Chapter Four
Faerie stood by the shallow, marble water fountain. The mix of pink and white marble helped to reflect the clearness of the water. To the side were medium sized coves with benches and pillows, which were now occupied by the other females who were frightened by the commotion. She didn't see Arya anywhere and was worried; she raced down to the lower level of the Garden. There wasn't much there: it was a downhill slope with a path that zigged-zagged. The path led to a cliff side which was sectioned off by an elegant fence made with high arches.
When Faerie had gotten to the cliff side she saw Arya standing on the fence's edge looking over at the rushing river below. Faerie gasped, putting her hands over her mouth.
"Arya, no!" she grabbed Arya and pulled her back to safe ground. Arya rested in Faerie's bosom, crying.
"What did I do wrong?" she sobbed. Arya understood what Rachael had said years before how she was content caring for children; likewise, Arya wanted to help and care for the Assassins any way she could. Faerie didn't answer her; she just held her and comforted her.
Abbas came the next day to tell Faerie what Altaїr's punishment was shoveling manure for a week, no missions beyond Masyaf for that week, and some other simple labor. Then he went to Arya to apologize on Altaїr's behalf,
"His truly is sorry and I beg for your forgiveness in his place." He paused, "Please, he's a very angry person; the littlest thing could set him off. I don't know why he's this way and I've tried to change him…" He stopped, hoping that he wouldn't have to keep making excuses.
"Okay." She said plainly without looking at him. Abbas thought to himself Wow, that's it? expecting Arya to act out more forwardly as she had in the past. He then took his leave. Altaїr wouldn't return to the Gardens for another month. Upon returning, he automatically looked for Arya. He noticed her sitting at the edge of the marble fountain; he rushed down the stairs jumping halfway from the stairs straight into the shallow water. The water splashed Arya in the face,
"Argh, what was that for?" she shouted.
"You're not allowed to talk to me that way." He remarked, Arya stood up shouting at him,
"I don't care! You are a rude asshole!" she waved her finger in his face; "Furthermore, I bet I could beat you in a race!"
"Ha! Not only do I know that I would win, how about we make a bet?"
"Interesting how?" she questioned.
"Let's see, if you win…" he paused as he chuckled to himself, "I'll teach to climb like me." He raised an eyebrow.
"And if I lose?" she couldn't resist the challenge.
"Then you have to allow me to whip you …for your disobedience." Altaїr took out a whip from under his robe.
Arya eyed the whip remembering the pain from before, she weighted the options: in one hand, she had a chance to learn something that her father didn't teach her, but if she lost, she would suffer another beating. Altaїr stood there confidently, thinking that she wouldn't take the bet. However, Arya had an ego as well and wasn't about to let him beat her again!
She stood firmly, squaring up to Altaїr. Arya got so close to Altaїr's face that their noses almost met. Faerie and the other girls stood off in the distance, fearing that Altaїr would just use the whip there instead of racing her. In fact, Altaїr's lips twitched in anger. Though he couldn't help but be immersed in the idea, he placed the whip on top of one of the broken pillars continuing to gaze at Arya.
"Okay, we'll start at the fountain's edge and run all the way down to the cliff side. Got it?" She nodded her head.
They stood at the fountain's edge, Altaїr kept looking over at her, scanning her from top to bottom and back again. She waited, and waited, but he still hadn't call 'Go!' A thought came to her suddenly…she pulled up her skirt and tucked the longer ends in her belt so that they wouldn't snag or get in the way. Arya was still messing around with her skirt when,
"Go!"
Quickly Altaїr raced down hill, jumping on small pillars, raced through the grass, jumping from the first fence, to the second, and finally landing at the lowest level of the Garden. He looks back and leans on the fence that boards the cliff. A smile crept across his face while sweat streamed down.
"What took you so long?" Came a voice. Altaїr glanced beside him and sitting on the fence was Arya. She smiled at him with the confidence of knowing that she wasn't beat. He couldn't believe it! How was it possible that she beat him in a race? Slowly she placed her feet in the soft grass, putting her hands behind her back walking towards him,
"I won, so you have to teach me how to climb."
"No…" He tried to come up an excuse, "the bet's not over yet." He said quickly.
"Wait, you just said a race!" she yelled.
"The second half is easier…"
"What is it?" she asked in curiosity.
"This!" He swiftly jabbed at her, but she blocked efficiently. This fight would be different from the ones before. Now she was training in fighting, not all too much, but enough. Blow after blow she stopped him. This only enraged him, Altaїr continued throwing punches. He put all his power in one punch, as he lost his balance Arya swung her leg under his knocking him to the ground. Her father had taught her this technique, and that after her opponent was on the ground she was to saddle him to keep him down. She sat on top of him and pushed down on either shoulder, keeping him there.
He gazed at her, the sun reflected off her gown. For that instant, she looked heavenly. The glow and softness of her skin, he couldn't help but place his hands upon her thighs moving the see-through portion to the side. He had lost his anger.
"I win!"
Chapter Five
The sun was gently setting behind the mountains casting shadows upon the city. Altaїr walked with Malik, heading towards the barracks. Altaїr leisurely followed thinking about the events of the day.
"Hurry up, Altaїr!" yelled Malik, "We'll get in trouble again if we're late." Altaїr rushed up to him.
"Sorry…"
"You seem to be out of it today, what's wrong?"
"I lost a fight today." Altaїr answered bluntly.
"Haha, that's a good one." They made eye contact with each other and then Malik realized that he wasn't joking. "Really, by who?"
"That's…not important. Though I wonder how he did it. He barely knew the basics."
"Well, my friend, the answer's simple."
"Oh and that would be?"
"You're an exceptional Assassin, there's no debating that. However, your basics aren't as developed." Malik prepared for an onslaught, but Altaїr didn't attack him.
"Not as developed?"
"Well, as soon as you learned one thing, you'd move on to the next."
Altaїr didn't reply, he just continued to walk. He laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was simple: hay beds with plain blankets, stone walls and a wooden door. All he could think about was Arya and the soft glow of her skin reflecting the sun's rays. Normally if someone had beaten him in a skill he would later get revenge and put them back in their place, sometimes even if they didn't beat him. But, yet this girl did beat him and he wasn't mad…why?
When the moon hung high in the night sky Altaїr snuck out of bed heading for the window, Abbas sat guard next to it but was asleep. Gently he opened the wooden window, Abbas awoke for a moment at the noise, but quickly fell back to sleep. Altaїr slid out and down the stone wall, the rough edges of his fingers landed on the stone ledges that protruded from the barracks' cold outer wall. Finally, his leather boots made contact with the river's edge; Altaїr followed the river until it met back at the cliff and climbed up to the Gardens.
"I thought that you weren't going to show up."
Altaїr looked at her, she was wearing her normal outfit but with her skirt securely tied to her belt. The entire night Altaїr explained and demonstrated the art of climbing, he walked her through each step. Arya wasn't able to hold on the ledges properly, her fingers were weak and soft. She grabbed the stone edge, Altaїr stood next to her one hand around her waist and slowly she moved upwards.
Arya climbed up the side of the castle, each hand and foot making contact. She poked her head over the top of the landing and couldn't believe the beautiful sight. It looked like a painting: the soft midnight blue faded into the cold gray of the town, the bright glow of the flames painted the nearby walls and streets, and the white uniform of the guards stood shaded in the shadows.
"Altaїr, this is wonderful!" she said in a loud voice.
"Shush, you'll get us in trouble, come on down."
She took one last glance at the portrait and started to climb down, her foot slipped from the wall. Her body came away from the building and below her was stone. Arya's skirt came undone from her belt and fluttered as she fell, time stood still and fear overtook her. She braced herself only to be caught by Altaїr, her heart skipped a beat as her arms fell around his neck. He couldn't help but noticed how the moon illuminated her face. He brought his face close to her,
"It's alright, I've got you." His voice sounded kind, unlike the other times she talked to him. The event caused her to tear up; gently he put her on her feet, brought her close, and wiped her cheek with his callused thumb. She was shocked to see a smile on his face, she moved closer. The dew glistened as the sun rose over the horizon,
"Altaїr, where have you been?" shouted Malik, he noticed Altaїr holding Arya, "Ah, there'll be time for that later, you're late for training." Altaїr slowly let go of her, wishing that he could stay longer. Not a second after the boys left did Faerie come rushing out,
"Aw, how cute, see I told you it wasn't hard!" she stated, not realizing that they were together all night.
"What, no! It wasn't like that!" Arya tried to dismiss her.
It was now midday and it was as hot as ever, some of the girls played in the shallow pond, splashing each other with water. Arya sat in the shade unable stop thinking about Altaїr. She thought that was odd, since in the past she considered him her worst enemy and a brute, but last night she saw a different side of him. An awful smell floating on the breeze distracted Arya from her dream. It was that Assassin from before, the one who tried to rape one of the girls.
He glanced around for a few minutes, everyone stood still in anxiety and finally his eyes rested on Arya, an evil grin came across his face as he marched over to her. He grabbed Arya by the upper arm and dragged her away from the group. Faerie attempted to stop him but was quickly thrown to the ground.
"Let go of me!" Arya shouted as she beat on him, to no avail.
"Stop struggling…" he pinned her arms to the ground and forced her legs open. Arya continued to scream and tried to fight back. A hand landed lightly on the man's shoulder, "Not now, I'm busy."
"Let go of her…"
"I said I'm busy--" the man looked back to see Altaїr staring at him and gave a smart reply, "Don't worry Altaїr, you can have her in a moment." He laughed; however, Altaїr didn't think it was funny. The Assassin shook from Altaїr's grip and laid over Arya,
"I said LET HER GO!" Altaїr jerked the man off of Arya and threw him to the side, Arya scurried back to the group.
"Boy, you should know not to meddle in a man's affair." Altaїr didn't response. Abbas, Malik, and some other younger Assassins entered the garden. Abbas went straight to Faerie,
"What's going on?"
"Altaїr's defending Arya." She said eagerly.
"Really, how unusual." Abbas looked down at Arya, who was holding tightly to Faerie's side watching the fight. "Esam1, stop this nonsense, there's work to be done!" Abbas called out.
"Yes, there's work to me done!" Esam called back, "And I'll be done with it in a minute." He whispered to himself.
Esam swung at Altair causing him to be off balance, he followed with another punch knocking Altaїr to the ground. "When I'm done with you, Altaїr, I'll return to that whore…"
Altaїr became enraged and booted Esam in the face and beat him repeatedly, he was engulfed with rage. Esam became unconscious after the first two blows, but Altaїr continued to punch him. Abbas briskly walked over and pulled him off,
"That's enough, why are you acting this way?"
"She's not a whore…" Altaїr was breathing heavily and all his muscles were tight.
"Okay, that's enough, he's out." Abbas was surprised that Altaїr had a reason for being ruthless, usually he would just say 'because I wanted to.' Abbas signaled from Esam to be removed from the Garden,
"That's all in the past, let's relax now." He smiled, Altaїr agreed.
Altaїr sat brooding over the scuff mark Esam gave him; he was in the shadow of the castle when Arya came over. At first he turned from her, she smiled and sat next to him holding a wash cloth. She turned his head back towards her and lightly dabbed the wound. Altaїr grabbed her wrist and pulled her in close and smiled. They laid down together talking,
"Are you okay?"
"I am now, thank you."
"It's okay, I don't know why, but I seem to be attracted to you."
"Oh, really? Tag, you're it!" she tapped him on the shoulder and ran towards the pond. Gladly, Altaїr followed, he jumped over the stair railing and through the water to her, tackling her to the ground. Abbas and Faerie watched from afar, hearing their laugher.
"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Faerie rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her.
"Yes, it does." He replied, kissing her on her forehead. Faerie and Abbas had been lovers for many years now and were always together. They were very compassionate towards each other and everyone could see it. Abbas had asked Al Mualim many times for her hand in marriage, but he wouldn't hear of it.
Chapter Six
A year had passed, and every time Altaїr would come home after a mission he'd go straight to Arya: it didn't matter time of day. He would show her his wounds and she would tend to them, even little bumps and scrapes. When Altaїr was with her, he was never angry like he was before. He was simply himself. It was dusk when Altaїr returned, he met Arya in the cove of the Garden. Arya sat quietly waiting for him,
"Arya, I'm here."
"I've missed you." She jumped into his arms, he embraced her. Suddenly they heard a rustle, Altaїr press Arya to the wall and peered around the corner.
"It's Abbas!" he said, shocked.
"Uh, it's unusual for him to be here at this time." remarked Arya.
They followed Abbas to the lower levels of the Garden. When he reached the lowest level, Arya and Altaїr peered over the ledge to watch. Abbas was meeting Faerie, for a moment they held one another and kissed, but what was going to happen would shock the two watching. Faerie had laid out a blue cotton blanket on the ground and laid there, motioning Abbas to come closer. He laid next to her, stroking her face and body. The both of them started undoing layers of clothing. Altaїr's eyes widen and Arya covered her mouth. Altaїr was about to speak out when Arya yanked him back and moved away from the scene.
They ran as fast as they could to the other side of the Garden, there was barely a glow left by the sun. They ran so fast that they were exhausted by the time they stopped,
"Did you see that?" asked Altaїr.
"Yes, I saw it…Altaїr?"
"What?" he playfully collapsed on her.
"Please don't say a word about what you saw, okay?" he looked at her puzzled, "She could get into a lot of trouble. Please don't say anything?"
"Okay, I won't say anything. I promise." He kissed her gently, "But can you believe Abbas? He's so stingy and rule-biding…" they burst into laughing. They spent most of the night together, Altaїr left before twilight and returned to the barracks,
"Where were you all night?"
"Ah!" Altaїr spun around to see the dark robe of Al Mualim; Altaїr stood at attention and slowly met his eyes.
"I'm waiting for an answer, boy." He continued.
"He was with me, Master." Abbas showed up behind him, "I was showing him some advanced techniques, right Altaїr?" he put his hand on Altaїr's shoulder.
"Yeah, that's right." His voice faded off.
"Well, I would appreciate it if you informed me next time." he glared, not believing the whole story as an odd odor arose, but left it as it was and allowed them to continue to bed. They slowly walked back to their beds.
"Why did you help me?"
"Because we were both in the Gardens when we shouldn't have been, you keep my secret and I'll keep yours…deal?"
"Deal."
There were no missions for the day, so most of the Assassins took the day off. Altaїr decided to train hard that day instead of seeing Arya. He knew she would worry, but since they've been together he thought that his skills were lacking. He figured that today would be a good day to train. In the training ring, Altaїr was practicing with Malik. Even with Altaїr lacking, Malik was still no match for him. Altaїr easily knocked him to the ground repeatedly; however, he didn't brutally beat him like he would have in the past.
Al Mualim observed the training from the overlook and couldn't deny Altaїr's progression. Assassins, by nature, strive to find peace in all things, even in themselves. And finally Altaїr had reached the point to where he wasn't consumed with hatred; he was finding the peace in himself. By doing this, it will allow him to be more efficient in his work. Altaїr had shown much progress: his basic maneuvering has improved, he was quicker, and had greater precision.
"He's gotten much better." Al Mualim mentioned.
"He has, though he'd deny it." Abbas laughed.
"Perhaps, however, I think it's about time to advance him to the next rank."
"Not to question your judgment, Master, but do you really think he's ready?"
"Given him some time, then we'll make our decision then."
"Very well, Master."
Altair had advanced in rank much quicker than most, he was almost fifteen and outranked many of the older Assassins. If advanced to the next rank he would gain the use of the hidden blade. The hidden blade was a symbol of great power among the Assassins and only a few actually wielded one.
Back at the Gardens Faerie was pacing swiftly back and forth the main courtyard. Arya watched her for several minutes before walking up to her.
"Faerie, what's wrong." She stopped pacing.
"Dear child, come with me…" she grabbed Arya's hand and pulled her to a secluded section of the courtyard away from the castle's views points. Faerie knelt down to her,
"How old are you now?"
"I'm ten, why?"
"And you know how awful this place can be, right?" referring to living in the Gardens.
"Yes, but there's a good side…Rachael had taught me that." Faerie looked at her innocence and smiled.
"Yes, I suppose so. But listen to me, I'm with child."
"With Abbas?" she covered her mouth.
"I'd figured you knew, but…I'll be leaving tonight."
"What, but you're the only person I have left." She started to cry.
"I know, sweetie…" she removed a flower pendent from her hair, "here, keep this as a memento."
"Okay…" she wiped her nose as she took the pendent. They spent the rest of the day together and Arya even helped her pack her belongings, what little she had. That night, Abbas came to take Faerie to a wagon. This wagon would take her to Abbas's brother's home in Acre, it would be there that she will raise their child. Abbas knew that he wouldn't be able to see her or his child often, but made the promise to visit when he could. Arya knew that her mother died soon after her birth, she had lost Rachael years ago, her father was no longer in her life, and now Faerie was leaving her. Now she felt as though she lost a sister. Every person that came into her life had disappeared, she wondered if this would happen with Altaїr as well.
The next morning Altaїr came to visit her before his next mission, when he went to their usual meeting spot she wasn't there. He looked all over the Garden and couldn't find her, time had ran out and he had to leave. Altaїr did his mission perfectly, his target fell and not a single guard was alerted. As usual, upon his return he headed towards the Gardens but was stopped by an informer who blocked his path.
"Would you get out of my way."
"Sorry, Altaїr, but Al Mualim requests your presence."
"Very well, I will go to him now." He tried to hide the fact that he'd rather be elsewhere. He rushed up the stairs as fast as he could to meet the Master at his desk. "You requested me Master?" he said between breaths then bowed respectfully.
"Ah, Altaїr, my boy." Al Mualim was starting to grow a grey beard now, but Altaїr knew not to judge a person's ability by looks alone. The Master was more than able to handle himself in a fight. "Please tell me, what has contributed to your great improvement?"
"Just practicing and looking inward." Altaїr answered, however the truth was that training with Arya is what had helped.
"Very good. From now on your missions will be more difficult and dangerous, are you willing to take on this new challenge?"
"I'm willing to do whatever is necessary, Master." Altaїr was honored.
"Good, I'll assign you our next mission in two days, then you'll have a week to ready yourself."
"Yes, Master." Altaїr bowed again.
"You're dismissed."
Chapter Seven
Altaїr was ecstatic that Al Mualim was advancing him to the next rank so he ran even faster to Arya to tell her the news. His leather boots made contact with the grass of the Gardens, looking once again for his love. She was nowhere to be found, he started to worry this wasn't like her at all. Altaїr asked some of the other women if they've seen her,
"Excuse me, but have you seen Arya?"
"No, haven't seen her, but why don't you stay here with us for awhile?" one of the girls suggested as she tried to grab his arm, but he already had moved away.
"Thanks anyway." He left the women and continued to search for her.
Abbas walked into the Gardens, but his posture and mood were much different today than usual. The women were going over to comfort him but he motioned them away taking a seat on the stairs. He stroked his head with his hand and let out a heavy sigh, Altaїr thought if anyone would know where Arya could be it would've been Abbas. He walked over to Abbas taking a seat next to him,
"What's wrong Abbas?"
"Oh, Altaїr." He gave a small smile, "Nothing's wrong, it's just been a long day."
"Yeah, it has, hasn't it?" Altaїr agreed, "Anyways, do you know where Arya is?"
"You can't find her here, your skills must be lacking, the Garden isn't that big." He tried to joke. Altaїr couldn't hold his news any longer,
"My skills are just find, you can ask Al Mualim himself!" a huge smile crept across his face.
"Oh, what news do you have?"
"In two days, Al Mualim will be sending me on an important mission. He's advancing me to the next rank!"
"That's wonderful my friend, I wish you the best." Abbas was happy for Altaїr, but was also hoping for the same advancement himself. Altaїr would now outrank him. "Ah, not to change the subject, but there's Arya." He pointed across the way.
"Arya, where have you been? I have great news for you!" the next few hours Altaїr told her all the news and how he felt about it. He couldn't stop talking about it, Arya sat there smiling at him, but her eyes were somewhat distanced. "Are you okay?" he finally asked.
"Faerie is gone…"
"Where did she go?" Altaїr's naïve nature showed.
"I don't know, she's gone…" she started to cry, Altaїr held her tightly. "I've lost everyone close to me…Now I'm afraid of losing you too, Altaїr." She pulled away from him, but he pulled her back.
"I'll never leave you, remember that."
Abbas overlooked them from around the corner, he starting thinking about Faerie and then about Altaїr and Arya. He hoped that their relationship would end better than his and Faerie's. He left them to train Malik and Kudar2, he thought it would help to clear his mind.
That night, Altaїr again attempted to sneak out to Arya. Malik was the one on guard this time and met Altaїr by the door. At first he gave a slight glare: Malik never really liked Altaїr, he thought that Altaїr continuously disrespected the Brotherhood, and therefore didn't hold much respect for him.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
"Out for a walk…"
"Really, in the middle of the night?" Malik could tell by Altaїr's eyes that he was lying.
"What can I say, it's peaceful."
"Go to sleep." He commanded.
"I outrank you, I can go out if I want." Altaїr remarked back. Malik stepped aside as Altaїr sped through. For a moment they exchanged glances, tension building within them both, but Altaїr just continued past him. Altaїr ran down the barrack stairs and climbed over the walk of the Castle to the Gardens, they weren't supposed to meet tonight. He silently walked into the sleeping room where the girls would retire to at the day's end.
"Arya, wake up." He nudged her awake.
"Altaїr, what are doing here? You can get into much trouble." She quickly jumped to her feet. Altaїr didn't seem worried, he grabbed her by the hand and snuck out the door with her. "What are you doing?"
"I have a surprise for you, after all it is your 11th birthday today isn't it?" He smiled.
"Yeah, it is…" She said under her breath, not thinking that he would remember.
"Follow me." He led her to the Castle wall and started climbing, in hindsight, it was good that he taught her to climb. He climbed halfway up to realize that she wasn't following him. "What's wrong, come on."
"Altaїr, I can't leave the Garden." She remember the deal that Al Mualim and her father had made, she also remember the punishments she had received before for disobedience while here. He jumped down and grabbed both of her hands,
"It's okay, you're with me, nothing bad will happen." His eyes glimmered.
"Okay." She was still concerned but followed him anyways. She wondered what the surprise could be. He helped her to the top, she remembered the first time she had climbed up here and saw the town as a portrait. This time she couldn't see the stars, the sky was overcast with clouds and the wind carried a chill. The cold stone surface under her feet reminded her of the coldness of the building she hid behind when she first saw Altaїr and Abbas fought.
Still uncertain, she climbed down the other side with Altaїr and continued down the pathway to the town. They took the high road down since there would be fewer guards to worry about. The path opened to a small cliff like area with a few large boulders bordered it. Altaїr showed her to the ladder and warned her that the next cliff didn't have a ladder, but not to worry about it. They reached the next cliff, whose drop was much larger. Arya felt the soft, brisk grass on her feet. Again a memory of roaming the city as a child came back to her. Altaїr suddenly jumped to the level below them, she quickly looked over the edge in fear only to see that he was just fine.
He motioned her to jump and she shook her head no. He smiled and held in a laugh. Altaїr put out his hands saying that he would catch her and again she shook her head no. A patrolling guard appeared from behind her. He only saw a shadowy figure as he called out.
"Who's there?"
Without a second thought, Arya jumped to Altaїr holding her breath. The guard rushed over to the edge.
"It's just me, Altaїr." He called back. The guard scanned the lower guard only seeing Altaїr, he acknowledged him and went back to patrolling. When the coast was clear, he pulled Arya from a nearby brush. He pulled a twig from her hair and laughed. She tightly grabbed Altaїr's arm as they made their way through the town, he stopped and blindfolded her, then walked a little further.
"Ready for your surprise?"
"What is it?" The blindfold came off. Tears ran down her face, it was her father's house. Altaїr walked forward and knocked on the door. "No, don't do that." She hid behind him. There was no response, he knocked again. The door opened and Khadin stepped out,
"Who's there, do you know what time it is?" he rubbed his face. Realizing that it was Altaїr before him, he apologized and asked what brought him to his house.
"A birthday gift." He pulled Arya from behind him. At first she bowed her head in embarrassment only to be to be embraced by her father. He rushed them inside and made some tea.
"Ah, I don't believe you're eleven already. How the years fly." He smiled.
"I've missed you, father." She cried. The night was spent catching up and reminiscing: stories about her mother, about Rachael, and Arya told her father about Faerie and all she did to help her. The night ended solemnly as Arya had to say good-bye to her father for a second time. They raced back as the sun rose over the mountains, the new morning came with fear. Altaїr and Arya landed back in the Garden to be met by Al Mualim, the sense of danger filled Arya deeply while putting on a death grip on Altaїr's arm.
"Master, let me explain, it's my fault she was out--"
"No excuses!" he pulled her from Altaїr's side.
"Please, don't!" she begged.
"Enough!" he pulled out the whip and when it hit her on her cheek, she fell to the ground.
"Master, Please!" Altaїr tried to move between them but was held back and force to his knees by two other guards. He was unable to do anything, over and over again he heard her cry out with each hit. For the first time in his life, his own tears fell. Al Mualim recomposed himself.
"You know that the women here are forbidden to leave." He took his leave with the two guards. Altaїr rushed to her side, crying and telling her how sorry he was.
Chapter Eight
(Warning: the next scene is boarder-line in its situation. i would've put it off later but the storyline couldn't have it any later. Please don't complain for it is something that could/would have of happened in certain areas in this time period. Thank You.)
The next day Altaїr returned back to the Gardens and soothed Arya's wounds. To his surprise she grabbed him and rolled down the hill with him. Her wounds didn't seem to bother her. He landed on top of her at the bottom of the hill. She wrapped her arms around his neck, mentioning that he'll need a haircut soon. The surrounding disappeared as he only focused on her. Gently they kissed, and he pressed his body closely to hers.
They sat up for a moment. He slowly opened her legs, positioning himself between them. She undid his belt and it to the side as they laid back down. He couldn't think of anything else but being with her, right now, like this. He could no longer contain his emotions for her; tomorrow he'd be given his new mission and wouldn't know when he'd be able to see her again.
They were grateful that most people didn't travel to the lower levels of the Garden. Sweat dripped from his face as Arya could barely move. At first there was pain but after a while it turned to pleasure. Her body began to tense as Altaїr was finishing, she could feel the heat inside her. They breathed heavily, lying next to one another as she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Altaїr redressed himself and left. For the rest of the day Altaїr trained with Malik than later went to sleep early and awoke early.
Hours before twilight, Altaїr was already at Al Mualim's study awaiting for the mission's details. Al Mualim placed a piece of equipment on the table,
"Do you know what this is?" he inquired.
"Yes, it is a hidden blade." Altaїr answered confidently.
"Your mission, if you decide to take it, is to wield the hidden blade."
Altaїr was confused, how could wielding the hidden blade be a mission and why wouldn't he take it?
"If you take the hidden blade, you must always be committed to it. You may never take a wife." Al Mualim stated. The words hit Altaїr hard. He loved Arya and wanted her greatly, but he was an Assassin and he never questioned his duty as such. Al Mualim continued, "You have one week to decide." He dismissed Altaїr.
For the first two days Altaїr spent his time in solitude meditating. The days have never seemed longer to him. He pondered about his action with Arya the other day and the new advancement before him. On the third day he turned to the Gardens to speak with Arya. Arya grew with uneasiness as he spoke to her. She was concerned about the child that she would bear.
"I promise, when the baby is born I'll take you and the child far away. To a place that's safe." He held her hand.
"Okay." She seemed to be crying a lot recently and Altaїr had failed to keep his last promise, but what else could she do.
For the last days of preparation, Altaїr sat alone and thought long and hard over his actions: prior and to come. Al Mualim walked through the door and asked for his response,
"Yes, I will wield the hidden blade." He answered.
Al Mualim strapped on the hidden blade to Altaїr's left arm, Altaїr was told to make a half fist and to trigger the weapon. The smooth blade slid alongside its holster and sliced off Altaїr's ring finger. He fell to his knees in pain holding his hand. Blood gushed out from the cut-off appendage; Altaїr could see his finger laying on the ground as he rolled to one side. Al Mualim wrapped the wound and allowed Altaїr to rest for the day. Before Altaїr left Al Mualim whisper a phrase that echoed,
"Remember, boy…this is your home."
Al Mualim returned to his study going through many books. Esam approached the study and bowed, but Al Mualim didn't seem to notice him. Esam watched their Master pace back and forth from one side of his study to the other.
"Master?" Esam bowed again, Al Mualim looked at him, "I've come to report and that the mission was a success and I've returned with the blood of our enemy." He pulls out a feather with blood stained on it.
"Ah, yes, very good." Al Mualim spoke as if to himself.
"Is there something wrong?" Esam asked.
"Yes, there is." Al Mualim confided in Esam, "I'm worried that Arya will stray Altaїr from the path of the Assassin."
"I could help Master, if you like." He raised an eyebrow.
"I'll let you know when your assistance will be needed."
"Yes, Master." He turned away holding an evil smile.
Chapter Nine
Five months had passed and Altaїr had seen Arya less and less as the months continued. He was busy with training and lectures held by the higher ranked Assassins. Arya's fear grew once again, without seeing Altaїr on a regular bases, she felt like she'd soon lose him as well. A month later Al Mualim and Esam entered the Garden to speak with Arya. Upon seeing them, she wrapped her arms around her belly,
"Don't fear child, we just came to talk. Please, have a seat." Al Mualim motioned her to sit next to him, she couldn't refuse. Esam loomed over them.
"How far along are you?"
"Six months." She replied.
"Very well, when you reach eight months we'll move you to another place to stay and give birth." Al Mualim stood up and gave Esam a particular look; Esam in returned gave a smirk as the Master passed him.
Esam moved forward towards Arya and forced her to a room that she never seen before. She tried to scream as loud as she could but Esam covered her mouth. Al Mualim feared that if the child was born it would drive Altaїr away and he couldn't allow his best student to do that. In the following months Esam had tried to make Arya miscarriage, but the eighth month came and as he promised Al Mualim moved Arya to a place to finish the pregnancy. Altaїr was relieved of his duties for this time.
Altaїr entered the house and looked at Arya. He could see the bruises on her body and asked what had happened. She told him what happen and cried in his arms, or tried to anyways. This time he did not comfort her,
"How could you say such a thing?" her eyes grew wide with disbelief.
"But it's the truth, please you must believe me." She pleaded.
"Not another word of this." He stood apart from her; he looked at the midwife, "Take good care of her, she must be delusional." He turned from her and they parted. Altaїr had failed to keep his promise and her fear came true, she had lost him too. That night she prayed to Allah that she didn't care if she lived, but to please keep her baby alive. Arya had thought that her child was stronger than her, for it had endured so much the last months.
Altaїr was in the study of the castle when news of reached him that Arya was in labor. Joy filled him as he raced from the study, across the town, and through the curtains of Arya's room. When he had entered, Arya was sitting in the middle of the room covered by a blanket facing away from the door. Altaїr knelt down next to her; he could see that she was distant and emotionless.
He tried to speak to her, but she didn't response to him. He turned to the midwife and asked where his child was. She looked back to him and shook her, the midwife turned around and picked up a blanket covered in blood and handed it to Altaїr. The wool blanket was the one from Arya's mother; the child was a girl…a stillborn. Altaїr held the baby closed to him and cried for the second time in his life. The baby was buried the next day.
Arya was placed back in the Garden, from this point she didn't resist or response in any way to anyone. She would just sit there motionless. The other women started fearing her for her oddness and they all kept their distance. Altaїr had asked Al Mualim what could have caused Arya to lose the baby, Al Mualim responded:
"She must have done something to offend Allah, an act so bad that losing the child was her price to pay for it."
Altaїr couldn't image anything that Arya could have done that would lead to this outcome. He had always known her to be a loving person. He had a flashback to the words she said a few months ago: "But it's the truth, please you must believe me." He shook the thought from his mind: there's no way Al Mualim would do this, he's like a father to me…and this is my home.
Altaїr had many changes in his life: as a child he was always angry, to the loving preteen, and now he is an obedient man of the Creed. However, others would beg to differ. They would consider Altaїr to an egotistical young man who considered himself too good for the Creed.
As time went on Altaїr saw less and less of Arya, he was torn between his duty and his love. Now he would question whether he loved her at all, maybe it was lust all along. The more time he spent with Al Mualim the more he questioned himself about her. Often he would enter the Garden in search of her, but then he would look down at his left hand and realized he cared more for his duty than Arya. Once a month, out of habit, Altaїr would go to her. He would sit next to her and talk about his day.
"The mission was a little too hard for Malik and Kudar, but it was quite easy for me."
She sat in silence starring off as he continued he story, Altaїr would stop talking time to time and see if Arya had any response to him. Her life has been constant; she has lost so many again and again. The pain never went away for her, it stayed there and grew…and boiled. A decision had to be made.
"I'm not sure when I'll be able to see you again, but I'll try to stop by soon." He lied. Altaїr stood up and went to leave,
"Did you ever love me?" she questioned. This was her first words since the miscarriage. He went back to her and knelt before her, she couldn't look him in the eyes. He was unsure why he embraced her and she didn't return it. He remembered that this action had made his heart beat, but now it seemed that his chest was silent. He stood from her and walked away.
Esam entered not much later, he overheard their conversation and couldn't help but further the situation. He came beside Arya and jerked her head to him licking the side of her face. He threw her to the ground straddling her,
"Oh, did the little girl have her feelings hurt?" he laughed. She didn't response. "My dear, you must be under great stress, losing your child and all--"
"Go to hell!" she thrust her hand forward striking him in the face. They scuffled for a minute or two until he finally subdued her. As before she was taken to the room where she would be severely whipped; a thought crossed Arya's mind, maybe the reason why Altaїr was angry as a child was because everything he loved was taken from him…his family. What does one do when they fear for their life, when they have nothing left, and when they have nothing to live for?
A decision had to be made, and whose hand would wield the knife?
Blood rhythmically falls into a puddle of blood the floor.
Chapter Ten
Arya was sent to her bedroom and she laid there, some of the women tried to come forth and comfort her. Arya laid there emotionless, they saw this and was even more scared. Not a tear dropped from her eyes nor did she weep or sob.
It was late in the afternoon before Arya left the bedroom, she stood centre the courtyard starring mournfully at the castle. Her heart beat was rapid and her breathing was deep, her eyes were focused. She walked up the stairs that led to the entrance to the Garden, the gateway led inside to the castle, to Al Mualim. Two guards stood on the opposite side of the gate on either side facing away from her.
Looking inward the path led to the stairs, one leading to the bottom level where the books were stored then continued on to the training ground. The other stairs would lead to the upper level to Al Mualim's study. This was the gate that once a woman entered she was forbidden go through it again.
She walked towards it then stopped; the gateway was like a barrier to her. Arya's heart throbbed in her chest; her breath seemed to escape to never return. The sun hit her dress at just the right angle to make it glow heavenly. She passed the barrier and stood on the other side, the glow faded significantly. The guards exchanged glances,
"What do you think you're doing?" one called out, she paid no mind to him and glided up the stairs. One guard stayed to overlook the gate while the other followed her up Al Mualim's study. Esam was speaking with Al Mualim when she stood before him.
"What's this?" asked Esam.
"Why is she here?" Al Mualim demand.
"My apologies Master, she just walked in."
"Then take her back out!" Al Mualim was fuming.
"Right away." The guard grabbed her by the arm and started to take her back down stairs when she pushed him into the wall taking a throwing knife from his belt. She rushed at Esam stabbing him under the ribcage.
"You whore!" he screamed as he fell to the ground, she continued to stab him.
"Guards, Guards! Come quickly, restrain her!" called Al Mualim.
She turned to him, blood covering her face. A decision had to be made and she would wield the knife. As Arya went to step forward to Al Mualim four guards held her down, she struggled but was unable to free herself. They held her from either side and brought her before their leader.
"Dear child, do you know your actions?" she didn't response, "Your actions are against that of God--"
"So be it, I shall see you burn in Hell!" she screeched.
"Very well," he paused, "Let it be known that this woman has caused us harm, that her ill will has brought us pain and failure to our cause. Her hatred has manifested itself here today, high treason against the Brotherhood and the murder of a fine warrior. Take her to the chamber, her punishment will be dealt there."
"Go and do your worst! I fear not your chains and whip!"
She was taken down under the main floor to the chambers, she knows them well for each time she ensued the wrath of Al Mualim this is where she stood. As before they cuffed the chains around her wrist, one could see that they were already raw from prior punishments. However, instead of standing passively by allowing them to do their work she was fighting the whole time. She kicked and bit and did whatever she could.
"Break her leg that should settle her down." said Al Mualim and so it was done. Her knee was broken in the opposite direction; she let out a horrific scream. Altaїr burst through the door in disbelief. The news had reached him quickly and was unsure what to make of the situation. Al Mualim told him of how she killed Esam and her murderous intent against the Assassins.
"Boy, finish this…as your duty." He handed him the whip. Altaїr took a moment looking at the whip and then to Arya. The repetition of the whip had already created deep lacerations in her back. "Go on, she killed your brother in arms, punish her!"
But didn't he deserve it? He thought, How many transgressions had he had and no one raised a blade to him? Altaїr raised the whip; however, she did high treason. The whip landed squarely on her back. By hour's end, the flesh from her back was hanging off. Altaїr came face to face with her, she spoke,
"Do your worst, I dare you! No matter how mangled my body is I will always see the demon that lives within you, in each and every one of you." Hatred filled her voice.
"But when you bleed out and your soul leaves Earth, what will you see then?" Al Mualim took the venom of a snake and poured it into a small bowl, of which already contained poisoned berries and herbs. The potion was carefully mixed and was held firmly by the Master. He grasped her jaw in one hand and poured the mixture in her eyes,
"Argh!" She could feel her eyes and skin burning as the liquid streamed down her face.
She was thrown before the people, said to live only to suffer for her transactions. The people spat on her, hissed, and even thrown stones at her as she tried to crawl away. Altaїr grabbed her and stood her on her feet, despite her broke leg,
"Look at me." He told her, "Look at me, now!"
"Not even if I wanted to." She whispered. Altaїr was enraged and dragged her back to the Garden.
"Look at all this! You were cared for! The finest clothes, the finest foods, and in the finest conditions!" He continued to the lower level and continued down to the cliff's edge, "Here, under the Creed, you were kept safe and free from harm!" his hand raised to the beauty of the valley.
"Don't you remember the harm that came to me here? This place is not safe, we tried to get away, to flee to safety for our lives and our future!"
Again her breath left her; she could feel the fence on her lower back and her feet leaving the ground. She reached out to him and he pulled away. Arya's body floated on the winds that swept in the valley and splashed into the cold river. Her head hit a boulder as the water engulfed her.
The clouds darkened and covered the sky for as far as the eye could see and for the first time this year the heavy rain poured down. The heavens cried out for vengeance, for redemption, perhaps, even, for peace.
1 Esam: means safeguard, it's meant to be ironic.
2 Kudar: Malik's younger brother.