Chapter Text
Jerusalem Bureau to Masyaf,
To be opened by His Reverence the Grandmaster only.
Dear Brother Altair,
It would be arbitrary, I am afraid, to conclude from a few lines in the letters that you were too reckless in your handling of the matter. I agree with your decision - punishment should not be exacted out of rage or revenge, but to foster repentance, to amend mistakes. Those involved in the uprising may have gone astray under shock, delusion, or deception; nevertheless, most are not in line for death. As such, it wouldn’t be bad to have them listen to you.
However, I do have to clarify, in case you once again interpret me too readily, that it all hinges on one presumption where they can come to an understanding of your intentions. An understanding grounded in their minds and not your mere inferences. They must know that their exoneration is not an act of mercy, nor an absolution; that your decision resulted from rational deliberations (although seemingly you have never done so). You talked about the inciter. I would rather not comment on your vendettas, however, any harbored grudge can produce a substantial threat. I do not think this incident ameliorates tensions. Hence, I’d advise caution even if you prefer not to punish him. Keep him away from things he shouldn’t probe into, not just the Apple. I have a feeling that this episode will not be the last, but that’s for another time. The immediate priority remains to tackle the legacy of former mentor Rashid al-Din Sinan, the mess that has yet to be dealt with since you took office.
Well, I probably shouldn’t be so harsh on you. This really isn't something that can be done overnight, not as simple as a flick of the hidden blade. It encompasses the intricacies of intents and loyalties, further complicated by our perilous footing. May there be no bloodshed on this can of worms. Meanwhile, I have been in contact with several other bureau rafiks. All localities were shocked by the defection of our former Grandmaster, but the overall situation is stabilizing. However, we still do not know when he started collaborating with the Templars, how they maintained contact, and by which means had he learned of the Apple. The journal I found in Solomon’s Temple did not mention the specifics, and it’s unlikely for Robert to rely on direct contact only. Therefore, I suspect Sinan or Robert’s lackeys perching within the Order, perhaps even within the walls of Masyaf. Do you remember Masun, the basket weaver who led Robert into Masyaf? How did he come to collude with the Franks, and what did it mean to our previous mentor? Did Sinan know of his existence, and kept it a secret? The answers will not come to us without a thorough investigation.
The same goes for local bureaus. Even in Jerusalem, I cannot guarantee the integrity of all my sources. This seems to go back to what I said to you when you investigated the funeral, that we’ll have to deal with Robert’s remaining forces. Now there’s also Al Mualim’s own. The screening process will be arduous, and even more so considering the recent turmoil. With all the complications, I cannot look up to total eradication, not that any problem in the world can truly be eradicated anyways. Everything leaves its aftermath and traces, and all will be exposed given time. At the very least, we can take hold of the situation, to be prepared should any conflict break out.
Altair, my brother, I do not want you to be embroiled so early in your tenure. As the new leader of Masyaf, whether you like it or not, there will be eyes on you within and outside the Order. Whether you’re ready for Grandmaster duties or not, your name is already known across the Holy Land. As a friend I am happy to do everything I can to deal with the cumbersome work that obviously weighed you down. Meanwhile, as a Dai I am still serving a Grandmaster, which means that I will consider the difference between us, ask for permissions like others do, and withhold from you every now and then, so that you can be relieved of the trifles and better undertake your more important task, to lead the Order. As I said before, there are matters which require you to spell out your reasoning, so that everyone involved knows that you are not dealing with them out of caprice, but out of fairness. There are also sensitive matters that call for subtle handling. In that case, I have no choice but to vouch for my own self and ask for your understanding.
Specific matters not detailed here. A separate letter is attached for your reference.
P.S. My suggestion is to stick to written communications before the situation in Masyaf stabilizes.
Do not let me see you pop up in Jerusalem.
Have fun at your work,
Malik al-Sayf