(Sorry for the long wait, i was having trouble starting this one out. Hope you Enjoy!)

Part Two

Chapter One

The Templar Army had been in the Holy Land for months now and their morale was low due to the extreme heat. Robert de Sable, leader of the Templars, led the pack along the river's edge. A short time later it was as if the Lord had answered their prayers: at first it was a light drizzle, then it progressed into heavy rains. Robert could hear his men's joyous shouts and couldn't help but to allow a small smile on his face. Robert had sent out two scouts to clear the nearby area while the rest of the group set up camp. The two horsemen started out slowly due to the mud pits that were created by the water.

The scouts continued along the river's edge and saw nothing of concern but decided to search a little further before returning to camp. As they were about to turn back one of them noticed something in the river. The two men exchanged glances, dismounted, and then fished this curious thing from the river. To their surprise, it was the body of a young woman, no older than twelve or thirteen. One of the soldiers laid her on the riverbank while the other raced back to camp.

Once back at camp the soldier reported to Robert what they had found and asked what they should do. The soldier stated that the girl was still alive but wasn't sure if she'd live much longer. Robert put his finger and thumb on his chin in a thinking pose…what to do? After a few moments he, himself, decided to go out and see this young child. Robert saddled his horse and followed the soldier back.

Once there he dismounted and stood over her, she was covered in wounds: flesh pealed from her body, her leg was broken, and her face was….burned? The one guard that had stayed with the girl looked up at his superior with a saddened horror. Robert paid no mind as he gently nudged her head with his mud ridden boot. She didn't respond. He tapped her again. This time she opened her eyes, they held a distant look. Robert knelt down,

"Child, what happened?" she whispered something inaudible. "Speak up child."

"Who wields the knife…" she repeated before passing out.

Robert looked her over one more time. He didn't think she would live another day, her wounds were too grave. He gave a heavy sigh, she was so young and he highly doubted that she could've done anything to deserve this. Robert placed his hand over hers and as he was about to stand up when he felt her lightly squeeze his hand. Of course this action caused him to rethink himself. He turned aside and ordered the guards to take her back to camp and give her medical attention.

"But sir, surely she won't—"

"That's an order, don't question me." Robert replied sternly.

Once back at the camp, she was placed in Robert's tent for observation. It was also where she would receive her treatment. They wrapped her head and eyes, back and arms, and splinted her leg. Also, it seemed that she had some broken ribs and much trauma. For the first two days her condition deteriorated, but on the third she started to improve.

Because of how she was found, Robert spent a great about of time studying her. First he studied her features: the condition of her hair, the unique cheek bones, and the soft skin and its color. After making notes of what he found, he moved to study her clothes: they were made from the highest quality of silk with an unusual weave pattern. Robert sent out an order to find a merchant and to bring him there.

The merchant they found was in his late thirties and his garb was that accustomed to his lifestyle. His nervousness showed as beads of sweat ran down his face. The man was escorted to Robert's tent and was told to examine the child's clothes. He carefully looked over the garment and a few minutes later was able to tell where the garment came from.

"Yes, yes, I know this particular silk!" he exclaimed.

"So where does it come from?" Robert asked.

"It can be found in Masyaf and the surrounding areas, they're known for this kind of work." He said confidently.

"Thank you, you may leave now."

The soldiers removed the merchant and themselves, leaving another soldier alone with Robert. Once they left the soldier removed their helmet, underneath was a shaven young female 'bout in her twenties. The rough tunic moved slightly as she walked to put her helmet on the table next to Robert.

"Hear that she's from Masyaf."

"All the pieces fit, doesn't it?"

"If that's the case then we should kill her." Maria unsheathed her dagger and placed it next to the child's throat, Robert quickly grabbed her hand.

"Now, now, Maria. She could be useful to us."

"She'll probably lead them right to us if given the chance!"

"I don't think so, but time will tell. If I think she's up to something then I'll let you take care of it. Will that suffice?" Maria responded by shooting him an angry look and then nodded, removing the knife from her throat.

Robert dismissed Maria back to her normal duties while he stayed there pondering the words that this child said to him earlier:"who wields the knife…" Robert wondered what would cause her to say such a thing as he sat at his table jotting down some more notes. Throughout the night Robert looked after her, changing her bandages if needed and he even placed a cool wash cloth over her forehead. The rain started to die.

Chapter Two

A week later the child became conscious, she would respond to Robert but wouldn't answer any of his questions. He would ask her what her name was, where she came from, or who her parents were, but no, she wouldn't answer. And the only question she would answer was how she felt,

"I only wished for death…" she whispered, almost not wanting to say it.

"Don't say that, I'm sure God has his reasons for keeping you alive."

"For what, to go through more pain, agony!" she let out her anger, though not intentionally.

"I believe God sent you here for a reason…don't you think Ara?"

"Ara?"

"Well, since you don't want to tell me your real name I choose to call you Ara."

"Why Ara, though?"

"Because you brought the rains, it had been a long time since we had the wonders of the heavens."

"So what, I came from heaven then?" she laughed.

"If you want to." He said under her laughing, she stopped in confusion, "I can tell that you're life has been full of torment, but you can be your own avenger as well."

"How could I do that? Look at me! I'm some worthless female with a worthless body!"

"I want to you to meet someone," he signaled a soldier over to the bed and had her take a seat. "This is Maria, she's been fighting alongside me for years now. " He placed Ara's hands over Maria's face.

"I can teach you to fight like Maria."

"At what price?" Ara replied scornfully.

"Simple, as long as you're not afraid to go against your loved ones?"

"I don't have any loved ones left…"

"Alright then, when you're able we'll start your training. Until then, just rest."

Ara started to cry as fear of these people grew. Her tears streamed from under her bandages, she knew that this people were the Assassins enemy. She pulled her hands up to wipe them away. Her fingers slid across the cotton bandages that were wrapped around her eyes. Robert reached over to change her wraps and then left the room with Maria. Are they lying to me, will they kill me, or are they my ally?

Maria accompanied Robert as he made his rounds about the camp, making sure that all his soldier's were doing well and their supplies were sufficient. Maria could never understand Robert's logic, but followed his orders without hesitation. There were small or smoldering fires that the men would use to cook soup or even some meat…if they could find a stray. They were in high spirits since the rain came, but they weren't too sad when it decided to let up. The rains created mud fields, making it hard to pitch tents or to move the horses, even walking could be a challenge.

After a few more days, Ara would attempt to walk around the tent, but couldn't travel past an arm's length away from the bed. She couldn't put any pressure on her broken leg; she sat on the bed 'looking' at her wound with her hands. The bone was fractured and miss-aligned; she could feel it through the skin. Robert walked in and took a seat at the table nearest the bed, she acknowledged him.

"How's the leg?" He asked, scribbling notes.

"What do you care?"

"I care a lot, you know. God has delivered you from the Assassins and gave you life for revenge—"

"So, I'm just your bargaining chip?" she snapped.

"On the contrary, I need you as much as you need me."

"How so?"

"I need you to lead us through Masyaf, and you need me to train you and get you back on your feet." He bent over looking at her leg, "I could reset the bone here if you want, but it'll hurt like hell."

"If you reset it what would change?"

"It will heal quicker and allow you to walk on it." His hands slid over hers, bringing back a memory, the rough, kind hands of someone who cared. The image faded.

"Do whatever you need to…" She gritted her teeth.

"Here, bite down on this." He placed a stick wrapped in leather in her mouth, took a deep breath then forced her leg back into its original position. A loud snap echoed in the tent as the wrap fell from her mouth. She sobbed and wept, gripping her leg and falling to the floor. Robert picked her back up and laid her in bed.

"Just rest, it'll feel better in a few days." He went back to writing. Maria stood just outside the tent, listening. She couldn't help be have some jealously because Robert spent so much time with that Assassin. For a moment she almost thought that he cared for that child more than her, but then she remembered that he was just using her to get to the Assassins—a confident smile swept her face, she walked away. Robert noticed the feet through the tent's opening and watched them walk away.

Ara cried for a minute or less before she was calm again. Robert thought it was curious that she calmed down so quickly, even the most trained soldier would complain longer. He took note of the fact.

Chapter Three

Ara awoke the next morning with Maria bringing in some breakfast; the bowl clanked as it was thrown to the table. Ara reached her hand out to find the bowl and was greeted with a knife which barely missed her hand.

"Don't think that you're welcomed here, you're merely a pawn and nothing more."

"I'd rather be a pawn than a useless tool, wouldn't you agree?"

Needless to say, Maria took offense to the comment and acted out. She wrapped her hand around Ara's neck, squeezing to the extent that blood soaked through. Maria quickly removed her hand looking at the blood that covered it and made a light fist.

"Don't you dare talk to me like you know me." Maria remarked, still looking at the blood. She took a deep breath. "Let me change your bandages."

About a month had passed and Ara was able to walk short distances; however her sight hadn't improved at all. Robert had given her new clothes, similar to that of a knave's, and boots to wear. He ordered Maria to look after Ara as she did some light work around the camp. It was nothing strenuous just some things like doing laundry. Ara started to learn how to maneuver around camp, but occasionally she would still trip over small items lying about.

On one day in particular, Ara was carrying some clothes over to the river to wash. The smell alone made her think that they were growing mold. Maria had sat her at the river's edge and watched her as she started washing them. Ara though how this water 'felt' heavy to her, the water back in the Gardens were light and fresh. Ripples echoed in the water, each ripple created by the motion made as the clothing was dunked beneath the surface.

Maria turned to handle some business with another soldier, Ara could hear the mumbling of the conversation but couldn't make out what they were saying.

"Ara, I'll be right back, there's something I need to attend to."

"Okay, I'll be here." Maria took her leave.

Ara paused a moment, trying to focus her eyes. Unfortunately, she couldn't even see her hand before her. She brushed her fingers over her face, and noticed her hands becoming rougher. Ara remembered the softness of her hands from long ago, they only roughened a little when she learned how to climb. But now they were rough and callused.

"Having trouble?" Robert asked.

"N-No, I'm okay!" she startled.

Robert reached out and grabbed her hand, brushing across it with his own. His hands were even coarser then hers. She laid her head in his hand, closing her eyes. He gently cradled her head in his giant hands. Robert rocked her head back and forth before catching the eye of Maria. He could see the distain in her eyes and stopped.

"Time to go back to work now."

Her head lightly slipped from his hand, and she turned from him and did as she was told. Robert walked over to Maria and asked her to join him for a walk. They went from the camp just a few meters, making sure to be out of earshot but not of sight. Robert mentioned how he noticed the hatred in her for the child.

"She doesn't belong here!" She snapped, "She's one of them." She lowered her voice.

"Do you really believe that?" He asked, "I believe that she was deeply hurt by those people and I also believe that she's willing to fight against them."

"Having the will to fight doesn't count for anything when your body's no good."

"Do you think so? I remember a young lady who trained herself to be a man when it was said that a woman's body wasn't strong enough." He looked over at her, raising an eyebrow.

"But she can't even see…"

"Do you know that a blind person can develop their other senses?"

"She's doesn't even show that she wants revenge!"

"Don't raise your voice to me," Robert remarked, Maria startled back, "besides, I believe she is thinking about it."

"With all due respect, sir, you do a lot of believing without facts."

"Then go ask her yourself whether or not she's planning revenge. You're dismissed."

An irritated look remained with her as she returned to Ara. Ara was putting clothes up to dry. She could hear feet scraping on the ground, a rock was kicked to the side, and the feet stopped.

"Do you need something?" Ara asked.

"How did you know I was here?"

"Well, I didn't know it was you exactly." Though Ara couldn't see, she looked back at Maria.

Was Robert right? Could she really develop her senses enough to fight? Maria thought to herself. Maria helped her to set out the rest of the laundry and then walked her back to her tent. Ara slowly slid her feet across the floor and progressed to the bed, her hand landed on the wooden edge then she took a seat. Maria sat across from her, with legs crossed and her foot anxiously moving about.

"Is there something wrong?" Ara asked, realizing Maria's anxiety. Maria debated whether or not to actually ask Ara about where her allegiance lied. The more she thought about it the angrier she became. They could be harboring an enemy for goodness sakes. Maria remained silent.

Maria could hear a rumble outside, the sounds of a clashing of swords and people scuffling around. She walked from the table, opened the tent's flap and peered outside. The camp was under attack by the Assassins, her jaw dropped for a moment.

"What's going on, it sounds like a battle out there?" Ara asked innocently.

"I knew you would lead them here!" Maria stormed over to Ara grabbing her roughly about the neck, forcing Ara to the bed. Ara tried to push her away, my arms can't reach! Again Ara found herself in a familiar situation, and likewise she couldn't stop it.

Air escaped her lungs, her body grew weak. The flap of the tent violently opened, and Ara could hear someone stepping forward. She didn't hear any clanging that was typical with the Crusaders, Ara tried to warn Maria in an audible voice but couldn't.

"Die, infidel!" The Assassin raised his sword.

Maria loosened one hand trying to fend off the Assassin, letting Ara regain some strength and kick Maria to the side while rolling her body to one side. The blade came down, missing the both of them. Maria in a flash of light moved to her feet, drawling her sword. She let out a strong battle cry swinging her sword forward. She was quick, so to the fact that the Assassin was thrown off balance and knocked to the ground. Maria stepped over the body, delivering the final blow. The sword came down hard in his stomach.

Robert flew in not moments later, seeing that Maria had the scene under control and went to check on Ara. She was sitting on the ground, clutching the bedpost frighten because she wasn't sure who had won. Maria flung over the bed and attempted to strike but Robert's sword met hers causing her to miss.

"She led them here!"

"No, she didn't, a patrol followed one of my men back to camp." He motioned her to stand down. Robert knelt down to Ara, "Are you alright?"

Instead of answering him, she flung herself in his bosom grasping at his uniform. Robert didn't embrace her, he just allowed her to stay there trembling, she was still safe. Ara noticed that his clothes were tattered and blood covered him. Robert tapped Ara on the shoulder and helped her to bed,

"Just stay here until this mess is cleaned." Robert left taking the dead body with him.

"If you really do want revenge, you'll need to learn not to fear battle." Remarked Maria, Ara's hand shot out and grabbed her about the wrist.

"It's not battle I fear…" her voice shook, but her face showed her anguish. "I did not leave my home, they were the ones who threw me out. They took everything from me: my father, my love, my life…" she wept, tears flowed like rain, "even my child!"

Maria was surprised that Ara already had a child, thinking of the wounds Ara had when they found her.

"And after all the beatings, the torment, I'm still alive. But how am I to do anything like this? My body may heal, I may grow strong, but without my sight how can I take my revenge?"

Maria realized her foolishness, Robert was right. She bent over the bed grasping Ara's hand.

"Don't worry, Robert will know what to do…he always does." She said, kissing Ara on the forehead.