It was Spring, and they were both nineteen. Tazim had long become accustomed to the ways of The Order. With Basilio at his side, there was nothing that could stop them. All his life, dwelling on the idea of 'what could be'. That was no longer the case. Tazim savored the joy it brought him to walk among the land his father once walked upon.

There would be a change soon enough. Basilio himself passionately believed in the return of their old ways. "We must be ready for Altair's call," he often bragged. Always a firm believer in a better time soon to return.

Their training continued, with the two eventually returning to the secret teaching grounds among the other loyal Assassins. Tazim was more than pleased that Tarek had toned down his own insults toward Basilio, though he still angered and teased the Spanish boy relentlessly.

With much help, the pair had grown and been molded into their most talented areas. Basilio himself was an excellent thief with quick fingers, yet even more agile feet, something that surprised no one at all. He was undefeated when their healer, and head authority figure, ordered them into group training, racing throughout the area. And Basilio was often known for misplacing others' belongings for his own entertainment. More specifically, relocating Tarek's possessions for a quick laugh and even quicker chase around the creek.

Tazim on the other hand had most notably thrived in swordsmanship, a trait of which he thanked Rafi for. The younger boy would often spar with Tazim when Basilio begged to be left to rest. It was more than welcomed to practice with the others, Tazim himself had made more allies and learned new techniques. Basilio frequently teased, priding himself in being Tazims most important friend. The proudest one of all as well.

Even though they rose through their ranks respectively, many of the other young men who stayed loyal to Abbas had no problem in making life difficult, for Basilio specifically. Returning to the castle each morning after training was a dread unlike any other. Tazim always despised the way the others treated his friend. Whether they purposely walked into him, searching for a fight, or slipped twigs into his breakfast for a laugh, Tazim wanted to obliterate them all.

After one such instance of a boy having almost pierced Basilio's hand with a knife during the dinner hour, Tazim was eager to show them his own skills with a blade. It may have seemed like a lowly accident, but the young man was not easily deceived.

Luckily, Basilio was always at his side. Always ready to keep Tazim from making impulsive decisions. "No," he growled, with a hand to his partner's chest, "We must be better than them."

And so they would.

They often took walks in the afternoon, after their day's work was finished and their bellies were full. Basilio particularly enjoyed sharing treats with his friend, more so after the dinner hour. Never letting the chance pass him by, the Spanish boy regularly snuck into the kitchen in search of more flavorful delicacies such as pastries or fruit.

Something of which Tazim valued were their familiar walks into the village. It never bothered them what kind of weather came about. If it rained, they simply took more care in not slipping through the mud. If the sun beamed down, cooking their backs, the two went in search of a fountain. Each and every afternoon, they took their regular walk. Each and every afternoon, Basilio found a new subject to argue over.

"It's impossible!" the young boy pressed, the most displeased look on his face, "You are no more handsome than I."

Tazim rolled his eyes. Though he loved his dear friend, Basilio found issues with the most silly topics. It was better to simply forfeit the argument and go on with their stroll. "I agree."

"And I'm far more skilled than you."

"Now you're being delusional."

"Am I?" He laughed, throwing an arm over his friends' shoulders and pulling him downward as Tazim choked and fought back. Basilio had at last put on more muscle, and Tazim felt the wrath of his strength. With his arm around Tazim's throat, Basilio himself received his fair share of punches to his torso. They wrestled and fought while forgetting entirely of the vendors and civilians nearby.

Tazim had grown out of the embarrassment it once caused. A pair of training Assassins having a childish scuffle in the middle of the markets caused a shameful scene. Though, he was occasionally forced into being the more mature of the two. "Enough, you overgrown fish!"

With a final slap against his cheek, Basilio let go. He straightened himself up, though his smile always remained. He was impressed. Had it been months before, they both would have easily ended up on the ground. "Your sparring with Tarek and Rafi has helped you," he threw a lazy punch, "I've been replaced, it seems."

"Never, you fool," Tazim admitted. Clearing his throat and pulling his cowl over his head to minimize the shame, he snorted, "Tarek can barely harm a lonely grape in the dirt."

It seemed the rivalry would never end. All Tazim could do was mentally prepare himself for one of Basilio's infamous rants. Catching the rebellious glint in his eye, it was no surprise to Tazim when Basilio stepped forward, in front of him. "Perhaps, but his hits are heavy," Basilio scolded, walking backwards and making sure that his point was made, "He leaves my arms covered in bruises!"

"He has reason! You planted his knife in Ruben's room! How on earth-"

"Nevermind that." Basilio waved, suddenly turning to stone. The smile on his lips washed away. His eyes drew deadly, gazing sternly behind Tazim's head. He put a hand on his friend's arm, forcing them to a stop and Tazim grew tense.

A few seconds passed them by and Basilio had yet to move.

"What is it?" the older boy finally questioned.

Tazim barely had a chance to turn his head when Basilio's hand brought his chin forward once more. The Spanish boy gave a warning look and the strangest sound left his throat.

"No." Basilio warned, his finger going to swat Tazim's nose when he tried turning again.

Quizzically, Tazim stared at his friend in disbelief. Basilio moved his hand, pretending to brush dirt from his shoulder. He gave one last glance into the distance before grabbing the other boys arm, whispering harshly for them to keep planted his feet, a daring glance to his friend. Who was he to give orders?

"No," he challenged, pursing his lips and raising his eyebrows.

Basilio paused a moment, a mix of shock and irritation flashed across his face. He kept a hand on Tazim's shoulder, squeezing firmly and forcing a smile, "Let's. Go."

The younger boy may have put on more muscle, but he was still Basilio. Tazim pushed his hand away and turned quickly.

"Tazim!"

It wasn't nearly as bad as he'd imagined.

With an overly confident grin on his lips, Tazim turned back to his companion, shaking his head in disbelief. Basilio was beyond annoyed and the mere purse of his lips made Tazim laugh, "You idiot. Well, it seems a few of our brothers have taken an interest in us."

Certainly, a few houses behind them, a small group of boys followed the duo, not even attempting to be secretive anymore. Every single one of them with gray robes and an attitude to match. One in particular was Rafi's own brother, who Tazim easily identified from their recent journey into Damascus together. The other few, Tazim had seen walking through the courtyard before but never paid them any mind.

Scoffing, Basilio beckoned them to keep walking. "They've been watching you for days now, Tazim." It was something he could not easily ignore. Part of him was fearful that the group of boys found out about their nightly rendezvous. Basilio tried to ignore them at first. Though that afternoon in particular, the boys ventured closer than they previously dared.

They didn't follow him. They were after Tazim.

"Only because they have reason to watch me," Tazim bragged, a smirk spreading across his lips. He bolted forward to catch up with his friend, occasionally casting a glance behind him. No matter what plans the group had for him, whether they simply observed or eventually took action, Tazim would not worry. He knew enough to take care of himself.

"You disillusion yourself. They are a rotten bunch," Basilio growled with a wave of his hand, "Forget them."

Tazim sent one final glance behind him, "Not a problem." For him at least.

Days passed him by and still, it was impossible for Tazim to not catch sight of one of the boys during the day. Even with his insistent avoidance of the courtyard and markets. It felt almost like a game each day he left his room. So he treated it as such, occasionally going on a silent game of cat and mouse if his afternoon freed up. Basilio was in no way amused by this.

News travelled quickly, and it didn't take long for him to learn about the boys who had taken interest in him. The only thing Tazim had yet to figure out was why they observed him in particular.

Their so-called 'leader' was none other than a boy, no older than Tazim, called Nahir. He was a difficult young man, Tazim was led to believe. Top marks from the older Assassin's, with no mention of his chaotic antics. Nahir was also dangerously firm and strong willed, those who followed him saw only aspiring power in his future.

What a load of nonsense.

As he always did during the day, Tazim busied himself within the stables. With no worry of his pursuers. Tending to the horses became his therapeutic pastime before training at night. They enjoyed his company and Tazim enjoyed their silence. It helped to clear his mind, knowing he was alone and his occasional stalkers were busy elsewhere.

Unbeknownst to him, Tazim was far from alone.

Returning from having fetched water, a voice called from behind Tazim. It was scratchy and deep, as though the person had spent the entire day shouting, "Are the horses good company?"

Putting his bucket down, Tazim sighed. He kept an amused grin from spreading across his lips. From the corner of his eye, the young man noticed the cleanly kept robes and well kept boots of his visitor. Tazim knew precisely who this boy was. Nahir. Though his clothing was well taken care of, Nahir in particular was as rotten as they came. Tazim could see precisely why the other boys took a liking and followed Nahir around.

Tazim rose, dusting his hands off and clearing any soil from his clothing. He hardly bothered looking directly at the other boy, never intending to give him the satisfaction of his full attention. "It depends. They have their days like most idiots we know," he responded easily, finally glancing at his visitor, "How's yours?"

There were only three of them today. Nahir, Rafi's brother Gadiel, and a younger recruit whom Tazim had never seen before. Each stood tall, no sense of fear while near their beloved leader. Gadiel himself held a fading bruise on his chin. They made no attempt in speaking, as though they respected Nahir so deeply they refused to open their mouths before him.

"My what?" Nahir mused, a confused smile covering his lips.

"Your day." Idiot.

Nahir only cleared his throat, brushing off the comment, "Tazim, we've come to talk with you."

Of course he did. Tazim could not be bothered. He had much work to do. Although he would adore finding out why they watched him in particular, Basilio's constant warnings were carved right into his brain. It hurt his curiosity, but sacrifices must be made. "Much like the horses," he replied, making his way out from the stable, "I have work to finish, unlike you and your... boys."

The trio followed him, not letting Tazim get farther than a few paces out into the yard. Gadiel and the other boy stood before Tazim, blocking him off and keeping him in his place. Tazim let a low growl escape his throat. If they tested his patience any more, the young man would not hesitate in throwing his bucket to one of their faces. He already disliked Gadiel, and this new recruit would follow his rage soon as well.

"You're talented in combat," Nahir admitted, never once seeming bothered as he stepped forward, "Gadiel was witness enough during your evaluations in Damascus this past month."

It was true. Tazim was unfortunate to have been paired with Gadiel during his trip. He was the wicked reasoning behind the bruise on the boys' chin. Rafi had warned him about his brother's antics and mannerisms. Gadiel himself was ruthless, much like Rafi during training, unforgiving and unwilling to give in. He and Tazim were often at war with their decision making, coming to blows time and time again. Though, somehow, they worked well together as a pair once their objective was solidified.

Nahir was more than sufficiently informed of their former partnership. Gadiel surely must be his right hand man- or perhaps boy. "Such talent should not go to waste in the stables."

Tazim only scoffed. Talent, he dares to say. There was no talent, only the want, the urge and determination. These boys had none of that.

"Grab a shovel," Tazim taunted calmly, nodding over to the far end of the stables, "perhaps we can trade places."

It was then that Gadiel stepped forward, eager to have his say. Whatever speech Nahir had planned next was squashed and put to rest by Gadiel's anxiousness. "Abbas needs men. Close men to count on within a moment's notice," he argued. His hands shook, Tazim noticed, which caused the other boy to then ball them into fists. "We will be those men."

A part of him grew annoyed, Tazim wondered how Rafi could live with such a brother. It was no wonder why Gadiel was a rarely spoken topic with his younger friend. This particular group of imbeciles were far more stupid than Tazim previously believed. He could only imagine the extent of which these idiots would go. All in order to become Abbass' favored men? Ridiculous.

Though, perhaps he could have his fun.

Tazim moved across the yard, continuing his work and grabbing a shovel to lean on. All three of the others followed suit, like a mother hen and her chicks. The younger recruit, Tazim noticed, kept most distance from him, with his gaze low. What strengths they saw in him, Tazim would never recognize. He looked even less of a man than Rafi.

A slight grin appeared on Tazim's lips, as he directed his attention to Gadiel. "Have you convinced Rafi?" he teased half-heartedly.

Gadiel tensed, "Rafael is not your concern, idiot."

Before their situation could escalate further, Nahir joined in. With a hand on both their shoulders. Their childish banter didn't seem to phase him nor make him uncomfortable. He seemed at ease. Always so content, with no fault. "You would make a lovely addition. Join us, Tazim. Before others seize the opportunity first," Nahir explained, "Or die, running like a dog through the land."

Like Zamir.

"Become the Master's favored?" Tazim questioned one final time.

Nahir raised his chin, "We will meet at the courtyard tonight. Do not make us wait."

A tempting offer.

Though simply mentioning his encounter that day threw Basilio into a rage unlike any other when they met in the afternoon. It was a miracle he did not stumble or fall while scolding Tazim all through the village. Embarrassing as it was, either boy was too stubborn to give in to defeat.

"Were you dropped on your head as an infant? You idiot! It is dangerous if they find-"

"Find out who I am truly loyal to?" Tazim challenged. He was accustomed to his friends' taunts and insults but that night in particular, Basilio's words angered him further, "And perhaps be sentenced to death as Zamir had been?"

An old argument of them both and still, it stung Basilio as much as the first time Tazim mused the idea long ago. He knew it would hurt the younger man, and yet he didn't care. There was never proper confirmation that Zamir had been killed. Only rumors spread around by the men and nothing more, Basilio often argued.

Tazim had never before seen him so angry. A part of him wished to recoil, run away from his friend's wrath. Though, there was no use in doing so. Basilio would need to know the truth, whether it broke him or not.

The resentment seeped through his words, "Zamir is alive-"

"Zamir left us all, Basilio!" Tazim barked back. It was a useless argument they'd had time and time again. The only difference this time being the annoyance that spread through Tazim. It was finally time to let Basilio handle his own emotions. It was time to break him. "You can survive without me, can you not? Or are you so dependent?"

The words should have never left Tazim's mouth, but just the same, he was fond of how they sounded. They tasted sickening sweet, like scratching a cut that has yet to fully heal. It felt good. For so long, Tazim had been the sole defender of the younger boy. Like a mother looking after her child. He refused to play mother hen any longer.

"Don't go." Basilio warned, eyes on the verge of tears. His emotions were something he was never good at concealing, even in public. A weakness.

But much of what Tazim said was the truth. For too long he'd been the younger's protector. There was no hope in continuing to do so. How was Tazim supposed to learn or reach his full potential when he kept being dragged back down by his friend.

Friend, Tazim thought, it was an interesting word.

"Brother," he began sympathetically, "this is a good chance to enter into their world. Risky, yes, but rewarding."

Basilio scoffed. His eyes were damp, though hidden behind his growing hair. It was not the first time his emotions overpowered his thoughts. He was thinking of his next words, unwilling to speak too soon in fear of breaking down then and there.

"Do what you must, Tazim," he held his chin high, ignoring the now gentle village around them, "but do not expect any help from me."

Their evening walk was put to an end just as quickly as it had begun. For the first time in a long time, Tazim felt a pressure against his chest. A feeling of which he often would suffer as a child, after fighting with Rahim.

Though, just the same, the adrenaline of a new adventure surged through his veins.

It wasn't long after arriving to his bedroom that Tazim had a visitor. One of which did not surprise him in the least. On the contrary, he'd been awaiting this person all afternoon.

"Rafi," Tazim welcomed at the door, "an expected surprise."

Rafi's eyes glistened bitterly, not daring to look directly at Tazim. His entire body was tense. With his jaw clenched tightly, as though he were afraid of his own words, he walked around Tazim's room. His steps, and the way he kept his hands close to his body, all too similar to his brother that morning.

At last, the young teen leaned against Tazim's desk. Refusing to waste any more time, much like Gadiel, Rafi spoke through bared teeth, "Is it true you are in alliance with my brother?"

Rafi, though still timid and uncertain at times, held a heavy burden on his chest. One of which he would stubbornly fight if provoked. There was nothing he hated more than having his very own brother under the corrupt spell of Abbas. Living under his shadow, and needing to prove himself apart from the older boy.

"Did Basilio send you?" Tazim answered easily, a ghostly smirk on his lips. It may have been cruel, poking fun at the younger teen with such a nonchalant attitude. Though Tazim held no blame against himself, he was in a collected and quite confident mood.

The look on Rafi's face made him seem older than even Tazim. The timid eyes and hunched shoulders that Tazim had become accustomed to seeing every night while in training were replaced by a proud display of vigor. Rafi kept his chin high, although the anger itself radiated from his limbs themselves.

"I sent myself. Gadiel was an idiot to befriend Nahir when we were children." Rafi balled his hands, keeping them close to his core, "Now he is a blind fool. Will you be one as well?"

"I am not a fool."

It wasn't his next words as much as his stare that annoyed Tazim the most. He felt as though Rafi were looking down at him, his gaze full of pity and dejection even from across the room. "And you are not our friend."

Seemingly satisfied with his words, Rafi pushed himself from the desk he was leaning on. His bashful attitude long since forgotten while in the midst of his irritation. Though only two years younger, Rafi refused to let Tazim go on without at least having been warned.

"Do not underestimate a blind boy, Tazim," he at last muttered, looking back with a glint of misery in his eyes, "Even more so a group of them."

I have no words to defend myself hehe but I finally finished the chapter which luckily is a whole lot longer than I originally planned? Thank you so very much for feedback, it is highly appreciated! I am very glad that people seem to be enjoying this story!

Any questions or comments, leave them below thanks so much, see ya in the next chapter!