User blog:Lucan07/Fanfiction:Descendant

==Descendant ==

Characters: Aetiun a 17 year old rank Five Assassin just high enough to be an Apprentice he is yet to be chosen though.

Teven: A Novice who is near to getting his first sword and is twelve years old.

Jevan: A 18 year old Assassin Apprentice preferring strong attacks and backhand wielding with his Short blade.

Nivian: A 17 year old Apprentice who prefers fast but light attacks with his Short blade.

Bevon: An annoying 16 year old Apprentice who doesn’t like Aetiun.

Chapter One

Aetiun awoke to the sound of bells ringing out from atop Masyaf’s tallest tower, he quickly rolled out of bed and pulled on his gray robes gathering his sword and strapping it on he prepared himself for a long day of boring guard duty on Masyaf’s fortress walls he had gotten himself into that position when he tripped a novice into a Master Assassin which got them both on wall duty, for that Aetiun felt a little better but that soon disappeared when he got outside, it was boiling hot and wall duty would not be fun, he was distracted from his thoughts when he heard the yell of the Taskmaster “Hurry up Aetiun while we’re young!” this elicited a few badly concealed laughs from the other Apprentices who were already lined up ready for wall duty, he lined up with them and with that the Taskmaster sent them off to wall duty. Aetiun trudged up and down the wall determined to do his job well he was relieved when he got to do one of the tower shifts instead of the open wall, he concealed it from the other Apprentice who he was switching with because he knew in an hour he would have to switch with a different Apprentice and he would be back on wall duty with most of the other young low ranked Assassins, he started climbing the ladder ‘I wonder why its called the Tower of Trials’ he thought to himself whilst climbing he had nearly reached the top of the ladder when he started and nearly fell off the second to last rung on the ladder when he heard a voice next to his head “Aaahh little Aetiun so you finally got yourself put on wall duty and why would that be?” he looked up to see an older Assassin guard looking down at him “Well at least I’m not up hear nearly the whole day three days a week” he retorted, the guard made a grumbling noise and didn’t say any more, Aetiun finished climbing the ladder and went to one of the platforms that stuck out from atop the tower, the birds scattered when he sat down on the platform peering over the edge cautiously ‘Wow that’s high’ he thought to himself, he looked a bit harder and saw huge stacks of hay below “What are they for” he asked the nearest guard whilst pointing down “This tower is where the high ranking Assassins jump from to become Masters” the guard replied ‘Hmmm well that clears that up’ Aetiun thought, he looked right and saw the narrow path that lead up to the Fortress and saw a messenger running full speed trying not to run into anyone which he failed at and tripped he staggered trying to keep his balance and whacked into someone else falling over the messenger hurriedly got up quickly muttering and ran into through the gateway, Aetiun was curious but couldn’t see anymore so he sat down he took his sword out of its scabbard and started cleaning the blade slowly like he had been taught to do after he finished cleaning the blade he moved onto the hilt and crossguard once they were clean he went to put the sword away when in the reflection on the blade he saw a eagle swooping by he looked up fascinated by how it worked its way through the air he watched it until it dived down into the ravine filled with water “I bet it dived to catch a fish or something” he muttered to himself before sheathing his sword and standing up, it was nearly time to change shifts he looked out into the ravine one last time when something caught his eye he peered harder trying to see what it was ‘it reflects sunlight so it must be metal or something’ he thought to himself, he walked towards the ladder he swung himself down onto the ladder and went down it slowly in no hurry to be out on the walls again ‘I know ill ask to be put on water duty later then I might get to see what it was’ he thought to himself as he let go and dropped the last two feet to the ground he turned around and walked towards the doorway, just then the Novice who would be on the tower shift burst through the doorway nearly bumping into Aetiun “Whoops sorry” the boy around ten said out of breath Aetiun stood for a minute letting the boy catch his breath “Your Teven right?” Aetiun said “Yes that’s me anyway I was sent to tell you by the older boys that another group of Apprentices have been chosen for wall duty they knocked someone onto the Master Assassin table at breakfast and Miridis wasn’t happy with them and sent them for wall duty” the boy said grinning slightly “That’s good no more blistering heat” Aetiun stated heading slowly for the door “Well that’s not really true” Teven said slowly and hesitantly “Hmmm wait what?” Aetiun demanded “Well as you missed training because of wall duty you have to train when you get back” replied Teven quickly Aetiun sighed “Oh well ill have to go to the bath house after training then” he said “The shadows mostly over the training ring though” the boy said “Ah well that’s good anyway we best be going don’t want to have to wait for training” Aetiun replied lightly pushing the boy forwards by the shoulder, soon they reached the courtyard where training took place, Aetiun walked up to the edge of the training ring where the other Assassins were waiting to be trained, he looked into the ring to see who was training it was two Apprentices Jevan and Nivian they were fighting with short blades Jevan was fighting backhand and Nivian was fighting forehand, Nivian swung first bring his blade down in an arc Jevan brought his blade up above his head to deflect the blow the blades connected sending out a loud clang, Jevan aimed a kick at Nivian’s stomach Nivian twisted narrowly avoiding the kick Jevan left an opening with the kick and Nivian exploited it he swung his blade right to left the blade cut into Jevan’s tunic nearly cutting into the skin Jevan jumped back in surprise and Nivian came forwards stabbing fast Jevan used his strength to his to advantage knocking the blow away leaving Nivian wide open Jevan swung his fist into Nivian’s side which caused the younger Assassin to stagger sideways Jevan swung his leg into the side of Nivian’s shin and trying to trip his opponent up but Nivian seemed to be expecting this as he let his leg swing with it causing Jevan to swing too far spinning himself around Nivian saw the opportunity and swung hard enough to cut but not enough to badly wound, the blade swung towards Jevan’s side but missed by an inch because he was off balanced Jevan reached down and grabbed Nivian’s arm and pulled him forwards causing Nivian to fall on his face Jevan crouched down with his blade laying on the back of the younger Assassins neck “Dead” he pronounced standing back up they both walked out of the ring and another Apprentice walked in “Aetiun you and Bevon!” yelled the Combat Master, Aetiun swung himself over the side of the ring and pulled his sword from it’s scabbard holding it in front of him Bevon did the same, Aetiun carefully watched his opponent he saw Bevon’s eyes flick left he prepared himself to block a blow from the left without it seeming so, Bevon swung Aetiun ducked under the blow kicking Bevon as he spun around Bevon tripped sideways nearly falling over the rail that ran around the edge of the ring he pushed himself off the rail Aetiun saw his chance and swung down hard Bevon brought his blade up to block which he barely managed Aetiun saw the blow nearly broke through Bevon’s defence he kicked Bevon in the sensitive area Bevon bent over and Aetiun brought his pommel down on Bevon’s head hard enough to knock him to the ground but not enough to knock him out “Dead” he pronounced “Nicely done Aetiun smooth and quick” called out the Combat Master, Bevon pushed himself up off the ground grumbling and rubbing the back of his head “Go get some ice Bevon” said Aetiun quietly helping Bevon to his feet the younger Apprentice took the help put shrugged Aetiun off once he had gotten to his feet and stormed off, Aetiun swung himself out of the ring and headed for the castle once inside he headed for the path that led down into the ravine, it was a steep and winding path with lots of sharp corners he nearly bumped into a few servants getting water on the way down but managed to flatten himself against the wall in time to not trip them over and cause a mess, eventually he reached the bottom of the path barred by a metal reinforced gate he took the key from the wall hanger and opened the gate, he walked down the sandbar on the other side of the door to the waters edge and saw the object he had seen from the tower earlier it was in the on the other side of the deep fast moving water on a on a large sandbank under the shade of the cliff on that side it was obscured by a rock but it seemed box shaped, he reached down into the water testing the depth it was cold and deep “Hmm about waist height” he said to himself he took a last look at the gate behind him before turning around and wading into cold water it was and it seemed ages before he got to a sandbank in the middle of the river to rest he sat looking at the object curiously wondering what it was he stood up and once again stepped into the water he nearly tripped twice but managed to keep his balance he knew if he tripped it would be his last move because about a hundred feet down the river there was rapids and after that a fifty foot waterfall with flat hard rocks at the bottom, he finally reached the over side and carefully looked around the rock he dodged back narrowly avoiding the sword that swung past his head, he drew his sword and quickly stepped around the rock to see a Templar Knight his armor torn and a deep gash down his side and dried blood on his tunic he recoiled In shock but then forced his fear down he had to stay calm if he was fighting a Templar Knight if he didn’t the Templar would defeat him easily but if he stayed came he had a fair chance with the Templar being injured, Aetiun watched the Templar, carefully waiting for him to swing but the Templar looked determined not to swing first “Take a swing if you think you can beat me boy!” the Templar taunted, Aetiun swung at the insult angered by the knights words the Templar must have been expecting this though as he easily sidestepped and kicked Aetiun viciously in the back of the leg he fell to the ground and the Templar brought his sword down Aetiun managed to roll sideways the dodge the blow and kicked at the mans shin “Ugh you little pest!” exclaimed the Templar recoiling in pain Aetiun quickly jumped to his feet readying his sword to block the knights next blow the man swung hard left to right Aetiun ducked under the mans arm and swung at the back of the his legs the blow landed hard knocking off one of the armoured plates that rested on the back of each boot, the Templar nearly tripped grunting with the force of the blow to the back of his leg, Aetiun quickly sprung away as the angry Knight spun around swinging his sword wildly “Hah not so big and mighty now are we” Aetiun taunted knowing that the Templar would most likely lunge wildly he was right the Templar stabbed forwards Aetiun dodged left and grabbed the Knights arm and threw him over his shoulder into the rock that the Templar had been hiding behind his head connected making a loud BONG! Aetiun quickly brought his sword down ensuing a fast and painless end for the Knight he walked over the knight picking up his sword and taking his helmet “Ah so this must have been what the glinting was” he said holding up the helmet in the light, he searched the Templar’s pack finding a few coins a knife or two and a bit of bread he took the coins and the knives and saw a vellum wrapped letter hidden beneath the knives pulling it out he examined the seal “This looks important I should bring this to the Master” he muttered to himself whilst stowing the knives coins and letter in his bag, he took the bread and chewed on it before crossing the fast moving water careful to keep the bag containing the letter above his head, he made it to the door and was glad he hadn’t shut it behind him he closed it and locked it behind him he started walking up the passage way dripping as he went when he reached the top he was mostly dry he wrung his hood out before leaving the passage and went to the main area of the Castle he told the guard that he needed to see the Master and was sent up the stairs, he walked carefully so he didn’t bump into any of the numerous Assassin Scholars pouring over their books combing them for any knowledge that might have been missed or forgotten he reached the Masters desk the Master was discussing something with the one armed rafiq known as Malik, he listened knowing he shouldn’t but all he pieced together was that the Master wanted Malik to go back to Jerusalem, when they had finished Malik walked away and down the stairs the Master turned to Aetiun “Yes?” the Master asked Aetiun bowed his head quickly before replying “Master I found this” and handing the vellum wrapped letter to the Master “Where did you get this?” the Master asked quickly “I found a Templar down the ravine where the servants collect the water he attacked me and bested him because of his injury” Aetiun replied, at this the Masters eyebrows went up slightly “Impressive do you have anything of this Templar Knight?” “I have these” Aetiun pulled out the helmet from his bag and the sword from his belt putting them on the table “Interesting” the Master said slowly and thoughtfully “Anyway you are dismissed good job with the Templar” the Master said somewhat distracted “Thank you Master Altair” and with that he jogged down the stairs and went to the kitchen to pester the Mistress for some scraps of bread and soup for a snack as it was two hours to lunch , he ran full speed out of the kitchen as one of the servants tried to hit him with a broom he swiftly dodged it and nearly tripped on the step but recovered and continued running down the hall until he reached the fortresses Main Hall “Aetiun!” he heard someone behind him yell he whipped around to look at the man dressed in the tunic of a messenger “Yes what is it?” he replied curiously “The Master says you must go to Jerusalem because you have an assassination to perform” the messenger said slowly “Okay I will leave tomorrow” “No it has to be today the Master said so” the man said “Very well I will leave…now” with that Aetiun walked towards the stable and saddled his horse after that he secured his sword sheath onto the side of the horses saddle then he walked over to the fountain just back inside the gate and filled his waterskin and another in case he couldn’t find a lake or river for them to drink from, he mounted Talmaras and trotted past the stone arches near the boundary of Masyaf and before speeding up through the cliffs that came close together at the very edge of the Masyaf boundary he slowed down fast when he saw two guards standing by a camp and a large wagon outside the cliff path that lead out of Masyaf ‘Hmm there are never usually guards this close to Masyaf’ he slowly walked up to them on his horse he was twenty feet away when the guards noticed him “Come here!” the first guard called “He comes from Masyaf he’s most likely an assassin” the two men whispered quickly as he trotted up to them slowing down “Yes?” he questioned “Off you horse” the first guard said “Slowly” the second guard added Aetiun gently climbed off his horse and stood facing the men “What’s your name boy?” said the second guard ‘No harm in telling them its not like they’ll be alive to tell anyone’ “Aetiun” he replied “Hmm doesn’t sound familiar you recognise it Lwkas?” “Nope” the two men pondered over the name for a few moments before saying “Do you come from Masyaf?” guard number one asked “Yes obliviously” the two guards drew the swords attached to their belts and raised them to his throat “You are under arrest” guard number one said “And why is that?” Aetiun asked dryly “Because…because your from Masyaf and that’s where the filthy Assassin dogs are from” “Fair enough” he replied “Now slowly raise your hands” Aetiun slowly brought his hands up and when his right hand was level with the first guards throat he spread his hand there was a click and the assassins blade flew out and into the guards neck, the guard fell backwards slowly and hit the ground “Ymyt Klb Qdhr!” exclaimed the second guard angrily before swinging his sword at Aetiuns head he quickly ducked underneath the blow and swung at the guards back the blade missed by a hairs breadth the guard swung around more controlled then he was at first he stepped back slightly to allow more time to block and strike holding his blade in front of him Aetiun prepared himself for the guards next strike after a few moments the guard attempted to goad him into attacking “Come on enough of this don’t be a coward…Attack!” Aetiun swung down hard the guard brought his blade up to block and grunted from the force of the impact nearly dropping his sword Aetiun used this to his advantage and swung the pommel of his sword into the guards stomach the guard grunted as the pommel impacted causing him to stagger backwards leaning against the wagon to steady himself he paused for a few moments with his sword in front of him before pushing off the wagon and lunging with the gained momentum Aetiun barely sidestepped it in time he vertically slashed at the guard the two blades connecting in the air with sparks the guards blade was above his head horizontally and Aetiuns pushing down on it vertically they both pushed hard trying to overpower each other but they both knew that it was about who tired first as they both matched each other in strength Aetiun felt the guard shift his sword the weight lightened slightly and that was enough Aetiun quickly switched the sword to his left hand and spread his hand the Hidden Blade flew out and locked in place before Aetiun thrust the blade towards the guards stomach it went in the guards face contorted in surprise and he fell backwards making a loud “Thud!” noise Aetiun quickly searched the two guards bodies finding nothing of importance he walked over to his horse patting to calm It down before mounting it and riding on towards Jerusalem.

It was four hours before he finally stopped in a village to rest and feed his horse, he led it to the nearby river running in the shadow of a large tower and let it drink looking right further down the river he saw more horses tethered to posts in the ground and drinking then turning left to the large tower he decided to climb it to reveal the lay of the land and any possible ambushes or knight patrols to look out for, quickly walking to the side facing the cliff face he climbed the wall fast so not to be seen and stood on the beam that stuck out the top to help winch things up he looked around quickly using his Eagle Vision to scan the surroundings he saw that the soldiers below had noticed his horse and had gone over to investigate “Damn” he cursed under his breath then pulling one of his short blades from the cross sheath on his back he quickly cut the winch rope causing the platform and all the heavy crates on it to fall on three unfortunate soldiers scattering swords and armor all over the ground causing half the soldiers guarding the tower in the camp to come running to investigate the noise “Pull this one out he’s still alive” commanded the Captain of the soldiers “Heave men lift those crates we mustn’t lose anymore weapons otherwise you’ll face the wrath of my whip and the words and punishment of the Master!” the man bellowed, at this Aetiun was intrigued ‘Master?’ he knew the soldiers had captains and generals but not Masters just then a soldier looked up “Hey what’s that!” Aetiun quickly scrambled back from the edge but it was too late “Someones up there, get up there NOW!” Aetiun peered down to see the soldiers disappearing into the tower, he heard the noise of men climbing the ladder just then he felt a push on the trap door he stomped down on it he heard a “Aaaaahhh!!” and then a splat as the soldier fell off the ladder and onto the stone floor forty feet beneath them, “Break that hatch men!” at that a sword stabbed through the wood nearly stabbing into Aetiuns foot he quickly jumped back glancing around he saw a haystack at the base of the tower wasting no time he sprinted towards the edge and jumped he hung in the air for a moment before plummeting down he flipped in the air and saw guards climbing the ladder up to where he had been moments before then his view was obscured by the hay he vaulted out of the hay pounding towards his horse he swung himself onto the horses back and heard shouts of anger behind him as he galloped away as all the guards were at the tower he met no resistance that day he slowed his horse down at the base of a cliff dismounting he led it up the steep side into a high cave reaching the cave he took his supplies of the horse’s back laying his simple bedroll down on the caves floor he untacked his horse before falling lightly asleep

Chapter 2: The Journey to Jerusalem

He rose early in the morning eager to get to Jerusalem he stood up rolling his shoulders a few times to relieve the tension, packing his bedroll onto his horses back he led the horse down the cliff face careful not to slip on any loose stones when he reached the bottom he opened his saddle bag and took out his waterskin taking a drink from it afterwards he carefully put the cap back on and mounted his horse, he started out at a trot before easing his horse into a canter and then slipping into a gallop. The next two days pasted by in a blur as he rode towards Jerusalem.

Chapter 3: Arrival at Jerusalem

Aetiun rode along the rough cobbled road that led to Jerusalem carefully avoiding the guards stationed along the road cresting the hill he saw Jerusalem it was as large and sprawling as ever with people coming and going through the large metal portcullis that guarded the huge entrance to the city he focused on the gate trying to figure a way into the city as the number of soldiers at the gates had increased tenfold since his last visit seven years ago, he was snapped out of his examination when he heard a rough voice call “You dismount no horses beyond this point” he looked to his left to see a soldier with his hand on his sword ready to draw it at the first sign of trouble ‘I could easily take him out but then the runner guards would raise the alarm and blow my cover, best do as he says’ reluctantly he dismounted “Take good care of him” he said to the guard tossing him a few coins as he walked down the hills disappearing into the crowds within seconds, he walked down the hill keeping pace with the other citizens and travellers seeking to get into the city up ahead he saw men checking each citizens passes but letting the merchants through the gate without a hassle, quickly walking up behind a merchants caravan he pretended to be a hired escort the guards glanced at him but didn’t do anything to try and stop him entering once a considerable distance past the gate he quickly broke off from behind the merchants caravan he had been following and slipped into an alleyway, the Bureau Aetiun had visited last time he was in the city as part of his initiation into the Brotherhood had been found out two years ago when the last Templar Knight wounded and dying tossed a burning torch into the Bureau before being finally slain by Altair one of the five Assassins who had attacked the Knight, since he hadn’t been supplied with the information before he had left Masyaf he would have to find it for himself, he climbed a building using the many dry beams that jutted out of the side of the building he reached the top of the building and looked about until he saw the souk “That is where ill begin my search” he said to himself quietly, stalking across the rooftops jumping from rooftop to rooftop he made his way towards the souk when he was a short distance away from the souk he dropped down into an alleyway before walking into the crowds disappearing quickly he noticed the caravan he trailed into the city the merchant crowing out prices of various useless items that looked nice but had no use, looking around the crowded inside he saw two men quietly talking behind a caravan, interested he walked up to a stall close to the men talking he pretended to examine the fruits while listening in on the conversation “He wants us to build the platforms inside today?” the man asked gloomily “Yes I know brother but he is willing to pay us well if we finish our work quickly and without fuss” the second man replied “How much?” the first man enquired “Two hundred and forty pounds*” replied the second replied eagerly “Really that’s a small fortune!” the first replied “Hush brother keep your voice down” the older looking one said “Now if we want that money we need to go quickly” the second said quickly with that the brothers started walking through the souk checking behind them to make sure they weren’t being followed Aetiun followed cautious not be seen by the two men, eventually after about half an hour of walking through twisted streets and alleyways the brothers stopped in front of a large building “This is the place” the second man said knocking on the door three times, a metal plate around eye level opened up and someone peered through “It’s the carpenters sir!” the person behind the door called back into the building “Let them in then boy hurry up!” a rough voice called back, with that the door opened up a head popping out and looking around once satisfied that the men hadn’t been followed he stepped out of the narrow doorway to allow the men in Aetiun noted the Novice assassin robes ‘Good that makes my job easier’ Aetiun started walking towards the young teenage looking boy who had his back turned to him, sneaking up behind him easily he tapped the boy on the should causing him to spin around and give a yelp of surprise “Don’t kill me” the boy gabbled out very quickly “I’m not going to kill you you’re one of the Brotherhood correct?” he questioned “Yes” the boy said more suspicious then scared now “Good now lets go inside” Aetiun said walking towards the door “Wait, let me just go tell the rafiq” the boy said walking towards the door “Fine but be quick about it” he replied coldly annoyed to be delayed with that the boy rushed into the Bureau “Master a visitors here” the boy said “Well bring him in then what are you waiting for?” the boy rushed out “Come in” he said with a hint of mocking in his voice “Careful boy or you’ll feel the back of my hand” Aetiun snapped back his voice low and dangerous the boy paled and quickly walked into the building “Rafiq…” “Ah welcome Aetiun good to see you it’s been awhile since I last saw you” the rafiq said cheerfully “Yes quite awhile…anyway I have an important task…an assassination” Aetiun said nonchalantly “Ah your first official assassination good” the rafiq said excitedly “His name is Şmwʼiyl Khādm al-Ghāshmh what can you tell me of him?” he questioned “Be careful he is a very dangerous man, Aetiun he is said to have the strength of five men” the rafiq replied gravely “I don’t believe in myth, tell me where I can find information?” Aetiun said impatiently “We do not know much so all I can tell you is that he has men in the Rich District they are dressed in blue and gold and have large swords and halberds and the captains use large double headed axes which they swing with great force be extremely careful these men will not hesitate to kill you Aetiun” the man warned “None of our enemies would” he replied before striding out the door into the dying heat of Jerusalem as it started to darken.

TO BE CONTINUED.