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Description
August 14, 1812; Davenport Homestead, Massachusetts

Despite the Assassins’ efforts, war had begun. On June 18, 1812, the United States officially declared war on Great Britain. The Templars now had their perfect cover for their search for the key to the Temple of the Angels. Not only that, but they also a perfect opportunity to seize more power for themselves. All this was to the dismay of the Assassins, but nonetheless, they stayed determined.

Aveza was buried in her books again. She didn't feel right about it, though. There was a war going on, and she wanted to be out in the field, saving innocents from the crossfire and helping the Assassins stick it to the Templars. But she knew that finding this key was important. If the Templars found it first, then there was a good chance that she'd never be able to save anyone ever again. So she kept researching. And after all these months… she still had nothing.

She let out an exasperated sigh and let her head fall into the book on her desk. She was tired of nothing.

“Problem?” the voice of Connor said behind her as he walked in.

Aveza lifted her head up and turned to her mentor. “Yeah,” she said. “I've been looking through books for weeks and I can't find anything that could lead to the key. It's getting bloody irritating being cooped up in here with nothing to show for it.”

“It seems like you need an opportunity to get out and stretch your legs.”

Aveza gave a weak smile. “That would be nice, yeah,” she said.

Connor smiled and pulled a letter out of his coat. “Then you're in luck,” he said. “I just received a message from Tecumseh. He's in the process of helping the British forces out west beat back the Americans seeking to claim the lands for their own. He's requesting back up, and I figured you would be great for the job.”

Aveza's eyes lit up. Another mission! Another chance to beat back the Templars. Another chance to help the Native peoples.

“I'd love to!” she said. “Just point me in the direction I need to go!”

“Tecumseh and his men are approaching Fort Detroit in the Michigan territory,” he said. “If you hurry, you could be there in a few days.”

Aveza smiled and closed up her book. She jumped from her desk and grabbed her supplies. Connor couldn't help but smile at her eagerness.

“Go on then,” he said. And best of luck to you.”

“Thank you, Connor. Farewell!”

“So long.”

With that, Aveza rushed out the door of the Davenport Manor. She grabbed a few more supplies from the Homestead village, and then grabbed her horse at the edge of the estate. She immediately kicked it into gear to begin her journey to Detroit.

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

August 16, 1812; Detroit, Michigan

Night had fallen by the time Aveza arrived. She hopped off her horse when she came across the forested area where a large group of British soldiers and Native warriors were stationed. As she walked through the fields, she noticed the distant sound of what she assumed was mortar fire from ships in the nearby river. She walked amongst the soldiers, looking for a familiar face. A familiar voice hit her ears first.

“Aveza?” it called to her. Aveza turned to find the source of the voice. A huge smile appeared on her face as her eyes fell on her friend, Arnold.

Arnold smiled back as he jogged over to meet her. “Aveza, my dear!” he said. “It’s great to see you! Come to help in the fight?”

“Indeed I did! I got bored with my books so Connor sent me on my way here.”

“You never could stay in one place for too long could you?”

Aveza laughed. “No. Never really learned how.”

Arnold laughed back. “Well, it's great that you're here,” he said. “We could always use the extra help. Follow me, I’ll take you to Tecumseh.”

“Alrighty.”

Arnold motioned for her to follow and the two started walking through the woods. The sounds of battle still rang in the distance.

“So what's the situation?” asked Aveza.

“Well, the Americans have apparently decided that their goal is to take Canada from the British.”

“Really? How's that working for them?”

“Bout as good as you can imagine. They've been trying to preach that the Canadians will be ‘liberated’ by the United States.”

“That so?”

“Indeed. The American commander in the fort we're attacking actually sent one if his little messenger boys to a nearby Canadian town saying ‘You will be emancipated from tyranny and oppression and restored to the dignified station of free men.’”

Aveza had to stop for a moment as she burst out in laughter. Arnold couldn't help but laugh along with her.

“Are you bloody serious?” she laughed. Arnold nodded. Aveza kept laughing.

“That's bloody rich!” she said. “What, do they just think anyone who lives outside their borders is just suffering in agony because they aren't under their governance? Do they think themselves so amazing and perfect that all other humans are just begging and pleading to join them? Good Lord, the arrogance is hilarious!”

Arnold laughed along with her. The two settled down eventually and continued on.

“Yes, the Americans aren't off to a great start,” said Arnold. “Right now, we're laying siege to one of their forts, trying to drive them out. Their leader, William Hull, we hope will consider our pleas for compromise. We're hoping for as little bloodshed as possible.”

“That would be preferable,” said Aveza.

The two kept walking until they reached the edge of the encampment. Now they were able to see Fort Detroit in the distance. Two British ships were firing warning shots from the river. Even from this distance, Aveza could tell that the men in the fort were in disarray.

“Lead them around!” a familiar voice shouted nearby. “We must convince them that we have more men than we do! Show them our strength!”

“Tecumseh!” Aveza joyfully called out to the shouting man. Tecumseh turned and spotted Aveza from under his hood. He smiled as she and Arnold approached.

“Aveza!” he greeted. “It is good to see you! I take it Connor sent you to help?”

“Indeed! I'm ready to lend a hand.”

“Excellent! I think I know exactly what you can do.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. There's-”

“Stand strong, men!” a new voice shouted. “Be ready for anything!”

A man in a British Army uniform walked by as he shouted orders. Tecumseh smiled and motioned to Aveza to hold that thought. He walked up to the man and tapped his shoulder. The man turned and smiled.

“Ah, Tecumseh,” he said. “I can see your men are doing well.”

“Indeed, General Brock. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to introduce you to some friends.” He indicated Aveza and Arnold.

“Arnold. Aveza. Meet General Isaac Brock. General Brock, these are my brothers-in-arms, Arnold and Aveza.”

Brock smiled and he shook both of their hands. “Pleasure to meet you two,” he said.

“You as well,” they said back.

“The General is in charge of the British forces aiding our cause here,” said Tecumseh. “He's a great man. Honorable. A more sagacious and a more gallant warrior I don’t believe exists.”

“Oh, you flatter me, Tecumseh,” said Brock. “I'm just here to ensure that our men are on the winning side of this war.”

“And we are thankful for it.”

“Indeed, my friend, indeed.” He turned to Aveza and Arnold. “So, what are you two here to do?” he asked.

“Well, we were about to find out,” said Aveza. She looked to Tecumseh. He nodded.

“At this point the battle is basically won,” he said to her. “The Americans are outnumbered and outgunned. But we fear that they may still try to fight back. They're commander seems set on surrender, but his left hand man in this operation has other plans.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. A man named Porter Hanks. A Templar. He's trying to urge his commander to fight back. We cannot let that happen. I was hoping you and Arnold could sneak into the fort and kill him without a trace.”

“Seems like a bit of a tough challenge, doesn't it, Tecumseh?” said Brock. Aveza noticed something off in his voice. Something not quite right that she couldn't put her finger on…

“I mean, even if those American dogs do fight back, we'll have them put down within moments.”

“I understand your viewpoint, General Brock,” said Tecumseh. “But that man Hanks, he's more dangerous than I can disclose to you. He could jeopardize this whole offensive.”

“We're willing to take the risk,” Aveza said heroically.

“We are?” said Arnold. Aveza elbowed him.

“Ow! I mean… yes! We are! Indeed!”

Aveza smirked and rolled her eyes. She turned to Tecumseh. “What's the plan?” she asked.

Tecumseh pointed to all of his warriors that continued to circle around the fort while remaining hidden in the trees.

“You can follow my men to a point where you can infiltrate the fort,” he said. “Once you're in, find Hanks, kill him, and get out as stealthily as you can.”

Aveza and Arnold nodded. Tecumseh smiled. “Best of luck to both of you,” he said.

Brock looked at them. “Yes,” he said, still with a bit of an off tone. “Best of luck.”

Aveza and Arnold nodded again before heading off to follow the Natives.

As they walked with the warriors, they made sure to stay as hidden as possible behind the bushes. They managed to get a peek at the ships in the river, which let out more mortar rounds.

“So,” said Arnold. “What's our plan?”

“Plan?” Aveza said with a confused tone.

“Yes, plan.”

“Well…”

“You don't have a plan do you?”

“Not really.”

Arnold rolled his eyes.

“Oh, chin up,” Aveza said with a smile. “We can do this! We've come out of worse before.”

Arnold smirked. “You mean like that time I had to save you from those angry chickens on the Homestead?” he joked.

“Oi! I thought we agreed never to speak of that again!”

Arnold laughed. Aveza laughed too. They loved spending time with each other… even when the situation isn't too preferable.

They kept on walking, getting closer and closer to the fort. Eventually, they reached an area near the walls of the fort that wasn't heavily guarded. They split off from the warriors and stealthily made their way to the wall.

After making sure that no guards were coming their way, they skittered up the walls and platforms of the fort’s exterior like lizards until they reached the top and silently entered the area.

They stealthily made their way through the fort, hiding every time a guard walked by. Aveza turned on her sixth sense and scanned the area for their target. And eventually, she spotted him. Not far from where they were, a man in a golden hue was talking with another man. Aveza switched off her sense and tapped on Arnold’s shoulder, pointing in the direction of the men.

“That's him,” Arnold whispered. “That's Porter Hanks.”

“Who's the older bloke he's talking to?”

“That's William Hull, the fort’s commander.”

“Right then. Let's go listen in.”

Arnold nodded. The two stealthed their way towards the two men. They stayed hidden, but kept in hearing range. Another mortar round fired from the ships.

“We have to surrender, Lieutenant Hanks,” said Hull. “I don't see any other option…”

“No other option?” said Hanks in shock. “General, we can fight back! We must! We can't let the British bully us like this!”

“And with what do we defend ourselves, hmm? We've only a small supply of gunpowder, tired men, and a few blades. The British and the Savages have thousands of men out there, and artillery to last days. We don't stand a chance! And I have my daughter and grandchild here. I will not risk their lives just to fight a useless fight.”

“Useless? Sir! We-”

“That's enough, Lieutenant! We will not attack and that is final!” He shook his head. “I need a drink…” he said before walking away to do his thing. Hanks watched him go.

“You coward!” he shouted. Hull didn't seem to care though, as he walked out of sight. Hanks stomped his foot.

“Blast!” he said. “Master Cormac is not going to be happy about this… Those damned Assassins! These lands are ours! I'll not let them take it!” He stormed off somewhere else. Aveza looked at Arnold.

“Come on,” she said. Arnold nodded and followed her as she went after Hanks.

They tailed the Templar until he came across the fort’s gunpowder supply. He grabbed his rifle and started filling it. Aveza and Arnold dropped down from their hiding places and silently crept up on him. They got closer and closer. But suddenly, Aveza realized too late that Hanks had seen them in the reflection of his bayonet…

Hanks gasped and swirled around with his musket ready to fight.

Aveza cursed their luck as the two Assassins drew their weapons; Arnold his rapier and Aveza her tomahawk.

“Guards!” yelled Hanks. “I need aid! Intruders!”

It didn't take long before six soldiers came to join the fight. Aveza and Arnold stood back to back, and braced for attack. The ships let off another mortar round as the first guard swung his blade.

Aveza countered the attack with relative ease and ended the man's life. Two more came at her as Arnold dealt with his own set of enemies. Three more fell. Three to go. Aveza turned just in time to block a blow from Hanks. She swung her blade, but Hanks countered. She heard Arnold kill another soldier behind her. She kept swinging and countering. Both Aveza and Hanks swung at each other and their blades locked as they pushed each other hard. They stood face-to-face.

“Give up, Assassin!” he yelled.

“Sorry, can't do that,” Aveza joked. Hanks scowled.

Arnold killed his last opponent and turned to help Aveza. But suddenly, the ships let off another round, and one of the cannonballs came hurdling towards the gunpowder supply…

All three gasped. Arnold ran up and shoved Aveza away from the supply just as the ball came down and blew up the gunpowder in a massive explosion. All three were thrown back by the blast, but while Aveza and Arnold were far away enough not to take much damage, Hanks was not so lucky. He went flying and landed with a hard, painful thud. He groaned as he tried to pick himself up. Aveza thought fast, stood up and ran over to him. In one, quick movement, she flicked out her hidden blade and drove it into his spine. And time slowed once again.

Once again, history's sights and sounds were replaced by the Animus’s white void of binary codes and DNA strands. Ava watched as Aveza turned Hanks over on his back. He looked up at her and coughed blood.

“Your schemes are over, Templar,” she said. “It's time to rest now.”

“No,” Hanks groaned. “This can't be it. We've so many plans… So many to liberate…”

Aveza looked shocked. “Liberate?” she said. “You sought to enslave! To force people out of their lands and cultures!”

“Only because they deserve it. But the people in Canada… they still live under the British crown’s tyranny…”

“Well, I can tell you right now, the British offer more freedoms and fairness than you Americans ever did to your people.”

“But they allow Savage scum to burden their lands with their animalistic ways…”

“We embrace the variety that that mixing of cultures presents. We accept them and wish to live in peace with them. You only wish to push them out.”

“Because we deserve better…”

“No. You don't.”

Hanks looked at Aveza one last time before finally dying. She closed his eyes.

“No one is entitled to privilege simply because they believe themselves better than others,” she said. “Rest in peace.”

Aveza stood as the void around her was yet again replaced by history. Ava lost herself again as Aveza's consciousness filled her head. Aveza turned to Arnold.

“Come on,” she said. “We best get out of here before someone catches us.” Arnold nodded and the two started quickly but quietly making their way out of the fort. They leapt over the outer wall just as a white flag was raised on one of the fort’s distant flagpoles.

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

By the time they got back, their allies were already celebrating their victory. It didn't take long for Aveza and Arnold to find Tecumseh, who was smiling and shouting the success that was their enemy's surrender. Next to him was Isaac Brock, who was also celebrating but in a much more relaxed and professional manner.

“We did it!” Tecumseh said as the two approached.

“We sure did!” said Aveza.

“Haha!” Tecumseh paused for a second. “Did you manage to kill Porter Hanks?”

The two nodded. “He breathed his last,” said Arnold.

Tecumseh laughed in victory and threw up his arms again. He clasped his hands down on his friends’ shoulders. Aveza couldn't help but giggle along with him.

Brock came up to them as they celebrated. He smiled and nodded.

“Truly a great accomplishment,” he said. “Remarkable work, my friends.”

“Oh, we couldn't have done it without your hard work as well, General,” said Tecumseh.

Brock smiled. “Nonsense. You three have performed spectacularly. Now, I wish I could continue to celebrate with you, but unfortunately, I have to meet with a few of my associates.”

Aveza heard something in his voice again. Something suggesting that he was hiding something…

“Farewell then, my friend!” said Tecumseh.

“Farewell,” said Brock. He started to walk off.

“Farewell!” said Arnold.

“Farewell…” said Aveza. Something wasn't right. She knew it. And she wanted to figure out what was up.

She lingered with her friends for a moment longer before making a quick excuse to leave the group for a moment. Then she got to work on tailing Isaac Brock.

She used her sixth sense real quick to locate the general easily. Once she found him, she wove her way past the celebrating soldiers that were busy packing up camp. She stayed close, though not too close, to Brock.

Eventually, Brock entered a large tent that was slightly isolated from the other soldiers. Aveza stealthily made her way to the entrance and hid just outside of it. She peered in just enough to see what Brock was doing. Her eyes widened when she saw the sight of him conversing with Shay Cormac.

“Another English victory, Grand Master,” said Brock. “Just as you asked.”

“Very good, Master Brock,” said Shay. “Now, we need for you to start losing a few more battles. We need the Americans to feel like they're against a mighty foe, but one that's still beatable. Their drive to beat the British will inspire them to fight further for more lands.”

“And with their expansion comes our expansion.”

“Exactly.”

“Grand Master… did you fill in our agent, Porter Hanks, on this plan?”

Shay raised an eyebrow. “Hanks?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Brock. “Hanks. He was in the fort that we just captured… The Assassins killed him…”

Shay was silent. “I did not anticipate this…” he said. “I never knew Porter had come out here to fight…”

“Perhaps he was in the same boat as those snakes you let run around our order.”

Shay scowled at him. “You still believe that Jackson and Harrison are unfit for our order?”

“With all-due respect, Grand Master, I do. Their bloodlust and personal ambition is too destructive for their continued membership.”

“I agree that their methods can be questionable, but they can be made to perform differently.”

“They've slaughtered all the lives that we seek to enlighten, Grand Master!”

Shay held up his hand. “I know. I know. And they will be punished accordingly. But for now, I will continue to offer them a chance to redeem themselves. Because right now, we need as many men as possible. We must find that key and get what's in that temple before the Assassins do.”

“Have you even made progress on finding the key or the temple?”

“Our agents are still working on it. We have our leads, and we will follow them. Until we know for sure, we need every man possible to ensure that our plans go smoothly.”

Brock looked like he wanted to say more, be he lowered his head as he realized he was beaten. “Very well, Grand Master, I'll trust your judgment as I always have.”

“Good. Now, since this little issue has been settled, I feel it's best if I take my leave. Farewell, Master Brock. May the Father of Understanding guide you.”

“May the Father of Understanding guide you.”

The two men shook hands and left the tent in opposite directions. Aveza ducked behind cover as Brock passed by her. Once she was sure she was in the clear, she rushed into the tent and hurried to find something. She had to tell Tecumseh what she found out, but she needed evidence. Suddenly, she smiled as she found something: a Templar ring with Brock’s name etched into the metal. She dug a bit deeper and found some classified Templar documents written by Brock. Perfect.

She shoved the ring and papers into her belt pouch and bolted out of the tent. She ran through the woods until she came up on Tecumseh and Arnold, who were still celebrating. Aveza was out of breath.

“There you are!” said Tecumseh with a grin. “We were just talking about-”

“We need to talk, now!”

“Aveza, my dear,” said Arnold. “What's wrong.”

“It's Brock,” said Aveza. “He's been playing us for fools!”

Tecumseh and Arnold looked surprised. “What?” they said.

“I just caught him having a little chat with Shay Cormac, discussing their Templar plans.”

The other two were silent.

“Oh my God…” said Arnold, instantly believing his friend. Tecumseh, however, seemed a bit more hesitant.

“Are you sure?” he said. Aveza nodded. She pulled out Brock’s ring and documents and passed it to him. Tecumseh studied the evidence. Aveza could see the ocean of pure rage filling up her friend as he realized they were legitimate.

“Brock and Shay have been planning all his wins and losses during the war so far. They plan to lose more battles and inspire the Americans to push back the British further so that they can gain control of the lands and their people,” Aveza explained.

Tecumseh gritted his teeth and threw the ring to the ground. “That Templar snake!” he shouted in his fury. He pulled out his tomahawk and started looking around frantically for Brock. “I'll kill him! I'll strangle him in his-!”

“Woah woah woah!” said Aveza and Arnold.

“That is not a good idea!” said Arnold.

“That traitor-!” Tecumseh tried to say.

“Is a highly respected officer in the British Army,” Aveza finished. “How do you think our British allies would react to you, their biggest Native ally, tearing one of theirs to shreds? Hmm? They'd probably turn on us and then we'd have not just one, but two nations aiming their guns at the Natives. Not good.”

Tecumseh was clearly mad, but he knew she was right. He let out a sigh and placed his blade back in its sheathe. “You're right,” he said calmly. “We can't risk putting more innocent Native lives in danger. I'll just have to learn to quell my anger for now.”

“We'll take down Brock,” Aveza said, pointing to herself and Arnold.

“That's right,” said Arnold, for once completely on board with one of Aveza's plans. “We won't let the Templars conquer the Natives’ lands. We promise.”

“We won't let you down,” said Aveza, smiling to reassure Tecumseh. Tecumseh stared at them, and then smiled back.

“I know you won't,” he said. “You two are amazing warriors. I know you'll make our people proud.”

The three smiled at each other.

“Right then, our first step: find the Templar dog,” said Aveza.

Arnold nodded. “I'll look this way. You look that way,” he said. Aveza nodded and the two began their search. They looked all around. They looked through the woods, and around the fort. But when they eventually met up again, they shook their heads. Brock was nowhere to be found. Nor was Shay.

“Bullocks,” Aveza said. Nothing was ever that easy...

Description
August 14, 1812; Davenport Homestead, Massachusetts

Despite the Assassins’ efforts, war had begun. On June 18, 1812, the United States officially declared war on Great Britain. The Templars now had their perfect cover for their search for the key to the Temple of the Angels. Not only that, but they also a perfect opportunity to seize more power for themselves. All this was to the dismay of the Assassins, but nonetheless, they stayed determined.

Aveza was buried in her books again. She didn't feel right about it, though. There was a war going on, and she wanted to be out in the field, saving innocents from the crossfire and helping the Assassins stick it to the Templars. But she knew that finding this key was important. If the Templars found it first, then there was a good chance that she'd never be able to save anyone ever again. So she kept researching. And after all these months… she still had nothing.

She let out an exasperated sigh and let her head fall into the book on her desk. She was tired of nothing.

“Problem?” the voice of Connor said behind her as he walked in.

Aveza lifted her head up and turned to her mentor. “Yeah,” she said. “I've been looking through books for weeks and I can't find anything that could lead to the key. It's getting bloody irritating being cooped up in here with nothing to show for it.”

“It seems like you need an opportunity to get out and stretch your legs.”

Aveza gave a weak smile. “That would be nice, yeah,” she said.

Connor smiled and pulled a letter out of his coat. “Then you're in luck,” he said. “I just received a message from Tecumseh. He's in the process of helping the British forces out west beat back the Americans seeking to claim the lands for their own. He's requesting back up, and I figured you would be great for the job.”

Aveza's eyes lit up. Another mission! Another chance to beat back the Templars. Another chance to help the Native peoples.

“I'd love to!” she said. “Just point me in the direction I need to go!”

“Tecumseh and his men are approaching Fort Detroit in the Michigan territory,” he said. “If you hurry, you could be there in a few days.”

Aveza smiled and closed up her book. She jumped from her desk and grabbed her supplies. Connor couldn't help but smile at her eagerness.

“Go on then,” he said. And best of luck to you.”

“Thank you, Connor. Farewell!”

“So long.”

With that, Aveza rushed out the door of the Davenport Manor. She grabbed a few more supplies from the Homestead village, and then grabbed her horse at the edge of the estate. She immediately kicked it into gear to begin her journey to Detroit.

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

August 16, 1812; Detroit, Michigan

Night had fallen by the time Aveza arrived. She hopped off her horse when she came across the forested area where a large group of British soldiers and Native warriors were stationed. As she walked through the fields, she noticed the distant sound of what she assumed was mortar fire from ships in the nearby river. She walked amongst the soldiers, looking for a familiar face. A familiar voice hit her ears first.

“Aveza?” it called to her. Aveza turned to find the source of the voice. A huge smile appeared on her face as her eyes fell on her friend, Arnold.

Arnold smiled back as he jogged over to meet her. “Aveza, my dear!” he said. “It’s great to see you! Come to help in the fight?”

“Indeed I did! I got bored with my books so Connor sent me on my way here.”

“You never could stay in one place for too long could you?”

Aveza laughed. “No. Never really learned how.”

Arnold laughed back. “Well, it's great that you're here,” he said. “We could always use the extra help. Follow me, I’ll take you to Tecumseh.”

“Alrighty.”

Arnold motioned for her to follow and the two started walking through the woods. The sounds of battle still rang in the distance.

“So what's the situation?” asked Aveza.

“Well, the Americans have apparently decided that their goal is to take Canada from the British.”

“Really? How's that working for them?”

“Bout as good as you can imagine. They've been trying to preach that the Canadians will be ‘liberated’ by the United States.”

“That so?”

“Indeed. The American commander in the fort we're attacking actually sent one if his little messenger boys to a nearby Canadian town saying ‘You will be emancipated from tyranny and oppression and restored to the dignified station of free men.’”

Aveza had to stop for a moment as she burst out in laughter. Arnold couldn't help but laugh along with her.

“Are you bloody serious?” she laughed. Arnold nodded. Aveza kept laughing.

“That's bloody rich!” she said. “What, do they just think anyone who lives outside their borders is just suffering in agony because they aren't under their governance? Do they think themselves so amazing and perfect that all other humans are just begging and pleading to join them? Good Lord, the arrogance is hilarious!”

Arnold laughed along with her. The two settled down eventually and continued on.

“Yes, the Americans aren't off to a great start,” said Arnold. “Right now, we're laying siege to one of their forts, trying to drive them out. Their leader, William Hull, we hope will consider our pleas for compromise. We're hoping for as little bloodshed as possible.”

“That would be preferable,” said Aveza.

The two kept walking until they reached the edge of the encampment. Now they were able to see Fort Detroit in the distance. Two British ships were firing warning shots from the river. Even from this distance, Aveza could tell that the men in the fort were in disarray.

“Lead them around!” a familiar voice shouted nearby. “We must convince them that we have more men than we do! Show them our strength!”

“Tecumseh!” Aveza joyfully called out to the shouting man. Tecumseh turned and spotted Aveza from under his hood. He smiled as she and Arnold approached.

“Aveza!” he greeted. “It is good to see you! I take it Connor sent you to help?”

“Indeed! I'm ready to lend a hand.”

“Excellent! I think I know exactly what you can do.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. There's-”

“Stand strong, men!” a new voice shouted. “Be ready for anything!”

A man in a British Army uniform walked by as he shouted orders. Tecumseh smiled and motioned to Aveza to hold that thought. He walked up to the man and tapped his shoulder. The man turned and smiled.

“Ah, Tecumseh,” he said. “I can see your men are doing well.”

“Indeed, General Brock. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to introduce you to some friends.” He indicated Aveza and Arnold.

“Arnold. Aveza. Meet General Isaac Brock. General Brock, these are my brothers-in-arms, Arnold and Aveza.”

Brock smiled and he shook both of their hands. “Pleasure to meet you two,” he said.

“You as well,” they said back.

“The General is in charge of the British forces aiding our cause here,” said Tecumseh. “He's a great man. Honorable. A more sagacious and a more gallant warrior I don’t believe exists.”

“Oh, you flatter me, Tecumseh,” said Brock. “I'm just here to ensure that our men are on the winning side of this war.”

“And we are thankful for it.”

“Indeed, my friend, indeed.” He turned to Aveza and Arnold. “So, what are you two here to do?” he asked.

“Well, we were about to find out,” said Aveza. She looked to Tecumseh. He nodded.

“At this point the battle is basically won,” he said to her. “The Americans are outnumbered and outgunned. But we fear that they may still try to fight back. They're commander seems set on surrender, but his left hand man in this operation has other plans.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. A man named Porter Hanks. A Templar. He's trying to urge his commander to fight back. We cannot let that happen. I was hoping you and Arnold could sneak into the fort and kill him without a trace.”

“Seems like a bit of a tough challenge, doesn't it, Tecumseh?” said Brock. Aveza noticed something off in his voice. Something not quite right that she couldn't put her finger on…

“I mean, even if those American dogs do fight back, we'll have them put down within moments.”

“I understand your viewpoint, General Brock,” said Tecumseh. “But that man Hanks, he's more dangerous than I can disclose to you. He could jeopardize this whole offensive.”

“We're willing to take the risk,” Aveza said heroically.

“We are?” said Arnold. Aveza elbowed him.

“Ow! I mean… yes! We are! Indeed!”

Aveza smirked and rolled her eyes. She turned to Tecumseh. “What's the plan?” she asked.

Tecumseh pointed to all of his warriors that continued to circle around the fort while remaining hidden in the trees.

“You can follow my men to a point where you can infiltrate the fort,” he said. “Once you're in, find Hanks, kill him, and get out as stealthily as you can.”

Aveza and Arnold nodded. Tecumseh smiled. “Best of luck to both of you,” he said.

Brock looked at them. “Yes,” he said, still with a bit of an off tone. “Best of luck.”

Aveza and Arnold nodded again before heading off to follow the Natives.

As they walked with the warriors, they made sure to stay as hidden as possible behind the bushes. They managed to get a peek at the ships in the river, which let out more mortar rounds.

“So,” said Arnold. “What's our plan?”

“Plan?” Aveza said with a confused tone.

“Yes, plan.”

“Well…”

“You don't have a plan do you?”

“Not really.”

Arnold rolled his eyes.

“Oh, chin up,” Aveza said with a smile. “We can do this! We've come out of worse before.”

Arnold smirked. “You mean like that time I had to save you from those angry chickens on the Homestead?” he joked.

“Oi! I thought we agreed never to speak of that again!”

Arnold laughed. Aveza laughed too. They loved spending time with each other… even when the situation isn't too preferable.

They kept on walking, getting closer and closer to the fort. Eventually, they reached an area near the walls of the fort that wasn't heavily guarded. They split off from the warriors and stealthily made their way to the wall.

After making sure that no guards were coming their way, they skittered up the walls and platforms of the fort’s exterior like lizards until they reached the top and silently entered the area.

They stealthily made their way through the fort, hiding every time a guard walked by. Aveza turned on her sixth sense and scanned the area for their target. And eventually, she spotted him. Not far from where they were, a man in a golden hue was talking with another man. Aveza switched off her sense and tapped on Arnold’s shoulder, pointing in the direction of the men.

“That's him,” Arnold whispered. “That's Porter Hanks.”

“Who's the older bloke he's talking to?”

“That's William Hull, the fort’s commander.”

“Right then. Let's go listen in.”

Arnold nodded. The two stealthed their way towards the two men. They stayed hidden, but kept in hearing range. Another mortar round fired from the ships.

“We have to surrender, Lieutenant Hanks,” said Hull. “I don't see any other option…”

“No other option?” said Hanks in shock. “General, we can fight back! We must! We can't let the British bully us like this!”

“And with what do we defend ourselves, hmm? We've only a small supply of gunpowder, tired men, and a few blades. The British and the Savages have thousands of men out there, and artillery to last days. We don't stand a chance! And I have my daughter and grandchild here. I will not risk their lives just to fight a useless fight.”

“Useless? Sir! We-”

“That's enough, Lieutenant! We will not attack and that is final!” He shook his head. “I need a drink…” he said before walking away to do his thing. Hanks watched him go.

“You coward!” he shouted. Hull didn't seem to care though, as he walked out of sight. Hanks stomped his foot.

“Blast!” he said. “Master Cormac is not going to be happy about this… Those damned Assassins! These lands are ours! I'll not let them take it!” He stormed off somewhere else. Aveza looked at Arnold.

“Come on,” she said. Arnold nodded and followed her as she went after Hanks.

They tailed the Templar until he came across the fort’s gunpowder supply. He grabbed his rifle and started filling it. Aveza and Arnold dropped down from their hiding places and silently crept up on him. They got closer and closer. But suddenly, Aveza realized too late that Hanks had seen them in the reflection of his bayonet…

Hanks gasped and swirled around with his musket ready to fight.

Aveza cursed their luck as the two Assassins drew their weapons; Arnold his rapier and Aveza her tomahawk.

“Guards!” yelled Hanks. “I need aid! Intruders!”

It didn't take long before six soldiers came to join the fight. Aveza and Arnold stood back to back, and braced for attack. The ships let off another mortar round as the first guard swung his blade.

Aveza countered the attack with relative ease and ended the man's life. Two more came at her as Arnold dealt with his own set of enemies. Three more fell. Three to go. Aveza turned just in time to block a blow from Hanks. She swung her blade, but Hanks countered. She heard Arnold kill another soldier behind her. She kept swinging and countering. Both Aveza and Hanks swung at each other and their blades locked as they pushed each other hard. They stood face-to-face.

“Give up, Assassin!” he yelled.

“Sorry, can't do that,” Aveza joked. Hanks scowled.

Arnold killed his last opponent and turned to help Aveza. But suddenly, the ships let off another round, and one of the cannonballs came hurdling towards the gunpowder supply…

All three gasped. Arnold ran up and shoved Aveza away from the supply just as the ball came down and blew up the gunpowder in a massive explosion. All three were thrown back by the blast, but while Aveza and Arnold were far away enough not to take much damage, Hanks was not so lucky. He went flying and landed with a hard, painful thud. He groaned as he tried to pick himself up. Aveza thought fast, stood up and ran over to him. In one, quick movement, she flicked out her hidden blade and drove it into his spine. And time slowed once again.

Once again, history's sights and sounds were replaced by the Animus’s white void of binary codes and DNA strands. Ava watched as Aveza turned Hanks over on his back. He looked up at her and coughed blood.

“Your schemes are over, Templar,” she said. “It's time to rest now.”

“No,” Hanks groaned. “This can't be it. We've so many plans… So many to liberate…”

Aveza looked shocked. “Liberate?” she said. “You sought to enslave! To force people out of their lands and cultures!”

“Only because they deserve it. But the people in Canada… they still live under the British crown’s tyranny…”

“Well, I can tell you right now, the British offer more freedoms and fairness than you Americans ever did to your people.”

“But they allow Savage scum to burden their lands with their animalistic ways…”

“We embrace the variety that that mixing of cultures presents. We accept them and wish to live in peace with them. You only wish to push them out.”

“Because we deserve better…”

“No. You don't.”

Hanks looked at Aveza one last time before finally dying. She closed his eyes.

“No one is entitled to privilege simply because they believe themselves better than others,” she said. “Rest in peace.”

Aveza stood as the void around her was yet again replaced by history. Ava lost herself again as Aveza's consciousness filled her head. Aveza turned to Arnold.

“Come on,” she said. “We best get out of here before someone catches us.” Arnold nodded and the two started quickly but quietly making their way out of the fort. They leapt over the outer wall just as a white flag was raised on one of the fort’s distant flagpoles.

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

By the time they got back, their allies were already celebrating their victory. It didn't take long for Aveza and Arnold to find Tecumseh, who was smiling and shouting the success that was their enemy's surrender. Next to him was Isaac Brock, who was also celebrating but in a much more relaxed and professional manner.

“We did it!” Tecumseh said as the two approached.

“We sure did!” said Aveza.

“Haha!” Tecumseh paused for a second. “Did you manage to kill Porter Hanks?”

The two nodded. “He breathed his last,” said Arnold.

Tecumseh laughed in victory and threw up his arms again. He clasped his hands down on his friends’ shoulders. Aveza couldn't help but giggle along with him.

Brock came up to them as they celebrated. He smiled and nodded.

“Truly a great accomplishment,” he said. “Remarkable work, my friends.”

“Oh, we couldn't have done it without your hard work as well, General,” said Tecumseh.

Brock smiled. “Nonsense. You three have performed spectacularly. Now, I wish I could continue to celebrate with you, but unfortunately, I have to meet with a few of my associates.”

Aveza heard something in his voice again. Something suggesting that he was hiding something…

“Farewell then, my friend!” said Tecumseh.

“Farewell,” said Brock. He started to walk off.

“Farewell!” said Arnold.

“Farewell…” said Aveza. Something wasn't right. She knew it. And she wanted to figure out what was up.

She lingered with her friends for a moment longer before making a quick excuse to leave the group for a moment. Then she got to work on tailing Isaac Brock.

She used her sixth sense real quick to locate the general easily. Once she found him, she wove her way past the celebrating soldiers that were busy packing up camp. She stayed close, though not too close, to Brock.

Eventually, Brock entered a large tent that was slightly isolated from the other soldiers. Aveza stealthily made her way to the entrance and hid just outside of it. She peered in just enough to see what Brock was doing. Her eyes widened when she saw the sight of him conversing with Shay Cormac.

“Another English victory, Grand Master,” said Brock. “Just as you asked.”

“Very good, Master Brock,” said Shay. “Now, we need for you to start losing a few more battles. We need the Americans to feel like they're against a mighty foe, but one that's still beatable. Their drive to beat the British will inspire them to fight further for more lands.”

“And with their expansion comes our expansion.”

“Exactly.”

“Grand Master… did you fill in our agent, Porter Hanks, on this plan?”

Shay raised an eyebrow. “Hanks?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Brock. “Hanks. He was in the fort that we just captured… The Assassins killed him…”

Shay was silent. “I did not anticipate this…” he said. “I never knew Porter had come out here to fight…”

“Perhaps he was in the same boat as those snakes you let run around our order.”

Shay scowled at him. “You still believe that Jackson and Harrison are unfit for our order?”

“With all-due respect, Grand Master, I do. Their bloodlust and personal ambition is too destructive for their continued membership.”

“I agree that their methods can be questionable, but they can be made to perform differently.”

“They've slaughtered all the lives that we seek to enlighten, Grand Master!”

Shay held up his hand. “I know. I know. And they will be punished accordingly. But for now, I will continue to offer them a chance to redeem themselves. Because right now, we need as many men as possible. We must find that key and get what's in that temple before the Assassins do.”

“Have you even made progress on finding the key or the temple?”

“Our agents are still working on it. We have our leads, and we will follow them. Until we know for sure, we need every man possible to ensure that our plans go smoothly.”

Brock looked like he wanted to say more, be he lowered his head as he realized he was beaten. “Very well, Grand Master, I'll trust your judgment as I always have.”

“Good. Now, since this little issue has been settled, I feel it's best if I take my leave. Farewell, Master Brock. May the Father of Understanding guide you.”

“May the Father of Understanding guide you.”

The two men shook hands and left the tent in opposite directions. Aveza ducked behind cover as Brock passed by her. Once she was sure she was in the clear, she rushed into the tent and hurried to find something. She had to tell Tecumseh what she found out, but she needed evidence. Suddenly, she smiled as she found something: a Templar ring with Brock’s name etched into the metal. She dug a bit deeper and found some classified Templar documents written by Brock. Perfect.

She shoved the ring and papers into her belt pouch and bolted out of the tent. She ran through the woods until she came up on Tecumseh and Arnold, who were still celebrating. Aveza was out of breath.

“There you are!” said Tecumseh with a grin. “We were just talking about-”

“We need to talk, now!”

“Aveza, my dear,” said Arnold. “What's wrong.”

“It's Brock,” said Aveza. “He's been playing us for fools!”

Tecumseh and Arnold looked surprised. “What?” they said.

“I just caught him having a little chat with Shay Cormac, discussing their Templar plans.”

The other two were silent.

“Oh my God…” said Arnold, instantly believing his friend. Tecumseh, however, seemed a bit more hesitant.

“Are you sure?” he said. Aveza nodded. She pulled out Brock’s ring and documents and passed it to him. Tecumseh studied the evidence. Aveza could see the ocean of pure rage filling up her friend as he realized they were legitimate.

“Brock and Shay have been planning all his wins and losses during the war so far. They plan to lose more battles and inspire the Americans to push back the British further so that they can gain control of the lands and their people,” Aveza explained.

Tecumseh gritted his teeth and threw the ring to the ground. “That Templar snake!” he shouted in his fury. He pulled out his tomahawk and started looking around frantically for Brock. “I'll kill him! I'll strangle him in his-!”

“Woah woah woah!” said Aveza and Arnold.

“That is not a good idea!” said Arnold.

“That traitor-!” Tecumseh tried to say.

“Is a highly respected officer in the British Army,” Aveza finished. “How do you think our British allies would react to you, their biggest Native ally, tearing one of theirs to shreds? Hmm? They'd probably turn on us and then we'd have not just one, but two nations aiming their guns at the Natives. Not good.”

Tecumseh was clearly mad, but he knew she was right. He let out a sigh and placed his blade back in its sheathe. “You're right,” he said calmly. “We can't risk putting more innocent Native lives in danger. I'll just have to learn to quell my anger for now.”

“We'll take down Brock,” Aveza said, pointing to herself and Arnold.

“That's right,” said Arnold, for once completely on board with one of Aveza's plans. “We won't let the Templars conquer the Natives’ lands. We promise.”

“We won't let you down,” said Aveza, smiling to reassure Tecumseh. Tecumseh stared at them, and then smiled back.

“I know you won't,” he said. “You two are amazing warriors. I know you'll make our people proud.”

The three smiled at each other.

“Right then, our first step: find the Templar dog,” said Aveza.

Arnold nodded. “I'll look this way. You look that way,” he said. Aveza nodded and the two began their search. They looked all around. They looked through the woods, and around the fort. But when they eventually met up again, they shook their heads. Brock was nowhere to be found. Nor was Shay.

“Bullocks,” Aveza said. Nothing was ever that easy...