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刺客信条：秘密圣战（Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade）是根据刺客信条系列游戏改编的第三部小说。本书由奥利弗·波登撰写，企鹅出版社出版发行。
本书讲述了刺客阿泰尔·伊本·拉阿哈德及其在第三次十字军东征时期的活动，以声名远扬的探险家马可·波罗的父亲——尼科洛·波罗的口吻叙述。书中描写阿泰尔经历的部分以第三人称视角写成，尼科洛叙述的部分则采用第一人称。[1]
简介
马可·波罗的父亲，尼科洛·波罗终于透露了他守护终生的秘密故事——阿泰尔的故事，兄弟会中最杰出的一位刺客的故事。
阿泰尔着手进行着一件艰难的任务，他为此在圣地四处奔波，并从中了解了刺客之信条的真正含义。为了履行他的义务，阿泰尔必须消灭九位致命的敌人，其中包括圣殿骑士的首领：罗贝尔·德·萨布莱。
阿泰尔一生的故事在此首次讲述：一段改变了历史进程的旅程、他与圣殿骑士阴谋的不懈斗争、一段既震撼又悲惨的家庭生活、以及一位老友的最终背叛。
情节概要
序章
序章仅有两面，引出了尼科洛的故事，但并没有写明他的身份和所在。
第一部分
第一章
尼科洛和马费奥·波罗停留在马斯亚夫——年迈的黎凡特刺客导师阿泰尔阿泰尔·伊本·拉阿哈德所驻守的地方。阿泰尔在人生最后的阶段，选择了尼科洛来做他的倾听者。
接连几周，尼科洛都坐在阿泰尔身旁，听这位刺客导师讲述他的一生。之后，尼科洛带着他的兄弟马费奥攀上了防御塔的顶层——故事开始的地方，也是首先看到进犯的萨拉丁的军队的地方，“那是八十年前，八月里的一天。”
第二章
画面转换到了萨拉丁进军时——他意在占领马斯亚夫，并取下时任刺客导师的阿尔莫林的人头。在军队逼近的同时，村民也在向安全区转移。刺客也在要塞建立起了防线，为即将到来的战斗做着准备。然而，意想中的攻击并没有到来，苏丹军在村庄停止了行进，看似对刺客的要塞毫不在乎。
第二天早晨，战斗打响，苏丹军顶着刺客弓箭手不间断的火雨试图侵入要塞。一些村民也加入到刺客的防御战中。之后，在两方均有不少死伤的情况下，苏丹军撤退休整，为下一场战斗做准备。在萨拉丁离开军营不知所踪后，他的叔叔希哈布丁前往山上的村庄去拜访刺客的领袖。
第三章
在要塞门口，希哈布丁提出要跟阿尔莫林进行谈判。时间回到阿尔莫林与阿泰尔的父亲，刺客大师乌玛交谈的时候。他们之间的对话揭示了乌玛的任务——潜入萨拉丁的帐篷，留下刺客的印记以警示萨拉丁——刺客可以轻易取下他的人头。然而这个任务差一点就失败了，还连带着取走了萨拉丁亲信将军的性命。
作为撤军的交换条件，希哈布丁要求杀死将军的罪魁祸首偿命。最初阿尔莫林并不同意，但希哈布丁拎出了他在自己阵营抓到的刺客卧底——他已经伤痕累累，而且如果刺客不交出乌玛的话，他就要代替乌玛被处刑。
第四章
时间回到现在，次日清晨，马费奥叫醒了尼科洛，想听听后来那名卧底怎么样了，还有这件事对阿泰尔的影响。然而尼科洛并不急着告诉马费奥，他只是按着阿泰尔讲述的顺序，将故事推到了十五年之后——阿泰尔在所罗门圣殿的失败。
第五章
时间依旧是过去，阿泰尔在任务失败后回到了马斯亚夫，独自思索着发生的事情。起初，他碰到了劳夫。劳夫并没有留意到阿泰尔身上发生了什么，这让阿泰尔松了一口气。然而，之后他碰到了阿巴斯。阿巴斯似乎已经猜测到了阿泰尔的失利，他冷言嘲讽阿泰尔，意图在阿泰尔的伤口上撒盐。阿泰尔最终还是回到了要塞中，到了阿尔莫林的房间，并接受了导师的询问。
第六章
就在阿泰尔告诉导师他的两名队友都死了的时候，马利克走了进来，他愤怒地向阿尔莫林痛诉阿泰尔造成的损失——他失去了他的弟弟，还伤了一臂。之后他炫耀般地将被阿泰尔遗忘的用古文物盒子存放的任务目标拿了出来，使阿泰尔更加无地自容。
就在此时，有信使报信罗贝尔·德·萨布莱正在围攻马斯亚夫。阿泰尔被阿尔莫林命令去协助击退敌人。在村民进入要塞避难的同时，阿泰尔也在拖住那些袭击村民的敌人。之后，劳夫让他跟着他去塔的上面，给敌人一个“惊喜”。
之后，在塔的顶端，包括阿泰尔、劳夫在内的三名刺客进行了信仰之跃，以向萨布莱展示他们对导师的服从。由于第三名刺客摔断了腿，为了向敌人隐藏他的伤势，劳夫留下来照看他。阿泰尔则根据劳夫的指示到达了刺客们已经设置好陷阱，随时可以终结十字军的生命的，峭壁的上方。
第七章
阿泰尔斩断了固定圆木的绳子，滚下的木头碾压了位于下方的萨布莱的军队，使萨布莱溃不成军。刺客聚集到庭院中庆祝胜利，阿泰尔走近他们，阿尔莫林示意众人安静，沉默瞬间取代了庆祝的氛围——马上每个人都将知道阿泰尔在所罗门圣殿的失利。
在聚集的众人面前，阿尔莫林宣布了阿泰尔成功与失败的原因。最终，他因为阿泰尔对信条的违背惩罚了阿泰尔，用一把金匕首刺进了这位刺客大师的腹部。
第八章
阿泰尔并没有死去，醒来后的他见到了阿尔莫林，阿尔莫林告诉了阿泰尔他还活着的原因，以及他现在的状态；这位刺客大师被剥夺了头衔，变回了新手，重新学习刺客的处事之道。
第九章
首先，阿泰尔前往大马士革，开启了他的导师委派的猎杀九人的行程。通过城门潜入城中后，他开始意识到这次事件对自己造成的影响，例如缺少装备。
根据任务要求，他先去拜访了大马士革的拉菲克，后者已经得知了阿泰尔的“遭遇”。由于不再有人为阿泰尔提前收集好情报，按照规定，拉菲克派遣阿泰尔前往城市中自行获取需要的信息。在城市中穿行一段时间后，阿泰尔锁定了一名传令官，他随后跟踪着传令官进入了一条安静的小巷，开始了他的调查。
第十章
进一步探索大马士革后，阿泰尔回到了刺客据点并且告诉了拉菲克他得知的情报，之后他被给予一根羽毛标识并被允许暗杀塔米尔——他的第一个暗杀目标。
之后，阿泰尔迫不及待地离开了刺客据点，前往阿泰尔认为目标所在的集市。到达集市后，阿泰尔看到塔米尔正在审问一名痛苦的顾客。在塔米尔疯狂地捅了那名顾客数刀后，阿泰尔杀掉了塔米尔。临死前塔米尔告诉了阿泰尔他行动的动机。
第十一章
除掉第一个目标后，阿尔莫林对阿泰尔成功的消息表示十分满意。之后阿泰尔谈到了阿卡——他下一个目标在的地方。
在到达阿卡据点前，阿泰尔已经在阿卡城中进行了数日的调查并安排好了刺杀计划，并且从德·纳普罗斯手下那里偷到了卷轴。之后阿泰尔和据点负责人杰贝尔进行了短暂的交谈，在得到允许后获得了羽毛标识。
第十二章
之后，阿泰尔混在学者的队伍中潜入了医院要塞。在建筑内部，阿泰尔亲眼见证了他的目标纳布卢斯——对一名企图逃跑的患者的暴行：纳布卢斯意图说服患者留在这里，但患者表示他只想离开，于是纳布卢斯命令守卫打断了患者的双腿。
随后，纳布卢斯开始检查他的其他患者的状态，虽然患者们大多状态消沉，但他们中还是有人对纳布卢斯表示了感激之情。趁着守卫忙于手头事物的时候，阿泰尔刺杀了他的目标。纳布卢斯临死前对阿泰尔说了一些使阿泰尔感到迷惑的话，虽然心存疑惑，阿泰尔还是成功逃离了现场。
第十三章
回到马斯亚夫，阿泰尔向阿尔莫林汇报了他的任务，并对纳布卢斯死前说的令人感到迷惑的话提出了疑问。阿尔莫林解答了阿泰尔的疑惑，之后带着神秘微笑告诉阿泰尔他下一个目标在耶路撒冷。
阿泰尔走进了耶路撒冷的据点，看到作为据点的拉菲克（负责人）的马利克的瞬间，阿泰尔就明白了为什么他的导师会露出微笑。经过一段简短但并不愉快的交流后，阐述了自己在耶路撒冷收集的情报的阿泰尔从马利克手中获得了标识羽毛，前往刺杀他的下一个目标——塔拉尔。
第十四章
走进塔拉尔关押奴隶的地方的瞬间，阿泰尔意识到他掉进了陷阱，但他无视掉他的目标说的干扰的话继续执行任务。阿泰尔和塔拉尔进行了短暂的交谈，之后塔拉尔才现身，塔拉尔让阿泰尔走到他指定的地方——有光的地方——这样弓箭手可以轻易狙击阿泰尔。
塔拉尔企图让他的手下杀掉阿泰尔，自己则逃掉了，但没过多久，迅速解决了塔拉尔手下的阿泰尔就追上了塔拉尔。在一场激烈的追逐后，阿泰尔刺杀了塔拉尔，并听完了他的遗言——和纳布卢斯一样，塔拉尔也提到了他的“兄弟们”，但此时的阿泰尔并不能理解他们说的兄弟意味着什么。
第十五章
解决了九个目标中的三个后，阿泰尔在一口井附近扎营夜宿，睡着的阿泰尔梦到了他童年的事。11岁的阿泰尔刚刚失去了父亲，悲痛的他将一切都怪罪到艾哈迈德身上——那个原本应该死去的卧底。
幼年的阿泰尔在之后的几天都睡在他父亲的床上，残留的父亲的气息使他获得安慰。艾哈迈德的日子也并不好过，内心的愧疚使他夜夜无法安眠。直到一天夜晚，无法忍受负罪感的艾哈迈德带着匕首进入了阿泰尔的房间，在阿泰尔的面前道歉并用匕首隔断了自己的喉咙。内心从麻木转到惊吓的阿泰尔跑到了阿尔莫林的屋子，告诉了导师这个消息。阿尔莫林让阿泰尔保守艾哈迈德死亡的秘密，不让他告诉任何人，包括艾哈迈德的儿子，阿巴斯。
第二天开始，阿泰尔和阿巴斯被安排同时开始刺客学徒的训练，并且住进了同一间屋子。然而，就算搬出了原来的房子，噩梦依旧缠绕着阿泰尔。童年的记忆逐渐模糊，成年的阿泰尔一身冷汗地从梦中惊醒。之后，再次合眼的阿泰尔希望能在天亮前再睡上一觉。
第二部分
第十六章
阿尔莫林祝贺了阿泰尔的成功，然后告诉了阿泰尔他接下来的目标。之后阿泰尔前往阿卡去刺杀威廉·德·蒙特费拉特。阿泰尔再次在据点见到了杰贝尔，从他那里获取情报后，阿泰尔开始了他的调查。
第十七章
阿泰尔穿过市场，从士兵身上偷到了一份送给士兵口中的“首领”的信件，他们似乎不属于已知的任何一方势力；他还看到试图以言语鼓动民众反抗德·蒙特费拉特的人，然而软弱的民众并不敢冒险。决心将城市从威廉手中解放出来的阿泰尔回到了据点，从杰贝尔手中取得了允许刺杀的标识羽毛。
第十八章
回到城堡外，阿泰尔旁听了狮心王理查德和威廉·德·蒙特费拉特的一场对话。理查德离开后，阿泰尔混在进城的商人中潜入了城中。之后阿泰尔爬上房顶，一边解决弓箭手清出撤退路线，一边跟踪着威廉。之后威廉停下，训斥他的士兵最近过于懒散，并在他们面前处决了两名怠惰的士兵。在威廉遣走他的士兵，变得毫无防备时，阿泰尔一跃而下，刺杀了威廉。死前，威廉告诉了阿泰尔他所作所为均是为了人民的利益，而阿泰尔终有一天会为自己的行为后悔。
Chapter 19
Again Altaïr spoke to Al Mualim, and noticed his Master demanded so much detail on his victories, but held so much information back. Tasked with the assassination of Abu'l Nuqoud, he traveled back to Damascus, where he met the 'impertinent' Rafiq again. They argued some more and told each other what they knew about the target. Altaïr visited the places Abu'l was hated, hearing some scholars talk about what the Assassin thinks is 'the new world', although he still knew nothing about it. He then went to find more information about the target, leaving for a party after he heard Abu'l Nuqoud was giving one.
Chapter 20
Being at the party, seeing all the richness of wine fountains and people clothed in silk and gold, Altaïr searched for his target. A few moments later he saw him on a balcony, and so Abu'l Nuquod addressed his public, going from friendly to hostile in his speech, also mentioning The New World. Archers took their positions, and at the end of the speech - when all the people who drank from the poisoned wine fountain were dying - they were signaled to kill everyone that had not died yet and tried to escape. Abu'l, distracted and amused by the massacre, was soon enough assassinated by Altaïr, sharing his last thoughts with him.
Chapter 21
Altaïr visited Al Mualim again and questioned him about his findings, trying to become less confused about his targets' words. This time, Altaïr wanted solid answers, and so he demanded that his Master tell him why the men he had killed spoke similar words. Al Mualim eventually relented and told the Assassin that each man he had assassinated where members of the Templar Order, all under the leadership of Robert de Sable. Altaïr, armed with this knowledge, made his way out to assassinate his next target.
Chapter 22
As Altaïr came into Jerusalem, he had some trouble with guards, but eventually arrived at the bureau where he met Malik again, where he told him that his next target was Majd Addin. After some arguing, Altaïr left to visit the Wailing Wall, where his target would be at the execution plaza.
Chapter 23
The Assassin approached the execution plaza and saw the show was about to start, Majd Addin speaking to his public. He introduced the people he was about to slaughter: the harlot, the thief, the gambler and the heretic. The last one being an Assassin. In Addin's show, he killed the first three of his victims, a commotion starting to grow as the Assassin was about to be executed, proving fatal for the executioner, as Altaïr used this commotion to get close enough to assassinate him. Altaïr listened to what the dying Templar told him, then escaped as Malik's men freed the captive Assassin midst the chaos.
Chapter 24
Altaïr spoke with Al Mualim, and again questioned him about the words of his targets. The Master showed him the Apple of Eden, explaining to him the history of the device its effect on humanity. After this, he instructed Altaïr on his next targets; Sibrand and Jubair.
Chapter 25
Here the story told us about young Altaïr and Abbas becoming friends and, together, learning the ways of the Assassins. Altaïr pitied Abbas for not knowing about his father, so he told him, expecting tears, anger, disbelief, but never silence.
Chapter 26
Altaïr stood on top of a building, looking down at a fire where books were being burned, by scholars and Jubair, his target. There Jubair spoke to the scholars about how books poison mankind's minds. As one of the scholars protested, Jubair's mood darkened, and he threw the scholar into the fire, to join the books he didn't want to burn. As the rest of the scholars left to get more books, Jubair was alone, and Altaïr took this moment to assassinate him, listening to his words, leaving before getting caught by guards. Altaïr spoke with Al Mualim, his Master giving him his full rank again. Al Mualim then questioned him about the Assassins' ways, to see if Altaïr had changed, then tasked him to his final target before de Sable, Sibrand.
Chapter 27
Again, and for the last time, Altaïr visited Acre. There he talked to Jabal, who apologized for his mistrust in Altaïr's dedication to the Assassins' cause. Altaïr then headed for the docks, where he saw a frightened Sibrand bullying a priest for looking like an Assassin, whom he then killed. Sibrand then went to his own boat, with which he would try to escape, but soon enough, as the guards had dispersed at Sibrand's own command, Altaïr assassinated him. Again, Altaïr listened to what his target said, and again Altaïr became more and more confused as to what they said. Then, meeting with Al Mualim again, Altaïr questioned him about de Sable's cause. After having spoken to him and leaving Masyaf, he saw Abbas, remembering an old wound his former friend had caused.
Chapter 28
A flashback to young Abbas and Altaïr, after Altaïr had told his friend about his father. The days after that, Abbas became more and more quiet, and one day, as they sparred, his rage unleashed on young Altaïr. Abbas attacked Altaïr as they met for combat training, holding him pinned to the ground with a dagger at his throat. Abbas angrily ordered Altaïr to say that he had lied when he said his father, Ahmad, had killed himself. Altaïr was hesitant but eventually did so, and Abbas relented.
Chapter 29
Master Assassin Altaïr arrived at the Jerusalem Bureau, slightly pleased to meet Malik, who greeted him more friendly. Altaïr told Malik that he should try find out more about what Altaïr didn't see, and he apologized for his arm and brother. Altaïr then went to the cemetery, feeling that there was something wrong about it. However, before the Assassin could leave, the trap had already been sprung, leaving him in a frenzy of arrows and swords. He had seen that de Sable, who was also at the cemetery, didn't look like he remembered, but now even de Sable sounded like a woman as he spoke. A few moments later, and all of the guards killed, he stabbed 'de Sable' in the shoulder and took her under cover, to hear her out, pulling off the helmet to see that it was indeed a woman. Then after having escaped to the Bureau, he told Malik it was a trap. After his conversation with Malik, Altaïr headed for Arsuf, where he would find the real Robert de Sable.
Chapter 30
Altaïr saw the armies that met in Arsuf, that of Salah Al'din and Richard the Lionheart battling as far as the eye could see. The Assassin tried to make his way to the rear of the Crusader army, where Richard would be. There he tried to convince the King that he came with the intention to negotiate, not fight, telling him that de Sable was a traitor. However, as Richard couldn't decide, he let the Templar and Assassin battle, and whoever won was right in their convictions.
Chapter 31
Altaïr having killed Robert de Sable in battle, interrogated the dying Templar of what he knew, finally opening the Assassin's eyes to his Master, that he was indeed betraying him. Then, when Robert died, Altaïr traveled back to Masyaf.
Chapter 32
Here the Assassin found Masyaf totally deserted. As he walked through the village, he was attacked by a group of other Assassins, whom he killed. After that, he saw Malik with a group of his Assassins, and Altaïr told them to be careful; what had happened could happen to the Rafiq too. Altaïr and Malik parted ways, and when the Assassin arrived at the courtyard, he saw all the villagers of Masyaf crowded up there, brainwashed. Altaïr knew Al Mualim was certainly a Templar, an enemy.
Chapter 33
The Apprentice battled his Master, who first used the Apple to create duplicates of Altaïr's nine victims, then made copies of himself and lastly he directly battled Altaïr, which proved the old traitor fatal. As Al Mualim died, he let go of the Apple, which was then picked up by the Assassin, who activated it, seeing things of the future in it and letting it display a map of the world. Malik then came running in, saying the spell that had been cast over Masyaf was broken. Altaïr, still having the artifact, was fighting to destroy it, but was physically unable to. After this, Altaïr became the Master of the Order.
Part Three
Chapter 34
Niccolò continued his story about Altaïr, after he became Mentor; many sided against him, but Altaïr knew how he could persuade them. The Assassin was also still thinking of his encounter with Maria, and of what the Apple was. Altaïr was curious of what the Templars were planning, and thus headed for Acre with a group of followers, putting Malik in temporary control of the Order.
Chapter 35
There was an absence of Templar soldiers everywhere in Acre. Later, he discovered a small fleet of ships that was Templar owned. As the Assassin got closer to the fleet, he heard a group of people talk, also hearing the voice of Maria. He discovered the Templars are now ruled by Armand Bouchart. As the conversation between the group ended, Maria was left alone, and Altaïr came up to talk to her. A few moments later, Altaïr went back to his crew - Maria tied up walking with him - and told them they were heading for Limassol.
Chapter 36
Altaïr sailed to Cyprus with Maria, discovering that it was overtaken by Templars; some of the population that were unhappy with the tyrannic leadership, joined the Resistance. There Altaïr met Alexander, a friend in the Resistance. They decided it was best to keep Maria captive in a safehouse, while the Assassin went to find Osman, who would help him get inside Limassol Castle. Osman told him that Frederick the Red had to be assassinated before he could help any further; so that he was appointed to his position and could control the guard activity in the Castle. Altaïr returned to the safehouse, questioning Maria about the Archive and conversing with Alexander. Then, after some time, Altaïr went back to the Castle to assassinate Frederick.
Chapter 37
Osman had done his job, the Castle's security had dropped to just a few men. Deep inside the Castle, Altaïr found his target, who was presiding a duel between two men. The Assassin dropped down behind Frederick, and as he turned to speak, Altaïr slashed his blade through the male's throat, killing him before he could finish his sentence. Next, the Master killed the remaining men. As he left, Altaïr saw why the Castle was so poorly guarded; the safehouse was set on fire.
Chapter 38
Having found safety on the rooftops, Altaïr saw people flee from their houses, and he decided to go see why. After following them, he heard that Armand Bouchart had arrived just recently. He also saw Maria in the crowd. At the cathedral steps stood Osman, and a few moments later Bouchart appeared, enlightening the crowd about Frederik the Red's death and recent changes. Osman protested against these changes, at which he angered Bouchart, who thus rammed his sword into the stomach of Osman. Some moments later, Maria rushed to the steps of the cathedral, bowing down in front of Bouchart, who already saw her as a traitor. As Bouchart left, Maria was bound and dragged away. Altaïr followed Maria, saving her and taking her back to Alexander, who told Altaïr that Bouchart was heading for Kyrenia. Altaïr decided to follow him.
Chapter 39
The Assassin and the Templar had boarded a pirate ship, telling each other about their lives as they sailed to Kyrenia. Once there, the pirates found out that they were the people Bouchart was looking for, and tried to kill Altaïr and Maria. However, Altaïr easily disposed of the annoyances, discovering Maria had once again escaped.
Chapter 40
Easily he found her back, and he also met Markos, who promised to keep Maria captive as Altaïr was to visit Barnabas, the contact Alexander told him about. Arriving at the safe-house, Barnabas and Altaïr conversed, the newly met man telling him of Jonas, a traitor who had been working for the Templars. A few moments later, Altaïr found Jonas and assassinated him, talking with his dying victim, he thought about the Bull he had mentioned, and who it could have been. He went back to Maria and Markos, questioning them about the Bull. They agreed on going to a safe-house in the Commons District, where Barnabas was. Altaïr felt unsure about Barnabas now, but listened when he told him to go see the riots at the church.
Chapter 41
There, looking at the riots from on top of the rooftops, he made the decision that the Bull had to die. But when Altaïr returned to the safe-house, Barnabas was nowhere to be seen; he was in fact a traitor, as the Assassin's instincts had already pointed out. Markos and Maria had already arrived, and they told Altaïr that the citizens were protesting the death of Jonas. After a brief conversation, Altaïr found out that Moloch - the Bull - resided in Kantara Castle.
Chapter 42
Moving through the well-defended castle, disposing of any guards that crossed paths with him, he eventually found the Bull, hidden in a secret room under a trap door. There, he tried to stealthily kill him, but Moloch already heard him coming, having prepared himself, he picked up the Assassin as if he were a trophy, almost choking him to death. Out of boredom, Moloch let Altaïr live, which would prove fatal for the Bull as Altaïr, exhausted by the long battle, finally drove his blade far enough into his massive opponent so that something inside him snapped, killing him. Altaïr contemplated who would replace this tyrant.
Chapter 43
Altaïr found out that Maria had been taken away by Templars as he came back to the safe-house. Markos, being among the ones that could escape in time, told him the Templars harnessed the power of the Dark Oracle and used her to find the safe-house. Markos also told him that Barnabas had been executed the day before Altaïr arrived; thus now he knew he was replaced by a Templar. Altaïr left for the place the Resistance prisoners were being held, letting them free and hearing that Maria had been taken by Shalim, the Bull's son. Soon enough Altaïr was scaling walls of the fortress at Buffavento. Once inside, he found Shalim and Bouchart talking, also mentioning Alexander. Now the Assassin was making his way to the Dark Oracle. As he moved into her cell - or lair - she began acting more unsettled, eventually attacking Altaïr, at which he had to put her down for his own safety. Later, back at the safe-house, he wrote Codex page five, and a part of eight.
Chapter 44
Altaïr decided to follow Shalim, in hope to find Maria, but instead, ending up at a brothel, so he returned to the market place where Markos was. He told Altaïr that Shalim had to go to the cathedral a lot, since he needed to make frequent confessions about his lifestyle, and that he thus had to speak to the monks there, to find out more about his target. There he found Shalim himself, speaking about Bouchart's wishes to the crowd he had gathered. Shalim left, Altaïr followed, ending up at the St Hilarion Castle, in which Shalim disappeared. The Assassin, having lost his target, sat down on a low wall nearby as some courtesans crossed the docks, Maria being one of them. With them, he entered the castle, unnoticed.
Chapter 45
Altaïr did not know Shalim had a twin brother, Shahar, and that he was the one delivering the speech. Maria and Shahar conversed about the Templar ways, before being interrupted by Altaïr. The real Shalim came in with guards, and the Assassin finally noticed they were twins. Maria quickly disposed of the guards, then fled, leaving Altaïr to fight two skilled swordsmen alone - slaying them both. Later, he returned to the safe-house, telling Markos he would be heading back to Limassol. He also wrote another piece of the Codex, page one.
Chapter 46
Arriving at Limassol, he located the safe-house and found Alexander. In a brief confrontation with him, Altaïr found out that he wasn't a Templar, but the two had been set up against each other, as they were both tricked into believing each other were Templar-sided Resistance members. Altaïr then headed off to a failed search for Bouchart, coming back to find the safe-house empty, a note left there for him. The Assassin went to the courtyard where the note said they were due to meet, only to find the dead body of Alexander; it was a trap. The fake Barnabas came out, and as Altaïr unsheathed his sword, he opened the door to the resentful crowd outside, to make them think the Assassin was the one who killed Alexander. Altaïr couldn't kill civilians, so he used the Apple he had with him to persuade them to his will, saving himself and setting them up against the Templars. 'Barnabas', prepared to fight, came down the ramparts. However, he was stopped by Maria, who put a blade through his chest.
Chapter 47
Maria then took Altaïr with her to the Archives, telling him to follow her, being obstructed by guards on his path, but eventually making it into the almost empty library, seeing both Bouchart and Maria. She was holding off the Templar leader, only just, before being struck by his sword, tumbling, yelling in pain. Bouchart made the first move, quickly tiring, and Altaïr made the last, the dying man giving him respect - and ignorance - for this, telling the Assassin of the power of the Pieces of Eden as he drew his last breath. Cannons were then fired at the Archive, to destroy every last piece of it. Altaïr quickly escaped, taking Maria with him. Later, after the Templars had left, taking all the pieces of archive with them, Altaïr and Maria were talking to each other again; Maria telling Altaïr she was heading east, at which he replied he was also heading east.
Part Four
Chapter 48
Niccolò told Maffeo that Darim, who invited them to Masyaf, was the son of Maria and Altaïr. He explained that Maria and Altaïr were wed in Limassol, and that Maria gave birth to a second son two years after Darim was born; Sef. He also told him that the Codex was a summary of all the discoveries Altaïr had made, and he tried thinking of why they were invited in the first place; maybe because it had to do with them living in Constantinople? He then continued the story at the point Altaïr returned from his travel East, to a Masyaf where everything had changed.
Chapter 49
The Ibn-La'Ahad family rode slowly into Masyaf, where Swami - still an apprentice when Altaïr left - greeted them first. Masyaf had become a darker place, and had changed much to what Altaïr had planned it to be, acting in on the Assassin's instincts. They were led to a small house to the west of the fortress, where they were told that Malik was in prison, Sef had traveled to Alamut, and a meeting of the council had been planned the next day; with Abbas as chairman. Altaïr told Darim to ride to Alamut, in order to bring Sef back.
Chapter 50
The following day, Altaïr and Maria were led through the citadel by Swami, to the council, where Altaïr was forced to report about his trip to the East. After the story, Abbas informed Altaïr and Maria that Sef had been killed by Malik, which was why he was imprisoned. Then, as Altaïr lost control of his emotions, he stated that the former Mentor could not resume leadership of the Order, thus the leadership stayed with the council.
Chapter 51
Back in the small cabin, Maria and Altaïr discussed their situation; Masyaf had been neglected, Sef who had been murdered by Malik, Abbas who was now leader of the Order and the Apple that Maria wanted to be destroyed by now. Altaïr headed for Masyaf's dungeons, where Malik laid, neglected and emaciated. There, Altaïr found that he wasn't the one who murdered Sef.
Chapter 52
He took Malik back to the cabin where both Maria and Altaïr cared for the almost dying friend. Malik told them Sef had been murdered by Abbas as he staged his coup, two years ago. In the next room, Altaïr and Maria planned their next move; to confront Abbas. Moments later, Altaïr stood at the courtyard with Abbas, who had his Assassin loyalists gathered with him. There, Swami came up to Abbas, delivering a sack to him. What Abbas pulled out of that sack was the head of Altaïr's former friend, Malik, eyeballs rolled up and the neck dripping with fresh blood. Abbas accused Altaïr of murdering Malik, then took Maria and held a dagger to her throat - the same dagger his father had killed himself with. Altaïr then pulled the Apple from his robe, which Swami instantly reached for. All of Altaïr's rage was transmitted into Swami, as he brutally - controlled by the Apple - killed himself with his own hands, then he took out his dagger and slashed himself open. Maria, trying to reach for Altaïr, was hit by Swami's dagger at her throat, both of them falling to the ground, dying. As Abbas ordered his loyalists to kill Altaïr, the Assassin fled. He finally reached the top of the tower of which he had jumped a lifetime ago, he hobbled to the platform, spread his arms out, and dropped.
Chapter 53
Niccolò finally understood why he had been invited: to spread the word of the Assassins. Maffeo now wanted to stay, while Niccolò wanted to leave, whereas it was vice versa at the beginning of their stay; the reason being that Mongols were heading to Masyaf. Niccolò told the reader he had had some presents from Altaïr, having his suspicions as to what they might be. He skipped the story to a man in the desert, twenty years from where Altaïr escaped from Masyaf. ... Mukhlis, a tradesman, was on a journey back to his family in Masyaf; now he was somewhere in the desert, a two days' ride away from home. He had heard of bandits plundering throughout the desert, taking all belongings and leaving the owners upside down in trees with their guts hanging from them. Bayhas, son of Fahad, being the most brutal of all. Mukhlis was forced to rest, and the next day he found himself with a stranger hanging over him, holding a blade to his neck. He and his companion bandits hung him in a tree, but before they could kill him, Altaïr arrived.
Chapter 54
The old Assassin instantly took out one of the three men. A battle started and Altaïr, outnumbered and not in the best shape, was immediately tired out, bleeding severely from his wounds. There, Mukhlis - still tied hanging to the tree - grabbed hold of Bayhas, the leader of the bandit group, at which Altaïr sliced the enemy open in his last strand of power, scaring off the third bandit. Then, Altaïr went unconscious almost bleeding to death. Mukhlis, having freed himself, put Altaïr over his horse and headed home.
Chapter 55
One of Fahad's men had claimed the life of Bayhas' killer, and word had spread about the return of Altaïr throughout the village in the week the Assassin had been unconscious. As he awoke, he spoke to Mukhlis about his current situation and where he had been after throwing himself off the tower, also mentioning how he was planning to free the village.
Chapter 56
The next day, Altaïr intervened in fights, showing the people of the village the Assassins' ways. He also went to the basket-weaver and a blacksmith to get his weapons made; all ideas taken from the Apple. The next few days Altaïr noticed a man watching him, stalking him. He eventually showed himself, turning out not to be an enemy but a friend. It was Malik, son of Malik, known as Tazim to most of the Order. He let Altaïr know that he and some other Assassins would join him in taking back Masyaf.
Chapter 57
The day after, Mukhlis informed people of the village that the Master was to march up the hill, which excited them into gathering at the marketplace, where Altaïr then joined them. He thought of what had gone through him, what Maria would've said if she was still with him. There, at the marketplace, Altaïr and the villagers waited for young Malik to come back with his support. After some time, men dressed in white robes with cowls came from the shadows, to immediately win the trust of their leader who had doubted Malik's stealth. Immediately they left for the hills, to Abbas, with the instructions not to kill anyone. There, marching toward the fortress, Abbas' loyalists attacked, to soon be neutralized, unharmed. Above, where Abbas' archers were, this sparked a rebellion, unwilling to shoot their own people, following the example Altaïr had given. Inside the castle, Altaïr and Abbas faced each other, Abbas still accusing the other of lying about his father. Then, when Abbas ordered his men to kill him, Altaïr shot him with his newly acquired Hidden Gun, scaring off any of the enemy's followers. Abbas shared his last words with Altaïr, where the old Assassin still saw that orphan boy the moment he passed away. Two days later, Fahad came back to Masyaf, explaining that it was mostly his wife's interference that he had to avenge their son's name. Fahad left, in good mood, thanks to Altaïr's negotiation skills.
Chapter 58
Niccolò described how the Mongols had arrived, and that Altaïr had gathered with them to give them their last objects to keep safe; artifacts - five of them, each of them being a stone with a hole in its center, keys imbued with a message. Then Niccolò and Maffeo left Masyaf, which was already being overrun by the Mongols, Altaïr barking orders at his Assassins to try and fend off their enemy.
Chapter 59
The Polos had lost the Codex, but were still holding on to the artifacts. They decided to hide them in Constantinople for an Assassin of the future to find. They also spread word of the Creed and set up an Assassins guild there, in Costantinople.
Epilogue
The mysterious Assassin - the reader - heard noises from his cabin, indicating they were approaching land. He closed Niccolò's journal, secured his blade mechanism and pulled up his cowl. From there, he opened the hatch of his quarters to see people welcoming him. Ezio was in the great city of Constantinople.
Differences from Assassin's Creed
Assassinations
- Altaïr assassinated William of Montferrat before Abu'l Nuqoud – and likewise Jubair before Sibrand – whereas in the game, the sequenced order suggested the opposite.
- All three accused by Majd Addin died by his hand and the Templar finished his speech for the Assassin, whereas in Assassin's Creed, Altaïr had the opportunity to save all accused people.
- All Memory Corridor dialogues took place in the book, but they were explained either by the stealthy assassination of a target or through the guards being shocked and allowing the scene to play out.
- While attempting to assassinate Robert at Majd Addin's funeral, Altaïr realized that there was a decoy acting as Robert and fought to find out who it is, whereas in Assassin's Creed, he was shocked to discover the imposter by the time he had started fighting. Despite this, it should be noted that in the book, Altaïr was still surprised to discover that it was a woman.
Equipment
- It was never mentioned that Altaïr had regained his throwing knives or his sword, yet while trying to kill William of Montferrat, he used both.
Other events
- After being demoted, Altaïr began his quest for redemption by immediately going to Damascus in order to kill Tamir, skipping the hunt for the traitor in Masyaf entirely.
- Altaïr did not interact with informants during his investigations of the nine targets.
- Altaïr witnessed the rescue of the captured Assassin after Majd Addin's assassination.
- It was hinted that, in the book, Altaïr still retained his ring finger and that it was used to trigger the Hidden Blade's mechanism.
- Altaïr assassinated Jubair in the Madrasah, whereas in the game he had to track him down among his followers using Eagle Vision.
- No mention was made of Altaïr advancing through the ranks of the Order after each assassination.
- Altaïr assassinated Abu'l Nuquod on the balcony of his palace, whereas in the game he had to chase him down, although it is possible to kill Abu'l Nuquod on the balcony if he is grabbed in time and thrown towards it.
琐闻趣事
- A crossbow in shown on Altaïr's back on the book's back cover, despite the weapon not being in the game or the book.
参考与注释
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