*
The young woman opened her eyes slowly as the first signs of dawn peered through her window. She stretched her arms and yawned. Her elbow connected with the fleshy forearm of last night's visitor. She was bewildered.
Her customers left before she woke.
Then she felt a warm wetness gathered at the end of the bed. Sitting up suddenly, she gathered the sheets, trying to find where it was coming from. But, as she did this, she noticed her hands were leaving red prints as they scoured the blankets.
Lifting up her palms she could see dried, red blood contouring the lines in her hand. Reaching to her head, she could feel dried blood there too, making the strands of her dark hair stick together.
There was no wound on her body, nor orphus that could have caused the bleeding.
She reached over to the body beside her and rolled it over on its back. It was then that she could see where the blood had originated from; in a gaping gash, ground across the magistrate's neck.
*
(Ezio)
The rooftops in Venice, I found, were more difficult to navigate. Not because of their geography. No, Venice in that respect was simple. The villas and houses were plastered so closely together and some of the canals were narrow enough to leap across.
But people here have an affinity toward sitting on their roofs. I had to be more cautious about being seen. It took longer.
My feet touched ground at Bepa's and I allowed myself to relax.
My body was always tense after a kill. The rush that swept through my veins caused my muscles to clench and become more aware of my surroundings. It was only when I reached where I knew I would be safe, did I allow myself to breathe.
I threw back my hood and made my way down the stairs, passing a few maids. Below, most of the girls were still sleeping, exhausted from the previous night's activities.
Walking down into the scullery, I noted that there was no sign of Sonia. Not paying it much mind I wet a cloth and set to work cleaning my blades.
"Good morning!" It was Leonardo from behind me.
I turned around to greet him. "Hello friend."
The inventor smiled and came over to stand beside me. "I see you've been busy," he quipped lightly.
"And your being here this early in the morning... I can only assume the same," I retorted.
He rolled his eyes. "I got up early to come and see how you and the girl were. Do you mind if I hold that for a moment?"
I nodded and handed him the blade. He turned it over in his hand. "These are heavy, no?" he questioned, handing the knife back to me.
I shrugged my shoulders, "I guess."
Leonardo nodded, "I've been experimenting with different metals lately. I have a blacksmith friend here, in Venice. Do you mind if I attempt to make you a lighter weapon."
"It matters not to me Leonardo. Really, you don't have to-"
"No, it is not a problem. I was just beginning to combine-"
"Two noblemen at my house in the daylight... an odd gathering to say the least." The voice came floating down from the stairwell. It belonged to the madame of the house.
Signora Bepa had a feathery voice that carried nicely through the air. She was an older woman, but one who never lost her elegance.
She was a good friend to have in Venice. The woman had connections and never forgot a face that came into her house. She could find anyone in this godforsaken maze of a city.
"Good morning Signora," I greeted, kissing her hand. Leonardo followed suit.
"The two of you must be hungry, come upstairs and breakfast with me. It appears as though we have much to discuss."
The three of us gathered in the kitchen. Light had fully broken and the brothel was humming with activity. Some of the girls had risen and were walking about dreamily clad in loosed corsets and kirtles. I could see Leonardo keeping his head down and trying desperately not to stare.
"Well," said Bepa as she sat down, "really, I don't know where you found this one Ezio. She certainly is unique."
"You mean the girl? Oh she-"
"Hasn't come out of that room for the past two days. Are you sure she's all right?"
I raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Bepa repeated herself, "She's locked herself in that room. Hasn't eaten anything either."
I glanced over at Leonardo. He looked over at me, a worried expression on his face. Getting up from the table, I started toward the staircase, ignoring Signora Bepa's advisement against it. Once I reached the third level of the brothel I began striding toward the door at the end of the hallway.
There was a maid at the door, trying to get in.
"Ciao Signore," she said, curtseying.
"How long have you been at this?" I asked, turning the doorknob in vain.
"About half an hour," she answered.
"Half an hour?"
The maid nodded.
I banged my fist on the thick wooden plank. "Sonia! Open the door!" There was no answer. Again. "Open the door!"
Then finally there was a voice from inside. It muttered something and the words fell flat against the door. "What?"
"Go away!" the voice repeated, shrill and threatening.
"Come out here! I wish to speak with you!" I yelled back.
"No!"
"I'll break down this door!" I warned.
"I'd like to see you try, you incompetent..." she began swearing and continued speaking, but I remained unconcerned with her words. Turning to the maid I smiled warmly at her and told her to move back a few steps.
Leaning back I thrust my weight into the door and the lock broke easily. When the dust had settled I could see Sonia staring with wide eyes at my figure in the threshold.
"Oh... Dio, you actually..."
I walked toward her. She was in the bed, sheets twisted around her body. Grabbing her wrist, I forced her up and began leading her downstairs.
"Let go of me!" she cried.
"Not until you eat something," I answered as calmly as possible.
"I don't have to do anything you say! And I am certainly not going anywhere with you!"
Turning back to her I said, "You are not in the position, may I remind you, to be making any bold statements."
Winding her arm back, I caught her wrist as it threatened to assault my face. I flinched as she spat in my face. I pushed her up against the wall, holding her hands above her head.
"I hate you," she slurred through clenched teeth. "When Dante finds you he'll-"
"He won't find me. And he won't find you either. Knowing your brother he's probably rejoicing your leave," I replied.
"You ignorant cafone! Someone needs to deflate that head of yours!"
"And someone needs to teach you a lesson, principessa."
I could feel a hand on my shoulder draw me back. Bepa's easy voice came fluttering over my head and into mine and Sonia's ears. "Ah, I see Ezio has drawn you out of hiding. I suspect you are quite hungry. Please, let me bring you downstairs... and perhaps get you a dressing gown."
The two of us suddenly realized that she was wearing only her corset with the laces undone. Turning red, she covered her chest with her arms and spun around. Taking a deep breath, I retreated downstairs and passed Leonardo, who was still seated at the table, oblivious.
"Where are you going?" he questioned.
"Out," I answered, slamming the door behind me and stepping into a gondola.
*
(Dante DeMarco)
"Where has he taken her?"
I don't think father had fully understood my story. I had recounted it to him several times and always it was the same question.
"Father, I do not know. I have contacted the rest of the guild. Remians everywhere are searching for her and the Auditore. I will come to you first with any new information I receive."
I went to stand by the window. Taking in a lungful of the sweet air, I sighed heavily.
"Dante, never underestimate the enemy. That man is capable of a good many things. If he is anything like his father, he'll not be easy to find. Hobbes has him well protected too. Now with the magistrate's death, we can expect an outcry from the guild," my father wore on.
"Father, an outcry is exactly what we need! We cannot hope to find them unless we pool our resources. The Romulans may be hard to find, but they are smaller in numbers. They will be easier to eliminate than maggots."
I pointed to the map spread out on my father's desk. "Find the carcass," I explained, pointing to the archaeological site which was represented by a large red blot, "and we find the colony."
My father looked up at me. I could tell he was worried about my sister.
"Don't worry about Sonia, padre, she knows how to take care of herself," I reassured him.
"It's not Sonia I'm worried about," he replied.
I nodded my head. "I understand. But, we'll be finding them soon enough. I've contacted the Grand Master. He is due to arrive in two weeks, and then-"
My father took the knife from his belt and drove it into the stain on the map, "We'll bring them out of the holes they live in."
Author's Notes
Thanks for reading! I know, this chapter seems a little fluffy, but I have to set up some of the relationships and crises for the next chapters. Please review and hopefully you'll stay tuned for the next chapters. Until next time
Briar
