the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

The soldier pursed his lips. ‘His army is large. We’ll have need of
them. For now, I’ll go and visit the other brothers. Make sure they have
everything they need.’
‘Aye. They must not fall,’ agreed the friar.
‘Fear not. The Master has a plan. Even now he prepares a way to turn
our losses to his advantage, should it come to that.’
Master? Altaïr wondered. Brothers? Just who did these men answer
to? Acre had more layers than an onion.
‘What does he intend?’ asked the friar.
‘The less you know, the better. Just do as you’ve been instructed.
Deliver this letter to the Master.’ He passed it to the friar and Altaïr
smiled, already flexing his fingertips. He stood from the bench and
followed. One lift later the scroll was his, and he sat once again to read
it.
Master:
Work continues in the Chain District of Acre though we are concerned about William’s ability
to see this through to the end. He takes his duties a bit too seriously, and the people may reject
him when the time comes. Without the aid of the treasure, we can ill afford an uprising, lest it
recall the King from the field. And then your plan will be for nothing. We cannot reclaim
what’s been stolen unless the two sides are united. Perhaps you might prepare another to take
his place – simply as a precaution. We worry that our man in the harbour will become
increasingly unstable. Already he talks of distancing himself. And this means we cannot rely on
him should William fall. Let us know what you intend that we might execute it. We remain ever
faithful to the cause.
He folded the letter and pushed it into his robes. Something to show
Al Mualim, perhaps. Then again, maybe not. So far Altaïr felt Al Mualim