Renaissance. Part 28

But as the news broke, it spread rapidly and came to the brothel before he did Ezio. He was greeted with cries of admiration for Theodore and his courtesans.

"You must be exhausted," said Theodora, taking him by the arm and leading him into an inner room-. Come, relax!

But first, Antonio also congratulated him.

- The savior of Venice! Exclaimed-. What I can say? Maybe I was wrong for doubting you so easily. Now at least we will have the opportunity to see how the pieces fit ...

- Enough for now about it!Teodora said-. Come, Ezio. You've worked hard, my son. I think your body exhausted neNeed some comfort and relief.

Ezio quickly realized what he meant and he followed suit.

"You are right, sister. I have so much pain that needsre much comfort and relief. I hope you can fix it.

- Oh! Teodora said smiling-. Ease your pain I do not mean myself! Girls!

A bevy of courtesans went running alongside Ezio toward the room at the center of which was a bed imhustling and, with it, a device similar to a chair, but with pulleys and belts, and chains. He remembered something he had seen in Leonardo's workshop, but did not imagine what it could serve.

Exchanged a long look with Theodora and followed her bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

A couple of days later, Ezio was at the Rialto Bridge, relaxed and recovered, watching people walk up and down. Was considering going to take a couple of gla.s.ses of Veniceto before ora di pranzo, ora di pranzo, when he saw a man running hasCIA and whom he recognized at once: one of the messengers of Antonio. when he saw a man running hasCIA and whom he recognized at once: one of the messengers of Antonio.

- Ezio Ezio! "Said the man approaching him-. Be Be AntoNIO want to see you ... Is an important issue. AntoNIO want to see you ... Is an important issue.

"Then go quickly," said Ezio, leaving the bridge after the messenger.

Antonio was in his office together, to the surprise of Ezio, Agostino Barbarigo. Antonio made the presentations of rigor.

"It's an honor to meet you, sir. I feel the loss of your brother.

Agostino made a motion with his hand, less importantimportance to the issue.

"I appreciate your sympathy but to be honest, my brother was a fool and was entirely under the control of the faction of Borgia in Rome ..., something that I would not want to happen ever return to Venice. Fortunately, a civic-minded person herebo with that dangerous killers. In an original and curious ... Ht must research is evident, but personally I have no idea where to lead ...

-Messer Agostino will be chosen soon, said dux AntoNIO-. This is good news for Venice. Agostino will be chosen soon, said dux AntoNIO-. This is good news for Venice.

"This time the Council of Forty-One has worked RaQuick-drily said Ezio.

"I think they have learned the error of their processes-replicationed with a shy smile Agostino-. But do not pretend to be the dux at only nominal, as was my brother. Which brings us to the issue we have now in hand. Our horrible cousin Silvio a.r.s.enal has served the military district of the city, and has posted a garrison of two hundred mercenaries.

"And when ye dux can you not order them removed?

"I'd be fine," said Agostino- but extravaganzaences of my brother have exhausted the resources of the city and will be hard to resist a force long enough to have the a.r.s.enal under his control. And the a.r.s.enal, Venice not control, however dux it!

"In that case," said Ezio- we have to solve on our own.

- Well said! "Antonio was glowing. And I think we have the Carambare right for the job. "Have you heard of Bartolomeo d'Alviano?

"Of course. The condottiero condottiero I was serving itPapal results! Have rebelled against them, I know. I was serving itPapal results! Have rebelled against them, I know.

"Now is based here. Silvio, who, as you well know, is the service of Cardinal Borgia, is not exactly the holy ofdevotions, "said Agostino-. Bartolomeo is installed in San Pietro, east of a.r.s.enal.

"I'll visit.

"Before doing so," said Antonio Ezio- Messer Messer Agostino has something for you. Agostino has something for you.

Among his robes, Agostino took a roll of vellum old with a broken black wax hanging from a ragged fivered ta.

"I had my brother among his papers. Antonio thought he could be of interest. Consider a payment ... services rendered.

Ezio took it. Knew immediately what it was."Thank you, signore. signore. I am sure that will help in the battle that lies ahead. I am sure that will help in the battle that lies ahead.

Pausing only to arm, Ezio acer soonCa.r.s.e Leonardo's workshop, where he was surprised to find her friendgo pack our bags.

- Where are you going now? Ezio asked.

"I go to Milan. Would send a message before leaving, of course. Together with a pack of bullets for your with a pack of bullets for your gun. gun.

"Well I'm glad I found you still here. Look, I have another page from the Codex!

"Excellent. I'm very interested. Pasa. My man Luca and the others continue with this. At this point I have them as wellTrenado. It's a shame you can not take them all with me.

- What will you do to Milan?

Lodovico Sforza, has made me an offer I could not refuse.

- What projects were you here?

"The Navy had to cancel. No money for new projects. Apparently, the last doge virtually ended all. I could have made the fireworks, without all the expense of going to look to China. But never mind. Venice is at peace with the Turks and they said they expect my return. Luca leave here, because it would feel like a fish out of water away from Venice, with a few basic drawings to begin. And as the Count, is pleased with the portraits of family ... although personally I think would be better if more work. -Leonardo began to unroll the sheet of vellum. And now, let's take a look at this.

"Promise me let me know when you get back.

"I promise, pal. And as for you, keep me informeddo what you do, if you can.

"I will.

"Well ... -Leonardo extended BPpage before him and examined-. There is something here that looks like a sketch of the double-edged dagger that went with your wrist guard, but is incomplete and could be an earlier sketch of that design. The only remaining tiene importance connected with the other pages ... Look, there are more things that look like pieces of a map and a kind of diBujo makes me makes me think of those intricate designs of knots used to doodle when he had time to think about my stuff. -Leonardo rolled back the sheet and looked at Ezio-. I the guarwould in a safe place along with the other two pages that I have taught here in Venice. It is evident that they are all very importantportant. think of those intricate designs of knots used to doodle when he had time to think about my stuff. -Leonardo rolled back the sheet and looked at Ezio-. I the guarwould in a safe place along with the other two pages that I have taught here in Venice. It is evident that they are all very importantportant.

"Actually, Leo, if you're traveling to Milan, I wonder if I could ask a favor.

"Shoot.

"When you get to Padua, could you, please arrange everything for a trusted courier will take these three pagesnas my uncle Mario in Monteriggioni? Es .. antique ... and I know that you will find interesting. But I need someone with confidence.

Leonardo gave him a shadow of a smile. Ezio has not been so worried, would have taken almost a smile inderstanding inderstanding complete. complete.

"I have meant to send my stuff directly to myLAN, but I plan to do before a lightning visit to Florence to see Agniolo and innocent, so it would be better thanFri messenger from there. Send to Agniolo to Monteriggioni, fear not.

"This is better than I could imagine. -Ezio shook hands-. You are a good and wonderful friend, Leo.

"I hope, Ezio. Occasionally I think you could very well be someone to take care of you. He paused-. And I wish you good luck in your work. I look forward to the day when you let it finished and find the rest need.

Steel gray eyes took a look Ezio distance, but no reply, except to say: "I've been reminded ... I have another errand to do. Te send to a men's Antonio with the two missing pages of the Codex. And now, for the moment addio! addio!

Chapter 20.

The fastest way to reach San Pietro from the workshop of Leonard was with the shuttle or renting a boat on the Fondamenta Nuova and putting east toward the coast north of the cityDad. Ezio was surprised to find no one that could get you there. The regular ferries were suspended and it was only scratching the back pocket until he got conventionalcer to a pair of young gondoliers to take him.

- What's wrong? "He asked.

"They say they are waging tough fights over there," said the stern paddler, fighting water bites. Apparently had ended, a simple local argument. But the ferries do not risk still go. I leave on the north coast. And walk with care.

Ezio made promises and then found himself alone and aswith difficulty transcending the muddy bank to the barrage, where he saw the spire of the church of San Pietro di Castello a short distance. And what he saw were also goingRias columns of smoke that arose from a group of low brick buildings situated southeast of the church. Were barracoBartolomeo tions. With the heart beating strongly, Ezio rushed toward it.

The first thing that struck him was silence. Then, as he was approaching, he began to see dead bodies everywhere,UNPACKING of them wearing the badge of Silvio Barbarigo, others, one that did not recognize. Finally found a sergeant, wounded but still alive, who had managed to sit with back supportgives a parapet.

"Please ..., help me," said the sergeant to see which acercaba Ezio.

Ezio quickly looked around and located the well, which drew water, praying that the attackers had not inpoison, but it looked clean and clear. He poured some into a cuBilete he found and brought it safely to the lips of the wounded, then wet a cloth and wiped the blood off his face.

"Thank you, friend," said Sgt.

Ezio noticed wearing a distinctive unknown and a.s.sumed that was to Bartolomeo. It was clear that troops had left Bartolomeo worse off than those of Silvio.

"It was a surprise attack," agreed the sergeant. AlBartolomeo guna b.i.t.c.h has betrayed us.

- Where have they gone?

- Men of the Inquisition? Have returned to a.r.s.enal. They have established their base there, just before the new Doge control the situation. Silvio hates his cousin because they form part of the plot in which he plays around the Inquisitor. "The man coughed and spat sangre, but strived to continue talking. Have made our captain prisoner. They've taken him with them. The funny thing is that it wasWe us us which was planning to attack which was planning to attack them. them. BartoPtolemy was just waiting ... a messenger from the city. BartoPtolemy was just waiting ... a messenger from the city.

- Where's the rest of yours?

The sergeant tried to look around.

"Those who have not died or been taken prisoner were released to try to save his life. Be hidden in Venice or on the islands of the lagoon. Need someone to re-unite them. I guess they expect to hear the captain.

- And Silvio has taken him prisoner?

"Yes. Captain ... "But the unfortunate sergeant began to youner difficulty breathing.

His struggle ended when he opened his mouth and left her a spray of blood, soaking the gra.s.s up to three feet beyond where he was. When that stopped, the soldier's eyes and seeing nothing looked towards the lagoon.

Ezio closed her eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Requiescat in pace "He said solemnly. "He said solemnly.

He sat up and pulled the belt where the subject is wearingpada. It was also armed with metal protection in antebrazo left but for that occasion, had not taken the double-edged dagger. He carried the poison dagger on his right forearm, an extremely useful weapon when faced with situations of great disadvantage. The belt carrying the bag gun gun so helpfulabove all against a single target having to recharge after each shot, along with powder and ball, and as a weapon of spare partsto the hidden sheet. He covered his head with his hood and walked to the wooden bridge connecting San Pietro in Castello. Desfrom there progressed smoothly and rapidez down the main street in dia.r.s.enal direction. Throughout his journey he came across people who, despite following their usual daily ch.o.r.es, looked apgada. It was evident that to completely stop in Venice was life requires more than one local war, although, of course, very few ordinary citizens of Castello who knew what it meant to their city the result of that conflict . so helpfulabove all against a single target having to recharge after each shot, along with powder and ball, and as a weapon of spare partsto the hidden sheet. He covered his head with his hood and walked to the wooden bridge connecting San Pietro in Castello. Desfrom there progressed smoothly and rapidez down the main street in dia.r.s.enal direction. Throughout his journey he came across people who, despite following their usual daily ch.o.r.es, looked apgada. It was evident that to completely stop in Venice was life requires more than one local war, although, of course, very few ordinary citizens of Castello who knew what it meant to their city the result of that conflict .

Ezio unknown at the time it would be a conflict that would last for many, many months, and reachingwould even the following year. Cristina thought, his mother Mary and his sister Claudia. He felt helpless and increasingly larger. But I had to continue serving and defending the Creed, and that was more important than anything else. n.o.body, perhaps, sabria ever that the world had been saved from the dominion of the Temselected by the Knights Templar Order of the Murderers, consecrated withcounteract the evil hegemony.

His first task was obviously to locate and, if possible, Bartolomeo d'Alviano free, but enter the a.r.s.enal would be difficult. Surrounded by high fortified walls of bricksment, and a maze of buildings and in yards insubsequently, the area was settled in the east of the city and was strongmind guarded by the private army of Silvio, whose members outnumber two hundred mercenaries Barbarigo Agostino had mentioned. Ezio, crossing the main gate built by the architect Gamballo recently, surrounded the perimetro outside of buildings accessible by land to find a great door with a gap and, watching desfrom a safe distance, he realized that this discreteTRADA was used by the sentries outside when carriedZaban the guard. He had to wait hidden four horas, but when it produced the following change of guard was ready. The afternoon sun was scorching, the air was dampdo, and everyone except Ezio was plunged into a state letarcal. Relay saw the soldiers coming through the door, which had a single guard, and followed the mercenaries who had just turn, starting to walk behind them and mingling as best he could. Once he had spent the last soldier, cut his throat at the guard posted at the door and slid down it before anyone realized what happened. Like years ago in San Gimignano, Silvio forces, though numerous, were not sufficient to protect the entire area. He was, after all, the military center of the city. No wonder Agostino could not be done with all the power without control of that neighborhood.

Once inside, he found it relatively easy to move through the wide open s.p.a.ces between large buildings: Cordelie, Cordelie, the the Artiglierie, Artiglierie, watchtowers and, especially, s.h.i.+pbuilding. While Ezio be maintained under the dark shadows of dusk and seek to avoid patrols inside the huge complex, I knew it would be okay, but of course, be followed at all times in a state of alert. watchtowers and, especially, s.h.i.+pbuilding. While Ezio be maintained under the dark shadows of dusk and seek to avoid patrols inside the huge complex, I knew it would be okay, but of course, be followed at all times in a state of alert.

Ultimately guided by the sounds of joy, jokes and laughter, ran a major dry dock, which was docked a stunning gallery. He saw an iron cage hung from one of the impressive walls of the dock. And inside was Bartolomeo, a stocky and energetic man of little more than thirty years of age, only four or five years older than Ezio. Around him were a band of mercenaries from Silvio. Ezio immediately thought that it would be better off patrolling disfruits of their victory over an enemy who had already left impowerful, but then was forced to acknowledge that Silvio BarBarigo, however grand inquisitor it was, lacked management experience with troops.

Ezio not know how long he chains Bartolomeodo in the cage; sure many hours. But their anger and energy seemed to be affected by the situation. And considering that surely had not given him anything to eat or drink, that was exceptional.

-Luridi codardi! Filthy Cowards! He shouted to his torcrushers, one of which was Ezio, had plunged a spontaneousja in vinegar and approached the mouth of Bartolomeo with the tip of a spear with the hope that they mistook for water. BartoPtolemy's spat. I will end with you all! At the same timepo! With an arm ... no, with Filthy Cowards! He shouted to his torcrushers, one of which was Ezio, had plunged a spontaneousja in vinegar and approached the mouth of Bartolomeo with the tip of a spear with the hope that they mistook for water. BartoPtolemy's spat. I will end with you all! At the same timepo! With an arm ... no, with two two arms tied behind his back! I eatre people alive, you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! Laughed-. You must ask yourselves how to do it, but get me out of here and I'll show you happy! arms tied behind his back! I eatre people alive, you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! Laughed-. You must ask yourselves how to do it, but get me out of here and I'll show you happy! Miserabili pezzi di merda! Miserabili pezzi di merda!

Inquisitor's guards laughed with scorn and poked with sticks Bartolomeo, by balancing the cage. I had a dreamthe very strong, and Bartholomew was forced to subject resting your feet firmly on the bars for balance.

- You have no honor! Neither value! Neither virtue! Got acu-Bottlenose enough saliva to spit. And people are preasked why the star of Venice has begun to languish. -Intonka adopted her voice almost pleading tone. I will be merciful with those who have the courage to break free. The rest will die! For work of my own hand! I juro!

"Spare me your f.u.c.king words shouted one of the guards. This is not going to die one other than you, you f.u.c.king piece of s.h.i.+t.

Ezio, who remained all the while nestled in the shadow of a brick colonnade bordering a bay where theban war galleys moored smaller, began to pensar in the way of saving condottiero. condottiero. Next to the cage were ten guards, all back to him, and there was not anyone else. They were also out of service and were not armed. Ezio checked for poison dagger. Eliminate the guards would not have to be a difficultyculty. Had timed a pa.s.s from guard patrols and hasBia seen that occurred every time the shadow cast by the quay wall is stretched about four inches. But then itthe additional problem of tobacco free Bartolomeo, quietly and quickly. He strove to think of something. I knew not availableNIA long. Next to the cage were ten guards, all back to him, and there was not anyone else. They were also out of service and were not armed. Ezio checked for poison dagger. Eliminate the guards would not have to be a difficultyculty. Had timed a pa.s.s from guard patrols and hasBia seen that occurred every time the shadow cast by the quay wall is stretched about four inches. But then itthe additional problem of tobacco free Bartolomeo, quietly and quickly. He strove to think of something. I knew not availableNIA long.

-What type of man is he who sold his honor and dignitycommunity in exchange for a few pieces of silver? "Shouted BarPtolemy, but his throat began to dry and began to perder bellows despite his iron will.

- Is not that what you do, a.s.shole? Are not you a merscenario like us?

- I've never been in the service of a traitor and a coward as you are you! Bartolomeo's eyes sparkled. The men under him are coupledForged in a moment. "You think I do not know why I havebeige chained up here? "You think I do not know who the puppeteer your leader Silvio? Lu WearChando against the weasel who controls since most of you were babies glued to your mother's t.i.t!

Ezio began to listen with interest. One of the soldiers coGio a brick match and then angrily threw it. Bounced uselessly against the bars of the cage.

- Okay, you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds!Bartolomeo cried hoa.r.s.ely. Try to throw something against me! And I swear that once you are out of this cage will become my mission to cut off the head of each and every one of you for meterosla then by those a.s.ses maricon you have all! And mixed up the heads, because clearly, motherf.u.c.kers, that distinguish you attain your head from your a.s.s!

The men below began to get angry in earnest. It was evidentPresident orders only prevented them from stab the man their pikes, or shooting arrows, they still hanging helplessly on the cagesThe above their heads. But after awhile she had been there, Ezio had already noticed that the lock that closed the cage door was relatively small. Bartolomeo's captors hoped that the cage was perched on top. Undoubtedly intended that the scorching sun of day and cool night, coupled with dehydration and hunger, kill it, unless it collapsed and accepted before speaking. But by the looks of Bartholomew, it was something I never do.

Ezio knew I had to act quickly. Guard patrol would come there soon. Triggered his poison dagger and moved with the speed and elegance of a wolf, covering the distance in questionment of seconds. Stabbed to death group and slid into the hornsafter five of the men before the others realized what was happening. Drew his sword, killed fiercely to resto, their vain lunges bouncing off the metal s.h.i.+eld on his left forearm, while watching boquiabier Bartolomeoto the scene. When he finally fell silent. Ezio turned and looked up.

- Can you jump from there? He asked.

"If you get me out, jump like a f.u.c.king flea.

Ezio took the sting from one of the dead soldiers. The tip was made of iron, not steel, and cast, not forged. Serve. Balancing it in his left hand, was prepared, stooped and flung into the air to stick to the bars of the cage.

Bartholomew looked at him, her eyes going out of their sockets.

- How the h.e.l.l did you do that? He asked.

-A training base, "said Ezio, with a tight smile.