Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Chapter 14: The Sick Truth

~Connor POV~

Long blonde hair whipped back in forth against a lithe back. Her small shoulders shrugged beneath the thin red gown. Bright blue eyes stared directly at me, though they seemed to be looking straight through my body. Her voice was echoed like it would be in a cave. The background consisted of a thick meadow decorated in wildflowers. "C'mon Connor, I want you to meet somebody." Her tiny fingers wrapped around my thick wrist.

The view around me changed, I was standing before a wooden crib. Yellow and green knitted blankets piled inside. A soft cooing noise was heard along with incoherent babbles. Alice leaned on my shoulder and pressed her lips against the hollow of my throat. I was not dressed in my normal robes, but in a plain white shirt and loose brown trousers.

"This is our child. You swore to protect us." Alice's grip grew menacing. I tried to peer inside to see the baby's face but dark red blood began to grow on the blanket. Shrill cries from an infant pounded against my skull. The blood stain grew as did the screams.

Alice tugged me around and her mouth was oozing blood from the corner. Her hands slowly removed themselves from her abdomen where blood seeped through. The face she wore could only be described as betrayal, hurt and sorrow. I stepped forward to help when the glint of metal caught my eye.

There, at my wrist, was a bloody hidden blade. My sleeve had been coated with the liquid as well. "Why?" Alice's voice faded into a sick bubbling noise. She coughed and her saliva mixed with blood sprayed the front of my shirt.

"Alice no!" I reached forward and Alice disappeared right before I could touch her.

Now I was all alone in a dark room. I fell back and brought my knees to my chest, rocking back and forth. Pain erupted in my chest at the scene I had witnessed. A blinding light flashed and I lifted my head in awe. My mother was standing there with outstretched arms. She wasn't as young as I remembered. Her face held wrinkles and age marks.

Her hair was decorated in gray strands and her posture seemed to bend forward like a willow. I stumbled to my feet and took a few steps back. Mother just smiled at me. "My son. It's been too long. These dreams haunt you don't they?" I couldn't hold myself back any longer.

I wrapped my arms around her shoulders just like I would have as a child. She patted my back and rubbed in soothing circles. "Mother please help me. I-I'm a monster." Mother hushed my voice and shook her head. I pulled away and watched as she took my hands in her own.

"You are no monster Ratonhnhaké:ton. You are a hero, one that will change this horrible world." Mother kissed the back of my knuckles with a small smile. "You will protect Alice and my-" her voice muted at the end, and her image seemed to become hazy. I reached out to cup her cheek but found it was nothing but mist.

"You're what? What is it mother?" Her lips moved but a sharp gust of wind took her away, just like the fire had so long ago.

I awoke startled, sweat dripping down my chest and onto the sheets. My hands swiped down my hair and folded themselves behind my neck. I rested my head against my bent knee and felt a sob wrack my body. A silent one at that.

"Connor?" Achilles' voice echoed through the oak door. I sniffled and wiped the small tears off my cheeks. I threw the fur blankets off my legs and sighed.

"Come in." The door squeaked open and Achille's walked in. His hair was loose and his clothes showed he had just awoken as well.

"A messenger just dropped this off. It may give us causes to Alice's whereabouts." I sprung up and snatched the letter from his hands. I tore the red wax seal and lit the lantern on the bedside table. My eyes adjusted to the light and I leaned forward so I could see the ink markings.

Dear Connor,

I'm alright. I don't have the slightest clue where I'm at but all that matters is that I'm safe. The pole in Haytham's ass seems to be stuck further up than usual. I miss you. Life here isn't so bad. Lucius is growing old and the pretty mares here keep him company. I doubt he could make a final trip back home. This may be the last letter I can send to you but just know that my love is sincere. I know you'll make a fine father to our child.

Love Alice.

"Connor?" Achilles knocked my shoulder lightly with the end of his cane. My bottom lip quivered as I re-read the short letter over and over again. My fingers crumpled the edge of the paper. A fine father to our child? Did that mean....

"She's pregnant." I whispered. Achille's leaned closer as if he didn't hear me.

"Come again?" I leaped from the bed and hastily ran past the old man and out the door. I could hear his uneven footsteps follow me down into the basement. "Connor wait."

"Wait for what old man?!" The anger had boiled over. I collected my robes off of the statue and began to strip right there. Achilles looked at me with dull eyes. "Not only is Alice in danger," I shoved the pistol on the holster attached to me waist and turned to him. "My child is in harms way."

Achilles grabbed my forearm. I had never seen such a serious look across his face. His brows were knitted together and a snarl was on his lips. "How do you know this isn't some trap? Haytham or Shay cold have very well sent the letter to persuade you into anger. You need to think clearly before you act."

"I have waited far too long." I flipped my hood to cover the fresh tears forming. I squeezed my eyes shut and growled. "I'm bringing them home."

~Chapter End~