HOME | DD

Description
May 20, 1813; Davenport Homestead, Massachusetts

Aveza regretted leaving Tecumseh to lead the fight at Fort Meigs alone. The news eventually reached her that the Natives and British were forced to give up the siege on May 9. The Americans proved too resilient, the Canadians proved too tired, and Procter proved too incapable. Tecumseh was upset about the loss of course, but in his letter to Aveza, he remained hopeful. He planned for another siege to begin some time within the next couple months, and he hoped that this one would succeed.

Aveza felt awful about not doing more, but she tried to shake the feeling. She knew Tecumseh wouldn't want her feeling this guilt, and she wanted to honor her friend's wishes. So she tried to occupy her mind with something else, mainly researching leads to the key to the Temple of the Angels.

Suddenly, Connor came knocking on the door while she was looking over her documents.

“Come on in,” she said. “Door's open.”

Connor opened the door and walked in to greet her. Aveza raised an eyebrow upon seeing him. His attire was much different than normal. Instead of his usual mentor’s robes, he had on a long blue coat and a white shirt. He also had on a pair of boots and a tricorn hat to match his coat. He had an air of readiness to him.

“Nice outfit,” said Aveza. “What's the occasion?”

“We are about to set sail,” said Connor.

“You're going out on the Aquila?” Aveza started getting excited. Connor could tell. He smiled at her.

“Yes. We're off to meet one of our contacts in Halifax. And I was wondering if you'd like to come along.”

Aveza nearly jumped out of her chair. “Yes!” she said. “That'd be great! I'd love to!”

Connor chuckled. “I figured you would,” he said. “Pack your things. We've saved a spot on board for you.”

“Alright!”

Aveza immediately went to grab a few things for the journey. Once she was ready, she and Connor made their way down the hill on which the manor stood, and approached the Aquila on the docks. Aveza's smile grew brighter when she spotted Arnold up near the wheel. He smiled and waved to the two.

“Ahoy!” he said. Aveza laughed. “Glad you two could join us!” he continued.

“Wouldn't miss this for the world!” Aveza called back.

Arnold laughed. “Well hurry up then,” he said. “Come on aboard this fine vessel of ours.”

Aveza smiled. She and Connor approached the gang plank. Aveza was about to step onto the ship, but Connor stopped her before she could.

“Never step on with your left foot first,” he said. “Bad luck.”

“That so?” said Aveza.

“Yes. At least, that's what Robert Faulkner had taught me all those years ago.”

Aveza shrugged. “Alright then,” she said. And so she stepped onto the ship, right foot first. She and Connor walked up to Arnold, who stepped away from the wheel with an exaggerated bow.

“Captain Kenway,” he said, offering the wheel. Connor smiled and took the wheel. “Thank you, Arnold,” he said. Arnold nodded and went to Aveza's side.

“Ready for an adventure on the high seas?” asked Arnold to Aveza.

“Absolutely!”

“Much better scenario than the last time we had you aboard, isn't it?”

Aveza chuckled. “Yes, it definitely is.”

Arnold chuckled back. The two stood by Connor's side as he stood tall behind the wheel. He looked onwards at the Aquila’s crew, who were all in position and ready to set sail. They only awaited Connor's order:

“Full Sail!”

The crew spared no time unfurling the sails. The sails spread across the masts, bulging out as the wind caught them. The ship began to lurch forward, and soon enough, they were off to sea.

------------

May 22, 1813; North Atlantic

“Careful now, my dear,” said Arnold to Aveza. “Watch out for those rocks. You never know when a rogue wind could come in and try to blow us into them.”

Aveza nodded. She kept her grip on the wheel tight. Arnold and Connor stood close by, ready to take over if she got overwhelmed.

It was going to be a long ride, and so Connor figured it would be nice if he and Arnold taught Aveza how to maneuver the ship. After a couple days of travelling and insuring that they were definitely on the right course, Connor handed the steering wheel over to Aveza, who seemed to pick up on the skill pretty quickly. Connor had even given her a naval uniform to help her fit in with the environment a bit more comfortably.

“You're doing great,” said Connor to her.

“It helps to have good teachers,” said Aveza with a smile.

The three were having a good time. It was just them, on the ship, on the open ocean, with the gentle breeze and waves swooshing past them. It was nice.

The ship was only at half sails. Aveza was a fast learner, but she wasn't too fast. She was still getting used to maneuvering in tight spaces, like the tall rocks that jutted out of the sea. She kept it slow.

Arnold pulled out his spy glass and looked around. “We're coming up on a clearing, Captain,” he said to Connor.

“Finally,” said Aveza. “A break from this tight spot.”

Connor chuckled. “You'll get used to tough waters eventually,” he said. “It just takes practice. I certainly didn't start out a perfect sailor.”

“You've clearly grown to enjoy the ocean though. Look at you. You're in your element, aren't you?”

Connor laughed. She was right. “I suppose I am,” he said. “There definitely is something about the open ocean that keeps luring me back. I suppose it really does run in my family.”

“Was Haytham a seafarer then?”

“Not necessarily, at least based on what I've seen and heard. My father was definitely on a variety of ships. He sailed with Shay on his ship, the Morrigan, during their Templar expeditions during the Seven Years War. There was even a time when my father sailed with me here on the Aquila, when we had a temporary truce in order to work together to kill a corrupted Templar traitor, Benjamin Church. But my father himself never captained a ship. His work was mostly land-based.”

“I see.”

“He definitely liked to pretend he was an able sailor, though. The whole ride with him was just full of his impatient complaints about how he'd get us to our destination much faster than any of our own crew could. And you know what happened when he finally took the wheel?”

“What?”

“He crashed the ship into another.”

Aveza laughed at that, as did Connor.

“Now my grandfather, Edward, on the other hand, he was definitely built for the sea,” Connor continued.

“Edward Kenway?” asked Arnold. “Master Assassin and pirate?”

“Indeed. My grandfather sailed with the likes of Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and Assassins like Mary Read. Before his days with the Brotherhood, he was a privateer and eventually a pirate after financial progress was no longer possible through generally acceptable ways. He and his companions roamed the Caribbean, stealing from the wealthy officers and governors and Templars that ruled over the islands. He was a good man, based on what I'm told, and an even greater Assassin.”

“I wish I had the chance to meet him,” said Arnold.

“As do I.”

“Well, I'm sure he'd be proud to see his grandson carrying on his legacy,” said Aveza.

Connor smiled. “I surely hope so,” he said. The three went back to watching the waves. Connor helped guide Aveza through the rocky waters.

Arnold pulled out his spyglass and looked around as they entered the clearing. Not far away, he spotted something.

“Captain,” he said. “How about we give Aveza a go at cannon practice?”

“What do you mean?” asked Connor.

“Look over there. There's an old abandoned shipwreck rotting on those rocks there. It might be a good idea to train her in some naval combat.” He turned to Aveza. “If you're up to it, that is.”

Aveza shrugged. “I'm willing to give it a go if you think I'd be able to.”

Connor looked at both of them and shrugged. “I don't see why not,” he said “You never know when we'll need to spring into action.”

“Alright. Let's do it then.”

Connor and Arnold nodded. They started directing her towards the shipwreck, but had her keep the Aquila a bit distanced from it. Arnold had already alerted the crew that they were going to begin some target practice, and the men had already taken their proper battle positions. Aveza aligned the ship with the wreck.

“Make ready!” she shouted at the crew upon Connor's and Arnold’s instructions. She could hear the cannons above and below deck clanking as they were positioned and filled with cannonballs.

On her friends’ signals, she gave the order.

“Fire!” she shouted. Within seconds, the cannons roared as their ammunition launched out of the side of the ship in a fiery hail. A few shots missed, but most of them hit the wreck perfectly, tearing massive holes in it.

Aveza cheered. “That was bloody fantastic!” she happily yelled.

“Great shot!” said Arnold.

“Nicely done, everyone!” said Connor.

“Oi, Captain. Look! We've exposed their old magazine.”

“Excellent! We can use those for swivel gun practice.”

“Swivel guns?” asked Aveza. Connor nodded. He had Aveza call for no sail, so that the Aquila was motionless. He led her over to the side of the ship, where a small, skinny cannon rested on the edge.

“This is a swivel gun,” said Connor as Aveza took hold of the weapon’s handles. “We use it for more precision shots. Normally, especially if you're busy piloting the ship, there would be someone to man the cannons for you. But still, it's good to know how to use them yourself should the need arise.”

Aveza nodded. Connor helped show her how to properly handle the gun. He helped her aim it at the wreck’s exposed gunpowder magazine. Aveza squinted one eye, took aim, and fired the cannon. It kicked back a bit as the cannonball went flying out. Aveza watched as the ball went soaring before hitting the magazine perfectly and causing it to erupt in a massive explosion, taking a lot of the wreck with it.

“Woo-hoo!” she cheered. “I did it!”

“Great work, my dear!” said Arnold.

“Amazing job, Aveza,” said Connor. “You're learning fast.”

Aveza smiled in thanks.

The three spent about another hour practicing. Connor and Arnold taught Aveza a variety of tricks and strategies involving different types of weapons and ammunition. By the time they stopped and Aveza set them back on course to Halifax, she felt as though she had a pretty good grasp on her lessons.

Eventually, the ship reached the edge of the clearing, and the rocks threatened them again.

“Oh rot,” said Aveza. “Not this again.”

“It is getting late,” said Connor. “If you like, I could take over for the night and navigate through these rocks while you two prepare to rest.”

“That sounds good actually. I'd like that.” She stepped back from the wheel and offered it to Connor. “Captain Kenway,” she joked. Connor laughed and took the wheel.

Arnold laughed with them too. “Well then,” he said. “It guess we should start heading below decks for the night. Come on, Aveza dear. Goodnight Captain.”

“Goodnight Captain,” said Aveza as she followed Arnold away from the wheel.

“Goodnight to you both,” said Connor. “Sleep well.”

Aveza nodded, and then followed Arnold down below decks to their chambers to get ready for bed.

After getting her nightgown on, Aveza came to talk a bit with Arnold in his room. He looked up from his desk of papers that he was quickly reviewing before bed.

“So,” said Aveza. “You never told me who specifically we're meeting in Halifax.”

He turned to chat with her. “We're meeting with a man named Captain Philip Broke.”

“He an Assassin?”

“No, but he's definitely a good friend to the Brotherhood. He's been a grand help with getting rid of the Templars that have been terrorizing the North Atlantic. And now he thinks he has a lead on one of our major targets.”

“Oh yeah? Who?”

Arnold reached over to his desk and grabbed a charcoal sketch of a man. Aveza looked it over, studying the man's features.

“Captain James Lawrence,” said Arnold. “Master Templar. He's carried out missions for the Templars all across the world's waters. And this little war between the British and Americans has brought him back to the Americas to aid the US Navy.”

“And this ally of ours thinks he can lead us to him?”

“He does. He sent us a letter asking to meet in Halifax so that he can give us more information without risk of interception.”

“Sounds reasonable.”

She walked over to a window, and watched the moonlit waves for a moment.

“Do you know him well?” Aveza asked. “Broke, I mean.”

Arnold smiled. “I do actually. I had a fair share of run-ins with him back in Europe when we were fighting Napoleon's ships. He's a good man, determined. Never quits until justice is served.”

“Well then, if that's the case, I'm excited to meet him.”

Aveza yawned. She looked out the window again. The seas rocked as the stars twinkled. Arnold came up by her side and watched with her.

“It's quite a beautiful sight,” he said.

“It really is,” said Aveza.

“You know, sometimes I wish our job gave us more time to enjoy sights like this.”

“I know that feeling. But hey, at least we get the joy of saving people to compensate.”

Arnold laughed. “Yes, I suppose we do. Despite its setbacks, I do admit that this job, working with folks like you and Connor, has amazing perks.”

“Working with me is a perk then?” Aveza teased.

Arnold blushed a bit, but he hid it. “Well… of course,” he said. “I mean, you are a rather spectacular person afterall.”

“Aw, thank you, Arnold.”

“It's no problem, my dear. It's true.”

“Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy having you as a partner too.”

“Really?”

“Of course! You're one of my best friends.”

There was a tiny shift in Arnold’s expression for just a split-second, almost undetectable. Aveza thought she imagined it, but she could've sworn that she saw a slight trace of disappointment in his eye of being just ‘her best friend’. She wondered, did he feel the same way about her as she did him? She shook it off. No way, she figured.

Maybe?

She consciously yawned. “Oh my,” she said. “It’s rather late. I should probably head off to bed.”

“Hmm? Er… Oh yes!… I probably should as well.”

The two stood in an awkward silence, neither daring to admit what they truly felt.

“Well, goodnight then Arnold,” said Aveza as she began to leave his room.

“Goodnight, Aveza,” he said back. Aveza nodded and left. She went to her own room, pondering the interaction. As she laid down in bed, she thought about her friend, if they had a chance, and if she would ever be able to fully let her heart out. She fell asleep with these questions. She’d have a while to think about it. Halifax was still a few days away.

------------

May 25, 1813; Halifax, Nova Scotia

By the time the Aquila weighed anchor and docked in Halifax, the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. The small town was still relatively quiet and slow. Only a few people were out, going about their lives.

Which was good for the Assassins who stepped off the ship. Less people would mean their meeting with Captain Broke would have less of a chance of being spied on.

After chatting with the harbormaster about tidying up and restocking the Aquila, Aveza, Arnold, and Connor got to work on finding Captain Broke.

Eventually, they came across a group of soldiers in a small fortification not far from the docks. Aveza looked around. More Assassin history returned to her memory. She remembered hearing about this fortification. It was an Assassin stronghold before Shay Cormac had taken it over for the Templars during the Seven Years War. Connor and his friends had eventually helped reclaim it about a decade ago, and now it served as a decent meeting point for the Assassin Brotherhood.

A man in a British military uniform had come up to them with a welcoming smile.

“Well well,” he said. “If it isn't my old brothers-in-arms. Captains Bellamy and Kenway.”

“It's great to see you again, Captain Broke,” said Arnold, shaking the man's hand. Connor did the same. Broke offered Aveza a handshake too, and so she shook his hand.

“I take it you're the Aveza Deryn that Captain Bellamy here always talks about?” he asked.

“I am indeed, Captain Broke. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, my dear.” He turned to all three of them. “Come along, my friends,” he said. “Let's go sit and discuss our plans to deal with that wretch, James Lawrence.”

The three nodded and followed Broke as he led them to a quiet place within the fortification that was relatively isolated from the rest of the area. The four of them sat down and got to business.

“So what have you uncovered about Lawrence?” asked Arnold.

“The man returned to United States waters a few months ago after destroying and capturing several of our vessels in South America,” said Broke. “Our spies tell us that he's been given command of the ship, the USS Chesapeake, not too long ago. He wasn't necessarily pleased about this. Apparently he had hoped his Templar friends would give him a more powerful ship, but they denied his requests. And so now he's stationed in Boston, waiting to head north.”

“Ah, I see,” said Connor. “And you think we should intercept his ship while he's on his routes.”

“Well, in a sense.”

Aveza raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?” she asked.

“Well, you see, my friends, I do not intend for us to go to him, but for him to come to us. I've issued Lawrence a challenge, and sent the letter saying so to Boston not too long ago. I asked that his ship and my ship, the HMS Shannon, have a fight to defend our respective countries’ honor. Now, I know what you're all thinking: that was a sloppy move, but stay with me on this. One-on-one, both our ships are practically matched, and that's what Lawrence is expecting. The man is arrogant though, and his crew is rubbish, both factors that will make them careless. Now, if you lot sail with me on your ship, and surprise Lawrence with your presence, than victory could essentially be handed to us.”

The three Assassins looked at each other, debating on whether to go through with the plan or not. Eventually, they decided to go along with it.

“Alright,” said Connor. “That sounds like a decent plan. We will gladly aid you, Captain Broke.”

Broke grinned and clasped his hands together. “Brilliant!” he said. “Glad we can agree on this. You lot best get the Aquila fully battle-ready. We set sail for Boston tomorrow.”

The Assassins nodded, and the meeting was adjourned. The four split up and worked to gather the needed supplies for a battle. Aveza was a bit nervous about sailing straight into her first naval battle, but she knew that taking the seas back from the Templars was important. She shook off her feelings and got to work on preparing for the oncoming fight.

Description
May 20, 1813; Davenport Homestead, Massachusetts

Aveza regretted leaving Tecumseh to lead the fight at Fort Meigs alone. The news eventually reached her that the Natives and British were forced to give up the siege on May 9. The Americans proved too resilient, the Canadians proved too tired, and Procter proved too incapable. Tecumseh was upset about the loss of course, but in his letter to Aveza, he remained hopeful. He planned for another siege to begin some time within the next couple months, and he hoped that this one would succeed.

Aveza felt awful about not doing more, but she tried to shake the feeling. She knew Tecumseh wouldn't want her feeling this guilt, and she wanted to honor her friend's wishes. So she tried to occupy her mind with something else, mainly researching leads to the key to the Temple of the Angels.

Suddenly, Connor came knocking on the door while she was looking over her documents.

“Come on in,” she said. “Door's open.”

Connor opened the door and walked in to greet her. Aveza raised an eyebrow upon seeing him. His attire was much different than normal. Instead of his usual mentor’s robes, he had on a long blue coat and a white shirt. He also had on a pair of boots and a tricorn hat to match his coat. He had an air of readiness to him.

“Nice outfit,” said Aveza. “What's the occasion?”

“We are about to set sail,” said Connor.

“You're going out on the Aquila?” Aveza started getting excited. Connor could tell. He smiled at her.

“Yes. We're off to meet one of our contacts in Halifax. And I was wondering if you'd like to come along.”

Aveza nearly jumped out of her chair. “Yes!” she said. “That'd be great! I'd love to!”

Connor chuckled. “I figured you would,” he said. “Pack your things. We've saved a spot on board for you.”

“Alright!”

Aveza immediately went to grab a few things for the journey. Once she was ready, she and Connor made their way down the hill on which the manor stood, and approached the Aquila on the docks. Aveza's smile grew brighter when she spotted Arnold up near the wheel. He smiled and waved to the two.

“Ahoy!” he said. Aveza laughed. “Glad you two could join us!” he continued.

“Wouldn't miss this for the world!” Aveza called back.

Arnold laughed. “Well hurry up then,” he said. “Come on aboard this fine vessel of ours.”

Aveza smiled. She and Connor approached the gang plank. Aveza was about to step onto the ship, but Connor stopped her before she could.

“Never step on with your left foot first,” he said. “Bad luck.”

“That so?” said Aveza.

“Yes. At least, that's what Robert Faulkner had taught me all those years ago.”

Aveza shrugged. “Alright then,” she said. And so she stepped onto the ship, right foot first. She and Connor walked up to Arnold, who stepped away from the wheel with an exaggerated bow.

“Captain Kenway,” he said, offering the wheel. Connor smiled and took the wheel. “Thank you, Arnold,” he said. Arnold nodded and went to Aveza's side.

“Ready for an adventure on the high seas?” asked Arnold to Aveza.

“Absolutely!”

“Much better scenario than the last time we had you aboard, isn't it?”

Aveza chuckled. “Yes, it definitely is.”

Arnold chuckled back. The two stood by Connor's side as he stood tall behind the wheel. He looked onwards at the Aquila’s crew, who were all in position and ready to set sail. They only awaited Connor's order:

“Full Sail!”

The crew spared no time unfurling the sails. The sails spread across the masts, bulging out as the wind caught them. The ship began to lurch forward, and soon enough, they were off to sea.

------------

May 22, 1813; North Atlantic

“Careful now, my dear,” said Arnold to Aveza. “Watch out for those rocks. You never know when a rogue wind could come in and try to blow us into them.”

Aveza nodded. She kept her grip on the wheel tight. Arnold and Connor stood close by, ready to take over if she got overwhelmed.

It was going to be a long ride, and so Connor figured it would be nice if he and Arnold taught Aveza how to maneuver the ship. After a couple days of travelling and insuring that they were definitely on the right course, Connor handed the steering wheel over to Aveza, who seemed to pick up on the skill pretty quickly. Connor had even given her a naval uniform to help her fit in with the environment a bit more comfortably.

“You're doing great,” said Connor to her.

“It helps to have good teachers,” said Aveza with a smile.

The three were having a good time. It was just them, on the ship, on the open ocean, with the gentle breeze and waves swooshing past them. It was nice.

The ship was only at half sails. Aveza was a fast learner, but she wasn't too fast. She was still getting used to maneuvering in tight spaces, like the tall rocks that jutted out of the sea. She kept it slow.

Arnold pulled out his spy glass and looked around. “We're coming up on a clearing, Captain,” he said to Connor.

“Finally,” said Aveza. “A break from this tight spot.”

Connor chuckled. “You'll get used to tough waters eventually,” he said. “It just takes practice. I certainly didn't start out a perfect sailor.”

“You've clearly grown to enjoy the ocean though. Look at you. You're in your element, aren't you?”

Connor laughed. She was right. “I suppose I am,” he said. “There definitely is something about the open ocean that keeps luring me back. I suppose it really does run in my family.”

“Was Haytham a seafarer then?”

“Not necessarily, at least based on what I've seen and heard. My father was definitely on a variety of ships. He sailed with Shay on his ship, the Morrigan, during their Templar expeditions during the Seven Years War. There was even a time when my father sailed with me here on the Aquila, when we had a temporary truce in order to work together to kill a corrupted Templar traitor, Benjamin Church. But my father himself never captained a ship. His work was mostly land-based.”

“I see.”

“He definitely liked to pretend he was an able sailor, though. The whole ride with him was just full of his impatient complaints about how he'd get us to our destination much faster than any of our own crew could. And you know what happened when he finally took the wheel?”

“What?”

“He crashed the ship into another.”

Aveza laughed at that, as did Connor.

“Now my grandfather, Edward, on the other hand, he was definitely built for the sea,” Connor continued.

“Edward Kenway?” asked Arnold. “Master Assassin and pirate?”

“Indeed. My grandfather sailed with the likes of Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and Assassins like Mary Read. Before his days with the Brotherhood, he was a privateer and eventually a pirate after financial progress was no longer possible through generally acceptable ways. He and his companions roamed the Caribbean, stealing from the wealthy officers and governors and Templars that ruled over the islands. He was a good man, based on what I'm told, and an even greater Assassin.”

“I wish I had the chance to meet him,” said Arnold.

“As do I.”

“Well, I'm sure he'd be proud to see his grandson carrying on his legacy,” said Aveza.

Connor smiled. “I surely hope so,” he said. The three went back to watching the waves. Connor helped guide Aveza through the rocky waters.

Arnold pulled out his spyglass and looked around as they entered the clearing. Not far away, he spotted something.

“Captain,” he said. “How about we give Aveza a go at cannon practice?”

“What do you mean?” asked Connor.

“Look over there. There's an old abandoned shipwreck rotting on those rocks there. It might be a good idea to train her in some naval combat.” He turned to Aveza. “If you're up to it, that is.”

Aveza shrugged. “I'm willing to give it a go if you think I'd be able to.”

Connor looked at both of them and shrugged. “I don't see why not,” he said “You never know when we'll need to spring into action.”

“Alright. Let's do it then.”

Connor and Arnold nodded. They started directing her towards the shipwreck, but had her keep the Aquila a bit distanced from it. Arnold had already alerted the crew that they were going to begin some target practice, and the men had already taken their proper battle positions. Aveza aligned the ship with the wreck.

“Make ready!” she shouted at the crew upon Connor's and Arnold’s instructions. She could hear the cannons above and below deck clanking as they were positioned and filled with cannonballs.

On her friends’ signals, she gave the order.

“Fire!” she shouted. Within seconds, the cannons roared as their ammunition launched out of the side of the ship in a fiery hail. A few shots missed, but most of them hit the wreck perfectly, tearing massive holes in it.

Aveza cheered. “That was bloody fantastic!” she happily yelled.

“Great shot!” said Arnold.

“Nicely done, everyone!” said Connor.

“Oi, Captain. Look! We've exposed their old magazine.”

“Excellent! We can use those for swivel gun practice.”

“Swivel guns?” asked Aveza. Connor nodded. He had Aveza call for no sail, so that the Aquila was motionless. He led her over to the side of the ship, where a small, skinny cannon rested on the edge.

“This is a swivel gun,” said Connor as Aveza took hold of the weapon’s handles. “We use it for more precision shots. Normally, especially if you're busy piloting the ship, there would be someone to man the cannons for you. But still, it's good to know how to use them yourself should the need arise.”

Aveza nodded. Connor helped show her how to properly handle the gun. He helped her aim it at the wreck’s exposed gunpowder magazine. Aveza squinted one eye, took aim, and fired the cannon. It kicked back a bit as the cannonball went flying out. Aveza watched as the ball went soaring before hitting the magazine perfectly and causing it to erupt in a massive explosion, taking a lot of the wreck with it.

“Woo-hoo!” she cheered. “I did it!”

“Great work, my dear!” said Arnold.

“Amazing job, Aveza,” said Connor. “You're learning fast.”

Aveza smiled in thanks.

The three spent about another hour practicing. Connor and Arnold taught Aveza a variety of tricks and strategies involving different types of weapons and ammunition. By the time they stopped and Aveza set them back on course to Halifax, she felt as though she had a pretty good grasp on her lessons.

Eventually, the ship reached the edge of the clearing, and the rocks threatened them again.

“Oh rot,” said Aveza. “Not this again.”

“It is getting late,” said Connor. “If you like, I could take over for the night and navigate through these rocks while you two prepare to rest.”

“That sounds good actually. I'd like that.” She stepped back from the wheel and offered it to Connor. “Captain Kenway,” she joked. Connor laughed and took the wheel.

Arnold laughed with them too. “Well then,” he said. “It guess we should start heading below decks for the night. Come on, Aveza dear. Goodnight Captain.”

“Goodnight Captain,” said Aveza as she followed Arnold away from the wheel.

“Goodnight to you both,” said Connor. “Sleep well.”

Aveza nodded, and then followed Arnold down below decks to their chambers to get ready for bed.

After getting her nightgown on, Aveza came to talk a bit with Arnold in his room. He looked up from his desk of papers that he was quickly reviewing before bed.

“So,” said Aveza. “You never told me who specifically we're meeting in Halifax.”

He turned to chat with her. “We're meeting with a man named Captain Philip Broke.”

“He an Assassin?”

“No, but he's definitely a good friend to the Brotherhood. He's been a grand help with getting rid of the Templars that have been terrorizing the North Atlantic. And now he thinks he has a lead on one of our major targets.”

“Oh yeah? Who?”

Arnold reached over to his desk and grabbed a charcoal sketch of a man. Aveza looked it over, studying the man's features.

“Captain James Lawrence,” said Arnold. “Master Templar. He's carried out missions for the Templars all across the world's waters. And this little war between the British and Americans has brought him back to the Americas to aid the US Navy.”

“And this ally of ours thinks he can lead us to him?”

“He does. He sent us a letter asking to meet in Halifax so that he can give us more information without risk of interception.”

“Sounds reasonable.”

She walked over to a window, and watched the moonlit waves for a moment.

“Do you know him well?” Aveza asked. “Broke, I mean.”

Arnold smiled. “I do actually. I had a fair share of run-ins with him back in Europe when we were fighting Napoleon's ships. He's a good man, determined. Never quits until justice is served.”

“Well then, if that's the case, I'm excited to meet him.”

Aveza yawned. She looked out the window again. The seas rocked as the stars twinkled. Arnold came up by her side and watched with her.

“It's quite a beautiful sight,” he said.

“It really is,” said Aveza.

“You know, sometimes I wish our job gave us more time to enjoy sights like this.”

“I know that feeling. But hey, at least we get the joy of saving people to compensate.”

Arnold laughed. “Yes, I suppose we do. Despite its setbacks, I do admit that this job, working with folks like you and Connor, has amazing perks.”

“Working with me is a perk then?” Aveza teased.

Arnold blushed a bit, but he hid it. “Well… of course,” he said. “I mean, you are a rather spectacular person afterall.”

“Aw, thank you, Arnold.”

“It's no problem, my dear. It's true.”

“Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy having you as a partner too.”

“Really?”

“Of course! You're one of my best friends.”

There was a tiny shift in Arnold’s expression for just a split-second, almost undetectable. Aveza thought she imagined it, but she could've sworn that she saw a slight trace of disappointment in his eye of being just ‘her best friend’. She wondered, did he feel the same way about her as she did him? She shook it off. No way, she figured.

Maybe?

She consciously yawned. “Oh my,” she said. “It’s rather late. I should probably head off to bed.”

“Hmm? Er… Oh yes!… I probably should as well.”

The two stood in an awkward silence, neither daring to admit what they truly felt.

“Well, goodnight then Arnold,” said Aveza as she began to leave his room.

“Goodnight, Aveza,” he said back. Aveza nodded and left. She went to her own room, pondering the interaction. As she laid down in bed, she thought about her friend, if they had a chance, and if she would ever be able to fully let her heart out. She fell asleep with these questions. She’d have a while to think about it. Halifax was still a few days away.

------------

May 25, 1813; Halifax, Nova Scotia

By the time the Aquila weighed anchor and docked in Halifax, the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. The small town was still relatively quiet and slow. Only a few people were out, going about their lives.

Which was good for the Assassins who stepped off the ship. Less people would mean their meeting with Captain Broke would have less of a chance of being spied on.

After chatting with the harbormaster about tidying up and restocking the Aquila, Aveza, Arnold, and Connor got to work on finding Captain Broke.

Eventually, they came across a group of soldiers in a small fortification not far from the docks. Aveza looked around. More Assassin history returned to her memory. She remembered hearing about this fortification. It was an Assassin stronghold before Shay Cormac had taken it over for the Templars during the Seven Years War. Connor and his friends had eventually helped reclaim it about a decade ago, and now it served as a decent meeting point for the Assassin Brotherhood.

A man in a British military uniform had come up to them with a welcoming smile.

“Well well,” he said. “If it isn't my old brothers-in-arms. Captains Bellamy and Kenway.”

“It's great to see you again, Captain Broke,” said Arnold, shaking the man's hand. Connor did the same. Broke offered Aveza a handshake too, and so she shook his hand.

“I take it you're the Aveza Deryn that Captain Bellamy here always talks about?” he asked.

“I am indeed, Captain Broke. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, my dear.” He turned to all three of them. “Come along, my friends,” he said. “Let's go sit and discuss our plans to deal with that wretch, James Lawrence.”

The three nodded and followed Broke as he led them to a quiet place within the fortification that was relatively isolated from the rest of the area. The four of them sat down and got to business.

“So what have you uncovered about Lawrence?” asked Arnold.

“The man returned to United States waters a few months ago after destroying and capturing several of our vessels in South America,” said Broke. “Our spies tell us that he's been given command of the ship, the USS Chesapeake, not too long ago. He wasn't necessarily pleased about this. Apparently he had hoped his Templar friends would give him a more powerful ship, but they denied his requests. And so now he's stationed in Boston, waiting to head north.”

“Ah, I see,” said Connor. “And you think we should intercept his ship while he's on his routes.”

“Well, in a sense.”

Aveza raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?” she asked.

“Well, you see, my friends, I do not intend for us to go to him, but for him to come to us. I've issued Lawrence a challenge, and sent the letter saying so to Boston not too long ago. I asked that his ship and my ship, the HMS Shannon, have a fight to defend our respective countries’ honor. Now, I know what you're all thinking: that was a sloppy move, but stay with me on this. One-on-one, both our ships are practically matched, and that's what Lawrence is expecting. The man is arrogant though, and his crew is rubbish, both factors that will make them careless. Now, if you lot sail with me on your ship, and surprise Lawrence with your presence, than victory could essentially be handed to us.”

The three Assassins looked at each other, debating on whether to go through with the plan or not. Eventually, they decided to go along with it.

“Alright,” said Connor. “That sounds like a decent plan. We will gladly aid you, Captain Broke.”

Broke grinned and clasped his hands together. “Brilliant!” he said. “Glad we can agree on this. You lot best get the Aquila fully battle-ready. We set sail for Boston tomorrow.”

The Assassins nodded, and the meeting was adjourned. The four split up and worked to gather the needed supplies for a battle. Aveza was a bit nervous about sailing straight into her first naval battle, but she knew that taking the seas back from the Templars was important. She shook off her feelings and got to work on preparing for the oncoming fight.