Battle of Arsuf

The Battle of Arsuf was a confrontation between the forces of Saladin, and King Richard I of England. The conflict took place in the September of 1191. In July, Crusader forces had gained control of the port city of Acre. This enhanced the Crusaders' fighting force to no end, as it allowed for reinforcements and supplies to be received via the sea.

King Richard led an attack on the Saracens at Arsuf personally, leaving the city of Acre in the hands of three of his most trusted men. Meanwhile, he led a march to the south, with the aim to flank the Saracen combatants. The battle was the first major defeat of the Saracens during the Crusades, greatly raising the morale of the European army.

The Departure

Following the occurrences at Majd Addin's funeral, the Assassin, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad fled to the Assassin's Bureau in Jerusalem to inform Malik A-Sayf ‒ the Dai ‒ of Robert de Sable's trap, set for him. When Altaïr arrived, Malik claimed he had heard some details about the events of the funeral, and asked for further information. Altaïr inferred to Malik that Robert had sent a decoy, who claimed that Robert rode for Arsuf to plead his case to King Richard and Saladin, to unite them together against the Assassin Order, as Altaïr had killed nine men, important to both leaders.

Though Malik was of the opinion that they should report to Al Mualim about this, Altaïr disagreed, stating that by the time they would have reached Masyaf Robert would already have succeeded. Malik, though reluctant, agreed with Altaïr, wishing him safety and peace on his mission, and to be careful. Altaïr assured Malik he would be and made his departure, on good terms with the Dai. Leaving Jerusalem and riding through the Kingdom on horseback. First travelling through both Saracen and Crusader camps, Altaïr eventually arrived at Arsuf. There the battle had already begun... The Assassin prepared to face the Templar Knight head on.

Arsuf under battle

"Hashashin!"

―A Saracen soldier upon spotting an approaching Altaïr, 1191.

With Altaïr's arrival, so too came a Crusader advance. The Saracens lay an ambush for the advancing army, cornering them while their archers shot at the soldiers from above. Meanwhile, seeking King Richard's lieutenant, Robert de Sable, Altaïr reached the outskirts of Arsuf, and broke through the lines fighting off numerous Saracen soldiers, who had overrun the Crusader's camp. Escaping Saracen archers and soldiers, Altaïr successfully reached the camp, where he fought off yet more foot soldiers, in order to reach Robert, who was conversing with Richard.

Confronting the Crusaders

Robert's true colours

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Altaïr explains the truth about Robert to Richard.

Altaïr finally reached King Richard, and discovered Robert to be standing at his side. Invited into the heavily-guarded camp, the Assassin was surrounded by knights as he was questioned. Richard assumed that Saladin had sent Altaïr to either inform him of their surrender, or to have him assassinated. Altaïr explained that he had not come to kill Richard, and that Robert was his true target. Richard replied that he supported de Sable in his campaign of revenge against the Assassins, as it had been responsible for the death of his best men.

The Assassin claimed personal responsibility for their deaths, but argued that his actions were for good reason. The other Crusader leaders, Garnier de Naplouse, William of Montferrat, and Sibrand, were responsible for several corrupt and traitorous practices. He went on to exclaim that Richard should have suspected such acts from them. Richard took consideration of the Assassin's points and turned to his lieutenant for input. Robert dismissed Altaïr's words, saying that they should not trust him, as his reasoning was only a means of protecting his fortress from the combined might of the Saracen and Crusader armies. Altaïr claimed that he had no reason to deceive, and if his sacrifice was necessary for peace in the Holy Land, he would accept it. Richard was unsure of who spoke the truth, and thus instructed the two to fight in a duel to see who God would side with.

A Knight's duel

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Robert's demise.

Altaïr first faced several of Robert's knights ‒ although challenged, the Assassin killed them all. Robert then charged into the fight, to confront Altaïr himself. Robert attacked with speed and power, blocking and countering incoming attacks from Altaïr. However, the Asssassin proved himself to be of a greater level of skill, eventually cutting the Templar Grand Master down.

Before passing away, Robert revealed the truth about Al Mualim's allegiances, and stated the irony of Altaïr's pursuit of him and his comrades. Though they were his enemies, they had indirectly helped the Assassin transcend the illusions of reality, thus strengthening his mind and will to resist the Piece of Eden. Afterwards, Altaïr had a brief conversation with King Richard about all that he had done, just to kill Robert. Richard mused over the violent, unruly nature of people, and of God's support for the Assassin. Altaïr responded that he had not won because of the will of God, that he killed the nine not for revenge, but justice. Altaïr then departed from the King to confront his master at Masyaf.

Aftermath

Assassins

Al Mualim began to take over the minds of his subjects in Masyaf, with the Apple of Eden he then possessed. Altaïr returned to the Assassin fortress, to confront his master, foil the man's plans, and retake Masyaf.

Crusader Army

The battle of Arsuf was a valiant conflict between two armies. In the end, however, the Crusaders were able to secure victory with their casualties amounting to 700 men. The Saracens, however, suffered heavy losses, with the deaths of approximately 7,000 soldiers.

Source

Assassin's Creed