Maria was walking near where Altaïr and she combined to meet. She knew he was hiding somewhere…

Stopping, she looked around, until she hear a whistle behind her. She turned and saw a bench and a known figure siting there…

She sat by his side.

"Do you know where Simas is?" He asked.

"He will be at the palace tonight…" Maria said. "He is waiting something…"

Altaïr nodded. He got up and put a hand on his side, making a face. Maria got up also and helped him.

"You're not ok, Raed…" she said, knowing very well it wasn't safe to use his real name. "Come…"

"Where are you taking me?" Altaïr asked.

"You'll see…"She said.

X ~ X ~ X

Maria took Altaïr to a garden more secluded, with just one bench.

"We can rest here until the meeting…"She said.

"I have the impression you kidnapped me…" He said, smiling a little.

"Yes, I did…" Maria said, flirting. "Do you have any objections?"

"None…" He said.

"Good…" Maria said, picking up his hand. "Come, let's sit…"

X ~ X ~ X

They talked a lot about their history, about England and about where this war was heading. Besides, they rested and Altaïr even slept a little as Maria was keeping guard.

Now, it was time to act, as the day was ending.

"It's time!" Altaïr announced.

Maria looked up at him and got up.

"Are you sure you want do things like this?" She asked.

"Yeah…" He said. "I'm the leader and I'm the one who will kill Simas…"

Maria nodded.

They started to walk towards the palace. From outside, Altaïr saw one of Sima's men among other people and stopped, picking Maria's arm with one hand. She looked up at him and he pointed.

"Ali…" He said. "This mean Simas is near…"

"So, what do you want to do?" Maria asked.

Altaïr looked at her.

"We have to act like a couple…" He said. "Kiss me…"

Maria looked at him, and nodded.

They kissed and after a minute, started to walk towards the palace, talking. When they were almost inside, Altaïr felt a hand in his right shoulder. In a few seconds, both of them were yield by four of Simas' men.

"Where are you taking us?" Maria asked.

"You don't want to do this…" Altaïr said.

"You're in no position to say anything… master…" Abu said, sneering.

Altaïr said to Maria not say anything. Then they were taken to Simas.

"Look at what we found..." Abu said again, this time to Simas.

Simas turned around to see and smiled when he saw Altaïr and Maria.

'Well, well…" He said. "I must say it's a surprise to see you… the Great Altaïr, came behind us…"

Altaïr snarled at him:

"I'll kill you, Simas…"

"Promises, promises…" Simas said. "Besides, I have a secret weapon…"

Simas showed the apple to him. Altaïr tried to move but felt a sharp pain in his ribs. He cried out in pain.

"Altaïr…" Maria said.

"Oh, what is this?" Simas said. "She's worried because you are hurt?"

"You... will pay…" Altaïr said, between his teeth. "Dearly…"

X ~ X ~ X