Assault on Masyaf
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- "Altaïr! We have been betrayed. The enemy has overrun the castle!"
- ―Abbas Sofian to Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad regarding the attack on Masyaf.[src]
The assault on Masyaf was an event during the High Middle Ages in the year 1189 in which the Templar Order attacked Masyaf, the headquarters of the Assassin Order located in Syria.
As the battle ensued, the Templars were able to capture over the Masyaf fortress, and swiftly took prisoners inside, including the eminent Mentor of the Levantine Assassins, Al Mualim. The Assassin were able to fend off their attackers and save the civilians aswell as their master.
Attack and takeover
Circa 1189, a man named Haras had infiltrated the Syrian branch of Assassins. During his tenure within the Order, Haras became fed up with his lack of promotions and ranks, eventually covertly allying himself with the Templars.
Then, in 1189, Haras led the Templar forces into Masyaf. From there, he quickly made his way to the fortress, where he, along with several of his fellow Templars, took up hostages. They led the prisoners to the main courtyard of the fortress where two men guarded the prisoners while Haras interrogated them.
The battle
Altaïr's arrival
- Altaïr: "When I close the castle gate, flank the Crusaders in the village and drive them into the canyon."
- Abbas: "You don't stand a chance!"
- Altaïr: "Abbas! No mistakes."
- —Altaïr to Abbas on his plan.[src]
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ith the castle taken, the battle still continued, as the Templars and Assassins were fighting in the village below the castle. Eventually, the Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad arrived at the village, finding it in chaos. Noticing one of his fellow Assassins outnumbered by two Templars, Altaïr charged from behind on horseback. Slashing one Templar with his sword, Altaïr dismounted and dispatched the other solider with a throwing knife before he could kill. Altaïr helped the Assassin, who was injured in battle, over to a bench.
Asking who he was, Altaïr merely replied he was the son of Umar. As he helped the Assassin onto the bench, Abbas Sofian arrived and told Altaïr that the castle was overwhelmed. Altaïr asked of Al Mualim, and Abbas explained that he was inside when the Templars took over the castle. As Altaïr starred at the fight from afar, Abbas insisted that their forces fall back, believing they could do nothing to save Al Mualim.
However, Altaïr, confident he could save Al Mualim and retake the castle alone, instructed Abbas to have the Assassins flank the Templars once the castle gates were closed and drive them into the canyon. Abbas shouted that Altaïr could not save Al Mualim, however, Altaïr simply told Abbas to make no mistakes with the task he given him. Altaïr made his way towards the fortress and aided his fellow Assassins by killing many Templar attackers.
Saving Al Mualim
- "Tell me what you know of the artefact! Tell me where you are searching for it. It is a small price to pay to preserve what you have built here, no?"
- ―Haras to Al Mualim regarding an "artefact".[src]
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earing the castle gates, Altaïr was stopped by the Templar agent, claiming they would kill Al Mualim if he came any further towards the castle. Altaïr warned the traitor he would not leave the castle alive. The Templar agent merely said he was no traitor, for he could not betray those he "never truly loved". Altaïr snarled that Templar had been living a lie. As the gate closed preventing Altaïr entering, he took an alternative route. Haras then began demanding that Al Mualim give him information regarding an "artefact".
However, Altaïr was able to assassinate Haras. As the Haras died, he claimed the Templars knew that humans were weak and petty. Though Altaïr countered that the Creed was evidence to the contrary. Haras then died claiming he was "too wise" to believe such things. With the castle retaken and Al Mualim saved, Altaïr walked down the courtyard with his mentor. Al Mualim asked why Altaïr offered the Templar a chance at salvation.
Altaïr claimed no person should die without being shown kindness. Al Mualim admitted to Altaïr that watching him grow from a boy to a man gave him much sadness and pride. Al Mualim claimed Altaïr fit the role of his father perfectly. After saying his father was an Assassin above all else, Al Mualim asked Altaïr if he regretted the Assassin life he had since a child. Altaïr asked how he could regret the only life he has ever known. Al Mualim finally told Altaïr that the battle for Masyaf was not over.
Aftermath
- Altaïr: "How can I regret the only life I've ever known?"
- Al Mualim: "You may find a way, in time. And it will be up to you to choose the path you prefer. Come, my boy... and ready your blade. This battle is not yet won."
- —Al Mualim to Altaïr after the assault on Masyaf.[src]
The Masyaf castle was retaken by the Assassins and Altaïr was promoted to rank of Master Assassin.
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