The Last of Them

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad

I ride to Masyaf and as I enter the gates, I hear the harmonic humming of the dagger from underneath the stone. I am captivated by the sound and figure that I should gaze upon it once again. I move the stone and the light shines the dagger inside the small trench that I have dug to house the artifact. I am mesmerized by its glow as it takes the light from the sun and shines back to me. I want to hold the dagger and keep it by my side, but I am weary. This power is too great to hold on my person. I frown to myself as I cover the dagger with the stone, shielding its beauty.

I move from the hiding spot and into the fortress to my Master. I hand Al Mualim the feather that holds Azalea's blood and tell him that Sibrand has been disposed of. I voice my growing concern on why Al Mualim has chosen these men to kill. He feeds me his explanations that explain nothing. I question if he is using the Creed to kill those who have personally wronged him. Had he voiced these intentions, I would have done the deed gladly, but his secrecy to his cause gives me growing concern that there is more to these men than it seems.

The Master gives me no responses that give me answers and I begin to question his part in this all. I have never thought to have false feelings towards the Master, however, his suspicious behavior has gone on too long, and if I wish to continue his cause, I need to know what cause my blade is furthering.

I relieve myself from the Master's study and travel to Damascus where I will take another life that I am not sure is deserving of my blade or not. As I travel the Kingdom's road, I stop in front of the sign that points the directions of the surrounding cities. I look at the signs and read the letters that curve to read Jerusalem. The same draw pulls me in when I came to the city to inform Malik of Azalea's false death. Something tells me to go to Jerusalem, not Damascus. I look down at the beast that I have chosen for the last few trips to Masyaf. The beast has grown an attachment to me, and has pushed harder than any horse I have chosen. I comb its hair, and it makes a sound of approval. The horse is prepared for the long journey, so I steer him towards Jerusalem, and move to what I hope will be a somewhat welcome greeting.

I drop down into the Bureau and see that no one else is here other than Malik. "Peace be with you, Malik." I say as I enter the office.

"Altair?" He seems shocked at my appearance here. "Are you not supposed to be in Damascus?"

"Yes," I say calmly and quietly. "The Master has asked me to take the life of the Scholar of Damascus Jabair."

"So, what brings you to Jerusalem then?" Malik seems to be a bit on edge, I wouldn't think it against him for how terribly I had acted against he and Azalea.

"I had much sleep on the matter, and I believe that I acted rashly towards you… and Azalea." I pause at her name, not entirely guaranteed that I feel remorse with my actions toward her. "I give apologies and hope you understand. I know that it will be hard for you and Azalea to give acceptance to my apology, but I hope that one day we can move forward from our squalls."

Malik says nothing at first. I think he will never give thought to the idea of forgiveness; however, he finally answers with, "Why abandon the mission to voice such feelings?"

"Truth be told, friend, I believe the Master's intentions in the death of these men to be strange. I do not understand what binds these men, and why their greed is more important than any others."

"Do you doubt the word of your Master?" Malik asks with no tone in his voice.

"He is never clear on the crimes of these men. And if what you and Abbas have said about him is true, then he is not the man I thought he be." I begin to piece all the lies that Al Mualim has fed me, and I grow sick in my stomach. "You no longer call him Master. You haven't since he refused to execute me for the crimes I committed against the Creed and your family in the Temple of Solomon." Malik brings his head down either for the memory of his brother, or the truth being revealed. "Something about that infernal device has changed him into a man I no longer want to follow. His mind is corrupt by the power he believes it holds."

Malik motions for me to sit and voice my concerns.

I sit with my brother and make time pass with stories of our childhood together. We exchange laughter and anger with our accomplishments and failures. I find myself at ease speaking with my lost friend. He speaks of his brother and I can see he holds back the rage in his eyes towards me.

I lean back in my seat and with a weighty sigh I say, "Would if I could take away the actions of that day." Malik nods his head slowly, taking a sip of his wine. "I was foolish then; my actions were unjust and you and your brother paid consequence."

"There is nothing more we can do for him now." Malik says for the first time since his brother's death. "All we can do now is drink to his memory."

We raise our glasses and shout his name. I groan as the large sip of wine burns my throat. "I must give my apologies for how I acted earlier." I say referring to Azalea. "I was angry and should not have spilled her blood before you."

Malik simply nods and takes a sip of his wine. "She is strong, she will recover if she has not already."

"A strong pupil mirrors a strong master." I say.

Malik laughs, "No, I was never her master." Malik thinks of the girl and I ensure to listen, "My father taught her the way of the Assassin. He informed her of Al Mualim, and what the man did to her father. When I became of age to learn the art of the Assassin, she begged my father to teach her the ways of the kill. He was reluctant at first but knew that she would not stop until Al Mualim was dead. She had a fire inside her that I have never seen extinguished. Once she learned of the identity of the man that took away her family, she was determined to return the favor. After much deliberation, my father realized that she would never back down until she was ready to kill the Master. Ultimately, he gave in and taught us both in secret, until he was killed in battle. It was then that I continued our teachings. She had little respect for me and her talent was greater than mine, it wasn't long until she surpassed me in skill."

"Well I'm sure that was a feeling you were accustomed to." I say jabbing him as he pushes me away with a laugh.

"Oh, she was something special as I assume you know. She moved in ways that I could not comprehend. She was weaker than me in strength, of course, due to her small stature, though she compensated in her patience, cunning, and willingness to stock her prey before pouncing. Eventually she left Jerusalem when she no longer found value in my teachings." I watch the look in Malik's eyes. He is in complete awe of this woman. "I truly loved that woman. Throughout our childhood, I imagined her to be more than just a young girl I trained with. I often envisioned her to be my wife one day." Malik laughs, possibly at why he would tell me such a thought, however, the more he drank, the more his lips flapped at the tale. "She never saw me as such though. She would find amusement every time I propositioned the idea. I envy the man that shall call her wife."

"You love her?" I ask holding my wine tightly in my grip.

"Oh, very much," he sighs, "Though she is incapable of love. Her heart boils heavily with revenge against Al Mualim, and until she finds amity in his death, she cannot shake the sorrow that swells inside her." He pours another glass for himself. "You were the first man that she had lain with." He says almost bitterly. "She came to me with the idea to punish you." He takes a drink. "She was going to make you tired with drink, and when your body was to fall unconscious, she was going to steal your weaponry. I told her the plan was folly; that the great Altair could not be affected by drink so easily." He looks down at his cup. "I wonder what you did to bed her." He says deeply.

I wonder the same. Though I saved her life from Addin's men, I cannot imagine that she was overcome with gratitude that she would give herself to me. She is a snake, and did so to gain my trust, for the soul purpose to take it and kill Al Mualim with it. She continually ordered me to flee the scene, now knowing that she had the dagger, she could have simply healed herself after the guards attacked. I assume she had lain with me not out of gratitude for my staying, but rather she had the intentions the hold time to take my weapons and betray me.

"She is still just a woman, Altair." Malik says, reading my hard expression. "Though she may seem brave and cunning, I still saw her bleed and I still watched her cry. Her mother and father, brothers and sisters, all killed. She is still that young innocent babe; she has just matured to fend for herself. You cannot blame her for that."

I nod at my brother and set down the cup of wine. I take a stand and make my way from the Bureau. I turn to my brother and watch as he sits alone in the room with nothing but his wine to accompany him. "Malik," I say and he looks up at me. "She has respect for you, and that's more than she has given any man." With that, I depart from Jerusalem and to my next target who awaits me in Damascus.

As I approach the city gates, I can see a dark cloud of smoke looming over the middle district, beckoning me to the man whose life I must take for burning the knowledge he sees as a threat. It has been said that Jubair takes books from the streets and has been burning the knowledge their pages hold. The idea brings me disgust as knowledge is necessary for us as a race to grow and thrive, I follow the cloud of smoke towards my enemy with a gleeful stride, eager to remove such an insect from power. The heavy smoke looms over the city and ashes rain down from the sky. Many patrons that walk the streets have cloth covering their noses and mouths to keep away the toxic air, I pull the collar of my robes up to my lips and cover myself from intake of the ashes. The sky is dark with the approaching clouds of smoke, making the scene of his death much more ominous. I speak to my brother of the man whose life I am to claim. He gives me information on where I can find more information on the man, rather than telling me of his location as he would prior to my strip in rank. I investigate as little as I can, because the towers of smoke direct me straight to his location.

I climb towards the rooftops. I find that a direct assault to the ground would prove to be too difficult, and that an air assault would show more results. I reach the rooftops and move closer towards Jubair. I expect to see the bodies of guards around me, I expect to see a clear path to my target, but that is not the case here. I remind myself that I have angered Azalea, and that she will no longer be here to hold my hand through this assassination. I remember that this is how all Assassins are to perform their duties and that I had once not needed her assistance. I move towards the guards and take them down silently, one by one. Each step that I make towards Jubair, I hear the false venom that he spits to those who listen.

"Every single text in this city must be burned!" He roars over the sound of crackling flames. A few of his men scramble throughout the building, moving books back and forth and throwing them into the flames. With every load they feed, the flames grow in their destruction of knowledge. I watch as one of Jubair's men looks frantic at the scene played out before him. The scholar has the look of visible disgust painted in his expression.

"My friend, you must not do this," he approaches Jubair with a failed attempt of maintaining a cheerful composure. "Much knowledge rests within these parchments—put there by ancestors for a reason."

Jubair turns on his heals towards the man and says with venom in his tone, "And what reason is this?"

"They are beacons meant to guide us—to save us from the darkness that is ignorance." The scholar beseeches the man as the flames grow behind him, dancing off the pages they consume.

I begin to move towards the altercation; due to their position near the fire, and Jubair's growing impatience. "No," Jubair says, stepping forward, forcing the scholar to retreat towards the growing flames. "These bits of paper are covered in lies. They poison your minds, and so long as they exist, you cannot have hope to see the world the way it truly is."

The two continue to argue as I approach my target quietly. I almost have him when he quickly throws the scholar into the flames. The scholar waves his arms violently as he tries to catch himself from falling into the flames as the fear of death bulges from his eyes. I tense up as he falls, knowing that I will not have the chance to save him. The scholar quickly falls into the flames and cries out in pain. The men watch in horror as the scholar's cries break and his body goes limp. I lean back away from the edge and cover my nose with the rising smell of burning flesh.

Jubair addresses the tense men. "Any man who speaks as that man did is just as much a threat. Do any else among you wish to challenge me?" The men remain silent, frozen in their fear. Jubair commands the men to continue collecting scripts and the men leave to carry forth his commands. It isn't long until all the men have left and all that remains is my target and myself. I watch as the man paces back and forth fidgeting with his hands, trying to handle his nerves. My presence taking down powerful figures has spread throughout their ranks, and many of them are now becoming aware of my deeds. I am slow and quiet as I move into position to pounce on my prey, and when I finally enter the perfect vantage point, I slide the heel of my foot up and leap down. Jubair hears my descend and looks up at me wildly. He tries desperately to run from my attack but fails as my blade catches his neck. A loud thud is heard as he falls to the ground.

Jubair turns to me, eyes wild with shock. "Why… why have you done this?'

"Men must do as they please." I tell him as I retract the blade from his neck. Blood begins to pour from his body and he visibly becomes weak.

I tell the dying man that he must educate men, and allow them to think for themselves. I tell him that we must teach from right and wrong, and free them through knowledge. He calls me naïve, and in his dying breath, he compares my killing of him to his burning of the scripts: that because I disagree with his ways, I seek to destroy him. He tells me that the Templar men I seek to end are men simply following the writings they believe in. I say nothing to the man and he sighs, with his dying breath, realizing that it matters not anymore, and so his eyes flutter and he leaves this world.

I stain the feather with his blood and lift myself from his body. I climb to the rooftop, where I see Jubair's disciples entering the plaza, about to discover their dead leader. A smile crosses my lips as I make my leave from the scene.

Once I am on the Kingdom road it is not long until I am in Masyaf. I look up at the castle that holds my master and my brothers. I think about the siege on the city that took the life of Azalea's family. To learn that the Master acted against the man that had taught him everything he knows: his master, his brother; I wonder how he could carry out such a heinous act. I begin to feel sick to my stomach with the thought of such betrayal. I find myself having thoughts against Al Mualim, but the idea of betraying the man, and killing his kin, weighs heavily on my heart.

I exorcize the thoughts from my mind and move towards the Master. I enter his study and wish him safety and peace. He looks back at me and seems distant as he speaks to me. He does not congratulate me for the death of Jubair, and though I do not expect him to do so, I find it strange that he does not. He is quick to move forward to my final target Robert de Sable. He informs me that my final target will be at the funeral of the newly deceased Addin. My heart jumps at the events that happened at his death, but I make sure to expel the thought from my mind so my master does not see. The master restores my rank and I am once again a Master Assassin. I thank Al Mualim for the information he has given me, and as I depart from his study, Al Mualim calls out towards me, "Altair," I look back at my master. "I have a question for you." I turn towards him with curiosity. "Do you believe you have learned the importance of the Brotherhood?"

I look at him, wondering what exactly he is asking of me. "Yes, Master. I have learned that my actions effect the Brotherhood as a whole."

"Is there nothing else you have learned?" the Master pries. I stumble to find the words he would like to hear, but the master answers for me. "Have you learned that the bonds you have formed with your Brotherhood are the most significant towards this Creed?" I nod to my Master. "We have been with you since you were a child and are your family. Do you cherish these relationships?"

"Of course, Master. I understand the bond my brothers and I hold," I say in a cautious tone. "I would do nothing to jeopardize the bond."

Al Mualim sighs, "Be weary my child, and know who your enemies are." I nod and move from him with confusion.

On the road towards Jerusalem, I think about the final words of my master. His words lay on my shoulders thinking of what he could have possibly meant. Does he doubt my loyalty to the creed? I cannot imagine what I could have done to make him believe that I am disloyal to my brothers. I think of the woman. He cannot know that she was a part of my assassinations. Malik would do well to ensure her involvement with me to be secret, because it would expose his involvement with her. I think that maybe it could have been Abbas. He has no tie with the woman, aside that he knows of her existence through his father. I try not to think of what my master meant by such words. I ensure myself that he meant nothing by it and gave me the words in hopes that I would no longer question the men that he has chosen for me to kill.

I stare onto the city of Jerusalem from the horizon. All my training has led to this moment. I am to face the man that has terrorized the Creed and become our most dangerous adversary. My hands shake as I hold the reigns of my horse. I haven't felt this nervous for a kill since my first assignment. I try to exorcise the nerves from my mind, but they linger. I decide to move forward, knowing that the nerves will not settle. As I enter the city, I cannot hear the sounds of merchants or beggars, I cannot hear the guards or patrons speak with one another, all I can hear is a high ringing captivating my sense.

I drop down into the Bureau and Malik greets me. "The day has come my friend." I tell him.

"You will find Robert de Sable in the church of the middle district of Jerusalem. He is attending the funeral of your victim, Addin."

"I thank you, Brother, for all you have done." I say as I bow my head. Malik appears to be hesitant, as though something holds him back from speaking, "Speak your mind, Brother, what troubles you?"

"It is nothing, Altair, may you complete your mission with little distraction."

"Malik, speak freely. What is it?"

Malik sighs. "The siege on the castle, some brothers believe that Robert was allowed in by someone in the Creed."

"What brothers have expressed this concern?" I ask with anger in my tone. The siege caused many to die and to hear that they left this world in vain boils my blood.

"Many have, and with certain information I have begun to believe it so. Some believe…" Malik stops himself before he can finish.

"Some believe what, Malik?" I press.

"Some believe the Master to be behind the siege."

"Some, or you and Azalea?" I say with a skeptical tone.

"Altair, the men whom you were asked to kill had the intentions of peace in their mission, which would make them nothing but allies for us."

"Make no mistake; we are nothing like these men. Though their goal sounds noble, the means by which they would achieve it are not. At least… that is what Al Mualim told me." I begin to question myself and targets that Al Mualim has assigned for me to kill. Though I have questioned the motives of my Master's list of men, I have yet to truly allow myself to wonder.

"So, what is your plan?" Malik asks with a sigh.

"What would you have me do, Malik?" I ask wondering what will appease my brother.

"There will be Templar knights at the funeral of Majd Addin. I simply ask that you are cautious, and take any aid given to you."

"Absolutely not." I say lowly, knowing what is it that he asks of me.

"She is a skilled fighter, Altair. Not only is she quick, but as a woman, Robert will not suspect her to be an Assassin."

"She is a venomous snake, Malik. I will not have her anywhere near my mission, let alone the kill of our most feared foe and my final target. Malik, you know what you ask of me is madness."

"She acknowledges that Robert is an enemy of the Creed and will not do anything to jeopardize the mission. I only ask that you prepare yourself for the battle. Robert is cunning and more experienced than you or I. He will be expecting an attack from us. Though what he will not expect if Azalea is there." I roll my eyes and he tries to speak some sense. "She will not take his life; she will leave that to you. She need not be by your side. Simply have her stay at an advantage point and aid you from there. She is very skilled with throwing knives."

I realize that Malik will not sojourn his frantic ranting until I agree so I agree to allow Azalea to join me." Fine," I tell him finally. "She stays on the rooftops, she attacks once I have made the first move, and she will not take the life of any innocent or non-Templar man. And Robert de Sable is my kill. Is that understood?"

"Yes of course," Malik says with glee.

"And Malik," I say and he listens. "I do not want to see or hear from her. She is only there as a contingency, nothing else. And please do relay that information to her."

Malik bows his head and I leave the Bureau with clenched fists. The idea of Azalea watching over me brings nerves through my body. My hatred for this has not subsided and I am not prepared to face her as my ally once more.

Hidden by a sea of mourning patrons, I am able to slip into the ceremony unnoticed. Many of the crowds of people bow their heads in respect of the fallen man, so it is not difficult to sneak passed them. I move towards the alter where the dead man's body lies, and near him is a mass of Templar knights. My heart races, as I am closer to my enemies for comfort. I look around for the aid that Malik promised but I cannot locate her. I hope that she is near and willing to give me aid, for I am unsure how I will kill the Grand Master as well as his disciples.

I look towards the alter where I see him stand. He wears the unmistakable robes of a Templar Grand Master, though I find something odd about the man. He has chosen to cover himself by wearing his helm. I did not know the man to wear such protection in the faces of battle, let alone during a ceremony of mourning. I find the decision odd. Furthermore, he seems… smaller than I remember him. Have I built this fierce man so largely in my mind that in the flesh, he appears to be no more than just another man?

I shake my head from petty thoughts and focus on the mission. I glance up at every vantage point in the sky and nowhere can she be found. I cannot wait for her to show, though I cannot perform this assassination without aid. They begin to speak and my doorway of opportunity begins to close. Slowly I approach the man I shall take when I feel a tug on my robes. I look down to see a small figure in a black cloak. Having her this close to me, she is so small.

"Azalea, what are you doing here?" I whisper with clenched teeth.

"Altair, you mustn't approach these men. There is something not right here." She pleads quietly. "You must leave."

I open my ears to the words coming from the man who speaks of Majd Addin. "As you know, this man was murdered by the Assassins. We have tried to track his killer, but it has proven difficult. These creatures cling to the shadows and run from any who would face them fairly."

I begin to feel my heart race and I take Azalea into my arms, I turn her from me and she guides me away from the sea of bodies that block us from our exit. The crowd begins to tighten its grip on us. I take hold of Azalea's hand, trying to stay close to her as she tries to push her way through the crowd.

"But not today," I hear the man call out to the crowd, "for it seems one stands among us. He mocks us with his presence and must be made to pay."

I close my eyes and for a moment all is still and silent. I take in a deep breath and prepare myself for the battle I am to fight. I open my eyes and look unto Azalea. She seems concerned, her brows coming together in fear. I take another deep breath and as I do so, the crowd opens up and exposes Azalea and I to the Templars. I turn towards the man as he points to us commanding the crowd to seize us. I whip out my blade in one smooth motion and the spectators stand their ground. They were all untrained civilians, none skilled in the art of the sword and none willing to die for Addin or de Sable. Azalea stands at my side with her sword drawn and the crowd begins to erupt into panic. I seize this opportunity of chaos to hide amongst the crowd and make my move. I push through towards a Templar guard and drive my sword through his armor and into his chest. I struggle to remove the sword from the man, though I manage and strike down the next approaching guard.

"Altair!" I look back as Azalea yells my name. She motions me to look up and when I do, I see a swarm of Templar knights atop the rooftops with bows drawn. As the arrows rain down on us, I use a knight who charges at me for cover. I kneel down as the knight falls over me and acts as a shield against the arrows.

I lift the lifeless body over me and look out towards Robert. He stands there with his sword drawn, ready to come for me. Though I find something strange, I notice the man's cape: the indication that he is a Grand Master of the Templar Knights. His cape is long and falls to the ground. I remember the man during the siege on the castle; the cape did not flow to the ground as it does now. I begin to wonder if I remembered the man differently.

In any case, he is my target and now that war has broken out, it would be folly not to strike him down here. I run towards the man, through the crowds of panicked civilians and Templar guards. When I am close enough to earshot, I hear Robert command the archers to stay their hands. I halt my stride immediately as the voice I know far too well as de Sable's is not the voice that comes from this imposter. I try not to lose myself in the battle, but I am struck by such bewilderment. Now that I see the one I believed to be de Sable, it makes sense that it is a woman. The frame, the size, the way she carries herself, she is practically yelling at me that she is not de Sable. I wonder who she is and why de Sable would lay a woman in his place. She is small, and though she carries a broadsword and fights bravely, she can still be bested by a Master Assassin. I wonder what this woman is to de Sable. Perhaps his lover, or possibly a prisoner that he has punished by standing in for him during what he was aware of an assassination against him.

I move towards the imposter in hopes to get information of the location of my true target. I will not waste my time with anyone who is not my target. As I approach her, she swings her broadsword and I am actually taken aback. She is a strong woman that a man with little skill would have trouble besting, though I am a Master Assassin, and I will not allow her to win. I sweep my leg underneath hers and she crashes to the ground. She grunts in discomfort as I grab her and flea from the archer's sight. I glance back at Azalea who continues to fight the Templar knights. She is holding them off fine, so I focus on the woman.

"I would see your eyes before you die," I tell her as I remove her helm. I look upon her face and without surprise, I am assured that she is a woman.

"I sense you were expecting someone else." She says with a subtle smile curving her lips. I look upon her face and her hair has stuck to her face with her sweat. She breathes heavily and is obviously exasperated. I look upon her eyes and they are golden as they reflect into the light. Her brow comes together and I can sense a fierceness in her. "We knew you'd come," she tells me with a smile still on her face "Robert needed to be sure he'd have time to get away."

"So, he flees?" I say pulling away from her.

"We cannot deny your success. You have laid waste to our plans. First the treasure—then our men. Control of the Holy Land away… But then, he saw an opportunity. To reclaim what had been stolen. To turn your victories to our advantage."

"Al Mualim still holds your treasure and we've routed your army before." I tell her. I hear Azalea step behind me, the sound of battle silencing. "Whatever Robert plans, he will fail."

"Ah, but it is not just Templars you will contend with now." She says.

I look back at Azalea and her eyes are wide as she stares down at the other woman. She is shocked just as I was. I look back at the woman., "Speak sense." I demand.

"Robert rides for Arsuf to plead his case: that Saracen and Crusaders unite—against the Assassins."

Azalea points her sword for aid, though I lift my hand to stay hers. "That will never happen. They have no reason to."

She smiles now, exposing her teeth "Had no reason to, perhaps. But now you've given them one. Nine, in fact. The bodies you've left behind—victims on both sides. You've made the Assassins an enemy in common and ensured annihilation of your entire Order. Well done."

"Not nine, eight."

"What do you mean?" she asks and I remove my blade from her neck.

"Altair, what are you doing?" Azalea asks but I do not look upon her, I focus on the woman.

"You were not my target. I will not take your life."

"Altair, she is a Templar. She is your enemy."

The woman looks upon Azalea, watching her she says, "How forward of your Creed to allow a woman fight amongst you."

Azalea draws her blade to the woman but I come in-between them. "You are free to go. But do not follow me."

She lifts herself to her feet "You are already too late."

"We'll see." I tell her, and with that I turn from her and guide Azalea from the scene as more archers assume their position.

Azalea follows me to the Bureau and after I tell Malik that woman has told me where Robert de Sable is, he advises me to speak with the Master. I interject, telling him that now that the woman has told me where de Sable is, I can find him and finally end this. Without his permission, I tell him that I will do it my way and he finally agrees. I tell Azalea that she should stay back with Malik and to my surprise, she does not argue. I wonder to myself why she would not join me in this battle, but I let it be and move to Robert.

After riding the horse to battle, I look upon the battlefield before me, and I think about how it will all end here. If I succeed in killing Robert, I will have the favor of the Assassins, though Al Mualim's request to kill these men will haunt me for the remainder of my life. He above all knows that using the Order to kill for one's own gain is a direct violation of our principles. However, my life can also end this day and everything will be for nothing. I take in a deep breath and allow my muscles to relax. I kick the horse towards the battlefield and charge to what may be my death.

When I reach the threshold of the battle, I am greeted by King Richard and his army with unwelcomed glances. I tell the Lord that he has a traitor in his midst and he is skeptical when I inform him of de Sable and his intentions.

"That's not the way he tells it," Richard says, holding the reigns of his horse tightly as he towers over me. "He seeks revenge against your people for the havoc you've wrought in Acre. And I am inclined to support him. Some of my best men were murdered by yours." He says with a pressed tone.

I frown at the realization that Richard's ear has been snared by the snake de Sable. I speak out to the king, knowing that these may be my final words. "It was I who killed them, and for good reason." Richard's demeanor turns dark and I press on to explain my actions. "Hear me out," I call over the sound of raging fires, "William of Montferrat sought to use his soldiers to take Acre by force. Garnier de Naplouse used his skills to indoctrinate and control any who resisted. Sibrand intended to block the ports, preventing your kingdom from providing aid. They betrayed you. And they took their orders from Robert."

"You expect me to believe this outlandish tale?" King Richard roared.

"You knew these men—better than I. Are you truly surprised to learn of their ill intentions?"

The King places his head down for a moment, as if to wonder who these men really are to him. He looks to his side unto a soldier covered by his helm. "Is it true?" He asks of the man.

The knight removes his helm and I smile finally facing Robert de Sable, the coward who sent a woman as his stand-in. I look unto the Knight and him onto me. It is the first time I lay eyes on him since our encounter in the Temple of Solomon. I clench my fist at the man whom I have been tracking to kill as he stands before me. Yet, I cannot make a move towards the man until King Richard sees the error of his lieutenant's ways. Robert smiles at me with a chilling grimace, "My liege," he says turning to King Richard with a pleasant demeanor than the one he gives me. "It is an Assassin that stands before us; these creatures are masters of manipulation. Of course it isn't true."

"I have no reason to deceive." I snap in defense.

"Oh, but you do," Robert snaps back. "You're afraid of what will happen to your little fortress. Can it withstand the combined might of the Saracen and Crusader armies?" he smiles at the idea of a fallen Masyaf.

"My concern is for the people of the Holy Land." I return, "If I must sacrifice myself for there to be peace, so be it."

"This is a strange place we find ourselves in," the King enters, "each of you accusing the other."

"There really is no time for this," Robert turns from me. "I must be off to meet with Saladin and enlist his aid. The longer we delay, the harder this will become." Robert begins to move to his horse, hoping the matter ended, but the King halts his progression. De Sable begins to grow apprehensive, as Richard does not want to take his side so willingly. The notion brings me hope that this man will see justice yet. However, as Robert and Richard argue over the matter, Richard finally comes to consensus. Robert and I must fight to the death, and God will be the judge of who's actions are just.

I watch Robert carefully when Richard suggests the idea. He's aggravated though a smile crosses is face, possibly thinking about our first battle and how easily he bested me. Though I believe I have evolved as a warrior since our last fight, and I am more confident that I can finish Robert.

Robert smiles and with the permission of his King, he unsheathes his sword and the King's men form a circle around us. I look upon Robert, who is well rested, with armor protecting his body. I on the other hand, am fatigued from my travels wearing nothing but my robes to protect me. It is clear that Robert has the advantage over this fight, and he is aware of it.

"So, we face each other once more." The knight says with a grin painted on his face. "Let us hope you prove more of a challenge this time." He says with a wry laugh.

"I am not the man you faced inside the temple," I let out, raising my sword to the battle.

"You look the same to me." De Sable says raising his sword as well.

"Appearances can deceive," I say with a smile.

The knight agrees and with a crooked smile, he steps forwards and swings his sword my way. His heavy broadsword snatches mine, and my arm aches at his attack, I step beck and move my arm into position to defend again. De Sable's heavy sword takes great strength to carry and move. He is moving slow in the fight and each step is calculated and slow. I know that his strength in this battle will be his downfall. Often, when Azalea and I would fight, she would fall to her knees and jab me with cuts to my legs. She was quicker and smaller than I, as I am to Robert.

I step back from Robert and he laughs with triumph, thinking that I stepped back in fear, not to survey his stance. As he approaches me, I run to him, and before we collide, I fall to my knees, slide towards him, and with my hidden blade, I slice his thigh. The knight roars and I lift myself to my feet. Robert taunts me with his plans to kill my brothers and burn Masyaf. I tell him he will not execute his plan so easily. He yells and our swords clash again. His strength pushes me farther down than I am comfortable, and Robert sees this. I step back from Robert and use my advantage against him. Each advancement he makes, I slide away from, and each strike he makes, I am quick to deflect. Robert begins to breathe heavily and shout with every blow. He is becoming more and more aggressive.

"Oh…" Robert falls back with a huff of air, "The child has learned to use a blade."

"I've had a lot of practice. Your men saw to that." I taunt.

"They were sacrificed in service to a higher cause."

"As will you be."

De Sable leaps forward with a cry. He swings at me, but I back away from him, and de Sable tumbles down. De Sable grows angry now, angry, and sloppy. He begins to swing at me with blind rage, no skill to his form. I smile at the thought that this is soon to be over. The man yells at me and I calmly respond to him. My demeanor making him all the angrier. I run to him now, and as he turns to me, I kick back my sword and drive it into his chest. My sword ripping through his mail and robes. Robert gasps, eyes widened and mouth dropped open. He goes to grab the sword that impales him, and I remove it from him, blood staining the Red Cross on his robes. The knight falls to his knees and I fall with him. I look up at the guards who stand their ground at the sight of a dying Robert. I look back at my final target, lifting his head to prevent him from choking on his blood. I have questions for the Templar that I intend answers to.

"You're but a puppet. He betrayed you, boy. Just as he betrayed me." He says spitting up blood.

"Speak sense, Templar, or don't speak at all." I say angrily.

"Nine men he sent you to kill yes?" the knight grins wildly, "The nine who guarded the treasure's secret." He speaks of the nine Templars who were tasked with receiving and guarding the treasure of Solomon's Temple. The nine targets that I was tasked to kill. "It wasn't nine who found the treasure, Assassin." He smiles, "Not nine, but ten."

"A tenth?" I exclaim. "None may live who carry the secret. Give me his name and he shall die."

"Oh, but you know him well. And I doubt you would take his life as willingly as you did mine." I yell at him to tell me who and he laughs. "He killed his master, butchered his family while they slept. All to become your master." He laughs, speaking of Al Mualim's actions against his master Hasan. "It is your Master, Al Mualim."

"But he is not a Templar." I say trying to make sense of the matter, though I don't know what to think anymore.

"Did you ever wonder how he knew so much?" De Sable coughs blood. "Where to find us, how many we numbered, what we aspire to attain?" I argue that he is the Master Assassin, and has eyes in all cities but Robert shakes his head. "Master of Lies. You and I are just pawns in his grand game. And now, with my death… only you remain."

"But I have no interest in the treasure." I explain.

"Ah, but he does. The only difference between your master and I is that he did not want to share." I try to argue but Robert stops me. "Ironic, isn't it? That I—your greatest enemy—kept you safe from harm. But now you've taken my life, and in the process, ended your own."

I sigh as the once great knight and Grand Master of the Templar Order, dies in my arms. I rise to Richard who commends me on my victory in battle. However, I do not take the man's words to heart. I am left in shock at the circumstances that have been lain out before me. I tell the King that I must go and find Al Mualim. He asks me if my task is a righteous one or one of vengeance. I think for a moment, and tell him it is for justice. I leave the King to his battle and move towards my final target, where I will face the man I once treated as my father.

As I enter the gates to Masyaf, the horse—that I have gathered as my own—wines and rears as we enter the threshold. I try to calm the beast but fear overcomes him. I remove myself from the beast and leave him in the stables outside. When I enter the city, I am struck by bleak silence. There is an absence of life in the courtyard. I listen for the ringing of Azalea's dagger and I cannot hear it. I dig frantically for the device by the gates and come up with nothing but dirt. My heart beats heavily as I try to think what happened to the dagger. I clench my fists until they are white and punch the wall. My knuckles bleed but I do not feel the pain. I look back at the bleak courtyard as the clouds shield the sun's rays from entering the city. All is abnormally still as I walk the city. No villagers yell, no birds sing, and there is an eerie nothingness in the air.

As I enter the threshold of the Assassin's guild, I look up to the tower where Al Mualim often looks out. I wonder if he looks upon me, knowing the battle that will ensue. I see in the distance, a group of Assassins with their swords drawn. I draw my own, knowing that I cannot kill these men. They have been drugged, or their minds have been taken. I think of the dagger and the very power it held. I was a fool not to believe that this Apple my Master took held such power. It is clear now that the Master has used the device to take the minds of my brothers, and so everything that de Sable said about the Master was true.

I watch as my brothers come to me with a sluggish charge. The men are slow and unable to move as a human does. I smile and charge at the men. I hit them with my shoulders and they fall to their feet. They try to fight but it seems as though their arms are too heavy to support, and I move through their ranks swiftly. From above I hear my name called out. I look up to the sight of Malik and two other Assassins. I am wary of his presence, wondering if it is in fact Malik, or a trick to lure me to my death. Though Malik waves his good arm my way and with a light in his eyes, I realize that he is in fact himself.

"You picked a fine time to arrive." I say with a smile, and Malik nudges me. With a grimace I say, "You were right about the Master, Malik. He has betrayed us."

"After we spoke, I returned to the ruins beneath Solomon's Temple. Robert had kept a written record, filled its pages with revelations. What I read there broke my heart… but it also opened my eyes. We were not meant to save the Holy Land but deliver it to him."

"Be careful, Malik. What he's done to the others he'll do to us, given the chance."

"What do you propose? My blade is strong and my men remain my own. It would be a mistake not to use us."

"Where is Azalea?" I ask looking behind him.

Malik shakes his head. "She left promptly after you did for Robert. I believe she foolishly took it upon herself to challenge the Master."

"She must have found the dagger I hid from her." I let out to myself. I look up at Malik whose eyes are sad at the thought of Azalea now. She may be skilled, but not enough to take on the Master. He and I both know that. "Distract these thralls." I tell him. "Assault the fortress from behind. If you can draw your attention away from me, I can reach Al Mualim." He nods and I warn, "These men that we face, their minds are not their own. If you can avoid killing them…"

"Yes," Malik says, "though he betrayed the tenant of the creed does not mean that we must as well. I will do what I can."

I fight my way inside the fortress that I have walked through many times before. I walk to the garden where I see a sea of villagers. They chant a mantra against their will as Al Mualim holds up the small sphere from his library. I feel a sickness in my stomach as I approach the scene. The garden on the fortress has always been a place that I sought refuge from my thoughts. Now, the garden is dead and desolate, as Al Mualim sucks the life from all who stand in its wake.

I look upon the master as the sphere in his hands glows brightly, intensifying with every second, pulsating as if it were alive. As my eyes meet Al Mualim's I feel an intensified pain overcome my body. I grunt at first, trying to gather myself, but the pain becomes too intense and I let out a shout. I begin to feel my body move as I am lifted in the air, raised from the ground, and trapped in a shimmering orb of light. A high-pitched sound begins to emanate in the air and I look for its source. It is coming from the Apple. The same noise that came from Azalea's dagger. I gather now that the two devices originate together. My muscles begin to ache and quench as the Apple plays with me.

I look down and there I see her. She is unconscious and I cannot tell if she is breathing. "Azalea!" I manage through the pain and the Master finally speaks.

"Ah she came to you for revenge." I feel my head ache, and within the sphere, I open my eyes to see a memory played before me. I see Azalea's face the night I took her chastity. She smiles up at me as I remove her cloak and robes. "The snake has bitten her prey." Al Mualim says as he watches the memory.

"What's happening?" I cry out between clenched teeth as I try to escape the grasp of the shimmering light.

"So, the student returns."

"I've never been one to run." I say looking onto Azalea's face, now seeing the blood run down her lips and the sword in her chest. It is undisputable that she is dead.

Al Mualim scoffs, and moves my face to his so I can no longer look upon Azalea. "Never been one to listen, either." Al Mualim smiles, "What will I do with you?"

"Let me go." I say in-between teeth as I struggle to remove myself from this sorcery.

"Oh, Altair. I hear the hatred in your voice; feel its heat. Let you go? That would be unwise."

"Why are you doing this?" I ask.

"I believed once. Did you know that? Thought there was a God. A God who loved and looked after us. Who sent prophets to guide and comfort us. Who made miracles to remind us of his power."

"What changed?"

"I found proof."

"Proof of what?"

"That it is all an illusion." Suddenly, I was no longer trapped by the light, nor was I suspended in the air. I looked around and everything I believed to be real was simply a tick of the device. I look over to Azalea who no longer has a sword in her chest or blood on her face. She is still knocked unconscious, but she is breathing and alive. A sigh of relief overcomes my body. "Come," Al Mualim yells out as he raises the Apple in his hand. "Destroy the betrayer. Send him from this world."

Suddenly, all the men I had killed in the name of Al Mualim arise to fight me. Each of the nine victims come to me, and each of them I strike down with my blade. I smile with triumph as the men fall to my blade. Once the last of them are dead, Al Mualim lifts the Apple and from the corner of my eye, Azalea's lifeless body arises. Her eyes are closed and her head moves from side to side as Al Mualim controls her movements. I remind myself that she is still alive, and that she is not an illusion as the others were. She holds her blade and begins to lunge towards me. I jump from her advancements, but I grow tired from the battles. Al Mualim laughs triumphantly. I look at Azalea, and that's when I see it shining in the small ray of light. Her dagger is suspended on her waist. For a brief moment, I am excited. I know what I must do, and I must do it quickly. With a flick of my wrist, my hidden blade springs out. I drive the blade into Azalea's stomach and I feel her body loosen in my grasp. Her body collapses in my arms as I fall to my knees. I look onto her and her eyes open, her brows tangle together in confusion and pain. She looks up at me as blood spills from her abdomen. I unsheathe her dagger and force it into her bloody hands. I lean my head down to her ear. "Hold on, I will return to your aid." With those words, I leave her and climb towards my final target.

Al Mualim's eyes flash with fear as I climb up to his study and pull myself through the window. I am fatigued from my battle with de Sable and the ghosts of my enemies; though the battle is not over until the final target is removed. "I am not afraid." Al Mualim says in a frail tone as I approach him.

"Prove it." I say in a hoarse tone approaching the frail man.

He lifts the Apple in my direction, giving him a false security that the Apple will protect him. Al Mualim moves the Apple, and with a flash of light, the Apple creates multiple copies of Al Mualim, all taunting me. A smile crosses my lips as I assume these copies will be weaker than the original source, just as they had been in the courtyard. "I knew you took her as a lover, Altair." The copies say as they approach me. "You gave me her blood when you killed Sibrand. The Apple told me it was not his blood, but another's… hers." I remember how the Master regarded me strangely after the assassination of Sibrand. "I knew then that you betrayed me."

"No," I say striking down a copy. "It was you who betrayed Hasan and his family when you took their life." I take down another copy. "It was you who betrayed the young babe as you hunted her family down." I kill another. "It was you who betrayed the Creed and all the brothers." I strike down the last copy and now it is only Al Mualim and myself.

"Have you any last words?" Al Mualim teases.

"You lied to me. You called Robert's goal foul, when all along it was yours as well."

"I've never been much good at sharing." He says with a wry laugh.

"You won't succeed," I tell him. "Others will find the strength to stand against you."

Al Mualim sighs, "And this is why so long as men maintain free will, there can be no peace."

"I killed the last man who spoke as such." I threaten, approaching the man.

Al Mualim laughs, "Bold words, boy. But they are just words."

"Then let me go and I will turn them into action."

I speak with the Master regarding the Apple and he tells me of its power of illusion. The Apple's tricks are just that, tricks of the mind to manipulate the mind of man. I think of the power of the dagger that Azalea used. Its power was different, not of illusion but something else. Were there more of these treasures, and if so, did they all have different powers? The Master speaks of using the Apple to ensnare the thoughts of men and he confesses that he tried to do the same to me but was unable to ensnare me. I think of the power the Apple had on me and the pull the dagger had as well, though I resisted both temptations. I call Al Mualim a coward for relying on the Apple for strength, and the weary man grows angry. He grabs his sword and motions me to do the same.

The Master uses the Apple's sorcery to his advantage in this fight. He disappears with the Apple, and then reappears with an attack. When Al Mualim disappears, I look around frantically for him, until he reappears and lunges at me with a surprising pace for his age. "I will miss you, Altair. You were my best student." With that, Al Mualim thrusts forward towards me, and slashes at my blade. I step backwards, and Al Mualim disappears again, only to reappear and charge at me again. He swings again, and this time he slices a small part of my hip. I wince in pain and his eyes widen with wild triumph. Al Mualim swings again and pushes me to my toes, causing me to lose my balance. I gain my composure before he can deliver a deadly blow to my leg. Al Mualim moves towards me again, taunting me with every step that he advances. He swings at me again and grazes a section of my arm. I see the blood surface through the robes. He is strong, and I underestimated the man. I am too tired from my fight with Robert and the ghosts and Azalea. I was not ready to face the Master, and he is proving himself the Master. I am facing exhaustion, and I will soon face death if I do not change my stance.

I watch as the Master relies on the Apple for his attacks. I grin and move towards the Apple, faking an attack, and when he believes I am attacking the Apple, I move swiftly and strike his chest. The Master shouts in pain and I go to make another move, but the Master is on his feet, and he attacks me with an uppercut of the blade, slicing my cheek, too close to the eye. I look upon my master and it is then I finally see it. The Master looks more worn then before, and as the Apple pulses in his hands, it breathes in new life in him. The Apple is giving him the strength to defeat me, not his skill. Knowing this, I move for the Apple. I attack the Master by swinging my blade for his core, and as he is concerned defending the attack; I drive my hidden blade in his wrist. He roars in pain and drops the Apple. I take the moment to attack, and I come running at the man as he staggers, stabbing him in the chest, driving my blade deeper.

"Impossible," the Master gasps as he falls into my arms. "The student does not defeat the teacher."

"You have won, then. Go claim your prize." I tell him as the Apple sits just within arm's reach, glowing in the distance. "You held fire in your hands, old man. It should have been destroyed.

"Destroy the only thing capable of ending the Crusades and creating true peace?" the old man let out a bloodied laugh, "never."

"Then I will." I place the dying man's head on the marble flooring. I feel a pang of self-hatred hit my heart as I leave the man I once saw as my father. I kneel down and take hold of the small orb that corrupted a strong man. The object comes to life at my touch and begins to pulsate in my hand. I walk in the courtyard where I see Malik help Azalea to her feet. She used the knife to heal her wound and looks as though she is herself again. She glances over at Al Mualim and tears fall down her cheek. Her face twists in anger as she sees the dying man, glaring at me, showing her hatred that it was I who killed Al Mualim, and not her.

The other Assassins come and as they do, a shot of light bursts from the Apple and shines in the sky. The Apple is pulsating in my hand and a surge of energy climbs up my arm. Light shoots from the Apple and shines in the sky. Malik and his men are as hypnotized as I with the light that emanates from the device. I hear Azalea yell behind me to destroy the Apple, but I cannot. I will not. The power is overwhelming. It is intoxicating. I cannot take my eyes from its powerful glow that draws me in, and I fear that I am captivated.