Chapter Eighty-Three: Brothers
The group had continued to discuss the finer details of their plans.
It was late into the night when they finally took a break to eat something, before continuing with their discussions.
They had to come up with defensive plans, since they knew that in all likelihood Vidic would come to them first. Time, however, was not on their side. There was no way to truly know when such an attack would occur. And it was too risky to try and build defenses, so they could only form some strategies that they thought would work, and fortify the castle.
However, they had no definitive proof of what Vidic could be doing in the meantime. They were all in agreement that he might truly harm the timeline, but they had no means to track him. They could only wait.
Connie had initially suggested that they could potentially bury a couple of traps, but that got condemned right away due to the lack of time. From that point on they discussed how they would go about discussing this upcoming battle with the assassins of the past.
They would figure it out the next day they decided, and the group called it a night. They were all physically and mentally exhausted at that point.
They had been in Altair's house for a while now, however there was only one bed.
Altair, getting up from the table, pointed to the bed and told Lucy and Desmond they were welcome to use it. Connie and he would go to the assassin's castle and sleep in his room there. Everyone swiftly agreed to such an arrangement, too tired to think of anything else. They would meet up at the castle training rink the following day.
It was at this time that Connie and Altair were walking down the dark streets of Masyaf, hand in hand. Their pace was but a stroll, both enjoying the moment as long as they could as they headed to the castle.
The two stuck together closer as the cool air of the night got chillier. Connie wished that such calming moments like this could last longer and she snuggled closer into Altair side. Altair wrapped an arm around her waist then in response, pulling her closer.
The calm times in her life seemed to be far and few between all the other mess life threw at her. But she was happy she was able to experience moments like these with Altair. She could only smile to herself as she felt the fluttering in her heart in response to him. To have him back in her life felt like she could handle whatever life threw at her.
She let out a small sigh which drew Altair's attention. Looking down at her, he asked her what was troubling her thoughts.
"I was just thinking how happy I am to be here with you again." She replied simply, smiling up at him.
"And to think there was a time you hated it here," he chuckled, placing a kiss atop her head.
"Well I'm okay with it because you're here." she said while pouting, before slightly pinching him in the side.
He could only laugh once more.
"I feel the same way." He said before pulling her close in his arms and placing a light kiss upon her lips this time. Her eyes had fluttered closed in response, and when she opened them again, his bright smile greeted her.
It was the smile she rarely got to see in the past, but it was one that never failed to make her heart flutter. Especially now.
His face came to the side of hers as he kissed her check, before whispering in her ear.
"I'd like it even more if you thought only of me."
When he pulled away Connie was frozen with her checks flushed, eyes wide.
When had he learned such lines? She couldn't believe such a cheesy line could make her so embarrassed, but here she was.
Pulling him close, she buried her face in his chest as she tried to hide her embarrassment. She could hear his chest rumble as he laughed once more.
She could vaguely hear him calling her cute, but she pretended not to hear.
The two had stopped walking a moment ago, and it was then that Altair picked her up swiftly.
When she was suddenly lifted into his arms in a princess carry, she couldn't hide her face anymore and looked up at him with a bewildered expression.
"Put me down," she said hurriedly, pushing her hands against his chest. How much more did he want to embarrass her?
"Why?" he asked simply, smiling down at her mischievously.
"Because…, because I can walk myself!" she retorted hurriedly, she didn't think she could be more embarrassed.
"I know that, but I want to carry you. You look exhausted." He answered with a smile, holding her closer to him as he continued heading to the castle. His steps were small and controlled, taking extra care as he walked with her in his arms. She could tell he had no intention of putting her down at that point.
Connie stopped struggling then, ending her pointless scuffle. She felt slightly unstable, so she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck for more support.
He had been looking at the road ahead, but as she wrapped her arms around his neck, she drew his attention.
They both smiled at each other, each enjoying the quiet moment together as they headed to the castle.
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When morning struck, it wasn't until a little past noon that the group had met up once more. The training rink was actually crowed with quite a few assassins. An assembly of some sort was what it looked like to Connie, she hadn't seen that many assassins all together in a long time. She wondered what was happening as she and Altair headed to Desmond and Lucy's side.
After a quick greeting, Desmond informed them that many of the assassins had been here since morning. Apparently they had been discussing what to do, as no killer was caught last night, nor was there any leads. It was apparent they needed to discuss who would be responsible for their previous Master's duties and leadership.
Altair and Connie had missed this as they were second to arrive, but they nodded their heads in understanding. It had only been a day since the brotherhoods Masters life had ended, there wasn't much chance they would have agreed on anything. Somehow they would have to settle this issue, and convince the assassin's order that a threat was near. However they had no actual evidence.
How could they spin this in their favour?
They had discussed a few things last night, but they decided to figure it out the finer details the next day. While the four of them stood and observed for a moment, it was Altair who moved first. He left their side and approached the main group of assassins, a lull in their conversation having arose.
Connie, Lucy, and Desmond could only watch from afar as Altair moved with what they hoped was a solution. He was the only one who could make a move right now.
"Greetings brothers, have we not an opportunity in our hands?" Altair asked simply as he closed in.
With a return of greetings, many faces were drawn to Altair's words. Some had a look of curiosity, while others an apparent frown.
"What opportunity would that be?" asked another assassin. When Altair turned towards the voice, he was greeted with none other than Abbas. The man's big figure was immediately recognizable, and the two exchanged a nod before Altair spoke.
"This is no time to dwell on the past, our master would want us to push forward."
"Push forward? And forget what has happened but a night ago?" asked Abbas in anger.
"No Brother, not forget, but discover a new goal. Should we not avenge our master?"
"… It is not for us to decide," answered Abbas after a moment.
"Then who shall decide?" Altair asked simply.
There was silence once more. This was a question many had silently thought since the death of their Master. With such uncertainties in the air, this one sentence alone drew everyone's attention.
"Brothers, I propose a simple solution to this. Let us decide on a new leader amongst ourselves." Continued Altair, looking around at all the men around him. The silence continued, and the looks on their faces was hard to read.
Abbas suddenly began to laugh lowly.
"Of course such a suggestion would come from you, are you suggesting yourself?"
"No, I propose such a duty not befall just one person. Why not you and I?" Altair suggested, outstretching his arm to Abbas. Altair's look was very serious, and he conveyed it to Abbas as such. He genuinely did not want such a position on his shoulders alone, and he knew he had responsibilities to his order.
He didn't want to be tied down to the assassins order—he was thinking of the future—and wanting that future to be a long one with Connie by his side.
He knew the relationship between the two of them was rocky, but he had hope they could come to an understanding.
The incredulous look upon Abbas' face gave away his thoughts, however he recovered rather quickly. He seemed to be mulling over Altair's words as not merely a suggestion then.
Many of the assassins around them had no reason to oppose such a proposal. Abbas and Altair were among the top of their order, and many respected them both. The only difference between them was Altair had fallen in rank recently due to his failed mission. He did however redeem himself to what he once was, many knew that.
Lucy and Desmond shared a look, their curiosity spiking. They had also not discussed such a development last night, and the three were confused by Altair's decision. This was not a development of the past they knew. Abbas and Altair were never in cooperation, and to see such an event was an unforeseen development.
Was their influence on the past already so apparent?
Abbas grasped Altair offered arm then, a firm agreement forming between the two.
"You have changed Brother," Said Abbas suddenly, his eyes sizing Altair up and down.
"Surely in a good way?" said Altair with a smirk.
Abbas did not respond, but simply chuckled as he pat Altair on the shoulder in a friendly manner. The young ignorant fool he once saw in Altair was no more. Abbas knew however that he shouldn't stroke the man's already inflated ego.
Abbas focused on those of the order around them. Most had kept quiet, but some seemed to be whispering among themselves. It was then he asked if any of those in their brotherhood opposed such a change in leadership.
No assassin was against the proposal, and instead many of the men nodded to the two in respect.
Connie, Lucy, and Desmond had only watched the situation unfold from a distance away.
They may have been in assassin robes, but they didn't want to temp their fate with the off chance someone would question them.
"This never happened did it?" asked Connie to the two in a whisper.
They had shared a number of looks, and Connie learned of the man named Abbas from them just the other day. He did not seem like a man who would easily agree with what Altair suggested. And yet, that seemed to be what was occurring. Things seemed to go a little too smoothly in Connie's eyes, so she decided to add this to her list of potential worries.
"No, but it is interesting." Responded Lucy. "The two have a history since childhood. It's an interesting development since Abbas had labelled Altair a liar since then."
"So he's not trustworthy?" asked Connie, immediately thinking the worst.
"Not necessarily, but perhaps this is the beginning of a good change?" thought Lucy, as she tilted her head in wonder.
'I'll just keep an eye on him then.' Thought Connie. They needed allies, she knew that, but it didn't mean she would blindly trust them. She would watch Altair's back as much as she could and in anyway.
Connie watched then as Abbas, Altair, and many of the other assassins seemed to be heading into the main castles library for further discussion.
"Altair said there were important matters to discuss, he's probably going to bring up the possible attack." Said Lucy when Connie sent her a questioning look.
The trio decided to follow as well. When Altair broke the ice on the problem, they would then reveal themselves as the source of information if needed. That is if the assassin's did not believe Altair outright. They needed to approach this issue rather carefully, they couldn't make themselves come off as deceitful.
Their current plan hinged on this initial approach. If the assassins did not believe them, it could lead to unanticipated dangers.
'Master.'
Suddenly the quiet voice echoed through Connie's mind and she suddenly slowed down to a halt behind Lucy and Desmond. They didn't seem to notice, and Connie quickly began to respond to it.
What happened? Connie asked rather firmly, taking a seat on a nearby rock. There were a few assassins left in the training courtyard, but none paid her any attention.
'Master, I had used too much of my power, so I had to regain it once more.'
… Sounds like a battery. She thought to herself, but the necklace responded anyways.
'Yes Master, that is a correct assessment. More accurately however, it's thanks to my Masters emotions which give me power. I didn't expect to be able to help you for a while.'
Emotions?
'Yes. Thanks to Masters strong emotional desire last night between—'
"Stop!" Connie suddenly shouted, jumping up from her rock. She drew a few stares to her direction then, and she quickly gulped before taking a seat again, trying to become invisible.
She knew exactly what the necklace was referring to.
Her hand was covering her face as she tried to hide her embarrassment, her face hot. The necklace must not have any kind of filter…
Have you been doing this the whole time? Connie suddenly asked after a moment.
'Yes, in the beginning I could only do limited things. However now, I can help in many more ways. For example, I have been translating for all your companions, even while unconscious!'
Connie couldn't help but notice the way it boasted about itself. It never did really have any shame or tact.
So you collect all emotions? Asked Connie.
'Yes Master'
And what kind of emotions give you the most power? She asked hesitantly, she wondered if she could use this information to her benefit.
'They are mostly similar, however fear and despair were powerful emotions I used to collect. Nowadays the emotion of love and desire seems to be serving as a bigger resource.'
Connie had a bad feeling then. She was thinking back to all the nightmares she used to have, the bad dreams that kept getting worse as she and Altair switched between past and present. Wasn't the necklace saying… that it benefited from those fears?
'You are correct Master' answered the necklace, which seemed to have been listening to her thoughts on the matter. 'I gave you those nightmares as I've said in the past. And while I said they were to serve as warnings, they were also the catalyst to regaining most of my strength.'
Connie could only shake her head, a deep frown forming.
So between despair and desire, it had chosen despair. This upset her more than she would like to admit, but at the same time she understood. Fear and despair were much easier to make someone feel. Love on the other hand… that's not something one can induce forcibly.
She wished she was with Altair then, and she wished she could hug him. She knew she couldn't right then, the urge coming at a rather unfortunate time. Getting up she quickly headed up the stairs to the library so she could catch up with the others.
She was glad the necklace was at her disposal again… but she didn't want to talk to it at the moment.
'Master, did I upset you?'
Shut up… responded Connie rather harshly.
'…'
Connie did not hear another word from it as she continued on her way. It couldn't possibly understand how it upset her anyways.
It wasn't human after all.
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Connie had caught up with everyone not long afterwards. She had briefly asked Lucy and Desmond how things were going, and they gave a quick explanation.
They had seemed worried when they had lost sight of her, but easily relaxed when she appeared a few moments later, despite her flushed face.
Few things had happened, and they had not yet started to discuss the possible attack.
Apparently there were many things that had to be taken care of first, and Altair seemed very busy as a result.
Carrier pigeons had been dispatched to a few of the assassin bureaus to bring news of certain events. The details were not something they would know until Altair spoke to them later.
There were only a few assassins present now in the upper part of the previous Master's library, Altair and Abbas among them. The rest were down below either waiting around much like Connie, or cleaning what was left of their Master's assassination.
There were no bodies left in the hall, however the blood stained stone floor and stairs was enough of a reminder.
For a killer to come back to the scene of the crime…
Taking a deep breath, Connie looked around the grand hall once more, eyes avoiding the blood whenever she could. She thought she would be used to the sight of blood by now, but that was not the case.
Even though they had kept the body count rather low, they still eliminated more than just the corrupted Master.
Connie felt even more dismay as she knew more death would come for the assassins when Vidic finally decided to attack them. There was no way there wouldn't be any casualties. It was easy to think that such things would be their fault, however she refused to let that get to her.
If she blamed herself for everything Vidic did or caused, she would be filled with more than just guilt and despair. She brought them to the past, so she was responsible for what might happen because of them.
Jake, Lyla, perhaps even her parents… wasn't their involvement and possible death also because of her?
Altair, Desmond, and Lucy were also involved thanks to her. She couldn't take all the credit for that one though. Abstergo already had them in their sights, Connie just added to the mess.
She knew she couldn't do anything about it now, she just had to do her best and keep pushing forward.
Besides, she wasn't alone in all this.
As she thought so, her eyes were naturally drawn to Altair's direction. His expression was so calm and focused, instantly relaxing her. She was suddenly even more so thankful she was able to meet him. Proof that there was some good that came about all this mess.
Focusing on Altair, she watched as he conducted himself in a respectable way to his brothers.
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The essential matters of the assassins had mostly been taken care of, and Altair knew it was his moment to strike soon.
Everything was going as smoothly as they had hoped, yet Altair was not satisfied. How could he be, when he knew of the potential dangers that lay ahead?
They had sent many assassins on their way, and only four remained in the upper office. Abbas and Altair stood next to each other, while two more stood across.
The third was an assassin named Rauf. He was an honorable assassin who was in charge of most of the young apprentices training, and was one of the few men Altair was on good terms with.
The fourth man was an assassin known as Swami, Altair knew him to be close with Abbas, but not much more. Thus when Abbas suggested including him, Altair gave no refusal. He wanted to maintain the good terms between Abbas and himself.
"I have come to learn some very troubling matters." Altair suddenly said, drawing the attention of the few assassins around him.
He needed to bring this to their attention now. If they waited any longer, they could be at a bigger disadvantage.
"Speak brother," one replied. The word 'trouble' drawing their attention quickly.
"On my return to Masyaf, I came to learn some troubling news. Robert de Sablé and his men are marching towards us as we speak." Said Altair as calmly as he could. He watched for their reactions closely, gauging whether they believed him or not.
One of the assassins, Rauf, let out a deep sigh at the information.
"Is this without question?" asked Abbas, his head tilted in question as he stared at Altair, arms crossed.
"I had my doubts as well, but after returning and learning of our Master's assassination, I could not overlook it any longer. Robert must have planned to strike after eliminating our Master." Continued Altair, bringing in whatever logic he could.
"To attack while we are weak…" Abbas muttered.
"Those Templar bastards have no honour," added Swami, shaking his head.
"Masyaf will be attacked, the only question that remains is when." Clarified Altair. Not a moment later, Altair pulled out one of their maps of the area. He placed it upon the room's main desk and drew their attention as he began to explain where he had learned of their potential plot.
This wasn't information that Altair had seen himself, but rather information that Connie and Lucy had given to him the night before. It was the location they had last seen Vidic, so it wasn't a complete lie. They needed something to convince the brotherhood of this potential threat.
"When do you think they will come?" asked Rauf after a moment, his somber gaze directed at Altair.
"Very shortly, they won't miss this opportunity to strike," stated Altair, his tone grim.
"We should send out a few more scouts to look into this matter, another surprise attack would not look good on the brotherhood." Suggested Abbas, and the rest immediately agreed to the idea.
Afterwards, a few more details were discussed.
Rauf had agreed to get many of the assassins prepared for the battle, discussing with the group the possible teams and positions in order to prevent a siege.
Swami had arranged to organize and distribute all the supplies and weapons the brotherhood would need.
Abbas and Altair would handle the rest of the preparations themselves. They needed to discuss their possible battle strategy, but had agreed to continue at a later time.
The two had decided to make their plans more concrete after getting word from the scouts. They needed to know what they were up against.
Altair knew what could potentially be in store for them, however the rest of the assassins did not. Nevertheless he knew better than to give away this information. If it looked like he knew more than he let on, or said a little too much, they were bound to suspect him.
He would gain their trust by being proven right, and then they wouldn't question his information as much in the future.
With that, Altair left as well, leaving Abbas by the desk as he walked down the steps.
His gaze immediately went to look for Connie, and he met her eyes but a moment later.
Gazes locked, Connie stood by Desmond and Lucy as she watched him advance towards them. She couldn't help the smile the came to her lips. It was a brief moment they were apart, but they both would rather avoid such situations.
With a nod between them all, they quickly left the library, wishing to avoid any unwanted eyes.
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Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed :)
