Chapter 52

It was later in the evening that an assassin came to their chambers with news that they did not expect to receive.

Danor was sitting in front of the fireplace, fiddling with something that he probably shouldn't be, as Evangeline flicked through the pages of her book – undecided as to whether she wanted to read it or not.

"With regret I come to inform you," The visitor cast a glance towards the blonde before looking down at the child. The assassin looked back to Altair, "The Mentor has passed away." He handed the Master Assassin a piece of parchment.

Altair bowed his head towards the assassin as he slipped the paper into his robes, wordlessly thanking him for the news before he closed the door. The Master Assassin then made his way over towards his wife, to tell her the news that had come at an already difficult time for her. "Evangeline-"

"-I heard." She wiped the tears from her eyes, and got to her feet to move away.

The tear filled voice of his mother caused the young boy to look sadly up at his father, amber eyes met amber as the boy took a hold of Altair's long white robes, "Father?" He questioned.

Altair turned for the balcony, "I will give you some space." He stated as he passed her, knowing he wouldn't be any help for the tearful woman.

But he stopped when she wrapped her arms around his torso and rested her head against the back of his broad shoulders, as tears slowly slipped down her fair face. The Master Assassin knew she was looking for comfort, but why did she come to him? She knew he wasn't the consoling type!

"Would you like me to get one of the maids?" He suggested, looking over his shoulder at the top of her blonde head, unsure of what he was to do.

"No." She replied, pulling away slowly. "Thank you, but I'll be fine." She stepped away from Altair and made her way towards the fireplace where Danor had now put down the fire poker, and had gotten to his feet.

"Father!" Danor called, his eyes widened as he realised where his father was headed. "Don't go."

"Please stay with him." Evangeline stated, realising that her son was only asking Altair not to leave because he did not know what to do with his tearful mother himself.

The Master Assassin halted in his stride, not sure what he was to do. Slowly, he turned around to see Danor beckoning for him to come back towards him. Without any questions, he made his way back towards the fireplace, tousled his sons' blonde hair and watched as Evangeline grabbed her cloak.

"Where are you going?" He asked immediately.

"Just for a walk." She replied, wiping another few tears from her cheeks. "Is that ok?"

He looked away from her and towards the child, who had begun to finger the intricate design on his bracer, "Of course." He stated, "Take your time." As she opened the door, he turned to look at her, "But if you're not back before its dark, Evangeline. I'm coming to look for you."

The blonde nodded her head before closing the door to the chambers behind her.

Once she had left, Altair looked at the child. Danor was giving him a wide grin, "Can we play swords please?"

"Not inside." Altair stated, "However, I will hear how well your reading lessons are going. Where is your reading book?"

A/N: So...unexpected or not? Apologies for the shortness of the chapter! Please review xx