Ch 8
Araceli had returned to the city while Matteo and Kiran continued to Syracuse. When they arrived it was evident that Matteo was anxious to find his mother. Kiran had chuckled and said that they would find her first, then they would go find the sword. It hadn't taken long before they tracked down where his mother lived. A number of people recongized him and gladly pointed him in the direction he needed to go.
The made their way through city, eventually winding up in front of a modest sized house. Matteo blinked in surprise as he stared at the building, "This isn't the place I remember..."
He hesitated before walking up to the door and knocking gently. A young woman opened the door and looked at Matteo, "Hello, sir. Are you looking for someone?"
Matteo cleared his throat, "I-Is... Is Perlita here?"
"Ah, yes!" The young woman smiled, "Please, come in both of you!" She motioned for Matteo and Kiran to enter. She shut the door behind them and lead them into a living room area. Inside a woman sat in a chair stitching. She had clear blue eyes and dark chocolate brown hair. A man sat across from her reading a book. He had calm green eyes and light brown hair that was tied back in a short ponytail. The young boy at his feet, who looked no more than ten years old, looked like a perfect blend of the woman and the man.
The maid who let Kiran and Matteo in stood in the doorway, "Perlita? You have guests."
The woman looked up in surprise before looking at Matteo and Kiran. The man stood up and smiled, "Greeting friends! My name is Lucio, and the little one is named Panfilo. Might I ask what business you have with my wife?"
Matteo stammered for a moment before looking at the woman, "It's a private matter."
"It's okay. If it involves me, I see no reason why my husband can't hear it also." The woman said gently, smiling fondly at her husband.
Matteo felt his stomach drop, not sure what to do. He reached up and gripped his hood, hesitating for a moment before pulling it back. His dark chocolate brown hair was tussled and his blue eyes were averted to the floor. Perlita gaped as she stood up, "M-Matteo?"
Lucio blinked in surprise, "This is Matteo?"
Perlita smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks, "My boy!" She rushed over and hugged them, "My little boy!"
"It's good to see you again, Mother." Matteo said, the word feeling odd on his tongue, but comforting.
"I thought you were never going to see me again." She said, wiping a tear from her cheek, "I mean... After giving you to Savio... I never heard from you..."
"I figured it would be better if I didn't impose on you..." Matteo murmured. He looked at Lucio and smiled, "I see my Mother has married a fine man."
Lucio grinned as he walked forward and offered his hand, "A pleasure to finally meet you." He motioned for Panfilo to come forward, "Come say hello to your brother."
Panfilo made his way over to Matteo and looked up, "Brother?"
Matteo knelt down and chuckled, "Well, quite the little man aren't you? Been taking good care of Mother?"
Panfilo nodded proudly, "Yes sir!"
Lucio motioned for Kiran and Matteo to take a seat, and asked for Matteo to fill them all in on his life. Matteo explained how he was a Captain for the Gondoliers, and briefly explained the work he did. He went over the basics of his life since he started living with Savio, sparing no praise when he spoke about him. He gave a simple explanation for why he and Kiran had been travelling, not giving away any of the details he feared would upset his mother. Matteo fell silent for a moment before looking at his mother, "What ever happened to... You know?"
"I have no idea where he has gone to. Last I heard he was in trouble with the guards for something, though I don't know what. I think he left the city, which is no pain for the people."
Lucio nodded before looking at Matteo. He smiled as he nodded at Kiran, "And this young lady?"
Kiran smiled, "Ah, sorry, sir. My name is Kiran Fortescue." She gestured with her left hand at the hidden blade on her right hand, "I'm an Assassin. I work for Ezio Auditore."
She was about to say more when Perlita leaned forward. "I'm sorry but... Your ring..." Perlita began, "May I see it?"
"Oh, of course!" Kiran said as she removed the ring and handed it over.
Perlita took a single glance at it before gaping. She knew it was the ring that belonged to Savio. Savio had written her a letter when Matteo became a Captain, telling her that Matteo was doing well and that he had given the ring to the young Captain. Perlita smiled as she looked walked over and hugged Matteo and Kiran, "Oh, my boy! Why didn't you say sooner?"
Lucio looked at the ring and laughed warmly, "Ah, I see someone left out a very important detail."
Matteo flushed, "I was just about to tell you..." He smiled as Kiran put the ring back on.
Panfilo sat beside his brother and looked at everyone, "So... She is my sister now?"
"Si, fratello." Matteo chuckled as he ruffled the boy's hair.
Panfilo cheered as he scampered over and hugged Kiran. Panfilo looked over when he saw the maid standing in the doorway, "Maria! I have a sister!"
The maid smiled and nodded, "That's great!" She looked at Kiran, "Someone is at the door for you. She says she's a friend. It sounds urgent."
Kiran looked at Matteo before excusing herself and going to the front door. She froze when she saw Araceli panting at the door, "Are you okay? What happened?"
Araceli looked up at Kiran with sad eyes, "Kiran... I have terrible news."
"Is the city okay? Is anyone hurt?" Kiran asked, fearing something terrible had happened before she could return.
"Kiran... Ezio died." Araceli said in quiet voice.
Kiran felt her blood run cold, "What?" She shook her head, "No.. No way... When?"
"A few days before I arrived back home." Araceli said gently. She handed Kiran a letter, "This was found in his office. It's addressed to you."
Kiran took the letter, her hands shakily. She managed to tear open the letter and began to read it when she started to cry.
Matteo, his mother, and Lucio appeared at the threshold. Kiran heard Perlita as she told Panfilo to stay in the livingroom. Matteo rushed towards Kiran, "Kiran, are you okay?" He looked at Araceli, "What happened?"
Kiran sobbed for a minute before looking at Matteo, "I have to go home."
"Did something happen to your parents? Are your siblings okay?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Matteo..." Kiran's voice cracked as the tears began to fall again, "Ezio's dead. He passed away a few days ago."
Matteo gaped in disbelief, "What...?" He turned to look at his mother and step father, "I have to go."
"We understand." Perlita said, "Please be safe."
"We will pray for your friend." Lucio said in a sad voice, "You have our deepest sympathy."
Araceli, Matteo, and Kiran made a quick race back to the their home city. They had managed to get some horses and made it home within a day. They arrived at Ezio's home to find his wife, daughter, Savio, and most of the Assassin's gathered there. Araceli had a solemn look on her face, Kiran still had tear stains on her cheeks, and Matteo looked visibly upset by the news. Kiran handed the letter she recieved to Savio before going over to Ezio's wife and daughter to offer her deepest condolences.
Savio read the letter before looking at Kiran, "I see."
"Could he really be serious?" Kiran murmured, "Why would he want that of me...?"
Another Assassin stepped forward, "What does the letter say?"
Savio cleared his throat, "'Kiran, you and Araceli have always made me proud. It was an honour training you both and watching you group into such noble Masters. Kiran, I have watched how you interact with the citizens, the Gondoliers, and your fellow Assassins. People turn to you for advice, and you go out of your way to ensure the safety of those around you. You fight with a strong, noble, merciful heart. I fear I may not be around when you and Araceli return. I want you to know I have faith in you both, and I have a final request of both of you. You two are possibly the strongest pair I have trained; both physically, and in friendship. I have no doubt you three obtained the swords Durendal, Joyeuse, and Excalibur. And I believe the swords of leaders are best fitting for you and Araceli. As my final wish, Kiran, I want you to take over as Grand Master with Araceli as your right hand. I have faith that you will do what is best.
Safety and Peace,
Ezio Auditore da Firenze"
A hush fell over everyone in the room. Kiran looked at her fellow Assassins, "Would you approve of that? I will only accept if it is what you all want."
"It is Ezio's final request." One of the Assassins said.
"I see no problem with it." Another said.
"Kiran and Araceli will make great leaders!" Marco called out, "I would gladly follow them!"
Savio smiled, "You have the support of myself and the Gondoliers."
Kiran looked at Ezio's wife and daughter. The woman smiled fondly, "He always had great things to say about you. I would be happy if you took his place in guiding your friends." The young daughter nodded in agreement.
Kiran looked at Araceli, "Are you okay with that?"
"Hey, just means you have to deal with all the paper work." Araceli chuckled, "But yes, I am fine with it."
By the next day at noon word had spread through the city. Kiran was now the Grand Master of the Assassins with Araceli as her right hand. Araceli now took on the title of Rafiq. Kiran's tower would remain a dress shop, but it would be the new main base of the Assassins. Araceli took on the roll second in command quickly. She would work out of her house, using it as a place for Assassins to come for information. She and Kiran began to make plans to fix the tower to make room for spare rooms and clean up so that meetings could be held and information could be stored there. While plans were being made Kiran said that nothing would be done until the Templar threat was dealt with.
Kiran stood in front of Ezio's tome with a solemn expression. She set a bundle of flowers down and said a quick prayer. She placed a hand on the grave marker, "I won't let you down." She looked up as Marco came running over.
"Master!" He cried out, "Master!"
"Marco, take it easy." Kiran said, her voice filled with concern at his panicked tone, "Take a breath and tell me what's wrong."
"The Templars are back! They are approaching the city with an army!" He declared.
"Ezio's wife and daughter, where are they?" She asked.
"They were brought to your tower to keep them safe." He explained quickly.
"Good." Kiran nodded before looking at the grave marker. She looked back at Marco and flipped up her hood, "Is everybody ready?"
"Yes, Master." He nodded.
"Good. And Marco?"
"Yes, Master?"
"Just call me Kiran. No one has to use a title with me." She said as she left the grave site. She looked at the Apprentice, "Are you ready?"
"I await your orders." He said confidently.
"Good to hear." She said as she ran through the city with Marco by her side. Up ahead she saw Araceli, Matteo, Savio, and the Assassins and Gondoliers standing outside the city. She nodded as she fell into place beside her friends, "This ends today." She looked at her friends, "Let's make Ezio proud!"
