the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

51
Later, Altaïr and Maria sat in their residence, huddled together on a
stone bench, silent in the near dark. They had spent years sleeping in
deserts but had never felt so isolated and alone as they did at that
moment. They grieved at their lowly circumstances; they grieved that
Masyaf had become neglected in their absence; they fretted for Sef’s
family and Darim.
But most of all they grieved for Sef.
He had been stabbed to death in his bed, they said, just two weeks
ago; there had been no time to send a message to Altaïr. The knife was
discovered in Malik’s quarters. He had been heard arguing with Sef
earlier that day by an Assassin. The name of the Assassin who had heard
the argument, Altaïr had yet to learn, but whoever it was had reported
hearing Sef and Malik arguing over the leadership of the Order, with
Malik claiming that he intended to keep it once Altaïr returned.
‘It was news of your return that sparked the disagreement, it would
seem,’ Abbas had gloated, revelling in Altaïr’s ashen look, the quiet
weeping of Maria.
Sef had been heard threatening to reveal Malik’s plans to Altaïr so
Malik had killed him. That was the theory.
Beside him, her head tucked into his chest and her legs pulled up,
Maria sobbed still. Altaïr smoothed her hair and rocked her until she