10
Another lone guard looked in the alley just as my rescuer 'took care of' my attacker. I'm glad that I'm not squeamish at the sight of blood. Now we're on the run and looking for a place to hide. My rescuer is a couple paces ahead of me and from the looks of him; he's doing his best to not outpace me.
Gasping in lungfuls of breath, we pelt around another corner. I've never been happier that I trained to run marathons. My legs burned with exertion, but, I can't to stop: Left turn, right turn, and dodge some people. The wild ringing of tossed coins creates mob-like crowds behind us.
I nearly trip when my rescuer abruptly slows down to grab my arm with his left hand. "Hey!" I squeak while wiggling my right arm. "What are you doing?" Dismayed, I hope he isn't changing his mind about helping me get to a safe place.
"Sshh. You need to hide for a little while so I can take care of the guards following us." He guides me towards a large cart of hay. "Climb in here. You'll be safe." I eye him sceptically while he helps me climb into said cart of hay. "Stay here and be quiet. I'll come get you when the guards are gone. I promise."
I burrow deep into the pile and cup my hands around my face to make room to breathe without eating hay. The prickling from the hay is a discomfort that I could gladly go without. Unfortunately, I'm stuck here for a little while, at least. The heat from being under so much hay is stifling; I'm sweating after just a few minutes.
Not long after I settled into the hay, the sounds of many booted feet go clomping by the cart that I'm hiding in. "Where are they? Have you seen them?"My breath stills in my throat. "Don't lie to me! Where did the man and woman, dressed in white, go?" Regular peasants don't like the Guards. They're bullies that need to be taught a lesson.
Wiping sweat from my face, I resolve to get someone, anyone, to teach me how to fight. Something has to be done for the people of Roma. I know that I'm tired of being pushed around and I'm willing to bet that the rest of Roma is, as well.
"Madonna, you can come out now, I am back." My rescuer is finally back. An eager grin split my face at the sound of his voice. "The guards are gone, for now. Come. I know where we can go." I climb out of the hay mound and confront him.
"Who are you?"
"I am Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Bella." He announces with a sweeping bow. "Who might you be, caro mio?"
If Bartolomeo won't teach me how to fight, maybe Ezio will. Doesn't hurt to ask, right?
"Daniela Savonorola. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ezio."