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Altair had been riding for hours and he'd be lying if he said the heat wasn't getting to him. The scorching sun was beaming down from directly above his head now, indicating that it was midday. Altair's lips were parched and he longed for some water to moisten his desiccated mouth and throat. He had consumed the last of his water supplies early in the morning before setting out to ride. Any other time he would have been more conservative with his supplies but he had been sure that he would reach the city of Jerusalem by late morning.

Altair's plans however, had been nicely interrupted by a small unit of Turkish soldiers who happened to be passing through the same area. He was unable to pass through them unnoticed due to the fact that he was riding a fairly large and noticeable beast, known as a horse, which he had no intentions of forsaking. An assassin could cut through men, but even the most skilled of assassins would not survive in the barren wasteland that was the road between Masyaf and Jerusalem without a capable stead and rations.

After easily defeating the soldiers with the element of surprise on his side, Altair had continued ahead with little time wasted. It was the fairly established Turkish encampment that really threw him off course.

There was no need to waste time and especially energy on a large fight that could be easily avoided. It would have been the act of a novice to charge into an established military campsite if the assigned mission didn't demand it. Therefore Altair had taken another path that led around the camp and back onto the main road that would lead straight to Jerusalem.

Or so Altair had assumed. The detour he took was not much of a path at all and he was forced to dismount his horse and lead it by hand as he tried to navigate across the mountain pass.

At long last Altair had managed to successfully reunite with the main road, though he had wasted a large amount of time in the process. Regardless, he was almost at his destination now as he came across a few scattered, living trees.

He would be at the gates of Jerusalem shortly and in the security of the Assassin's bureau soon after. Altair snickered at the thought. The Jerusalem bureau was now run by Malik Al-Sayf and at this point that meant anything but security. The two had not crossed paths since the fatal and tragic incident during the retrieval of the treasure which had ironically also been in Jerusalem. Altair was not looking forward to their first meeting, though he was certain Malik would be mature enough not to hinder the mission of a fellow assassin.

The city of Jerusalem was in plain view now and even Altair had to admit that the city was truly a place of beauty in the middle of this never-ending desert. As Altair approached the main gates of the city he noticed that it was heavily guarded, as he had anticipated. Jerusalem was a city of great importance to both the Muslims and Jews, meaning disputes were common. However Altair knew the increased guard was due to Salahuddin's presence in the city.

Altair mounted his horse at one of the free stables and discreetly made his way toward a group of scholars. Upon noticing Altair's presence the group made way for him to enter into their centre and in so doing, entered the city together without alerting the guards.

When Altair was certain that he was at a safe distance away from any suspecting guards, he broke away from the group of scholars and made for the rich district which was still some distance off.

He climbed a tall building located in the poor district along the way to get a better view of his surroundings. The city had changed little since his last visit which made it easier for him to navigate across the rooftops and through the streets.

The assassin's bureau was located in the rich district but Altair ran past it without stopping. His throat ached from the lack of moisture and he refused to enter the bureau, asking for water from the Dai like a common beggar. He did not need to provide Malik with even more reasons to degrade him.

The closed market was busy with merchants and customers alike. Sellers of all kinds promised to have only the best quality and cheapest prices whilst buyers ensured them that their goods were worth only half the price they advertised.

It was in such an environment that an assassin could fully make use of their skills in stealth. Altair easily swiped a few gold coins from a nearby man who was bargaining with such enthusiasm that it was embarrassing, especially since the man was dressed in such rich garments. He could do with a few less coins.

Altair purchased a bottle of water and an apple from a grocer before proceeding to leave the marketplace. He climbed atop a building and drank until his thirst was quenched. He put the apple away to eat later, he didn't feel hungry yet. After sitting a little longer and watching as the citizens of the city went about their daily activities, Altair decided it was time to pay Malik a visit and begin his assassination mission.

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The entrance to the bureau from the rooftop and the initial room remained unchanged. Altair made his way across the room towards the main office where he would find the Dai. Upon entering the main room Altair noticed that some of the furniture had been updated and the room had been redecorated. The large desk behind which Malik stood working on a map however, remained the same.

"Safety and peace," Altair announced, walking to stand before the Dai. Malik visibly tightened his grip on the quill with which he was drawing before relaxing and promptly responding; "your presence here deprives me of both. What do you want?" Altair expected as much from Malik, though he had also expected to be reprimanded for his lateness. Altair chose to take an indifferent approach, ignoring the provocative statement; "Al Mualim has asked-" "asked that you perform some menial task in an effort to redeem yourself." Malik interrupted him, speaking with exerted tolerance for the fellow assassin standing before him, "so be out with it."

Altair remained unfazed, "Tell me what you can about the one they call Talal."

"It is you duty to locate and assassinate the man, Altair. Not mine."

"You'd do well to assist me." Malik wasn't going to make this easy for Altair but Altair wasn't going to react so easily either, "his death benefits the entire land."

Malik could've scoffed at that. Since when did this land matter in the slightest to Altair? "Do you deny his death benefits you as well?" he asked with forced civility. "Such things do not concern me," was Altair's reply.

"Your actions very much concern me!" Malik all but shouted. If it had not been for his actions Malik would not have parted with his beloved brother prematurely nor lost his arm, rendering him all but useless in battle and ensuring that he never achieved the rank of Master Assassin. If he could not be given such a title, why then should Altair deserve it? If his brother could no longer stand among the living, then what right did Altair have to do so? Yes, Altair's actions were very much a concern to him now, even more than they had been in the past.

Altair could not endure such talk any longer and turned to leave; "then don't help me. I'll find him myself!" Malik's anger had risen but he quickly reclaimed control over his temper. He was the Dai of an assassin bureau and it was his duty to assist his fellow brothers, even if they did not deserve the help.

Malik sighed; "Wait, wait." Upon hearing that Altair halted, "it won't do having you stumble about the city like a blind man. Better you know where to begin your search." "I'm listening," Altair replied, and he was.

"I can think of three places. South of here in the markets that line the border between the Muslim and Jewish districts, to the north near the mosque of this district, and east, in front of St. Anne's Church – close to the Bab Ariha gate," Malik explained, motioning with his remaining hand as he spoke. Altair made a mental note of all the places Malik mentioned before asking, "Is that everything?"

"It's enough to get you started, and more than you deserve," Malik replied simply, turning to take a book from the bookshelf behind him. He didn't turn back until he heard Altair leave through the rooftop thatch. Sighing he rolled up the map he had been working on after ensuring that the ink was dry and placed it on a nearby shelf. He would finish it later.

Seeing Altair again brought on a wave of memories of the incident during which he lost his baby brother. Despite having matured into a grown man, Kadar would always be his baby brother in his eyes. He'd been in his care ever since the death of their parents at which time Kadar had been just a toddler. He had promised to protect him at all costs, to protect him..!

Malik felt warm tears pricking his eyes but he would not let himself indulge in weeping. He was done mourning for the dead. His tears would not bring back his deceased brother. But perhaps something else could. Malik retrieved a worn out book with dried pages and fading ink from his topmost drawer. He then locked the front door of the assassin's bureau which functioned as a maps and calligraphy store to the public in order to blend in. Malik then proceeded to make his way to his bedroom which was located behind his office counter with the journal in hand.

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Altair stood on the roof of the assassin's bureau for a moment, filling his lungs with a deep breath of fresh air. The air inside the bureau had been stifling and he was sure he would have suffocated if he had remained in the same room as Malik a minute longer. The one-armed man's hatred was practically emanating from his being with the sole intent of ending Altair's life.

He would worry about Malik later. Altair went through the list of places the Dai had mentioned in his head, mentally locating them and calculating the most efficient method to collect the information he needed. It would take him some time to run his errands and he expected to return to the bureau by nightfall. With his plan set Altair headed in the direction of the market first.

Meanwhile, Malik was busy setting up his room in order to perform a certain ritual as outlined in the old journal. He had been collecting the necessary items for a successful execution for many weeks and finally had everything in order. Using a small white chalk Malik first drew a large square then an even larger diamond over the square. In the middle he drew a circle that was large enough to still be visible when he sat inside of it.

He messed up the shapes a few times and had to clear off the chalk from the floor before starting over again. After numerous tries of drawing and erasing and re-drawing, Malik was finally satisfied with his replication of the sketch in the journal.

The instructions were written in a coded format that could only be understood if the reader possessed the appropriate legend, which Malik was able to obtain through his thorough research. He had read over the instructions numerous times but did so once more just to be sure.

He was to place each of the items he had collected at the points of the square and diamond he had drawn. There were eight points in total and Malik had an object for each. At the north most point he placed a lock of Kadar's hair which was bound in a small leather parchment.

Malik closed his eyes and held the lock of hair to his heart and let it brush over his skin one last time before settling it down. He felt as though he could almost reach out to Kadar and pull him back into his arms. He would do just that soon enough.

Next Malik proceeded to place each of the remaining seven objects on the empty seven points in no particular order. The items included Kadar's tunic, Kadar's short blade, Kadar's letters, a bucket of goat's milk, the claw of a bear, the fur skin of a rabbit and Kadar's blanket.

The final step to complete the ritual that would resurrect his brother from the dead was for Malik to sit in the middle of the circle, light four candles around himself in the direction of each corner of the square and recite the verses written in the journal.

Malik had been researching relentlessly and the moment of truth had finally come. He did as directed by the instructions and began chanting the words which were foreign to his tongue and ears.

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Altair was pleased with the progression of his research. He had gone to all of the placed Malik had suggested, eavesdropped, pick pocketed and interrogated all of the right people and was returning back to the assassin's bureau earlier than he had anticipated. The sun was still out, though it was beginning its slow descent across the valley.

Upon arriving at the bureau's roof, Altair took a moment to relax and calm his nerves. Inside Malik would be waiting to berate him for some reason or another and it was better to go in prepared.

Altair did a few stretches, loosening his tired muscles before gentle gliding down into the room below. Upon entering the building Altair noticed a strange smell in the air. He thought it to be new incense that Malik had bought though the thing smelt awful.

After washing his face in the basin, Altair made his way into the main room of the bureau where he expected to find Malik still hard at work with his maps. Except the room was empty with no Malik to be seen. Altair though that he may have gone to use the restroom.

Just as Altair was about to lounge on the stack of cushions in the corner of the room he heard a sound from behind Malik's counter that attracted his attention. It was coming from the room behind the counter, the door of which was left ajar. Altair also noticed that there were faint wisps of smoke flowing through the gap in the doorway.

Curiosity aroused, Altair silently entered the room. The scene before him was greatly disturbing. Malik was sitting in the centre of what looked like a magic circle or something of the sort with a book in his hands, reciting strange words in a possessed sort of way.

Altair also noticed all of the objects, recognising the assets belonging to Kadar and identified the candles around Malik as the source of both the smoke and the wretched smell that was present in the bureau.

Has Malik lost his mind!? Was Altair's first thought. He didn't quite understand what Malik was doing but sensed that it was something bad. There was an ill aura about the room that bothered Altair greatly. "Malik," Altair called out carefully, approaching the sitting man yet keeping his distance from the strange items lain about the room. Malik didn't respond or make any sign to indicate that he acknowledged Altair's presence.

Altair called out again, a little louder and harsher but again Malik did not respond but only continued his chant. Altair had to get his attention somehow and fast. The flames of the candles were moving about in motions that Altair did not like and the tone of Malik's voice was highly disconcerting at this point.

The only tools Altair was equipped with were deadly if they were to be thrown at a person. He considered aiming a throwing knife at a fairly painless area of Malik's body but something stilled his hand. He couldn't bring any more harm unto his brother after all that he had already done, despite being accidental.

Altair could use the pillow that lay on Malik's bed nearby but there was a good chance that it would catch on fire if it fell beside Malik and the last thing they needed was a burnt down assassin's bureau.

Just then Altair remembered the apple he had purchased earlier from the market. He hadn't gotten around to eating it and it still lay safe and sound in one of his pouches. He took it out carefully and twirled it in his hand. If he hit Malik's head it would surely bring him back to his senses. Or, Altair thought, I could just go over and knock him out. Why hadn't he thought of that earlier, it was so plainly obvious that he felt incredibly stupid for not thinking of it earlier.

Altair walked closer to the markings on the floor until he was standing just at the edge of a side of one of the shapes. He made to walk over it but a force struck him and he found himself hurled backward, dropping the apple he had been holding.

Altair hit the wall of the room and fell to the ground, a sharp pain rippling through his body, emanating from his back. He got up slowly, just in time to see his apple roll over and stop at a point directly in front of Malik. Then there was a large explosion of light and smoke filled the room, making it difficult for Altair to see a thing.

It took a few moments for the smoke to clear and even then it was far too dark in the room to see anything as the candles had blown out. Altair quickly went into the main room of the bureau, found and lit a lamp before going back into Malik's room.

He carefully made his way toward the centre of the room where Malik had been sitting. Instead of finding the one-armed man, Altair found a puddle of clothing that belonged to the Dai.

And sitting atop the robes was a naked, one-armed baby.

A/N: This is what happens when I stay up till 2-3am in the morning (I have no idea what I've written, whoo!). I can barely keep my eyes open right now so I'll hopefully review this chapter tomorrow (well technically today..). Thanks for reading 3 and goodnight (: