Chapter 10

Ezio! "Mario was glowing, his beard more fraught than ever, his face burned by the Tuscan sun. Welcome home!

"Uncle.

Mario's face became more serious.

"I see by your face you've been through hard experiences in memonths since the last time we met. When you haveyas have bathed and rested, you have to tell me everything. He paused. We are aware of what happened in Florence, and I, even I, I prayed that there were a peel off miracle alive.But not only has come out alive, but also has changed the situation and has brought against the Pazzi! Los TemKnights Templar'll hate you for this, Ezio.

"It's a mutual hatred.

"Rest first ... and then tell me all.

That night, the two settled into the office of Mario. Mario listened with interest Ezio explanations on everything he knew regarding the events in Floence. He returned to his uncle Codex page Vieri and will betweengo that Lorenzo had given him, describing the drawing of the poison dagger and are shown below. Mario was impressedZion, but concentrated on the new page.

"My friend was not able to figure anything else except the desdescription of the weapon, "said Ezio.

"That's fine. Not all pages contain such instructions, and should only be of interest to those that contain them, "said Mario, a tone of caution in his voice. In However, we can only understand the full meaning of the Codex when we met all its pages. But it will take us a step further when the other let's link, with Vieri page.

He got up, went to the library to hide the wall that kept the pages of the Codex, moved and studied the place occupiedgave birth the new pages. One of them was connected with any of those he already had there. The other was in a corner.

Interestingly, Vieri and his father had pages are obviously very close, "he said. Now seeWe do ...

He stopped talking, concentrating.

"Hmmm ... He said at last, though with an expression of Preocern.

- Do you think this gives you a little further, man?

"I'm not sure. Perhaps we are more immersed than ever in the dark, but what is clear is that here is thesome type of reference to a prophet, a prophet of the Bible, but a living prophet or one that is yet to come ...

- And who might that be?

"I do not want to run too. "Mario was absorbed in the pages, moving his lips, speaking in a language not understood Ezio. As to decipher this text workduciría more or less like "Only the Prophet can open ...». And here is a reference to "two fragments of Eden", but I have no idea what it means. We must be patient until we get more pages of the Codex.

"I know that the Codex is important, man, but I'm here for a more compelling reason to unravel its mystery. Seeking the renegade, Jacopo de 'Pazzi.

"What is certain is that after running away from Florence traveled south. -Mario hesitated before continuing. Did not intend to discuss this topic with you tonight, Ezio, but I see that the matter is so urgent for me as for you, and we have to start preparations as soon as possible. My old friend Roberto has been expulsed San Gimignano, which has again become a stronghold of the Templars. Is too close to Florence, and us, to allow it to be. I think that Jacopo could seek refuge there.

"I have a list of the names of others conspiredres Ezio said, taking the printout of your wallet and handing it to his uncle.

"Well. Some of these men have much less to fall back to Jacopo and be easy to beat. At dawn send spies out to see what they can find out about them, and while we must begin to prepare to retake San GiMignano.

-Prepare your men without fail, but I have no time to lose if I just want to stop these murderers. Mario thought.

"Maybe you're right ... One man alone can often transfer an entire army walls can not. And we should kill them while they still believe to be safe. "I thought for a moment. I accordingly give my permission. You go ahead and see what they discover. I know you're more than capable of taking care of yourself.

- Thanks, man!

- Not so fast, Ezio! I let you go on one condition.

- What?

"One week to delay your departure.

- A week?

"If you think you dive only in the field, with no one to accompany you, needing more than the weapons of the Codex. Now you're a man and a courageous fighter of Murderers. But your reputation will be more thirsty Templar your sangre than ever and I know I still lack certain skills.

Ezio shook his head from side to side impatiently.

"No, man, sorry ..., but week ...

Mario frowned, but raised his voice only slightlyte. It was enough.

"I've heard good things about you, Ezio, but also bad things. When you kill Francesco lost control. And let your feelings for Cristina tempt you to break away from your path. Your duty now is the Creed, and if not careful, you may not be for a world that you enjoy. He stopped his speech. When I ask obedience, I do it in the mouth of your father.

Ezio had seen his uncle grow in height, even in size, as he spoke. And it painful to accept, was forced to acknowledge that what he had said was true. LoveSimilarly, it lowered his head.

"Well," said Mario, more gently. And end up agradeciéndomelo. Your new training will start in the morning. And rerope: preparation is everything!

A week later, armed and ready, went on horse Ezioment to San Gimignano. Mario had told him to get in touch with one of the patrols condottieri had deliberatelydo in an area not visible from the outskirts of the city with the objectivetive to track the comings and goings. He stayed at one of their camps to spend their first night away from MonteRiggioni.

The sergeant in charge, tough and tanned by the beatseed mixtures of mid-twenties named Gambalto, gave him a pedagogicalzo of bread pecorino and a bowl of Vernaccia and put the co Eziocurrents of the situation while he ate and drank.

I think it's a shame that Antonio Maffei leavesra of Volterra. He is obsessed with Lorenzo and thinks the Duke destroyed his hometown, while all he did was tounder the protection of Florence. Maffei now gone mad. It has been installed atop the tower of the cathedral, surrounded by archers of the Pazzi, and spend the day throwing tirades and arrows in equal measure. God knows what plans will: to convert people to his cause with his sermons, or kill them with arrows. The ordinary citizens of San Gimignano hate it, but while continuing his reign of terror, the city is powerless against it.

"As far as is necessary to neutralize it.

"That would weaken the influence of the Pazzi in the city.

- Are well defended?

"They have a lot of men stationed at the guard towersence and doors. But change of guard at dawn. At that time, a man like you could top the walls and entering the city without being seen.

Ezio thought, wondering if this will distract from the mission that had been imposed to meet Jacopo. But reflectionsnot to be able to see the big picture: that this was starting Maffeirio de 'Pazzi and Ezio as Murderer duty was to overthrow that madman.

At dawn the next day, any special citySan Gimignano attentive mind could have realized the prepresence of a hooded figure, thin and gray eyes, slipDose as a ghost through the streets leading to the cathedral square. The market vendors were setting up their ascough, but it was the low point of the day and the guards, bored and discouraged, slept leaning on their halberds. The area westtee campanile was still mired in the dark and nobody saw a figure dressed in black climbed up the walls with the faeasily handle and elegance of a spider.

The priest, emaciated, with sunken eyes and disheveled, thisba already in place. Spent four archers of the Pazzi were also positioned in their proper places, one in each ismachine from the tower. But as not confident that the archers were sufficient protection, Antonio Maffei, despite having a Bible in his left hand, also held a round-handled daggergiven on the right. Had set to pray, and when Ezio approached the top of the tower, began to catch the words of Maffei.

- Citizens of San Gimignano, pay attention to my paJewel! Repent. REPENTOS! And seek forgiveness ... HisMacOS to my prayer, my children, so that together we face the darkauthority that has hung over our beloved Tuscany! Pay attention, good grief, and I will speak and listen, O earth, the words spoken by my mouth. Let my teaching spill like rain, my speech distil as the dew, as raindrops on plants, such as a shower on the grass as I procall upon the nameand the Lord! He is the Rock!His work is perfect, their ways are right! Is right and virtuous, and those who have fallen in the cocorruption, and his children are not ... A stained-generation, perversa and dishonest! Citizens of San Gimignano, "you try and be with the Lord? Oh, crazy and insane! If He is not your father, who bore you? By the light of His mercy, be clean!

Ezio carefully jumped over the parapet of the tower and coGió positions near the trap door that opened onto the stairs leading down. The archers tried to target him, but within range was short and he was well on his behalf on eleRegulation surprise. He crouched and grabbed one of them by the feet, hastelling her to fall over the parapet and throwing it into a deathsure you sixty meters below. Before the others had time to react, he turned against a second and stabbed him in the arm. The man looked startled the little wound, but was pale and collapsed, his life vanishing in an instantimportant. Ezio had fastened on his arm his new weapon, it was not just fighting time. He turned to the third, who had dropped his bow and tried to pass him on his way to the scaleras. When he reached them, Ezio herded him a kick in the butt and the man began to roll down the wooden stairs headfirst, splitting his bones to be affixed to the first landing. The last man raised his hands and Borbotó something. Ezio looked down and saw that the man had peed on it. He stepped aside and, bowing ironically, allowed the tierrorizado keeper hastily lowered the ladder to meet his crippled comrade.

He then received a hard blow to the neck caused by egsada steel hilt of a dagger. Maffei had recovered from the concussion he suffered the attack and had acerEzio ed from behind. Ezio faltered.

- We oblink to your knees, sinner!Cried the priest, ispuma peeping from the corners of his mouth. Beg your pardon!

"Why do people always lose time talking? 'PenSó Ezio, who had time to recover and rotated while the sacerdote threw his speech.

The two men began to spin in concentric liited space. Maffei lashed out with its powerful dagger. Was evidentrecently, an awkward fighter, but desperation and fanaticism made him very dangerous. Ezio was forced to dance back and forth more than once to deviate from the path of the erratic movements of the blade of his opponent, he could not strike a single blow. He could finally get the priest's wrist and pull it until their breasts were rubbing.

"I'll send whining to hell," snapped Maffei.

It shows a little respect for the dead, friend-replicationEzio ed.

- I'll give you respect yourself!

- Surrender! I will give you time to pray.

Maffei threw a spit in the eye, thus obliging Ezio clutches. Then with a shriek, plunged the dagger into the faceEzio left arm, but the blade slid uselessly to one side, folded metal plate was attached Ezio.

- What the hell are you protected? Maffei asked.

"You talk too much," said Ezio, pressing the knife against the neck of the priest and tensing the muscles of the forearm.

By the time the poison blade slipped and stepped into the jugular Maffei, the priest stiffened, opened her mouth and she did not go more than a fetid breath. DeviatedEzio tonka, came teetering on the parapet, stood up briefly and then fell forward into the arms of death.

Ezio bent over the corpse of Maffei. Found a letter from his coat, opened and read quickly.

Padrone:

I writeor fear in the heart. The Prophet has reacheddo. Lor I feel.Ni follow the birds com behaveor shouldlaugh. Revoletean aimlessly through the sky. LI see from my unclerre. No attend the meeting as you me you asked, because no I can to exhibit them in public fearing to que that ofheritage could meet. Forgive but I hAcer listened to my inner voice.

May the Father of the Suner you guidance. And I guie  tambien to me.

Brother A.

"Gambalto was right, thought Ezio, per man haddido head. Sadly, remembering the warning of his uncle, the priest closed his eyes and mouthed the words Requiescat in pace.

Aware that the archer who had spared his life could have sounded the alarm over the pa inspectedRapet tower was down, but did not detect any activitydisturbing activity. Pazzi guards were asleep at their posts and the market had opened, people began to bringthe stalls are. Undoubtedly, the archer must walk and on his way home, preferring to drop court-martial and possible torture. He put the dagger back inside the mechanism that had been hidden in the forearm, trying tocarla only with your gloved hand and started down the stairs of the tower. The sun was high in the sky, which would clearly visible if he decided to go down the outer wallthe previous campanile.

When reunited with the band of mercenaries Mariver Gambalto greeted him excitedly.

- Our reconnaissance patrol had located the archSalviati bispo!

- Where?

"Not very far from here. Do you see that mansion? "On the hill up there?

"Yes.

"He's there. -Gambalto then remembered something. But I must ask, capitano, how did it go in the city.

"No more sermons of hate from the tower.

"The people will bless you, capitano.

"I'm not captain.

"You are for us," replied simply Gambalto. Take a detachment of men. Salviati is highly protected and the mansion is an ancient fortified building.

"Okay," said Ezio. It is always good eggs are together, almost in the same nest.

"The others can not walk very far, Ezio. We turn to find them in your absence.

Ezio selected a dozen of the best fighters CuerGambalto po's body and led them on foot through the fields that arestopped by the house where he sought refuge Salviati. He deployed his men so that they could hear each other in case of having to communicate, and that Salviati had placed outposts were easily avoided or neutralized. For unforence. Ezio also lost two of their men in the landing approach.

Ezio trusted to take the house by surprise, before the occupants were alerted to the attack, but when acered to the robust doors saw the small figure on the wall above them, dressed in the garb of a archbishopspo, subject to the battlements with hands that seemed galands. A face that reminded one of a vulture, which disappeared inmediate.

"It Salviati" he thought to himself Ezio.

In the sentries had no doors. Ezio motioned his men to come closer to the walls for arbankers did not have sufficient angle to shoot them. Undoubtedly, Salviati had concentrated the bulk of his men inside the walls, whose height and thickness was apparent theImmovable mind. Ezio began to wonder if it should, once again, trying to climb the wall and open the door from the inside to give input to their troops, but he knew that the guards of the Peacezi would notice immediately of its presence.

Telling his men to keep hidden, is agacho and walked among the tall grass short distance the knowraba the place where lay the body of one of his enemies. What desknot quickly, dressed in the uniform of the soldier, made a bundle with their own clothes and took her under his arm.

- Open! He shouted. In the name of the Father of Knowledge!

Spent a tense minute. Ezio back to repudiationran him from the top of the walls. And then he heard the sound of heavy latches.

As the doors began to open, Ezio and his men rushed against them, knocking and surprising the centraltinello inside. Once found in a courtyard, around which the mansion was displayed in three separate wings. Salviati istobacco on top of a staircase located in the center of the main wing. Between him and Ezio, a dozen burly men and arMadosa to the teeth. There were also more men scattered around the patio.

- Sucia treason!Cried the Archbishop. But do not get out with the same ease with which you entered.

He raised his voice to convenientlyrtirla an imperative roar:- Kill! Kill them all!

Pazzi troops came and surrounded the men's Ezio. But the Pazzi had not been trained under the orders of a man like Mario Auditore and, despite losing the lead, the condottieri Ezio successfully confronted their opponents whileAfter he ran upstairs. Triggered his poison dagger and the claved to men who cared for Salviati. Regardless of where to aim the knife, even if just on the cheek, whenever it fell, the victim died instantly.

- You are a demon ... Fourth Ring of the Ninth Circle! Salviati exclaimed in a trembling voice when he finally foundTro face to face with Ezio.

Ezio triggered the poison dagger, but also prepared his dagger battle. Salviati grabbed by the throat, above her cope, and brought the blade to the neck of the archbishop.

"The Templars lost their Christianity when he discoveredrum the bank said quietly. Does do not know the gospelslios? "You can not serve God and to Mammon! ". But now's your chance to redeem yourself. Tell me where is Jacopo?

Salviati looked defiant.

- Never find!

Ezio slid the blade gently but firmly, by the Archbishop gizzard, drawing a trickle of blood.

"You'll have to tell me something better, arcivescovo.

"The night protects us when we met ... and now, termine with your work.

"So you hide in the dark as murderers they are. Thanks for telling me. But I'll ask again. Where?

"Father of Knowledge is aware that what I do is for the greater good Salviati said coolly, and taking suddenEzio having diminished wrist with both hands, plunged the dagger into the neck.

- Tell me! Ezio cried.

But the archbishop, the blood gushing in torrents through his mouth, and had collapsed at her feet, her splendid white robes gleaming yellow and red.

Several months passed before they again have notified Ezioences of the conspirators. Meanwhile, he drew with Mario a plan to restore San Gimignano and freeing its citizens from cruel yoke of the Templars, who had learned a lesson and kept tight control over the city. Knowing that the Templars issecretariats also searching the pages of the Codex which remained in parader unknown, Ezio was trying to hit them, but without success. The pages that were already in possession of the Murderers were hidden under the strict supervision of Mario, because without them, the secret of the Creed never succumb to the Templars.

One day a messenger arrived from Monteriggioni Floence with a letter from Leonardo to Ezio. Ezio, knowing the custom of his lefty friends to write in reverse, looked enseguigives a mirror. In any circumstance, however, the comvolved doodles would have been a stumbling block for even the most talented player managed to decipher. Ezio broke the seal and began to read eagerly, his heart going brightening legendsdo line after line.

(^ Entile Ezio:

The Duke Lorenzo I hto asked you haga get these nofoodstuffs ...Sober Bernardo Baroncelli!. Al apparently got pregnantCarse courseor to Veniceence, and from there traveled h incognitod till courtthe Ottoman sultan in Constantinoplepla, with the intention of rerefugees in that city. But as soon as entertained Venecia, did not realize that the Venetians had just signed peace with yourRCOs (Even I hsent an to susecond best painter, GBellini entile, to perform orNo portrait Sultan Mehmet). Of so that Cando LLEgo and itsidentityDó the discovered was arrestadoimmediately.

Naturally, you can imagine the amount of letters thatis crossedbetween SubliPorte me and Venice. But the Venetians are also ourallies -the less por the moment-and duqueLorenzois above all, an accomplished diplomat. Baroncelli wasshackled and returned to Florence, ornce tollí,wasinterrogated. But he was stubborn, or foolish, or brave, I do not know exactlymind why.Lthe question is that resisted foal, the pincers rojorvivo, whipping and thes rats running sos feet, and all that confessed thatthe conspirators used to meet at night in an antiqueua crypt that  beneath Santa Maria Novella. Were investigated, of course, but not foundRaron anything. It hangsfraud. I made a drawingor fairly good performance that Ishow the NEXTima time thatwe sees. I believe that anatomicallyI hsoftened, it is accurate.

Healthy distinctiveyou,

Your friend,

LeorLeonardo da Vinci

"It's great that this man is dead," said MaEzio laughed when he showed the letter. It was the typical type capable of robarle even his mother. But the pity is that this is not about us at all to find out what plan to do continuous Templartion, even gives us a clue to the whereabouts of Jacopo.

Ezio found time to go visit her mother and herWells, who continued spending his days with the serenity ofvento and care of the kindly Abbess. Sadly buygiven that the recovery of Mary and not advance further. His hair had turned prematurely gray and in the corners of the eyes had appeared fine crow's feet, but on the other hand, had attained inner peace, and when talking about her husband and hijos died did so with affection and pride. However, seeing the cajita pear wood with eagle feathers that once gave the small Petruccio, an object that was always in menight chair, still with tears filling her eyes. As for Claudia, had become novizia, and although with Eziothey considered that that decision would spoil its beauty and spispirit, he had no choice but to recognize the light that illuminatednaba the face of his sister, to respect the decision it had taken and feel happy for her. He returned to visit for Christmas and new year resumed his training, burning with impatience inside. To allay his nervousness, he was named co MarioDeputy principal castle. Ezio began to send its own spies and reconnaissance patrols in search of prey that was still pursuing relentlessly.

And then, finally, came the news. One morning in late spring, Gambalto, its glowing eyes appeared in front of the map room where Mario Ezio and were engaged in deep conversation.

"Signori! We found Bagnone Stefano da! Has taken refuge in the abbey of Asmodeus, a few miles south of here. He has spent all this time in front of our narices!

"Always go together like dogs that are snapped Mario, his stubby fingers working quickly tracing route on the map before him. Ezio looked. Although this is a dog head. Secretary of Jacopo! If we can not get anything out of it ...!

But Ezio was already giving orders to saddle and prestop your horse. Quickly, he went to his room and armed with weapons of Codex, this time choosing the hidden blade dagger instead of poison. Following the advice of the doctor of Monteriggioni, had replaced the distillation of hemlock Leonard was originally used by Bethlehem and see the bag ofneno hidden in the handle was full. Had decided to utiLizard poison dagger with discretion, because he always ran the risk of self-administered a lethal dose. For this reason, andthat his fingers were full of tiny scars, when he brandished a knife used for some time resistant leather gloves, but flexible.

The abbey was near Monticiano, whose ancient castle doundermined the small mountain town. Was located in a solead ravine next to a cypress-covered hill. The current building was new, would have perhaps a hundred years, and was built with yellow sandstone rich import around a large courtyard where there was also a church. The doors were open wide and the monks of the order of the abbey, with its ocher habits, were busy working in the fields and orchards near the building and the vineyards that had above. The wine of the monastery attached to the abbey was famous and was exported even to Paris. As part of the preparations, Ezio was done with a monk's habit and, after stopping the horse by a stable boy at the inn where he had rented a room posing as a government messenger had been disguised to access the abbey.

Stefano spotted after a short while, engaged in a withconversation with hospitarius Abbey, a portly monk seemed to have taken the form of one of the barrels of wine, of course, emptied frequently. Ezio got close enough to hear without being noticed him.

"Pray, brother," said the monk.

- Does prayer? "Said Stefano, whose black attire contrasted with the sunny colors of their environment.

It looked like a spider walking over a pancake.

- Why? "He added with irony.

The monk was surprised.

- For protection of the Lord!

- If you think that the Lord is interested in our affairs, herGirolamo hand, rather than devote yourself to something else! But please, for heaven's sake, is making it hopes, if that helps pass the time.

- What you just said is blasphemy! Is exclaimeddownhaul's brother Girolamo.

-No. Tell the truth.

- You're denying its most exalted Presence!

"It's just a rational response to the assertion that up there in heaven inhabited by a mad invisible. And believe me, if our precious Bible has something to rely on, is that this God has completely lost his head!

- How can you say these things? You're a priest!

"I'm an administrator. I use these clothes to bringMedici those damn me, put an end once and for all and serve them my true Master. But above all, is toDavies The theme of that Murderer, Ezio. It takes too long been a thorn we must tear.

"That's you're right. It is an evil demon!

"Well," Stefano said with a wry smile. At least I see that we agree on something.

"They say the devil has given a speed and a strongsupernatural za Girolamo said lowering the tone.

Stefano stared.

-The devil? No, my friend. They are gifts that he has achieved all by himself, thanks to the rigorous training that has been subjected duduring year. He paused, his skinny body adopting a thoughtful position. You know, Girolamo? I find it disturbing that you're so unwilling to recognize the merits that the genegets you on your own. I think if you could discoverlaugh victims everywhere.

"I forgive your lack of faith and your sharp tongue Girolamo replied with mercy. However you're still a child of God.

"Have I said ... Stefano began again, rather abruptly, but then spread his hands and let cobarrier. Why? Enough about it! Escom talking to a deaf!

"I will pray for you.

"As you wish. But do it in silence. I continue with my guard. Until we get to that Murderer dead and buried, no Templar can let your guard down for a moment.

The monk retired after greeting with a nod and Stefano was left alone in the courtyard. Had sounded the campaignna announcing the First and Second Station of the Cross and the community had gathered in the abbey church. Ezio abandonednot the shadows like a specter. The sun shone with the weight iflenciosa noon. Stefano, with the appearance of crow, walkba stalking up and down the north wall, restless, impatient, possessed.

When he saw Ezio expressed no surprise.

"I'm unarmed," he said. Fight with the mind.

"To use it, you need to stay alive. Will you be able tofenderte?

- Would you kill me in cold blood?

"I kill because they need to die.

- Good answer! But do not think I'm perhaps posesion of secrets that could be useful to you?

"What I think is doblegarías you do not under any kind of torture.

Stefano glanced evaluation.

"I'll take that as a compliment, but I'm not so safero it. However, it is a matter of mere academic relevanceca. He paused before continuing his sharp voice: "You lost your chance, Ezio. The fate of death is cast. The cause of Murderers is a lost cause. I know I will kill whatever you do or say what I say, and I'll be dead before noonday. The Mass is ended, but my death will not avail you. The Templars have you already check, and soon you will have to jakill.

"I do not have as clear.

"I'm about to meet my Maker ... if finalmind exists. It will be gratifying to find out. And meanwhile, why should I lie?

Ezio dropped his dagger.

"Very clever," said Stefano. What will happen next?

-Repair the bad you've done, "said Ezio. Tell me what you know.

- What want know? Does the whereabouts of my master, Jacopo? "Stefano smiled. That is easy. Soon he will meet with our confederates, at night, in the shadow of the Roman gods. He paused. Hope this makes you happy, because although you do not sucrase just me. And in any case no importanttance, because I know for a fact that you're too late. The Unico regret is that I will not be present to witness your destion ... but who knows? Maybe there is an afterlife from which to watch your death. But for now, get it over with this nasty business.

The Abbey bell rang once more. Ezio had little time.

"I think you could teach me many things," he said. Stefano looked at him sadly.

"Not in this world," he said. It opened the neck of his robes. But please send me the fast at night.

Ezio thrust a single stab wound, deep and with a pointlethal laugh.

-Southwest of San Gimignano are the ruins of the Temple of Mithras, "said Ezio Mario when he returned thoughtfully. They are the only important Roman ruins in many miles. You say you mentioned the shadow of gods Romans?

"Those were his words.

- And that the Templars are gathering there ... soon?

"Yes.

"Then we delay. Starting tonight we stand guard there.

Ezio was killed.

-Da Bagnone told me it was too late to deteNerl.

Mario smiled.

"Well, in this case to us to prove them wrong.

It was the third night on call. Mario had returned to his base to continue working on their plans against the Templars of San Gimignano and Ezio had left in the company of five menconfidence men, Gambalto among them is to stand guardcounties in the thick woods that surrounded the lonely and desotons ruins of the temple of Mithras. The temple consisted of a large complex of buildings had been built over the centuries. Its last occupant was Mithra, the god adopted by the Roman army, but also included older chapels, consecrated in their day to Minerva, Venus and Mercury. The complex also provided a theater, whose stage was maintained themDose solidly up and stood in front of a ruined semicircularthe stone benches arranged in terraces, home to scorpions and rats, backed by a dilapidated wall and flanked by cobroken columns where the owls had made their nests. The hieclimbed dra-resistant everywhere summer lilacs their way through the cracks that they themselves offshore drillingmol stained and crumbling. The moon cast a light fantasyMagor on the scene and, despite being accustomed to face them without fear of mortal enemies, had a couple of menmen clearly nervous.

Ezio had decided to stand guard for a week, but I knew that men would find it difficult to control nerves in that place for so long, since the presence of ghostmost of the pagan past was felt strongly. But around midnight, with the Murderers with aching limbs due to immobilization and inactivity, they heard the faint tinkle of a harness. Ezio and his men prepared for what repudiationra happen next. Shortly after the complex appeared in a dozen soldiers carrying torches and led by three men. They were heading to the theater. Ezio and condottieri followed them up there.

The men dismounted and formed a protective circle around the three leaders. Observing the scene, triumphant Ezio recognized the man's face who had been looking for: Jacopo de 'Pazzi, a gray-haired man of over sixty-like stalker. He was accompanied by a man who knew and another that yes, the unmistakable figure of a hooked nose and hooded maroon Rodrigo Borgia! With gravity, the knife is linked EzioNenos the mechanism he had in his right wrist.

"You know why I have called the meeting" began Rodrigo. I have given ample time, Jacopo. But you still have to repair the evil you have done.

"Sorry, commendatore. I've done everything that was in my hand. I have overcome the Murderers.

"You have not recovered Florence.

Jacopo bowed his head.

- You have not even been able to slice the head Auditore Ezio, a mere pup! And with each victory he gets on us, becomes stronger, becomes more dangerous!

"It was because of my nephew Francesco Jacopo stammered. His impatience was again reckless! I tried to be the voice of reason ...

"More like the voice of cowardice" said the third man in a hoarse voice.

Jacopo turned to him with much less respect than it hasBia shown so far with Rodrigo.

"Oh, Messer Emilio. Maybe we would pickpocket me theJor if we had sent weapons quality, instead of that crap that you call the Venetians arms! But you, the Barbarigi, you were always stingy.

- Enough! Cried a voice of thunder Rodrigo. He went back to Jacopo, "We put our faith in you and your family, and how what we've returned? Of passivity and incompetence. ReThe recovered San Gimignano! Bravo! And you sit there doing nothing. It even allows you to attack there. Maffei's brother was a valuable servant of our cause. And you, you could even save your own secretary, a man whose brain was worth ten times your own!

-Altezza! Just give me the opportunity to correct what was done and you'll see ... "Jacopo looked harsh expressions of their accompanyingNantes. I'll show ...

Rodrigo relaxed factions. Outlined even a smile.

-Jacopo. We know what to do next. Let in our hands. Come over here. Let me give you a hug.

Jacopo due after hesitation. Rodrigo left his arm above his shoulder and the right drew from his robes slipped a stiletto between the ribs firmly Jacopo. Jacopo Rodrigo away from the knife while it looked like a father to a son would look useless. Jacopo put his hand on the side. Rodrigo had not penetrated any vital organs. Maybe ...

But now was Emilio Barbarigo who advanced toward him. Mainstinctive manner, Jacopo up his bloody hands to protect themselves, as Emily had just pulled out a Swiss Army knife look intimidating, one of her coarsely serrated edges, and with a gutter running along the side of the sheet.

"No," whimpered Jacopo. I've done everything I could. I have always faithfully served the cause. All my life. By favor ... Please do not ...

Emilio gave a brutal laugh.

- Please do not, you piece of shit crybaby?

Yanked the jacket of Jacopo and immediately slipped from its powerful serrated blade knife through her chest, opening it.

Jacopo shouted and fell on his knees first, and then sideways, writhing in a pool of blood. He looked and saw above him Rodrigo Borgia, a narrow sword in his hand.

- Master ... have mercy!Jacopo, "he managed. It's not too late! Give me one last chance to fix things ...

Y    then choked on his own blood.

"O Jacopo," Rodrigo said gently. How I've disappointed.

He raised his sword and stabbed in the neck of Jacopo with such force that the tip came through the neck, the spinal cord segándolenal. Borgia twisted it before removing it slowly. Jacopo isvant, mouth full of blood, but he was already dead and fell again, with a spasm, until they finally move.

Rodrigo wiped his sword with the clothes of the dead and, pushing aside his cloak, slipped again.

"How disgusting," he murmured. He turned and looked directly at where I was Ezio, smiled and shouted, "Now you can go, Murderer! I apologize for having won this award!

Y    before he could react, Ezio was grabdo by two guards dressed in robes with a red cross on a yellow field, the coat of arms of his greatest enemy. Called

Gambalto, but none of his men replied. He was earnestTrado to the stage of the old theater.

- Very good, Ezio!Rodrigo said. Sorry about your manmen, but do you think I really do not expect to find here? Did not know you were coming? Stefano da You think you do not reveal Bagnoneló time and place of this meeting without my knowledge and approvaltion? Naturally, we had to make it look difficult because, otherwise, would have sensed it was a trap. He laughed-. Ezio Poor! Guess what? We have been in this game much longer than you. I had my guards hiding in the woods long before you arrive. And I fear that your men were as perplexed as you ... but I wanted to see you live before we leave. It be a fad. But now I'm satisfied.

Rodrigo smiled and turned to the guards who were holding his arms Ezio:

Thanks. Now you can kill him.

Emilio Rodrigo Barbarigo and boarded their horses and disappearedCieron along with the guards who had accompanied them. Ezio saw them go. He began to think quickly. On one side were the two big men who were subject ... And how many more would have hidden in the woods? How many men would have bet Borstrategy for that ambush against his troops?

"Pray your prayers, boy," said one of his captors.

"Look," said Ezio. I know that you are simply following orders. So if soltáis me, I will forgive their life. What do you think?

That amused the guard who had spoken.

- Look! You have to hear it! I think I never ORTpezado with anyone able to retain his sense of humor in this way at a time like ...

But he could not finish the sentence. Ezio extended his hidden blade and, using his surprise, he thrust the man who held him by the right arm. The poison acted immediately and the man staggered to fall. Before the other guard could react, Ezio had sunk and the dagger in the armpit, the one point that his armor could not meet. Free, jumped into the darkness from the edge of the stage and stood waiting. He did not wait long. Ten others appeared guardays that Rodrigo had hidden in the forest, some inspectionsNando cautiously around the theater, others crouching next to his dead comrades. Moving with the speed morthat of a lynx, Ezio lunged at them, attacking with his weapon like a scythe, focusing on any body part that was exposed. Frightened and caught negligiblewelcome, Borgia soldiers tumbled Ezio front of him and ended with five of them before they put the other foot in polHerbivores and running and throwing disappeared screams of panic in the forest. Ezio saw them go. Not report what theirRodrigo transferred unless they wanted to finish posted by incompletecompetition, and would be a while before they started to miss them and Rodrigo found out that their satanic plan had failed.

Ezio knelt beside the corpse of Jacopo de 'Pazzi. Bruisingdo and deprived of all dignity, all that remained of him was the caparazón a pathetic and desperate old man.

"Poor wretch," he said. I was angry when I saw Rodrigo I had stolen my coveted prey, but now, now ...

He fell silent and closed his eyes to Pazzi. And then he realized that the eyes were looking. In my work of someLagro, Jacopo was still alive. He opened his mouth ready to speak, but could not make a sound. He was obviously lost in his final agony. The first idea was to abandon Eziowhat a slow death, but was looking at him with eyes Jacopo was suppliedsing. "Be merciful, even though no one has had mercy on you," he said. Also this was part of the Creed.

"May God give you peace," he said, kissing her forehead while JacopoAfter firmly nailed the dagger in the heart of his former adversesary.