Part 1 (2/2)

”There is, however, a tradition,” he says. ”Since you took the honor of first a.s.sault, you owe me a gift of homage.” He eyes the Dagger in your belt and smiles slyly. ”A beautiful dagger,” he comments.

21.

As you race down an alley to join the battle, you hear hoof beats. You turn to see a tall man riding an armored stallion. He's heading straight toward you!

You raise your sword, and he draws a scimitar. You're trapped between two walls. How will you get out of this?

You run at the charging horse and at the last possible moment, leap straight up. You kick your legs so you can move from wall to wall, then you pull the surprised warrior off the back of his horse. You both land hard on the ground.

He whirls around, slas.h.i.+ng at you with the scimitar. You meet him with your sword and the clanging of steel against steel echoes off the walls. He is a graceful, powerful opponent. You use every skill you have to keep him at bay. One of your thrusts cuts an embroidered cloth bundle from the man's belt. It falls to the ground.

You strike again and are surprised that your sword isn't blocked. The man seems to be trying to get to the fallen object. Your blade cuts across the man's flesh, and he drops to his knees. He reaches again for the cloth sack. You knock him out with the hilt of your sword and stand over him.

The sounds of battle rage around you, but you stare at the bundle. What's so important about this pile of cloth that kept the man from defending himself?

If you stop to look inside the bundle, 122.

If you leave it alone, 34.

You find your family in the Alamut High Temple.

Stepping inside, you gaze in awe at the splendor of the temple. But nothing compares to the beauty of the young woman being questioned by your uncle and brothers. Her long, dark hair contrasts with her pale, s.h.i.+mmering gown, and the golden chain and amulet she wears around her neck sparkle against her soft skin. Her eyes are darka”and full of pride.

”Princess Tamina, we know you secretly build weapons for enemies of Persia,” your uncle Nizam says. ”Now show us where.”

The woman holds her head high. ”We have no secret forges here, and what weapons we have, you overcame.”

”Our spies say differently,” Garsiv says with a snarl. ”Much pain can be spared if youa””

Princess Tamina cuts him off. ”All the pain in the world won't help you find something that doesn't exist.”

Tus steps forward. ”Spoken like one wise enough to consider a political solution.” He extends his hand. ”Join hands with Persia's future king.”

”I'll die first.” The princess's lips twist in a sneer.

You tense. She doesn't understand what danger she is in.

”Yes,” Tus says softly, but decisively. ”Yes, you will.” He motions to his bodyguard who draws his sword.

You instinctively pull the Dagger from your belt. Your movement catches Princess Tamina's attention. She looks startled, then cries, ”Wait!”

4.

The next day you are back with your men waiting for your father's arrival. To pa.s.s the time, you are practicing your wall running.

You race straight at Bis, then leap up and onto the wall to run above him. One step, two, then you go sprawling to the ground.

”The third step is the hardest,” you say, laughing with the others.

”I didn't see you get to the second,” you hear Tus say. You look up to see him on horseback, amused. He dismounts and helps you up.

”We've uncovered signs of tunnels on the eastern edge of the city,” he tells you. ”I'm on my way there now.”

”You'll miss the banquet!” you protest.

”You and Garsiv can handle Father in my absence. You do have a gift to honor him with?”

Your mouth opens, then closes. You shake your head.

Tus chuckles. ”I knew you'd forget.” He gestures to a servant who hands you a wrapped package. ”A prayer robe. A gift the king will appreciate. You fought like a champion for me, Dastan. I'm glad to return the favor.”

Tus climbs back onto his horse. Then he imparts one last order. ”My marriage to Princess Tamina will a.s.sure the loyalty of the people of Alamut. If Father doesn't approve our union, I want you to end her life with your own hand.”

You gape at him. He wants you to kill her?

18.

”I have something for you,” you tell your father, handing him your gift. ”This prayer robe.”

Sharaman smiles, opening the package. He pulls on the robe.

Tus chose well, you think. Your father seems very pleased by the gift.

”What can I grant you in return?” he asks.

You look over your shoulder and nod. Bis and the guard escort Tamina into the great hall.

”This is Princess Tamina,” you say. ”Tus wishes to make a union with her people through marriage. It is my deepest wish that this win your approval.”

Your father stands in respectful greeting. ”In all my travels,” he says formally, ”I've never laid eyes on a more beautiful city, Your Highness.”

”You should have seen it before your horde of camel-riding illiterates descended upon it,” Princess Tamina says, her voice ringing loudly throughout the hall.

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