-Unlikely Hero

-Chapter Five: On To Masyaf - Part One

Thanks to all who reviewed!! I love reviews they brighten my day, same as I brighten Gaignun Girl's day when I update!! I know this chapter isn't very long but it'll keep you entertained while I write and type chapter six. So yes people there will be a little wait, and for that I am deeply sorry. Well enough of my 'Jawin', on with the chapter!!

Altaïr stood and looked around, then held his right hand out to her, “C’mon we got to get moving.”

She reached out and grabbed his hand.

He pulled her to her feet before whispering, “We need to get out of here and then get to Masyaf.”

She nodded, “Okay.”

“So we are going to pretend that you are my…um…wife, okay?”

“Okay.”

“But first I need to find my horse.” He whistled softly and there was an answering nicker. Then a dark brown horse with a white blaze from its forehead to its muzzle and white socks that went half way up to its knees came trotting over. When it came into the light of the moon Emma noticed its mane and tail were a pure white.

“He’s beautiful!! What’s his name?”

“Basil.”

“What does it mean?”

“Brave.”

“The perfect name for him, I’m sure.”

Altaïr nodded, “Sometimes he’s a little too brave, but he’s saved my life a number of times, so I’m grateful.” He rubbed Basil’s nose affectionately.

She smiled and nodded. Then ran her hand down Basil’s neck.

Basil turned his head away from Altaïr to sniff her arm.

She smiled and rubbed the white blaze on his face.

Basil nickered again and then nuzzled her cheek.

Emma giggled

Altaïr watched her; usually Basil didn’t like anybody but him. There was something about her that drew people in and they ended up liking her. He figured it was her character, the way her smile was right on the surface, just waiting for a reason to come out. He remembered that he used to be like that, but years of being an assassin and killing people had darkened his light heart. It turned him into a hollow shell. To be an assassin you should never show emotion, especially while you’re on a mission, because if your heart stops you from killing someone, it’d be your head on a stick. He swallowed as Emma laughed again while Basil nuzzled her arm.

“Emma, we need to get going.” He whispered.

She nodded, “Okay.”

“Do you need help getting up?”

“Um…maybe, but I wanna try by myself first.”

He nodded and backed away from the stirrup.

She put her left foot in and grabbed the horn and the back of the saddle and then jumped. She got about halfway up, but her hands slipped and she came tumbling back down.

Altaïr caught her under the arms as she fell backwards. He straightened her then asked, “Now do want my help?”

She nodded embarrassed, but thankfully it was too dark for him to see her now pink cheeks.

“Do what you did before, but this time I’ll make sure you don’t fall. Then I’ll get on behind you.”

“Okay.” She grabbed the saddle horn and the back, and put her foot in the stirrup. “Ready?” She asked looking over her shoulder at him.

He nodded, “Yeah.” He stood behind her, readying himself to steady her if she fell…well actually when she fell.

She looked forward again, “Okay, here I go…” She pulled on the saddle and jumped. Once again she only got half way up then started to fall backwards.

Altaïr was ready though; he reached up and pushed on her back until she got her right leg up and over the saddle.

She smiled and looked down at him. Unfortunately his face wasn’t visible because of his hood.

“Take your foot out of the stirrup and get as far forward as you can in the saddle.”

She did as he said, then he put his foot in the stirrup and reached around her to grab the saddle horn and gripped the back of the saddle and swung himself up behind her.

“Have you ever ridden a horse before?” He asked while adjusting his robes.

She nodded, “Yeah, but only twice though, and I was allowed to have my feet in the stirrups. So I’m kind of afraid I’m gonna fall off.” She turned her head to look behind her at his face.

He appeared to be thinking. Finally he said, “Stay close to me. You can lean back against me if you need to.”

She slid back towards him, her hips in between his thighs. “I still feel as if I’m going to fall.”

“Um…would you care if I held you around the waist?”

“What?!” She asked alarmed, not truly understanding.

“To keep you from falling.”

“Oh, that’s fine I guess.”

He snaked his left arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Her back was pressed firmly against his chest. She could feel his stomach moving in and out with each breath he took.

“Better?” He whispered, his mouth only a few centimeters from her ear.

She swallowed hard as her stomach twisted into a knot from anxiety. “Yeah.”

Then without another word he grabbed the reins in his right hand and tapped Basil’s flanks. Basil walked forward, towards the gates obediently. Once they reached them he whispered in her ear, “Remember we are married, if they ask any questions, let me answer.”

She nodded.

Then the guard that looked in charge held up his hand, “Halt.”

Altaïr pulled Basil’s reins up to stop him.

Once they stopped the guard walked around to stand beside them. “Where you two headed so late at night?” He sneered.

“Jerusalem.” Altaïr answered in a calm innocent voice.

“What for?”

“To go home, we only came here to get married.”

“Is that right?” He glanced at Emma.

“Yes, now if you please, we’re rather eager to get home.” Even though he was focused on the guard, he felt Emma stiffen in his arm. He glanced at her face and it held a panicked expression. Her eyes were fixed straight a head at the three other guards. When he looked at them he realized why she looked scared. The three had their swords out and were slowly making their way towards them.

“No one leaves the city at night.” The guard said curtly.

Altaïr looked at him again with narrowed eyes, “I’ve never heard that law before…so I don’t intend to follow it.” Then he kicked Basil’s flanks and they took off, nearly running down the three guards in the process. Unfortunately, they managed to jump out of the way.

They galloped for a long while, and then finally Altaïr slowed Basil to a stand still. He dismounted and led Basil off to the side of the road. He ground tied him then turned to Emma.

“What are we doing?” She asked looking around.

“Making camp for the night. Do you want help getting down?”

“Camp?”

“Yes,” He paused before asking. “Are you not tired?”

“A little.”

“Well then…do you want help getting down?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.” He reached up and grasped her waist and lifted her off. When he set her on the ground she swayed. He tightened his hold on her waist and she grabbed a hold of the front of his robes.

“What is wrong?” He questioned concerned and wondering if one of the guards managed to injure her without him knowing or realizing it.

She shook her head, “Nothing, it’s just my legs…they feel like jell-o.” (1)

“Jell-o?” (2)

“They’re weak and wobbly.”

“Oh…it’s to be expected. Are you okay now?”

“Yeah I think so.”

He let go and she swayed again. So he gripped her waist again, “I thought you said you’ve ridden a horse before?” He asked with accusing eyes.

“I have, just, I’ve never galloped, or ridden that long. Plus it was two years ago when I did.”

“And you neglected to mention that why?”

“You didn’t ask when I’d ridden one, only if I had ridden one.”

He rolled his eyes and muttered, “Women,” under his breath.

“What?” She asked glaring at him. (She’d really heard him.)

“Nothing! So are you better now?”

She let go of his robes, “Yes.”

He released her waist, “Good. I need to go and find wood for the fire, but you will remain here. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“If you try to run I will find you, and believe me, the consequences will be severe.”

“Oooo, I’m shaking in my sneakers,” She said sarcastically, and then added seriously, “Relax Altaïr, I’m not going to run. There are probably thieves out there.”

“Yes, there are thieves out, we just passed some two miles back, but I will have returned before then.”

She nodded, “Fine.”

Then he turned and disappeared into the night.

So there it is people, hope you enjoyed it. I know nothing really happened this one was just kind of a filler to get them on their way to Masyaf.

(1) I do not own Jell-o, it belongs to someone smarter then me. LOL

(2) Altair obviously wouldn't know what jell-o was...is because he'd never seen or tasted it before.

Again sorry about the shortness, and the fact that you have to wait a while for chapter Six but It'll be well worth the wait. I'm going to try to put something exciting in there, just for you people.

Potzy375 xD