Prologue

Altaïr was tired and the few pillows in his tough bed were enough to make him feel in the arms of a forgotten heaven. Someone fell heavily in the bed by his side, and he turned to see who it was. With closed eyes and tensed up, Malik was barely purring as the sheets were still setting down after he threw himself over them.

- No one ever told you to not to stare at someone when they're asleep, Altaïr? – the young man grunted.

- Not as long as I remember, brother… - Altaïr smiled slightly to his best friend. –Why? Do I bother you with such repulsive act?

Malik opened his left eye and smiled at his brother: - You know you could never bother me. – his left hand reached for the other's hand. Slowly, but happily, they crossed the fingers, forgetting the world around them, the touch was still enough for the happy young men, and so, they fell asleep.


Malik woke up sweating and breathing heavily. He has had a nightmare, and he couldn't even remember why he was scared, nor the nature of such dream. Trying to calm himself, the desperate eyes searched for light, but none seemed to be around.

In the same instant Malik started to turn around, searching for some source of light, Altaïr felt it by the touch of his hand. The Assassin woke up and grasped the others hand firmer.

- Malik, what troubles you? – he asked whispering, worried.

- I had a nightmare… I guess. – Malik answered with a trembling whisper.

Altaïr slowly pulled himself to his brother's bed. The hand he used to hold the other Assassin hand now was firmly wrapping Malik's waist. The breaths could be felt in the lips of both men.

- No harm shall reach you while I'm here. – And, again, together, they fell asleep.