Chapter 36
The ride back to Masyaf was a short one, although they did stop (thankfully undisturbed) for one night at an inn. As soon as they rode up to the gates and dismounted outside of the stables, their horses were taken from them by the stablehands. They swiftly made their way up the side of the hill, and through the citadel. The Master Assassin having to call the females name once or twice to stop her from taking the wrong turning.
"I am glad to see that you are both alive." Al Mualim commented, giving his Master Assassin a stern look. "I understand that you could have compromised yourselves." Altair said nothing, "But I am glad that you did not. And I am glad that you have returned successful. Altair, I will send for you this evening." Al Mualim was obviously not very happy with his favourite assassin; his words were curt and short. "Hana, if you will stay a moment, I wish to speak with you alone."
Hana was suddenly nervous, and she watched as Altair gave a small bow of his head before he turned and left her there, alone with the Mentor. "Sir?" She questioned, when he merely stood there in contemplation.
"Do you know why I paired the two of you together?" Al Mualim asked suddenly.
"Why, Sir?" She asked, "Altair told me that he worked better with me because I do not make him competitive?"
"That's right." Al Mualim nodded his head once, "You are good for him, and even the Dai's in the cities you have been to, state how he has changed for the better."
She nodded awkwardly, "I've never found him arrogant as people have said, Sir." She stated honestly, "He has always been kind and helpful and not once has he put me down or pointed out a flaw; he has trained with me to help me improve myself. He has been teaching me well, and I feel a lot more confident because of that."
"He has encouraged your skills, as you have dissuaded him from making foolish decisions. Like with De Sable, for example." Al Mualim allowed a small smile to appear on his face, "Perhaps he has a soft spot for you: you are a young woman after all, and very fair of face."
"I'm sure that is not the case, Sir." Hana said, a light blush sweeping across her cheeks, "I believe he has always been this way, and other people have pushed him for a long time, and keep pushing him."
"You think it is how you are around him that has him so relaxed and calm? And dare I even say behaving himself!"
She nodded, "He told me so himself." She replied, "He said that because I am not cocky or competitive, he doesn't feel the need to put me in my place like others. He said that he admires the way I can hold my tongue and ignore my brothers when I'm being provoked, and he thinks that that makes me a strong person."
Al Mualim smiled, "Does he test your patience?"
"Sometimes." She replied honestly, "I know he does it on purpose too, but I know that he isn't trying to cause me any offence."
Al Mualim chuckled, "I must say, your travels with Altair are rather refreshing. I enjoy hearing about how he is around you, he's turning out to be just like his father. Umar was my best assassin, and a wonderful man too." He cleared his throat and leant back in his chair, "In any case, I do believe it is time you took on your own Targets."
She nodded her head in understanding, a little saddened to hear that Altair would not be her partner any longer, "Of course, Sir."
"I will send for you both tomorrow."
"We will still be travelling together?" She asked, confused as to why Al Mualim would still send for them both at the same time if they would not be sharing missions.
"Yes," He replied, "As I have said before, you are good for him. Although you will have separate targets, the men I have for you work together – like your first target was the brother of Altair's." He waved a hand, "But this is for Jerusalem child, be patient."
She bowed her head, happy now that not only would she not be travelling alone, but she would be visiting Malik once more. "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."
A/N: Ok, so I didn't realise that this chapter would be another short one, so I will update three times today. Please review xx