Renaissance. Part 32

He gave the impression that the fall lasted for horas. The wind whistled in his ears, bristling, waving their clothes and hair. Then, the hay bales out to meet him. In the lastmo moment, closed my eyes ...

... And landed on the hay! It was no air in the body, but when, trembling, stood up, he discovered that was not broken anything and that, in fact, he felt elated.

Mario ran towards him, accompanied by Theodora.

"I think he'll make it, right? Mario asked Theodora.

At midnight, Mario, Machiavelli and Ezio were sitting around the trestle table in the workshop of Leonardo. Ahead of them had the peculiar artifact that valued both Rodrigo Borgia, and we all watched with curiosity and respect.

"It's fascinating," said Leonardo-. Absolutely fascinatingnant.

- What is Leonardo?Ezio asked-. What do you do?

Leonardo said: "Well, I'm confused. Contains dark secrets, and its design is unlike anything I'd say, that I have ever seen on earth ... What is clear is that never in my life seen such a sophisticated design ... And just could not explain why the earth revolves around the sun, I can not explain this.

- Did I hear correctly that that the earth revolves around the sun? Mario asked, looking surprised to Leonardo.

But Leonardo continued to examine the machine, giving LapTAS carefully in his hands, and in doing so, began to glow, a ghostly light, interior, generated by it.

"It's made of materials that in fact, logically, notBeriah exist, "continued Leonard, startled. And yet, it is clear that a device is very old.

"It is clear that in the pages of the Codex refers to him," said Mario-. I admit from the description therein. The Codex calls it "a Piece of Eden."

And Rodrigo called it "the fruit of Eden, '" said Ezio.

Leonardo looked into his eyes.

- Apple Tree of Knowledge? "Lapple that Eve gave Adam?

Everyone turned to look again at the object. Had empezado to s.h.i.+ne more brightly, and a hypnotic effect. For reasons I could not understand, Ezio felt a desire tocarlo growing. It did not seem to give off heat, but that fascination entailed an inherent feeling of danger, as if to touch it were to pa.s.s through flashes of light. No senaunt to the other, had the impression that the world around him had suddenly turned dark and cold and there was nothing apart from him and that ... thing.

He saw his hand move, as if they were not part of his bodypo, as though he could not control it, to settle finally and firmly on the softer side of that engine.

His first reaction was surprise. The Fruit of Eden looked like metal, but the contact was warm and soft, like the skin of a woman, as if vivo! vivo! But there was more time for reflection, that the hand was removed and the next instant the radiancedor inside the contraption, which had been increasing on a regular basis to suddenly burst into a blinding warmlight and color copying, within which different managed chaos EzioGuir certain ways. Looked away for a moment object to pay attention to their peers. Mario and Machiavelli had his back, his eyes closed, holding his head in his hands because of fear or pain. Leonardo isba transposed, eyes wide, mouth agape and overwhelmed. Ezio looked back and saw the object began to fu formspressing. Appeared a large garden, full of monstrous creatures, there was a dark city in flames, clouds huge mushroom-shaped and bigger than cathedrals and palaces, a marching army, but an army that had nothing to do with anyone who had Ezio seen or could imagine, people starving to uniStriped reports led to brick buildings by men with whips and dogs, high chimneys spewing smoke narrowTthe spiraling and planets, men with grotesque weaponhard going around in the darkness of s.p.a.ce ... and there has alsoBia other Ezio, another Leonardo, another Mario and another Machiavelli, and more and more like them, the reply of time, turning impossiblepetent and continuously in s.p.a.ce, toys, a powerful wind, which, in fact, seemed to roar with power in the room where they were. But there was more time for reflection, that the hand was removed and the next instant the radiancedor inside the contraption, which had been increasing on a regular basis to suddenly burst into a blinding warmlight and color copying, within which different managed chaos EzioGuir certain ways. Looked away for a moment object to pay attention to their peers. Mario and Machiavelli had his back, his eyes closed, holding his head in his hands because of fear or pain. Leonardo isba transposed, eyes wide, mouth agape and overwhelmed. Ezio looked back and saw the object began to fu formspressing. Appeared a large garden, full of monstrous creatures, there was a dark city in flames, clouds huge mushroom-shaped and bigger than cathedrals and palaces, a marching army, but an army that had nothing to do with anyone who had Ezio seen or could imagine, people starving to uniStriped reports led to brick buildings by men with whips and dogs, high chimneys spewing smoke narrowTthe spiraling and planets, men with grotesque weaponhard going around in the darkness of s.p.a.ce ... and there has alsoBia other Ezio, another Leonardo, another Mario and another Machiavelli, and more and more like them, the reply of time, turning impossiblepetent and continuously in s.p.a.ce, toys, a powerful wind, which, in fact, seemed to roar with power in the room where they were.

- Make it stop! Someone shouted.

Ezio squeezed customers and without knowing exactly why, subjectsTando right wrist with his left hand, right hand forced her to get back in touch with the thing.

And everything stopped instantly. The room looks and regained its normal proportions. Everyone stared. n.o.body had a hair out of place. Leonardo gla.s.ses still on his nose. The Fruit of Eden still on the table, motionless, a single small object to which few would have given more than a glance.

Leonardo was the first to speak.

"This never never should fall into the wrong hands, "said-. Crazy again weaker minds ... should fall into the wrong hands, "said-. Crazy again weaker minds ...

"I agree," said Machiavelli-. I I could hardly stand it, I could not believe his power.

With care, after putting on gloves, picked up the Fruit of Eden and put it back in the box, closing the lid sealing.

- Do you think the Spanish know what this thing? Think you can control it?

"Never should fall into their hands, "Machiavelli with a tight voice. He handed the box to Ezio-. You take care of it and protect it with all the skills you have taught. should fall into their hands, "Machiavelli with a tight voice. He handed the box to Ezio-. You take care of it and protect it with all the skills you have taught.

Ezio carefully took the box and nodded.

"Take her to Forli," said Mario-. The citadel is walledda, protected by cannons, and is held by one of our mainc.i.p.al allies.

- In whose hands? Ezio asked.

"Her name is Caterina Sforza.

Ezio smiled.

"Now I remember ..., an old acquaintance, and I'll be glad to return to see.

"Then, start preparing for your departure.

"I accompany said Machiavelli.

"I'll be happy," smiled Ezio. He turned to Leonard-. And you? mio amico? mio amico?

- Me? When you finish the job that keeps me here, go backre Milan. The Duke is well behaved with me.

"You must also go to Monteriggioni, when you return to Florence and have time," said Mario.

Ezio looked her best friend.

"Goodbye, Leonardo. I hope our paths cross again someday.

"I'm sure it will," Leonardo said. And if I neNeed some, Agniolo, still in Florence, where you'll always knowlimestone.

Ezio hugged him.

"So long.

"A parting gift," Leonardo said, handing him a bag. Bullets and gunpowder to your little gun gun and a good vial of poison for that dagger so useful that you have. I hope that does not needsites, but it is important for me to know you better protected as possible. and a good vial of poison for that dagger so useful that you have. I hope that does not needsites, but it is important for me to know you better protected as possible.

Ezio looked excited.

"Thanks ... thanks for everything, my old friend.

Chapter 22.

After from Venice to board a galley and A lengthy and pleasant journey, Ezio and Machiavelli arrived at the port of the marshes near Ravenna, where were received personalmenI by Caterina and his entourage.

"I arrived by courier the news that were on caminot, so I decided to come to receive you personally and accompaniedNaros to Forli said-. You have done wisely, I think, to travel on board one of the galleys of the Doge Agostino, as the roads suelen be unsafe and have conflicts with the bandits. EvenI think, "he added, casting a meaningful glance at Ezio-re not have been many problems.

"It's an honor that I remember, signora. signora.

"It's been a long time, but caused me a good impressionsion. He then turned to Machiavelli "And I am also glad to see you again, Nicholas.

- I had some knowledge? Ezio asked.

"Nicolas told me to ... in certain matters of state. -Camexchange of item-. I am told that you have become a Murderer and void. Congratulations.

Caterina reached the carriage, but he told his servants that he preferred to ride, it was a beautiful day and was a short distanceta. Saddled horses and as mounted, Caterina Ezio beckoned to come over to ride at his side.

Forli, you'll love. And there will be safe. Our pipetions for over a century protecting the city and the fortress is impenetrable.

"Excuse me, signora signora but there is something that has me intrigued. but there is something that has me intrigued.

"Tell me, please, what it is.

"I've never heard of a woman to govern a city-state. I'm impressed. Caterina smiled.

"Well, before he was in the hands of my husband, of course. Do you remember him? "Even a little? Girolamo. He made a pausa-. He died ...

"I'm sorry.

"Do not be," she said simply-. I sent him killed. Ezio tried to hide his astonishment.

"The thing was as follows" said Machiavelli-. DiscoveredGirolamo Riario brim that worked for the Templars. Was in the process of completing a map showing the location of the pages of the Codex to be recovered.

"Anyway, that convicted the son of a b.i.t.c.h said I never liked evenly Caterina-. It was a lousy father, abuDerrida in bed and in general, a real kick in the a.s.s. -Reflexed instantly-. Please note that after you've had a couple of husbands more ... Overrated, if you want to tell you the truth.

I stopped the appearance of a riderless horse approaching at a gallop toward them. Caterina ordered one of his escortedTAS to run in pursuit, and the rest of the group continued camino to Forli, although Sforza servants drew their swords in case. Soon after they found a car volmarket, its wheels still spinning in the air, surrounded by corpses.

Catherine frowned, and spurred his horse. Ezio and MaMachiavelli followed suit.

Somewhat later found a group of farmers, someus of them wounded, walking toward them.

- What happens? Caterina asked the woman who headedZaba group.

-Altezza "Said the woman, tears rolling down her musselsTthe-. Came shortly after you left. They are preparedrandose to lay siege to the city! "Said the woman, tears rolling down her musselsTthe-. Came shortly after you left. They are preparedrandose to lay siege to the city!

- Who are they?

- The brothers Orsi madonna!. madonna!.

"Sangue di Giuda!

- Who are these Orsi? Ezio asked.

"These wretches hired to kill Girolamo, "said Caterina.

"The Orsi work for anyone who pays them," said Machiavelli-. There are many lights, but unfortunately have a reputation of fulfilling their work well. He stopped to think-. The Spanish have to be behind it.

- And how could I know where we will take the fruit of Eden?

"Do not look for the Fruit of Eden, Ezio; leave behind Riario map. The Map is still in Forli.Rodrigo need to know cottonare hidden from the remaining pages of the Codex and we can not afford to get the map!

- And what matter the map?Caterina cried-. My child isas in the city. Ah, porc demon! porc demon!

They lashed the horses into a gallop and rushed to spot the city. Plumes of smoke rose inside the walls and saw that the doors of the ramparts were closed. In many-Rallon had men stationed outside under the banner of the bear and the Orsi family bush. But inside the citadel occupiedpaba the hill, still flying the flag of the Sforza.

"Apparently they have control of part of Forli, but not in the citadel," said Machiavelli.

- Traitorous b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! Caterina spat.

- Is there any way to enter the city without being seen? Ezio asked, picking weapons and setting Codexselas quickly in their place, reserving the gun in his bagtola and hidden blade.

"There is a possibility expensive expensive Caterina said-. But it will be difficult. There is an old tunnel in the ditch that runs through the west wall below. Caterina said-. But it will be difficult. There is an old tunnel in the ditch that runs through the west wall below.

"In this case I will try," said Ezio-. Be prepared. If I can open from inside the gates of the city, come teachguida galloping like demons. If I get to the citadel, they see the flag and let us in, we'll be safe to plan the momovement that we have to carry out below.

"Do not be another to hang these idiots and see how they swing with the wind snarled Caterina-. But later, Ezio. And good luck! I'll think of something to distract troops Orsi.

Ezio dismounted and ran to the west of the walls, crouched and sheltering behind hillocks and shrubs. Mienafter, Caterina straightened in his stirrups and shouted to the enemy behind the walls of the city: - You! I am speaking to you to you, dogs you, dogs Gutted. Have you busy Gutted. Have you busy my my city? city? My My home? And do you really think I'm going to sit back? I will go and you tear the home? And do you really think I'm going to sit back? I will go and you tear the coglioni ... coglioni ... if you have them of course! if you have them of course!

At the top of the walls of sun then appeared groupsdice Caterina looked at funny and equally intimidated as she continued with her speech: - What kind of man are you? Seize the orders of which I paid little more than a handful of pennies! I wonder if they will think that it was worth it when I climb up there, I cut the head all over me mee you and me go vueshead work the figa! figa! Your b.a.l.l.s will hang a skewer and roast on the stove in my kitchen! What do you think that? Your b.a.l.l.s will hang a skewer and roast on the stove in my kitchen! What do you think that?

The men guarding the western seawall had Suddenly having fullmado. n.o.body watched the pit, and Ezio launched him, swam, located the canopy covered entrance of the tunnel and got into their dark depths.

The interior was well preserved, and dry, and all I had to do was advance to see the light at the end. He stepped toward it cautiously, and as he approached he heard the voice of Caterina. The tunnel ended in a short flight of stairs standingdra that led into a back room on the ground floor of one of the western towers of Forli. Everything was deserted, as Catherine had been together a good crowd. Through a window he saw the back of most men with Orsituning, and even clapping occasionally, the performance of Caterina.

-...to be me man, wipe that smile off your faces. But I do not believe it was worth the effort. Do not be carried indeception that has b.o.o.bs ... "It occurred to him then something-. Whatever you want to bet that you would like to see them, right? Whatever you want to bet that you would like to touchs, suck, give them a squeezedn! Well, why do not you go down here and you try? I'd kick in the b.a.l.l.s so hard that I would come by the narices! Branco di cani Luridi b.a.s.t.a.r.di! Branco di cani Luridi b.a.s.t.a.r.di! Best you do pack up and you return home as you can ... Or you'll end up impaled and hung high on the walls of my fortress! Ah! But perhaps I'm wrong! Maybe you Best you do pack up and you return home as you can ... Or you'll end up impaled and hung high on the walls of my fortress! Ah! But perhaps I'm wrong! Maybe you like like that you metiesen a long oak stick up your a.s.s! ... Give me disgust even beginning to wonder if it's worth the trouble. Never in my life have I seen so much s.h.i.+t together. that you metiesen a long oak stick up your a.s.s! ... Give me disgust even beginning to wonder if it's worth the trouble. Never in my life have I seen so much s.h.i.+t together. Penile view Chesa! Penile view Chesa! I think that, as I think that, as men men would not make much difference if you neuter them all. would not make much difference if you neuter them all.

Ezio was already on the street. He saw before him the door closest to where they were Caterina and Machiavelli. At the top of its arc, along with the huge lever action saw a arquero bet. Moving quietly and quickly as possibleble, climbed to the top of the arc and nailed him Sentry is a single punalada in the neck, killing him instantly. Then toggled with the full weight of his body and the doors opened, emitting a powerful crunch.

Machiavelli had been watching closely all the time, and when he saw that opened the door, bowed and said something quietly to Catherinids that immediately spursor his hors.e.m.e.nt to put it into a gallop and advanced, followed by Machiavelli and totality of his entourage. When they saw what was happening Orsi troops stationed at the top of the wall screamed in rage and ran to intercept them, but the faction of the Sforza ran so fast that it was impossible to reach him. Ezio took his bow and arrows of sentinel dead and used them to shoot down three menOrsi men before quickly climbing a wall and run across the rooftops of the city, according to Catherine and her group in the rerun through the narrow streets leading to the citadel.

The more one enters the city, the greater the confusion. It was evident that the battle for control of Forli notba far from finished, as groups of soldiers under the bannerdera with snakes and eagles black blue Sforza still fighting against mercenaries Orsi, while ordinary citizens sought shelter in their homes or simply confused and aimless running. There were market stalls overturned, chickens by suethe running around and squawking, a little boy sitting in the mud crying her eyes out screaming for his mother, who appeared corriendo picked him up and carry it to a safe place, and the sounds of battle raged everywhere. Ezio, jumping from one rooftop to another, saw the situation from the vantage of the belfry, and used the arrows with deadly accuracy to protect Caterina and Machiavelli as long as the guards approached Orsi over them.

Finally reached a wide piazza piazza front of the citadel. It was empty and the streets radiating from it seemed deserted. Ezio fell from the roof and met with his people. In the battlements of the citadel did not see anyone and the door was impressive ceRRAD in tight. It looked as impregnable as Caterina announced. front of the citadel. It was empty and the streets radiating from it seemed deserted. Ezio fell from the roof and met with his people. In the battlements of the citadel did not see anyone and the door was impressive ceRRAD in tight. It looked as impregnable as Caterina announced.

Catherine looked up and shouted: - Open, convicted gang of idiots! I! The showeringsa! showeringsa! Moved a little a.s.s! Moved a little a.s.s!

Head peeped some of the men of the Citadel, including a captain who said: "Shooting, Altezza!" "Shooting, Altezza!" and gave orders to three men who disappeared immediately to go open the doorta. But at that moment, with a howl of war began to appear, dozens of soldiers from Orsi from the streets around the square, blocking any attempt to withdraw and close in on Catherine and her companions between them and the unrelentingcables walls of the citadel. and gave orders to three men who disappeared immediately to go open the doorta. But at that moment, with a howl of war began to appear, dozens of soldiers from Orsi from the streets around the square, blocking any attempt to withdraw and close in on Catherine and her companions between them and the unrelentingcables walls of the citadel.

- d.a.m.n ambus.h.!.+ Machiavelli cried, with Ezio gathdo your few men and placing them between Catherine and Janmigos.

-Aprite the portal! Aprite! Caterina cried. Caterina cried.