Editing Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (section)

====Reclaiming His Title====
In 1247, Altaïr departed from Alamut and began his journey back to Masyaf. While resting at a well near a village, he was awoken by a local merchant named Mukhlis, who was then attacked by the notorious bandit Bayhas and two of his henchmen. Altaïr engaged the bandits, quickly dispatching one of them. However, as he faced the remaining two, it became apparent that his combat skills had waned. Despite sustaining serious injuries and nearly being overpowered, Mukhlis came to his aid, and together they managed to defeat Bayhas, while the last henchman escaped on horseback.

Grateful for Altaïr's help, Mukhlis invited him to his home in Masyaf, where his wife Aalia and daughter Nada treated Altaïr’s wounds. Altaïr grew dangerously pale over two days but began to recover on the third. Mukhlis, who had been conversing with Altaïr during his recovery, commented that Master Altaïr would never have allowed the Order to fall apart as Abbas had.

Upon hearing his name, Altaïr awoke and revealed his identity. Mukhlis informed him about the current state of the Order: the villagers were heavily taxed and mistreated by the Assassins, who no longer provided protection. Abbas had even permitted Fahad, Bayhas's father, to enter the village and seek revenge against his son's killer for a fee.

The next day, Altaïr ventured into the village to demonstrate the true principles of the Order. He mediated disputes, presented new designs to tradesmen, and tended to the sick. While doing so, he noticed an Assassin trailing him, led the man to a secluded spot, and spoke with him privately.

The Assassin introduced himself as Tazim Al-Sayf, Malik’s son, who had been using his father's name in secret. After embracing him, Altaïr shared his plan to reclaim control of the Order and restore its former honor. He asked Tazim to gather all remaining loyal Assassins, and the following morning, about twenty men met Altaïr outside the castle gates.

Altaïr instructed that there would be no killing and emphasized that no Assassin should harm a Brother, regardless of loyalty. One of Abbas's followers, hearing this, charged at Altaïr, hoping to kill him and halt the uprising. Despite his age, Altaïr dodged the attack and subdued the Assassin. Abbas’s supporters, who fought half-heartedly, were easily captured or rendered unconscious.

A second wave of Assassins, including archers, took position on the ramparts. Altaïr hoped that by showing his men meant no harm, the archers would stand down. As Altaïr and Abbas confronted each other, the archers lowered their bows, and Abbas’s forces surrendered, recognizing the shift in power.

The castle gates were opened by the surrendering Assassins, and Altaïr faced Abbas. Consumed by hatred, Abbas ordered his remaining men to attack, challenging Altaïr to reclaim the Order without losing any Assassin lives.

As the final wave advanced, Altaïr raised his arm and fired his Hidden Gun at Abbas. Shocked by this display of unfamiliar power, Abbas’s forces surrendered. Altaïr approached Abbas in his final moments, and Abbas, with his last breath, said he would never believe Altaïr's claims about his father but would seek the truth in the afterlife.

With Abbas dead, Altaïr was reinstated as Mentor. Two days later, Fahad arrived with his forces seeking revenge for his son’s death. Altaïr convinced him to withdraw, arguing that a conflict between their forces would only lead to the destruction of both their communities.