Avenger's Creed: The Crimson Assassin

The Third Witness and an old friend.

Author's note: In this chapter, Athena and Cory search for Talal, a man of many talents in Jerusalem and a new piece of evidence is about to be discovered. Enjoy.

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With Altair heading for Arce, Athena, and Cory on searched for the Slaver of Jerusalem known as Talal "Look at what we have here." a voice said.

Athena turned her head to see bandits. Cory cracked her knuckles "May we help you?" Cory asked as she popped her neck

"We heard whispers of an assassin dressed in blood, asking about our dearly departed Alma, but we did not think it true." one of the bandits said

"Then you know better to cross me," she said.

The men chuckled "Firey as Robert's claim, come, our boss wishes to meet with you." 

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Cory found it odd that Talal's men would willingly seek them out as they arrived at a Wearhouse on a balcony stood a man his eyes held so much pain within them "So, Robert wasn't kidding when he said Alma's heir had come." the man said

"I wasn't expecting this kind of a welcome," Athena said

"Yes, well with Tamir, dead I am taking extra precautions," Talal replied

"As you should," Athena replied, "Did Robert inform you of what I am doing?" 

"He did, though our own men have come up dead for digging and so far, you are the only one who hasn't been killed why is that?" Talal asked

"Maybe the enemy is unaware of my movements, thinking their plans have been unhampered," Athena replied

"I like your replies, come," Talal said.

Cory followed her close behind "I have been rescuing Wakandan slaves as of late at Tamir's request and sending them back home." Talal replied 

"I have been told," Athena replied

"A few days ago one of my men came back with a crate. Within this crate were a Scorpion and flat-headed snake." Talal said

"A King Cobra," Cory said

"An Indian Red Scorpion and a King Cobra's venom were used to kill Alma," Athena replied

"Then we have found our poison givers. Though both of them I am unsure if they will make it or not." Talal said as he opened the crate.

The Cobra had some of its mouth missing from where its fangs would have been leading up to its venom sacs which according to her eagle vision had been painfully removed. Both creatures glowed blue, meaning they belonged to Assassins "Both of them were kept by Alma who spoiled them. To think two in her charge would be used to kill her and her unborn child." Talal said sadly

"Poor things," Athena said reaching her hand in gently and picking up the Scorpion who's pincers were too small for its body.

Well, they were until the Anhk activated causing them and the stinger to look as if nothing had happened "The Anhk just activated on its own." Cory said in awe 

"It is because of the purity of her wish to help these poor creatures." a familiar voice said

"Kassandra?" Athena asked 

"Hello my child," Kassandra said

"Who are you and how did you get in here?" Talal asked

"She is the foundation of the Assassins as her brother was the foundation of your order." Athena replied, "I am her descendent as was Alma."

Athena reached in and picked up the Cobra who was barely clinging to life as the Anhk activated again the Cobra's face healed and it opened it's mouth in shock its fangs had regrown also, meaning the venom sacs would be present in its mouth. Athena put the Cobra in the box again "You must be starving," she said seeing a rat and picking it up by the tail, "Dinner is served." 

With the speed that a Cobra had when striking the Cobra nailed it's pray with one bite before it began to curl around it to eat.

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Athena knew Talal was on the list of names Altair had received, but it wasn't until they returned to Malik did something really seem off. Al Muliam was a traitor, but how far did his traitorous antics go? When Athen returned to Cameron Hall that night she headed to bed to get some sleep. Athena didn't like the feeling she had in the pit of her stomach not one bit...