Disclaimer: AC doesn't belong to me. OC's do.
A/N: Oh jeez. This is the longest chapter yet. And I still cut out parts of it as well to be in the next chapter. Should of done what I did in the past ones, but still this is long!
Still many details I wish I could of added, things to fix, but I will deal with it for now.
I apologize for grammar errors and the such.
Also, please leave some feedback if you wouldn't mind. If you like it, hate it, or something. I love having it fav'd and alert'd, but feedback would be nice.
Enjoy!
Also, if you are a fan of the story, you can read a little part detailing the second part of the story (coming up within the next few chapters) that takes place in the future. Just click on my site on the profile. I would provide a direct link, but doesn't seem to like my html writing. *shrug*
Chapter Six:
Strength
~*~
Altair was grateful to see the shape of land in the gray horizon. His legs would be safe on land where he felt he belonged. He still wasn't comfortable around water. If men were meant to be on the sea, he pondered, then men would have fins like fish, but they did not.
He bit his lip as Caelin walked by. To avoid saying anything rash to her, or to appear disinterested in her presence. She stopped next to him, facing his opposite gazing blankly at the blue sea.
There was still tension between them. He thought back to their first quarrel just moments after they started their journey. He felt awkward, and unsure of how to converse with her. He desired to try to make amends, getting her good side would make the mission much easier, but he didn't know how.
It took over a week before she talked to him again. Obviously she as well was trying to reconcile simply asking him how he was feeling. He replied, and offered the statement back to her. Then, they stood in silence, and went their separate ways. He could only guess she had a nightmare about Malik snapping at her. His "angry" voice echoing in her head, demanding she act civil. Often, Malik invaded his dreams as well. That man had a way of controlling people no matter where he might be. He had quite the gruff and scary appearance when he wanted to, but Altair and Caelin both knew how secretly soft and gentle he was.
"We're almost there." she bluntly said, not bothering to take her eyes off the water.
Altair stood there, silent for a moment. He slowly nodded his head, "Yes we are."
He watched her out of the corner of his eye pull her hood over her head. Her light brown hair looked tangled, being blown back and forth in the salty wind. It curved under her ears, she had been growing it out for this moment, he figured. Not long ago her hair was shorter than his own which he needed to trim. He puffed his lips, blowing a steam of air up at his bangs.
He stared at her for a moment. The fact she was a woman, made sense with her overly young, boyish looks. She wasn't overly feminine as well. His opinion about her hadn't changed, to him, she was still Abyad. The novice who tried to drown him on multiple occasions. Also, a novice who used to stare up at him with large, doe eyes shinning with admiration. Well, until the accident at Solomon's Temple.
Her eyes met his. Caelin leered back, "Yes?" she sounded bitter.
"I," he was hesitant with his reply. Caelin watched his serious face turned embarrassed. "I'm going to try and make things up to you. I'll find someway to apologize."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't bother."
"No," Altair turned to her, head titled to the side scooting closer to her. She seemed to edge away from him. "We're brothers―" he grimaced, she smirked, huffing at his blunder. "Well no, but you understand where I'm coming from."
"Anyways."
"We're allies, not enemies."
"We're not anything--"
Altair clasped his hand over her mouth. She glared. "I'm not done yet." he snapped. "We're allies whether you want us to be or not. We need to work together, not fight and bicker."
"Too late for that."
"We got off to a rough start," she opened her mouth again, Altair moved his hand towards her mouth which she promptly closed. "Yes I know, it was my fault." she grinned. "See. I'm already reading your mind, allies."
"That does n―do not touch me!"
"As I was saying. I can't have us two lose the Piece because of our contention."
"I whole heartedly agree." Altair sensed a low tone of malice in her voice. "How about when we dock, I'll go to one side of the island, and you the other."
"That's not helping."
"I think it is."
Altair sighed, but smiled. "Whatever you say. Look, this is the most we've ever talked."
She didn't say anything for a moment. Altair watched a smile creep across her lips, Caelin turned away to hide it from him. "Sadly, that's true." she replied. She sighed, shoulders slumping, sounding defeated. "I promise to act more civil."
Altair continued to smile. "You had nightmares about Malik didn't you?"
It was the first time he heard her laugh. "It appears you are quite the mind reader after all. Please tell me you didn't steal that last Piece of Eden?"
"When we back in Acre, I had dreams of him yelling at me to study."
"He has quite the talent for that." Caelin softly chuckled, then let out a heavy, but happy sigh. "No wonder you've been tired as of late, he plaguing your dreams?"
Altair shifted uncomfortably. "You've noticed?"
"You don't look well," she pointed to his eyes. "You and Malik both get terrible bags under your eyes, and you look terribly pale. I've watched you nod off, and you just seem completely gloomy compared to your usual mood." she folded her arms, looking at the ground, unsure of whether to be proud of embarrassed at how analytical she was.
Altair wasn't too surprised by her analysis. She had once looked up to him like many of the other younger Assassin's did. It made him feel proud, she knew these facts out of respect for him. He always knew her to be very, very observant. Analytical and extremely intelligent, were her strongest attributes. Much like the man she called brother. Actually, in many ways she was Malik made over.
"Yes...I have had problems sleeping as of late."
She patted him quickly on the shoulder. He felt she wanted to console him then, but her soft gaze turned into a glare. "Well, learn to sleep better. I'm going to go grab my stuff, not much longer until we reach shore."
Caelin aggressively stalked away. Altair laughed to himself. "Caelin," he called. She kept walking, but her head turned towards him. "Thank you." She shrugged it off, disappearing into the hull of the ship.
~*~
The two assassin's stood side by side on the dock, looking around their surroundings, feeling slightly lost. Caelin had pulled out a map, examining it. The only thing both knew is they were geographically placed where the Piece was suppose to be. All they could hope it was still around.
"Wish we could of ended up in Greece." Caelin muttered under her breath. Altair passed her a curious glance. "Philosophy. It's interesting." her voice flattered to a whisper. "You might know that if you read."
Altair pretended to not hear her insult. He glanced around, watching ships float by, swimming in and out of shore. He watched as one ship full of brown skinned men heartily pulled up a large net filled with struggling fish. Gulls screeched over head. The town stuck out from the rock hills. The houses wond up the mountain, nestled in the hills, basking in the late afternoon sun. His head slowly rotated, taking in the sights of crowds pacing quickly, carrying baskets full of lemons, grapes, olives, and other such foods. Everyone on the port seemed busy, aside from him and Caelin.
She coughed, drawing his attention. Her eyes glanced at him impatiently. She was tapping her foot, and had stuffed her map into her traveling pack. Come on, you're in charge, let's get going, he heard her mentally sneering at him.
He took the first few steps. As he figured, she followed him, and had been waiting for him to make the first move.
"Where do you think we should head first?" he asked.
"I have no clue."
Altair sighed. He was filled with the desire to bash his head against the closet wall, or slap her upside the head. He resisted both, unfortunately he felt.
Altair gazed up to the sky, seeing the sun had started to sink in across the horizion. "It'll be sunset soon."
"I think trying to spend today searching for the Piece would be unsuccessful."
He nodded in agreement. "We'll look for an inn, and formulate what we'll do—Caelin?" he asked, watching her suddenly stray away from him. Her gaze was fixed on something as she weaved effortlessly through the crowds of people.
He dashed after her, apologetically pushing through the moving mod. However, they smiled at him. He wasn't quite used to that. Angry scowls or incredulous looks were what he was used to receiving. Their dark brown eyes, warm, and friendly. He, quite liked that.
She stopped in front of a sign on the wall, eying it carefully. "What is it?" Altair asked, gazing past her shoulder at the paper. It was covered with fancy and elaborate letters, large and excited, in an attempt to catch the eye. Altair peered at Caelin, who stared blankly, entranced by the paper.
"Caelin?" he repeated her name.
She shook her head. "Yes?"
"What is it?"
She took the sign off the wall, and folded it carefully. "Just, an idea. That's all."
"And that idea would be...?"
"I'll tell you later. Let's find an Inn."
~*~
Something had grabbed a hold of him. Altair could hear it screaming his name, shaking him violently. He couldn't do anything, afraid, staring at the darkness that ensnared him. He tried to force himself awake, but it did nothing. It was becoming harder to breathe. It continued to scream his name, he heard that man's voice whispering words in his ears.
His head gave one hefty thud against the pillow, and his eyes jolted open, staring at a pair of vibrant blue eyes. He laid there in shock, breathing heavily, head feeling disorientated.
Caelin's gaze, both fearful and shocked, didn't waver from his. She was standing over him, her hands on his bare shoulders were warm to his frigid skin.
"What the hell, Altair?! What the hell!"
She drew back the covers off him, he let out a heavy stream of air, and coughed. Those covers seemed like excruciating weights against his beating chest. She continued to repeat her previous sentence, head shaking like her hands, eyes wide, befuddled.
He leaned up in his bed, his heart and breathing still fast and short. He held his head, it throbbed painfully. While the rest of his body was freezing, it was hot. His head was light, and it made him sick to his stomach.
He felt the side of his bed give into her weight. She placed her hand against his forehead, then the back of his neck. Altair calmed down at her touch, realizing it was real, and he was free from his nightmare.
Caelin muttered something under her breath, flustered, still perplexed. She took a deep breath, in time with his, both easing their distress.
"What was that?"
"What?"
She glared at him. "I'm happily sleeping, then your frivolous tossing and turning wakes me up. My first thought is you had a woman in your bed, but then I look over to see you hyperventilating, moaning, pathetically whimpering 'no'. Then your body starts to convulse. I go over to shake you and you scream at me!"
Altair let his head fall, rolling to the right and left, listening to his neck pop. Caelin reached around him to the nightstand, grabbing a dark glass bottle. "I told you not to drink all of this. Hell, I told you not to buy it! Buy us only one room instead of two, and then waste our money on this!"
"It was to help me sleep." He also didn't want to tell her why he bought one room. It ashamed him to say he felt terrified to be alone in his current state.
"And look what good that did you. Just, bloody hell!"
She stomped off to the other side of the room, rummaging through her stuff. Altair glanced out the window. Light started to sneak through the pane. His focus turned back to his companion as she shoved him back against his bed. She placed something in his hand, and a damp rag lingered on his heated forehead. She popped the top of her canteen, shoving it into his other hand. Altair recognized it well as the object she used to always throw at him.
"Take that, drink that, and get better, quickly."
"I'm fine."
"I don't care, do as I say, now." she threatened.
"Yes mother." he replied dully, the two exchanged glares.
She sat at his bedside, staring aimlessly out the window. Altair watched her for a bit, before finding himself comfortable with closing his eyes once more.
Caelin coughed lightly to herself. "I heard you whispering his name."
Altair's eyes stayed closed. "Who?"
"Al Mualim." She took his silence for the answer she was looking for. "You've been having nightmares about him."
"Yes I have."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure." his eyes opened, staring at the back of her head. "They aren't always about him though."
"What else?"
"I can't remember by the time I wake up."
She turned around to face him. Caelin took the rag off his forehead. She lifted the back of his head up, and placed it underneath his neck. Altair shivered to the cold, wet touch of the cloth. "How long as this been going on?"
"Just since Bethlehem."
"Since we started looking for the Pieces of Eden." she whispered, staring down at the floor, mind working hastily. Altair could see her formulating everything in her mind.
"Yes." he replied. "Don't tell Malik."
"Why shouldn't I?"
"I'm not sure. But I'm begging you don't. I don't need Rais or Malik knowing about this."
Altair heard Malik's voice in his head. His mind transported back just before he left Masayf.
"You've been bothered about something." the one armed man said.
Altair didn't turn around to meet Malik's gaze. He could feel his friends bearing down on his back, unwavering. "Tell me." his words more of a demand than a question.
Altair wasn't sure if he either wanted to confide in the man, or ignore the statement. He'd have to choose fast, feeling Malik's stare deepen, growing aggressive. That's how the man was towards him, demanding. It was almost futile to try and escape from this situation.
"Raise told me most of the mission you were distract." Malik would keep talking until Altair gave in, or was annoyed. Of course, Malik might also resort to bantering him. "I heard you weren't preforming sufficiently."
"I did just fine." Altair's finally turned around to face Malik. "And I'll be fine for the next mission as well."
"I'm not sure if I want you going to Crete. I will not have you distracted. I--"
"Malik, I'll be fine."
Malik had a hold of Altair's arm, looming over him. His overbearing gaze made the pit of his stomach churned. "I won't let your pride get my sister killed."Altair bowed his head, accepting what his wrong. "Now tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing." his arm twinged with pain for a brief second listening to Malik scowl. "Nothing, I feel like talking about yet."
Malik signed. "Altair, I need to know your focused. I need you to make up for what Caelin will lack. I should send Rais, but with the baby coming soon. Hell, maybe I should be in your place."
Altair's arm broke free as Malik loosened his grasp. Both of his hands grabbed his shoulders, his face close to Malik, locking eyes. Altair could clearly see the drink rings of stress and lack of sleep on Malik's face. He was worried, and if he continued to do so, he'd probably make himself sick. His sisters unwillingness to partner up for this mission, sending her into danger, his trusted servant and friend refusing help. Altair didn't want to put more burden on Malik's shoulders. It was the last thing he needed.
He forced a smile. "I promise I will be a hundred percent focused his time. Caelin and I will be safe."
Caelin sighed. "So what are you going to do about me knowing now?"
Altair smirked. "Well, I figured you might enjoy me being in pain."
She rolled her eyes. "Rais told me you've been moody as of late. Nightmares, and condemning the Lord."
"Can you blame me, on the latter that is."
"No." she sternly snapped. "I'm a Christian, remember? Rais told me of your rants in Bethlehem, it made me angry."
"Just another thing to put on your list of reasons to curse my name, correct?"
She signed, rotating to face him. "As much as I'm in the mood to continue our banter, I have a mission to worry about. You as well. I can put my pride aside for a small while."
"Save it on the way home when you can rip apart this foolish hieratic?"
"Could not of said it better myself." she stood up, and walked to her bed. She grabbed her boots, pulling them over her feet. "You rest here, I'm going to go investigate something. I'll be back later."
Altair nearly jumped out of his bed. "I'm fine. I'm awake now."
"Rest."
"I'm fine."
Caelin stomped to the door, "Well if you think you're fine, you better catch up to me." she said, slipping out of the room.
~*~
"You keep eying those signs religiously." Altair stated, looking down on Caelin's who focus was elsewhere.
"It's just, I think we should check it out."
"Why is that?"
Caelin motioned to him, walking towards an alley. She leaned against the wall, staring at the paper she had stolen yesterday. "I remember once, when I was younger, watching a circus, back in England. The name, I can't remember, but when I look down at this paper, it seems nostalgic. Like it might be the same troupe."
She broke her gaze from the paper, eyes settling on Altair who made himself comfortable across the alley leaning against the other wall. He appeared interested in her find, and stayed quiet.
"Most times, circus have those oddities they feature. I remember one young man, he was unbelievably strong. He lifted large boulders with ease, and carried around a platform of his fellow performers.."
"Samson." Altair replied courtly.
"The story Malik had me research. I do not know why, but I think there might be a connection between the two."
"I think so as well." Altair tapped his jaw. "Only how will we know he even has the Piece of Eden?"
"I've got a vague idea..." she bit her lip, lost in thought.
In just a matter of moments, Altair found himself perched on the top of a roof, silently looking over the streets below. The area was circular, clear from stone, or grass. Just brown dirt. Tents of many colors were scattered about, and people rushed about in gaudy costumes. Around the circular clear lot, were buildings, young heads sticking out of windows watching the hustle and bustle below.
Altair caught sight of Caelin, who was mingled with the crowd that was waiting impatiently for the show to start.
An amused smile crossed his lips, and he couldn't help but chuckle. The two had gotten into another fight. Caelin fought to stay grounded, while he observed from above. Never had Altair heard of an Assassin afraid of heights. Rather contradictory actually...
In his heart, he prayed her theory was right. He continued to scan the gathering. Nothing but simple civilians, and Caelin sticking out with her light colored hair. All the other heads were black, or dark brown, fitting of their tanned skin.
Altair would stay high, searching through the performers on the outside, looking for anything suspicious, while she did so on the ground. He also made sure no Templar's interrupted them this time. Although, Crete had been fearful of the wars or their presence. He felt pretty confident they wouldn't show up here however.
The remaining number of Templar's were eager to continue their fallen brethren work. He rubbed his rough chin. Yet, how many among the Templars were just the Knights who carried that name, and how many knew of the Pieces of Eden. What number of Knights were being used, blindly following their officers to death.
He shrugged the thought off as Caelin's gray cloaked figure disappeared around one tent. The sky above turned dark gray, and the wind had started to pick up. The sea in the distance rolled fiercely as ships returned back to the safety of the shoreline.
Something flying across the ground caught his eye. His focus turned downward, seeing an unbelievably large man gruffly stalking through the smaller tents surrounding the main one. It was hard not to see this man. He was a giant, how any of these tents could hold him, was beyond Altair's imagination. His arms, legs, and neck were thick with muscle. The blue tunic that covered his body could barely contain him. Altair could barely see the mans face under his long, thick, black hair and beard.
The sun for a moment peered through the clouds. Altair watched its light glint off the man's wrist. Both wrists were encased in thick golden bands. He wondered, part of him thought about jumping down and finding Caelin.
The two had the same idea. He watched her reappear again, the top of her gray hood peering at the man around the corner of a tent. Suddenly her gaze met Altair's, he nodded his head, and motioned her towards him.
They two cautiously watched the man disappear into the back of the main tent. Altair jumped down from his perch, gracefully skimming down the side of the building, covered by the shadows and the dark atmosphere the clouds above were providing. He heard something pat against his hood. He looked up, feeling one rain drop collide against his cheek.
"Please tell me you're possibly thinking the same thing." Altair said, as his feet hit the ground.
Caelin hurried her pace towards him, nodding. "He looks...too familiar."
"The man that you remember when you were younger?"
"Has to be. Did you see--"
"The bracelets? Yes."
"The same golden color as the other Pieces. You think those could be it?"
"Well, it's the only idea we have thus far. So its our best bet."
"Hmmm...but how to go about retrieving it. Now comes the fun part. I think I have a plan. I'll distract him, you steal it."
Altair shook his head. "That's a little rash don't you think? I thought you were smarter than that."
"Whats your brilliant idea then?"
"Well, I think you should distract him and I'll steal it."
"Really? That sounds like an ingenious fail proof idea!" she snapped sarcastically.
"I know, I'm just smart like that."
Caelin rolled her eyes, and jotted off with a swift pace. Altair jogged after her, though watched her in confusion as her path headed straight for the man. So much for subtly.
The large man caught sight of them, and watched with a risen brow as the cloaked pair stalked up to him. Altair felt his head slowly start to incline upwards as he approached the man. Suddenly, he found himself in shade.
Caelin stopped, and Altair stood next to her. The man stared back at them, before a pleasant smile crossed his lips. Altair felt Caelin move closer to him, her mouth lowered and lips shifted towards his direction. "This is the first time I've felt short in my life."
"Myself as well."
The man laughed, his long, black curly locks seemed to bounce with his hefty chest. Enormous hands scratched his bearded chin. "Are you two lost?"
"No." Caelin briskly replied as the man's words left his mouth. His head tilted back, caught off guard by her rashness. "We need something of yours."
He sighed, rubbing his head. He tossed the wooden beam in his free hand, to his side. Both Altair and Caelin jumped, eyes on the wood as it loudly crashed against the ground, sinking into the dirt from the force of its heavy weight.
"So, more men in white here to steal my treasure?" Altair and Caelin met each others gaze, same thought registering in their minds. "I thought they might of learned. Trying to take my treasure without asking, guess a few more will have to join their brothers in the ground."
"You're mistaken," Altair cleared his throat, taking a step backwards, only to be more level himself with the man's height. "We aren't the same. We aren't Templar's."
Caelin scoffed, holding her arms. "Certainly not anything like that lousy bunch of hypocrites." she mumbled.
The man laughed. "I much like you little one. I should have figured with the lack of your red crosses." he stretched, letting out a loud sigh. It too was powerful, making Altair and Caelin jump as his long muscular arms stretched over his head. "I am Alcander Kalos, tell me your names to remember you by."
Caelin nudged Altair, who grimaced. "I am Altair Ibn la-Ahad, and this is Caelin..." he hesistated, looking to her for assistance.
"Caelin Maxwell."
The man stared at her, shaking his skeptically. "That's not a woman's name young lady. At least I think you're a woman."
Altair chuckled, then felt a soft jab against his shoulder. "My first name is Alexandria." she courtly replied with a smile. "I am very much a woman."
"Very well then," he turned to Altair. "Your name makes me think you're from the Holy Lands, correct?"
"Well, I assume that's about right." he pointed to Caelin. "We're both from the mountains of Masayf."
The man grinned, hands on his hips. "Masayf? I've heard rumors about the deadly shadows that lurk there." his gaze settled back to Caelin, a smile returned to his lips. Her forward personality was growing on the Alcander. "You're as white as his robes, and your voice, obviously from the pompous streets of England, yes?"
"Pompous? You know us too well."
His deep laugh echoed through the grounds. "Now, you want my treasure. Can I ask why firstly?"
"If you give it to us," Caelin offered, hands on her hips with a confident smile. "I will tell you why."
"Now that's not completely fair. How about this," he clashed his wrists together. The sound of the golden bracelets made the two Assassin's wince, and attracted the eyes of a few circus workers that were passing by. "If one of you can hurt me, then I will give you my beloved treasure."
Altair opened his mouth, ready to accept the challenge, but Caelin swiftly punched the man in the chest. She froze, before pulling her arm back quickly cursing and shaking it up and down, trying to shake off the pain. Altair bit his lip to keep himself from laughing, much like Alcander.
"I deserved that." she groaned in pain, whimpering.
Altair grabbed her shoulder, pulling her to face him. "I thought you were the smart one."
"I'll make up for my blunder later."
Alcander effortlessly picked up the wooden beam he had previously thrown down. Altair and Caelin looked to where it had laid, examining the half inch deep hole it made in the ground. Their gazes connected, mortified stress lines stretched across the others faces.
"I really hope you are the smart one." Altair whispered.
Caelin jammed her elbow into his arm. "Move!" she cried, jumping backwards. Altair followed suit, watching as the blur of the wooden plank swung by where his body once was.
Alcander focus darted between the two assassin's, obviously unsure of who to go after. A woman stopped, frozen in shock. Alcander smiled at her, waving her to go on, which she did in a run.
Caelin and Alcander's gaze met. He moved towards her, hurling the plank like a spear. She ducked, and turned to watch it whirl over her head into a tent, crushing it instantly. She listened carefully, worried someone had been inside. Caelin exhaled a relieved breath. The tent hugged the ground, no frame of a body of any sort.
She yelped, feeling her body lift off the ground. Alcander had her by the waist, then flipped her over horizontally, much like his weapon he had just thrown. Her body froze, unsure of what to do or react, being afraid of heights of any sort.
Altair charged at him, sword drawn. His arm extended behind his body, and swung with all his might into Alcander's back. The blade sunk into Alcander's sink, Altair's confident smile faded, waiting for red blood to stain his blade. He loosened his fingers around the hilt, and felt the blade begin to fall from his grasp. It didn't even break the man's skin.
Alcander let out a hearty laugh, and dropped Caelin from his grasp. He turned to face Altair, who gawked at his sword in confusion. "Nice try young man. Nice try." Altair looked up in time to see Alcander's leg flying towards him. He tried to jump, his arms made past his head to leave his torso open. The blow was heavy against his side, and sent him flying into a nearby tent. A woman let out a frightened scream, running away with a blanket around her body.
"Good God..." Altair muttered, rolling to his stomach. He held his rib cage. It stung to the touch, and it pained him to breathe. We're going to die, he thought.
"Altair!" Caelin hurried to his side while Alcander laughed at the two. She rolled around him, grabbing under the arms. They stood up together, Altair losing his balance and falling against her. "You going to be alright?" she whispered.
"Not in the morning, if we live that is."
"I'll look at it later," she helped prop him up to stand on his feet. "Thank goodness you're wearing that armor plate underneath..."
"I'm not sure if that helped or made it worse." he groaned, pushing her away gently, forcing a pained smile on his face.
"Can you climb?" her whisper grew softer. Altair was unsure if that was her, or from hitting his head on the ground.
"Yes, I think I can. Why?"
Caelin's face was close to his, blue eyes watching any movement of Alcander. The giant man still thrived in small victory over the two. "Climb up over there. I'll stay on the ground and distract him. I'm faster than you, especially without the armor or injury. Just keep your focus on me, alright?"
"Are you crazy!" he sternly whispered back. He watched as a crowd started to flee from the circus tent. Some curiously watched the sight, but Alcander turned to them, bellowing a threatening yell scaring most of the crowd off.
"Oh ye of little faith," she smiled, sincerely, for the first time he had seen since they landed on the island. "I'm the smart one. Just get up there to safety, and watch me, you'll understand."
"Will you two stop conversing? I'm getting quite bored!" Alcander said excitedly, grabbing another plank.
Caelin pushed Altair off, gaze stern and determined. "Malik's going to kill me..." he muttered, turning around. He limbed off, arm clutching his side, to the closet building.
"What, has he had enough?" Alcander taunted.
Caelin laughed. "I need to make sure one of us gets out alive to tell the others." She drew her dagger from its stealth, holding it protectively in front of her.
"But shouldn't the man be sacrificing himself for the woman?"
"Yes, but I'm not very traditional." she passed Altair a quick glance, seeing him slowly scale up to the roof. "Besides, I'm scared of heights..." she mumbled silently to herself.
Altair pushed up with all his strength, falling face first onto the top of the roof. The pain in his side started to surge through his body. He took a deep breath, and pulled himself to his feet. He could see below, Caelin running circles pass Alcander, swiftly dodging any of the blows the man threw at her. He frowned, despite how strong her pride was, she wouldn't survive an attack from the mighty Greek. Hordes of people were fleeing the scene. Those who stood by, appeared to be part of the crew. Some were cheering on Alcander, some pleading him to stop. Some seemed to be watching, thinking this was part of the act. Altair looked behind him, seeing a few faces lurking outside their windows watching the spectacle, a few passing him some bewildered glances.
He kept up with her on the rooftops though. As she dodged and fled to one area, he would follow. Still unsure of what she meant to trust him. Part of him worried she was going to get herself killed.
Altair heard a creaking noise. A sound of strained ropes swaying. To his left, hanging mid air was a platform suspended in the air. A wood plank, holding up heavy looking brick. Below him, Caelin had started to make her way for that. A smile crossed his lips. "You are the smart one..."
"Come on girl, are you even going to try and attack me? Your little dinner knife looks quite sharp!"
Caelin took a deep breath, trying to laugh as she rolled to the side. "I could try, but it would not do me any good! Maybe tiring you out might kill you, sir!"
"Just because I'm big doesn't mean I'm out of shape!" he roared back, continuing to grin. He swung his weapon at her, Caelin jumped out of reaction, but not high enough. The beam caught her ankle, she yelped, falling on her back against the ground. "Don't think you'll be running around like a frightened sheep anymore."
Caelin bit her lip, feeling tears rush to the back of her eyes. She grabbed her ankle, moaning in pain. She was casted in the shadows, peering up to see Alcander looming over her, his gentle grin turned deadly.
He shook his head, "I did quite like you little Alexandria. You are quite the young woman."
She faked a smile, panting lightly, trying to block out the pain. Her stomached dropped as he rose his weapon high above her. Her head snapped above her, "Altair!!" she cried loudly.
Altair, without much thought, drew his dagger and threw it towards the rope next to him. It cut through the rope easily. Piles of stones, and the large wooden plank vaulted towards the ground. Caelin watched it fall, and rolled out of the way, watching Alcander's body disappear under the rumble into a dusty pile.
The crowd watching gasped, believing this mustn't be an act. They were too shocked and frightened to move. Caelin laid on her back, watching the pile, praying it didn't move.
"Caelin! Are you okay?!" Altair rushed to her side, holding her up with one arm. She nodded, patting his shoulder, trying to catch her frightened breath. "Can you stand?"
"Maybe, I do not know. Give me a moment for my nerves to settle." she whimpered back. "Thank you," she smiled at him. "You are not as stupid as I thought you were."
"It would have been nice if you had told me your plan."
"I really didn't want him finding out."
The pile shifted. Altair and Caelin eyes widened, both cursing, both feeling doomed. Alcander emerged from the debris, with a booming roar. His black beard, mattered with dirt, blood trickling down his head.
"You two!" his voice echoed through the stunned ground. The two Assassin's looked to another, and edged closer protectively.
"We're going to die."
"Shit."
Alcander grabbed them both before either could budge. The two were strangled into a tight hug, Altair screaming about his side, Caelin about her ankle. "Finally, someone has beaten me! You're both so clever! I love you to!" He threw both of them on his shoulders, waving to the throng circled around them watching in awe. "Give it up for these two! Finally your great Barbarian Alcander has found a worthy opponent!"
"Put me down. Put me down. Put me down. Put me down." Caelin chanted, arms clinging to Alcander's head. Altair felt the urge to laugh, but instead coughed, groaning in pain.
"Come you two! I will give you my dear treasure! But first, let's feast! You must be tired!"
Altair leaned his arm on the top of Alcander's head. "Sir, you have no idea..."
