Brotherhood {closed}

[Ptah]

"Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent."

"Hide in plain sight, be one with the crowd."

"Never compromise the Brotherhood



Master assassin Umar Ibn la ahad was walking through the dimly lit corriodors of masyaf castle towards the masters tower. Garnier de pluse is dead. Umar has done as the master has commanded. But why ? why this sudden interest in the crusader statemen ? , Umar pondering his thought started walking ever faster , the master does not like to be kept waiting.

The night is cold , but Umar is appreciating the warmth of the sleeping fortress. Apart from the night guards most of habitats of the place were asleep. The journey from Jerusalem to Masyaf as been uneventfull. Though the same cannot be said of his mission.

He murdered Garnier in his sleep, as ordered by his master Al mualim. He kept his blade of the innocent , though , mused umar, he wouldnt be breaking the creed if he killed a few gaurds. They are as bad as their former master. Offcourse he didnt forget to leave the note behind for the king of jerusalem . Nothing specific written on the note offcourse . Just a picture of the assassin Emblem

To the ordinary men its the sign of the feared assassin brother hood but off course none of them know why . Even Umar himself dosent know . He knows its a message from the master to the king. The king would know what this was all about.

Umar knocked on the door of the master softly , taking in a long breath. offcourse al mualim will be sleeping. He should be back tomorrow ? His master already knows off his success. the carrier pigeons made sure of it.

"Enter " said a calm voice .

Umar entered the sweet scented dimly litted room. to find the old man , nicknamed old man of the mountain in his robes .

" wellcome Umar . " said al mualim. observing the youg man of twenty two infront of him .

" Master" bowed Umar, voice low.

" I welcome your success umar., but your is begining my child " said al mualim , giving his student a bow of respect .

" I obey Master, give me names and i will give you blood " voiced Umar head still bowed , voice low. It was difficult to hide his pleasure that he has made the master happy.

" very well" considered al mualim. As much as he appriciated the willingness of Umar to kill, and the talent Umar shows for it, Sometimes the grand master of the assassins is indeed glad that Umar is on their side .

" Robert de sable , the count of Jaffa is your target Umar . He will be at the Kings daughters birthday party "

" Master the king -

"no ! do as your told Umar , the kings time will come .." whispeared al maulim. He pushed another hidden blade towards umar . A sign of the masters graditude. Only the best and the masters most loyal assassins were allowed to carry two blades and a sword.

Umar bowed deeply and took his gift .

"thank you master"

Al mualim nooded and waved at him dissmissivly.

By sunrise , Umar was on his way to jerusalem .

Again

 

[Perplexia]

"Mi Lady your father was asking for your presence" Isabella turned from her window her long wavy hair trailing behind in an almost slow motion effect. "Yes Sarah, thank you i'll be down momentarily." Once she left Isabella let out a sigh and rolled her emerald eyes. Adjusting her blond locks she left them uncovered as the single women of this time did.

Isabella was blessed with the flawless beauty that her mother once had. The angelic innocence upon her features kept the suitors coming. The grace in the way she moved was almost as if she were floating on air. Having been educated in the ways of mannerisms and behavior, she was the picture of perfection for all princess' to strive to become. Her small agile frame moved softly down the cascading marble steps and into the library where she would often find her father mulling over decisions regarding to the crusade.

Curtsying down in front of him she spoke softly. "Mighty King, I understand thee wished a word with me." Her father, the All mighty King of Jersalem was often led astray by the majority of his advisors. The crusade for example, It may have made her a princess, but the suffering and blood shed it had caused was unjust and simply wrong in her eyes. Yet being a female with certain obligations she withheld her opinion.

"Yes Isabella, about the celebration" "if things are too hectic father and you wish to cancel I will understand."
"Of course not don't be so naive." there was that word again. That one word explained her fathers opinion on all women and their place in society.

"I would like you to particular favor to Prince Louis from France, he's making a special trip for some things you just wouldn't understand. Yet i think you would be a seal on the bargain creating a marriage of beneficial proportions for the crusade and the kingdoms."

"As you wish father" was her only response. He waved her away in typical fashion and she curtsied and left the room with the same grace that she had entered.

'indeed' she thought to herself as made her way to the kitchen. Ezekiel a stable boy of 13, waited at the back door with the mules and a couple of guards. His hands were clean with the exception of the dirt under his nails. His pants were torn at the knees from constant wear. Yet for the princess he wore a smile of pride. The mules had already been loaded with the bread for the poor.

With all in tow they made their way through the streets of Jerusalem. With the guards preoccupied with the crowd that formed she handed a special loaf of bread to Ezekiel he nodded and disappeared through the crowds with three raps on a door he handed it to the maid with the simple words "From the Kings kitchen" then he was gone again returning to the princess' side. "we're going to need to increase the mules to four I fear" she said lightly to Ezekiel. "yes princess" was his response.

The crowds only seemed to get greater and greater. The hunger was so intense it sometimes led to brawls and occasionally a death. This weighed heavily on her heart.

With all the bread and coin gone, they made their way back to the castle. She would have loved to be among the people to hear and guide them. But her status and place in society didn't allow that. At least as the princess.

With her birthday celebration a couple days away, the parties of nobles and distinguished guests were starting to arrive. This meant her presence was going to be required more than normal. Dances, dinners, walks in the garden, and pleasant demure conversation. Most princess' would be overjoyed at such a fuss being made in their honor. After all, 18 was a mile stone.

Rushing back up to her room she was bathed and dressed fashionably for afternoon tea. She smiled and nodded with perfect mannerisms. Her eyes and angelic beauty flirted effortlessly.

 

[Ptah]

Umar stood in front of the imposing gates of Damascus. The biggest and the holies city in the christian lands. He knew the city well . He could hear the life inside the City . But enough of sight seeing , he needed to get inside the city unchallenged by the crusaders and find the assassins Headqaurters in jerusalem. Umar continued his gaze on the unclimable walls of Jerusalem. feeling small.

The through the flicker of his eye he saw , christian priests. by the decree of the pope the are allowed to go unhindered through the city . Anywhere they wish . Umar wore white Robes and hood just like the priests. Perfect and ready to join them.

few minutes later Umar was through the gates and on his way to the assassins HQ.

Walking his way through the street umar saw the signs of festivity , indeed there is a party. but that would mean the security will be tight. that means de sables head will have to roll before the celebrations.

Umars worst fear became true when he overheard a few guards talking. one was the captain offcourse .

" the king has doubled the gaurds of the palace. bring your men as reingforcements ." said the captain with authority.

Umar made his was to the Assassins Hq . where the rafiq (the man in charge ) made him welcome.

"welcome Umar, i suppose its bussines that unites us ? " said the rafiq . clearly a man not for small talk.

" Yes, give me information about the count of jaffa"

" Umar according to our informent in the palace , he has arrieved in the castle with the prince of france, but the guards are being doubled for the party. Its their belief that you should strike before the party starts. As seccurity- "

" will be water tight " finished Umar , teeth greeted. its as he feared.

" Umar to get inside i suggest you must blend yourself with the monks who will also be attending the party , its the princesses engagement as well though its goin to be a surprise for everyone , hence the priests will be there to bless the event and for you to blend in with them. " the rafiq finished , worried about his friend.

" and my escape ..."

" the scafoldings on the south of the castle ."

"thank you rafiq " he bowed deeply.

"go in peace my friend, rest here for a while before you go " he said , returning the bow.

Umar obliged as he went to one of the rest rooms of the HQ (the Hq desguised as a shop in front to fool the guards ) and made himself comfortable on the bed, deep in thoughts.

 

[Perplexia]

Each man seemed to tell the same tale in the same way. Except of course it was his sword, or his orders. She of course smiled politely and socialized with all the grace of an angel.

Soon it was time for rest. Many had had a long journey. Once alone she took off the dress, and laid in her tunic upon the bed. The prince her father wanted her to entertain was as ghastly as she had heard the servants say. Of course none would say it to her directly, nor would she ask. Her real thoughts and feelings were a mystery to all.

The gown she wore was made with imported fabric. It was lighter the heavier wool ones she had to often wear. Her hair was redone with ribbons, how she couldn't wait for the night to be over.

Prince Louis of France waited at the end of the staircase with his arm ready. She smiled politely and maintained her demure taking his arm and giving him a delicate angelic smile.

Dinner was served in the main hall and he led her to her seat and sat across from her. Count Jaffa, the disgusting vile creature that he was sat beside her. "Count Jaffa," she said with a smile. "It is so good to see you with in the castle walls." Everything in her mannerisms made it appear that she adored him above all else.

They ate dinner and she maintained the look of interest in all they had to say. She laughed softly when the timing was appropriate. "They say you are quite accomplished" said Prince Louis to her. "Yes" answered count Jaffa. "The princess can sing and play the harp, and is quite the accomplished sketcher."

Isabella blushed slightly as was required at being complimented in such a way. Allowing the count to sing her praises and sell her like a cow at market. She wondered what her fetching price would be. She choked softly to keep from bursting out laughing at the thought. "excuse me" she said most delicately.

The dancing for the arrived guests was beginning. Tomorrow evening would be the pre-party, Everyone will have arrived for her birthday and more than likely her engagement if Prince Louis could stop salivating over her long enough to ask. It mattered not that she found him vile, she found many people that way. With the dancing ending she excused herself with exhaustion, and made her way to her room.

 

[Ptah]

Umar Looked down from his postion on top of the roof . Robert de sable stood right underneath him about 50 ft below, berating his men . Umar is currently in the military section of the castle where soldiers gurding the castle usually reside. Umar already had his escape route planned. He has knocked out the archerers on the roof , or atleast most of them. It was a moonless night. Hence less likely anyone would notice what has happened to the archerers on the roof. Umar looked down at the men below robert was with who seems like a very importent man.

" I dont want any mistake ! the delivary is importent ! the grandmaster must get the object at all cost nothing must go wrong , do you understand ? " the count was ordering.

" yes my lord, guards have been place along the routes from here to acre. " said the lowly sergent.

" and the assassin ? " hissed the count .

" we are vigil for him lord, if he moves he will be captured" bowed the sergent.

" then get out of here and get on with your job ! " snapped the count . He watched as the terrrified sergent scurried away . The assassins must not come in his way. The grand-master has specifically made this mission the single most important mission and it will be worth his hide if he fails . off-course there is the matter of the spy who is leaking their information to the assassins. he knew the assassins have many spies. but someone this close their inner circle ? . Robert shook his head , no surely it cant be who he thought he was.

Robert was so deep in his thoughts he didnt notice someone coming up from behind him , but he did feel the deadly assassins cold hands on his mouth , and he definetly fealt the stab of his hidden blade.

" you ! - " spat the governor of Jaffa, he now lay on umars lap. The assassins unkind smile maybe the last thing he sees.

"whats on its way from acre , count "

" you will get what you deserve you filth --" he spat blood coming out of his mouth, he was going to say more but deaths cold embrace took him, drowning in his own blood.

Umar put down the dead man. His mind has more questions then answers, something that his master will be, must be able to answer.

Umar closed the dead mans eyes and melted away into darkness of the moonless night.

the deed is done .

but what is coming from acre ?

 

[Perplexia]

Cloaked in the darkness she listened to the instructions that were given. With great stealth she moved in her black cloak and mens trousers, following the sergeant. There were two decoys send out in addition to the main wagon which held the item. She listened as the sergeant gave the instructions of which way each were to go.
Slipping back inside the castle she moved silently through the secret passages back to her room. Isabella quickly changed and hid her clothes under the floor boards.

The count was right on one account, she was talented with sketching. She had written orders from the count to the be carried out creating the escape for the assassin. His penmanship was easy to copy. This time she created the piece of intel with the amount of guards and the exact road the item was taking.

She signed her letters with a specific flower a Red Everlasting or as known in hebrew a Dam Hamacabim. According to the legend, the flower commemorates a place where the blood of the 2nd C BC Israelite freedom-fighter has been spilled. Going back through the passage she made her way to the pigeonhole upon finding the one she needed she placed the note in the carrier upon its foot and sent it home to the door that had been knocked upon earlier that day.

Slipping back to her room she laid in her bed and slept. Her assistance with the assassin's creed was coming to an end if Prince Louis was allowed to marry her. He would take her away to France, and the beloved people would be the victims. Yet her options would be limited. She could not risk her identity being found out, or she would be lashed and crucified. The overall goal was more important than her or her unhappy situation.

Morning came and after breakfast came the ghastly news that the count was dead. She brilliantly played her shocked and delicate role fanning herself. The prince of course was outraged, but not enough to lessen his designs upon her. Once the crowd was tamed with illusions of safety from the ever eluding barbarians called the Assassins, the prince requested she walk with him in the garden of roses. The roses of jerusalem were quite famous, and their scents were heavenly. But their beauty and solace for her was now forever solaced as he told her he would have her for his wife and future queen. She was to travel back to france with him after their engagement and her party.
With the politeness and grace of angels she seemed genuinely pleased at the news. She walked with him through the garden his own wildflower now captured and to be bred like a soiled cow.

With the afternoon came the time for rest and the silent tears she was not allowed to express in the faces of others. All of the good she had tried to do and this was how her ending shall come. Dressing for dinner and the pre party she looked like a goddess from the heavens. She had faith that the assassins would retrieve the item that the grand marshal wanted so badly. That knowledge alone allowed her to pull of the show that was required.

With dinner over, and the grouping of the pre party members the bells chimed as her father announced her engagement.

 

[Ptah]

Umar rode through the cold desert night, with the strange object in his hands. Somewhere in the castle of Jerusalem , he the assassins or maybe its just him who has a very good friend. He has already sent the carrier pigeon to Al mualim , informing him the success of his mission. Retrive the ball type object. Its very hot to hold bare palmed , offcourse umar didnt mind, the cold desert already gave him the excuse to wear the gloves.

Al mualims reply was as usual a few words and even less answear. Ride to damscus umar , kill the merchant Tamir, but first drop the object off to the assassin outpost between acre and damascus road. Where umar is headed.

Umar offcourse thinks of the life he would have had if he hadnt become an assassin. offcourse, a lovely home maybe a wife by now he would have had. However he was born into the order , Umar reminded himself , the life of an assassin is duty to the creed. His father was such a man. Excecuted by the templer grandmaster when Umar was only 11. His mother perished giving birth to him. An orphan at 11.

Since the day Umar swore revenge. Offcourse he couldnt let his own personal vendetta get in the way of the cause of the brotherhood. However he knew that both their interests are similar. Umar relished the day when he will sink his hidden blade into the throat of the grandmaster, or atleast use his blade to make the mans smile a bit wider.

Umar Watched the sunrise , his travelling time is becomeing shorter. Tamir offcourse will pay for his crimes. The biggest death dealer in the land. Supplier of arms and slaves to the templers and their followers. So far all umar knows is that tamir is a slave trader. Kidnapping and imprisoning people , men and women to be sold as slaves later. These alone is justifying his death and his alliance with the templers. Its enough for the brother hood to deciede to kill him.

But umar wondered why is the master so secretive ? what is he hiding ? offcourse he is the student and has no right to question his master. He a the master assassin of the brotherhood, should only follow what the master orders. Afterall it is common knowledge that after al mualim, it is Umar whose is thought as second in command.

 

[Perplexia]

Isabella hoped that her letter to the assassins got there in time. Her master plan, the final plan of conspiracy to ensure their continued success in her absence, had to take place tonight.

The letter read:

Engagement party to the Prince of France scheduled at eight this evening. The princess will be alone at two occasions. Two this a.m she normally visits the stable to check on a mare who is with foal. In the morning she takes a ride alone from Jerusalem to a neighboring town.

Kidnap the princess and require twice the gold, since two shall now wish her returned.

She signed it with the flower she normally did and sent it off.

This evening feeling nostalgic she dressed as her station demanded, but added her favorite flower to her hair. Since this was going to be one of the last occasions she would have the opportunity.

Appearing at her fathers side after he rung the bell she smiled playing her part as the doting daughter and new fiance. It was blessed by the monks and promised to produce many fruitful heirs for the prince who would soon be king.

Although her smile and her demure were perfect, she couldn't help but feel a bit sick at the idea of this man kissing her, much less touching her. If he was just poor on looks perhaps she could get over it. But with his personality echoing that of a hollowed log, she was certain that her kidnapping would be her last bit of happiness ever to be had.

When the party began to dismiss she excused herself and made her way to her room. Changing to a more simple gown, and forgetting the flower in her hair, she went to the stable to check on the mare.
This was not something completely out of character for her. But at this hour it wouldn't be expected either.

 

[Ptah]

Umar had been on his way to kill tamir when one of the carrier pigeons , interupting his mission to damascus . He was wanted back in jerusalem at once , the courier messsage said that he has to kidnap a princess , but why her !?!

Offcourse a sharp blow took air out of her, he only hoped she will later forgive him

he has seen the girl . she dosent seem to be good for anything though her beauty is intruging. And now she is currently on the back of his horse as they rode through the night , alamut their destination.

umar watched the assassin gaurd laid down the prisoner in the cold cell in the dungeons of alamut, noticing a certain flower umar picked it up from the hair of the girl. He instantly recognised the flower. The rafiq showed this flower to him when he told him about their contact in the castle. As hard as umar found it hard to believe this could be their contact. But he didnt have to conduct the interrogation . Not now , he was tired and tamir still waited to be killed

Next few days later

Umar followed the curious master assassin they went down the stairs to the dungeons, the cold hardness of Alamut engulfing them both. Tamir layed dead and the ransom note has gone out and there has not been any response. not yet anyway.

Fahim kept on talking about how she kept on saying she was the assassin's ally and the contact. Umar found this somewhat true though Fahim found her irritating and her story completely unbelievable. Umar needed to make sure she was on their side.

The princess was quite the sight in her cell. though roughed up a lot , clearly not being able to adopt to the accommodations outside of the castle of Jerusalem.

Master assassin Fahim ran the interrogation again on her for the 100th time . Umar keenly was watching the girl. She was a princess alright. Soft and delicate, if her story was a lie , but surely her beauty was not.

After 2 hours .

" if you say you are who you are and you are our ally " he paused eyes firm on her breast his lips curling into a smile " then you should be able give us something that we can use ?"

 

[Perplexia]

Obviously she hadn't thought this completely through. Her head was throbbing. She had been pushed around, screamed at, threatened until the point where she had no point but to give herself up. Finally she had enough.

"Look you inbred imbecil, you were to kidnap me to get randsom from that disgusting pig from france that i am to marry, and my power hungry murderer of a father. Two ransoms, for one princess, those were my words. Instead what do we find, you are almost just as barbarian as those mongrels my father supports. Is this really the way you treat a princess. I'm almost sorry i bothered to help you at all. Now fetch me some water so i may wash myself." The man looked startled at the superiority she had taken with him. "Your further proof is the pidgeon i sent, under his right wing he has a marking that looks like a star. If you fetch me a quill and some parchment, i shall show you how i sign my correspondence if the bird is not enough."