Chapter 6 - Merchant's Greed

Altair was up if not a couple hours from when he last returned. He felt confused at first, he then remembered. Alyssa had still buried herself within his warmth. His hands brushed away her hair while she still slept. If only for a moment, he reflected upon the memories of Adha. Altair knew that what happened, happened. The problem was that he didn't want to think on how she viewed his life. Adha was mad at him, seeing she had different views. With Alyssa, it was different, if not dropping in out of nowhere.

Altair rolled out, making sure not to wake Alyssa. She had shifted, not bothering to wake fully. He had then looked at her sword, knowing he had more than enough time to bring up a subject his mind pushed away many times. Altair had scavenged through what was left of Dabir's old equipment. Effort had paid as he found a sharpening stone.

With a small thought, he grabbed Alyssa's sword, seeing it was a bit dull. His hands carefully felt the blade, now sharpening it. The sound echoed as he sat there in silence. He had also handled his equipment, seeing that it was already a priority. Altair had smoothed his blades, making sure they were also clean.

Walking over to Alyssa, he gave her a soft nudge. "Hey."

"Good Morning Mr. Altair." Alyssa had yawned.

"I was thinking about what was said earlier. Perhaps we can start training today. I got free time."

"Please tell me you have a better day to spend other than with me."

"No sadly, I have been forced into spending it with you."

"Your not forced, go enjoy yourself."

Altair nodded. "Fine, I'm going to get some breakfast, knowing the place doesn't have any food. Seeing no one has been here sin-"

"I get the picture." She stopped him. "Go on then, I'll wait."

As Altair was about to leave, he was hugged. He felt different thoughts enter the brain. So many thoughts got him thinking. Her breathing changed. It had made Altair turned to look at her. Kissing on her forehead, there was a different aura with her.

"Alyssa, what's wrong?" Altair had asked.

"I never thanked you for risking so much." She responds.

"This is out of the blue."

With flashes of white light once more. He realized what he was feeling was an illusion. Altair, are you alright? Alyssa's voice had asked. I thought you were leaving. Altair shook his head, looking at Alyssa who was still sitting on the couch. There was a look on her face, questioning.

Altair shook his head. Yeah, I just thought, you were- nevermind.

Walking on out, Altair had given thought to the hallucination. The image was vivid, it had given reminder again about Adha. His thoughts given to what was known. The mind was a powerful tool, he knew that. There was more to it than just the basics. Altair brushed the thought aside, now focusing for food. Grabbing, actually paying for a few things such as the fruit and other necessities, he gave little time to waste.

His way back was a short one, but he arrived back as Alyssa who was now cleaning off the outfit she stole from Talal's men. There was a look on her face he had never seen before. Alyssa was scanning through what was remainder of a bad memory from Talal. She closed her eyes, disregarding that she still had the connection with Altair.

"Alyssa, I need to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" She asked.

"What did Talal say to you exactly, or was it of what you told me before?"

"If I remember correctly, Talal knew I associated with the assassins. He had told me there was a bounty on my head. He told me that I was to go on a Journey, one also told me that if I was not to be taken by someone suitable, that's what would happen."

"Was this before or after you were poisoned?"

"After... does this have anything to do with-"

"Yes, in-fact it does. I believe many knew you were to arrive here."

"Malik received a letter on me as well."

"Wh- wait, Malik?" Altair had appeared quite surprised. "When you were captured by the Merchant King, what happened?"

"It wasn't just the Mer-" Alyssa gave into sitting down, reviewing the lost memories. "It wasn't just Abu'l, it was Jubair. They claimed to have seen my arrival."

"I say we investigate." Altair had insisted.

Alyssa had sat up, pushing him out of the way. "No, just- no. Not right now."

Altair reached out, stopping her. "Nor will running solve anything, I thought you would learn that by now." His grip tightened. "I'm in too deep, the cut you made is only to get deeper if you run. We need to let this heal. This way we should investigate."

"Maybe it's best I can cut off all communication with you, just send me home. I- I don't want to remember any of this, maybe there was a good reason for the first time."

"Then why was I sent to your world?" Altair questioned. "Answer that to me then if you think you know everything!" The rising of his voice made Alyssa back away, if not a few inches. "There's something unresolved."

"I ju-" She was now crying, not able to finish her sentence.

Altair felt the string of guilt, he pulled her closer, embracing her. She had given more than the average that it was too much to handle. Alyssa pulled through this much, only wanting to figure it out herself. Altair just knew that running just left a gap. Let's finish this... Altair had whispered. This way there will be nothing left of this history that should not be written.

I had calmed down after a few hours, now settling with a decision. Altair was now training me with the basics of survival. I was to improve on such skills. Altair had grabbed my right hand with his left as he made a stance, having me copy him. Step after step, he had me start with what he called "basics". The steps were more like a waltz.

It gave me confusion, but I saw it was similar. The constant one, two, three movements had me trip over my own feet. Even at a decent pace, I had more difficult to keep up. Altair only made it harder, seeing that he was trying his best. If you can't dance, you can't fight. I know it sounds strange, but there are always steps involved. Dancing or swordplay, they work hand in hand.

I glared. You yammering in your head 'one, two, three' isn't helping...

Get used to it, you will. I will stop once you get the hang of the stepping. Now, again-

With that Altair was the mirror image of me as we continued to waltz. He had extreme patience, seeing I was quite a difficult one. Saying it was as hard as me tempting his moves. He gave a sigh as I about to fall over once again. I settled in with the arm wrestling pose, only seeing that it would get no where.

If you can't do this, you won't be able to get out of a battle easy. Altair had loosened his grip, standing behind me. I took step after step as Altair continued instructing me. If I am to teach you, don't try to copy me, let me lead. Allowing him, I had noticed he was doing a basic couple dance. I had seen what point he was getting across, knowing every move he did was like a dance. He turned me, as if he was using his short blade.

I was actually trying to place into mind that I was not to stress, that I needed to have fun. Altair had seen that being as strict was concerning me. He twirled me back in, now glancing upon my eyes. I pushed him away, getting the trance I was drifted into.

Altair let go of his grip. Let's work on something else huh? I was lead to the rooftops. Let's work on making a clean get away. We can start with small jumps, but I will make the challenges harder, just keep up.

As he ran off, I felt like it was all too familiar in the back of my head. I was on a training ground after being on leave or something of the likes. I started paying attention to my own breathing as Altair lead the way. I found myself falling back as I did what was a challenge to me. I let loose my arms as I ran. I blocked out everything as I was bracing myself to keep up.

I kept falling behind, seeing he was more of an expert. I glanced to my right, seeing an archer. Remembering I had a few knives left, I chucked one at the unaware archer, making him fall. I had seen Altair give a look, as though impressed. I had bounced to keep loose as Altair made a long jump. Grasping on the building, he climbed to the top.

Take your best jump, if you can. Altair had encouraged me.

I took in a deep breath, getting a head start for jumping at the building itself. I hit the wall hard, almost losing focus. Altair had grabbed my wrist, pulling me up. I knocked him over, laughing. Well, that worked out better than I imagined.

I'm not surprised, I didn't have beginner's luck at first either. I always questioned how many were better than me. They always told me to take my time. seeing it was a skill to be learned. Altair had smirked.

I gathered to my feet, helping Altair up as well. He gave a look around, nodding at me. As we took off running, dropping down to the streets, Altair had made sure that I wasn't dragging to far behind. He knew that I was set for how I could blend with my environment, but he had to yet test. Altair pushed me on through, making sure I stayed in his sights.

I had pushed my way through crowds, even taking careful steps as jar-carriers would pass by. There was a guard I was then following. My thoughts completely changed. I had the thought of killing him, to see how stealthy I could get away with murder. Altair pulled back on my shoulders, feeling what was now clouding my mind.

Stop, you shouldn't take a life like his unless he provokes you. Remember, stay your blood from the flesh of an innocent.

I was pulled away as I watched as the guard walked free. Altair had put me in the opposite direction. His hands had made me walk amongst the crowd once again. I continued to obey as I walked. It's wrong, I know. I shouldn't think such things. I just hate how soc-

I'm stopping you right there, you should never give in to hate, it's a thought that can turn into a grudge.

We make our way back to Dabir's place, not saying anything to one another. Altair had never sensed this, the evil thoughts deep within of how capable I was to kill anything in my path. It wasn't normal for me, there were only certain times the thoughts would appear. Altair had made clear that the thoughts couldn't lay dormant in my head. It was like poison.

You will need to learn how to disconnect your thoughts, everything on how hatred can make you feel guilt. You must understand that even when we kill someone, we are still human. The dark thoughts can consume you, don't let them. Our work is not for others to enjoy. You should know that well.

I had given his words thoughts as he sat on the couch. I now was understanding more on perspective, how assassins could how they are. Why they had to be hidden. Remorse wouldn't be the word I'd use, but I was to understand much. I had joined him, sitting on top, kissing him on his forehead, then slowly reaching for his neck. I felt him flinch as I forced his hood to drop.

Altair felt the aura he felt before. The thoughts she was having were still her own. She was nibbling at his neck, something he felt the last time she kissed his neck. For the moment he allowed it, moving his fingers through her hair. She pulled away as he kissed her, there was a thought. He could tell she was changing her thoughts quite quickly.

As they stood, Altair paid the favor back, kissing her and growing further into the lust that crossed not only her thoughts, but his as well. She had endured him, taking off his robe, taking precaution not to rip the fabric. Altair had assisted her, throwing his robe down to the ground. All the time, he pushed her back to the bedroom, knowing he needed something like this, if only for a while.

Alyssa took her strength, wrapping her legs around his waist as they continued to kiss. Altair had shut the door behind them with his right foot as he pushed her on to the bed. Alyssa had a look of great concern, seeing she could easily regret the decision. Altair had looked at her, reassuring her that everything would be all right.

Altair woke a few hours later, not believing what he just did. He looked at Alyssa, kissing her forehead as he slipped out of bed, dressing himself. His thoughts traveled, now thinking more on what she felt, seeing she allowed him. Altair knew that in time she could tell him if it wasn't right when she would wake.

Placing his boots on, grabbing his equipment and heading to the Bureau, Altair knew he needed to keep updated. Rafiq had seen him, giving a smile. "Hello my friend, I heard from a little bird you are to stay in Damas for a while. Should I already know is not of Al Mualim's business."

"Is there any word yet from the Master then? Should I come back another day."

"Yes, come back tomorrow then, I am sure there will be word for you then."

"Thank you, Rafiq."

"And Altair, there seems to be a calm look on your face."

"I will regard that for another time Rafiq, right now I am quite busy."

"With her, right? You have fallen in love."

Altair shook his head. "I can not say, I am sorry."

"It can not be that bad, or-" Rafiq's eyes widen. "-you did, didn't you? Well I can't blame you. It was bound to happen."

"What do you mean?" Altair asked, his tone changing.

"Once she left, you were marked as a mad man, many thought you were delusional. I was the only one trying to protect your name."

"We are done with this conversation. I will see you later Rafiq."

Altair climbed to the rooftops, heading around. He needed time to think, now wondering if what he did with Alyssa would change his views. How the Creed would react of they found out or even why when he knew she's kissed him many times. What made this situation different was more than likely what changed with her thoughts. They would need to talk it through.

His emotions were filled with regret, but he didn't know how to view it, not knowing her thoughts. He ran the rooftops, jumping for a view point. Climbing it with style and skill, he made it easily to the top. The thoughts going through his head was on how things would turn from here on out. He sat upon the wooden planks, seeing an archer get into his view.

Hoping the archer wouldn't see him, Altair stood back up on the plank, taking a leap of faith back into the city streets, he hopped out of the hay cart, blending with the crowd. Night was approaching within a few hours or that he could tell. Altair decided to head back, now seeing Alyssa in a chair covered in the bed's sheet.

"We need to talk." Altair had spoken.

Alyssa gave a light nod. "I was to say the same thing."

"Do you regret what you did with me?"

She had shook her head. "I don't think, at least right now. Everyone has a first. I didn't mean to pressure you into doing what I wanted. More of the question is what about you."

"I can't say, but I know your obsession. I acted foolishly. I am sorry, I had every power to stop myself. I was powerless in a sense that I kept thinking on Adha."

"I understand, I'm sorry, again, if I pressured you, seeing that you are going through a rough time as well."

She had stood up, making her way back on through to the bedroom, knowing that he needed time to think. Altair had unexpectedly joined her, taking off his main equipment and boots. He had laid next to her as she sunk back into the bed. She cuddled close to him as he stroked her hair once again. Rather it was something for them both to figure out or not, what was done couldn't be overlooked any longer.

As couple days passed, Altair continued to train Alyssa while checking in with Rafiq. Word was reached that Al Mualim would request that Altair would return to Masyaf, that for a main briefing. He had accepted, letting Alyssa settle before taking leave. Masyaf was about the living life as Altair climbed to the Fortress once again. Al Mulaim was about his own work, seeing Altair arrived as expected.

"Come in, Altair." Al Mualim allowed. "You've done well. Three of the nine lay dead. For this you have my thanks. But-" Al Mualim had sighed. "-do not think to rest upon your laurels. Your work has just begun."

Altair bowed his head down. "I'm yours to command, Master."

"King Richard, emboldened by his victory at Acre, prepares to move south towards Jerusalem. Salah al-Din is surely aware of this. So he gathers his men before the broken citadel of Arsuf."

"Would you have me kill both then?" Altair demanded. "End their war before it begins in earnest."

Al Mualim had shook his head. "No, to do so would scatter their forces, subjecting their realm to the bloodlust of ten thousand aimless warriors. It will be many days before they meet. Perhaps while they march, they will not fight." Giving a look at his books, he gave thought to his words. "You must concern yourself with more immediate threats. Those men who pretend to govern in their absence."

Altair gave a look, mixing it with a small glare. "Give me names and I'll give you blood."

Al Mualim was more than appearing manipulative. "So I will." There was a slight smile. "Abu'l Nuquod, the wealthiest man in Damas; Majd Addin, regent of Jerusalem; William of Montferrat, liegelord of Acre."

"What are their crimes?"

There was a grunt that Al Mualim gave. "Greed, arrogance, the slaughter of innocents. You are to walk amongst the people of their cities, learn the secrets of their sins. Do not doubt that these men are obstacles to the peace we seek."

"Then they will die." Altair assured.

"Another of your items is restored, take it. See that it is put to good use. Return to me as each man falls, that we may better understand their intentions." Al Mulaim released three birds, thinking of one last thing. "Altair, take care. Your recent work has likely attracted the attention of the city guard."

Altair made his way back on through to Damascus, seeing that perhaps it was the best way to start. He arrived back on to Dabir's seeing Alyssa clean up the counters, making sure the place was by the least clean. She gave a smile, hopping down from the chair she was standing on.

"Glad to see you back." She said with a light tone.

"Yeah, but why are you cleaning?"

"Oh well, I got bored, that's all. Nothing to worry about."

"I am to hunt down Abu'l today, perhaps you are to stay, it's really up to you."

"I will think on that, do what is necessary. You should check in with Rafiq."

Alyssa had started coughing, now in the result of sounding worse. Altair grabbed her shoulders as she turned around, tempting to face away from him. Her hands then gave signal, giving her a moment to catch her breath.

"You all right?" Altair had asked.

"It's dust, you have no idea I got into since you left to see Al Mualim this morning."

"I can guess." Altair said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Go do your work." Alyssa pushed Altair out.

Altair had obeyed, traveling through Damascus, on through to the roof of the Bureau. Rafiq was half expecting, knowing how the day would turn out. There was a smile across his face, seeing Altair's arrival for a second time this day.

"Altair, my friend, welcome, welcome! Whose life do you come to collect?"

"Abu'l Nuqoud, I will need information on him."

Rafiq gave quite a surprised look. "The merchant-king of Damas, the richest man. Quite exciting, quite dangerous. I envy you, Altair." He had stopped himself. "Well, not where you were beaten and stripped of your rank. I envy everything else." Rafiq was giving a misleading thoughts from what he was trying to say. "Oh, expect for the terrible things the other assassins say about you. Aside from the failure and the hatred, yes, from those things I envy you very much!"

Altair was showing signs of annoyance. "I do not care what the others think or say. I'm here to do a job. So I ask again-" He sighed. "-what can you tell me on the merchant king?"

"Only that he must be a very bad man if Al Mualim has sent you to see him." Rafiq explains. "He keeps to his own kind, wrapped in the finery of the city's Noble District. He's a busy man, always up to something. I'm sure is you spent some time amongst his type. You'd learn all you need to know about him."

"Then where would you have me begin my search?"

"If I were you, I'd start with the Omayyad Mosque and Sarouja Souk; both of which are west of here. To the northwest is Salah al-Din's Citadel. It's a popular meeting spot and has proved a reliable source of loose tongues in the past. Yes, these three places should serve your needs."

Altair gave a nod. "My thanks for your guidance, Rafiq. I'll return when I've gathered the necessary information."

Finding the basic information wasn't as hard, seeing many of the city's people were apparently having at the least one thing to acknowledge on the great merchant king. There was much to filter through, he had upon a crowded courtyard, now overhearing much on the king's 'party'. What had caught his attention was of a man worrying of what he did.

"There's a problem. I need your advice." The man had requested.

"What is it?" The woman had offered for an ear.

"This morning, I went to hang lanterns for the party."

"This troubles you why?" The woman saw nothing wrong with normal work.

"I forgot to remove the scaffold." The man had continued.

"Forgot it where?"

"Just outside the merchant king's quarters, above the balcony. What if it falls? Someone could be hurt."

"Too late to do anything about it now, just hope it isn't noticed. You can deal with it tomorrow."

Altair knew that he could use it to his advantage. He was quickly distracted, now seeing Alyssa join him at the bench he was sitting at, blending with the crowd. Is there anything you need to know?

Altair shook his head. I don't think so, it's just a party.

That what he wants you to think, Altair, but in fact he is to have wine at his party. Regardless he will drink it. Also, much of it will be poisoned with the crowd. You have to be on your guard for anything suspicious. At this rate the merchant king can and will get away with anything.

Such as a mad man, knowing he can. To go against his religion is a major, not many would understand that I don't think. Thank you for the information.

You're welcome Altair, now I must go, I have much to attend to myself.

Altair placed a hand on her left shoulder, he knew the thoughts that immediately flashed through her head with ease. She needed information straight from the merchant himself. Knowing that it was risk, but her not being well known had its advantages. Safety and Peace, Alyssa. You know I will be here if you get into any trouble. Just remember to move quickly.

I given consideration to Altair's words, making my way through the gates of the merchant king's palace. I knew it felt more of a stealth mission, but there was to by the least be information regarding what made him capture me the first time. I made my bones crack, relieving me of some pressure upon starting my investigation. It was capable for me to pick locks, seeing I could find necessary items now.

I watched as many servants were still at work, but knowing that the building was dark inside I could use it to my advantage. The shadows were my friends and I could find some way to knock someone out if need be. I had to ghost the situation though, to not be detected this time around.

Feeling around, I was lucky to find an unlocked door. I slipped through the door, shutting it behind me. My eyes glanced both ways, making sure no one was approaching and I had sneaked on through. Knowing I didn't have a map, I had to make do, which wasn't a big deal for me. I felt the walls, making my way on through a hallway. I was more than tempted to make him pay for what he did last time. Stealing something of his and getting the money he wouldn't need was a great way of payment, at least in my mind.

There was then a thought to what traveled in my mind. I could take a few things of his, knowing he wouldn't need it. Greed was something I could always get away with, at least for this type of situation. I had found yet a woolen sack that was sitting around, nothing in it. The thought was more than tempting as I gave into revenge.

Swiping the sack, I had stolen a few items as guards and servants turned the other way. Getting small things that no one would notice gone was my best bet. I had even the decency to take a few candlesticks. Having a various I could get away with brought a warm feeling, ever more a smile.

I had given thought to give a quick look around, now seeing I stumbled upon Abu'l's personal library. Small as it was, there had to be something. I had seen that there was more books on pricing and how he kept track of his goods. There was even to my best surprise that he had history books, that of much.

I had cracked a smirk, quoting a sentence. "I wonder if he reads them or it's just for show."

My eyes locked as my heart sank. There was a title to a book that apparently he was writing. The title being that of "Assassins and Their Creed" I swiped the book, throwing it into my sack. Another had caught my eye, not titled, but appeared that it was recently written, but the words I read made me hesitate upon picking it up. I couldn't think of it at the moment, putting that one in the sack as well.

Knowing I was running out of time, I made my way out the back. My eyes caught guests starting to arrive, I clicked into a mode to get out with the limit, not knowing when guards would attend. I climbed on to the roof, making sure no one would see me. I had then scaled the wall, landing hard on the ground under me. I hugged the wall then ran on through over the gate, blending in with the crowd like there was nothing wrong.

Since I had the time, I saw one person that Altair was to pickpocket, making the gesture simpler than need be, taking the map of what I knew where his guards were stationed. I pushed on through, meeting up with Altair. allowing the letter slip into his fingers as I went about my own business. I saw that he was more than ready to take Abu'l's life as he quickly shined the feather he apparently received from Rafiq a moment before.

With a look from Altair, he knew I would explain later, but I had made it quite clear that he was to focus on what was more important, the assassination. I made my way back, waiting only a short while in Dabir's home while my ears rang from the bells chiming. I gave a laugh, knowing that things were more than likely thickening. I had prepared for what was needed, to do a mission I would regret. Getting evidence for King Richard was more than simple seeing that having an ally would prove more useful.