the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

show mercy had been the right one. ‘We see the world as it really is, and
hope that one day all mankind might see the same.’
‘What is the world, then?’
‘An illusion,’ replied Altaïr. ‘One we can either submit to – as most do
– or transcend.’
‘And what is it to transcend?’
‘To recognize that laws arise not from divinity, but reason. I
understand now that our Creed does not command us to be free.’ And
suddenly he really did understand. ‘It commands us to be wise.’
Until now he had believed in the Creed but without knowing its true
meaning. It was a call to interrogate, to apply thought and learning and
reason to all endeavours.
Al Mualim nodded. ‘Do you see now why the Templars are a threat?
‘Whereas we would dispel the illusion, they would use it to rule.’
‘Yes. To reshape the world in an image more pleasing to them. That is
why I sent you to steal their treasure. That is why I keep it locked away.
And that is why you kill them. So long as even one survives, so, too,
does their desire to create a New World Order. You must now seek out
Sibrand. With his death, Robert de Sable will at last be vulnerable.’
‘It will be done.’
‘Safety and peace upon you, Altair.’