Renaissance. Part 11

Chapter 7.

Una spring night in 1477, Mario, with Ezio riding at his side, he led his forces to San Gimignano spot. Would be the beginning of a tough confrontation.

"Tell me again what made you change your mind," said Mario, extremely pleased by the change of plans for his nephew.

"I see you like to hear.

- So what if I like? Anyway, I knew that Mary would take a long time to recover and I think there are safe, you know.

Ezio smiled.

"As I told you, I wanted to take responsibility. As I told you, Vieri is giving giving problems due to problems due to me. me.

"And as I told you, boy, you value your importance wisely. But the truth is that Vieri is giving us problems because he is a Templar and we are Murderers.

As he spoke, Mario was looking at the tall towers of San Gimignano, built the one attached to each other. The issquare structures practically sc.r.a.ped the sky and Ezio had the odd sensation of having seen it before a scene like that, but was in some dream or another life, not having a reexact sane when he could have been.

The top of the tower was lit with torches, which also shone on the battlements of the city walls and doors.

"It is well trimmed," Mario said. And judging by antorches gives the impression that Vieri is waiting. It's a shame, but not surprised. At the end of the day, he has his spies Like I have mine. He paused. See archers on the walls and doors are very well protected. Continued to review the city.

"But even so, it seems that he has failed the number of men necessary to protect adequately all the doors. The south side is less defenses ... must be the place where you least expect an attack. And therefore, we will go there.

He raised his arm and poked a kick in the flanks of his hors.e.m.e.nt. His men advanced behind him. Ezio rode on his side.

"We'll do next," Mario said, his voice tightenedpressing issues. My men and I'll take care of the guards of the door, and you will find a way to beat the wall and open the door from the inside. We have to be quiet and fast.

It picked up a shoulder bag full of knives and handed to Ezio.

"Take them. Use them to get rid of the archers.

When they had dismounted close enough. Mario led a group composed of their best soldiers to the cohort of guards stationed at the southern entrance to the city. Ezio left them and walked swiftly end the hundred meters, iscounties between shrubs and bushes, reaching the foot of the wall. Was covered with the hood and, thanks to the effect that caused the light of torches lighting up the entrance, saw the shadow that projected on the wall hood remembered cuusers with the head of an eagle. He looked up. The wall elementsVaba about fifty feet above him. From there I could see if there were sentries on the battlements. He slung the strap and began to climb. It was complicated, because the wall was built with stone embellished and given little chance for holds, but the loopholes he found on reaching the summit he was granted Spanishprice to grip safely and carefully to inspect the battlements. In the defenses on the left, had two archers inclinedSwim on the wall, his back to him and with their bows drawn. They had seen the beginning of Mario attack and were preparing to fire on condottieri condottieri Murderer's. Ezio did not hesitate an instant. It was the life of the archers or your friends, and at that time infinitely valued skills in his uncle hadsisted in teaching. Quickly, concentrating his mind and vista in the flickering shadows, took out two knives sidelera and threw them one after another with a deadly aim. The first hit a goalkeeper on the neck, an instant and deadly blow. The man collapsed on the battlements gallery without uttering even a sigh. The other knife flew somewhat lower, reaching the second man in the back with such force that, with a hollow cry, rushed into the darkness that prevailed below. Murderer's. Ezio did not hesitate an instant. It was the life of the archers or your friends, and at that time infinitely valued skills in his uncle hadsisted in teaching. Quickly, concentrating his mind and vista in the flickering shadows, took out two knives sidelera and threw them one after another with a deadly aim. The first hit a goalkeeper on the neck, an instant and deadly blow. The man collapsed on the battlements gallery without uttering even a sigh. The other knife flew somewhat lower, reaching the second man in the back with such force that, with a hollow cry, rushed into the darkness that prevailed below.

Below him, at the foot of a narrow stone staircase, was the door. He realized that Vieri forces were not sufficient to protect the city with full efficiency, since the inside of the door there were no soldiers stationed. Down the stairs three at a time, flying about, and quickly located the lever triggering the heavy iron bars blocking the doors of oak three feet high. He tugged at it, being obliged to apply all its strength, because the handle was not designed to be operated by one man, but withthen went and pulled one of the huge rings whichbia in the door to shoulder height. Relented, and the door emPezo to open, suggesting that ended the b.l.o.o.d.y task to terminate Mario and his men. On the floor lay two Murderers but, in contrast, a score of men of Vieri had traveled to the home of his Creator.

- Well done, Ezio! Mario exclaimed without raising his voice a lot.

So far, there seemed to have sounded the alarm, though it was only a matter of time.

- Vamos!"Mario said. In silence! He turned to one of his sergeants and told him: "Go back to ours and ordered to come and the main force.

E cautiously began its journey through the silent streets. Vieri should have imposed some kind of curfew, they did not see anyone. I almost tripped over a Patrucall of the Pazzi. Camouflage in the darkness, let them pa.s.s, and thereafter, the men attacked from the rear and killed them with aseptic efficiency.

"Now what do we do? Ezio asked his uncle.

"We must find the captain of the guard. His name is Robertto. He will know where is Vieri. "Mario looked more tense than inhabitantstual. This is taking us too long. We'd better divide. Look, I know Robert. At this time of night is drinking in his favorite tavern and the mona or sleeping in the citadel. You take care of taking the citadel. Take you to Orazio and a dozen of my best men.

Looked at the sky, beginning to clear, and sniffed the air, and brought with it the freshness of a new day.

"We see in the cathedral before the c.o.c.k crows for paSarnos a report on the situation. And do not forget: the man I leavedo in this band of thugs!

He smiled affectionately to his men, took their own andsaparecio a road that climbed up the hill.

"The citadel is in the northwest part of town ..., sir," said Orazio and smiled, like the others.

Ezio sensed both the obedience they owed to Mario, and his suspicion for having been entrusted to the command of an officer so little exenced like him.

-Come Ezio replied firmly. Follow me. And follow my directions.

The citadel occupied one side of the main square, not far from the cathedral and near the top of the small hill on which stood the city. They came to it without difficulty, but before entering Ezio identified several of the Pazzi stationed sentinels at the door. Gesturing to his men to remain where they were approached, protecting themselves in the shadows and silenceCIOs as a fox, until he was close enough to hear the conversation between two of them. It was obvious they were not satisfied with the leaders.h.i.+p of Vieri and the most vehement of the two men was in full speech.

"I repeat, Thibault said the first of them. I'm not at all satisfied with that young pup, with that Vieri. Do not think I can not p.i.s.s in a pot, let alone to defend a city against an army. And so when capitano capitano Roberto is concerned, so it's like drinking a bottle of Chianti in uniform. Roberto is concerned, so it's like drinking a bottle of Chianti in uniform.

"You talk too much," he warned Tebaldo Zohan. Remember what happened to Bernard when he dared to open his mouth.

The other thought and nodded soberly.

"You're right ... I heard that Vieri will blind you ordered.

"Well, I would like to preserve the sight, so I think we ought to end this conversation. We do not know howcough of our comrades feel the same way that we and Vieri has spies everywhere.

Satisfied, Ezio returned with his soldiers. A garrison insatisfied is not usually efficient, but no guarantee that Vieri does not command a handful of faithful followers of the Pazzi. As the rest of the men concerned Vieri, Ezio knew proown experience how strong he could be the fear of a coprinc.i.p.al. But now it was access to the citadel. Ezio insSquare inspections. Excluding the small group of guardians of the Pazzi, was dark and empty.

- Orazio?

- Sir?

- Do you deal with liquidating these men? Quick and hascer noise. I will try to climb the roof to see if they have more geneI bet in the patio. bet in the patio.

"That's what we came to do, sir.

Leaving Orazio and his soldiers seized the sentinels, Ezio, after checking that knives still had enough in the shoulder, crossed the lane adjacent to the citadel, climbed a nearby roof and from there jumped to the roof surrounding the painterior guy. He thanked G.o.d when he saw that Vieri had happened was not betting men in the highest towers in the homes of wealthy families, who stood out throughout the city, as desof those privileged viewpoints could have controlled everything that happened. But he knew that those towers would dominate the first goal of the men of Mario. From the roof of the citadel saw that the patio was Desierto. Then jumped to the cuered in its columns and thence to the ground. Open the doors was a fairly simple, and position their men, who pledgetraron before the bodies of the defeated members of the Pazzi patrol into the shadows of the colonnade to leavethe out of sight. To avoid suspicion, again closed the doors of the citadel once they were all inside.

The citadel seemed deserted for all purposes. But after a little while they heard the sound of voices coming from the square and a group of men appeared to Vieri, who opened the door and made their entrance in the courtyard dragging between them a man fornest, pulling a fat, drunk.

- Where the h.e.l.l are the guards of the door? "I wanted to know the man. I do not you come now that Vieri has revokeddo my orders and commanded otra time to make one of her f.u.c.kingas rounds!

-Ser Roberto "begged one of the men who pledgework. Do not you think I should liest down? Roberto "begged one of the men who pledgework. Do not you think I should liest down?

- What do you mean? I came here narcoticmately good, right? The night is young!

The newcomers were able to lay your head next to the sourcesyou had in the yard and gathered around him, not knowing quite what to do next.

- Anyone would think I am not a captain! Roberto said, almost feeling sorry for himself.

- Nonsense, sir! "Said the man at his side.

-Vieri do not think I am, "said Robert. You'd have to hear me speak!

He paused, looking around and trying to focus his eyes before speaking with maudlin tone: "It's only a matter of time to take my place ... Or worse! He turnedor to be discontinued and snorted. "Where is that d.a.m.n botella? Bring her here!

He gave a good drink, looked at the bottle to make sure it isempty tobacco and threw to the ground.

- Mario's fault! When our spies informed us that he had taken his nephew ... after rescuing the peflute b.a.s.t.a.r.d hands Vieri in person, I could not believeit. Now Vieri can not think clearly of rage templeYou and I have to face my old compagno! compagno! He looked around bleary-eyed. The dear old Mario! In his day were comrades in arms, did you know? But he refused to come with me to serve the Pazzi, though they offered more money, have better facilities, better equipment ... better everything! I wish he were here now. For four quarters, would be ... He looked around bleary-eyed. The dear old Mario! In his day were comrades in arms, did you know? But he refused to come with me to serve the Pazzi, though they offered more money, have better facilities, better equipment ... better everything! I wish he were here now. For four quarters, would be ...

"Sorry," interrupted Ezio, stepping forward.

- What ...? "Roberto said. So who are you?

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am the nephew of Mario.

- What? Roberto roared, trying to catch up and trying, unsuccessfully, his sword. Arrest the scoundrel!

She approached him and Ezio had no choice but to support the faithTido smell of wine and onions on his breath.

- You know what, Ezio? He said smiling. Should sneak around agradecide. Now that I have you, Vieri give me what I want. Maybe I'll retire. A small village on the coast, maybe ...

"Do not play the story of the dairy capitano capitano Ezio said. Ezio said.

Robert turned around to see what their men havebian already discovered: they were surrounded by mercenaries murderedWe all armed to the teeth.

"Ah," said Roberto, dropping again.

The desire to fight had vanished completely.

After handcuffing Pazzi guards and take them to the dungeons of the citadel, Robert, with a new bottle, Ezio sat at a table in a room that opened onto the patio. They talked until finally kept Robertoup.

- Want to Vieri? I'll tell you where it is. I do not care, anyway. Go to Palazzo Palazzo Dolphin in the plaza near the north gate. It is holding a meeting there ... Dolphin in the plaza near the north gate. It is holding a meeting there ...

- Who attends the meeting? Do you know?

Roberto shrugged.

"People you of Florence, I think. It is a.s.sumed that they had to bring in reinforcements with them.

They were interrupted by Orazio, who brought face concernpation.

- Ezio! Quick! It is waging a battle with the categorydral. Best to go!

- All right! Vamos!

- What we do with it?

Ezio looked at Robert.

"Leave. I finally chose the right side.

Immediately coming to the plaza, Ezio heard the typical sounds of battle from s.p.a.ce that opened in front of the cathedral. As he approached, he saw a large brigade of soldiers from Pazzi was forcing the withdrawal of men from his uncle, is positionedbacking him. With the help of their knives, Ezio was opening caminot until he got to his uncle. He gave all the information you had.

- Bien by Roberto!Mario said, without missing a beat, corTando and slas.h.i.+ng enemies. I always was annoyed thatra with the Pazzi, but eventually brought us out of trouble. Go! Find out what's doing Vieri!

"But what about you? Can you hold them long enough?

Mario looked very serious.

"I can for a while, but at this point our strongza princ.i.p.al should have been done already with the most towers and come to help.So hurry up, Ezio! Do not let itto castrate Vieri!

The palazzo palazzo was at the north end of town, away from the scene of the fight, but the guards were there number Pazziprobably sustainable reinforcements had mentioned Roberto-and Ezio had to move carefully to avoid them. was at the north end of town, away from the scene of the fight, but the guards were there number Pazziprobably sustainable reinforcements had mentioned Roberto-and Ezio had to move carefully to avoid them.

He arrived just in time: it seems that the meeting had endeddo and saw a group of four men with their horses addressing layer. Ezio recognized Jacopo de 'Pazzi, his nephew, Francesco, Vieri and, had to restrain a cry of surprise, the Spanish higher than was present on the day of the EXECution of his father. And her Sistercaught if possible to see the coat of arms of a cardinal embroidered on the shoulder of his mantle. The men stopped upon reaching Ezio horses and managed to hide behind a tree with the intention to capture some of their conversation. Had to force the ear, and the words came in bursts, but heard it enoughI like to feel intrigued.

"Then everything was settled, saying the Spanish. Vieri, you will stay here and will restore our position as soon as possible. Francesco organize our forces in Florenence for when it comes time to attack and you, Jacopo, you must be prepared to rea.s.sure the public as soon as we have taken control. No you should hurry: the better plaquick explanation is the action most likely to succeed we will.

"But be be Rodrigo said Vieri, "and what do I do with this Rodrigo said Vieri, "and what do I do with this ubriocone, ubriocone, Mario? Mario?

- Take it off of me! You should not find in any mamanner of our intentions!

The man they called Rodrigo got into his saddle. Ezio clearly saw his face at that moment, his cold eyes, aquiline nose, and estimated that it would forties.

"It has always been a problem Francesco snapped. Like his brother b.a.s.t.a.r.d. b.a.s.t.a.r.d.

"Do not worry, father father Vieri said. Soon I will gather them all ... In death! Vieri said. Soon I will gather them all ... In death!

-Come "Said the man they called Rodrigo. We've been here too long.

Jacopo and Francesco also rose to their steeds and DIRIgieron to the north gate, the guards begin Pazziban open and - That the Father of Knowledge guide us all! -Rodrigo said.

The doors closed behind him. Ezio wondered if it would be a good opportunity to try to stop Vieri, but it was overly protected by his guards and also thought it would be better to capture him alive for interrogation. Mentally took note of the names he had heard with the intent to add to the list of enemies of his father, it was evident that there was a conspiracy in place where they were all imvolved.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a squadron of guards Pazzi, the leader of which ran up to Vieri.

- What happens? Vieri asked.

"Commandante, I bring bad news. Ma menAuditore river have exceeded our last defenses. I bring bad news. Ma menAuditore river have exceeded our last defenses.

Vieri river slyly.

"That's what he thinks. But you see, "motioned the huge number of men around him," teneWe newcomers are more men of Florence. We will expel the vermin of San Gimignano by the end of the day!

Raised his voice to address the soldiers gathered there and shouted: - Run to the will face the enemy! Aplastadlos all the sc.u.m they are!

With a hoa.r.s.e cry of war, Pazzi militia formed under the command of their officers and left the door north south through the city and dealing with condottieri condottieri Mario. Ezio prayed that his uncle caught off guard because the manPazzi men far outweighed the number. But Vieri hasBia been there and in that time alone, with the exception of guardaespaldas staff, headed back to Mario. Ezio prayed that his uncle caught off guard because the manPazzi men far outweighed the number. But Vieri hasBia been there and in that time alone, with the exception of guardaespaldas staff, headed back to palazzo. palazzo. No doubt still had unfinished business of the meeting to solve. Or maybe volsee inside to pick up your armor and join the fray. Whatever it was, was about sunrise. It was now or never. Ezio emerged from the darkness and pulled the hood of his head. No doubt still had unfinished business of the meeting to solve. Or maybe volsee inside to pick up your armor and join the fray. Whatever it was, was about sunrise. It was now or never. Ezio emerged from the darkness and pulled the hood of his head.

"Good morning, Messer Messer Pazzi, "he said. A night movidito? Pazzi, "he said. A night movidito?

Vieri turned round, a combination of surprise and terror taking over for a moment from his face. He regained his composure and said, employing a swaggering tone: "I should have imagined it would reappear. Make peace with your G.o.d, Ezio ... now I have more important things to occupy me. You're just a p.a.w.n about to be expelled from the board.