The Raven's Black Shadow

Chapter 3 - The White Robed Assassin

The sun had barely begun to rise by the time Nasira arrived back in the city of Damascus. She kept her head low, her black hood covering almost her entire face. Her shoulder and leg wounds burned now, feeling as if someone was pressing a white hot piece of steel upon her flesh. She did not know what was upon the tip of the knives but she knew she needed to properly treat the wounds soon.

As she neared the main gates she wondered briefly if the guards remembered her from only a couple of days ago. Her guess was more than likely yes but there truly was only one way to find out for sure.

Nasira dismounted the red mare infront of a small stable. She smiled and patted Asimah's neck before handing the reins to the stablehand, as well as pressing a single gold coin in his hand. Without a word Nasira moved away and glanced about.

The main entrance's security seemed to have gained a couple more guards, this made Nasira chuckle lightly. As she walked in and amongst the smaller stalls outside the city gates and caught sight of a large group of people making their way into the city. Hastening her step she slipped unnoticed into the crowd and walked directly in the middle of them. She kept her head dipped low but her eyes watched the guards carefully. She could see them scanning the group but she was able to pass through unnoticed.

Once inside she allowed the group to move ahead. She watched the guards and once she believed they were not going to attack she continued forward. Nasira knew where she needed to go to find the appropriate healing supplies. One may think an Apothecary but she had a different place in mind. Technically where she had in mind was forbidden by her organization but she was saved once by this particular place, more or less by the inhabitant. If she was found in this place it could certainly land her in a bit of trouble. A bit being a rather large understatement.

Nasira stepped around the slowly growing crowds as the day grew brighter. She walked a fair ways before coming across a ladder along the side of the building. Any other time she would have just as easily scaled up the building but her wounds slowed her movements and prevented her from performing her regular acrobatic moves. She muttered irritatingly to herself, unamused about her current condition and prayed she wouldn't need to flee from the guards if they happened to spot her and know what she was.

Once she reached the top she glanced about the rooftops, scanning for any archers or patrolling roof guards. None could be seen presently so she pulled herself up and began her journey across. Carefully, Nasira hopped from one roof to another, favoring her injured left leg. Only once did she almost lose her balance as she leaped over a longer span of a distance between two buildings. She mumbled a curse before continuing.

For what seemed like ages at her slow pace she finally found one particular building she was searching for. She stopped before an opening in the top, one foot placed before a symbol infront of the hole. She studied the symbol for a moment. Nasira knew the symbol well, as did all the Sisters. It was the famous symbol of the Hashshashin. Taking a deep breath Nasira stepped towards the hole and bent down and lowered herself down into it. The Bureau Leader had once helped her when she was one a mission. She had become injured and he actually helped to treat her wounds and allowed her to stay until she was deemed fit to leave. Of course, if other Assassins of the Brotherhood arrived she had to hide for fear of being seen.

Nasira landed softly down, her eyes glancing briefly to the running fountain, the same symbol imprinted above the flowing water as was above on the roof. As she rounded the corner to where the Leader was normally seated around his scrolls and books she stopped dead in her tracks. Her breath caught in her throat and her entire body froze. It seemed the Bureau Leader and Nasira weren't the only ones present.

Standing infront of the Leader in conversation was the same white robed man Nasira spotted perching upon a rooftop during her flight the other day. Judging from the assortment of weapons all over his body he was one of a very high rank, an Elite. Nasira was also an Elite but their difference in skill was quite significant. It was as if time had stopped completely as they all stared at each other, or at her mostly.