"So we're not brothers."
He shook his head. "Not by blood like you and Kadar. But we are brothers in arms I suppose. We did grow up together."
"Where is Kadar?"
That's what made Altair freeze, and he stopped and looked at him, waiting for an answer. It was a long minute before Altair told him very unwillingly, "Kadar is dead, Malik."
This set on him like a stone. He had family, but it was gone? What else would he find out about himself, he dared to wonder. Maybe this man would tell him why his left arm is missing and why he seemed to choke when informing him that his brother is gone from this world.
"We're almost to the Bureau." Altair then stated, moving a little faster now. He didn't move faster though, only kept an eye on the back of his white hood as he walked through the crowds.
"Sir, please, if you could part with some coins, it would help I and my family!"
He turned and stared at the beggar. An old man in tattered clothing, though it seemed fair that he should, he wasn't sure if had the time. With a quick apology, he turned to leave him when he noticed something. Altair was gone. He had been there a moment ago! He knew he had been! Where could he have possibly gone?
Panicked, he spun about in search of the unmistakible white robes, only to see nothing but other citizens. He was alone... or thought he was.
A hand grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back, a dagger to his throat. That man, the very being who tried to drown him, hissed, "I should have been more sure of your demise. But, since you have not died... I should take it as a sign that you might be of use to me." He then pulled him away into an alley, and then somewhere beyond what he could try to remember.
This man had then thrown him into a ceil, shackled his one wrist to the wall and left him there. Now trapped there in a cage, he fought vainly, trying to break his bonds through sheer strength which for some part he did not possess. Soon he put an end to his struggle and slumped to the floor, wondering if Altair had found out and started to search for him. Maybe he would be out of this cage before he knew it.
Yeah... he wished...
After landing in the Bureau he looked back up at the entrance and waited, figuring that the confused cripple would have a harder time than usual getting into the building. He waited for minutes, then he called out for Malik only to not be answered. That's what made him begin to worry.
The assassin climbed out and looked down at the streets only to see people, swarms of citizens. But no Malik. No man in dia's clothing walking among the masses. Even when he used his Eagle Vision Malik did not show. No one appeared in gold, and no one in blue, moving about.
Disappointment and irritation got the better of him, and he kicked some sand on the roof since nothing else was there to kick. He'd have to go out and search for Malik, collect information from others on his where abouts, and go in to get him. Why did Al Mualim asign him this mission anyways, he wondered.
Because you are the only person alive who knows the man better than anyone... Why him? It would be Kadar, if he only lived through Solomen's Temple. But no. He was the only person who knew Malik better than anyone. And knew better than most of his temper.
Actually, scratch that... After all the screaming during the amputation of his arm, anyone would get the idea that he has a temper. He shuttered heavily in remembrance of it, then sat down on the edge of the roof to think out his next move.
"Malik... where are you?" He muttered, staring at the slowly darkening sky.
Yup, short chapter. I know. Altair had him. Then he lost him. GOOD JOB YOU NOVICE! GOOD F*CKING JOB!
Will Malik become the hulk and brake through metal chains?
Will Altair ever find Malik?
Who is this mysterious man who just captured him?
Will I ever stop asking these stupid questions?
Find out next chapter!