Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Tomb of the Khan

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Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Tomb of the Khan is a young adult novel written by Matthew J. Kirby. The second part of his young adults novel series, Tomb of the Khan is the follow-up to Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants and saw a release on 27 December 2016.

Blurb

Owen and his friends have lost. They managed to do something incredible, but were defeated nonetheless. When they located the first piece of an ancient and powerful relic long considered a legend-the Trident of Eden-it seemed little could stop them. This piece was sought by the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order, but before either organization could take the piece, it was stolen by an unknown third party. The relationship between the teens fractured-Owen and his friend Javier taking sides with the Assassins, the others with the Templars.

Now there are still two pieces of the Trident of Eden to find, and both are determined not to repeat their mistakes. The next piece is said to have been buried with the Mongol warlord Mongke Khan, whose tomb has never been found. Teens on either side of the conflict will have to go into simulations in war-torn Mongolian China in a race against time to discover the next piece, and ensure their safety before their enemies find it first.

Summary

Chapter One

Natalya is in a simulation as Bayan, a Buryat warrior, in Mongolian China, 1259, as he escapes from Song artillerymen and their thunderclap cannons. As he finds cover, he fights along the Khan army. Meanwhile, Natalya still tries to find her footing as a Mongolian warrior. Bayan soon finds himself near a young warrior, whom he guides. The young Tangghut conscript is new to warfare and not of the Mongolian descent. His actions would determine his life either at the hands of the Khan or the enemy. The young warrior states his name is Chen Lun and Bayan admits that they will stop at nothing and kill every man, woman, and child of the Song. Looking over the strength of his warriors, Bayan recalls how they fell Alamut, home to the Assassins and how Song will be next despite the location's advantage.

However, Bayan notes of the disease circling his troops and fellow generals, especially when he joins a meeting of nine other commanders of the Mingghan unit. General Kӧke reveals that General Wang Dechen will lead an assault on Hu Guo Gate and asks every commander to sent their own men of good health to join. More or less, every commander sends how many they could. They all plan to attack within a half-hour.

However, Natalya wants to pause the simulation due to her being Bayan for the last four battles and she is exhausted. Despite Dr. Victoria Bibeau's concerns, her plea is accepted. Before long, Natalya waits in the Memory Corridor to be let out of these tense memories. When coming out, Natalya felt uneasy all around her body. After Victoria helps her out of the Animus, Natalya heads for the bucket and throws up all she can. After discussing her time in the Animus, Natalya is allowed to rest before the debrief. Victoria gives her a blanket while Natalya falls asleep.

Natalya wakes up and feels as though someone is watching her. However, this happens to be one of the side effects of the Animus. Recalling how the Animus felt before, she knows how she compares with her other friends, in terms of being the one with least hours in the Animus. Victoria enters the Animus room and asks about her well-being before heading up for the debrief. Natalya agrees and they leave the room for a conference room in another of the Aerie's buildings. Inside, Isaiah welcomes her. Discussing the Mongol Khans' tactics, they understand how it may been offputting for Natalya. Isaiah offers her to call her parents but Natalya refuses as to not stress them out. They discuss the use of the Parietal Suppression and how it makes one simulate quicker but disorients the subject later.

Isaiah soon asks her about the dagger, but Natalya states that she has not seen it yet. Both impatient, Isaiah tells Natalya that without Monroe's research, they have to take it one day at a time. Natalya reminds them it is one battle and how the current memory shows him and his army being ill. Isaiah asks if she can go in the Animus tonight but Natalya rejects going back into the Animus. Isaish, mad, tells her to rest well and how they will start tomorrow. Natalya knows that tomorrow will be war.

Chapter Two

At the storage unit, Owen and Javier rest there, while Owen overhears Griffin being informed by Gavin Banks that the site has been compromised per Rothenburg's info. Griffin notes that he may have a new site but Banks states to rendezvous with Rebecca Crane. Griffin tells Owen and Javier to load what they can just like they did for Mount McGregor. Owen still stares at Griffin's gauntlet. Having only three minutes, they move towards the unit with the car. However, they see lights coming forward and head the opposite way. Climbing atop the storage units' roof, they watch as more lights from the road and sky comes to convene at their storage unit. Griffin explodes the hideout and tells the boys to follow his directions and arm themselves. Telling them to stay sharp, Griffin reminds them that is not an exercise.

Passing the storage units alley by alley, Owen notices three agents in front of them before Javier and Griffin. While Owen throws EMP grenades to immoblize them, they recognize eight agents in total, but Javier shoots his darts filled with neurotoxin while Griffin uses his electric hidden blade. However, Owen tries to throw a smoke grenade but he starts to freeze. Before long, a female Templar agent pushes him down and grabs rebar to attack. Although she bests him, Griffin manages to kill her and save Owen. Finally using the smoke grenade, Griffin manages to take down the last two Templars. Griffin tells them to hurry before the Order notices their agents to have gone silent.

Moving their way through a lot and dodging the helicopter's light, they find a busy street. Putting their weapons away, they follow Griffin and enter into a cab to flee. Looking back, Owen starts to wonder why he froze and how the memories of the riots and his ancestor Varius may be beginning to fade. In the clear, Owen and Javier compliment each other while Griffin congratulates them. A mile later, they all head towards a dirt road before arriving at a large house that appears to be centuries years old. Seeing the house, Owen doubts that anyone is here until the front door opens. Rebecca welcomes Griffin and the boys and invites them in quickly. Closing the door with an electrical lock, they all make the way through the house.

Leading them, Rebecca leads them through the darkness and then to a door leading them to a basement staircase. Going down slowly, Owen tries to not injure himself down the raggedy stairs. Rebecca turns out the light and shows them her room. She mentions that Shaun acquired new schematics for a new Abstergo tech. However, Rebecca states that she needs to go and tells them it should be easy to use. Griffin, frustrated, understands and asks what it is required of him. Rebecca mentions that the second prong was seen in medieval China and points to Owen, whose ancestors happen to be there.

Chapter Three

Sean remains antsy to go into the Animus again but is managed on his duration by Victoria. Meeting David and Natalya for breakfast, Sean staggers to hide his feelings for Natalya especially since Monroe's simulation. Grace joins them while David asks Natalya if she found the Piece of Eden yet. Natalya states no. Sean tries to comfort her but it falls flat. He soon leaves to go back to be Tommy Greyling again. Sean, cautious of people's eyes on him, wheels himself to meet with Victoria, who reminds him that he needs a day or more for breaks from the Animus. Ready to be Tommy again, Victoria informs him that will not be possible. Angry, Sean starts arguing with her until Isaiah comes in to calm down Sean. Victoria finally divulges that Tommy's memories' benefits have plateaued and offers Sean to go to different ancestors.

Isaiah explains that his motro cortex has been activated again since his accident. His work in the Animus could lay the foundation for prosthetics that may help people gain mobility, like Sean walking again. Victoria explains that they all learned everything they can from Tommy. Asking to visit Tommy again in the future, Isaiah considers it and tells Sean about the progress that can come from Sean's aid. Going forward, they inform Sean that will go to late eighteenth century Ireland. Isaiah tells Sean that all of three of them will make history. Feeling useful, Sean is readied for the Animus again although it is uncomfortable compared to Monroe's. Sean starts to recall a memory of falling into the river and how he was saved downstream by his uncle. He relates that to the Parietal Suppressor. In the next three seconds, he feels the wave again once the Memory Corridor is loaded.

Chapter Four

Grace keeps a close eye on the group and feels like Sean, in terms of wanting more from this venture. Although, she notices how Sean feels about Natalya but cannot see Natalya's true feelings. Grace barely overhears David and his simulation as a black war pilot and starts a conversation on Grace's simulation as a gold trader in medieval kingdoms of Ghana and Mali. They also discuss about how they continued with the program. Initially, Grace and David were taken out of the Aerie due to their father's insistence. However, due to a random shooting near home, their father brings them back for security. Grace and David soon leave the lounge and Natalya to herself before going for their sessions. However, Grace has to wait longer for Victoria to bring her into the Animus.

Before going into the Animus, Grace begins to questions her worth to this mission due to her ancestor not being close to a Piece of Eden like Natalya's. However, Victoria starts to pry into her worries which causes Grace to retract her questioning. Being hooked up, Grace soon enters the Memory Corridor and awaits the pain of Parietal Suppressor. Entering the simulation, she follows Masireh, a gold merchant who lives in Timbuktu. Masireh moves to a meeting with another merchant from Marrakech. Unlike fellow merchants, he is guided through pragmatism when doing business. Although wanting to do business at his home, he meets the merchant at an inn. Seeing his guards, Masireh thanks the merchant for his hospitality.

The merchant nears a deal but starts to question Masireh's operation and its longevity. Thus, the merchants states that his partners want him to personally check Masireh's mines with him, to eye the inventory. However, Masireh explains the mines of Wangara are closely guarded secrets and rejects the condition, despite Grace's worries. The merchants states that they may come to an understanding. Quickly, Masireh realizes that he had been poisoned. Meanwhile, Grace asks if this feeling in the corridor is normal. However, technician Anaya Chodary answers her and informs her that Victoria left for Natalya. Waiting, Grace sees that Masireh is coming to in the memory.

Masireh is bound all over and taken to a secluded part of the desert. The merchant tries to threaten him to reveal the location but he remains steadfast and knows there are no buyers. However, he worries about his wife and his sons looking for him. However, Masireh starts to mock the merchant, believing word will spread fast of his conduct during business. The merchant takes out Masireh's knife and slices the gold trader's cheek. However, it does not fade Masireh. The kidnapper states that he has five hours to decide to help them or not. Trying to escape, Masireh sees that his captor left thus he begins to read the stars for her location. Masireh looks around and notices the guards with their weapons and camels. Praying to Allah, Masireh readies himself for the possible torture and opportunity to escape.

Chapter Five

Natalya begins to wonder if her choice was right as she starts to wait for her turn in Animus instead of going herself. Finding a place of relaxation, she waits until Isaiah finds her and invites himself to the room. He apologizes about coming off impatient and walks her to the Animus. However, she waits for a while until Victoria walks in and explains that Grace and Sean needed more time. She also offers Natalya an opening to talk about any memories or feelings of PTSD due to her ancestor's memory. Natalya thanks her as they ready the Animus. Following through the corridor, Natalya lies back while she lets Bayan take it from the last moment.

Bayan is rallying the troops for Dechen's plan and hopes to surprise the Song, while they all pace forward without their horses. Waiting for the moon to set, he sees Chen Lun again, still afraid. Although she feels for Chen Lun, she is stuck as a passenger to Bayan's memories. When Dechen signals his men, they march to the base of the mountain. Another flag is done and the infantry, including Bayan's unit, climbs the mountain. Chen soon signals again for the infantry to prepare to assault while the archers wait. Marching up the mountain slowly after the throwers completed their hooks, Bayan's men climb first before he makes sure no one deserted their post. When he climbs ten feet above, he notices his men falling down one by one. He looks around and finds arrows coming in from the northwest.

Realizing they have been caught, Wang signals to climb down. Bayan jumps down immediately before smelling the blood in the air. Looking around for the archer, the Song notices them and thus he and his men bolt to the trees for safety. Bayan is told to take his company and march towards the enemy to engage and draw their fire using the remaining ropes. Scouting for his captains, he musters up twenty men to accompany him on his new mission. Wanting the moon to shine its light, they move slowly through the grass and catch sight of one of the archers. Telling his men to spread, Bayan soon gives the signal to attack. Bayan strikes down the archer and dodges incoming arrows.

Bayan and his men dodge the arrows and soon he almost engages the second archer. However, he is attacked by a shadowy figure. Tagging him as a veteran, Bayan fights him while one of his men fights the archer. Finally gaining an opportunity, he launches multiple attacks but the man dodges all of them. Missing most of his left ear, the veteran proves to be better. Wanting to fight to the death, an explosion occurs. Realizing the Song military has brought artillery, the battle is lost. However, he feigns surprise as the veteran attacks. With a slick move, Bayan manages to stab the veteran on his side fatally. Signaling his men to retreat back to the Horde, he sees the front line in disarray. However, the men surrounds Wang Dechen, who was injured from battle. With the Song realizing the Horde was not retreating, the battle was at a stalemate.

Bayan soon finds Wang with a shaman and tends to the wound. By the shaman's request, they find and kill an ox and soon cut the belly open. Instantly, the Great Möngke Khan comes in while Bayan informs him of Wang's injuries. Helping Bayan and the shaman, they put him into the belly of the ox. Khan tells Bayan that losing Wang would losing his right and left arm and then asks him if he was there. Bayan summarizes that their attack was found out and that Wang was caught from the Song's artillery. Understanding, he orders Wang to the temple at Jin Yun. Looking at Wang, Bayan sees the shaman worry as the men take the general inside the ox away. Bayan begins to doubt as the gods may be punishing Khan for his arrogance of going to attack the Song. However, he soon begins to wonder how the Song archers realized their plan. Outside the memory, Victoria asks if Natalya needs a break. Natalya pleads yes.

Chapter Six

Owen is told that he will be heading to China when the Mongols were invading under the Khan's reign. They note that Monroe may have found one during Möngke Khan's rule especially around the time of his death. Rebecca helps Owen into the Animus while Javier sits on the sideline. While guiding Owen through the Animus, Rebecca notes that she will be leaving once the memory synchronization has completed. In the Memory Corridor, Owen notices that his ancestor is a woman named Zhang Zhi. He comes through in the Fishing Village as Zhi, waiting for her father to return from the war.

Meanwhile, Zhi trains on her techniques and her own Eagle vision until a soldier comes by and orders her to come with him. At a barracks, she meets with General Wang Jian who stands over her father's body. Realizing his corpse, she weeps over him while the general explains that he saved many of the men. He only succumbed to a splinter group within the invaders. Taking his hidden blade as a shrine. When arriving home, Zhi is met by Kang, the Chinese Mentor, but refuses to talk. He explains that his death was of his own accord due to his devotion to the people of his village. Nevertheless, he offers a place with the Brotherhood to her to honor her father. Conflicted, she requests time to think about what to do. After some time, she goes to Kang enraged, accepts his offer, and vows to kill Möngke Khan herself. Kang states that the real training can begin.

Chapter Seven

Sean is in a simulation as Brandon Bolster, a mature man and husband with daughters living in Ireland. However, Bolster's son Richard Bolster gives him a notice, a threat from the secret societies created against the recent changes to Cork's land under Bolster's rule. After changing the land from an acreage to a pasture, farmers have lost their job and formed angry mobs and groups. However, Bolster admits that this land is for his family for centuries to come while Richard sympathizes with the community and wants to talk with them. However, Brandon refuses.

The next day, Brandon wakes up and looks out into the mist, unafraid of the Whiteboys' threats. However, he grows paranoid when seeing his herdsmen arrive and begins to doubt them. Upon reaching his home, he tells Richard to arm himself and those he trusts to be ready with the Whiteboys, if they come to the house. Brandon states they will not barter with traitors, although Richard mentions that his father severed ties first. After Richard leaves him, Brandon readies his men after doubting his faith in his son. Trying to move his daughters and his wife away from the threat, Brandon sees them stand by him. At dinner, he finally sees Richard join them. Afterwards, they both talk privately and Richard affirms his loyalty to his father, despite the situation.

Readying and barricading the door, the family stays together in the drawing room. Meanwhile, Sean begins to worry about where the memory is going. Victoria interrupts and tells Sean that there is no moment Brandon made contact with the Piece of Eden. However, Sean asks for more time, to which Victoria agrees. Night comes and a mob arrives. Soon, they start throwing bricks but they start to throw torches at the home. This causes Brandon, Richard, and their men to shoot down the assailants, but this angers the mob further. Some of the mob tries to burn the stables but the wetness proved too much to catch fire. However, they realize the mob lined up together. Brandon tries to shoot but misses while some go down but not enough. They start to intrude Brandon's home, set aflame the curtains, and make their way towards Brandon's daughter.

Instantly, Victoria tells Sean that she is ending the memory. Despite fighting it, Sean goes back to the Memory Corridor. He pleads to save his daughters, but Victoria reminds him that it is a memory and not "his" daughters. Sean starts to agree while Victoria acquires his permission to use the parietal suppressor. After going through this ordeal, Sean is offered to speak with Isaiah. Unsure, Sean wonders and asks what could they talk about with each other. Victoria explains that they see potential in Sean.

Chapter Eight

Masireh tries to sleep with the coldness and insects but knows that his use relies on his knowledge of the mines but remains to be silent. When the merchant arrives, a knife appears as the captor tells Masireh that his patience is out. Masireh lies by stating that he knows nothing about the mines' location but that there is a map with a trusted friend. Loosening the restraints, they escort Masireh back into his town. Masireh begins to calm down his neighbors about their worries and made it to his friend's house. Upon arrival, his associate welcomes them but Masireh lies by saying that his brother has died in an accident and he will need the map he has.

His friend states that he will find it and shows them to his courtyard to wait. Upon giving the map, the man states that he will need proof of Masireh's brother dead. Unsure how, the merchant hears that they can compromise. The man offers the map for exchange of holding Masireh's life as a collateral. Looking at his odds, the merchant agrees and Masireh is given to the man while the merchant and his men leave with the map. After they leave, the man embraces Masireh and reveals himself as the brother. Meanwhile, the memory starts to slow as Anaya tells Grace that there is a low probability of finding a Piece of Eden. Understanding, Grace leaves the simulation while Anaya tells her that Isaiah wants to see her.

Meeting Isaiah in his office, Grace asks if she can help further like Natalya. However, Isaiah explains that they are all helping but asks her why she and David chose to come back after the initial rejection. Although she states it was for further opportunities, Grace knows that she wants to matter and contribute. Isaiah promises that in due time, they will all be rewarded and maybe help Abstergo. After their conversation, Grace joins Sean and David in the lobby. While discussing their meeting, Grace becomes annoyed at David's joyful demeanor and scolds him for his behavior. David admits that they should have some fun while learning, to which Sean agreed to some extent. David soon explicitly ponders of what they are not seeing, due to their restrictive nature to only two buildings. Although Grace says that they cannot do much, David offers up a possibility.

Chapter Nine

Zhi begins training under Kang, who pushes to the extremes in their training. Although completing the tasks, Zhi repeats the course while Kang tells her to be faster or the Khan will easily kill her. After several times, Zhi is exhausted when she receives his nod. Later, they eat together and Kang questions whether their actions mean anything in this life. Zhi states that she will not be discouraged. Kang asks when she will take action but she responds that she waits for him. He laughs which upsets her. Leaving, Zhi hears Kang yell to meet at sunrise. Zhi arrives home and prays to her father's gauntlet to make him proud before falling to sleep.

Waking up, Zhi goes to Kang's house, where he tells that she is late. When Zhi apologizes, Kang chastizes her. Having enough, Zhi tells him that it does not matter and her father's honor does. Kang insults her and tells that the Brotherhood is what her father matters not one's vengeance. Kang states that his decision will happen when she honors the Brotherhood as much as her father. Fed up, she tries to assault him but he responds quickly and knocks her down with his staff. Poking her bump, Kang states that her father's death won the battle, but he could of won the war. Zhi stands up and leaves while Kang states to come tomorrow at sunrise on time. She, though, has no intention on returning.

Late that night, Zhi readies her armor and takes her father's gauntlet to Feiyan Cave. Going down its staircase into vast darkness, she finds a lantern to follow her direction. Despite the village's superstitions, she has heard about the soldiers making passage through the mountain to their camp. Making her way to find an exit, she abandons the lantern and finds herself outside her home village. Freerunning to the Mongols' camp, she catches sight of the guards and their patrols. Studying them, she realizes the forest being cut down but it makes it easy to determine to find the richest "palaces" of them all.

With her wrist crossbow, Zhi takes down the two guards and hides by the side of the tent. Climbing the pillar for a better vintage point, she sees into the Khan's massive tent. Finding the Khan in his bedroom, she soon hears the guards below start an alarm. Instantly, she falls onto the Khan and plunges her blade into his throat, killing him. Owen soon notices the Dagger of Eden on Khan's body but Zhi starts to find a way out before the guards surround her. At another exit, she kills two more guards but is caught instantly. Running through the camp, she is chased and heads for the forest. However, she feels complete as she has avenged her father.

Chapter Ten

David remains awake after Grace posed him that reality of what happens if he messes up, especially in front of their father. However, he remains skeptical of Abstergo even about the corridors and places they have not seen. In the night, he ventures out of his room and goes to the unknown corridor. Finding himself near a locked door, David sees that it needs a fingerprint. Scoping the area, he stops once he hears a guard. Taking his shoes off, he hides until the guard leaves the area. Finding a staircase, he follows it down and finds a garage. Seeing the familiar cars that took them here, he goes inside one of the most expensive cars and envisions himself riding it.

However, David soon hides once he sees cars arriving and Templar agents coming out. One of the agents Cole meets with Isaiah about the failure of securing Griffin, Javier, and Owen. Isaiah then explains that the Templar Order wants the boys dead as their DNA will not be used by the Assassins. Shocked, David learns that Monroe was telling the truth. Waiting till everyone leaves, David retraces his steps and makes his way to his room. However, he is soon caught by a guard. Thinking quickly, he begins to stumble and bump repeatedly into the wall. The guard soon asks if he is okay but David acts as he was sleepwalking. Taken to his room, the guard tells him that he will be safe and how he will tell Victoria about the incident.

The next morning, David readies quickly and meets the group for breakfast. He explains what he heard last night but Sean and Grace reject the notion and believe that he was sleepwalking. With Natalya silent, David finds himself alone with his notion. However, Natalya states that she does not trust either side. Not wanting to lose their opportunity, Grace and Sean leave but David asks if she was telling the truth. Natalya explains that they should wait and see for the truth but that Templars and even Monroe have their own agendas. Back to his room, he meets with Victoria, who explains that they will keep a closer eye on him. Panicked, David is told that his door will be locked temporaily as a precaution. However, Victoria explains that she will also look over last night's tapes to ascertain more, which frightens David.

Chapter Eleven

TBC

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