the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

23
As he had approached the Wailing Wall, Altaïr had seen crowds
beginning to gather: men, women, children, dogs, even livestock. All
were making their way through the surrounding streets of the square
towards the execution plaza.
Altaïr joined them, and as he passed along a street that was filling
with more and more eager spectators heading in the same direction, he
had listened to a town crier whipping up enthusiasm for the coming
attraction – though it hardly seemed necessary.
‘Take notice,’ called the crier. ‘Majd Addin, most beloved regent of
Jerusalem, will attend a public execution at the western edge of
Solomon’s Temple. All able citizens are requested to be there. Hurry!
Come and witness what becomes of our enemies.’
Altaïr had had an idea of what that might be. He hoped he would be
able to change the outcome.
Guards at the entrance to the square were trying to control the flow
of the crowd inside, turning some back, allowing others in. Altaïr hung
back, watching the masses eddy about the entrance, bodies pressing
against him in the street. Children darted through the legs of the
spectators, sneaking their way into the plaza. Next he saw a knot of
scholars, the crowd parting to make way for them, even dogs seeming to
sense the reverence reserved for the holy men. Altaïr rearranged his