Color The Sky

by Mystic Blade

Connor's life at Davenport homestead brings a sense of family after leaving Kanathséton as he makes new friendships with the residents and finds himself slowly assimilating into one large family. He partakes in a part of life that isn't tied to the assassins while one young resident tackles the new wild frontier to carve a dream for herself as they cultivate their new community.

64. Biddle's Hideout

Music Inspiration: Gothic Storm- "Kingdom of the Three Seas" and Daft Punk- "Solar Sailer"

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Biddle's Hideout

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11 March 1778

The Aquila had caught notice of the Randolph on their route north and Ratonhnhaké:ton had asked his father if Church had somehow sent for reinforcements. Haytham highly doubted it because Biddle was more of a seafarer than wandering the cities for Templar missions. His current mission was to thwart the Patriots and take down any Assassin-associated vessels, much like the one he was currently standing on. Well, his life never did lack for adventure or drama. The frigate was currently sailing through one of the islands with Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton occupying the crow's nest to survey the approaching cliffs. She had noticed white sails peeking through the right cliff's edge and summoned him for a second look.

Their scrupulous vigilance yielded a clue when a flock of white birds flew out of the right cliffs in a hurry. Something clearly spooked them. When he saw the peek of a brown bowsprit, he knew the Randolph lurked behind the cliffs. The Man O' War was much too large to hide easily amongst the island's rocky terrain and he would take advantage with his sleeker ship. Caroline kept her spyglass pinned on the cliff's side for further clues and asked her husband, "Think it's him?"

"Who else is fond of attacking Assassin vessels?" he agreed with slight amusement to their numerous entangles with the larger ship. They didn't really have specific enemies among the Templars, apart from Charles Lee, but Nicholas Biddle had earned the attention of the entire Aquila's crew. The attacks against civilian ships back in 1776 had stuck with him and the incident at Martha's Vineyard never dwelled well.

Caroline had still been fresh among the crew during that incident and remembered her poor stomach catapulting on itself. Her husband always kept an eye for that specific ship when they traveled, aware of Biddle's fondness for seafaring. They had been playing a game of cat and mouse for years but this time, the Aquila was more experienced and upgraded. Sure, they had just left a fight with the Templars only a few days prior but they wouldn't let a threat escape. She assumed Biddle would think the same of them and grinned cheekily, "We're practically luring him out then."

Lowering the spyglass, he collapsed it to return it to his coat pocket for safekeeping. Nodding to his wife to depart, she winked in return for the welcome visit and he slid over the metal railing to grip the hanging pulley that hung overhead. His weight and force of the drop served as a counterbalance and she watched her husband land safely on the upper deck. With a happy smile, she returned to surveying the cliffs to continue her investigation for the Randolph.

Ratonhnhaké:ton approached the stairs leading to the steering deck, ascending them with haste, and he returned to the wheel. Robert was at his loyal post to his left-hand side while his father decided to linger on the rear side on the right side, sitting nonchalantly on a wooden crate. After the mission with Church, he had calmed his sharp words and criticisms of his skills and life decisions which brought some relief to the captain. Unfortunately, he didn't escape a fatherly chide at least once throughout the day. He wasn't sure what to think of the odd relationship that was sprouting since they weren't actively trying to kill each other. On the other hand, they weren't ready to embrace each other to reignite their family bond.

Robert looked to his captain with curiosity to any new findings and asked, "Anything, captain?"

"Due north of here" he answered gladly to keeping tail on the other ship because they would not be deterred. It had been many years since he met the Templar in Martha's Vineyard, his immaturity almost earning him a beating before Robert intervened. Now, he was more experienced to fight larger ships and he would keep chase until a storm or damage forced him to withdraw. Having his father onboard the ship would also be another situation that would require prompt correction if he tried to intervene. Gripping the wheel tightly, he called out to his wife to order, "Bring her to full-sail!"

"Aye, aye!" she confirmed with glee before calling out her own orders to the navigations team. The young sailors moved across the yards to unfurl the sails and she smiled at the team leaders that kept position on the viewing platforms to ensure the sails were at the required angles for maximum speed. They were fast learners and their daily huddles for feedback and climate updates helped keep them as an efficient team. At this rate, she would give David some stiff leadership competition.

The Aquila surged forward through the open water to charge north towards the cliffs. Despite the humidity in the air, the wind was strong that day and it pushed the frigate clear across the water. The smaller island approached quicker than expected and the cliffs were soon visible with their green vegetation peeking out through the rock crevices. The fog that lingered from afar in the horizon disappeared on their close approach to grant them a perfect view of the island. Caroline held up her orange flag to signal that the sea became a narrower path up ahead and he hollered for them to switch to half-sail. Their speed decreased to allow the Aquila to pass through the narrow path between the two rock formations.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was not fond of small spaces, particularly straight paths, due to easy ambush points from behind or in front. The fight with Church gave him the experience to handle the rocky terrain and fight against hostile ships but narrow paths scarcely brought comfort. His navigator was the same as she eyed the right cliff with suspicion when they were halfway through. For all she knew, the Templars shared strategy tips. Sure enough, the surprise attack came when the large Man O' War burst forth from behind the right cliffside and she yelled, "The Randolph! 1 o'clock!"

Cannon fire shot their way as the Randolph dashed across the sea and Ratonhnhaké:ton followed the left curve of the path to give chase. Keeping pace with the larger ship, a rogue wind struck the right side of the ship and Caroline ordered her team to switch the sails against it. Haytham remained sitting neatly on his crate, oddly calm to the attack, and he sighed with disdain, "Don't my minions know the bloody meaning of covert operations?"

He couldn't tackle the entire ship or try to take the wheel again without having the crew tie or throw him overboard. His agreement with his son was to kill Church in a mutual venture, not join him in killing another Templar. How was he going to be an efficient leader if he let his son gallivant at sea killing his officers? Subterfuge was out of the question with both his son and his officers on the top deck. If he intervened, he would lose what little credibility he had. Caroline stirred him from his pensive thoughts by calling down with the suggestion, "You need new minions."

"Is that an offer?" he asked cheerfully to prod the redhead to join the Templar side. The couple was more open to discussing and exchanging information about both orders now that Church had been dealt with. His son continued with his talk about peace between factions but Haytham still saw it as a farfetched dream. He had been like his son once but neither side relented long enough in their fight to hold such a conversation.

Caroline had one simple reply to that and it echoed through the air, "Ha!"

Haytham clapped his hands to draw attention from the focused team and suggested with an amused smile, "We could reform the Kenway family! We were seafarers, you know."

"Your family" Ratonhnhaké:ton corrected quickly because his family was his mother, the only one who raised him. Now, that word contained Caroline as his wife and her family.

Haytham refrained from throwing his hat at his son's backside and shot back stiffly, "It's your family too, boy."

Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled through the small inlet as the wind released them, pushing them into open water. The Aquila decreased the distance to the Randolph as the sails turned right to keep them in line with the larger ship. They had not come this close to the Randolph before and he was proud to see his own ship keep pace, unrelenting against the current. Without turning or batting an eye towards his father, he stated dryly, "You're trying to distract me."

"I'm a Templar, I can't exactly have you killing all of my minions" Haytham agreed with justification because he would be a lousy leader if he didn't try something. His top officers, however, should know how to lose or kill the enemy if they dared to call themselves the best of the best. Frankly, he was pondering over purging all his officers but Lee to invigorate a new group with his ideals of order and justice. It appeared that most were becoming self-serving rather than seeing the larger picture.

The Aquila pursued the Randolph across the open ocean, the waves growing in strength as size as they entered deep waters. Ratonhnhaké:ton preferred this over the narrow and shallow sea bed surrounding the small islands. Out at sea, all maneuvers were game and he had enough space to plan different strategies. The Randolph was cutting tail and escaping farther out to sea, where dark clouds were gradually forming in their direction. Robert crossed his arms with uncertainty on his face, turning to his captain, to remark, "What's that weasel up to? Sheet anchor to windward, captain. You can be sure he's got something up his sleeve."

Showers began to sprinkle over the top deck of the Aquila and Caroline ordered her team to use their leather gloves to move around the yards. Having one of them slip through the heavy bobbing of the Aquila against the turbulent waves wouldn't bode well. After falling into the ocean once, she refused to have the same befall her team and implemented safety measures for them.

Caroline and Richard hollered through the heavy winds in unison with alarm, "Two Man O' War! 3 o'clock!"

"We're in for it now" David whistled excitedly to enliven his team to stay sharp on the deck. Nodding to his little brother, he watched Richard hasten downstairs to prepare his own team. One Man O' War was trouble enough but two more? They would have quite a battle on their hands. This was like the battle for the Belladonna all over again.

Robert couldn't believe his eyes to the fighting force of the enemy and waved his right hand at the approaching ships to yell, "It's a bloody armada! I knew he was up to something! And he's turned to fight us!"

Looking to Ratonhnhaké:ton with a firm look, he declared grimly to their unfair odds, "We're in it now, captain!

Ratonhnhaké:ton was undeterred by the numbers, calming his mind to focus solely on a victory, and reaffirmed, "So we fight, Mister Faulkner! Board the Randolph. Sink the rest!"

---

The Aquila rammed against the right side of the now sinking Man O' War to bring an end to the tense battle. For once, his father had not heckled him and he was able to think clearly to strategize against the enemy. His main target was the Randolph and despite the large sizes of the other two enemy ships, they would be slower in the water than his frigate. Ratonhnhaké:ton kept chase to target the masts of the large ship to incapacitate it, firing upon the other two ships when they treaded too closely. Between Caroline's navigation and Robert's experience, Ratonhnhaké:ton formulated his attack to relay it to his gunnery officers. Frankly, they were a little too happy to shoot things but he admired their passion.

The two sinking Man O' War were destroyed as their battle-worn hulls sunk slowly under the water with their crew either evacuating or sinking with them. Only the Randolph remained with its lifeless masts as the white canvas spilled over the top deck, sending the crew scrambling to find sight of the Aquila. This blind spot allowed the frigate to advance forward to approach the vulnerable ship.

David hollered to his men to stay sharp because their cannons were still functioning, encouraging the top deck with a confident grin, "We got the cockrobin!"

Ratonhnhaké:ton maneuvered the ship to station her parallel to the Randolph's right side and called out to his crew, "She's ours, men! Prepare to board! Biddle is mine!"

The crew stationed on the right side of the ship left their posts to cross the distance, reaching down to the floor for the boarding gear. The men on the left side kept to their cannons to fend off any fire to protect their colleagues and Richard ascended the second deck with half his team to help the topside crew. He would leave the rest to man the cannons to provide cover fire while they prepared to board. Caroline descended the crow's nest after catching a glimpse of Biddle hollering orders from the steering deck, refusing to abandon ship. She admitted it was more admirable than Church's cowardly way of hiding in the bowels of his ship.

Haytham watched the boarding process with mild enthusiasm, keeping a keen eye for any stray bullets, and crossed his arms to approach his son. The young man was more eager to board this ship than the last at seeing him check his weapons one last time. Robert descended the stairs to oversee the progress on the top deck as the men bridged both ships together with the ropes. Caroline waved a friendly salute to the older officer, grinning when he shook his head in warning to veer her away. She could handle the Templar's sass and heard his voice as she climbed the stairs, "You weren't this determined with Church. Where was this passion for battle when I needed it back in Martinique?"

Caroline stopped at the top of the stairs to answer his question and let her husband prepare for his fight, "This guy's been pissing us off way longer than you have."

He was confused to the response, finding absolutely no logic in finding a sailor more fearsome than himself. Weren't they supposed to be mortal enemies? When had he dropped his fearsome factor? He was practically the most powerful Templar in the entire colonies! French and Spain included! He paused momentarily from the surprise, earning an amused snort from his son, and he demanded with offense, "More than the leader of the actual Templars? I dare say I'm a little insulted."

For the first time, Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't help but offer a joke with a soft tone, "Did we hurt your pride?"

Turning away from the two, he played the insulted party by claiming airily, "Possibly."

Ratonhnhaké:ton shook his head as he descended the stairs while Caroline cleared her throat to drown a laugh. While her husband was focused on destroying the Randolph and Biddle, she would play the support and peacemaker card. She was aware that he was a dangerous Templar and they were targeting one of his officers, replying cheekily, "Don't worry, we'll end him and make you number one."

Robert's voice interrupted the two as he yelled to the crew to initiate boarding the other ship, "To arms! To arms!"

The close contact between both ships caused an eruption of bullets and David hollered to his men, "Man the swivels! Cover from the quarter deck!"

Richard used his rifle to shoot at the enemy sailors lining the Randolph's banisters while Robert called out the final orders, "Secure the aft lines! Tie off the bow!"

Ratonhnhaké:ton approached his first officer to prepare for departure and gave him an order, "Mr. Faulkner, don't let my father leave this ship."

Latching onto the right banister of the steering deck to avoid being flung to the side, Haytham scoffed haughtily, "Oh, like I'm stupid enough to fight an entire ship. . ."

Caroline wasn't convinced by the innocent act because she'd seen him beat a man firsthand. Not to mention, jump onto said man's ship full of enemies on a solo mission to kill him. Hmm, her husband did share quite a few similarities with him. Wagging her right index finger, she warned him firmly, "Don't make us hogtie you."

"Board the Randolph!"

The attack signal pulled Ratonhnhaké:ton away from the conversation and Haytham sighed with disappointment at seeing him run off fearlessly. He remembered that same fervor in his youth when he envisioned changing the world for the better but reality caught up to him. Now, it was simply instilling the Templar ideals into society to be rid of its commotion. His son, on the other hand, refused to see otherwise. Maybe he was more tenacious than himself. For the first time since boarding the ship, he desired to drink himself unconscious. With his son desiring him to stay out of the conflict and ordering his crew to keep him bound there, he decided to head downstairs to his tiny closet of a quarter to wait.

Caroline followed her captain onto the larger ship, clutching for dear life on the railing of the Randolph's wooden banister. Pulling herself up, she scanned her immediate vicinity in a sweep to detect any close enemies. Ratonhnhaké:ton covered his boarding crew by firing at the nearest sailors with his pistol and using his hidden blade for any that treaded too closely. Richard joined his left side to unleash his own attack with his beloved rifle to provide more cover fire. Caroline slipped over the banister to drop down beside her captain's right side to use Albert to clear their enemies. The top deck was engulfed in active fire and patches of soot-covered floorboards, the fallen white sails set ablaze to cloud the area in dark smoke.

Ratonhnhaké:ton ordered Richard to take charge of the fight and keep the upper hand against the Randolph's crew. The gunnery officer grinned widely to a worthy fight on the burning ship and saluted his captain in farewell. Taking a group of five, they began to clear an opening towards the center of the ship and left a line of bodies lining the floor. The rest would defend a line to provide retreating space when the time came to leave. Looking to his navigations officer, Ratonhnhaké:ton clearly saw her firm look for staying behind was nonnegotiable. He paused for a moment to stab his sword into an oncoming man's abdomen that was yelling profanities at them. Caroline dove forward to protect his backside but turned her own back to his too slowly, missing an approaching enemy.

She saw the incoming sword too late and unsheathed her hidden blade to block the attack to avoid a strike to her vital organs. The blade sliced through her right side, cutting through her layers of clothing, but she felt no pain from the attack. Ratonhnhaké:ton took immediate action against the offender, stabbing the man through his chest with his hidden blade. Pushing him away roughly, he made sure the coast was clear before turning to his wife with worry, "Caroline!"

His hands flew to her abdomen to assess the damage, concerned with the diagonal slash on her clothes. Having her injured was not part of the plan! His fingers weren't met with blood or her skin, relieving him instantly, and she insisted, "I'm fine, no bleeding! Keep moving!"

Her stay was her saving grace in the universe as the metal and whalebone blocked the blade from harming her. It was a lucky moment and she didn't take it for granted, given that they were still onboard. Surviving a close attack with a sharp weapon struck surreally but she had a mission to finish at his side. Fear wouldn't shake her because he had a ship to navigate, a husband to protect, and a home to return to. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't want to endanger her life on enemy ships but she was loyal to him, a conundrum for him as her husband. He would rather have her stay with Faulkner in the safety of the Aquila but she was tenacious. Meeting her gaze, he shielded her form with his and gave her one strict order, "Stay behind me."

She wouldn't argue with his decision, slightly shaken from the close encounter, and nodded swiftly, "Aye, aye."

---

The Aquila's crew returned to their own ship after eliminating the captain and making sure the crew turned tail. Ratonhnhaké:ton was pleased with a job well done, even if he did get a brief scare with Caroline. He granted Biddle's request for a captain's death to sink with his ship while Richard and his men seized useable goods for their return trip. The other ship wouldn't be needing it anyway. Unlike Church, Biddle hadn't drawn them into a chase down most of the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was last to return to the ship to ensure everyone was back onboard safely. Haytham was none too happy at seeing the abandoned ship floating in the ocean, sighing with great disappointment under his breath. It's not like he could have used it in working condition with a dead crew. Robert wasn't convinced to leaving the Man O' War afloat, looking down at his captain as he ascended the stairs, and called out, "I can't believe you mean to leave the Randolph! She's a mighty vessel, captain!"

Haytham grunted noncommittally because he was briefly inclined to jump ship until realizing that the masts were useless. Living astray on an island with a coconut for a friend until help arrived (if it ever did) wouldn't help. Shooting his son an apathetic glance, he stated sardonically, "I'm heavily inclined to agree with this ruffian but I'm affronted to losing a minion."

Robert ignored his complaining with a more important question about their enemy, "What of Biddle?! You show him mercy in the face of-"

His words were cut off when The Randolph suddenly exploded, a loud bang echoing through the air before a dark smoke cloud billowed upwards. The wooden frame of the sinking ship groaned with splintering and crackling from the fire devouring the levels above the water. Debris flew into the air but the Aquila was safely away to escape any strikes. The Randolph was no more and the Aquila's crew could now rest easy that another enemy would not be lurking in the open sea waiting to attack them.

Caroline placed her hands on her hips with a giddy grin to her firsthand explosion. Her husband had been by her side to ensure they set up the explosives correctly before returning onboard. She worried the explosion would detonate early but he assured her that wouldn't happen. Now, she had a large smoke cloud as a mark of their handiwork. Inhaling deeply to catch hints of a freshly burning fire, she turned to the steering deck to wink at her captain and declared, "Norris has talent in explosives if mining doesn't work out. I do love explosions."

Robert was taken aback by their daring behavior since they were nowhere near an infirmary if burns occurred. Out at sea, he felt like a parent to the two but they knew how to handle themselves. Haytham was dismayed to their careless behavior, not surprised after being flung from a second story into the ocean by his son. Was this their way to have fun after a victory? Didn't they worry about their safety? They still had quite a way to go to reach home and questioned the logic to their careless action, "You let her blow up the ship?!"

Caroline grinned impishly to his sheer disbelief that he granted her the wish of a ship explosion. Her husband wasn't one for blowing things up but spending time with her siblings at Norris' mines taught her a thing or two. Regardless, the ship was sinking and an explosion would only help its pace. The cloud of smoke in the horizon did cheer her up after that tense battle. Ratonhnhaké:ton tried not to snort to his sudden concern because he knew his wife better than anyone onboard. When she sought something, she persisted until succeeding. Shrugging nonchalantly, he answered evenly, "Found it hard to say no."

Haytham shot him a skeptical glance, wondering why the two decided to run on the wild side, and chastised his son, "What if she blew herself or you to smithereens?"

"I must be dreaming if that's concern I hear" Caroline chuckled with a scandalous whistle, patting her husband's left bicep with a wag of her eyebrows. She wasn't surprised when both men turned away from each other, uttering a dismayed sigh. The two had moments when they were more alike than they would ever admit. Haytham said nothing towards her comment, deciding to keep his mouth shut before he sounded like a sappy loon. If he uttered nonsense like that, he would continue betraying his Templar ideals. She waved her right hand at him with a carefree smile to insist, "We're fine."

Robert reluctantly agreed with the Templar but failed to voice it to avoid giving the man a point. He wasn't one for loud and large explosions at his age but his captain was a young man. The addition of his adventurous wife and their dangerous lifestyle would garner a surprise explosion or two. Shrugging it off, he chuckled aloud to tell his captain, "I guess that's that then. A tad over-dramatic, if you ask me. Still, a waste of a formidable ship."

Caroline hid a chuckle behind her hand for being a little trigger happy for lighting dynamite that day. Ratonhnhaké:ton fought down a smile for letting his wife have a little fun, given their lengthy trip in the south. It was a small gift he could offer for seizing her away from their home for months. Rapping his knuckles on the banister, Robert glanced at his captain with a perky grin and incited, "How's about a cheer for the boys then, eh?"

He agreed to that suggestion and pumped his right fist into the air to holler aloud, "Victory for the Aquila! For her glory! Hip hip!"

"Hurrah!", the crew echoed with zest to celebrate their win against their enemy.

"Hip hip!" Ratonhnhaké:ton called out to enjoy the positivity from his ship after their second fight within the week. He had started his journey on the Aquila with apprehension to the open sea but time and experience granted him confidence. His father knew how to pick at his vulnerabilities but he refused to break against the criticism.

"Hurrah!" Caroline called out with the crew, saluting her captain with a proud smile before clapping with a joyful laugh. He was the only person she would follow into hell and back, admiring his leadership and kindness for the crew. She could not have a better leader to follow and thanked her lucky stars that life worked out for them.

Robert knew a surefire way to celebrate their victory by luring the crew into song. The jolly lyrics would often fill the ship to pass the time, after a win, or through light rain. It was their way to bond in camaraderie and relieve stress, especially after a battle like the one they had. He leaned against the wooden banister to gaze at the crew cleaning debris from the deck and began to sing aloud, "I've been a wild rover for many a year, and I spent all me money on whiskey and beer. And now I'm returning..."

Haytham groaned miserably when the entire ship burst into song and he pinched his nose to sigh dismally, "Great, another dreary sea chanty."

Unlike the Assassins that were celebrating another win, he was on the losing side of camp with one less officer. That, and several affiliated ships. Bloody fantastic. Caroline peered down from her post to the frowning man and reminded with a friendly smile, "Accept our jolly naval song, Mr. Kenway. We take losses too."

He was not entirely convinced of that since his son was enemy number one on the Templar list for a reason. True, he had enlisted his help to find and eliminate Church but not Biddle. Now, he had to find a half-decent officer to take his place. That is, if his son didn't kill them within the month of being hired. Crossing his arms, he glared at his son for his efficiency and chastised, "You eliminated two Templars, although one was a traitorous bastard. That's not much of a success on my end."

While the crew kept singing their jolly song, Robert turned around to chide back with a wagging finger full of business, "Don't make us go for three."

---

The destruction of the Randolph and Biddle's passing meant the trade routes would be safer for their allies. Ratonhnhaké:ton was happy to rejoice in another accomplishment against the Templars while his father was more disappointed. It was a complicated situation because neither could exactly cheer the other one on when they exterminated their enemies, aside from Church. The evening was winding down with most of the crew preparing to head off to bed while the night crew prepared to begin their shift. Robert was already whistling a peppy tune to begin his shift strong while Ratonhnhaké:ton relinquished command over to him, enjoying the cool air and soft waves.

Unlike the daytime's unrelenting sun, the night ushered in calm with the storm clouds long past them as the Aquila moved north. Each passing day meant they were growing closer to home and he hoped no more fights would delay those plans. Removing the bicorn hat from his head, he smiled faintly at the cool air that stroked his face. He could not wait to return to the drier air of the north and his home, briefly glancing at the crow's nest on the mainmast to spot his wife. Their recent fight set him on edge with her safety but she assured him only her attire was slashed. His father's words over the weeks echoed in his head but he couldn't force her to stay home or he would be no better than a Templar.

"I suppose I should thank you" Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke quietly, glancing briefly at his father. Haytham would often prowl the top deck during the evening when most of the crew retired after dinner. He preferred the solitude of the top deck or the steering deck to avoid idle chatter. It was an odd similarity they both shared, trying not to dwell on it.

"Whatever for?" Haytham asked with confusion because he had been forced to sit and watch him eliminate one of his officers. Was he being thanked for not interfering? Hopefully, word wouldn't return north that he was idly watching members of the Templar Order get wiped out. That and he was onboard an Assassin vessel with his son, the leader of that order. Looking back to the past months, he chastised himself for letting his view on the boy askew and familiarize himself with him. They were meant to be temporary allies, nothing more. Instead, he was learning more about him every day and tainting his old mindset.

"The only time I needed you was for your name" his son revealed to the single benefit of sharing his blood with the Englishman. Although he would often wish to be a full native, his marriage to Caroline would have been impossible without it. His wife would have lived with him regardless but he was grateful for that morsel of a gift from his father. After lacking a paternal figure in his life, he stated quietly, "Without the surname Kenway, I would not have been able to marry my wife."

"Why wouldn't you- oh" Haytham began to question but his son turned around to shoot him a knowing glance. There was no question that his physical appearance took after the northern native tribes but his speech and behavior were more akin to the colonials. He was a child of two worlds, born into them without a choice, and Haytham was the only piece of that bloodline that remained. He couldn't change the laws of society but his son needed to survive within them without drawing attention. Living away from populated cities would be best and giving up the Assassin's Order would do wonders. Waving a hand, he pointed out dismissively for his tendency to adhere to the law, "Everything is practically common law nowadays with this turmoil. I didn't peg you for a legal man."

"Not for me, for her" Ratonhnhaké:ton corrected because his future laid in ensuring the safety of his family. All of his belongings would be inherited by Caroline and he refused to have somebody else seize them if they were unmarried. It was clear that their children would be part of colonial life and they deserved to be financially stable in a worst-case scenario where he was not part of their life. Being in the Assassin's Order, his life would be forever shrouded in danger but potential fatherhood added a fierce layer to be undeterred by enemies. Caroline was his life and he would keep his promises to her, adding in, "For our future children."

Haytham didn't peg his son as the type to hide his roots and frankly, didn't see the need for it. He could handle himself and his crew so a family would be safe in his hands. Not that he was rooting for him or anything like that. Shaking his head, he assured him that legal or nonlegal marriages didn't matter in the great span of things, "You're not ruining the poor girl for simply having native blood."

"You haven't borne the looks of disdain and slurs" he spoke tightly to the admonishing looks aimed at him in the cities when his hood didn't hide his face. After years of bearing them and spiteful remarks, they barely dented his feelings. However, if his children appeared more like himself than Caroline, it would be a painful experience. He wanted to protect them as best he could but he couldn't control their features. He had to absorb the damage of every encounter alone but he and Caroline would be there to shield their child. Crossing his arms, he proposed coldly, "Why would I want the same to befall my children?"

His father sighed under his breath and carefully reminded him of the team he was supporting, "Again, you are backing the Patriots who care little about anyone that isn't of fair complexion."

"And the Loyalists are better?" Ratonhnhaké:ton questioned the other alternative because natives weren't seen favorably by either party. The Loyalists were utilizing the tribes in their favor to drive back the colonists and scatter their forces. Neither side appeared to truly care about their future and safety but he cared about his village.

"I serve the Templar cause, not the bloody Loyalists or Patriots" Haytham reminded him snippily to where his loyalties lay but repeated exposure to his son made him question aspects of it. Would he be willing to see him killed to let the Templars prevail? Or was there another way where he could keep him away from the firefight and have the Templars succeed? He sought order and equal justice in society, no silly power plays, remarking firmly, "Everyone would be equal in our new world, none of this race nonsense. If I cared about instilling more segregation, I wouldn't have chosen your mother."

"You didn't choose her, you chose the Templars" he emphasized sharply because his father's decisions led them down the current road. He had no say in his life from the moment he was conceived but now, he could make his own decisions. His father, on the other hand, could have chosen a different path to save all their lives from danger. Instead, he took the path that destroyed any semblance of family and stated briskly, "Even now, you still choose them."

"I am not your enemy but I am at odds with the fallacies of the Assassins" his father evaded since past decisions couldn't be undone and he took responsibility for that. His son was prematurely robbed of having a mother in his life and that was one thing he would work towards avenging. It wouldn't bring her back but it would prove his honesty in having no hand in her death. He expected his son to be smart and not fall prey to sappy stories, amicable smiles, and missions of heroism. His antagonism against the Templar Order was pitting them against each other more than their broken family and he chastised, "Are you blindly following whoever spouts nicer nonsense? Those so-called Patriots will use you and spit you out when they're done and your Assassins-"

"Would you two pipe down?" Caroline chastised the loud racket as she ended her shift, stretching her arms over her head. She left the topmast in the care of her night team, yawning into her left hand with exhaustion. Even with the height at the crow's nest, she could hear the two bickering. It wasn't as heated like in the beginning but the two still didn't see eye to eye on each other's choice of faction. She approached her husband to stand at his right side and teased them, "You're worse than two territorial cats."

"This is a father-son argument on ideology" Haytham reasoned matter-of-factly, aiming his index finger between both before making a shooing motion in her direction. Caroline snorted in amusement at the silent rejection but she wasn't leaving the captain alone. He was aware of the deep trust and loyalty between the couple and the redhead followed his son without question. He would not break that bond but he wanted them to think about the other side of the conflict. The Templars were focused on order which would provide the two stability in a new world rather than hiding in the current one. Pinning the couple with a parental glare, he lectured them sharply, "Your Assassins will create chaos with their freedom nonsense and earthquakes when removing artifacts from those ancient creatures. Even now, you meddle in politics without a clear plan of your end goal-"

"I am aware of the effects of the precursor artifacts and so is the Order" Ratonhnhaké:ton assured tightly, annoyed that he was seen as a blind leader rather than a competent one. Caroline squeezed his right forearm covertly to offer support before he said a few more choice words. He wanted to focus on a chance for peace between both factions rather than being criticized and chased away from him. His father, unfortunately, was not a willing recipient of that idea and he nodded curtly, "Have a good night."

He ushered his wife down the stairs with a hand on her lower back before following promptly. Caroline pointed to her eyes before aiming them back at the Templar, smiling with amusement as she turned around to head downstairs. Haytham scoffed to her spousal protection and a thought sprouted to mind that beckoned him to ask, "Wait, does this mean you're both Kenway? I suppose there is pride that the name will be passed on."

Ratonhnhaké:ton burst his bubble of happiness by clarifying frankly, "I used it for our license, we did not keep it. My people are matrilineal, I chose hers."

The couple stopped halfway down the stairs when Haytham blurted with great offense, "You're letting our name die?!"

Caroline turned to her husband, who shot her a faint smile of amusement, and tried not to grin herself. They had kept that specific tidbit about their marriage quiet, given Haytham's absence in his life and Templar affiliation. The surname brought disappointment in him more than anything and he wouldn't use it again. The only reason he agreed to in the first place was to grant Caroline peace of mind that their marriage could be legalized. Aside from that, his new name finally made him feel like part of a true family with the Burnetts. They had sheltered him since their arrival and they were legally his family through marriage.

He sucked in a faint breath to deliver the news to his father, turning around to face him, and spoke with a careful edge, "Given the fact we're at each other's throats in a war and tragedy follows us, yes. I was never a Kenway to begin with."

Haytham wasn't surprised by his aversion to the name, given how he decided to stay out of his life until now. Still, it didn't mean he ruined the Kenway name, right? It was simply a name and nothing more. Having it tied to his identity would help his son in colonial society rather than drive him further away from his native roots. Throwing his hands in the air for dramatic flair, he questioned snippily, "Why would you not want my name?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton broke his stoic façade by sighing with embarrassment, dipping his head back slightly and closing his eyes briefly. Did his father not see the obvious reason? They bickered about it once a day at the least. Squaring his shoulders, he regained control of his expression to point out calmly, "You're a Templar-"

"I am still your father" he interjected smartly because he was more than just the leader of the Templars. His life had become deeply embedded with them that he forgot to live a life of his own. The only time he dared to do so, he walked away from a new life and shut that door. He might have been a lousy father but he could still try to make up for it by trying to keep him safe. That is, if he would let him.

Ratonhnhaké:ton decided to test that acclaimed paternal concern by requesting bluntly, "Fine, then let me kill Charles Lee."

This time, Haytham was flabbergasted by his outlandish (not to mention, dangerous) demand. Would killing one of his officers prove his loyalty? If he proposed the same, his son would protest incessantly. Maneuvering to find a semblance of a stable relationship was a minefield and both kept being repelled from the other. He was willing to set aside his ideals for peace but not if it meant decimating his top officers. With two submerged underwater, he wasn't about to lose a third. Shaking his head, he refused the insane idea altogether with a stern voice, "I am not having you kill my second-in-command for the family name!"

"Then you prize him higher than myself" Ratonhnhaké:ton concluded easily with a tight voice, not surprised in the slightest to his defense. There was dejection for being valued as less than the entire Templar Order. He was only one person against an entire faction under his father's command. There was no easy way to separate the man from his life's work while he was willing to bridge an alliance with his own hope as a man, a son, not an Assassin. With a bitter smile, he nodded to accept his father's decision to stay in his shielded boundary and muttered, "I cannot say I am surprised."

Haytham couldn't condone the murder of Lee but he also didn't want to disappoint his son. For once, he was sympathetic with his son's disappointment because there was no easy way to solve their moral dilemma. He didn't want to shatter the little trust they built over the months and beckoned, "Connor-"

"I am done here" Ratonhnhaké:ton replied firmly, raising his right hand respectfully, before descending the stairs. He did not have the energy to bear more of his father's criticisms and Lee was a sore point for him. It was best to retrieve to their own corners to cool off and he was exhausted after a long day. His steps were quick as he left the steering deck to head straight for his private cabin. Caroline lingered on the stairs at witnessing another quarrel erupt and she shook her head at another connection failure.

"Damn it, Kenway" Caroline sighed with dismay at having the conversation blow up into Assassin/Templar supremacy. Frankly, she was getting tired of it. At the end of the day, they were all human beings trying to build a life. She and her husband knew society was already against their union but they believed that equality was possible if reservations and misconceptions were set aside. Davenport was their sanctuary of peace and equality which was a beacon that such a life was possible. Surely, the same could occur within the two warring factions! Turning back towards the man, she tapped her fingers against the banister and questioned frantically, "Why is it so hard to bridge peace when the leaders of both orders are family? You finally have a chance of stopping this endless war."

"If you came to peace, you'd end centuries of warfare!" Robert blurted after hearing the ruckus from the father-son debacle. He and Caroline were often the bystanders from the quarrels but their captain tried his best to find a compromise. Unfortunately, his Templar father was set on succeeding with his order to control the colonies. Gripping the wheel firmly, he cleared his throat before adding in awkwardly, "Sorry, the yelling was hard to avoid."

"You just claimed you were hard of hearing less than half an hour ago!" Haytham snapped sarcastically since the first mate made the remark right after assuming control of the Aquila. He had suspected it was his way to ignore him, which was perfectly fine by him, and his interruption only served to fuel that guess.

"Seems I regained it just in time" Robert commented casually with a witty grin which caused Caroline to stifle a laugh. He could always deescalate tense situations with a well-timed joke or telling both sides to cool off. Unlike his patient captain, he could only tolerate the Templar in small doses throughout the day. He still hadn't forgotten the man's actions in purging their order but set it aside for the sake of the mission and his captain. The poor kid never had a true father in his life, being shrouded in constant danger, and he pointed out frankly, "Kenway, you have a good son trying to solve everyone's problems and stopping needless bloodshed. Can't you meet him halfway?"

Haytham mulled over the question because although the crew annoyed him, his son and his wife were tolerable. He did acknowledge that the two tried to bridge their differences and remembered their small dinner after destroying the Welcome. His words were slowly becoming more of a projection of what he needed to say as a Templar rather than what he thought as a father. Both roles tugged at him with increased strength during travel and he narrowed his eyes at the Assassin to glower, "I should have annihilated your kind when I had the chance."

"Haytham!" Caroline exclaimed with a sharp edge to silence any more sass before he upset more crew members. She didn't need a fight breaking out and a group effort to throw the man overboard. Naval warfare always hiked emotions and raised tension but the evening was a time of tranquility to shed that lingering adrenaline. She understood he was grumpy after losing his agent but her husband had ample reason for destroying the Randolph. Clearing the figurative bear in the room never went well for the two and she approached their squabbling with a new tactic, "Would you stop being a Templar and act like a father?"

"I was agreeable until he demanded to kill Lee" he replied sharply because letting his son exterminate his top officers wouldn't do him any favors. He would be a Templar failure at that rate. Being onboard was already pushing it but he was able to work with his son on a mutual goal. There were times when he wondered if his hopes for an alliance truly could work but today, his son had decided to kill one of his men while he had to stand by and watch. Would the same have occurred if the shoe were on the other foot? Conversations on such topics never lasted long and he rejected the idea of trying to reach his hardheaded child. The redhead was more levelheaded but she followed her husband loyally which led him to demand, "When did allowing a son to murder a man become a normal rite of acceptance?"

"You kill people on a daily basis" Robert stated flatly with a knowing glance at his hidden blades. Given that they had all killed at least one person, none of them had a right to criticize.

"Yes, but I don't offer them as sacrifices" he justified easily with a scoff since they were past the super religious ages. Well, a century given the Salem witch trials. Still, it didn't mean he would simply toss officers at his son for extermination. He killed people when he had ample reason, not impulsive bloodshed, and pointed out, "Which gives me precedence and a right to lecture."

"Heaven almighty, I'm going to bed" Caroline groaned miserably, rubbing her eyes quickly to fight back exhaustion. She was too tired to play peacekeeper and wanted to fall asleep in her bed to relax. Her husband was either pacing, reading, or trying to fall asleep in their cabin so she wouldn't leave him alone. The heated exchange of words meant she would offer a shoulder of support for him and she called out to Robert, "Unless we're being attacked, under mutiny, or Kenway goes berserk- leave the captain alone tonight."

Robert tried to lighten the tension in the air with a romantic whistle, prompting a smile from the navigator. She shook her head with amusement, letting a soft chuckle escape, and began descending the steps. He called out to get her moving and away from the Templar with a cheerful tone, "Go on, Burnett. See you at 0600."

The redhead raised her right hand over her head to wave goodbye and disappeared down the stairs. Haytham mulled over the remarks from the redhead and his son, cursing himself for daring to feel any sort of guilt. He wouldn't have cared during the first week onboard but now, he questioned himself. The Templars encompassed most of his life while the boy carried his bloodline, tearing at him to decide which deserved preservation. Leaning against the banister overlooking the top deck, he gazed at the empty area to comment aloud, "Connor Burnett, eh?"

"It doesn't matter what his name is, it's who he is that does" Robert answered grimly to protect his captain's image from being torn to shreds by crude remarks. The poor kid didn't get the greatest pick in fathers but he worked fiercely and decently. He believed the best in people, even when they were his enemies, and Robert respected that. Frankly, he would have tossed his deadbeat father into memory lane but his captain persisted. Clearly, he saw something that he didn't and suggested, "If you were a tad kinder, maybe he'd reconsider."

Caroline pushed the door to the captain's cabin to find it open and she slithered inside before sealing the metal latch shut for the night, locking it down tightly. She released a sigh of relief to be back in the privacy of her bedroom and spotted her husband sitting at the edge of their bed with his back slumped forward and elbows on his knees, hands clasped together. If he was a religious man, she would have thought he was praying. His captain's garb was gone, save for his boots, breeches, and tunic as he shed the heavier layers. Removing her waistcoat to drop it over a nearby chair, she sat down beside him on the right to offer herself as silent support.

Placing her left hand between his shoulder blades, she met tense muscles and rubbed circles over the area. His heart calmly thudded against her hand over the left side of his backside, telling her he was mulling over comments rather than being angry. Quietly, she broke the silence to speak gently, "Today's fight flared some emotions, as always."

"Thank you for always defending me against him" he whispered faintly, grateful to have her on the journey. The trial of patience and understanding with his father was more difficult than anticipated. They had good days but bad days followed as well, which he wished didn't occur. Caroline shrugged dismissively with a fond smile because she would always have his back. Slipping her left arm through his right, she squeezed it with support while he turned to kiss her temple. He didn't know how to reach his father for common ground and felt close after Church's death, only to have it unravel again. Uttering a small sigh, he admitted glumly, "I assumed I could have a normal conversation but it spun out of my hands."

"He's. . . quite a character" she agreed hesitantly on how to describe his father and chuckled humorously. By appearance, he didn't look the type that could tear you down with words before reaching for an actual weapon. She briefly wondered if such a skill was taught or attained through experience. Her spouse didn't deserve to suffer emotionally more than he already had which was why she kept poking and prodding Haytham to behave. She offered a cheeky smile before suggesting casually, "We can always toss him once we reach the southern colonies? We have our supplies and he killed Church, our alliance is technically finished."

The idea was tempting but he promised Haytham that he would return him to New York. Being a man of his word, he would keep it to avoid earning even more lectures or being deemed a liar. Caroline would heed his orders but she prioritized his well-being, which had taken an emotional thrashing since late January. He glanced down at his hands, taking note of his skin tone, the lines over his palms, and callouses over his forefingers. Quietly, he admitted to her about his past, "I had always wondered what my father thought of me before I left my village."

It was only normal to wonder about him but it wasn't until he saw Haytham firsthand that he realized the man was dangerous. Now that he was older and experienced, he wasn't easily intimidated and could stand his ground. His childhood hopes that his father cared about him in some small inkling quickly dwindled into nonexistence after meeting him. Caroline's hands swept over his to cover them, snapping him out of his rumination, and he sighed softly with regret, "I hoped there was regret or a desire to reunite with me but that dream was shattered back in 1776. There is no father awaiting me in this world, only a mother that I lost long ago."

He closed his eyes to restrain the pain that rose in his chest, pushing back the burning tears that threatened to surface. His father didn't deserve any of them for causing him more grief. Only his mother was worthy of them. His wife's arms brought more comfort than anything else when she leaned against him with a tight hug around the shoulders, pressing a kiss to his left temple. She was his grounding factor and shelter, treasuring her constant presence in his life. Caroline didn't want him upset over the argument and ran her fingers through his raven hair, rubbing the back of his neck to lighten the muscular tension. He was troubled but going to sleep with those thoughts was a no in her marriage book. She promised him that they would never fall asleep when hurt or angry to keep only happy emotions in their hearts and minds at night.

Heartache was never easy and she squeezed him tightly to whisper with a sympathetic smile, "I can't bring back your mother or change your father's mindset . . . but my love will never waver for you. Our entire town loves and respects you, especially my father. You're his son and old man Achilles has his own spot for you. He named you Connor, after all. You have fathers in bond and they will never abandon you."

"I left in such a mad haste" he sighed with disappointment at how he left town and the words he uttered. His annoyance and resentment brought out the worst in him and he insulted his mentor with harsh words. Now, he received similarly from his own father. He didn't want to ruin his relationship with Achilles and only realized now that his intense focus could be a liability. He didn't want to be like his father that breathed the Templar Order and rubbed a hand down his face to murmur, "Looking back on our words, he is right. I hope I can tell him that."

"He might scold you but he won't hesitate to keep you safe" she assured gently since there was a paternal edge to the old man. She had seen it grow over the years and his trip to New York to rescue him spoke volume, given that he could have stayed behind to let the others handle it. While Haytham tried to drill a lesson into Ratonhnhaké:ton, Achilles made him think about the answer with questioning. She smiled warmly to the old man that had seen them grow up and reminded him, "He left the manor in 1776 to reach us in Bridewell Prison and I'm sure he'll hobble to the next place we're stuck at."

He smiled faintly to the people who supported him, even when he felt they didn't, and told her quietly, "I cannot let my father affect me."

"He's not your father" she stated firmly to pull him away from his painful thoughts of abandonment. He didn't need to dwell on those old heart wrenching memories and had to move forward. How she wished he had a semblance of a normal family to heal that portion of his heart but life was not fair. They had to carve out their own destiny by seizing every opportunity and creating doors to success. He gave a halfhearted shrug because he couldn't exactly run or hide from his bloodline. Her blue eyes met his with a determined edge and she advised earnestly, "He might have had a hand in creating you but a true father guides, loves, and protects his child."

"Is it shameful that I wish to call him that?" he asked weakly to the guilt that struck him for wanting a father that was proud of him rather than ashamed. His mother had been a lifeboat of support against the world and once he lost her, he was alone. Seeing the children of the clan with their own fathers instilled vulnerability and shame that he didn't have that bond. His brow furrowed as he held back the storm of emotions wreaking havoc on his heart and he whispered sullenly, "That I could have a father who simply loves me?"

"No, dearest, it isn't" she soothed with a solemn smile and held him tightly when she heard a disheartened whimper escape him. Her husband was a very strong person when it came to controlling his emotions but his father was a rough subject. She couldn't imagine going through the same turmoil and pain, grateful to have her loving family. It made him stronger in her eyes and she would defend him against anyone, even his own flesh and blood. He was her family now, just as she was his, and she would never forsake him. Placing her right hand over his chest, she felt his hiked heartbeat and guided gently, "Calm your heart, my love. Nothing but happiness and love belongs in our cabin."

Not wanting her husband to deal with more emotional stress from his father, she sang softly,

"Ho, ho, Tiakení:teron
Ho, ho, Tiakení:teron
Ho, ho, Tiakení:teron
Kiyokina,
Kiyokina."

Ending the lullaby she learned from him, she whispered sweetly with one last note while hugging him tightly, "Wá:s sentá:wha, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

The painful emptiness from his father's dismissive demeanor faded away, bringing to surface his love for her. He had not expected to hear anything like that but she had been learning his language from the moment they reignited their relationship. She had asked about lullabies for children during the trip south in case they had to scare away nightmares for their children one day and he told her his favorite one from childhood. Living between two worlds was frustrating and crushing at times but she dulled that pain by walking through that minefield with him. He melted against her hug, pushing aside the sour thoughts on his tattered relationship with his father to bask in their own ironclad bond.

"Konnorónhkhwa" he whispered gingerly because he never felt alone by her side. He had been a mere boy exploring the harsh world around him when they met but she had never turned him away. Even now, when his father refused to meet him halfway, she was there with unyielding support.

"You'll feel better with some sleep" she assured gently as she ran her fingers through his hair, removing the leather tie with one hand to free his hair. Ruffling his hair softly, she dotted another kiss on his cheek to fluff some energy back into him. Releasing him from their hug, she kneeled on the floor to grip the ankle of his left boot to remove it with a peppy whistle.

He didn't want to add on more physical work for his wife and protested quickly, "Carol-"

"I am taking care of my husband and I'll hear no guff" she interjected nonchalantly as she removed the other boot before standing up to kick off her own boots. Setting the pairs aside by the end of the bed, she wiped her hands with pride and flashed her spouse an accomplished smile. His crestfallen face brightened at her expression and he held out his right hand for her to take. Intertwining her fingers with his, she returned to her seat on the bed and spoke cheerfully, "Better."

"Am I foolish in my mission to help the Patriots?" he proposed softly with uncertainty for the first time with what awaited them back home. He shouldn't let his father's words affect him but they did linger in his mind. He was running around with errands for the Patriots and had already faced multiple life-threatening situations. The relations between natives and colonists were shaky but he was trying his best to paint a neutral and benevolent light on his people. They didn't seek war or power, simply to be left alone with the earth of their ancestors and live their lives.

He never questioned himself but the mockery from the enemy's side and snooty colonials weighed on him over the years. Lumping them with all of society was unfair, given how his wife came from a family that opened their door to him without question. A few bad apples wouldn't ruin his goals for a better and brighter future. If he fell prey to the negative aspects of colonial society, he would resent everyone and he wasn't that kind of person. He would defend the positive facets of society and the kind people that welcomed him into their lives.

"No, an enemy will always pick at your stance for vulnerability" Caroline answered earnestly with a soft smile to convince him that his position in the fight wasn't wrong. The Patriots weren't perfect but they could begin the road for equality for people of color. She believed there were others who were more open-minded than ignorant and planting the seeds for fairness and justice would add more numbers to their team. A unified people were stronger than the few in power or else the new government with the independence they were fighting for would be for nothing. Her left hand patted his thigh while she smiled confidently to claim, "I believe in you and so do our people. Don't let him win, my love."

"I love you" he whispered with an open smile for his beloved wife and chuckled softly when her cheeks flushed with a rosy tint. Caroline never tired of hearing the sentimental words and leaned over to kiss him on the lips. Love conquered pain in her book and she would bathe her husband with it. He cupped her chin to prolong the sweet kiss before releasing her with a fond smile that widened when she embraced him around the neck. He inhaled her familiar scent of herbs, particularly mint, from the sprig she kept in her vest pocket. All their clothing smelled fresh and clean from her habit to keep aromatic scents in their trunks, an upgrade he liked. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he proposed with a small sigh, "I'm also tempted to have my first ale with your father."

"You'll make his year with that request" she laughed merrily to that rare claim because he steered clear of alcohol. Her father and the town kept trying to get him to take one sip but he always declined. By hearing it, she knew he was drained from today's excitement. Releasing him with a fond pat to his chest, she smiled tenderly to coax, "Get some rest."

"Not without you" he beckoned by placing his hands over hers to keep her bound to the cabin that night. She was already planning on staying put and shook her head with an amused laugh to his worry. When had wandering the ship become dangerous? After all, they had traveled with his father for two months. For Ratonhnhaké:ton, it was a different matter from the fight on the Randolph and he admitted quietly, "When that man attacked you, I was terrified you were wounded."

Caroline freed her right hand to touch the gash on her navy vest that cut through to her tunic but not the stay. It was a shallow cut through light layers but with women wearing multiple items of attire, her skin remained untouched. The white fabric of the stay did have a tiny cut that exposed the metal but that was it. She would have to sew her attire tomorrow morning before starting her ship to keep her uniform tidy. With the humidity of the south, her coat was usually off during the high sun. Patting the area heartily, she teased with a sly smile, "Part of an Assassin's life, right?"

"Always stay behind me, don't leave your cover" he ordered carefully to keep her safe from enemies, especially when boarding enemy ships. Her loyalty was precious to him but her wellbeing mattered most rather than her willingness to follow him into danger. She was the one person he cherished more than anything. He didn't want to lose her during a mission, especially when far from home, and wanted her to linger more on the ship when a fight erupted. His hands dropped to her waist when she straddled his lap, bringing her close to him, and he met her gaze to profess with love, "You mean everything to me and I refuse to have you hurt on my watch."

Her hands smoothed down his chest, smiling fondly to his heartbeat, and she assured, "I am quite all right, dearest."

Ratonhnhaké:ton shot her a skeptical look because she was similar to himself by courageously treading into danger. She laughed innocently to his firm expression, tapping the center of his forehead to smooth the skin, and kissed his left cheek. How she loved him. The incident left them both a little shaken but work around the ship and returning home kept them occupied. She would have to hone her environmental sweeps rather than diving first into a firefight. He needed a boost of assurance that she would listen and keep herself out of harm's way.

"I promise to do my best to grow old and wrinkly with you" she vowed with a charming smile since she would fight hard to go down. Her dream to make a home with her new marriage was her focus when she wasn't out on missions. She wouldn't let him travel alone without anybody watching his back but it was clear he was concerned about her. For his peace of mind, she would adhere to his advice and stay behind him rather than taking an offensive role. Thinking of their beloved cabin by the cove, she kissed him on the lips and requested, "Let's try our best to have our first anniversary at home."

"We might have to parley with my father to pause his plot for colonial domination" he commented dryly to gaining a semblance of peace once they returned to the colonies. His father handed the orders to his Templars and so far, they were relentless in dominating each colony. Being an Assassin, he wouldn't allow that but he could send orders from Davenport if the situations weren't dire. He hoped it wouldn't come to that by somehow achieving a temporary ceasefire that could lead to peace.

"I can always fib about future grandbabies for justification" she laughed mischievously, shooting him a wink, and hopped off his lap to prepare for bed. Tearing off the damaged vest and tunic, she tossed them on the nearest chair to keep them there for mending. Loosening the ties of her stay from her backside, she approached their cherry wood trunk at the end of the bed. Kneeling, she pulled the metal copper latches on the front side to open the trunk to find their sleepwear. Fetching their familiar white attire, she grabbed each bundle into her left arm while telling her husband, "He might just grant it."

"I cannot understand him" he pondered aloud to his father's conflicting behavior and quickly grabbed his trousers and tunic when they flew at his head. Was his wife that hasty for sleep today? She laughed at his baffled expression as he clung to his clothes before proceeding to change into her attire. Gone were the days of their initial shyness of undressing and she began teasing that she'd sleep nude if they lingered any longer in the islands. He fiddled with the buttons of his vest as he mentioned aloud with confusion, "One moment he wants to speak openly and the next, I'm being criticized."

"He's likely figuring out his own mind and feelings, so don't fret over it" she reasoned with a casual shrug because the man was a complex well that could drown anyone. There was a concern for him during their missions but he was also looking to preserve the Templars, which conflicted with the former. It wasn't an easy decision but then again, he willingly stepped aside as a father. She couldn't imagine doing the same to a child and although she highly doubted it would happen, she would hunt down her husband if he skipped out on his paternal duties.

Snug in her soft and loose attire, she returned to her husband's side while he pulled the sleeves of his tunic up to his elbows for freedom. Patting his shoulders with a giddy edge, she met his bored gaze with a bright smile to entice, "As for you and me, it's time to sleep."

He chuckled softly to her excitement to slip into their bed and watched her scuttle off to the corners that held their illuminating lanterns. Blowing out the candle lanterns in the room, they were engulfed in pitch-black darkness and she returned to bed. They didn't need the use of nightly lighting to avoid accidental fires and their special sight helped to peer through the darkness. She skidded across the floor to return to the arms of her husband, squeezing him around the shoulders with a gleeful smile. Their laughter echoed through the room as his spirit lifted happily to her positive energy and he pulled her into their bed. He never wanted to experience a night without her in his arms and smiled happily at having her safely beside him.

Caroline hit the soft mattress on her back, laughing aloud at his playfulness, and her fingers dove for his ticklish sides. He squirmed against her grip with a mixed groan and laugh at falling prey to her dexterous fingers. She held perfect tactics to make his heart lighter during troubled times and wrapped his left arm around her to immobilize her. Caroline snuggled against him with a cheerful laugh, embracing him in return, and she nudged her nose against his. Her entire being was at peace with him, kissing his lips affectionately, and doted sweetly, "This is the best part of my evening. Falling asleep and waking next to you."

"Until we return to the earth" he vowed because he would wake beside her every morning until he could no longer do so. Their life bond would bring moments of joy and pain but he would be there beside her. When they were old and weary, one would mourn and bury the other but their hearts would be one when they were reunited in the afterlife. Or at least, he hoped so. For now, they would make the best of their time together.

Caroline kicked the covers away to avoid sweating at night but huddled against her soulmate with a content smile, "Even then, I will be forever with you."

Her heart melted happily into goo when he kissed her lips and whispered, "My beautiful bride. Don't ever bring harm to yourself to spare me."

"Someone has to protect the hero" she chuckled softly to keeping him safe during dangerous missions, reaching up to thread her fingers through his loose hair. He had been alone for years tackling missions with only his wit and weapons to protect him. Being his wife enmeshed her deeply into his life and she would not leave him exposed to danger. He was her first and only love, a rare treasure for her to protect dearly. Tracing kisses down his jawline, she teased him cheekily, "And shower him with proper praise."

He chuckled fondly to her affectionate kisses, relaxing completely against her nimble fingers and soft lips. With their busy lifestyle and the humid climate, a private night of passion wasn't a daily occurrence. It wasn't for a lack of trying but he was working on it by leaving the Aquila to his first mate in a timely manner rather than midnight. His right hand swept down the curve of her back and he whispered, "Are you trying to lure me into your web of love?"

"I already have" she grinned suavely to spending a sliver of peace and passion in his arms before naval life interfered come morning. They were both due for it after today's events and she would leave him breathless to give him a good night's sleep.

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A/N: I am back after surgery despite being sore a month later. Though that could also be from my new primary care rotations which I'm loving so much more than working at the hospital. I get to see the people I care for come back! Anyway, back to our story! The Randolph unexpectedly blowing up had me laughing in the mission since Connor's a quiet mellow type. The marriage of Connor and Caroline is adorable to type with their cabin moments while Haytham's sass is like a roller coaster. Now, he also knows Connor tossed the Kenway name in the ocean which also makes him think twice about his priorities on preservation. In the next chapter, the couple will be on shore leave in Virginia which Haytham takes advantage of for a rare family bonding moment.

Thank you for the last chapter reviews, I love to reread them for encouragement!

danelleprae: Haha, your dark and shriveled heart comment made me think of Mr. Burns from the Simpsons when he says his heart is racing but its blackened shriveled heart is trying its hardest to contract for one tiny pump of blood.

East Coast Captain: Cora will definitely be the bookworm of the family while the second, Charlotte takes after Connor by being an outdoorsy type. Haytham's meeting with Cora, who will be the only grandchild he meets, will definitely earn her a little something years down the line. Her inheritance of her dad and grandad's journals will lead her to pass them and in time, her granddaughter will reunite them with Edward's journal when she meets Evie Frye (I've outlined quite the family tree, haha). I couldn't wait for Connor and Caroline to grow up in the story (which they finally have) and now, I can't wait to add in the children. Once the Templars are pretty much gone from the northern colonies, Connor will let the younger ones take over while he focuses on his family (four kids are not easy to raise, haha).

iHateFridays: Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

ThyDevoutBeliever: I love your comment because he totally can. I'm actually playing with a similar idea for Haytham in a modern-day story where he decides to meld both factions, purge the protesters, and lead them against Juno's henchmen. Meanwhile, Connor's trying to figure out what's going on in his kooky town.

Chriswill02: It will definitely follow the canon ending (which sucks because I love Haytham's complexity) and I'm trying to lead it past the ACIII timeline to follow Connor's kids, the progression of Davenport, the War of 1812 up until the Trail of Tears where we'll bid farewell to the cast. It will cover about 65 years when looking at it- yikes.

Mercy Medical angel: Thank you so much for enjoying it! The fact that you looked up the OC characters on the wiki is the best compliment I could receive for creating their distinct personalities. In the canon comic, Connor marries a native woman (doesn't say which tribe so I'm guessing one of the Iroquois nation) and he lives in a new tribe. For this story, he will stay in Davenport homestead but he will take his kiddos to see the land of his old village because he's not giving that up without a fight.

Next Chapter Excerpt:

Haytham knew the in and out's of the coastal city, being familiar with the good and the bad of society. He weaved between the couple to command the entire counter, yanking Caroline's letter, and pushing the two behind him. The two were still forming their responding arguments to the incensed postman when Haytham scowled at the man. The useless lump of human flesh shriveled under his stern gaze and he threatened with a calm voice, "I will burn down this rubbish of a post office to the ground if you don't send this. You're quite aware of who I am."

"Y-y-yes, sir" he stammered weakly in submission and meekly took the leader, promptly shuffling away to the back of the office.

"Good" Haytham called out to ensure he knew who he was trifling with and that he couldn't escape into the shadows. He knew how to find people and get what he wanted or destroy them mercilessly. Having his son insulted did not settle well with him at all but he subdued the small voice that desired to destroy the shack of a post office. Ushering the surprised couple out the door, he reminded the likely frightening man with another threat, "I will know if it's not delivered and I will return. You will not like what I unleash."

Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton exited the small shack, wincing to the horrible creaking of the wooden door. Did it not receive maintenance? Caroline debated on whether to demand her letter back and mail it from Maryland instead but Haytham emerged from the shack. Hopefully, he hadn't killed the barking man.

Clapping his hands, he looked to the two with enthusiasm and asked, "Right then, shall we be off?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton was inclined to thank his father for the help but he had learned he wasn't the type to accept thank you's. He was more agreeable to action rather than words. In return for that strange and unexpected kindness, he decided to grant his father's wish to visit as many stores. It would likely drive him crazy but it was a token of sincerity. Still, he didn't hesitate to mutter flatly, "We're not visiting a bar after your grocery shopping."

Haytham surprised them by turning around to return to the cobblestone road. Instead of heading east to the market district, he headed west to the business and travel district. He was aware of their questioning looks behind his shoulder and he told them casually, "We're doing neither."

"Then are we good to go back?" Caroline asked uncertainty to what their agenda was now since they expected a shopping trip. Were they about to get involved in some weird Templar business?

"No, you two are invited to my home for the weekend while your shipmates are free to do as they wish" he revealed cheerfully without input from the couple, who quickly glanced at each other with mystified horror. What strings were attached to this invite? Ratonhnhaké:ton felt like a fish out of water to the odd request but his father made it sound mandatory as always. The Templar waved a hand in afterthought to the Aquila's crew to offer half-heartedly, "Swim in the ocean, sleep in a ditch-"

"Haytham" Caroline intervened flatly with warning because the crew was like family.

He was aware the two weren't fans of sudden surprises and their shaky relationship could make them bolt. They didn't exactly need to have him onboard the Aquila anymore but his son's promise to get him to New York was appreciated. He wanted to extend an olive branch of his own to spent time with the boy away from that cell of a ship and pointed out, "I figured since we're trying to aim for peace, opening my home is a start."

His words had the opposite effect when his son jabbed a finger at him and declared, "I knew it! You're trying to gain access to Davenport."

Haytham's enthusiastic expression fell flat to the accusation and he reminded dryly about his intel, "Connor, I already know where it is. It would do me no good to simply barge in and kill everyone. Where's the fun in that?"

His last comment earned him scathing glares from the couple and he raised both hands peacefully in silent apology. Ratonhnhaké:ton had never been away from the Aquila for more than a few hours, finding the thought of leaving his ship rather difficult. He didn't know this colony or the people, which had already given him a rude welcome. Wringing his hands, he admitted uncertainly about leaving his temporary home, "Everything I have is at the Aquila. Besides, I need to tell the crew to have shore leave."

Caroline caught her husband's nonverbal behavior and voiced her concern directly, "Also, to let them know of a potential kidnapping if we don't return."

They drove a hard bargain to agree to the trip but he understood their wariness. Months prior, they were all trying to kill each other in the snowy fields of Valley Forge. Now, he was willingly inviting them to his homestead. Why was he trying to dig himself into emotional torture by spending more time with the boy? He was crazy for doing this but he didn't want to waste time that he'd already missed with him. He hadn't visited the place in over a year but he had maintenance crew to keep it clean. . . or so, he hoped. For once, he conceded to their request to earn their agreement and sighed airily, "Fine, but clothes can easily be supplied at my homestead."

Haytham turned sharply on his heel with haste to return to the Aquila, if only to leave it behind for the weekend. He could finally have actual human-grade food for safe consumption in his home. Maybe he could lure the couple into the Templar Order if he played his cards right- no, no, he was going to keep it cordial. His son was likely wondering if he had ulterior motives but for once, he tossed that idea out the window. He would have more time when he returned to New York but in the meantime, he could use this time to explore what being a father was all about.

Caroline gripped her husband's right forearm, walking close to him for strength in numbers, and whispered, "Are you finding this both intriguing and terrifying?"

"No, I'm saving that for when we actually arrive there" he answered reluctantly to what awaited them and why they were agreeing in the first place. This was the first time his father was trying to be nice, which was incredibly strange, and decided to keep his vigilance. He did feel safer having his wife beside him but danger could also shroud her life by being with him on this trip.

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Thank you for reading!