Renaissance. Part 15

- Can you get seats in the cathedral tomorrow? -I asked-. Near the altar. Next to the Medici.

The Fox looked at him very seriously.

"Complicated, though perhaps not impossible. He looked the young-. I know what you're thinking, Ezio, but you can not do it alone.

"I can try, and I have the element of surprise for me. And an unfamiliar face in the aristocrazia aristocrazia in the main area LevanTare the suspicions of the Pazzi. But you get me there, Gilberto. in the main area LevanTare the suspicions of the Pazzi. But you get me there, Gilberto.

"Call me Zorro," he said Gilberto and told continuacion, smiling-: Foxes can only compete with me as far as cleverness is concerned.

He paused and added: "We'll see in front of the Duomo half hour before ma.s.s. He looked at Ezio's eyes with a new respect-. Te help if I can, Messer Messer Ezio. Tu father would have been proudso you. Ezio. Tu father would have been proudso you.

Chapter 9.

Al next day, Sunday April 26, Ezio was up before dawn and walked to the cathedral. There were few people on the streets, but saw a few monks and nuns on their way to make its decisions. Aware that he must avoid being seen,Calo laboriously to the top of campanile campanile and watched the sun rise above the city. Little by little, their feet, the plaza began to fill with people of all types, families and stopjas, merchants and n.o.bles, wishing to attend the main ma.s.s of the day, which would be honored by the presence of the Duke and his brotherno less and co-ruler. Ezio was watching people carefully and when he saw the Fox approached the steps of the cathedral, went to the less visible side of the tower and descendinggave, agile as a monkey, to stand beside him, always remembering not to lift his head and blend best with the crowd, using the rest of the people for protection. It hasBia dressed for the occasion in their finest clothes and carried no weapon in sight, although most Mercurires rich and bankers wore ceremonial swords in his belt. He could not resist looking up looking for Cristina, but did not see. and watched the sun rise above the city. Little by little, their feet, the plaza began to fill with people of all types, families and stopjas, merchants and n.o.bles, wishing to attend the main ma.s.s of the day, which would be honored by the presence of the Duke and his brotherno less and co-ruler. Ezio was watching people carefully and when he saw the Fox approached the steps of the cathedral, went to the less visible side of the tower and descendinggave, agile as a monkey, to stand beside him, always remembering not to lift his head and blend best with the crowd, using the rest of the people for protection. It hasBia dressed for the occasion in their finest clothes and carried no weapon in sight, although most Mercurires rich and bankers wore ceremonial swords in his belt. He could not resist looking up looking for Cristina, but did not see.

"I see that you're here," Fox said when he approached Ezio-. Everything is arranged and have a quiet place next to the pachair in the third row.

As he spoke, the crowd on the stairs was removed and the heralds were carried to the mouth trumpet to sound a fanfare.

"I come, "he said.

Entering the square from the side of the baptistery, first appeared Lorenzo de Medici, accompanied by his wife, Clarice, who had been holding hands with his eldest daughter, the little Lucrezia, while Piero, five years old, walked right proud of his father. Behind them, accompanied by his nurse, appeared Maddalena, three years old, while one orNera Leo was carrying the baby, wrapped in white satin. Giuliano and Fioretta followed them, her lover, in advanced managetion. The crowd gathered in the square head bent in its path. At the entrance of the Duomo I received two of the priests who were to officiate the ceremony, who Ezio is recognized with ashiver of terror: Stefano da Bagnone and one of Volterra, whose full name, he told the Fox, was Antonio Maffei.

Medici family made its way into the cathedral followed by the priests, and they, in turn, were followed by the citizens of Florence, ordered according to their rank. The Fox nudged him while Ezio noted. Among the crowd was sighted Francesco de 'Pazzi and another conspirator, Bernardo Baroncelli, disguised as a deacon.

"Come now," he whispered to Ezio-. Stay close to them.

More and more people entering the cathedral continued until there was no room for anyone else, and many who had hoped to have room to stay out. Had gathered a total of ten thousand people. The Fox had not ever seen a crowd of such magnitude in Florence. Silently prayed for the success of Ezio.

Inside, the gathering they sat in the sweltering amronment. Ezio had not gotten close to Francesco and everything else would have liked, but did not take his eyes off ENCIma and started calculating what would be done to reach them as soon as they begin their attack. The bishop of Florence, whileafter that, he held his place in the altar and had begun to officiate the ma.s.s.

At the time that the bishop blessed the bread and wine Ezio realized that Francesco and Bernardo exchanged their placesres. The Medici family was sitting right in front of them. At the same moment, the priests Bagnone and Maffei, on the lower rungs of the altar, and closer to Lorenzo and Giuliano, looked around surrept.i.tiously. The bishop turned to stay ahead of the congregation, raised the golden cup and EMPEZo say "The blood of Christ ...

Then everything happened at once. Baroncelli stood griTando "CREAP, traditore!" "CREAP, traditore!" and from behind, stabbed him Giuliano a dagger in the neck. The cut came a jet of blood sprayed Fioretta completely. She fell on her knees on the floor, screaming. and from behind, stabbed him Giuliano a dagger in the neck. The cut came a jet of blood sprayed Fioretta completely. She fell on her knees on the floor, screaming.

- Let me finish with that b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Fran shoutedcesco, pushing a nudge Baroncelli toppling Giulianot trying to stop the flow of blood with his hands. Francesco stood astride him and again and again plunged the dagger into the body of his victim with such a frenzy that, without apparently realizing it, ended up also key in your own musit. Giuliano had died some time before Francesco I nailed the final blow, the nineteenth.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo, with a cry of alarm, had facedTado attackers of his brother, and Clarice and nurses had fled for protection along with children and Fioretta. Confusion reigned everywhere. Lorenzo had scorned the idea of having the bodyguard near a murderer in a church bombing was unheard- now struggling to reach his side breaking through the ma.s.ses of the faithful confused and dams PAonly one who pushed and trampled each other to get away from the scene of the carnage. Heat worsened the situation and the fact that hardly had room to move ...

Except in the area in front of the altar. The bishop and his sacerdotes looked on, stunned and paralyzed. Maffei Bagnone and saw that Lorenzo had his back to them, takeswere the opportunity and unsheathed the daggers that had hidmeasures under the robes, they rushed upon him.

The priests are murderers rarely experienced, however n.o.ble the cause was believed that, between them is not consideredLorenzo lowed to cause more than superficial wounds quickly before the shake. But the fight has justand Francesco were beating him, limping because of the injury which he had caused, but reinforced by hatred boiling inside, also approached to him, cursing loudly and with the dagger in the air. Bagnone and Maffei, not knowing where to go after what they did, they turned and ran in didirection of the apse, but Lorenzo was reeling, not stop bleeding and the stabbing in her upper right shoulder prevented him from using the sword.

- Tus days are over, Lorenzo!"Cried Francesco-. Your family b.a.s.t.a.r.d die on my sword!

"Infamous!"Said Lorenzo-. I'll kill you!

- With what weapon? Francesco sneered, raising his dagger to attack.

And when the hand began to fall, someone grabbed her wrist and stopped their momentum, before forcing him to turn back. Francesco found himself face to face another formidable enemy.

- Ezio! Roared-. You! Here?

- The fact that you're finished you, you, Francesco! Francesco!

The crowd dispersed and approximately guards LorenzoMaban. Baroncelli was now next to Francesco.

"Come, we must flee. It's over! He shouted.

-Will finish first with these b.a.s.t.a.r.ds, "said Francesco.

But his wound was bleeding profusely and had a look ofmacro.

- No! We must withdraw!

Francesco was furious, but agreed with his eyes.

"This is not over," said Ezio.

"No, not over. I will follow you wherever you go, Francesco, to kill you.

With a glare, Francesco turned to follow Baroncelli, who had already gone behind the altar. In ABside must have a door to leave the cathedral. Ezio disbegan to follow.

- Wait!Said a voice behind broken-. Let them go. Do not go far. I need you here. I need your help.

Ezio turned and saw the Duke lying on the floor between two chairs overturned. Not far away, his family huddled crying, Clarice, with exPressure horror, hugging their two grown sons. Fioretta looked without seeing the dead body twisted and maimed by Giulian.

Lorenzo guard had arrived.

"Take care of my family," said Lorenzo-. In the city must reign the tumult after the event. Take my family to palazzo palazzo and shut the door and bolted. and shut the door and bolted.

He turned Ezio.

"You saved my life.

- I did my duty! The Pazzi paid to us! -Ezio helped Lorenzo to join and carefully sat on a chair.

Raising his head did not see anywhere or to the bishop or other priests. Behind him, people were pushing and elbowing, scratching provided out of the cathedral through the main entrance on the west side.

- I have to go after Francesco! "He said.

- No!Lorenzo said-. If I'm just not get to get to safety. You have to help. Take me to San Lorenzo. TenFriends go there.

Ezio he was torn, but how much thought Lorenzo had done for his family. I could not blame him for failing to preventdo the death of their relatives. Who would have predicted a tiethat so sudden as that suffered? And now, Lorenzo had also become a victim. But it was still alive, but not for long unless Ezio got him to a place near where they could a.s.sist you. The church of San Lorenzozo was a short distance northwest of the baptistery.

With strips of cloth torn from his own shirt, bandaged wounds as he could Lorenzo. Then lifted him gently.

-Pa.s.s on the left arm over my shoulder. Well. Must have an exit behind the altar ...

Stumbled toward the direction they had tomado his enemies and soon found a little door openta with bloodstains on the threshold. It was undoubtedly where he hasFrances...o...b..a out. Would you be waiting? A Ezio, who held Lorenzo by his right side, it would be difficult to open your hidden dagger, and more fight. But metal had attached the cuff on his left forearm.

Came to the square before the door was north of the cathedral and were faced with a scene of confusion and chaos. DesEzio because they stopped to spend the layer above the shoulders of Lorenzo in an improvised attempt to camouflage, emlit road leading oeste along the walls of the buildsurface. In the piazza piazza located between the cathedral and baptistery, groups of men dressed in the livery of the Pazzi and the Medici faced heavy fighting in melee. So absorbed isEzio Taban got to go unnoticed by his side, but when they reached the street that led to the located between the cathedral and baptistery, groups of men dressed in the livery of the Pazzi and the Medici faced heavy fighting in melee. So absorbed isEzio Taban got to go unnoticed by his side, but when they reached the street that led to the piazza piazza San Therenzo, they stumbled across a couple of men who wore the insignia of the dolphin and the crosses. Both love looking wielding scimitarsdrentador. San Therenzo, they stumbled across a couple of men who wore the insignia of the dolphin and the crosses. Both love looking wielding scimitarsdrentador.

- Stop!"Ordered one of the guards-. Where do you think you are going?

"I need to bring this man to safety," said Ezio.

- Who are you? "Said the second guard using a nasty tone.

He stepped forward and examined the face of Lorenzo. Lorenzo, near fainting and departed, but in doing so the coat fell to the side and revealed the Medici coat of arms embroidered on his jacket.

- Wow!"Said the second guard, turning to his companion-. I think we've caught a big fish, Terzaga!

Ezio's brain was going at full speed. I could not let gorenzo, still losing blood. But if I did, I could not use his gun. He quickly rose to the left foot and kicked him in the a.s.s to the guard, who fell face first into the ground. In questionment of seconds, his partner rushed upon them, brandishing his scimitar. Ezio dodged its edge when it fell on him and protection using metal deflected goalpe. With the move, blew his sword and stabbed the guard double-edged dagger that was linked to protection, although not consideredguided him with enough force to kill him. Meanwhile, the second guard had managed to get up and was preparing to help their comrade, which in turn faltered, surprised at his inability to cut Ezio forearm.

Ezio stopped the second sheet by the same method, but this time managed to go with the wrist guard the edge of the sword to hit the handle, thus placing his hand at the wrist of his opponent. Took it and twisted it so fast that the man dropped his weapon with a sharp cry of pain. Ducking quickly, took the scimitar Ezio almost before it touched the ground. It was difficult, working with the left handand gives additional weight load of Lorenzo, but stuck in the guard's neck before he could recover. The secdo guard approached again, screaming with rage. Ezio dodged his sword and then exchanged several blows and cusqueals. But the guard who did not know that carrying the mu Ezionequera hidden metal, followed dealt useless attacks. A Ezio arm ached and I could barely stand, but finally ended up getting his chance. The old guard had been developingBroaching, but the man had not realized it and had at that time staring at the forearm with the intention Eziotion to attack again. Swiftly, Ezio raised his gun, bringing youdo a feint as if he had failed, but getting to it to blow his opponent's helmet. And then, before the reaction couldmentary, Ezio up again the heavy scimitar above cahead by guard and cracked his skull in two. The scimitar Ezio stayed stuck and failed to remove it from there. The man was paised a moment, surprise your eyes open wide, anTES collapsing on the floor. Taking a quick look at her thearound, Ezio Lorenzo continued dragging down the street.

"In a short, Altezza. Altezza.

They came to church with no more setbacks, but the door istobacco firmly closed. Ezio, looking back, saw a groupspo guards had discovered the bodies of men who had killed and looked in his direction. He banged the door and opened a peephole, revealing behind her eye and part of a face with suspicious expression.

"Lorenzo is wounded," said Ezio, panting-. Coming for us! Open the door!

"I need the pa.s.sword," the man from the inside.

Ezio was left without knowing what to say, but Lorenzo, who had reknown the man's voice, speaking rapidly.

- Angelo!Cried-. I'm Lorenzo! Open the f.u.c.king door!

- For Hermes Trismegistus!"The man said-. You had to be dead!

He turned and yelled at someone: - Open this d.a.m.n lock! And fast!

Peephole and was closed immediately afterwards was heard the sound of opening locks. Meanwhile, Pazzi had guards checkdo to run down the street. One of the heavy doors opened just in time to give input to Ezio and Lorenzo, and as quickly closed with a crash behind them and the guards corriewere the bolts. The noise of the battle being waged outside was terrible. Ezio was found in front of the gentle green eyes a refined man who was about twenty four years old.

-Angelo Poliziano, was presented-. I sent about howcough men to intercept these rats of the Pazzi. NotBeriah give us more problems.

-Ezio Auditore.

"Ah ... Lawrence has talked about you. He stopped-. But talk later. Let me help you install it in a bank. Here we can better examine his wounds.

"It's finally safe," said Ezio, delivering two servants Lorenzo gently guided him to a bench attached to the panorth of the church network.

"I will bandages, blood and stop as soon as it recovered a bit, we'll take you back to your Palazzo. Palazzo. Do not worry, Ezio, and is safe. Never forget what you've done. Do not worry, Ezio, and is safe. Never forget what you've done.

But Ezio was already thinking that Francesco de 'Pazzi, to tothose heights, and would have had sufficient time to escape. "I have to go," he said.- Wait! Lorenzo shouted.

Gesturing to Poliziano, Ezio bowed and kneltoped by his side.

"I owe you," said Lorenzo-. I do not know why I've helped or how you learned what was afoot, when even my spies were aware of it.

He paused, his eyes closed in pain as one of the servants cleaned the wound of the shoulder.

- Who are you? "He continued, once he had recovereddo a little.

"It Ezio Auditore Poliziano said, coming over and laying a hand on the shoulder of Ezio.

- Ezio! "Lorenzo looked at him, deeplymoved-. Your father was a great man and a good friend. Comlit the meaning of honor and loyalty, and never put her inests ahead of those of Florence. But ... "He paused again and smiled faintly ... I was present when he died atberti. Was it you?

"Yes.

"Your quick revenge was appropriate. As you saw, I have not had much success. Even now, because of their arrogant aminhibition, the Pazzi have finally finished cutting her own throat. I pray that ...

At that moment came in a hurry one of the members of the patrol of the Medici who had been sent to deal with the persecutors of Ezio, his face smeared with sweat and blood.

- What happens? Poliziano asked.

"Bad news, sir. The Pazzi were recovered and pretendden to enter force in the Palazzo Vecchio. We can not holdThe much longer.

Poliziano was left blank.

"Bad news, you're right. If they get control, matare to all our supporters who are there, and if done with the power ...

"If you do with power," said Lorenzo, my survival no avail. We'll be all dead men.

He tried to get up but fell back, moaning in pain.

- Angelo! You must take all the troops we have here y. ..

- No! My place is by your side. We take you to the Palazzo Medici as soon as possible. Once there, we reorganize to fight back.

"I'll go," said Ezio-. Yet I have unfinished business with Messer Messer Francesco. Francesco.

Lorenzo stared.

"You've done enough.

"Not until you have completed my work, Altezza. Altezza. And Angewhat is right has more important things to do, lead you to your And Angewhat is right has more important things to do, lead you to your palazzo palazzo and make sure you are at home. and make sure you are at home.

"Signori"Said the messenger of the Medici-. I also bring more news. I've seen Francesco de Pazzi leading a troop to the back of the Palazzo Vecchio. Looking for ways to enter the weakest point of the Signoria.

Ezio looked Poliziano.