Editing Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (section)

====Return to Masyaf====
Upon their arrival in Masyaf in 1228, Altaïr, Maria, and Darim were met by Swami, a former apprentice they had little regard for. Altaïr inquired about Rauf, whom he had expected to greet them based on his previous letters. Swami informed them that Rauf had died of a fever during their absence.

Swami led them to the now dilapidated citadel, which had lost the vibrancy it once had under Altaïr’s leadership. The Assassins were lounging idly rather than training, showing him disrespect, and the villagers avoided eye contact, looking on in fear. Instead of being taken to the Master's tower, as Altaïr had anticipated, they were shown to a smaller room in the castle's right wing. When Maria asked about Sef, Swami mentioned that he had gone to Alamut with his family. Swami also revealed that Malik had been imprisoned, and in the absence of a Mentor, a council led by Abbas Sofian had taken over the Order. Distrustful of the situation, Altaïr and Maria sent Darim to Alamut to retrieve Sef.

The next day, Altaïr and Maria went to the Master's tower to meet the council and found it comprised of the least capable members of the Order. Altaïr recounted his family’s travels in Mongolia, but Abbas explained that Sef had been killed by Malik weeks earlier after discovering Malik’s plan to usurp the position of Mentor. Enraged, Altaïr demanded that control of the Order be returned to him according to the Brotherhood’s statutes. Abbas, supported by the manipulated council, claimed that the statutes no longer applied.