Oliver Bowden
Renaissance

Chapter 1

Shining and flickering torches on the top of the towers of the Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello, and only a few lanterns Destedresser was in the cathedral square, slightly towards the north. Some more lighted docks along the banks of the Arno River where late it out for a city where most people would retire to his home with the arrival of the night, were distinguished in the darkness a few sailors and longshoremen. Some of the sailors still working on their boats and boats, urgestwo to bring out the latest gear repairs androllar adequately covers the ends of freshly scrubbed dark, while dock workers rushed dragging or carrying loads to enclose them in the safety of nearby stores.

Also in the taverns and brothels twinkling lights, but very few people roamed the streets. Seven years had elapsed since the Lorenzo de Medici, who was then withtobacco twenty years, was elected to govern the city, bringing with him at least some sense of order and calm to intense rivalidity exists among the main families of bankers and merFlorence hip had become one of the richest cities in the world. However, the city had ceased to be in constant turmoil, as the factions have fought ceaselesslyCERSE with control, some of them changing their alliances, while remaining as other eternal and implacable enemies.

Florence, in the year of our Lord 1476, even on a spring night permeated by the sweet smell of jasmine, when it was almost possible to forget the stench of the Arno if the wind was blowing in the diright direction, it was the safest place to stroll after sunset.

The moon had appeared in a cobalt blue sky, dominating over a host of stars who accompanied him. DerraMaba its light on the square where the Ponte Vecchio, their crowded tents in the dark and silent now, united with the north bank of river. Its light also discovered a black-clad figure standing sober the roof of the church of Santo Stefano al Ponte. A young man of only seventeen, but tall and proud. Looking to concentrateconcentration in the neighborhood, put a hand to his mouth and whistled, a mild but penetrating sound. In response, first one, then three, desas a dozen, and finally a minimum of twenty men, young men like him, dressed mostly in black, some wearing hoods or hats blood red, green or dark blue, all with swords and daggers in his belt, emerged from the dark streets and arcades towardsGreg on the square. The young band of dangerous aspect desFan-folded, his movements sure and arrogant.

The young man looked down at the faces of impatience, under the pale moonlight, watching him. He raised his fist above his head as a defiant salute.

– Stand together! He shouted, and they also raisedwere the fist, some drew their weapons and soft, and cheered:

– United!

The young man fell at full speed, like a cat, by the faChada unfinished, from the roof to the porch of the church, and from there jumped up, his cloak flying, to land squatting and smoothly through all of them. They gathered around expectantly.

– Hush, my friends! He raised his hand to silence a single and aloneio cry. He smiled grimly.Do you know why I have gathered here tonight, to you, my closest aliatwo? For help. I have stayed too long on whetherlence while our enemy, you know who I mean, Vieri de 'Pazzi, this city has come to slander my family, arrasstrating our name through the mud and trying to ma patheticdegrade manner. Not normally stoop to herd mehe kicked a mangy stray dog like that, but…

Was interrupted at the time that a large stoneof, timing, launched from the bridge, landed at his feet.

"Just as with your nonsense, grullo Shouted a voice.

The young man returned with his group, like a unitca person, in the direction of the voice. I knew who it belonged to. CruZande bridge from the south approached another young band. Their leader strutting his head, his red cloak, fastened by a gold brooch adorned with dolphins and crosses on a blue background, covering the black velvet suit, hand on the hilt of his sword. He was tolerably attractive appearance desfigured by a cruel mouth and a weak chin, and even being somewhat coarse, the strength of his arms and legs was beyond doubt.

"Buona sera, Vieri said the young man quietly. Just then we were talking about you. "And made a reveence with exaggerated courtesy, simultaneously adopting a formershock pressure. But you must forgive me. Did not expect you personally. Pazzi always believed that they hired others to hiciesen them the dirty work.

Vieri came and stood up when he and his troop detusaw a few meters away.

– Ezio Auditore! You're a darling puppy! I would say that is your family of pen pushers and accountants who always comes running to the guard as the weakest peeps sign of trouble. Codardo! -Tight grip on the handle ispada. You're afraid to address the situation, I think.

"What can I say, Vieri engaged. The last time I saw your sister Viola seemed quite satisfied with the treatment I gave him. -Ezio Auditore gave his enemy a wide smiledsa happy to hear the giggles of his fellow obscured his isPalden.

But I knew I had gone too far. Vieri was already red with rage.

– Enough is enough, asshole! Let's see if you can fight as well as sputtering! He turned his head toward his men, his sword and shouted, "Kill those bastards!

Then another stone spun through the air, but this time it was a challenge. Ezio gave a glancing blow in the brakingyou, opening a bloody wound. Ezio staggered for an instantSo while fans threw Vieri a storm of stones. His men barely had time to recover before having the band over Pazzi, who ran across the bridge to pounce on Ezio and his men. Took the fight up so suddenly that they hardly had time to swing swords, daggers and even less so that both sides clashed inTRADA only with his fists.

The battle was hard and unrelenting, brutal kicks and punches connected with the sickening sound of broken bones. For a while he could have opted in either way, but then Ezio, his vision slightly affected by the blood from his forehead, he saw two of his best men take a wrong step, falling and being trampled on by bullies de 'Pazzi. Vieri laughed and Ezio near, prepared to stoke a new blow to the head with a large stone. Ezio was set cucliTthe and dodged, but the danger had been too close to feel calm and now band Auditore was taking the brunt. Ezio got, before joining the whole, draw his dagger and stab blindly but successfully, musas a robust Pazzi henchman threatening him with his sword and dagger drawn. Ezio's dagger pierced tissue, muscle and tendon and the man let out a howl of agony and fell bendsdo, dropping their weapons and taking both hands to a wound that continued to sprout blood.

Desperately struggling to his feet, looked around Ezio. Pazzi saw that had surrounded his men, who had cornered against a wall of the church. Noting that forces recovered his legs, he headed for his teammates. Dodged the cutting edge of another henchman and got connected Pazzitar a punch to the jaw of that bearded guy. Had the satisfaction to see fly a few teeth and his opponent to his knees, stunned by the blow. He shouted to his men giving AniWe, though in reality his thoughts were focused on finding ways to beat a retreat with the greatest dignity possible. At that time, exceeding the noise of the conflict isspoon a loud voice, cheerful and very familiar calling him from behind the band Pazzi.

"Hello, fratellino, What the hell are you?

Ezio's heart leapt with relief and managed to say in a broken voice:

– Hi, Fred! What are you doing here? I thought you'd be partying as usual!

– Nonsense! I knew you had something planned and I decided to seening to see if my brother had learned at last to take care of himself. But I think you still have to learn a few lessons!

Federico Auditore, Ezio few years older and older brother was a big man with a big appetite… BEbida, love and battle. Dodged punches as he talked, he hit a couple of heads of the Pazzi and raised his foot to poke a kick in the jaw while opening a third step inamong the crowd to get closer to his brother, insensitive to violenceence that reigned around him. His men, encouraged, redoubled efforts. Pazzi, on the other hand, were puzzled. A few dock workers had gathered to watch from a distance, and the PenuPazzi's reigning Mbra withfused with reinforcements from the auditors. That, along with the roar and the flying fists of Frederick, his actions quickly emutons by Ezio, who learned at full speed, eventually causing panic among them.

The angry voice of Vieri de 'Pazzi rose above the moundto general.

– Collection! He shouted to his men, his voice broken by the exhaustionment and anger.

Ezio caught the eyes and growled a threat inaudible before disappearing into the darkness, on the way to the Ponte Vecchio,lowed by those of his men who could still walk, and perhotly followed by the victorious allies now Ezio.

Ezio was about to follow too, but the meaty hand of his brother stopped him.

"Wait a minute," he said.

– What do you mean? They are fleeing!

"Relax.

Frederick, with bad face, gently touched the wound of the brakingEzio tea.

"Not a scratch.

"I think it's more than that, she decided her brother, a serious expression on his face. You better see a doctor.

"I have no time to waste visiting doctors Ezio snapped and said," Besides… He stopped even unwittingly. I have no money.

– Ja! You've wasted on wine and women, I suppose. -FeDerico smiled and gave an affectionate slap his brother in the shoulder.

"I have not exactly wasted, I would say. And look at the exampleexample that you just me. -Ezio smiled, but here goesCilo. Suddenly he realized that his head was pounding. I guess it's okay if I look at the wound. Can you lend me a few Fiorini?

Federico stroked his bag. Delivered no ringing.

"The truth is that now I'm a little low," he said.

Ezio shyly smiled at his brother's shameful.

– And what will you have spent? For masses and indulgences, I guess.

Frederick laughed.

"Okay. I see where you're going, 'said Ezio.

He looked around. In the end, only three or four of their own hasbian badly injured as a result enough to keep still on the battlefield and were sitting up, grumbling a little, but smiling too. It had been a tough fight, but no one had broken any bones. On the other hand, more than half a dozen isPazzi birr lay completely knocked out, and at least a couple of them were dressed in expensive clothes.

"Let's see if our enemies have fallen some wealth to share," suggested Fred. At the end of the day, we needsity is greater than yours. And I bet you anything that can lighten the load without waking!

"We'll see," said Ezio, and began to work quite successfully.

In a few minutes he had collected enough gold to fill their two bags. Ezio looked triumphantly to his brother and his newly harvested jingled fortune to highlight his achievement.

– There is enough! "Cried Frederick. Better to let themWe limped to bring them back home. In fact, we are not thieves… This is not just a war booty. And still gustarmo the look of this wound. We have to go flying at you look at it.

Ezio nodded and turned to see a site last donAuditors' just got a victory. Losing patience, Federico laid a hand on the shoulder of his younger brother.

"Come," he said, and without delay began walking at a pace that Ezio, weakened by the battle, found it difficult to follow, but howdo it was very late or took the wrong alley, FeDerico expected to direct or ran in the right direction. Sorry, Ezio. All I want is to get a doctor as soon as possible.

And, indeed, was not far, but Ezio felt more tired with each passing minute. At the end came to a stay in penumbra decorated with mysterious instruments of brass and glass jars, arranged on tables in dark oak and the ceiling hung with bunches of dried herbs, where the medical faily had his consultation. Ezio could no longer stand.

Al dottore Ceresa not like being awakened at night, but his bad mood turned to concern as a sail close enough to examine in detail the wound Ezio.

"Hmmm… "He said gravely. Go mess we have here, young man. Do your people have nothing better to do than anconstantly fighting to out there?

"It was a matter of honor, good doctor" said Federico.

"I see," said the doctor quietly.

"Actually it's nothing," said Ezio, still feeling weak.

Federico, who as always disguised with the help of good humor concern, said:

"Make him a patch of the very best, mate. Look so linda is all you need.

– Hey, fottiti! Ezio replied, raising his middle finger toward his brother.

The doctor ignored them, washed his hands gently explored the wound and soaked a cloth with a clear liquid in one of the many bottles she had. Cleaned the wound with the solution so that stung Ezio was about to jump from his chair, his face contorted with pain. Then clean the wound and the doctor took a needle and fine wire threaded casing.

"Okay," he said. This really hurt a little.

Once the stitches and bandaged the wound so that Ezio like a Turkish turban, the doctor smiled to encourage him.

"There will be three Fiorini for now. Go to your palazzo in a few days and I'll take the points. That will be three Fiorini more to pay then. You will have a terrible headache, but it will. Try descendingsar… But not yours! And do not worry: the wound looks worse than it really is. And there's even an added benefit: it would leave a scar, so that in future I do not think much to disappoint the ladies.

Back on the street, Frederick put his arm around his brothernot less. He pulled a flask from his pocket and handed it to Ezio.

"Do not worry," he said, noticing the expression of Ezio. It is the best grappa father. Better than milk for a man in your state.

Drank two, the powerful heating fluid inside.

"Well nochecita" said Federico.

"Needless to say it. I just wish they were all so diexpressed as… "But Ezio was interrupted when her brothernot begin to smile from ear to ear. Oh, wait! He corrected himself, laughing. We are!

"Even so, I think some food and drink would not hurt for you replenished before returning home," said FeDerico. It's late, I know, but around here there is a pub that does not close until breakfast time y…

– And you and the oste you are amici intimacy

– How did you guess?

About an hour later, after a meal of ribollita andbistecca, washed down with a bottle of Brunello, Ezio felt as if I had not been injured. I was young and fit, and had the feeling of having recovered all the lost energy. The adrenalnalina victory over the band of the Pazzi contributed without lugar certainly the speed of recovery.

"Time to go home, brother," Frederick said. Seguro that father will be wondering where we are, and have decided it's you who will help with the bank. Luckily for me, have notgo a head for numbers, which is why I imagine dying to get into politics.

"In politics or in the circus… the way you behave.

– What is the difference?

Ezio Frederick knew that he resented the fact that his father trusted him more than his eldest son to take the family business. Frederick would die of boredom if Tuviara to face a life on the bench. The problem was that Ezio had the feeling that he could succeed as well. But for now, time to slip into the velvet suit neMontenegro and the gold chain of the Florentine bankers was still quite far away, and was determined to fully enjoy your days of freedom and irresponsibility. Little did he imagine it would be shorter than those days.

"Better hurry, we know Frederick was saying, if we are to avoid a fight.

"He must be worried.

"No… we manage somehow knows very well alone. Ezio-Federico threw a questioning look. But rather than we were youRando. He paused. Do not you fancy a bet? A cabarrier, perhaps?

– How far?

– How about…? -Frederick crossed the city with an eye illuminated by the light of the moon to reach a tower not far alejada. The roof of Santa Trinita. If there is too much for you… and not far from home. But just one more thing.

"Tell me.

"It will run through the streets, but the roof.

Ezio breath.

"Okay. Try me, "he said.

"Okay, little tartaruga. Vamos!

Without saying a word, Federico was launched andstalled a wall plastered with the same ease with which he would have a lizard. He stopped at the top, swinging about between the red tiles, river and continued their march. When Ezio reached the rooftops, his brother had been released twenty meter lead. Persecution began, her pain forgotten thanks to the excitement and adrenaline. Federico saw was an almighty leap ENCIma in a black void as pitch and landed smoothly on the flat roof of a palazzo Gray remained somewhat below the roof level above. He ran a little more and waited. Ezio exderwent a flash of fear at seeing the abyss that opened before him, with eight floors below street, but I knew that before moRIR to hesitate in front of his brother, so that is arming oflor, gave an impressive leap of faith watching, flying, hard granite paving shine under the moonlight far beyond their feet waving in the air. For a split secondsdo wondered if he had miscalculated, as the hard gray wall palazzo seemed to be rising before him, but then, without knowing exactly how the wall collapsed and was found in the other roof, sprawled, yes, but still standing, and euphoric, even breathing hard.

"Brother, there's still much to learn," joked Fred, getting moving again, a shadow from the chimney swift and low scattered clouds. Ezio ran away, overcome by the frenzy of the moment. Opened beneath their feet other depths, some dead simple, others broad thoroughfares. Federico was not seen anywhere. Suddenly he looked up at the tower of Santa Trinita, being elevated above the red surface of the gently sloping roof of the church. But the approach recalled that the church was located in the middle of a square, and the distance between your roof and nearby buildingsWe were much greater than any that has passed so far. He dared not to doubt or to slow, his only hope was that the church roof was lower than that from which I had to jump. If he could take the Carrericall enough and really jump into the air, gravity will do the rest. Fly like a bird for a couple of seconds. Away from your mind any idea on the consequences of possible failure.

The end of the roof where he was approached byhurry, and then… nothing. Take to the skies, listening to the air whistledo in their ears, making eye mourn. The roof of the church pareciprocal to be at an infinite distance, never get to reach it, would never laugh, or fighting, or to have a woman in his arms. I could not breathe. He closed his eyes, and then…

His body bent, was stabilized with hands and feet, but was back on solid ground. I had done, a few inches from the edge, but had managed to stand on the roof of the church!

But where was Fred? He climbed to the base of the tower and turned to look at the way he had come just in time to see his brother flying through the air. Federico aterriZo firmly, but the weight of his body moved a couple of red clay tiles and nearly lost his balance when tiled roof slid down to drop and shatter a few seconds later on the hard cobblestone floor. But Frederick recoveryRo balance and then straightened up, panting, obviously, but with a proud grin on her face.

"I see that in the end there are a tartaruga He said, coming to give Ezio a pat on the shoulder. I have advanced as lightning.

"Even I had heard that he had done," said Ezio, trying to catch his breath.

"But I do not earn to the top of the tower," said Federico, Ezio pushing aside and began to climb the squat tower replaced the municipal authorities thoughtTUIR for something more modern. This time Fred came firstgrouper, and even had to give a hand to his wounded brother, who was beginning to think that going to bed would be no bad thing.

They were both breathless and stayed a while recoveringhis city is looking serene and quiet in the light of loveNecer a similar brightness to the brightness of an oyster.

"We have a good life, brother," said Fred with a little solemnity of his.

"The best-granted Ezio. And do not ever change.

They remained both silent, none of them willing to romper the perfection of the moment, but after a while Fred spoke quietly

"Let us not ever change, fratellino. Come, we must return. There is the roof of our palazzo. Pray to God that father has not spent the night awake, or you really feel. Let's go.

He approached the edge of the tower to descend to the roof, but stopped to see Ezio had not moved from where I was.

– What happens?

"Wait a minute.

– What are you looking at? Frederick asked, turning to him. Ezio's gaze followed and then a smile on your face. You are a rascal! Do not think to go there now, right? Leave the poor girl sleep!

"No… I think it's time to wake up with Cristina.

Only very recently that he had met Cristina Ezio Calfucci, but they seemed inseparable and, although their respectivetives parents still considered too young for thisestablish a formal alliance. Ezio did not agree with that, but Cristina was only seventeen and the girl's parents hoped that control its rampant Ezio customs before inclusionso you start to look with better eyes. Naturally, this only served to make it more violent, if possible.

The day they met, Federico and he was lounging by the main market after buying some beads to his sister on his name day, watching the beautiful girls in town flew from post to post with accompagnatrice, examining some lace here, a few ribbons and silk closures there. A girl, however, towered above the others, the most beautiful and elegant Ezio had ever seen. Ezio never forget that day, the day he first laid eyes on her.

– Oh! "He cried involuntarily. Look! It's beautiful.

"Yes," said his brother, as long as practical. Why do not you come over to say hello?

– What? -Ezio was surprised. And after healthygive it… What more do I say?

"You could try to make conversation with her. About what you've bought, what she has bought, for that matter. Look, brother, men tend to be so afraid of girls bonite that anyone who is arming the courage to talk to her immediately stands at an advantage. What? Do you think that want to look out for them, not want enjoy a little conversation with a man? Of course they want! In addition, you are not ugly, are an auditor. So go for it… and I'll distract the rifle. On second thought, it is not so bad.

Ezio remembered being alone with Cristina, if rooted to theuncle, not knowing what to say, getting drunk in the beauty of her eyes, her long, soft brown hair, upturned nose…

She stared at him.

– What? He asked.

– What do you mean? He snapped.

– What are you doing here planted?

"Oh… ahem… is that I wanted to ask you one thing.

– What?

– What is your name?

She rolled her eyes.

"Damn it, he thought. Surely you've heard the same thing plenty of times. "

"Not you care, or have need to know," he said.

And turned away. Ezio stood a moment watching her, and walked after her.

– Wait!He said, putting his height, panting more than if he'd run a mile. I was not prepared. Pen wassado be really charming. And polite! E ingenious! Not mereis a second chance?

She looked at him while walking, but he gave a faint hint of a smile. Ezio was desperate, but Frederick, who had been watching, she whispered:

– Do not give up now! I've seen you smile! Will remember you.

Emboldened, Ezio discreetly followed, ensuring that she would not notice. In three or four times had to hidDerse hastily behind a market stall, or after she left the place, crouch in a doorway, but managed to successfully follow up to the door of his mansion familiary, where a man whom he recognized it immediately blocked his path. Ezio was left behind.

Cristina looked at the man angry.

"Now I have told you, Vieri, I interesais. And now, let me pass.

Ezio, hidden, took a deep breath. Vieri de 'Pazzi! Naturally!

"But signorina, yes I am interested. Very interested, in fact, "said Vieri.

"Then, put yourself in the queue.

He tried to pass him, but he stood before him.

"I think not, my love. I've decided I'm tired of waiting for you open your legs at will. "And he grabbed her roughly by the arm, pulling her to him, his other arm around her as she struggled to free himself.

"I'm not sure you're getting the message," said Ezio, Vieri ahead and looking into his eyes.

"Oh, the little cub auditors. Cane rognosol What the hell do you have to do with it? To hell with you.

– Y buon'giorno you too, Vieri. I'm sorry entrometerme, but I have the distinct impression that you're spoiling the day for this young lady.

– Oh, yeah? Really? Sorry, my dear, while I mash this upstart. And with that, Vieri Cristina pushed aside and struck his right fist Ezio. I ski Ezioved and jumped easily to put the zancadilla to Vieri at the timement the inertia of his attack was dragging him to Delanyou, sending him face first into the ground.

– Have you had enough, pal? Mockingly said Ezio.

But Vieri joined in a moment and pounced on him angry, shaking their fists. She poked a serious blow to the jaw Ezio, but he fought off a left hook and got his two successful hit, one in the stomach and, while Vieri bends of pain, one in the jaw. Ezio has turnedCristina ence to see if it was okay. Breathless, Vieri back, but at the same moment his hand moved swiftly to his dagger. Cristina captured and articulated movement involuntariamenyou a cry of alarm at seeing Vieri sent down the dagger on the back of Ezio, who, alerted by the cry, turned just in time to grab Vieri firmly by the wrist and take away the dagger. The gun fell to the ground. The two young men stood face to face, breathing hard.

– Is this the best you can do? Ezio said through clenched teeth.

– Shut up or I swear to God I'll kill you! Ezio laughed.

"I should not be surprised to see the force trying to impose yourself on a pretty girl who evidently considers you a dung dung… If I have in mind how your dad is trying to impose by force their bank interest on Flodifference!

– You fool!It's your father who needs a good lesson in humility!

"It's time to let the Pazzi and slanderingus. Although, of course, you're all mouth and no cuffs.

A Vieri mouth was bleeding badly.

– Pay for this… you and all of your kind. I do not think olVidar this Auditore!

He spat at the feet of Ezio, stooped to pick up the knife, turned and ran. Ezio stared to see himsaparecer.

He reminded all in the tower of the church, staring at the house of Cristina. He recalled the elation he felt when turning to Cristina and see a new warmth in his eyes to thank him.

– You find it, signorina? "He said.

"Now… thank you. He hesitated, his voice still trembling with fear. Before you asked me what my name was… My name is Cristub. Cristina Calfucci.

Ezio bowed.

"It's an honor to meet you, signorina Cristina. Ezio Auditore.

– Do you know this man?

– To Vieri? Our paths have crossed occasionally. But our families have no reason to LLEVARSE well.

"I will not ever see him again.

"If in my hands is to avoid it, so be it.

She smiled shyly and said:

"Ezio, you have all my gratitude… and because of that, I am willingta to give you a second chance, after his evil coning.

He laughed softly and then kissed him on the cheek before disappearing inside his mansion.

The small crowd that inevitably had congreEzio Gado gave a round of applause. He reverenceence, smiling, but at the same moment he was leaving there he learned that, though perhaps he had made a new friend, had also made an implacable enemy.

"Let sleeping Cristina Federico said again, awakenEzio do your dream.

"There'll be time for that… later, "he replied. I have to see it.

"Okay, if you must… try to get you an alibi with father. But watch out… it is very possible that the men of Vieri still hanging around here.

And with that, Federico climbed the tower to reach the roof and jumped from there to a hay truck parked on the street leading to his house.

Ezio saw him leave and then decided to emulate his brother.

The Hay Wain seemed far away, but remembered what hasBia learned, controlled breathing, relaxed and focused.

And flew through the air, giving the biggest jump that had given in his life. For a moment he thought he had misjudged his target, but managed to calm his momentary panic and landed safely in the hay. A real leap of faith! Somewhat breathless, but joy at his success, Ezio took to the streets.

The sun began to peek above the eastern mountains but still there were few people on the streets. Ezio was about to poner towards Cristina mansion when he heard the rumble of a few steps and, desperately trying to hide, crouched in the shadows of the porch of the church and held her breath. It was precisely Vieri and two security men Pazzi who rounded the corner.

"Better let it run, boss," said the older man. It's been long since gone.

"I know that around here," snapped Vieri. Almost smell them.

Together with his men crossed the square of the church but showed no signs of wanting to go further. Sunlight was shrinking shadows. Ezio crept cautiously back to the shelter of the hay wagon and stayed there for a while you stopCIO forever, eager to get going. On one occasion, Vieri was passed so close that he almost smelled Ezio him, although Vieri finally told his men with a wave of anger that ifGuier later. Ezio still remained motionless for a while longer, jumped out of the car and heaved a long sigh of relief. Was shaken and quickly covered the short distance that separated him from Cristina, praying that no one at home had already risen.

The mansion remained silent, although Ezio imagined that the servants were preparing the fires of the kitchen in the back. I knew what Cristina window and threw a handful of gravel at the shutters. The noise was deafening and waited, coreason in a fist. The shutters gave way and she soon appeared on the balcony. Her gown hinted delicious contours of your body. The desire came upon him instantly.

– Who is it? "She said without raising his voice.

He was placed so that I could see him.

– Yo!

Cristina sighed, but not in an unpleasant manner.

– Ezio! Would have imagined.

– I can walk, colomba mia?

She looked over her shoulder before answering in a whisper:

"Okay. But just a minute.

"That's all I need.

Cristina smiled.

– Really?

He was confused.

"No… sorry… did not mean that! Let me show you…

He looked around to make sure that the street was stilldesert, hitched his foot on one of the great iron rings for tying horses stuck in the gray brick house and drove up, relatively easy to find handholds and footholds in the padding of the wall. In a blink of an eye had perched on the balustrade and between his arms.

– Oh, Ezio! "She sighed, and kissed. Watch your head. What have you done now?

"It's nothing. A scratch. -Ezio paused, smilingdo. Maybe now I'm up, it could also happen.

– Go where?

It was all innocence.

"Your bedroom, of course.

"Well, maybe… if you are sure that all you need is a minute…

Embraced, crossed the double doors and entered the warm light of Cristina's room.

An hour later, woke sunlight streaming through the windows, the noise of cars and people on the street and, worst of all, the sound of the voice of Cristina's father opened the bedroom door.

– Cristina was saying. It's time to wake up, girl! Your tutor will be here any… What the hell? Son of a bitch!

Ezio kissed Cristina, quick but passionate.

"It's time to go, I think," he said, picking up his clothes and corriendo to the window. He slid down the wall and was now they placedDose Calfucci suit when Antonio came up in the balcony. He was white with rage.

"Forgive, Messer Ezio-proposed.

"I will give unto thee Forgive, Messer Calfucci shouted. Guards! Guards! Pursuing this Cimice! Bring me his head! And I also want their coglioni!

"I said sorry… Ezio, "he began, but seeadvantages of the house had just opened and the bodyguards of the Calfucci had made their appearance, brandishing their swords. More or less dressed, Ezio ran down the street, dodging trucks and pushing his way among the citizens, rich businessmen dressed in solemn black, dresses to merchantswe are brown and red, most humble people with simple tunics tissues and even ecclesiastical procession which struck so unexpectedly fell tumbling over the statue of the Virgingene carrying monks with black hoods. Finally, after overcoming sneak through alleys and walls, stopped to listen. Silence. And not even heard the screams and wordsTAS of the population who had followed him constantly. As for the guards, had taken off, he was sure.

Just hope that the signor I had not recognized Calfucciacid. Cristina never betray him, sure. In addition, camelaria his father, who adored her. And even if they found out, reEzio flexed, it would be a bad link. His father managed one of the largest banks in the city, and come the day that would be larger than that of the Pazzi or even… who knew?…, that of the Medici.

Using side streets, finally coming home. With whom he first encountered was Frederick, who looked very serious and shook his head giving him a sense of doom.

"All this is not you run away," he said. Do not say I did not warn you.