Battle of Arsuf

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The Battle of Arsuf was a decisive confrontation between Saracens and Crusaders that took place in September of 1191. During the Third Crusade, the Crusaders under King Richard were able to repulse an attack by the Saracens and gain the port city of Acre two months prior. Acre let them retain an advantage that was strategically important as Acre was the only port available for the Crusader army.

Eventually, King Richard led a counter attack himself, and let the city of Acre in the hands of his three most trusted men as he led the march just south of Acre to flank the Saracens. The battle was the first major defeat of the Saracens during the Crusades, thus raising the morale of the European army.

Arrival of Robert de Sable

Robert, seeing that he was the last target let Maria impersonate him to gain time to reach Richard in Arsuf. Altaïr only knew of Robert's deception when he attended the funeral and found out Maria's identity, whom he defeated in battle and spared. Maria arrogantly informed him that Robert had gone after Richard to convince him to join alliances against the Assassin Order.

Altaïr informed Malik of the impending threat on Masyaf and told him to find what he can about the artifact and it's connection to his targets before he left for Arsuf.

The Battle

The Saracens have set an ambush against the Crusaders as archers shot at the advancing Crusader Army as well as several Crusader strongholds being overran. Altaïr reached the outskirts of Arsuf and battled his way through numerous Saracen soldiers, whom set ambushes against the assassin. Altair, however, took them down as he continued towards the Crusader's camp.

The duel with Robert De Sable

Altaïr reached Richard, with Robert at his side and was stopped by Templars to be questioned by King Richard. When he explained his story, Robert stated to Richard that they should not trust an assassin. Richard was unsure of who spoke the truth and requested the two fight in a duel to see who God sides with.

Altaïr fought Robert's Templars beforehand and managed to kill all the knights. Robert stepped forward to confront Altair himself. Robert attacked with speed and power, but Altaïr was more skilled as Robert lost his life to the assassin. Before passing away, Robert explained the truth about Al Mualim and stated the irony that his pursuit of him and his comrands helped him transend and see beyond the illusions of reality, thus strenghening his mind and will to resist the Apple. Altaïr then had a small conversation with King Richard about all that he had done just to kill Robert. Richard mused over the violent, unrulely nature of people and God's support for the assassin before Altaïr left for Masyaf.

Aftermath

The battle of Arsuf was a valiant battle between the two opposing armies. The Crusaders where able to win the battle with the casualties amounting to 700 men. The Saracens however lost a hefty amount of men totaling to 7000 soldiers and 32 emir, although the true number is argued to be less.