Decline of the Levantine Assassins

"I am sorry, Altaïr. [...] But until certain matters are resolved it will not be possible for you to resume leadership of the Order."

- Abbas, taking leadership of the Order.

The Decline of the Assassin Order was an event during the High Middle Ages, in which Abbas Sofian gained control of the Order after his coup d'etat circa 1227, overthrowing his rival Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. For the twenty years he reigned, the Order fell into disrepair, until Altaïr eventually reclaimed his control.

Trip to the East
Early 13th century, Altaïr travelled to the East, accompanied by Maria and Darim, to confront Genghis Khan and to put an end to his inexorable march. He put Malik in charge and left Sef behind also, to help take care of affairs. During the ten years Altaïr had been absent, everything had changed, and nothing would be the same again.

Return to Masyaf
Maria and Altaïr, both in their mid-sixties, slowly rode home on their horses, followed by Darim. Once inside the village, the atmosphere started to become eerie; the younger children who didn't recognize the Master rushed excitedly around, while the older villagers watched the three warily. The first to welcome them was Swami, who was still an Apprentice when Altaïr left.

When Rauf was mentioned, Swami told them he had died of a fever some years ago, at which Altaïr asked why he hadn't been informed; but no explanation was given. Assuming that their quarters had already been prepared, Swami responded again, negatively; instead, he directed them to a cabin on the western side of the fortress, telling them they would be accommodated there for the time being. Inside the citadel, even the guards acted like the villagers; keen to avoid all eye-contact, instead of welcoming them. When Maria asked them where Sef was, Swami told them he had to travel to Alamut. Then, as Altaïr snapped and told Swami to get Malik at once, he informed them that Malik had been imprisoned, thus he could not. He also informed them that a council had been formed to replace Malik, with Abbas as its chairman. A meeting of the council had been planned for the next day.

Altaïr, worried about Sef, told Darim to head for Alamut as soon as Swami had left.