The Right Side

Murderer

The break that Haytham had hoped for Clarke didn't last long. She's stayed home, yes, but she's always outside in the back and practicing with the bow and arrow. It confuses him, since he's told her directly that she should give her body a rest. Yet she claims she is.

"I can't get anything in her head that she'll listen to," the Grand Master says to Charles, Hickey standing close as well. They were outside, too. Far enough so Clarke couldn't hear but close enough to watch.

"Let 'er do wha' she wants, Kenway," Hickey says before drinking from a flask. "Can't hurt her none."

"It's been nearly a month, Haytham," speaks Charles. "She hasn't left the house, that's her problem. Let me take her out somewhere. And before you get your britches in a twist, it's just to a meeting with Washington. Safest place to be unless we're involved. And I promise not to pull my gun."

"I'm not sure seeing Washington is a good thing for her. What if something were to happen, or he were to talk about-"

"Haytham, you're becoming worse by the day," the man rolls his eyes. "Let her come with me. Perhaps then you could... I don't know, do something for once? Get some rest, wash up, go buy something. We'll be back soon." Without actual permission, the man stands and walks to where Clarke is.

She has her hair in a long braid, and is wearing her usual uniform. Charles has noticed that even though she doesn't leave the house, she is often dressed in this attire. Perhaps he should take her shopping instead.

"Clarke?"

The girl turns, flashing the man a small smile. "Charles."

"I'm on my way to a hearing from George Washington, the new Commander of the Patriots. It's more than likely going to be a bore, so I was wondering if you'd like to come with me."

"Really?" Her smile grows bigger. She usually spends her time with Haytham, so when given the opportunity to be with Charles, she always takes it. "I'd love to!"

"I'd glad you would. Now, I'm going to get us some horses. That or we can ride together, it's your choice. But you do need to change, my dear. Walking in looking like you're ready for a battle isn't the best to get friends."

The blonde nods, turning and heading inside the manor. Once gone, Charles looks over at Haytham and flashes a grin. "See? She's happy to be finally leaving."

"If she comes back hurt or upset at all, it'll be your fault, I hope you know. Just... just take a horse together, will you? Make sure your with her?"

"Haytham, you've got to be-" Charles stops himself before letting out a sigh. "Fine. Don't say anything about this. Ever."

"Wouldn't dream of it." The Grand Master's eyes drift over to Clarke, seeing her in a maroon colored dress that goes to right above her knees. It's made to be easy to move around in, something the Templars expected her to wear. "It's nice to see you in normal clothes," he says with a smile.

Clarke smiles back, moving to the men. "I wish I could say the same about you, but after years of knowing you I still haven't seen you out of uniform."

"I've been busy."

"I know, just commenting. Are we ready to go, Charles?"

The man nods, motioning her to follow as Haytham watches them. If anything happened to Clarke after losing William, he would kill someone.

"So," Charles says to the shorter girl. "I'm sorry to say that Haytham has asked that we share a horse. So up you go," he motions to his dark brown mare.

"Why am I not surprised?" She pulls herself up, putting her legs to the side as Charle sits in front of her.

"Hold on. I'd hate to piss him off."

The ride into town was rather short, neither of them talking much as they went. Charles took them to a large building, Clarke having remembered it but never went inside.

The man tied their horse to a post, motioning the girl to follow him as he entered. It was filled with men, sitting back in their chairs and speaking amongst themselves.

"Good," Charles pulls out a chair for the blonde before sitting down himself. "We aren't late."

"For what?"

"George Washington. There was an attack in Lexington, between the Patriots and the Red Coats. I suppose he's to tell us about it and further plans. Give a speech to give us hope. Something like that."

Clarke glances around, noticing only men around them. She shifts in her seat before sitting back. "He's a good man, at least."

She sees a man with white hair enter, recognizing him as none other than George Washington. It's hard to mistake him as anyone else, since he is in charge of the Patriots.

"For the support of the glorious cause," he says, standing in the middle of the room. "I beg they with accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of approbation. But, lest some unlucky event shall happen, unfavorable to my reputation. I beg to be remembered, by every gentleman-" he pauses, eyes on Clarke, "and every lady in the room that I, this day, declare with utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with."

A man leans over to another, both sitting in from of Clarke and Charles and says, "Truly, there is no other better suited for the task."

"Really?" Charles rolls his eyes. "I can think of many."

Clarke couldn't help but agree, though only partly. Not many, but more of... one. Haytham, that is.

"Charles Lee," comes and angry voice, and the other man stood, facing them. It was Connor.

The two look at eachother, both attempting to say something. Clarke beat him to it.

"You murderer!" She yelled, standing to her feet.

"What?" Charles stands as well, slowly piecing everything together. "This is him?" Everyone else in the room had stopped, watching them silently with confusion.

"Clarke please," Connor's voice is quiet.

"Don't even start with that! You can't expect me to not be angry, you killed William!"

"It's for a good cause, you need to listen-"

"Good cause?! I was there! We were going to protect your people!"

"Maybe you were, but he wasn't. If you would just let me explain," he moves closer, reaching out for her.

"No!" She hit his hand away. "Why would I? You lied to me! You never told me you were going to kill him, just that you were going to help your people!"

"Clarke, come on," Charles grabs her arm, trying to lead her to the door. "It's not worth it. We need to go."

"He killed William!"

"I know!" He made the blonde face him, holding her arms tightly. "But now it is time to leave!"

With that, the older man basically dragged her out of the room, leaving Connor speechless with others staring. He won't give up, but he realized getting to her would be harder than he first thought.