Two years later, Altaïr and his family returned and Abbas tried to trick them into believing Malik was the killer. Altaïr didn't believe it, and infiltrated the prison to rescue Malik. He brought Malik, who was in a bad condition, back to their residence, where he revealed the truth about what had happened. After having made sure he was asleep, Altaïr and Maria left Malik in their residence to confront Abbas. However, in their absence, Abbas' spy [[Swami]] had killed and beheaded Malik and put his head in a burlap sack, which he delivered to Abbas whilst being confronted by Altaïr and Maria.
Two years later, Altaïr and his family returned and Abbas tried to trick them into believing Malik was the killer. Altaïr didn't believe it, and infiltrated the prison to rescue Malik. He brought Malik, who was in a bad condition, back to their residence, where he revealed the truth about what had happened. After having made sure he was asleep, Altaïr and Maria left Malik in their residence to confront Abbas. However, in their absence, Abbas' spy [[Swami]] had killed and beheaded Malik and put his head in a burlap sack, which he delivered to Abbas whilst being confronted by Altaïr and Maria.
Altaïr, many years later, met Malik's son, Tazim Al-Sayf, and together, aided by other assassins still loyal to Altaïr, killed Abbas and ruled the Assassin Order once again, presumably with Tazim as his right-hand man.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade" />
Altaïr, many years later, met Malik's son, Tazim Al-Sayf, and together, aided by other assassins still loyal to Altaïr, killed Abbas and ruled the Assassin Order once again, presumably with Tazim as on of his most trusted assassin.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade" />
==Characteristics and personality==
==Characteristics and personality==
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This article is about Malik Al-Sayf. You may be looking for his son.
Malik Al-Sayf[2] (Arabic: مالك السيف) was an Assassin of the Hashashin order and a fearsome warrior in combat. His younger brother was also a member of the Hashashin, though he ranked far below Malik.
During the prime of his life, Malik rose to a high position of the order. His fellow Assassin, Altair, was still more highly-ranked than Malik when Altair foolishly disobeyed the tennants of their order. Altair's mistakes caused Malik to lose his position, brother and ability as an Assassin. After Altaïr killed Al Mualim and became Grand Master of the Assassin Order, Malik became Altaïr's second-in-command.
Malik, his brother Kadar and Altaïr were tasked by Al Mualim to retrieve the Templar Treasure; later found to be the Apple of Eden. Soon after their arrival at Solomon's Temple, Altair willingly disobeyed the Creed of the Assassins, inflaming Malik with his blatant disregard for their way of life.[3]
Eventually Altaïr's stubbornness, attitude and arrogance led to the failure of the mission. Malik and Kadar were forced to defend themselves from a great number of Templar soldiers, resulting in Kadar's death and the fatal injury to Malik's left arm. Malik managed to steal the Treasure and escape with his life. The Templars followed Malik to Masyaf and unleashed an attack on the village protected by the Assassins. Malik informed the Grand Master Assassin, Al Mualim, of Altair's treachery and presented him with the Treasure. This was the last time that Malik was witnessed with his left arm, implying that it was amputated due to the massive bleeding of his wound.[3]
When first encountering Altaïr in Jerusalem after the mission in Solomon's Temple, Malik made no effort to disguise his new-found hatred of Altaïr. He pointed out even the most subtle flaws of his technique, and the slight haughtiness of his attitude whenever possible, resulting in an unpleasant meeting between the two as they discussed the assassination of Talal.[3]
Even though the assassination was a success, Malik heavily criticized Altaïr for triggering the city alarm, and for alerting the citizens of Jerusalem of Talal's demise.[3]
Jerusalem: Second Visit
Malik and Altaïr in the Jerusalem Bureau.
Altaïr: "It seems everything I do troubles you."
Malik: "Reflect on that. But do so on your way to Masyaf."
Though his cold attitude toward Altaïr had gone through little to no change, Malik expressed a small level of satisfaction when Altaïr asked for his advice, and began to respect the Creed more. After the successful assassination of Majd Addin, he remarked that Altaïr had performed just as an Assassin should - no more, no less.[3]
Jerusalem: Third Visit
"We are one; as we share the glory of our victories, so too we share the pain of defeat. In this way, we grow closer, we grow stronger."
―Malik before Altaïr leaves to assassinates Robert.[src]
When Altaïr visited Malik for the final time in Jerusalem, the easily angered and quick to criticize Malik had changed, speaking to Altaïr as a fellow Assassin rather than the failure that had caused the tragedy in Solomon's Temple.[3]
After the skirmish at the funeral of Majd Addin, Malik and Altaïr had a quick, heated argument over whether to chase Robert de Sable to Arsuf, or to return to Masyaf to seek the wisdom of Al Mualim. Altaïr argued that Malik used the Creed as a shield, and thus did not see the entire truth, but what Al Mualim wanted him to see. He then suggested that Malik learn more about the Apple of Eden from the people of Jerusalem, while he hunted down Robert.[3]
Before his departure, Altaïr apologized for his failure at Solomon's Temple. Malik refused to accept it; however, he clarified that this was because he felt that the Altaïr who stood before him at that moment was not the same one that had caused their defeat at Solomon's Temple and thus held no guilt.[3]
Soon afterwards, Malik returned to Solomon's Temple and discovered the journal of Robert de Sable, which recorded the findings of the Apple by the ten Templars, including Al Mualim. Finally convinced of the Master's betrayal, he traveled to Masyaf to aid Altaïr in retaking the fortress, bringing with him several Assassins under his command.[3]
—Altaïr and Malik parting ways during the invasion of Masyaf[src]
Malik arrived at the city in time to rescue Altaïr, who was under attack by several hypnotized Assassin guards. After a brief exchange with his Brother, he then led an assault at the back of the fortress, in order to distract the fortress' troops and allow Altaïr to personally deal with Al Mualim.[3]
Following the duel, Malik caught up to Altaïr in time to witness the Apple of Eden displaying a holographic map of the world.[3]
Later life
"I have also worked with Malik to describe new methods of assassination: from on high, from ledges, and from hiding places. Basic movements, but critical nonetheless."
Soon after Al Mualim had been brought to justice, Malik became Altaïr's right-hand man, while Altaïr in turn was promoted to Grand Master of their Order. The two went on to work together to discover new assassination techniques, which Altaïr noted down in his personal journal.[4]
Additionally, Altaïr began to delve into the secrets of the Apple of Eden, studying it for days at a time. Malik, however, suggested forgetting about trying to understand the artifact, and insisted that Altaïr should simply lock it away.[4]
In 1217, Altaïr, his wife Maria and their son Darim left for Mongolia to deal with the rising and threatening Genghis Khan, and Malik was left in control of the order. Eight years later, Abbas Sofian, another high-ranking Assassin, staged a coup in which he had Altaïr's other son Sef killed and had the murder weapon put in Malik's bed; thus making everyone believe Malik was the killer. In addition, one of Abbas' spies claimed to have heard Malik and Abbas argue the same day. Abbas had Malik thrown into the prison located in the dungeons below Masyaf.[2]
Two years later, Altaïr and his family returned and Abbas tried to trick them into believing Malik was the killer. Altaïr didn't believe it, and infiltrated the prison to rescue Malik. He brought Malik, who was in a bad condition, back to their residence, where he revealed the truth about what had happened. After having made sure he was asleep, Altaïr and Maria left Malik in their residence to confront Abbas. However, in their absence, Abbas' spy Swami had killed and beheaded Malik and put his head in a burlap sack, which he delivered to Abbas whilst being confronted by Altaïr and Maria.
Altaïr, many years later, met Malik's son, Tazim Al-Sayf, and together, aided by other assassins still loyal to Altaïr, killed Abbas and ruled the Assassin Order once again, presumably with Tazim as on of his most trusted assassin.[2]
Characteristics and personality
Malik is a harsh, yet wise Assassin who dislikes Altaïr due to his skill and rank in the guild, as well as his arrogant attitude. However, he slowly gains respect for Altaïr as he changes on his quest to redeem himself.[3]
At first, Malik's devotion to the Creed and Al Mualim is unbreakable, unwavering and somewhat blind. Over time though, he learns to see beyond it, and discover the truth for himself.[3]
Trivia
Malik returning from Solomon's Temple with his arm heavily wounded.
In Arabic, "Malik" means "king" or "owner," while "Al-sayf" means "the sword." Put together, "Malik A[l]-Sayf" means "King or Owner of the Sword."
The more common surname is "Al-Sayf," but due to Arabic grammar rules, the name in the in-game credits is written as "A-Sayf," the way it is pronounced.
Malik is the only Assassin who is seen wearing an almost identical outfit to Altaïr's in Assassin's Creed. In this outfit, he is also equipped with a Hidden Blade, though his ring finger is still intact. The reason for this is unknown.
It is unknown how Malik got in or out of the Bureau after the loss of his left arm.
During the first visit to Jerusalem, if Altaïr lingers in the Bureau before going to the assassination target, Malik will comment on why he has not already left. He sarcastically remarks: "Thinking of another great plan, Altaïr? Like the one back at Solomon's Temple?!"
It is possible to throw Malik off the cliff right before he and his men run past Altaïr before the final boss fight. Doing this has no effect on the game, and he still reappears during the credits to look at the Apple of Eden.
