After Prologue

In this chapterEzio arrives in Constantinople and joins the local Assassins led by Yusuf Tazim.

Constantinople is a crossroads of empires. Ezio joins the Ottoman Assassins led by Yusuf Tazim and meets Sofia Sartor, a Venetian bookseller. Together they search for the keys to Altaïr's library. The Byzantine Templars, led by Manuel Palaiologos and supported by Prince Ahmet, want the keys too. The prince's ambition adds political danger.

Constantinople is richly drawn, with its markets, mosques and Hagia Sophia. It is the setting for the series' most political plot. Yusuf Tazim is a charismatic leader and a mirror of Ezio. He is young, driven and loyal to the Brotherhood. Sofia Sartor is Ezio's late love. Their romance gives the old Assassin something to live for.

In this chapterEzio finds the five Masyaf keys, each of which unlocks a memory of Altaïr's later life.

Each key unlocks a memory of Altaïr's later years. Players relive the Assassin's later life, including his marriage to Maria, his children and his role as Mentor. The keys show a gentler Altaïr and give a deeper understanding of the Creed. Ezio gets closer to the library and its truth.

Altaïr's later memories are the game's emotional core. They show a leader who has grown, a husband and a father, and they complete his story. The keys also show the Assassins' history, and how the Brotherhood spread across the world. The interplay between Altaïr and Ezio is powerful: two old men facing the end of their stories.

In this chapterEzio uncovers Prince Ahmet's coup against Suleiman.

Ezio discovers that Prince Ahmet is plotting a coup. He stops the plan, and the Byzantine Templars are defeated. Suleiman becomes Sultan. With the political crisis over, Ezio can open Altaïr's library and complete his journey. The political plot is a classic Assassin story: a prince with ambition, a rival, a coup. Ezio's role is to prevent bloodshed.

Suleiman is shown as an intelligent, restrained ruler, and Ezio's help earns his friendship. The end of the conflict allows Ezio to rest, which is the point of his journey.

In this chapterEzio returns to Masyaf and opens Altaïr's library.

Back at Masyaf, Ezio opens the library with the keys. Inside he finds an Apple and a message from Jupiter, a member of the First Civilization. Jupiter explains that a disaster is coming and that Desmond is the one who must prevent it. Ezio realises that his journey was a path for another person and accepts it.

The library is an anticlimax in terms of treasure. There are no weapons or riches; there is a message, and the message is for someone else. Ezio's acceptance is the game's emotional height. After decades of fighting, he understands that some things are beyond him. Jupiter's message links the ancient and modern stories.

In this chapterEzio retires with Sofia and has children.

Ezio retires with Sofia in Tuscany, ending his life as an Assassin. His final speech reflects on his life and the Creed. In the present, Desmond completes his synchronisation, resolves his Animus Island memories and wakes from his coma, ready for the next step. Ezio's farewell is one of the best scenes in the series. His reflection on his life, his loves and his mistakes is moving and quiet.

Desmond's awakening is a sign of growth. He accepts his role and is ready to act. The ending sets up the final confrontation with the Templars and the solar flare.