a.n: you can find a link to Shiva's character design in my profile page.

Capitolo Dieci

The horse neighed and its owner pulled the reins to calm down the animal. The horseman was deep in thoughts barely aware of his surroundings. All that he cared about was that the sun was up, signalising noon and Romagna was still far away.

With a gentle hit of his leather greaves the man send the horse into gallop.

Two years have passed since the last time he had been in Florence. He had to make that trip and talk to Lorenzo, letting him know that De Pazzirepresented a danger for Firenze no longer.

However he did feel a little disappointed. He had hoped to be able to see Leonardo again but he received the news that the artist had left Firenze; but there was still time. He was heading towards Venezia,where he will surely be able to hear of the artist again. Something told him that finding Leonardo won't be such a hard mission.

Up on the rocky road he wasn't able to enjoy the speed for long as at a turning point he found the path blocked by a carriage; whoever it was, they were facing some problems.

Ezio tugged the reins until the horse slowed down, finally stopping. He looked down and the next second he practically threw himself off, at recognising the figure crouched to the back wheel. He really couldn't believe his luck.

'Leonardo!'

The red beret turned around to reveal surprise at the sight of an old friend.

'Ezio? What luck!'

He read the man's clear amusement at the situation he was facing. 'I…umm, I've run into a bit of trouble.'

Ezio gave a closer look to the wheel.

'Let me see if I can help.'

Of course in the artist's head Ezio was exactly the opposite of him…meaning, he could handle the hard work by himself; but nevertheless he was now, not only happy at this chance encounter, but also relieved.

'I know how to fix it, but I lack the means to do so. If you could just lift the wagon?'

So Ezio followed the instruction. It was then when by accident he saw the oddity that the artist was carrying with him.

His curiosity triggered the artist's row of explanations about a mechanism designed to make a man fly.

Ezio laughed. This was indeed Leonardo: always coming up with the weirdest ideas and eccentric inventions. He shook his head amused.

'Come on, I'll drive.'

Either way he had learned never to underestimate Leonardo's mind so for now he decided to keep this one daring fable in mind.

'But I haven't even told you where I am going.'

He brought his owns horse in a line with the rest in front of the carriage and jumped in. Once they agreed on the fact that they were heading in the same direction it wasn't hard to fall in a long conversation over how things have changed.

Hearing Leonardo mention his old atelier he realised that until now the artist hadn't spoken a single word about what had happened right after his departure.

'What happened of Shiva?'

'Oh, how could I have forgotten? Well, it might be the fact that I, also, have no idea of her current whereabouts. It didn't take long for her to get out of Florence after you left. But she stood enough to cause me trouble. I care about her, I really do… but she was like a magpie! – and my house looked like a nest full of things, valuable things, that did !not!belong to me; I had a client that one day came to my atelier to pick up a painting. He started to complain how the day before, when he had first come to Firenze, he had been robbed of his belongings among which was a crystal pill box, engraved especially for him in the south of France. I had no idea of why Shiva was standing angelically in the armchair, battling her eyelashes soingenuously until I saw the damn box glittering in the light of the sun, on the windowsill.'

Ezio didn't know if he should pity the artist or laugh at the way he told the story, all fired up.

'Women are so cunning- that's what I don't like about them. But Shiva…Shiva is…is…' and then he calmed down, realising the scene he was making. 'Well…she's my friend.'

For the longest time he stood quiet, trying to hold his tongue. Then, he turned violently to Ezio and brought a finger up in the air. 'If…If she ever smiles sweetly at you or if she ever starts to act all lady-like on you be very, very cautious and start worrying for the worst. It will save you the shock later.'

Ezio understood that moment what Leonardo must have felt each time he let the woman get on his nerves – trying not to laugh he simply huffed amused.

'So I take she recovered well.'

He thwacked the hold of the horses. 'That's one burden off my shoulders.'

The wagon was gently balancing as they remained quiet.

'You know, I still shouldn't have forgiven you for making me believe she was a boy.'

'Ha, ha…but you were so funny to watch. I sincerely wouldn't have done it if you hadn't made that presumption to begin with. Not to mention that I never expected you to feel attracted to her even with the knowledge – '

'I wasn't attracted to her.'

The artist stopped at the toneless answer.

'Right.'

'I wasn't. I just… felt that something was fishy. It's just because I have a fine nose for women.'

Leonardo coughed and looked at the green field to his right. 'How could I have forgotten that?'

'Either way, her current position is a complete mystery. Of all I know she could be anywhere in the country… or outside.'

'Hn.'

Between moments of silence and occasional chit-chats they had a lot of time for jokes and puns. Leonardo breathed in deeply and let the air out slowly.

'Venetia! Such a beautiful city. So many sources of inspiration! Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, L'Arsenale…'

'Shh…' Ezio made a gesture with his hand to quiet the artist.

'What's wrong?'

'We're not alone.'

Both men looked behind to see running up the hill, right behind them, a pair of city guards. Something was off. Ezio took no time to consider and following his instincts he hit the horses to speed up.

'What is happening? What do they want from us?'

By the threatening way in which they were getting closer there was little that doubt they had any good intentions. That's when an arrow hit the carriage.

'I think they want us dead.'

Ezio hated the situation. He couldn't get rid of them and he had to focus on guiding the horses.

One of the chasers caught up with the wagon and pushed the animal until he was almost at the same level with them. At the same time when he threw his arm to grab the artist's shirt Ezio felt a bump in the back – another one had jumped on the wagon.

'Leonardo!'

But when the man was prepared to fight back the attacker's eyes grew wide and his grip vanished. The artist watched as the agile violently fell from the horse as if pulled.

And pulled he had been because Leonardo's eyes transformed into two balls of surprise at seeing the horseman responsible for the deed running now alongside them.

'Shiva!'

That got Ezio's attention good.

'Leonardo! Quick; get inside the wagon!'

The man turned to open the trap behind him as Shiva had yelled. He narrowed his eyes in worry at seeing the guard managing to pull himself up but waited not a second more.

With the seat now empty the cape pulled itself up, crouching on the saddle, and jumped on the carriage.

'Give me the reins!'

Ezio nodded, knowing that he had someone to take care of. As soon as his hands were free he spun around to the towering man, ready to attack but suddenly he felt the carriage disappearing from under his feet. He snatched the edge of the wagon, but the force with which the carriage twisted almost sent him falling backwards. He had the chance only to aimlessly grab on the other edge of the horse holder and sustain the weight of the guard that had fallen onwards, between him and Shiva.

'What the devil are you trying to do?'

But the thief pulled even more forcefully sending the carriage into another twist and bringing one leg up, she kicked the guard in his butt, sending him over the horses. The man grabbed the front of the wagon and tried to pull himself up from certain death under the wheels.

'Get him down!'

The assassin, half angry pulled the guard by his collar and threw him off.

Master again over his balance, but still one hand gripping a safe point he turned to Shiva.

'Do you even know how to drive this thing?'

From the blowing wind and the jolts of the rocky road the black hood fell, revealing an enormous smart smile.

'No.'

The man looked at her in disbelief and shock.

'Please tell me that was a joke.'

'Never done it in my life, but if lying helps…'

The woman struck the back of the horses even harder, jerking the carriage forwards when two other guards made a jump for it. One fell, whilst the other managed to stay on position.

Ezio, tightened his grip.

'Have you lost your mind? Give me back the reins!'

'Why don't you just do your job?'

'My job?'

They would have happily continued to yell at each other but Shiva ducked to one side sending the guard in an unsuccessful attack. Ezio took a hold on him and twisting his arm he threw him to the ground.

'Ezio, they're approaching fast.'

Leonardo was right and Shiva took a second to look behind, shaking her head in disapproval.

'Who are these guys anyway?'

Shiva was the first to shout the answer to the artist.

'Borgia's men.'

'Someone is well informed.'

The woman felt the ironic tone in the assassin's voice.

'And I suppose that your presence here is just a coincidence.'

He had meant it as a joke but he never expected to watch her smiling face suddenly darkening of an emotion he couldn't place.

'Yes. Coincidence…'

He frowned.

'Shiva! Ezio! They're climbing on board. You have to knock them off!'

The two didn't really need the artist to tell them that as they could feel it on their own.

'Filles de putte!'

Ezio twitched at the unexpected reaction.

'Wha-aaaaaa-'

Suddenly the carriage shook violently and leaned dangerously to the left.

'We have to get these guys down.'

'But why do you want to get me down as well?'

'I am just simplifying your role.'

'You are simplifying my expectations from life; each time you threaten my longevity.'

Then she pulled again and the carriage rolled to the right taking Ezio with it. He sought again sustain, but his body still jerked forwards sending him nose level to her hair. He let out a relieved sigh when she turned her head, looking at him. He locked eyes with her and for a second he found himself lost in those citrine orbs and the locks of hair violently dancing in the wind.

He realised something was off the moment she leaned forward and her mouth slowly parted.

'Behind you.'

It was a whisper that he barely heard but the smart grin, back again on her face was all he needed. He quickly straightened and delivered a forceful elbow in the guard's jaw, sending him rolling down the wagon.

He looked behind at the racing guards still coming their way.

'We need to move faster.' But then he turned to look again at the road ahead and felt a knot in his throat. The path was narrowing and on their right the land was slowly replaced by an abrupt and deep mountain pass. He felt his blood froze at the sound of her yelling voice that sent the horses into a faster gallop.

'Are you sure about thi-!' But he swallowed his words and secured his grip as she hit the horses again, almost on purpose.

The good thing was that the pursuers were now representing a less of a bother; the bad thing was that the carriage was practically waltzing from one rocky side of the road to dreadfully close to the other side.

One of the agiles launched towards the carriage and pulled himself up. Shiva growled and hauled the reins. With horror Ezio watched the carriage roll dangerously over the gorge. He saw the man vanishing into the abyssal pass and for a fraction of the moment he thought he was watching death in the eyes. With his knuckles turned white and his feet pinned to the wood he waited for the worst when he suddenly felt the carriage slowly rolling back on its all four wheels. When the shock was over he felt his voice come back to him.

'You are mad!'

To his thundering yelling she responded with a calm shout.

'I had to get rid of that bastard.'

'Get rid! It doesn't matter if you get ridof them if you'll get ridof us too! You are simplifying theirrole by killing us!'

'Shut it. I need to concentrate.'

He let his body fell into the seat but still refused to let go of the edge he was holding unto. When…if,he will set his feet on ground he promised to kiss that exact parcel of dirt. Then, from the corner of his eyes he glanced at her. She was indeed focused on the road but there was a glitter of fascination in those bright orbs; she was definitely enjoying it. Ezio couldn't believe it but he found himself smirking; she reminded him of a child entertained by the new toy.

Then he looked ahead.

'We should be close to the bridge.'

She nodded but then, after taking another turn she frowned.

'Something is happening.'

The assassin narrowed his eyes but it wasn't necessary anymore as he realised what she was talking about.

'Damn them! They are sending the bridge on fire!'

They were approaching at a fast speed.

'Can you handle it?'

But he got no answer.

He wanted to tell her she is mad; that she wasn't going to make it but he also knew it was their only chance. It didn't really matter if it was her or him holding the reins – there was only one way out of this.

'Leonardo, you'd better hold on tight.'

The carriage ran down to the bridge whilst the horses were forced to their full capacities. The old planks were burning fast and under the weight of the carriage they snapped and fell. Leonardo saw the flames up to the windows of the wagon and closed his eyes. He felt the left back of the wagon slowly falling but a sudden force pulled it on the right, the wagon now sweeping through the bridge with only two wheels. Only when he started to feel the rocks of the road hitting all of the four wheels again he allowed himself to open the eyes and take a deep breath. From outside he heard Ezio yell in a scolding but relieved manner and Shiva answering him with a rich and powerful laugh.

'You are one madwoman!'

'Why thank you!'

But they knew that it was far from over when arches appeared at the sides of the road, launching flaming arrows ahead of the carriage.

"Will they ever stop?" he heard the woman sigh.

Almost with hopes lost he turned to Shiva.

'Please, please drive carefully.'

He knew his pleading had fallen to deaf ears but he had his own problems to solve: their insistent pursuers.

The carriage kept rocking from one side to another and Ezio wondered how those fools were even capable of standing their ground on the wagon.

He got a grip on one of the attackers and after a well-placed fist he made sure the guy would hit the ground hard. He looked up at the new clandestine passenger, waiting for him to approach, when the carriage leaned to the left and he was swept by a branch hitting his stomach.

Ezio grimaced and closed one eye.

'Ooooou! That must have hurt!' He had to swallow his laughter when the carriage halted only to twist to the right. Unprepared he was thrown backwards and even if he steadied himself in the last second, he still felt a hand gripping him by the belt and pulling him back.

'Don't expect any thanks; it's your own damn fault!'

'We're almost there!'

She yelled, nodding towards the bridge of stone, signalising the borders of Romagna.

'Good! Leonardo, get up here!'

The artist hit the trap open and climbed up the roof.

'Take hold of the reins from here on. We'll stay behind to hold them up and then catch up with you later.'

Shiva looked confused from one man to another whilst Leonardo took the reins without any difficulties.

'What? What do you mean by we? Do the job yourself!'

But the moment she got on her feet to protest Ezio was up too.

'Watch your landing.'

Before she had the time to react she found herself being pushed. She hit the ground and rolled her full body to absorb the impact. She coughed and pushed herself in one arm. The carriage was far away and at the other side of the road Ezio was already on his feet.

'You…you….barbarian!' She yelled as she was picking herself up. 'You threw me from a speeding carriage!'

'You made my whole life unreel in front of my eyes during that whole mad driving.'

'Did you at least for a second consider that I might not know how to fight? Not to mention that you didn't even ask nicely for a proper help?'

'Did you ask menicely if I wanted to die in the middle of nowhere? Mark my word: I will never, as long as I live, let you drive the same carriage, horse or any other thing that might occur as long as I am in it. EVER!'

At first she was opened for a fight but his spitted monologue left her blinking.

'Now! Let's get this thing done so we can go back to Leonardo.'

As soon as he finished his last word he forcefully spun around, slashing with his sword across the stomach of the guard who thought he was in luck due to the Assassin's lack of attention.

Whilst they had their little quarrel the place webbed with Borgia's men. Ezio went in an open attack, already encircled by guards when Shiva was still stoned, looking through him.

'We?'

The agile took advantage of her current state and launched forwards with his knife in the air but she suddenly spun, lowering herself. When he went for the hit the second time she got up sending a fist of dirt right into his eyes. Then she sidestepped, grabbed his knife and stabbed him in the back of his neck.

The fight went on until somehow both of them ended up encircled by the same circle of attackers. Ezio went for the kill without hesitating. It was clear that in combat they were so very different. Whilst he wasn't backing off from anything and taking them down with force and rage she was playing with the opponent, exhausting him and taking advantage of his mistakes. Soon they stepped back to back, Shiva facing a brute and Ezio having to deal with an agile.

She sneered looking at the tin man in front of her.

'Would you…?'

'You don't even have to ask.'

Ezio knew that she had fewer chances against a mountain of a man and on the other hand the restless guard he was currently facing was annoying him.

On sign he bended and she rolled over his back. The blade of his sword thrust through the back of the brute's knees and Shiva's knife slashed the agile's throat.

The bodies fell to the ground followed by silence.

Then Ezio heard the woman chuckle.

'We should do this more often.'

He instantly turned.

'Never.' He put his hands on his knees still grateful that he was on still ground again.

She looked at him, and even if no voice left her throat it was simple to read on her lips.

'Wimp.'

But he suddenly straightened and smirked, not paying attention to her insult.

'We?'He asked, proving that he had actually heard her previous question.

She rolled her eyes.

'Weren't …we in a hurry?'

'Right.'

They both started to make their way to the bridge.

'So, what brings you to these parts?'

It was a second of silence.

'Passing by.'

The assassin remembered the awkward moment from the carriage and decided to drop the subject. He wanted to make simple conversations, maybe ask her how has she been but he had a feeling that those kind of things might actually spoil the mood when it came to her.

As they made their way down the road the houses kept appearing by each side. He caught Shiva eyeing them carefully.

'What are you doing?'

'Well, I suppose you don't intend to walk by foot to Forli.'

'Do you have a better idea?'

She smirked and pointed towards a house with two horses, barely visible, leashed in the back. The owner was currently leaving after feeding them, heading towards some of his peasants friends.

Ezio watched Siva setting her eyes on one of the horses.

'Wait here. I'll go talk to the owner.'

The former noble did as such without looking back to see the woman arch an eyebrow and walk towards her object of interest.

When he reached the man Ezio was already with his hand on his pouch ready to discuss a price for borrowing the horse.

In the meantime Shiva unfastened the knot and started to pull the horse outside the stall. She caressed the horse's mane and smirked looking Ezio's way.

When the hooded Assassin was about to give his salute to the old owner he stopped his words at hearing a galloping horse.

He spun around.

'Jump on! Quick!'

He watched petrified the black cape galloping right towards him. The man needed to make a decision and without giving much of a thought when the horse passed by he grabbed the saddle and busted himself up, leaving behind a screaming and panicked one-horse-lessened owner.

'Thieves! Thieves! Stop them! Somebody!'

'What the hell do you think you are doing? Stop the horse now! You are acting like a low charlatan.'

Unlike the effect he was hoping to get the woman started to laugh.

'You really should work on your insults. You would have made any thief feel proud with words like those.'

'You know what I meant. People living here barely manage from a day to another. We could have at least paid the man.'

'How considerate for a noble's child. But if the guy was really that poor and starving he would have long sold those two golden rings he was wearing on his fingers.'

'And you are going to tell me that in such haste you saw the two rings.'

The cape in front of him shrugged.

'No. Not really.'

Ezio felt like rolling his eyes in disbelief.

'Are you for real?'

But the deep laughter of the woman proved that she was playing with him.

She was really strange, this woman. Her words were always firing him up, but everything else about her was calming him down. As it was now the case with the rhythmic tremble of her back pressed against his chest, at cause of the laughter.

'Hey...back then… Were you serious about not having driven a carriage before? Not that your skills proved the contrary.'

'Dead serious.'

'I rather you not pick such words when referring to that sort of things. I hope you at least know how to ride. Oh, wait – you do.'

'And how do you know that?'

'Leonardo told me.'

She gave no response to that.

'Oh, now I remember. I believe you said you will never ride on the sa-'

'Not a single word about that.' He made a pause.

Soon the walls of the citadel appeared in front of them.

'And wipe that smirk off your face.'

filles de putte (French) = bastards

~~End of Chapter 10~~