Music Inspiration: Joris de Man- "Spark and Flame"
Winter Wonderland
25 December 1778
Christmastime arrived in Davenport again with baby fever being the latest gossip as Matthew took the spotlight. Martha and Walter would be spending Christmas at home to bond with their newborn. The winter chill was too risky for a new baby and Martha was not ready to venture out either as she focused on healing. Delivering a baby was unlike anything she experienced and wondered how her mother had gone through multiple births. The town would miss the couple at the annual gathering but Ratonhnhaké:ton was preparing a crate of goodies for his in-laws. He would have finished it at home but Caroline insisted on purchasing a few extra things for her sister's family.
The party for the town was underway and he was happy to see the growing town that was still flourishing. The new Archer family brought skills needed by the town and they were happy to live amongst the tightly-knit community. Caroline initially sought to invite the Assassins as always to offer another bonding moment within their Order to build trust and cohesion. Ratonhnhaké:ton, however, didn't trust the ongoing tense situation with the Templars and would not risk exposure to the enemy. This was the first year that she had to withhold the invitation but understood his reasoning. The last thing she wanted was a target on their backs and lead the enemy straight into their town.
He smiled modestly when his wife kissed his left cheek and she beamed happily, "To another year with you, my love."
"By this time next year, we will have our child" he spoke affectionately because neither could deny the obvious swell of her belly now. The winter chill prompted her to wear the fluffy black cloak he gifted her for their wedding to stay warm. Its generous length concealed her lower abdomen but they both knew their baby was slowly growing to term. His wife found it silly but he enjoyed the faint kicks of their child at night when they were in bed, reminding him that they would arrive by spring. Her bladder, on the other hand, was not a fan.
Caroline peeked into their prepared crate to scan it for the items on their list and asked, "We put cloth diapers in Martha's care packet, right?"
"Yes, I also added those bread sticks that she likes" he confirmed to his wife's fretting over her little sister, being reminded of her mother immediately. Her maternal instinct was beginning to flare more often and there were days when he would find her sniffling for having to kill a critter. She still refused to eat eggs alone unless they were mixed into another recipe but he was glad to see the painful symptoms from the early pregnancy were completely gone. Every time she nibbled on a snack and fluttered her eyelashes to convince him to fetch her food, he didn't complain. It was all for the well-being of their baby and he would care for his wife, joking gently, "You all have strange cravings."
"Look, blame our children and changing bodies" she reasoned matter-of-factly before reaching out to grab an ale and a small meat pie from one of the catered tables. Corrine had begun making petite versions for handy snacks and they were a hit with the schoolchildren. He tried not to show amusement to her ravenous bites to the pie and her silly smile. When she raised the mug of ale, she hesitated and peered at it suspiciously to say, "No, not the precious children."
He had rarely seen her refuse an ale and wondered what caused the change of heart, asking her, "What's wrong?"
She placed the untouched ale back on the table and backed away slowly . . . but not before grabbing another small meat pie. Her pregnancy brought her distaste and no interest in alcohol, keeping her away from the relaxing drink. The pregnancy had shifted her entire palate upside down but she thanked the stars her baby liked meat pies. She patted her pregnant belly to acknowledge the demands of their child and told him secretly, "The baby, they don't want me to drink the ale."
"Caroline, there's no supernatural link to the baby" he stated flatly to humor her superstition on their child, which he found entertaining. Among his people, mothers-to-be never wore constrictive clothing so Caroline bore his morning checks on her neck and waistline for snug attire. She began borrowing his old trousers and hemmed them to her stature for comfortable pregnancy pants. For Caroline, she kept the baby happy by steering close to any foods they desired.
"You don't know that" she chided sweetly to their cultural biases on pregnancy, which they found amusing. Their baby would be raised with both of their cultures to keep his traditions alive, along with their languages. Somehow, they would have to figure out how to not confuse their little one with multiple languages. She tapped the underside of his square chin to smile mischievously and accused, "They must have inherited it from you."
There was pride in having his child carry some of his traits and hoped they were his best. Whether he had a son or daughter, he would protect them until he returned to the earth. His life had been bleak until he met his wife on that lukewarm June morning in 1770 and their marriage was the best part of his life of which he happily celebrated their first year as man and wife. His new family grounded him and kept the darkness at bay, which had threatened to engulf him earlier that year. They were the ones that needed his protection most and he placed his palm over her belly to smile fondly, "I can't wait to meet our child."
"They will love you terribly" Caroline chuckled warmly to baste him in love from their baby. How could their little one not adore their doting father? He fretted over their safety from the moment they confirmed the pregnancy and she knew it would hike when their baby arrived. Her thumb brushed across his right cheek with affection and she complimented his loyalty, "It's very hard not to."
Ratonhnhaké:ton tried not to flush at that but smiled at his wife for the vote of confidence. Little by little, they were gathering the items for their firstborn. That didn't stop them from watching over their town, especially with winter in full swing. He didn't trust the Templars not to make a move to find him after lying low for months but maybe his father decided to focus on another plan for dominance. Instead of celebrating the arrival of their child like Caroline's parents, his father's continued existence brought uncertainty. He couldn't risk him threatening his new family for the sake of leaving the war.
Caroline noticed his pensive expression as he finished stacking the crate of goodies for Martha's family. Her siblings had added their own handmade treats for the couple to keep their energy strong. They didn't want to overwhelm Martha and the baby all at once so they would drop by sporadically to check on them. Walter had to open the store later than usual and close early to return to his wife and baby to not leave them alone for long. In the meantime, Ratonhnhaké:ton offered his services to manage the general store which humored Caroline. She could not imagine him as a store manager without laughing after seeing multiple weapons strapped on him and his fighting skill on the field.
Walter, however, was happy for the helping hand and Ratonhnhaké:ton took over the afternoon shift after being done with his homestead chores. Now that Caroline was heavy with child, he refused to let her pick up anything that required bending over. He still remembered seeing her try to kick up a washcloth with the tip of her shoe in vain before trying to squat down to pick it up. She had never seen him run so fast when he dove for the fabric because he worried their child would be delivered prematurely. Now, she would use the end of her broom to pick up items or leave them for him to fetch.
"I can't wait to begin the new year with you" she beamed happily at spending another year with him and reaching their first anniversary. They were no longer the blushing couple that held hands and dreamed of a family but a married one awaiting their first baby. It was surreal for both, especially for him after his bleak past. Just as Davenport was a safe haven for the residents, it had become the same for him.
Patting the side of the crate, he glanced at his wife to suggest their latest decision regarding the baby, "Before I head over to Martha's with your mother, should we speak with Amelia?"
Caroline lightly tapped her forehead with her palm to emphasize her forgetfulness but her husband chuckled at her frown. He didn't blame her for allowing a few things to slip from her mind since her focus was protecting their baby. Sometimes, he would find her napping on one of their benches during the middle of the day and he picked her up to return her to their bed. The last thing either of them wanted was a preventable fall. She nodded quickly to his idea, following his lead as always, and snapped her fingers with excitement, "Yes, before the festivities begin."
Clapping happily, she slipped her right arm through his left and she tugged him away from the counter. He was surprised to her sudden immense strength since she was not undertaking any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise to keep the baby safe. She was eager to find her sister, who was chatting away happily with her new beau. Caroline never imagined her little sister courting any man but one by one, her sisters were pairing off to find their future partners. Ratonhnhaké:ton simply let himself be carried away by his smaller wife.
"You mean before you stuff our child with food to last two winters" he corrected with amusement to her appetite during the holidays, which peaked with the hunger cravings. Instead of receiving a playful smack to the shoulder in rebuttal, his wife laughed aloud at his joke. It was a rarity to hear one from him.
"I like this funny side of you" she teased with a charming wink to ruffle his feathers and leaned close to whisper sneakily in reminder, "If you disagreed with my hips, we wouldn't be in this position."
This time, his cheeks flushed red to her blunt insinuation and he corrected swiftly, "Your hips are not why-"
"Sister!" Caroline interjected loudly with a perky smile as they bounded up to the other couple in mid-conversation. The teachers stopped their conversation and Amelia turned towards the two with curiosity, one eyebrow rising at her sister's insanely large grin. Her husband, on the other hand, remained his stoic self while being held captive by the arm. Caroline released him to freedom but latched onto Amelia by the shoulders, smiling pleasantly at being reunited with her.
Amelia noted that her pregnant sister became more affectionate in the last month. The two were no longer seeing each other daily as before which strained their tightly-kit sisterhood. She paid it no mind, given Caroline's condition, but her older sister refused to let her pregnancy affect her life. Rubbing her back in circles to reassure her all was well, she joked aloud to their bundle of sisters, "There's three of us roaming."
Caroline poked the other redhead's freckled left cheek with a fond smile and she preened, "To my twin, separated by a year."
Ratonhnhaké:ton excused their sudden arrival, trying his best to ignore his wife's innocent playfulness with Amelia. He did not want to bother the budding couple since Amelia was quite happy after focusing solely on making the school succeed. They approved of the British man whose family began to set roots and he would not leave either, not after finding the first joy in a long time with the redheaded teacher. She didn't want to disrupt her sister's mingling at all and Ratonhnhaké:ton apologized, "I am sorry to interrupt."
"It's quite all right, I should check on my siblings" Michael replied with a forgiving smile to their politeness and figured they had a family matter to tend to. He was simply happy to be invited to the festivities and had ironed his best work shirt and trousers before adding on a dark wool coat for the cold. Of course, the bear grease did nothing to keep his hair pinned against the roaring wind. Given that his siblings were devouring food from the dessert table, he decided to check on the two. Samuel had begun his life in Davenport with only one male friend and now, he was pleasantly joined by Sebastian and Adam. The trio had become what Caroline called the equivalence of Maria, Anne, and Alice. Elizabeth joked that Cupid's arrow would strike but their mother sent her scrambling into the gardens for her shenanigans. Michael offered his girlfriend a reassuring smile and informed her, "I will be back."
Amelia eyed the older couple, wondering what they sought her for, and couldn't help but chide, "You're not here to warn me he's a Templar, are you?"
"No!" Caroline protested to such a horrid thing because she liked the teacher, finding his hopeful spirit and playful nature akin to her own. Being the oldest of their sibling group, she empathized with his earlier struggles to find his brother and sister a good home. She wanted the best for her beloved little sister and Michael matched her level-headed nature.
"We come with a proposition" Ratonhnhaké:ton explained quietly on the purpose of steering her away from her partner. He didn't mind saying it in front of Michael but the blond was polite in excusing himself where he wasn't needed. By glancing around the room, he was greatly needed at the pie table where the teens were trying to take an entire pie from Ruth. His wife snapped him back to attention from the diversion with a light jab to the side. With regret, he hoped they were not taking the blueberry pie.
"Amelia, I want you to be our baby's godmother" she revealed with an ecstatic smile at their decision on choosing a godparent. His culture did not have godparents but he allowed his wife to appoint one of her siblings to care for their child should anything happen to them. They had gone through the list to deem Amelia the best choice. Elizabeth was not eager to start childrearing, Alice was focused on starting a new career, Samuel was still trying to figure out how to be an uncle to Matthew, and Martha was a new mother to the rosy-cheeked baby.
Her little sister was surprised at hearing that, blinking awkwardly, and blurted, "Me? But I'm unmarried."
"Is there a rule on marriage?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked with confusion at choosing an emergency caretaker but his wife shook her head.
"Not in my book" Caroline replied firmly because her sisters could hold their own and those were good traits her children would learn. She would pass on the traits her parents instilled in her and Ratonhnhaké:ton sought the best for their child as well. Their marriage was already a taboo rarity so she might as well add another for family rearing. Just as she had cared for her siblings, Amelia had been by her side through it all and knew how to protect children. She smiled earnestly at her and told her truthfully with pride, "You have quite the independent spirit that my child can model."
"All our siblings are quite tenacious" Amelia chuckled since they had plenty of options on appropriate guardians. Frankly, she had expected Elizabeth to be chosen due to their similar personalities. Her second choice would have been Martha since she was the only one who was married. She was humbled to be entrusted with the care of their first child, especially since she was unmarried. It was unheard of!
Caroline cared little about religious or societal norms, being keenly aware of who would protect her precious baby. She and Amelia had been together from the moment each was born, separated only by her marriage to Ratonhnhaké:ton. Her child would carry the best traits of her and her husband, with an intelligent aunt to guide them. She drew Amelia into a hug, conveying her trust in her, and whispered tearfully, "You have been by my side from my very first memories on this earth and I would love nothing more for my baby to be part of your life from their first memory."
For Ratonhnhaké:ton, Amelia's status as a civilian outside of their Order meant their child could be hidden. Elizabeth would draw a target one day and he knew the redhead would never want to endanger their child. Despite Amelia did not wield a weapon like her sisters, she held a sharp intelligence to survive. They needed someone that would not trigger the enemy's interest and he spoke frankly, "If anything were to happen, the baby needs to be kept away from danger and our secret life. You are the one we trust to make that happen."
His wife nodded with confirmation and she smiled widely to confess warmly, "You believed in all my crazy hijinks and never criticized my feelings for Connor. You never teased or belittled me. You are a kind soul and I am quite lucky to have had you as my sister in this life. For that, I want you as my baby's godmother if anything were to ever happen to me."
"I will keep them safe from harm" she promised quietly, brushing back tears for the honor, and would never let harm befall her nephew or niece. Adulthood became more fulfilling with each passing year and she cherished the opportunity to not only be a sister but an aunt. Now, a godmother. She squeezed her older sister and reassured her with a firm expression, "Even if I have to take them to another colony."
"Don't trigger the waterworks" Caroline chuckled awkwardly, releasing her sister to fan at her eyes to keep them clear. The tiniest emotional outpour sent her into sniffles and she didn't want to become a mess. The holidays were meant for celebration and imagining happy moments for the upcoming year, as well as remembering fond moments of the current year. Her husband did not have the greatest one but she would make sure the next was even better. Happy at having her sister onboard as her baby's godmother, she sighed happily and spoke cheerfully, "All right, thank you, dear sister."
She turned her head to her dashing hero and flashed a perky smile to let him wander off, "My loving husband, off you go into the cold to our Martha."
"I have become an errand boy" he stated dryly to his newest role around town, slumping his shoulders, and dipping his head in mock shame. Caroline was enjoying his subtle escape from his stoic shell and encouraged that new feature. He was not the type to crack jokes openly like her father, Norris, or Michael, but she appreciated what he was willing to dish out. Who knows, he might even be better at making her laugh than her own siblings.
Caroline grinned impishly at his crestfallen expression, clapping him over the shoulder, and reminded him with dramatic cheerfulness, "Don't worry. In four months, you'll be dealing with a screaming baby."
23 January 1779
Haytham braved the cold winter chill to travel north to the small town of Davenport. When he had been in his prime as a Templar, he had pondered about venturing into the Assassin's home of operations to extinguish them all. Instead, he found a new agent in an ex-Assassin to do the work and eradicate the Order on his behalf. Quite ingenious, really. Now, his son had rebuilt the same order he believed was nothing more than dust and grew it into a force to be reckoned with. As a father, there was pride in his tenacity to persevere but as a Templar, his son was an opponent that required extermination.
He had never stepped foot in the town which created an investigation to find his son's homestead. Knowing his stoic and overprotective son, he would likely live in the outskirts, close to Achilles, or in the heart of the town. He ignored the large manor overlooking the town, already aware of who dwelled there, and the inn beside it down the road. Caroline once mentioned her family lived on a pretty green hill, which he quickly pinpointed on the land. He could use the family as leverage against the couple now that he was in the middle of their most coveted secret from the Templars. No, no, he was not going back to that mindset. The redhead had never shown ill will against him, being more of a peacemaker, so he would leave her out of the war. He was catering to his stubborn son but he had not left things with him on a positive light.
Keeping to the shadows by the side of the road, he made his way past the clustered home in the interior to the outskirts. He could see yellow lantern lights in the distance past the large manor as a single home lay nestled by the cove. It was isolated on its own away from the other clusters along the main roads but close enough to the town. Clara had previously sent information on the layout of the town and this house was not included, alongside a few others on the land. He had quickly marked off the others at seeing families inside through those that held glass windows. The cabin by the cove was sized well for a family with livestock pens and a barn around the homestead. The white feathers dangling against the wind by the right side of the door only raised his suspicion.
He was quiet as he crept around the homestead, the wind howling behind his back, and he tucked his cape closer around his neck. Most of the windows were covered with wooden covers (likely for protection) but he found an uncovered window on the right side of the home that peered into the main room. There, he caught his son putting away dinnerware in the cupboards in the kitchen area while his wife was nowhere to be seen. Success! Now, the question was how to draw him out for a peaceful-
Haytham jerked out of his thoughts when he heard furious gobbling coming his way and he jumped back. A brown blob flashed in his vision as the dark color clashed against the pristine white snow. He had expected a protective hound with barks to jump out at him but enraged gobbling filled his ears. Retracing his steps to the front of the homestead, the light illuminating from the front porch lantern outlined a plump turkey fluttering its wings in its mad dash against him. He tried to shoo the pesky animal away but it was undeterred, even when he took off his hat to bat it against the creature. He contemplated using his blade against the blasted turkey when the front door of the cabin creaked open.
"Who goes there?" his son called out with warning at seeing nobody on the front porch.
Well, there went the element of surprise. With great reluctance, he made his way to the front porch to keep on that honest path that his father once preached. The gobbling turkey was hot on his heels like a watchdog and he heard a rifle being cocked inside the cabin. Seconds later, he heard Caroline's voice call out with a firm threat, "We have guns and aren't afraid to use them."
Haytham was not inclined to be shot at night in the middle of Assassin territory and gave up his sneaking attempt. He couldn't help but glare at the foul fowl that dared to attack him. The feathered pest had stilled at the appearance of the couple, standing its ground in the snow as its beady eyes watched him. Could this night be more embarrassing? Trudging through the snow, he approached the front porch of the home to be bathed in the lantern's light. Ratonhnhaké:ton stood in the middle of the open doorway with Caroline behind him. Alarm briefly flickered through his features at discovering him there and he blurted, "Father?"
For the first time, he couldn't summon a manipulative smile and threw up his hands to declare with exasperation, "Out of all the defenses I imagined, a rabid turkey was not one of them."
"Sir Cornelius takes his security very seriously" Caroline stated confidently on her treasured turkey and whistled to let him know they had it handled. Sir Cornelius gobbled one last time before skittering across the snow gracefully to his cozy home. Unlike his other feathered friends, he roosted high in trees so Ratonhnhaké:ton had designed a cozy home within a hollowed tree trunk for him to sleep. Caroline cocked the gun as Haytham watched the peculiar turkey scatter away and snatched his attention back to pointing out, "So do I."
"Please lower the gun, I am not here with ill will" Haytham emphasized to calm the defensive duo because he was on a road of redemption. He refused to say peace but would relent at compromise. Lee had gone silent since summer and nobody knew his whereabouts. Meanwhile, his wild child was doing the same so he was left on trying to find and knock sense into them. His son, however, appeared to be more level-headed right now and he cursed his maid for being right. Keeping his hands raised in the air to prove his innocent intent, he added in, "Quite the opposite."
Ratonhnhaké:ton seized the shotgun from Caroline to protect his pregnant wife and keep his father's attention solely on him. His heart hammered with dread at having him discover their sanctuary and kept his finger on the trigger. Caroline placed a hand on the center of his back to silently warn him to keep his cool and not act hastily. They had left Haytham after being betrayed with secrecy and would not trust him to play honorably. Her husband was tense at his presence, aiming the weapon at the Templar, and demanded harshly, "You expect me to believe the leader of the Templars is casually strolling through an Assassin's land and his intentions are benign?"
"Only if he's my son" he supplied helpfully to gain positive standing with the other man but the gun continued to be aimed at his forehead. Well, he tried.
"I highly doubt you're here to build a snowman to recreate the shattered remains of my childhood" Ratonhnhaké:ton stated bluntly to his sudden arrival, which was not welcomed. Haytham was a risk to his beloved town and his own family – something he would not tolerate. He had been clear in his words to be left alone after his betrayal and wanted him gone. He would not allow himself to fall for another ploy out of optimism for the future.
"Bloody hell, you've gotten good at comebacks" his father replied dryly to his cold answer but he expected as such. He didn't exactly leave him happy to warrant a warm welcome with open arms. Part of him wondered how the situation in the summer would have turned out if he had been honest rather than playing chess with his mind. His son was not impressed by his sarcasm and Haytham turned to the redhead that hid behind her husband, "Have you been teaching him?"
"You left things rather shattered, Mr. Kenway" she stated matter-of-factly on being blinded to the truth about Washington and Haytham's secret plan. Bringing all of it to light in front of the commander instead of in private before they reached Valley Forge would have changed the outcome. Caroline's heart broke for her husband, who believed his father could turn a new leaf. For a moment, even she had fallen prey to that thought. Their naïve view of reforging a shattered family resulted in only a dream they regretted. Caroline kept a firm hand on her husband's shoulder to keep a steady head and she questioned sharply, "How can you possibly expect him to believe you?"
The woman had a point but how else could he engage them without building anger and resentment? He was in the wrong, he admitted that much, but his son was still a tad too idealistic on rebuilding an equal world. Power came to those with money and the right connections to have sway. It was how he installed Lee in the Continental Army but he never thought about that same with his son since he held a positive image among the rebels. He was making a mark all on his own without anybody's help which was impressive, even if it played against him.
As the light from the lanterns bathed the couple, he caught a closer view of the redhead as she stuck behind her husband. The waistline of her attire had clearly widened and it was then that the first theory came to mind as to why his son stayed inactive on the field. Caroline's frame was naturally lean from daily chores in the rural outdoors and sailing so the plump figure threw him for a loop. He couldn't help but ask to gauge their reaction, "Is she with child? I refuse to believe that weight is from homemaking."
The gun that was moved closer to his face answered that question and Ratonhnhaké:ton threatened, "That is none of your business."
"I'd like to know as the potential grandfather that will bear gifts" he reasoned calmly, barely batting an eye at his fierce reaction, but this only irritated Ratonhnhaké:ton further. Having his father know about his child was dangerous and he would eliminate his own blood relative to protect his unborn baby. Haytham was downright curious about this after hearing their refusal to start a family and wondered what changed. Did they believe they were winning the war? Were they quitting the Assassin's Order? Or was it random chance? While his agents were breathing in relief at his missing presence, he wanted to know more and asked, "Is this why you've kept silent on the field?"
"I'm not answering anything" his son stated coldly, standing in front of his wife to keep her concealed from his father. Any words he uttered could be used as ammunition against him and his wife was a valuable target. After having his village targeted, he wouldn't put it past Haytham not to use the same tactic with Davenport. All of the residents wielded weapons now to protect themselves but he feared his father would outsmart them all. He was a sharp mastermind, understanding why he was the head of the Templar Order rather than someone like Lee. His heart had been betrayed twice by his father, leaving nothing to say on his part, and he ordered sharply, "Get off my land."
"Come now, you can't leave your father out in the bitter cold" Haytham objected swiftly to his indifference, hating to return to their initial antagonism. His son had become bearable and willing to listen back in the summer but he was the only one to blame for ruining that progress. He really did want to repent now and find a way to build a decent relationship, mainly to prevent having to kill each other. Now, he realized that a new member might be added to the family tree and blurted eagerly, "I have even more questions!"
Ratonhnhaké:ton remained stoic towards his father, keeping the shotgun aimed at him, and commented dryly, "You left me just fine in New York upon meeting."
"It built character" Haytham reasoned easily with a convincing smile that failed to impress his son. Back then, he did not understand what made his men fear the native boy that began his mission against them as a teenager. After spending months with him at sea, he understood the tenacity in him to survive and approved of his determination. Now, if only his men had that, he wouldn't be in this dilemma. His father had always told him to fight to the bitter end on one's own feet and as much as he wanted to say that he lived up to that, his own child was personifying that unwavering spirit.
Caroline didn't want to linger in the awful cold biting at her bones, especially without a shawl, and crossed her arms. She didn't want her or Ratonhnhaké:ton to fall ill by catering to Haytham's unexpected arrival. They could not drop their guard by thinking he was alone and all she had was a knife hidden in her left sleeve. Her husband had prepared their home to tackle an invasion but she would not provide the best backup at seven months pregnant. Eyeing the darkness that lay past their land and the faint lights of the town, she told her spouse, "Can we leave this horrid cold?"
Haytham motioned for her to scram back inside their cabin to keep warm and suggested, "You may return inside, I promise no harm to your husband."
That wasn't happening anytime soon because she would never leave her husband alone with the man. She was resentful for being willing to be a peacemaker between the two and felt guilty for what her husband endured. He didn't deserve to be manipulated by his own father when he had numerous enemies aiming for his back whenever he left Davenport. Now, their number one enemy was at their footstep and she would not run away to hide. Squaring her shoulders, she told him firmly, "I'm not leaving him alone."
"Then you will wear this cape before you catch death out here" Haytham ordered snippily and proceeded to remove his cozy cape to thrust it into her hands. He ignored the barrel of the shotgun aimed at his face since his son would rage more if Caroline became sick. Not wanting to be blamed for that as well, handing over his cape was an easy fix. Had he known about Ziio's pregnancy, he would have been present if she wished it. Instead, he relinquished the relationship and set off abroad to rescue his half-sister. Would his son have held more of a positive view of him if he'd stayed and interacted with him? Caroline was befuddled by the odd gesture of kindness, grasping the neck of the fabric, and he stated matter-of-factly, "Winter is not kind to mothers."
She stared at the navy fabric with suspicion but it was the same old cape he wore from the day they met. Ratonhnhaké:ton was also thrown aback by the sudden kindness, stuck between keeping his wife safe from the elements or his father. She was hesitant to use the cape and spoke slowly to gauge for any shifty behavior, "I would suspect poison if you weren't wearing it."
Haytham would not be cruel by using poison against them and initially decided on a merciful life-ending bullet. Instead, the couple infected him with their humble nature to the point that he was questioning his own ideals. The changing dynamics with the members of the Order and their self-serving behavior were also not helping matters. For the first time, he felt like a lone wolf all on his own since none of his people (aside from his maid) knew where he was. As a young man, he had no issue with traveling solo – much like his son- but now that age was catching up, he pondered if a simple life was worth throwing away all his life's work. He could at least try to redeem himself for that unborn grandchild and he muttered dryly, "Believe me, I wouldn't be as obvious in my arrival if I meant harm."
"What do you want?" Ratonhnhaké:ton questioned sternly to end the fake cheer and pomp from his father. It was cold and late, which made him eager for the tea his wife made and cranky at the same time for not being able to drink it.
"To apologize" his father explained truthfully for the first time, unfamiliar with divulging nothing but sincerity. He had only ever been honest with Jenny and to a lesser extent, Charles and Ziio. Being a private person, he had to keep his secrets guarded heavily and exploit his enemy's. After tarnishing his son's trust, it left a bitter feeling in his heart that didn't abate. It figured old age would make him soft but then again, he never really experienced a true semblance of family. There was hope of that in his son and he didn't want to ruin that. He could at least offer him that. Taking a deep breath, he threw up his hands in defeat and admitted, "I don't do this often, if at all, but I did hide several facts from you to gain your trust. My intent of having your rose-colored reality shatter did not go as planned."
"His people were going to be attacked and you knew it" Caroline accused with disappointment on working with someone who deceived them. Even if he did want her husband to cast aside Washington, telling him the truth in private days prior would have gone a long way better than hours before that attack. They could have worked together and continued that road to peace, instead of shattering at his lies. Her gaze narrowed at his audacity to have the native village decimated and stated coldly, "You had Lee go out there to send them out to slaughter against the Continental Army."
"It was initially thought best that they were aware and could counterattack" Haytham reasoned about the original plan to repel the rebel army. Lee had been the one to spread the rumors to the Continental Army to pull the strings and have them suspicious enough of the natives to be stirred into action. Haytham assumed his son would break away from Washington at hearing of the attack but he ditched both of them instead, running off to stop the attack. The aftermath of that night still haunted Ratonhnhaké:ton and doubted all of his father's words.
"Or you could have told me" he shot back grimly at his shoddy handling of the situation and ruining the small seed of trust that sprouted. Did he think a simple apology and excusing his crimes would make everything that happened disappear? He lost a friend over that ordeal and he would kill Lee for propagating the village to attack. His father was not innocent either and chastised his boldness at arriving at his door uninvited, "Because of you, my people were in jeopardy and Lee only served to break their trust of me. Both of you destroyed my people's trust in me and now, you come onto my land asking for my time?"
"I did not plan for Lee to bring them into the forest, only to warn them and have them defend their village" his father explained with an aggravated sigh to what he unleashed that night. He didn't intend to break his son's trust but draw him into his fold and remove the rose-colored glasses aimed at Washington. His protégé listened to his orders but recently, he noticed there were little adjustments to the original plan that did not end well. Case in point: the court martial by abandoning the battle at Monmouth. He could only profess his own innocence in having his son attacked and continued, "My plan was to stop the messengers with Lee's intervention and return to the village to let them know it was safe and have you cut ties with Washington. After dwelling more on it, I realized I left far too many variables for a recipe of disaster."
Ratonhnhaké:ton was not in the mood to hear more of his excuses and pointed out tersely, "And your purpose for being here?"
"To explain just that and if Lee retaliates anytime soon, it was not under my order" he warned the couple because he was not aiming to demolish the couple but focus on overseeing the governing of the colonies. Unfortunately, it was easier said than done with little experienced agents. With Lee running off to an unknown place, his second in command left him abandoned and unable to continue infiltrating the Continental Army. While Lee was focused more on publicly disgracing Washington, Haytham could see him also targeting his son and his family.
"How convenient" Ratonhnhaké:ton stated dryly at his untimely arrival and apology claim. There was always a purpose for everything his father did with extreme calculation.
"Obsessions can turn dangerous" Haytham stated grimly at how far people were willing to go to exterminate their target. His son held that staunch determination to end Lee, even after divulging the truth behind the attack on his village. His protégé, on the other hand, was focused on Washington. Aware of how it could twist someone's ideals, he stated evenly, "I see it in you and I see it in him."
"He is your right-hand man and a ruthless one, he will always be my target" Ratonhnhaké:ton justified to the danger Lee posed to everyone in the colonies. He had not hesitated in abandoning the Continental Army in Monmouth to British reinforcements. It was a cowardly action and showed how cruel the Templars could be for their goals. He would not be that kind of man and shot back heatedly, "I find it ironic that your protégé is breaking away from the perfect order and justice that you once claimed."
"Have you put any thought that maybe . . . the Templar Order isn't what it used to be?" Caroline suggested quietly to pose another alternative thought to the leader of that sect. Both groups had been fighting ferociously for centuries and it needed to end or at least, earn a moment of peace. She saw so much potential between Haytham and Ratonhnhaké:ton but only if the former set aside his pride. During her training years, she studied the enemy and pointed out, "You seek order and justice but all I've seen is chaos that erupts from the manipulation in this war. Yes, the Assassins are involved but our focus is trying to bring peace, a compromise to both sides, and protect the innocent who will always suffer from the egos of men in power."
"Assassins have also brought calamity from toying with technology they knew nothing about" Haytham disagreed to their predecessors that carelessly nabbed dangerous technology without precaution. Instead of taking time to study the pieces of Eden, they simply kept trying to amass a collection. Where did their simple goals of peace and neutrality lead? They were trying to involve themselves in politics which would be never be unbiased.
"And we learned from that to adapt" Caroline rebuked calmly because they only held that single piece of technology that they found on Oak Island. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton had studied journals and were still piecing together the meaning of the ancient technology to avoid a catastrophe. They would learn from their mistakes and she proposed easily, "Maybe it's time for the Templars to do the same."
Ratonhnhaké:ton scoffed at that idea and snapped tightly to his father's childhood indoctrination, "He's too entrenched with his beliefs to think ill of them."
Haytham shot him an offended glare for being judged easily as unbendable and stated coldly, "Not of the core values but humanity always carries a weakness for corruption."
"Your son is an Assassin and you are a Templar" Caroline emphasized the roles that were causing the most strife in their lives. If it weren't for that, they could have all lived in peace. She had been a big supporter of the two bridging peace but Haytham didn't make it easy. Trust was extremely important and she deliberated, "You both have a chance to redefine what those Orders mean and possibly create peace between them, even if it's only for a century. But it is something."
"I don't want to tell my child that their father and grandfather beat each other to death fighting for blinding ideals" Caroline stated sternly but her voice was laced with emotion for her husband, who kept fighting valiantly against the Templars. Their child deserved to enjoy a safe life alongside him where he didn't have to look over his shoulder for their safety. Haytham was the leader of the Templars and blood would stain his conscience if anything happened to either. They were the first family to be divided by both orders but surely, that was a sliver of hope for a future free of danger. Both men were bright and if Haytham could stop thinking about complete control over society for a minute, they could stop trying to kill each other. What kind of human that dared to call themselves a parent would mercilessly kill their child? She and Ratonhnhaké:ton were not those kind of parents.
She would support her husband's ideal for peace and she narrowed her eyes at the Templar to emphasize, "You have the chance to forge something new for future generations and my husband has been trying his hardest to work with you. No secrets or lies – that is how you earn loyalty, not through veiled threats or secrets. There must be a way for a better future and if not, I can at least tell our child their father tried while their grandfather turned his back on them both."
Haytham realized that the right-hand person of the Assassin's leader was cleverer in a political arena at finding a compromise and shot his own out of the water. An efficient Templar would eliminate the high officers that support the Assassin leader to leave him vulnerable but Caroline was also a part of his family – so was her child. He was going to be a grandfather and that child should not carry or witness the burden of two secret orders tearing each other apart. Even more so when the leaders were family. Letting them all live would allow the Assassin's Order to thrive but even he had to admit this generation was smarter than their predecessors. They weren't focusing on finding ancient artifacts but trying to bridge peace before both sides annihilated each other. The redhead put it bluntly by reminding him of their repeated attempts for unity, which no other generation had tried before. If they dared to attempt it, would their grandchild inherit a future where neither faction tried to kill each other or would they repeat the same cycle of attempting peace?
Caroline tossed the cape back at her father-in-law before placing her hands on her lower back to sigh tiredly, "That is all I will say because my insides are being kicked."
Ratonhnhaké:ton would not keep his wife outside longer than she needed to and wanted his father off his homestead. The new year had begun with a new hope with his first child and refused to have Haytham sour that year like he'd thrashed the last. His sense of safety was rattled with his mere presence but it only served to reinforce his protectiveness. They couldn't hide Caroline's pregnancy in its last trimester and he threatened his father, "I will kill any Templar that sets foot here again."
Haytham reassured him that would not occur, given that only he and Shay Cormac knew of the town, and requested politely, "Nobody will tread here. If you happen to hear about Lee's whereabouts, I would appreciate a message."
That wasn't what Ratonhnhaké:ton expected to hear at all and wondered if discord was occurring in the ranks. Is that why his father came to see him? Or was this another ploy to blind him again? Lee did his father's bidding all the time so he found it very unlikely that the two were not in communication. He was aware of his father's apartment in the city and inquired on how to reach him, "Where are you staying? Given that you've found our home, it seems only fair to ask."
"On my estate but I traveled here to speak my mind" his father explained since he would return to Virginia after one last search in New York for Lee. He did not expect him to set off on his own and not knowing his plan or frame of mind was not acceptable. As the Templar Grandmaster, he was meant to know where each of his agents were stationed – not searching for them! It set a dent in his pride, especially at having to admit it to his son, but he had to keep going forward to forge a better future. Great, he was thinking like his idealistic child. Caroline brought up a valid reason for peace and with his first grandchild on the way, he did not want to be the reason that they grew up in that age old antagonism. Being hated and resented by another family member was not something he looked forward to. He decided to be honest with his son about his new idea for the Templar Order and admitted, "I am currently in the process of restructuring the Order."
Did restructuring mean eradicating his enemies? Or having his agents eradicate his Assassins? Ratonhnhaké:ton held mixed thoughts on his father's sudden change and wondered if there was an ulterior motive. Was the shift in the war in the favor of the Continental Army causing him to recreate his endgame? Suspicious of his sudden good nature, he asked flatly, "In the middle of a war?"
"A few things may be out of hand but rest assured, I am not focused on any of you as targets" Haytham evaded on revealing how much of a dumpster fire his protégé caused to keep a tight rein on his image. He still had his pride as a Templar to maintain and to have a decent leg to stand on when arguing with his son. Ratonhnhaké:ton was not impressed by his articulate words or his claim that he and Caroline were safe after today. They would not abandon their homestead or beloved town but they would have to be severely vigilant. One of his assumptions were proven right when Haytham stated casually, "The Templars have shifted to the success of the Continental Army after the latest battles."
Ratonhnhaké:ton presumed he was gauging how to manipulate the recent changes in the war and whatever was occurring behind the scenes with Lee. He would not fall for his ploys again and pointed out sternly, "If you're trying to revitalize a collaboration-"
"No, your wounds are still fresh and I can regain your trust with time" Haytham interjected because he would not push further to prevent having him pull away permanently. Sure, he was pointing a shotgun at him but a lesser man would have shot him on sight after his shenanigans. He might not have had the chance to be a father in his formative years but he didn't want to lose the second one with his grandchild. His legacy would not be defeat but he did not seek to eradicate his son and his family. It was a thin line to tread but he reassured his skeptical son, "I'm not a madman bent on worldwide domination and subjugation."
Ratonhnhaké:ton wasn't holding his breath on that and motioned for Caroline to return inside. The night was growing colder and they still had their evening tea to finish. Agreeing with her husband, she waved in farewell at her father-in-law before voicing firmly with emphasis, "Have a good night, Mr. Kenway."
"You're really leaving me out here in the dead of winter?" Haytham asked bewildered to being left to the elements and attempted to appear frailer than he truly was. The couple, however, wasn't buying it.
"You may stay at the Mile's End but I expect you gone by sunrise" Ratonhnhaké:ton stated with reluctance, not wanting to place his residents at risk but they were civilians. If he touched a hair on their heads, he would hunt down the man and every Templar in the north. He was not comfortable leaving the man to wander through the town but if he was not gone by morning, he would kick him out publicly and not as nicely. Haytham took the offer since it was better than nothing and withstanding the elements. He did commend his son for allowing him to linger and would keep his vow in leaving by morning without any chaos.
It would not, however, be the last time he would visit Davenport.
4 February 1779
Ratonhnhaké:ton had been unsettled by his father's intrusion into Davenport but the Templar kept his word by leaving by dawn. He had informed the town's unofficial militia consisting of Big Dave, Myriam, Norris, Godfrey, Terry, Patrick, and Elizabeth about keeping vigilant of any suspicious characters. Given the winter freeze, nobody should be treading into their isolated community at random. His greatest concern was Caroline, her family, and Achilles as targets for the enemy but he had to take each day at a time. He would not let his wife wander into town without him present but Caroline said nothing, simply smiling at his protective nature.
She couldn't do much but run errands since bending over was out of the question. Even scrubbing the floors for daily cleaning became a hassle. The baby winded her easily now compared to the start and finally understood why Prudence and Martha took their days slowly at the end of their pregnancies. She would not be defiant for the sake of pride and had her husband lend a hand with tough to reach places. He would rather she rest her weeks away until the delivery of their baby but Caroline wasn't the idle type.
To make up for the lack of excitement in their lives, Ratonhnhaké:ton planned an outing for himself and his wife. Winter sent most scrambling to their cozy homes but for children and couples, it was a beautiful season for playing with snow, ice skating, and sleighing. With that in mind, he commissioned Big Dave and Lance for horse-drawn sleighs. Two were created to determine if they would be a hit or miss with the town. The first ride had been undertaken by himself to ensure both were safe for passengers. A day later, he surprised Caroline by having her wait on the porch and bounded up with the freshly painted red and golden sleigh with their horses for pulling force.
Caroline laughed with glee at the beautiful sleigh and hugged the dark fur pelt in her arms that she'd brought at his request. She had no idea this is what he planned since he had only asked her to bundle up warmly. She matched her spouse with a cozy scarf, a long coat with a hood, wool trousers, and leather boots to stay warm. Bounding down the steps, she approached the sleigh eagerly and clasped the offered hand of her husband to hop onboard. She smiled with approval at spotting a soft throw over the wooden seating and plopped down with delight.
"I promised you a sleigh ride before we courted" Ratonhnhaké:ton reminded her of their early years together as friends. He had been a flustered young man trying to figure out how to spare his heart from breaking but Caroline shared his affection. He wanted to impress her back then until he realized that he was not great with metallurgy and didn't have enough to buy a sleigh. His friend, however, had been happy with the mini-sled created. They were no longer awkward teenagers but married adults ready to be parents. How time flew by. He offered a sheepish smile before admitting, "I am a bit late but I keep my word."
"How beautiful" she whispered with affection for his gift and sharp memory. Nothing slipped past him. He had promised her a sleigh ride but he did not have the people needed for that kind of work until Big Dave arrived. Their tumultuous friendship after she returned, their courtship, and marriage had been a blur that he'd forgotten. Now that he could be home to spend time with his loved ones, he could make up for those paused promises. Caroline didn't need all of them upheld, just their vow to always love one another, and chuckled softly, "I cannot believe you remembered."
"I have an uncanny attention to detail" he reasoned easily and pulled the reins to the left to move into the main road heading south towards the Fortier farm. They could travel the main roads and enjoy the winter landscapes by heading further down. The northern roads past their home were frozen stiff so the flat lands of the south were the only viable route for sleds. He motioned with his left arm to the town that passed them by and he offered, "Would you like to stroll around the town?"
"Where did you even get this?" she asked curiously to his ingenuity and spread the pelt in her hands over their laps for warmth. She wouldn't put it past him and questioned skeptically, "Don't tell me you made it?"
"No, I have been focusing all my energy on preparing for the baby and vanquishing my father off our land" he answered truthfully because his mind was preoccupied with their baby and Haytham. He didn't want his father anywhere near his property with the birth of their child coming up. When the topic was presented by the townsfolk, he agreed since they all deserved to enjoy some fun in town. The gentle bumps on the sleigh from rocks and clumps of snow was more entertaining than on a regular wagon. Snowfall was void for the moment so he decided to take this time for the ride and told her, "I commissioned them from Big Dave and Mr. O'Donnell. Achilles gave us permission to store them on his land during the warm season."
"Them?" she inquired with a quirked eyebrow to his sneakiness.
"Oh, we are not traveling alone" he admitted with a faint smile to his careful planning to enjoy a date together outside their home. With the baby, everything revolved around their safety and they did not want to forget to care for each other. He also wanted to be happy in the town he loved dearly and stated, "It is what Big Dave calls a 'winter wonderland'."
"You don't have to fit colonial life in all aspects, my love" Caroline reminded gently at his balance between both cultures and leaned over to hug his midsection. He was perfect being himself but she enjoyed watching him break down colonial norms to understand them. She did the same with his own and had stirred a laugh or two when she got something wrong. At least she hadn't accidentally cursed him in Mohawk. She flicked his right ear playfully and teased him, "Otherwise, I might grow bored of conformity."
"Believe me, I will never abandon my roots" he reassured her on forgetting his origins, no matter how people viewed him. His concern was more for their child but he would teach them on how to be careful and stay unnoticed. He couldn't wait to meet his little one as the weeks passed. They would be the priority in his life and he hoped that the Assassin-Templar struggle wouldn't rip him away for long periods to miss out on important milestones. He wanted to be an involved father to see them grow and told his wife, "Our child will learn about the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka way of life and one day, I will take them on a sleigh ride."
The sound of snow being crunched sounded off to her right and seconds later, another identical sleigh joined theirs. Amelia was the driver behind the reins with Michael taking the passenger's seat, bundled under a pelt up to his chin. Caroline wondered how long they had been out in the snow, especially when noticing a light coat of snow on her sister's black attire. Amelia smiled widely at seeing the couple and greeted them, "How quaint to find you here!"
"You planned this, didn't you, my scheming husband?" Caroline accused her spouse with a cheeky smile since he tried his best to keep her happy. She didn't need much, only his presence and their cozy home. After years of endless adventure in the frontier and out at sea, she did not mind settling down and embracing motherhood. The same could not be said for her husband, who spent his days ensuring the Templars were nowhere near their home and what their next moves were. He would never rest until the threat was vanquished and she brushed a lock of his hair behind his ear with a fond smile, "You're terribly sweet."
"We couldn't exactly say no to a sleigh ride" Amelia informed her sister, delighted by the snow that was swept under the sleigh. She had never driven a wagon as a young girl, too scared to ask her father while Caroline begged to learn. During summers, she would visit the horse rehab center to ride the tame horses for practice with Elizabeth overseeing them. Little by little, she learned to ride horses like her redheaded sisters. She had been happy at Ratonhnhaké:ton's request and Michael jumped onboard when she asked him. He had bundled up to avoid freezing to handle the reins but Amelia was a far better driver. She had no problem taking over the drive and grinned with amusement, "Though I'm having better luck at steering than Michael."
The blond chuckled awkwardly to his lack of rural living skills and admitted sheepishly, "I am not used to horses, I had the toughest time with the wagon that brought us here. Frankly, I'm surprised we got here in one piece."
"He is not an outdoorsman just yet" Amelia stated with a fond smile to her beau but she liked the little things that made him unique. He was gradually learning the flow of the town and what each season brought with only spring left to tackle. Like Walter, he was a city dweller by nature but he found more accomplishment working with his hands rather than giving money for a finished product. He was not brazen enough to handle a rifle and hunt for food just yet and she chuckled, "Give him a year."
Caroline motioned towards her indomitable spouse and suggested with a kind smile, "Stick with him and you'll survive a blizzard."
"It only happened twice" Ratonhnhaké:ton pointed out to his tenacity to survive in the elements as a youth. Looking back on it, yes, he could have easily perished for being hardheaded but he had been in worse situations. He had never told Caroline about those particular adventures until after they started courting since she fretted anytime he left during their friendship.
"We did this with Martha and Walter during our engagements" Caroline reminisced aloud to the other couple on their summertime fun when they weren't killing Templars. Time flew by rather quickly when remembering herself as a teenager blushing at Ratonhnhaké:ton and praying not to get caught. Now, she blushed against the cold biting at her cheeks as she settled happily beside him. Gazing at the blanketed hills full of snow and snow-capped pine trees, she laughed, "Except during summer and picnics replaced with sleighing."
Amelia loved traveling to the open pastures in the mountains for the blankets of flowers and told Michael, "We'll have beautiful pastures with flowers for the babies to see."
"Matthew will be learning to crawl by then" her sister stated fondly to the cute rosy-cheeked baby their family all doted over. Even as a little baby, he resembled both his parents with dark hair and blue eyes to match the Burnetts. Caroline couldn't imagine what their baby would look like and sighed dreamily to her husband, "Our baby will still be cooing."
"You know what I would love once winter ends?" Amelia proposed eagerly to plan her leisure time before the school reopened. Her days were spent either relaxing at home, spending time outdoors with Michael, or helping Martha with the new baby. Her life was not lacking for purpose anymore and she began keeping a planner to plan her days, not only her school lessons. Caroline was curious to what her little sister desired and Amelia loosened the reins of her horses before answering, "Visiting a bookstore!"
Michael was not surprised by her answer after watching her devour books within a day while the other couple repeated, "A bookstore?"
Her eyes brightened instantly and she tossed the reins to Michael when the road straightened which led the blond to breathing deeply to prevent catastrophe. He admired the confidence she held in him not to crash and kept a firm grip on the reins. Amelia grasped the side of the sleigh to boast with delight, "Yes! Dr. White has given me reputable places to visit for books to enlighten our town."
Caroline playfully nudged her spouse's arm and joked with a cheeky smile, "Uh-oh, it sounds like we're about to get homework."
"Books are not homework" Amelia objected with a pout, slightly amused by her sister that read just as fervently as she did. The wages from her job were enough to purchase books to begin building the personal library she dreamed of since childhood. While Caroline filled hers with adventure tales, she indulged in silly romantic tales.
"I do agree with that" Ratonhnhaké:ton agreed because unlike his wife, he preferred books that taught him skills. Reading improved his comprehension in English and he would playfully yank his wife's books to read them aloud for practice. When she suggested that he use different voices for the characters, he tossed the book over to have her dramatic narration instead.
There was one type of book that Amelia sought and she told them eagerly, "I'd love a thick leatherbound book."
"Why?" all three asked in unison to her strange request for a book of all things.
"It screams of antiquity" she replied cheerfully, breathing in the cold air, and wondered what inspirations drew authors to write. Women were not perceived as adequate writers but there were days when she pondered writing her own memoirs. She and her family endured enough adventures to fill a few books and she wasn't even middle-aged yet.
"It's also great at knocking out people you don't like" Caroline reasoned with a sly grin at wielding those heavy books. Her home would have another arsenal to use against any trespassers that dared to trifle with their land. Her husband, on the other hand, would just drop the entire bookshelf on an enemy.
Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled at her joke since it wasn't farfetched and returned his own quip, "Remind me to stick to simple hardcovers."
Caroline chuckled softly, snuggling against his side for warmth because she would never raise her hand at him. Their marriage was rock solid after everything they experienced in the previous year. There were a few strains but nothing they couldn't handle by talking it out. She turned to the other couple, whom were trying to figure out who would continue driving the sled, and asked them, "How are you two going to spend this winter break?"
"It's rather hard to court, given the harsh elements" Michael chuckled awkwardly at choosing the harshest season to ask her to court. Still, if had not acted, he would have regretted keeping his sentiments to himself and pining alone. He was happy to have Amelia as more than a friend and made sure that she felt the same to maintain the respect she showed him. It was absolutely pleasant to have someone who understood his humble roots and he smiled kindly, "But snow can be rather entertaining."
"Eliza's testing one of the frozen rivers for ice skating" Amelia pointed out with a simple shrug as she regained control of the sled to give Michael a break. Her poor partner, however, appeared more than ready to call it quits. By the end of winter, he would be adept at surviving in their isolated town with her support. She enjoyed the winter, particularly cozying up beside a campfire and roasting snack, and reminded the others, "We still have the sledding hill behind the inn."
"There is always the Mile's End for romantic dinners" Caroline suggested with a wink since the two required some privacy to let their relationship flourish. Being in the public eye and having zero time for each other would not bode well. She wanted her sister to have her first romance succeed to continue her happiness and so far, Amelia uttered no complaints. The older redhead fluttered her eyelashes at her spouse and recalled aloud with sweet affection, "He swept me off my feet with endless baked potatoes slathered with cheese."
"Now, she can only eat the potato" Ratonhnhaké:ton remarked with a fond smile because the pregnancy averted her to cheese but not cream. It was rather strange and funny to him after watching her devour cheese for years. Caroline was not particularly happy about having no appetite for her favorite topping and pegged their child would take after him. They still enjoyed date nights outside their home at the inn since it was too cold to linger outdoors for meals and he didn't trust enemies not to dwell in their borders. Caroline smiled with remembrance to their courting days while her husband admitted, "It did help us enjoy evenings to ourselves when there was not much to do in town. Granted, everyone will see you there but your aim is to determine whether you and Amelia complement each other."
"Wait, were you still wondering whether I was Mrs. Connor potential with all those dates?" his wife questioned with a feigned gasp after years of loyalty and following him into danger. Ratonhnhaké:ton turned the sled slightly to the left as they approached a curve to re-enter the town and shot her a wry glance. They were childhood sweethearts and even after their first breakup, he would always love her. There was no other for either of them and she raised her hands to declare dramatically, "And here I assumed we were childhood sweethearts meant to be together from day one until we're old like turtles."
Ratonhnhaké:ton shook his head with amusement before laughing softly at her humor. They could be different as night and day in demeanor but he loved her dearly. Caroline joined his laughter with success at stirring a laugh from him and he told the other couple, "We do vary in personality but she is the best part of my life."
"You two set a good example for us, apart from the running off to live on the high seas part" Amelia smiled warmly at the proud example of perseverance they displayed. She and her sisters would not tolerate mismatched respect or being demeaned. Martha would continue to work again once she felt ready and she aimed to do the same herself one day if she started a family.
"Not my brightest idea, let me tell you" the redhead muttered with embarrassment to her naïve recklessness and raised the blanket to conceal her face. Leaving her family and husband was her single regret in life but both had forgiven her. She would never leave them again for as long as she lived and lowered the blanket to warn Michael with a sneaky smile, "Don't leave Amelia without a word or it's all over."
"I don't see myself leaving this town unless necessary" Michael confessed with a modest smile because he was growing to love the quaint little town. There was no hustle and bustle like the city, taking a calm atmosphere that livened only during harvest season. Amelia laughed merrily at the thought of leaving her beloved home for anywhere else. Sure, there had been shopping trips but they would be rare now that they had the general store to purchase numerous goods from. Her true partner would have to be willing to live in Davenport with her since her town and family were dear to her. He glanced at the redhead with affection after finally finding a kindred soul that understood him and smiled, "Even then, I will write to her that I will return."
"That's a good lad" Caroline grinned ecstatically to hear it, slapping the edge of her sled with approval, and proposed, "Can I say welcome to the family yet?"
Amelia's grip on the reins tightened as her cheeks flushed rosy and she admonished, "Carrie!"
"I'm merely showing my approval" Caroline reasoned innocently with a cheeky grin and fondly patted her round abdomen to dote on her little one, "My baby's godmother needs a good match."
13 March 1779
Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline were anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child as the last month ticked away. Both wanted their child to be born after spring to remember the beauty of the season with their firstborn. Caroline became used to waddling all over the place and tolerated the constraint to her usual movement. Unfortunately, it meant she couldn't go far without heaving for air and often plopped down by a nearby fence to catch her breath. Her husband, however, was quick on finding her so they could travel at a turtle's pace or he'd complete the errand for her. With winter reaching its end soon, he kept his usual visits to Achilles to ensure he was still safe and healthy each week. Caroline would occupy herself at home with preparing care packages for her loved ones and today, he was dropping off Achilles' basket.
The older man was surprised by the hefty size of the large basket filled with loaves of bread, fresh eggs, handmade soap, triangles of several cheeses, a wool throw, and a new novel for him to read. Ratonhnhaké:ton reasoned that his wife was making the best with the time on her hands until the baby's arrival. Although Achilles knew his way around the home, there were a few things that age wouldn't allow anymore. In the summer and spring, Ratonhnhaké:ton kept the grass trimmed but in winter, cutting logs for firewood was more important to prevent illness and shoveling the walkways to prevent falls.
"This pile should last the week" Ratonhnhaké:ton informed his mentor as he dropped the hefty load onto the floor beside fireplace. Instead of keeping all of it outdoors in a shed, he set up a small bundle in the home for easier handling. He had done the same in his own home, mainly to stop Caroline from scuttling off. Chores were nothing new for him and he enjoyed his idyllic day-to-day, almost forgetting there was a raging war in the colonies. Wiping his hands free of wooden debris, he explained further, "I put the rest in the stable so I will return to bring in the next batch."
"I can handle it, Connor" Achilles reassured, waving his left hand offhandedly at appearing like a delicate flower. He was simply old now, not sick. Settling into his favorite recliner in the library, he appreciated that his protégé dropped by to bring him provisions. The young man needed to prepare for his new family, not tend to the entire town. When the time came, he would send his own care package for the couple and told him with a warm smile, "Don't count me out just yet."
"Blame the rising spark of fatherhood" the young assassin reasoned with a faint smile since he wanted to keep his town safe. His wife and child were at the top of the list and concern would always be laced with that love. There were hints of nerves as the end of the month approached but if his wife was handling the pregnancy with a peppy smile, he would do the same. He had plenty of warm blankets ready for the baby and admitted quietly, "Winters are harsh and I would hate for anyone to become ill."
Achilles chuckled softly and wagged a finger to chide him gently, "Don't let Dr. White hear you."
"He'll lecture them sternly for getting sick" Ratonhnhaké:ton pointed out because the physician would lecture about preventable illnesses in his patients. Their town was lucky in avoiding outbreaks of infectious disease that ravaged other cities and towns. They were always cautious of travelers for that same reason but Dr. White had inoculated everyone in town against smallpox after Jamie sent them a batch. Dr. White was strongly proactive in preventive medicine to avoid mortality, which the town appreciated. The assassin smiled faintly at his own bedside manner and commented dryly, "I am providing the gentler version."
"It appears you're picking up your wife's sarcasm" Achilles remarked on his subtle changes in personality. Now that he lived with Caroline, there were little spats between them as both men acknowledged their unfavorable traits. Ratonhnhaké:ton was never going to be the chatty type by nature but he was more open to conversation than years prior. Achilles had taken him under his wing after he left his village and though they would not always agree, he was grateful. Caroline helped to shed light on what normal and abnormal family dynamics were like and he realized Achilles didn't seek his premature demise like Haytham originally did. Achilles had seen him grow from a stubborn and awkward teen into a solemn but optimistic man whom was about to become a father, smiling at him, "It is a good look."
"I wouldn't be the same without her" he agreed quietly, leaning on her for strength after his last battle for the Patriots. His heart had been torn by people he trusted but his wife cradled him with love to keep the darkness at bay. He would have been bitter and seeking revenge even more so without her presence. His life was good at the moment and he commented with amusement, "And she certainly wouldn't by ringing the cowbell I bought her for my attention to pick things up for her."
Achilles didn't doubt his commitment to his family and with that concern in mind, told him carefully, "Fatherhood will suit you, but you have to keep your family safe from the Templars."
"I will try my best, but my father already knows about Caroline after his secret visit" he sighed softly at having the secret of his child revealed to his father. He had no idea of knowing if Haytham was a blabbermouth and would use it against him by having his henchmen target them. After the visit, he visited Achilles the next morning for advice and both men agreed on vigilance. Once the snow began to thaw, he would build a fence around the homestead instead of leaving it open like he originally wished.
"I'm still in disbelief he was attacked by a turkey and let it live" Achilles humored him, making light of the unwelcome visit, and Ratonhnhaké:ton chuckled softly. Sir Cornelius survived his tangle with a Templar and Caroline had added an extra portion for his daily feed.
"I think he respects my wife more than me" he admitted flatly on Haytham's helpful nature towards his wife while he is an afterthought. Or was he feigning it for irritation? He never knew with the man anymore, especially after the last mission. Caroline grew more protective of him after that and she hadn't hesitated on keeping the shotgun aimed at the man until he intervened. Thankfully, they survived that unwarranted encounter and he muttered, "He was willing to give her his cape while leaving me out in the cold. I still worry that she could be targeted rather than myself."
"He is a strange complex man" Achilles stated indifferently with thinned lips, remembering his own encounters with the man. He never would have imagined becoming a paternal figure to the son of the man who crippled him. In Ratonhnhaké:ton, there was hope for the future now that he was more level-headed. Still, there was that tiny strand of blood shared between him and the Templar, which could weaken him. He would never underestimate the Templar and he warned him grimly, "Be very careful, Connor. I don't want anything to happen to the three of you."
Ratonhnhaké:ton appreciated the vocalized concern from his mentor and he took his words into mind, informing his elder, "Caroline knows our escape plan from the house should anything happen. She and the baby will be safe, I will make sure of it."
"For your sake, I hope he does not return" the older man sighed, not liking a Templar returning to their town. The civilians were innocent but many were entangled in Ratonhnhaké:ton's life now through his marriage to Caroline. It would be agonizing to have those bonds twisted and threatened by the enemy, warranting a heavy guard. The positive note was that most of the town held a weapon indoors and knew how to handle them against trespassers.
"He knows where we live and all I can do is remain vigilant" Ratonhnhaké:ton murmured pensively on whether they were truly safe. His father could easily switch from a defensive or offensive position, given their opposing Orders. The shroud of safety had been shredded with that winter night and neither he nor Caroline left the house after sundown unless necessary. He hated having that vulnerability but it was better to be safe than sorry. Thankfully, his wife could handle herself in a fight which slightly decreased his worry and smiled lightly, "Caroline, however, prefers a shotgun under the bed."
There would be no shortage of weapons in their home but they would be safely locked, given the new baby and Caroline's younger siblings. Ratonhnhaké:ton glanced around the library to peer at the hanging lanterns against the walls. He would have to refill them with oil to provide light for Achilles at night because refilling them in darkness was not fun, particularly around an open lit candle. Motioning to the overly large basket, he informed Achilles with modesty, "Oh, I also brought extra butter bread after Caroline baked five loafs. She says it's what the baby wants for breakfast and a nighttime snack but she made more than we can eat before it rots."
Now that she was homebound, Caroline occupied her time by working with textiles and food. He didn't mind her cooking and baking at all but she made far too much for themselves. When reminding her that their baby wouldn't be born ready to eat bread, she shooed him out the house. Achilles was not surprised by Caroline's caretaking skills since Catherine was very much the same from the moment they met. Given his protégé's lonesome nature, the redhead was glued to him from day one and Achilles stated with gratitude for their help, "Give her my thanks."
"Can I pick up anything from the Mile's End?" he asked carefully to drop off any food that could be eaten for dinner or a snack or stored away for a few days. The cellars were still cold enough from the weather and lingering snow that food lasted longer. He knew his mentor was a fan of soups from the inn and encouraged him to eat adequately by pointing out, "I am tired of butter bread after three weeks and need cornbread. That with a stew sounds perfect."
"I would not mind some of Corrine's stews" he agreed with a kind smile for his generosity, especially now that old age had caught up to him. The halls of his home were no longer hearty with laughs from Abigail or Connor and had gone still once Ratonhnhaké:ton left. His firm teachings and stance on the Templars had not driven the young man away, forming a little family between them that had grown. Ratonhnhaké:ton would carry on without him one day and he hoped that flame of optimism and resilience didn't fade. Hopefully, he would be around long enough to see his first child take their first steps and stated with gratitude, "Thank you, Connor."
"Think nothing of it" Ratonhnhaké:ton replied with a friendly smile, happy to help his mentor.
18 March 1779
Ratonhnhaké:ton had to call out repeatedly for his wife to slow down as she waddled her way south to Lance's home. The couple had been informed that their crib would be ready that noon and she flew like the wind through their home to be ready. She made sure to change after she fed her husband to avoid appearing messy but Ratonhnhaké:ton doubted anyone in town would care. Mud was common now that the snow melted into slush on the dirt roads and their shoes would be filthy by the time they returned home.
Caroline yelped aloud when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to halt her hasty steps. She had concentrated so much on steadying her breath to resemble a stout pony and not run out of air that she forgot about her spouse. Her vigilance was beginning to lag, how embarrassing. With her husband being intensely wary of her traveling outdoors, she had to stay sharp. She halted immediately in his grip, smiling happily at his cozy hug, and rested her hand over his. The couple laughed softly as they stumbled forward but he managed both of their balances.
"Don't worry, the baby's not arriving anytime soon" she reassured him about her hasty steps and early labor, leaning against him. Catching her breath, her heart drummed against her ribs and several kicks fluttered against her upper abdomen. She noticed that the baby began kicking in that area in the recent weeks and Dr. White explained her baby was preparing for its arrival by settling headfirst into her pelvis.
Ratonhnhaké:ton clutched her close to his chest with a fond smile, enjoying the warmth exuding from the cuff of her collar. He was not keen on being overprotective of his wife but he could not risk the chance in her condition. Once his wife delivered the baby and recovered, he would be satisfied in decreasing his watchfulness. He could not bear losing more of his loved ones, especially his family, and admitted quietly, "It is not that. I must keep you safe."
"You are" she stated gently because she could not ask for a greater protector. Her father was the first example with his towering height and tight hugs to keep her safe, then Ratonhnhaké:ton came along. As they grew together, he resembled the mighty oak tree to her pine and he never failed in protecting her. He was her first true friend, her defender, her first love, the one who hired her in her dream job, and her dear husband who would be the father of her children. Her nose nudged his cheek as she turned to kiss his cheek and she smiled, "Let's get our crib and head home."
Ratonhnhaké:ton would not be allowing her to do any heavy lifting but he was also excited to see their crib. They had chosen a sturdy oak so it would last years and they could use it for their future children. He could not even envision having another child when the first one was still inside his wife. The two resumed their walk down the road hand-in-hand and Caroline studied the old path, musing to her spouse, "Do you remember walking this road, me pushing my wheelbarrow full of orders and you heading to buy furniture?"
"Yes" he chuckled softly at the road they had wandered through repeatedly over the years. He had been shy and awkward around Caroline while the redhead had been none the wiser, finding his quiet nature endearing. For many years, he traveled out of town without her and now, he could not imagine doing so. If he had not met Godfrey, who knew how different their lives would be. He squeezed her hand fondly and remarked with affection, "We are fortunate to have found each other."
Caroline flashed a perky smile at the progression in their lives as they approached ten years of knowing each other and chuckled, "Now we're picking up our baby's crib."
Upon arriving at the carpenter's home, they knocked at the rear of the cabin since he worked there during the day. With winter still present in the mornings, he could not risk moving his workbench outdoors yet like he did in the spring and summer. Being a bachelor, he had ample space and turned the rear of his home into his business and work area when the elements hampered his work. When the door opened, they smiled at seeing his brown apron covered in wooden debris and greeted politely, "Good afternoon, Mr. O'Donnell."
"Ready for your crib, I see" he smiled jovially at the young couple and opened the door wide to let in the cool noon air. He had not painted any of his work so he wouldn't mind a fresh gust of wind. Despite the passing seasons, his work never stopped as the town continued growing. Now, new families were thriving and required furniture and toys. He wagged a finger at the redhead for her subtle hand in it all and jested playfully, "Your family has kept me in heavy business for a year with homestead furnishings and now, baby cribs and toys."
"You do fabulous work" Caroline justified with a cheerful laugh since she loved the front door of their homestead. The howling wolf exuded protectiveness and strength just as her husband did. They both adored their furniture and could not imagine anyone else crafting their baby's crib.
Lance waved a modest hand before he informed them with a happy laugh, "Let me grab your little one's new bed."
He retreated into his workshop to fetch their order and Caroline exhaled with disbelief to ask her husband, "Can you imagine when they will need an actual bed?"
The thought of little footsteps echoing off the floorboards one day was surreal but he was taking it one day at a time. He didn't want to miss a single moment of his child's life . . . but it would be impossible with the Templars lurking about. Caroline would protect their little one fiercely if anything were to happen to him and they had planned an exit strategy if it happened. He tried his best not to think about that and focus on the baby, clarifying with his wife, "We are keeping the baby beside us for the first months, correct?"
"Yes, they will be bundled in their bassinet" she reassured with amusement at his fatherly worry because their baby would be snuggled between them. She understood his concern based on the trauma of his early childhood and supported him through it. Their baby would be safer for it and she couldn't wait to see the father-child bond that would flourish. The bassinet he crafted was ready with Ellen's cozy yellow blankets to cradle their baby and propped on top of their dresser to keep it safe and clean. She rubbed his upper right arm to decrease his nerves and chuckled softly, "This will be for when they finally learn to crawl out of it."
"I hope you do not think I am overreacting" he sighed softly at his own paternal overdrive to keep constant watch over their firstborn. He knew absolutely nothing about children, learning from the women of Davenport as they raised their children. Walter had given him tips on changing and bathing a baby but he too was a new father learning his way.
"Did I ever tell you my mother kept me in a nest of blankets when I was born?" Caroline spoke to lighten his apprehension and reached for his hands to intertwine his fingers with hers. They would do their best as parents and hope that their child understood that one day. She knew her family began with meager origins while his own was fractured but they would work their hands to the bone for their child. He returned the supportive squeeze and she explained with love for her own parents, "My father hadn't earned enough for my crib so they made a little bed for me within theirs to keep me safe. I cried bloody murder when it was time to move to the crib. I never questioned their commitment and love for me."
There were hints of uncertainty in Ratonhnhaké:ton for how his child would view him one day. Natives were not seen in a positive light and he would feel guilty if his child endured the same discrimination. All he could do was provide endless love and support, hoping that it would be enough, and he confessed quietly, "Why do I feel both reassurance and impending dread?"
"Because we're going to be parents" she answered with a sympathetic smile because she shared the same self-doubt. During the night, she would wonder the same 'what if' scenarios of keeping their child safe and being a good parent that wouldn't chase their child off.
Lance returned with the newly crafted crib, interrupting their rumination, and announced cheerfully, "Here we are!"
He set down the small crib on the ground to show the couple its sturdy balance. Some parents preferred rocking cribs but the couple preferred a stationary one to keep their baby tucked inside. This time, Ratonhnhaké:ton took to sketching the crib and he commissioned Lance to decorate the exterior with animals from both the land and sea that the couple had witnessed. Their child would be their hope for the future and the reason they fought to create a better world. Caroline smiled with delight at spotting a humpback whale swimming along the horizontal panel while birds in flight decorated the top. It was perfect against the light brown wood and she reached out to press her fingers against the animal indentations.
"It's beautiful" she complimented their carpenter, proud that he commissioned all their work from her family's furniture to her own home. They held beautiful heirlooms now that could be passed on through generations. The crib would last them years with its fine wood since her father chopped down the tree himself for it and she smiled widely, "We will likely use it for our future babies since your craftmanship is built to last."
"Take it easy with one baby at a time" Lance advised the two since the two had been attached to each other upon meeting. Unlike other couples on the frontier, they traveled often and a rabble of children could disrupt that balance in the married couple. He didn't know much about child-rearing but he did know a few things about independence, which the two were tenacious for. Gazing at the two with a fatherly smile, he told the couple, "You two are young and have all the time in the world. Enjoy each of your children."
His kind words set them at ease and Caroline nodded with acceptance, whispering gently, "Thank you, Mr. O'Donnell. Our baby will sleep soundly in this."
"Babyproofed for escapes too" Lance assured the couple with a hearty pat to the front top of the crib and glanced at Ratonhnhaké:ton to add in, "The changing table and dresser should be ready next week."
Caroline shot her husband a questioning glance for this secret order and he reasoned modestly, "I figured the baby would need their own dresser, the townswomen provided many items. You also need proper furnishings for them too."
"He's more prepared to be a mother than I am" she laughed merrily at his preparedness and shook her head at his planning. He was more than ready to be a father and she would likely learn from him as they became parents.
"I have to make sure everything is ready for you if I ever have to leave after their birth" he pointed out with rare disclosure about his sentiments on leaving his new family. He did not want to leave them wanting for anything if he was pushed into leaving for a long period to continue his fight against the Templars. Caroline would be alone at home without him and he needed to have them set with everything possible. Her expression softened at his worry and he emphasized, "Nothing is more important than you both."
"Can't argue with that reasoning" Lance agreed firmly because the young man made sure everyone under his watch was safe. When it came to his family, that level increased but the entire town would be keeping an eye on the young family. The years of friendship and dedication from the two would yield endless help in return from those they aided selflessly.
Caroline raised her hands in the air with an amused laugh to concede, "All right, a lady knows when to throw in the towel."
8 April 1779
Caroline and Ratonhnhaké:ton were halfway through the daily cleaning in the stables when she faltered in her steps. For the past few hours, she had ignored the cramping in her lower abdomen. Dr. White had informed her that it would increase as she approached her delivery date but she would require an exam only when they were in close proximity. This closeness in the painful cramping had only decreased in time between the aching pangs and increased in strength. Work kept her mind off the pain and sweeping was manageable while her husband handled the heavy lifting. A slighted groan alerted him and he turned around to find her face wincing as she took a deep breath. Alarmed to what could be happening, he asked quickly, "Caroline, what is it?"
"Something wet dribbled just down my legs, help me inside the house" she explained through quick breaths as she tried to control the pain. She had not expected for a liquid substance to run down her legs which was now creating an embarrassing pool under her skirt. He dropped the hay bale in his hands to wrap an arm around her waist and her arm in the other to make sure she had all his support. Caroline's heart hammered from nerves as she pondered whether it was time to deliver the baby and admitted, "I don't . . . I'm having pain but it comes and goes. I've been feeling it since morning but I thought I could handle it."
He didn't like the sound of pain and a gush of fluid now that their baby was due and told her swiftly, "Raise your skirt."
"No!" she disagreed with blushing cheeks of embarrassment at having to raise her soiled clothing to show the evidence lying on the floor.
"Why not?" he asked with concern, supporting her weight against his as she refused to raise her skirt.
Her gaze broke from his out of sheepishness from the betrayal of her body and muttered weakly, "I'm scared if it's blood and I'll be embarrassed if I accidentally wet myself."
"Caroline, I am your husband" he reassured her gently and kissed her left temple to convey that privacy in his loyalty to her. His concern was her health and the baby. They had seen each other bleed from battles against their enemies and shared every moment of their lives together. There was nothing that would make him flee and he promised her, "Nothing will terrify me."
"My hoop skirt frame did" she objected quickly to buy herself some time but winced against when another pang shot down her spine to her pelvis.
"That was different" he pointed out matter-of-factly because he had never seen her undress from fancy attire. Her affinity for male and androgynous attire left odd contraptions out of their bedroom and he could be forgiven for his wedding night jitters. He still did not understand the lengths women went through for propriety and standards of beauty but he was a simple man. His wife held back a pained grin at his dismissal and he emphasized, "It was artificial, not biological."
Caroline relented at raising her skirt before her husband decided to pick her up and see for himself. She would rather walk into her home on her own two feet than be carried like a lame lamb. Nodding vehemently, she granted him consent and sighed with embarrassment, "Fine, but we're never speaking of this again or telling the baby."
She kept her eyes on the ceiling of the stables to avoid having her worst fear confirmed. She didn't want anything to happen to their little one at this stage of the pregnancy and silently prayed it was benign. Ratonhnhaké:ton lifted her gray skirt carefully to find the puddle laying at her feet. He was relieved to find neither bright red blood or yellow fluid, informing his wife, "It's clear. . . I believe your water broke."
Her heartbeat steadied immediately at the news and she relaxed against him. Their baby was all right and she smiled weakly at the only option left to them, "It's time then."
"It's time?" he repeated weakly as the reality of impending fatherhood surfaced. Would their baby be delivered that same day? Or would she labor gradually like Martha? Wait, why was he still standing around?! His wife was having a baby!
Before he decided to pick her up, Caroline clarified hastily with a nervous laugh, "Not this instant but the baby will be arriving soon."
Ratonhnhaké:ton guided her out of the stables at a slow pace to protect the baby and not aggravate her pain. Caroline laughed at his caution, appreciating his sweet nature for his loved ones. For both their sakes and the baby, she leaned against him and let him lead their path back home. The chores would have to be ignored for now until he could fetch aid for his wife. Even then, he would not be able to stay calm while his wife labored. The closest person to them right now was Elizabeth as she worked with horses in the western pens so she could keep an eye on Caroline. By the time they ascended the steps of the porch, he had a plan in mind for Caroline.
"It will be all right, I want you to get into bed and I will fetch Dr. White" he told her firmly as he opened the door to their little house and they tumbled inside. Caroline had never been happier to see the interior of her home and wanted to settle into bed to contend with the pain. He shut the front door promptly and led her straight into their bedroom to help her into their bed.
She muffled a groan as her pelvis did not enjoy sitting down at all and she leaned back slightly to lower that rising pressure. The sudden pangs were increasing in strength and she wanted them to go away. She removed the wet dress without a care, throwing it to the side, and asked her husband to fetch her sleeping gown. Her skin broke out in goosebumps from the pain and skin exposure, causing her to shiver instantly to cope. Ratonhnhaké:ton obliged quickly and darted over to their dresser to pull out the first nightgown he found.
Unfortunately, it was her usual two-piece pajama from before the pregnancy and he scrambled back into the drawer to find a one-piece. She smiled fondly when he helped her into the white linen gown and let it pool at her waist as the blankets covered her legs modestly. Pulling him into a kiss to calm both of their hearts, she whispered fondly, "You are my sweetest husband. Please hurry and fetch our team."
"I don't want to leave you alone" he sighed solemnly but without Dr. White, there would be nobody to deliver their child safely. He hated to leave her to fend for herself at her most vulnerable but he reminded himself that he could be swift like the wind. When it came to his family, he would move the earth and sky for them.
"You're not delivering the baby" his wife pointed out with a short laugh to avoid sending pain down her belly. She stretched out over the bed to wiggle into a comfortable position, sliding under her covers. Her child kicked against her belly steadily before quieting down, preparing for their own arrival into the world. Caroline took it as a sign of agreement from the baby and waved her hand playfully to gently shoo her husband away.
Ratonhnhaké:ton began walking backward with a wagging finger as he warned carefully, "Do not move anywhere."
Caroline saluted him like she did when onboard the Aquila and piped up obediently, "Sir, yes, sir!"
He exited the bedroom with haste, his footsteps echoing down the hall as he ran for the door. Caroline flinched when the door slammed loudly and glanced down at her bloated belly to sigh softly, "Don't worry, little one. Your father will never let us down."
Meanwhile, Ratonhnhaké:ton ran desperately from his home in the direction of the pens that lay adjacent to the empty barn. He could not leave his wife alone and the closest person was her little sister as she tended to the horses. Grasping the wooden pen, he waved his right arm to draw her attention and hollered firmly, "Elizabeth, stay with Caroline! I'm fetching Dr. White!"
Elizabeth dropped the hairbrush in her hand as she groomed the horses and her eyes widened to the reality of another Burnett baby. Was she ready for this? She had scattered to the main room during Martha's labor and she didn't regret that. Now, another opportunity presented itself and she shook her head vehemently to yelp helplessly, "But I'm not birth team material!"
"She can't stay alone, not now" he informed her grimly because she needed a helping hand if the labor intensified or sought an item. He could not stay but if he had a choice, he would never leave his wife.
Elizabeth was not one to run away from her fear, especially when her sister needed her, and took a deep breath to nod with confirmation, "On my way!"
The horses would be fine on their own while she kept her sister company until her husband returned. She ran for the gate of the pen to attend to her and lock the gate with the key entrusted to her. Ratonhnhaké:ton was satisfied at sending the redhead off to his wife and headed north down the dusty road to find Dr. White, Catherine, and Diana. His baby was on the way and he would need all the help he could get.
A/N: And the baby's now due to arrive! Connor has been planning furiously like a mother hen and having him fly out the door to find Dr. White does not surprise Caroline. We'll see more of his fatherly worry in the next chapter while Caroline keeps him busy. I can't believe the baby's arriving now since I was originally so excited for the Haytham chapters and I've passed that hurdle into the first year of Cora. Only five more years left before the story ends while nine have been covered, how crazy. I can't wait for Cora to meet Haytham since her playful innocence will have him wrapped around her finger.
Thank you for reading this chapter and to my last chapter reviewers:
ThyDevoutBeliever: He definitely knows about the grandbaby now! Unlike his disbelief and skepticism with Connor until meeting him, he's super happy grandpa when it comes to the new baby which will be hilarious but annoying for Connor.
East Coast Captain: I can't help but think of Darth Vader and Luke when it comes to Haytham and Connor. He is indeed stuck between pride as a dad and annoyed as a Templar. Connor and Caroline will be focused on their family after the Revolutionary War but I'd like for them to travel with the kids at one point. I can see his alliance with Lafayette leading to his French-speaking Assassins like Stephane and Aveline sailing there for aid and recon.
danelleprae: Caroline's guard turkey takes his security very seriously, haha.
Juss17: Thank you so much for enjoying this story, I love hearing from my readers! Connor does get a bad rap for being a stoic and quiet character but that's his unique trait. He lost his mom at an early age, left his village as an early teen, discovered his father lead the same group that attacked him as a kid, and thrown into a world he knew nothing about. I'd be a little broody too, haha. His culture is also very different than Ezio's, Altair's, and Haytham's. He's the type to think before he speaks and when he does, it means something.
Next Chapter Excerpt:
Ratonhnhaké:ton hailed Dr. White at his home to alert him on Caroline's condition. He promised to follow once he finished with his last patient and closing down the clinic momentarily. In the meantime, Catherine didn't hesitate to run behind her son-in-law while Diana headed to the clinic to help Dr. White get moving and gather supplies for the Burnett home for delivery. Catherine was even in more of a shamble than Ratonhnhaké:ton when the duo arrived back at the homestead. She ran straight to her daughter as she laid in bed with Elizabeth sitting by the windowsill keeping watch. Both women tried not to grin when their mother leaned over Caroline, grasping her shoulders, and asked worriedly, "What is it? Is it pain? Vomiting? Bleeding? Oh, Carrie-"
"Did he tell you I was dying?" she asked hurriedly since Ratonhnhaké:ton could make the most heart wrenching expressions possible under dire situations. He wasn't one to hold a thousand looks but when he did, they were meaningful. She glanced at the man in question, who was now pulling out more blankets from their trunk to place them over her. He wanted her comfortable through this phase in their lives and kneeled beside her bed. She placed a hand on his cheek and smiled down at her beloved, "You sweet silly man."
"No, but when Connor is worried, I worry" her mother fussed as she sat down on the opposite side of the bed to feel her forehead. Caroline smiled softly at the motherly care, remembering this motion every winter when Catherine made sure all her children didn't have a fever. The Burnette matriarch didn't leave anything to chance when Ratonhnhaké:ton came running for her aid. He kept her children safe for years and she would be there for the couple during one of their most important milestones. She heaved a sigh of relief at seeing her stable daughter and spoke, "He told me you were in pain."
Caroline explained everything that happened inside the barn and her mother concluded, "Well, today you will be a mother. It starts with pain and exhaustion but you will have a little babe by the end."
"How much pain are we talking about?" she asked warily since this was her first pregnancy and grasped her covers under her chin. Elizabeth handed her sister a warm cup of tea to keep her comfortable, squeezing her hand as it shook slightly through another contraction. She didn't like seeing her sister in pain and wondered why womankind endured such a trial to bring life into the world. Caroline shook her head as she sipped the tea before setting it down on the nightstand and confessed with nervousness, "I've been through Prudence's and Martha's births, both screamed murder. I normally don't admit my fears but I'm scared, mama."
"We all are, dear, it's only natural" Catherine soothed with a motherly smile to what the human body was capable of to breathe new life. Martha had been terrified from the pain and initially refused to push until her body demanded it. The first baby always brought the most uncertainty due to never experiencing such a physical event.
"Please don't leave me" Caroline pleaded with her loved ones to have support and others to focus on. Being distracted through the pain would help and she had done the same with Martha until the last stage of her pushing. She knew childbirth was not a quick or easy process so she wanted her loved ones nearby to help her cope. Most of all, she wanted her husband beside her – not outside waiting for news.
Catherine would not leave her at all while Elizabeth's face paled at having to see a baby come into the world. She preferred to see the cute swaddled baby and tidied up mother rather than the raw pain. If she needed to, she would stick in the corner close to her sister's head rather than the end of the bed. Ratonhnhaké:ton would not budge from his wife and Catherine told the couple, "Childbirth can be too strong for a father."
He would not be deterred from Caroline's side after everything they had gone through and shook his head to decline, "My wife comes first, not fear."
Thank you for reading!