Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants

Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants, or simply Last Descendants, is a young adult novel written by Matthew J. Kirby. The first installment in a series of novels, it released in August 2016 and had its sequel released in December 2016. In foreign printings, the novel's title is translated to English as Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants - The New York Draft Riots.

The first novel focuses on Owen, a teenager who attempts to prove his late father's innocence of a crime he did not commit. With the help of his school's IT expert Monroe, he explores the memories of his ancestors in an Animus, and discovers the existence of an ancient artifact called the Trident of Eden. Having caught the attention of the Assassins and Templars, Owen tries to find the artifact before they can. To that extent, Owen and several other teenagers dive into a simulation of memories they all share in their DNA, set during the 1863 draft riots in New York City, with their experiences in the past having consequences on the present.

Blurb

Nothing in Owen's life has been right since his father died in prison, accused of a crime Owen is certain he didn't commit. Monroe, the IT guy at school, might finally bring Owen the means to clear his father's name by letting him use an Animus—a device that lets users explore the genetic memories buried within their own DNA. The experience brings Owen more than he bargained for. During a simulation, Owen uncovers the existence of an ancient and powerful relic long considered legend—the Trident of Eden. Now two secret organizations will stop at nothing to take possession of this artifact—the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order. It soon becomes clear to Owen that the only way to save himself is to find the Trident first.

Under the guidance of Monroe, Owen and a group of other teenagers enter a simulation of memories they all share within their DNA: the 1863 draft riots in New York City. Owen and his companions will find themselves tested on the gritty streets of New York, and their experiences in the past will have far-reaching consequences in the present.

Summary

Prologue

In New York City, 1863, the Templar William M. Tweed is talking to his informant about an Assassin being in the city. Despite his influence over Tammany Hall, Tweed learned about the Assassin's presence while worrying about the Bowery Boys' cooperation in their plans. Tweed orders his informant to seek the Assassin's name. After going to the Bowery Boys' gang clubhouse, the informant is unaware of being tracked. In an alleyway, the Assassin strikes and kills the informant. The next day, his body is found.

Chapter One

In present times, teenage Owen goes on a mission to clear his father's name posthumously for a crime he did not commit. He asks his old but estranged friend Javier to help him but Javier tells him that he will think on it. While Javier goes back to hang with his other friends, Owen wonders how his father's conviction broke up his relationship with Javier as well as with his mom. Nevertheless, Owen is committed to enact his plan.

Arriving at his grandparents' home, Owen talks with his grandma but hears her judgment over his grades and how he must not end up like his deadbeat father. Not wanting to argue, he asks his grandma about his grandpa. She tells him that he is out back with the mower. However, he knows his grandpa never needed help thus he wants to talk with Owen privately. In the yard filled with orange and avocado trees, Owen meets his grandpa in his "shop." His grandpa asks him about his grades but changes the topic to his concern about his old friend Javier's possible association with gang members. He later tells Owen to be mindful about what path he takes.

Heading inside, Owen talks with his grandma, who relays grandpa's message and keeps insulting his father. Upstairs, he knows that his father may not have been perfect but that he was truly innocent. Not relying on Javier, he begins to research about Abstergo Industries, their products, and the rumors he heard. Soon, his mother arrives home and tries to talk with him, however it sours after they talk about his dad. Later that night, Owen leaves his home quietly as he goes to meet someone named Monroe at a secluded location. There, he finds a bus parked in the shadows with tinted glass. Soon, Javier meets with Owen, much to his surprise, and they both go towards the bus.

Chapter Two

Owen and Javier enter the bus where Monroe showcases his own Animus setup, which Javier begins to doubt. Monroe explains that his device is the same as the other Animus products without any manipulation of events by the parent company. Javier questions why Monroe is doing this, to which he explains he owes someone like Javier does for Owen. Getting ready, Owen states that he wants to see his father's memories five years ago. However, Monroe explains that the genetic memories can only stem before his conception. Monroe explains that they need his father's DNA and a different type of Animus. Monroe then asks Owen on why this answer is important to him, to which Owen responded that it was for his father's freedom.

Monroe soon asks Javier if he is interested, due to his scientific curiosity. Initially reluctant, Javier is convinced and allows Monroe to have him put into the Animus. While being setup, Javier asks Owen if this is okay but Owen is ambivalent to his choice. Monroe soon offers Owen to join, in order to gauge if their ancestors crossed paths thus they can share a simulation. A bit elated, Owen agrees. After the analysis, Monroe determines that their ancestors have crossed paths multiple times at different periods in time. Setting up Owen next, Monroe then puts on the Animus helmets on both friends. He then informs both boys about loading the Memory Corridor, which he explains it is a simulation setup of their ancestors.

Owen begins his simulation in the corridor as Alfonso del Castillo, as he begins to feel Castillo's skills as a swordsman. Monroe explains that the simulation works when you let the ancestor act in accordance to have full synchronization. If they act out of memory, they may experience desynchronization, an unpleasant feeling. Monroe asks Owen if he understands and if he is ready. He reaffirms that although they share a simulation, they must not force an interaction and let it play out. Both friends agree as Javier tells Monroe to pull the switch.

Chapter Three

While Owen enters his simulation of Castillo, Javier experiences his ancestral simulation of being Chimalpopoca, a Tlaxcaltec warrior and commander. Plunging in, Javier begins his simulation at an open field, where he finds his ancestor leading a battalion of fellow warriors. Confused, Javier wonders what they are saying. However, Monroe calms him down and states to let the memory ride. He understands his ancestor's background and then realizes the setting where they see invaders of a different land incoming. Chimalpopoca speaks to his fellow warrior about their plans against the invaders, to which he wants to fight rather than seek peace. The conch call of war bellows and he sets up his men to defend. Soon, they soon see cannons and he feels fear, which relays back to Javier experiencing it.

Although Javier wants his ancestor to leave the battlefield, Monroe keeps him in line with the memory. Back to the battle, Chimalpopoca rallies his men and shouts that the gods are with them. Loosing their arrows at the Spaniards, some hit but their cannons riddled them into disarray. Chimalpopoca leads the men against the incoming riders and opposing arrows. However, their swords and spears broke upon impact the conquistadors' armor. His men's numbers dwindle as they retreat. Looking at one of the riders, Chimalpopoca pushes his way towards the horse and broke its neck. Before he could fight the rider, he sees the invaders save their man.

Taking his macuahuitl, Chimalpopoca attacks the enemy again only for his weapon to fully break its teeth. Staggering through the enemy lines, the warrior is soon taken down and bound. He begins to cry as he feels powerless being held captive. Soon, the battle ends with Chimalpopoca's men retreating and the warrior taken to a temple taken over by the invaders. Soon, Chimalpopoca is brought to Castillo but Javier struggles not to say anything, due to not wanting to desynchronize. Castillo takes the warrior to a house privately and throws him to the floor. He sees another imprisoned warrior, who states that the invader seek peace. The warrior looks young and the commander dismisses the notion of peace. He knows that his fate deems him to die as a warrior.

Chapter Four

While watching Castillo, Owen is able to feel and sense his past misdeeds. Castillo believes in Hernán Cortés' vision and goals of taking over Tenochtitlan and the location of its treasure. While on guard duty, he sees the younger prisoner takes their food but the older captive refuses any kind of advance. A day passes as both sides bury their dead. The next day, former slave-turned-translator Doña Marina and priest Gerónimo de Aguilar arrive to speak for the captain, with Castillo blushing at Marina's appearance. After translating between them and Chimalpopoca, the two translators loosened the commander's chains.

After a tense conversation, Aguilar states that Chimalpopoca rather die as a sacrifice to the Spanish's god. Aguilar explains that a sacrifice is a necessary one for them to keep the Sun rising and to keep the world alive. Meanwhile, Owen wishes to speak with Javier due to his own disgust of his ancestor being interwined with his DNA. Marina speaks with Aguilar and they admit that they will bring the captain while Castillo keeps an eye on Chimalpopoca. While Castillo keeps watch on the prisoners, Owen feels uneasy with watching this memory unfold.

Soon, the next morning, Hernán Cortés enters the house, with Marina and Aguilar following behind him. Cortés asks for his people to tell Chimalpopoca that they seek peace. Chimalpopoca responds to when he will be sacrificed but the captain states that he will be spared. He asks Chimalpopoca to be a messenger to his king for peace. In doing so, they will receive protection from Moctezuma and the Aztecs. With this translation, Chimalpopoca agrees. However, during this moment, he also notices a dagger Cortés is gripping while he agrees. The dagger happens to be a gift, carried down from kings and popes. After the commander agrees, Cortés releases his grip on the dagger.

Monroe takes notice of the dagger and ends the simulation. Javier and Owen go back to the memory corridor where they discuss their ancestors' actions, with Owen still being disgust. Monroe takes them out of the Animus. Javier questions why he ended the simulation, to which Monroe replies that two people inside is unprecedented and dangerous. Fed up, Javier tries to leave but Owen interrogates Monroe more as he notices him acting different. Monroe explains that he got them in time before he shuts the bus door on them. Agreeing the moment was weird, the boys part ways. When Owen arrives home, he hopes that he could sneak inside with the dark sky left. However, the lights are still on inside his home.

Chapter Five

Owen arrives home to find his mom and grandparents waiting for him. While his mom hugs him and tells him to go to sleep, his grandpa stops him and demands him to tell them where they have been. The argument soon turns hostile when they bring up his father, whom his grandparents believe is responsible for the death of a guard from a botched robbery. Owen soon gives them half of the truth by stating he met with Javier to discuss his dad with him. His grandpa states that next time, he must tell them that he will be out late.

Later that day, Owen meets with Javier at school, where they go to find Monroe. However, they learn that he quit without any message. Bewildered, Javier questions where he has gone with theirs and other kids' DNA. Once bell rings, they go their separate ways, which leads Owen to think not much has changed for the better between them. Owen goes back home to a calm welcome from his grandparents. They mention that they will visit his great-aunt Susan, who is undergoing a procedure, while he is at home alone with his mom. However, he feels that much has changed for the better at home too.

The next day, Owen sees Javier still avoiding him until the school day ends. They both agree that something is wrong and mention they were possibly stalked. Together, they head back to the abandoned warehouse where the bus was. However, nothing is there and Javier becomes disappointed at finding out what happened with Chimalpopoca in the end. Owen, being unempathetic, sees Javier leave him while he heads home. However, he sees the bank where his father committed the crime and investigates it himself. He looks around for any evidence but finds nothing more. Walking home before his mom arrives, Owen is soon approached by a silhouetted figure.

Chapter Six

Moving fast, Owen tries to outpace the tracker by going to the bus stop quickly. However, the man confronts Owen and divulges what he knows about Monroe, the Animus, and his father's predicament. Before he can convince Owen, he falls to a dart. Soon, Monroe comes on his motorcycle and takes Owen away from the scene. Putting on a visor, Owen is on the motorcycle while Monroe shouts out command for the visor. Owen soon sees another figure following them through the rooftops quickly. Soon, the figure is ahead of them until Owen and Monroe find a passage to lose them. Owen demands to know who was chasing them and Monroes explains that it was an Assassin. Monroe states they will head to a safer location and how he already has Javier.

Within a small structure, Monroe and Owen make sure that they are safe. Soon, Monroe walks with Owen to meet with the other people in Monroe's group. In a wide and lit room, Owen meets Javier again while Monroe introduces the siblings Grace and David Collins, Natalya Aliyev, and Sean Molloy. After brief introductions, Owen questions Monroe about the Assassin. Monroe tries to explain but Owen worries about his mother. Monroe explains the Assassins' Creed does not allow them to harm innocents. Explaining their presences, Monroe divulges his own work and how they are all connected, despite having no relationship with one another. Showcasing his own research, Monroe begins to explain the secret war between two oldest factions, the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.

While Owen questions if his father was part of it, Monroe starts to showcase points in history, such as Ezio Auditore's work in sixteenth century Italy or the American Revolutionary War. Natalya asks what they are fighting over, to which Monroe explains that Templars view to control the chaos and the people in their own view while the Assassins want the people to decide what society they make. Grace asks what they all have to do with the war. Monroe explains they are the descendants of either Assassins or Templars. He looks to Javier, of which Monroe states he is one of both factions.

Chapter Seven

Sean is still wrapping his head around this war and likes using the Animus due to using his legs instead of the wheelchair. Grace asks why they are here while Monroe explains that both factions are wrong and that he wants to stop them. While Sean observes his fellow subjects, they asked why he brought them all here. Monroe admits that during Javier and Owen's session, he saw a Piece of Eden used during the simulation. He explains that is from a civilization predating humanity and Javier deduces it was Cortes' dagger. Monroe explains that every piece has their own properties but he has his eye on this dagger most of all.

Grace asks why the rest are here if he needs just Javier and Owen. However, Monroe states that he needs all of them while he states that the Dagger did not stay in Mexico. He later shows the Astor Club in nineteenth century New York City, where he states that the Aztec Club met. He explains that the dagger remained in Mexico until the Mexican-American War, when someone stole from the government's treasury. He later dictates that the Aztec Club consisted of presidential nominees, including Ulysses S. Grant, and other high-ranking officials.

David asks which side is good but Monroe states it depends on your view. He informs that both have good intentions but are capable of evil acts. Grace still asks where they fit into the conversation. Monroe says their DNA showcase matching points and with this Piece of Eden, they all appear at one event, the American draft riots of 1863. The riots occurred due to drafting men to fight the South but wealthy men and families bought their ways out, thus it led mobs and gangs attacking all the black people in the city. Sean asks if they are going back to that time.

Monroe states it will be up to them but he wants to retrieve the Piece before the Assassins and Templars. Natalya asks what he will do and Monroe states that he wants to hide it from the factions again. Monroe asks all of them if they want to go back into Animus and to trust him. He apologizes for the circumstances but tells them time is different and promises they will be back before morning. Sean, Owen, Natalya, and Javier agree. When David agrees, Grace reprimands him for not realizing the era and time for them. Monroe states the faster they find the Piece, the factions will leave them all alone. Grace finally agrees. They all head towards the Animus with Sean maneuvering slowly behind them.

While they ready themselves, Javier asks if Abstergo will track them again. Monroe explains that he has put into isolation and firewalled them better. Sean pulls himself up onto the Animus with ease, impressing Javier at his strength. They all receive their helmets while Monroe puts them into the Memory Corridor. Sean realizes that his ancestor happens to be part of the Metro police, while he sees Owen becoming an Assassin and Javier an Irish bartender and Templar. David simulates an older man with Grace simulating as the man's daughter. However, Monroe explains that David has a complication, which is that his ancestor's genes passed on to his daughter. Thus, he will need to be in the right place or it could break the simulation.

Sean soon assumes his new identity, which is Tommy Greyling, patrolman with the Broadway Squad for the last eight months, after a battle run at Bull Run in Virginia. Natalya finally states that she is an opera singer while Monroe begins to initiate the simulation. Preparing themselves, they all enter and begin the hell that were the riots.

Chapter Eight

Natalya looks into the mirror and sees her ancestor Adelina Patti, who was twenty years old and toured around the United States, Europe, and Russia. While receiving her fee, Patti notices that her advance in gold from the Niblo's Garden was low. However, the manager William tries to convince her to make an exception but Patti admits that she will take cash for the remainder of her fee. Monroe notes that Patti had no children on record and may have a secret affair with a kid out of them. With eight hundred in cash in hand and the house full, Patti accepts to have one shoe on and the other will go on when she receives the full payment. Natalya is in awe and respect of her ancestor. When William returns with the remaining money, he is honored to escort her out while she waits for her cue on stage.

Natalya is mesmerized by her ancestor's life and performance in comparison of living with her family and their harsh history of Kazakhstan under the Soviet Union. After Patti has done her arias and performances, Natalya begins to lean into Patti's life as she bowed. However, pain hits Natalya, who feels unease, and the Animus glitches. Monroe keeps an eye on her while she falls back again and gives control to Adelina. However, after being escorted back to a sitting room, Natalya sees Patti feel alone despite her success. Later, she finds herself eavesdropping a conversation between a man named Cornelius and another man talking about the war's turn of events with Lee's loss at Vicksburg.

Adelina soon engages two women, who were talking about the drafts and how President Abraham Lincoln is conscripting able-bodied men for the war. However, the women explain they are not worried due to the three hundred commutation fee to be exempt from service. Although she is rich, Patti understands that those of the working class have to work at least a year to garner such a fee. William comes by and tries to escort her again but Patti rejects him politely. William orders the driver to take her to her hotel room at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. While being driven up Broadway, she notices gang members rushing up and down the street. However, at one moment, her driver stops and someone opens her carriage door. Adelina looks and sees a robber trying to take her bag. After kicking him in the face, the robber becomes enraged and both Adelina and Natalya become quickly afraid.

Chapter Nine

Grace sits at a table with four other men, one being David simulating her ancestor's father Abraham. Grace simulates Eliza, William M. Tweed's slave servant who hates working for him. However, Grace struggles being his servant and almost causes a desynchronization. However, she manages to let Eliza take ahold of the memory. Eliza apologizes for her state while Tweed asks for more duck. At his dinner table, his guests are Richard B. Connolly, A. Oakey Hall, and Peter B. Sweeny and they all dine on their meal for the next hour, most of which is consumed by Tweed. After the meal, they all move to the library and close the doors on Eliza and Abraham. While Abraham begins to clean the room, Eliza desires for being more than a servant.

However, Abraham states that they are lucky as the German and Irish immigrants were competing with freed slaves and blacks for jobs here. It is not any better that the Democratic Copperheads were sympathetic to the Confederacy and wanted the Union defeated. Grace herself begins to feel frustrated over this inequality and servitude she has to experience. However, Abraham tells her that they are fortunate that they are free and working for a kind employer. Realizing the current situation, Eliza proceeds with her work while Grace also sees that she cannot fix the past herself either. After Tweed declined the lamb, the employees there enjoy a feast themselves.

After some time, Tweed's guests leave while Eliza and Abraham watch them go. Soon, Tweed calls Abraham into his office. Uneased, Eliza holds her ear to overhear Tweed and her father's conversation. Abraham agrees to be a messenger and help Tweed with the Tammany Hall. He is told to go to the Hole-in-the Wall to meet a bartender Cudgel Cormac tonight. Tweed soon asks him to meet with his daughter. Readying and acting she was not eavesdropping, Eliza meets Tweed about the issue of Lincoln's draft and the incoming drafts. He explains that people may blame the African-Americans as the reason for these drafts and implores her to stay at this residence. Tweed apologizes for his candor and thanks her for staying put at his house.

After Tweed leaves, Eliza begs her father not to leave but Abraham promises that he will be back and that he has survived worse. He tells her to lock the doors and that he will back in a few hours. After he leaves, Eliza goes back to work cleaning and then heads to the library to find a book to read. However, she later finds the remnants of the letter Tweed wrote for Cudgel. After reading the letter, Eliza is astounded and lost but knew there was more danger than the current events. Realizing her father is danger, Eliza leaves and goes to search for him.

Chapter Ten

Javier watches as he enters his simulation as his ancestor Cudgel Cormac, who talks with the Hole-in-the-Wall's bouncer Gallus Mag. Today, Cormac witnessed leaders of the gangs, including the Bowery Boys, Roach Guards, and Daybreak Boys, push aside their animosity and prove to work together on their plan tonight. While tending to all types of customers, Cormac notices an older black man enter the establishment. Introducing himself as Abraham, the servant asks for Cormac, who reveals himself after Abraham mentions that he works for Grand Master Tweed. While he reads the letter, Cormac tells Abraham to stay until he is done.

Cormac sees that he must hunt the Assassin Varius in the city like his grandfather Shay Cormac before him. He then offers Abraham an escort home despite the man's initial refusal. While telling Mag that he is heading out on the boss' orders, Cudgel arms himself with his family air rifle, handed down since his grandfather received it as a gift from Benjamin Franklin, knives, darts, and grenades. Meanwhile, Javier feels more at ease within a simulation of a younger person rather than the worn Chimalpopoca. Walking out with Abraham, Cormac soon walks him to Skinny Joe, whom he asks to bring back home to Tweed's residence. After Joe and Abraham leave, Cormac heads to the Astor House.

Looking over the plan to tearing up railway lines to prevent patrolmen to protect the city, Cudgel finds his way through the city to the Astor House. Running through the rooftops, Cormac stops at Ann Street and Broadway and waits to see any sign of Varius. However, with no luck, he descends and climbs for a better vantage point at St. Paul's Chapel and waits through the night. Soon, he catches sight of Varius, who took cover as a Bowery Boy. Watching Varius closely, Cormac descends to the churchyard but begins to wonder what the Assassin is looking for inside the hotel. Javier already knows that it must be the dagger Monroe is trying to find.

Readying his rifle, Cudgel aims at the window for an opportunity and catches sight of a coat and a figure at the window. Taking the shot, he immediately notices it is a decoy. Racing to the window, he holds himself up at the edge and throws a smoke grenade as his cover. Inside the room, he sees no one and goes to find Varius. Searching, he comes across an empty room belonging to the Aztec Club. Knives ready, he goes around the floor but goes back to the first room. However, he notices a door closed and goes out to the window. There, he sees the Assassin escape and make his way through the rooftops. Shouting out his namesake, the response remains silent.

Instantly, Cudgel dodges a knife barely while a voice retorts that his grandfather betrayed the Brotherhood. Closing his eyes, he states that his family never betrayed the Templars. Using his ears and his inner sight, he shoots his rifle in one direction. Hearing a grunt, Cormac watches as the Assassin goes over a ledge.

Chapter Eleven

Tommy has been living on Broadway at a brownstone owned by his brother and his wife. However, he feels alone ever since the war. While walking home, he notices the Bowery Boys and Roach Guards but ignores them due to both their numbers and him being off patrol. While making his way home, he hears a scream and runs towards it. There, he finds two robbers attacking a carriage, which has stopped due to the driver being in on the robbery. Before long, he readies his club and calls out the thieves. While Sean sees that the victim to be Adelina Patti, Tommy goes to face the attackers and pushes back two of them and breaks the other's mouth.

Holding his own, Tommy knocks two of the men unconscious while the one with the riddled mouth comes at him with his cleaver. Fortunately, the woman managed to knock him out with her bag filled with gold. With this, her driver flees immediately. After brief introductions, Tommy escorts her back to the Fifth Avenue Hotel as they begin to flirt. Tommy asks why she did not stay at the hotel near Niblo's but she responds that her fellow and more experienced singer Jenny Lind stays here, thus she must present the same prowess. She soon asks about his background, to which Tommy slowly states that he was part of the war but was injured in combat from a shot to the leg. He also states that many more have been unfortunate and more will be due to these drafts.

Adelina states that she lives in London thus she is more unaware of the events in the United States recently and her touring schedule. Tommy asks if she loves touring and she responds honestly that it is lonely despite the lots of people she meets along the way. At Madison Square, they arrive at the hotel. However, she asks Tommy to walk around the park at night as she enjoys the company and the recent excitement has kept her awake. He accepts greatly. Passing the night, they continue to walk and talk about their lives until she feels tired and then both sit down at a bench. Talking about the money in her bag, Tommy is amazed at the amount in one night. However, the conversation turns when she asks what the war was like. He admits that during one of the first battles at Spring Hill and how their gunfight involved a casualty at a home where an elderly, invalid widow died from false orders.

Adelina soon asks what he would do with the money and after delaying his response, Tommy states that he would help those more unfortunate than himself from the war. Adelina gives her payment to Tommy for him to aid his fellow veterans, to which Tommy thanks her. However, their conversation ends when they hear a protest causing a loud commotion. Tommy also notices all the gangs of the city altogether under the banner of "No Drafts." Realizing that the army was called to Pennsylvania, Tommy states the police stand against this riot alone. Tommy, wanting to help the patrol, first makes sure that Adelina needs to be escorted some place safe.

Chapter Twelve

At the Atlantic Garden, Varius sits alone over his failure to keep the Bowery Boys out of the riot. Meeting the Mentor at the beer hall, they discuss Varius' shortcomings in stopping the Templars' plan. Varius soon asks why the Mentor came from Washington, D.C., to which Mentor states they speak more privately. The Mentor tasks Varius to steal an item of importance and bring it to General Ulysses S. Grant in Mississippi and to convince him to take it without revealing its true nature. He states if the Confederacy wins, the Templars could take control of the whole country. Before he leaves, he states that Varius has great potential and is his father's son.

Varius, the only Assassin left in the city after his father's death, makes his way towards the armory to equip himself with his blade, his revolver, lock picks, and throwing knives. Making his way through the gang territories, he makes his way towards the Astor House. He enters the hotel to locate the Aztec Club and uses his vision to locate the Piece of Eden. Although limited in comparison to other Assassins, his vision locates the Piece on the fifth floor. Moving his way through the floor, he finds the Aztec Club's room and soon locates the Piece of Eden, the dagger. Although, he notes the design is curious as it looks more like a prong and concludes that it was part of a bigger weapon.

However, Varius notices that something else was off. He uses his vision to detect that he is being watched. Using his coat, he creates the illusion of leaving through a window. Instantly, a dart is shot at his coat and he determines that the attacker is not only a Templar, but an Assassin hunter. Staying on task, he hears the smoke grenade and traverses through the rooms to go back outside to scale the building to the roof. With the Templar shouting how his grandfather used to hunt down Assassins, Varius realizes that he is a descendant of the betrayer Shay Cormac. Shouting back, Varius is soon hit by the dart. Varius decideds to fall over the ledge.

Catching ledges on the way down, Varius knows that he is outmatched. Fortunately, the dart hits the strap and did not fully puncture the skin. However, he begins to stagger and hides himself in an alley and its shadows. However, he notices Cormac look for him and then take out a Herschel spyglass, a device that reveals heat of living bodies in the dark. Soon, Cormac finds Varius, who is unable to move his legs due to the toxin. Cormac fires another dart and fully paralyzes Varius. Instead of killing him, Cudgel reveals his identity and takes the Piece of Eden. Soon, Varius loses consciousness. Meanwhile, Owen asks if they are done since the Piece is with Cormac. Monroe explains that they are nowhere near finished.

Chapter Thirteen

Abraham stays in the carriage while he talks to Skinny Joe about the upcoming riots. Joe makes a remark that it would be awful for Abraham and his people. However, David retorts with a question himself, which causes the simulation to glitch. Monroe reminds David to remain in the moment, especially with this ancestor being outside the realm from the others. However, David felt angry with Joe's remarks of how the blacks were to blame for the drafts and the war. David responds that he and others may deserve a beating, but this causes David to be sick after he desynchronizes the simulation. After David vomits, Monroe sets up the simulation and waits for David to re-stabilize.

David, after gaining back his constitution, soon agrees to go back into the Animus and they start over with Abraham in the carriage with Joe. Abraham soon notices a patrolman fighting three robbers at another carriage. Soon enough, he arrives at Tweed's house. Once Joe leaves, Abraham knocks on the door but to no response. He hopes that Eliza is asleep and waits on the doorsteps. However, with the riots pending and the current climate, he rushes around the house and finds his way around back. Inside, Eliza is nowhere to be found. He soon writes down a note for Eliza to meet him at the ferry to escape the city. Abraham soon makes his way back to the Hole-in-the-Wall but grows tired. He soon rests underneath the Washington statue. However, David wants to leave but causes the simulation to malfunction again. Realizing his error, David goes back under the statue.

Back on track, Abraham goes forward towards Pearl Street, despite the pain in his knees. However, he soon catches sight of a boy, who signals a slice across the neck towards him. He arrives back to the Hole-in-the-Wall, where he talks to Mag. Mag informs him that Eliza came by and told her that the same events that occurred. She also advised Eliza to go to Tweed's house. Before he could go back, Abraham asks Mag if she knows where Cudgel went, on the off chance Eliza sought him instead. Unfortunately, Mag does not know. Before leaving, Mag offers her luck for Abraham for tomorrow.

Chapter Fourteen

Tommy tells Adelina that the protest will become a riot, due to most of the protest being made up of coves of Roach Guards. To be safe, Tommy offers that he take her to his brother's house. However, he asks if she would come despite his brother and his brother's wife being in Boston. Smiling at the inference, Adelina accepts nonetheless. Walking towards the house, they both arrive but Tommy becomes nervous with the keys. Adelina holds his shoulder to settle him. They enter and make their way through the house, ending in the parlor. While she reclines on the sofa, he stares out the window. Asking him to sit with her, Tommy sits across from her, still nervous. Adelina asks why he was worried and Tommy admits that he does not belong in this house, despite living here.

Tommy even states that he envies how easy it is for her. Adelina asks where would he like to live. He replies that ever since the war, he would like to own and live on a farm. However, he states that such a livelihood requires money and that he would never ask his brother, due to how his brother requires his income. Seeing that Tommy is a diamond in the rough, Adelina offers to sing and begins to play "Home Sweet Home." When she finishes, Adelina notices Tommy facing his head down. When she checks on him, she sees Tommy raise his head and wipe a tear from his face. He thanks her and remembers how many of his lost brothers in combat loved that tune. Soon, the Sun rises and then Tommy notices a mob. Going out to help, he leaves her at the house. Adelina soon roams the house herself as she waits for Tommy to return.

Walking through the house, Natalya takes control with looking over the house as long as she does not desynchronize. While remembering her own childhood, Natalya sees how different she may be to her ancestor. After two hours, Tommy returns and informs her that ten thousands have amassed, due to factory workers being forced to join them, and they have destroyed modes of transportation and communication. The main mob has gone to attack the provost marshal's office, where the drafts are handed out. However, he declares that they stay inside to avoid the streets' madness. Hours pass as Tommy keeps watch while Adelina reads silently.

Tommy soon notices a mob incoming and how they start looting the houses. Adelina admits that they leave and that Tommy change his clothes to avoid any unwanted attention. While he changes, Adelina notes how the people are losing their lives and homes to this mob looting and rioting their homes. She also notices that mob consists of more women than men. When Tommy is done changing, they begin to leave while seeing a block come through the windows. Going to the cellar, they escape the house quietly while it becomes ransacked with the mob.

Chapter Fifteen

Eliza goes towards the Astor House while encountering the growing mob. Almost stopped by some ruffians, she states that she is Tweed's maid on a mission to do an errand. Passing them by, she hides in the shadows or blends with other pedestrians while going towards Park Row. At St. Paul's chapel, she notices a gun fired at a window while the man in the tombstones begin to scale the tree and then the hotel himself. Amazed, she watches how the fight climaxs when one of the figures falls and catches himself to make his descent safer. While he staggers down Ann Street, Eliza notices that other figure fire his gun once more. Before she could decide, the rifleman scales the wall and disappears.

After going up and down Ann Street, Eliza finally finds the figure slumped in an alley. Trying to slap him awake, Eliza sees that he is poisoned but not dead. Grace soon talks with Monroe, to account what has been done and how David is doing. Monroe states that everything is well but to not override Eliza's actions for the sake of synchronization. Going back to Eliza, Grace accepts to let the memory play out. Eliza soon thinks to call the police but chooses to wait and see how the man fares. An hour later, the man wakes up and Eliza asks if he is Cudgel. He admits that he is not, which leads Eliza to call him Varius. Varius soon asks where Cudgel went. Eliza states that he scaled the building and disappeared. Wary around him, Eliza remains silent afterwards. However, Varius promises that he will not harm her since she did not harm him herself.

Using her vision, Eliza determines that he is honest and admits that she read the letter her father had for Cudgel from Tweed by using her vision. Still immobile, Varius asks for her help to rise. While moving, they notice the size of the mob and what has been destroyed. Worried for Eliza's safety, Varius states they move to somewhere safe so he can regain some mobility. They enter an eating house and take a booth for themselves. Varius soon asks more about her ability. She states they can tell her if his intentions are good and see things that are important as well. Before they can talk about what Varius was doing, the New-York Tribune's editor Horace Greeley enters the dining place despite the mob. He nods to them and Varius nods back. Feeling his legs back, Varius pays for the meal. Wanting to go Tweed's house, Varius states the distance is far and dangerous on the streets. He soon offers to climb and go by rooftops. Eliza is shocked. Varius states that such skills are in her blood.

Chapter Sixteen

Abraham moves slowly towards Tweed but needs a place to rest. David wonders how long it will take for them to find the Piece of Eden. Following the events, David has to remain with Abraham. He soon finds a place of sanctuary at a colored sailors' home. Inside, William P. Powell and his wife Mercy welcome Abraham into their home and show him around their house. They state those who were freed and lead an abolitionist group in their home. While their other guests left, the couple refuses to leave their home. While he rests, he experiences nightmares, which terrify David. However, David keeps going with the memory. Before long, Abraham wakes up to the morning and finds Mercy reading to her children.

Mercy tells him that William left to check out what is going on in the city. Abraham almost leaves but Mercy convinces him to stay until William comes back. While Abraham waits, Mercy keeps reading to her kids. However, the eldest wishes that her older brother Billy, a war surgeon, was here. Later, William comes back but asks for Mercy and Abraham to speak privately. William states that black families are ripped out of their homes, the armory destroyed, the Tribune assaulted, and some black men dead. Although wanting to find Eliza, Abraham is stopped to make sure he is safe, as he would want for Eliza. William already takes down their sign but knows that they are well known. Their eldest Mary states that the mob is coming closer. Abraham checks and sees that are directly heading towards them.

William tells them all to go to the roof and then to their neighbors silently. While they all make it across, William chooses to stay to not stand down to the mob. While Abraham stays with his family, William stays on his own roof and awaits the mob. Meanwhile, the mob seems to pass while Mercy starts to say a prayer over her children. Monroe soon states to David that he will meeting up with Natalya and Sean soon. Abraham soon finds Mercy telling him to go find his daughter and that they will be fine. Venturing out into the streets happy, David moves forward as Abraham to find Eliza and thus Grace.

Chapter Seventeen

Tommy and Adelina move forward, not knowing where they are going. Realizing that the armory has been raided, Tommy states that there are less options for safety. He also notices that he left the gold back at his home and it is probably been looted. Adelina tells him to focus and asks where they should go next. Tommy makes a plan to head to the garrison to the Seventy-First Infantry, where it will be guarded. If not, Tommy tells Adelina to find a ferry to Hoboken as a last resort. Adelina soon turns to Tommy and thanks him for protecting her even though it was undeserving. Tommy retorts that she is deserving like anyone else. Before they keep moving, she plants a kiss on his cheek. Moving slowly through the streets and away from the mobs, they make it to the garrison.

Tommy and Adelina soon near the armory but Tommy stops due to the smell of the smoke from gunfire. Having an episode, Tommy snaps out of it after Adelina expresses her concern. Within the arsenal, a patrolman tells Tommy that they have called veterans to aid them but asks if Adelina can stay here while he ventures out. With no resistance, Adelina waits in the foyer while a group of veterans comes together to defend against the rioters. However, Tommy and Adelina are told to leave while the group waits for General Sanford's orders. Back on the streets, they make their way to Christopher Street to go to the ferry. Yet, Tommy admits that he will stay to face the mob. Passing a burnt building and the mob marching forward, they head towards Broadway and the Fifth Avenue Hotel.

However, Adelina looks over and sees four men beating on an elderly black man. Picking up a crowbar and an iron pipe, Tommy silently approaches them and knocks out two of the attackers. Facing off with one with a knife and one with a brickbat, he disarms the batter but is stabbed on his side. Fortunately, he beat the stabber and broke the arm and shoulder of the other man. Tommy looks at the victim and sees the severe injuries. The man states that he works for Tweed and reveals his address. Although wanting to take him to the hospital, Adelina convinces him to take him there due to the strong possibility of the man dying from his injuries at his age. Tommy helps him up and asks for his name. The man states that he is Abraham while Adelina helps him to be carried by Tommy. However, the weight causes Tommy to feel his injury more so. Despite Adelina's worries, Tommy states that he can continue. However, with how this night and day have gone so far, Tommy wonders what his limit would be.

Chapter Eighteen

Although Javier sits back and watches the madness unfold in the simulation, Cudgel watches the chaos and is satisfied with obtaining the dagger from Varius. Despite the mob destroying the second armory that was needed to succeed, Cudgel knows that the Piece of Eden may be worth it. Cudgel begins to go towards Tweed but notices a fire at the Colored Orphan Asylum. Making his way to the orphanage, the whole building is already aflame with the rioter shouting obscenities aloud. Fortunately, the hundreds of orphans escaped through the back exit, however they head towards the mob. With his last option, Cudgel shouts that if any of them have a heart, they will help these kids.

Distracting the mob, Cudgel is taken by the mob while the officers move the kids away peacefully. Once they are away, Cudgel manages to best his amateur attackers and escapes through scaling the wall. Watching the children pass, he sees a group of at least 20 orphans is separated. Scaling down, Cudgel guides and protects them from any possible assailants. He soon spots a Tammany informant, bus driver Paddy McCaffrey and tells him to take these kids to the Twentieth Precinct. Although McCaffrey was against it, Cudgel ultimately threatens him to do it. While the buses are filled, Paddy meets resistance from some nearby rioters. A barber tries to instigate the men, but Cudgel manages to fatally wound him. The buses are able to leave and he soon leaves them once they are out of the mob's range.

When he arrives at Tweed's house, he sees the front door kicked in thus he goes around back, through an attic door. Inside, he soon hears a woman crying. Going closer, he hears another woman and a man, as they console the girl. The girl cries and it makes Cudgel move back. Soon enough, he is attacked by Varius and falls multiple floors down. Causing a commotion, he sees the three people catch sight of him and knows the residence has been compromised. Nevertheless, he is chased and injured by a knife by Varius. Still running, he sees that he must flee before risking the Piece of Eden. He finds his way to Fortieth Street at the destroyed Crystal Palace. Readying his rifle, he cannot hear the Assassin and tries to focus even more so. However, a blade comes across his neck.

Dodging the blade, Cudgel engages in hand-to-hand combat with Varius. Realizing his wound is deterring him, he feigns stumbling and puts on his knuckleduster. With an uppercut, he tosses Varius back. Running again, he is injured again with a knife in the back. Out of options, he uses the dagger against the Assassin. Varius condemns his use of the Piece while Cudgel admits that it is better than in the hands of an agent of chaos. Stating this chaos would be necessary to have the Order take control, Cudgel uses the dagger to make Varius stall and stand motionless. While Cudgel takes a knife out, he throws right into Varius' gut. However, he realizes that his wound is grave. Nevertheless, he is determined in his mission, even if it costs him his life.

Chapter Nineteen

Eliza stands on the ledge of the rooftop with Varius encouraging to jump. However, she is less confident due to the risk of the fall. Varius keeps pushing her and tells her that the fear will power her to be rid of any doubt. Feeling the cold fear against her, Eliza makes the jump easily. Varius commends her and tells her that she has Assassin blood. Eliza asks what he means and he explains his creed and the Brotherhood. He also reveals that Tweed is a Templar, who seeks to control the city through these riots. Another piece of evidence is her Eagle Vision but he tells that to be an Assassin, she must show loyalty and servitude to the Brotherhood and its creed.

Wanting to beat Cudgel, Eliza tells Varius to go to Tweed. Taking this opportunity, Varius offers a race, to which they both engage. Climbing to the top of the Church of the Ascension, they both look at the wide view of the city, but Eliza sees the city on fire. However, Varius tells her that his mission is to retrieve the dagger of Ulysses Grant to win the war. Climbing down, they reach Tweed's house but find it open. Soon, Eliza finds her father's note and stays in the house before she goes to ferry like he stated. Varius offers her the chance to join and train with him. Before they could continue, she sees a burly man carry another man into the house. When Eliza confronts him, the man tells him that he carries Abraham.

Eliza looks at her father, who is badly beaten and bruised all over to identify. Varius helps Abraham onto the table, while another woman helps the man who carried Abraham onto a chair. Varius inspects Abraham and determine his wounds are life-threatening. The man reveals that he is Tommy and how he found Abraham beaten but he fought against his attackers. He introduces Adelina, who has been crying over what has happened. Varius soon hears a noise and goes to investigate while Eliza tends to her father. Begging him not to go, Eliza listens to Abraham's heartbeats become smaller and then she hears his heart stop. Soon enough, she, Tommy, and Adelina hear a thud and catch sight of Varius fighting with Cudgel.

When Varius chases a fleeing Cudgel, Eliza goes after them, blaming Cudgel for the death of her father. When she does not see them on the streets, she takes to the rooftops but falls behind the chase. Fortunately, she arrives at the Crystal Palace, where she hears noises within the partially demolished building. Hearing a fight, she hears Varius' question towards Cudgel. Meanwhile, she finds Cudgel's rifle and takes it. She soon sees Cudgel standing in front of Varius, who remains still, confusing her. When Cudgel throws a knife into Varius' stomach, he tries to reach the other knife in his back. However, Eliza shoots him in the back, which causes Cudgel to run. Cudgel soon falls forward, paralyzed from his own toxin while Eliza confronts him. Recognizing her, Cudgel is soon judged and blamed for Abraham's death by her. Although he tries to explain, Eliza states that he and his master fed the dogs to cause the riots that killed him.

With Cudgel silent and nearly being powerless, Eliza takes the dagger from him. She proclaims that this dagger has the power for Grant to win the war and proclaims her allegiance to the Assassins. She states that they will meet again before leaving him unconscious. Varius is soon found and, with the help of Tommy and Adelina, is brought to a hospital for his injuries. The rest soon arrives at the ferry, where Tommy urges Adelina to go to Hoboken to be safe. Adelina begs him to be with her but Tommy admits that he needs to be checked and will help the patrol. Lost for a moment, Adelina wants to see Tommy again and admits that she may love him. Tommy admits the same for her. When Adelina goes to the ferry, Tommy asks Eliza to make sure that she arrives at her aunt's. Eliza agrees.

Eliza states that after she done so, she will head to Grant under the guise of going to war. Leaving Tommy, she walks aboard the ferry and sees multiple black families in disarray and shock over what has happened. When the ferry grows closer to New Jersey and farther from New York City, she vows to fight for the freedom of all people, including her own.

Chapter Twenty

Owen is out of the simulation but Monroe explains that Varius suffered a near-death experience. Wondering about David, Owen is told to wait as he does not experience any issues coming out of the Animus. Monroe also states that it has only been a couple of hours in comparison to the two-day simulation. Monroe tells Owen that Javier should be coming out. Within the corridor, Owen almost hits Javier, but Monroe tells to distinguish between the memory and their real lives. However, Owen relates Varius' feeling of being like his father to his own grandparents' worries of becoming like his father. Javier questions why Eliza did not kill Cudgel but Owen states that was then and they are trying to leave that behind for now.

Owen leaves the Animus and wakes up to see Javier out of it, too. While Natalya, Sean, and Grace are still in the Animus, they see David on the sofa. Seeing his red eyes, Owen tries to console David, but David admits of feeling Abraham's worries. Despite Owen stating that Eliza becomes an Assassin, David states that her father would not have wanted that for her. Javier states that Sean and Natalya are coming out, but David stays on the sofa. Natalya meets with Javier while Sean falls out, due to forgetting about his impairment. Sean tries to check on Natalya but does not want to be too overt. Owen soon asks for Grace, but Monroe states that she has the Piece of Eden and is continuing with the memory. Monroe soon sits with all of them and talks about the experience.

Monroe informs that they are all themselves but reveals the Animus has some side effects, including the Bleeding Effect. He explains that it may cause them to see things, behave differently, but also enhance abilities from their ancestors. Again, Monroe states that they must remember their lives, not their ancestors', and that their paths are their own. When Monroe goes to check on Grace, they all talk about how their parents will react when they return home. Monroe soon finds them as Grace exits the Animus. Once she takes off the visor, David goes and hugs her tigthly. Grace calms him and hugs him back. Grace explains that she experiences the travel to Grant and even fighting in the Civil War. The memory ended with Eliza handing the dagger to General Grant.

Monroe explains that it ends with Union winning the war and Grant eventually becoming the president for two terms. Monroe theorizes that the dagger may be with Grant at his cottage at Mount McGregor. Although Javier is skeptical, Monroe explains that this helps them locate the Piece of Eden. Monroe explains they will go back home while he takes care to retrieve the Animus core. Although they are strangers, Owen feels that this event has brought them closer. Instantly, the windows above broke and a swarm of Templar agents infiltrate the area. Monroe tells the group to run.

Chapter Twenty-One

Javier tries to dodge the incoming agents, who already captured Sean. He later sees David being tased while Grace screams in terror. Owen manages to grab Monroe's motorcycle while telling Javier to come. In the chaos, Javier is nearly tased by an agent and engages with him in a fight. Nearly escaping, Javier jumps on the bike with Owen while Monroe runs his bus through one exit. Going the other way, they drive but are chased by two black cars. Trying to escape their tail, Javier mentions to go through an alley, which barely works. Deciding to hide and not involve their families, they head towards the hills out of the city. Finding a place to stop within a patch of trees, they see that they are the only ones to escape.

Owen asks if they are good with each other. Despite the lingering effects of the Animus, Javier agrees that they are okay. In the woods, they begin to rest and make a campfire. Owen takes the time to address why they grew apart. Javier begrudgingly admits that his own problems, especially with his brother going to prison, took precedent over Owen's own issues. Owen still asks why he never told him. Javier also admits that he came out to his family a year ago and tensions were high due to their religion. However, his family accepted him but when he got called a slur, his brother beat the man and thus sent to prison. Owen thanks him for being open with him. Hours pass as they try to see if anyone has tracked them or if there is news from Abstergo.

Soon, a man approaches them and introduces himself as Griffin. Familiar, Owen asks if they know each other. He relays that he stopped the Templar agent from yesterday and that he is an Assassin. However, Javier remains distrustful. Griffin walks to the motorcycle and takes away wires from it. He states that the wires had a tracking beacon and he just buys them some more time. He later asks if Monroe was looking for a Piece of Eden. However, Owen and Javier speak privately before answering. Owen wants to tell him but Javier states that he is a stranger. However, Javier gives up while Owen reveals the truth to Griffin. There, Griffin accepts the information and invites the boys to join him.

Chapter Twenty-Two

At the warehouse, Sean watches as he is unable to save Natalya and himself, while Grace pummels the man who tased David. She is later restrained by two guards. He also sees Monroe escape with Owen and Javier riding out as well. Once two black cars followed them, a white armored van comes and they all are soon taken. Sean asks where they are being taken, but to no response. While in transit, Grace starts blaming Monroe. Sean tells them that they cannot let them know about the Piece of Eden. After an hour, David comes alert as they all arrive at a secret location. Outside the van, the agents are gone and a lady scientist stands beside two guards. She introduces herself as Dr. Victoria Bibeau, a researcher for Abstergo's Lineage Discovery and Acquisition.

While all of them take issue about how they were attacked, Victoria explains that such action was too rash and all she wants is to bring them home after they take their time at our facility. Victoria leads the teens around the facility and introduces it as The Aerie. While Sean is impressed, he wonders if Abstergo is really the enemy. They soon set themselves in a lobby filled with food and beverages. While most of the teens eat, Victoria asks them about Owen and Javier but Sean admits they all met last night. She soon asks if they know where Monroe went, but Sean wills the group to remain silent. Victoria admits that she knows they found a Piece of Eden, to which the group could not hold back their facial remarks. Victoria also explains that Monroe is a former employee who suffered a personal tragedy and stole equipment from Abstergo, dangerous to the outside world.

A tall, blond man enters the conversation and introduces himself as Isaiah, director of the Aerie. He cuts to the chase and reveals that they know that the group knows about the Assassins and the Templars, who control Abstergo. He also states that he and Victoria are Templars and how they evolved from the past from being politicians and kings to this current corporation. However, David mentions Tweed as a rebuttal. He explains that Tweed helped fund orphanages, schools, and hospitals and spent more charity in three years than the last fifteen years now. Isaiah admits that as a man, he did some inexcusable actions, but as Templar, he brought progress to the city.

Isaiah also explains that the six of them represent an Ascendance Event, where the theory implies that a confluence and synergy is found with all of them coming together. Sean remembers that Monroe mentioned their memory concordance and asks if they are talking about the Piece of Eden. Isaiah mentions multiple pieces but lets Victoria to continue the conversation. Victoria divulges that the dagger is part of the Trident of Eden, where each dagger is actually a prong. She explains that Alexander the Great possessed a Staff of Eden but also used a trident in battle. She explains after Alexander died, the trident was divided into the three prongs. One prong went to one of his generals, Seleucus I Nicator, another went to Ptolemy I Soter, and another went to the Macedonians, However, the Egyptian and Macedonians' prongs soon ended up in the hands of Rome. The dagger they found in the Animus is mostly likely the faith prong, which followed transfers from Pope Callixtus III, to King Alfonso V of Spain, to Hernán Cortés.

Isaiah explains that this prong is the first of the other three and how their ancestors have come into contact with the rest of them. He explains that this event is proof and how they need the group's help. Isaiah further divulges Monroe's background about how he was abused by his father and how he was not a suitable candidate for the Animus. He explains that Monroe wants to use the Animus to exorcise his demons but Isaiah forbade it. Thus, Monroe stole his work before leaving. Grace and Sean look at each other and wonder if the Templars are truly evil. Natalya tells them not to say anything as well as David. However, Sean spills that Grace knows where the faith prong may be and Grace reveals the possible location.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Owen feels Javier's reluctance to trust Griffin, however their choices are limited. Griffin asks if they are coming with him. Javier states no and why they should trust him. Griffin tells them that he believes that their ancestors are either Assassins, Templars or both. Thus, he asks them to use their vision to detect if he is an enemy or ally. Owen did not think about his possible ability but tries to activate it like Varius did. He sees Griffin as an ally for now. They later discuss about how both boys know what the dagger looks like but Javier remains resistant. Griffin states that past dictators of history used these Pieces of Eden to seize power and how the free will of the people suffer.

Griffin starts to question Monroe's motives, which leads Owen to wonder what his father played. He asks Griffin about his father, to which Griffin states that he only knows that he played a part but not the details. Griffin promises that he can get his father's DNA from the police if possible. With this, Owen agrees. Javier asks what he will do with his family but Griffin states that he can call his mom, who may call the police, but they will avoid them. Javier is unsure but Owen states that he does not need to trust Monroe or Griffin but him. Griffin tells them to meet him at the bottom road before running off. Getting on the motorcycle, the boys ride down and find a white sedan, with Griffin driving and telling them to follow.

Driving through the state, they all arrive at a storage unit. Griffin goes inside first and motions the boys to follow. Riding inside, they enter and they follow Griffin's orders. Inside, they see crates and tools reminiscent of the Assassins. The unit is somewhat dark with sideway lights. Griffin explains that sixteen years ago, an Templar sleeper agent infiltrated the Brotherhood, murdered the Mentor, and revealed the safe houses and facilities. Known as the Great Purge, the Templars killed not only the Assassins, but their entire families. Now, their stations are mobile and invisible. Griffin soon asks about the dagger's location and Owen states that they believe it is where Grant died.

Griffin offers them attire for them to ready themselves and hands them a variety of grenades, including smoke, sleep, EMP, and flash grendades. He soon gives them a series of weapons to choose from another crate. Owen takes some throwing knives while Javier take a crossbow pistol that shoots darts. Owen asks if they will use a Hidden Blade but Griffin explains that they must pledge to the Brotherhood and swear loyalty. Thus, he rejects them having a blade. Soon, the unit's computer alerts him to a video call. Griffin speaks with his contact and explains the situation. The man tells him that their contact Rothenburg re-established contact and explains that the Templars are after the prong. Griffin states that they are heading to Mount McGregor to seek the relic.

Before logging off, Griffin looks to the boys. Owen asks who that was and Griffin explains that the leader is Gavin Banks, who keeps contact as short as possible. Griffin also divulges that the dagger is part of a set that create the Trident, which can be used to conquer the world. Javier and Owen start laughing but Griffin remains stoic as he prepares them to leave. They later all drive to a private airfield, where they board and fly to New York. By night, they arrive in Albany and a car waits for them. Reaching Mount McGregor in less than an hour, Griffin tells to keep their wits and to get the relic and leave immediately.

Outside, Owen begins to panic but stills his beats as Varius would and activated those abilities. Griffin manages to enter the house through a tree line. He allows the boys entrance and they began to look. Owen uses his vision but Griffin states to hurry. Stepping away, Owen manages to hear a hum and leads the rest to a main living room, converted into a museum with plaques and displays. He soon leads them to a bedroom, where he feels the hum more underneath the floor. He breaks the floor but sees marks on the box. Inside, it holds the markings of the Aztec Club but the piece was gone. Not knowing who took it, they soon hear helicopters and deduce that the Templars are behind them. Griffin maintains to run back to the car and not to engage.

Moving through the cottage, the outside is blown by the helicopters' propellers and almost unbalances Owen. Running haphazardly, they all run but Javier is spotted by a rifleman. Owen grabs an EMP grenade and throws at the rifleman, knocking him out. He then uses another one on a helicopter, which causes the helicopter to lose control. This causes the agents on its ropes to fall and then the helicopter knocks into another one into the ground. As they begin to run, the first helicopter explodes and knocks Owen off his feet. Luckily, Griffin raises him up and they all make it back to the car. Griffin drives them away successfully. Griffin soon reprimands Owen for his luck and how they were almost killed. He threatens that from now on, Owen will listen or he will never learn the truth about his father. Owen becomes silent but then agrees. Javier asks what he means.

Griffin states that there are more pieces out there and that they and their friends are the key to finding them. Javier asks what if he refuses. Griffin states that it is his choice, something that he will die for always. Owen states that he is all in this mission.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Natalya sits by herself and finally eats after rejecting the food over principle. When Sean comes to check on her, she asks why they told them everything. When Sean explains that they seem different, Natalya states they should all discussed it since they do not really know the Templars. Sean soon asks her about what they experienced as Tommy and Adelina. Worried about the same thing, Natalya reminds him that they are different compared to their ancestors and they each have their own path. While Sean agrees, he heads back to the siblings with his head low. Natalya, realizing that she had been too direct, believes that both sides have been the problem of innocent lives lost. Thus, she will remain patient when working for the Templars.

Victoria comes back and informs them that their parents are coming to see them. She explains that they were informed of Monroe's plan and how they were rescued by Abstergo. However, she offers them to stay at the Aerie and mentions that their parents may be receptive, given a financial incentive. While the kids are hesistant, she explains that they need all the help to retrieve the two remaining prongs. She later asks Natalya if she ever wants to experience China.

Epilogue

Monroe luckily escapes the Templars and manages to drive for miles away from the incident. However, the tremors in his hands and his composure are giving way while he knows what his true mission is. However, he knows that the Templar captured most of the kids and he swears to rescue them from their grasp. Finally taking a rest after 36 hours, he feels clearer. He soon finds a number he kept and memorized just in case. Alone at a gas station, the call goes through and he asks to talk about what has happened.

Gallery

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  Cover sketch
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  Czech cover
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  Hungarian cover