The Raven's Black Shadow

Chapter 13 - Return to Masyaf

Only two days after Malik's arrival, six from the beginning of the rescue, the time for departure to Masyaf neared. Sabriyah's ankle still forced her to used a cane for added support but she was confident she could make the journey by horseback to Masyaf. Many of Nasira's more minor wounds had almost healed completely and a couple of larger ones were still quite sore, however she could move freely now. She also felt confident enough to ride.

It was decided they would leave early in the evening, when the sun was setting. This way the sun wasn't beating down on them when they traveled.

The afternoon wore on, Sabriyah and Malik took to the streets of Acre to gather supplies. Mahid also left to do his daily errands. Nasira and Altaïr were the only two to remain within the Bureau. Altaïr stood behind the Leader's desk, referring to old texts and maps, most with no importance. Nasira stood within the other room. She had spent most of the day stretching and moving, wanting her wounds, especially the larger one on her right side and leg, to heal quicker. A sharp pain still shot through her as she moved, but it was slowly becoming more numbing and slightly tolerable.

She stood in the middle of the room, her eyes focused upon the black Katana held in her right hand. Her hand gripped the hilt tightly but gingerly, the leather of her gloves creaking silently but she could gently feel it. She began twirling the blade slowly in one hand then smoothly passing it to the other. With the increased speed, the motion of the blade caused the air to whistle lightly in her ears. Her focus and concentration was upon the blade, passing it from one hand to the next. Her muscles flexed with every movement.

Despite her keen concentration, part of her mind still remained alert to her surroundings. She sensed movement, despite that she heard nothing. She twisted her body around, turning the blade so the dull side faced outwards, and slashed horizontally. The blade was swung until it contacted with steel. Nasira's eyes glanced to the contact, the steel of a gauntlet that blocked the hip. Her blue eyes then shifted up to Altaïr's deep brown ones, receiving a smirk from him.

"You were so lost in the moment I didn't think you would detect me approaching." He challenged.

"A skilled swordsman should never allow their concentration to fall upon one moment only, but grant their minds access to the surroundings around them to better assess whether multiple enemies approach." Nasira countered, returning a challenging smirk.

"So you wish to lecture me. In that case." His free hand, the other not blocking the blade, flew out to grab her arm gripping her blade. He twisted her around, using the blocking hand to push the blade away and in turn releasing her grip where he took the hilt into his own palm. He twisted her around so he was behind her and held both her arms behind her back so she couldn't move them. He held the blade up close to her throat.

His lips brushed up against her ear, "Now what do you wish to lecture to me about?"

"That you are an unfair jerk, taking advantage of injured people." She answered.

He laughed at her answer and returned the blade into the scabbard at her side. He released her arms and wrapped his around her waist, pulling her close to him, "You don't really think that do you? Surely a gentleman like myself couldn't possibly be such an unfair jerk as you say."

Nasira barked a laugh, "A gentleman you say? You couldn't honestly mean yourself?" She turned to face him, her hands on his chest, and her nose close to his, "Prove to me you are this gentleman you say you are."

Altaïr grinned, "I will take you up on that offer."

Nasira chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a seducing kiss. Altaïr pulled her against him and returned the kiss. He broke their stance after a few moments, his arms still wrapped tightly around her.