The Master Thief of Anbar

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The Master Thief of Anbar
Technical information
Appearance	Assassin's Creed: Mirage
Memory type	Main
Historical information
Source	Basim Ibn Ishaq
Location	Anbar, Abbasid Caliphate
Date	11 – 12 December 861

The Master Thief of Anbar was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories relived through the Animus.

Description

Basim helped Dervis to perform several tasks on behalf of his clients.

Memory Animus Feedback System

• Leave the hideout
• Follow Nehal
• Steal the pouch
• Follow Nehal
• Pickpocket merchants
• Meet with Dervis
• Steal the ledger
• Return to Dervis
• Speak with Nehal
• Follow Nehal
• Infiltrate the palace
  • Nehal knows a way in
  • Look for another entrance
  • A palace guard holds the key
• Steal the chest's contents
• Escape the palace
• Return to the hideout
• Warn Dervis and the others
• Go to the docks

Dialogue

A drop of blood fell on Basim's face. He found himself in a dark, shadowy environment with his legs trapped in a black quicksand. He looked on as the apparition of a figure tackled him to the ground, causing his hand to be trapped as well. The figure displayed its ghastly form and approached him. Eventually, it was revealed to be a dream as Basim woke up gasping.

• Basim: Gah!

Panicked, he got up from his bed and his friend Nehal, who was sitting by the bed and observed his behavior, tried to calm him down.

• Basim: (labored breathing)
• Nehal: Easy, Basim. Breathe.

Basim talking about his nightmares with Nehal

Noticing, Basim calmed himself down.

• Basim: (labored breathing)
• Nehal: Was it the jinni again?

Basim said nothing.

• Nehal: And what did our friend want this time?

Having composed himself, Basim sat up

• Basim: To strip the flesh from my bones? Dine on my innards? Never has much to say, yet it leaves its mark. I can still feel it crawling on my skin.
• Nehal: Hardly original. You should tell it as much.
• Basim: Forget the jinni for the moment. The day is new, there is work to be done. Dervis has left another contract.

Basim receiving his new contract from Dervis

Basim got out of bed and approached the wooden-covered window near the table, where he picked up a small circular stone.

• Nehal: Who for?

Basim showed Nehal the stone, with a Hidden One insignia mark.

• Nehal: Them again? We would make more money selling water to a camel.

Nehal got up from the bedside and approached the room exit, shaking her head.

• Basim: Come, Nehal. Where is your sense of duty?
• Nehal: Duty does not fill our bellies.
• Basim: No, but it does enrich the soul.
• Nehal: I will be outside.

Nehal left the house, with Basim exploring his surroundings. He looked at the object on the table nearest to the door.

• Basim: I told Nehal this would be impossible to sell when she stole it. But she could not resist. Wonder what it is about these ancient baubles that fascinates her so.
• Nehal: Kick up some sand, Basim.

He turned to a wall table near the bed, where he picked up a few medallions.

• Basim: Cheap jewels and tarnished coins. The spoils of a rogue's life.

Basim also looked at a few construction tools on a shelf near his bed.

• Basim: "It takes but a few simple tools to build the greatest of mosques." I hope to continue to share your wisdom father... wherever you are.

After he was done exploring his room, Basim left the house and met with Nehal.

• Nehal: The sun casts a long shadow.
• Basim: Let us not keep Dervis waiting. I cannot bear another lecture.

Basim followed Nehal as they navigated out of the neighbourhood.

• Nehal: These contracts... it is quite a few Dervis has pushed your way now.
• Basim: He knows I will come through.
• Nehal: You have his trust, that much is clear. Do you suppose you have theirs? These... shadowy types.
• Basim: I should hope so by now.
• Nehal: Then they should show it. You take all the risk and they offer little in return.
• Basim: They are liberators, Nehal. Not merchants.
• Nehal: I know the stories. Still, the price of liberty should be enough to feed us.

They reached the city's outskirts and began freerunning across the rooftops and scaffoldings, eventually reaching a roof near the city gate.

Nehal reminding Basim of his safety

• Nehal: About this contract... I do not want you to mistake my words for pestering. I am only looking out for you, ya sadeeqi (friend).
• Basim: It is no inconvenience to stand up to our oppressors as the Hidden Ones do.
• Nehal: Do you think yourself some hero of tomorrow? The next Gilgamesh?
• Basim: No, I am merely the son of a public servant who dedicated his life to the betterment of his people... only to be slighted and forgotten.

Both Basim and Nehal reflected on their words for a moment.

• Basim: But I am honored you think I could reach such heights. I may just aim for them.
• Nehal: That is not at all what I said.
• Basim: It is what I heard!

Basim and Nehal near the city gate

Both of them turned to look towards the crowd gathering near the gate.

• Nehal: Such crowds. Something important must be happening.
• Basim: The Caliph (Steward) has been summoned to the Winter Palace. It is surely his wealthy retinue that drives this crowd.

Basim and Nehal jumped down to the street and approached the crowd.

• Nehal: Ah... Perhaps they're in the mood to offer donations...
• Basim: Ah. I see your meaning. A little sleight of hands to sharpen our wits?
• Nehal: If this contract will not feed us, the Caliphate might as well.

Basim and Nehal looked towards a table, where a coin purse had been left behind.

• Nehal: That merchant has left his purse on the table. An easy one to begin with.

Basim approached the table and quietly looted the purse.

• Basim: Better leave before they notice.

Both he and Nehal left the area to avoid raising suspicions.

• Civilian: Gah! Liss! Liss! (Thief! Thief!)

They made their way down a street.

• Nehal: Come here! Ready yourself. I will pick them out.
• Basim: A keen eye and an agile hand. A formidable duo.

They reached a haycart.

• Nehal: Hmm. There. The boisterous one. He must have something of value.

Basim stealing a pouch from a civilian

Nehal pointed at a civilian with a pouch hanging by his waist, leading Basim to steal it while he was occupied. Once successful, Basim returned to Nehal, and they both continued down the street.

• Nehal: Sneaky sneaky...

They reached a spot where Nehal spotted a lady patronizing a store with a pouch at her waist.

• Nehal: And... over there, by that stall. She's got some coin.

Basim approached the lady and looted the purse.

• Nehal: Well done. You truly are the Master Thief of Anbar.
• Basim: Is that jealousy I hear?
• Nehal: Hardly, oh Great Looter of Purses.
• Basim: Insufferable... Come, we are late to Dervis'.

Basim and Nehal ended their thieving and made their way to Dervis' place.

• Mutee'a: It's Basim!
• Nehal: They're all looking spry. I wonder what tales we will hear today.
• Basim: Tall ones, most certainly.

Basim bonding with one of the kids, Fehmi

Basim approached one of the kids.

• Fehmi: Ahlan (Welcome), Basim! Come here, come here!
• Basim: Fehmi.
• Fehmi: Basim! The Caliph has arrived with his court! Have you seen them?
• Basim: I have not. Though I did meet some of his merchants at the markets.
• Fehmi: I saw them up close. Al-Mutawakkil is much, much larger than I had imagined. A towering man, indeed.
• Basim: Of course. He gorges on food served with the finest spices you and I can only hope to one day taste.
• Fehmi: I heard whispers of an important visit. But I cannot say from whom. I am sworn to secrecy!
• Basim: Let me guess. Halaa. The palace guard's daughter.
• Fehmi: What? How did you know?
• Basim: I know where you really go when you say you are fetching water. She is kind. A good friend to you. And... maybe more, someday.
• Fehmi: Ooh Basim!
• Basim: I am serious! She will keep you out of trouble. You could use that. See you, Fehmi.

Basim checking on Ameen, who was injured

Basim approached another kid.

• Ameen: Steal anything good today?
• Basim Ameen, how is your knee?
• Ameen Much better, Basim! Wrapped it and rested a few days, like you said.
• Basim Good. So long as each day is better than the last and you take care not to extend yourself, you will recover fine.
• Ameen Has this happened to you before? Is that why you know how to treat it?
• Basim I am no stranger to scrapes and bumps, but I have learned to prevent them. And so should you. If I may, your sandals are worn and cannot grip the ground. Your knees are taking the brunt of your movements. We need to find you something better. Something that fits. But that part is not so easy.
• Ameen The mosques have plenty. I am sure to find a better pair there! Erm, if you will not pass judgement...
• Basim Hah! Do not look to me. That will be between you and Allah, ya sadeeqi (friend).

Basim and Nehal entered the house.

• Dervis: Vay vay vay (Well well well), here is the lazy boy. I have been waiting on you.
• Basim: Someone has to plan our meals.

Basim threw a pouch to one of the children.

• Basim: Hold.

The child turned around to listen to Basim.

• Basim: Food. I would not flaunt that around the markets. Trust me.
• Dervis: Go to Zaida'! She uses lots of butter.

The child nodded and left the house.

• Nehal: That she does.
• Dervis: You look weary. Are you well?

Basim threw the stone that had been given to him.

Dervis giving Basim his assignment

• Basim: It is nothing a little adventure wouldn't fix. What do they need?
• Dervis: A shipping ledger at the harbor. It is worth nothing by itself, but the information it contains is valuable to them.
• Basim: This is child's play. Do they not have anything more difficult? I can do more.
• Dervis: Never mind your ego. The Caliph's guards are here in number and you would do well to remember that.
• Basim: You worry for me more now than when we lived in Baghdad.
• Dervis: My worry is the same, I've only grown too old and too tired to hide it. Bring the ledger here, and do it swiftly.

As Dervis prepared to leave, Basim looked towards Nehal, who signaled him to ask about payment.

• Basim: We have not talked about my fee.

Dervis stopped in his tracks to reply to Basim.

• Dervis: And we won't. Not until the deed is done. You know how they are.

Dervis left the house.

• Nehal: Shocking.
• Basim: He is just a messenger.
• Nehal: And you are still an errand boy. You can do this one on your own.

Nehal left the place as well.

• Fehmi: I saw them with all the soldiers parading into the Winter Palace.
• Ameen: Did they have swords and spears?
• Fehmi: Of course they did, they are soldiers.
• Ameen: I'd like to steal a sword. Or a helmet.

Basim read a note on the table before leaving.

One Collector to Another

Friend Dervis,

O, how the greatest beauty can be concealed by a meek façade! Priceless gems hide behind the plainest rock, or the humblest shopfront. You see, I am a collector of the exquisite, and I hear you stock precious stones from Sarandib, emeralds from Khorasan, pearls form the Ocean of Sindh. I would cherish such jewels forever.

Name your price and I will meet it.

Basim trying to encourage Mutee'a

Outside, Basim stopped to talk more with the children.

• Basim: Mutee'a, where has your smile run off to? What has happened?
• Mutee'a: I do not want to talk about it.
• Basim: Ah, but I refuse to leave until you do. We need someone to offset the grouchy winds that billow from Dervis' quarters. Is he responsible for the clouds that hang above you?
• Mutee'a: He shouted at me. Called me a harebrained miscreant! All because I roused a few guards who were pestering me.
• Basim: Harsh! I would have done the same as you.
• Mutee'a: Do you think he will tell me to leave?
• Basim: Ah, Mutee'a, you do not know him as well as I, so I will only say this. Dervis may appear rough, but he has a soft underbelly. He's only trying to protect you. Still, some retribution is in order. What can we do, what can we do... Ah! Tomorrow, when all is quiet, we will sit on a nearby rooftop and stone his walls while he tries to sleep.
• Mutee'a: A brilliant idea! See you later, Basim.

Basim approached Dervis.

• Basim: Did they say anything else about the ledger? Or why they want it?
• Dervis: Ugh, I tell you what they tell me, Basim. As always, it's just enough. Why are you asking, hmm?
• Basim: I would like to know just what it is I am contributing to.
• Dervis: You have done much in the way of facilitating their endeavors, and so I will speak a word on your behalf. My one caution, and I have been doing this long enough to share it... Anyone, anyone who works from the shadows does so only because they must. In the face of looming danger, for example. By working alongside them we have invited the danger to our door. And we must be very careful not to let it in.

Basim talking to Nehal before leaving on his mission

Basim approached Nehal.

• Nehal: You are on your own, Basim. This is no contract, it is a favor. I do not work for scraps.
• Basim: I do not wish for you to be upset. I took the contract, so I will see it through.
• Nehal: I am not upset, Basim. I simply cannot understand why you overlook your own interests to serve theirs. You owe nothing to anyone but yourself. Remember that.

Basim made his way to the harbor near the house. Along the way, he saw a knife pinning a note to a warehouse door.

No Children

A group of children are disturbing our operations and must be refused entry to the harbor henceforth. Last week a crate was caught in their fighing nets and dragged into the water. Today, I have learned the missing produce over the last three days was not by error of calculations, but due to theft. These children are to blame. If they return, simply alert one of the guards.

Continuing onward, he saw another note pinned to a large quffa.

My Apologies

I took your catch for the day and beg your forgiveness, unknown friend! My family is hungry, and I had to act quickly when I saw that you left your quffa unattended. I promise that someday, in better times, Allah will connect out paths so that I may repay my debt to you.

I thank you and my family thanks you!

He hid in a patch of tall grass near a crate to eavesdrop on the guards' conversation.

• Soldier 1: What was the final tally of what we received?
• Soldier 2: Sixteen crates. One chest. Half a dozen satchels. Only three crates remained last time I checked the ledger.
• Soldier 1: Give their handlers until tomorrow evening. If they don't show by then, we must assume they've forgotten about their wares. Open them up. Keep whatever catches our eyes. Dump the rest.

Basim started to move, only to stop after breaking a branch underfoot, startling one of the soldiers.

• Soldier 1: Wait here.

Basim hid himself amongst the tall grass as the soldier approached closer. Basim grabbed him into the tall grass and knocked him out.

• Basim: If I am seen I will have to flee. Good thing I can outrun these sagging guards.

Basim kept a low profile and searched around the harbor, knocking out guards to avoid being noticed. He came across a building with a locked door.

• Basim: Locked. A minor delay.

Basim used Eagle Vision to locate the guard with the door keys. He entered another building, took out the guard, and looted the keys. He then returned to the locked door, opened it, and stepped inside. Within, he spotted a ledger on the table.

• Basim: There. That may be what I'm looking for.

Basim finding the ledger

Basim looted the ledger.

• Basim: I wonder wat secrets this ledger holds. Maybe I can get the old grouser Dervis to squeeze a hint out of our contact.

Bayek left the harbor and returned to Dervis' place.

• Nehal: Still in one piece, I see.
• Basim: It was all too easy.
• Nehal: Ugh, how the stench of pride seeps from your pores...

Basim and Nehal spotted Dervis conversing with a hooded woman

Basim and Nehal entered Dervis' shop, where they found him conversing with a hooded woman.

• Roshan: We could use some eyes around the city.
• Dervis: I'll see what I can do.
• Nehal: She looks important. You should haggle for a better fee.
• Basim: Shh.

Dervis spotted Basim and approached him.

• Dervis: Ah, Basim. What timing. Did you get it?

Basim handed over the ledger to Dervis.

• Basim: Without a fuss.
• Roshan: Give it here.
• Basim: You are one of them.

Dervis and the hooded woman decipher the ledger

In turn, Dervis gave the ledger to Roshan.

• Roshan: There. It looks as though it was delivered this morning.
• Dervis: You're certain it is the chest you seek?
• Roshan: I am certain. Pay the boy.

When Roshan turned to leave, Basim spoke to her.

• Basim: You need something stolen, I am your man. Dervis can attest. He has given me all your contracts.
• Roshan: Then you have done your part.
• Basim: I can do more.

Basim offering his services to the woman, who rejected him

• Roshan: Two of my best men died on this pursuit. I doubt a street thief would fare much better.
• Basim: Then let me join you. You have two openings!

Roshan ignored Basim's words and took her leave.

• Dervis: I should take half this fee for that insult.

Dervis' hand briefly hovered over two different-sized coin pouches, but he took the larger one and handed it over to Basim.

• Basim: Thank you, Dervis.
• Dervis: Listen here, Basim. You want to keep working for me, you keep your head down and your mouth shut!

Basim accepted the payment and left with Nehal.

Basim and Nehal discussed what happened earlier

• Nehal: Why must you embarrass yourself like that?
• Basim: Like what?
• Nehal: Like a beggar. Desperate for them to notice you.
• Basim: Desperate? Nehal, I am good at what I do. That woman would be lucky to have me.

As Basim talked with Nehal, one of the children slowly sneaked behind him.

• Nehal: But she does not want you. You are a street thief with dirty feet. So why bother? Why keep pushing yourself down this path?
• Basim: Because being a street thief is not the peak of my ambition. I have more to offer this world than my nimble fingers. They just cannot see it yet.

As the child tried to steal the pouch from Basim's waist, Basim took notice and backed away.

• Basim: Almost, Jasib.

He noticed a slingshot at Jasib's waist.

• Basim: What is this?
• Jasib: Aha! It is my latest creation. It helps me fend off angry merchants when they, uh, catch me digging around their wares.

Basim enquiring Jasib about the chest at the harbor

• Basim: I will consider myself spared. You smell foul. What is that?
• Jasib: Ha! We have been fishing at the harbor since morning. Terrible luck, though.
• Basim: The harbor? Did you happen to see or hear any fuss over a chest?
• Jasib: Hm. Ah yes! A black one. Very beautiful. Some burly guards took it with them to the palace.

Basim took out a coin and gave it to Jasib.

• Basim: Shukran lak ya (thank you), Jasib.

Jasib accepted the coin and left with the remaining children.

• Nehal: What are you doing?
• Basim: They want that chest, and I am going to get it for them. Then they will see.
• Nehal: There is just no getting through to you, is there?

Basim sharing his plan to infiltrate the palace and steal the chest for the hooded woman

Basim shook his head.

• Nehal: Then we will do this together. If you get caught at the Winter Palace, they will kill you on sight. We will need a safe way in. And I know where we might scout one. That is, if you can follow my lead for a change. Shall we go scout the Winter Palace now?

Nehal waited near the gate, as Basim approached her.

• Basim: You do not have to get involved, Nehal. I know your feelings on this.
• Nehal: It is utterly foolish. But it seems I cannot stop you. So I will come with, and nag you until you decide to abandon the idea of stealing a chest from the Caliph's. Winter. Palace.
• Basim: When you say it like that, it only excites me further.
• Nehal: Are we going or not?

("Let's go to the Winter Palace.")

• Basim: Lead the way.
• Nehal: This is a mad plan, Basim. Even if you were to succeed and they welcome you into their ranks, what then? Will you forget about us?

Basim following Nehal to the winter palace

• Basim: Of course not. Nehal, their intentions are our interests You, me and every street dweller who has been cast aside, living off scraps and dirty water. I can be an instrument that sees us out of that life. That sees that Jasib can use his talents to be a real craftsman. That sees that good men are not cast aside as my father was. And no children left wondering what tomorrow will bring.
• Nehal: I hear what you are saying, Basim. But you paint a portrait of a world that cannot exist.
• Basim: That is where we disagree.

They reached near the entrance to the palace.

• Nehal: There it is. The Winter Palace. Come, this way.
• Basim: Right behind you.

Basim followed Nehal up the stairs onto roof of a building near the palace.

• Nehal: Here. Let us wait for nightfall.

Basim and Nehal overlooking the palace at nightfall

The two waited for nightfall, when it would be easier to sneak into the palace.

• Nehal: Does where you stand not awaken fond memories?
• Basim: Not so long ago we were counting our spoils up here under the cover of night, just like this.
• Nehal: The stakes were lower then.
• Basim: And so too was the prize.
• Nehal: Well, before you claim your prize you will first have to reach it. And so far as I can see, that will take some creativity.
• Basim: We could always try the front gate.
• Nehal: You will have to let me know how that goes for you.

Nehal prepared to take her leave.

• Basim: Where are you going?
• Nehal: I've had a clever thought. If your mind is absent of one, you should perhaps follow mine.
• Basim: Wait. (sigh)

Basim followed Nehal as they climbed down the building through a broken wall.

• Nehal: It is dark enough. Come.

They entered the palace through a broken wall near the roof of a covered walkway.

• Basim: Nehal.
• Nehal: Fastening yourself to my tail, Basim? Very sensible.

Basim and Nehal sneaking into the palace, using the grass as cover

They sneaked pass the walkway, using the tall patch of grass as cover.

• Basim: I know how you hate to be alone.

As they sneaked pass, they eavesdropped on the guard's coversations.

• Soldier 1: ...and then roasted, stuffed lamb. Oh, yes.
• Nehal: I see some guards just that way.
• Soldier 2: Lentils with lime sauce, pomegranates and lemon. I can taste it now.
• Soldier 1: Shh! I heard something. A low roar.
• Soldier 2: Indeed! My stomach!

Basim and Nehal reached an inverted cart and navigated their way up the roof, reaching a garden area. They passed by as the gardener and tailor pay them no attention. They then climbed up a stack of bricks to the upper floor, entering a sheltered room with guards. The two continued their way while carefully avoiding the guards, continuing to listen to their conversations.

• Soldier 3: Have you seen the guests? Such odd costumes.
• Soldier 4: Keep your mouth shut. You'll only invite trouble talking that.
• Soldier 3: Why dress that way, is all I'm asking. It's not festival time.
• Soldier 4: They are here to meet the Caliph about the chest that arrived this morning. Which, need I remind you, is none of our concern.
• Soldier 3: Are you not curious?
• Soldier 4: Even if I am, it will not break my focus.

Basim and Nehal made their way down the lower floor, reaching a locked door.

• Nehal: Ah, good. This door may lead us inside.
• Basim: Not without a key it won't.
• Nehal: Hmm. Have a look around.

Basim used his Eagle Vision to identify the guard with the door key. Sneaking pass the patrols, he approached near the guard and stole his key. He also read a note on the table.

Palace Orders

The Caliph has been summoned for an important meeting. I have been made aware of no details, but I must ensure the palace is adequately staffed and that patrols are increased. Double the presence on the roof and station two guards for every room he and the visiting party will pass through. Secure all entrances. No one is allowed in or out until after the meeting ends.

He then returned to the door where Nehal was waiting.

• Nehal: Any luck finding the key?

Basim used the key to unlock the door, granting them access into the room. He quietly opening the door while hearing two guards inside.

• Soldier 5: The Caliph appears unsettled. An unruly son is not helping matters.

Basim and Nehal entered while peaking from the walls.

• Soldier 6: The young man is eager. It's his first time in the palace, is it not? Let him wander, I say. Cater to his needs. This meeting is supposed to be brief, after all.
• Soldier 6: Here they are. Come.

The caliph chasing his son and guards out of the hall

Basim and Nehal hide near a semi-fenced up wall, catching sight of the caliph's guests entering the hall while guided by the guards.

• Soldier 6: Through here. The Caliph awaits you.

They continued forward, and spotted the caliph and his son.

• Soldier 6: They have arrived, Mawlay (my lord).
• Al-Mutawakkil: Out. All of you. I am to meet with them alone.
• Abu 'Abdallah: Father, let me stay!
• Al-Mutawakkil: Take him.

The guards escorted the prince out of the room. Meanwhile, Basim and Nehal spotted the chest mentioned earlier by Dervis and the hooded woman.

• Nehal: Looks heavy. We'll never get it out of the palace.
• Basim: Then I will just have to take what is inside.

The caliph meets the masked members

The masked members entered the hall.

• Al-Mutawakkil: Gentlemen. Welcome. Everything is in order.

One of the members opened the chest to check its contents.

• Al-Mutawakkil: I understand this means a great deal to you. Rest assured, it will be well protected here.
• Masked Figure: We will accept nothing less. We will carry out our work and return to you when we are ready. Be prepared, Caliph.

The Order members turned to leave.

• Al-Mutawakkil: Ah, might I see it once? The contents? If we are to guard this with our lives we should know—

The masked member threatened the caliph

The masked figure who checked the box turned back and approached the Caliph threateningly.

• Masked Figure: You saw nothing of this. You say nothing. Do you understand?
• Al-Mutawakkil: Y-yes, of course. Perish the idea.

The masked members took their leave, while the caliph left in a different path.

• Basim: Now is our chance.

Basim and Nehal stopped peaking from the fences and continued down their hall, where they heard someone passing through.

• Nehal: Someone is coming.

They took cover behind crates, and waited till the guards passed the area.

• Nehal: This way. Looks quiet.

They continued and entered a room filled with riches.

• Nehal: I never thought I'd set foot in here. Just look at these arches. You could chisel off a piece and sell it for a hoard of gold. You didn't happen to bring a pickaxe did you?
• Basim: I will keep it in mind for the next time we break into a palace.

Basim and Nehal entered the hall with the chest left behind.

• Basim: All right, Basim. Open. Snatch. Run.
• Nehal: Basim, hurry!

Realizing it was locked, Basim took a candle holder to break open the lock.

• Basim: (quick exhale)

Basim finding a disk-shaped artifact in the chest

With the lock broken, Basim opened the chest and was greeted by the sight of a disk-shaped object. Hearing noises from the surrounding, the two began to panic.

• Nehal: Basim!

Basim picked up the object, which suddenly activated with glowing yellow marks all over and produced a hologram of two unknown individuals, one standing in front of the other, who is on their knees.

• Male Voice 1: dű-duàs hnomná arhzmr mnàæ gnsàsi (Tell me your name)
• Male Voice 2: hm més hr r n marhmid (I cannot remember it)

As the standing figure punched the other one in the face, the caliph, having heard the commotion, entered the hall to snatch away the object.

• Al-Mutawakkil: Give me that!

The resulting grappling caused Basim to drop the object to the ground, which deactivated.

• Al-Mutawakkil: No! La!

The caliph discovering what the chest contained

The caliph slapped Basim across the face to the ground. The caliph then picked it up himself.

• Al-Mutawakkil: Do you have any idea what they will do to me?
• Basim: Please, I—I am sorry.
• Al-Mutawakkil: This... This is your fault.

As Basim leaned behind a pillar, the caliph picked him up and pinned him against the pillar.

• Basim: Stop! Please...!

The caliph attempted to strangle Basim.

• Al-Mutawakkil: You thieving little rat!

Nehal killing the caliph with a dagger

Basim struggled to free himself, trying to reach for the knife in the caliph's waistband. From behind, Nehal took a dagger and stabbed the caliph in his neck, killing him. As the caliph dropped to the floor, Basim tried to process what had occurred.

• Basim: No...
• Nehal: Run!

Nehal took her leave.

• Basim: Nehal, wait!

The caliph's son, who had seen everything, made his appearance.

• Abu 'Abdallah: Father?...

Basim picked up the artifact and began to run, as the guards arrived to capture him.

• Soldier 7: Get that boy!

Basim ran out of the palace through the main entrance, as more guards were alerted of his deeds.

• Soldier 8: Ring the bell! The Caliph is dead! Find that boy!
• Soldier 9: Sealing the area!

As the main door began to close, Basim managed to sneak pass and escape.

• Soldier 10: With me! He came this way.

More guards arrived from the sides, who exploded various explosive jars to stop Basim's advance.

• Soldier 11: Burn! Cutting him off!

While the guards blocked the main road, Basim took to using the ziplines to pass through.

• Soldier 12: No one will pass me!

As Basim escaped into the city, he overheard guards ordering his arrest.

• Soldier 13: An intruder was spotted at the palace. Keep your eyes open for a young thief.

Basim reached a roadblock.

• Soldier 14: Over there! I see him.

With the roads too dangerous, Basim climbed up onto rooftops and platforms to navigate his way while passing by more guards, who spotted him.

• Soldier 15: The alarm bell rings! Stay alert! You there! Stop!

Basim hiding in a haystack from guards

Basim made his way back to his hideout, using the scaffoldings, rooftops and even haystacks to escape the guards' visions.

• Basim: What... what have we done?
  Nehal... she just... What was she thinking? I need to find her. She would have gone back home.

Eventually, he reached his hovel and closed the door behind him.

• Basim: Nehal?

Basim safely retreated to his home

Seeing no one inside, Basim returned to his bed and took out the object, before throwing it onto the frustration. He then processed the events that had transpired, eventually falling asleep. He soon began having reoccurring nightmares of the same Jinni which plagued him.

• Basim: No. Stop this. Please! What do you want from me?

He was soon woken up, greeted by the sight of a grey-haired lady sitting by his bed.

• Basim: (labored breathing)
• Roshan: Calm! Calm, Basim.
• Basim: Nehal?

He then realized it was the hooded woman that Dervis was working with.

• Roshan: Not quite. Are you well?

Basim nodded.

• Roshan: Good. Because I need you to tell me about... this.

Roshan questioning Basim about the artifact he found

Roshan showed the object Basim had recovered from the palace.

• Basim: I do not know what you mean.

They overheared noise coming from outside.

• Soldier: Search over there.
• Roshan: Tell me what happened. Silence is not your ally here.
• Basim: It is not silence. I cannot explain what I saw. That object. It did something to me. I was... somewhere else. Cold. And frightened. Before I knew it, the Caliph had his hands around my neck. I... it was an accident, I did not mean for... just wanted to help.
• Roshan: We need to get you out of here. I have a boat at the western docks.
• Basim: What? No, I-I cannot leave. I need to find Nehal.

Roshan asking Basim to leave with her

• Roshan: Stop and think, Basim. The Caliph's guard is searching for his murderer. A young thief of your description. They will not stop until they have found you. And when they do, it will not be a prison they throw you into. It will be a shallow grave. I am giving you a second chance. Take it.

Roshan left.

• Basim: Nehal... Dervis... they are all in danger!

Basim left his house and made his way to Dervis' hideout.

• Basim: The soldiers are hunting all who look like me.

Remembering he's still in danger, Basim used the roofs and scaffoldings to navigate his way.

• Soldier: We are not to show mercy, men. Is that clear?
• Basim: I will not be safe for certain if I do not lose these guards.

The consequence of Basim's actions, the slaughered thieves of Dervis' network

Eventually, he reached the place, only to be shocked by what he discovered. The bodies of his friends, including Jasib and children, all hung and tied to wooden poles. He kneeled down, horrified by what he saw.

• Nehal: Basim. Basim! Avert your eyes.

Nehal appeared and tried to get Basim back to his senses.

• Basim: (scream)

Basim shook Nehal away and shouted at her.

• Nehal: There is nothing we could have done.
• Basim: Nothing? If the Caliph were alive, this would not have happened!
• Nehal: Watch where you point your blamey little finger, Basim. It was your idea to steal from the palace. All so that you could impress your cunning friends. I saved us.
• Basim: You killed them! You did this!

They overheard guards approaching.

• Soldier: It came from over there.

Basim ending his friendship with Nehal

• Basim: I hope I never see you again.

Nehal took her leave.

• Soldier: Hurry!

Remembering Roshan's words, he made his way to the docks to meet her.

• Basim: All of them dead... when it was me they sought to punish. I... I... I cannot be here. I cannot.
• Soldier: Scour the alleys for thieves. Round up every last one. Proceed.

As he came out from his hiding spot behind a barrel, a guard caught him.

• Soldier 9: Stop. Is it him?

The soldier dragged Basim and shoved him towards another soldier, who took a good look at his face.

• Soldier 10: I think so.

The guards pushed him down. Basim leaned behind the barrels as the guards drew their swords.

• Soldier 9: Good enough.

Roshan rescuing Basim from the guards

As one of the guard prepared to cut him down, Roshan approached from the back and stroke them down with her sword.

• Roshan: Move!

Roshan took out hand to get Basim up. As more guards came from the docks, Roshan made his way up the stairs to a building, while slashing her way past a few guards with Basim following behind her. She and Basim climbed up the building, reaching the edge.

• Basim: What are you doing?

Roshan reached the ledge.

• Roshan: Don't think.

Roshan took a leap and jumped into the waters below. With guards coming behind him, Basim followed suit and fell into the river while trying to avoid a soldier's sword swing.

Outcome

Defying Roshan and Dervis' heeding, Basim sneaked into the Winter Palace to recover the artifact, but was attacked by caliph Al-Mutawakkil for trespassing and attempted thievery. Nehal killed Al-Mutawakkil in self-defense, only for the Caliphate's guards to accuse Basim of murder and pursue the two when they fled. When his street thieves group was brutally executed in his stead, Basim escaped from Baghdad with the help of Roshan.

Behind the scenes

The initial scene where a drop of blood falls on Basim's face during his nightmare with the djinn is possibly a reference to the poem Lokasenna in the anonymously-written Poetic Edda. In it, Loki is tortured by Odin as punishment for accusing the gods of moral impurity. Only Snorri Sturluson's 13th century text Prose Edda explicitly states that this is also for his role in Baldr's murder while Lokasenna simply implies it. In both texts, Loki's torture consists being bound below a snake that slowly drips its venom on his face.

References

An image gallery is available for The Master Thief of Anbar

• Assassin's Creed: Mirage