."
She laughed to their cooldown snack time because they always regrouped at the Frenchman's business. Stephane was more than happy for the visitors but Caroline always paid for her meals. Otherwise, she wouldn't be a good patron or friend. She liked the boisterous chef and motioned a swinging action with her hand to joke, "You better hope he doesn't pop out that meat cleaver of his."
"He'll only slash at two things: redcoats and nonpaying customers" Duncan pointed out with a laugh to Stephane's affinity to hacking things. He was certain he'd tried to kill a fly with it once instead of using a swatter. The fly had unsurprisingly won when it buzzed on its way out an open window.
Her left eyebrow rose because they'd often swipe an ale and asked, "Don't we qualify for the second?"
"Not if we're friends" he reasoned with a wide smile to the brotherly rule of sharing and picked up his pace to jump onto the next rooftop. He was certain he'd have a tab by the end of the month to pay off which was fine.
The trip to Le Dame Bleue was a short one because Stephane preferred to be close to the docks. That way, he could buy the freshest produce and meat from sellers in the early morning. At the same time, he could listen in and gather intel on Templar activities within the moving crowds. His residence was above the restaurant so he had no need to live in two places, preferring to stay by the hustle and bustle of Boston.
"Monsieur Little!"
Duncan paused in his step to the horrendous nickname as he opened closed the door, entering the empty restaurant. The tables were set up for the lunch crowd that would drop by in an hour while Stephane finished wiping his freshly cleaned drinking glasses. His fresh food was finishing its baking time in the oven at the rear of the first floor and it filled the place with the aroma of roasted herbs and butter.
Caroline tried not to laugh when the redhead cleared his throat loudly before correcting, "For the last time, it's Duncan!"
"Greetings, Duncan!" Clipper called out with a peppy smile as he sat next to the bar counter, enjoying his own early lunch. His rifle was set aside to the left beside a knapsack full of furs ready to be sold.
Stephane waved his complaints away as he threw a towel over his shoulder, setting down two clean mugs on the counter. The two would likely be there a while as they often did after training and he sighed when Caroline dropped her coins for a fresh meal. Stephane pushed her money back to let her know she was always welcome and pointed out, "What kind of man would I be to let one of our own starve?"
She blinked back with confusion as she held her coins in her hands and Duncan sat down beside her, chuckling awkwardly before hissing, "Not yet!"
"Still?" both assassins asked incredulously because the redhead was now in their midst constantly. How did their leader not induct her yet?"
"Am I missing something?" she asked with confusion and wondered if she was teetering on the edge of a secret club in the city. She was aware that Ratonhnhaké:ton belonged to certain clubs and maybe the three men were part of another. Did this mean she was close to getting a membership in something? Neat!
"No" Duncan and Stephane replied in unison to keep their secret until their leader allowed it. Luckily for them, he was in Boston now so this would be their chance to push forward for an induction.
"Probably" Clipper answered at the same time, creating a break in synchrony, and flinched when he realized his mistake. The heated glares sent his way by his brethren didn't help and he slunk in his seat to apologize meekly, "Oops."
"How do you and Connor know each other exactly?" she asked slowly because something didn't sit right, especially after that hiccup. She'd seen familiar reactions with Ratonhnhaké:ton and knew she had to dig in to find out the truth. The question was whether they would allow it or lead her around in circles.
"Connor introduced all of us and we've banded together ever since" Duncan began to explain as loosely as he could because she deserved that much as his friend. She trusted him and it was from that loyalty that he saw her potential to join them. He could see the gears turning in her eyes as she focused on him, ignoring the fresh ale of distraction that Stephane kept pushing in her direction. Duncan tapped his fingers against the cool glass before adding a twist to the truth, "You could say we're a very select guild."
"Really?" she asked excitedly to her correct assumption and curiosity ate at her for the truth. She doubted they dabbled in illegal behavior after interacting with Ratonhnhaké:ton and Duncan for years. Even Stephane and Clipper were good citizens. Grabbing her drink, she took a sip of the bubbly alcohol and smiled at the trio, "You don't peg me as bad men so color me curious."
"We all come from humble beginnings and we don't appreciate when innocents are taken advantage of" he continued carefully to be as vague as possible until Ratonhnhaké:ton could speak with her. As leader, it was his right to reveal the truth to her. At this point, he had to stall until he could ask where he was. Otherwise, he would be left with a boggled Caroline and a potentially pissed off Ratonhnhaké:ton. Searching for the right words, he hesitated before admitting, "We rectify society's injustices in our own way, especially if it means irritating those in power."
She snapped her fingers as she hoped to understand his words and offered, "Like the redcoats?"
"That would be one, yes" Duncan agreed because they were one problem being manipulated by a stronger force.
Her blue eyes darted between the trio since they had helped Ratonhnhaké:ton to freedom without hesitation. It didn't speak of an ominous group and they had been nothing but friendly to her. Smiling amicably, she asked them, "Is that why your guild helped Connor? Because he helped you band together?"
Duncan didn't hide the truth this time and answered honestly, "No, he's actually-"
"You don't have any blond ales?" Clipper interrupted the conversation as he eyed Stephane's collection over the bar counter. He wasn't the type for strong brews unless he'd had a horrible day or needed to knock out for the night.
"That's child's play! More for lunch, really" Stephane scoffed to his affinity for lightweight drinks and waved him away with his dishrag. He wasn't the type for a family establishment and carried strong drinks. Pointing at the young assassin, he teased with a smirk, "You've yet to handle a strong ale, boy."
Clipper's ears tinted pink in embarrassment, especially with a lady in the room, and he squared his shoulders to protest, "I'm not a boy!"
Duncan's hand slapped the counter to call their attention and he exclaimed firmly to remind them, "Fellas, I'm trying to have a life altering conversation here!"
"Sorry" the two mumbled sheepishly for intruding with their side conversation.
"We're a very select group and I'd like to sponsor your entry since you've been entangled in our dealings quite a bit" Duncan revealed with an impressed smile while Caroline stared back with a mix of surprise and confusion. She'd done what? Her only dealings with their group had to be the Bridewell breakout. Right? He offered a sympathetic smile for keeping her in the dark this whole time and confessed apologetically, "Quite frankly, it started from the day we met. I didn't include you in any of our work to protect you from enemies but you show the qualities and skills we need. You also have a knack for inadvertently falling into our missions, especially with our boss."
"Now I'm a little confused" Caroline murmured uncertainly as she shook her head to grasp what he was telling her. She'd been unknowingly working for a group? With their leader? Was Duncan their boss? Is that why he was evading on telling her what they did? She had so many questions and took a quick sip of her ale, preparing herself as she asked, "What exactly is it that you do?"
"I believe it would be better explained by the leader of our group" Duncan answered to keep a limit on what he revealed to her. He wouldn't carry that responsibility because she and Ratonhnhaké:ton shared a longer history. Looking at his two friends, who were quietly bickering about beer, he asked, "Where is he, fellas?"
Stephane flicked his thumb towards the rear of the tavern, where his storeroom was located. The young native had dropped by for a meal before heading back home and offered to help him open for his lunch service. He appreciated the help of his friends, which is why he refused to accept their payment for meals, and informed, "He's bringing in a case of ales because somebody decided to siphon a few."
Clipper placed a hand over his face to cover his shame since he'd been more than happy to drink away Stephane's light ales. After working on his catches and prepping them for barters at the shops, he was ready to call it a day. He didn't mean to make more work for his friends and apologized sheepishly, "Sorry, I was thirsty."
Duncan sighed glumly at realizing their boss was doing physical labor instead of relaxing and muttered flatly, "A little anticlimactic but fine."
"That's not how you do it" Stephane scoffed to the redhead's pouting and banged a fist over the counter before hollering over his shoulder, "Boss, you got company!"
Quite frankly, Caroline had expected Duncan to be the ringleader after that conversation. If he wasn't the leader, who was? Hadn't they insinuated they met already? Her blue eyes widened when the door to the rear storage room opened and Ratonhnhaké:ton walked out with a wooden crate in his hands. Her train of thought crashed to a grinding halt as the truth unveiled before her. Him?! Just how many guilds was he a part of?! He didn't notice her presence at all as he shut the door with his foot and spoke up with concern, "Stephane, I'd set traps or you might have rodents eating your food."
The chef balled up his dishrag to toss it aside, reaching under the counter to grab a wooden paddle, and snapped, "Those little- oh, I'll get them!"
Duncan, unaware to the secrecy and drama between the two, hopped off his seat to move forward and beckoned him with a grin, "Connor, perfect timing! This is the recruit I mentioned a while back but you're already friends which makes this meeting easier."
Ratonhnhaké:ton expected a random colonial civilian and turned around to introduce himself. His words died immediately on his tongue when he stood face-to-face with Caroline, who was utterly confused. Surprised and caught red-handed with his secret life, he released the crate full of bottled beer from his hands. The case struck the wooden floor and the silent room filled with glass shattering and liquid spilling onto the floor. Stephane cried out to his ruined beer supply because the lunch crowd rush was only an hour away. There would be a shortage of one crate but he'd survive! It wouldn't be worse than the rip-off heavy taxes he endured.
"You want to join us?" he asked swiftly because he had no idea what Duncan had told her. Had he brought up their work as assassins? His part in all of it? For the first time, he lost control of his emotions as both of his lives clashed and he was unprepared to deal with it. His heart hammered against his chest as he tried to stay calm, stammering uncertainly, "H-How much do you know?"
"You're their leader? The leader of what exactly?" Caroline questioned suspiciously as she slipped out of her seat to approach him. They hadn't seen or spoken to each since Clara's party and she'd been doing her best to avoid him until the next voyage. Life, however, seemed fated to pin them together and she placed a hand on her forehead to prevent a headache from surfacing. She hadn't eaten since morning and quickly turned around to take a swig of her ale, stating matter-of-factly, "I'm very confused right now. What did I fall into?"
"We. . .we need to talk" Ratonhnhaké:ton requested softly because he could no longer hide the truth and she deserved to know. It was foolish of him to think otherwise and unfair to risk her life on the Aquila or elsewhere in his presence. They'd had a bumpy road recently and he hoped to make amends for that by confessing. Otherwise, he would be adding another layer of deception and he couldn't do that to either of them. Meeting her reluctant gaze, he leaned closer to her and added in, "In private."
"Obviously but could you do it away from anything breakable!" Stephane exclaimed miserably to his lost revenue and shooed the two upstairs to the second level. He picked up another nearby case to move it away from the closed storeroom but failed to realize that rats had chewed through the bottom. The remaining bottles fell in unison and shattered on the ground to spill over his boots.
"Merde!"
"I still have some of your blond ales?" Clipper offered helpfully since his friend would sell him the leftover beer at a discount. It wasn't much but it would fill a few mugs.
Duncan released a long sigh to hearing about the drinks again and rested a hand on the other man's shoulder to break the news gently, "Clip, nobody wants the blond ales."
A/N: And we arrive to the revelation of the Assassins. The next chapter will conclude the reveal and the aftermath because Caroline won't likely be thrilled about that long kept secret. She's already none too happy with the poor lad. Not to mention, it might change her sentiments for him. Poor Connor can't catch a break. On the plus side, I love incorporating the Assassins into these chapters.
Thank you to my last chapter readers and reviewers:
Alexandra Rylie: I agree with your sentiment, I love the world of AC3 despite the passage of time. I decided on having the assassins bring her to Connor because I don't think she could outsmart his skills in the eavesdropping category.
Chriswill02: Thank you for enjoying the story, AC3 is my favorite game of the franchise. I ended up becoming more invested in the Homestead missions than the main ones, haha. I still have one more year storywise before Haytham pops out for the ride to the Carribean and I can't wait.
jynxhasadragon: Aw, I love being a motivator! I feel the same when I see my inbox has an updated story and I happily click away. I adore Duncan which is why I like adding him to the Assassin chapters so it's ok! We'll be seeing more of him.
Next Chapter Excerpt:
"An assassin? You're an assassin?" she hissed with alarm as she backed away from him slightly to the revelation. Her blue eyes examined him from head to toe as if seeing him under a new light, causing him to avert his gaze with disappointment. She wouldn't view him the same after this and he didn't blame her. Slamming a fist down on the table, she demanded, "What the hell does that mean, Connor?!"
"I would not harm innocents, you've known me for too long to believe that" he insisted to keep his name clean because he only fought against those who raised a hand to him. The Templars were his enemies and he needed her to know that important fact. He didn't want to stain his identity as her oldest friend, knowing his enemies could either kill or indoctrinate her, and whispered, "Please don't doubt me."
"You're telling me to break the image I've had of you for the last six years and fit an entirely different person into it!" she shot back vehemently as her breath hitched to his secret life away from Davenport. Is that what he'd been doing when she asked and he evaded answering her? Had he been out in the countryside extinguishing someone's life? Remembering his confrontation with the Patriots in New York, it only added more pieces to the puzzle. What was his involvement with them? Raising her hand to motion it in a circle before him, she asked swiftly, "What do the Assassins do? Who are you?"
Who are you?, she thought worriedly to who Ratonhnhaké:ton really was and hoped she hadn't made a mistake in following him so loyally. She was aware there were manipulative and charming people who could twist your mind backwards but he'd never struck her like that.
"I've asked myself that question many times in my life" he admitted bitterly as he traveled between two societies and had yet to reach a decent foothold in both. The Order bridged his worlds as he strived to protect everyone from danger but Achilles had warned him that an assassin's life wasn't a merry one. He didn't want her to live a miserable life one day that was shrouded in danger and deliberated, "The Assassins protect humanity to ensure their free will against the Templar Order, who wishes to subjugate and control humankind. It has been a vicious cycle spanning centuries and I am now a part of it as the Templars seek to use this revolution to instill their goals and end any chance of freedom in the colonies. I cannot stop their entire order but I can stop their plans for conquest here."
Is that whom Duncan had mentioned when she'd asked about their goals? She had seen how they'd trapped Ratonhnhaké:ton in Bridewell Prison to the point of execution and that was enough to label his enemies as dangerous. If they were trying to pin him as an antagonist to the rebellion when he truly wasn't, she couldn't help but ask, "They're loyal to the crown?"
"No, they manipulate the government to their needs" he disagreed to divulge his knowledge to her and let her draw her own conclusions. He wanted to keep her safe in Davenport where she wouldn't have to worry over matters like this. Caroline, however, had never been one to sit in a rocking chair to knit and their worlds had finally clashed together. She listened to him intently as the initial shock wore off and he continued, "This is just another conflict they twist to accomplish their goals. We're only involved because they have crossed the sea to mold the New World to their views and they practically eradicated the assassins shortly before I found what was left of them. I have to protect the safety and freedom of everyone here."
"Why are you involved? You've heard colonial sentiments towards the natives" she whispered softly with concern to what he'd fallen into. She remembered the hushed whispers and looks sent their way when they traveled together as a couple and even now, as friends. Looking for his best interest, she asked firmly, "Are you sure you're not being used?"
"Quite sure, they didn't burn down my village" he answered grimly to the other factor for his antagonism against the group. Although many years had passed since the loss of his mother, those memories didn't fade. He wanted to ensure no other child experienced that pain and would end the Templar threat with the least casualties. Caroline's attentive gaze turned sullen at hearing that revelation and he confided in her, "I told you about my past but what I learned on this journey is that the man responsible for that devastation and my mother's life is a Templar agent. He is the one that pulled the lever to hang me back in New York and I've no doubt we will encounter each other again. My mission is to kill him and rid the colonies and my people of the Templars."
"He's the leader of these Templars?" she asked with disbelief at remembering that man, a supposed leader of the Patriots, and shook her head. Were the people claiming to fight for their independence pawns or traitors? What would a secret group aiming for domination get out of destroying a native village? The more Ratonhnhaké:ton divulged to her, the more questions surfaced. Her brow furrowed at the thought of men with evil deeds infiltrating the militia and asked, "The ones who want to rule us?"
"No, that esteemed rank belongs to my father" he answered tightly to the other conundrum in his life as he maintained his loyalty to the Assassins. His mother hadn't mentioned either groups to him and Achilles was left to break the news to him soon upon arriving. He detested his father for following the Templars and supporting Lee's actions, which is why he tried his best to detach himself from the man. Bitterly, he admitted under his breath, "Who is also not averted to killing me."
His father? He's met his father?, she thought with disbelief to that fact because he'd only admitted that he was a colonist that ran off before his birth. Not only had he been abandoned by his father but he was the leader of this ominous group?! How had he absorbed that truth without enduring an emotional breakdown? His resolve was stronger than she imagined and her heart went out to him in this struggle.
"Oh my- Connor!" she exclaimed with horror to learning that hidden truth and ran a hand over her face to keep a clear head. She took another long drink from her mug to absorb everything. Offering her cup, he surprised her by accepting for the first time and taking a quick sip. Shaking her head with sheer disbelief, she released a long sigh, "I can't believe this."
Thank you for reading!