"You disappear for three weeks without even so much as a goodbye." The sound of Gianni's disappointed voice as they entered the Assassin den made Mirabella cringe.
"Sorry not sorry, fratello!" she called back cheerfully. She stood tall in the center of the Common Room with her hand on Connor's shoulder.
"Signore e signori - it is time." Every Assassin then stood up, parting and creating a path for Mirabella. "Mira, what is going on?" Connor asked as Mirabella led him forward. She merely smiled.
"You are ready, ragazzo."
~~~~
"Long ago, there would be a much more formal ceremony. But...times have changed, so allow me to lead this rite." The group of Assassins were sat in an underground ceremonial hall. Mirabella and Gianni stood in front of the room with Connor facing them.
She stood in front of him with dignity. "You came to us with the intention of granting freedom for your people - for all of mankind. You showed great ambition and resilience during your training, and you have grown to become an outstanding Assassin. It is time you become a part of our Creed."
He sucked in a breath, his eyes wide with excitement, and Mirabella had to suppress her grin. "Connor. We here dedicate our lives to protecting the freedom of humanity. Gianni, myself and every Assassin here stood in your place, vowing to fight off the darkness. Now - I offer the choice to you."
Mirabella held her hand out, her head high. "Join us." In a heartbeat, Connor took her hand and stood next to her. Gianni stepped forward, handing something to Mirabella.
"In the ancient times, you would lose a finger rather than decorate it," he teased. A soft chuckle rippled through the small crowd at Connor's terrified expression, and Mirabella swatted her brother away.
She held up the ring for Connor to see before slipping it on his finger. "Welcome to the Brotherhood, mio ragazzo." Mirabella then turned to the crowd, Gianni standing tall next to her. "Where other men blindly follow the truth, remember - " he called boldly.
"Nothing is true," the crowd replied. "Where other men are limited by morality and law, remember - " Mirabella called proudly. "Everything is permitted."
The Auditore siblings then led the way, and instinctively Connor followed. The three of them stood at the top of the building, and Connor realized just how tall the lighthouse den was.
It was hidden deep in the Frontier, with scarcely any visitors, and Connor spotted a haystack way down below.
"Jump."
Mirabella smiled at the boy's bewildered look. "What?!" he echoed. Mirabella's heart swelled, and she took in a deep breath. "Consider it a test of faith, my son."
YOU ARE READING
Test of Faith
ActionIt was strange. No one seemed to have any knowledge of who they were, and those who did - the very few - refused to speak of them. Some feigned knowledge of them and attempted to spew lies, and they received the consequences they deserved. Time was...
