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.

67. Broken Trust

Music Inspiration: The Newton Brothers- "Beginning of the End Movement I and VII"

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Broken Trust

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17 June 1778

Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline were glad that the journey to Valley Forge was between them after the previous argument. He was disturbed by his father's carelessness in killing hostages after receiving the information he sought. He would never do such a heinous act but would he ever normalize such a mentality one day to reach his goals? Yes, he risked an enemy escaping and alerting their superior or a future altercation but he made his peace with that. His worst fear was unknowingly becoming a man like his father but Caroline's presence in his life helped prevent that deviation. She would never let him cast aside his best traits for cold results which he was fortunate for.

Caroline could only reassure him to follow his instinct, not what his father was egging him to do. He knew right from wrong and that would keep him focused from falling into any manipulating tactics. Like her husband, she wasn't comfortable with the situation they were heading into. It wasn't like the chase for Church where it was the Aquila against the Welcome but now, it was only them against an unknown number of Templar and Loyalist enemies. The tension from the ravage of war on both sides was not lightening and neither of them knew when it would end.

Green pastures lined Valley Forge now that the snowbanks melted away for springtime. Despite the shroud of night, there were small squads that were still training in the open fields behind the white canvas tents. She wondered if the drafted men had eaten dinner for that night, given how harsh the winter had gone for the survivors. Very little had changed in the camp from the first time they visited in January and they had no trouble distinguishing Washington's tent in the heart of the camp. Before they treaded uphill, they were reunited with Haytham as he awaited the two within the cover of darkness between the soldier's tents.

After ensuring that the two were more startled and annoyed with his presence than inducing heart attacks, he skipped pleasantries to inform his son, "We should be sharing what we know with Lee, not Washington."

Ratonhnhaké:ton would never share a single thing with the man, aside from grasping his head and slamming it down on the nearest hard surface. If this was his father's attempt at swaying his choice on who to follow, it was a poor execution. He would never work with Charles Lee unless the circumstances were dire and it was to assist the Continental Army and Patriots. Haytham saw that he was not swayed as they ascended the hill and Ratonhnhaké:ton remarked grimly, "You seem to think I favor him. But my enemy is a notion, not a nation. It is wrong to compel obedience - whether to the British Crown or the Templar Cross. And I hope in time the Loyalists will see this too, for they are also victims."

Caroline was impressed with her spouse's conviction to see both sides of the war as victims. He was not trying to manipulate them for his own gain but to grant people the freedom to live as they wished. He stood strongly against his father's power plays and she wondered if the behavior would escalate now that they were meeting Washington. It was clear that there was antagonism towards the man but Caroline wondered if it was from envy or something else? Ratonhnhaké:ton thought highly of Washington and not so positively towards Haytham which could spark competition. Despite the Templars were doing their best to ruin the man's reputation and failing terribly, she had a feeling there was more to the story.

Haytham found his favoritism for freedom far too idealistic but remarking on such would only drive him away. He needed to guide him closer to his way of thinking rather than what Washington or the Assassins sought. Otherwise, he would be painfully disappointed when the war ended – no matter which side won. Shaking his head, he pointed out to correct, "You oppose tyranny. Injustice. These are just symptoms. Their true cause is human weakness. Why do you think I keep on trying to show you the error of your way?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton refused to believe the Templars would end tyranny, given that their goal was unopposed control and order. How was that different from tyranny? He found his words meaningless after finding his methods barbaric, seeing no positive outcome, and stated aloofly, "You have said much, yes. But you have shown me nothing."

Haytham accepted the challenge because he was running out of time to convince him otherwise. Now that he was treading into Washington's headquarters, he could sneak around to find evidence of his deceit. It was now or never to crumble his son's image of Washington and muttered darkly, "Then we'll have to remedy that then, won't we?"

The three reached the top of the emerald hill that flattened out at the top to contain the brain of the Patriots camp. George Washington was still handing out orders to his men and receiving correspondence from couriers that traveled across colonies to convey news of the war effort. Ratonhnhaké:ton stepped forward when most of the men had faded downhill to follow the commander's orders or headed out to another camp to deliver news. Like a specter from the shadows, he emerged to call his attention with a calm even voice, "Sir."

Haytham wasn't particularly enthused to be there but he began eyeing the tent behind the commander. Anything incriminating had to be there somewhere, particularly on his writing desk. Word had reached him about surveillance on his son's village but no definitive proof had fallen into his hands. His son could entertain the man for all he cared and he quietly began creeping around the two. Washington took note of the two other visitors with the young native and greeted Ratonhnhaké:ton politely with a friendly smile, "Hello, Connor. What brings you here?"

He didn't hesitate to divulge the truth he learned from the Loyalist officers to give them time to create a plan, "The British have recalled their men in Philadelphia. They march for New York."

The commander had no reason to doubt him after all his help upon meeting. The delivered goods that were stolen helped the men survive the harsh winter and the new intel would avoid more needless casualties. Cutting the enemy from reaching New York would give them time and numbers, possibly a way to purge the colony of the Loyalists. Nodding with understanding to his intel, he replied with relief, "Very well. I'll move our forces to Monmouth. If we can rout them, we'll have finally turned the tide."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was happy to hear the intel proved fortuitous for the army and Caroline smiled to convey their shared sentiment. They didn't want the deaths of Loyalist soldiers to be for nothing after that night and felt lighter at making a difference. Haytham, on the other hand, managed to find an interesting piece of paper for his plans that he quickly skimmed. A-hah! After quietly rummaging through random papers, he found the single best incriminating piece and held it up in the air behind the group like a prize, "And what's this?"

"Private correspondence!" Washington exclaimed with instant alarm at having his mail pried into by someone unauthorized. Who in their right mind would dare to steal another person's mail?!

Before he could try to seize his private mail, Haytham handed it over to Ratonhnhaké:ton for the big reveal. Caroline let her husband read the small piece of paper but she could see the muscles in his neck tense immediately with each movement of his gaze. While she worried about her husband, Haytham was steadfast on crumbling a friendship by declaring, "Of course it is. Would you like to know what it says, Connor? It seems your good friend here has just ordered an attack on your village. Although attack might be putting it mildly."

Haytham placed himself in front of the commander's tent to prevent any sudden escapes, prompting him coldly, "Tell him, Commander."

Ratonhnhaké:ton said nothing but the paper in his hands carried grave news concerning his village. If it were true, the commander had broken their agreement. His trust. With great reluctance, Washington uttered a sigh before admitting quietly, "We've been receiving reports of allied natives working with the British. I've asked my men to put a stop to it."

Caroline glanced between the three men, being in the dark about the letter, and questioned, "Stop them how?"

Haytham was more than happy to condense the letter's information by summarizing, "By burning their villages and salting the land. By calling for their extermination, according to this letter. Not the first time either. Tell him what you did eighteen years ago."

Ratonhnhaké:ton faltered at hearing the last part, given that the memories of that attack plagued him with nightmares for years. Was Washington the one behind the attack on his village this whole time? Not the Templars? How could he not decipher that truth and let his father gloat over it? Actually, if Haytham knew, why had he not said anything?! He couldn't help but feel betrayed by both individuals at the same time. He expected it from Haytham but he had done nothing to deceive Washington and this was his reward for helping his troops?

The commander did not deny the accusation of ordering attacks during wartime. He had troops and colonies to protect from a different enemy. Time and war decided who your enemy was and he justified his previous actions, "That was another time. The Seven Years' War."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was torn between fury and hurt for the betrayal to have his people attacked. They were neutral and never sought to fight with anyone unless provoked. The settlers were only becoming more vicious with their attacks and he demanded grimly, "Why salt the land? What could that possibly accomplish except destroying the earth?"

While Ratonhnhaké:ton worried for his people, Caroline was angry about having their contract breached. They were meant to be informed if any activity occurred in that area of New York to investigate and reach peaceful relations. Instead, the army was attacking based on rumors which could have devastating effects if wrong. Narrowing her eyes at the commander, she pointed out shrewdly, "You signed an agreement not to harm the northern Mohawk village. Rumors need to be confirmed with evidence before enacting such atrocities."

After all of their help, nobody could seek them out to investigate before attacking? Or mention it when they were dropping off the stolen crates of goods in the city? Haytham took advantage of their dismay to drive a deeper wedge between the shattered friendship and gloated, "And so now you see what happens to this great man when under duress. He makes excuses, displaces blame. Does a great many things, in fact - except take responsibility."

Ratonhnhaké:ton did not care about placing blame because the damage was done. The important part of that letter was that his village was in peril and he needed to reach them. He had not visited Kanatahséton in almost a year, choosing the summer and fall to travel there, but he didn't expect this troublesome news. Cutting into the bickering, he snapped at his father, "Enough! Who did what and why must wait. My people come first."

Haytham took this as a sign that he was choosing him after unveiling the truth and told him confidently, "Then let's be off."

Raising his right hand, Ratonhnhaké:ton stopped him instantly from approaching him and told him coldly, "No. You and I are finished."

Haytham did not anticipate this outcome after revealing his hero as a farce. The man was trying to burn down his village again and he was telling him to stay out of his way? How was he not seeing the man's fallacies? Washington was responsible for Ziio's death and his son wanted cut ties with him? Apart from the surprise, he reluctantly admitted that he was disappointed that he was being shoved out of his life once more. He tried one last attempt to sway him to his side and not to cast aside what they built over the past months, "Son..."

This only aggravated Ratonhnhaké:ton's whirlwind of emotions even more and he scowled at him to demand angrily, "Do you think me so soft that by calling me son I might change my mind? How long did you sit on this information? Or am I to believe you discovered it now out of nowhere?"

His father was more concerned in serving the Templar cause than acting like a father and he accused bitterly, "My mother's blood may stain another's hands, but Charles Lee is no less a monster, and all he does, he does by your command."

Turning around, he began to descend the hill to head northward and snapped tersely at the men, "A warning to you both - choose to follow me or oppose me and I will kill you."

Caroline had only met Washington once but her opinion of him plummeted after that reveal. War made one do horrible things but if you had allies that could breach peace, why not utilize them for the best of everyone? Things could have turned out so much different. There was shattered respect for both men but there had been a shaky family relationship building with Haytham after they returned to the colonies. Her husband had been optimistic for peace and she believed it would work if Haytham could put aside Templar supremacy.

Crossing her arms, she glanced at Haytham with disappointment and whispered dejectedly, "For once, we really did trust you to work with us but not to manipulate this attack in your favor. This was not the way to seek his approval-"

"Let's go, Caroline" Ratonhnhaké:ton interrupted to beckon his partner so they could be on their way. He did not want her wasting another breath on that man, trying not to dwell on what else he was hiding. First things first, he needed to stop the couriers from delivering the letters to the deployed militia on attacking Kanatahséton. Caroline turned away with haste and a heavy heart to follow her spouse because he was her priority.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was already halfway down the hill as he headed for the horse lead post and informed her quietly, "We need to make sure the village is safe."

"I'm right behind you" she agreed with a faint smile to remain positive for the night ahead of them.

---

The couple arrived outside the sturdy wooden borders of Kanatahséton, finding the village silent in the night. However, the forest was alive with sounds of bustling wildlife but Ratonhnhaké:ton picked out human sounds mimicking the animals. Sounds that were used only during a conflict with settlers or antagonistic tribes and hunts. At this hour, the latter could be excluded. With the reins of Awé:ri in hand, he ran past the open gate to enter the land of his ancestors. Caroline followed him with her mare, keeping pace as he ran through the village. There were no fires in the longhouses but they could see dark silhouettes moving within, signaling an ominous sign. Ratonhnhaké:ton paid them no mind because if they were concealed enemies, they would have been attacked by now.

The only fire that burned brightly to signal life in the darkened land lay by the Clan Mother's hut. A small form stood by the fire's glow and he ran forward to meet the elder of their tribe. She would know the situation better than anyone and he had to warn her about the potential danger. It was not something he wanted to bring at this hour of the night but it couldn't be helped. They had elderly, women, and children that required protection from harm.

The Clan Mother wore a wolf pelt over her lean shoulders to endure the chilly night outside to keep watch over her clan. She was surprised to see her grandson spring forth from the darkness with distress written on his face. He was the last person she expected tonight. Wasn't he meeting the group of their kin that headed out into the forest? Both stared at each other with alarm, separated by the burning fire, and she exclaimed, "Ratonhnhaké:ton! You have returned! But why? I thought you would be with that other man."

"What other man?" he asked confused because he had not seen anyone on the ride there. Looking back at Caroline, the redhead shook her head quickly to signal that nobody lingered in the forest. They had taken out the three couriers to end the unwarranted attack and sped quickly to the village to ensure nobody had breached the perimeter.

His confusion turned to alarm and dread when his grandmother replied evenly, "Boiling Water. The one called Charles Lee. He took Kanen'tó:kon and a few others with him."

What was Lee planning? Why had the villagers gone willingly? He didn't understand what plan was unfolding and feared the repercussions if it unfolded. Caroline saw the instant concern on his face as the fire illuminated all of them and she asked quickly, "Why was he here?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't care for the background information, focusing on the present, and questioned, "Where have they gone?"

The Clan Mother, however, expertly answered both of their questions as she leaned against her walking pole, "To push back those who would take our land. Boiling Water convinced them to take a stand against the aggressors."

Ratonhnhaké:ton never wanted his people to take any stance against the settlers, always advising them to stay neutral. Otherwise, they would shake the delicate balance they held with the colonists. He would rather the colonists destroy each other first for their claim over land than watch his village perish for taking sides. Nobody should lose their family like he did. Shaking his head with dread, he whispered with disappointment, "No. This is wrong."

This time, it was the Clan Mother's turn to be confused by the worry in his voice. Her grandson was an emotionally collected young man but there was haste in his step and tension in the air around him. She wondered why this was, given his previous stance of telling her that he was fighting back against those who threatened their land. They could not continue to ignore the settlers that continued to encroach on their land and endanger their children. At some point, enough was enough. Moving around the fire, she met him on the other side to inquire, "Why are you troubled? Is this not what you wanted? For us to take a stand?"

Caroline shook her head to what the tribe was undertaking with Lee at the helm. He would deliver the village to the Continental Army on a silver plate for slaughter, ruining relations, and destroying a part of her husband. This was not what Washington agreed to on their contract and felt everything falling to pieces with both sides ready to clash. Everything they worked hard towards was being ripped away and she told them, "This will be a massacre if it unfolds."

Ratonhnhaké:ton pushed down the ball in the pit of his stomach and breathed deeply to calm himself. He couldn't head into a fight to stop both Lee and his people without a proper plan in place. His actions tonight had to spare his people, keep the Continental Army away from them, and stab Lee in the heart repeatedly for his malevolent planning. This was a very delicate situation and he had to protect his people first this time. Looking at his wife, he told her with regret, "I . . . I must go. I need to stop them."

Caroline nodded grimly and began to turn around to help Sophia change directions to head out of the village. He placed a firm hand on her left shoulder to correct his words with a heavy tone, "No. Stay here until I return."

"Ratonhnhaké:ton" she whispered weakly to follow him loyally as she always had. This was a dangerous mission with their main target using the tribe as cannon fodder to fuel the fire against natives. She didn't want him treading out there alone in the darkness into the hands of the enemy, shaking her head vehemently. Ratonhnhaké:ton would not be changing his mind, deciding to keep the one he valued most in his childhood home rather than uncertain danger. Her right hand reached out to grasp his forearm and she pleaded with him, "Don't leave me behind."

"This is something I have to do alone" he stated grimly to keep her safe because his clan certainly wasn't now with Lee lurking out there. His father and Washington propagated the entire ordeal, furious with them and disappointed in himself for believing in them. This whole time they were both planning their own schemes to sacrifice the innocent to meet their end goals. He would never be like them, protecting those dear to him and the innocent, and told his wife quietly, "I'm sorry."

"I love you" she lamented their separation, her throat tightening to his impending leave into the unknown. Reaching over, she threw her arms around his shoulders to hug him tightly to convey her affection. His arms tightened around her waist and she smiled sadly when his lips sought hers for a soft kiss before releasing her. This was all she would be left with from her husband until his return and she promised tearfully, "I will wait for you."

Her hands shook when he handed the leads to Awé:ri but tightened her grip to protect his gelding. He ran into the darkness, lost to the shadows once he escaped the comforting glow. Caroline sighed softly at being left alone without her best friend for the first time since marriage and hugged herself for comfort. This wasn't how the night was supposed to turn out. She prayed he would return safely to her and heard the Clan Mother speak beside her, "You love him but your people will not cease their false claims of our land."

"You may be right but violence is never the way" she whispered solemnly to the growing conflict between both people. The fact that she and Ratonhnhaké:ton forged a friendship that ultimately ended in a marriage meant there was hope for both sides. She didn't want to see his homeland desecrated or his people injured for protecting their land. There was no need for violence when there was ample land to the west and she sighed tiredly, "We have to keep trying for peaceful solutions. Otherwise, we are no better than they are."

---

Ratonhnhaké:ton had learned to hide and thrive in the forest at a young age by his mother. Being her only child, he had her sole attention for training which shined when he played amongst the other children. Now, it was that adept skill in camouflage that allowed him to sneak behind the villagers that were blindly following Lee. One by one, he swept them into a stranglehold to render them unconscious before concealing them under bushes for their own protection. He didn't want any more blood on his hands that night, especially from his own tribe. With his prompt intervention, he was putting a stop to the secret attack against the militia which would only confirm what Washington suspected. He could not let this unfold. Lee being at the forefront of this scheme meant that his father knew everything that his second-in-command was undertaking. They had been in each other's companies for hours that night and he hadn't said a single word. Was that why he chose tonight to reveal Washington's plan? All the trust that he had begun to build as both an Assassin and son shattered at seeing the deception Haytham would undertake to see the Templars succeed. Family had no meaning to him but to Ratonhnhaké:ton, he had to protect his sense of family the best way he could.

At the end of the gathered group in the forest, Ratonhnhaké:ton found his old friend crouching behind a bush with a drawn dagger in hand. He was disappointed to see that Lee had twisted their tribe's warriors to engage in a fight that would only devastate both sides. The constant encroaching of settlers in the land of their ancestors and those that were hostile did not mix well, especially since his people had lived there for generations before these newcomers arrived with their entitlement. It was this escalating boiling pot that brought never-ending conflict throughout the colonies and nobody had yet to solve it without violence.

Ratonhnhaké:ton tensed when his childhood friend turned to him, not with warmth, but ferocity. Why was he angry with him? He was here to stop this impending massacre of his people! Raising his hands, he hoped to find answers and called out to plead, "Peace, Kanen'tó:kon!"

Kanen'tó:kon stood up swiftly, adjusting his grip on the dagger, and snapped coldly, "Ratonhnhaké:ton. Come to kill me yourself?"

"What?!" he exclaimed with bewilderment to his sudden antagonism, keeping a safe distance for the moment. He didn't understand why Kanen'tó:kon was upset with him after being friends since childhood. They would wander the forest and learn their trapping skills together, rarely arguing about anything serious. He had not been ecstatic to hear about his marriage on their last meeting and doubted that was his current drive. Something happened to turn him hostile and he needed to clear whatever was infuriating him. Was it Lee? Where was that scoundrel?

Kanen'tó:kon pointed the sharp point of the dagger at him and accused vehemently, "Charles Lee told me everything. The Patriots seek to destroy us. And you would aid them."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was heartbroken to see his oldest friend feed into the lies spun by Lee. After all the time he had spent alongside Haytham, he still condoned actions like this. Did he think he would blindly accept the tragedy that almost unfolded and keep working with him? Or did he expect for him to be unaware of everything with Haytham painting himself the hero when Lee 'stopped' the two warring parties? Or did he mean to annihilate his people and turn the Patriots against him so he would have nothing left and turn to the Templars? The manipulation from the Templars traveled down a dark road and he realized now that nothing would stop them from achieving their goals. He had worked hard to broker peace on all fronts but it was all for nothing. Refusing to have his village become another statistic in the war, he corrected swiftly, "I am trying to save the village from a massacre! If you go out there, you will only give them more reason to attack!"

"Are you going to deny you're with them?" his friend demanded sharply after Lee divulged all his attempts to thwart the Loyalists. Instead of keeping their village safe from both sides, he was collaborating heavily with the rebel colonists. His extensive time among the settlers only served to stretch the bonds to his tribe and Kanen'tó:kon was skeptical of his old 'friend'.

"It is complicated" Ratonhnhaké:ton answered grimly because tonight was an eye-opening experience to the secrets everyone held. He had given his trust without pretense to two individuals, one being his father, and both had deceived him in the worst ways imaginable. He was working on a plan that would help the most people but with each effort, he was being blasted back by stronger forces. If only his village could see that.

His answer was not well-received by Kanen'tó:kon, who began circling him to find a weak spot to attack. Ratonhnhaké:ton was not looking to actively engage his friend in combat, trying to find an easy way to immobilize him. That plan went out the window when charged his left side to tackle him. Ratonhnhaké:ton pushed back his right arm before the dagger cut into his shoulder, tossing his friend aside to maintain a defensive stance. Kanen'tó:kon rolled into a standing position again, spitting at the ground in distaste to accuse, "Then Lee is right."

"That man is a liar!" he shouted angrily without restraint to having his own reputation tarnished among his tribe. He was working with the Patriots because they were the least damaging to the people living in the colonies. At least, that's what he believed until reading Washington's letter. The Loyalists were already allying themselves with other tribes but as a means to an end, nothing more. He, on the other hand, believed they could learn from one another and find a way to live peacefully.

Kanen'tó:kon had seen his childhood friend leave their village with visits that began to stretch longer with each subsequent trip. It was clear that his new colonial town had become more important and Lee's words only added fire to his suspicions. What was he supposed to believe when he heard nothing of his supposed progress with the settlers and now, his betrayal by siding with them. Charging at him once again, Ratonhnhaké:ton blocked his attack with his own hidden blade and his friend accused, "He said you had been corrupted. That you would try to deceive. But here they are on our doorstep. What say you to that?"

"It is a mistake!" he answered swiftly before trying to push back his friend and regain a safe space between them. Kanen'tó:kon, however, was on the attack and swiped at his neck with the dagger with determination to injure him. This was not something that Ratonhnhaké:ton expected from his oldest friend but the war was turning friends and family against each other. He parried each of his swipes with his dexterity, refusing to land a strike on him after seeing two weak spots in his defense. The momentum drove them further into the forest where the brush grew thicker, hindering his movements.

Kanen'tó:kon seized advantage of the terrain by kicking at his opponent's legs to throw off his balance. Ratonhnhaké:ton tried to watch his footing but gnarled roots sticking out from the ground caused him to stumble. Without a nearby tree to balance or hide behind, he was barely able to push back Kanen'tó:kon when he tried to stab him. The metal caught his right side, cutting through the fabric and he registered a flicker of pain before falling to the ground. He heard Kanen'tó:kon's voice blame him from up ahead as he tried sitting up, "The only mistake was trusting you would help to keep us safe. They have seduced you. Your father is one of them. You married one of them. You are turned against your own kind."

He could not help his bloodline or the woman he loved but that didn't make him a traitor. Kanen'tó:kon shot down at him before he could kick out his legs to toss him away, reaching out to grasp him at the wrists. He was steadfast in holding his dagger in both hands to drive it into Ratonhnhaké:ton's exposed neck. The assassin tried his best to stop his attack, keeping him at bay by the hands, and ordering, "Stop!"

Kanen'tó:kon refused to listen to any of his words and narrowed his gaze to reply coldly, "I will . . . when you are dead."

Ratonhnhaké:ton squeezed the pressure points of his hands in one last effort to release the weapon. Kanen'tó:kon, however, refused to submit and used his right knee to wedge it above the bleeding cut over the other man's side to weaken his grasp. Ratonhnhaké:ton did not want to resort to violence but it was clear that his old friend couldn't be dissuaded from his suicide mission. His eyes were dark with the same ferocity of his enemies when entering active battlefields but this was different- this was one of his own tribesmen, a friend. His voice was weak past his lips when he pleaded one last time, "Please, I don't want to hurt you."

"Then you shouldn't have joined the enemy" Kanen'tó:kon reasoned grimly to his defection and abandoning their people to the settlers.

With that said, he forced the dagger downwards with his strength to kill Ratonhnhaké:ton. After repeated tries, he could not be swayed from his stance to extinguish his life. At that moment, there was heavy guilt and regret in Ratonhnhaké:ton's heart for what he was about to undertake. In self-defense, he activated his hidden blade and drove the end into the left side of Kanen'tó:kon's neck. The attack was quick but devastating as fresh blood poured down his neck, splattering against Ratonhnhaké:ton's robes to stain the white fabric a painful crimson.

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, he thought with painful shame and guilt for taking such extreme measures. It was an action he could never take back and hurting the innocent was not part of who he was. His friend dropped the dagger instantly and he was frightened for the first time to the bloodshed, What have I done?

Kanen'tó:kon fell back with the last of his energy as the rapid blood loss weakened him, hitching his breath in an effort to compensate. Collapsing onto the grass on his back, he knew his demise was imminent by the blood pouring down his skin with each heartbeat. Still, he wanted to see the stars overhead one last time before he left the earth. The stars twinkled across the dark blue sea overhead and he told his old friend, "My passing wins you nothing, Ratonhnhaké:ton. Charles Lee rides for Monmouth to reveal the Patriots' plans. The Loyalists will destroy them. The revolution will be ended. The Crown victorious."

Ratonhnhaké:ton crawled over to kneel over his friend, grabbing his left hand in one last act of apology as Kanen'tó:kon faded from the world. He was not rejected this time and his chest tightened when a weak grip was returned. Closing his eyes, Kanen'tó:kon rested easy in knowing he did his duty for his clan and murmured softly, "Our people . . . safe."

Ratonhnhaké:ton kneeled over his fallen friend, a life extinguished by his own hands, and he felt nauseous for his actions. He was no better than his father now. Guilt at himself, pity for Kanen'tó:kon, and anger towards both the Templars and Washington filled him. It didn't have to end this way. Closing his eyes briefly, he whispered into the silent darkness of the forest, "It seems our people will never be safe. You are resting now, my friend."

He tried standing upright but stumbled on his second step, falling to the ground. His vision blurred against the surrounding darkness, a bitter sensation filling his mouth with disgust, and he swallowed to do away with the sudden pain in his throat. Striking the earth with a fist, he struggled to hold back his pained emotions and sighed weakly, "It wasn't meant to be this way."

---

Ratonhnhaké:ton returned to the village to bring his friend's body to their people out of respect. He would not leave him alone in the forest where he perished but in the land of their ancestors, back to his family. Guilt, regret, and anguish filled him for his actions, questioning himself repeatedly for what he could have done differently. Lee managed to turn his oldest friend against him and nothing had changed his mind. He couldn't believe Kanen'tó:kon chose to believe that man over their years of friendship. Had their bond become so tainted and fragile that Kanen'tó:kon thought he was in cahoots with the Patriots to wipe their village from existence? That had never been part of his plan when he left.

Going over the night's events didn't help him feel any better. When he entered the village, it was still dark but the people wandering the grounds previously were gone. What time was it? The entire village was silent with only the Clan Mother gathered by the burning campfire. He assumed she must have sent everyone to the longhouses for safety and sleep after learning about the thwarted attack. Caroline shot out from the darkness at the edge of the fire's glow, approaching him with worry on her face to ask, "What happened?"

He did not want to speak of the altercation, avoiding her gaze, and looked to the Clan Mother. Both women were staring at the still Kanen'tó:kon in his arms but he kept his stoic composure. He would not hide his crime and accepted responsibility for his friend's death. Quietly, he insisted with a burning question, "Did the other villagers return?"

"More than half" his grandmother replied, which relieved him immensely. He did not intend to harm anyone and hoped they all found their way home rather than heading in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, his friend did not choose peace that night and the result claimed his life.

Caroline's gaze darted between the dead Kanen'tó:kon and the crumpled appearance of her spouse. What had happened out there? Did Lee cause his friend's demise? Had they fought the Templar? She noticed crimson splotches on his attire, alongside tears in the fabric, and remarked firmly, "You're hurt."

"It is nothing compared to death" he spoke grimly to the repercussions of needless violence despite his best effort to end it. Stepping forward, he kneeled to lay down his old friend on the cooled earth to return him home. He refused to leave him alone in the forest, respecting their previous friendship despite its bitter end. Closing his eyes, he stood upright to confess weakly, "Clan Mother, Kanen'tó:kon-"

"Did the settlers do this?" she questioned firmly, walking over to Kanen'tó:kon's limp body. Using her walking pole, she kneeled on the ground to place her left hand over his chest. She didn't want bloodshed but her people were growing tired of the encroaching settlers that failed to leave them alone. The young were perishing faster than her and the elderly, upsetting the balance of life and the spirit of her people.

Ratonhnhaké:ton turned away from her, shifting in his step, and reluctantly admitted, "No, I tried to stop him from attacking them and he turned against me. I didn't mean to-"

"We do not harm our own, Ratonhnhaké:ton" she chastised him, torn between anguish for Kanen'tó:kon and disappointment in Ratonhnhaké:ton. Her own family member had committed this offense? She assumed that her grandson would either assist the village in repelling the white rebels or return everyone safely. She didn't expect the two old friends to fight and lead to the death of one. Arguments were settled in the village peacefully and death was not tolerated.

"It was not intentional" he insisted helplessly to the unfortunate end of Kanen'tó:kon. He never entered the forest with the intention of killing anyone, merely incapacitating them. His grandmother, however, was not pleased with his reason because killing a tribesman was a heinous crime. Her grandson had never been a dangerous or cold man, seeing a quiet and reserved man more than any other trait. His roots were a burden in his heart but never did she think this would occur at his hands.

Granting him the chance to explain himself, she looked him dead in the eye and questioned, "Did you attack first?"

"No" he answered swiftly with the truth on their altercation since his words proved futile. He could not change his friend's mind to leave the forest and return to the safety of their village. It wasn't for a lack of trying since he earned defensive wounds in trying to stop him. He couldn't allow himself to be murdered but he was wrecked with great guilt over his actions. If Lee had not interfered in their village, none of this would have happened! Kneeling on the ground on the opposite side of his friend's body, he met his grandmother's gaze to insist firmly, "I stopped a massacre between our people and the rebel army. He would not listen and believed Lee's lies about me."

His grandmother was silent for a moment to ponder over his words before asking quietly, "Is he right about you joining them?"

"No" he promised earnestly but began pondering on how closely he had treaded that line recently. He believed Washington wholeheartedly, only to be betrayed by this attack. Had he been foolish this whole time? Despite his shaken trust, he believed in protecting innocent people and purging the Templars. He didn't want his grandmother, his last maternal relative, to think he was an evil person willing to hurt their people. Placing his right hand over hers on his friend's still chest, he emphasized truthfully, "I am doing my best to keep innocent people safe."

"We will never be safe, Ratonhnhaké:ton" she sighed sadly to the increasing conflict with the settlers. Her daughter had tried keeping them at bay but it was only a temporary solution until her demise. She did not want to keep losing her people and began to wonder if protecting their ancestral land was worth it. They had lived in peace before the arrival of the foreigners and the passing seasons had shown they would not stop spreading across the land. She had to consider the wellbeing of her people first but now, mourning for a fallen tribe member took precedence. Placing her free hand over their clasped hands, she spoke somberly, "I must inform Kanen'tó:kon's family. It would be best if you left."

For the first time, he felt like an outsider to his people but he was responsible for his friend's death. What else could he say to that? He was guilty of extinguishing life and there was no hiding it. Releasing her hand, he stood upright to concede to her suggestion with a tight throat that shook his voice, "I . . . I understand."

---

Ratonhnhaké:ton left Kanatahséton with a heavy heart and regret for not being able to save his childhood friend. The events of that night would not have happened if Lee didn't act on his father's orders but Haytham was not seeking peace by sparing needless bloodshed. He did not want to stop for the night, keeping his mind trained on his mission to repress the night's events. He and Caroline were making their way south to continue the next leg of the plan. Despite what Washington attempted to reave on his people, he refused to act in the same way and let the Patriots rot. It would not help his end goal, the innocents hoping for the war to end, and he didn't want to wonder how many more loved ones he would lose on this journey.

Their travel through the forest had been mostly silent with Caroline giving him space and silence to grieve over his friend. Despite her husband preferred silence, she knew he was hurting on the inside. However, she couldn't let him waste himself into exhaustion through the night. If he was heading into what would soon be an active battlefield, he had to be at his best and sharpest. When she suggested they stop for a few hours, he refused quickly, "I have to reach Monmouth-"

"Tomorrow morning" she interjected firmly to seize command at seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. He was a strong man that was indomitable against men and the natural elements but he needed to rest at some point. She pulled the reins of Sophia to stop in the middle of the forest, which her mare happily neighed to, and told him resolutely, "We're making camp for the night."

Before he could object, she hopped off Sophia to find a clearing in their vicinity. They only needed space large enough for a tent and a fire to relax for a few hours, catch their breath, and eat a snack before carrying on. They had been on their feet since arriving in New York that early afternoon and had not stopped to eat. Maybe a drink or two of water but that was it. Ratonhnhaké:ton reluctantly agreed with her decision and dismounted Awé:ri, patting the pinto's neck with gratitude for his hard work. Removing his travel pack from the gelding, he slung the strap over his left shoulder and trudged sluggishly over to Caroline.

The redhead had cleared a flat area large enough for their tent and began gathering kindling for a fire. With numerous trees in the area, she was able to pick up a decent bundle of dry twigs that would burn nicely. Dry leaves that covered the dirt were also grabbed for quick burning to support the fire. Ratonhnhaké:ton handled pitching their small tent by embedding the sleek metal poles into the ground before attaching the white canvas over the metal framework with fabric ties. The spring lacked any strong winds so their temporary shelter would hold for the night.

The leads of their horses were tied to a tree trunk near the tent without a metal chain, which he usually attached to prevent horse thieves. Being in the middle of a forest, there was little chance – mainly because he doubted he would sleep. When he turned around to return to the center of their small camp, he found Caroline using two sturdy rocks to start their campfire. He kneeled beside her to help with the task but she smiled at him to reassure, "I got this. Eat something and get some sleep."

She grinned at spotting her flame of success at the base of her kindling and continued to tend to the small flame by gently blowing on the embers. Ratonhnhaké:ton sat down beside her to rummage through his travel to untie his bedroll from the bottom, tossing it over his head and sending it flying inside the tent. Opening the backpack, he reached inside to retrieve a fabric wrapped package contained a fish cake, aged cheese, and a fresh apple that they picked on the way to New York. During missions, he ignored the need to eat in order to end the lurking threat and today was no different.

He bit into the salty fish cake that his wife baked before their journey south. Fish were beginning to arrive at Davenport now that the rivers were thriving from the winter thaw. Caroline happily shredded the caught fish to toss them in cornmeal and baked the small cakes to eat them with beans or soup. He snapped out of those warm memories when she ran a hand through his hair and gently removed the leather tie holding his onyx locks. He was worn both physically and emotionally from that night, especially after losing a decent truce with his father, broken trust with Washington, and killing his childhood friend. She'd never seen her husband so lost as he gazed quietly at the fire for a secret solution and she soothed gently, "You went through a lot today, your mind and heart need to rest."

"I still have to stop Lee" he whispered grimly because it would all be for nothing if he didn't end him. It wasn't enough that he had attacked him as a child but he had to return and convince his clan to attack the Patriots to trigger a massacre. His father had shown his true colors despite his attempts of playing nice and trying to paint a picture of a mending family. He felt foolish for falling into his crafted lies with nothing but death and pain to show for it. Caroline handed over their water canteen to keep him hydrated and he smiled with thanks, "Even if he was not involved with my mother's death, he crossed the line by pulling my people into this conflict. I have to end him and the Templars."

"You will" she spoke earnestly to encourage him during this difficult time. Neither imagined the village being attacked that night, guessing that they would be sent to another camp to aid against the Loyalists. Instead, defeat and betrayal lingered in the air rather than success for passing on the knowledge gained earlier that night. She couldn't let him be discouraged by the Templars plan and insisted, "This is just a setback. You couldn't have foreseen any of this, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

"Sometimes, I feel that this journey brings me nothing but loss and misery. . .but I still have to see it through" he disclosed quietly with every painful hurdle and knew that his enemy would become more desperate and cunning to succeed. Caroline quietly dampened a cloth with water before running it over his dusty face to clean it and smiled tenderly. He had devoured his small meal quickly but she noticed his movements were instinctive rather than deliberate. He smiled tiredly for the caring behavior of his wife, especially when her hands grasped the collar of his overcoat to remove it. They were both exhausted and he didn't want her wasting her energy on him, dissuading her help, "Carol-"

"My husband needs to sleep" she interjected matter-of-factly and his resistance halted when she removed the jacket from his shoulders. Folding the jacket neatly over her lap, she gazed down at the attire that signified the secret life of the man she married. When would this chaos leave them? Would they live through the secret war? He felt older in years for the first time as each burden weighed heavily on him. How was he going to protect everyone when the Templars could easily target them? Would he grieve more of his loved ones as the seasons passed?

She grasped his right forearm to begin removing the leather gauntlet that held his hidden blade, remarking softly, "We all make our choices in this life. As much as it hurts, you have to bear the painful losses and continue."

He leaned against her and she dropped the gauntlet, pulling him into a tight embrace. Her husband was an emotionally strong person but everyone needed a hug during tough times. She clutched him tightly around his waist, resting her palms under his shoulder blades to rub circles over his back. He held her like a lifeboat to take comfort in her physical presence, grateful that she always offered herself for support. Caroline always kept a keen eye and open mind on both sides of the fight but to see the Templars manipulate his village into the firefight with his own father keeping information from him . . . they had managed to fully enrage her against them. Her husband had a good heart that was willing to accept Haytham after being abandoned but that chance had finally been severed. Feeling damp tears run down her neck, her own eyes blurred with sympathetic tears for his pain.

"How can I protect anyone?" he asked with a broken voice because a good person would not do what he did hours ago. He tried his best to save Kanen'tó:kon and resorted to using his hidden knife, a weapon used for his enemies only. His friend didn't deserve an early death and the guilt broke his heart. He had committed an action he condemned others for . . . was he no better? Clutching his wife close, he whispered with shame, "I killed my friend tonight, Caroline. I didn't want to do it and I tried my best to stop it."

Caroline did not want him to lay blame on himself alone and reminded him firmly, "Lee incensed them enough that they couldn't see reason but you did save the others that followed Kanen'tó:kon. Take solace in that."

"I can never look the Clan Mother in the eyes again" he murmured weakly at returning to his village one day and facing the aftermath of his actions. Right now, they would mourn the loss of Kanen'tó:kon but he would always be associated with it. Would the tribe associate him with danger or believe that he was part of the problem that threatened to seize their land? The entire night had tattered his integrity, dignity, and veracity into a mess of disappointment. Releasing her, his shoulders slumped as he glanced down at the earth between them and he whispered, "I don't want to hurt innocent people, Caroline. I don't want to become my father."

She cupped his face with both hands, pressing her forehead to his, and promised, "You won't, this manipulation was out of your hands."

"We have to stop them" he told her with conviction to eradicate the Templar threat, even if it meant stopping his father permanently. He did not want to think about death any longer and take solace with the few hours of rest at camp. She didn't want him to dwell on that pain but he also needed to process the impact away from dangerous surroundings. He began to remove his remaining gauntlet to sleep comfortably on his bedroll, standing up to walk inside their tent.

"We will" she sighed under their breath because she would stay by him to the very end. He couldn't do all this alone, even when he turned her away in delicate missions. Gathering his belongings, she grabbed their backpacks to wander inside the canvas tent. Tossing the packs at the end of the bedroll, she kneeled to place his items next to the backpack. Reaching inside his pack, she pulled out a beaver fur pelt and handed it over to her spouse.

Ratonhnhaké:ton sought a moment of peace rather than comfort but appreciated her concern. Taking the pelt, he squeezed her hand fondly with a faint smile, "Thank you."

His wife, however, burst his affectionate bubble when she pointed out matter-of-factly, "It's more for modesty, you didn't think I'd miss that gash on your side, right?"

"I can sleep it off" he reasoned dismissively because he hardly felt the cut unless he moved. The blood had dried on it already which meant it would heal fine on its own. He didn't need to fuss over a wound but his wife crossed her arms to silently protest otherwise. When he pretended to yawn and attempted to lie down on his bedroll, she grasped him by the neckline of his vest to sit him upright – which was no easy feat.

"I'm not Dr. White but that won't work on me" she disagreed dryly and pointed to the buttons of his vest to signal that he remove his clothes. Reaching over to grab her pack, she fiddled with her belongings until finding their medical kit and pulling the wooden box out. He took great care of her when she was injured on the Aquila and she would return that same dedication.

Ratonhnhaké:ton frowned with disappointment to his late-night mending but ultimately agreed. Unbuttoning his white vest, he tossed it onto his lap before removing his white tunic to bear the night air. Caroline pressed her right hand against the center of his chest, the warmth of her hand permeating through his skin, and she spoke quietly, "Everything I do is for you."

"You're the only one who does" he replied with a faint solemn smile, meeting her gaze to catch a wink from her end. He treasured the rarity in having a wife that would run into an active battlefield with him, tend to their home, share his secrets, and pick his spirits up when he was knocked down. Despite his nagging, she was the only one he allowed near him when injured and Caroline had learned a thing or two from Dr. White to keep her husband safe.

Dipping a small ball of cotton in a container lid that held alcohol from its bottle, she dabbed it over the diagonal gash over his right side. It was a hairline laceration but it matched the length of the dagger, running along the crease between his ribs. Given how elastic the skin was over that region with every breath, it could be irritating if not properly cleaned. Ratonhnhaké:ton winced with discomfort to the burning sensation, hating to apply the sanitizing liquid every time he earned a bleeding injury.

Caroline caught his pouting as she ran the cotton ball towards the outer edge of the cut and smiled slyly, "For such a force of nature, alcohol is your bane."

Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled faintly in return to the innocent jest, appreciating the light-hearted humor at that late hour. Dropping the cotton ball on the ground, she gave time for the liquid to dry and met his despondent gaze to dote fondly, "I love you and I do this because I want to see many years with you."

He would always concede to his wife's better judgement, trusting her as much as himself. It was a love that he would never question, furrowing his brow to restrain emotion down his throat. He had to begin protecting her even more carefully if the Templars could easily turn his own people against him. What would stop them from trying to indoctrinate her?

"I will love you into eternity, never let anyone say otherwise" he whispered quietly to instill that promise if anyone threatened her with lies about him. His wife, however, always had a sharp head on her shoulders and he counted on that to stay as they aged.

"Never" she promised because he was her heart and soul after almost a decade together. Nobody would turn her against him and she laughed at anyone that dared to attempt it. That is, if she didn't stab them first for those foul lies.

---

Haytham was not particularly happy that his secret plan blew up prematurely with all the nasty mess left on his end. His perfect plan to have the truth about Ziio's death revealed had been a short triumph. He had been solely focused on exposing Washington's true face and ensuring Templar success that he ignored the sharp acuity of his son. Instead of him rejecting the commander as a false hero, he saw through his own plan to hide information and cut him off as well. It was not his intention to hurt him with betrayal but rather, open his eyes to the truth. Reality would never be pretty and fair so he was offering him a kindness before it struck him down and left him to rot. Was he at fault for hiding a painful truth that needed to reveal itself in front of the main puppet master?

Their recent months together had brought an uncertain familiarity and though his son disagreed on his methods, he had remained for the sake of peace. Ziio had also sought peace for her people with a staunch determination that was extinguished too early out of existence. Seeing it continue in their son shook his firm beliefs that the Templar Order was the best, if not the only chance for humanity to avoid killing itself. It was the shared blood between them, Ziio's traits that resonated, and his son's willingness to find peace that garbled his mind on how to proceed.

Frankly, he wanted to stab Washington repeatedly when everyone's backs were turned but withheld that impulse. The Patriots and their Continental Army were succeeding in most fights but it only required one great win from the Loyalists at a crossroad between strongholds to tumble their momentum. Washington's recent feat with the Delaware River crossing was the latest raging success and a win in Monmouth could be another star in his military career. If he managed to sabotage this upcoming battle, would Washington be tarnished and denounced to allow Lee to sneak into leadership? Or would the army choose a different man? And with either choice, could the Templars truly control the Continental Army, or would the Loyalist Army fare better for their ideals? He cursed his son for mudding up his thoughts on how to proceed with the messy situation left at his feet.

With the plan for the Mohawk village to attack the Continental Army foiled, he expected Lee to return so they could create a new one. His son managed to ruin that plan as well by stopping his people in time. The original plan had been for him to denounce Washington and they would have convinced the men of the village to stay neutral while Lee sneaked into the shadows to expose Washington's aim. Instead, his son ran off alone which forced Lee to incense the men to attack the army, triggering a massacre, which would tarnish Washington for war crimes against the natives. At least, that's what Haytham assumed because he hadn't made a backup plan and left it to Lee. Not the greatest idea in hindsight. He found blood in the forest after raced there without knowing whether it was from the natives, the Army, or his own son. For once, he didn't hope for the latter. His next problem was that his second in command decided to head straight to Monmouth to plan who knows what without a single clue left in a note somewhere!

He managed to sneak into the man's temporary lodgings in the nearby town to find nothing important apart from his diary ramblings of how inefficient Washington was. After being passed over for command years ago, that slight from Congress festered into an unhealing wound that only deepened with infection. Lee had always listened to him in their early years when meeting, seeing admiration in his eyes but that light had faded. Now, he would belittle and demean Washington in every chance he could get and began on a letter-writing campaign to change Congress' mind on the commander to sway them to his side. It was almost a little maddening that bordered on obsession.

Is that how he sounded to his son about the commander? Oh no, is that how he sounded to normal people? No, no, that was absurd. His father taught him better than to nag worse than a wet cat that fell into a dry well. His protégé was targeting Washington on a personal level rather than a Templar enemy to be disposed of. Haytham hated the man for his actions against Ziio's village but he couldn't ignore his leadership in leading the Continental Army, which was not marred by extreme brutality like other leaders.

He didn't believe that his son's dreams for the new and rising new country would be achieved overnight. Frankly, he didn't think any of the promises they spouted would come true because they would need a fully functioning economy and government to run smoothly. Still, he couldn't help but wonder if he was right about giving people a chance. He had thrown such ideas to the trash after being betrayed and lied to left and right from the moment his father passed away. His entire life had been formed and chiseled by the Order while his son formed his own ideas from his life's experiences. Each of them carried different experiences that formed who they were but did his son fare better at achieving them? If he killed his son, his Assassins would carry his martyr ideal since he trained them all himself. If he was killed by his son, the only decent Templar to carry his ideas would be Charles. Not great when he thought about the numbers and passing on his legacy.

Thus, all those thoughts running through his mind reminded him of why he spared Washington on that hill tonight. He was beginning to wonder if he was wrong about the commander. He was not keen on admitting his own failings while easily finding fault in everyone else. Goodness knows his son earned his fair share of criticisms. Perhaps as Washington had changed and regretted his past actions against the natives, was he himself worthy and capable of the same? Long years had passed since becoming a Templar and though he held those principles clutched tightly in his heart, were they truly the right path? His subordinate numbers were dropping drastically and his second in command had run off to embarrass Washington yet again. Still, the only one willing to offer him the chance of peace and redemption was his son.

It was times like this when he wished Ziio was alive to ask for her advice. She had never skirted around topics, being blunt and honest with him. He could see similar traits in his son and his wife that only brought back melancholic memories of a time long past. What would his life amount to in the end? What would be his legacy in this New World when the Continental Army was close to true independence?

---

28 June 1778

The Battle of Monmouth almost crumbled for the Patriots when Lee abandoned the battlefield, leaving Lafayette to assume command. The Major-General was left to reorganize the remaining troops, remaining confident of victory against the Loyalists. That was until the approach of a large British force arriving to assist their brethren on the field. Outnumbered, Lafayette was forced to order a retreat for a better strategic position just as Ratonhnhaké:ton arrived in time to assist. With a small guard granted by Lafayette, he was able to fend off the incoming army to buy the soldiers time to retreat.

Ratonhnhaké:ton manned a cannon to hold back the army before leading the retreat through Monmouth. The Loyalists that had broken through were executing prisoners from the Continental army, pushing him and Caroline to protect the vulnerable officers. After losing his friend earlier that week, he refused to lose any more people under his direction. The chaos in the battlefield reminded him of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a night that reunited him with his future wife. This time, they were fighting together but he ordered her to stay with Lafayette's retreating army to keep her in a safer position.

After preventing more losses to the fighting army, Ratonhnhaké:ton rallied the survivors to hold the Continental line. With the repositioning of the army and changing their attack strategy, the army held back the Loyalist forces. Caroline was impressed at seeing this fledgling of an army consisting more of civilians than experienced military maintaining a sturdy defense against a disciplined military sent by an empire. She respected her husband's order, helping as a runner for ammunition since her gender barred her from being in an active battlefield. She was more than ready to wear her Ishmael outfit but Ratonhnhaké:ton did not want her in an active role that day.

She was ecstatic to see him ascend the green hill lined with wooden spike barricades. There was dust on his attire from explosions and tackling people into the dirt but she didn't see active bleeding this time. Lafayette was delighted to see the native return alive and well after seeing his action firsthand from the hill. Clasping him on the right shoulder with a hearty pat, he congratulated amicably, "Connor! Well done, my friend! You have saved many lives today."

In the rear of the gathered group, George Washington had arrived to oversee the ongoing battle. Caroline had kept her distance by sticking beside Lafayette, entranced by his peppy nature despite the ferocious battle before them. Ratonhnhaké:ton tensed briefly when he heard the familiar voice ahead of them, "Connor?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton put aside their previous altercation to tell him bluntly, "Charles Lee has betrayed you. He forced retreat in the midst of battle - hoping the loss would take the lives of your men and see you relieved of your command."

Washington was genuinely shocked at hearing this but Lafayette was not after witnessing the act himself. The commander did not think he would have dissenters or traitors in his midst, exclaiming, "What?!"

Caroline almost cracked a smile when she heard dry sarcasm in her husband's voice as he raised his hands to say, "I am sure he will come and spin a tale - saying he was outnumbered - or I was somehow to blame. All lies."

His voice tensed to carry the threat that he had been accusing Lee with for over five years, "I will say it one last time - that man is your enemy and he will not stop until you are dead or dishonored."

Caroline sighed under her breath because the Templars were quite determined to be rid of him. With Lee in charge, they would have the entire Continental army in their hands to do as they wished. He could twist the narrative to make himself the hero or plummet their chance at independence with sabotaging strategy. Shaking her head, she murmured faintly, "I'd bet on dead."

Lafayette vouched for his native friend, given that they were left to man the battlefield, and admitted grimly, "Connor's tale rings true. Lee was acting most odd upon the battlefield."

Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline refrained from sighing in aggravated disappointment when Washington informed them, "I will investigate these allegations at once."

"The time for that is long past" Ratonhnhaké:ton warned gravely because the Templars were plotting one step ahead on how to eliminate the commander. Whether through tarnishing his reputation or killing him, it didn't matter. Their end goal was seizing control of the army and having Lee at the helm to command it and guide the delegates from the colonies. The longer the commander let the threat walk free, the more cunning they would become. How was he willing to attack his village on rumors alone but let one single man roam free with blatant evidence?!

"About three years, I'd say" Caroline agreed bluntly with disillusion that Lee would face charges for his actions. He had already tried to initiate violence between two groups to give way for war against the natives. This confrontation would have left more casualties on the rebel army and declared a failure in matching the British forces as a military force.

Washington understood their disappointment, to which Lafayette agreed with a nod because traitors should not be tolerated. If he had the courage to board a foreign boat dressed as a woman to come fight for a new rising nation, the fighters of the Continental army should be demonstrating the same dedication. Washington couldn't simply incarcerate a man on rumors or he would be committing the same mistake that almost annihilated native villages a week ago. He had to think carefully on his decisions, even if there were no good outcomes from either choice, and he told Ratonhnhaké:ton, "This must be done properly, else we're no better than those we oppose. Never mind the political ramifications of such an act."

Caroline tensed slightly when Washington reached out to clasp her husband's shoulder. He was not the type to accept physical contact from strangers or those he didn't trust, especially after what happened. Surprisingly, he remained cordial through the exchange and left the commander with the final words, "Should you choose to spare Lee's life then I will take it myself. Enjoy your victory, Commander."

Turning around, he motioned for Caroline to follow him down the hill to leave the battlefield and added in, "It will be the last I deliver you."

He had helped the Patriot cause long enough and received little in return for his aid. It irked him but he could not be petty, keeping his mind focused on the long-term goal. Like his wife said, they would eventually have to make hard choices with neither being agreeable. He was relieved to leave the town behind to return to Davenport and overcome the emotional aftermath that occurred in the past week.

Caroline intertwined her fingers with his, squeezing his hand tightly, and told him quietly, "Let's go home, my dear."

---

20 July 1778

The route home was mercifully uneventful for the couple by sticking within the forest and taking dirt roads during daylight only. Caroline noticed her husband was quieter than his usual self, heading to sleep earlier rather than keeping to the fire to stay toasty. She handled their meals and hitching their horses to prep them for their daily travel to tackle more tasks, giving him time. Ratonhnhaké:ton might appear intimidating physically and was a force to be reckoned with but his heart was quite delicate. He did not display his emotions but he was a deep well that was currently overflooding from betrayal and grief. She had only seen him that way during their early months after her return to Davenport and it was painful for her to see him silently hurting. Now, she was witnessing it again as his wife.

He experienced an emotional turmoil that tarnished how he viewed people now with more caution than before. His most beautiful asset was believing the best in everyone and lending a helping hand to inspire others to do the same. Instead, his good deeds were not returned and secrets were held from him. After everything he had done for the rebel army, they were willing to attack his village to remove potential threats instead of seeking alternative paths. He tried his hardest to avoid bloodshed and needless killing but others preferred quick results rather than saved lives. That wasn't who he was and wouldn't risk changing that about himself. Accepting that bitter truth was harder than anticipated.

When they arrived home, Caroline saw the first genuine smile as he returned to his sheltered haven. After a month away from their town, their homestead remained the same in its pristine state. The familiar wolf carving on the front door welcomed them and she heard curious gobbling from the left side of the porch. Sir Cornelius strutted out from the corner to investigate the sound of approaching footsteps, his beady black eyes unreadable. At seeing the homeowners, his large speckled wings fluttered in friendly welcome and he circled once in approval before scuttling off to the rear. Ratonhnhaké:ton sorely needed that humorous greeting and the numbing pain from his journey faded gradually with the warmth from his homestead.

"Sir Cornelius is quite happy today" Caroline laughed aloud to their guard turkey, glad to see him safe. Her siblings promised to keep a close eye on their animals, particularly their fat turkey. She moved away from their home to head right to the pen adjoining the barn to settle Sophia back at home. The golden mare followed happily to returning to her emerald pastures safely and neighed for Awé:ri to follow. The young gelding was released by his rider and the two waited obediently when Caroline opened the wooden gate to let them enter the large pen.

Other horses were grazing in the open with plenty of space after Ratonhnhaké:ton expanded their pen every few months with Godfrey's help. He wanted the horses to have enough land to imitate the wild but he couldn't let them wander freely in the pastures out of fear of wolf attacks. He was glad to see his rehab center bustling without him, happy to have left it in Elizabeth's capable hands. Inhaling the woodsy scented air of the forest, he was relieved to tell his wife, "I've never been happier to see our homestead."

"Connor!"

Caroline smiled happily at spotting Elizabeth and Samuel exit the rear of the stables. Flecks of stray hay stuck to their clothes after finishing the morning cleanup and feed for the horses. They let Alice care for the chicken coop and the turkey since she enjoyed the fluffy animals. The brunette would do this every morning with her siblings before heading south to the school to help Amelia. Her days of being at home and playing with her dolls were now gone, setting out to earn wages and help the town. Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton appreciated the helping hands of their family, closing the pen gate when the younger two exited.

"Glad you're back!" Samuel greeted the two jovially with a toothy smile, earning a hug from his eldest sister. She was delighted to see the two in a healthy condition with no visible bruises or cuts from their active lifestyles. Like herself, Elizabeth abandoned feminine dresses and opted for androgynous attire with trousers now that she was entering adulthood. Unlike herself that left her hair braided, Elizabeth opted for a surprisingly neatly coifed bun. It was almost like looking at her past self at times to their similarities. Samuel was clearly taking after their father with his jolly nature and passion for the outdoors, which was not wilting.

"So are we" Caroline smiled tiredly at their failed mission for peace but succeeded for the Patriots. Unfortunately, their signed agreement was for nothing after having hope that the village would be safe during the war. She reached over to hug Elizabeth, who returned it tightly, while Samuel extended his hand out to Ratonhnhaké:ton. The assassin smiled faintly, remembering his little friend grasping for his hand when he barely reached his waist. Now, the redhead was growing into adolescence like he had while he had become an adult.

Elizabeth snapped them out of their reverie when she claimed bluntly, "You two look terrible."

"Thank you for the kind words" Caroline retorted sarcastically to the remark because she could always trust her with the truth. Elizabeth simply waved a hand in dismissal to her chide, meaning nothing by it but also concerned. Their attire held patches of caked dust while Ratonhnhaké:ton held obvious tears to his outer coat, making her wonder what exactly happened out there.

"Have you eaten?" she asked worriedly at their long faces, not used to seeing them quiet. Well, her sister anyway because Ratonhnhaké:ton was rather serene on a normal day. Given their travel from New York on the road, it couldn't have been an easy journey. Though the Aquila had dropped them off, it had returned hours later after leaving when Ratonhnhaké:ton told Robert that they were heading to Valley Forge. Since then, Davenport heard nothing from the two. Her parents expectantly waited for them, hoping they wouldn't be gone very long like their previous trip, and she knew their hearts would be happier in her childhood home. All they had were letters and they were painfully long in arriving. Snapping her fingers at the smallest redhead, she ordered swiftly, "Sam, take them home for lunch."

For once, Samuel didn't object and saluted his sister to follow her order. Caroline furrowed her brow with curiosity at Elizabeth for skipping out on lunch and asked, "What about you?"

"I'll clean and feed these two" she grinned helpfully to take away an extra chore from the exhausted couple. The two would always set their belongings in the house before tending to their animals first before feeding themselves. Sophia and Awé:ri were docile horses in her care so she would have no trouble cleaning the grime off them. Placing her hands on her hips, she told the two brightly, "I'm sure they've earned their rest. Go on, now."

Caroline chuckled softly to the new caretaker role that emboldened her little sister, squeezing her shoulder in gratitude. Ratonhnhaké:ton nodded politely to the favor after traveling all morning and spoke quietly, "Thank you."

"That's what family is for" Samuel reasoned with a simple shrug of the shoulders to their way of life. Everyone lent a helping hand to family and together, they would see each day through. They had taken care of him when he was small, his sister even more so, and he would never turn down a chance to help.

"I am very fortunate to have you as mine" Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke somberly to the solid rock of stability in his life when it came to the Burnetts. Apart from the village, the Scottish family was held dearly in his heart and he dreaded a day when the Templars would use that against him. He was not an easy man to break physically but emotionally, he had to prepare himself for future heartache. Caroline slipped her left arm through his right to silently offer him support.

"He's been a tad sentimental" she joked gently with a glum flicker dulling her bright eyes as she gazed at him. Ratonhnhaké:ton turned away to deny such a thing but he knew better. His wife squeezed his arm in solidarity because his inner conflict was between himself and her, if he wished to share. Releasing a long sigh, she reluctantly admitted, "We didn't have the greatest trip. That's all I will say."

The two younger Burnetts understood their vagueness and Elizabeth remarked with hearty words for both, "Whatever it was you saw out there, you're home now."

The married couple was immensely relieved to their return home and Caroline smiled at her husband to beckon, "Let's drop off our gear before heading over."

Caroline led him away towards their empty home, clambering up the porch steps in haste. Ratonhnhaké:ton caught her infectious mood to reclaim their home and released her so she could unlock their home. She never tired of the fancy shiny doorknob that gave her a little air of sophistication in the country. The two spilled inside to see that nothing changed in their home, appearing the same as they left a month ago. Caroline inhaled the herb-scented air with zest, smiling at the bright yellow curtains covering their windows.

Dropping her travel pack on the wooden bench by the doorway, she extended her back to stretch it. Rolling her shoulders, she was ecstatic to not carry that pack anymore and felt the tension disappear. They were in absolute privacy again, away from the open forest or crowded cities. For Ratonhnhaké:ton, the joy of being home was shrouded with an uncertainty that the same event could repeat in his home. It had happened to his grandfather with fatal results so why not him? He would not be caught unaware a second time and endure more emotional thrashing. Fortifying Davenport, tracking Templar movements, and finding the best way to annihilate them in one move would be his next task now that he was back.

Caroline saw his firm expression as he lowered his pack beside hers. She didn't want him dwelling on dark memories or unfounded fears on their first day back. He deserved to relax and eat a good homemade meal. Running her hands over his shoulders from behind, she comforted him, "We're home now, you don't have to worry-"

"What if my father decides to attack Davenport next as an excuse with the Patriots?" he asked grimly, turning around with worry on his face. She was the only one he trusted with inquiring suggestions from, with the next being Achilles (whom he also needed to visit). He was tired of people's ulterior motives that were harming him despite his constant help. It was enough to make him question his goals but he refused to agree with his father's stark view of those in power wielding the strongest sway in society.

"Then we will alert Boston again like we did on the way in" she assured him with a warm smile, rubbing his shoulders once more to ease his tension. They had stopped briefly at Stephane's to inform him to tell the others to keep an eye out for anyone asking about Davenport or heading north to Rockport. Her husband relaxed slightly to her logic, causing her to lock her gaze with his and assert firmly, "We will be all right, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

His shoulders slumped dejectedly to her optimism because he was the more hopeful one. The last two missions shook him more than he dared to admit to anyone and sought to pacify that discomfort. He would not back down in his fight against the Templars, fueled even more so after what happened, but he needed a moment of peace. There were a myriad of emotions that he had to accept and release before they clouded his judgment and heart. Closing his eyes briefly, he muttered with regret, "I promised my people that I would save our home-"

"You can't do everything alone" she soothed kindly to his perceived failure in protecting his village and squeezed his shoulders. None of this was solely his fault. He had numerous enemies to contend with and his only order for his clan was to avoid interacting with outsiders, which was not adhered. He was trying to put out multiple fires that night and she pointed out, "You did everything right. The clan decided to follow Lee and it did not end well. This is what you've been telling them since the very beginning."

Unable to meet his wife's gaze out of self-disappointment, he admitted quietly to her, "I'm not ready to return out there again. Not after . . ."

"You don't have to" she soothed gingerly, cupping his face to raise his chin to meet his gaze. The usual pensive and warm glint in his light brown eyes had faded for a somber and withdrawn dullness. Her husband had been harmed at a deeper level than the knife wounds on his upper body. His pain was her own and she would do her best to heal it, running her thumbs over his freckled cheeks. She would have to shelter her husband with their friends and family to provide him with a positive and loving environment. They would take a temporary step back from the war and she promised him, "We'll take a month to ourselves and I can handle business with the Order."

He did not want her tackling the Order on her own when she had numerous other tasks at home and in town. Caroline, however, had always been one to multitask since childhood and simply saw it as a new role. She would do anything to help her husband and wasn't surprised when he disagreed with that plan, "I can't ask that of you-"

"Lean on me when you need help" she interjected with a kind smile, kissing him on the lips to convince him. Ratonhnhaké:ton hated to burden his wife with more work but she never failed at her odd jobs. One thing he liked about her was that she figured out a problem, never quitting no matter how much it frustrated her. He doubted running the Assassins would do that but he appreciated her help. He wanted to be the one to tackle dangerous tasks in their life and didn't want her facing that. Caroline married him for better or worse, ready to make life easier for them, and she spoke sweetly, "I will never turn you away."

"I don't want to lose you" he admitted quietly to the main reason he kept her in a supportive role. The last thing he wanted was a target on her back or for the enemy to know the true depth of her involvement. She was the one who kept him grounded through the chaos and pain from his travels, ever present to welcome him home. He would be shattered irreparably if he lost her and told her truthfully, "I've already lost enough-"

"You won't" she told him easily to whisk away those fears and stay positive. Dark thoughts and negativity were not welcome in her home. Being there now in nestled safety would shake away that uncertainty dealt by the enemy. She would not let them win, not when they had so much at stake, and emphasized, "Don't think that way."

That was easier said than done in his view but he had shared similar words with her when she was disappointed. She would not make it easy on anyone to harm her and would train with her husband to fortify her weaknesses. Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't taking the enemy lightly, pressing his forehead to hers, and pointed out, "What else can I think when they're testing the people closest to me?"

"Prepare for the worst but don't dwell on it" she advised calmly to keep level-headed and tackle their enemy methodically. If they were trying to pin innocent people against the Continental Army, they would have to undertake similar tactics but with trained fighters against Templar strongholds. Still, they could not spend every second of their lives looking over their shoulders and fearing the worst. They could plan their best, keep themselves guarded, and she tapped his chin with a smile, "You have to live your life."

Ratonhnhaké:ton would adhere to her suggestion but also begin planning for a large blow to the Templar Order. His father was no longer an ally and his private scheme behind his back tarnished the trust he had been willing to give. Although he believed in the freedom sought by the Patriots, his goal would now be eradicating the Templars first. He did not seek to upset his wife but couldn't help but be open with his motive, "I will have to begin my best strategy against the Templars, even if it means lying low."

"Whatever you think is right, I am behind you the whole way" she agreed with a warm smile, aware that he would plan something while at home. It didn't deter her from her sheltered bubble for him because it would grant him time to plan carefully. She believed in him and anything reckless would quickly be nipped in the bud. Placing her hands on the center of his chest, she smiled to the beat of his heart and spoke softly, "Calm your heart, my strong wolf."

His forehead touched hers for comfort and he whispered faintly, "I don't feel strong, Caroline."

"You are, I wouldn't have married a lesser man" she assured with a warm chuckle because she trusted him with all her heart. He was her oldest friend and she never doubted his resolve when they were kids, always admiring his confidence when traveling through the wild forest. That flame of devotion only grew larger as they aged and she wouldn't hear otherwise from him. Ratonhnhaké:ton managed a genuine smile to their union, his most treasured relationship. With her siblings waiting outside, she focused on the happy reunion awaiting them and said, "Let's go have lunch, mother will be happy. I will make you a pie for dinner, you've earned it."

He couldn't deny the hot comfort of the crumbly crust and fresh fruit inside. His wife was not kidding when she promised him delicious food in their marriage. Caroline saw the first bright glint enter his eyes and tried not to laugh at his sudden interest. He felt silly for feeling giddy over hot fresh food and confessed sheepishly, "I wouldn't mind a pie."

She hugged him around the shoulders with glee to his bashful remark, kissing him on the right cheek. He returned it tightly, happy for her endless love, and she chuckled softly to remind him, "I'm always by your side, my love."

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A/N: This chapter was a tearjerker to write but I always did wonder what Connor did with his friend's body in the game and the repercussions on his clan's reaction whether he did return with him (which I think is highly likely) or left him there (which I don't see him doing). At the same time, I wanted to glimpse into Haytham after that aftermath as well as Connor since the time skips straight to the Battle of Monmouth then fast forwards to 1781. The music from the Newton Brothers that I chose to help my emotional juices flow got me in the campfire scene between Connor and Caroline.

All right, the next chapter will be a happier one where new characters are introduced and baby revelations happen. During winter break, I wrote some random one-shots for this story so I will be posting Color the Sky: Oneshots as a companion piece because I want to explore the timeline without adhering to it like I do with this one.

Thank you to my last chapter reviewers, I value your input (especially for the Haytham finale decision which has grown a hefty 'save him' consensus) and a late happy New Year to all:

danelleprae: I've been getting ideas from the last reviews on Haytham's arc. In my original outline, he was meant to have the canon death but I really wanted to explore his character (it was the best part I was waiting for since his 1776 appearance). After doing that with reading the Forsaken novel, I see him torn between both but he's aware that age has caught up to him while Connor refuses to waver in his ideals since his teens. The introduction of characters like Caroline and soon, Cora, tug at his conscience for daring to disrupt that peace in his son's life. His granddaughter will carry a lot of his positive traits, alongside her parents' ideals.

ThyDevoutBeliever: This chapter was definitely a depressing one for Connor's heart but his friend's death shows the lengths the Templars (at least Lee) will go to and we'll see what Haytham thought of this later on. I have plans for that sassy Templar and it's not a stab in the neck. The death of Kanen'tó:kon is a trial for Connor's resolve in the war and down the line, his death will affect his daughter when she meets his tribe up north after they head into Canada and during the War of 1812.

East Coast Captain: Broken Trust was an unexpected one with Kanen'tó:kon's death and I had to figure out how to write how he came to believe Lee over Connor. Cora will be an assassin by the time she's off to Europe so she could very well meet and attend school with other Assassins. I can already imagine Connor and Caroline waiting eagerly for letters from abroad like her parents did with them. This is the first story I'm writing with gradual aging of the characters which is something unique for me, lol.

iHateFridays: Thank you, this one was a bit darker but it pulls at the heartstrings. Next one will be more cheerful.

IcyAltheon: Thank you, I'm very glad that I fit my writing to reflect Haytham's canon personality. I really like your idea of him earning an injury that puts him out of commission. He would have to take a back seat or retire and although he would want to help Lee for the sake of the Order, I can see Caroline telling him to let them deal it out alone without their interference. Connor still earns that bad injury and Lee dies while Haytham writes sassy articles for the town newspaper, lol. Okay, maybe not the last part. The theme of balance with the children learning both Assassin-Templar traits is another reality waiting to be explored compared to my original outline. Cora, being the oldest, will be aware of the dangers of the Templars after witnessing them herself and be more guided to a neutral alliance with them while the youngest, Abigail, who is more like her father in seeing the best of the world would want to create a new order out of both groups to permanently end the fighting . . . and take on Juno (also saving Desmond world-saving grief and premature death). Charlotte, who takes after her mom in being her father's protector, will eye the west to move them away from danger and expand the Order, while Nathaniel will be a lot like Abigail in seeking peace and finding out more about the Inu. They're all unique in their own way, similar to the original characters, but Haytham's presence/lack of being there does indeed change some of their traits.

taylor115: You and me both with Obi's voice! Plus, Haytham jumping off dramatically for a quiet landing was the perfect opportunity.

Next Chapter Excerpt:

"We are here with a proposition" Caroline answered to let her relax and stop believing they were going to chastise or give extra work. Her little sister was no longer a hotheaded and mischievous child but she kept her cunning mind with a dash of stubbornness. She knew right from wrong very well, could spot a lie well, and held a growing set of skills that reminded her of herself.

Elizabeth's right eyebrow quirked in curiosity because only her husband handled the rehab center. If her sister was involved, it meant business or family-related so she quipped cheekily, "You're going away again and I'm taking over the rehab center?"

"No, not yet" Ratonhnhaké:ton replied with an amused smile to her sharp wit to gain more independence.

Her hopeful expression deflated instantly at that, turning her gaze to catch sight of Clipper. Hmm, interesting. She had not been the young man since winter but he hardly changed with his short-cropped hair, bright eyes, and frontiersman garb. Being a woman that was meant to stay in the home, she envied that freedom. Pointing one of her dusty hands at him, she asked her family bluntly, "Oh, what's he doing here?"

"Mind your manners, young lady" Caroline advised her sharply to maintain respect for her friends, given that Clipper hadn't even opened his mouth. She couldn't tell if she was trying to hide a girlish crush or brush off her boldness at dancing with him during her wedding. Her sisters had playfully teased Elizabeth after that event while their father hoped to high heaven that another wedding wouldn't be added.

"We're friends, it's fine" she sighed dramatically for losing a few points in decorum. Honestly, her sister was turning into Martha sometimes. Caroline smiled at her claim, looking to the bashful Clipper that was stuck in the friendship zone. He would not press for more than the redhead was willing to give to avoid losing her and earning an angry mob of family after him. Elizabeth batted her eyelashes at the brunette before curtsying politely, humoring her sister, and she addressed him with an innocent smile, "Mr. Wilkinson."

"Miss Elizabeth" he greeted politely with a nod and friendly smile, his heart hammering happily at seeing her again. He was silly for feeling this way over a young woman he saw intermittently but there was something about her character that drew him.

"Take a seat" Ratonhnhaké:ton beckoned by patting a nearby packed rectangle of hay to begin their discussion.

Elizabeth slowly walked towards it with a skeptical glint in her eyes and spoke aloud, "Oh no, this bodes ill already."

"Eliza!" Caroline chastised quickly to cut the shenanigans because they were trying to have a serious conversation. Normally, she fell into her jokes to take part but not today. Elizabeth saw the firm side of her sister surface and she took the seat on the hay bale with expectant eyes. Caroline wrung her hands together briefly to begin their prepared conversation, "I've seen you grow from a stubborn and impulsive child-"

"That's not making me feel better, you know!" she interjected at having her unfavorable childhood traits brought into the open in front of Clipper. What would he think of her? A wild country bumpkin like all the rest of the city dwellers? Crossing her arms, she gazed at the ground to avoid looking at them all in the eyes but felt her cheeks flush. In her earlier years, she would have run off to hide in a nearby bush until the coast was clear.

"Into a very determined and resilient young woman" Caroline continued to show her words meant no ill intent and Elizabeth stilled in her seat. She was not there to jab at anyone's vulnerabilities or past but encourage their potential. Her little sister was more tenacious and unafraid to tackle problems now in comparison to previous years where she would fling herself without concern for the consequences. There was still hesitation in her to offer a new and dangerous way of life but she and Ratonhnhaké:ton made the decision jointly. Hopefully, she wouldn't have her father knocking on their door. With a fond smile, she sighed softly, "I still can't believe you were a little baby sometimes. Still, I am aware of your passion for the outdoors . . . and your interest in our lifestyle."

"I'm not the seafaring type" Elizabeth stated frankly with a grimace to sea travel, finding little adventure in it. Unlike Samuel, she wanted to find adventure on the wild frontier. She enjoyed traversing the forest and open landscapes versus being stuck on a ship out at sea. Her feet and mind were happier on stable earth rather than floating over endless water.

Caroline withheld a sigh for her nonchalant nature and kept a straight face as she stated firmly, "I meant the Assassin part, you little imp."

This time, it was Elizabeth who stared at them with bewilderment to their offer. Were they really serious about this? Or was this a test to see if she was ready? Wait, no, she was! After finding out about their secret life last year, not surprised in the slightest by it, she was eager to know more about their super duper secret order. There was excitement at being deemed worthy but flickers of nerves seized her stomach to endangering her life. She knew her sister would always protect her but she needed to be capable of protecting her as well.

"Caroline and I believe you are ready to train as a potential recruit" Ratonhnhaké:ton explained carefully, watching her nod every so often, and truly hoped this wouldn't backfire. He and Caroline believed their best in Elizabeth, seeing her as a second guardian for the Burnett family when they couldn't be present in Davenport. He didn't want to involve the town in their secret war but he also needed to protect them from becoming leverage targets. Teaching them how to fight and set up home defenses would help tremendously instead of having non-armed civilians. They were no longer children and he took that plunge to begin involving new blood into their Order. He was her brother first but as a cautious leader, he instructed her with a firm tone, "Only if you adhere to our rules and follow our advice. Otherwise, you will fail."

Caroline chuckled softly when Elizabeth nodded agreeably at him with rapt attention and motioned with her left hand towards the quiet Clipper, "Clip here has agreed to train you this summer since Ratonhnhaké:ton and I need to continue overseeing the Order now that we are setting up base here."

Elizabeth's lower jaw popped open at having a trainer but there was brief disappointment at not having either of the two. Ratonhnhaké:ton had trained her sister and if she could become like them, she'd be unstoppable! Still, she was happy to hear that they would be staying in town longer than usual. She missed them when they left and they added a layer of security for her that was shared with their parents.

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Thank you for reading!