System in Assassin's Creed

Chapter 101: Chapter 100: Letter

[Current Balance: 374,934,722 scudi, 95 baiocchi]

---

’How many days has it been,’ Oldgate thought as La Providencia sat docked in the busy harbor of Livorno, the sounds of the port a constant hum around her.

Captain Oldgate stood on the quarterdeck, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation, sharing a pipe and idle conversation with a few of his senior crewmen.

The captured Xebecs had been sold off along with their remaining cargo, the bounty on Kara Murad had been collected... much to Oldgate’s satisfaction, and the galleon was now being restocked primarily with essentials like food, water, powder, and shot.

Their next destination, the distant island of Thera in the Aegean Sea, wasn’t a trading stop. They carried no specific cargo destined for the island, so the focus was purely on supplies for the long voyage south and ensuring the ship was fully repaired and seaworthy after the recent battles.

The crew seemed content as the pay was good thanks to their wealthy passenger, the recent prize money from the captured ships and bounty had been shared generously, and the next leg of the journey was promising.

Oldgate puffed on his pipe as the pack of cigar Alaric gave was long finished. He watched his men work.

He noticed a few white flakes drifting down from the sky.... Then a few more.

Snow.

”Ah... almost forgot. It’s December already.” He grunted, pulling his heavy coat tighter. He glanced inland towards the distant Apennine Mountains, their peaks already dusted white. ”Good thing we’re heading south to Thera soon... hate the damned cold.”

As he stared towards the mountains, lost in thought, a flicker of movement in his peripheral vision caught his eye.

High up on the roof of the Palazzo Granducale that was overlooking the harbor, a figure had suddenly appeared from thin air. Oldgate squinted. Even from this distance, the figure’s height and the distinct shade of blonde hair were unmistakable.

A slow chuckle rumbled in Oldgate’s chest. ”Damn brat,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. ”Appearing out of nowhere like a blasted ghost.”

He took another puff from his pipe. ”If I had his abilities... hah! I would have ruled the bloody world by now, not just sailed it.”

As he watched, Alaric’s figure on the rooftop simply... vanished. Oldgate blinked, startled, scanning the roof again and confirmed that it was empty.

Before he could properly register the impossibility of it, a familiar voice spoke right beside him.

”Sup!”

Oldgate jumped, spinning around, his hand instinctively going to his pistol before relaxing as he saw Alaric standing there on the deck, leaning casually against the railing, smirking.

He hadn’t heard him approach, hadn’t seen him cross the gangplank. It was as if he’d materialized out of thin air from the roof. Oldgate scowled, though the expression lacked any real heat.

”Welcome back, brat...” Oldgate said gruffly, taking a long drag from his pipe, watching Alaric while he narrowed eyes.

Alaric raised an eyebrow, pushing himself off the railing. ”Miss me already, Captain? And did you finish that pack of cigars I gave you?”

”Finished ’em the same day you gave ’em to me. Good stuff.” Oldgate blew out a plume of pipe smoke. ”So, ready to leave this place?”

Alaric nodded, glancing up at the sails, then towards the south. ”When do we set sail? The wind seems favorable, heading south.”

Oldgate paused, giving Alaric a knowing look. ”So that brat Reuben chose his lass over adventure, aye? Staying behind in Tuscany?”

Alaric chuckled again, shrugging. ”That’s a given, isn’t it? Flavia’s a fine woman... strong, beautiful, Assassin heritage. Of course Reuben’s head over heels for her.”

Oldgate scoffed, taking another drag from his pipe before tapping it against the railing. ”Well then... suppose there’s no reason to linger. La Providencia’s ready. You don’t need to bring anything else aboard? No luggage this time either?”

Alaric smirked as the System Interface flickered unseen at the edge of his vision. ”Nope. I’ve got everything I need right here.”

Oldgate raised a skeptical brow at Alaric, who carried nothing but the clothes he was weaering, but he merely nodded, accepting the strangeness as he always did with this particular passenger.

He turned, his voice instantly shifting back into command mode, booming across the deck.

”Alright, you lazy sea dogs! Stop gawking!” he roared, startling several nearby crewmen.

”Weigh anchor! Make sail! Loosen them topsails! We’ve got fair wind!” He grinned fiercely, pointing south. ”Next stop, the Aegean! We’re sailing for Thera!”

”Aye, Captain!”

---

Alaric sat comfortably behind the sturdy wooden desk in the cabin he always occupied when aboard La Providencia.

The gentle rocking of the ship and the creak of the wooden timbers were familiar sounds he was used to now.

He dipped his quill into the inkpot, pausing for a moment before beginning to write on a fresh sheet of parchment.

’To my Dearest Family - Father, Mother, Uncle Bernard, Aunt Linette, Edward, Caroline, Thulani, and Jonathan,

I trust this letter finds you all in good health and high spirits back in Bristol. Please know that I am well, though the journey has been, as expected, quite eventful since leaving London.

The voyage itself has been interesting. I have encountered many different people and seen sights both new and strangely familiar. The captain of this vessel, Edward Oldgate, is quite the character, a former associate of Henry Avery, believe it or not. We’ve become decent enough companions on this trip, sharing stories and cigars. He’s a reliable captain, despite his rough edges.

We’ve had our share of excitement too. Encountered some pirates here and there between ports, but nothing Reuben and I couldn’t handle easily. We ensured the safety of the ship and crew each time.

Our travels took us from London down to Portugal, then across to Barcelona in Spain, before landing in Rome via the port of Civitavecchia. From there, we journeyed north through Tuscany, stopping in Livorno before reaching Monteriggioni.

Speaking of Reuben, he has grown considerably stronger. Thulani, Jonathan, make sure you two aren’t slacking off on your training back home. Reuben sends his regards, though he won’t be returning with me just yet.

Mother, Father, please do not worry yourselves unduly. I am eating well and taking care. Ensure you both do the same. Uncle, Aunt, keep the businesses running smoothly. Caroline, stay strong.

As I write this, we are sailing south from Livorno, heading towards the Aegean Sea. My next destination is a small island in the Ottoman territories called Santorini or Thera, as some might call it. After that, my path is less certain, perhaps further east.

Which brings me to Reuben. He has decided to remain in Tuscany for the foreseeable future. He met a remarkable young woman in Monteriggioni, Flavia Auditore. It seems they’ve become quite inseparable. He sends his love and promises to write himself when he can.

Oh, and please tell William Penn Sr. to keep ’them’ in check.

Stay safe, all of you. Be careful, look after each other. I will send word again when I am able.

With deepest affection,

Alaric Jonathan Kenway’

Alaric stared at the finished letter for a while, a strange feeling settling over him. ”It’s my first time writing a proper letter in this life... feels weird,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head slightly.

He then opened the System Interface, navigating to the [Buy] section again. ’Need to pay Oldgate for the delivery.’

[Premium Cigar - 1 scudo.]

[Total Deduction: (21x) - 21 scudo.]

[Current Balance: 374,934,701 scudi, 95 baiocchi]

Twenty-one sleek, black packs of cigars appeared on the desk beside the letter, neatly stacked.

Alaric took one pack and slipped it into his coat pocket, leaving the remaining twenty. He carefully folded the parchment, sealing it with a generic wax seal beside the desk.

With the letter in his hand, he walked out of his cabin. He saw Oldgate on the quarterdeck, talking animatedly with one of his officers. Alaric approached them, announcing his presence. ”Whitebeard!”

Oldgate turned, raising an eyebrow as Alaric came up the steps. ”Aye, brat? What is it now?”

”Are you up for a small delivery task when you eventually arrive back in London?” Alaric asked, holding up the folded letter.

Oldgate looked at the letter, then back at Alaric. ”What’s it about?”

”Just a letter for my family,” Alaric explained. ”Y’know.”

”In London, aye?” Oldgate clarified.

Alaric shook his head. ”No, they’re in Bristol. When you get to London, just drop this at a post office. Tell them to send it to the Kenway Estate in Bristol.” He gestured back towards his cabin vaguely. ”As payment for the trouble, I’ve left twenty packs of those cigars you like on my desk. Help yourself.”

Oldgate’s eyes widened at the mention of the Estate and cigars, then a slow grin spread across his face. ”Heh, of course you have an Estate... figures.”

”Consider it done, lad. And thanks for the generosity,” He took the letter from Alaric and tucked the letter securely into his coat pocket and turned, walking towards the captain’s cabin at the stern.

”Don’t forget to send it to Bristol!” Alaric called after him. ”Kenway Estate!”

Oldgate turned his head back just as he reached his cabin door, opening the knob. ”You don’t have to tell me twice, brat!” he shouted back before disappearing inside.

Alaric smiled faintly, turning to look out at the endless the sea ahead.

’How are they all doing back home?’ he wondered, a rare flicker of longing crossing his features before he schooled his expression back to its usual calm neutrality.

’Why do I keep forgetting to use the Hiraishin... that’s crazy.’

’I should put a Hiraishin tag in this ship...’

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