Ch.5
The Piece of Eden
"Saba'a Alkair!" You said good morning to the entire palace by now. You tried to control your happiness, but it was impossible. Any servant, any one that passed by you greeted them with a good morning. The sun was bright and the wind was fresh. There couldn't be a better morning.
This morning you woke up with a tickle on the nose. You woke up to see that Altair was next to you the same way you remembered leaving him. You were both on the floor with colorful cushions surrounding you. Naked just covered with a red veil. He had a white feather on his hand and leaned down to kiss you.
The sun was barely peeking out of the horizon, when Altair stood. The veil slid off from him revealing his body. You didn't look away you wanted to take a good look at this man; you stood up and stood in front of him, naked. Outside you were able to hear the echoes of woman chatting. Yup, Altair had to leave before those women entered your chamber to do their chores. Your hand was lift up and Altair kissed the tip of your fingers. "I have to leave now. It won't be easy to escape unseen in day light." He said looking at you.
"I know." You said half smiling. Wishing he could stay.
"I must leave." He said pulling back getting dressed and you help. When you placed his sword around his waist, you didn't want to let go. But you found the strength to pull back your hands. Stepping back, you looked at the Assassin that once wanted to kill you. Fear wasn't in your heart anymore, because you knew the man underneath.
He walked to you and kissed you goodbye. He walked to the balcony, before he jumped off, you ran up to him and pulled him to another kiss. This one was longer and deeper. But you pulled back because his weapons poked your stomach. Lifting up his hood, you took a very good look at this man once more. "Altair . . . Will you be back tonight?" You asked hoping he would say yes.
He smiled and took your hand. He pulled you and kissed you gently. "You know I will." He whispered giving you one last kiss and jumped off. Leaving the sting of his beard on your mouth as you licked the delightful taste of him.
Smiling to yourself you walked to the dining room for breakfast. Tarik walked behind you. Early today after you bathed and walked out the door, he was talking with the two guards that guard your door. When he turned and saw you, usually you would get a smile and a good morning from him. But today, only the good morning. He looked very serious and tired. The circles under his eyes said he didn't sleep good last night. Or nothing at all. You will ask for his state later. Right now your thoughts were over taken by last night.
You tried to walk strait and as normal as possible, still feeling sore from last night. Another smile. Last night was all you could remember, and the only thing you wanted to remember. Feeling his caresses, you tried to trace Altair's caress. Your arms, your neck, your lips. You hope tonight you will get to taste that wicked mouth again.
Turning at a corner, you entered the dining room. "SIDI SAIF!" Your uncle stood chatting with your brothers. When he saw you he walked up to you and you ran to him. Jumping on his arms, you haven't seen him for almost two months. He camped with your father to fight along his side. A very handsome man. Early 30's, dark skin, dark green colored eyes and the sweetest smile you could find in a man. "Salam Alaikum, Sidi Saif. It is very good to see you." You said pulling back.
"And same to you. But I don't believe I'm the reason why your eyes are shinning." He pulled back and scaned your body. "and your skin has a new glow like a newly wed wife." Could it be because of Altair? Thinking so much about him? Or could it be that last night had everything to do with it?
"Well I see your eyes also shine." You teased back. Just trying to go around the conversation. But his smile said everything.
"I'm in love."
Letting an ear piercing scream you hugged your uncle. He has been single his whole life to find his special someone, and be faithful to only her. "Who is she? Is she someone I know? Tell me!"
"You don't know her, but you might have heard about her." He said pulling you to the dining table and sit as the servants placed the food on the table.
"What's her name?" You asked exited placing a date on your mouth.
"Her name is Joan of England. King Richards's sister." He said a bit nerves towards your reaction. But love is love. Allah works in mysterious ways, and if he fell in love with her, then she might be the one.
"I'm happy for you uncle. I really am." You hugged him wishing joy and happiness to him, because he deserves it.
"That is why your father and I are leaving to Acre in mid day today. We would have left today morning, but he was called to discus couple of things with a man." He said placing a piece of bread on his mouth. "King Richard spoke to your father, he said that battle will get us nowhere and when he proposed marriage between his sister and me, Jerusalem will be our wedding present, and we will rule it together. It will be the peace and balance Jerusalem needs." His wistful smile, said everything. He really wish it to happen. Maktub. If it's written it will happen.
"How did you see her? Or when did you fell in love with her?" You asked and you noticed Tarik's piercing sight on you. Very unreadable.
"It was not long ago. I was walking in Jerusalem with my army because I heard that Templar's were disturbing the peace in the city. I passed by the Medina when I heard a beautiful laugh. I turned, and there she was. Through transparent veils, I saw her buying gold. My heart couldn't control its beat. My hands ached to touch her face, and to kiss her pink lips. I wanted to kidnap her and keep her for myself." He smiles to himself. "I fallowed her for quite a distance. Until Richards army came to take her to her brother. After that day, I couldn't take her out of my head. I knew I fell in love." He took a sip of wine. "Every night I prayed to Allah, and if she was meant to be with me, he would let it happen. And he did. I can't wait to see her again. And with this marriage, Jerusalem will finally know peace. Insha Allah." He chanted lifting his hands just above his head. If God wills it.
"Insha Allah." You all chanted back. If God wills it. Is that what love feels like? The need to have one to themselves? Powerless to take them off the head? And the heart beating uncontrollably when you think about them or have them near you? So many other questions circled your brain, when Kalim came in told you that your father waited you in his office. You quickly stood and made your way to your father. Tarik fallowed you.
Along the way you wondered what could he want to talk to you about? Could it be about the piece of Eden? Or maybe another secret. Well whatever it might be you will be by his side, as the faithful daughter you are.
The two guards opened the door and Tarik stood in place. He didn't enter when the doors closed in. You saw your father and walked up to him. You were so happy that finally there will be peace for the people and Jerusalem. "Father." You called smiling knowing that this mans sacrifices will pay off soon. He looked at you, with the most coldest stare. A chill went down your spine. He walked up and when you were about to speak you heard a loud noise that turned your head to your right side, leaving a sting on your check.
"How could you Azeneth?" He asked with anger and rage. Stun and clueless you turned to look at him. "Have I taught you nothing?" Even more confused, you were afraid to ask what was going on. Why did he hit you? Not once in your life he has laid a violent hand on you. Even when you would disobey his orders, he wouldn't talk to you for a while, but he never hit you. Until now. Something, must have happened. But what? Could he have known that you gave your virginity away? No, no one came in to your room last night. Or maybe when you were asleep, someone entered. No Altair, would have heard, and he would have done something about it. But you feared for your life if that is why he is angry. "I trusted you to keep watch over your brothers while I am gone." He said turning to the table and getting a piece of paper. "Yet I was told today that you sneak out during nights to kill! Tell me how am I suppose to fight against the crusader king when my daughter is out in the night staining her hands with blood and risking her life and our family? Tell me how?" He looked at you.
"I wanted to help father!" Raising your voice in defence.
"The only way you could help is by keeping safe your brothers and be a good Muslim daughter! Not by. . . This is my fault. I gave you too much freedom." He said passing around and stopping. "But that ends here and now. You will marry as soon as I return from Saif's marriage agreement." He said passing past you.
"Marriage? No father you can't! You said you wouldn't arrange a marriage for me! You said I could marry whomever I wish when ever I wish it!" You said pulling him from his robes.
He slapped your hands off. "Not any more. From now on, you are engaged and you won't be able to walk out of the palace for any reason. You can forget about Layla and your friends outside the palace. You will remain here, imprisoned till I return. If I hear that you are seen running out-."
"I won't. I stopped killing." You said looking down in respect.
"Good . . . I never expected this from you Azeneth. Be thankful that I got to know first who was the one that killed Raqueem. El Alim Allah, only God knows what would have happened if I was never told about this. Sooner or later, . . . I don't want to think about it." He was definitely going to say that sooner or later, someone would inform him, or the Assassins would tell him that they found Raqueem's killer, his daughter. If you would have kept killing, Altair would have killed you and your father would have had a heart attack, after they handed your body to him.
Lost in thought your father left the room. Who told him? You trust your men. They couldn't have betrayed you. Who ever it was, they will pay, dearly. But who could it possibly be? Some one that hated you? Someone in the palace? No, it had to be someone who knew Raqueems name. Other wise your father wouldn't know that it was you who killed him specifically. The only once that know, is Tarik (You trust him with your life he wouldn't do such thing. Not after you told him you would stop killing), Asad (the man that takes care of Layla. He informed you of Raqueems party location), and . . . Altair. No. Didn't. Did he? Of course he did. He got tired of watching over you every night and after you send him to kill that one Templar leader, he didn't want to keep doing it. That is why he informed your father. And by telling him, Altair knew that you would be watched by other men, making sure you would not flee. Of course! And last night, he just got what he wanted from you and left. You took a deep breath to hold your anger, but the air wasn't enough. Grabbing a near by book you threw it with all your frustration and anger in the direction of the entrance. Filling the air leaving your lungs and your knees week you fell on the floor. Trying to fill your lungs with air your fingers trembled on the cold floor as they supported your body.
How could this happen? Why didn't you see it coming? That Assassin has no honor! That Assassin betrayed you! That Assassin, . . . Gave you the most incredible nights you might ever have with a man, and once you let go of your guard, his cold blade sealed your fate. Married to Allah knows who, what will it be of you now?
"Azeneth?" Tariks stable voice called you.
"Leave me alone Tarik. I wish to be alone."
"I cannot. Your father instructed me to be by your side at all times. He knows what you did. I have to do as he orders. And so do you."
"How can I marry someone I do not know and love? Tell me Tarik. How?" You asked looking up at him.
"You have yet to know the man. In time, you will grow to love him as I know he will love you, just like many other woman who are forced to marry."
"Do you know who I'm engaged to?" You asked with a plea.
He turned his face to the other side. Closing his eyes he nodded. Lifting your self up you ran up to him and grabbed him by his collar. "You have to tell me Tarik. Tell me his name. I need to know his name!"
"Why?" He blushed a bit, maybe because you have never been so near him.
"So I can go and talk him off the marriage. When he knows the real me, I'm sure he won't want to marry me. Tell me or take me to where he lives. I want to talk to him. I will make him call off our marriage."
Pulling of your hands, Tarik looked at you with pain or pity. "He won't change his mind. He knows the real you and he likes the way you are. Azeneth, all this time, you were worried that you will never find a husband, yet when one comes, you want to scare him away?" He asked confused.
"I don't know this man Tarik!" You released your anger pushing him off. Hiding your face on your hands you held back tears. Looking at a distance, "I want to marry because I'm in love. Other wise, I know I will be miserable. My children wont be by the act of love but just because he would want some one to carry out his name. I know I won't be happy. I won't be happy. I won't." As if feeling sorry for you Tarik held you in silence as you wet his uniform with tears. You felt hopeless. Powerless and stupid. You were fucked stupid by an Assassin.
No, this will not end like this. Sometime, somehow, you will make the Assassin pay. How could you have been so foolish in trusting this Assassin? You should have killed him when you had the chance. And you did have many chances. But didn't strike him. Now it is only a matter of fact to accept your miserable destiny and continue life. Sometime, somehow, you will make the Assassin pay, and that is a promise.
Pulling back, Tarik wiped off the visible tears and caressed your red check. Still aching from your fathers slap. You tried to calm down and steady yourself.
"You will be fine with this man Azeneth, I know it. The first few days or weeks might not be what you want, but this man is capable of understanding. I know it."
You looked up suspicious. Just how much does Tarik know about your future husband? Is he friends with him? You wanted to ask about this man you are to marry, but you know Tarik won't tell you.
"Come, your father is leaving back to Arsuf. You should wish him luck and triumph." Smiling to your self, you nodded and walked to the front gate.
Your father was speaking with his best friend Bah-al Din. When your brothers said their good byes you were the only one left. You didn't know if he was still mad at you, and if he still is, would he turn away when you gave him his last hug. Would he? Afraid to do so, your heart ached, because if he died, he would die with hatred, and he doesn't need that distraction. No. When he turned to look at you, his sad gaze sent you running to his arms.
"I'm sorry father. Please forgive me." You whispered as two tears fell.
"My dear Azeneth . . . I love you. I just wouldn't forgive myself if something were to happen to you my child. You and your brothers are the things that keeps me alive. If I were to loose one of you . . . I would go mad." He said as he pulled back and kissed your forehead. "I shall return soon. Pray Allah the Crusader King's sister will accept the marriage. And we will celebrate yours when I return."
". . . Yes father. May Allah be with you." With one last kiss on his forehead your father mounted his horse and left. As the sand dust fallowed him, his army of warriors did as well. May he bring peace to the land of Jerusalem. And may Allah shield him from harm.
Turning away, your fathers best friend, Bah-al Din walked with your brothers to tell them legendary stories. He invited you too, but you had too much to think. You had to plot your way out of this mess.
Looking out of your balcony it was passed 8. The orange and purple horizon looked beautiful, but was soon replaced by the dark shiny sky. You sat on the edge of the balcony and Tarik stood near you. With his powerful stance and arms crossed, your father picked well. Tarik has always protected you, and you have no doubt he will never betray you.
There is no other one, but the Assassin that told on you. Your uncle did mentioned someone spoke to your father earl today, but he didn't say who or how he looked like. But no other person would betray you either than this Assassin. Just the thought of him hurt you. Your heart ached. No, you won't let his betrayal hurt you. But why does it do so? Why can't you dismiss the thought? Why can't you forget about him? But you know why. Last night, the most incredible thing happened.
In his arms, you felt Allah's grace and presence. Nothing could have been more magical. His slow caress, his gentle kisses and the rhythm of his hips as he entered you. He made you moan more than any other pleasures you experienced in life. His spicy sandalwood and his scent called on you like a delicious tempting treat. Up till now you can still feel the trail his mouth left all over your body. He knew how to touch you in order to loose all guard. Your armor, shield, and sword fell when he simply looked at you with desire. The fire in his eyes mirrored your own desire. To kiss him, to touch him, and do many things that others would qualify as un lady like. Explore every inch of his body. Feel his toned body. Kiss every scar that marks him a warrior. Bite and play with that wicked mouth, and taste that scar until you know the feel of it. Give him pleasure just like he gave you. Kiss him from head to toe, including . . . including his thick long peni-
Pulling yourself out of your thoughts, you noticed your unsteady heavy breathing and your index finger in between your teeth. You felt the trail of your own touch as you remembered the way Altair touched you. Biting your lip, did Tarik notice the way you were touching your self? Slowly turning to his direction, he looked confused and surprised, but when he saw you looking at him he turned away. Yup, he saw you.
Your body ached to be touched once more. But you knew that would never happen again. This Assassin, will never touch you again. No other man will ever make you feel what you felt in the arms of Altair. You will never see those same scars on your husband's body. Never again will you ever see a toned body as his. Never again will you ever feel or see that scar on his lip that you love.
With anger and frustration you stood up with a disgust growl. How can you think like this from the man, Assassin that betrayed you? He might have given you pleasure that you might never experience with another man in a million of life times, but he betrayed you. The only thing you should be feeling is hate and revenge, not wistful thinking pleasure. He wont be back.
"Are you alright Azeneth?" Tarik asked walking close to you.
"Yes. I'm fine Tarik . . . I was just thinking who could have been the traitor who told my father. I need you to find out for me." You said looking up and he froze.
"What will you do to him . . . or her? Will you kill them?" He asked lifting an eyebrow.
"No . . . I don't know what I will do. I guess I won't know until I have them in front of me." You said, knowing that if it is the Assassin you will kill him no matter what! "Just, when you find him or her, bring them to me."
After nodding in agreement, a knock was heard on your door. "Enter." You gave permission. A gate guard out of breath entered in a fast passé.
"Apologies my lady, but I need Tarik to accompany me. Me and my men need him to look over something we can understand." Tarik is a high rank soldier, and although he has been in the military for a little time, he has done a lot to earn the respect from other high rank soldiers.
"I can't leave our princess alone."
"Go." You said touching his arm. "I won't be going no where." That was true. Only because you don't have a place to look for and kill that Assassin, sadly your feet are glued to the ground. "Go, they need you."
Tarik looked at you for a good while; he bowed and left with the other soldier. Closing the doors. You heard Tarik's strong command to your chamber guards to keep an open eye and ear on you. Rolling your eyes you walked to your bed. Falling on your back on the soft mattress you stared up at the ceiling. Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes. What a day. You stood up and your room was lit up by few candles. Yawning you walked one by one to turn them off. Just as you were crossing your room to turn off the last one you heard a scratching noise by the balcony then a hand on the edge. Altair!
Running to the last candle you blew it off. This was the chance you needed. Now the Assassin will pay. You will kill him for his betrayal. Running to your scimitar that was next to your bed, you prepared yourself for death. You rather die trying than to live knowing you had the chance to kill him.
When he jumped over your balcony, his powerful silhouette send a shiver up your spine. You took off your shoes as you awaited him to enter. He slowly walked in and you made your way around to his back. You stayed in the shadows and only guided your self with the light of the moon. But it offered very little help. But the sound of his weapons guided you. When he stood in the middle of your room the moon revealed his location. Charging all your might you felt victory when your sword was an inch away from him, but you were soon held and dropped to the floor. Kicking him to what felt like on the ribs and a "oomph" from him you scrambled back up and grabbed your dagger. Charging at him again you kicked him God knows where but he grabbed your foot, making you fall on your back and pulled you to him. Punching his face he ripped your shirt. But you didn't care because he can't see you and now you had the upper hand. Holding tight your dagger you missed when he crawled up on you and held your hand above your head pinned against the grown. His strong hold on your wrist forced you to let go of the weapon. Breathing fast you tried to push him away with your free hand but he graved it and pinned in on the grown. You tried to kick him off when he placed his knees on your legs pinning them down.
"Is that how you will welcome me from now on?" He said with a play full tone in his voice.
"Welcome you? You mean kill you. You traitor!" You growled.
His silence confused you as well as him coming to your room.
"I have not betrayed you in any way." He said in his deep voice of truth. He let go of you and stood up.
"What? Of course you did." You stood up massaging your wrists. "You got tired of watching over me and doing my killing that you told my father today I killed Raqueem and others. Well congratulations! You got what you wanted. You won't have to watch over me because I'm engaged!" those last words hurt you. Still nothing from him. "What? Now you can't speak? Talk Altair because I know I did not cut your tong!"
"I said I did not betray you." His voice was steady. "If I had, I wouldn't return knowing that some one had you watch. I didn't betray you Azeneth."
"Liar!" You charged forward and grabbed his knife but he grabbed your wrist, spin you around and pressed your back on his chest. "Let me go!" You struggled but powerless you gave up.
"I did not do it Azeneth. It wasn't me." He whispered. His strong voice echoed in your head. How could it not be him? But then, why would he return tonight knowing he was done with you? Unless it really wasn't him.
"How can I trust you Altair? When once you came here to kill me." You said.
"I have yet to betray any one. And I won't start now." His right hand held yours as his left hand held your jaw. Turning your face to the left side his hand went down your neck and between your breasts to your waist. Reminding you of what that hand is capable of. Trying to steady your breathing he turned you around and you let the blade fall. He lifted your face and the moon outlined the side of his mouth and hood. You pulled back his hood and there he was, the man that made you scream his name. Altair. The side of his chin was turning purple from your hit.
"I'm sorry, I . . . is just that either then my men, the only one I know that knows who I am is you and since I barley know you I had no other option and-."
He cut you up with his mouth on yours. His lips gently sucked on your top lip when his hands went up from your waist to your ribs and his thumb caressed your exposed nipple. Letting out a moan he moved to your neck. Dear Allah. Caressing his head you lifted your head to give him a better access. When he grunted a shiver went up your spine and you whispered his name. No, you have to stop now. At any moment Tarik will . . . he will . . .
"Azeneth! Azen- Get your hands off her Assassin!" Tarik!
Before you were able to react Tarik tackled Altair on the grown. Altair quickly stood up and was ready to fight as well as Tarik. From behind you heard men racing but not in your room. Strong unclear commands were shouted by men in the hallway.
"You will die Assassin!" He charged and with a skilled swing both sword clinged. Tarik kicked Altair on the stomach and swinged his sword to cut Altair's forearm. Altair didn't show sign of pain; instead he charged with a skilled swing and cut Tariks shoulder, turned around and hit his back with the handle of his sword. Tarik stumbled to the floor but stood up holding his right shoulder. Blood began to stain his hand and clothes.
"Stop!" You screamed and ran in between the two. "Enough! Safi!" You ran to check on Tariks wound but he pushed you away.
"Move! I can still fight!"
"No you can't! You need a nurse to attend to your wound."
"For what? So you can be alone with this Assassin again like last night?" What? He knows? "So you can give your self to this Assassin again? Yes I know how he rode you last night! How his dirty hands touched you and you wanted more!" You heard pain in his words. "How could you do this to me Azeneth? Me that I'm your husband to be? Why would you give yourself to him? And not me that I've loved you for so long?" His eyes wanted an answer, but you did not know what to say. Tarik played his cards, and what about you? "Do you even love him?" You turned to Altair. Love definitely no. Crave him, Oh God yes. "Why? Why love? Habibi leh? Leh?" His words . . . Wait. Tarik is your husband? Then? Is he the one that told on you? Of course, since he did mention he "loves" you and he saw you having sex with Altair, he told on you to have you secured for himself in marriage!
"You told on me to father! Tarik how cold you? You couldn't stand the fact that I gave myself to Altair and that is why you asked my hand in marriage to have me for yourself! How can you be so selfish? Why didn't you ask me yourself?"
"Because I knew you would say no. I can accept that I wont be the first one in your life, but I wont accept the fact that this Assassin keeps staining you body with his blood stained hands! You are mine Azeneth! Mine!"
He pushed you aside and just as he positioned himself to strike, Altair was more prepared than ever.
"We're under attacked! Tarik! We need to take them to safety! The Templar's are in the palace!"
NO! Your brothers! Running to their chambers you pushed passed by soldiers. You saw Mas'ud and Yaq'ub together, protected by two guards. You were prepared if this were to happen. Instructing the guards to take them to the hiding tunnels and out to Asad. He would take all of you to your father's camp. The nearest safe place. It will take two days, but you just might find your father on the way to him. Running past screaming servants and more guards you found Da'ud with his female nanny. Doing as you instructed she took him to Asad. The only one left was little Ishaq. Running to his room you saw everything destroyed. He's not here. Just when you were about to step out of the room you heard the cries of fear. Guiding your self by his innocent voice you found him under a stack of clothes. The nanny dead next to him must have hid him. You thanked her, and wished Allah to reward her greatly in heaven.
"Shh. I'm here Ishaq. Everything will be ok. Come let's go to father. He will protect us." Caring the nine year old brother he wrapped his arms and legs around you. Just like carrying a baby chimp. Turning to the door you saw a Templar in white with a red cross on him. Metal head and sword. No! Is this the end? With a smirk he walked up to you and lifted his sword. You turned your back to him to take the blow and protect your brother. But the damage never came. Afraid to turn, you heard a hard grunt fallowed by metal hitting floor. To your side a river of blood came to you. When you turned around, you saw Altairs hand stained with blood and a metal blade in between his fingers. Or through them. Dismissing the thought you thanked him with a smile. He smiled back and bobbed his head to the direction of the door. Walking to it Tarik came in. Breathless and still bleeding from his shoulder. Anger was expressed in his eyes as he saw that Altair saved you.
"Let's go Azeneth. Asad is waiting." Going out there meant to swim in a pool of swords. Impossible to get through unharmed.
You looked up at Altair and as if he read your fear he said, "I will be behind you." A nod and you fallowed Tarik to Asad. Along the way Templar's were attacking and Altair and Tarik gave their everything to protect you. For what seemed to be an eternity finally you got to the secret passage, but it was locked. Maybe Templar's tried to come through that is why it is locked. Cursing down your breath you ran around with your brother on your arms to find a way out. Through the back you passed by servants and found a way out. Finally. Out of the palace.
Looking around you found Asad getting the carriage ready. Running to it you let out a scream when Five Templar's blocked your path. Putting down your brother, you hid him behind you. Picking a sword from the floor you positioned your self to fight. As one charged to you a white beast fell on him and killed him. Altair! Four more to kill. He took on two as well as Tarik.
Running to Asad, you helped your brother up the carriage filled with your other brothers and wounded people. There was one space left, for you. Just when you were about to get on, you heard Tariks loud scream. NO! He was on the floor badly wounded! Holding your sword you ran and threw it to the Templar's chest. Running to Tarik, he was still breathing, but he needs help. You will have to give up your space to him. You will have to give up your one chance in surviving to him.
"ASAD!" In a second he was by your die. "Take Tarik to my father. I'm giving my space for him. GO!"
"No! You go my love. I will be fine here."
"You will die. I won't let that happen! Asad! Carrie Tarik to the carriage and GO! Altair and I will hold them off! GO!" At first he was confused by maybe who was Altair but he nodded and did as you ordered. Lifting him Asad mounted Tarik on and others helped. You heard Tariks cries of pain, and your brothers calling on your name as the carriage rode off and took them to safety. You ran up to were Layla was and you saw her distress. Calming her down you saw that Asad prepared her for you. Smiling to your self you mounted her and offered your hand to Altair. With one jump and your help he got on. Trying to make your way through the chaos you guided Layla. Massive crowds of screaming people slowed your passé and three Templar's blocked your path.
Altair jumped off and ordered you to ride off, you did but a Templar attacked one of Layla's legs making her fall and you flew off hurting your arm and side. Turning on your back in pain you felt your leg in pain. Looking down the Templar walked up to you and your dresses was ripped and dirty. You couldn't tell now, but when you lifted your knee the dress split in two and it exposed your bleeding thigh. Trying to lift your self up the Templar kicked you back down. Reaching for a sword the Templar kicked it. In anger, you didn't know what to do. When an explosion made the Templar turn you kicked his legs and he fell on his back. Cursing under pain you sprung up to grab his sword and stabbed him on the chest. Another explosion was heard and you saw your house in flames as if hell was rising. The red and yellow flames illuminated your surroundings and you saw all the Templar's retreating. The white dressed Templar's were running out of the palace. Like scattered rats.
Why are they running away? Maybe they were looking for your father. Hoping to kill him would bring the English victory. But thank Allah he left in time. If he would have stayed for the rest of the day, God knows if he would have survived. Getting off the guard you tried to stand up, but you were lift up by two strong hands. Altair stood next to you. You hissed in pain.
"You're hurt. Let me see." Before you had time to protest he kneeled to examine your wound. Pulling aside the folds of your dress his touch send a familiar wave to your core.
"I'll be fine. We need to get to my fathers-."
"No. I know of a place that will tend to your wound. A man I trust with my life. Come." When he was about to lift you bridal style you pushed him away.
"I said I'll be fine. When we get to my fathers they will look after me."
"By then your wound will get infected. Don't make me take you by force." His intense gaze made you give up.
"Fine." You breathed out. "Wait! Layla!" You turned to look at her and the poor thing was suffering. "Can you stand up hunny?" The horse protested, but stood up. It walked up to you limping. Altair banded her wound and whistled. Out of the right a horse came around. A beautiful white stallion.
"We will ride him and take Layla to safety too." He said as he put you on the white horse and he mounted behind you. Grabbing both reins Altair wrapped one arm around your waist. Feeling safe you pressed your self against his chest. With a loud command he ordered both horses to ride fast. Layla seemed in pain with every step she took, but it was better to get fast far distance between you and the Templar's.
Today was a horrible day. Maktub. It was written. At least your safe as well as your brothers, but you feared of what is yet to come. Something told you, things will only get worst from now on.
