Altaїr, malik, Master Al Mualim and seven other assassins were on the road to Master Derlum's castle, which was a full weeks ride from they're own brotherhood castle in Masyaf. They were on their last day of riding and Altaїr could tell that if they didn't reach the castle, or even stop to rest, that his horse would collapse from under him. They hadn't stopped to rest in at least a good two and a half days, so it was really no surprise that the horses were so tired. that still did not stop the negative thoughts coming off of the assassins.
The novices brought along for the experience were constantly grumbling about the horses being weak and that they needed horses that were actually strong. Altaїr constantly wanted to yell at them and say that the horses were still mortal and weren't super human, but that would only earn him a lecture from his master.
Altaїr had already killed all of the nine Templars, however, His master did not resemble the Templar that Robert de sable had described. Altaїr had refused to think his master of such betrayal. Sure, he had lied many times and his methods were questionable. But he was also burdened with the stress of many lives on his shoulders, if he messed up badly, then many other men who he would consider his children would die. that is what explained his actions.
The men traveling were doing so because they multiple reasons. the first being that Master Al Mualim needed to speak with Master Derlum about the piece of Eden. Secondly, Malik needed to go and study some of the rare maps that Master Derlum had. The other assassin novices were going so that they could be trained under some of Master Derlum's best trainers. These novices had gained the attention of Master Al Mualim, even though two of them, Naїm and Zirїan, were complete idiots and never listened to their instructor.
Altaїr, however, was here for a much different reason. He was here to work with Master Derlum's most skilled assassin in order to kill two very high class and powered men. This would provide and opportunity for both the brotherhoods to gain a strong alliance with each other. However, Altaїr thought that he didn't need the help. That he could do it with out any help. Even though he had already learned his lesson about being over arrogant, that didn't mean he was going to throw his pride out the window.
The men that Altaїr and Master Derlum's assassin were named Nazar and Sїraf. Their crimes were somewhat similar, besides the fact that one involved women while the other involved pointless murder. Both men were very high up in the social ladder, giving them lots of money, power and protection. However, that did not justify why Altaїr could not kill them on his own. It wasn't like he hadn't done this extent of a kill before. So why is this time so different?
"These targets have nothing to do with Kadar's death, Altaїr. We simply need to strengthen our bonds with the Derlum brotherhood. Co-working with one of Master Derlum's assassins will grant a sacred bond that we shall need if we are ever extremely threatened by the Templars like the day Robert de sable. But, I shall give you this. If his assassin steps out of line and insults you or our brotherhood in anyway, do not hesitate to put him in his place just because we are guests. clear?" Master Al Mualim said, as if he had read Altaїr's mind.
"Yes Master." He replied obediently.
Master Al Mualim and Master Derlum were not the greatest of allies, simply because they did not see eye to eye on most subjects. it was because of this reason that Altaїr and Derlum's assassin had to work together, to mend the bond that both Masters could not do themselves. There was also the piece of Eden. It was the real reason for this journey, as both Master's needed to discuss what should be done with it.
The topic of Master Derlum's mysterious assassin made its way into Altaїr's mind. When Master Derlum had spoke of the assassin in his letters, he would say nothing more than his skill and other abilities. Apparently, this assassin did not speak very often and when he did, it was only to about his missions or when giving small prayers to the dead or dying. He was also very skilled, as Master Derlum would not stop talking about it.
'I will determine that.' He thought.
As Altaїr refocused on reality, he noticed the Derlum castle not far away, actually, it was quite close. How long had he been staring off? it was a good thing that Altaїr's horse was very obedient and followed the other horses, or else He might be off in the middle of nowhere by now. From what he could see, the castled looked to be much larger than the one in Masyaf and he could see the bright green vines that twirled in elegant designs, enhancing the sheer beauty of the castle.
It wasn't long until the assassins representing the Al Mualim brotherhood made it to the outer gate of Derlum's lower village. They strolled through, sometimes getting side glances from the villagers. Most of the stares were directed at Altaїr, and not just normal stares, but girls who were muttering nonsense and other crap about his mysterious allure. Just as he was taught to do, Altaїr ignored the women and kept his head held up high.
The soon made it to the stables just outside of the castle and some of Master Derlum's recruits were there waiting. They kindly took the reins of the horses and walked away to give the horses some much needed rest. However, as this was going on, more recruits made their way to the group of assassins and lead them up the long haul of stairs that lead up to the castle.
Some of the Al Mualim recruits were groaning about how they hated stairs and that the world was ending. Okay, maybe not to that extent. But that is what Altaїr heard out of their whiney mumbles. As they made their way through the courtyard, Altaїr mentally noted how much larger the castle was on the inside than how it looked on the outside.
The training ring was HUGE and gave way for at least four pairs of assassins to square off in with out too much contact from other pairs. A large, tidy and organised wall of weaponry sat close to the training rink but also not that far from archery field. and that was just the courtroom. The seven Al Mualim recruits were sent to one of Master Derlum's trainers as Master Al Mualim, Malik and Altaїr were escorted up the stairs and into the sleeping cambers hall. Malik was sent down one of the halls and straight to the library where he would find an archivist waiting to show him what he needed to study and help with.
Master Al Mualin and Altaїr, however, continued to Master Derlum's study. Along the way, Altaїr made not of the detailed patterns that aligned the walls of the halls and accented the doors. The castle was truly amazing. Their escort knocked a dark brown wooden door softly three times before entering a well lit small library. in there, stood at tall, black robed man that looked to be of the same age as Master Al Mualim. His robes were decorated with the assassin symbols and thin lines of silver along the rims of them. Altaїr could only assume that this was Master Derlum.
"ah, Al Mualim. It's been such a long time. I hope your journey here wasn't too unbearable." The man spoke with a heavy English accent.
"No, no. It was just fine Derlum. No need to worry." Al Mualim replied.
"Good to hear. Now, if you don't mind, it is getting quite late and I need to prepare some things for tomorrow. I shall have some of my novices escort you to your separate rooms." Master Derlum waved off with a warm smile.
"And what of the other assassin Altaїr shall be working with? they should be heading out soon." Master Al Mualim interjected.
"Is it always straight to work with you, my brother? You and Altaїr look about ready to pass out and Khan is not yet here. I sent him out on a mission a few days back, her should be arriving-"
Master Derlum was interrupted by the soft knock on his door. The door opened to reveal a small assassin, who's robes were stained with a little blood at the sleeves. The candle light accented the shadows that seemed to cover most of his face and the robes he wore looked very large on him.
"Ah, Khan. We were just speaking of you. Now, I assume that since the warning bells went off but you didn't report back to the Rafik means that you killed Magїr and decided to head straight back, writing an apology to him later?"
A small nod was his only response.
'This is the legendary Khan? He looks to be only twelve! certainly not the skilled assassin that Master Derlum spoke so fondly of. Then again, looks can be deceiving.' Altaїr tough in confusion.
"Well then, can you take Altaїr, the assassin you shall be working with to his room. Al Mualim, your room is at the top of the Castle along side mine. Come along." Master Derlum said with a hint of amusement in his voice. At what... Altaїr was not sure.
Altaїr turned his head to see Khan motion with his hand that their rooms were that way. He followed Khan trough the Beautiful castle until they reached A cafeteria and ate a small amount of dinner before starting on their trip again. It wasn't long until they reached a hallway where Khan's pace seemed to slow, giving Altaїr the impression that this was where his room was.
Khan suddenly stopped in front of light brown wooden door and opened it a little, showing Altaїr that this was his room. but before Altaїr could enter his room, He noticed that Khan had done a small bow of respect before him. A smirk played his scarred lips as his super ego got a boost, his arrogance going up with it.
"yes, yes. I know that I'm amazing. Now run along like a good little boy." the words slipped out of his mouth.
When Khan brought his head back up from his bow, there was no longer a small smile, but instead a snarl. Apparently, Khan was not a big fan of being talked down to.
"what? Excuse me for being honest. You look to be twelve and yet you have been claimed to be the best assassin in this order? I don't think so. You are nothing compared to me." the words felt so foreign on his lips, but he knew that this is what his master wanted him to say.
The snarl on Khan's face grew, instead of disappear like Altaїr had planned. Before he could even react, Khan grabbed Altaїr by his robes and pulled him very close to his own face
"do NOT tell me what to do, dipshit!" Khan growled into Altaїr's ear, before shoving him backwards. Altaїr rammed into his door and, because it was still open from earlier, the door flung open, causing Altaїr to tumble to the ground ungracefully. A small groan left his lips as he heard his door being close, rather roughly and the small click of its lock.
He had been locked in! Any regret for his earlier words to Khan went completely out the window as anger clouded his vision and he found himself wanting to get even with Khan. So far, his visit to Derlum's castle hasn't gone so well, and now, he has to teach a certain cocky little boy just how bad the world can be.