Chapter Eighty-Two: Meeting at the Round Table
As the small group collected themselves, Altair directed them to a safe place. Altair had pulled Connie close to his side, arm around her waist as he led the group. Her heart fluttered as she thought of the kiss from earlier, and the tightness of his arm. She knew he was a man of few words, and it was actions like these that let her know how much he missed her. The feelings of the two were very mutual on the matter.
The moment she realized it was Altair before her, as cliché as it sounds, she felt like time had slowed down. All those day in the future alone and hopeless felt like a distant dream as she felt the reality of the current moment. She couldn't help but look up at Altair then and smile in his direction. Even with the warning bells ringing in the distance, it all just blended into the background as her thoughts were only on him.
He met her gaze then, and returned a sweet smile of his own. The sight which had once been a rare occurrence left her breathless. To believe she thought she would never see this smile again... the thought was too much to continue.
The warning bell continued to ring in the dark night, as many assassins unrelenting search carried on.
Connie understood their persistence, they had just lost their leader. To an unknown enemy at that, but she was sure they assumed it had been the handy work of Templars. Little did they know how backwards of a thought that actually was.
Altair led them down a number of streets in total silence, the only sound their light steps along the dusty streets. He had begun holding her hand after a time, and seemed to have no intention of letting go. Connie felt the same way, there was no way she was allowing the possibility of leaving his presence, least they get separated once more. She wouldn't allow the necklace to ever separate them again, she would make sure of it.
She couldn't help how much she missed him, and the unrelenting happiness kept bubbling in her chest over and over. This was a happiness she didn't want to lose ever again.
Despite all the things going wrong around them, she just focused on the one aspect that was actually starting to go right.
Looking up from their interlaced hands, Connie couldn't help but smile in Altair's direction again. He wasn't facing her then, but she just couldn't control her happiness. He was expertly leading them down darkened streets, eyes focused on the road ahead. Watching for any incoming dangers.
With two assassins on guard, there was no reason to worry about anything. She felt like they could tackle anything and come out on top. But she stopped such thoughts, least she end up jinxing them.
Altair led them to the entrance of a quaint home then, which seemed to be in a nice secluded area of the town. Without knocking on the door, he proceeded to enter, opening the heavy wooded door to reveal darkness within.
Connie assumed no one was home then, but was this Altair's home? He seemed quite familiar with the place as he led them in, walking to a nearby table to light some candles.
If this was his home, why had he not brought her here before? She thought he only had that room in the assassins castle, but maybe she was naïve to think so. She decided she would just break the silence and ask.
"Is this your house Altair?" she asked, looking around as the candles light began to illuminate the space.
"Indeed it is," he answered, before gesturing for Connie to take a seat at the table before her. He let go of her hand as he did so, pulling out her chair. He then motioned for Desmond and Lucy to take a seat as well.
Connie's hand felt cold as she placed her rifle down next to her, before taking a seat at the round table with the others. Clasping her hands together under the table, she looked around the room briefly. The table was set in the middle of the cozy room, however she couldn't make out much else. It was still very dark within the space, and her eyes had yet to get adjusted.
"Would you like some black tea?" questioned Altair to their group, watching as they all nodded their heads eagerly. He nodded to himself before heading to a pantry of some sort.
He lit another candle as he made his way to make tea, and Connie couldn't help but stare. Altair making her tea?
I can't wait to try it, she thought with a smile.
Lucy and Desmond appeared to be whispering to each other across from her, and she gave them a questioning look. However they simply shook their heads, as if it was of little concern.
Shrugging, Connie looked around the room once more.
She could see more than she could before, and the room had a sort of homely appeal to it. While it had most of the essentials one would need, even a bed in the corner, it didn't seem to have been lived in in quite a while.
Altair must have not had a use for coming here often she guessed, watching as he continued to make their tea.
"So I have a question," Desmond suddenly began. "How is it we can understand Altair now?"
Lucy immediately agreed, and the two seemed to both look towards Connie for the answer.
"Umm," she trailed off. If she had to guess, it must be the necklace, but she had no way to confirm or deny that. It should be out of commission at the moment, or so it had told her.
"If I had to guess, it might be my necklace… but I'm not actually sure." Said Connie, answering their question as best she could.
"How come?" Desmond questioned.
"My necklace hasn't responded since we arrived in the past. But I do know it's responsible for me being able to understand Altair." Answered Connie, pulling it out as she said so.
Anyone home? She tried to get it to respond then, yet she was still met with silence.
"I think on bringing us all here, it used too much of its power. It said briefly that bringing us all here was a mistake, one it couldn't help but make." Continued Connie.
"Your necklace made a mistake?" Altair suddenly asked, placing ceramic cups on the table before starting to pour them tea. He seemed to have been listening to their whole conversation.
"Well… So while it brought all of us to the past, it also kinda brought Vidic and his men too…" she trailed off, watching for his reaction.
He paused his actions for a moment, before he looked at her to see if she was serious. He continued to pour tea then, as if the news didn't bother him at all.
"It seems I'll finally get a chance to kill him then." Said Altair, a small smirk appearing on his face. Connie was sure then that he was thinking of giving back all that he received from him in the future. She didn't really blame him either, the guy was an absolute prick.
"Get in line," said Desmond. "That man has caused me so much grief, I can't wait to wipe that smirk off his face."
"Can't we all collectively kick his ass?" Chimed in Lucy, head resting in her hand as she leaned on the table, a small smile upon her lips.
"Very well, I'm sure he'll regret his actions." Said Altair, smirk never leaving his face as he gave everyone their tea. Connie realized he seemed to be enjoying himself, she was glad.
Connie took a moment to hold her cup to her nose then, smelling the rich flavours of the black tea. It smelled amazing, and as she took a small sip of its warmth, her taste buds appreciated the rich bitter flavours. This was certainly a treat on a chilly night.
"This is really good," said Connie, Giving Altair an appreciative smile as he got comfortable in his seat beside her. He smiled back at her, taking a sip of his own.
"I'll make it for you again then," he responded.
Desmond and Lucy both spoke their appreciation as well, the warm tea very soothing to shake off the chill they had from being outside for so long.
They got down to business then.
"You really did save us a lot of time by finding us yourself." Said Desmond with a laugh.
"I was merely seeking out the ones who killed my master," said Altair, watching their expressions closely. They all had their hoods down, their faces illuminated by the candle light fairly well. But no one had anything to hide.
"Yeah, about that…" continued Desmond before he trailed off. How did they explain this easily?
"I killed him," said Connie simply.
With a quick turn, Connie had Altair's full attention.
"You did? Why exactly?" he asked gently but curiously, and she knew he was burning with even more questions then.
"He was going to try and kill you eventually," she said simply. His face just got more confused.
"Altair, you master was a Templar." Said Lucy, getting right to the point.
"I'm listening," said Altair.
"Soon you would have realised yourself, you've probably already begun your suspicions." Said Lucy.
"I did have some suspicions, but not to this extent." Answered Altair.
"Once you completed your mission, you would have discovered how treacherous of a leader he was. In fact, it is you who were to originally bring his end." Continued Lucy, explaining the details to Altair.
"This... is a lot to take in," Altair admitted.
"That's not even half of it," added Desmond.
"How so?" he questioned.
"At Solomon's Temple, the mission to retrieve the treasure, do you recall what that treasure was?" Desmond asked, watching as Altair flinched at the mention of such a mission. But he understood why, he lived it after all, it was Altair's first real failure.
"The mission was to retrieve an artifact," Altair replied after a moment. "My master showed me it briefly, but I'm unaware of its true significance." He finished.
He did nevertheless recall how his master had stabbed him for his failure, however it seemed it had just been an illusion. He had seen and felt what his master wanted him to see.
Desmond proceeded to pull out the Piece of Eden from his robe then, placing it on the table. The candle light reflected off its golden exterior.
Altair was surprised at its presence here, and silently stared at it for a moment. So this was the cause of such illusions?
"To be honest, I almost used this on you out there." Said Desmond, scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah, and I almost shot you," added Connie with a frown, absolutely thankful she figured out it was him quickly. If she hadn't recognised his figure or voice… she didn't even want to think about it.
Altair looked between the two for a moment, before chuckling to himself.
"And here I thought I had the upper hand," he joked lightly. He wasn't sure how powerful this supposed artifact is, but he knew exactly what Connie meant.
"You had me sweating there Altair, I don't even think Ezio would have a good time fighting you." Laughed Desmond, but only Lucy seemed to chuckle with him. Connie realised it must have been the assassins memories he had just recently relived.
This whole situation must be very interesting for Desmond, as he was actually able to meet the man whose memories he lived. Almost like a weird sort of inception.
Altair was essentially his great, great, great… well a very great grandfather of sorts.
"Who?" questioned Altair, and he wonder briefly if he would get a chance to meet this man.
"Well I'm not sure if I've said this before, but I'm actually a descendant of yours, and this man Ezio. It's why Abstergo had me at their facility," answered Desmond.
Altair regarded Desmond quite fondly then. Not only was he impressed by his skills, but he was distantly related to the man as well. The feeling was odd, but also refreshing.
"So I believe I will never meet this Ezio?" Asked Altair, voice a little disappointed.
"Unfortunately no, but he's a great assassin," said Desmond, a fond smile on his face as he recalled the man in question. Desmond had learned a lot from him and respected him very much.
"Hmm," hummed Altair, bringing his hand to his chin in thought.
It was a lot to take in, to think about the future in such a way, and for it not to be just speculating. It was truly interesting to say the least.
"This artifact is actually a Piece of Eden, and I hope it doesn't come off that I'm telling you your destiny." Started Desmond. "But your master tried to kill you with this, however you're resistant to its effects, and you defeat your mentor. Things are going to get a little tricky with your buddy Abbas-"
Altair cut him off, "We're not buddies."
Desmond just laughed at his cut throat attitude to the man.
"I don't blame you, don't trust the guy. If it was me, I'd kick him out of here quick. You'd be saving yourself a lot of trouble." Continued Desmond, shaking his head as he recalled Abbas trying to use the Piece of Eden himself. He believed that Altair had wanted to stage a coup by killing their master.
They had changed who was responsible for his death now however.
"Desmond you probably shouldn't say too much, that future doesn't exist anymore" Advised Lucy.
"That's true, but I think it's relevant to share. Abbas originally took this Piece of Eden sometime after you kill your master. He can't control it or use it, and you end up saving him by taking the piece from him."
"A fool he will remain," commented Altair, not surprised Abbas would take it for himself.
"That's why you should hold on to this, it was meant to be in your possession." Finished Desmond, motioning for Altair to pick up the Piece of Eden. Desmond thought it just didn't feel right to hold onto it himself, they had already changed the course of time in the past enough.
Altair was hesitant, he wasn't sure of the extent of power this artifact held, but from the information Desmond just provided, it was clear he should be wary.
Altair slowly reached forward before picking up the orb on the table.
A bright light enveloped the small room, the orbs markings glowing, and the group collectively shielded their eyes for a moment. The map Desmond had seen in the animus appeared, showing the locations of other Pieces of Eden. It was the information Abstergo had needed from him, the information that had gotten him thrown into this mess.
It appeared as a bright hologram of the earth, displaying the earth as a globe, bright lights indicating important locations no one knew of.
They all stared mystified, Connie and Altair especially as they were seeing it for the first time.
Connie felt her necklace begin to heat, as if it was reacting to the light of the Piece of Eden. Pulling it out quickly, she could see it shine slightly in the light, and she was left puzzled as that was its only reaction.
Perhaps they were resonating? Some sort of connection? Connie was unsure and left with no answers as it didn't respond.
The light vanished as quickly as it came.
"How does it work?" asked Altair, inspecting the orb as he rotated it in his hand.
"This Apple was designed to create illusions and control people's minds. It's also been proved to be used to look into possible future outcomes…" answered Lucy, stating the facts of the Piece of Eden. She didn't think she should say where that evidence came from, least she negatively impact Altair's decisions.
"I appreciate the information, I dare not use it here however." Stated Altair, he would have opportunities to use it in the future he was sure. He just didn't want to risk doing something wrong when Connie was involved. Especially since he had no knowledge of how it actually worked. Altair tucked the Piece of Eden into his robes then, putting it out of sight and out of mind.
With the experience he had with Connie's necklace, he was hesitant if it would have anything to teach him, or if it would only lead them to ruin.
"Al Mualim used this piece as a Templar would?" asked Altair then, wanting to gather all the evidence against his master. He wanted to understand how his mentor had chosen such a path, and had come to betray the assassins.
"He used the Apple to end the crusades by eliminating its leaders through you. He also used it to attain people's obedience, the Templars way of ensuring absolute peace." Answered Lucy, looking down at her cup of tea as she finished.
"What of the nine I was sent to kill? Two remain," asked Altair, continuing his questions.
"They are both still Templars that died in the original timeline, do with that information as you will. It is actually Robert de Sablé who revealed that you were just Al Mualim's puppet." Answered Desmond this time.
All this information left Altair with many things to think over. Of course he had some suspicions, but never had he thought it was to this extent. To think he was merely seen as a puppet to his master. And he, a fool, fell right into his plans. He was so blinded by redeeming himself and reclaiming his honor as a master assassin, he couldn't see the big picture.
How careless of him. He had brought Connie into the lion's den many a times then, and the thought made his blood run cold.
Had either of them revealed information about the necklace… Altair shuddered to think what could have happened.
But this explained why his master was interested in Connie, he wanted to see if he could use her.
He turned to Connie then.
"Lucretia… she must have been under Al Mualim's orders." he stated. Connie nodded, agreeing with him. She didn't want to remember that girl though, it was only painful memories.
Al Mualim must have been surprised then, when he learned Connie had survived and Altair killed his lackey. Who knew what his plans were after that, it was a miracle he didn't have Connie with him afterwards.
All of these issues were caused by these artifacts he realised. Where did they come from?
Such an age old question that was.
"Which brings us to the most pressing matter... Vidic." Spoke Lucy suddenly, drawing the groups attention once more.
"How so?" asked Altair, not liking where this was going. He already had to worry about the two remaining Templars, and the future of the Assassins Order. How many more issues were going to arise?
"Vidic knows all that we just told you, if not more. There's no way he won't try to get this Piece of Eden, and I assume he's coming up with a scheme at this very moment." Continued Lucy. It didn't sound like she was guessing at all from the confidence in her voice.
"Do you have any thoughts on what he could be planning?" asked Connie. Lucy did know Vidic the best, she had to keep that in mind.
"I'm not sure, but I can make some predictions," Said Lucy before continuing. "Vidic's probably going to try and recruit Robert and help him with his original plan."
"Which was?" asked Connie, not sure if she missed the information.
"Robert was planning to travel to Arsuf to try and unite the Saracens and the Crusaders against the Assassins." Answered Desmond for the group. In his eyes, this made the most sense. That man was not one to give up easily.
"So you think Vidic is going to team up with them?" asked Connie again in confirmation, eyes widening at such an implication. "Is that even possible?" she continued. She didn't think it was an easy task.
"If there's one thing I know about Vidic, he doesn't give up easily. He knows he needs to get the upper hand, and gaining an alliance with the Templars in this time seems like the best move." Answered Lucy, hand beneath her chin in thought afterwards.
"Not to mention he has his men with him. All of which have modern weapons and technology." Added Desmond, shaking his head as he realised all the factors against them.
The assassins were in shambles right now, the order a mess, and the thought of an impending doom coming in the form of Vidic was not good.
"So what should we do?" wondered Desmond as the room became silent, everyone lost in thought. Desmond wasn't sure how they were going to get ready for such an attack. And they couldn't possibly know when such a scheme might take place. They were in the dark.
"We have to be ready, I can't think of a better place to face an attack from Vidic than here." Spoke Lucy.
"So let's come up with a plan, one even he can't predict." Said Connie after a moment, being optimistic.
"Vidic knows us all too well, that might be a stretch." Countered Lucy, she wished it could be that easy.
"We can do this, he doesn't know everything. And there's no way he can predict everything. We just have to make more plans than he can countermeasures." Said Connie, sitting up in her seat, hands gripping the edge of the table. Lots of back up plans was her specialty, and with everyone's help, she felt this would be manageable.
"If your prediction is right, we have the home field advantage at least." Continued Connie.
"Masyaf has survived sieges in the past, and we have counter measures in place." Added Altair.
"We also have the Piece of Eden," said Desmond, arms crossed.
Lucy remained silent as she listened to the three. It was true they had the home field advantage, which is of course as long as they stayed here. However, that just made them sitting ducks.
As for the Apple, Lucy knew it was not wise to rely on such an artifact. She wasn't even sure Altair would be able to use it properly right away, and she knew Desmond had no experience either.
"Lucy, how much does Vidic actually know about this place?" asked Connie suddenly, mind racing as she tried to come up with solutions. She refused to believe Vidic had the upper hand.
"I was in charge of most of the data, however he knows all the key points from my reports to him…. I don't think he has much knowledge of this castle however." Answer Lucy, before continuing.
"He knows what happens in this castle, but he has no knowledge of what's in this castle…" She continued before trailing off. "So anything of use here would be to our advantage." She finished.
The three of them looked to Altair then, wondering if he knew of anything useful. He only shook his head however.
"Masyaf has an escape route, and many hidden paths. However that does not help with the siege, but rather a retreat." Said Altair.
"…They wouldn't know of the escape route would they?" worried Connie. All they needed was to be ambushed from within thanks to a rear assault.
Both Lucy and Desmond shook their heads. "I didn't even know about that," answered Desmond, Lucy agreeing as well.
"Shall we set up some traps?" suggested Connie then. Lucy laughed at the simple yet relevant tactic.
"I think it would be in our best interest to do so." Said Lucy, nodding at the suggestion. Her mind immediately started thinking of possible deceptions, given the time period.
"Are you also familiar with the 'art of war'?" asked Connie, directing her question to Lucy once more.
"'The art of war is to win without bloodshed or the use of force, the minimum necessary use of violence...'" quoted Lucy, smiling as she saw Connie's eyes begin to sparkle mid sentence. She found it odd that Connie would know of this, but she couldn't say she was surprised, she liked her indirect suggestion.
"How about we take that approach?" asked Connie, head resting in her palm as she mulled over the idea.
"I'm not sure if Vidic is familiar…" said Lucy hesitantly.
"Maybe we can surprise him then?" said Connie.
"As in outmaneuver Vidic?" asked Lucy, she smiled at the thought of it.
"That's what I'm thinking," answered Connie. "One of our advantages is that we already know our enemy."
Desmond and Altair remained silent as the two quickly exchanged their questions, both had a smirk on their face as they listened to the two.
"You're amazing Lucy! I'm so glad to have you on our side," said Connie after a moment.
"I could say the same," jested Lucy as they both shared a laugh.
"Let's discuss our battle tactics later. First things first! Let's get this Assassins Order in order!" said Connie, voice bright as she felt a hope she had thought was lost.
"Agreed," nodded Altair.
"Hell yeah!" Boomed Desmond.
"Of course," approved Lucy, smile ever present.
AN: That was fun to write, i think they make a great team.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
