Renaissance. Part 38

- I will have been guided!Savonarola cried as a responseta-. But now you will do as you order! Os then submit! then submit!

And the folds of his robes pulled the Fruit of Eden and raised him. Ezio saw in his hand that held it was missing a finger. Instantly, the Fruit of Eden began to s.h.i.+ne and the crowd fell back, stifling screams. But Machiavelli, keeping the limema was prepared and without hesitation, threw a knife stuck in the forearm of the Monk. With a scream of rage and pain, Savonarola let the Fruit of Eden, which fell from the balcony into the crowd.

- Nooooo! He yelled. But suddenly it was as if he shruggedra, their behavior so baffling as pathetic. That was enough for the crowd gathered there. Joined forces and rushed through the gates of San Marco.

"Quick," said Ezio La Volpe La Volpe-. Find the Fruit of Eden. You can not walk very far.

Ezio saw him, shooting aimlessly among the feet of the crowd. Is itsMergia in the crowd, taking punches and kicks, until at last it was within reach. I quickly saved the bag from his belt. The doors of San Marco had just opened, as proprobably some of the brothers inside felt that discretion was part of the courage and wanted to save their churchessia and its monastery in addition to the skin, submitting to the inevitabletable. I also had to be a few of them tired of exhausting despotism of Monk. The crowd crossed the door and reappeared a few minutes later, carrying on their shoulders to a Savonarola who kept on shouting and kicking launch.

"Take the Palazzo della Signoria-ordered Machiavelli-. That the judge there!

- Idiots! Blasphemous!Shouted Savonarola-. G.o.d is witness to this sacrilege! How dare youyou see and to treat her Teacherta! "The screams of rage from the crowd almost silenced his voice, b.u.t.tobacco as hectic as scared and screaming continued, as the Monje knew, though not exactly think in those terms, that it could be his last trick-. Heretic! Ardereis all in h.e.l.l for this! Do I have heard? Ardereis! Do I have heard? Ardereis!

Murderers Ezio and the other followed the crowd that took the monk, who kept on shouting his continuous combinedtion of pleas and threats: "The sword of G.o.d will fall upon the earth for fast andma sudden. Liberadme, because only I can save you from his wrath! Hijos mine, heed me before it's too late! There is only one true salvation, and have renounced the path to it in exchange for material benefits simple! If you can not Someteis back to me, Florence know the full wrath of the Lord ... and this city will fall as Sodom and Gomorrah, because He will know the extent of your betrayal. Aiutami, Dio! Aiutami, Dio! Ten thousand have fallen on me Judas! Ten thousand have fallen on me Judas!

Ezio was close enough clutter to be able to hear the comment from one of the people who carried the Monk: "Enough lies. Since you arrived here you've done nothing to shed misery and hate!

"Perhaps you are G.o.d in your head," said another monk- but you've got a long way from the heart.

They were now at the Piazza della Signoria and the crowd started shouting in triumph.

- We have suffered enough! Return to be a free people!

- Light vOlvera soon to our city!- Must be castIGAR the traitor!The heretic is he! he! It distortsdo the Word of G.o.d for their own interests! Shouted one woman. It distortsdo the Word of G.o.d for their own interests! Shouted one woman.

- We finally broken the yoke of religious tyranny! Cried another-. Savonarola will finally be punished!

- The truth enlightens us and fear has evaporated!Shouted third-. Your words and are worthless, Monk!

-Claims to be his prophet, but your words were dark and cruel. Call us puppets of the devil ... I think the viewDade were puppet you! you!

Ezio and his friends had no need to continue to intercededo, because the machinery that had set in motion by itself would make the rest of the paper. The leaders of the city, so eager to save his skin as to regain power, ran out of the Signoria to show off their support. Then a stage was erected and on it, arranged a gigantic mountain of wood chips and around three stakes, while Savonarola and his two placepa.s.sionate lieutenants were dragged into the Signoria to be subjected to a trial brief and fierce. Has neverBIA showed mercy and therefore, no one had miseRicordi him. The defendants reappeared chained, and taken to the poles and attached to them.

"Oh, Lord, Lord, have mercy on me," came begging Savonarola-. Take me away from the embrace of evil! Surrounded as I sin, I call your salvation!

"You wanted me wanted me I I burn, "sneered a man-. Well now the tables have turned! burn, "sneered a man-. Well now the tables have turned!

The executioners came torches surrounding the firing ishobs. Ezio watched the scene, his head occupied by memories of loved ones who found their final all those years ago exactlydirectly in the same place.

-Infelix ego Savonarola, "he prayed, his voice reflecting the pain as the fire was igniting-. Savonarola, "he prayed, his voice reflecting the pain as the fire was igniting-. Omnium dest.i.tutus help ... Omnium dest.i.tutus help ... I have broken the laws of heaven and earth. Where do I can go? Who I can use? Who will have pity on me? I darevo looked up to heaven for I have sinned greatly against him. I can not find refuge on Earth as it is I have been aCandal ... I have broken the laws of heaven and earth. Where do I can go? Who I can use? Who will have pity on me? I darevo looked up to heaven for I have sinned greatly against him. I can not find refuge on Earth as it is I have been aCandal ...

Ezio approached everything he could. "Despite the pain it has caused, no man, even this, he deserves to die in such pain, she thought. Extracted from their leaves its gun gun loaded and attached to the mechanism of his right arm. At that time, SavoNarol noticed his presence and stared at him with a combination of fear and hope. loaded and attached to the mechanism of his right arm. At that time, SavoNarol noticed his presence and stared at him with a combination of fear and hope.

"It's you," he said loudly over the roar of the fire, but essentially both were reported by a conemental nection-. I knew this day would come. Brother, showsMigo pity that I showed you. I left I left at the mercy of wolves and dogs. at the mercy of wolves and dogs.

Ezio raised his arm.

"Goodbye, father father He said, and fired. In the chaos surrounding the fire, movement and sound of the gun fell fromsapercibidos. Savonarola's head fell on his chest-. Go in peace, and your G.o.d is who judge you, "he said quietly Ezio-. He said, and fired. In the chaos surrounding the fire, movement and sound of the gun fell fromsapercibidos. Savonarola's head fell on his chest-. Go in peace, and your G.o.d is who judge you, "he said quietly Ezio-. Requiescat in pace. Requiescat in pace. He looked at the two lieutenants, Monjes Domenico and Silvestro, but they were already dead, their guts chamuscid scattered over the hissing fire. The nose of the spectators began to notice the smell of burning flesh. The crowd had calmed down. After a short while, nothing was heard but the crackling of the flames finis.h.i.+ng their work. He looked at the two lieutenants, Monjes Domenico and Silvestro, but they were already dead, their guts chamuscid scattered over the hissing fire. The nose of the spectators began to notice the smell of burning flesh. The crowd had calmed down. After a short while, nothing was heard but the crackling of the flames finis.h.i.+ng their work.

Ezio moved away from the pyres. Machiavelli saw, La Volpe La Volpe and Paola watching a short distance. Machiavelli crossed paths with his sightsda and made a gesture, encouraging. Ezio knew I had to havecer. It went on stage, on the opposite side to where they were the hohoses, and all eyes were riveted on him. and Paola watching a short distance. Machiavelli crossed paths with his sightsda and made a gesture, encouraging. Ezio knew I had to havecer. It went on stage, on the opposite side to where they were the hohoses, and all eyes were riveted on him.

- Citizens of Florence! Said using a voice loud and clear-. Twenty years ago I was in the same place where I am today and saw moRIR my loved ones, traicioned for which I had for his friends. Revenge darkened my mind. I would have burned had it not been for the wisdom of a few strangers who taught me to see beyond my instincts. I never preached answers, but guide methat were to find myself. -Ezio Mario saw that his uncle had to join his comrades Murderers and raised his hand to greet-. My friends, "continued- no needWe anybody tell us what to do. Neither Savonarola, and the Pazzi, even the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. He paused-. There are those who would deprivegive us this freedom, many of vosotros (many of us) faithlizmente the hand over. But power is in our hands choose choose choose what they consider the choose what they consider the truth and truth and exercise is preciselycite this power that makes us human. There is no book or teacher to give responses, to show us the path. Therefore, choose your exercise is preciselycite this power that makes us human. There is no book or teacher to give responses, to show us the path. Therefore, choose your own own way! I do not follow like me, or anyone! way! I do not follow like me, or anyone!

Smiling to himself, he realized what seemed uneasy that some members of the Signoria. It was possible that the human being does not change, but did no harm to give it a push. He got off the stage in one leap, he covered his head with the capucha and left the square by the road followed the north wall of the Signoria, a street that he remembered very well have run two-seesces before, and disappeared from view around the world.

And that's where the company began to Ezio longest and toughest of his life that precede the inevitable showdown. Along with Machiavelli, organized fellow of the Order of the Grillsinuses in Florence and Venice to tour the Italian peninsula to the length and width armed with copies of the Map of Girolamo and carefully collecting the remaining pages of the Codex Great find, to explore the provinces of Piedmont, Trento, Liguria, Umbria, Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy in Emilia-Romana, the Marches, Tuscany, Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia, Campania and Basilicata, and Calabria dangerous. Perhaps spent too long in Capri, and crossed to reach the Tyrrhenian Sea to Sardinia, the land of the hijackers, and Sicily, full of wicked people and thugs. Woo visited kings and dukes, bacarved Templar against those who found EMPEpanied on the same mission, but ultimately triumphed.

They met again in Monteriggioni. Five long years had been identified, and Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia, old now but still strong, continued to be the Pope of Rome. The power of the Templars, though diminished, remained a serious threat.

Needed to be done.

Chapter 28.

Une morning in early August 1503, Ezio, a man of forty-four years old with graying temples strokes but still keeping his dark brown beard, was summoned by his uncle to join him and the rest of the Society of Murderers in his office at the castle of Monteriggioni. Paola, Machiavelli and La Volpe La Volpe Teodora had joined them, Antonio and Bartolomeo. Teodora had joined them, Antonio and Bartolomeo.

"It is time," he said solemnly Ma Eziorio-. We have the Fruit of Eden and we finally met all the pages of the Codex. Finish what you and my brother, your father, you started so long ago ... Maybe we can finally buyder the prophecy buried in the Codex and end once and for all and for all with the inexorable power of the Templars.

"Then, man, we should begin by locating the Vault. Codex pages together should lead you to it.

Mario activated the library to find the wall that thisban hanging pages of the Codex, now complete. At his side, sober a pedestal, was the fruit of Eden.

"That's how the pages relate to them," said Mariver while examining this complex set all-. By all appearances, shows a map of the world but a world mufact greater than the one we know, with continents to the west and south of which we are not aware. But even so, I am convinced of its existence.

"There are other elements," said Machiavelli-. Here, the izquierda, you can see the profile outlined in what can only be a crook, in fact, could be a papal staff. On the right, is clearly a drawing of the Fruit of Eden. Amid the pages, we can now see a dozen points that follow a pattern whose meaning remains a mystery.

And as he spoke, the Fruit of Eden began to glow spontaneouslyously until the end, throw blinding light flashesCodex pages were, as if hugging. He then returned to its off and neutral.

- Why did he do that ... at this very moment? Pre-Ezio gunt, hoping that Leonardo had been there to explainCa.r.s.el or, at least for some form of deduction.

He tried to remember what he had said his friend on the singularlares properties that curious machine, but failed. Looked more like a living being a mechanism. His instinct, not pregnantHowever, he said he had to rely on it.

"A mystery to unravel," said La Volpe. La Volpe.

- How is possible indicating this map?Paola asked-. With continents to discover!

"Maybe these continents waiting to be rediscovered," suggested Ezio, overwhelmed.

- How can it be? Theodora asked.

Machiavelli said: -Tal Once the answer is in the Vault.

- Is it possible now to see where is it located? An askedtonio, as long as practical.

"Let's see ... Ezio said, examining the Codex-. If aimos these points with lines ..."He did-. Converge ... look! In a single point. He took a step back-. No! No way! The Boclosed! It seems that the Vault is in Rome!

He looked at all together, they read his thoughts.

"That explains why I was so looking forward Rodrigo conversionTirso, "said Mario Papa-. Take eleven years ruling the Santa headquarters, but still lacks the means to uncover their darkerSpecifically, although clearly must know where that place.

- Of course!Machiavelli said-. In a sense, is admirable. Not only has succeeded in locating the Vault, but it will alsoMoreover, by becoming pope, controls the Staff!

- The Staff? Theodora said.

Mario then spoke.

-The Codex always mentions "two fragments of Eden", ie two keys keys can not mean something else. One-looked back at him, is the fruit of Eden. can not mean something else. One-looked back at him, is the fruit of Eden.

- And the other is the Staff papal!Ezio exclaimed, to buyDerlo at that moment-. The papal Crosier is the "Second FragRegulation of Eden "! The papal Crosier is the "Second FragRegulation of Eden "!

"Exactly," said Machiavelli.

- My G.o.d, you're right! Mario cried uncle. And suddenly he became serious-. We have years, decades, looking for these answers.

"And now we have" concluded Paola.

"But it could also have them the Spanish-speaking AntoNIO-. We're not sure there are no copies of the codex, do not know, and even if they were still in their librarycomplete, would have enough information to ... "He stopped. And if successful, if you guess the way to access the Vault ... He lowered his voice-. Its content could do that in comcomparison, the Fruit of Eden seems a trifle.

"Two keys," he reminded Mario-. The vault needs two keys to access it.

"But we can not take risks," said Ezio soon-. Now I have to leave for Rome and find the Vault! -Ezio looked one by one the faces of his companionseros. What you say me?

Bartolomeo, who until now had been whethersilence, then spoke without his usual rudeness.

"I'll do what I do best: bring some glitches in the Eternal City, the odd noise, a bit of fun to be able to act without anyone bothering you.

"We all work together to clear your way, friend," said Machiavelli.

-Hasznos know when you've got everything ready, NIPOI, NIPOI, and all will support you, "said Mario-. and all will support you, "said Mario-. Tuttiper one and one per tutti! Tuttiper one and one per tutti!

"Grazie, amici "Said Ezio-. I know I'll be there when you need it. But let me be who carry the entire burden of this ulesteem mission. A fish alone is able to circ.u.mvent a network capturedra a whole bank, and the Templars pillared unprepared. "Said Ezio-. I know I'll be there when you need it. But let me be who carry the entire burden of this ulesteem mission. A fish alone is able to circ.u.mvent a network capturedra a whole bank, and the Templars pillared unprepared.

Preparations accelerated since mid-month, Ezio, custoploring the precious fruit of Eden, arrived on the Tiber, on board a boat to the docks near Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. Had taken every precaution possible, but by the hand of the devil or the sagacity of the ubiquitous spies Rodrigo, their arrival has not gone unnoticed and now at the gates of the pier had to face a squad of guards Borgia. Would find a way through the Pa.s.setto di Borgo, the flyover of almost one kilometer long linking the castle with the Vatican. Aware that time was running against him, now that Rodrigo he had learned of his arrival, Ezio decided that his only option was a quick and accurate attack. He jumped like a lynx on the coverta an oxcart loaded with barrels of furniturestreets, and climbing the tallest barrel, hung from a crane. The guards watched astonished how the Murderer was thrown desCrane, the swelling layer behind it. Drew his dagger, finished with a mounted sergeant knocked Borgia and his caballo. Had carried out the maneuver in such a short time as the other guards could not even draw their swords. Ezio, without looking back, took the horse and galloped by a veil Pa.s.settocapacity of such men could not chase Borgia.

Upon arrival at your destination, Ezio found that door you had to enter was too low and narrow for a rider, so dismounted and walked through, eliminating the two men guarding it with a single deft movement knife. Although it was adding years Ezio had stepped up fromstorage and was now at the peak of its strength was the pinnacle of his order, the Supreme Murderer.

After crossing the gate was found in a narrow courtyard, across which was another door. Gave the impression of not being watched, but when I went out to the side lever to open imagined that he heard a shout from the top of the battlements.

- Stop the intruder!

He looked behind and saw the closed door that had just entered. Was trapped in a narrow enclave!

While the archers who had above preparing to fire, hung on the lever that controlled the second doorta and got it open just in time when the cho arrowscaban with a clang on the floor.

And was inside the Vatican. With the grace of a cat, moved through its labyrinthine pa.s.sageways, melting into the shadows at the first sign of the presence of the guards alerted, they could not afford a confrontation that will reveal their position. Finalmind, reached the vast cavern of the Sistine Chapel.

The masterpiece of Baccio Pontelli, built by Pope Sixto IV, an old enemy of the Murderers, and ended twenty years ago, loomed menacingly around and above him, the numerous candles only timidly penetrate the gloom. Ezio distinguished paintings by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Perugino and Rosselli, but the vast vault of the ceiling was still pentooth to be decorated.

He had entered through a stained gla.s.s window that was being repaired and at that time stood at equiance on an interior pocket that dominated the vast s.p.a.ce. Below, Alexander VI, with its golden gala, celebrating ma.s.s at the time and read the Gospel of John.

"In principio erat Verb.u.m, et Verb.u.m erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verb.u.m. Hoc erat in principio apud Deum. FACT Omnia per ipsum sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil quid factum est ... In him was life, and life was the light of men. And the light shone in darkness and the darkness left to understand everything. There was a man sent from G.o.d, whose name was John. He came to be TEStrol, to bear witness to the Light, in which all men believelaugh through it. He was not the Light, but was sent to give witnessheritage of Light. That was the true light that enlightens every man who came to earth. He was in the world and the world was created by him and the world knew him not. He came to hisselves, but his own received him not. But as many as received Him, He gave power to become children of G.o.d, even to those who believe in His name: which were born, not of blood nor of the willtad flesh, nor of the will of man, but of G.o.d. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the globalria as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth ... " In him was life, and life was the light of men. And the light shone in darkness and the darkness left to understand everything. There was a man sent from G.o.d, whose name was John. He came to be TEStrol, to bear witness to the Light, in which all men believelaugh through it. He was not the Light, but was sent to give witnessheritage of Light. That was the true light that enlightens every man who came to earth. He was in the world and the world was created by him and the world knew him not. He came to hisselves, but his own received him not. But as many as received Him, He gave power to become children of G.o.d, even to those who believe in His name: which were born, not of blood nor of the willtad flesh, nor of the will of man, but of G.o.d. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the globalria as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth ... "

Ezio continued to watch until the Ma.s.s came to an end and withcongregation began to march, leaving her alone with Pope cardetions and priests. Would you know the Spanish Ezio was there? Had he planned some kind of confrontation? Ezio had no idea, but I saw a golden opportunity to rid the world of the threat of that terrible Templar. Steeling herself, was launched from the pocket to land perfectly squatting near the Pope,derezandose immediately before or priests Borgia yoursee time to react or ask for help, and driving deepMind your hidden blade in the bloated body of Alexander. Pope fell to the ground at the foot of Ezio quietly and stood still.

Ezio stood beside him, breathing deeply.

"I thought ... believed to have overcome this. He thought he could sobreponerme revenge. But I can not. I'm just a man. I waited a long time, I'm too ... and you are a cancer of this world that must be removed for the good of all. Requiescat in pace, sfortunato. Requiescat in pace, sfortunato.

He turned, ready to leave, but then something very smallcoolies. Spanish hand closed around the staff that had been holding. He immediately began to glow with a powerful white light and the hollow s.p.a.ce of the chapel began to turn without stopping. The cold eyes of Spanish cobalt suddenly opened.

"I'm not prepared to rest in peace," said the Spanish unhappy.

There was a flash of light and powerful priests and thistlestions, along with members of the congregation who were inside the chapel, fell to the ground, screaming in pain, while leaving their bodies translucent thin rays of light, which rose like smoke curling up to go to stop the s.h.i.+ning Bacuwhat the Pope, now standing, holding with an iron hand.

Ezio ran towards him, but the Spanish shouted - Do not, Murderer! "And waved toward the Staff Ezio.

Sputtered in a strange way, like lightning, and Ezio was pushed onto the other side of the chapel, above the bodies of the priests and people still moaning and squirmingDose. Rodrigo Borgia strongly hit the Staff on sleepat the altar and the hapless bodies occurred more energy in the form of smoke, which flowed into the Staff and to him.

Ezio got up and once again faced with your greatest enemy.

- You devil!Rodrigo yelled-. How can you resist?

He looked down and saw the glow of the bag on the belt had Ezio, which still contains the fruit of Eden.

- I get it!Rodrigo said, his eyes gleaming like coals-. You have the Fruit of Eden! It better!Give it now now same! same!

-Vai a farti fottere!

Rodrigo laughed.

- What vulgarity! But you always fighting! As your padre. Well cheer up, my son, because to see him return soon! soon!

Stir again the Staff and his hook hit the cicaEzio matrix had on the back of his left hand. Ezio is feltchill coursing through the veins and staggered, but did not fall.

"You'll give me give me Rodrigo roared, approaching. Rodrigo roared, approaching.

Ezio thought quickly. He knew what he was capable of the Fruit of Eden and had to be at risk now or die trying.

"As you wish" he replied.

Fruit of Eden extracted from his pocket and held it high. It shone with such intensity that for a moment he felt that the majestic chapel was illuminated by sunlight, and when he returned to vibrate only the glow of candles, Rodrigo saw eight Ezios confronted him.

But remained unchanged.