It didn't take them very long to arrive at Masyaf. Basilio took them through several self proclaimed "short-cuts". Tazim would have otherwise been angry over such things if they hadn't actually worked. Or perhaps it was only a part of his mind hoping those short-cuts were true. Basilio had them go through quiet, empty land which was worrisome. But at least now they were nearing the Masyaf castle all due to the Novice himself. What a strange, annoying boy.
Their destination was in full view as the two young men crossed over a small hill. The Masyaf castle stood boldly. At last, Tazim thought. There was no turning back now. His father was waiting for him.
"Novice, if I prove myself worthy, where will I be put?" Tazim finally asked, guiding his mare to trot alongside his companion. He'd been thinking of nothing else other than being accepted into the Order.
Basilio scoffed, chewing on a piece of dried meat, "Technically I am no longer a novice." He attempted at being serious, deepening his voice, "As for worthy? As long as you have thirst for blood and a fast hand, Abbas will accept you."
It was a shame that Basilio spoke the truth. Had the Order truly lowered its expectations so drastically? Abbas only cared for men who were loyal to him and able to hold their own in a fight if ever confronted as well as be menacing and intimidating in order to collect taxes and make deals with others.
"That is all?"
Basilio grimaced, whether from Tazim's question or his poor meal was uncertain. He spit what little meat he had in his mouth and tossed the rest before answering, "Whatever you've heard of the Assassin's, crooked, bloodthirsty imbeciles, believe it, because it is true. We are under the rule of the Master do not forget. Become that and the Master will be sure to welcome you, brother."
Become loyal to a man who'd taken from Tazim his family. It would prove to be a challenge yet Tazim accepted it nonetheless. Whatever it took to reach his goal, to make his father proud and gain answers, Tazim would endure no doubt. Yet if there were those who were loyal there must also have been others who went against the Master surely.
"And those who defy him?" Tazim asked, squinting in the sunlight.
Basilio shrugged. The fair skin hidden beneath his hood had become stained a light pink from the heat and was slick with sweat. He wiped at his forehead and cheeks with his sleeve, leaving it damp and dirty. He kept his head leaned back the slightest bit, his eyes on the Masyaf castle and the village before it.
"None would dare. Perhaps there was a time before..." his voice trailed off for a moment, he took hold of his reins once more, "But those men were put to death. There are enough graves to prove the viciousness of the Order. But enough questions, we have arrived."
They neared the stables, Basilio leading them as Tazim followed quietly behind, observing those few men within the stables. Most having the grey cowl of a novice and few wearing the deadly white. His companion had jumped down from his horse, speaking to an Assassin in hushed voices before the young man made his way to Tazim once again. He began to untie the few weapons he had fastened into the satchel he had on his saddle.
"We leave the horses," Basilio affirmed, grabbing his belongings one by one, "Take what you must. There are swift hands among the stables, take care what you leave behind."
Thankful for the warning, Tazim dismounted his horse. He had packed very little to begin with. The only thing of importance he owned was his sword. Tazim took it, fastening it on his belt before handing over his horse's reins to the Novice within the stables. Basilio went to his side, checking over his own satchel and making sure he left nothing. Tazim watched as they took his mare, "What of Elma?"
"She will not be mistreated," the young man scoffed from within his hood, finally looking up toward Tazim, "you may visit her if you please."
It was a crude joke, Tazim could not help but roll his eyes. He fixed his belongings, the bag now hanging from his arm did well in concealing the sword hanging from his hip. He brushed his fingers through his hair and wiped his face free of sweat with the sleeve of his shirt.
Basilio grinned, slapping the back of his hand on Tazim's stomach, causing him to jump in surprise. "Come," he nodded toward their walk up the hill, "the Master will be waiting."
Tazim was surprised at the vast emptiness within the village. They neared closer to an opening and that is when he witnessed the Masyaf castle in all it's glory. Just as his mothers stories told. The only difference was the liveliness. There were no children running around, playing and chasing one another. Few men and women walked along, busy with their errands and lives.
A pair of Assassin's stood guarding the entrance. They recognized Basilio but not Tazim. The two shared a look before moving aside and letting the pair through. Tazim had almost thought he heard the Assassin's mutter a remark but thought nothing of it. He followed closely behind Basilio, looking around and studying the fortress so that he would not get lost in the future.
There was no sound of clashing metal. Tazim imagined the sweet honey-filled smell of roses but was met with cold air in its stead. Nothing from his mother's stories. Not even the few Assassin's they passed held their chin up with pride. Where was the honor? The pride of the name Assassin.
The courtyard they passed through was empty. Tazim made sure to keep close with Basilio. Carrying his few belongings in the satchel he had brought with him but also nudging the hidden sword at his side. The weight of the weapon was unfamiliar yet it seemed so right to hang from his hip.
"You will meet Abbas," Basilio spoke in a hushed tone, his lips barely moving, "You will address him as 'Master'."
When they had finally reached the Master's study, Tazim took notice that they were not alone. The Assassin from Jerusalem was present as well as other Assassins and the Master himself. They had been quietly conversing among each other as the two younger men arrived. Basilio motioned for Tazim to wait by the door and approached the Master's desk.
Yet before Basilio could utter a word, Abbas proclaimed loudly, "You have finally decided to return. Yet your superior has been here far longer."
The novice inclined his head apologetically, "Forgive me, Master. I have brought-"
Abbas waved his hand, "The new recruit. They have told me." He took a moment to dismiss all the other Assassin's apart from the one of which Tazim had already been acquainted with. Few sent glances Tazim's way as they exited but he paid no mind. Basilio had moved aside and the Assassin perked up at the change in atmosphere.
At last, Abbas crossed his arms over his chest, "Zamir, do you believe him worthy of the Assassin name?"
At this, Tazim took a step forward, "If you let me show-"
"I did not ask you, boy." Abbas silenced. He turned, calling to the Assassin, his voice less hostile, "Zamir."
The Assassin, Zamir, straightened his shoulders respectfully, nodding his head and pulling down his cowl, "I vouch for him as I have all my recruits. He is experienced. Roughened by life. Young and ready to uphold the Order. He will do as he is asked."
Abbas seemed to think over his options. His hand tentatively stroking his chin before a grin spread across his face. "It is settled. Novice," he called turning his attention to the young man at his side.
"Basilio, Master," he corrected attentively.
"He is under your care. You will teach him how we do things here. When the other's return from Damascus you will take their place," he ordered at last, turning back toward his desk.
Basilio cleared his throat, "Forgive me... but my rank, Master. I have always accompanied others."
Zamir interrupted before any answer could be given, raising his hand slightly in Basilio's direction and taking a step toward Abbas, "Master, he has proved himself many times under my supervision. Basilio is one of our brightest."
"You are right," Abbas agreed, turning in their direction once more, "but he is just a boy. Stay in Masyaf. Clean yourselves. Eat. Teach the new recruit how we work. Do what you must, now go!"
Basilio inclined his head in respect, Tazim mimicking. The younger motioned for Tazim to follow and guided him from the room in silence, passing Zamir who barely acknowledged them. At last he was part of the Brotherhood.
A little shorter than I had first expected but here is the next chapter! Thank you for the kind words and even more thanks for reading. Any comments or questions, go ahead and ask! Have an awesome day/night.