The day slowly grew into night. Children returned home, the shops closed down. The brothels and pubs opened their doors for business. And the assassins prepared for a party. Their mentor, Yavor, remained in his personal chambers hidden below the church's surface. He never allowed his students to enter his rooms. They were for him to sleep in, and also conduct business meetings. Yavor, dressed in his black and red robes, had been preparing a drink tray as he waited on a colleague. For a man of many riddles, he always believed his intentions were direct. A man entered Yavor's chambers without warning. It had startled the sixty-five year old man. It is common practice to knock before entering a mans home.
The man chuckled darkly. Where is the fun in that, amico mio? He asked him.
Yavor set the tray down on a table before offering his company a drink. You are a man who appreciates drama. Yavor commented.
Let us get to business, will we? He asked taking the cup that was offered to him. Tell me, has there been progress made on the apple?
Yavor shook his head. The girl has remained with the study for days. She shows little signs of understanding the symbols on the apple. Spending countless hours tracing them before researching the books we offer. The apple could have been decoded by now had you not have burned her library down.
Davino Gucciardo looked to Yavor as he spoke. I will advise you to watch your tongue. Not a single soul knows of our meeting. I can make your death appear to be an accident. He said. He walked away from the man, setting the cup down before looking at a painting on the wall. Gather her papers and the apple up. I want everything to go smoothly tonight. For once, no one has to die. He said.
Yavor sighed. And yet, I do not believe you. The man walked to a bookshelf on the opposite side of the room. I took the libertad to prepare everything after she left the study a while ago. He returned to Gucciardo with the small chest.
The Italian man took the chest from the Bulgarian man. My men have deposited your reward in your treasure room.
Yavor held his right hand out towards the door. As we speak, the guests of honor are arriving at la fiesta. You mustn't miss it, Signore Gucciardo.
Davino looked at the elder. Conte Gucciardo. The man left Yavor's chambers, heading off to his men. The church was cleared before he entered. Nobody in Barcelona know who he was or that he was even there. After handing the chest off to one of his men, Davino tilted his neck to the side, cracking a joint. Now men, we must hurry. My Contessa awaits.
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The children were running around playing with other children, weaving in between the people attending the fiesta. Men and women danced together in unified lines. Alejo had to admit that their hosts knew how to throw a party. His brain was telling him that something was wrong. Why would the Spaniards put together an elaborate party for six strangers that did nothing for them.
Isabella, who was dressed in an orange and green andalusian dress, walked up behind her husband. She could sense that he felt on edge. Our enemies in the east do not know where we are, Alejo. Take this time to breath. You can be the father you want to be here. She spoke, the blonde haired woman wrapped her arms around him as she stood behind her husband.
Alejo's left hand reached up to hold her hand over his heart. I can breathe with ease for once in my life. Yet the price she paid weighs heavy on my shoulders. He spoke looking down. I know my cousin better than she believes. I am not hard on her because she is a woman. She does not express emotion. She does not live. Elena Maria exists. Instead of mourning the loss of her family, she throws herself into work.
Isabella walked around to face her husband. Elena Maria saved us before Gucciardo could harm us. She has also saved you many times. I have seen her return home wounded many more time than you. Yet she is in high spirits. Your teachings help to guide her when it comes to logic, moral and ethical ideals. Isabella cupped his face in her hands. Elena Maria may be your cousin, but she is so much more than that. The Auditore blood burns in her veins. She needs you now more than ever. Tonight, let's be a family. Let us laugh in the thought of joyous memory. Let us cry as we mourn the fallen Merlo's. Let us fear what we do not understand. And let God give us the strength we need to heal and pave the path of our futures.
Alejo removed her hands from his face, looking at her smiling. My father told me I was a fool for marrying a greater mind than I. I told him I was lucky enough to have you in my life. He pressed his lips to hers briefly before their children circled around them. Alejo reached down to pick up Claudia. He pressed a kiss to her temple before Elina and Alesio wrapped their arms around their fathers waist and legs. Isabella laughed watching the thirty-one year old juggle three hyper children.
On the other side of the barracks basement, Elena Maria walked down the stairs. She was given an andalusian dress as well. Hers was mainly white with red and green accents. Enrico happened to be at the bottom of the staircase when Elena Maria arrived. He held his hand out to her. Signora.
Elena Maria nodded, taking his hand. Enrico soon tucked her hand under his arm. Dress as a young Spanish woman, yet you somehow manage to encompass the beauty of Italy.
Elena Maria raised her eyebrows quickly. The dress was not my choice. Yavor visited me in the study. He handed me the dress before informing me about the party.
Enrico nodded, pursing his lips. You must forgive me, Signora Merlo. I was quite busy today. He told her.
Elena Maria waved her other hand. Do not bother yourself with it. I am not the type of person to attend a party. I was told my cousin's family and I were the guests of honor. Is that true?
Enrico nodded, taking her to a little table to get a drink. We love to celebrate life. What better way to celebrate the new partnership of the Italian assassins and the Spanish without a traditional fiesta? He asked her before handing her a drink.
Elena Maria took the glass, holding it in her free hand. To many lifetimes of friendships. She spoke, holding her glass up to toast. The man nodded, clinking his glass to hers. Elena Maria took a sip of the wine.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. There is a party being held in your honor! Enrico spoke, placing their glasses down. He took both of her hands and pulled her out to the area the couples were dancing.
Elena Maria shook her head as she went with Enrico. Oh, no. I can't dance. She protested.
You can not dance? Tonterías! Everybody can dance.
Elena Maria shook her head. I would only make you look like a fool. She told him before walking away. The man waved his arms before turning around and disappearing into the party.
The girl wanted to see her cousin before retiring for the night. The problem was, she wasn't sure Alejo was here or not. If they were, they must have been enjoying themselves. She knew her cousin was changing. He wanted out of the creed to become a family man as he was. He lived a fruitful life, it was time he enjoyed it. For Elena Maria, on the other hand, she believed she couldn't drop her duties as an assassin to become a wife or mother. She did not want to be tied down. The thrill she had when chasing down criminals had been incomparable to anything in her life.
She read the stories about Altair Ibn-La'Ahad and Maria Thrope. Assassins from the Third Crusades. They were able to mentor novices and guide master assassins until their deaths while raising their sons. Not many could say or do the things they did. There was a certain part of Elena Maria that did want to have a family and grow old with someone she loved. Yet, at the same time, she had a realistic mindset. She had a higher chance of dying in battle before her children would come of age. That is if she lived long enough to have children.
Zia Elena! Elina ran up to her aunt. The girl was lauging. She looked at Elena Maria in shock. You look... come un angelo. She said covering her mouth.
Elena Maria smiled as she bent down to look at the girl. She wrapped her arms around her knees. Hasn't your mother taught you it is not kind to lie?
Silly Zia. Elina spoke before wrapping her arms around Elena Maria. The woman hugged the child back. Elena, do you miss your brother? She asked her.
Elena Maria arched her eyebrow before responding. Yes, I do. I miss terribly. She told her, her voice dropping an octave. Her grip on the girls body loosened a little. She was taught to maintain an emotionless façade. To play a situation based on her company's feelings. People who adapt survive.
Elina pulled away. That's okay, you can be my papa's sister now.
The woman laughed at the child's offer. Let us find your father. Elena Maria stood up, holding her hand out for Elina to take. The two walked around the dancers, watching them move with grace. It did not take long for Elina to lead Elena Maria to her father and mother. Safely returned home. She whispered.
Alejo looked to his daughter. There you are. He had a feeling that one of his children would go and find his cousin. Isabella looked to her daughter, gesturing for her to walk with her mother. Alejo walked up to Elena Maria. Can we talk? He asked her.
Elena Maria nodded. Only if we get to walk around. she replied.
Alejo nodded, walking along Elena Maria's left side. I need to apologize to you.
For what?
He shrugged his shoulders as he cupped his hands behind his back. I have been harsh on you for far too long. What I believed was best for you, turned out to be was what I desired in life. I have not properly thanked you for saving my family's lives. I do not know where I would be if their blood was shed.
Elena maria clasped a hand on his shoulder. You do not have to thank me for doing what was right. She told him. I know that if the situation was the opposite, you would have done the same thing for me.
Alejo looked down. We are family, Elena Maria. My home is not a building to live in. My home is where my family is.
The cousins turned to each other. Alejo took a hold of Elena Maria's hands, pressing his forehead to hers. This was something they rarely did. It held importance. Time to reflect on a situation. Or, in the case, to bond and comfort the other. They both had experienced an event that had forever changed their lives. Elena Maria could not return to what she had where as Alejo could some day.
Enrico walked up to them both. He cleared his throat, giving the cousins a moment to gather their thoughts. Signore Auditore, Signora Merlo. A dance is starting for the guests of honor. You both must participate.
Alejo looked over to Elena Maria, winking at her. I can not keep my wife waiting.
Elena Maria watched as Alejo walked off rather quickly. Enrico held his hand out again. May I have this dance?
Only if you would be as kind enough to teach me. She replied taking his hand and walking with him.
It is very simple. Twelve couples start off in a circle. The women move around the men one by one. You will dance with twelve men.
Elena Maria chuckled nervously. Twenty-four feet I will step on, your and my cousins.
Just watch what the others do. He spoke leading her to their spot on the dance floor. The men kneeled, holding the women's left hand with their right hands. The women stood to the right of the men, holding the bottom of their dress with their right hand.
With Elena Maria and Enrico in their places, the band began to play an upbeat song. Elena Maria watched the other women as the danced around their partners, spinning in a circle. After one full rotation, the men stood up, placing their hands on the women's hips, lifting them up slightly. Good, now to rotate. He whispered before another man took Elena Maria's hand. The process started over again. The woman swore she would get sick before the end of the dance.
After three full rotations around the circle, Elena Maria was greeted by an old face. Madonna, for it has been too long since our last visit. Gucciardo spoke, holding her hands tightly. Now, play along before somebody gets hurt.
Elena Maria continued on with the dance. I know why you are here. I will not hand the apple over so easily.
Davino nodded. Do not worry, I already have the apple and your research on my carriage. All I need is the mind to activate it.
The music stopped as the three children yelled for their parents. Gucciardo had two men in the group who were dancing. One held Isabella tightly, holding her hands behind her back. The other pointing his sword to Alejo. Davino walked out to the sent of the circle with Elena Maria. The choice is simple. Come with me willingly, and nobody gets hurt. If anyone acts out, we kill the children one by one.
Enrico looked at Elena Maria's eyes from where he stood. She took in several deep breaths as she looked from Enrico to the children, then to her cousin. She couldn't let any more blood be spilled. I'll go. Not until the children are with their parents first.
Gucciardo looked from Elena Maria to Alejo. He leaned down to whisper in her ear, the young girl turning her head away from him. That wasn't so be, now was it? He then called his guards off. The released Alejo's family back to him.
Andrà tutto bene, lo prometto. She told Alejo as Gucciardo began to guide her out of the barracks. She then looked back to Enrico. She couldn't say anything as a tear slipped through the cracks of act. She turned around, walking in front of Gucciardo. The woman looked at two sets of carriages that awaited Gucciardo and his men. One was a passenger carriage, decorated for men with power. The other was a cell.
Give me the key after you lock her up. He told one of his men. Elena Maria was grabbed by the arm as the man took her to the cell. When the door opened, she stepped inside of it, sitting down on the wooden floor. After the soldier locked the door up and left, Elena Maria looked down, trying to keep herself from acting out. The caravan soon left the church. Elena Maria watched as Enrico and Alejo ran outside to watch them leave from a distance.
The men could have gone directly after them, knowing the team of assassins could take them out now. Though she believed them smarter than that. If Gucciardo did not appear back in Italy, no doubt to report to Ferdinando Medici, more Italian soldier would infiltrate Barcelona placing the civilians at risk. Elena Maria was on her own. She was not going to wait for a man on a horse to save her. She would be the hero she needed to be. Her hands wrapped around the bars on the window as she watched Barcelona slowly shrink in the distance. Her goal was to not only survive, but to thrive. I will have what is due to me, and that is everything. she whispered to herself, vowing her revenge on Davino Gucciardo.