Mentore Auditore,

Iain and I have arrived at Damascus. This place is influenced by the Mamluk Templars, who are currently warring with the new Ottoman Empire. We assassins must establish ourselves quickly, for the tides of war could easily wash us away if we are not careful.

Iain is laying low; a Scot here will attract a lot of attention. I, however, have been scouting since we arrived.

We have used the money you gave us to buy a small building near the market. It is suitable for us, and we have already begun to hire workers to make it… a little more so. So far we plan to add an underground training area and meeting hall. We also require the shipment of certain items previously discussed, there are little ingredients to make it that are sold here... Or at least, none we can find out in the open.

We have also gotten to know a band of thieves, who have agreed to a "one hand washes the other" job, or whatever they call it. I'm not amazing at Italian, I suppose we'll get recruits for that. The thieves have also slipped us some gold for a start-up, with the assumption that we will pay back more in the end, either through money or less... subtle ways.

Luckily or unluckily, depending on your views, the violent atmosphere has given rise to rebellious citizens, which is good for Iain and in recruiting, at least. We already have two new recruits, a young butcher named Paolo and a former acrobat, Emiliana. We are in the process of training them now.

We have also established successful ties with a nearby blacksmith, name of Rasaza, who has agreed to supply us with armor, as long as we can pay for it. I like his style; bronze armor and leather straps, with nice engravings on it. He is also quite good at making daggers, I've gotten a fine wavy-bladed iron dagger from him that I intend to use to its fullest potential. I'll also send you some of his armor if I can get it. His wrist-blades are not quite perfect, but he is getting better at making them as we order more.

There is also an inn nearby, which can give us information, but I have suspicions that the innkeeper is working for the Mamluks. I've traced several templar packages to his inn, and I hope to find out how he is transporting them, if he is indeed doing so. I believe another is coming soon, so I will be vigilant.

We have tried to ask for council with the leader of the Ottomans, but we were informed of a wait period at least 2 months, so we may not be able to speak with him for a time. At any rate, it looks like the Ottomans are quickly gaining the upper hand, so it is important to at least establish ourselves on good terms with them.

I will send another letter to Constantinople as soon as I can; hopefully it will bring more good news.

Sincerely,

Yaroah Rhodun