Assassin's Creed Bloodlines

Ch.2 'Masyaf'

Altaïr awoke, disoriented, in Al Mualim's study, surprised that he was still alive then looked up at his Master standing before him.

Altaïr: I am... alive? But I saw you stab me... felt death's embrace.

Al Mualim: You saw what I wanted you to see, and then you slept the sleep of the dead. Of the womb, that you might awake, and be reborn.

Altaïr: To what end?

Al Mualim: Do you remember, Altaïr, what it is the Assassins fight for?

Altaïr: Peace, in all things.

Al Mualim: Yes, in all things. It is not enough to end the violence one man commits upon another. It refers to peace within as well. You cannot have one without the other.

Altaïr: So, it is said.

Al Mualim: So, it is! But you, my son, have not found inner peace! It manifests in ugly ways! You are arrogant and overconfident.

Altaïr: Were you not the one to say that nothing is true, and everything is permitted?

Al Mualim: You do not understand the true meaning of the phrase, my child. It does not grant you the freedom to do as you wish, it is knowledge meant to guide your senses. It expects wisdom you clearly lack!

Altaïr: Then what is to become of me?

Al Mualim: I should kill you for the pain you brought upon us. Malik thinks it only fair – your life in exchange for his brother's. But Aadam believes you can be redeemed, and it would be a waste of my time and your talents. You'll see that you have been stripped of your possessions. Your rank as well. You are a novice, a child once more, as you were on the day you first joined our Order. I am offering you a chance at redemption. You'll earn your way back into the Brotherhood.

Altaïr: I assume you've something planned.

Al Mualim: First you must prove to me you remember how to be an Assassin.

Altaïr: So, you'd have me take a life?

Al Mualim: No. Not yet at least. For now, you are to become a student once again. Aadam will watch over your progress.

Altaïr: There is no need for this!

Al Mualim: Others tracked your targets for you, but no more. From today on you will track them yourself.

Altaïr: If this is what you wish.

Al Mualim: It is.

Altaïr: Then tell me what it is that I must do.

Al Mualim: We have been betrayed. Someone was assisting Robert de Sablé. One of our own. You must find him and bring him here for questioning.

Altaïr: What can you tell me of the traitor?

Al Mualim: Ah, but that's just it. I've given you all I will. The rest is up to you.

Altaïr left the study and passed through the fortress' courtyard their Aadam was waiting for him.

Aadam: I see that you are awake Altaïr.

Altaïr: Yes, I'm and I hear you vouched for me to be spare me I assume it to be based on our friendship.

Aadam: Yes, I did but don't mistake my judgment to be placed sole on our friendship.

Altaïr: Then perhaps on my skills then.

Aadam: You are a very skilled but know this Altaïr if you put another one of our brothers or the very heart of our brotherhood in danger again, I will not hesitate to kill you myself. Now come along novice our information is waiting by the gates.