Renaissance. Part 19

"More like the voice of cowardice" said the third man in a hoa.r.s.e voice.

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

"Oh, Messer Messer Emilio. Maybe we would pickpocket me theJor if we had sent weapons quality, instead of that c.r.a.p that you call the Venetians arms! But you, the Barbarigi, you were always stingy. Emilio. Maybe we would pickpocket me theJor if we had sent weapons quality, instead of that c.r.a.p 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 pa.s.sivity 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 ... 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 b.l.o.o.d.y hands to protect themselves, as Emily had just pulled out a Swiss Army knife look intimidating, one of her coa.r.s.ely 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 s.h.i.+t 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 segandolenal. 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, pus.h.i.+ng 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 Bagnonelo 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 soltais 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 incompletecompet.i.tion, 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 caparazon 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 G.o.d give you peace," he said, kissing her forehead while JacopoAfter firmly nailed the dagger in the heart of his former adversesary.

Chapter 11.

CEzio hen returned to Florence and reported to the non-Lorenzotice of the death of the last of the Pazzi, Lorenzo felt satisfiedcho, but also sad at the thought of bloodshed, a terribly high price in exchange for the safety of Florence and the Medici. Lorenzo preferred to find diplomatic solutions to disputes, but that desire made him an exception among his colleagues, the governors of other cities-state of Italy.

Ezio rewarded with a ceremonial cloak, which gave the Freedom of the City of Florence.

"A very gracious gift, Altezza Altezza "Said Ezio-. But I'm afraid I have little time to enjoy the benefits conferred upon me. "Said Ezio-. But I'm afraid I have little time to enjoy the benefits conferred upon me.

Lorenzo was surprised.

- What? Do you mean to go away again soon? He hoped you would stay, would open again palazzo palazzo your family, and would fill a post in the administration of the city, workJando me. your family, and would fill a post in the administration of the city, workJando me.

Ezio nodded and said: "Sorry to tell you that I think our problems have toed to an end with the fall of the Pazzi. They were no more than a ten.o.bstacle of a much larger beast. I have intention to travel to Venice.

- Venice?

"Yes. The man accompanying the REU Rodrigo Borgiamunion with Jacopo is Barbarigo family member.

"One of the most powerful families La Serenissima. La Serenissima. "Quieres tell me that this man is dangerous? "Quieres tell me that this man is dangerous?

"It is allied with Rodrigo.

Lorenzo thought for a moment and then spread his hands.

"I From left to my deepest regret, Ezio, but I know I can never repay this debt, which also means I have no power to impose your orders. In addition, I have sensation of work you are involved end to the larga benefiting our city, but you may not live to see it.

"Do not say that, Altezza. Altezza.

Lorenzo smiled.

"I hope I may be wrong, but living in this country at this moment.i.t's like to live on the edge of Vesuvius: dangerous and uncertain!

Before leaving, Ezio news and gifts led him to Annetta, but it was so painful to visit his old family home that does not even entered it. Also deliberately avoided the Calfucci mansion, but visited with Paola, and found it nice but disbrought, as if his head elsewhere. His last stop was the studio of his friend Leonardo, but on arrival found only Agnithe local and innocent and had the appearance of being closed. No sign of Leonardo.

Agniolo smiled and waved.

- Ciao, Ezio! Long!

- Too!

Ezio looked inquiringly around.

"I wonder where is Leonardo.

- Has been?

"Yes, but not forever. It has brought with him some of their material, but could not take it all, so innocent and I take care to monitor all this in his absence.

- And where has it gone?

"It's funny. Just as the Master was negotiateddo with the Sforza of Milan, Count of Pexaro invited him to spend some time in Venice ... You have to do five portraits of familylia ... "Smiled knowingly Agniolo-. As if that were to pasar real. Apparently the Council of Venice is interested in engineering and have provided a workshop, staff, everything. So, dear Ezio, if needed, that's where you'll have to go.

"It turns out that there is exactly where I said Ezio-. Great news. When will he go?

"Two days ago. But catch it costs you nothing. Go with a big wagon loaded to the brim with things and with only a pair of oxen pulling.

- Will anyone?

"Only with the road and a couple of escorts, in case you have proproblems. They have taken the road of Ravenna.

Ezio charged only what fit in their saddlebags and to travel alone, only one and a half after starting out at a bend in the road, struck a large wagon pulled by oxen and a canvas cover that protected their precious cargoment of machines and models.

The teamsters were standing next to the vehicle, hot and singleCandoso annoying head, while the escorts, two st.u.r.dy little boys armed with bows and spears, watched from a hill cercano. Leonardo stood beside the wagon, apparently setting up a kind of lever system, when he looked up and saw Ezio.

- h.e.l.lo, Ezio! What good luck!

- Leonardo! What's wrong?

"Apparently we have a little problem. One of the ruegive the car ... He pointed to the spot where one of the wheels workyou'll be out of the shaft had-. The point is we need himVantas the car to reposition the wheel, but do not have the necessary manpower to do so, and this lever just tinkering fails to raise enough. Do you think that ...?

"Of course.

Ezio gestured to the road to come closer. They were strong men who would be most useful that is gracefulcoltan, and the three managed to lift the wagon and manhim in that position long enough for Leonard could enter the wheel on the shaft and secure. While performing the maneuver, Ezio, struggling with the other two men to keep the car high, glanced at its contents. Among the dishes stood out, unequivocally, Achaeanslla structure similar to a bat that had already seen andeterioration. Seemed have undergone numerous modificationscations.

Fixed the cart, Leonardo sat on the benchbling along to one of the road, while the other walked before the horse. The guards patrol relentlessly, both in the forefront and in the rear. Ezio continued their pathnot riding at a walk, along with Leonardo and talking. Had translong time elapsed since their last meeting and had much to talk about. Ezio Leonardo made aware of eventsLeonardo knowledge and told his new charges and how excited he was at the prospect of visiting Venice.

- I am delighted to have you as a fellow traveler! Eventhat truth is you would go long before if you had to travel at my own pace.

"It's a pleasure. And I want to make sure you get healthy and saltvo your destination.

"I have my escorts.

-Leonardo, do not get me wrong, but even the most inexperienced highwaymen would be removed off those two with the same ease with which you rob you off a mosquito.

Leonardo looked surprised, then looked offended and deslater, fun.

"Then I'm doubly glad of your company. Adop-to a mischievous expression-. And I think it's not just for razones you would like to get sentimental over.

Ezio smiled but said nothing. He said, however: "I saw that you keep working on that thing with a bat.

- What?

"I know what I mean.

"Oh, that. It's nothing. Just something to try to fix. But could not leave the workshop.

- What is it?

Leonardo was reluctant.

"The truth is I do not like to talk about the issues before they are ready ...

- Leonardo! You can trust me, I guarantee it. Lowered his voice, Ezio-. At the end of the day, I have entrusted my secret.

Leonardo struggled with himself, but ended up releasing.

"Okay, but you can not tell anyone.

"Promesse.

"Anyone would think you're crazy if you told-prosiled Leonardo, now with excitement in his voice-. Listen: I think I've found a way that man can fly!

Ezio looked at him and laughed in disbelief.

"Some day you'll want to erase that smile off your face," Leonardo said gently.

Then changed the subject and began to talk of Venice La Serenissima La Serenissima distant from the rest of Italy and is looking more oftenence East to the West, in terms of both trade and agitation, as the Ottoman Turks at that time dominated the northern Adriatic coast. Be talked about theplicity and betrayal of Venice, the city's dedication to profitable business, its distant from the rest of Italy and is looking more oftenence East to the West, in terms of both trade and agitation, as the Ottoman Turks at that time dominated the northern Adriatic coast. Be talked about theplicity and betrayal of Venice, the city's dedication to profitable business, its richesse, richesse, its peculiar construction, a city rising wetland channels and built on a base of hundreds of thousands of giant wooden stakes- their fierce independence and their political power did not even three hundred years, the Doge of Venice had deviated des Crusadetinada to the Holy Land with the intention to serve their own objectives: destroy all commercial and military compet.i.tion and all opposition to his city-state and break the Byzantine Empire. Leonard spoke of the secret waters, black as ink, high its peculiar construction, a city rising wetland channels and built on a base of hundreds of thousands of giant wooden stakes- their fierce independence and their political power did not even three hundred years, the Doge of Venice had deviated des Crusadetinada to the Holy Land with the intention to serve their own objectives: destroy all commercial and military compet.i.tion and all opposition to his city-state and break the Byzantine Empire. Leonard spoke of the secret waters, black as ink, high palazzi palazzi illuminated with candles, the curious Italian dialect spoken there, the dominant silence of striking splendor of their robes, their great painters, whose prince was none other than Giovanni Bellini, whom Leonardo was anxious to know, their music and masked festivals of its remarkable ability to bluff, his mastery of the art of poisoning. illuminated with candles, the curious Italian dialect spoken there, the dominant silence of striking splendor of their robes, their great painters, whose prince was none other than Giovanni Bellini, whom Leonardo was anxious to know, their music and masked festivals of its remarkable ability to bluff, his mastery of the art of poisoning.

"And all this," concluded- I know only from books. Imagine how it must be reality.

"It will be messy and human, he thought coldly Ezio. As todas parties. But he smiled at his friend with kindness. Leonardo was a dreamer. The dreamers should be allowed to dream.

Had entered into a gorge and their voices echoed through the rocky walls. Ezio, considering the almost invisible crests of the coimmunoglobulins that were locked on both sides, he felt repentinamenI tense. The escorts were ahead of them and therefore, beDria that power in a narrow s.p.a.ce like this, hear the clatter of horses. But there was nothing. There was a slight haze appeared, accompanied by a sudden cold air, two factorstors, which added to their concern. Leonardo was as if nothing had happened, but Ezio realized that the road is alsoTaban tense and cautiously looked around.

Suddenly, a few dropped pebbles rolling down the rocky wall of the gorge and Ezio's horse was frightened. Ezio has lookedupwards, narrowing his eyes to face indifference that sunyou with its light, and saw an eagle flying off.

Even Leonardo had noticed that something was happening.