Intermission: Words
Dear Amira,
This place is better than I had imagined, if only you could understand the joy I felt when I arrived at this place. Unlike Damascus, this small town feels more homely, more comfortable, and warmer. Everything is at ease. The fortress where I am to be living from now on is beyond splendid. It does not have the smooth walls our mansions are characterized with, and it definitely does not have the intricate decorative carvings. No, it is not at all like those buildings. It is stronger more resilient while still being formidable. I am sure that you, being the strangest girl I have met in my lifetime, would enjoy this place, especially since it is way colder than Damascus. I am to begin my training tomorrow, so do not expect any letters for a while. I am going to be just fine, so do not go worrying about me. Please take care, and try your best to not make father upset. And, Amira, I beg of you, stay out of trouble. Send my regards to Adnan, tell him that I am awaiting his decision. He should know by now that I will not judge, regardless of what he chooses.
With Love, Your Brother.
Dear Brother,
I am glad to know that your new home is to your likings. I have but to complain, though, this house is not the same without you. There is no one to read to me and there is no one to keep me company when I am lonely. It has barely being a couple of days and I am starting to miss you. Our father misses you too, unlike to what you may think. Adnan definitely misses you, but I am sure you expected that. He did not give me a direct response again, but I am sure he has already made up his mind. It only saddens me to know that my two favorite people in this world are going to be so far apart from me. I am actually jealous of you. You were able to escape this place, to move to where your heart asked you to but I am bound here, tied to my prescribed fate. Is it fair, brother? I only wish to be with you and Adnan, I only wish to be able to do what you do, but I am not allowed. I am whining again, so I apologize. I am still very happy for you, and I only wish you the bests of luck in your training. I am working hard too, you know. I have been taking lessons for a couple of months now and I can read almost all the words from the scribe's papers. Master is very kind, and much too praising if I must say. He says I am a brilliant child, though I still hold doubts about such a statement. I really enjoy this, you know, I thought it would be tedious as first but, as time passes by, I think that books are what I love the most – after you and Adnan of course. I will stay out of trouble like you asked of me, but you have to stay safe in return. You are my big brother; I don't want anything happening to you. Please, brother, I beg of you, stay out of trouble. I will insist on Adnan's answer. I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Take care.
With Love, Amira
***
Dear Amira,
You very well know that I mind you not when you let your feelings out, if not to listen to you then why else would I ask for us to stay in contact. No, I don't dislike haring you rant. I am pleased that you are doing well in your lessons, but not one bit surprised, you are after all my little sister, I expect no one to beat you. And, even though you may refuse to believe it, you are a brilliant child – much too stubborn, rough and disobedient, but brilliant indeed. You should not fear loneliness however, for sometimes a time with yourself is more than needed in order to live. When Adnan leaves, if he decides to, you will still have father. You will still have us, even though we would be a tad farther away. I am sure that once you become of age father will find someone suitable for you, and you would no longer have to face loneliness. Since I am absolutely positive you will shudder at the thought, I have a better idea; find some friends. Girls your age are abundant and you would be surprised how interesting and nice they can be. If you still refuse to claim a normal life as your own, you could move here, to Masyaf. You are a learned person, you would be of some use I am sure. But leave this as your last resort; I don't want to strip you of the chance of having a regular and stable life. Please don't get over excited about this, though I am sure you are bound to. Even if you choose this, you'll have to wait. Twelve is too young for you to be moving around. Be patient and be safe, kid. Send my regards to everybody. Oh, and I apologize for taking so long to reply, training is hard but like your master, mine beliefs I have potential. I hope I can make you proud. Stay safe.
With love, your brother
Dear Brother,
You know me better than to assume I would be willing to accept a normal and steady life. I will try my best to enjoy it, because it is what you wish. But do not doubt that when I am finally old enough to be sent away I am going to be standing outside your door, ready to move in to that town you have grown to like so much. I can say that I agree with your master. You have always excelled at what you have done; this was to be no exception. But you have not told me anything about it yet, what does it feel like to be a, well, you know. Are there any rules, any legends or any history to it? I would love to go through their archives, for I am sure they must be rich in history. It must be amazing to work for such a group of people. I am proud of you, brother. You are doing something that many preach about but few actually try. It is honorable and it is something worth admiring. It seems my respect for you has only increased since the last time I saw you. I'm sorry I have to keep this letter short but my maidens are getting tighter on me every day. It is getting too troublesome. I will keep writing nonetheless. And I am looking forward to your response, as well. Be safe brother, you know I love you.
Take care, Amira
Dear Amira,
It took you long enough to inquire about it. I cannot tell you much, for I am not allowed. I can tell you, though, that we are ruled by three sacred rules, which we know as our creed. 'Hide in plain sight.' 'Stay your blade from innocent blood.' 'Never compromise the brotherhood.' They are pretty self explanatory, so I won't dwell into details. As far as legends go, I know none, and the history is too extent for me to detail here, but I will tell you everything next time we meet. I am sorry I am causing you trouble with the chambermaids, but, like I've told you, you need to learn to deal with those things. You are a handful, do not forget and do not remind your maids too often. I am to keep my writings short as well, for I have been assigned to my first mission. I have been promoted as well, my rank is not as high as some of my brother's, but it will at least allow me to carry out more important assignments. Wish me luck.
With love, your brother
Dear Brother,
I am worried. I have not heard from you in over a month. You did not reply to my previous letters as well. There is something that just does not feel right. I had a dream last night. I saw the fortress, which I know you admire so much, though I am not sure if it may resemble the one you have seen. You were in such fortress brother, inside, on some kind of study. There were many shelves around it, and there was a desk in the middle. A man in a black hood stood there, reprimanding you. I don't even know why I am writing this but, brother, I saw him ending your life. I have told myself that it was nothing but a dream, a product of my wild and unstable imagination. I am still truly worried brother. Adnan offered to ride all the way over there, but I told him it was not necessary. I…don't know what to do, what to think. Please, end my uncertainty, please.
With love and concern, Amira
Dear Amira,
I am sorry; I am not your brother. I am just a man who was honored to work with him. I am not happy to be the one to issue such news to you. Your brother is no longer in this world. I am terribly sorry, but rest assured that he is now in a better place. Do not worry anymore. If anything feel proud of him, for he died fighting for what he believed, for what was right. He was trying to build a better world for you, I am sure, so grieve not and weep not. His sacrifice was not in vain.
Sincerely, Al Mualim