'WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS!' Altaїr mentally screamed.
Frist, Khan had talked down to him like he was the Master of everyone and Khan shoved him into his room, making Altaїr start a growing hate for the assassin. After that, Khan caught his knife as if he was a pro and basically gloated in his face!
To say that Altaїr was pissed would be an understatement.
'How dare he think himself better than I! He only caught that stupid knife by luck, and I didn't throw it all that hard or fast for I didn't want to rip off his shoulder. I really need to prove to that child that life isn't all so forgiving and that his arrogance will get him nowhere.' Altaїr planned in his head.
They were currently nearing the end of their three hour ride and the walls of the city were in their line of sight. The city was much larger than Jerusalem and the walls were surrounded by many Templars, this city was extremely built up in defensives. A small chuckle came out of Altaїr's partner as they neared the guard patrolled gates.
"sorry, that's my doing. Guess I left quite the impression on my last visit" Khan said with a chuckle, one that was a little too deep for Altaїr's liking.
They quickly and unnoticeably made their way to the horse stables. Altaїr watched as Khan gently got off his horse as if it would break like a twig. Master Al Mualim's greatest assassin simply jumped off his horse and tossed the reins to the nearest horse boy before impatiently awaiting Khan's presence. Master Derlum's assassin fed his horse and apple and gave a horse boy a few coins before passing over the reins and made his way to Altaїr.
"I saved one of those scholars over there about a month ago, so they should be willing to lend us some assistance." Khan stated as he walked passed Altaїr without a second glance.
As much as Altaїr hated to admit it, the attitude and silent glares that Khan gave him were extremely unnerving and was actually starting to get at him. No matter how much He wanted to hate Khan, he couldn't, and he didn't know why. Something pulled Altaїr to Khan, an unknown force. It told him that something was not right with Khan and that Altaїr needed to help. Although, after everything that he has been through the past couple months, nothing surprised Altaїr anymore.
"Ah, young man. I remember you. you were the one who saved me from those retched a month ago! do you need access to the city?" A man In bright white and red clothing said. Khan responded with a nod of his head. "Then we shall grant it. Come you two, we shall cover you." The scholars proceeded to surround Altaїr and Khan as they made their way to the cities entrance.
Both assassins bowed their heads and brought their hands together as if praying. Even with the uptight and extra security, They were able to use the same god damn trick to get passed the guards and into the city. The scholars lead them into an empty ally where the assassins broke away and Khan mumbled a thanks. However, before the Scholars could walk away, Khan grabbed one of their arms and said;
"tell the others to be ready. With all of the guards that are patrolling, we are going to need them to hold their ground." With that, Khan walked towards a ladder at the end of the alleyway. Altaїr followed quickly as Khan made his way to the roof. Once they were both on the roof, Khan began to run in the direction of, what Altaїr would assume, the bereau.
They made good time, and it wasn't long until they reached the bereau in the area. Once inside, Khan lead Altaїr through the archway and into a very tidy and organised section of the bereau. it was filled with books. all different shapes, sizes and colours. There was also a man sitting behind a desk, reading, well what do ya know, a book. Khan bowed his head to the man, letting Altaїr know that this was the bereau rafik.
"Safety and peace my brothers. Khan, is this the legendary Altaïr ibn-La'Ahad from the Al Mualim brotherhood?" The man said as he suddenly sounded interested I something other than the book that was still in his hands.
"That I am." Altaїr said proudly as he stood tall. A angered sigh left Khan as he made his way to the Rafik.
"Do not say such things or his arrogance will only increase. However Zalek, We have not come for chit chat." Khan said. The boy was really starting to get under Altaїr's nerve but he pushed those feelings away as he listened.
" Ah, yes. I heard that a feather was over Nazar's head. You should try looking for him in the rich district, that's where he does his pickings. I did not expect that both of you needed to kill him. After all, he is just one man. how hard can it be for one man to die by one assassin's hand!" Zalek answered. A smirk appeared on Altaїr's face as his thoughts were spoken.
"Especially for an assassin who took out nine of this lands greatest and most powerful Templar's on his own. I do not see why I need to work with this child Zalek, I have handled just fine on my own and could take Nazar out in a heartbeat if he was not slowing me down. I am Al Mualim's greatest and strongest assassin." The words passed his lips with ease but did not sit well on his tongue. They sounded too much like his former self.
"And that is the reason why Kadar died. Your arrogance cost Malik both his arm and his brother. Have you not learned your lesson Altaїr? Malik lost everything he held dear because of your sorry excuse of an assassin hide! Grow up and stop being a pompous pig!" Khan snarled from behind Altaїr. Anger swelled up in his body as Khan continued to speak. "I will venture out and find as much information as I can. Altaїr, find your own and then report back to Zalek. we will compare our results and plan Nazar's death.
With that, Khan had slipped out of the bereau quieter than a feather. Anger swelled up to the brim as Altaїr clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to control his temper.
" Do not underestimate him Altaїr, he will surprise you like he did everyone else. Now, do as Khan said and gather your information. I will be waiting here when you are finished, only then will you two receive the feather and the okay to follow up on the assassination." Zakek said before nudging the air, a silent and polite demand to leave and get started. Altaїr bowed slightly in respect before leaving.
'Time to put that little runt to shame.' Altaїr growled in his head.
Altaїr was quickly running along the rooftops, his mind wandering to different things then to what he was doing. While in the rich district, he had interrogated two men who told him of Nazar's plans of fetching his new slave later that evening. Unfortunately, there was nothing else he could gather. However, Altaїr still didn't believe that Khan could get anymore info than he did so he left the district and went back to the bereau, his photographic memory leading the way.
'Stupid child thinks he can outwit and out skill a man who has spent most of his life training to be what he is. I don't think so! He will learn his place, even if I must shove it down his throat first. I must make up for my wrongs to Master Al Mualim.' Altaїr thought
"Halt! why are you up here? Wait...Assassin!" Altaїr was jerked out of his thoughts by the voices of multiple guards. Archers for that matter, and seven of them. They had all surrounded Altaїr and had their bows raised in a deadly matter ready to kill at the slightest of aggravation. " will you come willingly assassin? or do we have to kill you?" An archer said. his voice portrayed confidence while his eyes portrayed fear.
However, before Altaїr could reply to the archer or even think of what to say back, Three arrows came out of nowhere and ended the lives of three of the archers.
"What the h-" Another archer started before a throwing knife ended up embedded into his chest. Altaїr glanced over his shoulder for a quick second to see Khan on the opposite roof, just about to jump over. Altaїr Unsheathed his sword and ran one guard threw while throwing a knife into another. However, before Altaїr could finish off the last one, Khan shoved a hidden blade into the mans gut. The archer fell dead to the ground with a thud as Khan stepped away from the spray of blood. Altaїr could only watch as Khan retrieved his arrows and knives while closing the eyes of the archers. He handed Altaїr his throwing knife before walking towards the bereau.
This is when Altaїr took the time to examine Khan's weaponry. He had at least twenty throwing knives attached to his ribs and about the same amount of arrows in his quiver. The bow he wielded was a light, almost white, brown colour with dark metal ends, good for bashing some heads if needed. He did not have a sword resting on his side, but one Short blade. All in all, this assassin was meant for back round fighting and limited close quarters.
That form of fighting was very unlike Altaїr. Instead of smaller weaponry, Altaїr had duel long swords, his hidden blade, his fifteen throwing knives and his crossbow. The crossbow he only used in a hurry and only had a few back up arrows for it. His swords handles were laced with gold coloured steel and fancy, noble looking gems that were pleasant to the eye.
An evil idea made its way into Altaїr's mind as he took a deep breath and yelled:
" Don't worry Khan! When we get into close quarters, or anywhere near a decently muscled Templar, i'll keep your sorry, useless ass safe!"
Khan stopped in his tracks...
Sorry it took so long but ive been busy with stupid high school teen drama bull crap.
anyway, ill try to bump up my updating times
hope you enjoyed! =D