Chapter 8 - Death's Regent
Altair arrived back in Masyaf early morning, his thoughts settled on his target. He had once more found Al Mualim about his own work. Altair wiped his thoughts of Alyssa, knowing he could endanger her more. He had to be more discrete, it was becoming painful.
Al Mualim changed his course of thought. "Come Altair, I would have news of your progress."
"I have done as you asked." Altair answers.
"Good, good." Al Mualim spoke with a high tone. "I sense your thoughts are elsewhere. Speak your mind."
"Each man I kill speaks cryptic words to me. Each time I come to you and ask for answers. Each time you give only riddles in exchange, but no more."
"Who are you to say 'no more'?"
"I'm the one who does the killing. If you want it to continue, you'll speak straight with me for once." Altair demanded, feeling enraged.
"Tread carefully, boy." Al Mualim warned. "I do not like your tone."
Altair clenched his fists. "And I DO NOT like your deception!"
"I have offered you a chance to restore your lost honor-"
"Not lost, TAKEN! BY YOU!" Altair was on the peak of yelling. "And then you sent me to fetch it again like some damn dog."
Al Mualim reached for his sword near him. "It seems I will need to find another!" He threatened. "A shame, you showed great potential."
"I think if you have had another, you'd have sent him long ago!" Altair snapped back. "You said my answer to my question would arise when I would no longer needed to ask it. So I will not ask, I DEMAND you tell me what binds these men."
Al Mualim grunted. "What you say is true. These men are connected. By a blood oath, not unlike our own."
"Who are they?"
"Nam nobis namine nam nobis." Al Mualim spoke in Latin.
"Templars."
"Now you see the true reach of Robert De Sable."
"All of these men; leaders of cities; commanders of armies-"
"All pledge allegence to his cause."
"Their works are not to be viewed on his own, are they?" Altair found himself calming down as as Alyssa spoke calming through him. "But as a whole. What do they desire?"
"Conquest. They seek the Holy Land not in the name of God, but for themselves."
"What of Richard? Salah al-Din?"
"Any who oppose the Templars will be destroyed." Al Mualim says. "Be sure assured they have the means to accomplish it."
"Then they must be stopped." Altair stated.
"That is why we do our work, Altair. To ensure a future free of such things."
"Why did you hide the truth from me?"
"That you might pierce the vale yourself. Like any task, knowledge proceeds action. Information learned is more valuable than information given. Besides, your recent behavior had not inspired much confidence."
"I see..." Altair responded.
"Altair, your mission has not changed. Merely the context within which you precieve it."
"And armed with this knowledge, I might better understand those Templars that remain."
"Is there anything else you want to know?"
"What about the treasure that Malik retrieved from Solomon's Temple? Robert seemed desperate to have it back."
"In time Altair, all will become clear. Just as the role of the Templars has reviled itself to you; so too will the nature of their treasure. For now take comfort in the fact that it is not in their hands, but ours."
"If this is your desire."
"It is, you are restored another rank; take back your weapon, use it to bring honor to the Brotherhood." Al Mualim almost returned to his work, when one last thing crossed his mind. "Altair, before you go..."
"Yes?" Altair asks.
"How did you know I wouldn't kill you?"
"Truth be told Master, I didn't." Altair answered. "I took a leap of faith."
Al Mualim stared back at the window, placing his hands behind him. Altair equipped himself with more knives, seeing more were offered. Altair stepped down walking down the steps, not wanting to say anything more, he made haste to Damascus, knowing nothing changed since the last she was here.
Death wasn't something Altair knew Alyssa couldn't tolerate. She would need to hide like a rat depending if she would return to his world. His thoughts raced, running past the entrance and to Dabir's place.
Forcing the door open, he slammed it behind him, locking it. Alyssa had joined him, seeing him enraged as he was. You're back, I heard and felt your anger just an moment ago. She had approached him, kissing him, feeling that there were many clouding his thoughts. He was more focused on getting her safe.
Alyssa, we need to move, there will only be a matter of time. Altair interrupted.
Then do not worry, they don't know we are in Dabir's place. Take a moment and unravel, you had an argument just now, please- Alyssa kissed him again. It will take only so much...
Al Mualim wants you dead, but allows me still in the Creed, seeing my skills are still of use to him. That means he plans something bigger than the two of us, that there's another...
Alyssa stopped him, begging him not to say anymore than need to be. She was quick to calm him, wanting, wishing to tell him everything was all right. He endured the moment, knowing he was now running around like a mad man, he also gave thought on how Adha would do the same thing.
Don't dwell on your past, Adha left you, remember that. "Altair I love you, I know you will do the right thing, just please, stay in the present. I know Adha would want anything more than your happiness."
Altair kissed Alyssa only lightly. "I know she would, but what is of concern is how this is causing term oil."
Alyssa felt Altair's anger, yet concern. She slammed him against the wall, knowing he needed to let go of some of his rage that was building. Hit me, whatever anger you had with Al Mualim before, you need to do this so that you can calm.
That would cause you to get hurt.
I don't care, if I did, it would be more than asking this...
Altair had taken off his equipment, seeing that Alyssa now allowed him to do at will what he wished. She was picked up and slammed against the nearest wall, now punching her many times. Alyssa gave strength, even then still giving grunts of pain. She was doing her best, but in result crying from what pain was being inflicted.
Alyssa grew shot of breath, winded, no matter of how much he was doing. It was better than breaking anything in the house. Making themselves known would be the worst. She endured more as he was finally calming down. She felt weak, disoriented. Her body fell limp, not moving. Altair took in deep breaths, knowing he was finally refocusing. Breaking free from the state he was in, letting go of his anger.
I laid there, trying to breath, to recuperate. I flinched on Altair's touch as he had checked on the result. He pushed up my robe, seeing bruises. Some of them still making themselves form. He felt the guilt creeping up on him. I was hurt, but that on normal wounds. I had allowed him, knowing I had an older brother that did it to me all the time.
"Why did you allow me to do that?" Altair had asked.
"My brother used to beat me up a lot, it may have been a long time ago, but I am used to it."
Altair rubbed my wounds. "You shouldn't let me do that again. Even if you are used to it."
He wiped my tears, taking me into his arms, I hugged him, reassuring that it was all right. I kissed him out of his guilt, knowing that he was now worried on how hurt I was. Altair carried me to the bed, knowing that there was time to rest before l had to leave.
I gathered my strength, laying on top of him. I kissed him, now making my way down from his neck. I felt his breathing as he had allowed it, seeing would give into basically anything at this time. I rubbed his chest as he gave into temptation once more. Altair moved around a bit as I continued.
We let time slip through our fingers, the hours had passed, giving it more than the possibility of that it was noon when we woke. Altair woke me, stroking my hair. He had kissed my forehead, seeing I woke with a smile. Regret no more, I know now that I can at least give you a chance. His thoughts answering mine before I could answer.
Regrouping, Altair and I reequipped ourselves, giving lead to head to Jerusalem. Altair had me ride on his horse, seeing that taking two was too risky at the moment. We rode on through, only to see that there was nothing to speak of, there was too much going on. I told him on his target, seeing that there wasn't much time to mess around. That I wasted the time it would have taken to investigate.
Altair lead me through Jerusalem, stopping me on the roof. "Stay here, I need to talk to Malik on the mission, if I don't, it will look suspicious." I gave a nod, letting him do his job.
I was sitting, listening to Malik talk with Altair as he had arrived. I focused, now seeing that Malik wasn't exactly happy to see Altair.
"What news, novice?" He asked.
"I am not a novice." Altair snipped.
"A man's skill is defied by his actions, not the markings on his robe."
"We can trade barbs or do Al Mualim's work, it's your decision."
"Then be out with it." Malik said with impatience.
"Jerusalem's regent Majd Addin is holding a public execution not far from here. It's sure to be well guarded, but it's nothing I can't handle. I know what to do."
"And that is why you remain a novice in my eyes. You can not know anything, only suspect. You must expect to be wrong, to have overlooked something." Malik was more than furious. "Anticipate, Altair. How many times must I remind you of this?"
"As you wish." Altair says. "Are we done?"
"Not quite. There is one more thing. One that are meant to be executed is our Brother, one of us. Al Mualim wishes to be saved. Do not worry about the actual rescue. My men will take care of that. But you must insure that Majd Addin does not take his life. "
"I won't given him the chance."
"So I hope." Malik concluded, giving Altair a feather.
I gave a laugh as there was nothing else said. Fast-forwarding memory to a more recent one. I thought. Altair made his way up, now seeing me waiting. He knew that there was no time to rest. I felt choked up, knowing I didn't want to leave, but did what was necessary.
Altair had lead me on through the crowded city, making sure to walk behind me. We pushed our way past people as we reached the outskirts of the city itself. Solomon's Temple was nothing as I expected as we dropped on below. I was given a gesture, Altair made it clear he saw someone. He dragged me in a dark area as we both observed what was happening.
We saw a group of Templars, talking amongst themselves. It wasn't a good sign. There appeared to be a map that they were looking at, as they left, it appeared that they were leaving for the day. We dropped down quietly, scanning the map. It had indication that they were marking down rooms, rebuilding the image of what the Temple used to be like.
The room was close by, knowing I recognized where I was before. There was a flash of light, now a portal awaiting for it's traveler. I gave a smile on back to Altair, giving a nod. Promise me you'll see me soon. That you will come back to my world.
There will be no worry of that, after the assassination. I don't know how long it will be on your world. Give me a few days, I will see you soon.
With a warm embrace, I ran off into the portal. Altair saw that something was different this time around, that time had continued . With the weeks that passed also affected that on her world. A small theory, but something that Altair would need to figure out later. I saw that of a reassurance than before, seeing Altair was confident in seeing me again.
As Altair headed to the surface, doing his investigation of Majd Addin. Altair had blended with his crowds, knowing there was only a matter of time before the stage would be set. Many spoke of how powerful the regent was, also on how many things were planned for this day. Altair gave notice to also hear that a man's son was to be murdered this day.
Nothing out of the ordinary with the men that Altair was dealing with for a while now, but his focus was on getting to know the area. He knew what had to be done, or at the least; the basics of knowing the target without regarding Alyssa's information. The while had passed as he arrived back to Malik's Bureau.
Giving time to relax, he knew that he had to prepare. Going into a deep mediation, he gave thought to a calming memory. If there was one thing he was capable of thinking on was of Alyssa, her smile always made him think. At the least there was always a different glow in her eyes. He grasped the memory, seeing a light aura glow.
Altair's wings felt more than broken as he thought on Adha, knowing that what was happening now was more. He gave sigh, thinking all that what was going on. Known that there was much to go over, but no time to question. Standing, Altair headed on out to his destination, reflecting on decisions.
As Altair closed into his main crowd, screams and shouts were heard about. Altair scanned, seeing one of the Creed members, but also three others who were being wrongly accused. Majd Addin joined the crowd on the platform as many rather yelled or cheered.
"Silence!" Majd Addin's voice called over the crowd. "I demand silence!" As was ordered, it calmed, he continued. "People of Jerusalem, here me well! I stand here today to deliver a warning. There are now contents among you. They sew the seeds of discontent, hoping to lead you stray. Tell me, is this what you desire?" His voice was now over the crowd while still speaking. "A lair, decent and sin? Who live your lives in fear?"
"NO, We do not! NEVER!" The crowd called back.
"Then you wish to take action?"
"Yes, WE DO! YEAH!" They cheered.
"Your devotion pleases me. This evil must be purged. Only then do we hope to be redeemed."
"This is not justice!" A man cries out.
"You have no right to do that!" The man's accomplice joins.
There was an archer, prepared to stand down the two men as they continued. "Do all of you stand idol? Committed to this tribe?"
"God curse you all!" The accomplice yelled.
They both ran at Majd Addin, by then being shot down by the arrows, the other running to spring free to only meet to the end of a sword, falling.
"See how the evil of one man spreads to corrupt others?" Majd Addin continued. "They sought to instill fear and doubt within you! But I will keep you safe!" The crowd cheered more as he turned to face his prisoners. "Here now are four filled with sin! The harlot; the thief; the gambler; the heretic. Let God's lodgement be brought down upon them all!" He cried as the crowd roared.
Altair pushed his way through, not wasting anymore time, he needed to stop him before anyone would die. Drawing for his hidden blade, Altair pushed through his crowd, making his way up on the platform. He had then ran as the area clear, throwing Majd Addin to the wood before the sword Majd Addin was drawing could do any damage.
"Your work here is finished." Altair grabbed him, pinning Majd Addin.
"No, NO!" Majd Addin denied, struggling away from Altair. "It had only just begun."
"Tell me, what is your part in all of this? Do you intend to defend yourself as the others have and explain away your evil deeds?"
"The Brotherhood wanted a city, I wanted power. There was an opportunity."
"An opportunity to murder innocents."
"Not so innocent, discontent voices that cut as deep as steel. They disrupt order, in this I do agree with the Brotherhood."
"You kill people simply for believing differently than you."
"Of course not!" Majd Addin yells. "I killed them because I could! Because it was fun! Do you know what it feels like to determain another man's fate? And did you see the way the people cheered? The way they feared me. I was like a GOD! You'd have done the same if you could. Such power..."
"Once perhaps, but then I learn what becomes of those who lift themselves above others."
"And what was that?"
"Here, let me show you." Altair drew his hidden blade, stabbing Majd Addin in the neck ending his life.
Altair was quick to take his target's blood as he now ran passed the guards who were trying to prepare for battle. He tackled his way on through, making sure not to get caught. His arms pulled him upon the rooftops, running to avoid the crowd and scream of those who were in fear. Arrows flew passed him as guards chased him.
The chance was taken as Altair jumped into the streets at the end of the next roof he was running on, knowing that he could easily. He jumped into a haycart, hearing as many ran passed him and one stayed behind. He was quick to strike, dragging the guard in before anyone would notice.
Altair had then jumped out, walking over to a bench, sitting, waiting until things settled before continuing on to the Bureau. He had arrived, making sure no one was following him then dropping on down to meet with Malik once more. Malik had no interest this time around, seeing that Altair did his job, nothing more.
"Jerusalem needs a new ruler." Altair announced.
"So I have heard." Malik said, not looking up from his work.
"What's this?" Altair asks. "No words of wisdom for me? Surely I have failed in some spectacular fashion."
"You preformed as an assassin should." Malik looks up. "No more, no less. That you expect praise for merely doing a stall troubles me."
"It seems everything I do troubles you."
"Reflect on that, but do so on your way back to Masyaf. Your work here is done." Malik concluded, going back to his work.
Altair settled upon the fact that there was nothing to work on. It was not necessary to return to Masyaf at this time. He knew he promised that of Alyssa to return to her world. For now he was to rest in Jerusalem and prepare to head back to Solomon's Temple when the time was right.
I was finally happy to be home. Regardless, my mom wanted me to stay at the house. Things were different when I arrived back. Few weeks had passed since last leaving, my mom begged for me to stay, seeing that I was deemed officially missing. I was capable to also prove that I was from another time by now, another world, seeing my clothes and the weapons I carried.
Much argument was going on, I drained them out as I stood, leaning against the walls of the stand up shower. I closed my eyes, knowing that something was meddling. Like a computer program, perhaps the first time on arrival in his world and the return to mine, things were being installed, adjusted to times, to worlds. There was still much I needed to figure out.
With thoughts swimming, I started hearing many voices echoing through my head. I placed a hand on my head, trying to sort out my thoughts. I knew that with time, many things would flow naturally. I cleaned myself up, hoping out and debated on going back to the guest house for the PS3, instead, I knew that there was now no more to think. I was exhausted, not willing to deal with anything.
I placed away any equipment, slipped on some comfortable clothes, crashing on the bed in my old bedroom. As I closed my eyes, I didn't bother to intercept thoughts. I was to dream once more, seeing that it was more than just that, but another vision of my last time on Altair's world.
I coughed a few times as I woke from passing out just hours before. I gathered the blankets, wrapping them around me. My body temperature was trying to regather itself as my illness was finally calming down. I walked into the living area, hearing the sharpening of the sword. I saw Edward, zoned into his own world. He was soon broken from it as he looked up at me.
With a slight smile, I heard him speak. "I can see you are feeling better."
I inched over to a chair, curling up with my legs. "Where's Altair?"
"He went to seek answers from the Creed. He won't be back for a while."
I moved my bangs out of my face as I glazed upon Edward with a confused look. "I'm worried, he hasn't seen them since he chased after me."
"What's your story with him anyway?" His voice asked from curiosity.
"When I appeared here, I was ran into, but he assisted me. Being that his Master wishes for me to be prisoner for who I am and wants me turned in, it's hard enough as is. Altair has assisted me in everything thus far, and going against his own kind."
"One thing can change everything..." Edward remarked.
"Well, I can admit that this is the most fun I had in a while." I laughed.
There was a sudden sharp pain, but I could feel it when I felt joy. I knew that someone else was still in my head, or at least I knew while I was resting, seeing that I could relax. I closed my eyes as Edward once again zoned into his world, but still keeping an eye on me.
"You should go lay down, try and relax."
"Yeah, all right." I obeyed.
I scurried off towards the back room, but was soon stopped. "I should be the one apologizing."
"What?" I asked, turning back towards Edward.
"After the strange events, many people spoke of something just appearing. We had to investigate, instead, I ran into the source. They ordered for us to seal off whatever was causing a ruckus, knowing that it would change a lot."
"But I ran into you- you-"
"Alyssa, I am sorry. I too question my actions, I bet you anything Altair is as well."
"If you... couldn't seal me off..."
"We were to kill you."
I stumbled back into a nearby wall in disbelief. I was now with a man who could- at any moment kill me. At this rate, I could trust an assassin more. I grew paralyzed with fear, now going through questions on what to say. Edward stood, walking over to me. He proceeded with caution, knowing that there was only so much he could say or do. He placed both of his hands on my shoulders.
"But why...?" I ask.
"My thoughts changed, seeing you are human. Like me, like any of us."
Images had flashed, having me remember yet another important memory.
"Look, I buy a lot of stories for a living." Edward speaks. "You are lying, I saw it in your eyes. Who are you really? Where did you come from?"
"That of the likes you would never believe in this era." I respond. "I know I am not used to this, but I am adapting."
"Do you follow that of the lesser treachery of folly? The glasses you wear are not of a design I know."
I hid my face in guilt. "I can not tell you who I am as I said, you wouldn't believe me."
"Try me." Edward challenged.
Everything melted, my mind searching, stopped at one last memory before fading.
"Strange occurrences happened within these last couple days in Damascus. A Templar grew witness to what he called a rip in the Earth, like what appeared like a ripped page. Just a day before, we had-"
"Had what?" I questioned, seeing that this was leading somewhere.
"-we had experimented with an object known as the Piece of Eden, it showed of a world, the future, there was a feeling we had, that something was telling us that it could complete our wish if we wanted to know of the future."
"Start giving me straight answers!" I demand.
"All right, fine, I will." Edward was feeling frightened as if though I had special powers. He had yield, seeing for who I truly was. "Not here, come, we must speak of this in the back of the building."
Aggravated, I followed him as he sat me down on a nearby wall. "You better start explaining."
"We where in Jerusalem, finally finding the Piece of Eden. A world was presented to us, that of the future and what is to happen. A voice spoke to us, that things were going to change. That following day you appeared. We don't know what was going on or how you got here."
"Then listen, you know of the assassins? There is someone you must met. His name is Altair, you must-"
I woke to the memories, looking at the alarm clock near me. It had only been a couple hours that passed. I couldn't gather, but felt something that felt strange. A sick feeling had filled my senses. My stomach couldn't hold together, I ran to the bathroom, throwing up what was left in my stomach.
I placed my hands over my stomach after, feeling something that was quite unusual for me. My mind came across the worse, now thinking of what happened of not for a while between Altair and myself. I dragged my hand down my face, rubbing my eyes. I crawled back on to the bed, wanting to scream my head off, I knew from here on out, I needed to take action before it was too late.
Altair made his way on down, knowing it wasn't too degrading this time around. He swung himself down, making sure not to hurt himself on the way down. He was thinking on the last time that he pursued Alyssa, upon her fleeing. He was also reflecting that things were now volunteery this time around.
Traveling worlds and keeping secrets made him concerned how long it would be a secret. As he walked to where Alyssa hopped on through to the portal, an object caught his attention. Her broken bracer was still there along with the remainders of those that were fought. It was collecting rust, seeing it wasn't touched for a long time.
As the bracer was picked up, the metal echoed through the hollow, seeing it was bound to fall apart. It had been such a time since Altair really examined how greatly the metal was forged. His memories flashed on through, having him be reminded as to why she received it, seeing that her wrist was in bad shape.
Altair sat in front of the portal, letting his fingers rub on the broken bracer. His thoughts were now forming on if the bracer could be repaired. He was also grasping what Alyssa said to him earlier, even if it meant letting go of a past. She was more than willing to be with him, he pushed her away. It wasn't right, no matter if she was considered a fangirl.
What Altair saw was more. He saw she matured since the last time. Teaching her how to survive in his world was something, but knowing she adapted quickly had him think on her possibility of her past life; Amir. The name she gave him was quite familiar sounding. So much trauma was having him block out certain memories, in this case, he wished to know what made her past so important. There was more, always secrets.
No matter if Altair wanted to question why him or how things worked out this way, sometimes it was best not to, seeing he learned that too from Alyssa. That answers would represent itself, as Al Mualim also said. All that has happened, things while moving foreword, would make since.
Learning was a great tool, the opportunity presented itself, knowing that everything was possible. Altair was to learn more than being what was told both from Alyssa and Al Mualim. He had a bit more freedom, even if it meant secrets for at least a while.
Altair gave a laugh at everything. That Alyssa knew all that was to happen to him, yet he knew little. The only problem was that of knowing too much of his future. At this moment, Alyssa could at least tell him more on what to do, seeing she had information on the target, but all the limiting himself was what stopped him from wondering that her knowing anything could change much.
Taking a leap of faith, he stepped on through, feeling shock waves as he floated between worlds. He appeared in Alyssa's world once more, but now standing in the guest bedroom. As cold as he was feeling, he gained ability of his body.
Altair ran out into the front door, know seeing the main house. He made his way back, doing something that was unexpected. He waited for just a moment as he gave smile, hearing Alyssa's voice. As she opened the door, there was look of surprise; happiness.
"Somebody call for an exterminator?" Altair asked, seeing her face.
"Now meet the whirlwind!" She responded.
Altair knew it was from a game she played sometime back, yet another in her collection. Starcraft was something she loved hearing the voices from. They both laugh as she lunged at him, giving him a hug. They were as greeted by the family, everyone having looks of confusion at first.
Audra gave a greeting, silencing herself seeing who it was. "You're back." She found the words.
"Hello Audra, how are you?"
There was a surprised look from Alyssa that the tension caused before was loosened up. "Altair, right? Much has been explained since my daughter's return home."
"Tell me of your story." Lou had joined in from his office. "I am willing to listen more to where you were from. Alyssa also has explained, seeing police classified her missing as she appeared from thin air."
"Seeing someone materialize is something." Altair commented back. "I will be staying here for a while, seeing I have a few days off, if not longer. I guess it wouldn't matter, seeing I am in another time, another world, we can do anything."
Altair enjoyed his glass of wine offered as Alyssa had refused a drink from Lou. She had given a look to Altair that they were to talk. Altair was enjoying himself, seeing that he was to speak of his works with her parents and how nothing was true and that everything was permitted. He had ended stroking Alyssa's hair.
"Your daughter has been with me long enough to understand everything." Altair explains. "I have taught her how to survive. Nor do I need your permission."
"Why are you doing this?" Audra asked.
"Because she will need to come back to my world, if not continue to travel in-between."
"We'll discuss this later." Lou said. "I have to get back to work."
The family separated as Alyssa lead Altair back into the old room. She had carefully locked the door, regardless if she was to get in trouble. examining Altair, she took a deep breath. Don't be freaked, but I have been keeping something from you, a secret on a dream and is now interacting.
I know something has been bothering you, but speak your mind.
I think.. I think I may be pregnant.