Avenger's Creed: The Crimson Assassin

A Templar's Worst Nightmare PT 2

Author's note: In this chapter, the Novice Altair leads the Templars to Masyaf Castle while Athena, Malik, and Kadar arrive in time for Athena to tell Robert de Saber off a second time. Enjoy.
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Altair had made it back to Masyaf Castle to inform Al Muliam of the situation with the artifact. He went to the library where his master was waiting "Altair," Al Muliam greeted.

Altair bowed his head in respect "Master," he replied in turn

"Come forward." his master instructed, "Tell me of your mission, I trust you have recovered the Templar's treasure." 

Altair stepped forward he didn't know how his master would react to the news that he failed. Altair found his words wisely enough "There was some trouble master." he began, "Robert de Saber was not alone."

"When does our work ever go as expected," his master replied, "It is our ability to adapt that makes us who we are."

"This time it was not enough," he replied.

His master tilted his head "What do you mean?" 

"I have failed you," he said.

Al Muliam looked at him in surprise as his master came around his desk "And the Treasure?" his master asked

"Lost to us," he replied regretfully

"And Robert?" his master asked

"Escaped," he said

"I send you, my best man to complete a mission more important than any that has come before, and you return to me with nothing but apologies and excuses." his master said in an angry calmed voice

"I did-" he began only to be cut off by his master

"Don't speak!" his master ordered raising his hand, "Not another word." 

Altair kept his mouth shut as his master lowered his hand and moved back in front of him "This is not what I expected." his master said as he began to pace, "We will need to mount another force."

"I sware to you I will find him." he began, "I'll go in-"

"NO!" his master ordered, "You do nothing. You have done enough."

Altair lowered his gaze closing his eyes wishing Alma was there to soothe him, she had been his focus "Where are Malik and Kadar?" his master asked.

Altair promised himself he would not weep tears stung his eyes, but he would not allow them to fall as he looked at his master "They are dead." he said without emotion.

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Athena, Malik, and Kadar walked up the path Kadar allowing his brother to lean on him for support. Athena kept silent "No, not dead." Malik said.

Athena could tell Malik was not a very happy Assassin at the moment and would most likely if able try to strangle Altair himself as the later turned to face him with Al Muliam "Malik," Al Muliam said worried for Malik's condition.

Malik looked to Al Muliam "My brother and I nearly died," he said before looking at Altair with an accusing finger, "Because of you!"

"Robert threw me from the room, and the entrance caved in. There was no way back." Altair said, "There was nothing I could do." 

Athena gritted her teeth there were several other ways in that she had seen and all of them lead to that room. Altair was making excuses due to his own arrogance and she was about to kick his ass over it "Horse shit." she finally spoke pushing past Kadar, "I noticed several ways in while following your dumb ass in."