DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ASSASSIN'S CREED OR ANY OF THE SONGS USED IN THIS STORY.
A/N: I would like to thank all of you who had faved and followed this story so far. This one is a bit fun to write so just hang in there. It was my way of taking a break from all the intensiveness that was going on. And plus I wanted to do another point of view before continuing the story.
BROKEN WINGS
Chapter 37: Varsity Blues
I'm a cold heartbreaker
Fit ta burn and I'll rip
your heart in two
An I'll leave you lyin' on the bed
I'll be out the door before ya wake
It's nuthin' new ta you
'Cause I think we've seen that movie too
'Cause you could be mine
But you're way out of line
With your bitch slap rappin'
And your cocaine tongue
You get nuthin' done
I said you could be mine
Now holidays come and then they go
It's nothin' new today
Collect another memory
When I come home late at night
Don't ask me where I've been
Just count your stars
I'm home again
Guns 'n Roses – You Could be Mine
UNIVERSITY OF CAIRO, EGYPT
HAYTHAM'S POINT OF VIEW
Now when Haytham Kenway agreed to accompany William Miles back to Cairo he did not expect traffic to be this bad.
Apparently there was some sort of rock concert going on at the university when they got out of the cab. William paid the man while he and Haytham made their way towards the building. It was rather late and the guard having recognized William simply nodded and moved aside. The crowds was immense as they tried to make their way towards the science area.
When they got in both men gave a sigh of relief.
"So what the hell in God's name is that?" Haytham asked.
"Rock Concert and I had to guess Gun's 'N Roses," William replied. They both made their way towards William's office which was on the third floor of the building. When they gotten in the air conditioning was a plus to both men as they laid back and enjoyed the silence.
"Um...thanks for coming with me," William stated.
"No problem I wanted to see more of this time it interests me," Haytham said.
"How so?" asked William keeping his eye on his ancestor.
"When I was with the Colonial Templars I had a side interest in inventions that I believed one day to benefit the future of our nation. That was why I invested in Benjamin Franklin and his inventions. I felt that by sponsoring his endeavors it would help us out immensely." Haytham admitted.
"So he was a Templar?" William replied.
"Oh for God's sake no! If I inducted him into the Order then I would have lost an edge. So it was best to keep him out of the loop. That way he can continue his inventions without being targeted by the Assassins. Besides he was too innocent to do that, the womanizer he was," Haytham shot back.
"I see, so you believed in progress more then control? That is un-Templar-like for you Haytham," William said as they reached a door on the other side of the long hallway. William took out his keys and opened the door.
The office was filled with every sort of Egyptology books and scrolls on his desk. A picture on the table with Desmond and his mother stood in a large frame. Old world maps and photographs of tomb walls filled the rest of the room.
It basically looks like something out of an old adventure movie.
"Impressive," Haytham said looking around.
"Yes indeed now help me look for any sort of strange devices. I don't want my office to be the place for unknowns," William replied.
"Haytham's eyes turned gold for a second as he surveyed the room. Looking for anything that might spark an interest.
"Well, well, well this might spark your interest," Haytham said.
"Really? How many bugs did you find?" William asked.
"Quite a lot actually as if someone recently planted them here," he said and started to look under books and papers.
William helped and together they managed to find around twenty bugs hiding everywhere. They were in the plants and walls, ventilation shafts and even in the globe! William was getting very irritated by the time they found their last one which was hidden under his desk.
"These modern Templars are sure paranoid when it comes to hunting Assassin's," Haytham said.
"They are, and they are so close to killing us off so they are not holding back the stops," William replied.
"I can tell," Haytham said as he looked around the office. He then went back to Eagle Vision once again to make sure he did not miss anything.
What he found whatever was a book that glowed unlike the rest. Reaching out he pulled it from its home on the shelf. Switching back to normal vision he began to sort through the book.
"Interesting," he said.
"What did you find?" William asked.
"It seems that your research has led you to this book. It is very old, but it details the so called findings you had with Precursor sites," Haytham explained.
"That book according to my so called 'Journal' was found by me years ago at an ancient dig just south of Cairo. I have never heard of it only had the memory placed in me like it was part of me," William said.
"Perhaps the changing of the timeline has something to do with it. Shay once told me that time if altered effects those around you. Change meaning any change in the past effects the future," Haytham stated.
"I see what you mean," William replied.
"Perhaps the man you might have been in this time frame had you not been in the temple, or near that sight would have changed you William," Haytham replied.
"What about Edward? Having him survive instead of being killed? Would that have changed your future?" William asked as he went through the book.
"Edward was already dead when they brought him back with the shroud. If what I understand of how it was supposed to work was true. The device itself is nothing more then a piece of cloth and when placed in its proper device creates something that can reanimate a body from nothing," he said.
"I remember Henry Green's original notes," William stated.
The loud music from outside began to filter through the silence as Haytham finally gave a frustrated sigh. "That damn music is most annoying! One of the things I like least about this time period,"
"Well it is called 'Rock and Roll' or if you want the sub group, 'Heavy Metal'" William explained.
"I know what 'Heavy Metal' is thank you very much. Connor has adopted it for some reason maybe that Dave kid has done it," Haytham said.
"Oh? And what would you prefer?" William asked.
"I am a man for the classics like symphony for example. I do take particular taste to that John Williams fellow. His music was most inspirational along with Hans Zimmer and Joel Goldsmith man." replied Haytham.
"Wait? You like movie scores!" William said as he looked up.
"Ok, I admit that it was fun to listen to when Dave put on those movies back in Alexandria. I enjoyed listening to some of the more inspirational themes. Though my personal favorite has always been Hans Zimmer's theme for the Last Samurai I believe." Haytham replied.
"Ok, big tough and ruthless Haytham Kenway likes classical movie soundtracks," William joked until his voice started turning to a more serious tone.
"Look Haytham I know we don't exactly see eye to eye but when this is over...what will you do?" William asked.
"What do you mean?" Haytham replied as he picked up the book and started going through the pages.
"Well you said so yourself that you were killed by Connor when you both were taken. You were brought back by the shroud and Connor was brought by the hour glass so my question remains. What will you do now?" William asked.
"Well now that I am no longer Grandmaster of the Colonial Rite I have a lot to think about for my retirement. Connor and I had discuss this for sometime and I told him that I wouldn't mind living on the homestead with him," Haytham replied.
"I thought you had an estate?" William asked.
"I do but it is too well known. Shay and I know of it as well as every Templar out there. So it would not be a safe place for me. I felt it would be best to sell the land and maybe make my home where my family is. My father felt it was the best way to make amends," Haytham said.
"Malik is right," William said.
"What do you mean?" Haytham asked.
"Desmond once told me," and with this he got up to get himself something to drink from the mini fridge that he had behind his desk. "He told me that Malik once told him that this time is a time to reflect on past mistakes. His was with his brother's death, yours...maybe yours is with your father and son. I don't know anything about the others but I do know one thing," with that William sat down.
"What is it?" Haytham asked as he too sat down.
"I know that when this is over time will never be the same again," William replied.
With that Haytham agreed.
SOMETIME LATER
Haytham left William in pursuit of something to do. The Assassin Mentor was busy pouring over pages of his own supposed research to write his paper in order to stay at the University. Haytham was left to his own devices. Even though the books he read had kept him busy for over three hours. He was growing a bit bored. So wanting to stretch his legs he told William he was heading out.
As soon as he walked out he made sure to memorize where the office was kept and walked away. He wanted to explore the campus to get some bearings hoping to see if there were any escape routes just in case. Walking down the long hallway he spotted a few having seen this building was built based on the old Middle Eastern style of architecture.
Stepping out into the blistering heat of the Egyptian sun. Haytham was glad he was wearing something light weight.
Despite his taste in clothes.
But for now Haytham was enjoying the scenery his unshaven face was beginning to get on his nerves and it was time for a change. Haytham knew he was taking a risk, but not a total one.
He walked towards the large crowd spotting the barber shop right across the street from the university. A quick move of the hands has relieved a person of their money. Three more people later he was satisfied with his theft and moved on towards the shop.
When he got in there he spotted the barber. Thanking his stars that the man was not Arabic. Haythan proceeded to have a change.
It took about three hours of work, but after Haytham returned to campus his clothes was completely different then what he started with. He was dressed in a form fitting shirt with a rock band on it. He also wore jeans that were also form fitting. Blending in to the college life here in Cairo.
Haytham began to wonder the streets thanking his deeply tanned skin for his blending. Though his many stares were starting to get to him. He did not care as he walked down the road towards a biker bar. It was surprising that he found one here in Cairo, but then again it was the capital. So that means all sorts of people can be found here. Opening the door he was surprised to find that place like any old American Biker bar.
There was pool tables everywhere with people of all backgrounds shooting pool. There was tables all around with people sipping alcohol and drinks from all over. Haytham had to raise an eyebrow at such antics. He moved towards the bar where an Egyptian man was busy polishing glasses. He was sorely reminded of Desmond as the man would sometimes tell bar stories. There was a dance ring not far with people dancing. It was actually amusing seeing some people trying to dance but failing. A far cry from the formal gatherings that he was used to back in his time.
A tap on the shoulder alerted him to the bartender asking if he wanted anything to drink. But he did not speak English so Haytham took some time to tell him what he wanted. The man quickly gotten him his drink and he chugged it down.
He watched the people shoot pool and looked at them with contempt. There was bikers here surprisingly and he was even more surprised by their choice of colors. A skull over the crossbones of the Templar sigil. But then again they probably don't know the meaning of that sigil.
Still Haytham was curious and that was one of his downfalls in life. So strolling up towards the group of men playing pool he watched one man shoot a ball in the wrong hole. Haytham grabbed a stick and used the blue chalk to chalk the stick before going over to one of the tables. By then one of the men there had set up another round by placing the balls into the triangle. Rolling it around to make sure that it was fine before he set it up again.
Haytham smirked as the first man a rather small Egyptian man went first. He managed to hit the balls but none went into the holes. Haytham went next shooting the balls and managed to hit one of the striped balls down the hall.
"Stripes," Haytham said.
A third man and a woman joined in. Though the woman was obviously foreign her looks gave her away as a student. The Egyptian University shown proudly on her shirt. Her Hijab was another giveaway as she shot a ball into the hole. She was Haytham's partner while the other man was on the opposite side.
They played for a good few hours and the game was intense. Haytham of course knew how to play thanks to his time on the Altair II and his time in Colonial America. Though the games differ in many ways it was essentially the same game.
The woman proved to be a good shot however and they had won three out of four games. The three being the later games as the first group that came at them cheated.
It was found out later that cheating was not allowed and not taken well. The people who cheated found themselves on the bad end of several knuckles and a few good kicks. Haytham took notes of this and didn't cheat.
When the game ended he went off to the bar for another drink.
The woman followed him.
She started speaking Arabic to him.
"I am sorry but I am not very fluent in the language," Haytham said in English.
"Oh you are not from around here?" she said her voice carried a heavy accent.
"Yes, I am here on business," Haytham replied.
"You don't look like you are here on business," the woman said.
"I like to have a time out once in a while," Haytham replied.
"Where are you from?" the woman asked her rather large doe eyes looking into his.
"England," was the reply.
"What part?" the woman asked.
"London," Haytham replied.
"Well I am from a small village just south of here what kind of business are you attending to here?" she asked.
Now Haytham was getting suspicious as to who this woman is. From what he saw being here none of the Egyptian women were this bold and none of them would dare ask a man such seductive questions.
"Now, I may not be from around here, but I can smell a liar when I see one," Haytham replied while drinking his beer.
"You are right I am not from here. I actually came from India. I have a passion for Egyptian history and wanted to know more about this place. So I find myself here in the middle of the desert. And I am just curious as to why a handsome man such as yourself would be here all the way from England," the woman said.
"Like I said I am here on business and none of it is yours," Haytham said getting on edge.
"Why on edge? Can't seem to share something to a woman," the woman said coyly.
"Any woman who asks a man his business is either two things a spy seeking information, or a whore wanting someone in bed. Which by the way is frowned upon here," Haytham replied giving the woman a good glare.
It was at this time that the bartender walked up, "Is this woman giving you a hard time sir?" he said.
"Why yes actually she is being rather nosy," Haytham said.
"Raksha how many times must I tell you about bothering my patrons," the bartender said.
"But he and I are just having a casual conversation why can't I have the luxury of that?" the woman said.
"Why don't you take you whoring ways out of my bar and stop pestering my patrons. Or do I have to call the police to your intrusion," he said.
The woman huffed as she walked out her hips swaying as she went past Haytham, "If you feel like you need a good acquaintance don't hesitate to call," she said as she walked out.
The bartender sighed, "Don't mind Raksha she is a bit nosy at times. She is the only Indian customer I have that seems to want to know everyone's business," the bartender said.
"Not a problem she is not the only woman who has done that to me," Haytham replied.
"By the way I have not seen you around here before, are you visiting?" the man said.
"Why yes from England actually I am visiting a friend of mine on business," Haytham replied.
"Say no more I don't want to know all my patrons secrets thank you. Though after a few good drinks they seem to spill whether I like it or not," the Bartender replied.
"I can see that," Haytham replied.
"Well I must be off enjoy your time in Egypt my friend, hopefully Allah will bless you this night," the bartender said and it was then that Haytham had to ask.
"Um before you go? Out of curiosity why the alcohol bar here in the middle of a Muslim nation? I mean not that I am grateful but this establishment does not seem to have the whole public thing outside the bar?" Haytham asked.
"You are also wondering why I speak good English yes?" the man said.
"Yes that too," Haytham was curious.
"Well I went to school in America for a few years and had to learn English. So that is how I know," the man said as he went back to his bar. Haytham decided he liked this man.
"So tell me my good fellow why the establishment?" and with that he took a sip of his drink.
"I wanted something the foreigners could feel comfortable in. I mean Egypt has seen its fair share of people from foreign lands come here to study its history. So why not have something from their home here to make them feel a bit more comfortable. I found my fellow Egyptians also liking this and I have something for the average Muslim that is non-alcoholic for their benefit. I also have rules here so that if they fail to follow they are thrown out," the bartender said pointing to the large hand painted board above the bar.
"Do you have to worry about religious police or ISIS agents banging on your door?" Haytham asked his voice sincere.
"Sometimes, but they mostly leave me alone. When the call for prayer is announced all drinks are canceled for about an hour or so. I do pay my respects to Allah you know," the bartender replied.
"When serving alcohol something I heard from a few friends is forbidden in your religion?" Haytham said.
"Yes, but business is business and I make good money here," the bartender replied.
Haytham said no more as he absorbed the music and enjoyed the last hours he had at the bar.
When he returned to where he was staying with William. He found himself at odds with several students as they past him and gave him odd looks. It was early in the morning just after Morning Prayer when he returned to the room. Now once he opened the door into the dorm that he saw how William had made himself at home.
The first thing that hit his nose was of course the coffee. He inhaled the smell as he immediately headed over to the coffee maker. Pouring himself a cup he waited till William filled his before filling him in on the night before.
"I like the look Haytham it suits you well," William commented after Haytham filled him in.
"Well I got tired of the beard and the long hair so a change was long overdue." Haytham replied.
"Well at least you are sensible enough to hide your features from prying eyes," William replied as he took a sip of his coffee.
"I kind of had to. The only problem is dealing with all the women staring at me. In fact one of them tried to find out everything she can about me. So I got the bartender to escort her out of the bar," Haytham replied.
"Well you were smart, did she follow you?" William asked.
"For a bit afterwards, gave her the slip though on the rooftops." Haytham replied.
Did she tag you? She could be a Templar after all," William asked.
"Yes, she did and I got rid of the tag that was in my shirt. I am not stupid William. Anyone that touches me I have to check for tags. This is not my time where things were much simpler." Haytham replied rather crossly.
"Just checking to make sure," William said dryly as he took a sip of his hot coffee.
Haytham smirked understanding where William came from after all. How many years did he have to watch his back; still watch his back? That was quite often and still he watched over his shoulder and is suspicious of anything and anyone that gave him a funny look.
The two remained silent while sipping coffee and somewhere along that time Haytham cooked breakfast. At least he had one skill he was proud to learn from his mother.
When the two were finished they both went to continue their search for the secrets to the pyramid. Pouring over the book that Haytham found and comparing notes.
It was around that time that there was a knock on the door. William was the first to answer it. At the front was a student one of the students who went with him to the dig site.
It was with luck that William remembered the poor man's name.
"Asad? What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I am sorry to bother you so soon after your return professor Miles, but I have some news for you," said Asad.
"Please sit Asad and don't mind my companion here anything you can say to me you can say in front of him," William said.
Asad looked relieved as he sat down, and Haytham immediately activated his Eagle Vision to see if the man before him was a threat. Showing himself to be blue Haytham relaxed as Asad started talking.
"I was coming to turn in my papers professor when I heard...voices," he said.
"What kind of voices?" asked William.
"Men talking in the streets of the temple you warned us about sir, I've heard it myself. They said that they were going to go out to Luxor tonight to see if they can get a glimpse of the goddess that resides there." Asad replied.
"Asad listen to me that goddess is no goddess, I know because Desmond tried to chase it," William said.
"Desmond? Your son? Is that why he was captured and taken to Syria?" asked Asad.
"Part of the reason yes, I've also heard stories about what happened to people around Luxor. They become slaves in a way that they become totally loyal and devout to that goddess." William replied.
"She is not whom she seems, she takes advantage of people and uses them for her twisted means." Haytham interrupted.
"I see you've had experience with this before sir?" said Asad.
"Yes, unfortunately this is not the only temple that she is at. There is one in the United States as well," Haytham replied.
"By Allah the almighty!" Asad replied.
"Now what we are telling you must stay in this room do you understand Asad?" William said.
"I understand sir, I perfectly understand. The other reason why I came to see you is that I overheard the men speaking. They said something about killing you is that true?" Asad said.
"I'm afraid it is Asad. I have...information as to the truth of the Goddess as you will. What she really is and why she is here. I will ask you Asad to please watch yourself and tell me where these men are?" William asked.
"They were down by the town hall near the dormitories. They said that they will wait for you to return home before they finish you I am afraid professor," Asad said.
"Well I can take care of myself thank you Asad, and don't worry about those men I have ways of dealing with them." William said.
"Are you going to kill them?" Asad asked.
"I don't know, hopefully it does not come to that," William replied.
"If you need anything professor you know where I am at," with that Asad got up and left but not before making sure that William looked at his notes. When he was gone he turned to Haytham, "What do you think?" he asked.
"If Abstergo is at your dorm I would say that there will be some fun to be had on this trip after all," Haytham replied.
"First things first we need to find out what my counterpart in this timeline has done, and so far I have found something in this journal," William stated as flipped to a page on the pyramid.
"See here," he pointed to a sketch. Haytham nodded as he looked at it.
The painting was typical Egyptian with the people in their stiff postures and hieroglyphs on the walls. What was unusual was the building and the people under it. The images appeared far older then the original Egyptian set up with an image of Juno in the middle.
"It looks like some sort of diagram," Haytham inquired.
"It is, it is the plans for the temple I had no idea I knew about it till now!" William said looking at the drawings.
"Good God!" Hayham said out loud.
"I see it too," William replied.
Right there they could see the markings that William had found as well as a photo that obviously had been taken years ago. The diagram depicts many things on there including the entrance and the exits of the temple.
"We need to get this to Malik and the others," Haytham said.
"I know but I don't know how," William replied.
"Yes you do it is called 'going back'" Haytham replied.
"If only it were that...wait I have an idea," William said and pulled out his cellphone the one he kept for his students.
Going down the list he managed to spot Asad's number and dialed.
"This is Asad," Asad answered in Arabic.
"Asad sorry to disturb you this is Professor Miles could you come back to my office you had forgotten some papers here. They are for the summer assignment," William stated.
"Oh alright Professor I will be right over," with that Asad hung up.
"So all we have to do is wait," Haytham replied.
"Yes," William replied.
It was about half an hour later that Asad returned he was looking rather disheveled.
"You had something for me Professor?" he asked and William had him sit. Haytham closed the door and activated eagle vision just in case. He found nothing on Asad and when he indicated so to William the man relaxed.
"Asad when was the last time you visited your family back in Luxor?" William asked.
"A while now, I have not even seen them since we left the dig." Asad replied.
"Well what I am about to tell you is of great importance. I had to say you had an assignment because I don't know if those men are listening or not." William replied.
"I understand is your life in danger?" Asad said getting worried.
"I a way yes, it was because of the research I had been doing in Luxor in the Valley of the Kings. I want you go deliver this to my associate in Luxor. His name is Malik Al-Sayf tell him I sent you because normal communication will be tapped. So please Asad if you are not able to I understand." William begged something Haytham has not heard from in a long time.
"Well I have a funeral to go to in Luxor I will deliver it then," Asad said.
"Thank you my friend, when do you leave?" William asked.
"This afternoon that is why I look like crap," Asad replied.
"Well thank you for your time and stay safe," William replied.
Asad nodded before he walked out with what appears to be the research books for his assignment. William nodded to Haytham and the man walked out to make sure Asad was safe.
When he exited the building the first thing he did was remain in the crowds. The concert had long since ended on Campus and students were returning to their dorms or whatever was left of the after concert party. Haytham found this to his advantage as he walked through campus. When he neared a rooftop nearest to the dorms he climbed up from the sidelines. There he had full advantage of seeing his quarry head into the dorms.
Using his Eagle vision he watched the golden form of Asad ascend the stairs towards his room.
He also saw the two read figures waiting for him there.
So while the man was in the elevator Haytham scaled the side of the building into the dorm room to deal with the assailants. Both of them were armed but they did not see the man behind them as he came and took them out in seconds. Dragging their bodies out of the building and out of the room was a pain. But he managed to get them to the ground floor away from any suspicious students.
When he had gotten them out he immediately threw them into a dumpster. That dumpster was for the left over garbage so their bodies will never be found again. Thankfully he was long gone before Asad even made it to his room.
When he had gotten down again he managed to make sure there was no one else after Asad. When he started to make his way back he started to get the impression that someone was watching him. So he took a turn once again down another walkway around campus. As he walked he then headed over to where music was pounding from one of the rooms just off to the side.
When he opened the door there was students dancing around like maniacs. He had not expected a party this big here. For an Arab country there was students acting like...well modern Americans.
Haytham hated that analogy, but it was true from the movies he had to watch. Rock music played as people of all types danced around. Haytham walked in as people laughed and were too drunk to notice the party crasher. Turning behind him he spotted his pursuers trying to get in, but because of their uniforms they were blocked by the people there.
The room was large enough for Haytham to maneuver. He was dressed like one of them so he decided to blend in better. His salt and pepper hair thankfully played a part as he walked up to some random group of dancers on the dance floor. Having never danced like this was something new to him.
He began to copy the movements of the men in the room. Soon he was joined by several of the women there along with other men. The floor was filled with people enough people to fill the room. The music was loud and blaring and Haytham only recognized it as hard rock. Dancing around he was more then happy to dance to it to keep his pursuers off.
When he finally gotten into the rhythm of dancing like an idiot. One of the girls started to feel him in places he'd rather not and politely he took her hand away. From the looks of her face she was clearly not Egyptian or Arabic. Her pale skin was a giveaway. Eagle vision confirmed that she was not a threat.
Though he saw that the men tried to get to him looking for a source. Haytham thought now was a good time to disappear.
Slipping out the door Haytham made a hasty retreat back towards William's office.
When he returned William was already back to typing his so called paper and editing it to give to the board.
"How is writing your Thesis going?" he asked a bit amused.
"Crappy, I did not realize I lived a boring life," William replied.
"Are you saying that being an Assassin was fun?" Haytham said a smirk on his face.
"Not always, but at least I didn't have to constantly write these bullshit papers out. I wrote the truth most of the time," William stated.
"I know my friend you think being a Grandmaster of the Templar Order was any better. I had to constantly write report after report of our progress back in my day. It was boring and tedious work." Haytham stated as he smirked at William.
"Well nowadays I mostly write about how many of my brothers died. At least it was good to know that the Templars feel the same way," William stated as he finished writing on his laptop and began to edit his work.
"It must be hard writing in two languages," Haytham stated.
"No, it is not hard I am thankful for a translation program so that way it saves half the time," William stated.
"Just how long were you a supposed 'professor'?" Haytham asked.
"About thirty years according to this," William stated looking at the placard on the wall.
"Ok," Haytham said.
"You know what? Fuck this I need a break! Why don't we head out for a couple of beers I could use one," William stated.
"Ok, since when have an Assassin and a Templar hung out together?" Haytham stated as he saw William close his computer.
"Since when has Templars and Assassins married each other?" William replied.
"Good point," Haytham replied.
Both of them gotten off the chairs and made their way out. Heading towards the doors they walked down the stairs towards their destination.
The bar that Haytham was at earlier.
When the doors opened of course there was no alcohol served. Only food and minor drinks since it was still day out.
"Welcome back friend! What can I get you?" asked the bartender as he was cleaning his bar.
"Two beers for now friend and a table," said Haytham.
The bartender indicated to one of the waitresses and she quickly gotten them a table. She was clearly Muslim with her Hijab over her head, but she took their order for beer well enough. Walking away she quickly returned with some pints of beer for them. Having drank their fill both of them began to chat about idle things till they finally ordered their food.
It did not take long for food to arrive both Haytham and William ate their fill while watching the crowd.
"So how does it feel to find out your son has run off to get married?" Haytham asked over their food.
"Irritated, but I can see why Desmond did it. I mean I admit I was not the greatest father on earth. In fact I pushed him harder then I pushed the rest of them. And yet I failed to be there when he fell. He told me once that is the reason why he left. That and the fact he thought the Assassins were nothing more then a myth...a story that his mother and I made up to keep him in line." William admitted.
"When I found out I had a son I was about forty years of age. Connor was sixteen when I first saw him on the rooftops in Boston, but I did not know he was my son at the time. It was not till years later that I found out that Ziio had given birth to a son," Haytham replied.
"How did you know he was your son?" William asked.
"He told me with a punch to the face. I am sure you saw that in the Animus," Haytham replied.
"Not much just the main events we were kind of in a rush you know." William shot back.
Haytham laughed, "Well it was at night when we were chasing Benjamin Church that Connor and I gotten into an argument. I was a bit of an asshole when I commented on his sleeping arrangements. I swear he was a worse neat freak then me." Haytham said.
"Wait, you got into a fight with your son about how clean his room was?" William was surprised.
By now the alcohol was taking effect and both men felt more relaxed. So the bantering went on.
"Yes, I did not know that the son of a man was supposed to do the opposite which was a messy room. But Connor's cabin was so clean that there was not a spec of dust or salt anywhere! I don't remember much of the rest but it went south from there. We started arguing about stupid crap mainly about who's Order was better. Then that was when he shouted about him being my son." Haytham replied.
"Ouch," William agreed.
"Yeah, and then it turned into a fist fight," Haytham laughed.
They both laughed, "We are both terrible fathers," William admitted.
"At least you got to spend a good portion of your time with Desmond," Haytham admitted.
"Nah I was not there half the time. I spent a lot of time trying to keep my people safe, and then I took out my frustrations on my kid. Some father I was," William replied.
At this time noise began to filter through the doors as a group of students entered. Both men took sips from their beers to see the college kids going to the bar. Because it was still broad daylight both men watched with some amusement as they sat down and joked about random stuff.
Shaking their heads both men decided they better leave the bar. Getting up they paid for their meals and their drinks and headed out. Along the way back to the dorm they saw the sports field just in view.
It was a soccer field with several students playing on it. From the looks of it was the men's team playing. Several girls stood to the side with a ball on their hands. Obviously from the girls team waiting for their turn. Haytham and William sat down on the bleachers trying to see if they can get themselves a good view of the field.
"You know, I wish we were like those people," Haytham said.
"Why?" asked William.
"So ignorant and so carefree...makes me miss the good old days," he replied.
"Ah yes the days were we were not busy fighting each other and playing with others is that right Templar," William shot back.
"Ah yes," Haytham replied.
When they arrived back at the office however the first thing they discovered was the broken door.
"What the hell?" William said and both men rushed towards the room.
They both stopped however when they heard voices. Both of them leaned against the frame of the door.
"Hurry the fuck up we have to find that book!" said one voice.
"We looked everywhere sir! There is no book to be found!" said another.
"Shut up and keep looking! Miles must have hidden it somewhere!" said a very familiar voice.
Both men looked at each other and knew who's voice it was.
It was Burg's...
Quickly sneaking away back down the hallway Haytham and William managed to sneak out of the building and off the campus.
"Shit that was close," said William.
"What are they searching for?" asked Haytham.
"My guess? That book you have, it just might be the key to getting Desmond's wife out of that temple, and you back to your time," said William.
"Then shall we be off then?" Haytham replied.
"Yes, back to Alexandria the others will want to know about this," William replied.
"Though I have to admit I like your version of University better then mine. A lot more can be done don't you say?" Haytham said as they headed towards the main street.
"Yes, though it does have its dull moments," William replied.
"That it does my friend, that it does," Haytham shot back.
TBC
a/n: Like I said I had a lot of fun writing this. It was fun trying to do something different that ties in with the story. In fact the inspiration for this sure enough came from Indiana Jones and I just wanted to get it out of my system. Now the next chapter will tie things up a bit and I will warn you it will be lengthy so bare with me. And as always please leave a review just no FLAMES, BASHINGS OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE.