Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Fate of the Gods

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Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Fate of the Gods is an young adult novel written by Matthew J. Kirby. The follow-up to Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Tomb of the Khan and the conclusion of the Last Descendants series, it was released on 26 December 2017.

Blurb

The stunning conclusion to the Last Descendants Trilogy! Only one piece of the Trident of Eden remains - Isaiah, a rogue Templar agent, has discovered both the faith prong and the fear prong of this powerful relic. Should he possess the devotion prong, there is little that can stop him. For the time being, Owen and his fellow teens have established an uneasy alliance across Assassin and Templar lines in order to stop Isaiah while they still can.

Over a thousand years earlier, Styrbjörn the Strong, a Danish warrior, leads the Jomsvikings against the Danish king, Harald Bluetooth. It is on those Viking battlefields that the secrets of the devotion prong lie. It is there that the fate of the world, the truth behind the teens' collective unconsciousness, and their ancestral links to one another lie.

History has already been written. The rest is up to Owen, Javier, and the other members of their unlikely alliance. The actions they take will change the world of Assassin's Creed forever.

Summary

Chapter One

In 2016, Sean immerses himself in the memories of his Viking ancestor, Styrbjörn the Strong, who engages in a decisive battle against King Harald Bluetooth. Styrbjörn's fleet waits on the coast of Jutland at Aros for Harald's longships. It has been ten days since Isaiah told Sean about the group going rogue with Victoria working with the Assassins. Back in the simulation, Styrbjörn organizes his ships to tactically withstand Harald's forces while he looks for the king. Palnatoke asks if his plan is assured but Styrbjörn promises that the king will lose.

Reaching the shore, Styrbjörn orders the first command of his ships to attack Harald's ship. After the next two commands to secure a path to Harald, his plan reaches a stop when a Danish longship hits his own ship. Nevertheless, Styrbjörn forges forward only for him to be tossed overboard. Despite the weight of his armor and weapons, he rises up but loses his shield. With his axe Randgríð and his short knife, he goes against two ships filled with Danes. However, he bypasses most of the first ship and makes his way onto the second ship.

With the distance between him and Harald growing farther, Styrbjörn jumps on the next ship and uses an oar to push back all of its warriors. Not losing the opportunity, he jumps into the waters and swims to Harald's ship, only to be shot in the thigh. With his axe, he climbs aboard Harald's ship and pulls out the arrow. When Harald sends two of his men, Styrbjörn kills them swiftly. He then orders Harald to surrender as Styrbjörn claims his army for himself. Meanwhile, Sean sees the prong hanging from Harald's belt but stops himself from desynchronization to grab it.

Chapter Two

Owen watches at the Aerie, where he sees Victoria meet with Templars, two men and a woman, of whom Griffin states that one is at least a part of the Inner Sanctum. Owen then tells Griffin about how Isaiah showed him his father's memories and questions him about the Assassins' involvement. Griffin rebuffs him and states that Isaiah has lied and he will not dignify an answer to such a response. Reminding himFed up with the Assassins, Owen finds himself among his group, all of which are still consoling Natalya. She continues to blame herself but they all repeat that Isaiah is to blame, especially Owen.

They also discuss not to trust either Victoria or Griffin, but they have no else to help them and it is fine for them to keep secrets for now. Victoria soon joins them and asks them if they want to stay. She promises that Abstergo and the Templars will leave them alone. However, Owen, Javier, Grace, and David agree to stay to stop Isaiah from world domination and Natalya stays for the chance to save Sean from Isaiah's hold. Victoria also explains from Monroe's note that Sean's ancestor is shown to have taken the prong, but some of their ancestors were there as well.

Victoria states that Javier and the Collins have ancestors at the final battle for Styrbjörn. Although Owen is on the sidelines, Natalya sighs with relief that she does not have to be in the Animus. Victoria then leaves them while Owen and Natalya walk to the common room for food. Natalya confronts Owen, who asks how she is doing. Done with the caring, she says that she wants to be left alone. Owen just asks if she is okay, but she responds that she is fine curtly.

However, Natalya asks how is anyone okay with Yanmei's death and this whole conundrum they are in, especially during the simulations. Owen explains that that was the past but Natalya still feels the residual effects of being Bayan and how he left Zhang Zhi brutalized. Meeting the others again for food, they talk about the next steps of how to retrieve the Trident of Eden from Isaiah and how to hide it away from both sides. Before they could discuss further, Victoria tells them that she is ready with the simulations.

Chapter Three

David wonders how he and Grace will be able to simulate their ancestor together. Victoria soon comes to ready the Collins and Javier. She tells them that they will be going into separate simulations. The Collins will be with her while Javier goes with Monroe. While Victoria sets up the simulation, she explains that they will take turn being their ancestor until she determines who is better able to handle it. Grace volunteers David to go first while David jokes that she can go first. David steps into the Animus and starts to find the identity of his ancestor.

Becoming a large, white man, David soon uncovers the identity to be farmer-warrior Östen Jorundsson and is impressed by his memories. Upon meeting his son Tørgils Östensson, David becomes disgusted of seeing Arne as his ancestor's slave. His emotions soon become unstable while Victoria asks what is happening. Trying to control his emotions before he desynchronizes, he tries to use Östen's memories as a stepping stone. However, when going over Östen's memory of attaining Arne as a slave, he loses control again.

Desynchronizing, David loses conscience before waking up to Grace and Victoria around him. Asking what has happened, Victoria sees him throw up while Grace consoles him. David remains silent before asking for some time to recollect himself. With Grace's insistence, Victoria agrees and leaves to check on Javier. Grace soon asks what happened but David assures her that he is okay. However, he begins to hope that Javier is the ancestor who has the prong and not his.

Chapter Four

Javier and Monroe readies themselves in the Animus but Monroe explains the inclusion of the Parietal Suppressor. Nevertheless, Javier goes into the Animus and experiences the painstaking feeling of the suppressor before falling into his ancestor's memories. Within the memory, he smells the forest and wildlife and then senses him to be Thorvald Hjaltason, an Icelandic skald and Swedish Assassin. Making his way across the forest, he comes a group of escaped bondsmen. Two of them, Heine and Boe Björnsson, are arguing after Boe broke Heine's nose during an altercation.

While they all fall asleep later, Thorvald watches and is too late to stop Heine, who murders Boe in his sleep. When Heine walks away from the camp to avoid suspicion, Thorvald follows and later pounces upon him, breaking his back. Interrogating Heine, Thorvald questions about their presence here. Heine reveals that they came to rebel against King Eric the Victorious in exchange for their own land. Leaving Heine on his own, Thorvald takes his horse Gyllir and rides to Uppsala, where King Eric resides.

Arriving in Uppsala, Thorvald goes to a house besides the temple and meets with Torgny the Lawspeaker, a blind old man, who welcomes him back into his home. At the table, Thorvald discusses how Styrbjörn may be planning an attack against his uncle. Torgny orders Thorvald to go about by sea and check if Styrbjörn travels past Mälaren. Torgny stresses that although Styrbjörn may not know it, he may bring the Templars here to Sweden and their Brotherhood has kept them at bay, revealing himself to be a Mentor. Assigning Thorvald his mission, Torgny plans to inform Eric of the impending war before eating his breakfast.

Chapter Five

Natalya holds a bit of animosity towards Owen while still bearing with the fact of Yanmei's death. Owen soon cuts the tension by stating they do not have to be back in the Animus. Natalya then asks what side is he on but Owen replies his own, as he does not trust the Assassins or the Templars. Feeling some type of unison, Natalya and Owen are interrupted by Monroe, who agrees with their sentiment. Taking them to help him, Monroe explains his theory about the Ascendance Event, especially again to Natalya. While explaining the collective conscience within all six of them, Monroe states that Owen and Natalya are able to go back into that memory.

However, Monroe states that this memory is the nearest to the humanity's beginning and proves more dangerous to their psyches than the regular sessions. When Natalya asks why it must be them, Monroe states that the six of them have the most of the sub-DNA and that his own attempt proved more destructive than constructive. Although scared of the danger, Natalya realizes that this opportunity is a lifetime event and that time is running out. When she agrees to help, Owen follows too. Monroe explains that he will need time. Natalya soon takes Owen outside to breath, while he asks what he saw from the Piece of Eden.

While Natalya remains quiet, Owen divulges that he envisioned his father killing the man and being elated at the crime he committed right to his face. Silent, Natalya recalls her nightmare starting with staying at the park too long and arriving to her grandparents late. Upon seeing their corpses, she remembers her parents yelling at her and blaming her. Natalya soon snaps out of the bad dream but does not reveal her nightmare to Owen. Monroe appears and tells them that he is ready.

Chapter Six

Grace speaks with David after desynchronization and begins to understand what happened. David explains that his inner morality could not coincide with his ancestor's use of slavery. Realizing the concerns, Grace offers to go despite her own misgivings and much to David's reluctance. Going through the Animus again, she sees Östen but begins to feel inadequate over Arne's slavery. However, after some time, she finally allows herself to be part of his memories. Back at his home, while farming, he encounters a visit from his neighbor Olof. Telling Tørgils to make a plate for him, Östen sees the Bidding Stick as Olof tells him that he, himself, and others have been summoned to fight.

Learning it was against Styrbjörn, Östen takes the stick inside after receiving word to head to Uppsala. Inside, he sees his wife Hilla and son Tørgils look at the stick while Agnes and Greta ask what it means. Hilla goes to back to looming but angered while Tørgils is told to take it to the next farm before sundown. Telling his daughters to play outside, Östen goes to Hilla, who is annoyed by what will happen. Östen soon asks for a piece of thread and for her to tie it. Confused, Hilla asks why while Östen states that he fell in love with her again and promises to come back for her to cut it.

Hilla tries to admit that he is fighting for his honor and glory but Östen reveals that Styrbjörn has returned. Shocked, Hilla understands the threat at hand and asks him to promise to return. He promises but begins to doubt his return. Arne comes inside while Östen tells him that Styrbjörn has returned. He orders Arne to stay behind and guard his family, with the intention to talk about his freedom if all goes well at home. Hilla agrees and states that he deserves it. Readying Östen with food, Hilla prepares himself with the meals while he prepares his weapons. The next morning, he leaves and travels to Uppsala by foot, awaiting the coming storm.

Chapter Seven

Sean remains awake and desires to go back into the Animus due to falling asleep feeling like being on a longship. In a room, he looks outside and does not know where he is, but believe that he is in the United Kingdom. While standing up, Isaiah enters and begins to talk about the progress and commitment he has shown to him. However, Isaiah soon helps and wheels Sean out of the room, despite Sean's disdain for the aid. Entering a prototype van called the Poindexter, Isaiah drives Sean to the chapel where they will continue the simulation.

Outside, Sean notices the incoming Abstergo coming to help Isaiah, especially Cole. However, he notices a bit of resistance before being wheeled by Isaiah to the Animus. Rushing Sean to the simulation, Isaiah starts the simulation much to Sean's excitement. When in the simulation, he experiences Styrbjörn talking about his plans for Svealand with his sister Gyrid and her husband Harald Bluetooth, who surrendered to Styrbjörn his army. Wanting to go through Mälaren, Styrbjörn is met with resistance by Harald, who states that it will be a trap for his men and him.

However, Styrbjörn and Gyrid overrule Harald and goes forward with their plan, which includes Harald leading along with Styrbjörn so his men can follow. While in the simulation, Sean still sees the prong Harald carries and notices him trying to use it. Telling Isaiah, Sean tells him that Harald knows the prong's abilities. Isaiah adds that it makes sense to his legacy of uniting all of Denmark. Sean remarks that Harald is using the prong but Styrbjörn is apparently immune to its power. Interested, Isaiah tells Sean that he will end the simulation.

Sean retorts that it is not necessary and states that he will continue. However, Isaiah tells him that he is in charge but Sean argues against his decision. While trying to continue, Sean begins to crash as the simulation breaks apart instantly. Out of the Animus, Sean begins to violently throw up while Isaiah condemns his actions. Sean soon realizes Isaiah holding a trident with the two prongs. Isaiah soon holds the trident and tells him that he should and will not defy him again.

Chapter Eight

Natalya and Owen go with Monroe as they prepare for the dangerous simulation, to unlock the meaning behind the Ascendance Event. Using older models, Natalya and Owen are told of the risks but still go forward with it. With the headsets and the Parietal Suppressor, both of them simulate themselves in their best apparel from the memories. Together, they walk towards a light, which gradually becomes bigger. Before long, they are both told from a mysterious voice that the only way forward is breaking through the faith, fear, and devotion.

Monroe concludes that their theory is further proven with the words correlating with the Trident of Eden and its prongs. While they make their way through a tunnel, they come across a forest. Owen also begins to smell a putrid smell but notices the forest also being a old age. Monroe suggests that this is a version of "The Forest," which has been archetyped by multiple religions. Going through the Forest, Owen begins to hear something and thus they progress with caution. However, the forest seems endless as their exit has changed. However, Owen notices what the smell is from his childhood.

They soon come across the shedding of a snake's skin. Natalya suggests that this may be "The Snake." Monroe reminds them that the simulation is not real and of memories of those at the beginning of time. Going forward, they catch sight of the snake, black and as big as a sofa, looking straight at them. Scared, Owen tells Natalya to run.

Chapter Nine

David begins to feel out of place as he recalls the nightmare Isaiah put him under in Mongolia. David recalls that he was being chased by a local criminal and bigoted white man, only to find his home empty. Realizing his fear was being alone, he understands that he cannot give in and begins to wonder how Grace is able to synchronize. He concludes that she accepted the past but not the man. Walking to Victoria, he asks her to try again but she states that Grace is okay. However, David is able to talk with Grace in the Animus and convince Victoria to let him try.

Out of the Animus, Grace asks if David wants to try again. When David says yes, Grace reminds him that he cannot change the past but to accept what has been done. David undergoes the simulation again but accepts his anger and Östen rather than fighting it. As Östen, he arrives at a camp where he meets those under the ledung including Olof, Alferth, and Skarpe. Östen soon breaks off an altercation between Skarpe and Alferth as he reminds all of them that they fight under Eric and they can fight after their oaths are fulfilled. Resting for a moment, he and the others are soon warned of Styrbjörn's movements at Mälaren. Östen sees that they have two days until they fight.

Chapter Ten

Thorvald and Torgny arrive at Eric's hall in Uppsala. However, they are soon halted by the marshal, who forbids them to enter as King Eric and his war council are holding a meeting. While Thorvald is ready to take on the marshal and his men, Torgny reminds the marshal of his relationship with Eric. Although the marshal tells him to read his fortunes elsewhere, Torgny tells him that he has been the council to Eric and that has not stopped. He also states that his arrival is to the king and that the marshal must have been paid to stop him. Shocked, the marshal is left embarrassed while Torgny and Thorvald move forwards to Eric's meeting.

Inside, both Thorvald and Torgny enter, where some men stare while others bow in respect. Speaking to King Eric, Torgny overhears the current war plans and ideas from Jarl Frida to engage Styrbjörn's forces. Before offering his opinion, Torgny states that he has had a vision to share with only King Eric. Realizing the moment, Eric dismisses his council members and stands alone with Torgny and Thorvald. Torgny admits the vision is more of a message of what has happened and admits to the Brotherhood he and Thorvald belong to, much to Eric's reluctance.

Torgny admits that the Templar Order may be using Styrbjörn's plans and warfare to further grow their influence and offers for Thorvald to stop them in their tracks. He states although Styrbjörn may not be a Templar, he is a tool that must not meet Eric at any cost, to stall any chance of a fight to the death. Eric soon asks how they will enact their plan. Thorvald takes point and admits that Frida's plan is intriguing but lacks any substance. He plans to build a palisade at Mälaren, to stop any ships from Styrbjörn, to which Eric agrees. Thorvald also states that he plans to take a small legion of loyal men to attack his forces while halted.

Looking to his bear Astrid, Eric tells them that his council will not listen to Thorvald. Thorvald sets up the idea that it will come Torgny under the vision being from Odin, to symbolize a father punishing a wayward son like Thor to Styrbjörn. Eric agrees to the plan and hands him a arm bracelet to enact his plan while he and Torgny stay to convince his council. Leaving the hall, Thorvald is stopped by the marshal, still humiliated from earlier. However, Thorvald incapacitates him and holds him at knifepoint, telling him that if he still feels raw about it, they will fight afterwards.

Taking Gyllir, he rides to a camp of men who recently arrived under the oath of the Bidding Stick. There, he talks to the men but fails to find one who truly fits to his ideal group of warriors. He soon comes across farmer-warrior Östen, who admits that all he wants is to go home. Finding his first warrior, Thorvald enacts his plan into action.

Chapter Eleven

Natalya and Owen keep running from the snake. Running for cover, they find none while Natalya is almost struck by the massive snake. With the snake stuck on a tree, Owen and Natalya make their way away from it. However, the snake proves to be bigger and soon encompasses the forest. However, while wondering how to escape it, Natalya recalls that the snake represents death and fear and believes to go over its body. Climbing a tree, they find themselves over the snake while Natalya tries to find a branch to jump over it.

Natalya struggles but manages to hang just above the snake. Swinging, she makes her way onto the snake but does not let go out of fear. Telling Owen to follow, they ride the snake, which traverses through the forest instantly. Still fearful and in danger, she is told to jump as there is no other way around it. Waiting for the right moment, Natalya jumps off first before Owen jumps off behind her. Not seeing Owen, she sees the snake facing her. Realizing there is no escape, she stands and the snakes bites her whole.

Realizing that she is inside the snake, Natalya accepts and goes forward. Feeling like she is falling, Natalya is alert when Owen comes and finds her. Instantly, the snake had vanished and Natalya describes what she had done. A path of red stones appear while Monroe checks in on them. Hearing everything, he tells them to follow the path while he goes to meet with Grace, who entered the room. Moving forward, they soon see a figure in the distance above them.

Chapter Twelve

Grace watches as David remains in the simulation and begins to wonder about her nightmare Isaiah casted on her. Her nightmare revolved around David falling into a bad crowd and died as a result. After she escapes the nightmare, she has not let go of David. Thus, she fears for his life even while he is in the Animus. Going around the Aerie, she soon finds Isaiah's library and goes through his collection. Finding a book on Norse mythology, she soon comes across Loki and his children. As she reads of Odin's death to Fenrir and Thor's death to Jörmungandr. However, a note falls from the book.

Grace reads the note and finds Isaiah's true cause for having the Trident. Not trusting Victoria or Griffin, she goes to Monroe, who watches over Owen and Natalya. She gives him the note as he finds mention of the Instruments of the First Will. Keeping the note to himself, Monroe explains what Owen and Natalya are doing. Grace offers to join them while Monroe explains the risks. Nevertheless, she waits as Monroe readies the third helmet and informs Owen and Natalya. Within the simulation, Grace is soon met by Owen and Natalya. Explaining the circumstances, they follow the path.

Soon enough, they come across a dog, who barks at them. Relating this to Fenrir, they cautiously follow the dog while on the path. However, the dog strays off the path and the trio begin to debate whether to go after the dog or follow the path. They agree to follow enough to keep the path in their eyesight. The dog soon makes his way up a mountain and the trio find themselves at the apex. Atop, they see a figure sitting down with a staff with the dog besides him. Cautious, they ask if the man is dead. The man responds that he is dying but asks to help him before he does.

Chapter Thirteen

Isaiah soon uses the Trident to enact fear into Sean, who disobeyed him earlier. Sean soon experiences a vision where everyone blames and pities after his various losses at multiple sports event. His greatest fears is being worthless and how he holds everyone back. However, Isaiah soothes him and tells him that he is helping him, but only he follow his orders. Sean, manipulated, feels at ease and follows Isaiah. Being put back into the simulation, he soon falls into a memory of Styrbjörn sailing alongside Harald and Palnatoke.

While crossing the lake Mälaren, Styrbjörn recalls of the brothers who joined him but notes how some refused under fear of those killing them for joining. However, he and Palnatoke still hunger for battle against King Eric while Harald voices his discontent. He also notices Harald touching his dagger and inquires about its history. While Harald remains mainly silent, Styrbjörn proposes a deal. He will let Harald and his men go if Harald will throw the dagger into the sea. Instantly, Harald states that he will not which does not surprise Styrbjörn.

Styrbjörn asks what makes the dagger special while Harald states that it was a gift handed down by Bishop Poppa, who christened him and in turn received by Holy Roman Emperor Otto. He explains that the degree of power the dagger holds is worth his and his men's freedom. While sailing, they all come across a palisade, which blocked their ships from sailing towards Uppsala. Realizing his uncle's plan, he plans to forge forward but Palnatoke and Harald speaks to him about his choices. Set with either marching or sailing with delay, he goes against their advice and plans to march.

When Palnatoke leaves to rest for the night, Harald plans to go to rest with his men but Styrbjörn believes that he will run away. Fed up with his crude leadership, Harald ignores him but Styrbjörn demands that he gives his dagger in response to rest with his men. When Harald disagrees and tries to leave, Styrbjörn abuses him and tosses him against a tree. Held against his will, Harald gives his dagger and leaves to rest. Styrbjörn later rests himself. Sean tells Isaiah that his ancestor has the dagger and then move forward to the next day. Styrbjörn is soon awaken by Palnatoke, who states that Harald and his men have left Styrbjörn's army.

Chapter Fourteen

Owen and his group meet the man, who speaks to them about his dog. He sees himself as a "wanderer" and has seen many wonderous events and has been left with more questions than answers. They ask about if he knows about the path, to which he admits that they will follow the path to a crossroads . However, the wanderer asks them a favor, which relies on them taking care of the dog before he dies. Owen agrees much to Grace and Natalya's surprise. With the wanderer happy, he states that winter has arrived while snow begins to fall down.

Before long, the wanderer dies while the dog sits by her former master, wondering why he is no longer awake. Owen tries to have the dog follow him but he growls harshly and stays with the wanderer's body. While Grace and Natalya want to leave, Owen states that he will stay while the girls try to dissuade him but to no avail. While they leave, Owen goes nearer to the dog, which he tries to convince to leave. With the dog adamant, he tells it that he understands and how he lost his father and the pain is real. While it continues to snow, Owen begins to feel colder and numb but stays with the devoted dog.

Feeling cold, Owen feels warmth when the dog goes to him and wakes him up. Although the dog seems compelled to help, he still stays with the wanderer. Owen realizes that he has done what he could and begins to leave for the path. However, the dog finally follows him and they soon come across the crossroads. Although he cannot see Grace and Natalya, he continues forward and tries to find a new owner for the dog.

Chapter Fifteen

TBC