Hawks and Eagles

Impatient Hunters

You enjoyed the comforts of home probably more than you should have. You were planning on sleeping the rest of the day, to build up your energy for the hunt ahead but hunger took precedent, a meager meal of bread and fruits that you grabbed on the way home. You nibbled on the food and drank down a refreshing brew of tea, taking in the calm moment of being somewhere truly familiar again, a place where you could let down your guard and relax.

You lifted the ornate sea shell you had placed on one of the shelves and glanced over its iridescent surface. Your eyes swept across the collection of miscellaneous items, each one different than the next, having been placed there over time. Some items were stolen while others were given to you by eagle or beggar. You pocketed the sea shell, your thumb sliding over the smooth surface one more time.

When the time finally came, you nearly had to force yourself to leave the safe haven, to climb your way up onto the rooftop. It was a pleasantly silent night, a cool breeze that still held the lingering touches of warmth from the blazing sun. You drew your cowl and muffler up around you and slunk your way to the Middle District. Al-Rahman had always been known for its gardens, the lavish pavilions and columned walkways scattered amongst the vast beauty of the oasis.

You followed the main path of the garden, catching sight of the doctor who glanced over his shoulder at you. He nudged his head toward a courtyard, beckoning you to follow before glancing around skittishly. He paced its center as you approached then finally turned to you and stepped forward. He lifted clasped together hands, a prey and a plea. "I am sorry."

"It is alright. I forgive you." You hardly understood his worry or his guilt, even when he dropped down to his knees and bowed before you. You kneeled down with him, forced him to look at you. "There was a woman and a child who lived on the streets. They were taken."

He gave a few quick nods of his head, his eyes unable to meet yours. "Yes, yes, they were taken a few days ago. Her daughter was sick so she came to us..." He reached up and grabbed your wrists, his voice a harsh whisper, "They are still in a storehouse near the northern gate but they'll be shipped out of there soon."

"Thank you."

"No, listen to me." He drew close, his dark eyes locked with yours, his words barely above a whisper, "I am a weak man and they threatened to kill me. I am sorry... I was so frightened..."

You caught the movement of a shadow in the corner of your eye and hesitated. You focused all of your senses, drew upon Eagle Vision to make out the different figures that were placed between the decorative columns. An ambush, you realized, thinking back on how foolish you were to follow the doctor into the courtyard without checking.

You drew him close into a loose hug, mouth pressed to his ear. "Go to Masyaf and ask for a man named Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. No..." Altaïr would probably worry. He would be reckless in his rescue, coming alone and facing an army. You cared about him too much to endanger his life... "Ask for Al Mualim. Tell him what is happening here. He will know what to do."

His mouth opened to protest, to question what you asked of him.

You stood up and faced the man who was slowly stepping out of the shadows and into the illuminated courtyard. Eight of them on the ground, you counted quickly before locking your eyes on the ninth, their leader.

"He was eager to tell us about your existence," he drawled, a hand waving towards the crumpled doctor. "I knew there was an Assassin working in the shadows here. I wondered though... It took you some time to show yourself. I feared we'd never get to meet you."

You lifted your hands slowly to your hood and pushed it back, then gently pulled down the scarf. "You can have me. I will not fight you so long as the doctor walks out of here unharmed."