Color The Sky

by Mystic Blade

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

74. Mine to Protect

Music Inspiration: Lorne Balfe- "A Familiar Face" and Thomas Bergerson- "Remember Me"

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Mine to Protect

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15 December 1780

Life on the homestead during the end of autumn was lonely for Caroline and Cora. Without their alpha wolf, the two were left to mend their hearts together. Every night Cora would inquire about her father and Caroline could only offer vague truths. She did not know when her husband would return, refusing to consider the dreaded alternative, and kept hope alive in their daughter. As the nights grew colder and longer with the change in season, she could only wonder where Ratonhnhaké:ton was and whether he was warm, safe, and fed. She was not accustomed to living without him and like Cora, the long months tested her. Thankfully, nothing malicious from their enemies surfaced in town but she always kept her guard up. Now that Haytham knew of Cora's existence and their homestead, she could not live in ignorance. Her hidden blade and pistol were always on her when she left home and she had easy access to her weapons while indoors.

Apart from that, chores on the homestead were longer without her husband but she toiled silently while Cora tagged along. Martha would often drop by to help her to make the hours go by faster or keep an eye on Cora to help her sister multitask. Samuel and Patrick would drop off a wheelbarrow load of chopped wood to keep the fireplace running. Whenever it was emptied, Cora would try to clamber inside for a ride and the trio would go around the cabin to make her laugh. For Caroline, it was a blessing to have such family support and to see her daughter happy. Cora wasn't the same without her father, asking every night before dinner or bedtime about him. She remembered the little pieces of food she would swipe from his plate and being tucked in at night by her father. She missed him dearly and Caroline could only do her best to be a good mother while he was gone.

It was another chilly morning but the Burnett household was bustling as Caroline worked on breakfast. With just her and Cora, prep work was easier and her little one requested corn cakes that morning. With the maple trees beginning to release sap, it would become a popular breakfast staple. Cora sat on the floor with her cozy brown wool dress pooled around her legs while she raised her favorite doll over her head. The porcelain doll from her grandfather was never far from her when she was at home and as the cold weather rolled in, it provided heat when she frolicked on the ground. Caroline spent each night cleaning the doll from her daughter's daily frolicking to increase its longevity. Cora had named her Dolly, humorously enough, and it reminded Caroline of the brave mare that strung her family wagon into Davenport for the first time so many years ago.

Cora was startled when the doorknob to the front door jiggled and her large blue eyes blinked in curiosity. Usually, her mother was the only one with access to their home with a key. If not her, her grandparents. When nobody burst through the door, she grew wary and clutched the doll tightly for comfort as she called out with alarm, "Ista!"

Caroline, who was forming a round ball of dough in her hands, turned to her daughter's call. When the doorknob jiggled again, she dropped it onto the wooden cutting board and wiped her hands on her apron. Her mother's intuition didn't hesitate to reach for her shotgun, newly named Florence, off the fireplace mantle and load the weapon with bullets kept in the high cabinets. Now that Cora ran around everyone, only high places out of reach were safe. As she approached the door with a narrowed gaze, her grip tightened when the doorknob jiggled again but slackened when hearing a familiar voice, "Is nobody home?"

Caroline quickly removed the bullets from the shotgun to pocket them in her apron before pulling the door open. Before her husband could attempt to jiggle the key back into the doorknob for another attempt, she was out the door to pull him into a tight hug. After three long months, she missed the sound of his voice and gazing upon him every morning she woke. Ratonhnhaké:ton ignored the shotgun in her left hand as she clung to him and returned the tight embrace. He sorely needed a bath and nap after weeks of travel but his wife didn't care, leading him to say, "I'm not sure if my key rusted from the rain."

"We'll order a new one" she replied easily because he was home and that mattered most. Their nights had been lonely and empty without him by their side, especially since Cora expected to be tucked in by her father. The first days had not gone over smoothly with their child at nighttime or when she woke, expecting him to be there on the other side. Caroline handled the bumps quietly like any frontier wife and mother to keep her homestead running. Still, their home was not the same without him and she whispered longingly, "It's so good to have you home again."

Cora dropped her doll at the sight of her mother hugging her father, almost disbelieving the sight. He was finally home! She had spent countless nights asking for his return but her mother never had an answer for her. Standing up hastily, she almost tripped over her own feet as she called out desperately, "Rakeni!"

Her eyes filled with tears of joy at seeing him again and sadness at the thought of him leaving again. Ratonhnhaké:ton spotted his little one scrambling in his direction, her toys abandoned carelessly behind her. Like her mother, Cora's blue eyes were already watery while she blubbered his name in vain hope for acknowledgement. Releasing his wife, he removed the travel pack from his shoulders to lay it against the front of the house. He smiled widely with pride at her speed, opening his arms, and welcomed, "Is that my little Cora?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed happily and jumped clumsily into his arms as best she could. She was still working on being steady on her feet with quick movements, earning a chide or two from her mother when bumps occurred. Ratonhnhaké:ton pulled her tightly against his chest, lifting her off the ground to carry her in his arms like he had done months ago. She was growing quickly but she would always be his little girl. Caroline chuckled with amusement at their excited daughter, who wiggled her legs happily as they dangled in the air. If he had planned to give her a Christmas gift, this was the best one possible.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was wary his daughter would be furious with him after he left but she was oblivious to it. Children really were innocent until maturity struck. Tickling her left cheek, she smiled widely to the affection and he asked softly, "Are you mad at me?"

"No!" she chirped hastily with a vehement shake of her head and hugged him around the neck. Why did he think she would be mad? She wanted him to be home forever! Mother said he had big responsibilities outside of town and she must be patient. Cora refused to be a disobedient child after the endless love her parents gave her and promised her mother to be better. For Caroline, she handled any new tantrum swiftly by drawing her attention elsewhere but Cora was a well-behaved child. She figured she took more after Ratonhnhaké:ton than herself.

"I have never been happier to see you" he doted fondly at his precious child and kissed her forehead. She and Caroline never left his mind from the moment he left and all he thought about on the road was returning to them. Now that he was home, the tension in his body melted away and the tiredness threatened to roll in. He was in his sanctuary and his family was safe. Caroline surveyed the road behind him just in case and smiled when he told them, "As much as I would love to continue hugging you both, I do need to shower and eat."

Caroline ushered him inside the house, leaning down to lift his travel pack over her right shoulder, and grinned, "Well, get on in there. You get reacquainted with our Cora while I draw a bath."

Cora hugged her father happily with joy that he wasn't leaving them behind again. Ratonhnhaké:ton missed her familiar laugh and the strength in her hugs but most importantly, waking and putting her to sleep. He sought to be a present father involved in her life but his work would eventually pull him away again. Having her distraught or question his commitment to her hurt but it was a sacrifice that he hoped she would understand one day. His greatest fear was having her view him in the same way he did his father. He clutched her tightly with a relieved smile at seeing his beloved child safe again and whispered, "My beautiful daughter."

She waved to her mother in happy farewell when Caroline dropped the travel pack on the nearest bench. Caroline mimicked her perky wave to her infectious mood and headed to grab one of the wooden pails to gather snow from outside. Now that snow covered the land during the early morning, baths were aplenty when compared to hauling water from the well or river. With her husband traveling nonstop, she highly doubted he had a relaxing bath recently. He was not comfortable anywhere but their home and she was ecstatic to have him back. Heading out through the open door, Cora pointed in her direction and piped up to her father, "Snow! Play!"

"Now?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked unsurely since it was morning and by the look of the roaring fireplace, breakfast was underway. He hoped to make it in time for a hot meal after traveling through the early morning in the darkness to reach Davenport. He had never been happier to see the wooden fencing that signaled the outskirt of the town and made a beeline for his homestead. Only Myriam and Norris were the only early birds out that morning and he shared happy greetings at seeing old friends. It could never be like this outside the sanctuary of his town.

Cora released him to throw her hands into the air to declare jovially with bright eyes, "Yes!"

The morning chill would not do well against her long-sleeve dress and looked around the main room for any of her coats. Caroline always kept one handy there for every family member in case they left quickly. Despite the lack of sleep or food, Cora renewed his energy instantly with her laughter. His daughter was growing up happy and held no resentment for his leave. Could he truly make this work as she grew older? Glancing around the furniture in the room, he was lost at seeing nothing until Caroline re-entered their home. She was quick to point at the wooden hooks her father installed to keep their coats tidy and he shook his head at his lack of focus. Exhaustion was at its peak now but he would push through it for Cora. Finding her little brown wool coat among his and his wife's larger attire, he pulled it down and set Cora on the floor. She stuck out her arms to help her father along and he slipped the coat over her to button it tightly. He raised the collar to cover her neck and flashed her a fatherly smile, "Let's keep you warm."

"What are you two planning?" Caroline chuckled softly as she poured snow into a pot over the fire to melt it. She would need to warm several buckets into boiling water to fill the tub halfway and then drop fresh snow to cool it for a comfortable temperature. Cora's delighted attitude would undoubtedly pull her husband into some bonding time. Being so little, she was still unaware of time and how long her father had been away.

Ratonhnhaké:ton gazed at his daughter to determine her desire and she clapped her hands to declare, "Playing!"

"After that long trip?" Caroline asked her husband since it would be up to him while she continued to tend to the bath and breakfast. By the time Cora was done playing, she would be famished for food and her lack of sustenance would likely mean playtime would be short. They spoiled their child but she sorely missed her father and she could not deny her bonding time.

He would not deny her a few moments of happiness outside after months of not hearing her voice or laughter. Grabbing her left hand, he smiled when she took off for the open doorway with steady footing. His infant was no longer catching her footing but confident in her steps that were hasty enough to run. He followed her scampering steps to keep her beside him and looked over his shoulder to reassure his wife, "A few minutes won't harm me. Besides, look at how she shines."

"That she does" she smiled pleasantly at the joy emitting in her body movements and knew today would be a good day. Now that their protector was home, she could breathe easier for Cora. Everyone was safe under their roof again and she picked up the empty wooden pail to return outside once again. Her footsteps were more relaxed against the floorboards while the other two were in a rush. Ratonhnhaké:ton chuckled softly when Cora tackled the steps to the porch with a determined pout and Caroline reminded them, "Be careful. I'll be warming up the water."

"We'll be along shortly" he promised because Cora would eventually tire with no food in her stomach. Cora, on the other hand, was stubborn to play with her father in the snow for the first time now that she could walk perfectly. Ratonhnhaké:ton wanted to remember every little memory with her and fill her heart with fond memories to outweigh any sad moments. He was proud to see her treading through the snow just as he had with his mother during harsh winters.

"Rakeni!" she beckoned ecstatically, leaning down to pick up handfuls of snow with excitement. The powdery snow was icy against her skin but she didn't hesitate to hold up her hands full of snow to show off her feat. Her father was quick to unclench her fingers since he forgot to put gloves on her and didn't want her to become ill. She blinked with confusion at his swift action but Ratonhnhaké:ton refocused her attention by forming the snow into a lump. They could shape a snowman or another animal for their first snowy playtime with him doing most of the work. She was still too little for precise movements with sculpting and he would rather have her play with his in-laws. His best memories in the snow were with them and Cora would likely experience the same joy.

He saw proud to see both himself and Caroline in Cora as she poked holes in the mound he formed. It would resemble a colander more than a base for a snowman. Still, he said nothing as she giggled with glee at their new creation. He pulled her into a tight hug, drifting flecks of snow over their coats, and he smiled with affection, "You're growing up too fast while I'm gone."

Cora smiled widely at having her father beside her again, hoping he never had to leave her again. The world could have numerous fathers but she wanted hers home.

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20 December 1780

Ratonhnhaké:ton enjoyed the peaceful return to his home to be with his loved ones. Cora never let her father escape from her sight for more than five minutes and he was more than happy to carry her everywhere. She was still too little to be slung over his back but she was growing quickly. Last December, he and Caroline kept her tiny form bundled in furs and she did not speak. Now, she was picking up words and mimicking her parents to model them. He did not want to miss any of her milestones or worse, have to leave her again during winter. It was the only season he dreaded due to various illnesses and he wanted to be home if either his wife or daughter were ill.

Caroline was happy to have her family back together because it wasn't the same waking without her husband beside her. Their daughter was very attached to them and even slept between them for the first night, returning to her crib only when Ratonhnhaké:ton promised to be there in the morning. Neither she nor Cora wanted to let him go and the cold weather kept the family indoors like hibernating bears to spend time together. Now that she was no longer a baby, he could play with Cora and read stories to her while Caroline liked watching her little hands play with dough when she cooked. Having the general store allowed him to purchase a book to fill with stories and lullabies, which he would one day gift to her for a keepsake of his fatherly love. Maybe he would live long enough to be a grandfather like Godfrey too.

The snow crunched under his boots and he kept a tight hand on Cora as she walked beside him with her own little boots. The dirt roads were clear of ice but slush turned it into mud, which his daughter eagerly stepped on for the squishy sensation. By the time he returned home, Caroline would frown at the muddy prints that would decorate their porch. The father-daughter duo were headed to the general store to pick up any mail that was dropped off from by Patrick's mill runs to Boston. Caroline missed her days of working for her father's mill but she had a family to care for as time went on. Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't believe the same road he and his wife walked on as youths were now being sloshed around in by their daughter.

He picked her up from underneath her arms as they arrived in front of the general store to place her on top of the steps. Cora listened silently when he pointed to the worn and dirty floor mat to wipe down her shoes. She remembered the same brown fabric on their own porch and carried out her father's order. Ratonhnhaké:ton chuckled at her insistence to eradicate all the mud clinging to the sole of her boots but there was only so much she could do. After cleaning his own beside her, he picked her up into one arm to balance her weight so she didn't escape him inside the store.

Opening the door, he entered the clean and tidy store that now thrived with bustling customers. The morning rush had left which is how he preferred it, especially with a little one to keep a close eye on. Cora's blue eyes brightened at the objects they passed by and her little arms tried to reach for the pretty glass jars filled with colorful jams. Ratonhnhaké:ton was quick to grab her little hands before they caused yet another accident like their first two visits that left him sweeping and paying off the merchandise. Cora pouted with disappointment at being detained but obeyed her father since she did not want a lecture that would have her toys taken away.

Her expression brightened immediately when she spotted her uncle behind the counter and exclaimed gleefully, "Unkhee!"

Walter hummed away as he fixed sticks of wrapped peppermint candy inside a glass jar. The children in town were quick to swipe one for their parents to buy and if his patrons purchased enough goods, he threw in the candy for free. Cora was still too little for most of his candy selection but he always had a pretty ribbon or two for her dark hair. Caroline had taken to tying it into short pigtails while she waited for it to grow long enough for a braid. The storekeeper smiled widely at his newest visitor of the day and greeted her, "What brings my favorite niece in today?"

Cora could not vocalize what they were there for and strategically poked her father's chest for the answer. He tried not to chuckle at her limitations but was impressed at her awareness. She had been more than happy to step out of their home and skitter down the muddy road for adventure, forgetting her mother's words. Walter popped open his brown ledger to run through his orders of the week to find the Burnett name just as Ratonhnhaké:ton informed, "We are here for any mail and Caroline's flour order."

Walter wrote a quick checkmark beside their family name, making sure he wrote it over the C & C compared to the G & C of Caroline's parents. When the latter couple had an order, either he or Ratonhnhaké:ton would drop it off to save them the trip across the road. Apart from his order, his brother-in-law had mail delivered earlier that week and he piped up cheerfully, "Great! Your mail package is quite big this time."

He was caught by surprise by the comment because he and his wife received letters and small packages at most. Who was sending them large packages? Should he be suspicious? Cautious about his mail, he voiced frankly, "What? I only receive letters."

"Not this time" Walter replied with a chuckle at the largest bag of mail that dwarfed all other small letters. Davenport was still small enough to receive mail sporadically through the year so a large bundle would draw attention. He wondered if the sender had gone to Boston itself to send it off from its size alone to save on postage. Ratonhnhaké:ton's curious expression soured immediately when his brother-in-law told him with apology, "I believe it's from your father."

Everyone in Davenport was aware of the bad blood between the two as the Templar continued to keep contact with the family. Ratonhnhaké:ton could not figure out what his intent with Cora was and refused to believe it was benevolent after everything he was put through. They were meant to be neutral now with their last interaction and his father had sporadically sent letters inquiring about Cora's growth. Caroline took the initiative to write a short and polite reply that would keep both parties satisfied to save her husband the grief. It appeared he would have to purchase more letter paper and sighed under his breath, "I was hoping to enjoy the end of the year without hearing from him."

"Not with Cora around" he replied sympathetically since he would overhear his wife and Caroline worry about their littlest family member. He was now privy to the insider secrets of the town's popular couple and he was not surprised in the slightest about their true line of work. Like Martha, the protection of their town and their people was the heaviest risk with Cora's overall safety on the line. Unfortunately, her grandfather was insistent on having a relationship with her while everyone hoped there was no underlying malevolence. He was not a fighter by nature but he would help the couple with anything they needed. Knocking on the wall behind him, he hollered to his partner in crime that wandered upstairs, "Martha, can you get Connor's mail?"

"It's a big 'un" she called back since they kept all private mail upstairs, away from the general public. The storekeepers were used to envelopes and care packages but not sacks full of packages. As a worried family member, she set the packages aside in case they were dangerous. She only knew what her sister divulged to her and it was a situation the couple were trying to maneuver through in one piece. She dragged the sack of packages and tucked the pile of letters under her other arm before descending the stairs.

The heavy thud that echoed down the stairs didn't lighten Ratonhnhaké:ton's mood and he sighed under his breath, "Now I'm dreading it."

Martha was quick to descend the stairs to avoid waking her toddler from his naptime overhead. She tried to keep him close while at work whenever possible to never sever their bond or risk losing trust from her little one. The same was said for Cora whose parents never let her escape their sight, especially now that her grandfather knew of her. Martha's blue skirt fluttered against the stuffed knapsack as the brunette landed on the ground floor. Who knew packages could be so clunky? Like a good mail keeper, she dropped the bag beside the tall native and Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't help but stare at the bag that dwarfed his daughter.

He pondered over tossing it into the nearest open flame and pretending he never saw it to save himself the time. How many parcels were inside? Was it one or more? Cora waved her left hand at the delivery with curiosity but her father snatched her tiny hand away before blurting, "What in the world is inside? A person?"

"Letters and toys" Martha answered with a tight smile because the unpacking would not be fun. She and Walter had prodded the packages for anything suspicious before tossing their best weapon at each one. When in doubt, their fateful hound would help and she informed him helpfully, "We had our dog sniff each package just in case. Caroline gave us permission to toss anything off into the open firepit at the Mile's End."

"Thank you" he told them gratefully for their help to keep his daughter and wife safe from Haytham's clutches. He would not like to think that way but their tumultuous past did not leave him with positive memories. Cora was an innocent party dragged into their feud and though his wife tried to quell the fire, he could not trust his father. The Templar order would always loom in the background just as his own association with the Assassins would be ingrained in his image. Withholding a sigh at the large sack of mail, he told Cora absentmindedly, "Your grandfather is going to drive us insane."

Hoisting the back on his opposite shoulder, he bid the storekeepers farewell and Walter reminded him, "We have that fire pit in case you change your mind. It's worked great for Clara's letters after discovering the whole Templar thing."

"It is tempting" Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled faintly at tossing everything into scorching flames to be rid of it. Still, he had an obligation to read whatever his father sent for the safety of his family and the Order. He could not allow emotion to cloud his judgement anymore.

Thus, the duo returned back to their cozy cabin with Cora trying to outrun her father the moment he placed her back on the ground. While he dreaded bleeding knees, head injuries, or a sprain, she only sought freedom to explore her world. The age of toddlerhood would bring many trials on those quick feet but it was hard not to see himself in Cora. He was proud to give her a homestead where she could run to her heart's content instead of being caged in a city, like her mother once dreaded.

Cora's playtime ended when Caroline swept her up from the porch before she could escape to the rear of their home. Her little legs wiggled comically against her mother's gray skirt but Caroline was not releasing her bundle of energy anytime soon. Cora's dark blue eyes met Caroline's lighter shade for a pitiful morsel of freedom but the redhead advised her gently, "You've been running around since morning, it's time for milk and a snack."

Normally, Cora would try to barter for her freedom but she could sit for a tasty bite this time. She would not deny scrumptious treats and forgot about adventuring for now. While she clutched onto her mother, Caroline's gaze caught the fat sack of mail and her husband clarified, "From my father."

"Should I get the poker from the fireplace?" she grinned dryly but there was a grim edge to her voice because one never knew with Haytham. He could be having a pleasant conversation one second and shoot you dead in the next. She would be taking his letters with a grain of salt and judging him based on his actions, which did not have the greatest track record. She wanted to believe he could change for Cora but only time would tell.

"Martha set her hound on each one so I believe we are safe" he declined because he would not mind bashing each package for cathartic relief. On the other hand, if he was being truthful about Cora, he would not deny her an innocent toy.

He ushered his wife through the open door first and she reflected his sentiment when she pondered aloud, "What surprises await us?"

Shutting the door, he haphazardly dropped the mail sack on the floor and Caroline turned quickly to the cluttering noise. He shrugged halfheartedly for his carelessness but he was not eager to open every package. His wife tried not to laugh, ushering onwards with a flutter of her skirt to sit their daughter down for a snack. After years of wandering every trail in the town, she could estimate her family's return from the store whenever they picked up correspondence. Lunch would be prepared after Cora's snack since she would take a nap while she cooked away to keep the household running. By the look on her husband's face, she would be making a tasty lunch to wipe away the frown.

Ratonhnhaké:ton sat down beside his family at the table but turned away from them to begin opening the mail. In case anything was suspicious, he wanted to keep it away from Cora. Even now, he kept an eye on the old doll given to her by his father. There were several rectangular and square neatly wrapped packages inside the sack. He ripped one out to shred the paper into useless strips to reveal four wooden blocks that held his daughter's initials on each one. He shook one in case it was hollow on the inside and his eyes narrowed at the edges to find any odd cracks or risks for splinters. Even his special vision yielded nothing. The wooden blocks were intricately crafted and sanded finely with a smooth finish . . . hmm, his father might actually care about children's toys.

He placed the wooden blocks on the table before fetching another package to rip it open. Cora nibbled on her corn cake with one hand while the left tried to reach for the pretty wooden blocks. Caroline caught her tiny hand to remind her gently that her father was busy keeping her safe. Cora pouted slightly, crumbs falling off her bottom lip, and Caroline wiped her mouth with a faint smile. Cora whined in complaint for being tidied up before rubbing her own face to show she could do it herself. Her gumption amused Caroline, especially when Cora returned to devouring her bread by using her fingers to break away pieces. She attempted to dunk it in the cup of warm milk but her grip was not perfect and the morsel slipped free. Her blue eyes widened in dismay and before she could ask for help, Caroline fished it out with a spoon for her.

She reached for the spoon to pull it from her mother and returned to feeding herself. With each day, Caroline saw that her little one would not be a quitter. Her attention returned to her husband, who was now scrutinizing the fourth gift, and quirked an eyebrow when he squeezed the soft midsection of a new porcelain doll with dark hair. If there was anything suspicious, she would check the head but accidentally pulling it off would likely scare their child. He hid it in the empty chair behind him to continue his search in private and moved on to the small stack of letters.

Caroline was surprised when he handed the first envelope to her and informed, "From Aveline."

She was about to stuff the letter into her apron when another was thrust in her direction, "From Little."

Her hand did not even reach her pocket when her husband offered the third one with an amused smile, "From Elizabeth."

Her eager fingers snatched that one quickly to read it first from her beloved sister. Now that she claimed her independence and skill as an Assassin, she accepted all missions suited to her to build her experience. She was quickly rising in their ranks but Clipper kept a close eye on the redhead by innocently crossing her travel path when he could. Caroline appreciated it since she knew he hated the cities, much like herself, but Elizabeth sought to improve her long-range kills. Her parents did not approve of her solo adventuring but Caroline tried to reassure them that she was capable and knew when to leave a dangerous situation.

Ratonhnhaké:ton shook the fourth envelope with relief that none were from his father so far and questioned, "From Clipper . . . why are all of my Assassins writing to you?"

Caroline laughed merrily at his query since she took her role as his eyes and ears very seriously. She kept in constant contact with them to relay any concerns to her husband while he handled other matters in town. Bombarding him with problems from various ends could overwhelm him and she promised their home would be a safe haven for them. Just as they kept their bonds with the people of Davenport, the same dedication was bestowed on their Order. She snatched her letter from his fingers with a peppy smile and informed him sweetly, "To keep you afloat of all their dealings."

It was a tremendous help to have her oversee tasks when he was stretched thin years ago. Being at home rather than outdoors or the Aquila, Caroline was happy to take orders for their shipping business, the Order, or minor stuff in town. What originally became his study was now a shared office between them and Cora would cling to the desk legs or play underneath while her parents were occupied with paperwork. Ratonhnhaké:ton frowned at the last letter and refrained from crumpling it, telling his wife wryly, "Great, this one is from my father while I hoped for Stephane."

He tore the left side of the envelope to make less of a cleanup and shook it afterwards in case his father decided to pour in poisoned powder. Caroline shot him an amused stare for his cautious nature while ushering Cora to drink her milk. The toddler wrinkled her nose with a furrowed brow like her father and she claimed, "Bread fell."

Caroline reassured her that all had been removed since Cora liked to separate her food or would try to pick some off her own plate if contaminated. Cora was still too little to formulate a good argument, choosing to innocently stare at her mother, but Caroline pointed to the toys on the table to compromise, "If you drink your milk, you can play with one before nap time."

This compromise would suffice and Cora quickly grabbed her milk cup to begin drinking. With one problem down, Caroline turned to Ratonhnhaké:ton to inquire about his father's letter, "Anything foreboding?"

With a deep sigh, he straightened the folded paper and began reading,

Dearest Cora,

I am well aware your father is reading this letter but if I were to address it to him, it would fall into the nearest open flame. He and I will not have the kind of father-child relationship that you will undoubtedly share as his daughter. I have not made matters easy through my actions in the past and truces have failed thus far. However, your existence has thrown a bar into the running cog that has kept your father and I at different ends. You are a child of the new colonies, a bridge of the Old World to the New World through your parents and a new generation for this turbulent world. Although you are barely walking, I have no doubt you will be a sharp child. Forgive my lack of presence in your life because I will abide your parents' wishes to keep my distance to keep you safe from harm. I can only send you warm regards and toys to make you aware of who I am as you grow older. Enjoy the simple days of your youth.

Your grandfather,

Haytham Kenway

P.S. As for you, Connor, if she becomes ill during winter and cannot find a medic, you will come to my homestead. I will not visit this holiday to avoid souring your family bonding but I will be visiting next year. Be prepared for that because I will not be turned away.

"It's like reading two different people" Ratonhnhaké:ton blurted with exasperation at the tone of the letter, waving it indignantly. Before Cora was drawn to it, he folded it neatly to stuff it back in its envelope. He would have tossed it into the fireplace for burning later on but kept it for evidence. Or who knew, maybe Cora would want to read his letters one day. He would allow her to make her own judgement while his lay on a rock filled with numerous hairline cracks. If his father was being honest, could Cora change his mind on his plans of Templar supremacy when his would not? Gazing at his daughter as she focused intensely on finishing her milk, he mused aloud, "Will you really be his redemption for all of his atrocities?"

"Rakeni" she replied giddily with foam covering her top lip, earning a dab from a nearby cloth from her mother. She had no idea what her father said but his attention sent her over the moon. Ratonhnhaké:ton held out the letter to his wife and she exchanged it with their daughter, who clutched onto his shoulders with a bright smile.

"I have to keep you safe" he told her with a fatherly smile, brushing back her dark hair, and kissed her forehead to dote, "You are my world, little wolf."

---

9 January 1781

Haytham was becoming more annoyed with each passing week that his supposedly most loyal minion was skewering their plans. Did he really have to oversee everything like a parent now? Was it really that hard to follow instructions? He expected Charles to sharpen and abandon his lost cause in smearing Washington's name now that the commander was raking in high in popularity. The tide had turned in favor of the rebels as the height of the war was close to starting its conclusion. There were only so many resources England could utilize and the colonies were persistent with their own despite setbacks. His son had sided with their chaotic forces, believing he was doing good for the world, and they were indeed winning.

He did not see how a new nation would run smoothly if they won the war because everything would begin anew. A government was half-formed at the moment and who knew how it would develop once they claimed their independence. Forget a smoothly running economy when money was still dependent on the pound. How would they import enough resources to feed a growing population when they would likely be enemies with England and its allies for years to come? These were questions that he bet Connor had not planned on and Haytham needed him to be sharp for Cora's sake. She was now depending on him not to ruin her childhood like he had damaged his son's. Being an innocent entity, he had to keep her safe from danger just like his sister.

Trust would be hard to earn from Connor and Caroline after his screwup in Valley Forge as the war hurled to its end. Cora was his key to redemption and if he could save nobody else in both wars, he would find a way to secure her future. She held the potential to bridge both warring sides if he could leave a piece of his story with her so she could understand why he did the things he had. It was likely too late with Connor but he would try for her. Age was slowly creeping its cold tendrils onto him and despite his tenacity, he was aware that a new generation had taken hold of the New World. His original views of the world had been misshaped and twisted by the Order, decaying with time, and he would either have to sever it all or grant it new life within a new entity.

There were several ideas already floating in his head but again, time was the factor. In the meantime, all he could do was advise his second hand not to ruin their work. Again, Haytham had requested Lee's presence in Virginia for his latest thunderous exploit. Despite the frigid subfreezing winter, the man arrived without frostbite or injury. Now if he could apply this survivalist dedication to their work, Haytham would have no problems! Well, aside from family drama but that was his to solve. He summoned the man to question his sanity in goading Washington and his allies in his smearing campaign which was failing terribly. His spies had sent him word after his last incident in December and he wasted no time in getting word out to him to turn south.

"How is getting shot part of bringing down Washington?" Haytham asked bluntly to understand what drove his old protégé to partake in such immature actions. Had he been under the influence of alcohol or lost control of his emotions? Either did not bode well for his officer as he began to break the line from their focus to personal vendettas. He was lucky to have survived the bullet with a mild fever and a new scar.

The two men sat inside the privacy of his study while Lucy purposely used a broom outside the slightly ajar door. She was trying her earnest to be inconspicuous, given her order, but she wondered why her boss simply didn't have her to pretend to fix skewed paintings. Surely, that would be less obvious of her intentional eavesdropping? Still, orders were orders.

Charles slumped in his seat like a scolded puppy, shifting his gaze to the floor, before admitting embarrassingly, "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

When he first heard about Lee being shot, he assumed one of the Assassins had finally targeted him. For once, he was not eager to start a bloodbath between both factions after his son stated he was focusing on raising his granddaughter. After inquiring further, he was frustrated at learning one of Washington's aides shot him. Why? Because the man refused to leave the building where the commander had been rumored to be attending for a conference. Haytham wondered just how much of an attention-seeking ruckus he created to be shot and plummeting his reputation even further. At this point, he wondered if it was salvageable.

Trying to solve this strange puzzle, Haytham blurted the first thing that came to mind, "Were you trying to frame him?"

"Actually, that would have been a better idea" Charles replied sheepishly at his elder's suggestion and sunk further into his seat at Haytham's downright murderous glare. He admitted to being short-sighted and expecting his half-cocked plan to work in a building with officials guarding the rebellion's most popular agent. His letters to the press and other military officers had no effect and requests to speak openly in forums were also denied. What was he supposed do- nothing?!

Haytham ran a hand over his face to quell his rising frustration and muttered under his breath, "I am seriously questioning the last thirty years of my life."

Charles was not accustomed to irritating his leader but noticed he was shorter in speech recently. In the past, his words and orders were eloquently calm but not anymore. Had something changed? Was he being fed information from others? Is that why he was not traveling often nowadays? He was quick to attempt an apology for his behavior in the north, "Sir-"

"Our task is to gain a stronghold in the colonies, no matter the winning side" Haytham reminded sharply on why they traveled overseas two decades prior. They had begun with a firm foothold that strengthened across the colonies until he left in the mid-1750s to aid Jennifer. After his return years later, the work he built had slowly degraded into selfish goals for power, land, and money among his officers. This was after eradicating the entire Assassin's branch which should have made things easier. That was not his intent when carrying out the will of the Templar Order and he emphasized tightly, "It is no longer those in service to the Crown. Why are you undermining our goal for self-serving missions?"

His second-in-command hung his head with shame at losing sight of their original goal. He would do everything in his power to see the Templars stay in power but he also wanted to crush his enemies. Haytham, on the other hand, would kill only those that endangered the mission and that was currently not Washington. He knew when to hold his blade and be impartial when an enemy no longer classified in that list, unlike his colleague. Charles was at a loss for words on apologizing but still desired to burn down those who taunted him, "I . . ."

"It would be in your best interest to reflect on this" his leader suggested coolly to allow for meditation on his priorities regarding his place in the Templar Order. He had been optimistic with his original team when arriving in the colonies but all had been extinguished by his son with only Lee left. The protegee whom impressed him and idolized him was breaking off to follow his own personal goals which was not boding well. Like his son, Haytham could only remind him that obsessions could be fatal. He knew to be detached with enemies because allies could easily twist into adversaries overnight but Lee carried permanent grudges. He would not allow that behavior to continue unchecked and stated firmly, "Return when there is positive progress in our favor. You may rest here for the night."

In the past, the two would share lengthy conversations from numerous subjects. Nowadays, Haytham had to contain himself from losing his temper with the man with every incident report that was sent to him. He was having more patience with Connor, who drove him up a wall with his idealism instead of the man he had taught for more than two decades. It was the stark differences between the two men that tested his commitment now to his original vows to the Templar Order. Hopefully, this lecture would snap the man out of his vain mission and he heard Lee reply quietly, "Thank you, sir."

He waved his right hand to dismiss him from his study while also summoning his deterrent, "Lucy!"

The blonde was prompted to enter the room after placing her trusty broom against the adjacent wall. Tucking her blue skirt behind her, she motioned for Charles to exit the room behind her and informed politely, "Dinner will be at six and I have left fresh linens for you upstairs."

Their guest left the large study with quiet but hurried footsteps to escape Haytham's wrath. For the third time that day, Haytham wished for a drink but an inebriated mind would help nobody. He did not know what to do with Lee, briefly wondering if he could ship him overseas unwillingly. Weren't the French festering with issues right now as well? Maybe the Templars should switch focus there instead now that their forces were in the colonies. He gazed into the hypnotic orange glow of the fireplace to murmur dismally, "This does not bode well for our Order."

"It might be time to call new agents to serve the Templar ideals" Lucy suggested quietly to keep her neutral role, her job, and her head. She highly doubted her life would be in danger but survival was not easy in any of the colonies. If his current team was lousy, he should just clean house or smack them into order. It worked well with stubborn houseplants in the garden but humans were not easy to tame. There were times she understood the Templar ideals of order yet the ability to have a choice was also fair like the Assassins believed.

Haytham leaned into his elbow as it rested against the armrest of the chair, peering at his written journals on the shelves beside his desk, and commented flatly, "It's also time to wonder if my ideals vary from the acclaimed Templar doctrine and which one requires elimination."

"I'm going to vote for the one that doesn't exterminate what family you have left" Lucy piped up helpfully since they had stayed quiet for more than a year yet somehow, their agents stayed ahead. Her boss mentioned his son's wife was part of the opposition which meant the two were likely a formidable team in strategizing and communication. Meanwhile, Haytham struggled with his own team and stayed at home more than traveled nowadays.

With a polite curtsy, she excused herself but not before adding one last tip, "Maybe it's time to ask one of their own defected for recommendations on handling this situation."

She exited the room silently, closing the heavy double doors behind her, and Haytham mulled over the idea. It had not escaped his mind either in recent months and he decided to give it a try. If he saw no fruition, it was no burden to him. After all, his agents were at his disposal to carry out tasks but he would also begin to tread a fine line. Standing up, he left the warm comfort of his chair to sit down at his desk to grasp a piece of loose stationery paper. Grabbing the nearby quill, he inhaled to gather his thoughts and began to write,

I hope this letter finds you well, Cormac . . .

---

23 January 1781

The young men of Davenport gathered at Big Dave's workshop that cold morning to congregate. Norris had unloaded a new wheelbarrow full of ore for Big Dave to fulfill his order requests for the week. Each business built a partnership with one another to thrive and winter tied them together even more so. For the blacksmith, the winter months required ammunition for protection and hunting, horseshoes for traveling, and nails to reinforce weak areas of lumber in homes. What he didn't expect was a request for an engagement ring. The last man who had asked in the dead of winter was Ratonhnhaké:ton but the man had even fetched his own ore for his bride.

Most orders for the metals came to Norris who would find ideal pieces to give to Big Dave for each project. The last had been Michael and this time, it would be for his sister. Since his marriage to Amelia, Ruth had begun spending more time in her bakery. At first, he assumed his recent marriage shifted the family dynamics at home but she denied it. She adored having a sister-in-law and a little brotherly sleuthing with Sebastian found the reason to be Patrick Burnett. His sister had been closing on time but spent an hour or so conversing with the lumberjack before heading home. Once the blond duo discovered this, they scattered away into the night before being discovered and whacked with a broom.

For the redhead, he had trouble asking her to dinner when he was usually surrounded by his friends or Samuel. The smaller redhead was enchanted with her baked goods and spent his coin on sweets after work, which is exactly when he stopped by to see her. It took him an entire month to summon up the courage to ask her and that was after shooing Samuel out with a basket of muffins to buy time. Amelia found it sweet when her husband confessed his discovery and told him to leave them be until they desired to become public about it. With neither having parents in town or even in the colonies, their families would be the closest thing to receive blessings from.

With winter being the slowest season, Patrick decided to start early if Ruth chose to marry him. Unlike his cousins, his homestead was already built while Ruth's bakery could also add a second story for living space. However, he wanted her to keep the bakery to herself instead of intruding on her life's work. With a home already set, they only needed a ceremony and dinner to celebrate their new beginnings. That is, if she said yes. While all the men gathered highly doubted the blond would shut the door on him permanently, every man experienced nerves before asking.

"Thank you for helping me gather the materials for Ruth's ring" the redhead spoke aloud over the chilly wind as the men gathered around the hearth of the workshop. He knew he had true friends if they bore the morning cold for him. Despite arriving shortly after Caroline returned to town in 1775, he had built a positive reputation by working alongside his family and helping the townsfolk. Walter joked that Patrick practically built the general store after taking numerous jobs to earn enough coin to purchase his homestead.

Norris brought an assortment of ores to help his friend pick out the best metal for his bride. Ruth worked with her hands daily which would require a sturdy metal to withstand her ingredients. Patrick envisioned a dainty weightless ring that wouldn't bother her or get caught on anything. Otherwise, she might toss it out in frustration. After picking out a sturdy silver piece, David asked the redhead for his input, "What design are you looking for?"

Patrick waved a dismissive hand and shocked the whole congregation when he declared confidently, "Don't worry, I will make the ring myself and only need the tools."

Big Dave had never heard of someone attempting their own smithing work without experience and clarified with confusion, "Come again?"

"My lady should have a ring crafted by my own hands" he explained matter-of-factly to create a token of his love for her. They were both physical laborers by nature so he would pour his heart, sweat, and blood into the ring. While he was on a high cloud of love and confidence that refused to hear logic, his married friends stared in apprehension to the mayhem he was about to cause. Burnetts were known to be stubborn when they made decisions and often needed a reality check to see reason. The only exceptions so far were Alice and Amelia.

"I admire your commitment but I don't think this will end well" Walter winced with a half-hearted chuckle to dissuade his friend from ruining his gift. Worse, losing a finger.

"How hard is it to chisel a ring?" Patrick asked skeptically since it was a small piece of jewelry compared to larger objects. Wood was not malleable like metal so he expected to make his creation with a few forgiving errors. Norris and Ratonhnhaké:ton shared a look of uncertainty while Michael silently shook his head at the redhead, hoping he would take the signal. He pointed towards Big Dave, who was more amused than anything else, and told them, "Compared to the sturdier things he makes, this should be nothing. I'm not creating a weapon here, fellas."

"Not easy" the smith replied, trying not to laugh at his positive attitude, and wanted to see how this would play out. Ratonhnhaké:ton and Michael stepped back instantly from the group when Big Dave motioned to his tools laid out over his wooden workbench to offer, "Make your first pick."

The men were silent on the tragedy waiting to happen while Patrick approached the bench with a determined look in his eyes. Big Dave gave the group a reassuring wave behind the redhead's back since he wasn't about to have someone lose their fingers. Or have his tools ruined. He entertained children every once in a while, so he would treat Patrick as such. The lumberjack pointed to a round hammer, hoping this was the best tool, and went out on a limb by stating, "I'm going to give it my best shot . . . so the mallet?"

"Heaven help us" Norris sighed dismally when Patrick grabbed the asymmetrical lump of silver to hammer into the metal. After years of working as a collaborator with Big Dave, he knew that was not the first step in preparing ore for shaping. It pained him to see the poor metal hammered at and his blue-grey eyes darted towards the smith for intervention.

Michael attempted a last-ditch effort to sway his reasoning and raised his hands as he jumped forward to dissuade, "Patrick, we all support your decision to marry my sister but this idea is not the best."

He paused for a brief second at this to ask skeptically, "Really?"

"You're already damaging the metal" Norris pointed out flatly at watching tiny bits of metal fly off from the harsh trauma. Sure, he had other pieces of ore in his wheelbarrow but each earned his sweat and dedication to mine from the earth. No piece would be equal to another so he wanted each of his discoveries to be utilized appropriately.

His heart's fluttering stopped when the redhead listened to his advice instantly and exclaimed, "Oh no!"

"This is why we have a smith, Burnett" Ratonhnhaké:ton stated simply to leave the metallurgy to the experts. The most he would craft were bullets but he learned it from Achilles and the lumberjacks during his first year in Davenport. He would not test his luck with anything more than that and gladly paid for Big Dave's work. With a daughter to juggle, he would rather spend time with his family than pour hours into making ammunition. Although Caroline recounted days of watching her father make his own bullets, he would keep Cora at a safe distance once she was old enough to have self-restraint.

Patrick returned the mallet to the workbench, his shoulders sinking in failure to the marred ore, and he sighed disappointedly, "I thought I could do a half-decent job."

Walter clapped him on the back to lead him away from the workstation to quietly let Big Dave reclaim his rightful throne and told his friend, "That's not even close."

"It's going to be a pendant before it's a ring" Michael agreed with a sheepish smile at the shoddy smithing from the redhead. He did not want to crush his confidence but he also didn't want his sister to receive a half-crushed ring. Plus, Norris would likely cry at the ruined piece of metal. They all wanted to achieve a safe route where a suitable ring was produced and nobody lost a finger.

"Just make it look decent before I wreck everything" Patrick sighed morosely in defeat to relinquish all rights over the ring. He wanted Ruth to be happy in receiving her ring, not wince in anguish at a metal monstrosity. It was not how he wanted to begin his future and thought first of his bride-to-be rather than his pride. Burnetts could be hardheaded when they set their sights on a goal so he had to brush off that trait.

"I will say you're the first to try and make a ring" Big Dave laughed at his misguided enthusiasm to please his girlfriend but he had enough sense to listen to his friends. With a cheerful whistle, he grabbed a metal tong to grasp the ore to heat it over the open flame of the fire pit into the enclosed area of his shop. It was the warmest area of his workspace during winter but the group kept their distance to let their friend work safely.

Patrick looked at the quartet of married men, each who had proposed uniquely to their spouse, and pointed at each of them to ask with embarrassment, "Nobody else tried?"

Norris let out a sharp laugh at such a bad idea before declaring emphatically, "No!"

"Never" Ratonhnhaké:ton replied quietly because crafting jewelry was not his forte. He knew his limitations and he was not risking Caroline running away from his proposal from a terribly malformed ring. More than likely, he would have created a ring out of intertwined tree fibers before creating one from metal.

"Nope" Walter supplied because Martha would have shut the door in his face for being careless. He was not brave enough to face an open fire with molten metal so he was more than happy to pay a professional for the ring. It saved him pain, a dent in his pride, and the loss of a bride. Why his friend decided to make the ring himself was humorous.

"I prefer having fingers" Michael added in since his strength was with a pen, not a hammer, and wiggled his fingers. He needed to have working hands to provide for his family and Amelia would hurl a book at him if he decided to be foolish by being near dangerous objects. Even those that handled weapons would not trifle with smithing!

"Oh" Patrick muttered sheepishly at his sudden bout of idiocy and hoped to live it down. His group of friends were not gossipers but they could have loose lips with their wives, especially after drinking was involved. Why did he think he could craft a ring? He knew absolutely nothing about jewelry! He was meant to be sharp, not stupid. He did not want to run off his first love over something silly and pointed at the men to declare, "Not a word to Ruth about my foolishness."

Big Dave held onto the ore that glowed bright orange over the roaring fire and he called over to the group, "Can I do my job now?"

"Please, ignore my blunders" Patrick pleaded guiltily and would pay extra for wasting the man's time. Not to mention, risking damage to the metal that Norris mined. His friends were helping him with his proposal and he confided in them not letting him ruin it. He did not believe the nervous bouts that the others claimed before asking the question but he certainly did now. He simply wanted to have a happy home and family like his friends.

Norris gave him another helpful pat on the back for his thoughtful gesture with Ruth but advised him gently, "You can't be a jack of all trades, my friend."

The redhead nodded weakly but managed a lopsided smile to beam optimistically, "But I did give it a try."

"A spectacular failure of a try" Walter agreed with an amused laugh at his amateur smithing catastrophe. It figured one of them would try something insane on their path to marriage and he had always pegged Norris as the forerunner. Thankfully, Myriam only interrogated him twice before agreeing to his proposal in case it was a prank. He counted himself as the runner up since he invited the whole town to ask Martha and risked being turned down publicly. Ah, the things people did for love.

Patrick wasn't as enthused with his friend's remark and scuffed snow with his boot at him to chide, "Shut it."

"Can I go buy hot cider so we can regale each other with old silly feats?" Michael offered with chattering teeth since his mittens were no longer warming his fingers. With the dead of winter, warm liquids soothed the bones just as good as a fire. Being close to the Mile's End, he could just walk down the road to buy the mugs to set inside a wooden container for easy transport.

"Or you could get near the fire to stay warm" Big Dave suggested dryly to emphasize the roaring fire pit next to him that would toast anyone's bones. Was the group that much afraid of accidentally catching fire? The only people he wouldn't let approach his workstation would be children and inebriated adults, for which they were neither. Honestly, he was corralling boys at this point.

Ratonhnhaké:ton shifted in his spot before his gaze flickered over the shivering men to ask uncertainly, "You are all cold?"

"How are you not freezing?!" Norris declared with alarm at how little the cold dented the man when he wore the same layers as them. Did he line his clothes with wool or a piece of special fabric? He and Myriam were no experts with clothing so they tried their best, given their work outdoors. Ellen's shop came in handy to purchase tailored clothes, especially during winter when jackets saved one from a deadly cold.

The native shrugged halfheartedly since the weather was not the worst he endured after spending nights in a snow-covered forest. Being at home kept him warm at night now and he did not miss those frigid nights with piercing wind that shook the trees free of snow. This was nothing but he empathized with his friends since they were accustomed to returning home after a day's work. Walter shook his head at his brother-in-law's tenacity in the outdoors and claimed, "I swear you're part elemental."

---

17 March 1781

The arrival of spring brought the start of a new marriage in town between Patrick and Ruth. The baker had accepted after hearing about his dedication from her brother and thanked him for saving her beau's hands. Ruth was not extroverted like Michael, who had come out of his reserved shell after integrating with the town, and preferred to keep to her hobbies and work. Therefore, Patrick picked a Saturday after she was near closing time with no customers to pop in to ask the question. There was no fanfare or public gathering, just them, and a private dinner awaiting them back at his homestead down the road. Of course, he was prompt to return her before the late evening or risk an angry brother with a shotgun.

The ceremony was very much the same with the boisterous side being on the groom's side during the reception. Unlike Patrick's predecessors, there was no rowdiness or fighting to keep the mood lively from the vigor of alcohol. With the cold still lingering at night, most were seeking the hot drinks available rather than a cold brew. For Ratonhnhaké:ton, who abstained from alcohol, had to contend with others for the first time to make sure he had drink options available. He kept trying to feed Cora to prevent a cranky tantrum but she wanted to run around with Matthew and frolic underneath the tables. For the evening, Amelia and Alice volunteered to corral the children but the smallest ones were escape artists. While Matthew managed to be pinned onto Amelia's lap for a piece of wedding cake, Cora kept scrambling in circles around the adults. Even trying to catch her by her pink skirt or white ribbons around the waist was fruitless. Caroline intervened when Cora wiggled out of Alice's grip to wrap her into a bear hug of no escape.

The toddler blinked in a surprised stupor and settled down when catching a stern glint in her mother's eyes. She was quick to bury her face against Caroline's shoulder to avoid the glare, slumping innocently against her. This finally allowed Alice to relax and return to the gathered children eating at their designated table. With the festive mood in full swing, Norris patted the groom, who wore his best blue shirt and brown trousers, on the back and reminded him with a sly wink, "See? We told you it would all work out."

Patrick laughed awkwardly at his bumbling nerves back then and his ears tinged red when Ruth burst out laughing. She still found the story of her ring hilarious and now wore a slim band with engraved roses, gazing at it against her skirt. It was easier to clean her band and she feared no loss of gemstones during her daily work. Like Myriam, she wore a white dress of lace that she would store for special occasions or winter dances. Her groom groaned miserably at his lack of common sense and pointed out, "Nobody can predict the future . . . unless . . ."

Ratonhnhaké:ton tried to feed Cora a spoonful of mashed potatoes when he felt someone's gaze on him. Already aware that it was his cousin-in-law, he stated dryly, "I might be found mystifying based on my respect of nature but I cannot tell one's fortune."

"Believe me, we would've made a killing in that business" Caroline chuckled at the numerous roadside ideas that would have sustained their marriage in case they didn't have Davenport. They had an unconventional union that would draw attention and comments in the north and potential death in the southern colonies. She would not have hesitated to take advantage to earn money by utilizing feared stereotypes of the native tribes.

"Caroline" he spoke simply at her creative imagination because impersonations would only be done to complete a mission. He would not lower himself to make money . . . unless his family was starving. So far, they were flourishing and he aimed to keep it that way.

She grinned confidently at an adventurous life on the frontier as entertainers and suggested, "What? We could have dressed up for mysterious intrigue!"

"Or be chased out for being heathens" Myriam commented dryly because anything different than common-day norms would be ostracized. She still earned looks for wearing trousers into cities when she traded. How could a woman possibly hunt in the outdoors wearing a skirt? It was laughable and an accident waiting to happen. Even today, she wore a feminine pink blouse but dark male trousers to keep out cold drafts from the lingering cold nights.

Caroline smiled at her friend's remark and shrugged carelessly to reply nonchalantly, "Meh, not like we haven't experienced it before."

"Think of Cora" he reminded her because they were no longer a team that only worried about each other. They had a daughter that depended on them and had to teach her how to live honorably, even when society despised you based on appearance. She was still little but every impression left upon her would be remembered and he wanted her to have a more positive outlook than he did growing up.

"You have made your rakeni even more serious now" Caroline claimed to her pouting toddler as she tried picking at a slice of roasted beef instead of the potatoes. Cora was not interested in the offered spoon and kept pointing to her desired food. It was a test of will between father and daughter while Caroline watched them in amusement. While she was the firmer of the two when it came to parenting, Ratonhnhaké:ton was serious about good nutrition.

Before Cora began blubbering about wanting beef, Alice returned with a dish full of food and offered her free arm to her niece. The toddler's eyes lit up at smelling the aromatic beef and the pieces of pie made her wiggle instantly in her mother's grip. Caroline released her rambunctious child just as Alice chuckled softly, "Let's leave your ista and rakeni to speak with their friends, hmm?"

Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't help but feel slighted when Cora didn't even wave goodbye at them. He had been abandoned for food after failing to feed her a nutritious meal! Caroline grabbed the plate he was still holding out, trying not to laugh at his baffled expression, and reminded him, "She has the attention span of a rabbit right now. It's all hustle and bustle in her large world."

"I would have appreciated a goodbye" he muttered disappointedly and narrowed his eyes with insult when she ate the mashed potatoes. Was she avoiding vegetables too? He was not the socializing type at a party and hoped Cora would have shared his company. Instead, she was off to eat and play with the other children. He was glad to see her happy and taking part in her community with her peers, despite her small size.

"She'll be fine, she's your kid" Norris reassured his worrisome friend because the doors were sealed to avoid any little ones escaping. The children were also good with using the buddy system and Cora stuck to them closely. Ratonhnhaké:ton was not convinced by that and stuck closer to the wall so he could keep an eye over the entire hall.

Caroline pretended to ignore her husband's vigilance by hugging Ruth and smiling happily, "Congratulations and welcome to the family."

Releasing her, she teased her cousin on their new union by wagging a finger, "Take care of one another, no matter how big of a squabble."

"And welcome to our family . . . again" Michael said to Patrick with hesitation since they were already family after his marriage to Amelia. Shaking the redhead's hand, both men laughed at the turn of events in one year. It was a bittersweet moment to release his little sister from his home after years of being bundled together to survive. He was happy for her joy and could rest easier in worrying over their youngest sibling . . . who was wandering around somewhere with Samuel.

"May your days be happy" Amelia congratulated them with good hopes for their future. There were always nerves attached with the happiness of marriage but Davenport couples were sturdy. There would be good and bay days but love for each other couldn't be forgotten. Now that school was back in session, she often had to run after her spouse with a scarf before he flew out the door.

Martha glanced at her sisters with an amused smile to their recent celebrations and told their gathered group of married couples, "We're having a wedding every year now."

She and her sisters wore their wedding dresses that day to make use of the attire and shake off the cobwebs after last year's Christmas. Ruth would join them this Christmas with her own dress and she was ecstatic to officially join a new family. Walter matched his wife's curious smile at the chance to throw another party, plus wear nice clothes, and mused aloud, "Who will be next?"

There were still single residents in their town and the youngest children that arrived in town eleven years ago would walk the same shoes of the current young couples. At the same time, it was hard for the adults to avoid the subtle glances shared between Ellen and Big Dave nowadays. While the men poked the smith and the women teased the seamstress, they had no luck so far. Myriam tried her hand one more time and pointed to her friend, who was unsurprisingly speaking to the man in question, and grinned, "Ellen!"

Ellen scoffed at the idea of bearing another relationship after the last fiasco, quietly sipping her hot cider. She was far too busy with running her business and raising Maria into a respectable young lady. The largest obstacle that prevented her from moving on and she crossed her arms to remind them flatly with a thin-lipped smile, "Still theoretically married to an oaf."

"In the state of New York, not Massachusetts" Walter piped up helpfully since the records were not stored between states. It was too much work during a revolutionary war when monetary assets were needed more than marriage certificates. Who would care ten years from now?

"We need to find a good lawyer for our town" Caroline suggested quietly to her husband to search for legal aid in case they fell into a bind. Their closest asset was in the south with Aveline but they needed someone within quick reach. They had fighters, healers, farmers, business owners, and sailors, but nobody that understood the law fluently. They were very much still fresh and naïve in that aspect.

Ratonhnhaké:ton took it into mind because it would be to their advantage once the war ended. Caroline decided to throw in another potential candidate into their marriage hat and called out, "Eliza-"

"Don't you dare finish" her little sister interjected sharply about her nonexistent love life and she aimed to keep it that way. Clipper was a good friend and she did not want to ruin that trust with unresolved feelings. Her thirst to explore won over sentimentality now that she was independent in the world and had no desire to end that. She pointed to Cora as her little niece stuck her fork into her sliced roast and accused her sister, "Your weapon of cuteness is powerless against me."

"Aundie Wizzy" Cora squealed happily at the attention and waved in return like she did to everyone that crossed her path. It was hard for Elizabeth not to cave to whatever Cora or Matthew wanted as their aunt. She understood why Caroline tended to her and their youngest siblings the way she did when gazing at the little ones. How could she not adore them?

"Defenses weakening" she groaned miserably when her heart melted as an aunt and cursed that soppy emotion. The children drew her to their side just as Alice and Samuel did in their youth and she turned in their direction. Walking backwards, she wagged a finger at the couples to thwart their plotting and claimed proudly, "I refuse to marry but I will snuggle her."

Elizabeth quickly scuttled off to leave anymore gossip behind and decided to spend her time with the children and Alice. Caroline couldn't help but laugh at her bouncing green skirt, for which their mother undoubtedly lectured her into. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Cora before clutching her close with a happy laugh and reached over to ruffle Matthew's dark hair to give him the same attention. The married sisters allowed her escape but Martha couldn't help but chide her one last time, "Now that four of us are married, father will be happy to wait ten years for the next wedding so you're clear."

"Not to mention having grandchildren to focus on" Amelia added in since her parents were overjoyed spending their time with the children. Now that they had reached the end of their golden years and entered their twilight years, they were more than happy to enjoy more time to themselves. Of course, that meant their joy came from their family instead of work nowadays. She was glad that they were able to spend more time at home now that their hard years of physical labor were over.

"You're all terrible" Patrick laughed since he and Samuel picked up the slack to let the owners breathe freely. He had arrived in Davenport fresh off a boat from Scotland as a teen to live beside his uncle's family and grew into a man with a secure job and homestead. He could not be happier with his life and share his success with his new bride, who held her own success. Ruth's blue eyes twinkled in amusement and he whispered in reassurance, "I swear we're only like this at weddings."

"Enjoy your first year as a couple" Caroline told the duo with a hopeful smile for their new lives together. Her generation was flourishing in their golden years with marriage and children while the next was being pushed into young adulthood. Time did not stop but she treasured her years beside her childhood family and adored her own family now. Glancing over her right shoulder at her husband, she chastised his vigilant eye, "Oh, goodness, she'll be fine, Ratonhnhaké:ton."

---

24 April 1781

Cora's second year of life and Ratonhnhaké:ton's twenty-fifth arrived swiftly with the family celebrating privately at home. Her first birthday had been cherished by the town for her sturdy survival but her parents desired to spend it together at home this time. Neither of the two parents celebrated birthdays but Caroline would always prepare delicious food or bake a pastry (or order one now that Ruth was present) to show her love. Last year, the couple kept strict watch over her health and growth as Cora depended heavily on them. Now, they were running after her to thwart any bumps or bruises from her eager exploration around town. As her motor skills developed, Caroline had to keep the doors locked to prevent her small hands from trying to jiggle the doorknob. Cora's parents had no doubt she was sharp but there was a lot of accident-prone behavior attached to that bravery.

The littlest Burnett was on yet another run out the door when she spotted her father opening it. Late morning led Ratonhnhaké:ton to cleaning the horse stables with Caroline now that Elizabeth was on assignment with Clipper in the north. The two were tasked with contract strikes on Templar officers rather than surveillance over stronger officers like Lee. With Elizabeth still being new to the order, he would gradually expose her to riskier missions. He and Caroline worked well together as traveling partners with her keeping him grounded while Clipper did the same for Elizabeth. Without her help with the horse rehab center, it was up to him to take care of the horses. Cora, as always, was happy to join her father and pet the horses.

"We're going to clean the stable!" he called over his shoulder to alert his wife of their whereabouts for the next hour. Caroline would join them soon after preparing her dough for meat pastries for their lunch to let it rest. The redhead grunted while she kneaded the stubborn dough into a perfect ball on the countertop and returned a warm farewell. She would rather deal with stubborn laundry stains than messy dough.

"I go see horsies!" Cora rejoiced, waving her arms in the air, as she darted forward to escape her home. Her blue bonnet fell onto her shoulders immediately, bouncing off her brown skirt with each hurried step. She loved seeing animals but her parents were always by her side to avoid injuries or accidents.

Ratonhnhaké:ton chased his daughter playfully out the door, tickling her backside to stir laughter from her, but stopped halfway past the porch. He was swift in clutching her around the shoulders to his chest in alarm, glaring immediately at the unexpected guest to his homestead.

Haytham.

He almost didn't recognize him since he was not wearing his old-fashioned blue attire but that of a casual brown. When did he go around appearing like an everyday resident? Sophistication was embedded in his father's personality, which clashed heavily against the down-to-earth appearance. Well, he did keep the cape in a richer mahogany color so there was that. Was he trying to trick him by appearing benevolent? Why had he returned again? Couldn't he consolidate his power in Virginia?

"Did we not escape you for another year?" Ratonhnhaké:ton questioned with a mix of irritation and dismay to his unwanted arrival. He really wanted to get his daily chores over with so he could spend time with Cora by walking the trails around the cove. With the snow of winter gone, she liked to walk over the rocky terrain to pick up little rocks to decorate their garden. The pretty stones would add to the stone barriers around the flower beds of her mother and she was proud to contribute.

"I respected the one-year request that is now void" Haytham pointed out to his last visit over a year ago when Cora had barely begun walking. Now, the little girl was running faster than her father to who knows where. Her raven hair and dark blue eyes remained the same against her fair face as she eyed him with suspicion. Being an infant back then, he did not expect her to remember him at all and introduced himself again, "Hello there, Cora."

She blinked with an uncertain pout at the stranger, turning to her father for guidance, and asked, "Rakeni?"

"I am your grandpapa" Haytham told her with a faint but warm smile aimed only for those he would care for. He was not a sentimental or emotional man but he did protect those he deemed family and friends. The latter always held the chance for betrayal but he held very little at his age nowadays to care. His granddaughter was the last piece of his bloodline now and a chance to break the cycle of tragedies in their family line.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was ready to add a correction to that claim and met his daughter's gaze to emphasize firmly, "That lives far away and will rarely be seen, like a white beaver."

"You make me sound like an ogre" he shot back incredulously at the comparison of an elusive creature that only arose once a decade. He would not be crass to ignore his grandchild but his son clearly did not believe his genuine intentions. Then again, he could not blame him after all of the mind twists he and his agents conducted.

"Did I strike close to your heart?" his son questioned dryly about his secret plots to derail his work and manipulate his trust. He was naïve in believing his father could change and this new effort to turn a new leaf still kept him skeptical. If he had been somewhat understanding by leashing Lee against his people, he would offer to listen. Now, he just wanted to use a broom or hurl a bucket of water at him.

Haytham's gaze narrowed with offense and he stated flatly, "You are becoming better at comebacks, I'll give you that."

"Why are you here?" Ratonhnhaké:ton asked firmly because he did not have a free schedule to chat all day. Well, he had time after his chores before lunchtime but reserved that time for Cora. Catering to his father was no longer on the menu after their last mission together and his family was the only thing keeping him back from freely speaking his mind.

"To see my granddaughter, after all" Haytham emphasized truthfully after only seeing her once since she would never remember him that way. He wanted to know if she was healthy and thriving after his letters were never replied to. It was expected after his less-than-warm reception but he was honest in making amends through her. Leaning against the beams of the porch, he reasoned nonchalantly, "Seeing as you failed to write back, I was prompted to investigate."

Ratonhnhaké:ton hoped his silence would be taken as a message to never return but his father was persistent. Caroline offered to write a short note in reply but he refused to waste her time. He did not know how long he would insist on this supposed new change but would tread carefully in protecting Cora. She deserved only positive and good people in her life, not those who would use her as nothing more than a tool. He could not help but chide his father's priority of the Templar Order and remarked, "And take you away from your Templar plotting?"

"I have begun . . . restructuring" he answered hesitantly about his work to keep a tight lid on his disappointment with Lee. He was too embarrassed to discuss his careless ploys with anybody else, taking responsibility for not being able to control him. Correspondence was mailed across the sea to further understand the strengths and weaknesses of the Assassins in comparison to the Templars. For the first time, he agreed a ceasefire might be in their best interest since his son was winning the war for the rebels and annihilating their forces. All of that was before he left the field two years prior with Cora's birth, leaving most of the work to his agents. If he returned at full force, the Templars would be extinct.

The overprotection that failed to instill in his agents was clear in his voice when Ratonhnhaké:ton threatened, "If you attack my friends-"

"Your colleagues are simply that, not friends" he replied tastelessly but briefly wondered if his son was the determinate factor that earned such loyalty from his forces. The previous generation had been annihilated after seeding doubt with their questionable goals. They had also been zealous with the Precursor artifacts but with no knowledge like children in the dark playing with dangerous toys. His son's generation, however, was quite different as they bonded tightly and did not engage in cutthroat tactics or hunting for the artifacts. He initially assumed the new generation would be weaker but they had dispatched his officers in less than ten years, regaining the ground lost by Achille's downfall. There was a begrudging pride in their success and he told his son absentmindedly, "Less chance of betrayal."

"Not with this branch" he rejected tightly because he trusted his friends and they had not failed him. His wife strengthened their loyalty by keeping his original proteges close and maintaining open communication with their younger agents. She and Elizabeth were in constant communication now that they established their own agents in the post office. Caroline had sprouted the idea after their visit to Haytham's estate to keep their communication strictly private. Duncan oversaw the affiliated post offices himself while Stephane focused on purchasing inns in nearby colonies to provide safe housing to their agents, much like Altaïr's old bureaus of safety. Despite his low activity over the past three years, Ratonhnhaké:ton and Caroline expanded their Order from within. He refused to believe his father's false dribble and glared at him to insult coldly, "We're not like your kind."

"We all share in extinguishing lives . . . of fire" Haytham reasoned simply to the weaknesses in humanity that spiraled them into chaos under strenuous circumstances. Would his allies keep their mouth shut under torture? Did they truly hold unbreakable loyalty? For his son's sake, he hoped so. He corrected the end of his sentence to protect Cora's ears and assured his annoyed son, "That's what I meant to say."

He did not buy his excuse for a second, adjusting Cora in his arms, and stated dryly, "You have a long way to go, grandpapa."

"Work in progress" Haytham dismissed hastily because he would not be winning any fatherly awards anytime soon. Being paternal was a foreign concept to him after losing his own father at an early age and forming little attachments to others. Ziio was the only one who intrigued him and her ability to defeat him with the natural environment impressed him. Now, their granddaughter required his protection after his failure with their son. He and Ratonhnhaké:ton might not agree with each other but they shared a love for Cora. Haytham slipped off the travel pack that was full of gifts more than private belongings and told him, "I did bring her some toys and a few dresses now that spring is here."

Ratonhnhaké:ton provided enough for his daughter and refused to have her spoiled. He heard enough stories from the residents on the stark differences between social classes among colonials. He would not teach Cora such materialistic views and chastised him, "Why are you buying all this?"

Given that his access to his grandchild was greatly limited, he could only provide gifts. Hopefully, the last had not been tossed into the fire as promised. His son would not be so crude to Cora but then again, his drive to protect her would lead him to annihilate any dangers. Did that add strength or weakness to them? If his agents discovered his current actions, it would bring his loyalty into question. He was meant to destroy the Assassins and reach the Templar goal of order . . . but that angle did not suffice anymore. For the first time, he wanted to ignore the world and enjoy some time with Cora simply as her grandfather alone. Of course, he could not vocalize such to his son and answered curtly, "To give her a token of remembrance and to obey her father's visiting rules."

Ratonhnhaké:ton was not happy that he adhered to his rules for the first time and had no comeback. If his father thought he would drop his guard, he was dead wrong. His complacency to follow someone else's rules were not normal unless he was the boss so Ratonhnhaké:ton was suspicious. He clutched his daughter tightly into his right arm to keep her closer to the door and called out to Caroline in alert, "My father has decided to visit again."

From inside, Caroline sighed under her breath at their disruption and covered her ball of dough with a cloth. She had to tidy up her powdery appearance and grab a small knife for extra protection. Neutral ground would be adhered to at a certain point. Her husband was still not a fan of his father's but she did not want a fight to break out. She still believed in a chance for a ceasefire, even if it were for a few years, but it would be something for their daughter.

Cora was not a fan of being kept off the ground and her name being attached to a mysterious bag drew her curiosity. She was still too young to learn right from wrong which led to a very vigilant Ratonhnhaké:ton. Anything with her name on it would be demanded by Cora. Her little hands pointed in the direction of the bag and she looked to her father with shyness to ask, "Mine?"

"After rakeni cleans them" he advised gently because he would dissemble the toys to find anything malicious. The first two batches were clean but for all he knew, the third batch was tainted! Cora did not understand the dangers of gifts from strangers and he would teach her not to believe everything she heard as he once had.

Haytham refrained from throwing up his hands in frustration and pointed out sharply, "Again, I would not harm a child – much less my own grandchild."

Sucking in a deep breath, he did not glance at either of the two before muttering tensely, "Cora, say hello to your grandfather."

"I prefer grandpapa" Haytham piped up at his chosen nickname for his only grandchild. With two waging wars, one secret and one public, who knew if he would see Cora grow or meet her future siblings. His legacy would remain in her memories until one day, she would return to the earth too.

Ratonhnhaké:ton was prompt in correcting him on who called the shots by ordering, "You will prefer what I say."

"Point taken" his father sighed disappointedly since he was at the man's mercy now. He could easily decide to kick him off the property and break off contact forever.

Cora furrowed her brow at the revelation and only knew of one grandfather. Her beloved senair was nowhere in sight with her grandmother by the road nor by the hill across the bridge. Ratonhnhaké:ton brushed his left hand across her braided hair, regretful that his side of the family was not as loving as his wife's. He did not want to upset Cora's world but she would one day learn of his roots, whether by him or gossip. Offering a faint smile, he explained the situation to her, "No, seanair is ista's rakeni. This is . . ." with a flat tone, he finished in English, "my father."

"I should take offense but I won't" Haytham replied simply since he had not given off the most paternal traits of most men. His own father never tried to attack or trick him but he and Edward shared a different origin than he and Ratonhnhaké:ton. For Cora and his son, it was clear that their bond was airtight and loving. Haytham might not have given him the father figure he needed during a crucial point in his childhood but he would not take Cora's away.

Her blue eyes lit up at meeting a new family member and wondered why she had not seen him before. She thought all her family members were her parents, not only her mother's. Her little hands waved in welcome as she beamed happily to greet, "Hi, gwam-pop-pop!"

"You are going to confuse the child with three languages" Haytham sighed at the mashup of three languages in one sentence. How was the poor child not boggled? By the look on her face, however, she understood every word shared between them. Clearly, the English word for grandfather was new for her but she was eager to try out the new sound. Nodding in approval, he discarded his previous statement and complimented, "Or she might be fantastically brilliant if she understands all of it."

A faint smirk crossed his lips before he declared in proud afterthought, "Then again, she is a Kenway . . . and a Burnett before your mother shoots me."

"I heard that" Caroline's voice called back from inside the home, followed by her footsteps over the floorboards. She did not carry her handy shotgun in her hands but it was not far from reach. It had been over a year since they last encountered each other but something was amiss in the man's usually confident style and it wasn't the new attire. Crossing her arms, she nodded politely before greeting him as she always had, "Mr. Kenway."

It was balanced for Haytham to engage one parent but two was a tad trickier. He really hated aging right about now. Thankfully, his daughter-in-law wasn't holding a shotgun this time. Peering at his granddaughter, he spoke to her in a light tone tinged with humor, "Might I spend at least some time with you before I'm unceremoniously tattered by silver bullets?"

"Since we are trying to be cordial, fine" Caroline agreed with a firm tone to set the ground rules for this next interaction. She was aware Haytham was a dangerous individual but he targeted adults only. In their travels, he would nag about people in their way but never uttered a peep about bothersome children in the street. She agreed with Ratonhnhaké:ton that he could try to use Cora but not in a way that meant harm. He might try some indoctrination tactics like he did with her but she would take a risk by saying he would not hurt her. Regardless of her internal conflict, she informed him with a motherly glare, "My husband and I will toss you if anything is amiss."

"I am getting too old to tussle" Haytham muttered with disdain as travel began to wear on his bones in the last winter. He opted for staying indoors longer nowadays but cursed himself for becoming soft against the elements. It wasn't too long ago that he traveled with his son and daughter-in-law in the freezing cold to find Church. The elimination of that man allowed him to push forward with purging those that no longer shared his ideals.

Ratonhnhaké:ton snorted with skepticism because they fought like cats and dogs in the past, pointing out coldly, "I highly doubt that, old man."

With the two at a decent stalemate, Caroline decided to be a good hostess for the conversation that lay ahead and informed them, "I will set out some juice and biscuits."

Haytham silently rejoiced for sustenance after a rabbit escaped his clutches that morning. If he showed his face at the nearby inn, his son would have been alerted and his surprise may have been thwarted. Hopefully, his trap would yield a new catch by the time he returned to his campsite later. Caroline turned to head indoors and nodded to the Templar with a subtle warning, "Do play nice," before gazing at her husband to smile sweetly, "and dear, do confiscate his hidden blades before he sits on the bench."

"I relinquish them willingly" Haytham assured them swiftly before releasing the leather binds of each gauntlet. He knew the drill when visiting the homestead and set them aside on the opposite side of the wooden floor. Ratonhnhaké:ton was surprised they weren't tossed at his head again and assumed it was due to Cora being in his arms. He bit back a frustrated breath when his father simply sat down on the porch bench as if he was an everyday visitor. His personality shifted when geared towards Cora and Haytham asked her with a cheerful tone, "Would you like to hear a story?"

"Yes!" Cora declared with a clap of her hands and wiggled in her father's grip. Ratonhnhaké:ton took a hit for his daughter by sitting down beside the man that came close to harming his village. Despite he pleaded it was Lee, the original orders were still handed out by him. How was he going to traverse a peaceful bridge with him after their complex history? Cora knew none of it and he refused to expose her to his world until she was much older.

"Keep it child safe" he warned carefully because he would easily push her through the open doorway to chase him away. His vision instinctively sought the nearest escape routes and objects to use against enemies. The long years of being vigilant of his surroundings to stop any attacks had now become second nature for him. He could no longer feel comfortable in his own home and disliked that feeling greatly. His sanctuary had been infiltrated and he yearned to kick his father off his land.

"You underestimate my grandfatherly abilities" his father snapped with insult, hoping he would leave a better mark as a grandfather. He already left his fatherly role in taters that were trampled repeatedly with only himself to blame. The chance given to him during their travel south to the islands had been wasted and Ratonhnhaké:ton would not forget easily. Manipulation and power had always earned him success but his son was like Ziio, rejecting such means. This was the closest he could get to him after Valley Forge and he spoke freely, "I might have ruined my chances of raising you and earning your respect but I will try for hers."

For Ratonhnhaké:ton, sentimentality and regret was too late to mend the damage from their last mission. He had shattered the little semblance of trust garnered and led him into a deadly altercation with a childhood friend. That was not an easy moment to forgive and he would carry those scars forever. He would not allow the same fate to befall Cora and hissed tightly, "I do not care if you disappoint me but do not hurt her or I will kill you."

"What happened to child safe words?" Haytham interjected quickly to keep their violent past and current work out of her ears.

His son did not stop to blink before he corrected himself to maintain his threat, "I will end you."

Haytham cleared his throat awkwardly to refocus on the dark-haired toddler and offered, "How about I tell you about a cat I had as a child?"

"I have a toohkey" she declared giddily about the pet bird on their property, enjoying his silent prowling when she was outside. Her mother told her to always stick close to him if there ever came a time when neither she nor her father were visible. Cora would leave bread crumbs for him after breakfast and dinner, visiting his tree to drop off a handful of feed after her father handed out his usual meal.

"She means turkey" Ratonhnhaké:ton corrected to help her pronounce the harder letters of the alphabet she had trouble with.

"Yes, that accursed fowl" Haytham murmured with annoyance to the one animal that dared to catch him unaware. He would never live down that embarrassment! If it was not the pet of the family, he would have shot it for a meal on his first visit. He could no longer do that and mulled over that sour thought, telling her hastily, "Well, my cat was far more noble."

"Sure, it was" his son commented quietly, finding it hard to imagine his father as a child. Did his grandfather become irritated at his cocky attitude? Or did he change drastically after his death? He refused to ponder the idea of being similar to him in childhood. Had he always held a luxurious lifestyle in colonial society? These were questions that largely went unanswered despite their short time together at sea. Was it those old memories or his mother's that stayed his blade?

Haytham was oblivious to his son's ruminations and went on to tell his tale about the feline, "Well, I was a lucky boy that I could have a leisure animal rather than for sport or protection. He was free to roam outdoors but would be by my windowsill by nightfall to stay indoors. Lightning was his name because I could never catch him so I made sure I was the fastest boy in the neighborhood. He was a good friend for one who had endless study schedules."

His childhood days were rarely reminisced after trying to erase those early years. Whether it was from his own free will or Birch's twisting of perception, he was unsure. While his father encouraged him to think freely, his mother scarcely approved of his interests and skills. After all, she refused to even utter a word after he defended himself against attackers on the fateful night his father died. On the other hand, Ziio and Caroline taught their children how to defend themselves. Cora was little but he did not doubt she'd hurl a stone at him if frightened. Ratonhnhaké:ton's voice broke into his thoughts when he remarked dryly, "I find it hard to believe you had a cat."

"I find it hard to believe you have a child but here we are" he shot back snippily to their lot in life and wondered how his son pinned down a wife. He still remembered the shock of discovering it on the Aquila and hounding him for answers. Ratonhnhaké:ton would not be sharing his love life with anyone, much less his absent father. Haytham did not doubt the loyalty of the couple and seeing them on an active battlefield made them formidable.

"Gentlemen" Caroline interrupted to be the peacemaker and set down three cups of grape juice and a plate of day-old but warm biscuits with fruit preserves on the side. She needed them to play nice for Cora or she would cut everything short before fetching Florence off the mantle. If this is how all of their family reunions would be like, she would be playing mediator the whole time.

"Enjoy your childhood with your animal friends because they are bound to leave this life sooner than yours" Haytham advised his granddaughter, who nodded agreeably like any curious child, and Ratonhnhaké:ton wondered who switched this man with his cantankerous father. Cora had yet to see who her paternal grandfather really was but if Haytham kept conversation polite, he would not retaliate. Peace would not be an easy road but he would do it for her and all of humanity. Why destiny chose to have this land on their family was a mystery. Haytham's gaze scanned the floorboards of the porch for the fowl in question and added in sarcastically, "Even if it is a murderous turkey."

Ratonhnhaké:ton thanked his ancestors for their loyal turkey, ashamed that he initially wanted to shoo him away. His wife, however, had been quite insistent on keeping him. Living in the wilderness meant he would be eaten at some point and on their homestead, he had some protection and offered the same in exchange. Caroline kept a straight face as she leaned against the porch railing and spoke confidently, "Sir Cornelius does not take insults lightly."

"Do you plan on staying near my town?" Ratonhnhaké:ton inquired with an intense gaze that silently threatened the truth. Spring allowed easier travel than winter so his father had no excuse for lingering after he left their home. He would escort him personally to the outskirts of town if he needed to and watch him become a speck in the road.

Haytham's reply was evasive as ever as he shrugged nonchalantly and replied with disinterest, "A day or so, I have a meeting in New York."

His work for the Templars would still be hidden from his son, given his affiliation. Balancing a role for an Assassin-associated family and his work for the opposite faction would not be easy. His son hardly believed his intentions now while his daughter-in-law was shrewdly observant. Cora was the only one smiling at him with curiosity while she quietly sipped her juice, her dark blue eyes analyzing him. Ratonhnhaké:ton couldn't help but remark with the same disinterested voice to chide, "For planning my demise, no doubt."

"Believe me when I say I am altering my Order" he protested vehemently to drill the truth into his head but actions would likely work better. He would not engage his son in a fight and silently hoped Lee wouldn't do anything stupid to trigger said altercation. Again, he was playing a game of stalemate on both sides while he figured out how to manage his faction. He had originally believed Lee held the best traits to see their Order forward but that conviction wavered now. Would he be swayed so easily with personal vendettas again than the overall goal? It would only redirect him to find a second candidate and like his son, he would rather keep Cora and any other descendants out of the war. One day, he hoped his family would understand his motives and told him pensively, "Whether I live to see it will be up to you."

Ratonhnhaké:ton wanted no part of his father's secret planning anymore after their last joint effort and stated coldly, "I will no longer carry the burden of your trail of death."

"We are keeping business out of the ears of little ones" Caroline intervened with a sharp reminder of the rules for both sides. This time, she aimed a knowing glance at her husband to contain his contempt. Haytham was surprisingly behaving and engaging their granddaughter rather than them. Still, she motioned towards her innocent daughter and warned them calmly, "You may discuss that further without us."

Haytham was not going to ruin his chances with Cora after failing his son. He had also not traveled a short distance to only be kicked out within fifteen minutes of arrival. His chance to spend time with her outweighed his Templar life and he interjected, "No, I would rather avoid it altogether. I am here for her."

Cora grabbed one of the circular biscuits to hold it out to him with a bright smile before declaring confidently, "Bis-cut!"

"Thank you, my dear" he accepted and bit into the soft and buttery offering with gratitude. The morning walk into the town left him famished and he would take the biscuit over starvation. His daughter-in-law was clearly a good host or maybe she was repaying the favor from her visit to his estate. That small reprieve was the only time he ever felt close to his son, despite how much he eyed the walls with suspicion. Inviting them did have the ulterior motive of earning their trust but as his father, there was satisfaction in achieving that. Unfortunately, he made a catastrophic choice at Valley Forge by keeping secrets for his benefit rather than his son's peace of mind. Cora grabbed a biscuit of her own before biting into it with a giggle and Haytham glanced at the couple to advise them, "For all your sakes, stay in Davenport and never let her travel until the war is over."

Their worry that Cora could be captured and used against them would come true if her existence was discovered. Haytham was extremely careful in his travels north to see her and if forced, he would eliminate any risks from his side. He and Ratonhnhaké:ton already had their shaky ground but he would not allow Cora to be injured. As a Templar, he knew a threat to her would bring her parents to their knees and incapacitate the order . . . but he would not cave to that side of himself. For the first time, he was choosing to protect the last remnant of his family.

"Note taken" Caroline spoke quietly to the dangers awaiting her family outside of Davenport. She had not traveled into Boston or any other place since her pregnancy but it would undoubtedly happen. Cora would be safest with her godmother if there was ever a threat to her or Ratonhnhaké:ton, as long as her identity remained secret. If Haytham wanted them dead, they could have been killed on that first night he arrived. Instead, this was his third visit without incident so she began to believe that Cora was not his target. Were they the target? Did he aim to have her as a protégé? His words to keep her away from both sides decreased that worry briefly and she broke from those dark thoughts to suggest to her daughter with a warm smile, "Now, Cora, would you like to tell us what rocks you found yesterday?"

Cora jumped up from her seat with enthusiasm to wave her half-eaten biscuit to answer, "Yes!"

Myriam and Norris happened to walk by the dusty road in front of their home with pelts stretched across both shoulders. The couple always headed north in the morning to skin and dry her catches before returning with the finished product to their homestead. The miner and huntress could not help but pause when they noticed the familiar man from their trip south to New York. Plus, their neighbors had Lance sketch a very good portrait of Ratonhnhaké:ton's father with a 'warning' sign on it.

The two noticed Caroline with her back to the railing of the porch with Ratonhnhaké:ton sitting beside the man in question, none too happy about it. Cora was absorbed in recounting her daily tales like she did to every resident and focused entirely on the visitor. Norris couldn't help but stop in his tracks, pointing at the man, and asked aloud with confusion, "Is that-"

"Don't ask – keep moving" Caroline interjected to stop the endless questions that were undoubtedly filling their minds. The town already knew about his impromptu visits and to never engage him. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton would handle Haytham without risking their town's interference. Since he was only interested in their homestead, they preferred to handle the matter privately. Turning around, she smiled at her friends to reassure them, "We're not being held hostage."

Ratonhnhaké:ton learned to always have a backup plan from his wife and was quick to add in with a dry tone, "But do shoot him if we don't approach town in an hour."

"You are absolutely terrible with child-friendly words" Haytham sighed with embarrassment at what his son was exposing Cora to in language. Yet, he was the one seen as a negative influence? Well, every parent couldn't be perfect. Ignoring the glare from his son, he smiled warmly at Cora who was describing fishes she saw in the cove, and spurred her on, "Do tell me of your little fishes."

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A/N: Apologies for the very long wait but life gets in the way to pull one away during stressful times (finishing school, certification boards, new career, new coworkers, etc.). Of course, the hiatus meant shaking off my writing cobwebs and returning to my stress relief with chapters like this. The Kenway family has the most interesting dynamic in the AC universe which is explored further now with Haytham and Cora. While Connor is suspicious of everything, Cora is a new hope for the old Templar as the two sides try for peace again. For once, he is putting the same effort of Connor for her sake which we will see develop as the chapters head into the final two years. In the next chapter, the family prepares to head into the Battle of Chesapeake Bay which is another chapter I have been eager to write since all the Assassins meet up by land and sea. At the same time, the showdown between Connor and Haytham. I cannot stress how much your input has shaped the flow of this story, particularly Haytham's path, and my appreciation for it!

East Coast Captain: In the Forsaken novel, a homestead in Virginia was mentioned so I used that for Haytham's home in this story. I can imagine her exploring every nook and cranny for secret hiding spots. He was dedicated in finding and keeping his sister safe so I can only imagine that same protectiveness over Cora, especially as the clash between Charles and Connor approaches. Caroline is playing the peacemaker now in the family, much like Connor with the lumberjacks when they wanted to fight. Given how much input you and the readers have disclosed, Shay will definitely return for this story while Arno will be reserved for Cora's generation. I agree that there is a moral compass in Shay, way more than Lee, and he will understand Haytham's dilemma. Arno is another that will understand Cora's need for peace - for which I really would have liked Elise's character to live to meet other like-minded Templars.

iHateFridays: Thank you, I am happy to hear it!

ThyDevoutBeliever: I hope this chapter pleased you with Grandpapa Haytham and Cora while Connor eyes him skeptically. There will be more in the next chapter for another Kenway reunion. Shay will definitely return for this story to take part in the endgame while his descendants will both assist and obstruct Cora's vision.

taylor115: I also forgot that Edward's first wife was named Caroline until replaying scenes for this story! I have also been having issues with the site not sending messages/new chapter updates/alerts. Even into this year.

Next Chapter Excerpt:

Cora was indeed the last hope to escape the war unscathed but only if both sides protected her. Exposure from either side would target her and he could not guarantee her safety from his own faction. Haytham saw a huge liability in the town the couple held dear as well and advised the couple, "Don't raise her in the middle of this chaos. Take her out west where it's more stable. Wild, yes, but less conflict."

"We already live in an isolated land" she pointed out to the rural quietness of their town that yielded danger only from wildlife and robbers. They were not defenseless and protected each other with every altercation to keep everyone safe. Traveling west was not only dangerous for a grown adult but even more so for a child who could perish from extreme temperatures and starvation. It was still untamed land that only survivalists and explorers dared to tackle. She and Ratonhnhaké:ton had not dwelled on such an idea except in an exposed scenario of their secret lives where they had to leave everyone behind for their safety. Even then, they voted to head north rather than west.

Haytham was one step ahead in calculating danger for them because he was not the only one who knew of its existence, pointing out, "Davenport won't be hidden forever and unless my son manages to eradicate all of us, they will find and destroy you."

Caroline's lips thinned at the stark reality that the war was reaching and Haytham stated matter-of-factly, "I haven't lived this long not to know about my enemies or my allies."

"Our town is all civilians" Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke firmly since the townsfolk were not associated with their Order. His Assassins were clear on never harming a civilian or breaking their tenets would mean expulsion or potential execution. He upheld his promise of not disclosing his secret life to anyone outside of his family to protect the town. Did Templars really think they were creating order by killing innocent civilians? Did they care for nobody but their mission? Was his father trying to scare them out of the colonies to take over? He was not going to blow over like a leaf on unfounded fear and pointed out, "The last purge was of the Assassins, not civilians."

Haytham did not carry the blind optimism of his son but trained himself to always calculate risks. That knack for perfection and no room for error failed in convincing his son to quit the Assassins. He would never be comfortable as long as the secret war continued and advised him grimly, "The war between Templars and Assassins is a vicious and painful one. Not to mention, the one currently plaguing the so-called New World. It won't hesitate to rip that child from your arms and sell her for manual labor."

Ratonhnhaké:ton would not become bitter like his father in the new nation because the end had not been written yet. He did hope for the best for all people living in the colonies but he was not naïve to believe he and others of color would be instantly embraced. Cora would learn to read the cues of her world and never fear her roots as she aged in the New World. He and Caroline would protect her to death against anyone, telling him tightly, "Thank you for the advice."

"Go west, leave this all behind for her sake" Haytham reiterated one last time to usher them away from danger to a new life. Yes, the frontier was untamed but he had no doubt in the resilience of the couple. They had not survived this long to be seen as weak and the frontier would be no different than other remote lands they visited. Neither faction would admit defeat without a fight and Cora deserved to never know of that ordeal. She could leave the colonies behind and live a new life in the untamed west to discover new lands.

Caroline knew her husband felt responsible for their town and Order so it was not so easy to cut loose, hitch a wagon, and head west. If Haytham was trying to warn them to leave, she had a different proposition to test him. She would not leave Elizabeth or her friends exposed to danger and requested, "Then come with us, leave the Templars and have Connor forfeit his role to another. All of us can lay down our weapons and be a family after all the turmoil we've all been through."

For a moment, Haytham briefly pondered a civilian life away from everything he had known since childhood. To him, he would always pose a threat to his son's family as long as he lived. He would be branded a traitor by his kind and be seen as an enemy by the other side. Time had not been in his favor until that very moment but he stated frankly, "It's too late for me to leave this life but give her a future."

"And let you take over?" his son questioned coldly to leaving his Assassins defenseless against his father's forces. He would be the one risking his life out of everyone and would not let Cora be handled as a bargaining chip. There was no win-win situation for either side unless they annihilated each other out of existence. Even then, both factions would exist across the sea. He could not let the Templars gain a stronghold in the new colonies again.

"I took over long before you were born . . . but I see your point" Haytham shot back indignantly because he eradicated the Assassins once before. Back then, he saw them no less than ignorant thugs but now, this generation shielded civilians and did not search for any Precursor artifacts. There was a sharp shift in this team for the betterment of humanity that aligned well with his own vision for the Templars – that is, if they stopped meddling in government affairs.

Cora walked between the two men with her newest fancy and held out a bright red kite to her grandfather. She did not want to fly it alone out of fear she'd disappear into the air but her parents were always there to control the line. She poked one of the pointed edges at his abdomen to draw his attention before requesting sweetly, "Pop-pop, we play!"

"Still have some work to do on that nickname but yes, we shall go" he replied kindly on her developing language skills but endured the silly name for her sake. Ratonhnhaké:ton took advantage of it to irritate him further when he annoyed him with nagging lectures. Cora took off running down towards the cove with Haytham and Ratonhnhaké:ton quickly running after her with a protective beckoning to halt. Caroline chuckled softly to herself at two grown men fretting over a toddler and followed them quietly.

"You're on guard, Sir Cornelius!" she called over her shoulder to alert him that the homestead was under his control. An obedient gobble was her reply before the turkey left the safety of his perch underneath the porch floorboards.

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Thank you as always for reading and may you all stay safe!