Eavesdropping (Masun)

Eavesdropping was a virtual representation of one of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's genetic memories, relived by Desmond Miles in 2012 through the Animus.

Description

Altaïr awakened in Al Mualim's study in Masyaf, surprised that he was still alive. Al Mualim then explained that killing Altaïr would be a waste of time and potential, and offered the young Assassin a chance to atone for his past transgressions, enabling him to regain his former status.

Dialogue

Altaïr awoke, disoriented, in Al Mualim's study, with his Master standing before him.

• Altaïr: I am... alive? But I saw you stab me... felt death's embrace.
• Al Mualim: You saw what I wanted you to see, and then you slept the sleep of the dead. Of the womb, that you might awake, and be reborn.
• Altaïr: To what end?
• Al Mualim: Do you remember, Altaïr, what it is the Assassins fight for?
• Altaïr: Peace, in all things.
• Al Mualim: Yes, in all things. It is not enough to end the violence one man commits upon another. It refers to peace within as well. You cannot have one without the other.
• Altaïr: So it is said.

Al Mualim offering Altaïr a chance to atone

• Al Mualim: So it is! But you my son, have not found inner peace! It manifests in ugly ways! You are arrogant and overconfident.
• Altaïr: Were you not the one to say that nothing is true and everything is permitted?
• Al Mualim: You do not understand the true meaning of the phrase, my child. It does not grant you the freedom to do as you wish, it is a knowledge meant to guide your senses. It expects a wisdom you clearly lack!
• Altaïr: Then what is to become of me?
• Al Mualim: I should kill you for the pain you brought upon us. Malik thinks it only fair – your life in exchange for his brother's. But this would be a waste of my time and your talents. You'll see that you have been stripped of your possessions. Your rank as well. You are a novice, a child once more, as you were on the day you first joined our Order. I am offering you a chance at redemption. You'll earn your way back into the Brotherhood.
• Altaïr: I assume you've something planned.
• Al Mualim: First you must prove to me you remember how to be an Assassin.
• Altaïr: So you'd have me take a life?
• Al Mualim: No. Not yet, at least. For now you are to become a student once again.
• Altaïr: There is no need for this!
• Al Mualim: Others tracked your targets for you, but no more. From today on you will track them yourself.
• Altaïr: If this is what you wish.
• Al Mualim: It is.
• Altaïr: Then tell me what it is that I must do.
• Al Mualim: We have been betrayed. Someone was assisting Robert de Sablé. One of our own. You must find him and bring him here for questioning.
• Altaïr: What can you tell me of the traitor?
• Al Mualim: Ah, but that's just it. I've given you all I will. The rest is up to you.

Altaïr left the study and passed through the fortress' courtyard. An Informant was waiting for him near the gates.

Altaïr meeting with an Informant

• Informant: Safety and peace, Altaïr.
• Altaïr: You're in my way.
• Informant: Yes, Al Mualim has asked that I assist you. Remind you how it is we hunt our prey.
• Altaïr: I know how it works.
• Informant: Be that as it may, I have no desire to disobey.
• Altaïr: Then be quick!
• Informant: The Assassiyun have many tools at their disposal.
• Altaïr: Yes, yes. We can eavesdrop, we can pickpocket, or we can use violence to intimidate.
• Informant: Good, you remember.
• Altaïr: So you'd have me walk amongst the others and learn what I can about the traitor?
• Informant: Yes. Begin by going to the village market. That's where we first spotted the traitor.
• Altaïr: You know who it is?
• Informant: Perhaps.
• Altaïr: Then give me a name and let's be done with it.
• Informant: That's not the way it works. Now go, and remember: begin your search in the village market.

Altaïr explored the village and eventually found his target. Sitting down on a nearby bench to stay inconspicuous, he remained at a good distance to listen in on the conversation between two villagers.

Altaïr eavesdropping on the villagers

• Villager 1: I know what I saw. Masun opened the gate. He let the Templars in!
• Villager 2: Then you must tell Al Mualim!
• Villager 1: I can't! Masun did not act alone. Someone inside the fortress helped him.
• Villager 2: What makes you say this?
• Villager 1: He exchanges letters with someone inside. The basket weaver carries them for him.
• Villager 2: That's no reason to stay silent.
• Villager 1: Ah! But the weaver delivered him a letter just before the attack. I suspect it held the order to open the gate.
• Villager 2: Then speak to the weaver! He can name Masun's accomplice!
• Villager 1: He's disappeared! Hiding for fear of being dragged into this!
• Villager 2: Ha! Probably inside of one of his own baskets!

Outcome

Altaïr discovered the identity of the traitor and the fact that he did not act alone.

References

• Assassin's Creed