However, instead of attacking, the Sultan's army came to a halt in the village, paying little regard to the Assassin fortress. While the villagers fled to safety as the army approached, the Assassins fortified the castle for the battle. The scene then changed to the beginning of Salah Al'din's attack, where the intention of it was to conquer Masyaf, and eventually claim the head of the current Mentor of the Assassins at that time, Al Mualim.

Afterwards, Niccolò took his brother Maffeo to the top of the defensive tower, where a lookout first saw the invading force of Salah Al'din's army, '80 years ago, on a day in August.' During the final stages of his life in Masyaf, Altaïr had chosen Niccolò as the recipient of his knowledge.įor weeks and countless hours, Niccolò sat with Altaïr, hearing the adventures of the Mentor's life. Niccolò and Maffeo Polo stayed in Masyaf, where the aged Mentor of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, had his quarters. The prologue consisted of two pages, which introduced the reader to Niccolò's story, although kept their identity and their location unknown. To demonstrate his commitment, Altaïr must defeat nine deadly enemies, including the Templar leader, Robert de Sablé.Īltaïr's life story is told here for the first time: a journey that changes the course of history his ongoing battle with the Templar conspiracy a family life that is as tragic as it is shocking and the ultimate betrayal of an old friend. Niccolò Polo, father of Marco, will finally reveal the story he has kept secret all his life – the story of Altaïr, one of the Brotherhood's most extraordinary assassins.Īltaïr embarks on a formidable mission – one that takes him throughout the Holy Land and shows him the true meaning of the Assassin's Creed.

The Secret Crusade by Oliver Bowden