Chapter Thirteen

A raindrop lands on my outstretched hand as I ascend a building. Looking up, I notice a slowly approaching clump of grey storm clouds. Hastily, I carry on climbing and peer over the building's pointed triangular roof into a simple yet fancy courtyard. A cobblestone path splits into four directions, each leading the way to the entrances at each side of the enclosed square shaped area. Various plants thrive around the path while a single ornate fountain in the center splutters out water.
I walk around the building that surrounds the large courtyard, checking each entrance for any signs of my target. Rihkhar, Rihkhar, I think as I scan the faces of people milling within the building. I am determined not to fail, to prove not only the Acre Rafiq that I can complete a mission, but also myself.
I drop back behind the roof structure as a single man that I recognise as my target walks with authority, his head held high, out of an entrance to my right. A procession of people follow him obediently, curious whispers filling the air as they file into the large courtyard. Some look up in distaste at the raindrops landing on their expensive clothes as the grey clouds loom closer.
Rihkhar raises both his hands, and instantly, the crowd falls silent.
"Friends," the Templar calls.
I shuffle uneasily as my legs threaten to turn numb.
"I have come here to tell you," he shouts into the open air. I see a flash of brown behind him as an unknown person moves somewhere inside an entrance behind Rihkhar. I ignore it, bringing my attention back to my target.
Rihkhar pauses before continuing. "That there's an assassin amongst us."
My blood runs cold as a ripple of panic travels throughout the crowd. I don't dare move as cries fill the once silent air and people start to run to the exits, only to be pushed back by Templar guards.
"He is on the rooftops above us!"
I feel exposed as I huddle atop the building but I have no choice but to stay - the crowd below me are searching the area above them now, frightened but determined to destroy the threat. To destroy me.
I briefly wonder how they knew I would be here but I push the thoughts away. I have no time right now to spend mulling about things that I can't change. A list of what I can do runs through my head.
"Altaïr!"
Run or hide? Wait it out? Or attack now? I watch as a guard patrolling the rooftops makes his way towards me.
"I know that you are out there! Reveal yourself!"
The guard starts to turn away and I tense, ready to run. I take in the distance to Rihkhar and decide that it's enough for me to end him now. The guard's face disappears from sight and I run forward, preparing for my leap.
"Or your dear Khara dies!"
I falter slightly, but it's enough to break my concentration as I tumble awkwardly down the roof and onto the ground of the courtyard. My back protests against the rough fall and I realise that I have failed again. The thought, however, is simply an observation and I don't feel detest towards myself for doing so. My attention is far too occupied with repeating the name in my head that Rihkhar had called. It stays at the center of my attention as I tilt my head to the side, straining to find a human form against the blurs my eyesight is determined to create instead.
And there she is. Khara. The person I've been searching for. I hadn't even meant to find her on this mission, but I have. I've finally found her. I've finally found Khara. My Khara.
A mixture of emotions rise and a lump forms in my throat as my eyes water. Khara, my Khara. I've finally found her. I wipe away the tears that I hadn't even noticed had come as I lift myself up onto my feet.
"Khara," I whisper, as she smiles back at me.
"Altaïr," she says back. Her sweet voice takes an instant effect on me and tears roll down my cheeks again. I've waited for this moment for so long - to see her again, to hear her. Her hands are tied roughly behind her back but she's here. My Khara, alive, alive. I blink back tears and run towards her. Foolishly, I forget about the Templars around me and I'm roughly pushed back. I feel confused until I remember my situation. My thoughts were so clouded with Khara that I forgot about my mission, about why I was here in the first place.
"Not so fast, assassin," one taunts.
I watch as Khara's expression turns into sadness. The innocent procession of civilians that Rihkhar led here huddle together, unsure of what they're getting into, as a Templar walks towards me. For a moment all I can hear is the rhythmic sound of raindrops hitting the ground.
"We must have your word that you will not kill Rihkhar. Not today, not any day. Only then is when you can have your Khara back."
I don't even need to think before the words are tumbling out of my mouth. "Yes. I will not kill Rihkhar. Ever. I promise. Please, now give her back."
The Templar ponders my words for a moment before nodding. A part of me thinks that this exchange is turning out to be a bit too easy, but the thought is easily washed away by the fact that I'm getting reunited with Khara. The Templar steps towards Khara and slices the rope bound around her wrists.
And then before I realise it, she's in my arms. My Khara, my Khara, alive, alive. I pull her out of my grasp to get a better look at her. But her expression isn't of happiness. It's something between anger and guilt. But I realise it all too late before it's replaced with a fierce look of resentment.
"This is revenge."
Her voice isn't sweet anymore. It sounds like poison. I open my mouth to speak but I brutal force knocks me from behind. My vision blurs as I feel my hands being wrenched behind me. I look up and my heart breaks as I make out Khara's now smiling face before the world turns black.