Ezio hesitated. It seemed that this man was telling the truth.
"So, listen: no shall return to play anymore. "You understand me?
- Yes! "Manfredo was scared.
- Swear!
- I swear!
"I do not know how lucky you come to be. I want prothat ye may thrust you will be a good husband. If I hear that you are not, and I will kill you seek.
Manfredo realized that his savior spoke completemind seriously. He looked at his cold gray eyes and something stirred in his memory.
- Did you know? Said-. There"s something about you ... You sound like me something.
"We have never seen or have to meet again, unless ... -Ezio stopped. Cristina expected at the end of bridge, looking down-. Go with her and be faithful to your protable.
"I will be. Hesitated for-Manfredo-. The love of truth. Maybe you learned something today. And I will do everything in my power to haveCERLA happy. I do not need any kind of threat to my life to promise this.
"I hope so. Now, go away!
Ezio stood a moment watching the malecon Manfredo up, her eyes irresistibly drawn to Cristub. Their eyes met for a moment, he raised slightlymind hand in farewell. He turned and Tuescho. Since the death of his family, had not felt much pain in the heart.
On Sat.u.r.day afternoon found him still engaged in a proAlthough founded. In the darkest moments I had the feeling of having lost everything, father, siblings, home, social position, future professional ... And now, espbear! But then he remembered goodness and protection that Mario had offered him, his mother and sister, who had managed to save and protect. And as for his future and his career are concerned, I still had both, but now running in a direction very different from what had been imagined before. I had a job to do and not have to yearn for Cristina to help him finish it. He iswould impossible to walk away forever from his heart, but not thatwas forced to accept the lonely fate that destiny had in store. Is it always like this with the Murderers? Would that it demanded loyalty to the Creed?
He went to the Mercato Vecchio with dark humor. His conocidos used to avoid that neighborhood and he had only been there once. The old market place was dirty and neglectedbecause, like buildings and surrounding streets. There were people running from one side to another, but no one giving a pa.s.seggiatta. pa.s.seggiatta. Everyone walked with a purpose, without wasting time with his head bowed. Ezio had tried to dress sencillez and had not caught the sword, although they had put in their place a new metal cuff and hidden bladeta, just in case I needed them. He was aware that he should not Destacar through the crowd and had to be kept at all timesment on the alert. Everyone walked with a purpose, without wasting time with his head bowed. Ezio had tried to dress sencillez and had not caught the sword, although they had put in their place a new metal cuff and hidden bladeta, just in case I needed them. He was aware that he should not Destacar through the crowd and had to be kept at all timesment on the alert.
He wondered what to do next, and began to raiseis entering a tavern that was on the corner of the square to see if I could figure out how indirectly establishtouch with the Fox, when a thin young man suddenly appeared like out of nowhere and gave him a shove.
-Scusi, signore "Said the young man politely, smiling, and pa.s.sed quickly by. "Said the young man politely, smiling, and pa.s.sed quickly by.
Instinctively, Ezio put his hand to his belt. He had left safe in their accommodation more pre belongingsIncorporating, but had kept a few guilders in the bag from his belt, which had just disappeared. He turned around, saw the young man heading one of the streets radiating from the plaza and went in pursuit. Seeing him, the thief sped up, but Ezio managed not to lose sight and ran after him, caughtpurpose and intent by throwing his glove just as he was about to enter a dwelling without character high and Via Sant "Angelo.
"Give it back-ordered.
"I do not know what you mean," replied the thief, his gaze evidenceciando fear.
Ezio, who had been about to release the knife, he controlled his anger. Suddenly it struck him that perhaps the man repudiationra provide the information he wanted.
"I have no interest in harming yourself, friend," said-. Stick to return my bag and not more talk.
After hesitating, the young man said reluctantly: "You earn.
That said, got the bag he had hidden.
"Just one more thing," said Ezio.
The man was instantly on alert.
- What?
- Do you know where I can find a man who is callsea The Volpe? The Volpe?
The man was really scared now.
"I"ve never heard of him. Take your money, signore, signore, and let me go. and let me go.
"Not until you tell me.
"One moment," said a deep, guttural voice is toPalda-. Maybe I can help.
Ezio turned and saw his side a man with broad shoulders, height similar to yours and perhaps ten or fifteen years older than him. His head was covered with a cap similar to that of Ezio, partly obscuring his face, but managed to see two p.e.n.i.s EzioTranter violet eyes that glowed with a mysterious forcesa and watched him intently.
"Let me go to my colleague, please," said the man-. Te I will answer for him.
Addressing the young thief, he said: "Give back the money to the gentleman, Corradin, and get out of here. Talk later about this.
He spoke with such authority that Ezio released the boy. Within a second, Corradin deposited the bag in his hand and disappearedpeared in the interior of the building.
- Who are you? Ezio asked.
The man smiled a slow smile.
"My name is Gilbert, but I called many things: murderer, for example, and tagliagole; tagliagole; but my friends know me simply indicatesI like Zorro. He made a slight bow, while Ezio look with his piercing eyes. And I"m at your service but my friends know me simply indicatesI like Zorro. He made a slight bow, while Ezio look with his piercing eyes. And I"m at your service Messer Messer Auditore. In fact, I was waiting. Auditore. In fact, I was waiting.
- How ... how to know my name?
"My job is to know everything in this city. And I know, I think, you think I can help in anything.
"My uncle gave me your name ...
The Fox smiled but said nothing.
"I have to find someone ... stay one step ahead of him, too, if that"s possible.
- Whom do you seek?
-A Francesco de "Pazzi.
"A big fish, I see. "The Fox sobered-. Maybe can can help. He paused to reflect-. I"ve heard that recently landed in the docks some people from Rome. They came to attend a meetsion of the supposedly no one should be aware, but do not know anything about me, let alone that I am the eyes and ears of the city. The host of the meeting is the man you want. help. He paused to reflect-. I"ve heard that recently landed in the docks some people from Rome. They came to attend a meetsion of the supposedly no one should be aware, but do not know anything about me, let alone that I am the eyes and ears of the city. The host of the meeting is the man you want.
- When will this meeting?
- Tonight! "The Fox smiled-. Do not worry, Ezio: not a thing of destiny. Would have sent someone to get you not to have met you before, but I had fun testing yourself. Those who rarely seek me find me.
- You mean it was you who prepared me stumble Corradin?
"Forgive my sense of theater, but had to make sure that no I I followed. Corradin is young, and has also been a kind of test for him. Look, maybe I will have prepared everything, but he desfully knew the type of service being provided. I just thought that I had selected a victim! "Her voice became harder, more practical-. Now you must find a way to spy on the meeting, and will not be easy. followed. Corradin is young, and has also been a kind of test for him. Look, maybe I will have prepared everything, but he desfully knew the type of service being provided. I just thought that I had selected a victim! "Her voice became harder, more practical-. Now you must find a way to spy on the meeting, and will not be easy.
He looked to the sky and continued: "It"s dark. We must hurry and the best way to move is on the roof.Follow me!
Without saying a word, turned and began to climb the wall that was behind him with such speed that Ezio cost to follow. They ran the red roofs, building on lastmo sunshine to jump the abyss that opened up the street iflenciosos as cats, foxes agile, northwest, until they sighted the facade of the great church of Santa Maria Novella. Sewas then the Fox. Ezio came only seconds later, but realized he was panting more than the man who was over age.
"You had a good teacher," said Fox.
But Ezio had the clearest sense that, if any, thatrido, his new friend would have easily exceeded, and that not only increased their determination to grow more if it fits your skills. But it was not time for beating about the contests or games.
"That"s where Messer Messer Francesco held its meeting, Fox said, pointing downwards. Francesco held its meeting, Fox said, pointing downwards.
- In the church?
"Under her. Vamos!
In those hours, piazza piazza front of the church was comcompletely deserted. The fox jumped from the roof and landed on cuclillas on the ground, Ezio followed suit. They surrounded the square and the paside wall of the church until a hidden door in the wall. The fox told him that the push Ezio and immediately found themselves in the Rucellai chapel. The Fox was stopped by the bronze tomb which occupied the central area. front of the church was comcompletely deserted. The fox jumped from the roof and landed on cuclillas on the ground, Ezio followed suit. They surrounded the square and the paside wall of the church until a hidden door in the wall. The fox told him that the push Ezio and immediately found themselves in the Rucellai chapel. The Fox was stopped by the bronze tomb which occupied the central area.
"There is a network of catacombs that crosses the city far and wide. I find it very useful for the type of work I do, but unfortunately I have the exclusivity on it. However, very few know the catacombs or saben sort through them, but Francesco de Pazzi is one of them. This is where is celebrating his meeting with the Romans. We are at the entrance nearest to the point where they should be in these moments, but you have to get yourself to them. As you come down, find a chapel, part of an abandoned crypt, about fifty yards on your right. Watch carefully, because the sound is transmitted very easily down here. It is alsoTara dark, so I recommend you let your light to all become accustomed to the gloom. Then find the chapel lights will guide you.
Put his hand over a lump of stone pedestal that supported the grave and put pressure. At his feet, a slab apsolid apparently began to move with the help of invisible hinges up to reveal a flight of steps sculptedtwo in the rock. He stepped aside.
"Buona fortune Ezio. Ezio.
- Are not you coming?
"No need. And even with all my abilities, two peoplenas make more noise than one. Te wait here.Va, go! go!
In the bas.e.m.e.nt, Ezio groped his way through the damp stone pa.s.sage that opened on the right. Advanced touching the walls, which were sufficiently close together to be able to touch them with both hands, and was relieved to see that their footsteps do not resonateban on the damp dirt floor. From time to time, had bifurcatedtions with other tunnels palpable rather than see them, when the hands that served as guide to detect a black void. Lost down there had to be a nightmare, as it was to be impossibleagainst new departure. Some minor input sounds surprised him, until he realized that there were more than co ratturret, although on one occasion, when one of them ran over the foot, struggled to stifle a scream. In the niches carved into the walls, he saw the bodies of an obliquelyTigua burial, his skull wrapped in cobwebs. The catac.u.mbas had some primary and terrible, and Ezio had to philosophercar the rising tide of panic I felt.
Finally spotted a faint light ahead of him and movingis slower now, moved toward her. Remained hiddenamong the shadows until he heard the five men he saw before him, silhouetted in the light of a lamp isdistance and ancient chapel.
Francesco immediately recognized, a tiny creature, nerVuda, vehement that when he arrived Ezio, was leaning in front of two priests to cut crown did not recognize. The older of them was giving the blessing with a clear voice and nasal -Et benedictio Omnipotentis Dei, Patris et Filii et Spiritu Sancti descendat super maneater et vos semper ...
When the light illuminated his face, Ezio recognized him. It was Stefano da Bagnone, secretary of Jacopo, Francesco"s uncle. Jacopo was at his side.
"Thank you, Father," said Francesco once the bencondition.
He straightened up and headed for a fourth man, who was standing next to the priests.
-Bernardo, give us your report.
"Everything is ready. We have a full a.r.s.enal of swords, staffs, axes, bows and crossbows.
"A simple knife would be best for the job," said the younger of the two priests.
"It depends on the circ.u.mstances," said Francesco Antonio.
-O poison, "continued the younger priest-. But it does not matter, while die. He does not forgive easily have annihilatedVolterra side, my hometown and my real home.
"Calm down," said the man named Bernardo-. We all haveWe are sufficient grounds. Now, thanks to Pope Sixtus, we alsoalso the media.
"Yes, Messer Messer Baroncelli, "said Antonio-. But teneWe blessing? Baroncelli, "said Antonio-. But teneWe blessing?
Then a voice came from the deep shadows of the back of the chapel, where they reached the lamplight.
"Bless our operation," as long as you do not kill anybody. "
The owner of the voice emerged into the light and gasped Ezio recognize that the hooded figure dressed in crimson red even though his whole face, except furnitureca contemptuous forming his lips, was hidden under the shadow of the hood. It was the most important visitoryou from Rome: Rodrigo Borgia, il Spagnolo! il Spagnolo!
The conspirators shared his knowing smile. Toboth knew which side were the loyalties of the Pope, who was none other than the Cardinal in front of them, a man who exercisedCia control over it. But of course the Pope could not approve openly bloodshed.
"It is fortunate that finally can do the job," said Francesco-. We have suffered many setbacks. But as things stand, killing them in the cathedral will bring us much criticism.
"It"s our last and only option," said Rodrigo selfauthority-. And ridding Florence of this mob will be doing G.o.d"s work, so the scenario is appropriate. Moreover, as we control the city ... people murmur against us, if you dare!
"Still, do not stop changing plans," said Bernardo Baroncelli-. I even have to have someone call his younger brother, Giuliano, to ensure they arrive on time to the ma.s.s.
Everyone laughed with the comment, but Jacopo and Spanish, he realized the seriousness of the expression of that.
- What, Jacopo?Rodrigo asked the older of the Pazzi-. Do you think they suspect anything?
Before Jacopo could speak, his nephew gestured impatiently.
- Impossible! The Medici were too arrogant or tooSiado stupid to notice anything!
"Do not underestimate our enemies," he chided Jacopo-. Do not you realize that money was the Medici who funded the campaign against us in San Gimignano?
"This time we will not have these problems," he snapped his nephewnot upset about being scolded in front of their peers and with the memory of his son"s death still fresh in their Vieri mememory.
During the silence that followed, Bernardo turned to Stefano da Bagnone.
"I must ask you borrowed a couple of priestly robes for tomorrow morning, father. The more surrounded by Clerigos think they are, the safer they feel.
- Who will be responsible for the attack? Ro askedDrigo.
- Yo! "Said Francesco.
- And me! -Added Stefano, Antonio and Bernardo.
"Well. Rodrigo paused-. I think that in principle, daggers would would best. Much easier to hide, and very helpful when it comes to work at close range. But having the Pope"s a.r.s.enal is also good ... I am sure that isRAN loose ends to be resolved when the Medici brothers are gone. best. Much easier to hide, and very helpful when it comes to work at close range. But having the Pope"s a.r.s.enal is also good ... I am sure that isRAN loose ends to be resolved when the Medici brothers are gone.
Then he raised his hand and made the sign of the cross to his companionstions between colleagues conspirators "Dominus vobisc.u.m, gentlemen. And the Father of Knowledge guide us. He looked around-. Well, I think with this the matter is settled. You must forgive me, but I must leave now. I have goingRias things to do before returning to Rome, and I need to get on the road before dawn. I do not do any good to be seen in Florence the day that the House of Medici is coming down. gentlemen. And the Father of Knowledge guide us. He looked around-. Well, I think with this the matter is settled. You must forgive me, but I must leave now. I have goingRias things to do before returning to Rome, and I need to get on the road before dawn. I do not do any good to be seen in Florence the day that the House of Medici is coming down.
Ezio spent waiting, next to a wall between the somwords, until all six men were gone, leavingI completely dark. Only when he was sure he was all alone, he sought his own lamp and brought the tinder to the wick.
He had come again. The Fox was waiting in the dark Rucellai chapel. Ezio, with a heavy heart, explained what he had heard.
- To kill Lorenzo and Giuliano de Medici in the cathedral while celebrating the High Ma.s.s? "Said Ezio Fox when he was done, and Ezio saw that, for once, the man had been virtually without words-. It is a sacrilege! And worse than that: if Florence falls into the hands of the Pazzi, G.o.d help us.
Ezio was thinking.