Battle of Arsuf
The Battle of Arsuf was a confrontation between Saracens and Crusaders that took place in September of 1191. During the Third Crusade, the Crusaders under King Richard were able to repel an attack by the Saracens, and gain the port city of Acre two months prior to the battle. Possession of Acre allowed them an advantage, since it was the only port available for the Crusader army, and permitted them to receive reinforcements by sea.
Eventually, King Richard led a second attack personally, and left the city of Acre in the hands of his three most trusted men while he led the march to the 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.
The Departure
Following the ambush at Majd Addin's funeral theAssassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad fled to the the Jerusalem Assassin's Bureau to report the of the Robert de Sable's escape. Once arriving at the Bureau Altaïr announced to Malik A-Sayf, the Dai, that the funeral was a trap. A Malik claimed he heard of the funeral's disaster and asked what happened. Altaïr informed Malik that Robert sent a decoy, and she 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 insisted that they report to Al Mualim about this Altaïr strongly disagreed, stating that by the time they reach Masyaf Robert will have already succeeded. Malik, though reluctant, agreed with Altaïr and wished him safety and peace on his mission, and to be careful. Altaïr assured Malik he would be and made his departure, and good terms with the Dai. Leaving Jerusalem and riding for Kingdom and horseback, Altaïr rode through both Saracen and Crusader camp and eventually arrived at Arsuf. There the battle had begun and the Assassin prepared to face the Templar Knight head on.
Arsuf under battle
- "Hashashin!"
- ―A Saracen soldier upon spotting a approaching Altaïr, 1191.
However, with his arrival the Saracens lay an ambush for the advancing Crusaders, cornering them while their archers shot at the army 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, which had overrun the Crusader's camps. Escaping Saracen archers and foot soldiers in the heat of battle, Altaïr successfully reached Crusader' camp, and fought off the foot soldiers to pushed his way towards to Robert, who conversed with Richard at the camp
Confronting the Crusaders
Robert's true colours
Altaïr finally reached King Richard, and discovered Robert to be standing at his side. Invited into the heavily-guarded camp, the Assassin allowed himself to be surrounded by Templar 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 for his campaign of revenge against the Assassin's Creed, 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 insist 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
Altaïr first faced several of Robert's knights, and although a challenge the Assassin killed them all, then Robert charged into the fight, to confront Altaïr himself. Robert attacked with speed and power, sending Altaïr to the ground numerous times and blocking and countering his incoming attacks, however, Altaïr proved more skilled, and eventually, the Templar Grand Master fell to the Assassin's blade.
Before passing away, Robert revealed the truth about Al Mualim, and stated the irony that Altaïr's pursuit of him and his comrades. Though they were his enemies, they had indirectly helped the Assassin transcend and see beyond 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, unruled nature of people, and of God's support for the Assassin, to which Altaïr corrected him that he had not won because of the will of God and he killed the nine not for revenge, instead justice. Altaïr then departed from the Crusaders to confront his master at Masyaf.
Aftermath
The battle of Arsuf was a valiant battle between the two opposing armies. The Crusaders were able to secure victory with the casualties amounting to 700 men. The Saracens, however, suffered heavy losses, with 7,000 soldiers and 32 emir being killed; although the true number is argued to be less.