The moon was high in the sky when Altair awoke. He must have not slept long. He heard a strange sploshing sound coming from the other side of the thin rug hanging up. Who ever was on the other side was also humming. He shook his head. He knew who was on the other side. But he was curious. What did the rest of his body look like? Was it as tan as his face? He had to know. He gently got up and silently stepped to the curtain. He pulled it aside and peeked at the unsuspecting Malik taking a bath.

He was right. Malik's skin was tan and flawless. His dark hair was a tad bit darker from the water. He had sign of wounds either. Altair could feel heat come to his face as he stared at this beautiful creature. I can't. He thought. It's wrong to look at a man like this. He could feel the hate from others. And he could hear their voices spreading lies about Malik.

Those two are together. Did you know that?

No. They must be odd in the head. All the voices that Altair heard speaking bad about Malik tore at his heart. He just wanted to hold this amazing creature. He just wanted to say that he touched his skin. Altair let the curtain fall as he stifled a yawn. Swiftly he went back to the bed and sat. Soon he heard the familiar sloshing of the water as Malik got out.

"Finally awake are we, Altair?" Malik asked

"Why do you say that? I've been asleep for a couple of hours." Altair replied. Malik came in, wearing a towel, towel drying his hair. He sat on the bed next to Altair.

"You have an excellent sense of time." Malik stated

"No," Altair started, "it's just that the moon is a good clock." Malik smiled. He knew that Altair had the knowledge enough to tell time based on the moon and sun's position. He couldn't figure out why such an odd street rodent was friends with his little brother.

"How did you become friends with my brother exactly?" Malik asked. Altair hesitated. He didn't know how to respond. He didn't want to respond. He could see the image in his mind as if it were yesterday. He saw a bunch of the town kids ganging up on a young boy clothed in fine robes. Altair can't handle bullies. He never could. He stepped up and ran the children away from the crying Kadar. For hours Kadar followed Altair wanting to thank him but he couldn't.

"Speak boy. Why do you follow me?" Altair asked. Kadar stood still and silent. All he could do was stare at the young acrobat. "I see you have no words. Leave me to my peace." Altair began to walk off when Kadar opened his mouth and let out a squeak. Altair stopped and turned to look at again the boy opened his mouth and let out a squeak. Altair nodded.

Altair led the injured boy to a doctor. One that he trusted with even his own wounds. The doctor examined the boy and told Altair his diagnosis. "The boy's throat is swollen. Probably after being beat like that." The doctor told him. "He's lucky he isn't dead." The doctor told Kadar to eat soup and rest until his wounds were healed. The boy did as ordered.

Eventually Altair snapped back to reality and decided that it was best to answer Malik's question. It took him a while to rule out what words he wasn't going to use. "I saved his life." Altair said at last. Malik nodded. He felt some pain inside him. He realized that he owed this man. He owed this man for saving his brother's life and an over night stay wasn't going to cut it. He hated it. Owing favors.

Malik sighed and got up. He went to his wooden dresser and pulled out another robe. He slipped the purple silk over his body then let the towel fall. Altair looked at the moon when he realized that Malik was getting ready for the night. Malik examined himself in the mirror before planting himself on the make shift bed. Malik looked at the moon. He wondered how he could pay Altair back.

None of the scenes he ran through could pay for the deed that Altair had done for Malik. He thought gold would be an appropriate reward for his brother's life but the streets were filled with beggars. Altair would most likely hand it out if not have it stolen. He thought he would give Altair the robes he wore, but they would not serve him well in his adventures. He had no words that could be accepted,in his mind, as a "thank you."

"Do you like it here," Malik began, "in Masyaf?" Altair hesitated for a second.

"It's common for the people to beg and plead. To cling to what little life they have left. I personally hate it here. I always see the same thing." Malik looked at Altair's face. It was hard as stone. Malik nodded.

"I see. I hate it here too. One of these days when I am older and I am done with my studying, I will go to Jerusalem and become a monk." Altair laughed. Him go to Jerusalem? I doubt he would go without Kadar but. . . .

"What about Kadar?" Altair asked

"I'll take him too." Just then Malik got a brilliant idea. He would take Altair. Get him out of Masyaf. That would surely pay his debt. "You can come too." Malik said a hint of anticipation in his voice. Soon. Malik said to himself. Soon your debt to Altair will be paid. Just wait till your studies are over Malik and you will be free. Altair's face lit up, but only for a second. He did not want to show his excitement in front of Malik. He thanked Malik for the offer but respectfully declined. They turned over and spent the rest of the night in silence.