Chapter 1

Rain tumbled down slowly dousing my body and open hand. The soft transparent drops slipped through my fingers; crying back into the damp ground. Gazing up towards the grey sky I honestly wondered if there was something I was missing.

Though I couldn't identify it, something beckoned me. I was not sure what it could've been, but I felt as though I needed it. I couldn't have lived without it. There was a feeling as if someone had taken a knife and carved out my soul. I longed to be whole again.

Thus I started to walk. Rain would fall, brush against my fair skin, and trickle down my face. No one could see my empty golden eyes hiding behind my dark brown hair. The drops rolled off my chin and many whom I passed by in the villages would whisper, "Is he crying? The poor boy. He should move on."

And I did move on. From village to village I would travel in the washed away roads. One girl, about seventeen years, my age, started to follow me. Her long wavy brunette hair, that shown under her brown hooded jacket, shielded her eyes but her voice carried through the unfavorable weather, "Did you find it?" soft and delicate, her voice soothed my raging thoughts.

"No." my own voice was empty and cold like the rain that had stopped pouring. I wished that I knew what I was even looking for. It was strange when she would speak. Always she asked me if I had found "it".

This "it" was driving me mad. Whatever this tangible thing was had been evading me. I start traveling and now this girl is following me? She must be looking for something too. "Hey, ummm-"

"Maria" she nearly whispered. She looked up and I could see her sapphire eyes piercing right through my emptiness. Maria wore a tan shirt that had a deep red Templar cross on the right side of her chest, along with dark brown fitted jeans, gloves, and boots.

I took note of the crest she bore, the Templars are hated by the Assassins. If she were to be working for them, then I would have to kill her where she stands. The blade that brushed against my left arm wanted desperately to draw blood but the creed stated, "Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent." It was the second rule, and as an assassin, I must abide by the Creed.

"Altaïr." returning my name though I doubt she cared. "Why are you following me? There's so much more to do out here in the Roman countryside." My scowl was prominent even Maria could see it from under my hooded face. The black jeans I wore were soaked along with my white hoodie and crimson shirt. I was really in no mood to be corrected.

"I know you seek something to soothe your pain." Maria's face was unchanging as well as her song like voice. "You've been wandering through each village to see if 'it' was there. Truth be told, you've passed what you seek."

"What sorcery is this! How do you know this Maria?" I was furious that she could figure me out so easily. Was I really that transparent? My body was shaking with uncertainty as well as the cold breeze that wrapped around us. My fists were clenched and I ground my teeth waiting for a response.

"No sorcery," her eyes were caring as they glowed in the dim light. "I simply followed you in the rain. You seemed to be deep in thought. As much as you tried to hide it, your face expressed a lonely pain. I can help you."

"What?" I started. "How could you possibly help me!" I wasn't about to let some stalking girl guide me. Why would I even need her help? "You just met me and I'm sure you don't know me. If you'll be so kind as to leave me alone, I would really be grateful." my words were like venom from a snake, poised to strike again.

I had clearly offended her. This was no surprise to me, but I honestly did not give a damn. Carefully and slowly she spoke, "I am sorry you feel that way; but I never said that you had a choice. I am going to help you, but I can see you're in no mood for company right now. I'll be on my way then." Maria slipped her hands into her jacket and leisurely turned to walk away. "Altaïr," she called over her shoulder. "I hope to find you in better spirits when we next meet." With that she left and disappeared into the mist that had rolled in.

I was standing there, baffled and wished that she had never started to follow me. Shrugging it off, I decided to visit my flamboyant brother in Rome. Since he was quite popular with the ladies, he must know how to get rid of type that insist on returning.