Avenger's Creed: The Crimson Assassin

The start of a new era

Author's note: The epilogue is after this then the cover art for Book 2, as well as a sneak peek as to what to expect in the next book. (More of 2ArchAngels, PredatorQueen98, and of course more RashaDarkblade89.) Enjoy!

Anything in () are Sarah and Brandy singing with Athena.

****************

The battle was won and a start of a new war was beginning, but the current war would still go on for generations to come. HYDRA always struck when the moment was right, and now they laid their dead to rest. Altair was now mentor of the brotherhood, and Malik his right hand as history dictated. Athena leaned against the railing of Hope palace as the people celebrated those who died and those who still lived "You look worried my child," a voice said.

Saladin and his seven sons surrounded her "HYDRA escaped meaning they will gather their strength again and strike." she said

"You did what you could and that is all we could ever ask." Saladin said, "To know my daughters that I raised will live on through you and your sisters is the greatest blessing Allah has ever given me." 

"Thank you for your words," she said.

Kassandra cleared her throat "I must get her ready," 

"Of course Lady Kassandra," Saladin said leaving with his sons.

Athena looked at Kassandra who held a dress and gold olive leaf crown in her hands "Come, lets get you ready." 

***********

Altair was shocked to find out that the woman who nearly kicked his ass was in fact Maria Thorpe his soulmate, the one he had wait for even after Alma's death. There was no anger at what he had done, but she feared that she could never replace Alma. Alma had given him so much, she taught him to love which was something he feared for a long time "Alma taught me a great many things, one of which I never thought I would ever be capable of doing." he said softly

"And what was that?" Maria asked

"Love," he said, "She taught me to love," 

Maria looked at him with tears in her eyes "She was preparing me for when she met her mate, and I would meet my own." he finished, "You," 

"You arrogant Assassin bastard." Maria said with no heat only teasing in her words as she leaned into him.

WACK!

"Ow, what in the name of Allah!" he yelped looking to see Malik standing over him with a book in his hand a very large one at that

"You Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, are the most Arrogant man I have ever known," Malik said before Alma's eldest brother's eyes grew soft, "But you have changed," 

"That I have my friend." he said as he rubbed his head.

His soulmate looking at the two of them in amusement "Come, Athena and her sisters will be joining the celebrations soon." Malik said.

Altair looked down at his soulmate "Shall we?" he asked

"Of course." she replied.

***********

Kadar looked at Athena and her sisters like all in the room did, with awe. The ancient dress of the Greeks fit the sisters beauty entirely. Each one wore colors that represented their robes. Sarah, a snow white dress, Brandy a blue, and Athena...Athena wore a dress as crimson as her robes "It is said before our time that the women of the Ancient world never had to hide their beauty, that it was a shame to do such." Rowan said beside him

"And I can see why," Abbas said, "They are goddesses among men." 

"And as fierce as lions." Saladin said.

Kadar had hoped that Athena would be like Alma, singing songs that touched the soul of those who heard them. Athena closed her eyes and took a breath. As Altair arrived with Malik and the new Templar Grand Master, which was named such by the Templars in the area. Athena having proven much like the other women under her command that women could fight and die just as well as a man could. 

May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh, how far you are from home.

Athena's voice carried over them her words and tone gentle like a mother to a child.

Mornië utúlië ((darkness has come))
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië ((darkness has fallen))
A promise lives within you now.

Athena smiled softly at them as she continued her song, the words washing over them touching them in ways none could imagen.

May it be the shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun

Mornië utúlië ((darkness has come))
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië ((darkness has fallen))
A promise lives within you nowA promise lives within you now

The crowed erupted into cheers "Like Alma a voice of an Angel sent from heaven to sooth our souls." Richard said

"That song was aimed at Altair," Malik said, "He holds a promise of a better future for the Assassins." 

"You were always good at picking that up," Altair said in a teasing tone

"Ashame you never could pick up on that novice," Malik shot back.

*************

It was early the next day when they headed to where it all began Soloman's Temple. Kadar was with them having left his pendant and a note to his brother explaining where he was going and why. Right before they count down began the people stood in the distance Altair and Malik among them "A fitting send off," Athena said nodding her head.

Everyone turned to see who had gathered. All the cities around Jeruslam had gathered. Malik held tears in his eyes sad that his younger brother would be leaving to start anew. Athena drew the sword and spear "May this pass down for years to come, when the threat emerges the Crimson will return to face it." Athena said, "Let none forget what has happened here through stories told."

'Athena!' they cheered as both weapons of Eden demonstrated their power as the counter hit zero and they found themselves home...