the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

visit …’
He smiled at his own joke, then opened his hands to set the pigeon
free. Instead it merely alighted on the counter where it puffed out its
chest feathers and began walking to and fro as though mounting an
avian guard. Jabal watched it with amused eyes, then adjusted himself
on his seat to regard his visitor.
‘And who is the poor unfortunate that Al Mualim has chosen to taste
your blade, Altaïr?’ he asked.
‘Al Mualim has ordered the execution of Garnier de Naplouse.’
Jabal started. ‘The Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier?’
Slowly Altaïr nodded. ‘Indeed. And I have already determined when
and how to strike.’
‘Share your knowledge with me, then.’ Jabal looked impressed, and
with good reason.
Altaïr began: ‘He lives and works within his Order’s hospital, northwest
of here. Rumours speak of atrocities committed within its walls.’
As Altaïr told him what he knew, Jabal nodded thoughtfully,
considering his words and asking at length, ‘What is your plan?’
‘Garnier keeps mainly to his quarters inside the hospital, though he
leaves occasionally to inspect his patients. It’s when he makes his rounds
that I will strike.’
‘It’s clear you’ve given this some thought. I give you leave to go.’ And
with that he handed Altaïr Al Mualim’s marker. ‘Remove this stain from
Acre, Altaïr. Perhaps it will help cleanse your own.’
Altaïr took the marker, fixed Jabal with a baleful look – was every
Assassin to be made aware of his shame? – then left, making his way
across the city’s rooftops until he had sight of the hospital. There he