Fillan

Fillan (born 1280) was the twin brother of Ailéas, a tailor apprentice to Alastair Aitken and a member of the Scottish Brotherhood of Assassins. Born and raised in the Highlands of Scotland, Fillan was a member of the Children of Fal alongside his twin, that was until 1288, when the Lann Fala launched an extermination campaign against the clan, with only Fillan and his sister surviving.

Being taken in by Alastair Aitken, a famous Scottish tailor, the siblings lived in relative peace on the city of Berwick-upon-Tweed. However, in 1296, during the Sack of Berwick, their caretaker Alastair was killed by the Lann Fala and the twins got separated. Fillan soon found himself protection with a mysterious group of warriors, led by former Assassin and Norwegian mercenary Sören. Together, they sought their way to the Brotherhood, which Fillan joined from their offer.

Under Sören's mentorship, Fillan trained and worked under his guidance in the ways of the Assassin. Before long, he, Sören and his warriors joined the fight for the Assassin cause against English occupation in Scotland. Their other vital objective was to safeguard the Stone of Fal from Templar hands, especially from the Lann Fala.

After finding his sister alive and with the aid of Clan Macdougall, Fillan and Ailéas joined Sören, Assassin spy Deorsa, and druidess Moira to safeguard the Stone of Fal. They were able to seek passage to Iona but found the Lann Fala and their leader Cornavii at Iona Abbey with the stone in hand. After a lengthy fight, Fillan and Ailéas bested and killed Cornavii and then with Moira, they placed the Stone of Fal back into the abbey's vault.

Biography

Early childhood

Born in 1280, he and his twin sister Ailéas were born into the Children of Fal, a group that was directly descended from the "Those Who Came Before" and with close ties to the Assassins. However, when he was eight years old, he witnessed his clan, including his mother, die at the hands of the Lann Fala, a group of Templar hunters tasked to eradicate both Assassins and the Children of Fal. Along with his sister, Fillan survived and moved to live under Assassin ally and tailor Alastair Aitken in Berwick.

Surviving the Sack of Berwick

In March 1296, running errands for Alastair to warn the townspeople to leave, Fillan came back to find goldsmith Glenn with Alastair and his sister Ailéas as they discussed the town making a last stand. Both twins were told to inform the cobbler to leave before the English attacked. However, they soon found the cobbler dead and the shop destroyed. Finding and trying to help a man struck by a spear, they were yelled at to run while the English troops came. While trying to run, three local townsguards harassed Fillan and one almost stabbed him. Luckily, Ailéas knocked the guard out and scared the rest away. Embarrassed, Fillan pushed his sister's hand away and then they continued back to their home.

However, they came across Alastair being interrogated and tortured by a group of men in red capes. Their leader demanded to know where the Children of Fal were, but Alastair remained silent. When Alastair was killed, Fillan let out a cry and the men noticed them. Running from them, he was soon separated from Ailéas but heard her scream. Moving through the chaos within the town, he finally saw her being carried off by an English soldier but was stopped by one of the red capes. Escaping the soldier, he came across a fight at the town square and evaded the fight. By the water, he saw Glenn dead along with other townspeople. He swam towards a large pontoon but was met with a English soldier with a dagger in hand. Before accepting his fate, Fillan was knocked out by a blow to the head.

Path to the Brotherhood

Fillan awoke to a conversation between two mercenaries, spoke his account of what happened, and tried to run away, only to be tripped by another mercenary. There, a Norwegian mercenary took him to see Berwick burning and revealed himself as Sören, the leader of the mercenaries. He explained that Fillan would be taken to the Brotherhood, who tasked them to bring the twins to Dalkeith. Fillan agreed to go with them. While riding with them, Fillan was introduced to some of Sören's mercenaries Edan, Moira, and Kyle. However, he continued to experience nightmares. The next day, he met with more of Sören's warriors, cousins Craig and Fergus.

That night, Fillan woke up to swords clashing while Kyle brought an English scout to their camp. When Sören divulged from the scout of their knowledge of Fillan's appearance, Fillan witness the Norwegian mercenary quickly kill the scout. The next two days, Fillan was in and out of consciousness after receiving a superfical wound to hide his appearance. Within a day, they all rode to Cranshaws as their next destination. Upon arrival, the atmosphere was off and they soon rode into an ambush. Fillan stayed with Fergus while the rest fought against the English successfully. However, the red cape soldiers and their leader entered on the other side, which led Fillan to ready his sword. Ignoring Sören and Fergus' orders, he rushed to the leader but froze upon eye contact.

Fortunately, Craig defended Fillan, who was taken by Moira away from the leader and held off one of the red capes. Realizing their numbers, Craig sacrificed himself while the rest escaped the ambush. Away from the setback, Fillan was grabbed by the throat by Sören and asked what he really did. He explained that the leader killed his caretaker Alastair and how the English is after him over a captain. However, he learned that the soldiers are called the Lann Fala and their leader is Cornavii. With a sword thrown in front of him, Fillan was forced to fight Sören, who bested him easily and broke his nose. Yet, Sören stopped upon Moira's intervention and noticing a mark on Fillan's wrist and then he walked away.

The next morning, Fillan talked with Kyle about why he tried to kill Cornavii and explained his desire to seek vengeance for Alastair. Both begin to bond over their childhood and admitted his regrets over how he treated his sister badly. The following day, Fillan began to train with Kyle in sword-fighting, until Sören returned to talk with Kyle alone about Fillan being a Child of Fal. During their travels, Fillan and Kyle continued their training until they all arrived in Dalkeith. Fillan soon joined Sören to an inn, where they met with Assassin spy and contact Deorsa. Tensions arose when he witnessed Sören strangle Deorsa over the Brotherhood's deception. After agreeing to a pay increase, they all left Deorsa, who welcomed to stay for Bealltainn.

Fillan continued his training with Kyle for the next four days, until Sören came and dueled with him to assess his progress. Although still being called a child, Fillan was then offered to join a raid on a nearby English encampment. Scared, Fillan agreed to join. Later, raiding with Sören and his warriors, Fillan grew nervous until Kyle gifted him a pendant of one of the Tuatha Dé Danann for good luck. Fillan was tasked to kill a sleeping guard while the rest of them dealt with the other soldiers. However, while inside the sleeping guard's tent, he hesitated. However, he saw Sören take control and kill the guard before telling Fillan to fix whatever bothers him. After finishing the mission, Fillan began to hallucinate his sister.

Rite of Passage

While in Dalkeith, Fillan began to feel uneased by the festival's fireworks and recalls Berwick's fires. However, he soon found Kyle, who took him to a fortune teller in the village. Being told to face his guilt, Fillan turned his attention with experiencing the festival with Kyle. Spending the whole day together, they both returned to their training grounds at night. There, Kyle kissed Fillan. Yet, Fillan was taken before he could respond and knocked out unconscious. Waking up in a dolmen, Fillan tried to find a way out but talked with a younger version and hallucination of Ailéas and begged forgiveness. After she told him to forgive himself, he soon heard Tilda's voice and began to calm down. Finding a femur, he broke free from the rock cage and found Sören waiting for him.

Fillan was congratulated by Sören, who detailed that both the Brotherhood and his warriors had gone through the same trial. Angry and silent, Fillan walked by him and took his fury out during his training with Kyle. With the festival ended, they all left for Leith for safe passage to Scone. While Sören, Edan, and Fergus left to find a boat and its captain, Fillan, Kyle and Moira stayed at an inn. With Moira's push, Fillan accused Kyle for setting him up with her kiss but Kyle admitted she did not know and resented the remark. With Kyle leaving and Moira after her, Fillan left the inn but soon chased after a girl looking like his twin. However, after stopping himself, Fillan was attacked by a thief. Believing them to be the Lann Fala, he killed the thief. Shocked, he was found by Sören and immediately taken to the ship quickly. Sailing away altogether, Fillan was besides himself until Kyle explained that he defended himself before leaving him with a kiss.

Joining the Brotherhood

Within two weeks, Fillan arrived in Scone and were met by Assassin leader Thomas of Balmerino. While both Sören and Thomas left Fillan alone, the boy was found by Deorsa, who discussed him killing a thief in Leith. Fortunately, fellow Assassin William Wallace excused Deorsa and spoke to Fillan about his similar upbringing with Sören as his former mentor. They soon discussed how Alastair was a great ally and the story behind a relic called the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Fal. Wanting to know his place here, William said answers will come.

At night, he and Sören walked into Scone Abbey and then within its secret vault. There, they met with the council, which consisted of William, Thomas, Deorsa, and Amy Comyn, while Sören sat besides the council as well. Thomas soon asked Fillan if he knew why he was here, which Fillan responded to only knowing the Brotherhood's name. Thomas explained their history and the alliance between them and the Children of Fal, which both Fillan and Ailéas are. While Deorsa explained it is part of his path to be an Assassin, Thomas handed Fillan one of the Swords of Fal with the other being for his twin. Fillan soon declared vengeance against Cornavii but Thomas asked what would be next. Fillan soon asked that if he joined, then would he be able to leave. While all looked to Sören, they admitted one can. Before his decision, Thomas gave him a day before he could respond.

The following morning, Fillan thought about his decision around the abbey and met with James of Crannach, Thomas' apprentice. Spending the day together, Fillan then later met with Sören and joined back the council. Being asked again to join, Fillan ultimately accepted and was asked to stay. While the council talked about the war and how they must safeguard the Piece of Eden, including the Stone, Thomas superceded the necessity of training Fillan and assigned Sören to be his mentor. Although angered, Sören relented after Thomas and William admitted that he is the best fighter out of all of them. Sören promised to train him only to be left alone for good, to which the council agreed. After leaving the meeting, Fillan was told to be ready to leave for tomorrow. He soon met with Kyle and told him of his training with Sören and she became elated. She kissed him and then he kissed her back. They later spent the night together.

The next morning, Fillan awoke with Kyle's hand over his mouth as they heard shouts from the abbey. They soon met with Sören, who ordered them to flee carefully while the rest faced the attackers. While going quietly using the branches, they both heard English soldiers talking about their targets being in the forest. Realizing there was a traitor, they carried on until Kyle slipped and gave away their positions. Although Sören came by to aid them, Fillan was soon shot in the arm and fell down. Kyle managed to protect him from incoming guards but Cornavii came out from the flames and grabbed Fillan by the throat. Remembering him, Cornavii remarked that he will die like his mother.

Fortunately, Sören and his warriors came to aid Kyle while Sören faced off against Cornavii. Wounding Cornavii, the English and Lann Fala were either killed or ran away, which prompted the leader to flee. However, Fillan dropped into unconsciousness while he last thought about what Cornavii mentioned about his mother. Fillan was gagged due to his painful moans while Moira and Kyle treated his wounds. He later woke up and was told that they were moving towards Beinn Eallair, Sören's stronghold. Arriving there, they met with Sören, who rode there earlier to split up. Despite its glory, Fillan asked what happened to the people. Sören explained that the Templars came and nearly decimated his clan but now his clan is right here, pointing to his mercenaries.

Training under Sören

Fillan soon learned about the fort's history and how Sören made sure any Templars left alive were hunted down to secure the secrecy of Beinn Eallair. However, Fillan took time to recuperate from his wound. With Kyle, they began to explore the fort together however their conversation took a turn when Kyle stated that she will not be tied down. When Fillan accused Kyle of having past feelings for Fergus, she stormed off from the fort for a time to calm herself. Meanwhile, Moira saw that Fillan's wound had healed properly and thus he started his training with Sören. Climbing to the peak of the fort and swimming in the icy waters of Loch Ericht, Fillan builds his endurance.

Learning the skills of an Assassin, Fillan practiced his skills in discretion, in hiding in the shadows, and in combat. From their time together, Fillan began to bond with Sören over their past and even began to match his mentor's skill. By October, Fillan had grown stronger and smarter while he reconciled with Kyle. However, Fillan began to find solace at an old Assassin statue and one day, Sören found him and asked what he was thinking. Fillan asked Sören if he was worthy of the Brotherhood but his mentor retorted that he must ask if they are worthy of him.

By December, Fillan managed to hold his own against the mercenaries except Sören. While training, Sören finally divulged why he left the Brotherhood and how he and his own twin brother, who died from the Templar invasion, were also Children of Fal. He repeated that free will is always important before leaping off the edge into the storm. Looking over, Fillan was ordered to follow and perform his own leap of faith. Fearful, Fillan followed and jumped into the void. Before long, Deorsa visited to check on Fillan's progress. After seeing him, he asked Fillan to join Wallace's efforts for Scotland. Fortunately, Sören and his mercenaries also offered to join Fillan. Before they left, Sören advised Fillan that he was also going to be tasked on his first assassination.

Fighting for Scotland

Fillan, Deorsa, Sören and his warriors traveled to Lanark to meet with William and James. Fillan was tasked to find and kill Commander Bradley Dacre while the rest will find to kill Sheriff William Heselrig, ally to the Lann Fala. Soon, after surveying the land and camp, Fillan spoke about his plan with Sören before infiltrating the camp. After killing a lookout, he found Dacre sick. After Dacre talked with the man, Fillan recognized him from Berwick as the man carrying Ailéas and gave away his position. When Dacre recognized him, Fillan immediately killed him while Dacre admitted that he has "her" eyes. A soldier then attacked Fillan, but he overpowered his attacker and nearly killed them, until he realized it was Ailéas.

Embracing each other, their moment was short when a Lann Fala came inside the tent to attack them. Fortunately, Ailéas killed him and said her last goodbyes to Dacre for all he did. The twins were soon found by Sören, Deorsa, and their allies, astonished by Ailéas' survival. Fillan explained that Dacre was an associate to the Assassins and claimed his assassination was the work of a traitor. Deorsa admitted on the possibility but they all turned their attention to continue the fight for Wallace's rebellion. Together, the twins joined in spreading the news of freedom and revolution.

For the next weeks, they all fought the English but needed to make passage to Dunstaffnage. While riding, Edan was struck by an arrow and Fillan rushed to aid him back up. Nearly killed, Ailéas saved them and they all rushed towards the fort. There, Sören met with clan leader Alexander Macdougall, Kyle's father, who talked with Sören and Deorsa about the Stone of Fal's location. Before they could act quickly, the English sounded their war horn and came marching towards them. Fighting off the siege, the twins and their allies held their own and pushed the English back. Sören soon asked to leave to safeguard the stone, with the twins, Deorsa, and Moira joining his effort. Kissing Kyle before he leaves, Fillan joined Moira, Deorsa, and Ailéas to the Isle of Mull while Sören sailed alone to Iona to beat the Templars there.

Defeating the Lann Fala

While sailing to Mull, Fillan began to suspect Deorsa of being the traitor. Upon arrival, they saw the English having been there. They were soon startled by Wallace's remaining men led by James. While trying to ride to Iona, they all aided their Scottish counterparts against the English soldiers. James was seemingly injured but Fillan rejected his pleas to be left behind. With Deorsa, James, Moira, and the twins only being left, they all found boats and rowed to Iona. There, they saw bodies of the English, Scots, and the Lann Fala in the waters. Finally, at Iona Abbey, they saw Cornavii and the Lann Fala still had the stone in their possession while they killed the last of the guards.

With Cornavii holding the stone, Fillan faced off against him and his men. Before the Lann Fala leader could activate, Sören came from above and nearly assassinated him, but was unsuccessful due to James warning Cornavii. Upon revealing himself to be the traitor, he instantly killed Deorsa and attacked Ailéas , while Fillan and Moira faced off against two Lann Fala soldiers. With the help of Fillan and Moira, Ailéas managed to kill James and then helped Fillan with his attacker. With Moira killing her opponent, they all go against Cornavii, who wounded Sören. However, they were all stopped by Cornavii's use of the stone and put into nightmares.

Despite the strength of his nightmare, Fillan stood against Cornavii, much to his surprise. Disarming the man from the stone, Fillan managed to aid his sister up and then the twins fought against the Lann Fala leader. Although tired from the combat, they listened to Moira's words to attack the stone. Fillan held Cornavii off on his own while Ailéas attacked the stone, which tore down the monastery and pushed everyone back. Gaining the upper hand, the twins stood above Cornavii, whose true appearance and scars were revealed. Before Cornavii could finish his remark, Ailéas killed him. While Ailéas helped Moira up, Fillan took the stone and they all headed towards the abbey. Although Fillan was upset that he could not see James as the traitor, Moira told him that power shone in James' eyes to betray them. With the stone, they found and headed into the vault, where they placed the stone to secure it.

At the shoreline, Fillan and Ailéas talked about how the struggle lost them a few good Assassins but that these artifacts must protected from the Templars. Proud of each other and their growth, Fillan soon asked Ailéas about what she will do now. Seeing the possibilities, Ailéas admitted that she would like to join the Brotherhood and also be a druidess. Seeing the Macdougalls' ship incoming, they jested about how Kyle may be a good Assassin while seeing her at the brow of one of the ships.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Fragments – The Highlands Children