Chapter 7 - Lord's Arrogance

Altair returned late to find Alyssa buried in a few books. He had carefully pushed her on the couch, seeing she was more than knocked out cold. His hands skimmed the pages she was reading if not a moment before. Altair also searched through the sack, guessing that he knew where the items where stolen from. Rather it be instinct, Altair saw that things like this would become a habit for her. He had placed away the books, seeing she would explain when necessary.

Feeling her head, she had opened her eyes slightly. "Altair..." What is it?

Altair didn't say a word, seeing that she was soon again in a deep sleep. He had given an effort to take a blanket from the bedroom, covering her with it. Seeing he had little time, he was to ride on back to Masyaf. His mind was interested more on the books Alyssa took, seeing that they were, if that, containing specific information.

Picking up the book, titled of the Assassins, he saw the name that Alyssa once mentioned. Jubair's name was again making itself known. The other book, that Altair saw appearing to be a journal. The Arabic he realized immediately, but the English he saw was of Alyssa's writing. She was appearing to do research. This could be used to his advantage.

Making his way back to Masyaf was the same as he did before, arriving before Al Mualim. Once again greeted. His master buried in his books as usual. He stood at the shelves, observing the books, as if to be searching for a certain one.

"Come Altair, speak with me a moment." Al Mualim asked.

Altair joined him, not saying a word for the moment, but obeying. "As you wish." His spoke.

"Word has reached me of your success." Al Mualim continues. "You have my gratitude and that of the realm. Freeing these cities from the corrupt leaders will no doubt promote the cause of peace."

"Can you really be so sure?" Altair questioned his Master's words.

"The means by which men rule reflect in their people. As you cleanse the cities of corruption, you heal the hearts and minds who live within."

"Our enemies would disagree."

"What do you mean?" Al Mualim now caught interest.

"Each man I have slain confessed strange words to me." Altair explains. "They are without regret. Even in death, they seem confident of their success, though they do not admit it directly; there is a tie that binds them." He hesitated, but finished. "I am sure of it."

"There is a difference Altair between what we are told to be true and what we see to be true." Al Mualim says. "Most men do not bother to make the distinction; it is simple that way. As an assassin, it is in your nature to notice, to question."

"Then what is it that connects these men?" Altair felt better off asking Alyssa then wasting time with Al Mualim, but he didn't want to make it obvious to his Master that she was still around.

"Ah, but as an assassin, it is also your duty to still these thoughts and trust in your Master." Al Mualim had interrupted Altair's thinking. "There can be no true peace without order and order requires authority."

"You speak in circles Master." Altair snipped. "You commend me for being aware, then ask me not to be. Which is it?"

"The question will be answered, when you no longer need to ask it."

"I assume you call me here for more than just a lecture."

"Very well." Al Mualim says, hearing the impatience in Altair's voice. "A rank and weapon are again restored to you. Two more leaders remain, go and see to it that their rule is ended."

The conversation wasn't what of Altair's expectancy. Time he could have done doing something useful slipped through his fingers. He wanted to ask Alyssa much, seeing that she knew of his future, what is to happen, but again, he knew that it would push too many things off track, having things grow suspicious.

Altair had gathered his items that Al Mualim gave back; throwing knives. He had known that they would be to good use. Making his way back on through to Damascus, the afternoon was arriving over the skies, making it more difficult to start hunting for his next target that of the same day. He walked on through to the city's streets, settling in Dabir's place.

As he pushed on through to the living room, knowing where Alyssa was at that time, he was half expecting what his eyes portrayed, she was gone. Giving a look around, nothing was left, not even a note, telling him she would arrive back in a matter of time. Altair was more than compelled. He couldn't stop her, seeing she knew more, but of her nature, she could get more into trouble.

Altair gave a quick check to his equipment, smoothing the edges of his blades, now making his way to Acre, not thinking another moment where Alyssa was, seeing that it would head no where. His next target was of that on William of Montferrat. He would talk to Rafiq, seeing what was needed to be done.

I had a deal that needed to fall through, even if it meant starting to hunt down William myself first. I had a bit of a head start, walking through the streets, seeing that King Richard was to arrive tomorrow, or so my ears were picking up from crowds. I would want to slip in, gathering at least a journal or letters of William. I pushed many out of my way, making my way into the Citadel. The fortress would be of a great start and I knew.

"I heard we are to work on the walls, seeing that they are falling apart." I heard someone mention.

I gave nod, seeing that the game was replicating that of the game. I could have Altair climb the walls with ease upon reaching his target. I saw that the many guards kept an eye on me. I saw and noticed that few were tired, training and standing guard for days on end. I was bound to feel sympathy for them, seeing that William was a horrible man.

My actions had determined what I was to do, seeing that I could easily get King Richard on my side. I made my way through the crowds, not being to suspicious. I found a way inside, seeing if I could grab a hold of anything good, perhaps even for myself. The halls were dark, if not very little light shined on through. I was to find at least a map of the houses or something better from a watch tower.

I used the shadows to my advantage again, seeing that it wasn't a big deal. at least in my eyes. I kept my sword handy, seeing that I could knock out a few soldiers patrolling around with nothing better on their mind. I made my way on through with a bit more ease than imagined, seeing there wasn't as many soldiers than what formed in my head.

My hands carefully unlatched a wooden door as I reached a watch tower. I froze, taking a look around with my eyes before leaning into the door. I closed the door behind me. now seeing a few useful things. I recognized them, seeing it was what I planned for; a map among other things. I rolled up the map, hiding it within my robe. I also picked up a few letters, seeing it regarded that of the Citadel being rebuilt, even on the betrayal, if not very little information of William's plan.

Over checking the letters I stuffed them in my robe, My eyes gleamed on the money pouch next to the papers. I opened it, seeing more that what was on my mind. I tied it to my waist, making sure it wouldn't made a sound, now heading my way out. My heart jumped as I just about reached for the door as the knob turned. I ran to the nearest corner, cloaking myself in shadows as I saw the soldier go about his usual business.

My heart raced, seeing that I didn't want to be caught, I couldn't afford it. Just keep looking the other way. I thought, sliding passed him, reaching for the door. I silently closed the door, letting the latch click as I now waited for any noises on the other side of the door. I ran out, reaching outside, hoping no one else would find me snooping around.

With the information I found, I blended with my crowd, pushing my way passed the guards. I felt a chill as the temperature around me dropped. I had only a matter of time before dark and I needed to meet with King Richard before it was too late. I had climbed the rooftops, running towards the entrance of Acre. I hopped on the horse I stole in Damascus, making my way to Arsuf.

The ride was longer than expected, but I made my way on back, now seeing that of King Richard's men. I noticed a few archers pull back their arrows, aiming them at me. I counted the moments as a knight approached me.

"State your business." The knight demanded.

"I had what your King requested, now let me through."

The knight said nothing, looking back at another. Signals were given to check into Richard as in short I was escorted back on through to where Richard was. He stood amongst his fellow knights, this time around I did not see Robert, seeing that I could get away easier than before.

I bowed my head. "My Lord, as requested, I have what you want. Consider this as a peace offering and only to ask a few things from you."

As I handed the letters to Richard, he looked quite surprised. There was also a look that I quite expected from him, the look of more distrust, the look of betrayal. "I thank you then, but what would you ask of me, seeing that you have done as you said."

"I ask that you do not kill the assassin that bares words to share, for in weeks time he will have more information than me." I lied, I knew that I had to, seeing that Altair would need to be at equal grounds with Richard while speaking to him. "I ask of you not to kill him, but also that you are to allow me to speak to you again, there is much to speak of when given the chance."

Richard laughed. "You speak as though you are from the future."

"Call me crazy or delusional all you would like, but the fact remains clear. I am from the future, another time, I have proof."

"Oh, how marvelous. This sounds as rich as it is, show me then."

"Then I am to request that your men leave." I demanded.

Richard gave thought to my words. "Very well, since you stopped what I could not see, I will allow it." He gave leave to his men as they left in what I could tell in great concern. "Perhaps you are not in a hurry to go anywhere, which is why you decided to meet me now at all times."

"Indeed, there is much I would like to explain."

I slipped off my robe, letting him see what women in this time wouldn't normally wear. I also started to explain that of what I also told of Altair, how things, at the basic would work. That times would get only worse, even that of very little of the first time I was sent here. As Richard's response, he listened, No matter how absurd my words appeared to his, he was quite intrigued.

"Your story is quite the different one. I shall believe you, seeing that you have not lied as of yet. Take your leave then. Give me a status report with your companion the next time you arrive. I will send for my men to come for you tomorrow, if not the day after. Now leave."

"As you command." I said. "I thank you for what you will do, in protecting the assassin that will prove useful to you. If I hear that he is killed, you will betray my trust, but I know you are a man of your word."

I slipped on my robe over my shoulder and made my way out, being escorted by two knights back to my horse. I was to ride on back through to Damascus to get some rest before sundown. I could tell that it was only a little while away, perhaps when I would arrive in Damascus. I made haste through the desert, knowing that I felt more than confident with what was settling in my mind.

As I rode, my horse became quite unsettled, soon rearing. I fell off as the horse shrieked, standing ground. I laid there on the ground, knowing that something wasn't quite right. My eyes widened, seeing someone I hadn't seen in quite some time.

"Hello Alyssa, I see you have returned."

Focusing on the hooded figure's voice; it was yet of an assassin. I remembered his name, only to by the least sit on my knees. "Faysal, oh god- please do- don't tell Al Mualim."

"I am here as ordered for Al Mualim, he requests that you are not to interfere, he can tell that you are back."

"Yeah how?"

Faysal gave a dark laugh. "The way Altair's attitude is, the way he speaks, I also saw you with him in Damas not too long ago, I give you a warning, as Al Mualim commands it. Stop interfering, or I am to take care of you myself. Find your way back home, we know you can."

I was picked up by my shirt, being thrown out of his way. I couldn't fight back, feeling powerless, only to know the basic training would be shot back in my face. I had given a moment to breath, dusting myself off. Faysal's eyes watched as I hopped back on my horse, riding away. I felt threatened, scared. I knew consequences were dire by now, even regardless if Altair was on my side. I was now being hunted by the Creed themselves.

I felt someone watch me as I snuck into Dabir's place. Looking around as I locked the door, I felt my heart sink into an abyss, I was alone, and I knew that Altair wasn't around. The feeling of being trapped scared me, knowing I needed to help Altair, but at the same time I had to leave. I walked into the bedroom, locking the door to that as well, allowing myself to sink into a corner. I held my knees, crying. I knew that if this continued, I too would be hunted, knowing the secrets of the Piece of Eden.

Altair felt an uneasy feeling as he arrived at the Bureau. He had a head start, deciding to investigate before arriving to Rafiq, he had as a success was capable in gathering the information to start on his mission. The only thing that was really on his mind, was now a feeling he couldn't shake.

Taking a deep breath, he had walked in, seeing that Rafiq was scanning his books. "Rafiq." Altair had interrupted.

"Word has spread of your deeds Altair." Rafiq greeted. "It seems you are sincere in your desire to redeem yourself."

"I do what I can." Altair convinced.

"And sometimes, you do it well." Rafiq mentions, turning around. "I assume it is work that reunites us?"

"Yes, William of Montferrat is my target. I have done as asked, arming myself with knowledge." Altair sighed. "I know what I must do to reach him."

Rafiq gave him his full attention. "Speak, I will judge."

"William's host is large and many of him call him master, but he is not without enemies. He and King Richard do not see eye to eye."

"It's true they never been close."

"This works to my advantage." Altair spoke highly. "Richard's visit has upset him. Once the King has left, William will retreat into his fortress to brood. He will be distracted, that's when I will strike."

"You are sure of this?" Rafiq asked.

"As sure as I can be. If things change, I WILL adapt."

"Then I give you leave to go. End the life of Montferrat that we may call this city free." Rafiq had said, giving Altair a feather.

Altair picked it up, examining it only thoroughly. "I will return when the deed's been done."

"Altair, before you go-" Rafiq stops him. "-perhaps there is something else on your mind, you are yet uneasy."

"That for you are right Rafiq, but I can not say anything about it at this moment. It does not deal with William."

"Then perhaps you are to explain later then."

Altair had settled in, sitting on the rugs. His mind focused in, connecting himself with Alyssa. She had rested on thoughts that weren't as typical as expected. Alyssa, are you all right? There was no response, he closed his eyes, knowing he had to prepare for his mission. Altair had drifted off, feeling a trance overwhelm.

Reaching a dream state, he opened his eyes. His sight had seen something that was unnatural. Alyssa appeared, looking to be frightened. He heard yelling, now seeing Templars force Alyssa on her feet. She was struggling. He wanted anything to help. No one gave notice that he was there.

Alyssa was grabbed by her shoulder being forced passed Altair. The Templars spoke of their language, making it difficult to understand what they were saying. Alyssa noticed Altair, trying to break free to get to him.

"Altair, Altair! Help me!" She was begging.

She was being dragged away. "Alyssa!" Altair called.

Alyssa was fading as the Templars had her keep walking away. Altair couldn't run after her, seeing he was running in place. He felt at no end that this wasn't a good sign. The path was giving a sign, that something was to happen soon.

Altair woke himself from the nightmare, calming himself. He took in several deep breaths, calming down his racing heart. He refocused, knowing he could get word if she was ok after his mission. Making his way out and heading to the Citadel, many people gathered as knights of King Richard ran out on to the Courtyard. Forming a circle, Richard emerged on his horse, soon with William following him.

"3,000 souls, William." Richard had mentioned. "I was told they would be held as prisoners, used to part of the release of our men."

"The Saracens would not have honored their end of the bargain. You know this to be true. I did you a favor."

Richard gave yet a cold laugh. "Oh yes, a great favor indeed." He said sarcasticly. "Now our enemy will be not but stronger in their convictions; fight that much harder."

"I know our enemy well." William said. "They will not be emboldened, but filled with fear."

"Tell me, how is it that you know the intentions of our enemy so well?" Richard demanded, riding his horse around William. "You would forsake the field of battle to play at politics?"

"I did what was right! What was just!"

"You swore an oath to employ the work of God, William! That is not what I see here." Richard was more than furious. "No, I see a man who has trampled it."

"Your words are most unkind, my Liege. I would hope to have earned your trust by now."

"You are Acre's regent, William." Richard had reminded him. "Set to rule in MY stead. How much more trust is required? Perhaps you would like my crown?"

"You miss the point!" William yelled back. "This is nothing new."

"Much as I would like to waste my day trading words with you, I have a war to fight. We will have to continue this another time."

"Do not let me delay you then, your Grace." William allowed, letting Richard leave.

If it was for only a moment, Richard spotted Altair in the crowd, giving him eye contact before riding off. William, furious as he now was, marched his way back to his men. "I fear there will be no place for men like him in the new world." He turned to a fellow knight. "Send word that I wish to speak with the troops. We must ensure that everyone is doing their part. Warn them that any negligence will be severely punished. I am in NO mood to be trifled with today."

"Yes my Lord." The knight had obeyed, following William into the Fortress.

"The rest of you, follow me." William commanded as they did.

Altair made his way off to the left. He climbed the Fortress walls, leaping to the ledge, hoping on the wood that was hanging freely. His feet moved quickly, calling to the top. Altair was quick to kill the archer before he had turned around.

Altair carefully laid the man down to rest and quickly made his way on through, to find himself in a small battle as four of the patrolmen caught sight of him. The battle ended as soon as it begun, using his hidden blade on one, throwing knives at two and rushing after the last one.

As everything around him quieted, he took care of one last archer as he made his way to listen as William spoke with his men. As he gave orders, making examples and killing those that didn't need to be treated the way that they were, Altair had scaled on down. making his feet silent. His hidden blade slid between his fingers, stabbing William from behind.

"Rest now, your schemes are at an end." Altair said with a calm tone.

"What do you know of my work?" William asked.

"I know that you were going to murder Richard and claim Acre for your son Conrad."

William have a heart filled laugh. "For Conrad? My son is an arse, unfit to lead his host, let alone a kingdom. Richard the less he knows is no better. Blinded as he is by faith in the circumstantial. Acre doesn't belong to either of them."

"Then who?" Altair asked.

"The city belongs to its people."

"How can you claim to speak for the citizens? You stole their food, disciplined them without mercy. Forced them into service under you."

"Everything I did, I did to prepare them for the new world." William continued. "Stole their food? No, I took possession, so that when the lean times came it might me rationed properly." He coughed. "Look around, my district is without crime. Save those who are committed by you and your ilk. As for the conscription, they were not being trained to fight. They were being taught the merits of order and discipline. These things are hardly evil."

"No matter how noble you believe your intentions, these acts are cruel and can not continue." Altair said with a dark tone.

William gave another laugh. "We'll see how sweet they are, the fruits of your labors. You do not free the cities as you believe, but rather aband them. In the end, you'll only yourself to blame. You, who speak of 'good intentions'."

With his last words, Altair laid him down to rest, allowing his work to be done. He took the feather, whipping it across William's neck. Bells had sounded all around that it was time to leave. Altair climbed the walls, making his way up to the north east in his direction. He jumped, taking a small, but quick leap of faith.

Altair hopped out of the hay as quickly as he got in, setting through the city streets, being chased by the many and those of the cries. He tackled on through, reaching a ladder now running the rooftops. He evaded many of the archers, having arrows miss him by the seconds. His feet dropped below him as he stopped, allowing himself to fall. Seeing the bench, his breathing slowed, making him at ease.

Many of the guards ran right passed him, swearing the he was now a lost cause. Altair swiftly made it back on the roof, joining Rafiq once more. He was quite impressed to see Altair back if not so quickly, the usual in his mind.

Rafiq glanced over at him ""What news?"

"William of Montferrat is dead." Altair said, showing the feather. "With him, his plans for betrayal."

"You have done well keeping Acre from his hands."

"Why now; when the Crusaders required unity most? It could have waited."

"Waited for what?" Rafiq asked. "For Richard to return and discover his schemes? No, it was the perfect time for him to strike."

"Strange, I was sure he meant to take Acre for Conrad. Yet he claimed that this was not his plan."

"You can not trust the words of a snake, which even in death, produces venom."

"I should discuss this with Al Mualim." Altair concluded.

"Yes, my friend." Rafiq had agreed. "Make haste for Masyaf. I am sure he is eager for news."

With that, Altair waited for everything to settle before deciding what to do. He had to take a detour, knowing to settle for the night before returning to Masyaf. He had left the Acre, making his way back on through to Damascus. The feeling that was there before made Altair feel as though a bit more than nerve racking.

His words gave sigh, knowing Alyssa wasn't talking to him. Alyssa, William is dead. I'm heading back on through to Damascus.

I heard Altair's words echo in my head. By this time, I was to meet once again with King Richard. I walked the streets, then knowing that I was to see him on yet the same day. I secured some of my equipment, seeing that I would need at the least my sword. I made my short way on back to Arsuf.

I wasn't expecting things to be dealt with so quickly. I had at the best, more of an advantage. I was on a time scale, seeing that Altair could arrive back within the hour, if not a few. I rode on through, being stopped once again by the knights of Richard. Richard was brought to my attention as I arrived. He gave signal to allow me through.

"You have God on your side." Richard spoke. "You are right for William betraying me, that along with the information you gave me earlier. I will trust you saving me the way that you did."

I was lead away from the group. "Everything will come clear soon, King Richard."

"I saw your friend, the one you described. The man in the white hood. I need you to get the more solid information, perhaps if I know what the people were also seeing, I can deal with what is unforeseen for the moment. I will not tell others that he walks among us."

"I will do what I can, but right now isn't a good time. Even his own Creed, his own brethren now want me out of the picture. I have been thinking on this, I need to go back to my world, at least for a while, until everything calms down."

"Then do what you must. Return when you have something useful. I demand to see you again, but go to Jerusalem upon your return. Being the war is too chaotic at the moment, I will hear from you upon my men."

"Very well, until we meet again, Safety and Peace." I bowed, leaving Arsuf.

I made my way on back to Damascus, knowing Altair would be more than over his head if I wasn't around. I caused too much today, seeing that I left without saying a word and that I was hearing him ask where I was without a response. The temperature was dropping quickly as I had made my way through the soldiers of the Kingdom.

I once again jumped my way on through to the streets, heading back to what was home. I gave a more light smile, seeing that things were finally going my way and that King Richard was now on my side. The smile faded, now seeing Altair with a serious look. I knew at that moment I was in trouble.

"Ok, it's not my business to pry into anyone's life, but you- you are..." Altair couldn't finish.

"Altair, I'm sorry, I wanted to check on a few things, but that's not all. The Creed knows I am here."

The look on his face dropped. "What happened?"

"Remember Faysal? Apparently if I stay here, they will take care of me, I need to leave."

"Do you want to go alone?"

"Would be best Altair, this way I am not hunted. Finish your assassination, I will see you soon."

"They have no right, all because I am helping you, that I ran." Altair felt compelled. "Is this why you didn't talk to me before? Why you just left without saying anything. We all have to break rules. It's the way things are."

"I will need to leave by tomorrow." Remembering a few things before.

"Very well, then travel with me to Jerusalem when the time comes, but do not follow me to Masyaf."

"We should head to the Temple then."

Altair had brought me inside, seeing there was more than I was saying. I was scared, knowing that Altair was the only person I could trust, even if the Creed was officially hunting me down like a rabbit. He said nothing, locking the front door. He felt my fears, seeing that I could now reconnect with his thoughts. His thoughts were now of that and keeping me safe.

The drapes of the windows closed as he lit a few candles, giving light to the area. Alyssa.... He started, but again not able to finish. I approached him, starting to let myself cry, seeing that at any moment I could get killed. I was ordered to stay away, even from something I got too deeply involved with. Altair allowed it, seeing the fear was more than I could handle.

I felt him stoking my hair, cradling me in his arms. Altair had slipped off his equipment, leading me to the couch. Altair, I'm scared, but I know I have to keep going, that I can't be afraid of one person taking my life.

You leaving for the time is the best thing, I will investigate while you are gone. Once things calm down, I will return for you.

I gave a nod, having Altair lay down as I joined him. To answer your question from before, or our question. I don't regret being with you. The night I had was the happiest I had in a long time.

Altair had shrugged. I guess it's a good thing, knowing that it doesn't bother me either, but now is not what I am concerned about. If we are to leave early, we should get some rest.

I smiled, kissing his neck, nibbling on his skin. Altair lifted his head, letting me continue. Rather he enjoyed the pain or it reminded him of something, I did it for the moment before standing again. He pulled be down, kissing me back on the right side of my neck. I let loose, now feeling him break my skin. I gave a cry of pain, but didn't bother to stop what was crossing his mind.

The song of Lilium vibrated through my brain as the melody calmed me. Altair felt surreal, hearing the melody sounded all to familiar. The song, it's sang in Latin, right?

Yes, that and it's from Elfen Lied. Great book and anime. I'll let you watch it sometime. I got up, wiping the blood that was seeping down my neck. Altair had licked the little blood I had missed, having let go of me. I walked back to the bedroom, feeling more than exhausted, seeing that the day following would be tense.

Altair had joined me, seeing I wasn't in the mood to talk on the situation that happened to me today. As I laid down, he cuddled close to me, letting my warmth sustain him. Though fate had a funny way with things, that it would be carried on.

I was falling asleep, seeing that I had nothing else to worry on tonight. I tossed my body, wrapping my arms around Altair. He kissed my forehead, now drifting himself. I could tell he cared, but for it wasn't as right for his thoughts, I knew the last thing he thought of was of his past, one memory, thinking on Adha.