Hello!
Thank you guys so much for your support! I can't believe this section of the story was finished! GAH. I feel like it was a slack job, but I really tried. Before I go forward with the next phase of Catherine's story I will be going back to change somethings. This is a lesson you should always plan out your story before jumping in!
Anyways guys! Thank you so much! Please review, I live for reviews! You can also check out my Tumblr, Gwen-the-Assassin.
-Moon
Bells rang in the day of mourning. The sky was blocked by winter clouds. Snow poured down onto the ground. A small crowd had gathered around a pair of gravestones. A priest read a passage from the word of God. Shay was cold and distant, he heard nothing but empty words. People that Catherine knew, her neighbors and friends came to grieve in quiet silence.
Shay had nothing to say for his daughter. He mourned in silence, but not alone. Haytham stood by his side, with his hand clutching Shay's wrist. His presence brought comfort to the mourning father.
Catherine's death was suspicious, Haytham admitted. They were burying an empty coffin, her body had not been found in the remains of the warehouse. An investigation had been conducted by the British to find out about what happened to the warehouse. The chard remains of two men were found. There were no signs that they were Assassins. There were holes in Charles story, but he didn't question Charles. Instead, he would have to conduct his own investigation.
He pitied Shay, but it was a quiet blessing. No one had to kill the misguided girl.
The service ended with a prayer, Haytham bowed his head to blend in the crowd. Shay stayed behind after people began to leave. Haytham stayed by his side in silence.
The day was peaceful. The Grandmaster decided to give Shay a moment alone with his family.
"I will be back at the Green Dragon...I have to finish the proper paperwork to finalize the sale of the Snowdrop for you."
Once Haytham had heard the news of Catherine's timely demised. He rushed to Boston, he found Gist trying to lure Shay out of Catherine's bedroom. The quartermaster reported that he had been refused to leave the apartment. The place had felt like a tomb when he entered Catherine's childhood bedroom. Shay was a mess, he had not shaved in weeks, empty plates and bowls scattered the room. His hair had fallen out of the ponytail.
Haytham had cleaned up the poor man, he even went as far to give the man a shave himself. Shay was the one that asked for a funeral since Catherine and her mother were close to the community. Without another word, the Grandmaster arranged it. It was hard to plan one without the body. Though it was probably for the best that Shay did not see her. It was hard on them both. Haytham hated to see this man that he cared about to be in ruins.
The snow that sprinkled from the sky covered his tracks in the busy streets of Boston. He rushed to get inside for a pint of ale and possible something warm to eat.
The Grandmaster pushed open the door of the tavern, shaking off the snow from his shoulders. When the elderly owner of the tavern called on Haytham.
"Master. Kenway, I am sorry to disturb you, especially after your return from a funeral, but I have a package for you."
Haytham's interest peaked, "yes?" He approached the bar.
"It's actually for Master Cormac, but I couldn't be bothered to disturb the poor man after losing his child. I've only met his wife in passing on a few occasions." She ducked down below the counter to pulled out a wrapped package in cloth. "A pretty young girl came by to drop this off. She asked that it be given to you, or Master. Cormac. "
Her frail hands passed over the item to Haytham. "Who was the young woman?" He asked unwrapping the cloth from the package.
The older woman scratched her chin, trying to remember what the woman like. "I don't know, but she wore her hair down with a hood up. I didn't see her face, but the color of her hair was red."
Haytham stopped when he saw the wood under the cloth. "When did she drop this off?"
"Yesterday, she was in hurry."
"Thank you for this." Haytham stepped away from the counter to take a better look at the item from an unwanted sight.
He couldn't believe his eyes when his hands softly traced the wooden box. This couldn't be it, could it? Pinned between the box and the cloth was a small note.
With much love, this will be the most you'll ever come to this box. Don't trust Charles Lee.
-C.C
Haytham's mouth twitched. That girl outwitted himself and the other Templars.
/
Buildings away in the distance, a cloaked young woman watched Shay mourn. She gripped tightly onto the chimney wrack with guilt. Creating such an illusion for the poor man was an awful decision, but it was the right choice.
The Templars bought Catherine Cormac's death. She knew that they would learn about her resurrection, but she would be well out of the country before then.
Catherine thought back to the night a few weeks ago where her life almost ended.
As if someone had heard her thoughts. The glass burst with a brick flying through it. A pair of hands reached through and grabbed her shoulders pulling her through the window. Her lungs breathed in the clean air, pushing out the smoke with hard coughs.
"That's it Cathy, breathe." A male voice spoke to her as he hit her back hard. She turned her head to face the voice.
In a surprising revelation, she discovered that her savior was James. The same person that shot her in anger. She never felt so relieved to see him.
She threw her arms around him in a tight squeeze.
"Let's get you somewhere safe, Cathy." He had her lean on him. "I am so glad I found you in time." He helped her stand tall.
"H-how? Where is Connor?"
James shrugged, "I followed him to the city, but I lost him once I came here. I managed to stumble upon Charles Lee and Thomas Hickey, they were talking about you. As in the sense, you were dead, but Charles wanted to see if you actually were. I then saw them walk out of the warehouse with Azura in Thomas's arms. Charles threw more lanterns onto the building. I knew you were trapped in there, it was by luck I found you." James told his tale as he helped his childhood friend climb down the side of the building.
She leaned on him for support when their feet touched the cobbled streets, she felt like she could breathe. Chaos had sprung in the streets to put out the flames before it could spread to other buildings.
Did not Lee think that the destruction he caused towards her would cause him to ruin more lives? Of course, he didn't, because he was a monster.
James asked as he looked down on her. "What happened in there?"
Catherine shook her head, "I don't want to talk about it."
"Are you sure?"
Catherine shook her head, "I need to find my father or Connor. Charles Lee is on the warpath to destroy my life."
James nodded, he was more focused on getting Catherine far away from the fires to give her a chance to breathe.
"Thank you, James," She whispered as they made it to a quiet alleyway. She thought she would never be outside again. The air felt cool against her pale skin. Catherine wiped her face, she was caked in soot.
A voice echoed through the night. "Catherine!" She weakly moved her head to see Connor.
"Connor," she weakly spoke up as she sat up.
With James help, she stood up on her feet so she could greet her friend and father. Connor embraced her in a hug, she clung onto him with. She could smell his cool earthy scent. It brought her an overwhelming feeling of calmness.
Connor turned his attention to Catherine's savor. "What are you doing here James?" His voice was thick with tension.
"The same as you, to find Catherine."
Catherine pulled away from Connor to speak to him, "he saved my life. Charles Lee left me to burn alive inside the warehouse."
"The one that is on fire near the harbor?"
"Yes, I became worried when I found Aries in the street. Your father and I are looking for you."
A knot tied in Catherine's stomach when she remembered her winged friend. "Lee did that to him. He killed Aries and knocked me out. I want him dead.
"And he will, but let's head back to your home to get you stitched up." James touched her shoulder to lead her away, but Catherine ripped her arm.
"I can't Lee has to think I am dead." Catherine pushed her hair out of her face in frustration.
Connor crossed his arms over his chest. "Let me deal with him then." Catherine knew he was capable to take him down now, but she didn't want him to leave her side. The hell she endured, she needed people by her side that she trusted.
Catherine shook her head, "No! I don't want to face him right now. We need to get her out of here. We need to leave Boston tonight."
"Your in no shape traveling
Connor shot a nasty look at James, "we will do what you want. If that is the best course of action for you, we will take it."
It was nice to hear someone was on her side, but she was done taking James mess. He did not understand what she went through, but she was thankful that he saved her life.
Connor didn't waste another second on Catherine's request. He made sure she was hidden from the sight. To block out the cold winter air, James lent her his coat to keep her warm. She was exhausted where she stood, tripping over her own feet.
The native Assassin took the lead of leading them down the street but stopped. "Catherine, are you okay?"
She didn't get a word out before she collapsed in exhaustion to her knees. Lee's line of questioning, her beating, and the fire caused a great toll on her. Connor backtracked to Catherine and picked her up into his arms. She curled into his chest finding comfort in his arms.
When she awoke the next morning, they were in a camp outside of Boston. James and Connor mutually agreed that it would be safer if they had no contact with Shay to explain she was alive.
The news had already spread that Catherine was somehow involved with the fire. Including her death.
The three regroup back at the Homestead. She was welcomed back by Dorian and Achilles. Seeing the old man brought mix feelings of trust. After she learned what the Assassin had done to her, she kept it close to her chest. It wasn't the time to poke questions.
Young Arno was the most pleased to see her. His small arms clung around her neck to showcase his warm welcome.
Catherine filled in the older Assassins what transpired in Boston. She left out the abhorrent details about what transpired within the warehouse. Including the attempted assault on her honor, she still had Hickey to thank.
She wasn't ready to open up about the event yet. Catherine was afraid they would speak to her differently.
The news she shared about her mother being alive was shocking to the others. Even Charles Dorian was aware of her mother being alive. Her heart sank knowing very well that Charles Lee was the only man that knew about her mother's location. Dorian swore that he would try his best to dig up information about Rose's contacts.
In the end, everyone came into an agreement that Catherine would leave until it would be a safer time for her return. She had killed one of the Templars trusted spies and distributed their plans. Dorian left the homestead to make plans to leave the colonies.
This was Catherine's silent goodbye to her father until she saw him again.
Climbing off the roof, she headed towards the harbor before anyone caught sight of her. Claded dressed in a cloak that hid her face.
James sheepishly stood awaiting for Catherine to approach him before extending a hug to his childhood friend. "Cathy, I am so sorry about this. I didn't mean to shoot you. I was just angry-"
Catherine stopped him mid-sentence. "I know. You have a safe journey for your family. Thank you for saving my life."
"I will." He said as he let go of his hug. "You try to find your mother. Also, don't forget to write."
Catherine smiled, "I won't. I will try to write when I can."
James was leaving Massachusetts to find a better place in Virginia. His mother still had family that was alive, they were willing to take in their estranged cousin and her children. When he was sure that they were safe and settled in. He swore he'd come back to Boston to aid the few other Patriots that existed.
Catherine gave her friend one last squeeze before moving onto Connor. Tension could be felt between the two teenagers as it was their turn to say goodbye. There was so much to reflect on since the fateful day they met.
"You be careful Connor," She said as she tugged on her hair. "I want you to write me whenever you need aid. I will come hurrying back."
The native man gave a short nod before he outstretched his hand for a handshake, but he received a hug instead. Catherine pressed her lips on his cheek. His skin felt warm under her lips from the simple goodbye.
"I will miss you, Catherine." He sighed as she pulled away from the hug.
Dorian called out to Catherine, "The captain is getting impatient Catherine. He already stalled all morning for you."
"I'm comin'!" Catherine hollered at her mentor. "I will see you soon Connor."
Connor stared sadly at her, he slowly let go of her hand.
She flashed one more smile at both of her friends before walking up the plank of the ship.
The Irish lass had no reason to be afraid, but she felt it. Never in her life had she left the colonies, the only place she had know. Leaving to a country with a language she hardly spoke. Dorian promised to tutor her along the three-month journey.
The plank was lifted the moment Catherine walked up to Charles Dorian. Arno was clinging onto his father's hand pointing out the different birds in the air. Catherine could only smile at the child's giggles. Even if she felt sad.
With one last longing glance at Connor from the deck of the ship. She gave a silent goodbye to him, seeing he mirrored the same.
/
Spring of 1773
Charles Dorian felt impatient for the young Cormac. He kept pulling out his pocket watch to check the time. The 18-year-old girl was on his last nerve, he told her there was a council meeting that required her presences.
He stood in the inner sanctum of the Brotherhood headquarters. Looking down at the marble floor impatient for his student.
A short cough caught the attention of the Master Assassin. He turned his head to face his fellow colleague, Pierre Bellec
"For someone who you speak so highly of, she does turn up late an awful lot." Bellec snorted. "Are you sure she is ready?"
"You said she was a natural," Charles made an impatient tone. "I know, but that is Catherine. You think for living in Paris close to three years, she would learn not to get lost."
"Well, she might be dimwitted as her father. It's still not too late to return her to the rat hole where she came from."
Charles gave a look to his close friend, "you and I both know that would be a death sentence as of now. She isn't ready to go back."
The sound of a door opening and closing echoed throughout the marble headquarters. closing following by a short jog into the main headquarters. There stood Catherine panting as she pushed her hair back.
The Master Assassin looked upon the initiate "I told you to tie your hair, Catherine."
"I did, then it fell out." Catherine struggled to pull her hair back into a bun that was falling into a ponytail.
Charles shook his head, "Leave it for now. You're late."
"Late for what. All I was told to make sure I was here."
"Here on time, not half past," Perrier commented impatiently. "I still think she will make a poor excuse of an Assassin."
The red hair girl flashed a look of dislike towards the man. Since day one he had been against her joining but due to the trust, he held with Dorian.
Catherine kept close to Dorian as she followed the red aisle runner down the council chambers. The 18-year-old was still amazed about the age of the headquarters, over 600 hundred years old. It was nothing but a network of tunnels that helped the Assassins to have eyes on Paris. Charles Dorian compared it to the limbs of a tree that outstretched over the city. Standing below the old chapel, the headquarters was obscured from the public eye.
"Why I am here?" Catherine asked, "am I in trouble?"
"No, but I am surprised you have lasted this long girl." Bellec comment with disdain. "You haven't told her Dorian?"
"No, I wanted to surprise her."
Catherine raised her eyebrow. "What?"
Dorian smiled with a proud smile on his face, "You will be promoted to the title of Assassin."
Catherine was taken back, "I don't know what to say, but why? I haven't even tagged along with a mission."
"Technically yes, you have. When you aided me to keep the box safe, drawing the Templars away from the precocious box."
Bellec made a noise of disapproval. "Even if she was caught."
"She still withheld answered from the Templars under threat of death. She's loyal."
Catherine bit the inside of her cheek, "have you heard news on my mother?"
Bellec shook his head, he had known Rose Cormac back in the heyday of the Colonial Brotherhood. He had respect for her brother Liam when he was a young Corporal in the French Militia. He had used his lower rank status to get information during the Seven-Year- War. He fled to France shortly after he witnessed the horrors of the Templars.
"Last we heard she was in Egypt but was long gone when one of our agents got to her." Bellec held suspicion towards Rose Cormac. Even if she was the one that established contact with the French Brotherhood.
Catherine felt disappointment from such news. "She has to keep moving, Charles Lee possibly have a contact in different parts of the world. He made it very clear threat."
The 18-year-old girl ran her fingers through hair. She smoothed out the initiate robes that were presented to her when she arrived. With her father's coat destroyed in the fire, she needed new robes. Charles told her that she should make her own identity, not be in the shadow of her father.
Catherine stopped in the center of the council chambers, looking upon its members. She stood still with her arms at her side, feeling nerves. She had never been addressed directly by the council, only when they welcomed her English. When she arrived three years ago, she wanted more than to prove herself.
No one said it out loud, but due to her father being a Templar Knight. Everyone expected her to become one of them. A child of the cross, one of many.
The mentor of the council spoke among the other members in a language she didn't understand. It was Arabic, but that's all she knew until the mentor spoke to her in broken English.
"The initiate will approach." He called for her. "When you first arrived 3 seasons ago, I was in awe that the daughter of a Templar Knight had such interest in joining."
"Aye, I am not my father or hold such love towards the Templars. But you must know that not all children end up like their parents. A dear friend of mine, Ratonhnhkton, or know as Connor, is the illegitimate son of Haytham Kenway. Achilles saw in no problem in training him or taking me in. " Catherine watched her words and tone when she addressed her superiors. "When I first learned of the assassins, I was in mourning for my mother."
"Even though you had learned about what Achilles had done to your family."
Catherine gritted her teeth in remembrance of the information. When she had learned the Assassins had poisoned her and threaten her mother in a time of war.
"That was a different time, besides, Achilles didn't oversee it. A woman by the name of Hope Jensen had an agent poison while I was within Templar headquarters when I was 3. I am thankful for my life being saved, but they don't have my loyalty."
A woman's voice spoke up on the council, Sophie Trent. The youngest member of the Assassin council. "We are not questing your loyalty now, but if it will change because of your lineage."
Catherine glanced at the three members in the face. "I am going to tell you something that my mother explained to me. My father did what he thought was right. He had watched the city of Lisbon burn under the order of Achilles. I do agree that the actions of the colonial brotherhood were questionable."
Bellec spoke over her in accusation voice. "The Templars were still in the wrong! They will destroy whole villages to looking for one assassin."
"I am not here to debate the sins of the past, but I am here to tell that I believe the Templars are wrong. I was there when I saw Charles Lee had caused the death of five innocent men and women. I am not swearing vengeance, but I will do what's right. I believe in the freedom of humanity. I have been hounded by these very questions even before I had inured the trails to become part of your ranks."
She remembered when she pressed the goblet to her lips. It was like she had breathed in a new identity. Her special talent known as eagle vision strength by tenfold. abilities she was unaware she had unlocked. Catherine didn't remember anything from her trials, only that she succeeded. Her prize was a new hidden blade with a tiny crossbow in the side.
"Catherine, you have a rare talent this council hasn't seen in years. We place much trust in you that is why we are tasking you to rebuild the brotherhood in the colonies. With the waring tides in your home, this will be the perfect time to start. We shall grant you the rank of Assassin. We are waiting for the right moment to send you back, but for now, you shall take your orders directly from us."
"Do you accept, Catherine?"
"I do." Catherine agreed.
Catherine didn't know what this path would lead her, but she was ready to take on the challenge.
"We work in the dark to serve the light."
The End
To be Continued