Renaissance. Part 27

She was released last hug and removing the mask, looked uncomprehending. Then, before he could Impedirselo, Cristina took the mask.

- Ezio!

"Forgive me, Cristina, I saw ...- no longer carried their Colgante. Of course not.

- What the h.e.l.l are you doing here? How dare you kiss me this way?

"It's okay, Cristina ...

- Did not pa.s.s nothing? nothing? I have eight I have eight years years no see or have nottice from you! no see or have nottice from you!

"I was afraid not to come if not using this little groundwarefugees.

"You're right ... Of course it would not have come! I remember that the last time we met we kissed in the street and then, with the coolness of a cuc.u.mber, you saved my pro lifeput me and allowing me to marry him.

"It was what I had to do. He loved you and I ...

- Who cares what he wants? I loved you you! you!

Ezio not know what to say. It felt as if the world had collapsed.

"Do not come back for me, Ezio," he continued with tears Cristinabut in the eyes-. Not stand it, and it is clear that now bears another life.

-Cristina ...

There was a time when I would have been enough to lift a finger and I ... He stopped-. Goodbye, Ezio.

Watched helplessly and began to walk along with his companion, turned a street corner. Do not look back.

Cursing, he and his destiny, Ezio returned to the headquarters of the thieves.

The next day he awoke in a state of grim determinationnation. He picked up the gun in Leonardo's workshop, thanked him and also collected the Codex page, hoping that, in his moParliament could take her uncle Mario, along with the other who was still in his possession, which had coggone to Emilio. He went on toTheodora tinuacion home. From there, she accompanied him to the Campo di San Polo, where they were to take place games. They had erected a platform in the center of the plaza, on which sat two or three officers behind a table noting the names of the contestants. Among the people, Ezio was emaciated and sickly figure of Silvio Barbarigo. And also surprised to see the huge bodyguard with him, Dante.

"I will face him, "said Teodora-. "Think you can?

"If there is no choice ...

Finally, gathered the names of all partic.i.p.ants (Ezio had registered under an a.s.sumed name), mounted the platform a tall man wearing a red coat. He was the master of ceremonies.

There would be four games in total. The contestants compete with each other in each of the games and a panel of judges decide the winner. Ezio Fortunately for many of the contestants, to keep the carnival spirit, decided to compete inmasked.

The first game was a foot race, won Ezio facilitateity, much to the chagrin and Silvio Dante. The second, more comcated, consisting of a resistance struggle in which contestsSaints had to compete among themselves to try to capture his opponent emblematic flags that organizers have beenbian given.

Also in this game, Ezio was declared the winner, but felt uncomfortable to see the look on the faces and Silvio Dante.

"The third game," announced the master of ceremonies-comcombines elements of both ppiles and add new ones.This time, you have to use speed and skill, but also the charisma and charm! He spread his arms and pointed to a group of womenelegantly dressed beef was in the square, smiled coyly-. Several of our ladies have provided voluntarysecretariats to help, "continued the master of ceremonies-. Algunas of them are in the square. Others wandering the surrounding streets. Even find some shipped in gondolas. Will recognize the ladies for the ribbons in their hair. Your work, distinguished compet.i.tors consist of tape to collect the maximum possible in the time to run my hourgla.s.s. When the time comes to an end, we rang the church bell. I can say without equivocation that independent risktemente how fortunate you smileThis will be for you the pasatiempo day more enjoyable! The man who returns with more tapes will win and be one step closer to getting the MostGolden Face But remember, if these games have no direct winner will be the judges who will decide which of you will be lucky to attend the celebration of the Doge! And now ... Begin!

Time pa.s.sed, and as promised by the master ceremonias, fast and pleasant. San Polo bell beat her when the last grains of sand fell from the upper chamber to the lower chamber of the watch and the contestants returned to the plaza. They delivered the tapes to Referees, Some smiling, others flushed. Dante only remained expressionless, but he turned red with rage when the counting ended, the emcee got up again, Ezio arm.

"Well, mysterious young man, now you're in luck," said the master of ceremonies-. We trust that your good fortune not abandoned youne at the final hurdle. He turned to address the crowd while riding cleared the stands and ropes that would make it a boxing ring-. The latest evidence, ladies and gentlemen, is completely different. This will only brute force. The compet.i.tors will fight amongst themselves until they are all removed except two. These last two will fight until one of them falls knocked out. And then come the motion that you are all waiting! It will announce the final winner of the Golden Mask, but be careful with your bets ... We still have plenty of time to disappointments and surprises!

It was in this last game I said Dante, but Ezio, bringing youdo use other skills and very light on his feet, managed to reach the final pair and face the gigantic bodyguards. The pudren seemed to pile the man, but Ezio was agile enough to ensure you do not receive strong punches and got even the odd blow to the chin with the leftda and more than a right hook.

In the last fight there was no rest between rounds and After a while, Ezio realized that Dante was beginning to be tired. But also, on the corner of her eye, she saw Silvio BarBarigo spoke urgently with the master of ceremonies and with the jury sitting at the table in the shade of an awning, not far from the ring. He thought he saw change hands a bulging leather bag, although it was not quite sure because I had to continue paying attention to his opponent, now furious, tried to hit hard. Ezio dodged and ran two fast ganrights against the jaw of Dante, and the last, the big man fell. Ezio Dante stared at him and gave him a lookda furious.

"This is not over," he growled, but had trouble joining. Ezio looked the master of ceremonies and raised his arm to get his attention, but the man remained expressionless.

- Are we sure that all competidores have been removed?Shouted the master of ceremonies-. Everyone? Everyone? No podemos announce the winner until we No podemos announce the winner until we Safe! Safe!

At the moment two grim-looking men were disimportance of the crowd to climb into the ring, a murmur reran the square. Ezio looked to judges, but they look divertedda. The men were preparing to go around and saw that both hid a short knife, almost invisible, within reach.

-So things are going well? "He said-. Anything goes, then.

With agility got away at the time that Dante, from the ground, tried to make her fall by grabbing her ankles. He then gave a great leap and extended the leg to give a kick in the face of one of their new opponents. He spat the teeth and staggered. As he fell, he stepped foot iz hardquierdo the second man, crushing his instep. Then he herded nonstop punches in the stomach and when men doBlegen, kneed him in the chin. Howling in pain, this laststaggered mo too. He had bitten his tongue and blood flowed in torrents from her mouth.

Without looking back, Ezio jumped in the ring and confronted the master of ceremonies and judges embarra.s.sed. The crowd threw a cheer.

"I think we have a winner," said Ezio the master of ceremonies.

The man exchanged glances with the judges and Barbarigo Silvio, who was standing next to them. The master of ceremonies came into the ring, avoiding blood as he could, and went to the muchedumbre.

- Ladies and gentlemen!"He announced after coughing nerveso to clear his throat-. I think everyone will agree with me that today we enjoyed a tough and fair fight.

The crowd kept cheering.

"And in these cases it is difficult to choose the authentic lookwe shared ...

People were puzzled. Ezio exchanged glances with teodora, who was very close.

"It was a tough job for the judges and me-prosiled the master of ceremonies, which began to sweat and had to wipe his forehead, but there must be a winner and together, we have chosen one. "And after saying it leaned and with difficulty, helped Dante to sit-. Ladies and gentlemen ... I give to know the name of the winner of the Golden Mask, the signore signore Dante Moro! Dante Moro!

The crowd whistled and booed him, uttering cries of disapprovalCORDING, and the master of ceremonies, along with the judges, had to withdraw hastily when spectators began throwing all the garbage we managed to find. Teodora Ezio ran and saw together how Silvio, with a wry smile on his face angry, helped Dante to descend from the podium and depositwork towards an alley.

Chapter 19.

Of back to the "convent" Theodora, Ezio strove conteTeodora and Antonio ners while watching him with concern. back to the "convent" Theodora, Ezio strove conteTeodora and Antonio ners while watching him with concern.

"I saw Silvio bribed the master of ceremonies," said Teodora-. And no doubt also filled the pockets of the jury. I could not do anything about it.

Antonio laughed mockingly and Ezio looked angry.

"It's easy to understand why Silvio wanted to achieve, above all, that their man did with the Golden Mask," continued Teodora-. Remain on alert and do not want to corisks barrier to the Doge Marco. He looked at Ezio-. Not rest until they see you dead.

"In that case, I expect many sleepless nights.

"We have to think. The party is tomorrow.

-Find a way to follow up the party, Dante'scided Ezio-. Take off his mask y. ..

- How?Antonio wanted to know-. "Killing the poor stronzo? stronzo?

Ezio looked angry.

- Do you have a better idea? You know very well what is at stake!

Antonio raised his hands, indicating that their disapproval.

"Look, Ezio ... if you kill him, canceled the party, and Marco iscondera back in palazzo. palazzo. We lost the time ... Again! No, it's stealing the mask without making noise. We lost the time ... Again! No, it's stealing the mask without making noise.

"My girls can work" said Teodora-. Muchas of them will come to the party ... as cheerleaders. Might decreasebring Dante while you get the mask. And once there, do not be afraid. I also be present.

Ezio nodded reluctantly. He did not like being told what he had to do, but in this case knew that Theodora and Antonio were right.

-Va bene "He said. "He said.

The next day, at sunset, Ezio tried to be at a point in the journey that Dante had to do to attend the party. For the few girls hovered around Teodora. At last the big man. Had made an effort with their costumes, which were expensive but flashy. Wearing the Golden Mask hanging from his belt. As soon as I saw the girls pusiwere to whisper flattery and greet, approaching him, two of them taking him by the arm and making sure the maskwas hanging from the rear. Thus accompanied him to the wide area was cordoned off near the Molo, where would youner party place and where, in fact, it had begun. Cropressure gauge accurately their action, Ezio chose the last minute to cut the skin and release the belt of Dante. Took it and ran the youth went to put the guards controlled access to the party before that he should make Dante. Upon seeing him, they let Ezio, but when Dante appeared moments later and found the supposedly carrying mask hanging from his belt, he discovered he had vanished. The escort girls who had hitherto had disappeared into the crowd and had covered his face with masks too, so it was impossible to recognize them.

Dante was still arguing with the guards at the gate, which hasthey had received strict orders, while Ezio made his way inamong the attendees to make contact with Theodora. She receivedceived warmly.

- You did it! Congratulations! And now, listen: Oceanco remain very cautious. He is staying in your vesseltion, the Bucintoro Bucintoro Duke, which is moored right in front of Molo. Can nots closer to he,perorshould encontrar a place from which to launch your attack. He turned to call three or four of his courtesans-. These girls will cover your movements as you move among the people. Duke, which is moored right in front of Molo. Can nots closer to he,perorshould encontrar a place from which to launch your attack. He turned to call three or four of his courtesans-. These girls will cover your movements as you move among the people.

Ezio was launched but when in the company of girls, radiant with satin and silk dresses in silver and red, made his way among the guests, he noticed a tall man and circ.u.mstancescunspecto over sixty years of age, with blue eyes, intelligent eyes and white goatee, who was talking with a n.o.ble Venicenot of similar age. Both wore small masks that barely covered his face and recognized the former as Ezio Agostino BarBarigo, the younger brother of Mark. Agostino would have much to do with the fate of Venice in the event that his brother had occupiedrriera a disgrace, and Ezio considered desirable approach thereby overhears the conversation they had.

When Ezio Girlhood, Agostino laughed thinly.

"Honestly, I think my brother is ashamed to own mymo with this exhibition.

"You have no right to talk about it in that tone," said the n.o.ble-. It is the dux!

"Yes, yes. Is the dux-granted Agostino, stroking his goatee.

"It's your party. Of Carnevale, Carnevale, and may spend as much money as it deems appropriate. and may spend as much money as it deems appropriate.

"It's dux, but only nominally, Agostino said more dry-. And the money we're spending the money of Venice, not yours. He lowered his voice-. There are more important things at stake, you know it.

"Marcus was the man chosen to govern. It is true that your father did not think I could get where it is and why it was you who sent his political ambitions. But that now, considering how things are, is irrelevant.

-I never wanted wanted be dux ... be dux ...

"In that case, I congratulate you on your success," he said coldly n.o.ble.

"Look," said Agostino, restraining-. Power is more than being rich. Do you really think my brother who was elected by more than for their wealth?

- Was chosen for his wisdom and leadership skills!

Were interrupted by the start of the fireworks. Agostino watched them only for a moment and said withas below: - And is this what you do with that knowledge? "Offering a specspectacle of lights? It hides in the Ducal Palace as the city will under and thought that a few explosions expensive enough to make people forget all their problems.

The n.o.ble frowned.

-A people like the show. It's human nature. See how ...

But at that moment, Ezio detected the huge figure of DanI broke through the guests, accompanied by notesment of guards, looking for him, no doubt. Continued to advance until you find a hiding place from which to acyield to the dux in the event that left the Bucintoro Bucintoro moored a few meters from the seafront. moored a few meters from the seafront.

It sounded a fanfare and fireworks stopped by the moment. The guests sat in silence and burst actguido into applause when Marco appeared on the port side of the barge state to address the public and a page I made: "Signore e signori! I present to you our dear doges I present to you our dear doges Venezia! Venezia!

Marco began his speech.

"Benvenuti! Welcome, dear friends, the most splendidDido social event of the season!In peace or war, in times of prosperity or hardship, Welcome, dear friends, the most splendidDido social event of the season!In peace or war, in times of prosperity or hardship, Venezia Venezia always have always have Carnevale!... Carnevale!...

While still talking dux, Theodora approached Ezio.

"I'm too far," said Ezio-. And do not think losing his ship. So I will have no choice but to swim to it. Merda! Merda!

-I would not try, "he said quietly Teodora-. Te detectionsecretariats soon.

"Then I have to ...

- Wait!

The dux was still talking.

"Tonight we celebrate what makes us great. The color with which our light shines above the world!

He stretched his arms and fireworks erupted over. The crowd cheered in approval.

- That's right!Teodora said-. Use your gun! gun! Which empleaste to kill that murderer in my Which empleaste to kill that murderer in my bordello. bordello. Seize the explosions of fireworks when they return to begin to reduce the noise of your shot. Do it at the right time and you can get out of here without anyone noticing anything. Seize the explosions of fireworks when they return to begin to reduce the noise of your shot. Do it at the right time and you can get out of here without anyone noticing anything.

Ezio stared.

"I like how you think, sister.

"It's just that find the shot. Just bedrastic a chance. He squeezed his arm-. Buona fortune Buona fortune my son. Te wait on my son. Te wait on bordello. bordello.

Disappeared mingling with the partygoers inEzio detected between them back to Dante and his thugs, whoguide searching. Silent as a ghost, came to a lugar in the spring as close as possible to the point from where Mark was giving his speech. Luckily, his clothes resplandecientes, illuminated by the light of the party, made him a perfect target.

Doge's speech progressed, and he used it to pre Eziostop and wait to attention as fireworks will resumewill give. To get out of there unscathed, had to find the perfect moment.

"We all know that we have overcome troubled times was saying Framework-. But we've overcome them together, and Venezia Venezia it has been strengthened ... Transitions of power are complicated, but we weathered the change in style and tranquility. It is easy to lose a doge in the prime of life, and it is frustrating to see that the murderer of our beloved comrade Mocenigo is liber and unpunished. But we take comfort in the idea that many were beginning to feel uncomfortable with the policies of my predecessorsuccessor, to feel insecure and doubt the path that was leading us. "Among the guests, several shouted in appropriate signalCORDING, and Marco, smiling, raised his hands to silence them-. Well, my friends, I say again that I have found the right way! It is a beautiful place and go there together! The future vislight for it has been strengthened ... Transitions of power are complicated, but we weathered the change in style and tranquility. It is easy to lose a doge in the prime of life, and it is frustrating to see that the murderer of our beloved comrade Mocenigo is liber and unpunished. But we take comfort in the idea that many were beginning to feel uncomfortable with the policies of my predecessorsuccessor, to feel insecure and doubt the path that was leading us. "Among the guests, several shouted in appropriate signalCORDING, and Marco, smiling, raised his hands to silence them-. Well, my friends, I say again that I have found the right way! It is a beautiful place and go there together! The future vislight for Venezia Venezia power is a future, a future of wealth. Build a fleet as large as our enemies fear us as we never have feared! And the seas will expand our trade routes and we'll bring home spices and treasuresros with which we could not dream since the days of Marco Polo! Marco's eyes lit up when his voice took a threatening tone-. And those who oppose us want tocirle following: careful with the side that you choose, because either you are with us or you are on the side of evil. And here we do not want enemiegos! I will pursue, I expel, destroy you! -Volsaw hands up and said-: Y power is a future, a future of wealth. Build a fleet as large as our enemies fear us as we never have feared! And the seas will expand our trade routes and we'll bring home spices and treasuresros with which we could not dream since the days of Marco Polo! Marco's eyes lit up when his voice took a threatening tone-. And those who oppose us want tocirle following: careful with the side that you choose, because either you are with us or you are on the side of evil. And here we do not want enemiegos! I will pursue, I expel, destroy you! -Volsaw hands up and said-: Y Venezia Venezia will always be the brightest jewel of all civilization! will always be the brightest jewel of all civilization!

And when he dropped his arms in triumph, began a poTENTE display of fireworks, a final fireworks conversiontio night into day. The sound of explosions was deafening, and the tiny shot Ezio lost between them. And he was confused as to the crowd before people had TIMEpo to react when he saw Marco Barbarigo, one of the Doge of shortest reign in the history of Venice, stagger, takeDose hand on his heart, and dropped dead on the deck of the barge ducal.

"Requiescat in pace Ezio muttered to himself. Ezio muttered to himself.