Up a tree or not, nothing could stop Altaïr from holding his son tightly, and not to keep him from falling to the ground below. It had been months, and Sef didn't fit the same way in his arms—he was a little larger, his arms and legs a little longer. But he was a welcome presence nonetheless.

"This is a surprising welcome," he said, smiling into Sef's hair. "Hold on tight."

It was a little tricker to climb back down with arm, as the other was wrapped firmly around Sef, but a minute or so later and they were on the ground.