After losing the guards, Altaïr returned to the Assassin bureau to report his success, ensuring the Brotherhood was not compromised.
"I assume you succeed, Altaïr," asked Rafiq.
"Yes, Garnier is dead, but one thing bothers me," said Altaïr.
"Speak it up" said Rafiq.
"Do you know why Garnier carried out the experiments? What he wanted from it?" asked Altaïr.
"That doesn't matter, for he no longer breathes," said Rafiq.
"He believed he was helping them," said Altaïr.
"Is that what you saw?" asked Rafiq.
"No, I only saw pain in the name of mercy and healing," said Altaïr.
"Then why you question it?" asked Rafiq.
"I don't know… just forget I ever said that," said Altaïr.
"Well then, farewell Altaïr. You must report to Al Mualim of your victory," said Rafiq.
Altaïr left for Masyaf once again, ready to restore another rank and begin his next journey.When Altaïr reached the private study where Al Mualim always was, as usual, he saw another Assassin standing before him. The man remained silent and left the moment Altaïr arrived.
"Have you need for me, Altaïr?" asked Al Mualim.
"Garnier de Naplouse is dead," said Altaïr.
"Excellent. Masyaf's could not have been better."
"And yet…" said Altaïr.
"What is it?" asked Al Mualim.
"The doctor insisted his work was noble, and looking back, those who were supposedly his captives seemed grateful to the man—only a few of them, but enough to make me wonder. How did he manage to turn enemies into friends?" asked Altaïr.
"Leaders will always find their way to make others obey them. Just because you don't see people protest doesn't mean… whatever it is you're thinking. Some control through fear and some through manipulation, and that is what makes them leaders."said Al Mualim.
"Yet there are some who actually tell the truth. They speak for their citizens, work for their future. Clearly Garnier was not one of them. You should know better," continued Al Mualim, after he walked towards the window and stood in front of it, looking outside.
"You think that these people were drugged then?" asked Altaïr.
"Yes," said Al Mualim. "From what you describe, it could be."
"Herbs, seems a very strange method of control," said Altaïr.
"My enemies think of me the same way, Altaïr," said Al Mualim.
"The promise of paradise," said Altaïr.
"Yes, they think it is just a garden filled with women and pleasure, but I drug you as Garnier did his men and tempt you with its rewards," said Al Mualim.
"They do not know the truth of it," said Altaïr.
"Which is how it must be," said Al Mualim.
Altaïr paused to think."But if they knew the truth, that all we seek is peace?" asked Altaïr.
"Then they would not fear us and we would have no hold over them," said Al Mualim. "Go. It is time you continued your work. Another rank is restored to you and a piece of equipment has been returned. We will speak again when the next has fallen," said Al Mualim.
Altaïr received his throwing knives and leap gloves.As he left the citadel, the soldiers stationed within stood unnaturally still. They did not turn their heads. They did not acknowledge his passing. They remained rigid, silent—like statues carved into stone.It felt...strange.
Altaïr noticed.
Looks like word of mouth has been bad about me, he thought. It's getting worse. He mounted his horse and rode on.
Perhaps, this was the price of his mistakes.