Thank you all for the concern and here--finally--is the next update. Sorry if it’s a little short I wanted to make sure you guys had an update before I held it off for longer than before. There will be no update for the next I want to say two days because I’ll be busy but after that I hope I can do a daily update as I did when I began filling this amazing prompt. Thank you all again for the absolutely fantastic reviews and your patience!
***
As the Aquila slowly sailed deeper into the morning fog Kanen'tó:kon felt himself shuddering, whether it be from the chilled air or the invisible enemy he did not know. They crawled at a tiny pace further out into the bay, the night sky still darkening the world as the early morning sun had yet to fully rise over the horizon, however the fog blocked out everything. The clouds would not doubt burn off by the time the golden sphere was peaking over the water, revealing everything that awaited them beyond their sight. He heard Charles grumble irritatedly about feeling ice forming on his coat making him snicker lightly to himself. The man’s grumpiness, although sometimes a tad annoying, was doing amazing at calming his jittery anxiety about the Aquila’s blindness. Even though being too relaxed could yield a fatal mistake, he’d take that any day over being immobile with fright. The crew bustled among the ship, never in the very least trying to silence their actions of loading and preparing cannons, but the morning’s uneasiness seemed to muffle it for them. Kanen'tó:kon scanned the surrounding water to see if there had been any movement that would give off any possible hint that he had been looking for.
“Sailing into the lion’s den with a blindfold upon our faces is those most fool-brained thing you have ever concocted!” Charles snapped lowly as he glanced around the fog, looking for anything that may give them a hint to where Washington’s men lay hidden. Kanen'tó:kon let out a light sigh before turning to face the man. He was getting extremely tired of having to explain his decision from someone who knew just how capable he was at gaining the upper hand in battle.
“By advancing while hidden we can take them by surprise when the clouds lift. If we began fighting as soon as we started to sail they would know where we are. Besides even if they knew where we were it is not like they could begin fighting since we have yet to fire.” He heard Faulkner chuckle lightly from behind the wheel, the man was the one to have suggested the plan in the first place. He knew Lee would protest to anything that had left his lips, good or bad, so it was decided it would be Kanen'tó:kon’s idea since Charles only complained about it rather argue. The Templar fell back into soft little mumbling, scowl on his face as he rubbed his hands that were kept ungloved, bitterly cold. He nearly jumped when he heard the distant sound of groaning wood, having forgotten--if even for momentarily--that they were not the only ones there. Charles had fallen silent beside him as he tried once more to peer into the blinding whitish grey all around them, failing once more.
“I don’t think we were the only one’s with the idea to use this blasted fog to our advantage.” Lee muttered, his voice no louder than a hushed whisper, shifting uneasily as Kanen'tó:kon mentally agreed with him. Up until now they hadn’t contemplated on the idea that maybe Washington would attempt the same thing, but surely they would have run into one of his ships by now wouldn’t they? Kanen'tó:kon rubbed his temples in annoyance. He had barely slept that night, too busy preparing the Aquila to even have thought of all the possibilities for this plan to go wrong. Now that they were neck deep in high water before even testing it was a little frightening, could they really fail this? Could he really leave Ratonhnhkaté:ton in the hands of that twisted man who sat aboard the ship, confidently surrounded by multitudes of his own men?
No.
He was not about to let this man walk away with his childhood friend as he had the years before. He would do whatever it took to ensure his friend’s safety. Even if it cost him with his own life.
He felt the warmth of the sun before he could even see it, glaring down upon his back as the fog above them dissipated in the wake of its rays. The clouds disappeared faster than what could ever be considered normal to reveal Washington’s fleet no longer just occupying the water around them, but surrounding them in a menacing circle. He felt his heart leap into his throat and was barely able to catch the flash of gold from the bow of one of the ships. He heard a string of curses erupt from every man’s mouth aboard the Aquila.
“I should have expected such trickery.” Charles swore beside him as his eyes glanced over the ships. “He used the Apple to deceive us, there was no way that was any natural ‘fog’.” Completely boxed in what exactly was there left for them to do? They were not being fired upon at the moment but what was to save them if Washington chose to sink them because he wanted no prisoners? The ships placement had been completely reorganized, leaving them not only at a loss for where Washington’s ship was but where to even begin. He paused lightly in his thoughts as he glanced over the ships, peering out of the corner of his eye from where he had caught the flash.
“There.” He uttered breathlessly, it was a simple guess but it was better than waiting to be killed. He ran across the deck, a stuttering Charles in tow to Faulkner’s side. “There,” he repeated as he pointed to a ship sitting idly on the port side of the Aquila, “Washington is there.”
“Are you sure, boy?” Faulkner questioned lightly, the air hung thick with doubt and Kanen'tó:kon was surprised he hadn’t began to choke. He nodded lightly before the man let out a nervous sigh before looking back out to the water.
“We stick to the plan. All that matters is that I get aboard that ship and you keep yourself and the crew alive.” Kanen'tó:kon added as the man let out a light chuckle and shook his head.
“I’m not so sure about the latter, but as for the former it would be an insult to everything the Captain has worked for to fail at something so simple.” Before Lee could find his voice to dispute what they had agreed to Faulkner roared loudly for the men to fully open the sails.
Right as the chorus of cannon fire began.
Faulkner barely had time to scream ‘get down’ before the metal balls buried themselves into the hull, violently shaking the ship. Kanen'tó:kon lurched forward, slamming into the deck before he could throw his hands up to roll forward. Groaning lightly he picked himself up as the ship veered towards Washington’s own sharply, nearly causing him to fall onto his face once more. He gripped the railing, catching a glimpse as Charles--who had somehow managed to be flung down onto the lower deck--pick himself up with such grace he believed him to be Haytham for a moment. That was until the man tripped on his own foot and met with the wooden floor a second time.
“You best be heading towards the bow. We only have one shot and I’m going right for her open side.” The cannons fired again, but this time Kanen'tó:kon was able to keep himself down with the rest of the crew--safe for one clumsy Charles Lee--as the ship rocked beneath him. He sprang up once it was over and sprinted down onto the lower deck, pulling free his tomahawk as they approached Washington’s ship who now began to let loose its sails. Charles stumbled after him, stubbornly trying to keep on his heels despite the possible broken nose he may have very well received. By the time they reached the tip they were mere meters away from the wooden hull of the fleeing ship, bracing himself as the Aquila slammed into it. He was nearly tossed off at the sudden impact, stumbling back a few steps as the ship shook, parting faster than he had originally realized. He pushed himself forward before leaping over the side, digging his tomahawk into the wooden railing as his free hand latched on as well. He heard the smack of another body hitting the space beside him with a low grunt before a sharply gasping as he glanced over to see Lee’s grip slip. He snapped his hand out and snatched the man’s before pulling him up as his muscles screamed.
“Perhaps it was a good idea to be gloveless after all.” He heard Charles muse with the edge of fright in his voice as the man clung to the rail, causing Kanen'tó:kon to snicker lightly before he heaved himself onto the deck. He lunged forward onto the nearest crewman who had come to investigate the source of the thumps, hacking into him with his tomahawk before Charles leapt onto the second nearest man, dagger slick with blood. He sprang back up quickly and watched in shock as the rest of the crewmen regarded him for a moment before returning to their duties, pushing past them to get to the sails.
“What in the bloody hell. . .” Charles muttered as he gaped at the spectacle with wide eyes. They moved a little forward, hesitant of the odd crewman that moved around them. When no one came forward after a few steps Charles began walking forward quickly causing Kanen'tó:kon to hurry after him.
“Lee be careful-”
“I am. Do you want to be in the middle of them when they suddenly turned hostile? I think not. We find Washington, kill him and be done with it.” He stormed towards the captain’s quarters despite the tugging at his arm.
“Wait Lee listen to me, this is all a little odd. We should stop and plan out are next move. They have not given us a reason to be hostile so we can pause for a moment.” Charles shrugged him off, withdrew his pistol and kicked open the door to Washington’s room. Moving inside hesitantly behind Charles he glanced around the empty room, sighing softly to himself as he realized that this was probably indeed the wrong ship. He had been so sure though, the flash of gold had come from this ship, he had seen it!
But maybe it hadn’t been from the Apple at all, perhaps the flash of a weapon or maybe the glint of the sun. Charles grumbled lowly in annoyance, “Wrong ship.”
The cocking of a gun behind them wasn’t at all comforting, but confirmed it was the right ship after all.
They whipped around to see Washington standing alone in the door regarding them with such a look of pure boredom on his face. “Honestly if this trap had come together as perfectly as it has I wouldn’t have taken as many precautions as I did.” Kanen'tó:kon glared at the pistol that was level with his face, the owner’s finger teasingly rubbing against the trigger. Washington glanced over at Charles flicking the gun lightly, ordering the man to set his own down.
“Kick it over to me once it’s on the floor.” He commanded as Charles’ eyes narrowed.
“I will never see something as precious as this fall into your hands.” He snapped back causing Washington to frown menacingly. Kanen'tó:kon felt his heart stutter, if Charles kept up it up maybe just maybe he’d get the chance to leap forward and finally end Washington.
Risky but necessary.
“Give it to me now, Charles.” Washington growled threateningly to that akin to the animal as Charles retorted with equal venom.
“As soon as you hand over the Apple.”
Kanen'tó:kon leapt, tomahawk in hand. Looking back on it now he could have easily held off for a bit longer, but the fear of Washington taking out Charles for his attitude propelled him forward in that instance. Washington had been faster though, letting the gun crack as it spat out the musketball at Kanen'tó:kon’s face. He stumbled back at the sound, waiting for the feeling of pain erupt from the impact but felt none. Instead he saw the eyes of Washington widen as deadly ball of metal flung itself to the side with him out of harm’s way. Without giving it so much as a second thought he jerked forward, bringing his biting blade down towards the man’s throat.
Only to have him disappear.
Kanen'tó:kon snarled in frustration as he swung at had once been occupied thin air, digging his tomahawk into the wooden doorframe. Before he could scream in anger he heard a grunt followed by a body collapsing onto the ground behind him. He spun around to see Charles on his knees, one hand wrapped around his abdomen and the other against the floor. He rushed over, dropping to his knees letting out a quiet gasp as he removed his companion’s arm to see the sleeve stained with blood.
Welcome to the New Age - Part 23/???
***
As the Aquila slowly sailed deeper into the morning fog Kanen'tó:kon felt himself shuddering, whether it be from the chilled air or the invisible enemy he did not know. They crawled at a tiny pace further out into the bay, the night sky still darkening the world as the early morning sun had yet to fully rise over the horizon, however the fog blocked out everything. The clouds would not doubt burn off by the time the golden sphere was peaking over the water, revealing everything that awaited them beyond their sight. He heard Charles grumble irritatedly about feeling ice forming on his coat making him snicker lightly to himself. The man’s grumpiness, although sometimes a tad annoying, was doing amazing at calming his jittery anxiety about the Aquila’s blindness. Even though being too relaxed could yield a fatal mistake, he’d take that any day over being immobile with fright. The crew bustled among the ship, never in the very least trying to silence their actions of loading and preparing cannons, but the morning’s uneasiness seemed to muffle it for them. Kanen'tó:kon scanned the surrounding water to see if there had been any movement that would give off any possible hint that he had been looking for.
“Sailing into the lion’s den with a blindfold upon our faces is those most fool-brained thing you have ever concocted!” Charles snapped lowly as he glanced around the fog, looking for anything that may give them a hint to where Washington’s men lay hidden. Kanen'tó:kon let out a light sigh before turning to face the man. He was getting extremely tired of having to explain his decision from someone who knew just how capable he was at gaining the upper hand in battle.
“By advancing while hidden we can take them by surprise when the clouds lift. If we began fighting as soon as we started to sail they would know where we are. Besides even if they knew where we were it is not like they could begin fighting since we have yet to fire.” He heard Faulkner chuckle lightly from behind the wheel, the man was the one to have suggested the plan in the first place. He knew Lee would protest to anything that had left his lips, good or bad, so it was decided it would be Kanen'tó:kon’s idea since Charles only complained about it rather argue. The Templar fell back into soft little mumbling, scowl on his face as he rubbed his hands that were kept ungloved, bitterly cold. He nearly jumped when he heard the distant sound of groaning wood, having forgotten--if even for momentarily--that they were not the only ones there. Charles had fallen silent beside him as he tried once more to peer into the blinding whitish grey all around them, failing once more.
“I don’t think we were the only one’s with the idea to use this blasted fog to our advantage.” Lee muttered, his voice no louder than a hushed whisper, shifting uneasily as Kanen'tó:kon mentally agreed with him. Up until now they hadn’t contemplated on the idea that maybe Washington would attempt the same thing, but surely they would have run into one of his ships by now wouldn’t they? Kanen'tó:kon rubbed his temples in annoyance. He had barely slept that night, too busy preparing the Aquila to even have thought of all the possibilities for this plan to go wrong. Now that they were neck deep in high water before even testing it was a little frightening, could they really fail this? Could he really leave Ratonhnhkaté:ton in the hands of that twisted man who sat aboard the ship, confidently surrounded by multitudes of his own men?
No.
He was not about to let this man walk away with his childhood friend as he had the years before. He would do whatever it took to ensure his friend’s safety. Even if it cost him with his own life.
He felt the warmth of the sun before he could even see it, glaring down upon his back as the fog above them dissipated in the wake of its rays. The clouds disappeared faster than what could ever be considered normal to reveal Washington’s fleet no longer just occupying the water around them, but surrounding them in a menacing circle. He felt his heart leap into his throat and was barely able to catch the flash of gold from the bow of one of the ships. He heard a string of curses erupt from every man’s mouth aboard the Aquila.
“I should have expected such trickery.” Charles swore beside him as his eyes glanced over the ships. “He used the Apple to deceive us, there was no way that was any natural ‘fog’.” Completely boxed in what exactly was there left for them to do? They were not being fired upon at the moment but what was to save them if Washington chose to sink them because he wanted no prisoners? The ships placement had been completely reorganized, leaving them not only at a loss for where Washington’s ship was but where to even begin. He paused lightly in his thoughts as he glanced over the ships, peering out of the corner of his eye from where he had caught the flash.
“There.” He uttered breathlessly, it was a simple guess but it was better than waiting to be killed. He ran across the deck, a stuttering Charles in tow to Faulkner’s side. “There,” he repeated as he pointed to a ship sitting idly on the port side of the Aquila, “Washington is there.”
“Are you sure, boy?” Faulkner questioned lightly, the air hung thick with doubt and Kanen'tó:kon was surprised he hadn’t began to choke. He nodded lightly before the man let out a nervous sigh before looking back out to the water.
“We stick to the plan. All that matters is that I get aboard that ship and you keep yourself and the crew alive.” Kanen'tó:kon added as the man let out a light chuckle and shook his head.
“I’m not so sure about the latter, but as for the former it would be an insult to everything the Captain has worked for to fail at something so simple.” Before Lee could find his voice to dispute what they had agreed to Faulkner roared loudly for the men to fully open the sails.
Right as the chorus of cannon fire began.
Faulkner barely had time to scream ‘get down’ before the metal balls buried themselves into the hull, violently shaking the ship. Kanen'tó:kon lurched forward, slamming into the deck before he could throw his hands up to roll forward. Groaning lightly he picked himself up as the ship veered towards Washington’s own sharply, nearly causing him to fall onto his face once more. He gripped the railing, catching a glimpse as Charles--who had somehow managed to be flung down onto the lower deck--pick himself up with such grace he believed him to be Haytham for a moment. That was until the man tripped on his own foot and met with the wooden floor a second time.
“You best be heading towards the bow. We only have one shot and I’m going right for her open side.” The cannons fired again, but this time Kanen'tó:kon was able to keep himself down with the rest of the crew--safe for one clumsy Charles Lee--as the ship rocked beneath him. He sprang up once it was over and sprinted down onto the lower deck, pulling free his tomahawk as they approached Washington’s ship who now began to let loose its sails. Charles stumbled after him, stubbornly trying to keep on his heels despite the possible broken nose he may have very well received. By the time they reached the tip they were mere meters away from the wooden hull of the fleeing ship, bracing himself as the Aquila slammed into it. He was nearly tossed off at the sudden impact, stumbling back a few steps as the ship shook, parting faster than he had originally realized. He pushed himself forward before leaping over the side, digging his tomahawk into the wooden railing as his free hand latched on as well. He heard the smack of another body hitting the space beside him with a low grunt before a sharply gasping as he glanced over to see Lee’s grip slip. He snapped his hand out and snatched the man’s before pulling him up as his muscles screamed.
“Perhaps it was a good idea to be gloveless after all.” He heard Charles muse with the edge of fright in his voice as the man clung to the rail, causing Kanen'tó:kon to snicker lightly before he heaved himself onto the deck. He lunged forward onto the nearest crewman who had come to investigate the source of the thumps, hacking into him with his tomahawk before Charles leapt onto the second nearest man, dagger slick with blood. He sprang back up quickly and watched in shock as the rest of the crewmen regarded him for a moment before returning to their duties, pushing past them to get to the sails.
“What in the bloody hell. . .” Charles muttered as he gaped at the spectacle with wide eyes. They moved a little forward, hesitant of the odd crewman that moved around them. When no one came forward after a few steps Charles began walking forward quickly causing Kanen'tó:kon to hurry after him.
“Lee be careful-”
“I am. Do you want to be in the middle of them when they suddenly turned hostile? I think not. We find Washington, kill him and be done with it.” He stormed towards the captain’s quarters despite the tugging at his arm.
“Wait Lee listen to me, this is all a little odd. We should stop and plan out are next move. They have not given us a reason to be hostile so we can pause for a moment.” Charles shrugged him off, withdrew his pistol and kicked open the door to Washington’s room. Moving inside hesitantly behind Charles he glanced around the empty room, sighing softly to himself as he realized that this was probably indeed the wrong ship. He had been so sure though, the flash of gold had come from this ship, he had seen it!
But maybe it hadn’t been from the Apple at all, perhaps the flash of a weapon or maybe the glint of the sun. Charles grumbled lowly in annoyance, “Wrong ship.”
The cocking of a gun behind them wasn’t at all comforting, but confirmed it was the right ship after all.
They whipped around to see Washington standing alone in the door regarding them with such a look of pure boredom on his face. “Honestly if this trap had come together as perfectly as it has I wouldn’t have taken as many precautions as I did.” Kanen'tó:kon glared at the pistol that was level with his face, the owner’s finger teasingly rubbing against the trigger. Washington glanced over at Charles flicking the gun lightly, ordering the man to set his own down.
“Kick it over to me once it’s on the floor.” He commanded as Charles’ eyes narrowed.
“I will never see something as precious as this fall into your hands.” He snapped back causing Washington to frown menacingly. Kanen'tó:kon felt his heart stutter, if Charles kept up it up maybe just maybe he’d get the chance to leap forward and finally end Washington.
Risky but necessary.
“Give it to me now, Charles.” Washington growled threateningly to that akin to the animal as Charles retorted with equal venom.
“As soon as you hand over the Apple.”
Kanen'tó:kon leapt, tomahawk in hand. Looking back on it now he could have easily held off for a bit longer, but the fear of Washington taking out Charles for his attitude propelled him forward in that instance. Washington had been faster though, letting the gun crack as it spat out the musketball at Kanen'tó:kon’s face. He stumbled back at the sound, waiting for the feeling of pain erupt from the impact but felt none. Instead he saw the eyes of Washington widen as deadly ball of metal flung itself to the side with him out of harm’s way. Without giving it so much as a second thought he jerked forward, bringing his biting blade down towards the man’s throat.
Only to have him disappear.
Kanen'tó:kon snarled in frustration as he swung at had once been occupied thin air, digging his tomahawk into the wooden doorframe. Before he could scream in anger he heard a grunt followed by a body collapsing onto the ground behind him. He spun around to see Charles on his knees, one hand wrapped around his abdomen and the other against the floor. He rushed over, dropping to his knees letting out a quiet gasp as he removed his companion’s arm to see the sleeve stained with blood.
Deep, red blood.