the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

‘I’m not at liberty to say, Master. A meeting of the council has been
called for tomorrow morning.’
‘The what?’
‘With Malik imprisoned, a council was formed to oversee the Order,
in accordance with the statutes of the Brotherhood.’
This was true, but even so, Altaïr darkened. ‘With who as its
chairman?’
‘Abbas,’ replied Swami.
Altaïr looked at Maria, whose eyes showed real concern now. She
reached to take his arm.
‘And when do I meet this council?’ asked Altaïr. His voice was calm,
belying the storm in his belly.
‘Tomorrow the council would like to hear the tale of your journey
and apprise you of events at the Order.’
‘And after that the council shall be dissolved,’ said Altaïr, firmly. ‘Tell
your council we shall see them at sunrise. Tell them to consult the
statutes. The Master has returned and wishes to resume leadership.’
Swami bowed and left.
The family waited until he had gone before letting their true feelings
show, when Altaïr turned to Darim and with urgency in his voice told
him, ‘Ride to Alamut,’ he told him. ‘Bring Sef back here. He’s needed at
once.’