Chapter 4 - History Echoes

"Altair, Altair! Welcome, welcome!" The Rafiq of the Bureau had sounded quite excited. "It's qui- Who is this woman?"

"Rafiq, I must ask for you to not tell the other assassins about her. Things are off key right now, I need to head to Masyaf, keep her hidden-"

"But-" My voice and Rafiq's joined in from confusion.

"Don't worry, I will be back soon to explain everything. Alyssa, DON'T GO ANYWHERE."

I had stared at Rafiq as Altair made quick haste out of the Bureau. I sat on the counter as Rafiq was now finishing a few things. I felt as though I could breathe again. Being in this time, this world. I could breathe easy, seeing there wasn't much smog in the air. I placed myself at ease, now giving a glace at the Bureau.

There was the chess board in the middle, making indication that assassins knew to have a little back time, perhaps to use the board to strategy moves. I moved back over to Rafiq, which was quite an awkward moment. I gave a light smile, as if to say that I meant no harm. There was a nod back at me.

"Don't worry Rafiq, I am traveling with Altair, at least for the time being. My name's Alyssa if-"

"Oh dear god, you're THAT Alyssa? The pleasure is all mine. Altair has spoken fondly of you. Yes, yes, welcome to the Bureau. It's nice to actually meet you. I have heard Al Mualim does not think much of you, seeing you ran off the last time you were here."

"What has been said of me?"

"Ahh yes, even I keep secrets from the Creed, but Altair has told me everything. As long as you are here, you are welcome, just hide if others arrive. You can hide behind the counter if necessary."

"Thank you my friend. So you are the only one that Altair can trust I am guessing?"

"Sadly, yes. Al Mualim does not know of your case. I have written on you, but in a book that I keep secret. Altair has too, but calls it a codex, seeing it's quite the intact with the future or what he calls 'your world'."

"A codex?"

Rafiq had reached beneath the counter, dropping a book on top. "Ever since you left, he started writing a book. He said he was writing it for some time. He kept it with me because Al Mualim or anyone else would surely discover it. Within the Creed, this secret us to be well guarded."

I had scanned the book, opening its pages. Something had fallen into my lap. It was pieces of a dried flower. There was a flash of white light holding within my sights. Keep this flower as long as you can, this can be something you can remember me by, this way we can never be too far apart. I shook my head at the memory, only knowing that it was something that was triggering my memory.

I was broke from it as something familiar dropped."My dagger... how did it get here?"

"Careful, Altair sharpened it. I also took the time to fix it up, seeing much of the paint was wearing off. It's quite an interesting piece of art."

My hand grasped my dagger, feeling the metal and seeing it was polished even, making a shine I had never seen, but was quite marvelous. I slipped the dagger out of the sheath, seeing it was like brand new. The paint had gave off a radiant light. The chinese dragon was reviled, wrapping around the eagle, making it look like a phoenix. The Eagle was higher than the dragon, also appearing as if the dragon was attacking who was higher above him.

"This dagger I bought at an antique store, it had the title of the Gothic Dagger. I thought it was very interesting, seeing that the sheath had a lion and that it was my first blade."

"I believe it represents courage, that of the lion. The eagle perhaps symbolizes strength, freedom. The dragon can present protection, to be powerful and fearsome. Often a sign of imperial power."

"I got it when I first turned 16, I was so eager to get a blade, but I don't know why."

"I saw much with that blade, even of its sheath. Would you like to hear my opinion?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"By seeing the picture while I repainted it, The dragon looks to be angry, as if to be fighting the eagle, but the eagle is keeping up a good fight, as if to fight the beast that drags him down. As if it is a symbol of fighting for freedom. As for the sheath, it has that lion's face, there also plays a part what appears to be feathers. The second picture down from it has what appears to look as if it's looking over a kingdom."

"How interesting...I always saw that the dragon and the eagle were just tied together, perhaps working, but now that I see it, your interpretation."

"Anyway, I can tell Altair doesn't want you going anywhere for the moment, so make yourself at home."

"Or try to." I joked a bit with a chuckle. "Care to break from your work and play a game of chess?"

"Well, it will be a while before Altair arrives back to get you, and I have no immediate work."

"All right then, let's get cracking."

Altair had returned to Masyaf, getting past many people, not wanting to question things quite yet. Many were about their own business, Altair did his best to avoid contact. He slipped into his bedroom as very few caught him being around. He had slipped off the sweater Alyssa gave him to wear and found a spare robe. He had then stored her sweatshirt in a safe place.

Heading on out, a brother approached him. "Altair, I see you are back. The Master received word on Tamir, he wishes to speak with you."

Altair pushed him out of the way, only to make his way to Al Mualim. The master was about his work as suspected. writing down a few things and taking note. There was also something Altair noticed before, it was that of the Eden, but didn't wish to discuss that for the time.

"That would you have a moment Altair? I hear you are victorious."

Altair gave thought, remembering that's when he had left, being send to Alyssa's world. "Yes, indeed, Master."

"Tell me of your woes Altair."

"Tamir spoke as if there are brothers among him that he is just a piece. He also claims to know the works of our ways."

"Which is why I had you destroy him." Al Mualim had concluded. "You have done well Altair, do not forget that. I am confident that it is of the first of many successes."

"But Master, he also spoke that said that my work had more of a meaning-"

"Altair, you must learn, that Significance comes not from a single act. It's of the consequences, that are borne from it."

Altair shook his head. "Then there is more I need to find out."

"Altair, I choose to withhold information only to ensure you do not make the same mistake a second time." Al Mualim's words had dug deep.

"I see..."

"No you don't!" Al Mualim had raised his voice. "Which is why it shall remain a lesson, so it shall remain until you understand. I restore a rank, even a piece of your equipment. Go now, to Acre or Jerusalem. Both cities but require your attention. Ask the Bureau Leaders there if you are in need of information. They will tell you more than likely what needs to be done."

As he spoke, Al Mualim released two birds, now giving Altair a short blade with his rank. The bitterness lasted only a moment as Al Mualim left with the Piece of Eden. Altair watched as the scholar near by then left before he scavenged through bookshelves. He had found what he was looking for, the book Al Mualim was writing on. There was nothing new added the last he had checked. Altair carefully placed the book back, now leaving the Fortress.

Heading out of Masyaf and hoping on a white horse, he headed back to Damascus. Arriving upon the Bureau, he heard commotion, he had seen Alyssa having an apple and playing chess with Rafiq. Alyssa had noticed his arrival as it quieted down. She gave a smile, again, glowing off the light.

"Hello Rafiq, I am sorry to say, but I am to head to Acre. Alyssa needs to travel with me."

"Of course, of course, don't let me stop you. She is quite the gem, come back any time. Perhaps you can tell me your story then Altair, I am sure of it."

Alyssa had looked away, giving a laugh. "Yeah, if he's too busy next time, remind me

As they walked the city, Altair wanted to ask her many things. He saw that she was in a better mood than before. She caught up with him, seeing that he was walking quite fast. Her fingers slipped in between his, wishing to get his attention.

"Did you speak with Al Mualim?" She asked.

"Yes, and he said that there are two places I need to head; Acre and Jerusalem. That there are two powers that need to be taken care of today. Garnier and Talal, one of Acre the other of Jerusalem."

"Garnier de Naplouse and Talal? The Doctor and the Archer."

"I'm not going to question how you know them, knowing you played the game, but that's all I needed to know for information I would suppose. I don't want you telling me anything else until I ask, understand?"

"Well, yeah of course."

Altair assisted Alyssa upon his horse. It's better if we take one, seeing we will be hunted. He then saddled in, sitting behind Alyssa. We'll be heading to Acre first, so hang on, it's going to be a long ride.

As we had arrived, I easily slid off, feeling sore. Altiar had assisted me, making sure I wouldn't head face first into the dirt. He had then lead his horse near the entrance. I heard something that seemed all to familiar. A scribe was being pushed around, as being pushed around by city guards. I felt the urge to help him, but was stopped.

Altair had drew his sword, giving me a sign to stay where I was. He had ran to help the scribe, which turned into quite the show. "Weyhak." Altair had taunted.

"I'll have your head!" A guard yelled.

The three that were pushing the scribe around now drew their swords. One had rushed at Altair as he blocked the guard's attack, kicking him to the ground. Another had lunged at him, Altair gave a twirl, stabbing him through his chest and allowing the body to drop to the ground. The third one was brought to his knees for a painful kill as the one that was knocked to the ground rejoined the battle. With a couple of strong swings, Altair disposed of him.

Making sure the area was clear, he had received the thanks from the scribe. Altair had glanced over to me, pointing at the beams. You should climb if you want to get into the city. We can't be risked to be seen together.

I had obeyed as Altair met up with a group of scribes to easily get into the city's gates. I climbed the beams, trying my best to keep in balance and discrete. I was quite scared, knowing that the guards would more than likely chase me till no end. I hopped across the beams, I ended up on top of wood planks, only to fall off them.

Altair met up with me as I was now dusting my clothes off. He gave a laugh. Don't worry, no one can get it perfect their first try. I was assisted as Altair gave some more thought to the situation. Let's see if we can get you a robe or something so you can blend in. I can't risk being stared at in this situation. Altair placed me in a corner, having me stay as he then wandered off.

Time had passed before a guard spotted me. "I say, what are you wearing? Are you one of King Richard's people?"

"Well, no sir- I-"

"Then I suggest you get a move on."

"Yes sir-"

"Now." The guard's patience was growing thin.

"Hands off my wife before I kill you." Altair's voice interrupted.

The guard had turned to see Altair standing behind him. "I didn't know she was waiting for someone like you. I will be on my way, but I suggest for her not to linger here."

Altair hinted at his hidden blade, he was almost tempted to draw blood. I stopped him, taking him away from his thoughts. He tossed me a white robe, not saying anything. His eyes followed the guard disappearing into the crowd. I brought his face back to my view as I now pushed him against the wall. Great lie, it's not like I wanted to get involved.

Altair gave me a light kiss. Maybe you are, and just don't know it.

I gave a light breath, now pushing him away. "We should get to work."

Altair nodded, now knowing to start gathering what was necessary. "All right then, I'll see what I can do, perhaps you can learn a few things. I need to head to a view point though. Give me am moment."

I watched as Altair gave a look around and ran up a nearby building, reaching its roof and climbing the side to the closest View Point he could find. I made my way to a bench that wasn't that far from him. I smelled death all around me, seeing the Acre wasn't the cleanest of all cites, especially with Garnier around. It gave me an unsettled feeling, seeing how dead bodies were just about every place I looked. I also noticed the guards could have cared less. It was only a few minutes after as he appeared in my sights and landed into the hay cart in front of me, breaking me from my thoughts.

Hoping out, Altair had joined me. I want you to stay here, blend with the crowd if you can.

I kissed Altair's forehead. Yeah, I can try, don't worry, do your assassination.

Altair stood, nodding. His legs took him to a ladder as he advanced on to the Assassin's Bureau for more of a briefing. I had smiled, only knowing I was to be more free than I had felt before. I was free to roam and was capable to tell Altair where I was if I were ever to get lost. I decided to spice things up a bit, even if it meant stealing.

I got up, walking amongst the crowd. I had soon passed a tough citizen, also known as a thug to many of the people's residence. I took great care into retrieving a good amount of knives from him. With that, I proceeded on grabbing a few more. I had then hid eight knives within my robe. Rather I would use them or not, I felt a sense of accomplishment.

Altair had dropped down from the roof and into the Bureau. Now focusing on discussing what to ask, but he knew that work was work regardless. The Rafiq of Acre was buried in work, his attention was soon brought upon Altair as he made himself known.

"Ah, Altair. A little bird told me you were to pay a visit." The Rafiq had greeted him.

"Al Mualim has ordered the execution of Garnier de Naplouse. What can you tell me of him?"

"The Grand Master of the Knights Hospital. He surely keeps to his quarters in their District. I don't know anything more, I suggest you search the city, see what you can learn." Rafiq had inquired, running out of words. "The public garden is north from here. What's left of them is as good as place to begin. The abandoned market northwest of here is also a good place, even Maria of Johesepht's Church. These are significant, I know you will bound to find something."

"I appreciate the information Rafiq, I will put it to good use."

As Altair had left, he had walked amongst the people, finding good areas to start, he had then heard something peculiar. Two guards of the Hospitalier Order, having what seemed a typical conversation. Altair sat on a bench, quieting everything around him.

"Did you hear about Alen?" One asked his companion.

"The archer that guards the eastern wing?" The companion asked.

"Poor bastard's brother caught an arrow in his throat. Doubt he'll last the night."

"How can he work knowing what's to come?"

"He visits his brother often, though I cover for him when I can."

The second guard shakes his head. "You aren't there now."

"No-" the first sighed. "-I've family business of my own to attend to."

"Then he'd best hope the Doctor doesn't hear about his desertion."

"You aren't going to tell him?" The first questioned. "As long as you stay silent..."

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

Altair stood, walking about the streets again. Some of the guards have abandoned their posts. The archers patrolling are at disadvantage if I can sneak in. A few seconds is all I need to clear a path... As he continued, there were many places that Altair saw that came to use. He quickly got to work, helping those in need and meeting up with informers. One had left a note with the map given.

Garnier lets his patients roam the halls of his Fortress freely. No one save the Scholars may enter his personal workspace. Apart from the Archers defending the rooftops, slipping in should prove simple enough.

He wanted more, he searched for it. Knowing he questioned, there was one who had information, she was within the city. Alyssa, can you meet me at the entrance of the Fortress? I need to speak with you.

If you are finding information, I can only help you so much, I don't want you to just ask me about everything.

Fine, I will ask you if it stumps me. How about that? Altair asked.

Sounds good. Hang on, someone- oh damn, just- I can't focus on you, I'm sorry.

As Altair disconnected from her, hearing her panic. He had soon met up with someone who made him work for the information. Altair found himself enraged, knowing he didn't want to be in the position he didn't deserve, the rank that was stripped of his right.

Altair had found himself pickpocketing at certain rates novices couldn't, that he could probably train those around him. He often thought if he regretted joining the Creed. Being born to two different family religions was never easy.

Gathering the necessary information, Altair made his way back to the Bureau. He was greeted once again by Rafiq, who was scanning his books, being covered in his works. A book was pulled upon the arrival of Altair.

"Altair, how fares your search?"

"I know when and how to strike." Altair had responded with confidence.

"Share your knowledge then." His hands reached for a pen upon opening the book.

"He lives and works inside the Order's hospital, northwest of here. Rumors speak of atrocities committed in its walls. It seems like the good doctor has been experimenting on the citizens. Most of them captured and brought here from Jerusalem.

"Stealing his subjects from another city? He avoids arousing too much suspicion then. As for the matter at hand, what is your plan?" Rafiq asks, now feeling interested.

"Garnier keeps mainly to himself, that of his quarters. He leaves occasionally to inspect his patients. When he makes his rounds, that's when I will strike."

"It's clear you've given thought to how you will do this. I give you leave to go." Rafiq placed a feather on the counter. "Remove this stain from Acre, Altair. Perhaps it will help but to clean your own. Rest here until you are ready to begin."

With that, Altair departed into the sun area, looking upon the skies before sitting on the pillows. He reached deep meditation, only to remember a dreadful dream. The memory trailed back as to when Alyssa was with Malik and she was in a bad shape. Taking a deep breath, he let the memory run it's course.

Images blurred, reveling that Alyssa was once again standing before him. He approached her without hesitation. She had ran after him, it happened within seconds. She passed through him. Shocked as he was, Altair turned around, now seeing blood. Alyssa was now laying there. He shook his head of the illusions, knowing it was a dream. But maybe perhaps, it would be more than just a dream, but a vision. As he stared down at his hands, there was blood, that made him uneasy soon heading into a nightmare.

"It's not you to blame." Alyssa says weakly. "I do not die in your hands, but in a.... traitor's..."

"Look at the power I hold!" A voices echoes through his dream. "You have no right to return to your world!"

Altair was searching all around for the voice, but nothing. Everything faded on him, not wishing to focus in any longer. He knelt down next to Alyssa, picking her body up and fading back into his world. Altair just couldn't grasp the true meaning if this dream as it turned to be a short one.

Altair had opened his eyes upon the familiar nightmare, he was beginning to understand what it meant. It was to always question quite much. He wanted to keep looking. From his learning, Altair knew that dreams were a meaning behind something bigger. Clearing his mind once more, he focused on a light. His thoughts focused on getting rid of the corruption.

I found myself tightening the reins of Altair's now stolen horse. I knew that Acre was the last place I wanted to hang around. Memories eased in, only to make my head hurt again. I knew that in the back of my mind I had a score to settle with Talal. I had taken the time arriving, seeing the guards didn't have a reason to chase after me.

The city had changed since the last time I remembered it. More people seemed to have crowded. I was interrupted by someone calling for help. The man was of a scholar, I had tried to find the courage to fight, but I couldn't do much, knowing that I could die within more than seconds. Slipping the knives into my right hand and hiding behind a grave, I waited for the right time to throw one.

With ease I had hit one, scaling the wall before they had noticed. As a bonus, the other two guards drew their swords, now running to investigate what the source was, and on who attacked them. I had then swiftly, but carefully reassured of the one I saved.

"You were the one that saved me?" The scholar asked, being quite surprised.

The moment was quite surreal. "Yes, now go before they come back."

"Thank you, I will let others know of your gratitude you have done with me. Are you looking to get into the city?"

With a nod, a few scholars came walking by as the one I saved gave indication that I could blend with them. I stayed in the middle as the guards let them pass, I had then gave a nod, knowing I gave focus to Jerusalem's rooftops. I had gave way, seeing that it would still take quite a while.

The rooftop I was closing into the gate where Talal's Warehouse was had that of an archer. I had quickly thrown a knife at him, watching him fall as I took all of my energy to swing on through to the other side and into another side of a wall before being noticed. I had closed into the back of the warehouse, seeing that the gate was surprisingly open. The place had an odor that I hadn't forgotten. My headache gradually worsened as I had remembered my first time being here.

"You have an association with assassins. My name is Talal, I understand that there is a bounty on your head. Interested, I had one of my men head for Damascus to retrieve you."

Images flashed of those around me and how I got out. As I refocused, I saw someone yet so familiar standing before me with a grin that I would not soon forget. "Do you have business here, citizen, if not, I must ask you to leave."

I had given an evil grin. I had even felt the decency to laugh in his face "Hello Talal, I thought you would have forgotten me by now."

Talal's eyes had widened. "You! You are the one who escaped! Guards!"

I was slapped as guards gripped both my arms. "Is that all you will do? What are you to do? Chain me like I was before?"

Talal gave a chuckle. "Perhaps, but for now, how about you hang out until I make a decision?"

I struggled, feeling that it was that of everything reflecting. I closed my eyes as I kept pulling. "I am not an animal Talal. You know you can not keep me here."

I was slammed against the wall, being held by a cold steel that was not so surprising. I couldn't think of fighting, knowing that Altair would be on his way. Talal gave a laugh, approaching me. I had spit in his face, once again feeling like I achieved at least something. Talal wiped his face, feeling frustrated. He had back handed me, seeing I could endure the pain.

Talal brought my face into view. "Like a rat with cheese, if not twice tricked."

The warehouse was placed into darkness as Talal and the guards left. My eyes had slowly adjusted, knowing I had to get used to the darkness, seeing the light was just a bit too far to be seen. Sighing, I let my body hang and relax. My thoughts faded, seeing I didn't want to talk, seeing that it felt like same. I knew that being this greedy come with a price. Slipping this low was more than humiliating.