[ More and more Tazim was beginning to suspect that the other was addled of the mind, or perhaps it was a medical condition that caused the other to be delusional. If Malik had been older, he would have suspected it was simply a matter of age- a mental lapse. But no, Malik appeared to be in the prime of his life. Older than him, for certain, but not old enough to be losing his wits. ]

Then you know a ghost, or another Altaïr. As I said, it has been two decades since he abandoned this place. [ Tazim shook his head. ] Named a traitor to the Order, after he murdered his wife. [ Tazim of course, knew that this was not the true version of this story- his mother had told him the truth. But to keep under Abbas's radar, Tazim had to be careful what he said, and to whom he said it.

He smiled though, at the other's insult. ] If you mistake the motion for carelessness then you severely underestimate me already, to your detriment.

[ Tazim knew that he should not speak his father's name, not here. Malik would note the way Tazim took a careful glance around. He was certain the castle was empty due to the heat, and yet... one never could be certain. ] You share his first name. [ Tazim spoke lowly, so that his voice travelled no further than the two of them. ] His name was Malik Al-Sayf.

[ And he had been murdered before Tazim had ever had a chance to know him, meet him. ]