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Description
August 15, 1588; Roanoke Island

Kahente scattered up the nearest tree and used it to get into the canopy of the forest. She let from branch to branch, looking around the woods for a decent viewpoint. If she was going to get anything done on this island, she would have to learn its layout. She continued to swing and leap on the branches of the forest, agile as a cat, until eventually, she spotted the perfect viewpoint. On the edge of a cliff, a large tree was reaching out to the sky. Kahente smiled and began to climb back down.

After reaching the ground, she made her way to the tree. It's trunk and branches jutted outward and upwards from the cliffside. She carefully stepped on. She held her arms out wide, keeping her balance, and slowly made her way to the very tip of the treetop. Once she finally made it, she crouched down, and gazed at the landscape below her. The sun was beginning to set on the world. Birds flapped about as other animals scattered on the ground.

Kahente looked further out and spotted a little town in the distance. That was her destination: the English colony of Roanoke. That was where her mentor directed her to go, and so she will. Kahente took one last look around the scene before looking for a way down. She scanned the valley below. And then, she spotted a pile of forest debris, and it looked large enough to break her fall. She gave a satisfied nod. She carefully stood up, spread her arms, and closed her eyes. She felt the wind flow on her face. She took a deep breath. An eagle cried somewhere in the distance, and she took her leap of faith.

Her few seconds of being airborne seemed to last hours. Just as she started hoping that her calculations were right, she crashed directly into the leaves and moss. The wind had been knocked out of her, but other than that, she was fine. She quickly recovered and peeked out from within the leaves to make sure there were no threats around. Once she was sure she was clear, she jumped out of her hiding spot. She was about to start walking towards the colony, when suddenly something stopped her.

"Somebody please help!" a woman's voice cried from somewhere in the forest. Kahente turned on her heels in the direction of the voice. The woman cried out again, and Kahente took off running towards the yell. Silent as a shadow, she ran through the bushes of the woods. Soon, she found the woman. She was a bit bloody and she was holding a crying baby. A large man with a wicked-looking dagger had them cornered by a tree. Kahente quickly hid in the bushes and watched.

"Please, Thomas, don't do this!" said the young woman.

The man just twirled his dagger. "Why not?" he said coldly. "How do I know you're not one of them? You're all around, trying to kill us all!"

"You've gone mad!"

"I prefer the term 'cautious'."

He gripped his knife hard and slowly moved towards the woman and her child. Kahente frowned as she decided that she'd had enough. She stepped out from her hiding spot. "Hey!" she said. Thomas stopped and turned to face her. His face was covered in small scars.

"Bugger off, savage!" he said. "Or I'll gut you along with these two!" The woman whimpered. Kahente didn't budge.

"There will be no gutting today," she said.

She flicked her wrists, and her hidden blades sprang out of their mechanisms. Thomas frowned angrily, though Kahente could see fear in his crazed eyes. "I knew it," he said. "They said we left your kind behind on the other side of the ocean."

"They were wrong." She positioned herself to fight. Thomas did the same.

“Then come on, Assassin!" he yelled. "It'll be an honor to take your life." The two charged at each other. The blades sparked as they clashed. Thomas fought hard, but his insanity had made him sloppy. Within moments, Kahente's blade was lodged in Thomas's throat. He gurgled blood as he fell to the ground. Kahente shook the blood off of her blades and retracted them. She turned her attention to the crying woman and child. She knelt close to them.

"Are you alright?" she asked. The woman looked up at her. After a moment, she spoke.

"Y... Yes," she said.

Kahente nodded and looked around. "It is not safe to stay out here for long, especially since it will be dark soon. Do you know your way home?"

"I... Yes. I do." The two stood up.

"Are you from the Roanoke colony?" asked Kahente. The woman nodded, and Kahente returned her nod.

"If you would like, I could protect you as you walk home," she said.

The woman seemed hesitant, but eventually she said, "Alright." She quieted down her baby and the three set off through the woods.

"What is your name?" asked Kahente.

"Eleanor," said the woman. "Eleanor Dare. My daughter here is named Virginia."

"I am Kahente. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"To you as well… Thank you for saving us."

"I was not about to let innocent people die at the hands of a madman."

"That was quite the show you put on. Aren't you a bit young to be dealing in... something like that?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, look at you! How old are you, dear?"

"I am 17 by your people's calendar."

"My word! It must've been rough growing up for you if you're capable of all of that at such a young age!"

"Training would be difficult at times, but it was worth it, and it was my choice. I choose the same path as my mother and father before me."

"And what path is that?"

Kahente smiled. "I am part of a Brotherhood," she said. "I follow an ancient and wise creed in order to protect the freedom and equality of innocent lives, and to eliminate those who would take that freedom."

"I see. And here we English are, talking about your people like you're wild animals! Yet, you seem to prove otherwise." Kahente just kept smiling. "Are you from one of those tribes?" Eleanor asked.

"My family and I are members of the Croatan tribe, though my loyalties always lie with my Brotherhood first." Eleanor nodded.

"What about you? What is your story?" asked Kahente.

Eleanor shrugged. "I came here with my father, John," she said. "He's the governor of this colony. He said he was part of an Order too, just as you, dear.”

Kahente politely nodded. Her thoughts went a different direction though. She knew that no Assassins had been to the colony before her. The only Order she knew of that could be there was her enemies: the Templars. But she said nothing to Eleanor about the Assassins fight against them. Her new friend seemed to be in the dark about the secret war, and so it should stay that way.

“He left for England to get supplies,” continued Eleanor. “But… well..."

Kahente could sense Eleanor's discomfort. "What is it?" she asked.

"He was supposed to have returned by now. But it's been months since when he told us that he would return. I'm beginning to fear that he may never return."

Kahente gave a saddened expression. "I'm so sorry," she said.

"Oh, don't be. It's not your fault."

"Even so." The two were silent for a moment.

"So how is life in the colony?" asked Kahente, trying to change the subject.

"Well, as I said, my father hasn't returned with supplies in months. As you saw, some people are beginning to lose it." She paused. "The ones who have lost it the most have unfortunately found weaponry. They lord what little power they've obtained over the other colonists. Many innocent people have been slaughtered already."

Kahente's expression saddened further, but it soon shifted to one of determination. "Well, luckily for you, I have business in the colony. I'll stand by your people and fight those who have lost their sanity."

Eleanor looked surprised. "Are you serious?" she asked. Kahente nodded. Eleanor smiled and Kahente smiled back. "So what business do you have in the colony?" asked Eleanor.

"My mentor sent me here to investigate what he believes is enemy activity. I am to find it and put a stop to it"

"What specifically qualifies as enemy activity?"

Kahente smirked. "I am afraid I must keep that a secret. Doing otherwise could compromise my brotherhood, and that cannot be allowed."

"Alright, fair enough. We should be at Roanoke soon."

Sure enough, they arrived at the wooden fence of the colony. Two men were guarding the entrance. One of them looked at Eleanor and Virginia and his eyes widened. He ran straight to them. "Eleanor!" he said. "My god! What happened?" Eleanor looked at the man. "We were attacked," she said. "We would've died had it not been for this kind young lady." She looked at Kahente, as did the man.

“You have my absolute thanks for rescuing my family," he said to her.

"It was no problem," said Kahente. "May I ask for your name?"

"Certainly. I am Ananias Dare, Eleanor's husband."

"I am Kahente." Eleanor looked at her husband. "The dear was hoping to come visit the colony," she said to him. He looked at Eleanor, then at Kahente, and then nodded.

"Very well," he said. "Follow me." He was about to enter through the gate when the other guard grabbed his arm. "Do you really think it's a good idea to let a savage into the colony?" he whispered, thinking Kahente couldn't hear him. Ananias frowned at the man.

"She saved my family," he whispered. "The least I could do is give her passage." The man seemed hesitant, but he let go of Ananias and stepped aside. Ananias nodded and motioned for the women to follow.

The first thing Kahente noticed about the colony was how quiet and empty it was. There was barely anyone around. She assumed it was because of their fear of the insane colonists. "Come on," said Ananias. "This way. Quickly." They quietly but quickly made their way through the alleyways of the colony until eventually came to a small house. Ananias opened the door and ushered the women inside before closing and locking the door behind him.

"I'm going to go put Virginia to bed," said Eleanor. The others nodded and she left the room.

"Thank you again, Kahente," said Ananias.

"You're welcome."

"Is there any way I could repay you?" Kahente thought for a second. "You could help me with my investigation," she said.

"Oh?"

"I was sent to this colony to deal with my enemies, and I believe this group of insane colonists may have something to do with them." Ananias raised an eyebrow.

"Really?” he asked curiously. “They're just mad. They've gone off their rocker and now they're just waltzing about with their guns."

"I don't think so. The patrols outside seemed too organized. Insane or not, they have a goal. Tell me, do they seem to follow any one specific person?"

Ananias seemed to think. "Well," he said. "I suppose Roger Prat would fit the role of a leader. He was the governor's assistant and one of the first men to be driven mad. He kept going on about 'precursor sites' and 'ancient temples' whatever that's supposed to mean."

Kahente felt her heart sink. So, the Templars were here, and they were after a precursor site. This wasn't good.

"The insane ones do seem to crowd around him wherever he goes, and he does give them orders on occasion,” continued Ananias

Kahente thought this over. Now she had a target. "Thank you," she said. "I know what I must do now. I must be off." She started to make her way to the door. "Are you mad?" said Ananias. "You can't go out there! They'll be prowling the streets. They use the night as cover. Please, just stay here until morning."

Kahente shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Dare, but I have to get to work as quickly as possible," she said. Suddenly, Eleanor returned from the other room.

"She's already off to sleep," she said. "What's going on here?"

"Kahente is planning on going out into the dark," said Ananias. Eleanor gave Kahente a look.

"Oh no you aren't!" she said to her. "You're spending the night here where it's safe!"

"Eleanor, I..." Kahente started to say, but Eleanor cut her off.

"No! No excuses! You saved my life and my baby's life. You're going to let me return the favor by allowing you to stay the night. I will not allow you to go out there. Is that understood?"

Kahente was silent for a moment, but she eventually sighed. "Very well. I will stay until morning," she said.

"Splendid! Come! I'll show you where you can sleep." Eleanor motioned for Kahente to follow, and she did so. Kahente kept her concerns to herself. She was most likely going to stay up all night, pondering over her plans to stop the Templars. They wouldn't rest, and she didn't want to either. Still, they were probably right. She had no idea of what this enemy was capable of, and facing them in the dark of night could probably get her killed. Plus, she didn't want to be rude to her new allies. The more friends she had, the better. She would stay until morning, and then she would get to work.

Description
August 15, 1588; Roanoke Island

Kahente scattered up the nearest tree and used it to get into the canopy of the forest. She let from branch to branch, looking around the woods for a decent viewpoint. If she was going to get anything done on this island, she would have to learn its layout. She continued to swing and leap on the branches of the forest, agile as a cat, until eventually, she spotted the perfect viewpoint. On the edge of a cliff, a large tree was reaching out to the sky. Kahente smiled and began to climb back down.

After reaching the ground, she made her way to the tree. It's trunk and branches jutted outward and upwards from the cliffside. She carefully stepped on. She held her arms out wide, keeping her balance, and slowly made her way to the very tip of the treetop. Once she finally made it, she crouched down, and gazed at the landscape below her. The sun was beginning to set on the world. Birds flapped about as other animals scattered on the ground.

Kahente looked further out and spotted a little town in the distance. That was her destination: the English colony of Roanoke. That was where her mentor directed her to go, and so she will. Kahente took one last look around the scene before looking for a way down. She scanned the valley below. And then, she spotted a pile of forest debris, and it looked large enough to break her fall. She gave a satisfied nod. She carefully stood up, spread her arms, and closed her eyes. She felt the wind flow on her face. She took a deep breath. An eagle cried somewhere in the distance, and she took her leap of faith.

Her few seconds of being airborne seemed to last hours. Just as she started hoping that her calculations were right, she crashed directly into the leaves and moss. The wind had been knocked out of her, but other than that, she was fine. She quickly recovered and peeked out from within the leaves to make sure there were no threats around. Once she was sure she was clear, she jumped out of her hiding spot. She was about to start walking towards the colony, when suddenly something stopped her.

"Somebody please help!" a woman's voice cried from somewhere in the forest. Kahente turned on her heels in the direction of the voice. The woman cried out again, and Kahente took off running towards the yell. Silent as a shadow, she ran through the bushes of the woods. Soon, she found the woman. She was a bit bloody and she was holding a crying baby. A large man with a wicked-looking dagger had them cornered by a tree. Kahente quickly hid in the bushes and watched.

"Please, Thomas, don't do this!" said the young woman.

The man just twirled his dagger. "Why not?" he said coldly. "How do I know you're not one of them? You're all around, trying to kill us all!"

"You've gone mad!"

"I prefer the term 'cautious'."

He gripped his knife hard and slowly moved towards the woman and her child. Kahente frowned as she decided that she'd had enough. She stepped out from her hiding spot. "Hey!" she said. Thomas stopped and turned to face her. His face was covered in small scars.

"Bugger off, savage!" he said. "Or I'll gut you along with these two!" The woman whimpered. Kahente didn't budge.

"There will be no gutting today," she said.

She flicked her wrists, and her hidden blades sprang out of their mechanisms. Thomas frowned angrily, though Kahente could see fear in his crazed eyes. "I knew it," he said. "They said we left your kind behind on the other side of the ocean."

"They were wrong." She positioned herself to fight. Thomas did the same.

“Then come on, Assassin!" he yelled. "It'll be an honor to take your life." The two charged at each other. The blades sparked as they clashed. Thomas fought hard, but his insanity had made him sloppy. Within moments, Kahente's blade was lodged in Thomas's throat. He gurgled blood as he fell to the ground. Kahente shook the blood off of her blades and retracted them. She turned her attention to the crying woman and child. She knelt close to them.

"Are you alright?" she asked. The woman looked up at her. After a moment, she spoke.

"Y... Yes," she said.

Kahente nodded and looked around. "It is not safe to stay out here for long, especially since it will be dark soon. Do you know your way home?"

"I... Yes. I do." The two stood up.

"Are you from the Roanoke colony?" asked Kahente. The woman nodded, and Kahente returned her nod.

"If you would like, I could protect you as you walk home," she said.

The woman seemed hesitant, but eventually she said, "Alright." She quieted down her baby and the three set off through the woods.

"What is your name?" asked Kahente.

"Eleanor," said the woman. "Eleanor Dare. My daughter here is named Virginia."

"I am Kahente. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"To you as well… Thank you for saving us."

"I was not about to let innocent people die at the hands of a madman."

"That was quite the show you put on. Aren't you a bit young to be dealing in... something like that?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, look at you! How old are you, dear?"

"I am 17 by your people's calendar."

"My word! It must've been rough growing up for you if you're capable of all of that at such a young age!"

"Training would be difficult at times, but it was worth it, and it was my choice. I choose the same path as my mother and father before me."

"And what path is that?"

Kahente smiled. "I am part of a Brotherhood," she said. "I follow an ancient and wise creed in order to protect the freedom and equality of innocent lives, and to eliminate those who would take that freedom."

"I see. And here we English are, talking about your people like you're wild animals! Yet, you seem to prove otherwise." Kahente just kept smiling. "Are you from one of those tribes?" Eleanor asked.

"My family and I are members of the Croatan tribe, though my loyalties always lie with my Brotherhood first." Eleanor nodded.

"What about you? What is your story?" asked Kahente.

Eleanor shrugged. "I came here with my father, John," she said. "He's the governor of this colony. He said he was part of an Order too, just as you, dear.”

Kahente politely nodded. Her thoughts went a different direction though. She knew that no Assassins had been to the colony before her. The only Order she knew of that could be there was her enemies: the Templars. But she said nothing to Eleanor about the Assassins fight against them. Her new friend seemed to be in the dark about the secret war, and so it should stay that way.

“He left for England to get supplies,” continued Eleanor. “But… well..."

Kahente could sense Eleanor's discomfort. "What is it?" she asked.

"He was supposed to have returned by now. But it's been months since when he told us that he would return. I'm beginning to fear that he may never return."

Kahente gave a saddened expression. "I'm so sorry," she said.

"Oh, don't be. It's not your fault."

"Even so." The two were silent for a moment.

"So how is life in the colony?" asked Kahente, trying to change the subject.

"Well, as I said, my father hasn't returned with supplies in months. As you saw, some people are beginning to lose it." She paused. "The ones who have lost it the most have unfortunately found weaponry. They lord what little power they've obtained over the other colonists. Many innocent people have been slaughtered already."

Kahente's expression saddened further, but it soon shifted to one of determination. "Well, luckily for you, I have business in the colony. I'll stand by your people and fight those who have lost their sanity."

Eleanor looked surprised. "Are you serious?" she asked. Kahente nodded. Eleanor smiled and Kahente smiled back. "So what business do you have in the colony?" asked Eleanor.

"My mentor sent me here to investigate what he believes is enemy activity. I am to find it and put a stop to it"

"What specifically qualifies as enemy activity?"

Kahente smirked. "I am afraid I must keep that a secret. Doing otherwise could compromise my brotherhood, and that cannot be allowed."

"Alright, fair enough. We should be at Roanoke soon."

Sure enough, they arrived at the wooden fence of the colony. Two men were guarding the entrance. One of them looked at Eleanor and Virginia and his eyes widened. He ran straight to them. "Eleanor!" he said. "My god! What happened?" Eleanor looked at the man. "We were attacked," she said. "We would've died had it not been for this kind young lady." She looked at Kahente, as did the man.

“You have my absolute thanks for rescuing my family," he said to her.

"It was no problem," said Kahente. "May I ask for your name?"

"Certainly. I am Ananias Dare, Eleanor's husband."

"I am Kahente." Eleanor looked at her husband. "The dear was hoping to come visit the colony," she said to him. He looked at Eleanor, then at Kahente, and then nodded.

"Very well," he said. "Follow me." He was about to enter through the gate when the other guard grabbed his arm. "Do you really think it's a good idea to let a savage into the colony?" he whispered, thinking Kahente couldn't hear him. Ananias frowned at the man.

"She saved my family," he whispered. "The least I could do is give her passage." The man seemed hesitant, but he let go of Ananias and stepped aside. Ananias nodded and motioned for the women to follow.

The first thing Kahente noticed about the colony was how quiet and empty it was. There was barely anyone around. She assumed it was because of their fear of the insane colonists. "Come on," said Ananias. "This way. Quickly." They quietly but quickly made their way through the alleyways of the colony until eventually came to a small house. Ananias opened the door and ushered the women inside before closing and locking the door behind him.

"I'm going to go put Virginia to bed," said Eleanor. The others nodded and she left the room.

"Thank you again, Kahente," said Ananias.

"You're welcome."

"Is there any way I could repay you?" Kahente thought for a second. "You could help me with my investigation," she said.

"Oh?"

"I was sent to this colony to deal with my enemies, and I believe this group of insane colonists may have something to do with them." Ananias raised an eyebrow.

"Really?” he asked curiously. “They're just mad. They've gone off their rocker and now they're just waltzing about with their guns."

"I don't think so. The patrols outside seemed too organized. Insane or not, they have a goal. Tell me, do they seem to follow any one specific person?"

Ananias seemed to think. "Well," he said. "I suppose Roger Prat would fit the role of a leader. He was the governor's assistant and one of the first men to be driven mad. He kept going on about 'precursor sites' and 'ancient temples' whatever that's supposed to mean."

Kahente felt her heart sink. So, the Templars were here, and they were after a precursor site. This wasn't good.

"The insane ones do seem to crowd around him wherever he goes, and he does give them orders on occasion,” continued Ananias

Kahente thought this over. Now she had a target. "Thank you," she said. "I know what I must do now. I must be off." She started to make her way to the door. "Are you mad?" said Ananias. "You can't go out there! They'll be prowling the streets. They use the night as cover. Please, just stay here until morning."

Kahente shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Dare, but I have to get to work as quickly as possible," she said. Suddenly, Eleanor returned from the other room.

"She's already off to sleep," she said. "What's going on here?"

"Kahente is planning on going out into the dark," said Ananias. Eleanor gave Kahente a look.

"Oh no you aren't!" she said to her. "You're spending the night here where it's safe!"

"Eleanor, I..." Kahente started to say, but Eleanor cut her off.

"No! No excuses! You saved my life and my baby's life. You're going to let me return the favor by allowing you to stay the night. I will not allow you to go out there. Is that understood?"

Kahente was silent for a moment, but she eventually sighed. "Very well. I will stay until morning," she said.

"Splendid! Come! I'll show you where you can sleep." Eleanor motioned for Kahente to follow, and she did so. Kahente kept her concerns to herself. She was most likely going to stay up all night, pondering over her plans to stop the Templars. They wouldn't rest, and she didn't want to either. Still, they were probably right. She had no idea of what this enemy was capable of, and facing them in the dark of night could probably get her killed. Plus, she didn't want to be rude to her new allies. The more friends she had, the better. She would stay until morning, and then she would get to work.