Chapter 5 - Deception's Revenge
Altair made his way out of Acre, making his way straight on through to Jerusalem. Alyssa wasn't talking to him, at least telepathically. He was not in the greatest of moods, making the situation worse than what it was to be. She had stolen his horse, making him run off with someone else's. That would also include being chased by the many guards.
Knowing that Alyssa was gaining her memories back that meant one thing, and that was to trace back her memories. Altair had arrived in Jerusalem if not quickly. He noticed something that was a bit out of the ordinary. There were a group of scribes talking of Alyssa, seeing not many women were up to saving citizens.
Altair had interrupted the conversation. "Tell me, the woman you speak of, did she head into the city?"
The man gave a look at Altair. "Are you a friend of her's child?"
"That, in fact, I am." Altair had answered.
"We helped her, she also seemed to be in quite the hurry. It was just a while ago. I could tell that in her eyes she was quite lost, best you'd catch up with her."
"I thank you for the information."
Altair knew that he wished to avoid Malik all together when it came to Alyssa. It was basically repeating events all over again from what happened. He knew what had to be done, even if it had bad blood written into their meeting. Altair made his way upon the rooftops and dropping on down to the Bureau.
"Safety and Peace, Malik." Altair had greeted him.
"Speak then, novice, what are you here for?" Malik demanded, not bothering with eye contact.
"I am here to finish the job I once started with Talal."
"Oh, such the menial task to 'redeem' yourself. I can not help you at this moment, come back in a while and we can work from there."
"Malik, Alyssa's back and she's been wondering. You tell me that you have nothing, you must be lying."
"Then you are delusional. Alyssa is not here if she is back in our world. You have to look else where."
"Then what of the scribes, they have spoken of her."
"Come back another time, Altair. Leave now."
Huffing at Malik's response, he needed to find more information himself. Altair climbed out of the Bureau, now walking amongst the people, back on through to the scribes that regarded the information before. It was his best lead. Even when they didn't have much, he knew that there had to pass word for what was the word of the day.
I had woken up to a jolt. Just moments before I was remembering what events took place. My wrist being broken and what lead afterwords. As I moved. I felt something loosen. The cuff to my right wrist was quickly broken free as I was capable to move. Looking around to see if I could get my left wrist out of, my best bet was now to a skeleton that was hanging freely.
Pressuring what I could do, I gathered the arm of the empty shell of the remains, pushing the bone against the wall, as a result, it gave quite the effort before breaking. I had then made it possible to pull off one of the fingers off the dry hand. I let the rest drop to the floor.
As with a natural instinct, I was now able to use the bone to lockpick the lock. Come on you bastard, OPEN. I felt the bone snap as the lock came free. I dropped to the ground, assuring that I wasn't to make a sound. Feeling my way around, I found that many open doors weren't to be left open. I detected that there were guards on the other side by looking out one of the storage's windows.
Making my way through the shadows, I caught that the backway was still open, just now a few guards inspecting a few things upon new arrivals. I knew that it wouldn't be as simple as killing a person either. As I crouched down, observing their patrol routes, I waited until one had made his way towards me. I slipped off the knife that was on his belt, doing a swift move to stab his neck while I covered his mouth.
Knowing I had an advantage, I slipped on the scarf wrap around, took the robes, and changed into his pants, making me blend in. I also took his weapons, making sure they were secure. I had then carefully dragged him to where I was being held. I locked in his body, making sure there wouldn't be any more than the obvious that I was gone.
The extra clothes gave great cover, many of the guards thought I was one of them. I pretended to know what I was doing, as if to walk amongst the city and to make myself not seem like a complete idiot. I kept the bow on my back as I gradually pulled out a bit of the holstered sword. I kept my head low, knowing that making eye contact would only make things worse.
My objectives were quite clear as many gave into my disguise of being one of Talal's men, that was to find Malik or an informant. I really don't want to look as I am right now, but I can only tell I am home free for the moment. I made a valiant effort to connect with Altair's thought once again. Altair, meet me near the Bureau, I got something to share with you.
Alyssa, are you being an idiot? What if Talal captures you?
My voice gave a chuckle. Altair, it already happened a second time. Now get your ass near the Bureau.
As a short time passed, I pulled off the wrap, now facing Altair in a uniform that was more unlike he'd ever seen. I had him sit down next to me as we started talking once more. I know Malik is a little bitter talking to you this time around, so would you like some information?
Altair gave a nod. Not too much though, I would like to do much of this on my own.
Very well, then here's what I can say. I sighed. Talal favors a bow, so it's more than likely he will keep a distance. He is quite the master in killing those from afar, see if you can close the gap. That and one more point. Many of his followers are willing enough to give up their lives for Talal, if they get any sense that Talal is harmed in anyway, or in danger, they will stay to fight. Making way for his escape.
Thank you Alyssa, I will keep that in mind. Altair thanked me. Now if you don't mind, I need to have this job wrap up.
Altair had given a nod at Alyssa. He continued searching the streets, he didn't bother much on telling Alyssa what to do, seeing that she was very well capable of taking care of her own. He had decided to return to Malik after a short while; climbing on the roof, dropping on down to the Bureau.
"Malik." Altair voice interrupted.
"Fine, fine, be that it may, here's where you can find information on Talal. Look in the markets in the lines of the Jewish and Muslim Districts. To the north the mosque of this district is a good lead. Look around St. Anne's Church, close to the Bab Ariha gate. It's enough to get you started, now go."
With that Altair left, feeling that Malik was annoyed by his presence, the bad blood once more. Altair scoped, seeing that an informer had given his regards, meaningless of tasks. Most of it Altair knew, that Talal held a warehouse full of various things, that of those who didn't deserve such the treatment.
His memories flashed back on Alyssa and what he knew then. How results were from the last time being captured. Remembering the blood was a bad, her talking of the journey she was to go on. To where was still a mystery, but he saw it slowly piece together. He knew that striking while Talal was about his work was the best way to work.
Sticking to the crowds, he had found something interesting, seeing two men looking suspicious, one had been holding a letter, Altair knew it was a great import, distancing himself from them, letting them talk. Blocking out the sounds, Altair gave attention to the conversation taking place.
The first seemed to be in a panic. "Please, you must help me. I'll do anything you ask. Anything!"
The second didn't seem persuaded one bit. "It's not so simple, my friend."
"But it is, I know all his tricks. He's a coward, not a fighter." The first continued. "He'll run at the first sign of trouble." He offered on giving him the letter. "Take this map; it will show you where he like to hide.
"You don't understand."
"Oh, but I do understand." The first laughed. "You are afraid. You call yourself a warrior, but a single man, a slave trader, fills you with fear."
The second laughed back in his face. "Fear you say? It's nothing of the sort."
"What then?"
"It would be bad business on my part; seeing that I already work for the man."
A look of fear. "You?"
"So, now you understand?" The second asked. "Leave and I will forget we had this conversation."
As they separated, Altair made his move, swiping the map into his own finger and walking way before being noticed. The map would eventually prove useful. The map is of possible details. This is sure to help if he manages to slip away from me.
Not settling in so easily, I needed to get a couple step ahead of Altair regardless. I had made my way past the guards once more, taking Altair's horse. I settled on the fact that if I knew everything was to happen, then settled in my mind was the idea that I could meet King Richard. I had the upper hand, seeing that no one in the Kingdom knew me, nor was I framed as an assassin.
I had gripped the reins, now galloping on the way through to Arsuf. I let the wind clear my thoughts as the clear air had allowed me to breathe with ease, as does with much. Arsuf was that with death written all over it. The smell of war was overwhelming enough as was. I slipped on through, making my way to a big enough group that were now surrounding the King.
"King Richard, I bring word, I must speak with you."
A few knights approached me. "He has better work to do than listen to you, peasant."
"Hold a moment, I bring information on William of Montferrat."
The knights pushed me back. "So what, many people know of him."
"William of Montferrat will use his soldiers to take Acre by force!" My voice had cracked from yelling.
Richard was pulled away from a conversation with what appeared to be Robert. I had recognized the Templar, seeing he was quite different from everyone else. The King held up a hand, moving his way through the knights. I was now beginning to cower in fear.
"Speak what is on your mind then." Richard commanded. "Then perhaps you are not to be a waste of my time."
"Please, I know what William seeks, but you must hear me out." I took a deep breath. "William seeks to bring you down, Richard, with that he will then take Acre. He works with Sibrand, making sure no one get into or out of Acre. Believe my words that he does not like you being in charge."
I continued to tell him more of what was to come as he listened. His knights grew yet very suspicious. "You obviously are not an assassin, so what are you?"
"I do not know if you will believe me, seeing that I am called insane. Hear me out then. Someone of the Creed, by the name of Altair will pay you a visit, he will tell you the truth of all that is happening. Give me a while, just for now please, be patient."
"Tell me of your name."
"Of course my Lord, my name is Alyssa, may I request to see you again?"
Richard observed me. "Very well, the next time you are here, I expect information. If you don't, you are warned not to show your face, understood? My men will kill you on sight."
"Once you know of me, I don't think that you will."
"Then take your leave before I change my mind."
I obeyed King Richard's orders, leaving him to what he was doing, seeing that the Crusade was of great time. I made my way back to Altair's horse, now riding on back to Jerusalem, seeing that I would made time before anything would take place. Right when I had arrived, I heard the bells sounding, indicating that Talal was dead.
If I had known, I was not to be known, I still wore the outfit of Talal's men. My memories had given more than necessary that there was something I had forgotten, that Talal had took from me while remained hostage to him the first time. Seeing many of his men dead, meant that Altair did his job that was given. It gave me more than the average time to look for what was taken.
It took time as I had guessed, rummaging through crates, that was until I found what was necessary. A sword bearing the symbol of the Creed. It had triggered a memory, making me hesitate before taking the sword. I took in several breaths, taking the silver sword, hiding it with the robes. I had made my way out then, climbing off the rooftops and dropping down to the Bureau. I over heard the conversation without making myself known to interrupt them.
"A skilled assassin ensures his work is noticed by many." Altair's voice had sounded stern.
"No, a skilled assassin maintains control of his environment!" Malik yells, sounding aggravated.
I cowered in fear, now listening to Altair. "We can argue the details all you want, Malik. The fact remains that I have accomplished the task sent to me by Al Mualim."
By then I had climbed the wall, now sitting on the edge of the roof. I had waited until he had arrived into the scene. Altair knew that it was me, seeing I didn't want to say anything between what talk was going on. Out of fear, I started crying, feeling miserable. I am guessing you knew well of Talal, maybe he knew that you came somewhere else. I had looked upon Altair with nothing but a bit of concern.
"Maybe I should let you do your job. I'm just getting in the middle of it all."
"Alyssa, what are you saying? If anything you are helping with information."
I felt so tired, so weak, I had quite the day, not wanting to talk, but I had given thought to what was then passing my mind. "Is there by any chance we can stay in Damascus? I don't want to be here."
Such the memories, Altair knew she was now knowing a lot more than anticipated. "Yeah, if I am correct, Dabir's old place should still be there."
We climbed off the rooftops to walk amongst the city's people once more. I had kept close, thinking about life back home and what needed to be done. I was followed by Altair who had to pull me out of many people's ways as he made way back to the horses in the city gates. Altair had whistled, calling to a horse he gathered at Acre, seeing I had his stolen horse.
We both mounted the horses, making our way to Damascus. As we rode, the sun dropped down. I knew very much of how bad the weather could get out in the desert. The normal was at least 30 degrees at night, making it a crisp night. I had followed as close as I could to Altair without being lost.
The sound of the horse's hooves made me believe that I was in a fiction novel, like how many would write of a middle age setting, but with magic. I knew that I wasn't necessarily the exact same thing, but it felt like that. It also made me think back to when I lived in Las Vegas, with my horses that the family had as pets.
I missed so much being able to ride, I enjoyed much of it, seeing that riding a horse helped me be free. What I wanted most were memories, I wanted the happy life I had before everything got bad. In an instant, I pulled on the reins, having the horse stop in his track, I heard what was left of the echoes from Altair's horse.
I had hopped off mine, now standing in a dark desert. I overlooked, seeing that there was a cliff. I was confused on what to think, I was questing everything, why I was here doing this, I had the option of going home, so why would I replicate the events of the game. I wanted to rethink everything. Taking in a deep breath, I ran off the edge of the cliff now tumbling off into the darkness.
I had in a result, landed in the water. I was now looking upon my reflection as the moon rose upon the land. I let my hands touch the surface as it had ran through my fingers, making ripples. Making a cup in my hand, I had taken yet a light sip from the water. It had refreshed me, having my thoughts reflect how bad the water was back at my place.
My head was throbbing once more as I climbed on to dry land, letting my body lay there. I grasped the desert sand underneath my hands. For the first time in a long time, I felt I belonged, being in this area was letting me do what I wished without being questioned. I reached in my robes, grasping the sword, letting me engulf myself.
"Alyssa! Where did you go?" I heard Altair call for me.
I was brought back to the reality of it all, that I was in a world that not many understood and was looked upon as a fantasy. I looked up, seeing at least ten feet above me that Altair was calling. I didn't want to bother, now letting the thoughts cloud my judgment. I heard Altair's footsteps approach me, as he reached for me.
"On the scale, this is the weirdest thing I saw you do yet."
"I am liking this, just please-"
"Alyssa, come on, we're almost to Damas, let's just keep going."
"Would it sound weird if I told you that I feel happy? The sand is still warm too."
Altair dragged me to my feet, wiping the sand from my clothes and hands. He saw my eyes in a trance. He found the courage to slap me across the face. I blinked a few times. You'll thank me for that later.
"Altair... ok, sorry, I, my god... what was I thinking?"
"Come on, let's get out of here, Damas is just ahead."
It took some time as we arrived in Damascus, we evaded the guards and found a way over the wall quite easily. We had then continued on through where until things started to look a little more familiar. Dabir's home was silent as the door was locked. Looking for way in, I noticed the lock was quite an easy one to get into. Taking out the knife I had, I started messing with the lock.
"Give me your short blade. I can get it open, just let me do something."
Altair allowed it as I now used both blades to my advantage, they weren't much, but I knew the curve from Altair's blade would help eventually. With just a few tries, I locked the knife in place as I slipped Altair's blade in the wedge of the door. It opened as a success, letting the door open with ease. I handed back his blade as he took a few steps in.
He gave a look around seeing that everything in the place didn't change a bit. The place was more than likely deserted for a long time. I shut the door behind me, letting myself lock it. I looked around finding flint and a piece of wood. Altair took it from me, finding a source to start a fire. He had lit one of the torches, even the fireplace in the living room.
I had in almost an instant, taken off the Uniform I was wearing letting the white robe that was underneath drop. I placed the weapons I acquired, even my old sword lean on the fireplace. I continued to watch Altair as he lit a couple more candles. He had joined me on the floor as I sat there. looking at the fireplace.
"I will need to head to Masyaf in the morning. I don't want you going anywhere until I get back."
"That's fine, I don't think I plan to do anyway."
"So are you anxious to get back home?"
"I don't think so, I got into this and I would feel better if we'd do this together."
Altair had moved my hair out of the way as he allowed me to envelope in his arms. "You're quite the soldier. I also notice you don't complain. If you need to figure something out you also wander off when need be, regardless of trouble written all over it."
I felt relaxed, feeling the warmth from the fire. I closed my eyes, knowing the excitement was a lot; I didn't want to risk more running around. I drifted, feeling my breathing slow. Altair had continued playing with my hair. I tipped my head back to his chest, now breathing at his neck. You miss her don't you?
Everyday. Altair had responded with pain.
I opened my eyes, locking lips, letting him be reassured that I could understand the pain. Everyone has lost in love, everyone as even found soulmates. It's what makes us keep going in life I suppose. I rested my head on his shoulder, wanting to rock him in my arms. I had my right hand pull off his hood as I started scratching his head. I had moved closer to him, letting the last of my strength drop as I now drifted into a deep sleep.
Altair woke the next morning, seeing the dead ash of the fireplace. He remembered what had happened last night, only to leave a fading dream leave his thoughts for the morning sun. he carefully pushed her away, placing her on the couch the was just behind them. He had then gathered what equipment was on the ground, making his way out the front door.
The early morning air was just a reminder that he needed to see Al Mualim as soon as he could. He slipped passed the crowds and past the guards, exiting the city gate. Hopping on his horse, he rode what seemed to be a short ride back to Masyaf. As was expected that the city was quite at the brink of dawn. He slid off the horse, being greeted by his brothers. Many of the Creed's members often started early for situations that could change quite a lot.
Heading up on to the Fortress, he had climbed the stairs, seeing Al Mualim buried in his paper work, the usual. "Have you news for me, Altair?" He had asked, seeing upon Altair's arrival.
"Garnier de Naplouse and Talal are dead."
"Excellent!" Al Mualim said with good terms. "We could not have hoped for a more agreeable outcome."
"And yet..." Altair started.
"What is it?"
"The doctor insisted his work was noble." Altair continued. "Looking back, those who were supposedly 'his captives' seemed grateful to the man. Not all off them, but enough to make me wonder." He gave thought to his words. "How did he manage to turn enemy into friend?"
Al Mualim had approached him. "Leaders will always find ways to make others obey them. That is what makes them leaders. When words fail, they turn to coin. When that won't do, they turn to baser; bribes, threats, and other types of trickery." Al Mualim walked to the window. "There are plants, Altair. Herbs from the distant lands, that can cause a man to leave his senses." He had shaken his head. "So great are the pleasures it brings. Men may even become enslaved by it."
Altair gave thought, know not much, but enough to get by. "You think they were drugged then?" His memories flashed on Alyssa. "Poisoned?"
"Yes." Al Mualim agreed. "Truly was as you describe it."
"Herbs, this seems a strange method of control."
"Our enemies have accused me of the same." Al Mualim was sounding disappointment.
"The promise of Paradise."
"They think there is a garden, overflowing with women and pleasure. They think I drug you with rewards, to tempt you."
Altair huffed, that with a growl. "They do not know the truth of it."
Al Mualim sighed. "Which is how it must be."
"If they knew the truth of it; that all we seek is peace!" Altair felt his words meet an end.
"Then they would not fear us, we would have no hold over them." Al Mualim answered. "What else is on your mind, child?"
"Nothing master, much has had me question as of late."
"Very good, you shall take your leave then. As a result, another rank has been restored to you." Al Mualim concluded. "Go and rest Altair, I will send word when I need you."
"Thank you, Master." Altair spoke with gratitude. "I plan on spending a few days in Damas; if you need me, you can send word to Rafiq."
"That I shall, now go."
With that, Altair had left. Walking amongst Masyaf's people and back on to his horse. He gave a last glance, knowing that it was like taking time off, but it was more important as it was regarding one person who knew much of how events were to portray.
The ride back to Damascus was a quiet one, Altair had made his way back to Dabir's home, enjoying how silent it was. He found Alyssa still asleep on the couch, knowing that he took off his equipment. His eyes caught that of her sword. Altair shrugged, not wishing to think on anything else. A deep breath was having him relax, he cracked his neck and back, looking back over at Alyssa.
Joining her once more, she sat up, allowing him to lay next to her again. Her thoughts were garbled, making it clear she was still quite out of synch. He held her close as she buried her head into his chest. It was a morning that Altair could finally have, but spent with someone who was from another world. His thoughts resided on the poison, of the journey that Talal spoke of time back. There had to be more than what they both saw.