Renaissance. Part 20

-What happens? He asked.

"We're not alone," said Ezio-. Could have archetypalros enemies stationed on top of the gorge.

But then he heard a clatter of hooves, several caballos, approaching them from behind.

Ezio wheeled his horse and saw that half a dozen riders approached the banner of the red cross on a yellow field.

- Borgia! "He muttered, drew his sword in the same instant that a crossbow bolt dug into the side of the wagon.

The road ran along the road, and even goodyes they were frightened and began dragging his cargo forward voluntarily.

"Take the reins and shouted pulling sees Leonardo Ezio-. Van behind me, not you. You go ahead no matter what happens!

Leonardo hastened to obey while retracing the path Ezio horse to meet the riders. His sword, propertyDad of Mario, was well balanced and handle his horse was lighter and handier than their opponents. But they were well armed and had no chance to use weapons of Codex. Ezio spurred the horse's flanks to moving into the thick of the enemy. Crouched on his chair, lunged Ezio group, the strength of its load forcing two horses to retroceder violence. Then began a real fencing match. Wearing protective plate attached to the forearm izquierdo served to divert many hits and took advantage of the surprise of one of his enemies to see that his aim failed to deal the turn a good shot.

He soon dismounted four of his enemies, leaving two survivors turning around and running away at full gallop they had come. This time, however, knew better than to givethem the opportunity to convey the news to Rodrigo. Gaulpo after them, slas.h.i.+ng first one and then another, and decentralizedgave the horse when he was done with both.

Quickly inspected the bodies, but none had any note, dragged to the ditch and hid the bodies ofunder stones and rocks. Again mounted his horse and made his way back, stopping only to clear the way for the other bodies and give them a rudimentary burial, at least enough to hide them with rocks and bushes found at hand. At that point, the horses of his enemiesrisks had already fled.

Ezio had once again escape the vengeance of Rodrigo, but I knew that Cardinal Borgia would not cease its efforts to kill him. Spurred his horse and rode to get back to Leonardo. When we reached, they began to look for the road, shouting their names several times in vain.

"I paid a huge amount as a deposit for the cart and oxen," grumbled Leonardo-. I guess not ever see her again.

"Sell it all in Venice.

"But there used gondolas?

"On land there has to be farms.

Leonardo looked at him.

- By G.o.d, Ezio, practical men like me!

His long cross country trip continued. Pa.s.sed through the ancient city of Forli, now converted into a small town-state in its own right, and continued on to Ravenna, with its coastal port a few miles from the town. They boarded a boat, a galwas that coast from Ancona to Venice, and as Ezio was sure there was no one on board who represent a danger for him, he managed to relax a little. However, it was concient, even in a s.h.i.+p relatively small one, it would be very difficult to either cut his throat at night and throw the body blue-black water, so ifguided carefully controlling the comings and goings around small port where they landed.

Several days later they arrived without incident at the docks of Venice. Ezio was where he found his next setback, this time from unexpected source.

Had just landed and were waiting for the ferry that would lead them to the island city. Arrived on time, and marineLeonardo ros helped to raise the cart to the boat, which rocked at an alarming rate under its weight. The ferry captain Leonardo explained to the staff of the Earl of Pexaro would be waiting at the docks to go with their new accommodations, and with a bow and a smile helped him aboard.

"You'll pa.s.s your course signore. signore.

"Naturally," Leonardo said, handing him a paper man.

- And you, sir? Politely asked the captain, volseeing to Ezio.

Ezio was taken aback. He was there without any invitation, completely ignorant of this local law.

"But ... I have no pa.s.s, "he said.

"Everything is in order," said Leonardo, please contact the captain-. Come with me. Answer for him and I am sure that the count ...

But the captain raised his hand.

"Sorry, signore. signore. Council rules are explicit. Nadie can enter the city of Venice without the appropriate pa.s.s. Council rules are explicit. Nadie can enter the city of Venice without the appropriate pa.s.s.

Leonardo was about to protest, but Ezio stopped him.

"Do not worry, Leonardo. Find an alternative.

"I would like to help, sir," said Capt.-. But I have orders. "And with a higher tone, he went to the multhe att.i.tudes of pa.s.sengers in general, advertising-: Attention, please!Attention, please! The shuttle will depart in ten den!

Ezio knew it gave him very little time.

He was struck by an extremely well-dressed couple seen up to the galley at the same time that they, who had settled in the best cabin and had been very reserved. Now they were alone at the end of one of the docks, where they were tied several private shelves, and apparently engaged in a bitter argument.

"My dear, please ... "Said the man.

It was sort of looking weak and twenty years older than his accompanyingpanante, an energetic redhead with fiery eyes.

-Girolamo ..., you fool! G.o.d knows why I married contigo, but he also knows how much I've suffered as a result! You keep finding fault with everything, you got me caged like a chicken on your horrible country town and now ... ahora! You're not even able to apanarte with a gondolier to take us to Venice! And when you think your guy is the f.u.c.king Pope, no less! You could have a little your influence. But merate ... Have less character than a slug!

-Caterina ...

- I come now to "Caterina" nasty bug! Limit yourself to get these men take care of luggage and for the love of G.o.d, take me to Venice. I need a bath and a gla.s.s of wine!

Jerome looked at her with disgust.

"It would be a good idea to leave you here andcontinued until Pordenone without you.

"In any case, should have gone by land.

"Travelling by road is too dangerous.

- Yes! For a creature like you weakling!

Girolamo was silent while still ob Ezioserved the scene. And then said shrewdly: - Why not get on the gondola ... "I said a-... and I find then a couple of gondoliers?

- Hmmm! Finally you say something meaningful! She growled, and allowed him to help her back into the boat.

But once it was installed, Girolamo quickly dropped the ropes and pushed hard on the bow, sending the gondola into the center of the lagoon.

"Buon viaggio! Shouted a voice unpleasant. Shouted a voice unpleasant.

- b.a.s.t.a.r.d! She cried. And then, realizing what apuRado of their situation, began to scream-: Aiuto! Aiuto! Aiuto! Aiuto!

But Jerome was already heading toward the place where a group of servants wandered helplessly around the mountain of luggage and started giving orders. In fact, afterside with them and the luggage to the other end of the pier, where he began to organize it in obtaining a private shuttle.

Meanwhile, Ezio continued to observe the plight in which it was Caterina. There was something funny, but it was also worrying. She noticed him.

- Hey, you! Do not be left standing there! I need help!

Ezio unbuckled the sword from his belt, took off his shoes and jacket and jumped into the water.

In the spring, a smiling Caterina held out his hand soaked Ezio.

"My hero," he said.

"It was not anything.

- I could have drowned! Y this porco porco you might as well! He looked thoughtfully Ezio-. But you! My G.o.d, you must be very you might as well! He looked thoughtfully Ezio-. But you! My G.o.d, you must be very strong. strong. I can not believe you got to swim and drag the gondola for me inside out. I can not believe you got to swim and drag the gondola for me inside out.

-Light as a feather, "said Ezio.

- Flatterer!

"I mean, these boats are so well equifought ...

Catherine frowned.

"It was an honor to serve you signora signora Ezio he concluded, lamely. Ezio he concluded, lamely.

"Someday I'll have to return the favor," she said, her eyes full of an intention that went beyond words-. What is your name?

Hearing Officer, Ezio.

-I My name is Caterina. He paused-. Towardswhere you are heading?

"I was going to Venice, but I have no pa.s.s, so the trasborgiver ...

- Enough! Cried interrupting-. "So that does not let oficialillo?

"Exactly.

- Now we'll see!

Angrily walked along the boardwalk without waiting for Ezio footwear and put the jacket back. When he got caughtla, she had reached the ferry and therefore able to deduce, was giving him a slap on the trembling man. All you could hear the captain to arrive was sputtering with servile tone imaginable: "Yes, Altezza; Altezza; course course Altezza; Altezza; what you say, what you say, Altezza. Altezza.

- Best to do what I say! Unless you want to see your head stuck atop a pole! Here it is! Go to bus.h.i.+s horse and car stuff yourself! Vamos! And treat him right! But you do, I'll find out! "The captain went away. Caterina turned Ezio-. You see? Fixed!

"Thank you, madonna. madonna.

"Good service ... He stared-. I hope our paths cross again. He held out his hand-. I'm from Forli. Go through there someday. Would be happy to receive you. "I shook hands and prepared to leave.

- Also you did not want to go to Venice?

Turned to look, and then he looked at the ferry.

- On that site? Joking! "And he went, struttingDose the dock to where her husband, who controlled the burden of what remained to baggage.

The captain ran around from one place to another, pulling the horse Ezio.

"Here you have it, sir. My most humble apologies, sir. Had I known, sir ...

"I need a barn for my horse as we arrive.

"It will be a pleasure, sir.

When the shuttle was launched and sailed leaden waters of the lagoon, Leonardo, who had watched the episode, he quipped: "You know who it was, right?

"I do not mind at all that was my next toconquest, "said a smiling Ezio.

- For in this case, watch out! Is Caterina Sforza, daughter of the Duke of Milan. And her husband is the Duke of Forli, and soPope's nephew.

- What's your name?

-Girolamo Riario.

Ezio was silent. The name sounded familiar. He said to continuenuacion: "Well, she's married to a real beast.

"Have I repeated that Leonardo-. Andate carefully.

Chapter 12.

In 1481, Venice, under the strong government of the Doge Giovanni Mocenigo was, overall, a good place to live. I was at peace with the Turks, the city prospered, trade routes by land and sea were safe, and although interest rates were admittedly high, investors showed trendscists and savers were satisfied. Even the Church was rich, and artists flourished under both spiritual and secular patterns. The city is rich thanks to the systematic looting of Constantinople that followed the Fourth Crusade, the Doge Dandolo diverted from their objective, had managed to subdue the prey Byzantium and displayed without shame, being the most obvious displaysdent the four bronze horses arranged in the top of the facade of the Basilica of San Marcos.

But Leonardo and Ezio, who arrived in Molo that morning in early summer, completely unaware of the past debaseddo, traitor and thief of the city. Just saw the gloMarble ria rosado and mamposterity of the Palazzo Ducale, the large square extensiondiendose to the bottom and left, the campanile campanile Built in brick and astonis.h.i.+ng height, and the Venetians, of slim build, wearing dark robes, gliding like shadows Built in brick and astonis.h.i.+ng height, and the Venetians, of slim build, wearing dark robes, gliding like shadows terra ferma terra ferma or browse and fetid labyrinth of channels in a wide variety of boats, from sleek Gondthe up ungainly barge, the latter loaded with all kinds of products, from fruit to bricks. or browse and fetid labyrinth of channels in a wide variety of boats, from sleek Gondthe up ungainly barge, the latter loaded with all kinds of products, from fruit to bricks.

The servants of the Count of Pexaro were responsible for the effects of Leonardo bustle and, following their suggestion, also addressedEzio also horse and also promised to find accommodationappropriate treatment to the young son of a Florentine banker. Disappearrecieron immediately afterwards, leaving a servant with them, a fat young sallow skin and bulging eyes, whose s.h.i.+rt was soaked with hisdor and syrupy whose smile would drop their heads in shame to anyone.

-Altezza He said with his smirk, approaching them. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Nber, the He said with his smirk, approaching them. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Nber, the funzionario da accoglienza funzionario da accoglienza County staff. It will be my duty and pleasure to offer you a brief introduction to our city tour before County staff. It will be my duty and pleasure to offer you a brief introduction to our city tour before conte conte I received ... "And saying this, Nero nerve began to lookLeonardo and Ezio quake, trying to decide which of the two was the artist sent, and luckily for him it was decided by Leonardo, who was less like being a man of action, " I received ... "And saying this, Nero nerve began to lookLeonardo and Ezio quake, trying to decide which of the two was the artist sent, and luckily for him it was decided by Leonardo, who was less like being a man of action, " messer messer Leonardo, for a drink before dinner Veneto, food that Leonardo, for a drink before dinner Veneto, food that messe messerhave the pleasure of celebrating in the lounge of the servants knewprevious. He bowed and scratched his head slightly, to top it off. Our gondola awaits us ...

During the next half hour, Ezio and Leonardo could enjoy-indeed, were happy to do it, the Beplicity of La Serenissima La Serenissimatofrom the best place from which contemporaryplarlas: a gondola, expertly controlled fore and aft by its gondoliers. But the sticky speech Nero aguaba that pleasant experience. Ezio, despite the interest he felt for the formerclusively beauty and architecture of the place, still wet as a result of salvage madonna madonna Caterina, and tired also tried to forget the depressing monologue Nero refuge in the soilNo, but suddenly hustler. Something had to call attention. Caterina, and tired also tried to forget the depressing monologue Nero refuge in the soilNo, but suddenly hustler. Something had to call attention.

Ezio heard voices on the side of the ca.n.a.l, near the palazzo palazzo Marchioness of Ferrara. Two armed guards were hara.s.sing a merchant. Marchioness of Ferrara. Two armed guards were hara.s.sing a merchant.

"He has told you to stay in your house, sir," said one of the military.

"The rent is paid. I have the right to sell my marketscias here.

"Sorry, sir, but this goes against the new rulesmore Messer Messer Emilio. I fear that you are in a difficult situation. Emilio. I fear that you are in a difficult situation.

- Will appeal to the Council of Ten!