Renaissance. Part 8

"I was involved in the case Saltarelli.

Ezio remembered him right away. Few weeks ago, a young art model, Jacopo Saltarelli, was reported anonymously to practice prost.i.tution, and Leonardo, along with three other men, had been accused of being one of his clientsTual. The case had been dismissed for lack of evidence, but could not shake the bad reputation gained.

"Here we do not process for h.o.m.os.e.xuals," said Ezio-. That is why, I think, that the Germans used a nickname for them: they are called Florenz. Florenz.

"Officially remains an illegal activity," said DryLeonardo mind-. Can still be fined for it. And with menas Alberti men in power ...

- What do we do with the body?

"Oh," said Leonardo-. It's a G.o.dsend. Help me to drag him inside before someone sees us. I'll put it with others.

- A gift from heaven? The others?

"The wine is fresh. Remain a week. Occasionally a couple of corpses recovered from the hospital, not CLAIMma anyone. All unofficial, of course. The open, examined a little ... Serve for my research.

Ezio looked at his friend with great curiosity.

-What?

"I thought you had cash. I like to find out the functionsaccompaniment of things.

Body away from the sight of people and the two a.s.sistants Leonardo dragged in any way by the stone steps to hide.

- And if they send someone to look to know what became of him?

Leonardo shrugged.

"I'll say that I know nothing. "He winked-. I have friends pohealers here, Ezio.

Ezio was perplexed. Said: "I I very confident ...

"You limit yourself to anyone not mention the incident.

"I will not ... and thank you, Leonardo, for everything.

"It was a pleasure. And do not forget ... His eyes shone with a hungry look-. If you find more pages of this COsays, bring them to me. Who knows what other new designs could withhave.

- I promise!

Ezio returned home triumphant Paola although, throughout their journey to the north of the city, did not forget at any time lost in the anonymity of the crowd.

Paola was received with relief.

"You've been away longer than I expected.

-A Leonardo likes to talk.

"But I hope that is not dedicated to just that.

"Oh, no. Look! "And he showed him the knife wrist, lasting thedola from inside the sleeve with a flourish extravagant and a little boy smile.

- Awesome!

"Yes. -Ezio watched with admiration the gun-. I need some practice. I want to keep all your fingers. Paola became serious.

"Well, Ezio, I think you're ready. Te I provideswimming skills needed, Leonardo has repaired your weapon. Took a deep breath-. All you need now is to perform your feat.

"Yes," said Ezio quietly, his expression darkening again-. The question now is how to access Messer Messer Alberti. Paola looked thoughtful. Alberti. Paola looked thoughtful.

"The Duke Lorenzo is already back. He did not agree with Alberti authorized executions in his absence, but lacks the power to challenge the Gonfaloniere. Gonfaloniere. Tomorrow night will be held the premiere of the latest work of master Verrocchio to the cloister of Santa Croce. Florentine high society will be present, including Alberti. He stared-. I think you should attend. Tomorrow night will be held the premiere of the latest work of master Verrocchio to the cloister of Santa Croce. Florentine high society will be present, including Alberti. He stared-. I think you should attend.

Ezio discovered that the sculpture was to perform was a bronze statue of David, the biblical hero who was a.s.sociated with Florence, a city located between two Goliaths: Rome in the south and the kings of France, always eager to conquer territory, the north. The Medici family was the promoter of the commission, which was erectedria in the Palazzo Vecchio. The teacher had begun work on the sculpture for three or four years and there were rumors that the caBeza had been shaped by what was one of the most attractiveyoung apprentice you and Verrocchio at the time, such a Leonardo da Vinci. In any casor excitement to the Accountantfoundation was great and everyone was wondering what was putDria for the occasion.

But Ezio had other issues on which to reflect.

"Take care of my mother and my sister in my absence Paola asked.

"As if they were mine.

"And if anything happened to me ...

"Have faith, nothing will happen.

The next afternoon, Ezio went to Santa Croce with sufficientyou in advance. He had spent hours preparing and refine previousdo your skills with the new weapon until you are satisfied with the feeling that dominated their use. He was thinking about the death of his father and brothers, and the cruel tone of voice in p.r.o.nouncing the sentence Alberti clearly echoed in his head.

As he approached Santa Croce saw two figures recommendednized immediately. They walked past him and something apart from a small squad of bodyguards whose uniform displaying a badge with five red b.a.l.l.s on a gold field. Were discutiendo, and hurried to come and hear the conversation. Sehad before the porch of the church and he was giving LapTAS near them but they could see, to hear what they said. The men spoke barely moving lips. One was Uberto Alberti, the other a thin man of between twenty and thirty years, with prominent nose and determined expression, richly dressed with hat and red cloak, a silver-gray coat beneath. The Duke Lorenzo Il Magnifico, Il Magnifico, as they called their subjects, To the indignation of the Pazzi and their supporters. as they called their subjects, To the indignation of the Pazzi and their supporters.

"You can not accuse me of this, was saying Alberti-. I acted based on information received as conclusive evidence. I acted within the law and within the limits of my office!

- No! Surpa.s.s your limits Gonfaloniere, Gonfaloniere,and you APROVEchaste in my absence to do so. I'm extremely againsttariat.

- Who are you to talk about limits? I've done with the power of the city, you have proclaimed their duke, without the consentor the formal consent Signoria Signoria or anyone! or anyone!

- I have not done that!

Alberti was allowed to license a wry laugh.

- What would you say otherwise? You're always so innocent! How convenient of you. In Careggi you surround yourself with people that mamajority consider dangerous freethinkers: Ficino, Mirandola, Poliziano and filthy! But at least we had the opportunity to see how far your radio actually action ... that is the same as saying that anywhere, practically speaking. It was a valuable lesson for my aliatwo for me.

"Yes. Your allies the Pazzi. In reality, everything turns around the same, right?

Alberti studied carefully before responding nails.

"Watch what you say, duces. duces. Could attract the attention of someone who does not belong. "Although not discussed fully confident. Could attract the attention of someone who does not belong. "Although not discussed fully confident.

"The only thing you should watch what you say you are, Gonfaloniere. Gonfaloniere. And I suggest you forward this advice to your partner ... Take it as a warning of a friend. And I suggest you forward this advice to your partner ... Take it as a warning of a friend.

And with that, Lorenzo turned around and went with guardaespaldas to the cloister. After a moment, cursing to himself, Alberti followed suit. A Ezio gave the impression that the man was cursing himself.

The cloisters had been decorated for the occasion with youjidos embroidered in gold so dazzling reflected light hundreds of candles. On a platform next to the central fountain, a group of musicians played, while in another gallery stood the bronze sculpture, a figure of exquisite beauty whose size reached approximately half the height of a man. When Ezio entered, using columns and shadows to hide, he saw Lorenzo congratulating the artist. Ezio also recognized the mysterious hooded figure who accompanied AlAlberti on the platform the day of execution.

From a distance, saw Alberti surrounded by fans, members of the local n.o.bility. As could be heard, understood Eziogiven that they were congratulating Gonfaloniere Gonfaloniere for liberating the city from the scourge of the family Auditore. Never have imagineddo that his father may have as many enemies as well as friends in the city, but also realized that only had dareddo to stand against him in the absence of its main ally, Lorenzo. Ezio smiled when a n.o.blewoman Alberti said he was confident that the Duke valued his integrity. Overture saw that has notBia been at all pleasing to Alberti. And continued to hear more. for liberating the city from the scourge of the family Auditore. Never have imagineddo that his father may have as many enemies as well as friends in the city, but also realized that only had dareddo to stand against him in the absence of its main ally, Lorenzo. Ezio smiled when a n.o.blewoman Alberti said he was confident that the Duke valued his integrity. Overture saw that has notBia been at all pleasing to Alberti. And continued to hear more.

- What is known about another child? Was asking a non-ble-. Ezio, right? Have you escaped?

Alberti managed a smile.

"The boy does not imply any danger. Soft hands and an even softer head. He was captured and executed by the end of the week.

All those around him laughed.

"Well ... what are you waiting for then Uberto? Asked another man-. Does the chair Signoria Signoria maybe? maybe?

Alberti opened his hands.

"Everything is G.o.d's will. My only interest is in continuoustinue serving Florence, faithfully and diligently.

"Whatever you chose to do so, you have our support.

"Very flattering on your part. We'll see what the future holds. -Alberti was radiant, but appeared to modestly-. And now, my friends, I suggest we leave the politics aside and give ourselves the pleasure of this sublime work of art, so generousdonated by the n.o.ble mind Medici.

Ezio waited for the company Alberti moved away towards the David. David. For its part, Alberti took a gla.s.s of wine and discussed the scene, a mixture of caution and satisfaction in his eyes. Ezio saknew I was his chance. The eyes of the world were fixed on the sculpture, near which Verrocchio was stuck with a brief speech. For its part, Alberti took a gla.s.s of wine and discussed the scene, a mixture of caution and satisfaction in his eyes. Ezio saknew I was his chance. The eyes of the world were fixed on the sculpture, near which Verrocchio was stuck with a brief speech.

-Make the ultimate compliment you must have felt like a kick in the stomach, "said Ezio between teeth-. But I papray you're right at the end disingenuous.

A Alberti met him in the eyes of the orbits to recognize.

- You!

"Yes, Gonfaloniere. Gonfaloniere. I Ezio. I have come to avenge the death of my father-your friend, and my innocent brothers. I Ezio. I have come to avenge the death of my father-your friend, and my innocent brothers.

Alberti heard the click off of a pier, a clang, and immediately saw the knife stuck in his throat.

"Goodbye, Gonfaloniere Gonfaloniere Ezio said coldly. Ezio said coldly.

- Stop!He cried in a stifled Alberti-. You have done the same to have been in my situation: you protect yourres ones. Forgive me, Ezio ... I had no other choice.

Ezio leaned over him, ignoring his pleas. I knew that this man had had no alternative-an alternative honorsble-and who had been too pa.s.sive to decantis for her.

- What do you think I I I'm not protecting my loved onestwo? What would you be able to show mercy to my mother and my sister's hand to bring them up? And now tell me cottonare the papers of my father gave you? You have to have them stored somewhere safe. I'm not protecting my loved onestwo? What would you be able to show mercy to my mother and my sister's hand to bring them up? And now tell me cottonare the papers of my father gave you? You have to have them stored somewhere safe.

"I never get. Whenever I take over! -AlberEzio you wanted to push and took a deep breath to call the guards, but Ezio came the knife a little closer to his throat and slid the blade over his jugular artery. Incapable even of Bourbontar, Alberti fell to his knees, his hands clutching instinctivelyyou neck in a vain attempt to stop the blood spillMaba on the gra.s.s like a waterfall. As lying completely fell to the ground. Ezio quickly hunched over it and cut the ribbon that connected his bag with the belt. He looked within. The engreifinal treatment was carried Alberti to tell the truth. The doc.u.mentscough were there.

He realized that the silence around him. Verrocchio's speech was interrupted and all the guests had turned to him and were looking, not yet cover the scope of what happened. Ezio stood up and faced them.

- Yes! What you see is real! What you see is revenge! The familylia Auditore still alive. I'm still here! Ezio Auditore!

Took a deep breath at the same time a woman's voice shouted: -a.s.sa.s.sin!

Instant chaos reigned. Lorenzo's bodyguards as rodearon immediately, their swords raised. Guests corrierum to hide here and there, some trying to flee, the more youlients doing at least the gesture of trying to capture Ezio, although none of them dared to do it for real. Ezio saw the hooded figure was lost in the shadows. Verrocchio had been protecting his sculpture. Women screamed, men shouted and city guards ran through the cloisters, without really knowing who to pursue. Ezio seized the moment, climbed onto the roof dand the colonnade of the porch and saltto another courtyard, the door opened into the square in front of the church, where they began to congregate and a mult.i.tude of curiosos, attracted by the sounds of the commotion that existed in the inteprevious building.

- What happens? Someone asked Ezio.

"Justice has been done," said Ezio, before running off the northwest city in search of security offered Paola's mansion.

He stopped on the way to verify the contents of the bowlsa Alberti. At least, his last words were sincere. Everything was there. And there was something else. An undelivered letter written by Alberti handwriting. Perhaps new information to Ezio, who broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

But it was a personal note to his wife Alberti. While reading, Ezio could at least understand what kind of forces had pushed the man to break his integrity.

Amomine r: "Plasmo my thoughts paper with the hope of qEU quizore comes a day quand gather enough courage to eat comgame with you. With the TIMEpo, no doubt you'll learn que traitionGiovanni e auditors, tache a traitor and set himICE to death. Probably the history will judge this act as cuesment of polNotice and greed. 'But you must understand that it was fate that forced me ahacerlo, but fear.

When the Medici stealsour family were all que poseiamos, tuve scared. For you, for our son. By future. What hope is in this world to a hombre no media or positionresponsibilities? In As far a.s.s rest, I offered money, land and t.i.tles in exchange for my cooperation. As far a.s.s rest, I offered money, land and t.i.tles in exchange for my cooperation.

Y I finished eating and was betraying my close friend.

Por unexplained thatwhether that act, it seemed necessary at the time.

E even ahora, looking back, do not get to see another way ... even ahora, looking back, do not get to see another way ...

Ezio carefully folded the letter and put it back into the bowlsa. I would again be responsible for sealing and it was betweengada. He was determined not ever bow to the meanness.

Chapter 6.

And is made, "he simply said Paola. is made, "he simply said Paola.

She hugged her for a moment and then separated.

"I know. Glad you're safe.

"I think it's time to leave Florence.

- Where will you go?

-Mario, brother of my father owns a farm near Monteriggioni. We will go there.

"You're already on the run, Ezio. Are hanging posters everywhere with your picture and the words "Wanted." And prayedpublic administrators begin to speak out against you. He paused, pensativa. I will command my servants to go and pull up all the posters they can and can bribe the speakers to talk about other things. He then came another thought. Better to do to prepare doc.u.ments so you can travel on three.

Ezio shook his head from side to side, thinking Alberti.

- What kind of world do we live? It is so easy to manipulate beliefs ...

-Alberti was in a position considered impossiblesible, but should have remained strong. He sighed. The viewDad traded daily. You have to get used to it, Ezio.