Hunt for the Nine

I wanted to ask you something. Which is... what's your name? This article title is conjecture. Although the article subject is canon, no official name for it has been given.

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"I hold here a list. Nine names adorn it. Nine men who need to die. They are plague-bringers, war-makers. Their power and influence corrupts the land and ensures the Crusades continue."

―Al Mualim to Altaïr, regarding Altaïr's new quest.

The hunt for the nine was a series of nine assassinations that the Levantine Assassins' Mentor Al Mualim assigned to his former student Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, who had broken all three tenets of the Assassins' sacrosanct Creed and had nearly compromised the entire Order. Billed as an effort to stop the Third Crusade from destroying the Holy Land, the hunt was, in truth, part of a conspiracy for world domination that nearly led to the destruction of both the Templars and the Assassins.

The first test

Following the defense of Masyaf that was brought on by Altaïr's reckless behavior in failing to retrieve an Apple of Eden beneath Solomon's Temple, Al Mualim marked Altaïr as a traitor and personally executed him. However, the execution was a ruse; Altaïr awoke in Al Mualim's study to find that he had already been stripped of his equipment and rank, demoted down to novice once more. He was then given a chance at redemption which would allow him to reclaim his title; his first task was to hunt down a traitor within their ranks who had opened the gates of Masyaf during the attack led by the Knights Templars' Grand Master Robert de Sablé.

Using nothing but his stealth skills, Altaïr was able to learn through eavesdropping that the traitor had an accomplice who was a basket weaver. Altaïr then stole a letter from the accomplice, which revealed the location of the herald Masun. During Masun's subsequent interrogation, Altaïr learned that the herald had not acted alone, having named his fellow conspirator as an Assassin named Jamal.

Following this discovery, Altaïr found Masun preaching to the villagers about a "New World Order". Altaïr then stalked and interrogated Masun, who revealed he was in league with the Templars and believed their cause to be righteous and just. Following the interrogation, Altaïr brought Masun back to the fortress, and Al Mualim gave the latter a chance to repent for his sins against the Brotherhood. However, Masun remained defiant, believing that what he had done was right. In response, Al Mualim killed the herald with a longsword before handing the blood-stained blade to Altaïr. When asked about the other traitor, Al Mualim replied that he would speak with Jamal and decide if he was merely misled and could be saved, or if he was corrupted by the Templars and needed to be destroyed.

Start of the hunt

Altaïr: "Nine lives in exchange for mine."

Al Mualim: "A most generous offer, I think. Have you any questions?"

Altaïr: "Only where I need begin."

—Altaïr and Al Mualim discussing the task at hand.

After receiving the sword and reacquiring his Hidden Blade, Altaïr was tasked with hunting nine men who supported the Third Crusade—Crusaders and Saracens alike—in exchange for his own life.

Al Mualim then informed Altaïr that he would need to obtain permission from the local Assassin bureaus to perform each assassination. Altaïr argued that he did not need their permission, but Al Mualim overruled him, telling Altaïr this was the price he would pay for his earlier mistakes. Finally accepting the offer, Altaïr left Masyaf on horseback and rode towards the Kingdom, beginning his quest for redemption.

Inspection of the Damascus market

Tamir: "Ah, but he thinks I act alone. I am but a piece. A man with a part to play. You'll come to know the others soon enough. They won't take kindly to what you've done."

Altaïr: "Good. I look forward to ending their lives as well."

Tamir: "Such pride. It will destroy you, child."

—Tamir to Altaïr, after the Assassin's success.

Tamir mutilating the merchant

Altaïr first rode for Damascus to hunt down his first target, a Saracen weapons dealer and black marketer named Tamir. When Altaïr arrived at the Assassin bureau, the Rafiq directed him to gather information about Tamir in the Poor District of Damascus. Through his investigation, Altaïr learned that Tamir currently had an unusually large shipment of weapons prepared for an unknown client, and frequented the Souk Al-Silaah often. The Rafiq granted Altaïr permission to start his mission and provided him with a feather that was to be soaked with the blood of the target as proof of the assassination. Altaïr then set off to the Souk Al-Silaah to kill Tamir.

When he arrived at the souk, Altaïr noticed Tamir harassing one of his employees. The merchant claimed that he did not have enough time nor manpower to finish their requested orders; when he suggested that Tamir asked for too much, Tamir flew into a rage and killed him, leaving his corpse in the middle of the courtyard as a warning to the rest of his subordinates.

Altaïr assassinating Tamir

As Tamir inspected the wares around the Souk, Altaïr made his way through the busy crowd and stabbed Tamir. As Tamir died, he swore that the Assassin and his Order would pay for their crimes. Tamir then asked if Altaïr saw him as some petty death-dealer, taking advantage of the Crusades, and noted that many others profited from the war as well. Altaïr asked Tamir why he believed himself different from other profiteers; Tamir declared that he served a far nobler cause than mere profit.

Tamir also revealed that he had "brothers" and was only one piece of the puzzle, a man with a role to play. Tamir warned that his Brothers would not take kindly to what Altaïr had done, and that his pride would destroy him. Tamir then passed away, and Altaïr covered the feather in Tamir's blood before retreating to the bureau.

Hospital terminal

Altaïr: "You truly believe you were helping them?"

Garnier: "It's not what I believe, it's what I know."

—Garnier's last words to Altaïr.

After his second mission, Altaïr regained the right to use his short blade and was told to travel to Acre, a city that was held by the Crusaders. There, he had to kill a doctor by the Knights Hospitaliers' Grand Master and doctor Garnier de Naplouse.

Altaïr traveled to the bureau in Acre and began gathering information on his target. After interrogating a herald spreading propaganda on Garnier's behalf, Altaïr learned that the doctor would become entirely absorbed in his work while tending to his patients, leaving him vulnerable to attack. He also intercepted a letter written by Garnier, which revealed that the patients residing in his hospital had been taken against their will from Jerusalem, transported there by a man named Talal.

Altaïr observing Garnier in a crowd

Altaïr scouted out the hospital's location and returned to the Rafiq Jabal, revealing his discoveries. The man remarked that Altaïr had done well, and gave the Assassin the white feather necessary for his task. With the help of some wandering scholars, Altaïr infiltrated the fortress in time to witness an escape attempt by a patient; the man ran out of the hospital, screaming for help, but was soon caught by Garnier's guards. Garnier then appeared and spoke kindly to the patient, preaching how he would heal him. However, the patient was not convinced, yelling of the evils done by Garnier and his men within the hospital.

Garnier became enraged and slapped his patient, before commanding the guards to send him back to his cell. When the man proclaimed that he would simply escape again, Garnier ordered the guards to break both of the patient's legs. The deed was carried out, and Garnier's victim was dragged wailing into the hospital. Breaking away from the scholarly group, Altaïr followed Garnier into the hospital. As the man was completing his rounds, Altaïr approached and assassinated him.

Altaïr finishing off Garnier

Garnier accepted his death, but expressed worry for his "children". Altaïr was surprised and confused by Garnier's concern for the subjects he had taken against their will, though Garnier claimed that they had no will of their own, as the majority were either insane or suffered from mental disorders. Garnier claimed that he and the Knights Hospitalier were trying to save these people, and professed that they were only taken for their own good; Garnier went on to add that he had been successful in his efforts, noting that his own guards were once deranged mental patients.

Altaïr asked if Garnier truly believed he was helping his patients, which Garnier affirmed. He then died, and Altaïr immediately escaped from the guards who had witnessed the doctor's death. He returned to the bureau, and after a brief exchange with Jabal, returned to Masyaf. There, he confided in Al Mualim his uncertainty over Garnier, noting that some of the doctor's supposed captives had seemed genuinely grateful to him. Al Mualim explained that leaders commonly resorted to bribes, threats, and other forms of trickery to win obedience, including the use of rare herbs capable of robbing a man of his senses and inducing a form of servile pleasure. When Altaïr asked whether Garnier's patients had been drugged in such a manner, Al Mualim affirmed it was possible, and remarked that the Assassins' own enemies had levelled the same accusation against him, believing that he likewise drugged his followers and seduced them with promises of paradise.

A slaver's demise

Talal: "Beggars, whores, addicts, lepers. Do they strike you as proper slaves? Unfit for even the most menial tasks? No. I took them not to sell, but to save! And yet you'd kill us all, for no other reason than it was asked of you."

Altaïr: "No, you profit from the war, from lives lost and broken."

Talal: "Yes, you would think that, ignorant as you are. Wall off your mind, eh? They say it's what your kind do best. Do you see the irony in all this? No, not yet it seems. But you will."

—Talal's final words to Altaïr.

Talal insulting Altaïr as his men close in

Following Garnier's assassination, Altaïr was rewarded with throwing knives and instructed to leave for Saracen-governed Jerusalem in order to assassinate the slave trader Talal. Arriving at the city's Assassin bureau, Altaïr was harshly greeted by Malik Al-Sayf, an Assassin who had accompanied him under Solomon's Temple and had been wounded through Altaïr's recklessness. Altaïr quickly left to search Jerusalem's Rich District for information regarding his target. Interrogating a herald who had been spreading propaganda on Talal's behalf, he learned that the slaver held his captives within a warehouse before transporting them to Acre for Garnier. Separately, he discovered that Talal paid tribute to the city guards so that he could operate undisturbed.

After receiving the feather from a spiteful, sarcastic Malik, Altaïr departed for the slaver's warehouse. As he infiltrated the building, the doors closed behind him, and he found himself in a room filled with imprisoned slaves. A silhouette then appeared at a window above and Talal called to Altaïr, attempting to reason with him. When this failed, he instead mocked the Assassin and beckoned him to enter a square of light cast by an open shutter on the roof of the warehouse.

Altaïr assassinating Talal

Altaïr complied, and Talal's men surrounded him. The Assassin then demanded that Talal reveal himself and fight with honor, but the slaver instead ordered his men to attack. The Assassin quickly dispatched the attackers, to Talal's shock, and the man exited through the roof. Altaïr pursued him through the streets of Jerusalem, and after a long chase he was able to catch and kill Talal.

Before dying, Talal exclaimed that God had abandoned him and the people he had captured. He then claimed he was not taking away the slaves' lives, but saving them, liberating them from the streets and improving their quality of life. Altaïr disagreed with Talal, stating that he benefited from the Crusades and the broken lives of his captives. Talal responded that Altaïr was ignorant and still did not see the irony in the situation. As Talal drew his last breath, he refused to divulge any further secrets of the wider Brotherhood he served, save that Al Mualim was not the only one with designs upon the Holy Land. Altaïr then smeared the feather with his blood and returned to the bureau, where he was criticized by Malik for rousing the entire city and not being subtle in his task.

Upon returning to Masyaf, Altaïr expressed his confusion that Talal's choice of soldiers were lower-class citizens whom society generally refused to recognize, much less help. Al Mualim explained that a broken person could be rebuilt, turning them into a soldier that would be fervently loyal to their savior.

The Merchant King's party

Altaïr: "So this is about vengeance then."

Abu'l: "No, not vengeance, but my conscience. How could I finance a war in service to the same God that calls me an abomination?"

—Abu'l Nuqoud to Altaïr.

Abu'l Nuqoud and his mercenaries

After Altaïr received a new pair of combat gloves from his master, along with his next rank, he was given the names of three more targets, one in each of the three cities. Altaïr returned to Damascus and headed to the bureau, where he asked about the wealthy "Merchant King" Abu'l Nuqoud. After receiving a backhanded compliment from the Rafiq, Altaïr learned that his new target was very secluded and "strange". From there, he was instructed to gather more information around the Rich District of the city.

After scouring the district for information, Altaïr found out that the Merchant King was stealing money from the people he claimed to lead, sending payments to Majd Addin in Jerusalem and William of Montferrat in Acre. He also learned that Nuqoud hosted lavish parties within his palace every week, though he himself rarely emerged from his personal quarters except to address his guests during these celebrations. On his return to the Rafiq, Altaïr shared what he had learned and was given the necessary feather before setting out to kill his target.

Arriving at Nuqoud's grand palace, Altaïr blended in with the crowd, and soon after the merchant appeared to give a speech to the attendees. While at first appearing to be a gracious host, Nuqoud quickly began to lecture his guests, claiming they fueled unnecessary conflict with their ignorance and fear of those who were different from themselves. He accused the attendees of whispering about him behind his back, then gleefully explained that they would no longer have the chance to do so, revealing that he had fatally poisoned the wine on offer. As some of the guests began succumbing to the poison, Nuqoud commanded his archers to kill the panicking crowd as it fled.

Altaïr assassinating Abu'l Nuqoud

Spurred into action, Altaïr scaled the building to the balcony where Nuqoud stood. The merchant fled with Altaïr in pursuit, and the Assassin quickly caught up and dispatched him. As Nuqoud lay dying, he claimed that he did not believe in a God who labeled him as an abomination, and he sought to undermine those whose hearts were rife with bigotry. He then told Altaïr that he did not support Saladin, but a higher power, claiming that they "[would] have [their] New World". He also challenged Altaïr's faith in his cause, remarking that they were the same in what they did, killing a few to improve the fortunes of the many.

Once Nuqoud passed away and Altaïr obtained the mark of his death, the Assassin returned to Masyaf with news of his success. He then asked Al Mualim about the men that he killed, saying that they all seemed to be connected, though Al Mualim only replied that he would learn the answer when he "no longer needed to ask".

Fortress infiltration

Altaïr: "No matter how noble you believe your intentions, these acts are cruel and cannot continue."

William: "We'll see how sweet they are, the fruits of your labors. You do not free the cities as you believe, but rather damn them. And in the end, you'll have only yourself to blame. You, who speak of good intentions."

—William to Altaïr, on his last breath.

After his work in Damascus, Altaïr was given a pair of Assassin's boots that allowed for dexterous dodges and improved balance, along with a stronger silver blade. Altaïr then rode to Acre for a second time to assassinate the city's regent, William of Montferrat.

The Rafiq in Acre told Altaïr that William was put in charge of the city as a sort of political hostage, to calm the conflicts that his son, Conrad, was building with King Richard I of England. Altaïr expressed disgust at the underhanded acts of politicians; the Rafiq reminded him that he too was a politician of sorts, as each of his assassinations changed the Holy Land's political landscape in its own way.

Altaïr observing William and Richard from the crowd

During his investigation, Altaïr learned that William of Montferrat ruled Acre's Rich District with an iron fist, replacing the district's honest merchants with men loyal to himself so as to undermine the people's faith in King Richard; word among William's own soldiers held that he was destined for failure, with some fearing his wrath should they fall short of his expectations.

Altaïr returned to the bureau with this news, saying that he would attack while Montferrat was distracted with his men in his fortress. The Rafiq approved, giving him leave to strike. Altaïr found William arguing heatedly with King Richard as they exited the Acre Citadel. William claimed their enemies would not be emboldened by the Massacre at Ayyadieh following the Siege of Acre, but rather "filled with fear". Richard asked how a man who stayed so far from the fighting knew the enemy so well, to which William replied that he ought to have earned his King's trust by then. Richard responded that making him Regent of Acre was proof enough of his trust, and left William to sulk as he headed back to the front line at Arsuf. Altaïr also learned that William had ordered the execution of nearly 3,000 Saracen prisoners taken when the Crusaders captured Acre, who were meant to be traded back to Saladin — a decision King Richard intended to confront him about.

Altaïr assassinating William

Frustrated, William retreated into his fortress to berate his men, just as Altaïr suspected he would. With William distracted, Altaïr infiltrated the citadel, waiting silently above as William dismissed his men to their posts. While William walked over to a nearby desk to make plans, the Assassin leaped down from above, putting his blade through William's throat.

As William died, he claimed that he did not care about his son Conrad or King Richard, and that neither man would be fit for the "new world" he was creating. He claimed that Acre belonged to neither of them, but to the people. When questioned about his cruelty to Acre's citizens, such as stealing their food, he responded that he was simply preparing his people by taking possession of it, so that it could be rationed for the lean times which the transition to his new world would bring. He also claimed he ruled strictly to give his city order and discipline, as his district was virtually free of crime, and that heavy army conscription instilled his ideals into the people. Altaïr remarked that while William's actions may have been well-intended, they were cruel and could not continue. With his last breath, William said that Altaïr's actions would not free the Holy Land's people, but damn them.

After checking in at the bureau, Altaïr returned to Masyaf, confused and frustrated by his targets' words. There, he confronted Al Mualim and accused his master of deceit, refusing to proceed any further until he was given honest answers. Though furious at Altaïr's outburst, Al Mualim conceded, and told the Assassin of the hidden connection between the nine men: that they were all Templars, and whatever side of the war they claimed to be on, they answered only to Robert de Sablé. Stunned, Altaïr quickly realized the Templars' plan: Talal shipped the slaves to Garnier to be forcefully made into loyal followers, who would then be armed with Tamir's weapons and trained under William, with the entire operation funded by Abu'l. Before Altaïr left, Al Mualim asked how he knew that he would not be killed for his insolence; Altaïr replied that he had not known for sure, and had taken a leap of faith.

A tyrant's execution

Altaïr: "You'd kill people simply for believing differently than you."

Majd: "Of course not! I killed them because I could, because it was fun! Do you know what it feels like, to determine another man's fate? And did you see the way the people cheered? The way they feared me? I was like a God! You'd have done the same if you could. Such power!"

—Majd Addin, speaking to Altaïr regarding the power he held.

Malik advising Altaïr about Majd Addin

Following the death of William of Montferrat, Altaïr was given additional throwing knives and sent to Jerusalem to kill the city's ruler, Majd Addin. When he arrived at the bureau, Malik told him that the city had been in chaos since Saladin left for war and Majd Addin usurped control of Jerusalem, ruling it through intimidation and violence. Altaïr asked for a location to begin his search, which amazed Malik, who expected Altaïr to demand assistance rather than request it. He then named several areas of the Poor District to explore. As Altaïr searched the area, he discovered that Majd Addin enjoyed lecturing his prisoners before personally executing them, turning his back to the crowd as he did so. Altaïr also interrogated a herald spreading propaganda on Majd Addin's behalf, learning that the public executions served as a deliberate veil of fear and uncertainty, meant to discourage dissent against the Templars' plans. Altaïr also overheard from the Jerusalemite local Ahmad that Addin would execute more people later that day, including Ahmad's son.

Majd Addin speaking to the crowd

Altaïr returned to Malik and, bearing the Rafiq's criticism, explained that he would strike during the upcoming execution. Before excusing him, Malik gave Altaïr one more task: save the life of an Assassin that was up for execution by assassinating Majd Addin before the deed could be carried out. The resulting chaos would allow a team of Assassins to save their captured brother, and give Altaïr cover to escape.

At the execution site, Altaïr moved into the audience as Majd Addin appeared, prompting cheers from the crowd. Addin gave a speech about justice and highlighted each of the accused's fabricated crimes. Ahmad was present and charged the stage, insisting on his son's innocence, before he and an accomplice were cut down.

Altaïr stealthily approached the platform. The first prisoner brought forward, a woman condemned as a harlot, maintained that the charge was fabricated in retaliation for her refusal to sleep with Majd Addin. Insisting that she rejected her chance at redemption, Addin killed her and moved to the next victim. As the executions continued, Altaïr mounted the stage and confronted Majd Addin, cutting him down before he could deliver judgement upon his next victim.

Altaïr assassinating Majd Addin

Before delivering the final blow, Altaïr asked whether Addin intended to justify his actions as the other Templars had. Scoffing, Addin insisted he killed simply because he enjoyed it: the thrill of holding another man's fate in his hands, and the adulation it won him from a fearful crowd, claiming that anyone would have done the same, given such power. He admitted that his victims had not been criminals, but dissidents whose voices threatened to disrupt order, conceding that in this, he agreed with the Brotherhood's aims. Altaïr replied that he had once shared that view, until he learned what became of those who raised themselves above others. With that, he drove his Hidden Blade into Addin's throat; even as he lay dying, the tyrant insisted his work had only just begun.

Altaïr then escaped the execution plaza and returned to the bureau to inform Malik of his success. When Malik offered no remark, Altaïr asked, with some sarcasm, why he had no criticism this time. Malik answered that Altaïr had performed as an Assassin should, no better and no worse, and that he found it troubling that Altaïr expected praise merely for doing as he was told.

Upon returning to Masyaf, Altaïr reported to Al Mualim that the Merchant King of Damascus, Majd Addin, and William had all appeared to betray their own leaders rather than aid them, though he could not understand their shared purpose. Al Mualim then revealed the silver orb he had recovered from the Templar treasure, explaining that Robert de Sablé sought to use it to build a Templar empire, a "New World" of perfectly obedient citizens, but could not succeed without it in his possession.

Calling the orb mere temptation, Al Mualim remarked that this "piece of silver" had cast Adam and Eve out of Eden, turned staves into snakes, parted and closed the Red Sea, and enabled Eris to begin the Trojan War, allowing a poor carpenter to turn water into wine. When Altaïr questioned how it worked, Al Mualim explained that whoever held it commanded the hearts and minds of all who beheld it, and that Garnier's experiments with herbs had been an attempt to replicate this enthralling effect. Altaïr vowed that Robert de Sablé must never reclaim it, to which Al Mualim warned that so long as de Sablé and his Templar brethren lived, they would continue trying. He then charged Altaïr with two further targets: Sibrand in Acre, and Jubair al Hakim in Damascus.

Port navigation

"I followed my orders, believing in my cause. Same as you."

―Sibrand's last words.

As a reward for his previous success, Altaïr was gifted with his personal sword and traveled to the ports of Acre to kill the Knights Teutonic's Grand Master Sibrand. Upon further investigation, Altaïr learned that Sibrand had become paranoid with fear of the Assassins due to his Templar comrades' deaths, causing him to see enemies everywhere. He demanded that patrols be doubled and even threatened to withdraw knights from the battlefield to serve as his personal guard. With Sibrand's fear clouding his mind, Altaïr returned to the bureau to report what he knew and gained permission to carry out the assassination.

Sibrand attacking the scholar

Infiltrating the docks, Altaïr came across a commotion: Sibrand had accused a scholar of being an Assassin due to the similarities in their clothing. Though the scholar claimed that the Assassins wore similar robes to instill fear and uncertainty in the people, Sibrand refused to listen, and brutally killed him. Sibrand then told the onlookers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior to the guards, as he doubted that he had seen the last of the Assassins. From there, Sibrand donned his helmet and returned to the safety of his ship to await departure.

Navigating across the water, Altaïr reached Sibrand's vessel and found the Templar shooting arrows across the water and at birds, sure he saw an approaching enemy. Altaïr climbed aboard the vessel, and Sibrand attempted to make an escape. However, after a brief pursuit, the Assassin lunged at his target and drove his blade into Sibrand's throat.

Altaïr assassinating Sibrand

With his dying breath, Sibrand said that he was afraid. Altaïr reassured him that he would be safe in the arms of his God, but the Teutonic leader claimed that only nothingness awaited him; the Templar treasure was the proof he needed that nothing awaited him after death and that this life was all humanity had; this realization was the cause of his fear. He also revealed that he intended to block the ports of Acre to prevent "fool kings and queens" from sending reinforcements when the Templars freed the Holy Land from "the tyranny of faith". Altaïr questioned Sibrand's idea of freedom given the means by which he would achieve it, but Sibrand responded that he followed his orders and believed in his cause, just as Altaïr did with his own.

Back at the bureau, Altaïr questioned the Rafiq about the justness of his task and whether his targets needed to die, saying that they were "misguided, perhaps, but pure in motive." The Rafiq assured Altaïr that regret for the killing of others is only human, but said that the choice of whether they should live or die was above him, and that he should speak with Al Mualim. With that, Altaïr rode for Masyaf to speak to his master.

On his arrival, Al Mualim explained that the men Altaïr had slain, Jubair and Sibrand among them, had paved the way for change and ensured that no old or new threat could intervene against the Brotherhood's true enemy, comparing the Templars to a hydra that would only replace what was severed from it. Al Mualim went on to question Altaïr on the nature of truth, leading the novice to conclude that the world was an illusion which could either be submitted to or transcended, and that nothing was true and everything permitted. Al Mualim then revealed that the Templars sought to use this illusion to reshape the world to their liking and establish a New World Order, a goal that could not be realized so long as even one of them survived.

Book burning

Jubair: "Why? Why have you done this?"

Altaïr: "Men must be free to do what they believe. It is not our right to punish one for thinking what they do, no matter how much we disagree."

—Altaïr to Jubair, speaking of the rights of man.

Altaïr overlooking Jubair and his missionaries

With the success of Sibrand's assassination, Altaïr was rewarded with an upgraded short blade before departing to eliminate a target in Damascus, Jubair al Hakim. However, when he arrived and told the Rafiq of his task, the man found it odd, as Jubair was not a politician but Saladin's Chief Scholar. Despite this, the bureau leader would not question Al Mualim's judgment and explained that the scholar had been very active lately, organizing his scholars and sending them into the streets to preach of "light and fire, cleansing sins". Altaïr was then sent to Damascus' Middle District to find more information.

Altaïr learned that Jubair had been gathering texts and books from the city's people and burning them, calling the writings "dangerous". He also had a group of followers who wore the same robes as he did, with gold embroidery on his cloak and a small pouch as his only distinguishing features. Eavesdropping on a man who wanted to join Jubair's ranks, Altaïr learned that his target had scheduled a meeting with his men that day at the Madrasah Al-Kallāsah in the Middle District. Altaïr returned and told the bureau leader of Jubair's actions and said that he planned to strike during the meeting.

Arriving at the meeting location, Altaïr watched from above as scholars threw books onto a fire, and one pleaded with Jubair to end his vendetta against every written work in Damascus. Jubair said that the books were a weapon used to trap people, but the scholar disagreed, saying that the writings were gifts of knowledge. Jubair questioned who had written the books and whether the authors were trustworthy, stating that they limited the people's view of the world.

He picked up a book and moved toward the fire, only for the scholar to block his way and beg him to stop the madness. Scoffing, Jubair claimed that the man believed in books more than he did in himself, and pushed him into the flames. As the man died, Jubair turned to the rest of the group and asked if any more disagreed with him, prompting no response. The meeting then ended, the scholars splitting up to gather texts and preach across the district.

As the meeting dispersed, the scholars scattered through the district, each clad in robes identical to Jubair's own. However, Altaïr knew his true target would be marked by his rich, golden robes and the pouch he carried, and that he was likely to be found personally attending to his wife's hidden books in a small garden. Searching the area, Altaïr found Jubair in the aforementioned garden, where he was overseeing a particular burning. With the garden's entrance well-guarded, Altaïr scaled the surrounding walls and dropped silently inside, killing Jubair while he was distracted addressing the crowd.

Altaïr assassinating Jubair

In Jubair's last moments, Altaïr told the Templar that free thought could not be forced on the people, but must be taught to them. Jubair protested that they would not learn because they were fixed in their ways and compared himself to the books he had burned, a source of knowledge that Altaïr did not hesitate to remove from the world. Altaïr insisted that Jubair was wrong, but the Templar countered that it was the ancient scrolls which stirred the same righteous fury in Saladin and the Crusader king alike, driving them both into a bloody war. Books, he said, had caused many more deaths than one man ever could.

Funeral for the fallen

Maria: "Robert rides for Arsuf to plead his case that Saracen and Crusader unite against the Assassins."

Altaïr: "That will never happen! They have no reason to."

Maria: "Had perhaps. But now you've given them one. Nine in fact. The bodies you've left behind, victims on both sides. You've made the Assassins an enemy in common and ensured the annihilation of your entire Order. Well done."

—Robert's decoy Maria Thorpe revealing the Templars' plans, 1191.

After the successful assassination in Acre, Altaïr was promoted to the tenth and final rank, and all of his equipment was returned to him. He was then instructed by his master to head for Jerusalem, where he was to confront Robert de Sablé. Upon Altaïr's arrival at the bureau, Malik greeted him respectfully, much to Altaïr's surprise, remarking that fate had a peculiar way of unfolding now that Robert de Sablé himself had come to Jerusalem. Altaïr then set out to learn what he could of Robert in the Middle District of Jerusalem. He discovered that Robert publicly claimed to be attending the funeral of Majd Addin as a gesture of peace between Saracens and Crusaders. With this knowledge, Altaïr reported to the bureau, where Malik granted him leave to act against Robert. Before departing, Altaïr finally offered Malik a long-overdue apology for the loss of his arm and his brother Kadar Al-Sayf during the events at Solomon's Temple. Malik refused to accept it, insisting that the Altaïr who had once accompanied him into the Temple no longer existed, and that he himself shared the blame for his own carelessness.

de Sablé's double at Majd Addin's funeral

As he arrived, he saw that both citizens and soldiers were in attendance for the sermon. Standing beside the presiding imam was Robert de Sablé, along with his men and the Saracen guards assigned to protect them. As Altaïr watched from within the crowd, de Sablé whispered in the imam's ear. The imam then proclaimed that Majd Addin's killer stood amongst the mourners and called for God's justice to be done, exposing the Assassin's presence to all in attendance. As the crowd dispersed in fear, the guards and Robert's men moved to seize Altaïr, forcing him to fight his way through them before turning on the impostor wearing Robert's armour.

Claiming he wished to see de Sablé's eyes before he died, Altaïr removed Robert's helm and was shocked to find Maria Thorpe in his place. She explained that she was a decoy so that the real Robert had enough time to flee. She admitted that, because of Altaïr's meddling, control over the Holy Land began to slip away from the Templars, but de Sablé had seen an opportunity to turn the Assassin's victories against them.

Altaïr releasing Robert's double

Altaïr sneered that the Piece of Eden was still in Al Mualim's possession and that the Assassins could easily repulse Robert's army as they had before. However, the woman explained that de Sablé had ridden to Arsuf, where he would propose that the Saracen and Crusader armies unite against the Assassins, who had robbed both groups of influential figures within their ranks. In response, Altaïr released the woman, saying she was not his target and he would not take her life. He ordered her not to follow him and she claimed she would not, for he was already too late.

Returning to the bureau, Altaïr explained to Malik what had happened, and Malik instructed him to return to Masyaf and seek Al Mualim's counsel. Altaïr refused and said he would ride for Arsuf, as they had no time to waste if they wished to stop de Sablé. Malik claimed that they could not compromise the Brotherhood by acting without the master's permission; however, Altaïr rebuked him for hiding behind the Creed, reminding Malik that he himself had once taught Altaïr that they could never know anything for certain, only suspect, and claimed that Al Mualim was keeping important information from them, particularly regarding the Templars. Altaïr then instructed Malik to head for Masyaf while he himself rode for Arsuf. However, Malik could not leave the city, and Altaïr gave him a new order: scour Jerusalem for information regarding Altaïr's targets that they might have missed. Altaïr and Malik then bid each other farewell, and Altaïr departed for Arsuf.

In pursuit of Robert de Sablé

Main article: Battle of Arsuf

Altaïr speaking with King Richard

Riding on horseback, Altaïr fought his way past archers and guards until he reached King Richard on the battlefield at Arsuf. The monarch, accompanied by Robert de Sablé, initially assumed Altaïr was offering terms of surrender on Saladin's behalf; Altaïr clarified that he had been sent by Al Mualim rather than Saladin, and explained de Sablé's plans for the Holy Land, including overthrowing the king. Richard responded that Robert had told him a different story, and that he merely wished to avenge the murder of several lieutenants in Acre by the Assassins. Altaïr replied that he had killed those men for good reason, as they had become corrupt and were working from Robert's orders alone.

Richard turned to Robert and asked him for the truth; Robert dismissed Altaïr's claims as manipulation typical of the Assassins, and accused him of fearing for the safety of Masyaf against the combined might of the Crusader and Saracen armies. Uncertain whom he should trust, Richard claimed that the decision would be made by God, and instructed the two to fight. Robert reluctantly agreed, and then set half a dozen of his best men against the Assassin. Altaïr swiftly eliminated them, forcing Robert to enter the fray; Robert proved a masterful swordsman and a difficult foe to defeat, but Altaïr was eventually able to strike a fatal blow.

Altaïr assassinating Robert

As Robert lay dying, Altaïr remarked that the Templars' schemes were finally at an end. However, Robert explained that of the nine that Altaïr had killed, there had originally been ten, with the final man being Al Mualim. When Altaïr refused to accept this, Robert questioned how Al Mualim could otherwise have known so much about the Templars — where to find them, their numbers, and their ambitions — and remarked that he and Altaïr were both pawns in the Master's grand game, the only difference between him and Al Mualim being that the latter had not wished to share the Apple. Robert then warned that Altaïr was the only one left for Al Mualim to dispose of, before succumbing to his wounds.

After learning the truth, Altaïr spoke with King Richard, who stated that God was watching over Altaïr, even if he was not a believer. Richard and Altaïr then debated the nature of violence and human will, as well as Altaïr's true motivation for pursuing Robert, with the Assassin maintaining that it was justice rather than vengeance that drove him. Altaïr took his leave soon after, and returned to Masyaf to confront Al Mualim.

Aftermath

Main article: Retaking of Masyaf

When Altaïr reached Masyaf, it at first appeared to be abandoned, but he was quickly besieged by citizens enthralled by the Apple of Eden. Forced to fight off the villagers and a group of afflicted Assassins, Altaïr was soon joined by Malik Al-Sayf and his men, who engaged the thralls and allowed him passage toward the Assassin fortress. Altaïr made his way to the castle gardens, where Al Mualim restrained him with the Apple's power and used it to summon illusory duplicates of the Templars Altaïr had slain, as well as of himself, in an attempt to defeat him. However, by employing his Eagle Vision, Altaïr was able to see through the illusions and ultimately strike down his former master. Before dying, Al Mualim explained his motive: he believed that, so long as men retained free will, peace would remain impossible, and that the illusions cast by the Apple were no different from the divine illusions already followed by the Saracens and Crusaders, save that his demanded less bloodshed. With Al Mualim's death, Altaïr took possession of the Apple of Eden, electing to spare it from destruction in the hope that its power might yet be turned toward some good. In the years to follow, Altaïr became Mentor and ushered in a great new era in the Assassin Order's history, drastically changing the way it operated throughout the world.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed (mobile game) (non-canon)
• Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade
• Assassin's Creed: Memories (indirect mention only)
• Assassin's Creed: Rebellion – The Eagle's Shadow
• Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game (indirect mention only)