Bristol, England

March

1710

Oh mercy, Rain… Spring afternoons in Bristol were difficult for Caroline Scott, she found herself irritated with the fall weather of constant rain and suffocating clouds. While the land was fresh and green, showing life after the chilling winter, it was still too cold and damp to do anything productive outside. Caroline decided to do what she normally would do on a day like this: read. She wanted to lose herself in a novel where romance and adventure took her away from her life of upper echelon politics and society's expectations.

Casually walking downstairs, Caroline knew that her father was away, most likely doing business with the America. She only heard the bustle in the kitchen from servants doing their daily chores. Caroline saw their lives as exciting. While the work was brutal, when the sun would set she saw them live. Drinking, parties, they lived with no regrets; while Caroline lived with upper class individuals breathing down her neck and watching her every move. It was unlike an 18-year-old wealthy daughter to go this long without being betrothed, and with her 19th birthday fast approaching, she would soon be considered an old maid.

The library was her only sanctuary, but before she could make herself comfortable and start reading, a knock came at the door.

Tap-tap-tap.

"Yes?" Caroline said, allowing the guest to enter.

"Lady Caroline?" a soft gentleman's voice echoed through the door.

"Ben! Please, come in!" Caroline stood a little straighter and beckoned Ben to enter.

Ben was a skinny boy, roughly 16, still growing into his feet and nose, Ben was honest and always meant well, that's what Caroline loved most about him.

"How are you today?" Caroline said, thankful for company.

"Fine Milady, but I must be blunt and ask you if you know the whereabouts of Rose?" asked Ben, brushing brown hair from his face to reveal his large green eyes.

"Um, I'm not sure… I haven't seen her since last night." Caroline said, slightly disappointed that this would be a short conversation.

Ben cursed under his breath.

"Is something the matter?" inquired Caroline; she rested her hip on a wooden couch in front of the fireplace. She crossed her arms across her bodice as she tried to read Ben's expression.

"No just… I believe she's gone off again. I know your father said if she were to do this again she would be forced to leave." Ben blushed slightly; he looked to his feet he spoke in a soft voice "I just don't want that to happen to her."

A sinking feeling occurred in Caroline's abdomen. Rose had told her on numerous accounts that Ben fancied her. Rose was not Ben's type. Rose would dance more daring than any harlot and could out drink any man. Only a year younger than Caroline, Rose had managed to live more of a life than she had.

Ben started to walk out of the room. He lifted his head and walked with more confidence. Caroline was sure that he would continue his search.

"Ben." Caroline said, stopping Ben in his tracks, he turned again, "I will go and find Rose, you just get back to what you'll be doing, I'll be home before dinner. She couldn't have gotten too far." Caroline pushed herself from the couch and began to walk out of the library, her boots quiet against the floor like cat paws.

"Caroline, that is unnecessary, please, don't burden yourself –"

"Ben, please, I could use some air."

Caroline walked out the door and was surprised to see light spilling in the tall white window in the hall. She flipped her auburn hair into a lose bun as she walked. She passed many exquisite paintings and eventually a door at the side of the hall. She pulled it opened and looked at the mirror inside.

Her pale skin looked porcelain, like an infants skin. She looked at some of her hanging hats on a hook at the back of the closet. She would surly have to protect her skin now that the sun was out. She grabbed the green tall hat, with feathers that protruded from one side. It matched her dress, which also matched her eyes. She adjusted her bodice and skirt as well. She was prepared to ride to town.

The town bustled with chaos. Caroline knew Rose, she knew her well enough to know that she could only do things in taverns out where other servants lived. The sun began to lower itself in the afternoon sky, Caroline knew she would have to hurry and find Rose before her father returned.

Caroline took the workhorse, Alberta, out. She was a strong beast that could withstand anything. Her large steps took Caroline further along the cobblestone street that eventually turned to dirt. As she rode, individuals began staring at her, some in rags and others drunk on the road swearing at one another. Caroline knew this wasn't an accepting place.

"Oi!" yelled a squeaky voice. One that Caroline happened to recognize. She turned her head quickly to see a short round woman waiving from behind a bread stand, "You looking for Rose again? Eh?"

Caroline pulled Alberta to a halt. Caroline had faith in herself, but didn't have the confidence to get off the horse, with the fear that she would have difficulty mounting it again with everyone watching her.

"Um, yes. Have you seen her? She's needed back at the manor..."

"Well try the Hatchet Inn, saw her stumble in there couple hours ago."

With a nod Caroline kicked Alberta and continued down the road. Her heart began to quicken, it was common knowledge the Hatchet Inn was a grungy place where crooks and pirates would bring whores, drink, and illicit activities. Caroline pictured Rose, her brunette hair flying across her sun kissed skin and her brown eyes glazed over while she danced upon a bar; while middle-aged men undressed her with their eyes.

Caroline recognized the pointy roof and two chimneys that signaled the Hatchet Inn. She pushed herself off Alberta and tied her to the side of the building. Patting her affectionately on the rear end, she peaked inside the Inn. There were glasses clanking and cheers. She heard the squeals of some women, but the window was covered in dust. She saw 3 women in the lobby, none of which were Rose, all too old. Disappointed and worried, Caroline mounted Alberta.

"HEY!" a distant voice cried. Caroline was sure she was hearing things, she turned her head to see where it was coming from, "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS." Another distant call, it took a second for Caroline to realize that the cries were coming from behind the Inn.

Caroline hesitantly kicked Alberta, she stopped her just enough for Caroline to see behind the Inn. There was nothing but one road beside a river that led off into another small village miles away. With the sun starting to set, Caroline pushed Alberta to go, and she followed the voices.

Oh God, let Rose be all right, she has to be down this road… Someone would have seen her if she left the Inn. Caroline found herself squeezing the reins until her knuckles turned white. She tried to loosen them. She heard pushing and grunting. Caroline kicked Alberta, she pictured Rose's body being pinned down by a man, being robbed, murdered, raped, or possibly all three. Out of fear she kicked Alberta into a canter as she approached the scene. It was two men against one. She saw the third man pushed behind a wagon, where a young woman with a rose in her brown hair sat. Swaying slightly, Caroline knew the woman was Rose.

"Excuse me!" Caroline said. Her words were strong, but her insides began to turn. She once again dismounted Alberta and walked towards the scene. Pulling her green dress up slightly to avoid any embarrassing slipping that could possibly happen.

She approached the two men, both handsome, one taller than the other, however far too old to have anything to do with Rose. They exchanged glances with their expressions so similar Caroline knew they were related.

"What could you possibly want, lass?" asked the taller one. He crossed his arms and walked with two wide of a stride. He didn't balance well and Caroline could tell by the smell that ale was definitely involved.

"Well for one you should have nothing to do with that child that is currently in your wagon." Caroline said, she adjusted her stance to be wider and she placed her hands on her hips, a weak attempt to make her seem not as petite. She took a step to give herself more distance between her and the men. She walked to the side and noticed a young man lying on the ground. His head however, was elevated, viewing the scene.

"Well wench, this ain't any of your business." The shorter man replied. He looked at his brother and popped his knuckles.

"Unfortunately it is, simply because the woman in your cart is my servant. She is needed back…" Caroline drifted. The tall one was coming uncomfortably close. One hand extended and pushed her back. She caught herself, but looking now at his looming figure and the odor of ale, she began to breath a little harder.

"Little bird." Spat the man. Caroline looked for Rose, for anyone. Her gaze drifted to the smaller who began to approach when she saw a rock thrown from behind the wagon, hitting the smaller man in the head. A force took Caroline's face from looking at the shorter man, and her vision turned to take in the face of the tall man. His hand began to crush her jaw, "You have a pretty mouth."

THUMP.

The tall man's eyes rolled back as he fell to the side. Behind his looming figure stood a young man. Staring at his effective weapon that cracked on impact of the skull of the tall man.

"T-thanks." Caroline managed to say.

The young man tossed the broken branch aside. His blonde hair was askew and his face covered in blood. When his face turned. Caroline could only see blue eyes among the mess of blood and dirt.

"Well thanks to you as well, milady." the young man, replied, his accent was Welsh. He spat out blood and whipped his face with a stained sleeve. Caroline knew that he was a used to the area, even if he wasn't from it.

"Of course?" Caroline said. She felt an urge to adjust her hair.

"I couldn't have fought them off forever… Your servant there was getting herself into trouble. Girl can drink… I'm Edward Kenway." Edward said. He wiped his hand on his pants before offering it to Caroline. She accepted the handshake. It was firm and she wasn't used to such roughness.

Edward was striking and he knew that about himself. He held himself with a confidence knowing that he could get away with just about anything. He watched Caroline as she pushed her auburn hair behind her ear. Displaying pearl earrings. Wealthy… Thought Edward. He watched her green eyes drift over to the wagon where Rose was now falling out of.

Edward followed Caroline to the wagon. Initially Edward felt inclined to help Rose to make a good impression on her. How could any man deny a woman that could drink like her? But now, after seeing Caroline, there was something undeniably beautiful about her. Something he hadn't seen in a girl… or a woman.

Caroline bent over to assist Rose.

"Ohhh!" Rose blurted out, clearly drunk, "Are you upset? I'm sooooo sorry…" her plump lips shiny from what Caroline imagined being vomit.

"Shh, Rose, it's fine." Caroline laughed; she couldn't help it, "Let's just get you home." Caroline struggled to get her petite body under Rose's.

"Here, erm… I'll help." Edward looped his arm around Rose's body effortlessly. He supported her to a standing position as she locked eyes with Edward.

"YOU, my friend, are very strong!" she said, giggling, "YOU could tell Caroline how to have a good time, she is very strict, she is!"

"ROSE!" Caroline tried to match Edward's step from underneath the opposite arm. While Edward was nothing but a stranger, she had an odd urge to impress him. Edward let out a rich laugh, Caroline's face burned. She looked into the forest beside her to avoid any unnecessary eye contact.

After several attempts, Rose finally sat on Alberta. Wobbling slightly, she managed to hold the reins for support. Alberta waived her chestnut mane.

"I should go," Caroline said. Looking up at Edward, Caroline's mind drifted to his age, "You're a little young for getting into bar brawls, aren't you?"

Edward rubbed the back of his skull and rolled his neck, "Eh, I'm old enough to win a few." Edward guffawed; he had a strange urge to keep her there. Conversing with her was new and different. Besides the common whores, Edward didn't talk to many women. She was beautiful in every sense.

"Well I know who to call if I'm ever in a bad situation, thank you again, Edward." Caroline replied. Edward's neck warmed to her voice saying his name. She turned to mount Alberta but paused for a second.

Preparing to mount. Caroline saw how far she would have to lift her leg to reach the stirrup in order to pull herself over. The dirt road was not in her favor either. She felt her foot slip she as she contemplated. For whatever reason, her heart was racing. She fearlessly dug her foot into the ground and forced herself into the stirrup.

Her worst fear was confirmed, her foot slipped again, but her leg was pushed back up, she took the momentum to pull herself into the saddle. There was a hand still resting on her calf. She looked down to see Edward staring up at her. His blue eyes were so innocent and caring. The opposite of the men that she saw walking around town.

"Are you alright?" Edward smiled a clean smile. His teeth were white and none missing, clearly he wasn't in many fights… or maybe he won most of them.

"Yes, I'm fine. " Caroline said and she cleared her throat as Edward realized his hand was still upon her leg. He pulled away but looked up to her as she started to move Alberta around him.

"I never got your name." Edward retorted, as the distance between them grew larger.

"I'm Caroline Scott!" Caroline called out.

"Caroline." Edward said quietly to himself. He knew that he would find her again. Her horse sped up into a gallop as she rode down the road.