My friend, I have no doubt when you awaken you will be just as disoriented as I have been these past few days. I have left this for you to take the place of the notes we have left each other since the start of our predicament. At the very least, this will not leave us wanting for paper at inopportune times. Our current location may seem a little strange, but ultimately it is for the best. My friend, we must leave Masyaf. No, indeed, we must leave everything. Until our situation has been undone, we cannot afford to be found, cannot afford to be known. Even our allies, our brothers, cannot be trusted. While they might do us no harm, this...this curse is too dangerous, and leaves us too vulnerable should the knowledge be spread.
So I have decided the best course of action is for us to take to the road. I have no idea how long it will take for us to find the Apple and rid ourselves of this blight. Perhaps weeks, perhaps years. I wish I could take you into confidence, share and discuss these matters to your face. It pains me to think that it shall be many days, or weeks, or months, before I can again look upon you in the flesh. Nonetheless, I wish you to know that, whatever happens to us now, I will always keep you safe, and will do whatever I can to bring an end to this, however long it takes.
For now, I leave you the comfort of this book, to share your thoughts with me, and I with you. Take care, my friend, be safe, and know that, whatever form, I am by your side.
Malik
Malik gazed sadly over the land before him. Masyaf was quiet in the morning light, the city only just beginning to stir, unknowing of the man who stood in the outlands, watching it with the eyes of someone who knows he may never return. He felt a sting in his chest. No longer would the walls of the city be a comfort to him. No longer could he depend on it for safety or reprieve. Indeed, it may easily be years before he lay eyes, or foot, in it again.
He scolded himself a little for it. He should not be letting himself get so discouraged. It would not help him to brood and mourn what he could no longer have. He had others things to worry about now, other responsibilities.
As if in response to his thoughts, one of which, and perhaps the most important one, made itself known with a small squawk and a light butting against the side of his face. He turned his head slightly to gaze at the eagle nestled on his shoulder, and raised his hand to stroke the feathered head. The bird let out a soft keen and gently nipped his fingers. He smiled a little.
"You are right, my friend. It does not help to dwell on dark thoughts. We should depart."
The eagle fluttered its wings slightly in agreement, and Malik nudged his heels against his horse, spurring the beast to turn and begin to trot away from the city. He cast one last glance over his shoulder before forcing himself to look ahead. Whatever awaited him now, he mustn't be hesitant. He must not regret. He needed to be strong for the trials he was sure to meet, in order to seize back his future.
A Long Time in Coming- Prologue
My friend, I have no doubt when you awaken you will be just as disoriented as I have been these past few days. I have left this for you to take the place of the notes we have left each other since the start of our predicament. At the very least, this will not leave us wanting for paper at inopportune times. Our current location may seem a little strange, but ultimately it is for the best. My friend, we must leave Masyaf. No, indeed, we must leave everything. Until our situation has been undone, we cannot afford to be found, cannot afford to be known. Even our allies, our brothers, cannot be trusted. While they might do us no harm, this...this curse is too dangerous, and leaves us too vulnerable should the knowledge be spread.
So I have decided the best course of action is for us to take to the road. I have no idea how long it will take for us to find the Apple and rid ourselves of this blight. Perhaps weeks, perhaps years. I wish I could take you into confidence, share and discuss these matters to your face. It pains me to think that it shall be many days, or weeks, or months, before I can again look upon you in the flesh. Nonetheless, I wish you to know that, whatever happens to us now, I will always keep you safe, and will do whatever I can to bring an end to this, however long it takes.
For now, I leave you the comfort of this book, to share your thoughts with me, and I with you. Take care, my friend, be safe, and know that, whatever form, I am by your side.
Malik
Malik gazed sadly over the land before him. Masyaf was quiet in the morning light, the city only just beginning to stir, unknowing of the man who stood in the outlands, watching it with the eyes of someone who knows he may never return. He felt a sting in his chest. No longer would the walls of the city be a comfort to him. No longer could he depend on it for safety or reprieve. Indeed, it may easily be years before he lay eyes, or foot, in it again.
He scolded himself a little for it. He should not be letting himself get so discouraged. It would not help him to brood and mourn what he could no longer have. He had others things to worry about now, other responsibilities.
As if in response to his thoughts, one of which, and perhaps the most important one, made itself known with a small squawk and a light butting against the side of his face. He turned his head slightly to gaze at the eagle nestled on his shoulder, and raised his hand to stroke the feathered head. The bird let out a soft keen and gently nipped his fingers. He smiled a little.
"You are right, my friend. It does not help to dwell on dark thoughts. We should depart."
The eagle fluttered its wings slightly in agreement, and Malik nudged his heels against his horse, spurring the beast to turn and begin to trot away from the city. He cast one last glance over his shoulder before forcing himself to look ahead. Whatever awaited him now, he mustn't be hesitant. He must not regret. He needed to be strong for the trials he was sure to meet, in order to seize back his future.
Both their futures.