Hunt for the Nine

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Al Mualim: "I hold here a list. Nine men adorn it, nine men who need to die. They are plague–bringers, war–makers... Their power and influence corrupt the lands, ensuring that the Crusades continue. Find them, kill them... In doing so, you will sow the seeds of peace, both for the region, and for yourself."

Altaïr: "Nine lives in exchange for mine..."

Al Mualim: "A generous offer indeed. Have you any questions?"

Altaïr: "Only where I need begin."

—Assassin's Creed

Ordered by Al Mualim, the hunt for the nine Templars was tasked to Altaïr following the recovery of the Apple at Solomon's Temple. Innitally an effort to stop the Crusade from destroying the Holy Land, the hunt turned out to be part of a world control conspiracy that would lead to the destruction of the Templar's and Assassin's Order.

Before the Hunt

After being tricked by Al Mualim into thinking that he was killed, Altair was stripped of his weaponry, due to his actions at Solomon's Temple. Demoted to a novice, he was given a chance of redemption was tasked to hunt down a traitor within their ranks, who opened the gates of Masyaf during the attack of Robert De Sable. Using nothing but his knowledge of gathering information, Altair was able to steal a letter from one of the traitor's accomplices, a basket weaver from the village.

He has found out that there were tow traitors. The one was Masun, who can be found preaching within their village. The other, being Jamal, a member of the Assassins. Altair heads off to find Masun within the village and found him, preaching to the villagers about a "new world order". After tailing and interrogating Masun, he revealed to be in league with the Templars, whom he believes to be righteous and just, and believes Al Mualim to be a madman.

Altair brings Masun back alive to Al Mualim. Unrepentant of his sins to the Brotherhood, Al Mualim stabs him with a longsword, killing him and handing the bloodstained blade to Altaïr. Altair asked what of the other traitor, to which Al Mualim replied that would speak with him and decide if he was only misled and can be saved, or if he was corrupted by the templars as well.