Test of Faith

Chapter 51

~~~~ Four months later

"No one has suspected anything. As far as the Assassins are concerned, my occasional disappearances are stemmed from my avoiding Gianni. I know I should not be doing this, meeting him, I know what would happen if we were discovered. Part of me does not care what would happen, but part of me also knows how this will end. If it is not I that will meet him in battle, then it will be Connor...and he will not show mercy."

~~~~

"Ratonhnhaké:ton! Ratonhnhaké:ton!"

Mirabella looked up from her journal in fright at the sound of the distressed voice. She jogged out of her office, seeing Connor and Gianni appear in the Common Room as well.

Mirabella recognized Connor's friend, who paced angrily in front of the defensive line of Assassins. "Kanen'tó:kon? Why are you here? Has something happened?" Connor asked, approaching.

"William Johnson has returned - with all the money required to buy our land. He meets with the elders as we speak. I have begged them to resist, but I fear he shall have his way - unless you intervene."

Mirabella's face fell in shock, and she turned away - today was the day. "How is this possible? We destroyed the tea!" Connor protested, outraged. 

Mirabella placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, but it went unnoticed. Gianni instead smacked the boy across the shoulder, looking disappointed.

"The Templars are nothing if not resourceful. You should have heeded my warning!" he scolded, his jaw clenched. "What's done is done, fratello, the boy needed to learn," Mirabella hissed, glaring at her brother. "Please, you have to stop him."

All eyes turned back to Kanen'tó:kon, who gave them a look of desperation. "Of course." The two Native men started forward, but Connor suddenly stopped and looked back.

"Are you coming?" Mirabella's blood ran cold, and her eyes widened. It was a simple and innocent question, but knowing what was to come made it nearly impossible to answer. Nearly.

"Yes."

~~~~

"Are you okay, Mira?" The smaller Assassin turned to look at Connor as he drew back an arrow. "Of course, why would I not be?" she replied quietly. 

The arrow soared through the air at impeccable speed, impaling itself in the chest of the final guard. There were at least twelve or so guards, but the two Assassins had cleared the area within moments. 

"Well...you were once allies with Johnson," Connor continued cautiously. Mirabella eyed him as they proceeded. 

"Once, my son, years ago. That does not stand now - I am loyal to the Brotherhood," she said sternly. Connor simply nodded, then crouched low as they neared Johnson Hall.

Mirabella subtly gestured towards a ladder on the side of the building, and they quickly moved for it. "Peace, peace!" 

Mirabella flinched at the sound of William's voice, and she and Connor approached the edge of the roof. "Have I not always been an advocate? Have I not always sought to protect you from harm?" 

She saw him standing in a circle of Native elders, and she took a deep breath. "If you wish to protect us, then give us arms. Muskets and horses that we might defend ourselves!" one elder spat.

Mirabella glanced at Connor, but his glare was set on Johnson. "War is not the answer!" William protested. The elder shakily stood up, facing off with Johnson. 

"We remember Stanwix! We remember you moved the borders! Even today, your men dig up the land, showing no regard for those who live upon it! Your words are honeyed, but false. We are not here to negotiate, nor to sell - we are here to tell you and yours to leave these lands!"

Mirabella touched Connor's arm, catching his attention. "Ready yourself, figlio - from above," she hissed. William straightened out, his eyes lit up with rage. 

"So be it. I offered you an olive branch, and you knocked it from my hand. Perhaps you will respond better to the sword."

Connor slowly shifted position, looking like an animal ready to pounce as he waited for Mirabella's order. 

"Are you threatening us?" Mirabella's eyes widened even more, her heart pounding almost painfully in her chest - this was it. "Yes."

A sharp, blood-chilling whistle sliced through the air, and Connor lunged.