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Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade

2012-08-02T17:49:09Z

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{{Era|Secret Crusade|realworld}}
{{Revamp}}
{{youmay|the real world novel|[[The Secret Crusade|Niccolò Polo's journal]]}}
{{Book Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade
|image = The Secret Crusade - cover.jpg
|Publisher = Penguin Books Ltd.
|Writer = [[Oliver Bowden]]
|UK Date Released = June 23, 2011
|Genre = Action, Historic
|Format = Paperback
|ISBN = ISBN-13 9780241951729
|Language = English, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Portuguese
|Pages = 400
|Website =
|US Date Released = June 28, 2011}}
'''''Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade''''' is the third novel based on the [[Assassin's Creed (series)|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], written by [[Oliver Bowden]] and published by Penguin Books.

The novel tells the story of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] and his actions during the [[Third Crusade]]. It is narrated by [[Niccolò Polo]], the father of the famed explorer, [[Marco Polo]]. During Altaïr's life, it shows events from a third perspective, but it then changes to a first person perspective when Niccolò narrates his own life.

== Book summary ==
"Niccolò Polo, father of Marco, will finally reveal the story he has kept secret all his life - the story of Altaïr, one of the Brotherhood's most extraordinary assassins.

Altaïr embarks on a formidable mission - one that takes him throughout the Holy Land and shows him the true meaning of the [[The Creed|Assassin's Creed]]. To demonstrate his commitment, Altaïr must defeat nine deadly enemies, including the Templar leader, [[Robert de Sable]].

Altaïr's life story is told here for the first time: a journey that changes the course of history; his ongoing battle with the Templar conspiracy; a family life that is as tragic as it is shocking; and the ultimate betrayal of an old friend."<ref name="The Secret Crusade - Waterstones">[http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/oliver+bowden/assassin27s+creed3a+the+secret+crusade/8557150/ ''Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade'' - Waterstones.com]</ref>

== Plot summary ==
==== Prologue ====
The prologue consists of two pages, telling us who the reader is, keeping them unknown, and where they are.

==== Part One ====
1 - Niccolò and Maffeo Polo stayed in [[Masyaf]], where the aged [[Mentor]] of the [[Levantine Assassins]], Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, had his quarters. During the final stages of his life in Masyaf, Altaïr had chosen Niccolò to impart his stories to.

For weeks and countless hours, Niccolò sat with Altaïr, hearing the adventures of the Mentor's life. Afterwards, Niccolò took his brother Maffeo to the top of the defensive tower, where a lookout first saw the invading force of [[Saladin|Salah Al'din]]'s army, "80 years ago, on a day in August."

2 - The scene then changes to the beginning of Salah Al'din's attack, where the intention of it was to conquer Masyaf, and eventually claim the head of the current Mentor of the Assassins at that time, [[Rashid ad-Din Sinan|Al Mualim]]. While the villagers fled to safety as the army came closer, the Assassins fortified the castle for the battle. However, instead of attacking, the Sultan's army came to a halt in the village, paying little regard to the Assassin fortress.

The next morning the battle began, with the army trying to fight their way inwards under the constant fire of the Assassin [[archers]], along with some villagers that joined the fight. Later, with many dead on both sides, the army retreated back to prepare for their next attack. While Salah Al'din left the army to be elsewhere, his uncle, [[Shihab Al'din]], came up the mountain village to address the Master of the Assassins.

3 - Herein, it was announced that Shihab had come to Al Mualim to enter into negotiations. The story then flashed back to a discussion between Al Mualim and a Master Assassin named [[Umar Ibn-La'Ahad]], Altaïr's father, and revealed his mission, which, as events would have it, nearly failed and cost the life of one of Salah Al'din's most trusted generals.

In exchange for these circumstances, Shihab demanded payment for the death of this general, the price being the head of the culprit. At first, Al Mualim disapproved of this, but Shihab revealed the Assassin spy he had discovered, beaten up and under the condition that he was to be executed instead of Umar.

4 - The next morning, Maffeo awoke Niccolò, eager to hear what had happened to the spy and its relation to Altaïr. However, keeping to Altaïr's narrative, he skipped fifteen years in time and told Maffeo about Altaïr's failure at [[Solomon's Temple]].

5 - Back to the past, Altaïr arrived at Masyaf after his failure, contemplating the events to himself. At first, he met [[Rauf]], who had not been notified about what had happened, to Altaïr's slight relief. However, he met [[Abbas Sofian|Abbas]] afterwards, who seemed to have guessed about his misfortune, and was eager to rub salt into Altaïr's wounds with his mocking. Finally, he continued up to the fortress, arriving at Al Mualim's quarters, where he was promptly interrogated.

6 - While Altaïr was explaining what had happened from his experience, [[Malik Al-Sayf|Malik]] stepped in, furiously telling Al Mualim of his loss, both of his [[Kadar Al-Sayf|brother]] and his injured arm, before proudly showing his victory to him which Altaïr had neglected to achieve, in the form of the [[Ark of the Covenant|ancient relic]] the three Assassins were sent to find.

Seconds later, a messenger ran in, telling the three present that Robert de Sable was laying siege on Masyaf. Ordered to go out and help fight the army by Al Mualim, Altaïr helped to stave off some of the forces that were attacking the Masyaf villagers, while they took shelter within the Assassin fortress, before Rauf told him to come with him to a tower, in order to "surprise" the enemy.

Later, on top of the tower, three Assassins (Altaïr included) took a [[Leap of Faith]] to show obedience to their Master, while de Sable watched. As one of the Assassins broke their leg, with Rauf staying behind to tend to their injury, Altaïr later arrived at the trap they had set alone, on the precipice of unleashing death upon the [[Crusaders|Crusader]] forces.

7 - After Altaïr had cut the rope tethering the log storage for the village, crushing many of Robert de Sable's troops underneath as the heavy wood rolled free, the Assassins assembled at the courtyard, still savoring their triumph. As Altaïr approached however, silence replaced the cheerful mood, since everyone now knew about his failure at Solomon's Temple.

In front of the many people that had amassed, Al Mualim announced to Altaïr the reasons for his victory and failure, and eventually, Al Mualim punished Altaïr for the latter, by stabbing the Master Assassin in the abdomen with a [[Al Mualim's knife|golden dagger]].

8 - Altaïr still lived however, and woke up to see Al Mualim, who told him why he was still alive and under what conditions; the [[Master Assassin]] now turned [[novice]], stripped of his ranks, so as to re-learn the way of the Assassins once more.

9 - For the first time, Altaïr is demonstrated to be in [[Damascus]], about to begin the [[Hunt for the Nine]] set to him by his Master. Once he slipped through the gate to the city, he began to realise the impact of the changes that were laid upon him, with his lacking equipment being one of them.

According to his objective, he then visited the Damascus [[Rafiq]], who had already been informed of Altaïr's "difficulties". As ordered, the Rafiq sent Altaïr to search the city for information, as he no longer had it priorly prepared for him. After going through the city for some time, Altaïr spotted an [[Heralds|orator]], whom he then followed into a quiet alleyway, to begin his [[investigation]].

10 - After some time scouting around Damascus, Altaïr returned to the [[Assassins' Bureau|Assassin Bureau]] and told the Rafiq what he had learned, before he was given a [[feather]] marker and permission to assassinate [[Tamir]], his first [[Assassination Targets|target]].

From there, the Assassin left the bureau with haste, to go to his target at the market place he had discovered he would be, whom he saw [[Interrogation|interrogating]] an agonized client. After Tamir was done with the client, who he had stabbed repeatedly in a frenzy, Altaïr assassinated him, at which Tamir stated his motivations to the Assassin in his final moments.

11 - With the first target dispatched, Al Mualim expressed his satisfaction when he heard of Altaïr's success. After this, Altaïr then spoke about [[Acre]], which would be the location of his next target.

Making his way to the Acre Bureau, which was owned by [[Jabal]], the two shared a brief discussion before Altaïr left to investigate some more. After [[pickpocketing]] a scroll with information that he required, Altaïr returned to the bureau and obtained his feather marker.

12 - Next, the Assassin slipped into the [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]]'s fortress with the help of some [[scholars]]. Inside the building, Altaïr witnessed the cruel treatment to a patient who had almost escaped, where [[Garnier de Naplouse]] - Altaïr's target - tried to reason with them, but they only expressed the desire to escape, and thus Garnier let the guards break both of the patient's legs.

Some time after, Altaïr saw de Naplouse check up with his patients, at which the Assassin witnessed that some of the patients seemed to be thankful to the doctor, although they were in a dreary state. As the guards were still busy, Altaïr assassinated his target, before letting Garnier speak during his final moments of life. While what he had said confused Altaïr, the Assassin still made a successful escape.

13 - Back at Masyaf, Altaïr spoke with Al Mualim, telling him of his target's assassination and inquiring about the confusing words which de Naplouse had spoken. Al Mualim answered Altaïr's suspicions, and told him that his next target was in [[Jerusalem]], at which the Mentor smiled.

As Altaïr came into the Jerusalem Bureau, he suddenly noticed why his Master had smiled, after seeing that Malik was the Rafiq for the city. After a brief, but rather blunt conversation, in which Altaïr told Malik what he knew from exploring Jerusalem, he received the customary feather and went out to assassinate his next target, [[Talal]].

14 - Walking into where Talal kept his slaves, Altaïr realised he had gone straight into a trap, but he carried on regardless once he heard his target. Altaïr and Talal conversed for a while before Talal showed himself, having the Assassin exactly where he wanted him; in the light, where the archers could easily hit him.

While he had tried to kill the Assassin with his [[guards]], before fleeing himself, after a few moments, Altaïr was on his trail as he had swiftly taken down his opposition. Finally, after a heated chase through the streets, Talal ended up being assassinated and speaking his last words to his killer.

15 - With his third target out of nine dealt with, Altaïr set up camp by a well and fell asleep, dreaming of when he was younger. At 11, Altaïr, whose father had just been executed, grief-strickenly placed the blame on [[Ahmad Sofian|Ahmad]], the one that should've been killed in his place.

The boy then spent his next days in the room of his father, as Umar's smell still lingered there. During the night however, Ahmad came to his quarters and committed suicide with a [[short blade|dagger]], and once he informed the Master, Al Mualim told the frightened Altaïr never to speak of it, not even to Abbas.

The next day, he was put together with Abbas to begin his apprenticeship, though nightmares haunted him in his dreams. That part of his life faded, as the older Altaïr woke up sweating from his nightmare, hoping to sleep again at least until light.

==== Part Two ====
16 - Al Mualim congratulated Altaïr with his success, telling him of his next targets, then letting the Assassin leave for Acre to his next target, [[William of Montferrat|William de Montferrat]]. Here he met Jabal again and gathered information before going out on investigation again.

17 - The Assassin went through the market place, eventually ending up pickpocketing a scroll. He then spotted a man pleading against de Montferrat, causing commotion within the crowds of people. Altaïr, satisfied about his discoveries, went back to Jabal and received the Feather.

18 - Returning to the citadel, Altaïr witnessed a conversation between [[Richard I of England|Richard the Lionheart]] and William de Montferrat. The two men went into the fortress with Altaïr following them from the rooftops, taking out every archer in his way. De Montferrat stopped to speak to his guards, telling them off for their recent laziness, and as he was done and sent the guards away - thus being unprotected - Altaïr struck and assassinated him. There, Lord Montferrat told the Assassin his motives before dying.

19 - Again Altaïr spoke to Al Mualim, noticing his Master demanded so much detail on his victories, but held so much information back. Tasked with the assassination of [[Abu'l Nuqoud]], he traveled back to Damascus, where he met the 'impertinent' Rafiq again. They argued some and told each other what they knew about the target. Altaïr visited the places Abu'l was hated, hearing some scholars talk about what the Assassin thinks is '[[New World Order|the new world]]', although he still knew nothing about it. He then went to find more information about the target, leaving for a party after he heard Abu'l Nuqoud was giving one.

20 - Being at the party, seeing all the richness of wine fountains and people clothed in silk and gold, Altaïr searched for his target. A few moments later he saw him on a balcony, and so Abu'l Nuquod addressed his public, going from friendly to hostile in his speech, also mentioning The New World. Archers took their positions, and at the end of the speech - when all the people who drank from the poisoned wine fountain were now dying - they were signaled to kill everyone that had not died yet and tried to escape. Abu'l, distracted and amused by the massacre, was soon enough assassinated by Altaïr, sharing his last thoughts with him.

21 - Altaïr visited Al Mualim again and questioned him about his findings, trying to become less confused about his targets' words.

22 - As Altaïr came into Jerusalem, he had some trouble with guards, but eventually arrived at the bureau where he met Malik again, where he told him that his next target was [[Majd Addin]]. After some arguing, Altaïr left to visit the Wailing Wall, where his target would be at the execution plaza.

23 - The Assassin approached the execution plaza and saw the show was about to start, Majd Addin speaking to his public. He introduced the people he was about to slaughter; the harlot, the thief, the gambler and the heretic. The last one being an Assassin. In Addin's show, he killed the first three of his victims, a commotion starting to grow as the Assassin was about to be executed, proving fatal for the executioner, as Altaïr used this commotion to get close enough to assassinate him. Altaïr listened to what the dying Templar told him, then as he escaped; Malik's men freed the Assassin.

24 - Altaïr spoke with Al Mualim, and again questioned him about the words of his targets. The Master showed him the [[Apples of Eden|Apple of Eden]], then told him about his next targets; [[Sibrand]] and [[Jubair al Hakim|Jubair]].

25 - Here the story told us about young Altaïr and Abbas becoming friends and, together, learning the ways of the Assassins. Altaïr pitied Abbas for not knowing about his father, so he told him, expecting tears, anger, disbelief, but never silence.

26 - Altaïr stood on top of a building, looking down at a fire where books were being burned, by scholars and Jubair, his target. There Jubair spoke to the scholars about how books poison mankind's minds. As one of the scholars protested, Jubair's mood darkened, and he threw the scholar into the fire, to join the books he didn't want to burn. As the rest of the scholars left to get more books, Jubair was alone, and Altaïr took this moment to assassinate him, listening to his words, leaving before getting caught by guards. Altaïr spoke with Al Mualim, his Master giving him his full rank again. Al Mualim then questioned him about the Assassins' ways, to see if Altaïr had changed, then tasking him to his final target before de Sable, Sibrand.

27 - Again, and for the last time, Altaïr visited Acre. There he talked to Jabal, who apologized for his mistrust in Altaïr's dedication to the Assassins' cause. Altaïr then headed for the docks, where he saw a frightened Sibrand bullying a priest for looking like an Assassin, whom he then killed. Sibrand then went to his own boat, with which he would try to escape, but soon enough, as the guards had dispersed at Sibrand's own command, Altaïr assassinated him. Again, Altaïr listened to what his target said, and again Altaïr became more and more confused as to what they said. Then, meeting with Al Mualim again, Altaïr questioned him about de Sable's cause. After having spoken to him and leaving Masyaf, he saw Abbas, remembering an old wound his former friend had caused.

28 - A flashback to young Abbas and Altaïr, after Altaïr had told his friend about his father. The days after that, Abbas became more and more quiet, and one day, as they sparred, his rage unleashed on young Altaïr.

29 - Master Assassin Altaïr arrived at the Jerusalem Bureau, slightly pleased to meet Malik, who greeted him more friendly. Altaïr told Malik that he should try find out more about what Altaïr didn't see, and he apologized for his arm and brother. Altaïr then went to the cemetery, feeling that there was something wrong about it. However, before the Assassin could leave, the trap had already been sprung, leaving him in a frenzy of arrows and swords. He had seen that de Sable, who was also at the cemetery, didn't look like he remembered, but now even de Sable sounded like a woman as he spoke. A few moments later, and all of the guards killed, he stabbed 'de Sable' in the shoulder and took her under cover, to hear her out, pulling off the helmet to see that it was indeed a woman. Then after having escaped to the Bureau, he told Malik it was a trap. After his conversation with Malik, Altaïr headed for [[Arsuf]], where he would find the real Robert de Sable.

30 - Altaïr saw the armies that met in Arsuf, that of Salah Al'din and Richard the Lionheart battling as far as the eye could see. The Assassin tried to make his way to the rear of the [[Crusaders|Crusader]] army, where Richard would be. There he tried to convince the King that he came with the intention to negotiate, not fight, telling him that de Sable was a traitor. However, as Richard couldn't decide, he let the [[Templars|Templar]] and Assassin battle, and whoever won was right.

31 - Altaïr having killed Robert de Sable in battle, interrogated the dying Templar of what he knew, finally opened the Assassin's eyes to his Master, that he was indeed betraying him. Then, when Robert died, Altaïr traveled back to Masyaf.

32 - Here the Assassin found Masyaf totally deserted. As he walked through the village, he was attacked by a group of other Assassins, whom he killed. After that, he saw Malik with a group of his Assassins, and Altaïr told them to be careful; what had happened could happen to the Rafiq too. Altaïr and Malik parted ways, and when the Assassin arrived at the courtyard, he saw all the villagers of Masyaf crowded up there, brainwashed. Altaïr knew Al Mualim was certainly a Templar, an enemy.

33 - The Apprentice battled his Master, whom first used the [[Second Apple|Apple]] to create duplicates of Altaïr's nine victims, then made copies of himself and lastly he directly battled Altaïr, which proved the old traitor fatal. As Al Mualim died, he let go of the Apple, which was then picked up by the Assassin, who activated it, seeing things of the future in it and letting it display a map of the world. Malik then came running in, saying the spell that had been cast over Masyaf was broken. Altaïr, still having the artifact, was fighting to destroy it, but was physically unable to. Altaïr was now the Master of the Order.

==== Part Three ====
34 - Niccolò continued his story about Altaïr, after he became Mentor; many sided against him, but Altaïr knew how he could persuade them. The Assassin was also still thinking of his encounter with Maria, and of what the Apple was. Altaïr was curious of what the Templars were planning, and thus headed for Acre with a group of followers, putting Malik in temporary control of the Order.

35 - There was an absence of Templar soldiers everywhere in Acre. Later, he discovered a small fleet of ships that was Templar owned. As the Assassin got closer to the fleet, he heard a group of people talk, also hearing the voice of Maria. He discovered the Templars are now ruled by [[Armand Bouchart]]. As the conversation between the group ended, Maria was left alone, and Altaïr came up to talk to her. A few moments later, Altaïr went back to his crew - Maria tied up walking with him - that they were heading for [[Limassol]].

36 - Altaïr sailed to [[Cyprus]] with Maria, discovering that it was overtaken by Templars; some of the population that were unhappy with the tyrannic leadership, joined the Resistance. There Altaïr met [[Alexander of Limassol|Alexander]], a friend in the Resistance. They decided it was best to keep Maria captive in a safehouse, while the Assassin went to find [[Osman]], who would help him get inside [[Limassol Castle]]. Osman told him that [[Fredrick|Frederick the Red]] had to be assassinated before he could help any further; so that he was appointed to his position and could control the guard activity in the Castle. Altaïr returned to the safehouse, questioning Maria about the Archive and conversing with Alexander. Then, after some time, Altaïr went back to the Castle to assassinate Frederick.

37 - Osman had done his job, the Castle's security had dropped to just a few men. Deep inside the Castle, Altaïr found his target, who was presiding a duel between two men. The Assassin dropped down behind Frederick, and as he turned to speak, Altaïr slashed his blade through the male's throat, killing him before he could finish his sentence. Next, the Master killed the remaining men. As he left, Altaïr saw why the Castle was so poorly guarded; the safehouse was set on fire.

38 - Having found safety on the rooftops, Altaïr saw people flee from their houses, and he decided to go see why, following them, hearing that Armand Bouchart had arrived just recently. He also saw Maria in the crowd. At the cathedral steps stood Osman, and a few moments later Bouchart appeared, enlightening the crowd about Frederik the Red's death and recent changes. Osman protested against these changes, at which he angered Bouchart, who thus rammed his sword into the stomach of Osman. Some moments later, Maria rushed to the steps of the cathedral, bowing down in front of Bouchart, who already saw her as a traitor. As Bouchart left, Maria was bound and dragged away. Altaïr followed Maria, saving her and taking her back to Alexander, who told Altaïr that Bouchart was heading for [[Kyrenia]]. Altaïr decided to follow him.

39 - The Assassin and the Templar had boarded a pirate ship, telling each other about their lives as they sailed to Kyrenia. Once there, the pirates found out that they were the people Bouchart was looking for, and tried to kill Altaïr and Maria. However, Altaïr easily disposed of the annoyances, discovering Maria had once again escaped.

40 - Easily he found her back, and he also met [[Markos]], who promised to keep Maria captive as Altaïr was to visit [[Barnabas]], the contact Alexander told him about. Arriving at the safe-house, Barnabas and Altaïr conversed, the newly met man telling him of [[Jonas]], a traitor who had been working for the Templars. A few moments later, Altaïr found Jonas and assassinated him, talking with his dying victim, he thought about [[Moloch|the Bull]] he had mentioned, and who it could have been. He went back to Maria and Markos, questioning them about the Bull. They agreed on going to a safe-house in the Commons District, where Barnabas was. Altaïr felt unsure about Barnabas now, but listened when he told him to go see the riots at the church.

41 - There, looking at the riots from on top of the rooftops, he made the decision that the Bull had to die. But when Altaïr returned to the safe-house, Barnabas was nowhere to be seen; he was in fact a traitor, as the Assassin's instincts had already pointed out. Markos and Maria had already arrived, and they told Altaïr that the citizens were protesting the death of Jonas. After a brief conversation, Altaïr found out that Moloch - the Bull - resided in [[Kantara Castle]].

42 - Moving through the well-defended castle, disposing of any guards that crossed paths with him, he eventually found the Bull, hidden in a secret room under a trap door. There, he tried to stealth kill him, but Moloch already heard him coming, having prepared himself, he picked up the Assassin as if he were a trophy, almost choking him to death. Out of boredom, Moloch let Altaïr live, which would prove fatal for the Bull as Altaïr, exhausted by the long battle, finally drove his blade far enough into his massive opponent so that something inside him snapped, killing him. Altaïr contemplated who would replace this tyrant.

43 - Altaïr found out that Maria had been taken away by Templars as he came back to the safe-house. Markos, being among the ones that could escape in time, told him the Templars harnessed the power of the [[Dark Oracle]] and used her to find the safe-house. Markos also told him that Barnabas had been executed the day before Altaïr arrived; thus now he knew he was replaced by a Templar. Altaïr left for the place the Resistance prisoners were being held, letting them free and hearing that Maria had been taken by [[Shalim]], the Bull's son. Soon enough Altaïr was scaling walls of the fortress at Buffavento. Once inside, he found Shalim and Bouchart talking, also mentioning Alexander. Now the Assassin was making his way to the Dark Oracle. As he moved into her cell - or lair - she began acting more unsettled, eventually attacking Altaïr, at which he had to put her down for his own safety. Later, back at the safe-house, he wrote [[Codex]] page five, and a part of eight.

44 - Altaïr decided to follow Shalim, in hope to find Maria, but instead, ending up at a brothel, so he returned to the market place where Markos was. He told Altaïr that Shalim had to go to the cathedral a lot, since he needed to make frequent confessions about his lifestyle, and that he thus had to speak to the monks there, to find out more about his target. There he found Shalim himself, speaking about Bouchart's wishes to the crowd he had gathered. Shalim left, Altaïr followed, ending up at the St Hilarion Castle, in which Shalim disappeared. The Assassin, having lost his target, sat down on a low wall nearby as some courtesans crossed the docks, Maria being one of them. With them, he entered the castle, unnoticed.

45 - The writer tells the reader that Altaïr should've known Shalim had a twin brother, [[Shahar]], and that he was the one delivering the speech. Maria and Shahar conversed about the Templar ways, before being interrupted by Altaïr. The real Shalim came in with guards, and the Assassin finally noticed they were twins. Maria quickly disposed of the guards, then fled, leaving Altaïr to fight two skilled swordsmen alone - slaying them both. Later, he returned to the safe-house, telling Markos he would be heading back to Limassol. He also wrote another piece of the Codex, page one.

46 - Arriving at Limassol, he located the safe-house and found Alexander. In a brief confrontation with him, Altaïr found out that he wasn't a Templar, but the two had been set up against each other, as they were both tricked into believing each other were Templar-sided Resistance members. Altaïr then headed off to a failed search for Bouchart, coming back to find the safe-house empty, a note left there for him. The Assassin went to the courtyard where the note said they were due to meet, only to find the dead body of Alexander; it was a trap. The fake Barnabas came out, and as Altaïr unsheathed his sword, he opened the door to the resentful crowd outside, to make them think the Assassin was the one who killed Alexander. Altaïr couldn't kill civilians, so he used the Apple he had with him to persuade them to his will, saving himself and setting them up against the Templars. 'Barnabas', prepared to fight, came down the ramparts, but was stopped by Maria, who put a blade through his chest.

47 - Maria then took Altaïr with her to the Archives, telling him to follow her, being obstructed by guards on his path, but eventually making it into the almost empty library, seeing both Bouchart and Maria. She was holding off the Templar leader, only just, before being struck by his sword, tumbling, yelling in pain. Bouchart made the first move, quickly tiring, and Altaïr made the last, the dying man giving him respect - and ignorance - for this, telling the Assassin of the power of the Pieces of Eden as he drew his last breath. Cannons were then fired at the Archive, to destroy every last piece of it. Altaïr quickly escaped, taking Maria with him. Later, after the Templars had left, taking all the pieces of archive with them, Altaïr and Maria were talking to each other again; Maria telling Altaïr she was heading east, at which he replied he was also heading east.

==== Part Four ====
48 - Niccolò told Maffeo that [[Darim Ibn-La'Ahad|Darim]] who invited them to Masyaf was the son of Maria and Altaïr, that Maria and Altaïr were wed in Limassol, and that Maria gave birth to a second son two years after Darim was born; [[Sef Ibn-La'Ahad|Sef]]. He also told him that the Codex was a summary of all the discoveries Altaïr had made, and he tried thinking of why they were invited in the first place; maybe because it had to do with them living in [[Constantinople]]? He then continued the story at the point Altaïr returned from his travel East, to a Masyaf where everything had changed.

49 - The Ibn-La'Ahad family rode slowly into Masyaf, where [[Swami]] - still an apprentice when Altaïr left - greeted them first. Masyaf had become a darker place, and had changed much to what Altaïr had planned it to be, acting in on the [[Eagle Vision#Eagle Sense|Assassin's instincts]]. They were led to a small house to the west of the fortress, where they were told that Malik was in prison, Sef had traveled to [[Alamut]], and a meeting of the council had been planned the next day; with Abbas as chairman. Altaïr told Darim to ride to Alamut, in order to bring Sef back.

50 - The following day, Altaïr and Maria were led through the citadel by Swami, to the council, where Altaïr was forced to report about his trip to the East. After the story, Abbas informed Altaïr and Maria that Sef had been killed by Malik, which was why he was imprisoned. Then, as Altaïr lost control of his emotions, he stated that the former Mentor could not resume leadership of the Order, thus the leadership stayed with the council.

51 - Back in the small cabin, Maria and Altaïr discussed their situation; Masyaf had been neglected, Sef who had been murdered by Malik, Abbas who was now leader of the Order, what they were going to do, the Apple that Maria wanted to be destroyed by now. Altaïr headed for Masyaf's dungeons, where Malik laid, neglected and emaciated. There, Altaïr found that he wasn't the one who murdered Sef.

52 - He took Malik back to the cabin where both Maria and Altaïr cared for the almost dying friend. Malik told them Sef had been murdered by Abbas as he staged his coup, two years ago. In the next room, Altaïr and Maria planned their next move; to confront Abbas. Moments later, Altaïr stood at the courtyard with Abbas, who had his Assassin loyalists gathered with him. There, Swami came up to Abbas, delivering a sack to him. What Abbas pulled out of that sack was the head of Altaïr's former friend, Malik, eyeballs rolled up and the neck dripping with fresh blood. Abbas accused Altaïr of murdering Malik, then he took Maria and held a dagger to her throat - the same dagger his father had killed himself with. Altaïr then pulled the Apple from his robe, which Swami instantly reached for, all of Altaïr's rage being transmitted into him, as he brutally - controlled by the Apple - killed himself with his own hands, then he took out his dagger and slashed himself open. Maria, trying to reach for Altaïr, got hit by Swami's dagger at her throat, both of them falling to the ground, dying. As Abbas ordered his loyalists to kill Altaïr, the Assassin fleed. Having finally reached the top of the tower of which he had jumped a lifetime ago, he hobbled to the platform, spread his arms out, and dropped.

53 - Niccolò finally understood why he had been invited; to spread the word of the Assassins. Maffeo now wanted to stay, while Niccolò wanted to leave, whereas it was vice versa at the beginning of their stay; the reason being that [[Mongols]] were heading to Masyaf. Niccolò told the reader he had had some presents from Altaïr, having his suspicions as to what they might be. He skipped the story to a man in the desert, twenty years from where Altaïr escaped from Masyaf. ... [[Mukhlis]], a tradesman, was on a journey back to his family in Masyaf; now he was somewhere in the desert, a two days' ride away from home. He had heard of bandits plundering throughout the desert, taking all belongings and leaving the owners upside down in trees with their guts hanging from them. [[Bayhas]], son of [[Fahad]], being the most brutal of all. Mukhlis is forced to rest, and the next day he found himself with a stranger hanging over him, holding a blade to his neck. He and his companion bandits hung him in a tree, but before they could kill him, Altaïr arrived.

54 - The old Assassin instantly took out one of the three men. A battle started and Altaïr, outnumbered and not in the best shape, was immediately tired out, bleeding severely from his wounds. There, Mukhlis - still tied hanging to the tree - grabbed hold of Bayhas, the leader of the bandit group, at which Altaïr sliced the enemy open in his last strand of power, scaring off the third bandit. Then, Altaïr went unconscious almost bleeding to death. Mukhlis, having freed himself, put Altaïr over his horse and headed home.

55 - One of Fahad's men had claimed the life of Bayhas' killer, and word had spread about the return of Altaïr throughout the village in the week the Assassin had been unconscious. Then he awoke to talk to Mukhlis about his current situation and where he had been after throwing himself of the tower, also mentioning how Altaïr was planning to free the village.

56 - The next day, Altaïr intervened in fights, showing the people of the village the Assassins' ways. He also went to the basketweaver and a [[Blacksmiths|blacksmith]] to get his weapons made; all ideas taken from the Apple. The next few days Altaïr noticed a man watching him, stalking him, eventually showing himself, not being an enemy but a friend. It was [[Tazim Al-Sayf|Malik]], son of Malik, known as Tazim to most of the Order. He let Altaïr know that he and some other Assassins would join him in taking back Masyaf.

57 - The day after, Mukhlis informed people of the village that the Master was to march up the hill, which excited them into gathering at the marketplace, where Altaïr then joined them. He told the reader of his thoughts, what had gone through him, what Maria would've said if she was still with him. There, at the marketplace, Altaïr and the villagers waited for young Malik to come back with his support. After some time, men dressed in white robes with cowls came from the shadows, to immediately win the trust of their leader who had doubted Malik's stealth. Immediately they left for the hills, to Abbas, with the instructions not to kill anyone. There, marching toward the fortress, Abbas' loyalists attacked, to soon be neutralized, unharmed. Above, where Abbas' archers were, this sparked a rebellion, unwilling to shoot their own people, following the example Altaïr had given. Inside the castle, Altaïr and Abbas faced each other, Abbas still accusing the other of lying about his father. Then, when Abbas ordered his men to kill him, Altaïr shot him with his newly acquired [[Hidden Gun]], scaring off any of the enemy's followers. Abbas shared his last words with Altaïr, where the old Assassin still saw that orphan boy the moment he passed away. Two days later, Fahad came back to Masyaf, explaining that it was mostly his wife's interference that he had to avenge their son's name. Fahad left, in good mood, thanks to Altaïr's negotiation skills.

58 - Niccolò told the reader that the Mongols had arrived, and that Altaïr had gathered with them to give them their last objects to keep safe; [[Memory Seals#Masyaf Keys|artifacts]] - five of them, each of them being a stone with a hole in its center, keys imbued with a message. Then Niccolò and Maffeo left Masyaf, which was already being overrun by the Mongols, Altaïr barking orders at his Assassins to try and fend off their enemy.

59 - The Polos had lost the Codex, but were still holding on to the artifacts, which they were to place in [[Constantinople]], for an Assassin of the future to find, also spreading word of the Creed and setting up an [[Turkish Assassins|Assassins guild]] there.

==== Epilogue ====
The mysterious Assassin - the reader - heard noises from his cabin, indicating they were approaching land. He closed Niccolò's journal, secured his blade mechanism and pulled up his cowl. From there, he opened the hatch of his quarters to see people welcoming him. [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio]] was in the great city of Constantinople.

== Differences from ''Assassin's Creed'' ==
=== Assassinations ===
* Altaïr kills William before Abu'l Nuqoud; whereas in the game the sequence order suggests the opposite.
* All three accused by Majd Addin die by his hand and he finishes the speech for the assassin, whereas in the game the player is able to save all accused people.
* Altaïr kills Jubair before Sibrand, whereas in the game the sequence order suggests the opposite.
* All 'memory corridor' dialogues take place in the book, but they are explained either by the stealth of approach (the majority of targets), or by guards' shock (Majd Addin).
* When trying to assassinate Robert at Majd Addin's funeral, Altaïr realises that there is a decoy acting as Robert at the funeral and fights to find out who it is, whereas in the game he seems surprised by what he finds after taking off Maria's helmet. However, it should be noted that in the book, he is still surprised to see that it was a woman.

=== Equipment ===
*The hidden blade has a special mechanism to activate the blade, as art concepts show; whereas in the game no such mechanism existed.

=== Other Events ===
*Being stripped of his ranks, Altaïr begins his quest for redemption with going to Damascus in order to kill Tamir, thus skipping the hunt for the [[Masun|traitor in Masyaf]].
*Altaïr does not interact with other [[informants|assassins]] during his investigations of the nine targets.
*Altaïr actually sees Malik's men release their accused brother from the execution.
*It is hinted at, in-book, that Altaïr still retains his ring-finger and that the hidden blade mechanism works on that finger.
*In the game, Altaïr takes the Leap of Faith at The Siege of Maysaf with De Sable watching him, while in the book Altaïr takes the Leap of Faith out of De Sable's sight.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{ACSeries}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade| ]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]
[[Category:Books and Comics]]
[[Category:Novels]]

Assassin's Creed: Renaissance

2012-08-02T17:47:04Z

91.117.108.182:

{{Era|Renaissance|Realworld}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{Book Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed: Renaissance
|image = Renaissance.jpg
|Publisher = Penguin Books
|Writer = Oliver Bowden
|US Date Released = November 23, 2009
|UK Date Released = November 26, 2009
|Genre = Action, Historic
|Format = Paperback
|ISBN = ISBN 978-0-14-104630-3
|Language = English, French, Spanish, Czech, Polish, Portuguese
|Pages = 528pp (532 with cover)
|Website = http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/community_news/?p=3831}}
{{For|the cultural movement|Renaissance}}
{{Quote|While I thought that I was learning to live, I have been learning how to die.|[[Leonardo da Vinci]].}}

'''''Assassin's Creed: Renaissance''''' is a novel based on the [[Assassin's Creed series|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], written by [[Oliver Bowden]] and published by Penguin Books. It is the novelized version of the game ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''; however, rather than spanning a vast period of time, it is set only in the 15th and (early) 16th century, with no mention of the game's present-day events.

The novel was released in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2009, six days after the UK release of ''Assassin's Creed II'', and was released in North America on 23 February 2010.

==Plot==
:''Main article: ''[[Assassin's Creed II#Plot|Assassin's Creed II'' storyline'']]

''I will seek vengeance upon those who betrayed my family. I am [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]. And like my father before me I am an [[Assassin]]...''

Betrayed by the ruling families of [[Italy]], a young man embarks upon an epic quest for vengeance. To eradicate corruption and restore [[House of Auditore|his family]]'s honor, he will learn the art of the Assassin.

Along the way, Ezio will call upon the wisdom of such great minds as Leonardo da Vinci and [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] - knowing that survival is bound to the skills by which he must live.

To his allies, he will become a force for change - fighting for freedom and justice. To [[Templars|his enemies]], he will become a threat dedicated to the destruction of the tyrants abusing the people of Italy.

So begins an epic story of power, revenge and conspiracy.

'''TRUTH WILL BE WRITTEN IN BLOOD.'''

==Differences and Extras==
Despite being a textual version of ''Assassin's Creed II'', there are several differences present in the novel, as well as things added into the book that were not included in the game. However, certain events are instead depicted in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''; particularly the [[Cristina Memories]].

The following are details of the novel that differ from the game.

===Characters===
*[[La Volpe]]'s name is revealed to be Gilberto, although he still wishes Ezio to call him "La Volpe." In the game, it is revealed that "La Volpe" is only his pseudonym, but no real name is mentioned.
*[[Dante Moro]]'s ex-wife's name is changed from Carlotta to Gloria.
*[[Cristina Vespucci]]'s name is changed to Cristina Calfucci.
*[[Mario Auditore]] has a thick beard and is stated to be twice Ezio's size. In the game however, Mario has a small mustache, and is roughly the same size as Ezio.
*[[Antonio de Magianis|Antonio]]'s full name is given as Antonio de Magianis.
*[[Desmond Miles]] and the other modern-day Assassins are not mentioned.
*[[Giulio]], [[Giovanni Auditore]]'s secretary, is mentioned.
*Agniolo and Innocento, Leonardo's assistants, appear several times.

===Relationships===
*A short account on how Ezio first met Cristina is provided.
*It is revealed that [[Vieri de' Pazzi]] also liked Cristina and once tried to kiss her by force, until Ezio came to the scene and fought Vieri off.
*Different parts of the book detail Ezio visiting Cristina's house several other times; such as after his father and brothers are executed to collect a pouch he left there, and before he meets La Volpe, wherein he helps [[Manfredo Soderini|Cristina's fiancé]].
*Ezio's relationship with [[Rosa]] is explored in more detail; whereas in the game they merely flirt with each other. In the novel, it is confirmed that they are lovers.
*[[Claudia Auditore]] marries Mario's guard captain.
*After the [[Battle of Forlì]], Ezio becomes intimate with Caterina for a few months during his recovery.

===Equipment===
*Ezio frequently changes his clothes to blend in better, such as wearing monks' robes when going to the monastery, or wearing poor civilian clothes within the village outside [[Forlì]]. In the game, Ezio's [[Assassin's Creed II Outfits|outfit]] generally stays the same.
*Ezio's first [[hidden blade]] is attached to his right forearm instead of his left.
*Ezio's second hidden blade is a double-bladed weapon.
*Ezio changes his hidden blade between the poison blade and the normal blade between missions. In-game, when Ezio gets the poison blade, he can change it on the fly.
*The bullets for Ezio's [[Hidden Gun]] are provided by Leonardo, instead of the [[blacksmiths]].
*The hidden blade is more often referred to as the "[[Codex]] blade."
*The [[Armor of Altaïr|Armor]] and [[Sword of Altaïr]] do not appear.
*Ezio often wields his sword alongside either a dagger or one of his hidden blades. In the game, Ezio can only use one weapon at a time.
*Mario is shown many times to be nervous of the fact that Ezio shares the knowledge of the Codex with Leonardo, because he is not sure if anyone can be trusted with it.
*Ezio finds many Codex pages on the dead remains of his enemies; such as retrieving one page from Vieri de' Pazzi's pouch and another one from [[Francesco de' Pazzi]]'s. In the game, Ezio finds most of the Codex pages in Templar banks.
*Leonardo discovers that the Codex hides a map, even without having all of the pages. Ezio also notices a map across the background in the novel. In the game, Ezio is the one to find out by using his [[Eagle Vision]].
*Vieri de' Pazzi carries a battle axe during his battle with Ezio in San Gimignano. In the game, he carries a sword.

===Assassinations===
*Ezio assassinates [[Uberto Alberti]] by stabbing him in the throat, while in the game, he angrily stabs him multiple times in the chest.
*Ezio respectfully kisses [[Jacopo de' Pazzi]] on the forehead before his death. Additionally, instead of ending his slow suffering by stabbing him in the throat like in the game, Ezio instead stabs Jacopo's heart.
*Ezio makes the sign of the Cross over the corpses of certain targets as part of their last rights, such as [[Silvio Barbarigo]] and [[Dante Moro]].
*Ezio walks out of the Vault to witness [[Rodrigo Borgia]] die after drinking poison, believing that he had failed his life's purpose of getting into the Vault. In the game, Ezio spares his life.
**This final scene takes place in 1503, unlike in the game, where it took place in 1499.
**This scene is reverted in the [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)|following novel]], wherein Ezio sees Rodrigo as he leaves, but when he comes back to check if Rodrigo is dead, he has gone; leaving only the Papal Cape behind.

===Other Events===
*[[Annetta]] contributes more to Ezio, but in the game, she is never heard from again after Ezio visits [[Paola]].
*[[Eagle Vision]] is not mentioned at all during the events of the book.
*Vieri de' Pazzi throws a rock at Ezio and it hits him in the forehead. In the game, it hits him on the right side of his lip, giving him the characteristic scar also shared with [[Altaïr]] and Desmond. Also, during his fight with Vieri, Ezio gets a scar from Vieri's battle axe in his left hand, though in the game, the only scar he gets from Vieri is the scar on his lip.
*During the first fight with Vieri, Ezio (including his allies and Vieri's thugs) are said to have daggers and swords with them; though in the game, Ezio gets his first weapon only when he finds [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|his father]]'s Assassin robe. Also, the fight scene in the novel takes place late at night, while in the game, it is set in the afternoon.
*When Ezio heads over to the pigeon coop to receive the note for his father, he finds some graffiti behind the coop that reads: "HE THAT INCREASETH KNOWLEDGE INCREASETH SORROW" and "WHERE IS THE PROPHET?" This message is not mentioned in the game.
*During the Auditore execution, [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]] is executed first, shortly followed by [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]], and then finally, Giovanni. In the game, they are executed simultaneously. Also there are only 3 nooses, while in the game, there are 4, one of which was supposed to be for Ezio.
*Ezio receives [[Paola]]'s training before he sees [[Maria Auditore da Firenze|his mother]] and sister. In the game, he receives it after.
*Ezio gives his father and brothers their final rites by placing them in torched boats set adrift at sea.
*The [[Sanctuary]] is never shown in the book. However, it makes an appearance in the [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)|''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' novel]], as an escape route for the villagers.
*Maria and Claudia Auditore stay in a convent after leaving Florence, where Claudia becomes a nun (although she later changes her mind and stays at the Villa Auditore). In the game, they stay in Mario's villa.
*Ezio rides a single [[Horses|horse]] and slays [[House of Borgia|Borgia]]'s men during his trip to Forlì with Leonardo da Vinci. In the game, he drives Leonardo's wagon.
**Additionally, Leonardo has a group of wagon riders and bodyguards with him before the attack, all of whom run away at the first sign of trouble.
*When the other Assassins allow Ezio to join their Order, they are all wearing the iconic Assassin hood; but in the game they are wearing what they normally wear.
*The events that cover the Battle of Forlì and the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]] are told in the novel. In the game, the two events are only accessible through [[DLC|downloadable content]], unless on PC or the "game of the year", limited edition and "complete edition"
*Ezio's [[Discovery in Spain|journey to Spain]] and confrontation with the Inquisitors is not told in the novel.
*The fight with Checco Orsi differs in the novel. In the game, Checco flees on foot, in the novel, he rides a wagon accompanied by guards until Ezio kills them and ends up fighting Checco. Also, Checco does not stab Ezio in the side, instead he slashes Ezio's arm.
*[[Girolamo Savonarola]] is said to have been executed along with two others, Domenico and Silvestro.
*Ezio does not throw the knife that disarms Savonarola, instead it is Niccolò Machiavelli. In the game, Niccolò will only throw the knife if the player does not press the button prompt during the cutscene.
*To end Savonarola's suffering, Ezio shoots him with the Hidden Gun. In the game, he lunges forward and stabs Savonarola with his Hidden Blade.
*Some citizens leave Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities. In the game, they are still seen walking around.
*While Ezio is speaking to [[Minerva]] in [[Vatican Vault|the Vault]], there is no mention of Desmond or the modern-day Assassins. However, Minerva still mentions that Ezio only anchors the one for whom the message is intended, hence the message is still not meant for Ezio.

== Terminology ==
{{Main|Assassin's Creed: Renaissance/Terminology}}

The novel uses Italian and Latin terminology just like the game, but instead, releases the translations of the terms between numbered pages 509-516.

==Release==
The novel was released in the United Kingdom six days after the release of ''Assassin's Creed II'' on 26 November 2009 and was released in the United States until 23 February 2010. A Kindle Edition can be purchased from Amazon.com, which was released 26 November 2009.

==Pricing==
*United Kingdom
:*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-Renaissance-Oliver-Bowden/dp/0141046309/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261088205&sr=8-1 Amazon.co.uk]: £3.49
:*[http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/ubisoft+entertainment/oliver+bowden/assassin27s+creed/6910624/ Waterstones]: £3.49
:*[http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=9780141046303 WH Smith]: £3.49

*United States
:*[http://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Renaissance-Oliver-Bowden/dp/0441019293/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261086507&sr=8-1 Amazon.com (Paperback)]: $9.99
:*[http://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-ebook/dp/B002XGICOK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261086507&sr=8-2 Amazon.com (Kindle)]: $6.87

==External links==
*[http://assassinscreed.com Assassins Creed Official Website]
*[http://penguin.co.uk Penguin.co.uk]
*[http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780141046303,00.html?strSrchSql=Assassin%27s+Creed+Renaissance%2A/Assassin'#39;s_Creed_Oliver_Bowden Assassin's Creed: Renaissance on Penguin.co.uk]

{{ACSeries}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]
[[Category:Books and Comics]]
[[Category:Novels]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)

2012-08-02T17:45:59Z

91.117.108.182:

{{era|acb|bbook|realworld}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{Book Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
|image = Assassin'sCreedBrotherhoodnovel.jpg
|Publisher = Penguin Books
|Writer = Oliver Bowden
|US Date Released = November 30, 2010
|UK Date Released = November 25, 2010
|Genre = Action, Historic
|Format = Paperback, Ibook
|ISBN = ISBN 978-0-241-95171-2
|Language = English, French, Spanish, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Portuguese
|Pages = 544pp (548 with cover)}}
'''''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''''' is a novel based on the [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood|game of the same name]], released on November 25, 2010. Written by [[Oliver Bowden]], it is a direct sequel to ''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]].''

==Description==
"I will journey to the black heart of a corrupt Empire to root out my foes. But Rome wasn't built in a day and it won't be restored by a lone [[Assassins|assassin]]. I am [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]. This is my brotherhood."
[[Rome]], once mighty, lies in ruins. The city swarms with suffering and degradation, her [[Civilians|citizens]] living in the shadow of the ruthless [[House of Borgia|Borgia family]]. Only one man can free the people from the Borgia tyranny - Ezio Auditore, the [[Master Assassin]]. Ezio's quest will test him to his limits. [[Cesare Borgia]], a man more villainous and dangerous than [[Rodrigo Borgia|his father]] the Pope, will not rest until he has conquered [[Italy]]. And in such treacherous times, conspiracy is everywhere, even within the ranks of the brotherhood itself...

==Plot Summary==
===Prologue===
Ezio is reminded of the event of what had just occurred in the Vault of the Sistine Chapel. He remembered touching the lid of a granite-like sarcophagus, he touched its welcoming glow and a [[Minerva|woman]] appeared, spreading word of a disaster that occurred many years ago and saying that it's likely to happen again. Ezio experienced the planets and heavens surrounding him. She tried to spread hope that the humans will not repeat the mistake from years ago and then faded into darkness. Ezio left and found that Rodrigo had supposedly taken poison. Ezio left the Sistine Chapel and met up with the other Assassins.

===Part One===
1- Ezio was still delusional and Mario was trying to snap some sense into Ezio. He thought he had defeated the Pope, leader of the Templars. Ezio had the Piece of Eden which was bestowed upon him. He doubted that Rodrigo was dead, he then contemplated whether or not he should have killed the Pope. He wished he could return to his old home in [[Florence]] and settle down. Ezio returned to where he had left Rodrigo to die but only to find that the Templar leader was gone. Mario questioned Ezio about what is inside the Vault but Ezio only replied in short answers and then, when he tried to pry the [[Staves of Eden|Staff]] from the ground, it disappeared into the Earth. Ezio and Mario then left the area and into the city of Rome.

2. Being told the others had left to go home, Ezio expresses on how he should have killed Rodrigo while being taunted as a "demon" by Priests and they both flee the Vatican.

3- Ezio and Mario are chased by guards throughout the streets of Rome and are lured towards the Tiber. Ezio contemplated throwing the Apple into the River but Mario takes it from him and keeps it until Ezio can make a decision. They then left Rome and into the mountains where they would then travel to [[Monteriggioni]].

4- Ezio and Mario arrive in Monteriggioni for Ezio to find the arsenal upgraded and was greeted cheerfully by his sister, [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|Claudia]]. Ezio helps many which include; helping a woman carry a box of flowers to the Villa, helping a man obtain the horse of Mario's which he had lost and also helped some [[mercenaries]] get the Monteriggioni canons and defenses working.

5- Ezio enters the [[Villa Auditore]] and is greeted by [[Caterina Sforza]], she wants to form an allegiance with the troops at Monteriggioni to help her troops at [[Forlì]]. Ezio tells Caterina that chances are high of giving her the Troops to help the battle at Forlì.

6- Ezio meets up with [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] and [[Maria Auditore da Firenze]] as well as Mario, Claudia and Caterina to discuss recent events. Ezio tells them of the extraordinary wonders he saw inside the Vault and admitted that he was wrong about Rodrigo poisoning himself. Machiavelli tells Ezio and the others of a newer threat and leaves for Rome. The night was then silent and feelings were revealed.

7- Leaving the dinner and off to his room, Ezio got some rest and was eventually joined by Caterina. They made love for a night and eventually went to sleep, they were interrupted by canons which eventually led to the destruction of the Villa and from there, the [[Fall of Monteriggioni|Siege of Monteriggioni]] begun.

8- Ezio jumps down from his room and meets up with Mario who reassures him that the apple is safe with him. Caterina tries to flank the attackers while Mario will try to lead a frontal assault and take them head-on. Ezio loses his armor bestowed to him by his [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|father]] before his execution. He rides through the town of Monteriggioni and tries to lure back the attackers. But all seems to be failed.

9- Mario is captured by Cesare as well as his helpers. Leonardo da Vinci was there with him and soon, after a short speech, Mario is shot with an [[arquebusiers|arquebusier]] and is killed. Ezio is shot twice and is awoken by 2 mercenaries.

10- Ezio goes to his sister aid and escorts her inside while fighting. Once inside, he meets with his mother and begins to escort the citizens out of Monteriggioni through a secret passage.

11- Ezio escorts the citizens through the catacombs under the city and once explaining to everyone about Mario's murder but all is put to a close as Cesare's men are circling around the walls. Ezio sees Cesare in the distance, waving Mario's head while chanting 'You're Next.'

12- Ezio orders his family to go back to Florence while he rides for Rome.

13- Passing out from his horse, Ezio is bought to Rome by Machiavelli and is cared by [[Margherita dei Campi]], Ezio is also given new robes to replace the ones he had lost during the siege. Ezio wanders the streets of Rome and gets Medical help from a [[doctors|doctor]]. Ezio then stays at a small inn.

14- After leaving the inn, Ezio meets up with Machiavelli and discusses his plan to rid Rome of the menace known as Cesare Borgia and his allies that give him power. A thief attempts to steal money from Ezio but is easily overpowered and the money is returned to Ezio. Ezio once again meets up with Machiavelli and discusses plans further, they make their way towards a Thief whose job is to intercept a letter, but found that he had been caught. Machiavelli and Ezio aided the thief and defeated his attackers. Once he swipes the letter from the [[courier]]. Ezio goes to meet with Machiavelli but instead is attack by the Sect of Wolves and investigates where they come from. Ezio emerges from the underground, and meets with Machiavelli once more.

15- Letting his horse return to the stables, Ezio tries the [[tunnels]] founded by his father. Ezio makes his way to the [[Tiber Island headquarters]] and meets with [[Fabio Orsini]], cousin of [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]]. From the headquarters Ezio takes leave to help and recruit the [[Thieves]], [[Mercenaries]] and [[Courtesans]] to the cause.

16- Ezio arrives at the [[La Volpe Addormentata]] and requests aid from [[La Volpe]], a thief. Turning him down hastily, he accuses Machiavelli of betraying the order. Trying to prove Machiavelli's betrayal, La Volpe leads Ezio to a meeting which involved Machiavelli and a guard. Once Machiavelli had left, a fight had broken out with some thieves and Borgia guards. Dispatching of many Borgia guards to save [[Claudio]], Ezio rescues the young thief and directs him to La Volpe and his [[Trimalchio|father]]. After the rescue, Ezio goes back to La Volpe Addormentata and recruits his aid and this time he accepts but claims his eye will still be on Machiavelli. After this, the place is revamped into an Inn and Ezio assigns the thieves with the task of locating the Apple.

17- Arriving at the Barracks where Bartolomeo was stationed, Ezio was greeted kindly by his old friend and introduced to Bartolomeo's wife, [[Pantasilea Baglioni]]. Bartolomeo is alerted by an attack and rushes to the Battle.

18- The Borgia launch an attack on the Barracks, Ezio and many mercenaries including Bartolomeo, fight back and send the soldiers fleeing. After this, the barracks are revamped and Ezio discusses about the forces that he needs. He needs to know what Cesare's men are doing and when. After this, Bartolomeo leaves for the fights claiming he has bet money on the match. Ezio then takes his leave.

19- After his arrival at the [[Rosa in Fiore]], Ezio tries to locate the owner of the place, [[Madonna Solari]] but soon finds out she was taken hostage by Slave traders. Ezio goes to the headquarters to locate a boat. Once done, he finds the boat where Madonna Solari is being held and gives the slave traders the thousand ducats they requested. But without hesitation, after the money had been given, the Slave traders kill Madonna but they soon find themselves dead by Ezio's blade. Ezio whispers one last word in the dying Head slave trader's ear and then leaves.

20- Ezio returns to the Rose in Fiore and discovers his mother and sister never left for Florence but instead, went to Rome instead. Without a leader, the girls are in distress but Claudia offers to take the position. After taking it, the place is in the stage of being revamped and Ezio assigns Claudia's girls to locate Caterina Sforza.

21- The Rosa in Fiore is fully revamped and Ezio begins to question Claudia on the location of Caterina, claiming that her girls are working on it, Claudia attempts to make amends but stops before she can say anything. Ezio, after he finishes the conversation, leaves the Brothel.

22- Reuniting with Machiavelli and the others, Ezio discovers the location of Caterina Sforza from Claudia. He claims he will go to the [[Castel Sant'Angelo]] not only to rescue Caterina but also to take the life of Rodrigo and Cesare Borgia.

23- Arriving at Castel, Cesare's sister, [[Lucrezia Borgia]] steps out of a carriage with a prisoner which soon turns out to be Caterina. Ezio tries to convince Machiavelli to let him rescue her, saying that they were going to torture her. Scaling the walls of the Castel, Ezio eventually located Cesare. Cesare greeted Lucrezia and they discussed some more. Eventually Cesare left leaving Ezio in wonder of why and where he was going.

24- Lucrezia enters the cell which Caterina was being held in and beats her. Ezio oversees this through the window and soon makes his way inside the Castel once Lucrezia is gone. Ezio locates Caterina and plans to rescue her.

25- Ezio finds Lucrezia flirting with her lover, [[Pietro Rossi]]. Once Pietro has left, Ezio confronts Lucrezia and takes out the Guards who try to stop him. Ezio carries her to Caterina's cell and once there, Caterina is freed and Lucrezia gets knocked out. Leaving the Castel, an explosion is heard, distracting the guards and giving them time to escape.

26- Ezio reunites with Machiavelli and explains to him about how Cesare and Rodrigo left before he could strike. La Volpe is not convinced that this is a coincidence. Caterina had arrived and was being tendered to by a Doctor. Ezio was then made [[Mentor]] of the [[Italian Assassins]] but was told to keep it secret so that a "formal" vote could happen. Ezio then talks to Machiavelli about his plan to rebuild the Brotherhood back to its former glory.

27- Ezio recruited many to the cause that day and after following a strange noise that had been calling him, Ezio finds out the voice is his old friend, Leonardo da Vinci. Claiming that he was one step ahead of them and once had possession of the Apple but it was taken from him by Rodrigo. He tells Ezio of some contraptions he was obligated to make for the Borgia, stating that his contraptions consisted of the [[Tank]] among others. Ezio requests to have his Codex weapons remade and soon enough, after the money had been given, Leonardo left. He tells Ezio of the first thing he would do when he left and that is, go shopping for supplies.

28- Soon after he returns to the Hideout, Ezio plans his assassination of [[Octavian de Valois]]. Machiavelli tells Caterina of the danger she is in and explains to her that she must leave the city, her kids are already safe in Florence and that is where she must ride. She then makes her preparations to leave.

29- Ezio argues with Caterina about the night they spent at the Villa, claiming that she used him. Ezio admits he did not rescue her because of the cause and all turns silent for the rest. Soon enough, Caterina leaves and Ezio is left in wonder.

30- Locating a senator who goes by the name of, [[Egidio Troche]], Ezio manages to dispatch some guards who were harassing the senator for money. Traversing through the streets to escape from guards, Ezio escorts Egidio to his home and from there, they discussed Cesare's banker, [[Juan Borgia the Younger]]. Offering to pay the senator's debts to the banker, Ezio gave the man the money he needed and awaited for the time when Egidio would be forced to give the money to the Borgia.

31- Ezio tails Egidio and soon watches the senator pass the money onto the Guards. From there, these guards escort Egidio to the [[Pantheon]] and from there, comes across a Borgia captain called, [[Luigi Torcelli]]. He gives the Captain the money and from there, Ezio scales the walls and infiltrates the Pantheon giving him enough time to kill Luigi and take his armor and place. Managing to call off the guards from killing Egidio, Ezio navigates around and manages to gain entrance into the Banker's party.

32- Luigi's body is found and the guards are on the lookout for Ezio but he manages to blend and navigate through the crowd, following the money until it changes hands to the Banker himself who leaves the money there where courtesans manage to steal it. Ezio follows the Banker into the supposed, celebration of man. Cesare makes a speech and soon leaves the area and from there Ezio watches as the Banker flirts with a courtesan.

33- The night goes on and soon, Ezio is discovered but he manages to get the final kill on the Banker and exchanged words before he passed. Once back at the Rosa in Fiore, Ezio finds the same woman who the Banker was with, injured. It turns out the Banker molested her and left her for dead but was saved by possible recruits. Claudia then forced Ezio out of it so her girls could get everything sorted.

34- Ezio refreshed himself at the Hideout and quickly makes haste for the Rosa in Fiore, from there, he sees the sign of a struggle but was greeted by the same girl who was molested by Juan Borgia the Younger. Ezio discusses with Claudia briefly once he knows his mother and her are safe. Ezio gets paid interest and then leaves the Brothel.

35- Leonardo is at La Volpe Addormentata which Ezio soon finds out when he's pulled into a dark room. From there, he discusses briefly with Ezio, saying that his friend [[Salaì]] knew he was here but wouldn't betray his trust. They exchange in pleasantries and soon, Ezio is given back his Codex weapons that he lost as well as a new item called [[Poison darts]]. Ezio then sees La Volpe and tells him of his intentions to track Pietro, Lucrezia's lover. They learn from thieves about the location of [[Micheletto Corella]], an associate of Cesare. La Volpe then expresses to Ezio about how he believes he knows, Machiavelli's a traitor and tells him to do something about it or he will. Ezio then gathers a horse from La Volpe and visits his sister, Ezio then is given backup [[Codex]] weapons and then decides it's time to put his [[Apprentices]] to good use.

36- Ezio overlooks a meeting involving Cesare himself, Micheletto and [[Francesco Troche]]. They discuss about Egidio's actions for warning the Venetians about plans and as soon as Cesare has heard enough. Micheletto strangles Francesco, Cesare gives the orders to the Guards to dump his body in the Tiber. Ezio follows Micheletto as he finds out Pietro is in a Passion Play at the [[Colosseo]]. Ezio infiltrates it and orders his Recruits to put on the armor that he had stolen from the men who were meant to be in the play. From there, Ezio infiltrates it and soon enough, attempts to assassinate Micheletto but in the end, he lets him go and saves Pietro who soon gives him the key to the Castel. Ezio then comes across a [[Paganino|man]] from the Villa attack, he tries to run away but is stopped and from there. Ezio learns that he was in fact, the traitor after all, not Machiavelli.

37- Trying to find La Volpe, Ezio is urgently requested by his mother to hunt down some traitors of the Courtesans. But Ezio then leaves quickly to find Machiavelli once more.

38- Ezio rides towards La Volpe Addormentata and finds La Volpe with his dagger, ready to take Machiavelli's life but is stopped as Ezio reveals to La Volpe the letter and the betrayal of one of his own men. Machiavelli is relieved and claims his will substitute the letter to keep them off track. La Volpe then tells Ezio of a new bunch of Thieves known as the [[Cento Occhi]]. But Ezio explains that they will not be a problem.

39- Making his way to the barracks, Ezio immediately knows that something is wrong and rushes further. He discovers that the French once again have put pressure on Bartolomeo's men. After closing the gates, the Baron approaches the Barracks but keeps a safe distance, but reveals to Bartolomeo that he had kidnapped his wife and that if he wants her back alive, he would have surrender by dawn. Bartolomeo soon charged out once they were gone and so did Ezio and many more Mercenaries.

40- Ezio has a plan and puts it into action after he manages to steal 20 Frenchman armor, they soon march down to where the Baron was stationed and bought the Captain General to him. Before trying to kill her, Ezio uses his gun as a distraction but the Baron gets away. Ezio follows him but has to sneak around or else the Baron would kill Pantasilea. Ezio quietly navigates around and soon, Ezio struck, killing Valois. Bartolomeo enters and comforts his wife, soon they walk off and she quietly gives Ezio her gratitude.

41- Ezio is finally made official Mentor and his younger sister, Claudia, is inducted into the Assassin order. They go to the rooftop of their hideout and Claudia takes her first [[Leap of Faith]]. Machiavelli then claims he will write a book about Ezio one day but Ezio responded that if he does, he should make it short and then leaps from the rooftop.

42- Ezio infiltrates the Castel and overhears Lucrezia being told by a Servant that Cesare is back from his journey. Lucrezia then left to ponder why Rodrigo didn't tell her.

43- Ezio manages to locate a window through which he can oversee Cesare arguing with Rodrigo. Cesare is in denial, believing that his father had the Baron and Banker killed. Rodrigo admits the Assassins performed these tasks. Cesare then bites an apple, and Lucrezia rushes in to say that it's poisoned. Cesare then spits it out and kills Rodrigo with it. Lucrezia acknowledges that she knew Rodrigo had taken it and Cesare reveals that he never loved Lucrezia and started choking her, demanding the Apple. Eventually she gives in and Cesare tries to escape and then Ezio manages to climb through a window and get inside. From there, he closes the eyes of the dead Pope and is told the location of the Apple, with this information, Ezio takes leave.

44- Escaping the Castel, Ezio makes it to the Apple's location before Cesare despite Cesare being more likely to have ridden by horse. Ezio uses the power of the Apple to aid in his escape from the basilica and blended with the crowd wondering how long until news of Rodrigo Borgia's death would spread and when a new Pope would take his place.

45- Ezio returns to the Hideout and informs Machiavelli that although Rodrigo was dead, Cesare still lived. Machiavelli explained to Ezio that without Rodrigo to hold him back, Cesare can still gain back what the Assassins had taken from him. Ezio then went to confront Cesare who was trying to regain his title. But Ezio intercepts it and kill those who he tried to persuade. Cesare gets away before Ezio can take his life.

46- Ezio tracks Cesare down to the Colosseum and finds him trying to use the next Pope who's in charge. Ezio's arrival scares of the [[Cardinals]] who Cesare was trying to convince to change the Pope they've selected for the position. Cesare's guards then surround Ezio and try to fight him but they all fall, during the battle itself Ezio is truly injured and Cesare gets away.

47- Finding Cesare at the very gates that lead into Rome, many of Cesare's followers gathered, mostly guards. Ezio and the other Assassins gather at the gate and attempt to fight off the Borgia guards. Once finished, Cesare believes that Micheletto's army had massed behind him but instead, under the instruction of Fabio Orsini, arrest Cesare instead of aiding him as he thought. Screaming that no chains or man could defeat him or hold him.

48- Ezio is reunited with Leonardo once more and is not convinced Cesare would be held by chains. Ezio embarks on a journey with Claudio, the young thief he had once rescued, to locate Cesare once he broke out of prison and soon, hijacks Cesare's ship and makes his way back to [[Ostia]].

===Part Two===
49- Ezio discusses with his ally, the new Pope, [[Julius II]]. Not expecting resources to be provided to him, he was told to locate somebody who was close to Micheletto and who might know something of their whereabouts.

50- Pondering why the Apple would not show Ezio where Cesare was, Ezio calls a meeting of the Brotherhood where Machiavelli states that a victory is not a victory unless absolute and then explains that Cesare is, in fact, alive and so is his former henchman, Micheletto. Ezio and Machiavelli journey to find Micheletto but soon, Claudia is kidnapped and held hostage. But is soon saved by Ezio who shows no mercy at first but in the end, ends the suffering of the kidnapper. They soon know for sure that Micheletto is alive.

51- Ezio tracks Micheletto and scramble through his forces, from there, they imprisoned him in the same place Ezio's father spent his last days, in a cell inside the [[Palazzo della Signoria]]. Inside, he was tortured and interrogated him, the days of Micheletto as a killer were done. Ezio would not be so sure that they could break Micheletto considering he was very strong willed.

52- Pope Julius knows of the Apple, Ezio finds this out because the Pope himself asks about its power. Ezio immediately knows who told the Pope, Leonardo's friend Salaì. Ezio explained its powers and what the Borgia intended to do with it which the Pope understood.

53- Ezio locates Cesare's old physician, Gaspar Torella and gains some ideas of where Cesare might be. [[Spain]] is the first thing Gaspar would guess, considering Cesare's Spanish heritage.

54- Ezio finds out from Machiavelli that Micheletto has escaped and realizes that they must track him with the Apple before it's too late.

55- Ezio uses the Apple to locate Micheletto who appears to be in [[wikipedia:Navarre|Navarre]], then through the Apple, Ezio sees a final picture of a massive, wealthy seaport, with ships drawn up on a sea and an army which was gathering. But Ezio had no clue about any of these places.

56- [[Rosa]], a woman whom Ezio had met in [[Venice]], takes control of the Rosa in Fiore and is left in charge along with La Volpe to watch over Rome while Ezio and Machiavelli leave to hunt down Micheletto.

57- Ezio brings the Apple to Leonardo and tries to use it, from there Ezio hears a noise which Machiavelli and Leonardo cannot seem to hear. It seems to be the Apple communicating with him, telling him to take the Apple to a Vault under the Capitoline and leave it there. Afterwards, it tells him to go to [[Naples]] where Micheletto was trying to reach [[Valencia]]. Ezio then tells them that the next destination is Naples. They arrive in Naples on Ezio's 46th birthday, they learn much of Micheletto's destination from a lady who appeared to know much about him and soon enough they go further to hunt down Micheletto on ship.

58- One of three survivors who Ezio had not killed, is found and killed by Ezio, who showed no mercy, but as he was dying the man spoke of Micheletto who was rushing to [[Castillo de la Mota]] where Cesare was being held. From there, Ezio left and continued on with the hunt.

59- Praying that they were in time to thwart Micheletto's plan, they picked up their things from the Lone Wolf Inn and took off.

60- Micheletto makes it to the Castillo and frees his former master, Cesare Borgia who was already contemplating the slowest death possible to the Assassin.

61- Delayed because Leonardo was ill, Ezio discovers that Cesare escapes, Ezio wanted to abandon Leonardo but Machiavelli restrained. But events were to prove him right and Leonardo invaluable.

62- Killed by Cesare, Micheletto's body is discovered and knowing where to go, Ezio and his 2 companions went their separate ways.

===Part Three===
63- Ezio travels across Spain and arrives at his destination and finds it under siege. While there, he needed to restock on weapons which he was kindly greeted by a man who gave him what he needs.

64- Riding his horse through the Battle, Ezio eventually lost his steed. Ezio still traverses on and witnesses a harsh action by Cesare in which he orders guards to slit a woman's throat just for showing consideration and concern for her son.

65- Ezio soon finds Cesare on the Castle walls in which Ezio scales and then battles Ezio ferociously. Ezio eventually overpowers Cesare who tries to explain how supposedly no man could murder him. Ezio then seized Cesare and threw him off the walls, leaving him to fate.

66- It's Ezio's 48th birthday in which they discuss their plans for the future. Machiavelli explaining about a book known as ''The Prince'' in which he was writing and Leonardo explains how he will journey to France. Ezio and Machiavelli offer Leonardo a place at the Brotherhood but Leonardo declines and with this, they all say Farewell and go their separate ways.

==Differences in the Novel==
===Characters===

*The novel references to how Cesare's face had been mutilated by the "New Disease" (which relates to the recent outbreak of syphilis - an affliction that plagued Cesare Borgia in reality), leading him to wear a mask. In the game, however, his face is always fully shown without any signs of such deformities.
*According to the ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' novel, Cesare excelled at bullfighting. Machiavelli believed he showed such an interest in the sport due to his aggressive nature and partly being Spanish, where the sport originated.
*It is stated by Machiavelli that Paola taught Ezio his skills in Venice but in ''Assassin's Creed II'' he clearly gets taught in Florence
*In the novel, Machiavelli does not become the Italian Assassin leader after the death of Mario Auditore, even though his in-game database suggests so. In the novel, no new leader is elected, however, Ezio and Machiavelli both act as chiefs. When Ezio begins recruiting Assassins, La Volpe suggests Ezio to be their new leader, but he is not officially elected until the initiation of Claudia, as seen in the game.
*In the book, Ezio is a Christian while in the game it is never alluded to.
*In the novel, Leonardo is offered a place in the Brotherhood, though he declines.
*The traitorous thief from Monteriggioni was said to be named Paganino and had once served [[Antonio de Magianis|Antonio]] in Venice, before being recruited by the Borgia.
*Some of Ezio's recruits are said to be wanting to get back to the normal life they once had, after the defeat of the Borgia.
*Maria Auditore passes away due to a long-time illness sometime between 1504 and 1505.

===Relationships===

*In the novel it goes into more detail regarding Ezio's relationship and feelings for Caterina Sforza, as well as his distaste for being used by her.
*At the start of the book Mario Auditore makes reference to Claudia being married and then widowed; where as in the game this is not mentioned.
*[[Julius II|Pope Julius II]] is said to be allied with the Assassins upon Ezio's arrival in Rome and after the fall of the Borgia in Rome, Ezio becomes his counselor.

===Equipment===

*Ezio is said to have lost all of his Codex inventions at the Siege of Monteriggioni and Leonardo in Rome rebuilds them for Ezio, as well as some additional inventions. In the game, Ezio claims that he had lost all of the Codex inventions Leonardo once fashioned for him, while only having lost his second hidden blade.
*Guns are used much more frequently by enemies in the novel; in the game they are only used by [[arquebusiers]], [[Papal Guard]]s and Cesare Borgia.
*The poison darts given to Ezio by Leonardo are not fired from Ezio's Hidden Gun like in the game, but instead they are tossed as ordinary darts.
*In the novel it is Leonardo who constructs Ezio's [[crossbow]] for him, and Ezio only uses it in one mission - while escorting Bartolomeo to 'surrender' to the French Army.
*Leonardo reveals that he used the Apple to locate Ezio in Rome, similarly to how Ezio discovers where Cesare is headed after his escape from prison.
*Ezio does not use the Apple as a weapon against Cesare.

===Assassinations===

*[[Il Carnefice]], [[Malfatto]] and [[Silvestro Sabbatini]] are not mentioned at all, and Ezio does not use his recruits to assassinate any targets.
*Juan Borgia's party is not held outdoors in the Trastevere, but instead in his own palazzo in the Vatican. Ezio does not assassinate him from a bench, but corners him and a guard in a small room before finishing them both off.
*In the game, Ezio can either air assassinate the Baron de Valois or shoot him from above; in the novel Ezio corners him and kills him with his [[Swords and Maces|sword]].
*The fight between Ezio and Cesare is a little different in the novel. They begin the battle only with their fists, however, after Cesare punches Ezio they both resort to swords. After disarming Cesare, Ezio parries an attack from his dagger by cutting Cesare's hand, almost severing it. Realizing his defeat Cesare desperately shouts that he can not die by the hands of man, to which Ezio replies ''"then I leave you in the hands of fate!"'' and seizes Cesare and pushes him from the edge, without looking down.

===Other Events===

*Ezio and Mario both rode horses while escaping the Vatican and did not jump into the Tiber like in the game.
*After waking up in Rome, Ezio decided to go to a doctor after the pain he felt before performing a Leap of Faith from the church unlike in the game, in which Ezio meets the doctor first.
*Mario Auditore is both shot and beheaded during the defense of Monteriggioni. Cesare then waves Mario's head at Ezio when he catches up to their escape under the tunnels, shouting ''"You're next!"'' after him.
*Ezio and Cesare meet during the Siege of Monteriggioni and Ezio is shot by Octavian de Valois. In the game, Ezio and Cesare don't meet until later, and Ezio is shot by an arquebusier.
*Leonardo da Vinci is present and stands with Cesare at the Siege of Monteriggioni, against his will.
*Ezio uses his Apprentices to destroy [[War Machines|Leonardo's inventions]], and to guard Leonardo from the Borgia. In the game, Ezio himself destroys the war machines, and it is never mentioned that he left Leonardo with any protection.
*In the game the passion play and the events concerning the distrust La Volpe had for Machiavelli take place after killing Baron de Valois. In the novel it is reverted.
*In the novel Thief and Courtesan missions are executed by Assassin recruits.
*The fall of the Borgia loyalists is covered in more detail in the novel.
*In 1504, Claudia Auditore da Firenze steps down as the Madam of the [[Rosa in Fiore]], after being kidnapped by Borgia loyalists, and [[Rosa]] replaces her.
*Machiavelli is present when Ezio hides the Apple under the Colosseo. In the game, it is assumed Ezio is alone.
*None of the events of ''[[The Da Vinci Disappearance]]'' are mentioned.
*A more detailed account of Ezio's hunt for Cesare after he escapes from prison is given. It details [[Micheletto Corella|Micheletto]] being killed, and describes Ezio in Spain with Leonardo and Machiavelli trying to find Cesare.
*In the game, all of the events, from Ezio emerging from the Vault to Cesare's arrest, take place in four years. However, due to the final scene in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]'' being said to take place in 1503 instead of 1499, these events only take place in a few months.
*None of the modern day events were mentioned, it's simply focused on Ezio Auditore's life.

{{ACSeries}}
[[Category:Books and Comics]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]
[[Category:Novels]]