It doesn't surprise him now that they shared those feelings, though he wouldn't have guessed it during their first meeting. That just drives homes a lesson he'd thought he already learned — that there's more to be gained by extending trust to those who would trust him, in this or any world.

"As do I," he says. "This isn't where I would have chosen to be. But here we are, and here we have the chance to make something of the opportunities before us."

Altaïr ready to give them his full attention now, whatever they turn out to be, no longer looking over his shoulder as if he can see a path back to where he should be. He may find a new route back to Masyaf one day, and he may not; it helps now, more than is easy for him to admit, that he won't walk alone.

"I trust that you'll be discreet about what we've discussed today." His expression shifts into something of a wry smile. "There are others I may extend my trust to, but a bit at a time. And I'm not sure most would be willing to hear out the explanation of my vocation as you did."