Chapter 6

And is made, "he simply said Paola.

She hugged her for a moment and then separated.

"I know. Glad you're safe.

"I think it's time to leave Florence.

- Where will you go?

-Mario, brother of my father owns a farm near Monteriggioni. We will go there.

"You're already on the run, Ezio. Are hanging posters everywhere with your picture and the words "Wanted." And prayedpublic administrators begin to speak out against you. He paused, pensativa. I will command my servants to go and pull up all the posters they can and can bribe the speakers to talk about other things. He then came another thought. Better to do to prepare documents so you can travel on three.

Ezio shook his head from side to side, thinking Alberti.

- What kind of world do we live? It is so easy to manipulate beliefs ...

-Alberti was in a position considered impossiblesible, but should have remained strong. He sighed. The viewDad traded daily. You have to get used to it, Ezio.

Ezio Paolo took her hands in hers.

Thanks.

"Florence will be from now a better place, especially if Duke Lorenzo gets one of his men out electeddo Gonfaloniere. No time to lose. Your mother and sister are here. He turned and clapped. Annetta!

Annetta appeared from the back of the house, accompanied by Maria and Claudia. It was a very emotional. Ezio realized that her mother was not quite recovered and that was keeping in his hands the little box with feathers Petruccio. He returned the hug, eventhat away, while Paola withtuning the scene with a sad smile.

Claudia, on the other hand, gave him a big hug.

- Ezio! Where have you been? Annetta Paola and have been very kind, but do not let us go home. And mother has not pronouncedo not a word from ... "He stopped, struggling withhave the tearsbut then, recovering, he added-: Well, maybe now a father can work things out. Must have been a terrible misunderstanding, right?

Paola looked.

"It's time," he said softly. Sooner or later tienen to know the truth.

Claudia's gaze went again and again Ezio Paolo. Maria was sitting next to Annette, his arm around her. Mary had a blank stare, a faint smile, stroking the pear wood box.

- What, Ezio? Asked Claudia, the fear in her voice.

"It's been a thing.

- What do you mean?

Ezio was silent, finding the right words, but his expression speaks for itself.

"Oh, my God ... no!

-Claudia ...

- Say it is not true!

Ezio bowed his head.

- No, no, no, no, no! Claudia yelled.

"Shhh. She tried to soothe her. I did everything I could, Piccina.

Claudia buried his head in his brother's chest and cried, soLloza long and brutal, while Ezio trying to comfort her. He looked at her mother over the head of Claudia, but gave the impressionsion had not heard anything. Perhaps, in his way, already knew that. Desbecause of all the confusion that had engulfed the lives of Ezio, see his sister and his mother were thrown into the abyss of thedesperation almost completely collapsed. But he remained firm, embracing his sister, for a time seemed like an eternity, feeling the weight of social responsibilityber his shoulders. Depended on him from now on protecting your family, it was he who had to return the honor to name Auditore. Ezio, the boy, had ceased to exist ... He tried to gather his thoughts.

"Listen," said Claudia as soon as it calmed down a little. What matters now is to go from here. Going to a placeguro, where you and mamma you can be safe. But to getI need you to be brave. You have to be strong for me, and take care of our mother. Do you understand?

Claudia listened, coughed to clear his throat and looked at him.

"Yes.

"Then we must make preparations now under way. Take everything you need, but not much else ... we will have to flee on foot. Organize a coach would be too dangerous. Ponte plain clothes you have, we should not draw attention. And run!

Claudia went with his mother and Annetta.

"You should bathe and get changed," said Paola. You'll feel better.

Two hours later and had their travel documents list and were ready to go. Ezio checked one last time its contents removed. Maybe your uncle could explain the meaning of the documentsments that he had taken from Alberti and how life seemed to him. He wore his new knife strapped to his right forearm wasra of sight. Tightened his belt. Claudia Marie came up with the jardin and stood by the door we had to split into comAnnetta pany, which sought to repress their tears.

Ezio turned to Paola.

"Goodbye. And thanks again for everything.

She hugged him and kissed him very close to the mouth.

"Stay safe, Ezio, and go carefully. I imaginenot the road that lies ahead will be very long.

He nodded very seriously, put the hood and joined his mother and sister, taking the bag with his belongings. It redundanciesAnnetta gave a kiss and moments later took to the streets and we started heading north, Claudia arm of his mother. Kept walking in silence for a while, Ezio reflectionsNando on the great responsibility that he was stuck on his shoulders. He prayed to rise on the circumstances, because I knew it would be very complicated. Would maintainis strong, but it would get for the sake of Claudia and her poor mother, who seemed to have completely withdrawn in herself.

It was not until they reached the center of the city that Claudia started talking ... and all were questions. Ezio realized relieveddo, however, that his voice was firm.

- How is it possible that this has happened to us? "He said.

I do not know.

- Do you think we can return someday?

I do not know, Claudia.

- And what will become of our home?

Ezio shook his head from side to side. I had not had TIMEe to have anything in that sense but, anyway, with whom he could have done? Perhaps the Duke Lorenzo repudiationra close, keep your home protected, but that was only a faint hope.

- Did ...? Did you have a proper funeral?

"Yes ... I fixed everything myself. "They were crossing the Arno and Ezio was allowed to look downstream.

Finally saw the gates of the south of the city and Ezio was satisfied because they have been achieved unnoticed. But approaching a dangerous time, because the doors were strongmind controlled. Fortunately, fake documents, provided that Paola had passed the test, because the guards were looking for a young single and desperate, not a small family modestly dressed.

They spent the whole day walking south, stopping only when they were far enough from the city to buy bread, cheese and wine on a farm and rest for an hour in the shade of an oak tree next to a cornfield. Ezio was forced to control his impatience, as the distanceFlorence stopped Monteriggioni was nearly thirty miles and had to travel to the beat of his mother. It was a strong woman just forty years, but the shock he had suffered had aged suddenly. He prayed that his mother would recover as they got home from his uncle Mario, though he knew that the recoveryrecovery, if he had, would be slow. Confident that, except as produjera some setbacks, arrived at the estate of Mario in the afternoon the next day.

They spent the night in an empty barn where hay had at least warm and clean. Dined the leftovers and Acomamended as much as possible to Mary. His mother did not complain in absoluteto, in fact did not seem to realize where I was, but when Claudia tried to grab the box of Petruccio to bedse, protested violently and pulled her daughter from a push, cursing like a fish. The two brothers were Sisterpowered.

But she slept peacefully the next morning and looked good. Washed in a stream, drank some fresh waterca of the stream as a breakfast and continued their journey. HasCIA a splendid day, something warm but with a nice breeze, and progressed well, with only a few crossing CarretieTthe and seeing no one except a group of farm workers and orchards. Ezio bought some fruit, enough at least to Claudia and her mother could eat something, because he was not hungry, nerves prevented him from eating.

Finally, in midafternoon, he felt encouraged when he saw in the horizonte the walled town of Monteriggioni in the top of the hill, bathed in sunshine. Mario effectively ruled the district. Two or three miles and would be in their territory. AlenTreaty, the small group quickened his pace.

"Nearly there," said Claudia with a smile.

"Grazie a Dio She replied, returning the goods.

Just beginning to relax when, on a bend of caminority, a figure familiar to them immediately, accompanied by a dozen men in blue and gold livery, blocked their way. One of the guards carried a banner with the hated and known symbol of the dolphin and golden crosses on a campo blue.

- Ezio! Figure, "he said. Buon 'giorno! And to your family ... or at least what's left of it! What a pleasant surprise!

He gestured to his men, who were placed in the way in forming a fan, their halberds to point.

- Vieri!

"The same. As my father was released, decisionsgiven fund this little hunting trip. I was hurt. Also, how did you happen to leave without saying goodbye Florence ofduly?

Ezio moved toward him, pointing out to Claudia and her mother to stay behind.

- What is it, Vieri? I figured we'd be satisfied with what you have achieved Pazzi.

Vieri opened his hands.

- What do I, you ask? I'm not sure where to emPezar. So many things! Let's see ... I'd like a palazzo greatestof, a beautiful wife, much more money y. .. What else? ... Oh, yes! Your head! He drew his sword, telling his guards that prestop and walked toward Ezio.

"I'm surprised, Vieri ... Do you really think you just challenge me? Although, of course, you have behind your goons!

"I do not consider worthy of my sword," said Vieri, inbasing it again. I think I'll finish you with my fists. Sorry if this bothers you, treasure He added, turning to Claudia, "but do not worry ... will not be long. After you see what I can do to console you. And who knows? Perhaps to comfort your little mamma!

Ezio took a quick step forward and hit your fist with your manVieri mandible, leaving his enemy reeling. Had pioped by surprise. But getting back on its feet, Vieri motioned his men not to move and rushed soEzio ber with a roar, driving one blow after another. So fierce was the attack of Vieri who, despite Ezio deftly managed to avoid it, was unable to download a single sharp blow. Both men were locked in a struggle to control the situation, stumbling from time to time to re-attack to continuenuación with renewed vigor. Finally, Ezio got the raVieri bia end up playing against him: one fight effectively when they feel angry. Vieri was preparing to launch a strongyour right hand, when Ezio came forward and the punch landed without causing effect beyond his shoulder, dragging Vieri inertia forward uncontrollably and his body weight. Ezio then put his opponent to trip, which ended up biting the dust. Bloodied and beaten, Vieri tried to protect his men behind and sat up, shaking hands with full of scratches.

"I'm tired of this," he said, the guards shouted: "Herebad with him, and also with women! I have better things to do to take care of this squalid and tadpole carcass your mother!

"Coniglio! Ezio cried, panting and drew his sword, but the guards had formed a circle around and extensiveDido their halberds. I knew it would cost a lot of power with them.

The circle is narrowed. Ezio continued turning on itself, trying to maintain at all times to women on their backs, but the situation painted very evil and unpleasant Vieri laughter sounded triumphant.

Suddenly he heard a sharp hissing sound, almost ethereal, and two of the guards fell to their knees first and then forward, simultaneously dropping their weapons. In their back, a knife buried to the hilt and released with a deadly aim. Blood poured from his shirt as a red flower.

The others retreated in alarm, but not before one more of theirs also fell to the ground, another knife in itPalden.

- What kind of sorcery is this? "Yelped Vieri, terror limitby acetylene voice, drew his sword and looking like crazy around him.

Was answered by a deep, booming laugh. "This has nothing to do with witchcraft, chico ... and everything to do with the skill!

The voice came from a nearby grove.

- Be seen!

Among the bushes appeared a tall man with long beard, wearing boots and a breastplate light. Behind him will appearriver men, dressed similarly.

"As you wish," he said wryly.

- Mercenaries!Vieri growled, and turned to his guardays. What are you waiting? Kill! Kill them all!

But the tall man approached, he pulled the sword with tremendous elegance and Vieri started hitting blade against his rodilla like a toothpick.

"I do not think it's a good idea, small Pazzi, although I must say you are at the height of the name of your family.

Vieri did not respond, but encouraged his men to move forward. Not very confident, while surrounded the unknownafter Vieri, with the halberd becoming one of the guards deadcough, Ezio attacked, kicking the sword from his hand and leaving it out of reach.

- Ten, Ezio, use it! "Said the tall man, giving him another sword, which flew through the air to land on its edge and, trembling, staying stuck in the ground at his feet.

He picked it up in a blink of an eye. It was a heavy weapon, but had to use both hands to hold, got cut the grip of the halberd Vieri. This, seeing that his men were being overcome with ease by condottieri, and had there been two more casualties, suspended the attack and, with curses, took flight. The tall man came up to run theirdo a wide smile to Ezio and women.

"I'm glad I came to meet you," he said. I think I arrived just in time.

"I thank you, whoever you are.

The man laughed again, and his voice sounded so familiar.

- Did you know? Ezio asked.

"For a long time. But it surprises me you do not recognize or your own uncle!

- "Uncle Mario?

- That's me!

He gave a squeezing Ezio and then approached Mary and Claudia. An expression of anxiety clouded his face to see itTado in which it was Mary.

"Listen, girl ... "Said Claudia. I'm going to take me to Ezio castello and I will leave my men here, that you proweave. I get something to eat and drink. Send a rider to theadvancement and return with a carriage to take you away what's left of the line. You have already walked enough for today and I see that my poor sister is ... He paused before adding with delicacy, "Exhausted.

"Thank you, Uncle Mario.

"All settled, then. See you soon. He turned and gave orders to his men, surrounded with a bra Eziozo and guided him to his castle, overlooking the town.

- How did you know it was coming? Ezio asked.

Mario was evasive.

"Oh ... a friend of Florence sent a messenger on horseback who came before you. But he was already aware of what happened. I have not had the strength to move to Florence, but now that Lorenzo is back we will pray for you to keep at bay the Pazzi. Inform me about the fate of my brother ... and my nephews.

Ezio stopped. The memory of the death of his family remained a dark and obsessive memory.

"It was ... were executed for treason ... He interruptedchirped. I escaped by chance.

"God," said Mario, his face contorted by the dolor. Do you know what happened?

"No ... but I hope you can help me find the answersplaced.

And Ezio began to explain to his uncle's chest hidden in the palazzo family and its contents, revenge has beenBia taken with Alberti and documents that had been caught.

"What seems most important is a list of names-anagiven, and stopped talking, sore. I can not believe that has fallen on us all!

Mario gave him a loving pat on the arm.

"I know a little business of your father," he said, then Ezio Mario realized he had not been very surprisinghad counted on when it's hidden in the cam chestsecret camera. We will find the meaning of it all. But on the other hand, we must also ensure that your mother and hermana are met. My castle is not a place for women of her class, and soldiers like me would never be just to lay theza, but a couple of miles from here there is a convent wheretaran perfectly safe and well maintained. If you agree, send them there. Because you and I have a lot to do.

Ezio nodded. Las accommodate Claudia there and convince that it was the best temporary solution, because not wanting to see perManeca long confined in that way.

Were approaching the town.

"I thought that was an enemy of Florence Monteriggioni said Ezio.

"Not much of Florence as the Pazzi," he told his uncle. And you are old enough to know the partnerships that istablishes between cities-state, large or small. One year you're friends with one and the next enemy and then another, go back to being a friend. And forever, like a chess game that has gone mad. But you'll like this. The people are honest and hard working, our products are strong and resilient. The priest is a good man, do not drink too much and never gets their noses in anything but their own affairs. And I care about mine ... with him, although I've never been a devotee of the Church. Best of all is the wine that will taste the best Chianti in your life comes from my vineyards. Come on, a little more and we're here.

Mario Castle was the former headquarters of the Auditorium and was built around 1250, although the site was previously occupied by a much older building. Mario had relate and renovated the building, which today, despite its high walls and several feet thick, looked like an affluent town and fortified. Ahead of her, and the place occupiedusually the garden outcast, was a large driving range where Ezio saw a couple of dozen young men armed by diverses exercises to improve your fighting technique.

-Casa, dolce casa "Mario said. Had not been here desthey were little. There have been some changes since then. What do you think?

"It's awesome, man.

The rest of the day was full of activity. Ezio Mario taught the castle, he organized his bed and made sure that Mary and Claudia were alive and well accommodated in the convent cercano, whose abbess was an old and dear friend of Mario (and, rumor, a former lover). The next morning was quoted in the early hours in the office of his uncle, a wide room yourights high with walls decorated with maps, armor and weapons, and furnished with table and chairs sturdy oak.

"Better to go immediately to the city," said Mario one day soon after, with a formal tone. Equip yourself properly. Will command one of my men to accompany you. Once you are back here and start.

- Will we begin what, man?

Mario was surprised.

"I thought you'd come to train.

"No, man ... that was not my intention. It was the first safetyro that crossed my mind when we were forced to flee Florence. But my intention is to take my mother and my brothersna farther.

Mario became serious.

- What about your father? Do not think you would have liked to terminalNARAS your job?

- What job? Does the banker? The family business no longer exists ..., the House of Auditore either, unless the Duke thingrenzo Pazzi has achieved that do not put hand on it.

"No, I meant" began Mario, but then stopped. Are you telling me that Giovanni never told you?

"Sorry, man, but I have no idea what you're talking.

Mario shook his head from side to side.

I do not know what he was thinking about your father. Maybe he thought it was not the right time. But events have theirpected any prior opinion. He looked directly Ezio. We talk at length. Let guar documentsdas in the bag. I have to study while you go to the city to equip. I give you the list of what you need, and money to paing them.

Totally confused, Ezio left for the city in company with one of the sergeants of Mario, a grizzled veteran named Orazio, and following their advice in the armory became a battle dagger, light armor, and doctor's house, bandages and basic kit. When he returned to the castle, Mario was waiting impatiently.

-Salute Ezio said. I've done everything you asked me.

And quickly, what I see. Ben fatto! And now, we have to teachNart to fight properly.

"Uncle, forgive me, but as I said, I have no intention of staying.

Mario bit her lip.

"Listen, Ezio, I hardly knew defend against Vieri. If it had not arrived when I did ... "He broke mydom of the sentence. Well, go if you want, but at least learn before skills and knowledge necessary to defend yourself. Otherwise, you will not last even a week on the road.

Ezio was silent.

"If they do for me, do it for the good of your mother and hermana 'said Mario.

Ezio considered alternatives, and was forced to admit that his uncle had the right.

"Okay, then," he said. Since you've been amabiity to equip ...

Mario's face lit up and he gave his nephew a pat on the shoulder.

- Good boy! Live to thank me!

The following weeks were filled with instructionstion on the intensive use of weapons, but while learning Ezioday new fighting skills, also discovered more detailedlles about your family history and secrets that his father had not had time to reveal. And Mario had put the library at your disposal, slowly began to discover that it was very possible that he was on the verge of a destination far more important than I ever could have imagined.

- You say that my father was more than just a banker? Asked his uncle.

"Much more serious," said Mario. Your father was a murderer with excellent training.

"This can not be ... My father was always a financier, a businessman ... How do you want to be a murderer?

"No, Ezio, was much more than that. Born and raised to matar. He was senior member of the Order of the Murderers. -Mario hesitated a moment. I know you will have discovered some of this in the library. We must talk about the documents entrusted to you and your father who had the ingenuity to recover, thank God, Alberti. That list of names ... is not a list of creditors, "sabes? The names of all responsible for killing your father, men who are part of a conspiracy even larger.

A Ezio digest what he was struggling, everything he thought about his father and his family turned out to be true to myself nowdays. How could his father would have concealed It was so inconceivable, so strange ... Ezio carefully chose their parentsJewel, believing that his father must have his reasons for manhave its secrecy.

"I accept that my father was much more than you ever poDria have imagined, and forgive me for doubting your word, but why all the secrecy?

Mario took a while to respond.

- Do you know the Knights Templar?

"I've heard of them.

-The Order was founded many centuries ago, just after the First Crusade, and became an elite fighting force composed of soldiers in the service of God, in fact, were monks in armor. Abstinence pledge and made a vow of poverty. But years passed and the situation changed. Over time EMPEZaron to engage in international finance and very sucto, indeed. Other orders of knights, the Hospitallers and the Teutonic "looked on with suspicion, and his power began to cause concern, even for kings. They established their base in southern France and in their plans was to constitute its own isTreaty. Not pay taxes, they had their own private army and began to subjugate the entire world. Finally, make a couple hundred years, King Philip the Fair of France decided to act against them. There was a terrible drain, the Templars were Arresresults, expelled, massacred, and ended up being excommunicated by the Pope. But it was impossible to eradicate them completely, it had about fifteen thousand councils spread throughout Europe. Everything and that, with their farms and properties attached, gave the impression that the Templars disappeared, that his power was broken.

- And what became of them?

Mario shook his head.

"Of course, they planned a ploy to ensure his survival. Went underground, the treasured wealthforces that could hold, kept their organization and, more than ever, focused on their objective.

- And what was it?

- Which is, you mean! -Mario sparks flying from his eyes. Their intention is none other than world domination. And there is only an organization devoted to disrupt their plans. The Order of Murderers, which your father and I have the honor to belong.

Ezio needed a moment to capture it all.

- And Alberti was a Templar?

Mario nodded solemnly.

"Yes. Like all the other names that apAreca in the list of your father.

- Y. .. Vieri?

"It is also, and his father, Francesco, and the whole of the Pazzi clan.

Ezio reflected on what he had to tell his uncle.

"This explains a lot ... "He said. But there's something I have not yet taught.

He got his sleeve to show his hidden dagger.

"Ah," said Mario. You were very wise not to showdome to be sure that you could rely on me. I wondered what had become of her. And I see that you have made repairs. It was your father, our father gave it to him, and he hers. Broke into ... a confrontation in which your father was involved for many years but never managed to find a craftsman bastant skilled or confident enough to repair it. You did good, kid.

"It seems," said Ezio. But all this talk of Murderers and Templar I think a story of old ... Paread fantasy.

Mario smiled.

-As an old parchment deed full of arcane, perhaps?

- Do you know that Codex page?

Mario shrugged.

- Did you forgotten? With the documents was delivered to me.

- Can you tell me what is? "Ezio was reluctant to implicate his friend Leonardo in everything unless it was strictlyabsolutely necessary.

"Whoever noticed your blade must have been able to read at least part of the page," said Mario, but Ezio raised his hand when he was about to open his mouth. I do not think to ask you questions. I see you want to protect someone and resPetar. But on that page there are other things besides the instructionstions of operation of your weapon. The pages of the Codex are actualmente spread throughout Italy. It is a guide to the inner workings of the Order of the Murderers, its origins, objectives and technicaltechniques. Is, if you want to call it, our Creed. Your father believed that the Codex contained a powerful secret. Something that would change the world. He paused to reflect. Maybe that's why they went after him.

Ezio was overwhelmed with all that information, toosiad to assimilate all at once. "Murderers, Templars, that exCodex tran ...».

"I'll be your guide, Ezio. But first you must learn to open your menuyou and always remember that: nothing is true. Everything is permitido.

Mario did not tell anything else at the moment, however much they try to pressure Ezio. His uncle continued his rigorous processso military training. From sunrise to sunset was exercised with young people condottieri on the driving range and at night fell into bed so exhausted that I could think of nothing but sleeping. And then one day ...

- Well done, cousin! "Said his uncle. I think you're ready.

Ezio was satisfied.

"Thanks, man, for all you have given me.

Mario's response was to give a hugs the boy.

- Forms part of the family! This is only my duty and my desire!

"I'm glad convinced me to stay.

Mario looked at him with interest.

"Well, have you reconsidered your decision to leave? Ezio looked back.

"Sorry, man, but the decision is made. For the safety of mamma and Claudia, I have yet to attempt to reach the costa and go by boat to Spain.

Mario did not hide his displeasure.

"Forgive me, cousin, but I've taught you everything you have taught or for fun or for your sole and exclusive benefitsurface. I have taught you to make you better prepared infrentarte enemies.

"And so what if they do me.

"Well," Mario said bitterly. Will you go? "Throw everything overboard and your father fought and died? "Negar your real estate? All right! I can not pretend I'm not disappointed ... extremely disappointed. But so be it. Orazio will take you to the convent when you judge which is the momentappropriate to your mother can take a trip and take care of you on the road. I wish buona fortune.

And with that, Mario turned his back to his nephew and left.

He spent more time because he realized that his mother Ezio necessarysitaba peace and quiet to recover. He, meanwhile, iniCIO preparations for the journey to the heart broken. When he finally departed for which he imagined would be his last visit to the convent before taking away her mother and sister found them better than we had dared to imaWink. Claudia had made friends with some of the younger nuns and Ezio realized to his surprise but not asto your satisfaction, beginning to be attracted to that type of life. Meanwhile, his mother was recovering steadily but slowly and the abbess, on learning of their plans, demurred, inways to break still needed above all else and should not even think about a transfer.

When Mario returned to the castle, therefore, was full of doubts, and he knew also that they had been increasingTando over time.

During that period, on the other hand, had been LLEing out in Monteriggioni various military preparations now reached a critical point. Served as distractions watchtion. He found his uncle anywhere, but managed to locate Orazio in the map room.

- What happens? "He asked. Where is my uncle?

"Preparing for battle.

- What? Who?

"Oh, I hoped that I would have had to have thought you were going to stay. But we all know is not your intention.

"Well ...

"Your old friend, Vieri de 'Pazzi, was installed in San Gimignano. Has tripled the garrison is stationed there and has announced it will soon be ready, you think completely demolish Monteriggioni. So we anticipate, to crush that little snake and give them a lesson they will never forget Pazzi long time.

Ezio breath. That changed everything. And maybe it was Fate, the stimulus that had been unconsciously seeking.

- Where is my uncle?

"In the stables.

Ezio was leaving the room.

- Where are you going?

- At the stables! You must also have a horse ready for me!

Orazio smiled to see him go.