Renaissance. Part 37

- Where you going? Asked one of them.

-A Florence. To sit at the feet of the great leader, "he ressponded a merchant's face was very pale before continuing on foot.

It was a wide road and saw another surge Ezio people acerCandoso to him in the opposite direction, obviously from the city. Also walked downcast, her expression serious and depressed. When they pa.s.sed by his side, Ezio got to hear snippets of conversation and realized that the whole geneI had undertaken a voluntary exile. Car car jostlinggados way up, or dragging bags or bags with their belongingsences. Were refugees exiled from their homes by the edicts of the Monk or on their own, unable to live longer under his command.

"Only that Piero would have had a tenth of the talentto his father, would have something to call home ... DECia one.

"I never should have let that fool is strengthenedra in our city, "murmured another. Look at all the misery that has brought ...

"I do not understand is why there are so many willing to accepttar their oppression, "said one woman.

"At this time, any place is better than Florence," said another woman. We have been expelled for refusing to inTregar everything we had at your beautiful church of San Marco!

"It's witchcraft, is the only way to explain it. Even the teachersBotticelli ORT is under the spell of Savonarola ... Although in truth, is getting old, and must be around fifty orta, and the best bets is going to reach heaven.

- Burning of books, arrests, those endless sermons! And think of what Florence was just two years ago ... A modeas against ignorance! And now we're back here, bogged downtwo in the Dark Ages.

And then, a woman said something to acute forced EzioTsar's ear.

"Sometimes I wish that the Murderer back to Florence, to liberate us from this tyranny.

- No!"Replied his friend. The Murderer is a myth! As the coconut that parents use with their children.

"You're wrong. My father saw him in San Gimignano, "the first woman with a sigh. But that was was for many years. "Yes, yes ... it for many years. "Yes, yes ... it what your DICI. what your DICI.

Ezio went galloping by his side, his heart press on the breast. But were encouraged when he saw coming towards him along the way a familiar face.

-Salute, Ezio Machiavelli said, his face half-serious, half mischievous older population, but more interesting thanks to the pa.s.sage of time. Ezio Machiavelli said, his face half-serious, half mischievous older population, but more interesting thanks to the pa.s.sage of time.

-Salute, Nicholas. Nicholas.

"You picked a good time to go home.

"You know me. When there is illness, I like intensivetar cure.

"The truth is that your help will go well," said Machiavelli, sighing. Undoubtedly, Savonarola could not have comewhere do if I had not used the powerful artifact, the Fruto Eden. He raised his hand. I am aware of what theirtransferred since the last time we met. Two years ago, Catherine sent a messenger from Forli, and recently got a letter from Piero from Venice.

"I'm here for the Fruit of Eden. It's been far too longpo is not in our power.

"In a sense, I suppose I should be too pleasingacids in this cadaveric Girolamo Machiavelli said. At least he managed not to fall into the hands of the new pope.

- Have you tried anything?

"Not to try. Rumour has it that Alexander plans to excommunicate our beloved Dominican. Although this will not do much to change the situation we have here.

Ezio said: "We should get down to work and try to recoveryperarlo without further delay.

- "The Fruit of Eden? Of course ... but I think it is more complicated than you think.

- Ja! And when it has not been? -Ezio stared. Why do not you update me on everything?

"Come, let us return to the city. I will tell you everything I know. Eventhere is little to tell. In short, King Charles VIII of France finally managed to subdue Florence. Piero fled. Carlos, the hungrier of territory than ever I still understoodder why they call "the Affable" - he continued his march on Naples, and Savonarola, the Ugly Duckling, suddenly saw his chance and filled the power vacuum. It's like any dictator, is shoddy or majestic. Totally devoid of humor, believing their cause and full to the brim with an unwavering sense of smugness. The most effective type of prince and nastier than you could insear. He paused. Someday I'll write a book on the subject.

- What has been the fruit of Eden, the means justify the end?

Machiavelli spread his hands.

"Only in part. For the most part, and I hate to say, owes everything to his charisma. Not only has captivated the city itself, but their leaders, men of influence and power. Naturally, there were in Signoria Signoria who resisted at first, but now ... -Machiavelli adopted an expression of concern. Now have them in your pocket. The man everyone vilipenDiab suddenly became a man revered. And those who disagreed were forced to leave. And still going on, as you have seen yourself. And now the Florentine counciltino oppress citizens and ensures compliance with the voMonk will of the insane. who resisted at first, but now ... -Machiavelli adopted an expression of concern. Now have them in your pocket. The man everyone vilipenDiab suddenly became a man revered. And those who disagreed were forced to leave. And still going on, as you have seen yourself. And now the Florentine counciltino oppress citizens and ensures compliance with the voMonk will of the insane.

- And what about the ordinary decent people? Do you really behave as if they had no say in all this?

Machiavelli smiled sadly.

"You know the answer to this as well as I, Ezio. Rare is the man willing to oppose the status quo. And to do it ... falls to us to help you succeed.

Murderers The two had arrived at the gates of the city. The armed guards, like any police serving inests of the state regardless of their morality, their doc.u.mentary examinedments and let them pa.s.s, but not before ba.s.s Eziotara that there was another group of guards piling the bodies of several men dressed in a uniform that bore the coat of arms Borgia. He said Nicholas.

"Oh, yes," said Machiavelli. Like I said, the friend RoDrigo-never get used to call Alexander a b.a.s.t.a.r.d-keep trying. Sends its soldiers to Florence and Florence's returns, usually made bits.

- So you know that the Fruit of Eden is here?

- Of course I know! And I must admit it is a developmentfortunate High complication.

- Where is Savonarola?

-Directs the city from the Convento di San Marco. Almost nunca out of it. Thank G.o.d! Fra Fra Angel has not lived to see the day that Girolamo was installed there! Angel has not lived to see the day that Girolamo was installed there!

Dismantled, they kept the horses in the stables, and MaMachiavelli as arranged to find accommodation for Ezio. The pleasure of Paola house had been closed, along with all ofMoreover, as explained Machiavelli. The s.e.x and gambling, dancing and pageantry, in positions high on the list of unacceptable itemsBLES Savonarola. The murder and oppression justified, on the other hand, were allowed.

Ezio was once installed, Machiavelli accompanied the huge religious complex of San Marcos. Ezio toured the buildingsings evaluating them.

"The direct a.s.sault would be dangerous," he decided. Especially considering that holds the fruit of Eden.

"True," agreed Machiavelli. But what other alternativeis there?

"Aside from the leaders of the city, which undoubtedly have integratedpersonal interests, are you convinced that people really believe that?

"An optimist would bet on it," said Machiavelli.

"What I mean is if you do not seem to follow the monk, not by choice, but rather a force of oppression and fear.

"n.o.body, except a Dominican or a politician, I disagree.

"Then I suggest that we take advantage in our favor. If we can silence his lieutenants and sow discontentto, Savonarola begins to wander and have the perfect opportunity to attack.

Machiavelli smiled. smiled.

"A smart proposal. There should be an adjective to describe people like you. Talk with La Volpe La Volpe and Paola ... if they are here forced to live underground. May help to organize an uprising when you release the neighborhoods. and Paola ... if they are here forced to live underground. May help to organize an uprising when you release the neighborhoods.

"Then all settled.

But Ezio Machiavelli was concerned and he realized it. Guided him into the quiet cloister of a small church cercana and made him sit.

- What, man? He asked.

"Two things, but are personal.

"Tell me.

"The old palazzo palazzo my family ... What has become of him? I dare not to go see. my family ... What has become of him? I dare not to go see.

Machiavelli's face darkened.

"Be strong, my dear Ezio. Tu palazzo palazzo still stands, but the ability to protect Lorenzo lasted only the duration of his power, his own life. Piero attempted to follow the example of his father, but after being expelled by the French, the Palazzo Auditore was requisitioned and used as headquarters of the mercenaries of the Swiss Guards of Charles. When they left to continue their march hasence the south, the men of Savonarola was cleaned of all that could be on it and closed it. Be brave. Someday you'll end up restoring it. still stands, but the ability to protect Lorenzo lasted only the duration of his power, his own life. Piero attempted to follow the example of his father, but after being expelled by the French, the Palazzo Auditore was requisitioned and used as headquarters of the mercenaries of the Swiss Guards of Charles. When they left to continue their march hasence the south, the men of Savonarola was cleaned of all that could be on it and closed it. Be brave. Someday you'll end up restoring it.

- What about Annette?

"He escaped, thank G.o.d, and now with your mother in Monteriggioni.

"At least that is good news.

After a long silence, Machiavelli asked: - "And the second issue? Ezio whispered, "Cristina ...

"I tell you ask hard things mio amico. mio amico.-Macchiafrowned veil. But you know the truth. He paused. He's dead, my friend. Manfredo did not go, as did many of his friends after the two plagues: the Frenchseparations and Savonarola. Piero was convinced that organized a counteroffensive and regain the city. But there was one night horroRose, shortly after the monk came to power in which totwo who do not voluntarily handed over their belongings to the bonfires of the vanities of the Monk organized to burn and destroy all the luxury and worldly objects, saw their homes looted and destroyed by the flames.

Ezio heard the story, forcing himself to stay calm, evenI felt his heart burst.

"Supporters of Savonarola, Machiavelli went ontraron force in the Palazzo d'Arzenta. Manfredo trieddefend itself, but there were too many odds against him and his menmen ... And Craig did not want to leave. "Machiavelli was a long pause, holding back tears. In their frenzy, the maniareligious cos also ended his life with a knife.

Ezio kept staring at the whitewashed wall opposite him. Every detail, every smallest crack, including horcrumbs walked through it, concentrated on its terrible eyes.

Chapter 27.

The extent to which our hopes are vain, how useless the plans we draw so perfectly, how ignorance reigns in the land, death, the lover of us all, may respondernoslo.

There are those who spend their days indulging in songs, dances and tournaments there are those who devote their talent to the arts kind, there are some who despise the world in every way possible, the need to hide the impulses that move your heart.

Idle thoughts and desires, anxieties of all kinds greatly prevail in this land offensive and diverse presence beyond the knowledge of nature; Fortune fickle-minded acts, Here things are ephemeral, low and fragile only death remains forever strong.

Ezio dropped from his hand the book of sonnets of Lorenzo. The news of the death of Cristina only served to increase its decision to eliminate its cause. His town was far too longpo suffering under the command of Savonarola, the city was excessivezens, of every kind, which had fallen under his spell, and those who disagreed had been discriminated against, forced to go underground or driven into exile. It was time to act.

"We lost in exile, many people who could havehelped us, "he said Machiavelli-. But even the mainc.i.p.al Savonarola's enemies outside our city-state, and I mean the Duke of Milan and our old friend Rodrigo, Pope Alexander VI, have managed to evict.

- And what accounts for these fires?

"The greatest folly of all. Savonarola and his closest allies organized groups of supporters going door to door and demand the delivery of any item they deem morally questionable, even cosmetics and mirrors, and needless to say pintures, allegedly unethical books, all kinds of games includegoing chess, musical instruments ... everything. If the monk and his followers believe they can be a distraction from religion, leading to the Piazza della Signoria, lit huge bonfires and burned everything. -Machiavelli shook his head from side to side-. Florence has lost much of their valuables and beauty in this way.

- And do not think the city is getting tired of this kind of behavior?

Machiavelli's face brightened.

"Yes, and that feeling is our main ally. I have the impression that Savonarola really believe that the Day of Judgement Final is just around the corner. The only problem is that it showssigns to get work, and even some who at first believed in him, starting now hesitation. Unfortunately, there'stoo power and influence that still support him without question. If we remove ...

And so began a frenzied period of persecution and elimination of those fans who really were people of all walks: a featured artist, a former soldier, a merchant, several priests, a doctor, a farmer and a pair of aristocrats , all of which clung fanatically to the ideas that the Monje had imbued. Some realized that had been crazy before he died, while others remained steadfast in his convictions. While carrying out this unpleasant task, Ezio was threatened with death with tremendous frequency. But then rumors began to filter through the city: conversationstions late at night, whispers in illegal taverns and alleys. The Murderer is back. The Murderer is back to save Florence ...

A Ezio was saddened to the depths of his soul to see his hometown, his family, his heritage, which have become victims of abuse, hatred and the madness of religious fervor. His heart was hard as a stone that served their deadly work, a wind frostcorrupted do that wiped city of those who had usurtic.i.p.ated to Firenze Firenze his glory. As always, killed with compa.s.sion, knowing that there was no possible way for those who had been so far from G.o.d. During those hours of darkness, never once departed from its duty to the Creed of Murderers. his glory. As always, killed with compa.s.sion, knowing that there was no possible way for those who had been so far from G.o.d. During those hours of darkness, never once departed from its duty to the Creed of Murderers.

Gradually, the general atmosphere of the city was unraveling, and Savonarola was that the support of his followers dwindled. MienIn the meantime, Machiavelli La Volpe and La Volpe and Paolo teamed up with Ezio to organize an uprising, a revolt led by a slow but powerful process of spiritual enlightenment of the people. Paolo teamed up with Ezio to organize an uprising, a revolt led by a slow but powerful process of spiritual enlightenment of the people.

The last of the "objectives" of Ezio was coaxed saa priest, when locating Ezio finally ended, I was precating to a crowd in front of the church of Santo Spirito.

- People from Florence! Come! Gather around me. Itspoon well so I have to say! The end is near! It is the moRegulation of repentance! To beg the forgiveness of G.o.d. ListenIf you are unable to see for yourselves. The signs signs around us: riot! Hungry! Disease! Corruption! They are the harbingers of around us: riot! Hungry! Disease! Corruption! They are the harbingers of dark! dark! We must remain steadfast in our devotion to keep us We must remain steadfast in our devotion to keep us consume them all! consume them all! -Examinednot the crowd with his eyes ablaze-. I certainly believe ittoy crazy. Ahhh ... Not what the Romans said the same of Jesus Christ? Know that in his day, so I share your uncertainty, your fear. But that was before Savonarola close to me. He taught me the -Examinednot the crowd with his eyes ablaze-. I certainly believe ittoy crazy. Ahhh ... Not what the Romans said the same of Jesus Christ? Know that in his day, so I share your uncertainty, your fear. But that was before Savonarola close to me. He taught me the true! true! My eyes My eyes opened opened finally. And before you today that I'm hoping to open also yours! "The priest paused for breath-. Comto understand that we are on the brink. On the one hand, the glowyou and glorious finally. And before you today that I'm hoping to open also yours! "The priest paused for breath-. Comto understand that we are on the brink. On the one hand, the glowyou and glorious Kingdom of G.o.d. Kingdom of G.o.d. On the other hand ... a hollow without fundsDO On the other hand ... a hollow without fundsDO despair] despair] Tambaleandoos you are already precariously on the edge. Men like the Medici or members of other families who once called teachers seeking a.s.sets and profitsences earth. Abandoned their beliefs in favor of material pleasures, and you wanted to follow his example. "He paused again, this time to emphasize his words, and continued-: Our wise prophet once said: "The only good thing that they shouldWe Plato and Aristotle is that they raise many discussions we can now use against the heretics. But even so, they and many other philosophers are now in h.e.l.l. " If you value the immortality of your soul, you shall give back to the pro tourfano and salute the teachings of our prophet Savonarola. So sanctify your body and your spirit. This discoveryreis the Glory of G.o.d! And you will become at last what our Creator intended, in faithful and obedient servants! Tambaleandoos you are already precariously on the edge. Men like the Medici or members of other families who once called teachers seeking a.s.sets and profitsences earth. Abandoned their beliefs in favor of material pleasures, and you wanted to follow his example. "He paused again, this time to emphasize his words, and continued-: Our wise prophet once said: "The only good thing that they shouldWe Plato and Aristotle is that they raise many discussions we can now use against the heretics. But even so, they and many other philosophers are now in h.e.l.l. " If you value the immortality of your soul, you shall give back to the pro tourfano and salute the teachings of our prophet Savonarola. So sanctify your body and your spirit. This discoveryreis the Glory of G.o.d! And you will become at last what our Creator intended, in faithful and obedient servants!

But the crowd was beginning to wane, he was losing interest and a few had already left. Ezio stepped forward and addressed the priest: "I sense that your mind is its own," he said.

The priest laughed.

"Not everyone needs persuasion or coercion to be withup. I already believed. Everything I said is true!

"None of this is true," said Ezio-. And what I'm doing now is not easy. -Activate the hidden dagger and crossed the sacerdote-. Requiescat in pace Requiescat in pace "He said. "He said.

Away from the victim, covered her head with the hood.

It was a long and arduous, but towards the end, Savonarola eventually became the unwitting ally of Murderers, as economic power began to wane Florence: The Monktested both trade and make money, the two things hebian made it big in their day to the city. And the Day of Judgement iswithout guidance. What I got was a liberal Franciscan monk who challenged the Monk with a fire ordeal. Monk refused to soget her and her authority suffered another setback. In early May 1497, a great many people from the city held mamanifestations of protest, which ended up becoming disturbios. After that, the bars began to open, people came to sing, dance and play resumed prost.i.tution ... The People began to have fun again, really. And banks and other businesses opened time as, slowly at first, the demandingBundled returning to the neighborhoods of the city and the regime freed Monk. It did not happen all in the overnight, but fially, almost a year after the day of the protests, the time of the fall of Savonarola, who had clung tenaciously to power was imminent.

"You did well," said Ezio Paola, while waiting to La Volpe La Volpe and Machiavelli at the gates of the complex of San Marco, along with a large and eager crowd proa.s.signor released neighborhoods. and Machiavelli at the gates of the complex of San Marco, along with a large and eager crowd proa.s.signor released neighborhoods.

Thanks. But now what will happen?

"Look," said Machiavelli.

A door opened above their heads and appeared on a balcony a gaunt figure dressed in black. Monk glared angrily at the people gathered.

- Silence! -Ordered-. I demand silence!

Overwhelmed, even unintentionally, the members lowered their voices.

- Why are you here?Savonarola asked "Why you bother me? You should be cleaning your houses!

But the crowd roared censoring his words.

- Wiping of what?Shouted a man-. If you already have taken him away everything!