Test of Faith

Chapter 8

"Sir, it is too dangerous to go on your own," Charles argued. "I do believe he is right, you may be walking into another ambush," another man, Benjamin, agreed. Two agonizingly long days had passed since the first encounter with Tacitus - Haytham was anxious for this day to arrive.

"I can assure you, gentlemen, I will be able to defend myself or escape conflict if need be," he replied, arranging his weapons in his holsters. He stood tall in front of his companions, who were sat at the table.

"If I do not return when the sun sets, then you may come search for me. Until then - adieu, gentlemen."

~~~~

When Haytham arrived at the plains, he spotted the small black figure of Tacitus, who was sat under a tree. He dismounted from his horse, hitching it to a tree before he approached. As he drew nearer, he realized the book in their gloved hands, and they were fixated on the page.

"An English translation of a French novel. Candice by Voltaire," Tacitus suddenly said, not looking up from the book. Haytham just hummed quietly. "I can't say I'm familiar with the piece," he said honestly. Tacitus picked up a decorative bookmark, marking their page.

Haytham's gaze wandered over the clothes Tacitus wore. Their robes were rather unique, in material and colour - black with dark red accents. Their boots were knee-length, which accentuated rather long, slender legs. "Ser Kenway?"

He visibly flinched at the sound of Tacitus' voice, and he looked down to see them holding a hand out. "Can I get some help?" Immediately, he helped them up, and Tacitus dusted off their robes. "Walk with me, messere, we have much to discuss," they offered.

They didn't wait for a reply and simply began walking, so Haytham followed quickly. "How did you know my name?" he asked curiously, gazing around calmly. "I know many things - I have eyes and ears everywhere," Tacitus replied.

Haytham stole a glance at them, but their eyes were elsewhere. "So the informants we found throughout Boston were part of a ploy?" he continued. Haytham kept his tone impressively composed, despite his burning desire to question Tacitus endlessly.

"You catch on quick," they said lightly. Haytham eyed them again with an arched brow, and they met him with a playful glance for a moment. "I have thought about your words, messere, they were rather interesting," they said, turning away.

Haytham hummed with interest, turning to look around again. "It is a rather arrogant view of the world and mankind, and your bickering colleagues make me question your authority and control over them."

He blinked in shock, slowing for a moment to stare at Tacitus in astonishment at their blunt honesty. They chuckled in amusement, looking over at Haytham with bright eyes.

"But your idea speaks some truth - providing structure and control to an evolving world...it is necessary," they said thoughtfully. Tacitus' deep voice wavered for a moment as they spoke, its deep tone raising slightly in pitch. Haytham narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, but he brushed it off.

"Does that mean you have made your decision to join our cause?" he asked rather hopefully. Tacitus suddenly scoffed, stopping in their tracks. "You said nothing of joining your ranks, messere. As grand as your vision is for the world, I choose no side - I only choose myself."

If Haytham's disappointment was visible on his face, Tacitus chose to ignore it. He sighed, his shoulders slumping a little as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"I can't say I have not been discouraged, but with time I can assure you - you will see reason in joining the Order," he said confidently, his head high.

Tacitus chuckled again, the corners of their eyes crinkling with what could have been a smile behind the mask. "You have not been the first to try and dissuade me, messere, and I'm sure you will not be the last," they told him.

That statement sparked Haytham's curiosity, but he chose not to ask. He tried an awkward but polite smile. "It seems our meetings must continue if we wish to reach a common ground," he suggested. Tacitus hummed, nodding as they gazed up at Haytham. "It seems so."