Renaissance. Part 9

Ezio Paolo took her hands in hers.

Thanks.

"Florence will be from now a better place, especially if Duke Lorenzo gets one of his men out electeddo Gonfaloniere. Gonfaloniere. No time to lose. Your mother and sister are here. He turned and clapped. Annetta! No time to lose. Your mother and sister are here. He turned and clapped. Annetta!

Annetta appeared from the back of the house, accompanied by Maria and Claudia. It was a very emotional. Ezio realized that her mother was not quite recovered and that was keeping in his hands the little box with feathers Petruccio. He returned the hug, eventhat away, while Paola withtuning the scene with a sad smile.

Claudia, on the other hand, gave him a big hug.

- Ezio! Where have you been? Annetta Paola and have been very kind, but do not let us go home. And mother has not p.r.o.nouncedo not a word from ... "He stopped, struggling withhave the tearsbut then, recovering, he added-: Well, maybe now a father can work things out. Must have been a terrible misunderstanding, right?

Paola looked.

"It's time," he said softly. Sooner or later tienen to know the truth.

Claudia's gaze went again and again Ezio Paolo. Maria was sitting next to Annette, his arm around her. Mary had a blank stare, a faint smile, stroking the pear wood box.

- What, Ezio? Asked Claudia, the fear in her voice.

"It's been a thing.

- What do you mean?

Ezio was silent, finding the right words, but his expression speaks for itself.

"Oh, my G.o.d ... no!

-Claudia ...

- Say it is not true!

Ezio bowed his head.

- No, no, no, no, no! Claudia yelled.

"Shhh. She tried to soothe her. I did everything I could, Piccina. Piccina.

Claudia buried his head in his brother's chest and cried, soLloza long and brutal, while Ezio trying to comfort her. He looked at her mother over the head of Claudia, but gave the impressionsion had not heard anything. Perhaps, in his way, already knew that. Desbecause of all the confusion that had engulfed the lives of Ezio, see his sister and his mother were thrown into the abyss of thedesperation almost completely collapsed. But he remained firm, embracing his sister, for a time seemed like an eternity, feeling the weight of social responsibilityber his shoulders. Depended on him from now on protecting your family, it was he who had to return the honor to name Auditore. Ezio, the boy, had ceased to exist ... He tried to gather his thoughts.

"Listen," said Claudia as soon as it calmed down a little. What matters now is to go from here. Going to a placeguro, where you and mamma mamma you can be safe. But to getI need you to be brave. You have to be strong for me, and take care of our mother. Do you understand? you can be safe. But to getI need you to be brave. You have to be strong for me, and take care of our mother. Do you understand?

Claudia listened, coughed to clear his throat and looked at him.

"Yes.

"Then we must make preparations now under way. Take everything you need, but not much else ... we will have to flee on foot. Organize a coach would be too dangerous. Ponte plain clothes you have, we should not draw attention. And run!

Claudia went with his mother and Annetta.

"You should bathe and get changed," said Paola. You'll feel better.

Two hours later and had their travel doc.u.ments list and were ready to go. Ezio checked one last time its contents removed. Maybe your uncle could explain the meaning of the doc.u.mentsments that he had taken from Alberti and how life seemed to him. He wore his new knife strapped to his right forearm wasra of sight. Tightened his belt. Claudia Marie came up with the jardin and stood by the door we had to split into comAnnetta pany, which sought to repress their tears.

Ezio turned to Paola.

"Goodbye. And thanks again for everything.

She hugged him and kissed him very close to the mouth.

"Stay safe, Ezio, and go carefully. I imaginenot the road that lies ahead will be very long.

He nodded very seriously, put the hood and joined his mother and sister, taking the bag with his belongings. It redundanciesAnnetta gave a kiss and moments later took to the streets and we started heading north, Claudia arm of his mother. Kept walking in silence for a while, Ezio reflectionsNando on the great responsibility that he was stuck on his shoulders. He prayed to rise on the circ.u.mstances, because I knew it would be very complicated. Would maintainis strong, but it would get for the sake of Claudia and her poor mother, who seemed to have completely withdrawn in herself.

It was not until they reached the center of the city that Claudia started talking ... and all were questions. Ezio realized relieveddo, however, that his voice was firm.

- How is it possible that this has happened to us? "He said.

I do not know.

- Do you think we can return someday?

I do not know, Claudia.

- And what will become of our home?

Ezio shook his head from side to side. I had not had TIMEe to have anything in that sense but, anyway, with whom he could have done? Perhaps the Duke Lorenzo repudiationra close, keep your home protected, but that was only a faint hope.

- Did ...? Did you have a proper funeral?

"Yes ... I fixed everything myself. "They were crossing the Arno and Ezio was allowed to look downstream.

Finally saw the gates of the south of the city and Ezio was satisfied because they have been achieved unnoticed. But approaching a dangerous time, because the doors were strongmind controlled. Fortunately, fake doc.u.ments, provided that Paola had pa.s.sed the test, because the guards were looking for a young single and desperate, not a small family modestly dressed.

They spent the whole day walking south, stopping only when they were far enough from the city to buy bread, cheese and wine on a farm and rest for an hour in the shade of an oak tree next to a cornfield. Ezio was forced to control his impatience, as the distanceFlorence stopped Monteriggioni was nearly thirty miles and had to travel to the beat of his mother. It was a strong woman just forty years, but the shock he had suffered had aged suddenly. He prayed that his mother would recover as they got home from his uncle Mario, though he knew that the recoveryrecovery, if he had, would be slow. Confident that, except as produjera some setbacks, arrived at the estate of Mario in the afternoon the next day.

They spent the night in an empty barn where hay had at least warm and clean. Dined the leftovers and Acomamended as much as possible to Mary. His mother did not complain in absoluteto, in fact did not seem to realize where I was, but when Claudia tried to grab the box of Petruccio to bedse, protested violently and pulled her daughter from a push, cursing like a fish. The two brothers were Sisterpowered.

But she slept peacefully the next morning and looked good. Washed in a stream, drank some fresh waterca of the stream as a breakfast and continued their journey. HasCIA a splendid day, something warm but with a nice breeze, and progressed well, with only a few crossing CarretieTthe and seeing no one except a group of farm workers and orchards. Ezio bought some fruit, enough at least to Claudia and her mother could eat something, because he was not hungry, nerves prevented him from eating.

Finally, in midafternoon, he felt encouraged when he saw in the horizonte the walled town of Monteriggioni in the top of the hill, bathed in suns.h.i.+ne. Mario effectively ruled the district. Two or three miles and would be in their territory. AlenTreaty, the small group quickened his pace.

"Nearly there," said Claudia with a smile.

"Grazie a Dio She replied, returning the goods. She replied, returning the goods.

Just beginning to relax when, on a bend of caminority, a figure familiar to them immediately, accompanied by a dozen men in blue and gold livery, blocked their way. One of the guards carried a banner with the hated and known symbol of the dolphin and golden crosses on a campo blue.

- Ezio! Figure, "he said. Buon 'giorno! Buon 'giorno! And to your family ... or at least what's left of it! What a pleasant surprise! And to your family ... or at least what's left of it! What a pleasant surprise!

He gestured to his men, who were placed in the way in forming a fan, their halberds to point.

- Vieri!

"The same. As my father was released, decisionsgiven fund this little hunting trip. I was hurt. Also, how did you happen to leave without saying goodbye Florence ofduly?

Ezio moved toward him, pointing out to Claudia and her mother to stay behind.

- What is it, Vieri? I figured we'd be satisfied with what you have achieved Pazzi.

Vieri opened his hands.

- What do I, you ask? I'm not sure where to emPezar. So many things! Let's see ... I'd like a palazzo palazzo greatestof, a beautiful wife, much more money y. .. What else? ... Oh, yes! Your head! He drew his sword, telling his guards that prestop and walked toward Ezio. greatestof, a beautiful wife, much more money y. .. What else? ... Oh, yes! Your head! He drew his sword, telling his guards that prestop and walked toward Ezio.

"I'm surprised, Vieri ... Do you really think you just challenge me? Although, of course, you have behind your goons!

"I do not consider worthy of my sword," said Vieri, inbasing it again. I think I'll finish you with my fists. Sorry if this bothers you, treasure treasure He added, turning to Claudia, "but do not worry ... will not be long. After you see what I can do to console you. And who knows? Perhaps to comfort your little He added, turning to Claudia, "but do not worry ... will not be long. After you see what I can do to console you. And who knows? Perhaps to comfort your little mamma! mamma!

Ezio took a quick step forward and hit your fist with your manVieri mandible, leaving his enemy reeling. Had pioped by surprise. But getting back on its feet, Vieri motioned his men not to move and rushed soEzio ber with a roar, driving one blow after another. So fierce was the attack of Vieri who, despite Ezio deftly managed to avoid it, was unable to download a single sharp blow. Both men were locked in a struggle to control the situation, stumbling from time to time to re-attack to continuenuacion with renewed vigor. Finally, Ezio got the raVieri bia end up playing against him: one fight effectively when they feel angry. Vieri was preparing to launch a strongyour right hand, when Ezio came forward and the punch landed without causing effect beyond his shoulder, dragging Vieri inertia forward uncontrollably and his body weight. Ezio then put his opponent to trip, which ended up biting the dust. Bloodied and beaten, Vieri tried to protect his men behind and sat up, shaking hands with full of scratches.

"I'm tired of this," he said, the guards shouted: "Herebad with him, and also with women! I have better things to do to take care of this squalid and tadpole carca.s.s carca.s.s your mother! your mother!

"Coniglio! Ezio cried, panting and drew his sword, but the guards had formed a circle around and extensiveDido their halberds. I knew it would cost a lot of power with them. Ezio cried, panting and drew his sword, but the guards had formed a circle around and extensiveDido their halberds. I knew it would cost a lot of power with them.

The circle is narrowed. Ezio continued turning on itself, trying to maintain at all times to women on their backs, but the situation painted very evil and unpleasant Vieri laughter sounded triumphant.

Suddenly he heard a sharp hissing sound, almost ethereal, and two of the guards fell to their knees first and then forward, simultaneously dropping their weapons. In their back, a knife buried to the hilt and released with a deadly aim. Blood poured from his s.h.i.+rt as a red flower.

The others retreated in alarm, but not before one more of theirs also fell to the ground, another knife in itPalden.

- What kind of sorcery is this? "Yelped Vieri, terror limitby acetylene voice, drew his sword and looking like crazy around him.

Was answered by a deep, booming laugh. "This has nothing to do with witchcraft, chico ... and everything to do with the skill!

The voice came from a nearby grove.

- Be seen!

Among the bushes appeared a tall man with long beard, wearing boots and a breastplate light. Behind him will appearriver men, dressed similarly.

"As you wish," he said wryly.

- Mercenaries!Vieri growled, and turned to his guardays. What are you waiting? Kill! Kill them all!

But the tall man approached, he pulled the sword with tremendous elegance and Vieri started hitting blade against his rodilla like a toothpick.

"I do not think it's a good idea, small Pazzi, although I must say you are at the height of the name of your family.

Vieri did not respond, but encouraged his men to move forward. Not very confident, while surrounded the unknownafter Vieri, with the halberd becoming one of the guards deadcough, Ezio attacked, kicking the sword from his hand and leaving it out of reach.

- Ten, Ezio, use it! "Said the tall man, giving him another sword, which flew through the air to land on its edge and, trembling, staying stuck in the ground at his feet.

He picked it up in a blink of an eye. It was a heavy weapon, but had to use both hands to hold, got cut the grip of the halberd Vieri. This, seeing that his men were being overcome with ease by condottieri, condottieri, and had there been two more casualties, suspended the attack and, with curses, took flight. The tall man came up to run theirdo a wide smile to Ezio and women. and had there been two more casualties, suspended the attack and, with curses, took flight. The tall man came up to run theirdo a wide smile to Ezio and women.

"I'm glad I came to meet you," he said. I think I arrived just in time.

"I thank you, whoever you are.

The man laughed again, and his voice sounded so familiar.

- Did you know? Ezio asked.

"For a long time. But it surprises me you do not recognize or your own uncle!

- "Uncle Mario?

- That's me!

He gave a squeezing Ezio and then approached Mary and Claudia. An expression of anxiety clouded his face to see itTado in which it was Mary.

"Listen, girl ... "Said Claudia. I'm going to take me to Ezio castello castello and I will leave my men here, that you proweave. I get something to eat and drink. Send a rider to theadvancement and return with a carriage to take you away what's left of the line. You have already walked enough for today and I see that my poor sister is ... He paused before adding with delicacy, "Exhausted. and I will leave my men here, that you proweave. I get something to eat and drink. Send a rider to theadvancement and return with a carriage to take you away what's left of the line. You have already walked enough for today and I see that my poor sister is ... He paused before adding with delicacy, "Exhausted.

"Thank you, Uncle Mario.

"All settled, then. See you soon. He turned and gave orders to his men, surrounded with a bra Eziozo and guided him to his castle, overlooking the town.

- How did you know it was coming? Ezio asked.

Mario was evasive.

"Oh ... a friend of Florence sent a messenger on horseback who came before you. But he was already aware of what happened. I have not had the strength to move to Florence, but now that Lorenzo is back we will pray for you to keep at bay the Pazzi. Inform me about the fate of my brother ... and my nephews.

Ezio stopped. The memory of the death of his family remained a dark and obsessive memory.

"It was ... were executed for treason ... He interruptedchirped. I escaped by chance.

"G.o.d," said Mario, his face contorted by the dolor. Do you know what happened?

"No ... but I hope you can help me find the answersplaced.

And Ezio began to explain to his uncle's chest hidden in the palazzo palazzo family and its contents, revenge has beenBia taken with Alberti and doc.u.ments that had been caught. family and its contents, revenge has beenBia taken with Alberti and doc.u.ments that had been caught.

"What seems most important is a list of names-anagiven, and stopped talking, sore. I can not believe that has fallen on us all!

Mario gave him a loving pat on the arm.

"I know a little business of your father," he said, then Ezio Mario realized he had not been very surprisinghad counted on when it's hidden in the cam chestsecret camera. We will find the meaning of it all. But on the other hand, we must also ensure that your mother and hermana are met. My castle is not a place for women of her cla.s.s, and soldiers like me would never be just to lay theza, but a couple of miles from here there is a convent wheretaran perfectly safe and well maintained. If you agree, send them there. Because you and I have a lot to do.

Ezio nodded. Las accommodate Claudia there and convince that it was the best temporary solution, because not wanting to see perManeca long confined in that way.