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Chapter 9
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They have been riding nonstop, with a few breaks for sleep and food. Jin can feel her legs and back aching but is too stubborn to complain. That and the urgency in Altair's face tells her to keep quiet.
She never rode a horse before, and the closest she has been to one was in passing with the merchants' mule. When Altair led her to the stables and walked over to his horse, Jin gaped.
Tossing his mane with wild abandon, there stood the biggest stallion she has laid eyes on. His coat is pure silver, and his eyes are the blackest of storm clouds. He pounded his foot impatiently, as if sensing his imminent freedom, and the ground shook.
"Meet Nasim," Altair introduces her as he strapped standard equipment on the huge horse, "He is one of swiftest horses from our stables, however, he is also one of the wildest. So I suggest you learn how to ride fast." Altair worked briskly, and efficiently. When he was done, he turned towards her and gestured her over.
"What do you mean-" He gave her no time to ask any questions as he effortlessly lifted her on to the saddle. He then pulls himself up by the stirrups and settled in behind her.
His arms went around her to grasp the reins, and he instructed her to hold onto the pommel with both hands and let her body meld with the horse.
He urged Nasim into a walk. She felt very unsteady on the saddle. Lurching forward, Jin held onto the front of the saddle until her knuckles turned white.
"Relax," Altair murmured right in her ear and all of a sudden she was conscious of how close their bodies were, "and move with the gait."
"What if I fall off?"
"I will not let that happen," he promised.
And so far, he has stayed true to the promise. Jin cannot help but blush at the way his hands tightened around her hips whenever she was in the danger of falling. That was the first time Nasim tried galloping. The speed was so unexpected and frightening that she almost did slip off.
The hapless girl does not know how she managed to stay alive the last couple of days, but obviously it will not be much longer before she drops dead from exhaustion. Which is an embarrassment, because Nasim seems more energetic than she is and he has been carrying two passengers this whole time.
Altair is as taciturn as ever. His face is set in a grim expression that looks to be carved in stone. Her few attempts at conversation was drowned out by the heavy pounding of hoof-beats and her words were snatched away by the whipping wind.
The sun seems to be setting as they reached the summit of a rocky mountain. Altair briskly dismounts, and proclaims their camp for the night. Jin is assigned to unpacking and preparing the rations whilst Altair left to find a source of water for themselves and to cool down Nasim.
She barely has a few moments for herself when he returns suddenly. He puts a hand on her shoulder. "Come look at this."
Jin stands up unsteadily and follows him. He treks through some thick underbrush, which soon melts into sparse tree trunks. Climbing through branches and uneven ground with extreme difficulty, Jin is about to voice her complaints when the ground suddenly clears and turns flat.
Altair is there, standing upon a precarious cliff side. She joins him cautiously and follows his gaze.
"That is…" Words are escaping her. The sight before her is completely breath-taking.
"Yes, that is Masyaf," Altair confirms.
The setting sun paints a stunning canvas of corals, goldenrod and grays. A lone fortress, with impressive turrets and imposing walls stands tall and proud amongst the sparse landscape. Despite being constructed with men's hands, the fortress of Masyaf looks as if it belongs within nature's scenery. Nestled safely within rocky hills and treacherous cliffs, it calls out to the travelers like a beacon. The majestic beauty of it all is going beyond what word can describe.
"It's… beautiful," she exhales. Jin turns to look at him. By the look on his features, she can tell that he feels the same. He is also in awe at the sight. This is his home, where the assassin, but also the man known as Altair, grew up.
"We are a day's ride from our destination. I suggest you get some rest for tomorrow we will be riding nonstop."
She nods, half listening. Her eyes are still looking out on the horizon.
"Is this where I am to stay from now on?"
"Yes," Altair looks as if he wants to say more but no more words left his mouth.
"I understand," she murmurs. He does not know what to do with her either. It seems such a given that she will be accompanying him for the trip, but afterwards, what other use does he have for her? What is she, to him?
"You are troubled."
The corners of her mouth quirks up a little. "Oh, how well you read me, Master Assassin."
"If that is the case, I would know the reason for your anxiety," he replies evenly. He turns to her, and she is suddenly aware of the dangerous situation. The two of them traveling through wilderness. Alone. With no one in sight.
His hand goes up to tuck away a stray strand of hair. Lingers a bit on her temple, and ruefully returns to his side. Jin lets out the breath she does not even know she was holding.
"Remember, your life belongs to me. I will not allow harm to befall you at Masyaf. It is the safest place at this moment. However, if Malik's message is not exaggerated, that might change in the near future." His voice is low, and tinged with sincerity.
Jin wants to believe him. Even though he is a master of deception and murder. She wants to trust in the man hidden within those white robes of death.
"I trust you," she says simply. His face softens at her words, and no more words pass between them. Silently, they watch the sun set over the fortress of Masyaf, where an uncertain future awaits them.
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As they ride underneath the stone fortress's main gate, Jin cranes her neck up in wonder. The sheer size of the stone walls is amazing, and she cannot begin to fathom how human hands are able to construct such a formidable structure.
With its walls, there lies a vast open courtyard. Sharp clangs of sword on sword can be heard from a sparring ring. Almost everyone present bears the robes of assassins, and then Jin realizes that countless number of eyes are on her. She feels the strength of their stares, and cannot help but shrink from them.
"Do not mind them. You have just as good a reason as them to be here," Altair quietly whispers in her ear. She straightens up almost immediately.
A lazy smile emerges from under the hood. "Better."
"Master Altair, you have returned to us!" exclaims a Brother who detaches himself from the group to approach the riders. He looks younger by at least five years, and Jin can see the beaming adoration shining from the youth's eyes.
"Greetings, my friend," Altair answers as he smoothly dismounts. Without delay, he turns to help Jin down, and then turns to address the younger man, "Please take care of Nasim. He has been working hard these couple of days." The young man nods eagerly, and takes the reins from Altair.
"Do you always order people as if you expect them to do your bidding?" Jin demands when they are out of earshot. They are climbing up to the main building overlooking the courtyard.
"No, but you have yet to learn the laws of this place. It is customary for younger apprentices to heed the orders of elders. And since he offered, I gladly accepted."
Jin opens her mouth to argue, but then decides against it. Once again, she is in a strange, new environment, and the fastest way to familiarize herself is to stay quiet and just observe.
She already knew he must be of a high rank. The respectful way in which the past Rafiqs and Brothers address him can attest to that.
And the fact that he killed the last Master of the Creed… does that make him the current Master? Jin wonders to herself.
Altair briskly strides through the double doors, and makes his way through a maze of bookshelves. Jin wants to stop and read some of the titles, but in order not to lose her sole guide, she follows him dutifully. After climbing a series of stairs, they come across a platform where a man and a massive desk awaits them.
"Altair, you return not a moment too soon," drawls out the man behind the desk covered in various scrolls and paper. He stands, and greets Altair by warmly clasping his shoulder with one hand.
Jin studies him wordlessly, and her gaze is drawn to the loose sleeve hanging on his side.
He has no left arm. She then directs her scrutiny to his face, where harsh lines define a striking face. Thick, dark brows above deeply set eyes the color of ink. A hook nose with a mouth that is as thin and sharp like a blade. Angular cheekbones define his face, and she can tell already that he is an unforgiving man.
"Malik, you must have received the message from Jerusalem's Rafiq," Altair responds.
"Yes, but who else can with deal this? I have urgent news from intelligence and it regards the Piece of- Who is this?"
Sharp eyes direct their gaze at her. Jin feels exposed as both assassins turn to regard her.
"I am-"
"A dear friend," Altair smoothly interjects, "Jinan has been a valuable ally in the efforts at Jerusalem. She is-"
"A woman." Malik deadpans. He turns to direct his next words to Altair, completely ignoring Jin's presence.
"I am sincerely glad you finally stopped ignoring the opposite sex, but this is not the suitable time to be playing around. While you were enjoying yourself in Jerusalem, trouble is stirring."
"Malik, you misunderstand," Altair's voice has a new edge to it, but Malik seems unperturbed. It appears as if he is familiar with Altair, at least, enough to know exactly where the line is drawn. Jin feels a stab of envy for the man.
"Perhaps, then you may correct me later. Right now, there are more important matters to attend to." He gestures to a nearby Brother, who steps forward immediately. "Please take her to the Garden. Tell Lady-"
"Actually, I am certain Jinan is tired. She can rest in my quarters without having to deal with formal introductions." Altair shoots Malik a look. "There is no reason for her to be a woman of that affiliation."
The hesitant Brother glances uncertainly between the two men. On one hand, Altair is the Master of the Creed, but in his absence, the Brotherhood has been taking orders from Malik alone.
The tension is tangible, but finally, at an affirming nod from Malik, he ushers Jin out of the office. He leads her through a complex series of hallways and eventually comes to a stop at a stairway.
"Just go up and it will be the sole room in front." He leaves as silently as the wind.
Jin looks up the spiral stairs, and sighs. Leave it up to Altair to have the room on the highest tower. After a gruesome climb, she finally reaches the door. She opens it, and steps cautiously into the room.
Jin takes in the sparsely furnished room with surprise. It is small, about the same size of her attic when she was living in the brothel. There is a single bed, with two windows on opposite sides of the room. Persian rugs cover the hard stone tiles, and a low table sits in the center of the room, but there are no other forms of decorations.
Hardly fitting for a person with such high status as Altair.
She comes to the conclusion that this room is only one of many rooms at Altair's disposal, and that he actually rarely sleeps in this one. The room does not have traces of being lived in.
Jin smiles. How convenient for both of them. And how considerate of him to give her this room. It is isolated from people to avoid questions and gives her the peace and quiet she needs for her work.
She lays her knapsack of supplies on the floor. Sinks into the soft bedding, and falls fast asleep.
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It must have been late in the evening when she awakes. The soft orange glow of candlelight warms her face, and her green eyes flutter open. The entire room is dark except for the silvery moonlight from the windows and the lone candle at the table.
Altair is sitting on a rug, nursing a drink. His usual weapons are set aside, and all he seems to be wearing simple kameez with trousers. His face is hidden in the shadows, so she cannot tell exactly what he is thinking.
"How long have you been here?" she asks hesitantly.
"Not that long. Have some food." He gestures to the items laid out on the table. "Although I did not expect you to be familiarizing with my bed so quickly."
Jin blushes, and mutters a half-hearted apology. She slides out of bed, and sits down across from him at the table. She does not realize how famished she was until she eats the first piece of food. As her stomach grumbles in appreciation, she wolfs down the rest, not caring for manners.
"This cannot be your room," she says after the last piece of bread is chewed and swallowed.
An amused eyebrow quirks up at her comment. "Oh? And why not?"
"It is unfitting for someone of your station. I do not know exactly how important you are, but a person with a high rank should have a more comfortable, and spacious bedroom."
"A flattering deduction. And you are partially correct. I am assigned another room, but this is where I frequently sleep. The location is ideal for a person like me."
Jin regards him with sympathy.
"You want to be closer to the sky."
A low chuckle in reply to her words. She can barely make out the sinful curve of his mouth in the darkness.
"What makes you utter such nonsense?" he reproaches her gently. Jin tilts her chin up challengingly.
"Because all birds long for the freedom of the skies. And you, Altair, is no exception."
Altair sighs tiredly. He sets his half-empty cup down on the table.
"Freedom. A word trying to pin down the elusive idea. Tell me, Jin, what do you suppose freedom is?"
She stops and thinks for a moment. With a thoughtful light in her eyes, Jin replies, "I suppose it is what you want it to be. For a person who is locked up all his life, freedom can be as little as a few minutes outside. For a person who is always outside, freedom can come inside, as he finds peace within himself."
Hard silence greets her words. Jin tilts her head in question.
"Well, you asked for my thoughts, why are you asking such questions for?" she prods.
"Freedom is none of those things. At least, not for me," he wearily replies. "In all my years, never have I questioned the meaning behind my existence as I do now. What is my purpose? If I dedicate my entire being to bringing peace to mankind, where is the freedom in that?"
Jin looks at him with sympathy. She has no answer for that. He is a man bound by duty. This is his way of life, and anything else will be untruthful to his identity.
She shifts over to his side. Slowly reaches for his left hand, and pulls his palm to the light. With a delicate finger, Jin traces the contours of his hand.
"This line here, it represents your life. The straightness indicate your cautious but determined nature. The line is strong, which suggest a strong vitality."
Jin does not tell him about the disturbingly shortness of the line, which means a correspondingly short life span.
"And this one," she moves to gingerly trace the line cutting vertically down the pads of his hands, "is your line of Fate. The fact it touches your life line and then branches off means that your life is not yours to control, at least, not for a while."
Altair scoffs. "I did not think you were one to believe in cheap street tricks."
"I do not. Do you? Do you believe that your life is not your own? That destiny is already pre-written?"
Green emerald challenges him. Understanding flashes for an instant on his features, and then his face relaxes.
"I see. So this is your answer, and a wise one it is. You never fail to surprise me, Jin."
Jin looks at him, and smiles.
"So there is one line left. Tell me, Wise Overseer, which secrets does that one hold?"
Jin glances down, and immediately blushes. Reluctantly, she answers "That is your heart line, and represents your love life. Yours extend well beyond the index finger and cuts straight across."
Here she pauses. Seeing her hesitation, Altair prods, "And?"
"It means you have a strong control over your emotions, but your affections are deep and true. The fainter line above it suggests that there will be protection from your lover."
"How intriguing. Now that my personal life is laid out in the open, why is it you who is blushing?" Altair slyly asks.
Jin does not lift her eyes from their hands. Can not let him see the emotions fluttering across her face.
"Why are you here?" She finally ventures.
He smirks at her. "This is my room after all." The hand she is holding turns to grasp her knuckles. The rough pads of his thumb begins to stroke the inside of her wrist, and she is shocked at how fast he can set her nerves on fire.
"Surely you are not thinking-" She cannot even finish her sentence. Jin's face flushes as she struggles for words.
"Be at peace," he orders, and he brings her knuckles up to his face, where a soft brush of his lips leaves a searing mark on her skin, "Contrary to what you might believe, I do not force women into my bed. I am here because this is where I like to sleep."
He playful grins at her. "Of course, if you were to make another suggestion…" He trails off suggestively.
Jin forces herself to shake off his mesmerizing gaze. She pulls back her hand and mutters, "We are both exhausted from traveling. Sleep is a good idea."
Altair's grin does not falter an inch. "A prudent decision. I shall rest here on the floor. Go take the bed, before I change my mind."
Jin does not need another warning. She can tell when the situation is escalating, and she is not sure if she wants a repeat of that shameful episode in Jerusalem.
Not daring to undress with him in the room, she buries herself beneath the sheets. She turns on her side, with her back facing him, and forces herself to sleep.
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The rays of dawn hardly reaches through the window when she wakes up. She is not sure what exactly woke her, but she is suddenly wide awake and alert. She sits up, and turn to the other inhabitant of the room.
Altair, dressed in his assassin garbs, is fastening his daggers and gauntlets. The brisk, practiced way he moves is entrancing, and she does not realize how much she is staring until he stops and looks her way.
"This is where we part ways again. Templars have been amassing at the island of Cyprus. No doubt they are regrouping and planning an attack on the Brotherhood. I will go and investigate the matter, and if possible, prevent their plan from taking place."
Her throat tightens unconsciously. There has been suggestions of this happening from the moment they arrived at Maysaf, but to hear it in its finality still stings.
"How long will you be gone?" Her voice sounds a bit huskier than usual, and she blames it on the night of restless sleep.
"Depends," he replies enigmatically, "on how well my mission goes. I left Malik specific instructions in regards about your work and how he can accommodate you. Do not hesitate to ask him for anything. He is a loyal friend and a kind man."
Jin snorts. "He acts as if I do not exist."
A bemused expression appears on Altair's face.
"I regret not being present for those precious moments, but I really do need to make haste."
He finishes assembling his equipment, and strides towards the open window.
"Wait."
Jin moves without thinking. In a split second, she is taking a hold of his sleeve, and pulls him down for a kiss.
As she pulls away, she fiercely whispers, "Come back. I shall be waiting. You are responsible for me, for this life you liberated from death, and so you need to come back."
Mild surprise is written over his face, but he recovers swiftly. His hand entangle itself in her blonde hair as he pulls her in for another kiss. This one longer, and more heart-wrenching than her chaste one. Jin responds fervently. She cannot bear the idea that this might be the last time.
Altair rips himself away, and mutter curses into the soft skin of her neck.
"Any more of this and I will not be able to leave," he holds her face steady as he gazes into forest green, "Hellfire and damnation will not keep me away. So stay safe."
After exchanging their farewells, he pulls himself over the ledge of the window, drops down to a protruding wooden beam, and as Jin watches with awe, takes flight into the cloudless sky.
Notes: Wow... just wow. It's been a month since I updated, sorry!
I'm not going to go into details about the missions in Cyprus. I'll be waiting for Bloodlines to come out to fill in some holes... so I'll most likely time-skip to when he comes back. Although there might be the slight possibility that the game will come out before I update again. School's really hectic lately and I haven't even had the energy/ motivation to write. T_T
Uh... hahaha so I really like Callalii's Seduction Study and how the Garden is another branch of the Brotherhood. I kind of incorporated that in the story b/c I can't see it any other way.
Malik, man you just gotta love this guy. Sarcastic, prickly, and stern. Looking forward to writing him and Jin's interactions... snickers.
Next chapter: Jin stirring up trouble, angsting over exactly what she is to Altair, and perhaps a love-triangle. (O gad, now I know I'm sleep deprived).