Mercy in White
5 Surprises
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A/N:
matters :), and, though I have a straight plotline in my head, I don’t know
where these talented talkative scary guys in white can lead me :)
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;color:#00000A'>Great thanks and a BIG hug to everyone who reads this!
Thank you for your support and patience! Hope you’re still there, and this
piece will cheer you up!
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;color:#00000A'>Enjoy!
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;color:#00000A'>
in White
Chapter style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma'>5 -----“Surprises
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The
sun was still high by the time the high gates of the village came in sight
after the road had made its last turn. Opened, but heavily guarded by six
armed, dangerous-looking men. The closest
one caught Altaïr's look and slightly nodded, trying to show both
recognition and respect, but not to be too noticeable at the same time.
Altaïr
nodded in return and passed the gates, to dismount a few minutes later at the
small stable near the high outer wall. He didn't want to draw
by riding through the village. That would be rather stupid...
That would be so much like him, a few years prior to that remarkable
summer of the year 1191...
Altaïr shook his head, trying to get rid of the bitter memories that
returned often enough to haunt him. That was not an easy thing, standing there,
at the entrance of the village, just like then, in that September, when he
rushed in, furious, eager to seek all answers he had been denied, to find
justice... But instead finding only betrayal, one after another and the feeling
of guilt, and shame, bitter as bile...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Today he was
almost as furious and eager to find out the truth. The long way through the
Kingdom was not so easy. The number of Saracen patrols was increased, and they
were more suspicious than ever. A few fights on the way to Masyaf had
completely exhausted him, adding even more to his rage.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Something was
up...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>With a sigh,
trying to shake off his weariness and almost irresistible urge for a proper
rest after two days without sleep, Altaïr started walking towards the
stronghold as fast as possible without drawing attention.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>-----
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Where the hell
is he?" - Altaïr growled, briefly registering the terror in the
younger Brother's eyes. He had certainly
told everything he knew, and didn't know what else to do with the furious
master assassin yelling at him. On any other day Alta¿r could even have found
that amusing.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>But not now...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"He has left
his chamber in the morning, Brother. He didn't tell me where we can find him.
Have you tried looking..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"I have
Alta¿r was close to the point of losing control. That would be such a shame,
but how could he not? A mission two weeks long, then that damned bastard in
black messing up with him, two sleepless nights, one of them - in saddle,
escaping the Saracen patrols and, when not so lucky - fighting them... And he
had finally reached Masyaf to learn that a person he laid so much hopes on was
nowhere to be found?
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Alta¿r opened his
mouth again, but the clear voice from behind stopped another torrent of
complaints, ready to escape his lips.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Safety and
peace, Alta¿r. Glad you're back. I guess, it was me you were looking for?"
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>The younger
assassin retreated with a sigh of relief.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Alta¿r turned
back, ready to swear, but a careful glance at the stone balustrade told him
they were not alone. Swallowing back all his sarcastic comments, he slightly
bowed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Safety and
peace, Master. Yes, I've been looking for you."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And, glaring at
Malik from under the safe shadow of his white hood, watching the wicked
sparkles in those dark eyes, he hoped that the additional "Where the hell
have you been?" could be easily read on his face.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Suppressing the
grin, Malik nodded and motioned at the iron doors leading to his chamber.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Come, then.
I've been looking forward to your report. I'll make orders about the dinner and
the hot bath"
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>-----
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>An hour later,
after discussing the subject of his assassination and his numerous connections
with the Templars and Christian spies, Alta¿r decided that he had paid enough
respect to the Hashshashin subordination. He couldn't wait any longer.
hot and delicious after two days of dried meat, apples and water, he thought
about the proper beginning.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Hmm… Malik… A
strange thing has happened to me in Damascus…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik raised his
eyebrow and motioned to continue. It wasn't often when a master of such high
rank as Alta¿r was surprised or puzzled by something.
Alta¿r sighed, preparing to present that stupid situation in a more or less
proper way.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"It all
started the day Muhammed Amir had been assassinated. You must've already heard
about it."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik winced at
the word "assassinated", it was too evident.
days before the Brotherhood completed the investigation... He was satisfied,
that he could help Master finding out the person behind this murder at least
with those bits of information, though it was almost nothing...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"I was observing
the disposition of the city guards on the square next to the cloth market, and
their patrolling march route, when I heard the bells ringing and the shouts
"Assassin! Assassin!". I thought that was rather strange, to say the
least, because as far as I knew, I was the only one of the Creed on a mission
in Damascus, and I haven't attracted any unnecessary attention... "
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>He shrugged, and
continued:
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Then I thought
that it would probably be the best to get away from the plain sight and watch
the development of the situation, found a stack of hay in a nearby alley and
hid there…” – and, seeing the approval on Malik’s face, he went on to the most
interesting part of his story.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“And then… Well, I
didn’t think it could be possible before I have witnessed it myself… Another
person jumped in the stack to hide!”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik choked with
the wine he had been sipping during their talk and stared at his Brother,
disbelieving.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“What?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr felt
even more embarrassed than before… It didn’t sound so much stupid when he was
thinking the whole idea over during his long journey to Masyaf. He thought that
it was important, that it would help the Brotherhood... And he was so eager to
find out something about that mysterious man in black…
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And now he was
sitting before his Master, the person he valued and trusted the most, sleepy
and tired, and feeling like a complete idiot… He sighed again, tried to shake
off his weariness a bit, and, seeing Malik’s impatience, continued again.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Well, I was
surprised! After a brief conversation I found out, that this man was hiding
from the city guards, who were chasing him in particular, calling him the
“assassin”. Unfortunately, I didn’t pay much attention to that, and, after the
alarm bells stopped ringing and the way was clear, I got out of the hay and
prepared to leave. Now I see, that it was a mistake, that I could’ve made that
bastard talk then, in that alley…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik put his
glass with wine aside and moved forward, his face showing the ultimate and
total interest.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Bastard? Brother,
when I first saw you today, I thought that the reasons of your bad mood were
just the long way home in the saddle and my absence… But now I see… There is
something about this man that enrages you… You see, it’s not a common fact, of
course, but it’s rather logical for a criminal of some sort to hide from the
guards… And the forgotten stack of hay is a rather desirable shelter from a
stranger’s eye. Don’t you think so?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr
quickly nodded, too anxious to continue.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Yes, but… You
see…” – he swallowed…
“Oh, damn you! You make me feel like a young clumsy novice! Just
wait till I find out…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“You see, I met
him once more, a few days later. After I had discovered that the reason for the
alarm bells was the death of Muhammed Amir. It was the evening I initially
planned to head back to Masyaf, but the heavy storm made me stay at home.
Actually, I had a good horse, and plenty of food to take… Rafik is showing the
miracles of hospitality these days, by the way! He gave me food from their
supply, a horse… And, after I decided to stay at the Bureau rather than soaking
to my undergarments, even provided me with a blanket and cushions…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Feeling his lips
curve in a wicked grin, and seeing the very same expression on Malik’s face, Altaïr
felt encouraged.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“So, I decided to
stay in Damascus, but I felt like going for a little walk under the rain… Don’t
stare at me! I know it was inconsequent! But… Oh… If you could see that night…
See those deserted streets…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik chuckled and
tapped him on the shoulder.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Romantic, aren’t
we?” – and, after another thoughtful look, grinned again – “But not enough
romantic to enjoy the delights of making fire under the soaking rain and
spending such beautiful night on horseback?"
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Roaring like a
wounded beast, Altaïr stood up, and already opened his mouth for a proper
sarcastic reply, but saw his Master raising his only hand in a sign of apology.
That had stopped him.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik's severe
injury was always there to remind him of the person he used to be a few years
ago... Young, stubborn, ignorant, self-righteous... Skilled, smart, but so
stupid and blind to such common things... It was like a sharp blade disturbing
an old wound, again, and again... He had no right to offend this man any more
than had already been done. The only thing he could do was to become his faithful
blade, instead of the one Malik had
lost the ability to wear.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>He swallowed back
his nasty comments, and sat back again, taking a swig from his glass of wine.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Forgive me,
Brother, please. That sounded so amusing, I couldn't help myself... See, I can rarely
see this side of you, so it was kind of... Unexpected... Please, do continue. I
guess, there is some serious reason for you to tell me about your walk under
the rain?" - heard Altaïr, returning back to their talk from the
depth of his unpleasant memories. He nodded.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Yes.
diving from one of the watch towers near the rich district, and decided to
follow him. It looked very much like the leap of faith, you know... That got me
suspicious..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Seeing Malik's
surprised face brought all his uneasiness back. If he was so surprised, then,
probably, he couldn't tell Altaïr anything new... That would be sad...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"But it's
only the beginning! I followed him through the streets to a dead end, where he
was forced to take a fight with the guards and Saracen soldiers. Brother, he
fought like devil himself! That was amazing! It's so rare among our swordsmen,
to fight two-handed..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Two
handed?"- Malik raised his eyes, a strange expression appearing on his
face. He opened his mouth, but said nothing, only motioned to continue.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Yes, with a
sword and a short blade, some sort of a dagger... And, by the way, he held the
sword in his left hand! And after he had killed all of them, and that made up
six armed men, he tried to flee... But I caught the bloody bastard! And, thus,
I've reached the most interesting part of my story. Malik, are you listening?
We had such captivating talk!..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Somewhen during Altaïr's
emotional monologue, probably just after his incidental "he held the sword
in his left hand!", Malik couldn't help any longer, stood up from his cozy
armchair and walked to the window. Looking outside, at the legendary Garden of
Paradise, the place of the most significant victory in their lives, and also
the most bitter disappointment, being sure that nobody could see his face,
Malik gave way to his feelings...
"So, you're back..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"... And,
after that, can you imagine, what this whoreson did? He touched my face! Well,
to be exact, my scar. And said my name! You see, he knows me! Though I don't
have a slightest idea about him... I believe, he didn't intend to say it out
loud, he kind of... Lost control..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik snorted,
though the reason of his reaction was evident only to himself.
"Lost control... Of course, having already forgotten you
and meeting again..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And only then did
he truly understand the meaning of his Brother's story. Altaïr mentioned a
"he". From the beginning, only a mysterious "he"...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And that was a
good excuse for another snort.
"So, your camouflage still works perfectly... Oh my, I can
imagine his face, if he meets you without your mask..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"...So, you
see, he seems to be pretty well aware of the Brotherhood's affairs, and even
claims to be an ally, an informant, and hell knows who else... I came to a
conclusion... Malik, were you listening? Do you know this person?"
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik turned from
the window to see the face of his Brother. Looking into his eyes, the eyes of a
most faithful and noble man he had ever known, he couldn't lie. He sighed,
hiding his emotions...
"I can do only one little favor for you, Mistress Of the
Night..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Yes, I know
the person you were speaking about..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>-----
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr fell
his mouth open wide. Just like that?
So easily?
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Seeing his confusion,
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Though I'm
as much surprised, as you, because I haven't heard anything about... Uhm...
Him... For a rather long time... You don't have to worry. He is really faithful
to the Brotherhood, as he has told you. He has helped us through many
years."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr shook
his head. That was too much...
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"How come I
didn't know anything? And, what's even more important, how come
who gives him..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Stop,
please, before you insult me" - Malik interrupted him - "He knows
much about the Order, about Al Mualim, but we can trust him, believe me. Can
you trust me? There are certain
reasons that his identity and whole his existence are held in secret. Even from
you, I'm sorry... Hm... Though you do know him, that's really true. We've been
training together for some time, though he is slightly older, so it was rather
brief experience."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"But why do
Al Mualim had never considered you as his successor..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik smiled.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Would you
believe me if I say it was a pure accident? I overheard a talk once, between Al
Mualim and our mysterious ally, a young novice then. I wasn't hiding or
anything... Just working with books in the library... Ahyway, they saw me, and
knew that I had heard them. And then, sometime later, I was asked to assist him
on a rather difficult mission, because I already knew something and it was
convenient. Believe me, there are reasons
for such secrecy. If the Templars find out, that we have contacts with this
man, especially after he helped us so much by providing the disinformation
about the Piece of Eden in certain circles..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr
thought his ears had just betrayed him. How else could he explain the things he
had just heard?
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"What? He
knows about the Piece of Eden? Are you nuts? How could you..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And once again did
Malik raise his hand. And once again did Altaïr stop, with his mouth open.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Have you
heard me, Brother?" - Asked Malik quietly - "If not, then hear it
again, please, and get me right. He has helped us damn big deal by providing the disinformation about the destiny of
the Piece of Eden. That has provided us some peace so far. I'm sorry. I can't tell you much, because I don't know
much about him myself..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr
swallowed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"How do you
contact him,... Master?"
"That's it... You've taken offense..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"There are
several public places in Jerusalem and Damascus, where we can leave a word for
him. And, though it's very seldom, he can come here..."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Raising an
eyebrow, Altaïr glared at his Brother.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Here?
Unnoticed? Who is he, a ghost?"
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik smiled. That
was exactly what he had asked when learned that from Al Mualim.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"No, Brother.
He is a human, like you and me. He's just amazingly skilful."
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>"Does this
human have a name?" - asked Altaïr at last, and, watching Malik's
face change, grew suspicious. Could his Brother keep something back?
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>No, that was
impossible…
-----
“I wish I didn’t have to lie to you, Brother… I wish I never had
to answer to this question…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And it was even
more painful, than he had expected, seeing the suspicion slowly building itself
in the eyes of the man he trusted the most…
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“I’m sorry, Altaïr.
Even I don’t know his real name. He has dozens of them. The latest one was
Farid. I told you, there are certain public places…” – And, with a silent plea
in his eyes, he added – “You are the closest person to me, Brother. Please,
trust me. This man is not a traitor. And neither am I.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Altaïr gazed
at his Master. Then, apparently after coming to terms with his own thoughts,
nodded and sighed.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“I understand,
Master. It’s a pity I didn’t have chance to ask him some more questions…”
“Oh, believe me, if I know her well enough, you’ll soon meet
your mysterious stranger in black…” style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>– smiled Malik,
thinking to himself.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Now, will you
excuse me? If I’m not mistaken, a hot bath is waiting for me?”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>Malik laughed,
partly with relief that this uneasy talk was over, at least temporarily. Yes, Altaïr
had deserved a good bath, and not only that.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>“Yes, Brother, and
a proper rest will be your reward for your excellent work. Thank you. Safety
and peace.”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And, seeing the
hooded figure in white leave, he returned to his own thoughts, trying to deal
with his suddenly so overwhelming memories…
-----
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>That evening he
left the large ornate doors, leading to his chambers, unlocked and dismissed
the most eager guards in that wing of the stronghold. That would be enough, in
case…
“Ah, what beautiful, peaceful night…”
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>The Eagle’s Nest
was silent, with most part of its deadly inhabitants asleep. He was enjoying
the warm breath of summer breeze playing with his hair, caressing his face.
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>He was waiting…
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And there it was,
at last… The light rustle of soft leather boots on the stone floor of the
balcony, audible only for his trained ears, telling him everything about the
skill of his visitor…
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>He didn’t turn
back, he was savoring the moment…
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>And then he felt the
hot breath against the back of his neck, raising goose bumps all over his body,
and that familiar velvet voice he had no hopes to hear again said from behind:
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
Tahoma;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#00000A'>”Safety and peace,
Malik A Sayf… It was a long journey…”