The Raven's Black Shadow

Chapter 10 - Flee!

The two Assassins had a fair lead upon the guards as they had stopped for a moment to reassess what was going on. They resumed the chase, however, with more fury than before. The white and black forms were a blur to the crowds as they slipped by almost, but not quite, unnoticed. If not for the screamers they would be able to escape that much easier.

Altaïr being in the lead, noticed a guard ahead suddenly become aware of their presence. The guard began to draw his sword but instead was impaled in the head with a dagger. He, in turn, fell limp upon the ground, his wound spilling blood onto the earth.

Above, Hadi cried again, the sound slightly different, "To the left." Nasira said, but not shouted.

Only Altaïr, as it was meant to be, heard her words and within a second, darted to the left into a narrow and dark space between two buildings. The moment they entered they flattened themselves against the wall. Nasira kept closest to the opening, her black outfit better blending into the shadows. Altaïr did his best to hide himself beside Nasira, being slightly taller not helping. Their eyes were glued to the opening, their sharp hearing listening all around them.

The shouts of the guards could be heard as well as the screams of the citizens as they ran to get out of the way. Footsteps sounded near them and the two held their breath. Two of the Templar guards appeared at the opening, their eyes even scanning within the darkness. Nasira's hand twitched, wanting ever so to draw her sword and drive it and drive it straight through his heart. She felt Altaïr place his hand over hers, and if not for him she most likely would have jumped recklessly forward, most likely not surviving. Her anger would have blinded her, an action forbidden by all Assassins.

The guards turned away, his gaze finding nothing. The two allowed themselves to breathe again as the Templars walked away, clearly having given up.

Nasira made to move but Altaïr suddenly swung her around and pinned her against the wall infront of him, his intense brown eyes upon her confused blue ones, "Don't ever attempt to try that again." His voice low and stern.

Nasira cast her gaze down sheepishly, knowing exactly what he meant, "I know, I'm sorry. I've just run into too many close traitors over the last few weeks that I haven't been thinking very clearly."

Altaïr didn't reply, instead he cupped her chin and lifted her head up and titled it to the side. A long cut ran across her left cheek, even through the darkness of her hood he could see it. Nasira's brows furrowed in irritation and pushed his arm down, "Don't fuss. Your shoulder is in much worse shape."

He only huffed, "Right now the only safe place we could be is at the Bureau. The Templars know of us and unfortunately we cannot continue to gather information today. We will have to wait a day or two so we know it will be safe to wander the streets again."

Nasira tilted her head, "Do you know where it is from here?"

Altaïr glanced skyward, "I need to reach the rooftops."

Altaïr knew his injured shoulder would prevent him from climbing buildings the way he usually did. Unfortunately, he would be restricted to climbing ladders, and this deeply annoyed him. Nasira moved to the light of the opening they hid within and peeked her hooded head out. No guards hung about and the many people that walked about paid no heed to her. She took a step out, Altaïr directly behind her and they carefully made their way down the streets. Their eyes scanned all around them as they walked the streets, mingling with the heavy crowds.

They finally came to a ladder and Altaïr took the lead. The pain of his wound had finally hit him as he gripped the ladder and climber. The wound shot spurts of pain up his shoulder and it burned intensely. He cursed under his breath for having received such an insignificant wound and being careless to receive it as well. As he reached the top he slowed and glanced over the edge of the building. He carefully scanned about but no roof guards were present. Within this district, there generally weren't any.