Chapter Text
London, England: 1758
The first time Haytham saw Annabeth, she was nothing special. A gangly young thing in a patched dress, and born to meager parents. Whose mother was begging him to take her out of England.
“She’s a hard worker, Mr. Kenway.” The woman promised. “She’ll do you good as a maid or in a kitchen.”
It wasn’t an uncommon sight, unfortunately. With aristocrats moving to the New World, came parents who were quick to sell their sons and daughters. Times had changed. Too many children didn’t necessarily mean more help, especially when families couldn’t afford fields or the tools to sow them. It only meant more mouths to feed. A thing which more and more families couldn’t afford.
“It is illegal to sell one’s children into slavery, Mrs. hurley.” He reminded. “Even were it not, I have no interest in trading you coin for your own daughter.”
“I’m not after your gold, Sir. We’ve heard of people, got friends, who went over to work in the colonies. They do jobs for room and board, and then get to live their own life after a little while. Undented-”
“Indentured servitude, I’m aware of the practice. It does not change the fact that I am in no need of help. I’m sorry, but it simply isn’t possible.”
“Please, Mr. Kenway. Annabeth isn’t safe here.”
The curt admission drew a shocked expression from the girl. “Mother!”
“Mr. William Johnson said you might be able to help us. Might be able to take her away. Please, Sir.”
Haytham frowned. If he bent over backward for every poor man, woman, and child he came across , then he’d never get anything done within the Order. Still, it didn’t mean he had to be callous. If Johnson had sent this woman his way then it had to be for good reason.
“Do you know your way around a kitchen, girl?”
Annabeth shrugged, which wasn’t very promising. “I’m a fast learner.” She didn't have the unlearned accent of her mother, and he found it curious.
“The ship leaves port in three days. I’ll fetch you then.”
“I’ll meet you at the docks, Mr. Kenway.”
“Annabeth, don’t be rude.”
Her mother’s scolding clearly didn’t mean much. “This man is going out of his way, already. There isn’t any reason for him to escort me.”
“The docks it is.” He agreed. “I’ll see you then, but if you’re late, you will be left behind.”
As it so happened, Annabeth was not late, but early. Haytham had stood in front of the Venus for twenty minutes, keeping an eye out for the girl, when she popped up behind him.
“Good day, Mr. Kenway.”
“Ah, there you are.” When he turned around to see her walking down the gangplank, she was much more put together than he imagined she’d be. The clothes she wore were still of the working class, but remained a far throw from the ratty thing he’d seen her in before. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“I’m sorry. You didn’t specify which ship or what time. So I got here a few hours ago and asked around.”
“It gave you time to settle in, I trust?”
“Yes, thank you. It was very kind of you to arrange quarters for me.”
“Of course…” Except Haytham hadn’t been able to manage such a thing. He had tried, but with the vessel being a trading ship, and it being such short notice, was informed that such accommodations didn’t exist. Kenway had, regrettably, planed to share his small lodgings with her. “I sent my luggage ahead, has it arrived?” It crossed his mind that two measly trunks could hardly be considered luggage.
“It did. A boy delivered it not too long ago and I brought it to your cabin.” The girl smiled as they boarded and Haytham gave an impressed nod. Perhaps Annabeth would be useful after all.
“Haytham Kenway!” The captain slapped his back with a jolly boom. “You’re our last piece of cargo. Looks like we can weigh anchor early!”
“The sooner the better.”
“Aye. Time is money on a merchant ship, and I do believe this voyage will be quite the educational experience for your lass, there.” The seaman added with a nod toward Annabeth. She had excused herself from their conversation to head across deck.
“She’s not mine, per se, Francis.” Haytham mused as he watched the girl lean against the railing and gaze up at the loosening sails.
“Why don’t you come see me once we’re in open water. Then we can discuss the girl.”
It was an invitation Kenway didn’t plan to pass up. He always liked to be more involved in his travels beyond that of a mere passenger, and meeting with Captain MacConell would give him a feel for the crew. So after an hour of clear skies and lapping waves, a knock fell at the captain’s door.
“Come in.” Francis looked up from his ledger and set his spectacles aside. “I thought it’d be you, Kenway. Take a seat. You’ll be on this heap for a good six weeks, might as well make yourself at home.”
“You think we’ll reach Virginia that quickly?” He asked while sinking into one of the chairs from across the large desk. Haytham didn’t doubt the man, but his trip to London had taken three months. A crossing back in half that time would be a blessing.
“There’s usually kind enough weather this time of year, and we aren’t carryin’ much that interests pirates. So, aye, we should reach port in no time.”
“Everything interests pirates.”
“Maybe. But we’ve got you here to fight ‘em off,” He half joked “and that wee one you dragged along to keep look out.”
“I do appreciate you allowing her to join me, Francis. Her presence was highly unexpected. I’ll see to it that she stays out from underfoot.”
The captain held up a hand in protest. “There’s no need for all that. Little Miss Hurley is more than welcome aboard. You should have told me she was the girl you were bringin’ along.”
“I wasn’t aware it mattered — Is that why she has her own cabin after all, because you know her?”
“Aye, though I’d hardly call the first mate’s quarters a cabin, more like a hole in the wall. Myself, Foster, and some of the crewman knew her father. He worked the docks for years, it’s a shame what happened what happened to the poor fool. We wanted his daughter to have some sort of comfort and privacy for the trip.”
“Did he pass on?”
“Not but a few months ago. Poor girl’s been through more that this year. Much more, though it’s not my place to say what.”
For a recently fatherless child, Annabeth got on quite well, and settled into ship-life like a regular sailor. Haytham noticed that, while she didn’t keep her distance, she didn't actively seek him out either. She hardly pursued anyone's company, really. Not even Captain MacConell’s. Granted, she’d be pleasant and friendly toward any of the men that crossed paths with her, but her endless idle hours were spent reading, writing, or looking out at the open ocean. Unless the first mate was above deck.
Christian Foster was a notably young man that could easily be mistaken for a greenhorn were it not for his place at the helm or the captain’s side. Whenever he was on duty, Annabeth would seek him out like a bloodhound. Spending the hours reading aloud to him, or asking questions about the Venus. It was on such an occasion, that Kenway found them both at the wheel. Christian, steering them through serene waters, and her, leisurely telling him which types of clouds were above them; as few as there were.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Foster. How goes our travels?”
“Well, Sir. Nine knots and holding.”
“That’s seventeen kilometers per hour.” The girl chimed and the first mate laughed a bit.
“Very good, Anna.”
“You’re quite the smart young lady.”
Haytham’s praise only earned a scoff from the child. “You’ve met my mum, Mr. Kenway. I’m hardly a lady.”
“Oy! Your mother is a gracious woman, Annabeth Hurley. Don’t you go bad-mouthing your parentage just ‘cause she ain’t here.” The scolding had Haytham stifling a chuckle, but sent the girl walking off with an eye roll.
“I never got the chance to thank you for giving up your quarters to her. It was very generous.”
“Any one of the men would have done the same. Poor lass deserves some kindness in this world. The type with no strings attached.”
“She seems to be a fan of yours.”
“That she is. I grew up with her brother. They Hurley’s were a second family to me, and I was as heart-broke as she was when Rowan died. He was five years older than her, and at sea most times, but they were thick as thieves, those two.” Christian explained sadly. “Never quite saw a brother and sister get on like they did.”
“Captain MacConell told me it was her father who died.”
“Aye, not long after Rowan. I meant what I said about Mrs. Hurley being gracious. I never met a kinder woman, but I’m surprised Olivia had enough wits about her to secure Anna a trip across the Atlantic; with everything they’ve been through. Especially with someone as upstanding as yourself, Mr. Kenway.”
The more he learned, the more perplexing she became. A girl who was born to a lower-class family but spoke like a gentlewoman, and who had lost her father and brother. All at the age of fourteen. Not to mention how her mother somehow knew knew Mr. Johnson, and thought it unsafe in London. Haytham was sure there was more to it. Some final pieces that tied everything together. But he remained unprying. As friendly as Annabeth was, he knew asking about such sensitive topics right out of the blue would only distance her.
“Did you have a job back in London?” He asked harmlessly one warm night. Joining Annabeth as he she leaned on the railing beside the bowsprit.
“No.”
“Oh? Did you help your mother around the house, then?”
“Not as much as I should have, I’m afraid.”
“I see. Mrs. Hurley made it sound as though you've had experience in managing a home. I do hope I haven’t been conned.”
“And if you were, what would you do? Throw me overboard?” She jested with a small laugh. “We’re nearly halfway to Virginia. It’s not as if you can turn the ship around and deposit me back in London.”
“And how do you think you’d fair were I to leave you at port? Penniless with nowhere to go.” It wasn’t a threat, simply the truth. Once they arrived, Haytham would be the only one she knew. Save for the crew, who would not be staying long at all.
“I’d manage well enough.” She was disappointed that he didn’t find her teasing to be amusing. “But you haven't been duped, Mr. Kenway. My mother was right, I can be helpful. With direction and practice. Back ho- Back in London, I focused more on my schooling than domestic duties.”
“So you are educated.”
“I never said otherwise, only that I wasn’t a lady. Literacy does not make one highborn.”
“Perhaps not, but it certainly helps.” He muttered. “Had you hoped to continue your studies in Virginia?”
“I’ve hoped nothing past arriving safely. Whether or not I see any schooling is up to you.”
“Yes, I suppose it is. Would you like to carry on with your studies?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether or not my instructor would be like the one I had before.”
“What was your teacher in England like?”
Annabeth regarded him with a soft, but untelling smile. “Goodnight, Mr. Kenway.” She bid, taking her leave rather abruptly and heading below deck. It left the man with still more questions than answers.
“Have you seen Annabeth anywhere?”
It was been bad enough the girl avoided him for several days after the series of innocent questions, but not seeing her at all on the fourth day made Haytham worry. There were only so many places a teenage girl could truly hide aboard a ship. None of which put him at ease. It only concerned him more that she wasn’t with Christian.
“Aye, Miss Hurley’s aloft.”
“Aloft?”
“Aye.” The first mate repeated before pointing just ahead. “Main-lower yard. It’s not that high, but she was itching for a climb. Levitt’s up as well keeping an eye on her.”
It was comforting to know that at least another crewman was with her, but not comforting enough. The last thing Kenway needed was her injured, and he could imagine her precariously perched on the crossbar as he marched to the mainmast. In actuality she was sat blissfully upon the lower most spar. Watching the distant water while Mr. Levitt tended some ropes a few feet away.
He could have just called up to her, the distance was small enough and the wind quiet; but didn't want to risk her scrambling ever upward. She was a child, after all. Instead, he pulled himself into the shrouds and skillfully climbed to her level.
“Oh, hello Mr. Kenway.” Annabeth said cheerily when he entered her line of sight. She watched as he stepped onto the yard with more self assurance than she had managed. “I didn’t know you knew your way around rigging.”
“My father was a captain.” He said simply, and wondered if she’d have chosen a different hideaway had she known. ”You on the other hand — What do you think you’re doing up here?” He took stock of her. “Are you wearing trousers?”
“Couldn’t let her amble around in a skirt.” Levitt mumbled gruffly as he tightened a knot.”
“Attire aside, I think it best you stay on deck.”
“What? Why?”
“It can be dangerous in the sails.” Haytham explained and she exhaled sharply.
“The wind’s steady. Sky’s clear. Unless a gull comes and pushes me off, I’ll be just fine.”
“Annabeth.”
“Please? I’ll be really careful. I am being careful.” She sighed. “I feel… It’s less lonely up here.”
Kenway hummed knowingly and walked closer to her before sitting with one foot dangling from the crossbar. “You feel closer to your brother up here.” The glare he received told him he was right.
“How do you know about Rowan?”
“Mr. Foster told me.”
“Christian?” Annabeth peered around the mizzenmast to scowl at the unsuspecting helmsman. “That no good, loose lipped, basta-”
“He’s only concerned for you.”
“Doesn’t give him any right to tell you about my business.”
“Seeing as it’s my job to look after you now, I would say it does.” The girl frowned and turned away. “Captain MacConnell told me about your father as well.”
“Bloody brilliant!” She snapped and maneuvered to face him again. “This damn crew is so lax-tongued that you’ll know my whole life story before we see land.”
“I doubt it. They aren't that forthcoming.” He joked and she rolled her eyes. “Of course, you could always tell me your life story.”
“Why would I do that, because you’re looking after me?”
“I like to think that, perhaps, you and I could be at least somewhat amicable with one another.”
“No offense, Mr. Kenway, but the last man I blindly believed to be my friend had my brother killed. Then my father. I have a history with the crew aboard this ship, but I barely know you.”