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Chapter 1 - Milan of St. Ambrose

It is the summer of 1482 and 35 years have passed since Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan, died without a male heir; following the end of the Visconti line. It is now when Leonardo Da Vinci came in this town, trying to get away from his brothers and sisters. But mainly he wanted a new start where he can create his own ideas and dreams after many years as an apprentice in Andrea del Verrocchio's workshop. For a few years now his friend seems to be an assassin and not because that would have been a bad thing, the man saved his life a few times from minor incidents... not so minor, but still... But before that, Leonardo was a friend of his family, well what remained of the family.

Ezio's father and brother, that was the assassin's name, Ezio, were killed by a misarable complot of the Pazzi's clan and his mother and sister, well, they lived, but tragedy let deep scars on everybody's hearts. Irony, he was trying to get away from his... siblings and his friend, Ezio, morned their death. Life was so strange, but that's why he came to be so attached to this assassin. Ezio was a deadly weapon, but anytime he came and seeked Leonardo's advice he seemed like a lost lamb. That thought make Leonardo smile. "Ezio, a lamb!" He giggled to himself then though, "Ezio was not a lamb, he was a womanizer. Definitely!" Sometimes he would come to Leonardo's house past middle of the night and crash there, somewhere in the house and his servant would stumble on him first thing in the morning. Yeah, Ezio loved women and... women loved him back. Leonardo shrugged a little then he heard one of the servant's voice calling him:
- Master Leonardo! Master! We arrive at the City's gates!
Leonardo looked out the window of his carriage and saw the big wall that surrounded the City of St. Ambrose. After the death of the last Visconti, the Ambrosian Republic was enacted. The Republic took its name from St. Ambrose, popular patron saint of the city of Milan. So there he was, in Milan, all alone. He left messages for Ezio that he would leave, but he didn't know if those reached him. He wanted to talk to him in person, but Ezio was at that time away in one of his missions or adventures... He sorta mi... Then the voice of his servant screamed again:
-Master Leonardo, Master Leonardo! Do you want us to stop in town or you want us to bring you to the shop? The arrangements are made!
Leonardo pouted for a few seconds then said:
- To the shop, Bartolomeo! To the shop, I want to see it!
Bartolomeo smiled and urged the horses.
Leonardo's servant, Bartolomeo was a pretty young boy that at one point collapsed on Andrea del Verrocchio's steps. Leonardo found him, took care of him and found him some minor work in the shop in the years he was a simple apprentice, even if his master, Andrea, wasn't quite fond of the boy. The truth is, Andrea had a lot of boys of his own. He wasn't the type to stay faithful to one woman. Then again, neither was his father... or even mother... that's how he ended up with brothers and sisters that now claimed everything from his father. He nodded in disapproval and though: "When papa dies, hell will broke loose".

The carriage stopped. Bartolomeo stepped down from his place and Leonardo could hear his steps approaching, then he heard the carriage door open and saw Bartolomeo's smiling face. A boyish face that made him look even younger than he already was. His almost blond hair, so very unusual, his thin nose, but rich lips, his tiny hands and long fingers that seemed that want to grasp everthing in their reach, and his small body, made him a child in everybody's eyes. But just those who knew him, and there were not many, saw his pain. His grey eyes showed the fatigued he had endured from a way to early age. He was not bright, but he was curious, very curious and sometimes, if Leonardo didn't want him around while he was working on something, Bartolomeo would sneak up on him, trying to find out the mystery. Bartolomeo was always the first to admire Leonardo's work, always the first to ask the questions, but always the last to understand the answers. But because of his nature, Leonardo kept him around. Bartolomeo was curious like him and Bartolomeo had nobody, and Bartolomeo trusted him and Leornado trusted Bartolomeo. He smiled to himself. Bartolomeo was waiting with the door open and a big smile on his face:
-Master! We're here! We made it!
Leonardo looked at him smiling and while he stepped down from the carriage, he ruffled his dusty hair. He could understand the boy's happiness. He had never stepped out of Florence since Leonardo found him and he was pretty sure he hadn't before that either.

The workshop was a tall building, on three levels and a huge basement, plus a beautiful courtyard that would give him place to work in the summer, but a way to impress his guests too. Looking at the others houses around, his place wasn't that impressive, but it was perfect for the purpose Leonardo had in mind. The location was good, pretty close to the center of the city where all the cultural events happened, but not too exposed for curious eyes... well, that detail had to be considered if Ezio will come to visit.

Bartolomeo opened the door for him and went inside running, but in the next second, Leonardo heard a scream and saw Bartolomeo running out of the house, falling on his face outside the shop. He stood still for a second then saw a tall man, clothed in a dark robe coming out. The man spoke:
- Leonardo, weren't you supposed to be the first entering the house?
He knew the voice. He knew him. The man was Ezio. He smiled widely and opened his arms:
- My friend! You're here!
Ezio grinned and came closer taking Leonardo into a big embrance.
- My brother! Of course I am. How could I miss such an event? You're first place alone!
- Ah yes! You must know exactly where to crash! said Leonardo looking at him.
Ezio smiled:
- Well my brother if it's not you who I trust, then who should I?
- Indeed, said Leonardo with a mild smile on his face, then continued, but how come you are here?
Ezio approached Bartolomeo and helped him get up after the boy stumbled scared on some of the cases outside the shop and said:
- I might have a new mission here, but the details are very scarce for now. Plus, I got your message back in Florence and well, how could I not greet my dear friend in the new city.
Leonardo looked at him and put an arm around Bartolomeo's shoulders:
- I see! That's why I was supposed to be the first entering the house and that's why my dear Bartolomeo though that you would kill him!
Ezio smiled embarassed and said:
- Well my brother! You see... That was...
- Yes, yes friend! That is one of your childish jokes. I get it! said Leonardo waving his hand in the air in disapprovment. He stepped across Ezio and head towards the entrance.
- Well, friends, he said looking at Ezio and Bartolomeo, what are you waiting for? I invite you in MY house!

Chapter 3 - Ezio wounded

Ezio found himself waking up a few times at night because of the pain and the woman who found him was always there to help him as if she never went to sleep. During the day, when he was awake he could hear her cleaning the house or talking with someone. He would always wait and listen, always ready to jump off the bed and out of the window, but when he would decide to make a move his body would betray him. Pain would always make him sit and wait and the woman would find him on the bed panicked. She would always come by his side smiling so soft and warm that he could say nothing and listen to her. She said:
- There is no need to worry sir. The guards are gone.
- I told you not to call me sir, replyed Ezio sighing.

The woman would always pause and smile at him. She was very young, her hair was long and dark but red locks would sparkle when in the sunlight. Her eyes were a light brown, big and round, but weary and sad. He saw her just once with her hair down, otherwise she kept it braided and hidden under a hood that she always wore. She did not share the same clothes as other girls her age, or their habbits. She would not carry a fan with her or wear parfume, or a dress. She would always have her boots on, almost torn and always dirty and pants. Her body was wrapped in a cloth that would cover her torso. Anybody could mistake her for a boy, a feminine and pretty-face boy, but she kept her face dirty just in case.

Ezio looked around the room he was in. Very, very poorly furnished. Beside the bed he was in, the one that creeked at his every move, was a chair and a table with a broken leg. His clothes were nicely lined on those two. The room was clean and had just one window, a very tiny one and now looking at it Ezio realized that it would have been impossible for him to squeeze himself through that. Great! So he was actually trapped there. He looked for a door, but didn't see one. HE WAS TRAPPED THERE! Then the little woman entered the room from somewhere. Ezio looked at her. She would cary thread and niddle and a wooden bowl from where he could smell chicken. If they were so poor, chicken ment a big sacrifice. She let those on the little table and helped him get up. His chest was bandaged and so were his arms. She started looking at his wounds. First she reached for the arrow wound in his shoulder. She removed the pad from the skin and looked at the wound. She started pressing gently around it. Ezio whined a bit. She said:
- I want you to tell me how much pain you feel.
Ezio looked back at her:
- What?
She continued:
- I want to know how unconfortable the pain is. Is it milder, is it getting worse...
He nodded and she started pressing different points around the wounds and on his back with her fingers. The pressure was always harder or softer on the same points and she demanded the answer from Ezio. He did feel pain, but surprisingly it wasn't that bad as he expected. She put the pads back and smiled and said:
- I think you'll be fine.
- What makes you say that?
- Well first of all, the swelling around the arrow wound is fading away. The color of your skin starts to be the normal one and the pain also seems to bother you less.
Ezio looked at her:
- Color of the skin?
- Yes sir, you were pretty... green... ish to say so. The poison had that effect. Also, you were... lucky that the darts didn't hit you in the left shoulder. The poison would have went straight to your heart and kill you in minutes.
- I thought I told you not to call me "sir"
- I know... but I can't...
He looked at her:
- And why is that?
She turned her head to the pile of Ezio clothes that now were clean, but still torn and said:
- Because sir, those are not the garments of a simple folk. Those are the garments of somebody... rich.
Ezio slightly nodded and said:
- I see, but you saved my life. There is no need for such formalities.
- I didn't save your life, sir. Not yet anyway. Indeed, you seem better, but the final words are not said.
Ezio froze for a few seconds. The women contined:
- But there is no need to worry, sir. I am sure you'll do just fine. I will take care of you the best way that I can. Just like my father taught me.
- Your father?
- Yes sir. He was a medicine man.
- Was? Where is he now?
The woman paused:
- ... Dead, sir...
Ezio felt a sudden strike in his chest.
- Dead?
- Yes sir...
Ezio got confused and angry:
- And you're alone?
He realised in that moment why her appearence was the one of a boy and not that of a woman. Logic, since she was alone. He continued:
- But what happened? he said rushing her.
The woman stepped back from him a bit:
- Why sir?
- Because I wanna know...
The girl paused again, looked away from him and sighted. Ezio asked her again:
- What happened?
- ... He was killed sir. So was the rest of my family.
Ezio looked at her with a sudded urge to smash something. She saw his look and rushed:
- I am sorry, sir. I didn't mean to anger you!
Ezio snapped back confused:
- No! No! It is not your fault... I am... sorry... Please... Please tell me what happened, said the assassin pausing at almost every word.
She sighted again and said in with low voice:
- ... A high official got almost killed near our house a few years back. My father was there and tried to save him, but the wounds were too deep, so he died. But those who murdered the man saw my father and they were also important people.. and they blamed my father for a murder that he never commited.
Ezio froze again. "A father killed for a murder he didn't commit!"
- How was he killed...?
The girl gulped and continued:
- ... He was hangged, so was my brother. And my sister took her life away than being... captured by the guards. Me and my mother managed to flee through a secret passage in our house, but my mother, well, she did not handle the death of my family too well. I guess I am alive because suddenly I had to take care of everything.

Ezio nodded in sign of understanding. So that's why she was a "boy". She was fighting a life alone, with her mother, sick mother, chased by the guards for a crime her family didn't commit... Just like him. "Strange how faith made her cross his path", thought Ezio for himself.

She got up from the bed and went to the table, took the wooden bowl and handed it to Ezio. He took it and looked at her. She smiled and said:

- You must eat. If you're hungry, that's a good sign. You're body needs it. It's not much, but it's all we have now.
He looked at her and smiled:
- It's more than enough, said Ezio looking at the window, than he remembered, he was... trapped there.
He turned to the girl who took his garments and started to mend them together and said:
- I might sound stupid now, but where is the door to this room?
The girls smiled:
- It's hidden sir. This is a secret chamber. I made it to be able to hide with "mamma" if something bad happens. You see that little corner over there, she said pointing in a direction.
Ezio nodded and said:
- ... Yes...
- Well, there is the door. You can't see it because it's made of clay, but it's thin as a piece of parchment.
- Brilliant!
The girl smiled:
- I guess. I don't have many options now. But you are safe here!
- How long have I been here?
- Thee days sir since the evening I found you laying in the back of my house. You were so dirty, your garments muddy that everybody mistook you for a begger. So did I until I saw the arrow on your back.
Ezio nodded:
- I see... Why did you help me?
The girl smiled:
- Why would I not?
Ezio stopped for a few seconds and said:
- Are you always so witty?
- No sir! Just when I have somebody to talk to.
He smiled and asked:
- Did the guards came looking for me?
She nodded:
- Yes they did!
Ezio looked at her and she said:
- And they got right passed you. That happened the night I found you, then first thing in the morning and evening too. And they also came this morning. I guess they know you could be here somewhere.
Ezio stood silent and she continued:
- I guess you are the one who killed Niccolo Moretto.
He chocked with the soup. She jumped off the bed and helped him patting his back gently then said:
- Easy sir! You don't need this kind of effort. The wounds may re-open. Easy...
He calmed down after a few coughs and said:
- How do you know that?
- They put posters with you all over town.
Ezio hissed angrily:
- Damn it!
- I sort of recognized you from there. The bounty is pretty high!
Ezio looked at her and she looked at him confused:
- Sir, are you implying that I would sell you for that? Do you not know? No lesser citizen can claim the reward even if they got the right man. And second, I am not the kind to favor the rich ones who do bad! Niccolo was no saint! The city is better without him.
Ezio sighted releved:
- So I am indeed safe here!
The girl looked around:
- As safe as my house can be, yes! Now please eat and rest.
Ezio nodded. Seemed that the girl knew things about his target. The thought of the informant did not leave him and now that he was a hot topic, he definitely needed to find the answers. What happened? He knew that Niccolo was just a madman, not an official. But it was his mistake too. He should have investgated the matter. Now it is too late. He must think of a plan!

Chapter 5 - Lightning Speed

Niccolo Moretto was dead for almost a month now and the city of Milan already "mourned" his passing, but Ezio's head was still hunted. The "fever" calmed down a bit since the first days in which the killing happened, but there were still enough people searching for the assassin. Taddea and Ezio were living under the same roof all this time and Ezio's strength came back little by little as the girl managed to mandle every wound in his body. During the past weeks, his body recovered a lot, but the nights were not easy for Ezio. Bad dreams or deep pain would bother him and make him wake up in the middle of the night screaming. And all that time Taddea was there for him, taking away the pain from his body or from his mind. She would run around him and her mother, always awake, always ready to aid.

Sometimes Ezio would find her sleeping on the floor not too far from his bed with her mom's medicine in one hand and his aid in the other. Then he would take the medicine she prepared, take her to her bed and help giving her mother the aid; and the next morning Taddea would avoid him almost completely, trying not to talk to him, or look him in the eyes because of the embarrassment. That made Ezio smile, but he would not push her, just ruffle her hair when he got the chance, and that would calm her down. Other nights he would wake up unable to move and the girl's voice was the only thing that made him relax. It seemed that no matter how hard the task was, she was determined to help them both. She was indeed "papa's girl", a true "medicine girl".

In no time the Auditore's son was able to walk and run, able to jump and carry weights, like in the beginning. He left behind his assassin garments and put on the poor ones. His beard grew longer and even his hair too. He would go out at night, training on the rooftops of Milan's houses, paying thieves and beggars to engage in battles with him so he could get his mobility back. During the day he would help Taddea in the house, caring for her mother or repairing bits and pieces in the small cottage. While living in Taddea and her mother's house, the two shared their past life together, maybe understanding each other more than others could have, their pasts were so similar. But Ezio kept many details for himself and the girl didn't ask questions realizing that was not her place to ask.

But they both knew that soon he will have to leave. Leonardo must have been worried to death. Then again, why would he be? He knew that he was an assassin and it was not the first time that he would miss for days or weeks. But he always left messages. Ezio wondered if Leonardo ever noticed or cared for his messages. Maybe he already came to look for him, but even if he got in the right house, finding Taddea, he was sure that the girl could have managed to make him go away. He was incredibly lucky that Taddea was the way she was, that she kept a low profile and helped him. He already thought to move the two, her and her paralyzed mother, in Montireggioni to live with his mother and sister. "That is a good plan!" thought Ezio. But now, it was time for him to leave. He kept Taddea and her mother in danger for enough time!

He will leave tonight, most likely a few hours after midnight, the less guards on streets and roofs, the better. In all this time Taddea was his ears and eyes in the city. By now he knew about the posters and that he was hunted and he knew that the girl did the best to take down as many as she could. Beside him being hunted, his concern was another. From what he understood from Taddea, Niccolo Moretto was not even an official. He raised from nowhere to be somebody over night. The information about him were truly scarce. That could mean one thing: the informant sent him to a "fake-target" and if that was the case, the informant was either corrupted or in danger and that meant things weren't pretty at all. Tonight he will get to Leonardo's house and get a messenger to the Brotherhood so they can investigate further on their own. He must not make any move now just get as many information as he can.

Taddea entered the room. Se was carrying his assassin garments. They were repaired. She smiled at him and said:
- You look like you're leaving sir.
Ezio turned to her and said:
- Is that obvious?
She nodded and continued:
- Yes sir. It was only a matter of time until you will leave. You got your strenght back, so there is no need for you too stay in this... place, she said looking around the small room.
Ezio shook his head and said:
- You know I don't mind this... place... this saved my life. You saved my life!
- You saved your own life sir! I've never seen someone like you before. You either are incredibly lucky or incredibly strong.
Ezio grinned:
- Is that so...?
Taddea looked at him and sniffed in laughter:
- Ah men and their ego! then calmed down and said on a serious tone, yes sir! The poison you've been shot with is a very strong one. Even hard to make, it takes at least a week to be prepared and not anybody can have the ingredients, especially in this season. It's not a "simple-folk poison" sir...
- How do you know all this?
Taddea looked at him:
- I told you sir. My father was a medicine man. You know, every cure, in a bigger dose, can be a poison too.
Ezio snored and said:
- That's exactly what Leonardo said.... but go on...
She frowned a bit and continued:
- I don't know who is this Leonardo you talk about sir, but, as I was saying, from the reactions in your body, I could determine what poison you've been shoot with. At first I thought it was not possible, but well, it's not like you've been hunted by us who don't have the means, but the City's guards. Even so, that poison is made by those who know the science.
- Yeah, but it's not so unusual for a poison to be made by them, said Ezio shrugging shoulders.
- True, but the poison it's actually pretty powerful. When THEY wanna kill somebody, they use other poisons, they work slower, but they don't leave any traces. Yours was imprinted all over your body. Whoever made it, whoever wanted it used, also wanted you dead sir, no matter how.
Everything was even clearer now. Indeed Niccolo Moretto was a fake-target. The main target was him. But why? With what purpose? So many questions needed to be answered. He will leave tonight and he will send for his uncle's help and advice. He must keep a low profile.
The girl noticed his reaction and said:
- It was not my intention to trouble you, sir.
Ezio snapped back from his thoughts and said:
- I tought I told you a million times now, not to call me SIR!
Taddea let her head in the ground:
- I am... sorry...
Ezio shook his head and approached her:
- Noooo... stop that! You're too... humble! And it's not the case! You've been through so much and you're still here! Stop being like this! Look, I will leave tonight, but I will come back. I promise!
Taddea looked at him:
- There's no need to say that, sir!
Ezio snapped back:
- I am not just saying so! I owe you my life! You said it yourself, that poison was lethal! I could have died easily! And you saved me! You, not anybody else. You kept me here, you shared your little things with me while taking care of your mother too. You kept the guards away, you even risked your life going into town and ripping down the posters and asking questions, listening to people, finding the gossip.
- I only did what you taught me sir!
- ... But you asked nothing in return... How many people do that?
Taddea looked at him and said:
- I am sure you would have done the same...
- I will... when I come back, you and your mother better be ready. You will leave this place!
Taddea stared at him shocked:
- What? What do you mean?
- Yes, you and your mother will leave for Montireggioni, said Ezio.
- But...
- Do you have something here, that you can't leave?
She looked at him for a few seconds and gulped and felt all of a sudden a heatwave rising to her head. She let her head down, instantaneous putting the hood of the cloth on:
- ... N-no sir... I don't have anything h-here... But I don't wanna trouble you... s-sir...
Ezio smiled widely:
- Then it is decided! You two are going to Montireggioni! The village is mine and there is no danger there. You will have doctors to take care of you dear mother and you can rest a bit, do what you like, be what you like...
Taddea was shaking, "His village?! Who is this man?! She looked at him from under the hood and said almost whispering:
- ... Will you come and visit us there...?
Ezio turned to her:
- What? Did you say something?
Taddea froze and shouted:
- NO, SIR! I was just saying THANK YOU SIR!
Ezio smiled happily and took Taddea into a tight embrace:
- You don't have to thank me! Remember! said Ezio then released her from the grasp.
He looked at her with gentle eyes, took down her hood and kissed her gently on the forehead. Taddea stood frozen barely breathing, flustered and scared at the same time. Ezio said, kneeling beside her:
- From now on, I will protect you and your mother! said the assassin smiling and ruffling her hair with a gentle touch.
Nausea, fear, happiness, rage, despair, dizziness, all hit Taddea so sudden that she felt her legs shaking, the room spinning. She touched her head in the place Ezio ruffled her hair. Ezio went out the room already, taking his garments with him and the girl stood frozen in the middle of it barely breathing. "What's happening to me?! What's this?!" She moved slowly to the bed and fell upon it. The sheets kept Ezio smell. She inhaled, grabbing the covers between her fingers. She rolled over and looked at the ceiling for a few seconds than whispered to herself:
" - Oh no..."

Chapter 7 - Assassins beware!

It was the the year of 1483, February, when Ezio came back to Leonardo Da Vinci's home. A month had passed since Ezio was unable to fulfill his assassin duties. Almost four weeks ago he killed Niccolo Moretto and so he became the most wanted man in the City of Milan. Now the spirits have calmed down a bit. Even the sun started to show its face more often in these parts of the world. He was safe for now.

Ezio was sleeping. A few rays of the sun crossed between the curtains of Leonardo's bedroom and hit the assassin's face. The heat started to warm his skin and he moaned. He turned around and covered his head with a pillow, crouching under the covers. But a few minutes later he was rudely awakened by somebody who entered the room. It was one of Leonardo's servants who has been order to clean the room and wake up Ezio. The curtains opened letting in the room the light as the assassin almost screamed from under the blankets. A familiar voice said:
- Sir Ezio! Sir Ezio! It's time to wake up! You have guests!
The assassins heard the words from somewhere, in a dream, and said mumbling:
- Guest? I don't have any... guests... go away!
The voice continued:
- Well, sir... You're being...
Another voice shouted:
"- NIPOTE! MA CHE COSA STAI FACENDO?! Stai dormedo a questa ora! Questa non e la pianificazione di un assassino!"
Ezio rised his head from the pillows and looked around. He knew that voice very well:
- ... M-Mario?!?! said the assassin stammering.
Mario Auditore di Fireze came closer to the bed, dragged his grandson off and hugged him. Ezio stumbled in the pillows, his feet wrapped in the blankets, still sleepy and dizzy, blinded by the light, his clothes crumpled and his hair shaggy. He tried to fight his uncle off, but the man was too eager to salute him. Leonardo stood in the door hiding his smile, biting his lower lip so he won't burst in laughter. Ezio looked at him from over his uncle shoulder and said mumbling:
- I saw that Leonardo!
The man covered his mouth and took a step out of the room laughing out loud. Ezio finally made it out of his uncle's embrace. He took off the covers and jumped out of bed while smoothing down his shirt and pants. He looked around and saw Bartolomeo trying not to laugh, his uncle in front of him smiling and Leonardo in the door trying to be serious. He took a deep breath and said:
- Fine, I am awake! Uncle Mario, what are you doing here? said the man rubbing his eyes.
Mario looked back at Leonardo and said:
- I've got the notice a week ago from Leonardo. He sent a messenger to tell me that you were in trouble. But I see you are alive and well.
Ezio snorted and said:
- Yeah, you could say that...
- Leonardo told me that you got shot...
Ezio looked at Leonardo, then said to Mario:
- Yes... This Niccolo killing... is killing me...
Mario nodded:
- I know, that's why I am here. I already sent word to Antonio, but I don't know if he will make it. I heard he has some serious business in Venice now. But the Brotherhood already started the investigation about who gave you this information. I came here so we can talk about everything.
Ezio scratches his head and said:
- Then what are you waiting for...?
Leonardo continued:
- ... For you to wake up my friend...
Ezio showed his uncle the door letting him lead the way and walked beside Leonardo for a few seconds, then pushed him gently in one side and whispered:
"- Smart-a**..."

They entered the guest room that Leonardo prepared, with Ezio still yawning as they set at the table. Mario looked at Ezio and said:
- Grandson, please tell us what happened and what do you for now...
Ezio sighted and said:
- The informant gave me a name, Niccolo Moretto who was suppose to be a killer, murdering women and children around Milan. When I got to him, I saw that he was not the usual suspect, but then again, all the great murderers are rich and powerful. Just that after the killing the whole Milan guards went after me. I got shot with poisoned arrows and from what I understood, the poison is not made by anybody. She said that only a few know the recipe and the ingredients are hard to find in this season, so they either keep them good or have the money to order them from somewhere else...
Mario looked at him:
- ... She?
Ezio nodded:
- The one who found me after I got shot... But I will get to that later. Anyway, she concluded that the poison that I've been shot with was so powerful and body damaging that somebody wanted me dead no matter what.
Leonardo looked at him surprised:
- How did she know...?
Ezio opened his mouth to say something, but Mario continued:
- Because when they kill each other they use poisons that are untraceable...
Ezio nodded:
- True... She also said that my skin was green, so, they just used whatever is more powerful to kill me as soon as they could...
Mario stared at the ground:
- I see, so in the end you were the target and Niccolo was a bait. But with what purpose?
Ezio nodded and said:
- For now I must keep a very low profile. It's clear that our informant delivered the wrong message intentionally and that leads us two some conclusions, either he is in danger or... he got corrupt on the way.
Mario said:
- I think I got the answer for that. Short after we heard what was happening here, we all stopped from our missions. Our only purpose was to discover the informant. We delivered fake mission in different towns, fake deaths and so on and we concentrate on finding the leak. And we did find the informant. He kept his mouth shot for a while until we discovered that his family was kidnapped. But for somebody to know this things, like Assassin's informants... They must have looked for him for a long while now or keep their eyes on us. As for now, our assassins are searching for the family and hopefully we will find them in time...
Ezio looked at him and said:
- True, but don't you think others can be in his situation?
- Yes, we already thought about it. We are keeping everybody under surveillance for now. If there are others we can't risk their exposure. The main operations are halted, we deliver just fake jobs.
Leonardo listen to both of them and said:
- Well, if that is the case I think I have some information too. My new assignment at the Sforza Palace lead me somewhere. From what I've understand from the Duke himself, this Niccolo was his opponent.
Mario and Ezio looked at him confused:
- What? said Ezio, but the people of the town they all claim my head because Niccolo was one of Gian's man and I was sent to kill the Duke!
Leonardo nodded:
- Yes, that was my reaction too. Especially since the Duke told me that more then a few times he had some serious altercations with him. Moretto was a nobody! He came to be this "important official figure" over-night. The rumors say that he inherited a large amount of money after the death of one of his uncles and so he became a... politician!
Ezio snorted:
- Well, is no surprise there if he poisoned his uncle...
Leonard turned to him and pointed a finger in his direction:
- Exactly my fried! There is no secret anymore, the Moretto's are one of the best poison makers in whole Milan at least... So speak the underground voices..
Mario looked at Leonardo and said:
- That explains a lot! Lethal poison, made by those who have the means, Ezio a target, Niccolo an actual enemy of the Duke's House, but the masses think of him as a saint and we also have a blackmailed informant. This sounds like a big plot...
Ezio nodded:
- The problem is we don't know what to expect now...
Leonardo paused a few seconds then said:
- This whole thing looks to me like a big lie!
Mario and Ezio turned to him. Leonardo continued:
- Think about it! Why would somebody frame Ezio or the Assassin's? Why would somebody start a rumor like "An assassin was sent for the Duke" and why would somebody pose as a friend of the Duke while he is a real adversary?
Mario said:
- Somebody needs to earn somebody's else trust...
Leonardo exclaimed:
- Exactly!!! And also, somebody needs his way wide open... Put the bounty on the Assassins because the Assassins want to get the Duke's head and you got both trust of the powerful and cleared path to him...
Ezio paused then said:
- You two are saying that I am the trigger for a whole political plot?!
Leonardo and Mario looked at him and nodded. Mario said:
- Like Leonardo said. Maybe is just you, maybe is all of us. In any case, the Brotherhood is in danger.
- And if that is the case, you my friends, will be hunted... DIO MIO! This whole things extends to completely other proportions, said Leonardo slamming his forehead with the palm.
Ezio raised from the chair and said:
- We need to get of the bottom of this. We must send word to the Brotherhood in an instant and... I must do something...
He turned around and said to Mario:
- I need you to do me a favor and arrange a save place for somebody.
Mario smiled and said:
- Are you referring at the this... girl that saved you?
Ezio looked at him surprised ans said:
- ... Well, yes Uncle... How did you...
Mario pointed at Leonardo:
- He told me this morning when I came. Consider it done grandson!
Ezio looked at Mario and Leonardo and hugged them at the same time:
- Thank you my brothers! Thank you... Tonight we will go after them...

***

NOTE: The italian phrease "NIPOTE! MA CHE COSA STAI FACENDO?! Stai dormedo a questa ora! Questa non e la pianificazione di un assassino!"

means:
It means: "Grandson! What are you doing? You're sleeping at this hour? This is not the schedule of an assassin!"

And Dio mio, is "my god"...

Chapter 9 - Flames

The day faded again and night has fallen over Milan. It has been almost two days now since Leonardo Da Vinci, Ezio Auditore and his uncle Mario saved Taddea from her house and buried her mother in the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio, but no sign of the young woman waking up. The doctor had always the same answer, a shrug of shoulders. The days were silent, Leonardo just doodling on his works even though he got a message from the Sforza Palace asking him about the state of the works he was supposed to do. His answer? A lie to the Duke of Milan. He was sick and could not work. But... He was sick. He closed himself in his bedroom sulking over the past events and cursing Ezio every time the assassin knocked on his door. He did not let in even Bartolomeo who was already scared to death for "his master".

In the meantime, Ezio's uncle, Mario, was planing to go back in Montireggioni with all the information he gathered in Milan. He wanted to take his nephew with him, but Ezio refused. The assassin wanted to know what happened to the young woman, so during the night, Ezio got into a fight with his uncle. The man tried to stop him from going out to "investigate" about what went wrong and he knew that Ezio would have gone right to their place and take every neighbor around the house and beat the information out of them. Normally, that was a great plan, now it was too risky. If that was a coincidence, well, it was nothing that he or anybody could do about it, but if somebody did this because of Ezio, the balance of the whole situation was completely off. But Ezio was too stubborn, so in no time the two men ended up destroying everything around them.

Mario punched Ezio in the face and administered a blow in his stomach. After a few seconds of hesitation, Ezio snapped back and hit Mario with his shoulder in the chest and the elbow in his stomach. The man almost flew a few steps back and stopped into a wooden stand with drawers. He pushed it aside, the furniture falling on the ground and the porcelain vase shattered into pieces, the drawers opened and the content overflew on the ground. Mario didn't wait too long and grabbed the first thing that came in handy and that was a broken spear hanged on the wall. He swung the sharp object around taunting Ezio. The assassin screamed in anger and ran toward him with his fist in the air but managed only to get hit in the jaw by Mario's fist, clenched on the spear. His head flew backwards and blood sprang from his mouth. Mario yelled at him:
- ENOUGH "NIPOTE"!
But Ezio didn't hear him. He shook his head to rouse himself and raised his leg hitting Mario's knee. The man fell in an instant on the ground trying to keep his balance, but Ezio snatched him by the shirt's neckband, drew him closer and administered another blow with his knee in Mario's nose. Blood gushed out of his nostrils and the man felt suddenly dizzy. He braced himself with his arms on the ground and looked up at Ezio. His nephew was beyond angry. The young assassin turned his back to Mario and took a step toward the exit, but he heard his uncle's voice:
- Where do you think your going?
Ezio looked back, but in an instant he felt the ground running from under his feet. Mario stroked again, hitting Ezio in the ankle, the one he had already sprain more then a month ago. Pain went through his entire leg as he heard the bone cracking, a sharp grip taking control from one articulation to another and Ezio fell to the ground, motionless. Then he felt his uncle's weight on his back, his voice speaking and a pressure on the back of his head that shone him to the floor. Mario yelled while spitting blood:
- You insolent little p***k! Where do you think you're going? What do you think you can do now?
Ezio mumbled:
- LET ME GO!
Mario pulled him by the hair violently and hit his head on the ground then said:
- LISTEN TO ME, b*****d! LISTEN CLOSELY!!! If you go there now and make a big commotion like you did here, you will only make things worse! "IDIOTA!" Use your brain a bit "nipote" and don't let anger take the best of you. I understand how you feel, but think! THINK! THINK!!! yelled Mario.
Ezio stopped moving and soon felt his uncle's grip loosening. Mario moved slowly away and leaned on the wall near him. Ezio turned face up looking at the ceiling. They were both panting heavily, their faces covered in blood. Mario said barely breathing:
- Listen to me "nipote"! If that girl was attacked because of you, we still don't know what happened. They PROBABLY watched you, they PROBABLY didn't. They are probably just bounty hunters, but maybe they are guards or those who made this whole plot. If that is the case, Taddea just saved your "arse" and you're ready to blow that cover up because of your impatience and anger.
Ezio covered his eyes with his right hand, but said nothing. Mario continued while cleaning his runny nose with his sleeve:
- She's in the other room beaten and she her mother is dead now because she protected you... It is a "maybe situation", but do you really want to risk it? Do you?
Ezio shook his had meaning "no".
- Then stay here tonight, the night after and so on, until we figure out what happened. Don't be so rushed "nipote".
Suddenly they heard a noise in the room and looked around. From under the door's frame they could see the blond hair of Bartolomeo and his big eyes staring back at them. Ezio supported his body in the elbows and turned around and said:
- How long have you been watching.
Bartolomeo came out of the hiding and said embarrassed:
- ... Since you started arguing sirs... I'll go now, said the young boy running away from the scene.
Mario snorted and looked around:
- Leonardo is gonna poke my other eye out when he sees this, said Mario touching the cicatrice over his face, a scar that crossed from his forehead to his cheek, blinding his left eye.
The room was in a critical state; paintings barely hanging from the wall, shattered vases or others porcelain objects and broken furniture. Ezio sat up and looked around:
- We're dead!
Leonardo's voice could be suddenly heard in the room:
- "PORCA MISERIA!"
Ezio and Mario covered their faces with their hands. Leonardo stepped into the room looking shocked and desperate at the same time. He sighted and turned around to Ezio and Mario, but stopped before saying anthing at the sight of them, both with their clothes torn, both bloody and now humble like two lost puppies. He yelled to Bartolomeo and the boy came running:
- Bring warm water and pads to my room and some medicine, these two need... help, said Leonardo almost tired.
He made a sign with his hand showing them the door that lead to the stairs from his bedroom and turned to Bartolomeo and said:
- Get somebody to clean this up!

A few moments later in his bedroom Ezio and Mario were being stitched by Leonardo. None of them spoke and Leonardo's face showed anger. "He has been like this for days" thought Ezio. He opened his mouth so speak but Leonardo shut him with a gesture of his finger raised in the air. Mario looked at Ezio and the assassin looked back. Leonardo mumbled something that said:
- What happened... How did my room end up like... THAT?! yelled the artist.
Ezio smirked and said:
- ... It's my fault...
Leonardo rolled his eyes and gasped:
- Why am I not surprised?
- ... Because you know me, replied Ezio.
Leonardo froze again. He looked for a few seconds at him keeping a wet pad in his right hand. He wanted to smash it in his face, but after a deep sight he placed it carefully on Ezio broken lips. He reached for another one and cleaned Mario's bloody nose. He took a few steps back and sat on a chair, then said turning to Mario:
- Let me guess, you tried to stop him...
Mario nodded. Leonardo turned to Ezio:
- ... And you didn't listen to him....
Ezio nodded as Leonardo continued:
- ... And this is about the young girl we have downstairs...
They both nodded.
- I see... In this case, we need a rule...
The two assassin's looked at Leonardo who suddenly yelled:
- NO MORE RUSH DECISIONS! You're destroying my house and you don't help that poor girl..., tried Leonard to say on a calm tone.
Mario raised from the bed and said:
- Well, I think he got it now. If he does that again just hit him with a blunt object in the head.
Leonardo looked at him:
- What?
- He's all yours now, I'm leaving for Montireggioni. I will send a messenger as soon as we know something.
Leonardo nodded:
- I see..., he got up, but Mario stopped him.
- No, I know my way... I think I've disturbed you enough, friend.
Leonardo waved his hand in the air and said:
- Ah, assassins. Not a big deal. Are you up for the road?
Mario nodded and Leonardo continued:
- Before you go, you have a pair of new garments waiting for you and... have a safe trip my friend, said Leonardo opening his arms. Mario smiled and patted the man on the back engaging into a friendly hug.
- "Grazie!" then turned to Ezio, "nipote"... and he left quitely.
Leonardo turned to Ezio. He looked at him like the assassin was a little child and said:
- What am I going to do with you?
Ezio looked at him and said:
-... Keep me!
The answer made Leonardo chuckle. He just smiled and said:
- Let me see your bruises... and sat beside him on the bed.
Leonardo started to clean Ezio's face. Ezio just followed his moves then said quitely:
- You know, I really appreciate all you do for me...
- Shut up! replayed Leonardo.
Ezio frowned:
- You've been acting weird for a while...
- You've been acting like a boy for a while...
They both got silent, then Ezio said:
- ... But thank you...
- You're welcome, replied Leonardo with an emotionless expression on his face.
Ezio bit his lower lip and said:
- You know what I could do right now?
Leonardo turned his face to him and said:
- Make a stupid joke?
Ezio leaned forward almost reaching Leonardo's lips and whispered:
- ... No... something else...
Leonardo could not move or breathe, his eyes fixed on Ezio's expression... on his lips. Ezio moved his arms around Leonardo's waist and reached for him, dragging him closer to him.
A sudden knock on the door and Bartolomeo's screaming voice made the two men flicker.
- MASTER! SHE'S AWAKE!!!

Chapter 12 - Wall of Fame

The gates opened and Leonardo's carriage made its way into the waiting courtyard of the Sfortza Palace, the residence of the Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Sforza. Bartolomeo halted the horses and went down to help his master. He opened the door of the carriage then went at the back and with the help of Leonardo, they took down all five paintings the artist made in almost a single day. The oily paint was still wet, Bartolomeo puffing over them, in the attempt to speed up the process of drying and making Leonardo smile. The man said:
- Is alright Bartolomeo! I will just advice those who will handle them to be careful. You don't have to sweat for them!
Bartolomeo looked at him amazed. Usually when the paint was not dry, Leonardo would be very agitated and would not let anyone near the works until he was sure that everything was safe. Leonardo noticed his reaction and said:
- Is there something wrong?
Bartolomeo shook his head:
- No master. Is just, usually you would not let anybody near an undry painting.
Leonardo nodded. It was true, but now he didn't care much. He smiled and almost giggled:
- I guess I'm just... tired, he said and for a moment the memory of Ezio took over his thoughts.

In a short while from their arrival, Leonardo and Bartolomeo were greeted by Ludovico Sforza, Gian Galeazzo's uncle who was the fourth son of Francesco Sforza and also Leonardo da Vinci's patron. He smiled widely at the sight of the artist and said opening his arms:
- How are you feeling, my friend?! said the man embracing Leonardo.
Leonardo coughed once then said, but more because of the tight embrace he got from Ludovico, than faking his "cold":
- Much better, thank you for asking, he answered.
- Is everything done?
Leonardo nodded:
- Yes, the paint is still wet thought, so be careful.
Ludovico made a gesture with his hand and a few servants rushed outside. They took the paintings, leaned them against a wall, and moved aside. Each one of them represented one of the members of the family. Gian Galeazzo, the Duke, his wife, princess Isabella of Naples, and the three children: Ippolita Maria, Francesco and Bona. Ludovico smiled as he was admiring the works. Ludovico Sforza was not a stupid man. The fourth son of Francesco I Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti had the luck to get a high education because of his mother. Under the tutelage of the humanist Francesco Filelfo, Lodovico received instruction in the beauties of painting, sculpture, and letters, but he was also taught the methods of government and warfare. Ludovico was a tall man, and darker than the usual Italians around him. That feature got him nicknamed "Moro", but Leonardo never figured out if the name was given because his very dark hair, or his... skin, just like one of a "moor".
- Very good my friend! said Ludovico patting aggressively Leonardo's shoulder, then turned to the servants and said:
- Bring the paintings in and be careful with them or I'll cut down your hands!
The servants bowed and hurried to the paintings. Ludovico pushed gently Leonardo forward, inviting him inside. Leonardo smiled and followed him. They went in, crossing a long hallway in which many of Leonardo's works were exposed. Ludovico said pointing at the wall:
- Here will stay the news ones! I am glad to see you kept your word again.
- Why would I not?
Ludovico mumbled something and made a gesture with his hand in the air. Leonardo looked at him and asked:
- What happened?
Ludovico glared at him and finally said:
- This whole... assassin thing, gets me nervous!
- Certainly you don't believe those rumors!
- I don't, but still! You remember Galeazzo Maria Sforza, that crazy b*****d!
- Everybody does, that's why he was assassinated! Why bring this up? You are a regent of Milan now, together with the boy Duke!
Ludovico nodded:
- This "boy king" we have, he does not understand much. He believes everything and nothing and can't see good from evil.
- What do you mean? asked Leonardo.
- I think... that something is going to happen. Plus those..., hissed Ludovico between his teeth.
- Those who? tried Leonardo to understand his reactions.
Ludovico shook his head:
- We have descents of Raimondo della Torre at the palace, he said whispering.
Leonardo stood silent. He knew who Raimondo della Torre was, but he could not imagine that after almost 300 years, his followers and descendants would still want the power over Milan. The grudge was deep on the Visconti's, but now the Sforza's had the power, what use for revenge?! Sure, the first Duke was one of the best rulers Milan had, then his son would be a tyrant who needed to be assassinated for the safety of the people and now his son, Gian Gallezzano Sforza, was ruling Milan under the real power and influence of Ludovico. But the fact that della Torre still wanted Milan, well, that could be the plot that they were talking about the other day. He turned to Ludovico:
- Do you know who these people are?
Ludovico nodded and said:
- Yes and no, and certainty we cannot speak here. The walls have ears my friend! Come with me..., Ludovico said going into a different direction without waiting for Leonardo's answer.

Leonardo was often his "confession buddy" because of the painter's relation with di Medici of Florence who only brought good "references" on the man's resume. On top of that a friendship was established between Ludovico and Leonardo when "il Moro" became his patron and learned about his mastery and talent. Leonardo was often his ears and eyes in the world on the people that Ludovico could not reach. This whole situation also helped Leonardo a lot in his attachment to the Brotherhood. "Right, Brotherhood, you mean Ezio, idiota!" thought Leonardo for himself.

The two men went into the garden, a place where the flowers would not wither not even in the middle of the winter. Leonardo liked the place a lot since the Duke had his collection of exotic plants, more precise that was Ludovico's passion, but a collection like that would make the Duke look good. The regent said:
- There is nothing certain my friend. I have no proof and that "piccolo idiota", doesn't know his enemies not even if they would hit him in the head.
- But, he saw the truth Niccolo Moretto..., replied Leonardo.
- Ah! He didn't! That was a pure coincidence. One that saved me some trouble, but just coincidence. That other "idiota" was so unable to make a decent request to the Duke that he instantly got into a fight with him. And he didn't even try to avoid other conflicts, his stupidity, greed and pride brought him to the point that Gian would not even want him in the same room as him. Serves him good! Still Niccolo was able to convince the Duke that he's in danger and that an assassin was sent for him. And an assassin was sent, but not for him... Even tough I can't put my fingers on what happened, said the man plunged in deep thoughts.
Leonardo looked at him and said:
- So you don't have information of this assassin...
Ludovico nodded:
- For all I know, he can be good or bad... I take it as a good thing, he killed a b*****d!
- Are you still friends with di Medici? asked Leonardo.
Ludovico nodded:
- The bonds have been kept.
- Then friend, I say you talk with them, ask them for a man you can trust... To investigate, or even better, let me handle this.
Ludovico shook his head:
- No, no! If this is what I fear it is, you won't be involved! This is not a matter for a painter. I will send for Medici's advice and help. As for you, if you hear anything don't hesitate to visit me.
Leonardo nodded, but went back to the previous subject of discussion:
- You said before that you know some men... And who are these you speak of?
The regent paused for a few seconds, than said:
- I only know of Iacopo Balista, but I barely learned anything. He keeps himself safe around the Pope's robe.
Leonardo's eyebrow rose. "That certainty has a lot of meanings", thought for himself. The painter said:
- And what is he doing?
- For starters he is way too friendly with the Duke and feeds him "della Torre's" stories.
- Something else...
- Nothing for now. I tried to track down this Iacopo, but I didn't even find his parents. I would not be surprised if he was an orphan of the church.
Leonardo nodded:
- I see.. And you are sure you don't need my help?
- No, not now at least...
- Then my friend, just keep me posted and if I can help, you know where to find me.
Ludovico Sforza nodded as the went back into the hallway, passing the wall of paintings on which Leonardo's new works were now hung. The Sforza's son shouted making Leonardo shudder:
- Ah! There they are!
Leonardo turned to the wall and looked at the paintings:
- Yes, there they are, he replied in a low tone, then said, Ludovico, I will be heading back now! It was nice seeing you again my friend.
Ludovico bowed before Leonardo and escorted him to his carriage, where he was awaited by Bartolomeo.

Leonardo entered the house and looked around. It was already pretty late. Beside Bartolomeo who now said his "good night" speech and was heading to his room, the rest of the servants were asleep. Leonardo went upstairs and at the first floor stopped to check on Taddea. He opened the door slowly and looked inside. Beside her bed there was a small table on which a covered candle still litted the room. The girl was asleep and near the candle stood a book. Ezio must have read her stories. He closed the door and went up another level, until he reached his bedroom. When he stepped inside he found Ezio dozing on a couch. In his lap there were pages with Leonardo's sketches, things we wanted to invent, that needed more details, or were just not useable. He could not resist and smiled. "Ezio looking through my stuff", he chuckled, but the sound made Ezio open his eyes. He turned his head and saw Leonardo standing in the door with a candlestick in his hands.
- Welcome home, he said and Leonardo felt his knees weak.
He was always the one to greet Ezio, not the other way around. He liked the feeling and felt at ease when Ezio scratched his hands toward him, just like a boy who wanted attention.
- Come, said the assassin.
He got closer and touched his hand, feeling their grasp. Ezio looked at him and asked:
- Are you alright?
Leonardo nodded:
- Yes, I am... I still can't...
- ... Believe it?
- ... Yes...
- Try, I'm not going anywhere...
Leonardo nodded again and said:
- Well, the visit at the Sforza's was a fruitful one...
- So you dug up something...
- Yes!
- Did you meet the Duke?
- No, said Leonardo and continued, but I got good news, and bad news.
- Bad news, replied Ezio.
- The young Duke truly thinks that an assassin was sent for him, especially since his father was killed.
- His father was mad, we had to! Greedy, mad and sick...
- Yes I know, just listen. Also, the fact that Niccolo Moretto and the Duke were in a conflict, was a pure coincidence. Niccolo was not... well... diplomatic enough to know how to ask the Duke for favors, which made the boy mad, said Leonardo taking off his tunic and shirt.
- So, he's at THAT age, said Ezio.
Leonardo snorted a laugh:
- Yes, indeed..., continued Leonardo still undressing.
- And the good news?
- Ah yes, the good new is that Ludovico Sforza kept his ties with our dear di Medici and he will send soon for council. He also spotted something wrong on the Palace, a certain Iacopo Balista that seems, hides around the Papal power, but from what I understood, he could share more than the Papal knowledge...
Ezio turned to him:
- Oh really...
- So, I would be careful how you play this one. Ludovico is certain that Visconti's long time enemies, the "della Torre's" are... back to take the power from the Sforza's.
Ezio turned to him:
- What? But that was... decades and decades ago... And Sforza's aren't Visconti's!!!
- I guess the grudge goes deep and some just want power! I just told you what I could find in this visit. I didn't say it would make any sense. But if it's true, we're standing in front of a "coup d'etat", said Leonardo.
Ezio smiled:
- Like always, you're a life saver! replied the assassin caressing Leonardo's unveiled skin while kissing his neck.
- Glad to be at service, my dear, said Leonardo.
Ezio got closer and hugged Leonardo, then said:
- Enough for today, we will figure this out tomorrow. Come to bed now...
Leonardo nodded, but before he could do a step he was lifted on the shoulder by the assassin and thrown on the bed. Ezio crawled beside him in seconds and made space for him between Leonardo's arms. The painter said:
- Are you sure you are an assassin?
Ezio looked up at him and said:
- Yeah, I am... I'm just an assassin in love...
"Touche!" screamed Leonardo's thoughts as he felt breathless again

Chapter 14 - We work in the dark, to serve the light

Ezio was growing impatient. His uncle Mario promised to be "soon" in Milan, but the hour of his arrival was growing late. Now he was certain that the Sforza dynasty was in danger and he could not make a move without the Brotherhood's approval. Still, his impulsivity made him chase something else. After looking at Leonardo's sketches, he went into a wild hunt for the three "bounty-hunters" who left Taddea without her last parent and her almost dead. The revenge was cruel, more savage than his usual style. He chased them for days, playing with them, torturing and make them fear every sound they heard or every shadow they saw.

After a week of haunting, one of the three men killed himself spoiling the assassin's fun and Ezio could not be even around to see his face. He had to watch the whole scene from a rooftop, the man screaming in fear that the devil had come to get him. First he ran into a church begging for protection against the devil, but after he was thrown out, his only option was to slit his throat in the middle of the Square, people shouting and screaming in disgust and horror. The other two found their end in his blades, a slow death and very painful, he took care of that. And at the end, Ezio let them know who killed them and why. He was satisfied, but realized soon that his anger didn't diminish...

Ezio entered the house his usual way, from the roof, into Leonardo's study balcony and then into the house. As he made one step, he heard a voice behind him. He turned around and saw Leonardo standing in the shadows. The painter said:
- Are your senses getting slower... assassin? You didn't see me standing here...?
Ezio grinned, turning around:
- Really... so say you...
Leonardo's tone changed suddenly:
- Where have you been all week?
- Hunting..., replied Ezio, with a bleak voice.
- And I can say from the state of your robes that the hunt is over...
Ezio looked down, his entire robe was spattered with blood. Leonardo got closer and looked at him. His eyes were shaded by his hood, but in the dim ligh of the moon, Leonardo could see his cheeks and chin. He cleaned his face with his sleeve and kissed him, then said serious:
- They are dead... those who killed Taddea's mother and...
- Yes, replied Ezio. For them is over!
- Why it took you so long?
Ezio paused as Leonardo nodded:
- I see... You really hunt them down..., said Leonardo almost disappointed.
He continued:
- Stay an assassin Ezio, don't become a killer...
Ezio said nothing and Leonardo asked:
- Tell me... Has the anger faded?
The assassin shook his head. Leonardo took his face between his palms and kissed him again:
- Let it go my love, let it go. It will hurt you... It will bring back memories...
Ezio moaned and pulled him closer responding to his kiss. They tasted each other's lips for minutes until Ezio broke the kiss and embraced Leonardo saying:
- I will my love, I will... It's over now...

It was past midnight and in Leonardo's room Ezio was being cleaned by the blood he had on. His robe and weapons were lying into a pile near Leonardo's bed. The assassin was staying on top of the bed, his chest bare, but smears of red blood soiling his skin. Leonardo got his sleeves up and damped a piece of cloth in the bowl of hot water placed on a night stand near the bed. He looked at Ezio and trailed with the wet cloth the smudges of blood. He looked up at him concerned:
- You're awfully silent tonight...
Ezio paused for a few seconds, then said:
- I was thinking...
- ... At what you did tonight?
- Yes...
- ... And?
- And nothing... But you are right. The rage did not go away and I remembered everything and now... I don't know Leonardo...I know those who killed my parents payed for it, but... I don't know what happened to me...
Leonardo smiled:
- I think it's very normal...
- You do? looked Ezio at him, a bit puzzled.
- Well, you were robbed by our parents at a very early age, when you thought the world was at your feet. You learned the hard way how unfair life can be and the fact that Taddea's family disappeared from the face of the earth in the same conditions, affected you, still does since you think of her as your... sister...
- She is...
Leonardo nodded:
- All I'm saying is, don't let this bother you so much... Not now! You are strong Ezio, and you know your mission very well. I believe this was a one time fluke that won't happen again. Now don't feel uneasy because of those scums. They got what they deserved, you served justice to Taddea, you did what you always do..., said Leonardo cleaning Ezio's left arm.
Ezio smiled:
- I guess you're right... I-I don't know why I feel... like this...
- Rage can make a man go crazy, my beloved. All you need to do is relax..., said Leonardo very calm.
Ezio looked up at Leonardo who was leaning around him to clean his body and said:
- Doesn't this... disgust you?
Leonardo stood still for a few seconds, turning his face to Ezio with a confused look:
- What do you mean?
- All this blood...
He giggled:
- It's just blood my dear. We all have it in our bodies, it what keeps us alive. I surely prefer cleaning the blood of others from your body than your own blood...
Ezio laughed and leaned his forehead on Leonardo's stomach:
- You know... I would not be the same without you, Leonardo...
Leonardo let his hands down, caressing his hair gently and said smiling:
- It's alright. Everything is alright my dear, and leaned kissing the top of his head.

In the same night Bartolomeo had to stay up later that he used to. Until then he helped all day Taddea to clean Leonardo's storage, every tool being put on a certain category, stone to stone, wood to wood, paint to paint. Everything in order. She was able to move already, she could lift things, her body almost recovered. Sometimes she could feel a slight pain and she was getting tired quicker then usual, but apart from that she was alright. She spent most of her time with Bartolomeo, helping him with his chores, or in the kitchen with other servants, cleaning the dishes, the tables, helping how she could. Mostly she liked spending time in Leonardo's workshop, but Bartolomeo barely let her around in his absence.

Three hours after midnight, Ezio's uncle, Mario, arrived at Leonardo's home. He was greeted by Bartolomeo and Taddea. He looked at her amazed. It was still surprising that she was still there, but then again, Leonardo kept a clumsy helper like Bartolomeo. He smiled seeing the two, just like children coming to see their father. They both lead him in the guest room, one standing on his left side, and the other on his right. They were both doing the same gestures and saying the same thing at the same time, like a play that had been previously memorized. Mario was a bit puzzled. After Bartolomeo ran off to announce his arrival, Taddea remained behind and took his coat and asked him to make himself comfortable. She was looking at him a bit suspicious, but smiled when she realized that the man was noticing her reaction.

The tall man rose from his chair when the young woman left the chamber with his coat. He looked around, the room seemed that it had survived gracefully after the last "talk" he had with his nephew in there. He snorted in content. "That idiota!" said to himself. Suddenly he felt he was being watched. He moved slowly in front of a mirror that was at his right and looked in it sideways. He saw Taddea eyeing him from behind the door frame. He shook his head and said:
- What did I do to deserve such suspicion from your part, young lady?
Taddea throbed and came out of her hiding.
- ... Nothing... sir..., she said with her head in the ground.
Mario looked at her and ruffled her hair. She rose her head to him almost mesmerized. "Just like Ezio!" she thought. The man continued:
- I see you are doing so much better...
She looked at him confused. Seeing her reaction he continued:
- ... I was there when we found you...
Taddea nodded:
- So you saved me...
- I would not say that..., replied Mario.
- Thank you sir!
He ruffled her hair again and said:
- You're most welcome. I am happy to see you're doing alright. For a moment we tough you would not make it...
Taddea looked around a bit absent and said:
- Well, sir, I am doing better thanks to Leonardo and Ezio...
Mario smiled and turned around looking at the paintings in the room. Taddea was studying his every move. He was tall, taller than Ezio and he seemed stronger. His face showed age in a different way. It seemed that even when he was smiling, his eyes would still be angry and his eyebrows frowned. His hair was black, and on the left side of his face stood a scar, that blinded his eye. But despite his wild look, his garments looked expensive. At his waist was hanging a belt in which was hooked his sword. Taddea stared at its handle, carefully molded to cover the fist that was holding the blade. She was startled from her study by Mario's voice:
- Yesss, is there something wrong? said the man while taking off his leather gloves.
Taddea shook her head strongly and ran out from the room. Mario looked around confused, but in the same time in the room appeared Leonardo and Ezio, who was still buttoning his shirt. Mario looked at them for a few seconds, shook his head and smiled. His voice filled the room:
"- I MIEI FRATELLI!!!"
The man embraced the two at the same time and patted agressivly their backs, making Leonardo cough. The painter rearranged his hat which fell on his eyes after the shook Mario gave him. Mario got a few steps back and looked at them, then smiled:
- How are you my friends?
Leonardo nodded:
- Good, thank you for asking Mario! How are you?
- Why were you late Mario? snapped Ezio.
Mario turned to Ezio looking at him a bit confused, then turned to Leonardo:
- What's wrong with him?
Leonardo shook his head and said:
- He was just worried. You were supposed to arrive a week ago at least...
- Yes, I know my friends... But we had to make some arrangements.
Ezio looked up and him and said:
- Do you have orders?
Mario turned to Leonardo again:
- What's wrong with this boy?
Leonardo turned to Ezio:
- Should I say it or you will?
Ezio opened his mouth to say something, but Mario rose one finger in the air halting him and made a gesture with his chin, then said:
- Well, whatever we have to talk, I think we should somewhere else.
Ezio looked in the mirror and saw Taddea hidden behind a small stand. He laugh and said:
- Yes, indeed...
He turned around and looked in the young girl's direction and said:
- How long do you think you can hide there?
The young woman was so surprised and startled that when she tried to rise from her place she bumped her head into a table placed near the stand. She fell back keeping her head between her hands, mumbling and lamenting at the same time. Leonardo slapped his forehead with the hand and said:
- "Dio mio!" You're starting to be more and more like Bartolomeo...
Ezio snorted and leaned forward:
- My lady, would you mind giving us some privacy.
Taddea looked at him, then to Mario. The assassin looked back at his uncle and said to Taddea:
- If you find him suspicious, you should rest assured that he is a trusty man. Meet my uncle Mario...
Mario made a short bow and smiled:
- We met, but didn't quite have the pleasure to introduce ourselves.
Leonardo said:
- Taddea, could you find something to do?
She nodded without saying anything, rose from the ground and went outside the room still rubbing the place she hit her head. Leonardo made a gesture with his hands and said:
- We should go in my study...

The candles were lit and the warm tea was poured in the cups. The doors closed as the three men set at the table. Ezio took a sip from his cup and Mario turned to him and said:
- So, tell me, what happened? Why are you so... raspy?
- I killed the three men that attacked Taddea and her mother...
Mario looked at him confused:
- I am sorry "nipote", but I really don't see why would you feel bad about that...
Leonardo interfered in the discussion and said:
- ... Well, basically, he hunted them down...
- I tortured them... It's nothing, snapped Ezio. I just remembered everything... from back then...
- I see..., said Mario. "Nipote", don't stress over it too much...
- I know uncle. I am alright... Now please tell me, what news do you have?
Out friends di Medici advised Ludovico about an Assassin that will be sent in Milan to investigate. That is you my friend. I will stay for a while in town to help you... What have you found out?
Ezio looked at Leonardo and the painter said:
- Well, like I said to Ezio at one point, the news are good and bad. Recently, I found out from Ludovico Sforza that our Duke really believes that an assassin wants to kill him.
- That means somebody feeds him poison...
Leonardo nodded:
- Yes, most probably. The thing is Niccolo became his enemy by mistake from what I've understood, he was not diplomatic enough... Now, there is still somebody at the court that needs to be investigated and his name is Iacopo Balista...
- Is there any information about him? asked Mario.
Ezio shook his head:
- Not really! Only that he is safe under the Pope's robe.
Mario looked at him:
- Ah, another one...
Leonardo snorted:
- Yeah...
Mario nodded and said:
- Something else?
Ezio frowned and said:
- Yes uncle. Ludovico said that he knows that descents of "della Torre" are roaming at the Palace.
- Nonsense... what use to them? Sforza's aren't Visconti!
- Yes, but Sforza have the power now and they want it!
- And what better time to strike when the power of a City is in the hands of a kid?
- I see... But the power is in Ludovico's hands...
- Yes, but what if Giano doesn't trust Ludovico anymore..., said Ezio.
- Unable to rule means bad for the people, "arrivedercci autorita", said Mario.
- So, at least for me, everything makes more sense, said Leonardo. The pieces of the puzzle ar starting to fit together.
Mario nodded and said to Ezio:
- Ludovico sent for you, Assassin! Your mission is to investigate this Iacopo Balista and find out who's poisoning Gian's mind.
Ezio rose from the chair, made a short bow and said:
- We work in the dark, to serve the light. We are assassins!
Mario bowed himself and said:
- Where others blindly follow the truth, remember...
- Nothing is true, replied Ezio.
- Where others are restricted by law or morality, remember...
- Everything is permitted, said Ezio again.
Leonardo's eyes were wide open. He never assisted to the Brotherhood's "rituals". He found it so mystic and mysterious. He wanted to ask questions, but he knew it was not his place or time. Especially that they did that in front of him. It was already enough they let him stay. The three men remained in the study for another half an hour when sudden knocks on the door disturbed them. Leonardo turned around and said:
- What is it?
- That boy sure has a timing..., continued Ezio.
Bartolomeo's voice made its way to their ears:
- MASTER! MASTER! SHE DISAPPEARED! SHE RAN AWAY!

Chapter 16 - Little King

The first night of April found Ezio on the rooftop of the Sforza Palace. The guards were patrolling the area, including the canopy of the palace, but those on the tops were already lying in corners, there, where Ezio found them and knocked them down. He walked slowly without making much noise, trying to make as less damage as he could. Then he saw a way into the Palace. The building was rising on four levels, each of them embellished with columns engraved and thoroughly decorated with different motifs. The white pillars were glowing in the light of the moon, giving an eerie atmosphere to the whole place.

At every level there were exterior corridors and balconies, on which Ezio already spotted the green ivy coiling up around the cold stone. He looked down. The interior courtyard was round and there weren't too many ways of getting out once you were there. He explored with his eyes the construction then, he saw wooden ladders from which the ivy was spreading up the building. He nodded. That was his way out in case he needed one. At least that was the plan. If something went wrong, he will just need to kill. But he could not afford making mistakes now since the young Duke was indeed believing lies. For now his mission was just to find information.

He glided down on a column and grasping the edge of the roof while maintaining his equilibrium he got on the thin railing of the balcony. This would have been so much easier if Ludovico could have cooperated with them, but he was very clear about that detail. Since the "Little King" got paranoid, he needed to be extra careful, the doors were double closed, double checked, double guarded. Ezio snorted. Then heard the sound of armors and weapons. He moved fast on the railing, stepping on the tip of his feet and glued himself to the next column. The guards were getting closer, but on the other side of the external hallway, opposite of where he was standing, another two guards were passing. Ezio saw them in the last moment.

He jumped down, hanging from the lower part of the balcony, into the level below, hiding behind another column. Still, because of the height, when he landed on the marble floor, he made a slight noise and in the next seconds he could hear the guards rushing towards the edge. They started talking between themselves, but in a few moments they stopped. Still, his place was not a good hiding spot. Now he was on the same level as the second pair of guards. He kept himself low, going around the hallway searching for a way in the palace. He must get to the Duke's chambers.

Towards the wooden ladder of the ivy, behind the fresh green leaves he saw a light. It was recently lit and it came from inside a room, at least that was what Ezio thought. When he got closer, he discovered a glass door that was closed with a wrought iron gate. It was impossible to unlocked it without a key. Behind it there was a corridor stretching from the balcony to somewhere his eyes could not reach anymore and the light he saw was from the guard's lantern. But instead of going away, the guard was heading toward him. He heard the voices of the other two guards coming, heading in his direction.

He climbed again the handrail, and swinging down from the balcony, reaching with one hand for the ladder, quickly slid down right under it, taking cover below the leaves. But that wasn't good. He needed to get to the door, so in the second he heard the noise of the iron keys, he jumped out of his hiding, climbed back the wooden ladder and jumped into the balcony. The iron doors opened, but when the guards switched their places, Ezio attacked. He delivered an elbow in the nose of the first guard, hit that broke the man's nose and nailed him to the ground, grasped the other one by his cloak, pulled hard and bashed his head into the marble column. The other two already started running toward the end of the corridor. He made a jump for more speed and ran behind them. In a few seconds he was by their side, one wanted to scream, but his voice got stuck in his throat as Ezio stabbed both of them in back of their necks with his wrist blades. The men fell to the ground breathless.

The assassin looked behind him, the gates wide open, two of the guards alive, two dead. He went back, tied them with a rope he found on one of the guards and dragged them together across the corridor, closing the gate behind him, but not locking it. He looked around. There were no doors, that meant no rooms, no place to hide the four bodies. Instead there were enough statues, each of them two or three times taller then himself, and each standing on a large stone pedestal. He smiled and carried the bodies behind the pedestals and wrapped around the dead men throats their cloaks to stop the bleeding. He knew the bodies will be discovered, but he had a bit of time to find out what was happening.

From his calculations, he was in the right wing of the palace, which was good, that was where the Duke's chambers were. He followed the hallway until he reached the end and went right again. In a few seconds he arrived to some stairs. They were covered with a purple carpet and pinned on the stairs with golden spikes. He looked up and at the end of the stairs he saw light again so he went to where the stairs were leading to. At the end, there was a door that was left ajar and from inside he would hear whispers. He got closer, looking around for the guards, but there were none. "There goes the "double-checked/double guarded theory" thought Ezio for himself. As he got closer to the door, he could hear the whispers better.
"- "Mio Re", you should not trust him so much! Who is the rightful hair of Milan? You or him?"
Another voice spoke:
"- I do not allow you to talk like this about him! I trust him!"
The previous voice talked again:
"- But that is what I am saying. You should not. How do you know he didn't kill your father? And why do you think he fights so much for power? It's because he trusts you? Noooo, "mio Re", it's because he wants your place..."
Ezio smiled. The right place, at the right moment. He heard the second voice again:
"- How do I know you don't want my place?! How?"
"- "Mio Re!" I am not a bad man! I am a man of God!
Ezio frowned. "So you are playing at the Pope's feet!" said Ezio to himself. The first voice continued:
"- As a man of God, I cannot harm and wish for evil! Now, do you remember Niccolo?"
Ezio heard a short scream of anger and something broke in the room. The second voice spoke:
"- Quello cazzaro!" Why you speak of him?!", snapped the second voice.
"- But why you talk like that?! Niccolo served his life for you! He found out in the last moment that an assassin was sent for you and he came to save you! To warn you! But he got killed... saving your like "mio Re"..."
Ezio's eyes grew larger and almost hissed between his teeth: "You little snake..." He moved and looked through the door's opening.

There he saw the young Duke, a small man, with round brown eyes and blond hair. His small hands were torturing a hat that once had feathers. Now they were lying on the floor at his feet that barely touched the ground from the chair in which he was sitting. He was dressed in blue nightgown that reached until his knees. On his slender fingers were lying golden rings and at his neck a necklace with the family's crest: the lion with the flower. His eyes were now resting on the hat he had on his hands. He could not see the other man with whom he was speaking.
- ... Do you speak the truth? said the Duke rising his eyes from the torn hat and reaching to a direction in the room.
Ezio heard the other man speak:
- My liege... I always do... When did I EVER lie to you...?
Then Ezio saw a dressed in a monk's brown robe getting closer to the Duke. His appearance was of one skinny man, his cheeks sucked inside, thin lips, but big green eyes. His hair was long, until the shoulder and brown. He was faking a wound, while moving back and forth in the room, but sometimes he forgot to limp his foot. The monk kneel before the Duke and said:
- Your uncle, Ludovico, wants only one thing and that is Milan! He will not stop until he will remove all those who stay in his way and he will have others to do it for him...
The Duke stood silent for a few seconds and said:
- But why do you tell me this?! As far as I'm concerned you can want a same thing!
The man in the robe said laughing:
- And why would I want anything from this Earth when the real treasures are in the Heaven that awaits me...
Ezio almost slapped his forehead hearing his words, but kept listening.
- My riches lay in God's hands, not here...
Ezio saw the Duke's confused face. The young man said:
- And still... Iacopo, if you have nothing to gain from all this, why you want to help me?
The man kissed the Duke's right hand then pointed a finger to the boy's necklace and said:
- For Milan's good! The people of this City must be saved from harm, and "mio Re", you are their salvation! Not Ludovico! Can you not see? He is not from this Earth! His dark skin... He's a DEMON! almost shouted the monk.
The Duke whispered:
"- For Milan's good..."
- My liege, said the monk, this is not easy, but...
The Duke turned his head to him and said:
- What?
- I cannot prove that there is an assassin... But if there is... he will come for me first. When I am gone, you will know... I speak the truth...
The Duke almost jumped off his chair and Ezio almost sweared. The Duke spoke:
- What are you saying...?
- It is what I've always told you. My riches do no lay here, but with God in Heavens. I do not fear Death and if will take me by force, by the hands of the assassin, you will know, that I only wanted to protect you and this city...
The Duke didn't answer and the monk spoke again:
- I will leave you for tonight my liege...
He reached his hand out to the Duke and when he young man touched it, they went toward the bed. Duke Gian lay down and the monk covered him and said:
- Sleep sweet my liege! "Che gli Angeli sia con te"! said the monk leaving his side and heading toward the door. Ezio rose from his place and got into a darker corner. Iacopo got outside the room and closed the door behind him, but the next thing he felt was a hit on the back of the neck of his neck, then darkness took him. Ezio caught his fall, layed him down slowly without making a sound and wrapped him in his cloak. He smiled and said:
- You, dear Iacopo, are coming with me...