TMWolf: SURPRISE! Early update to give all my readers a Christmas present! :') So, y'know, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you guys enjoy it like the rest, although there's more fighting than sass this one, ha ha. Oh, and I do have a bit of bad news: while I am updating early here, the next update may be late. I'll be... very occupied with my two best friends pretty soon and with family still, so not much writing will be done probably. Don't worry, though; this isn't a hiatus or anything-just the next update may take longer than usual. After that, though update will resume as usual.
As always thank-you sooooo much for the reviews! They mean a lot to me, so, please, feel free to leave any comments, questions, or anything else! :)
Now, the chapter title isn't really related lyric-wise, but it was too good to pass up, ha ha. Anyways, it's from Jamie N Commons - The Preacher~
That's all for now, so enjoy, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
37 – The Preacher
August 16, 1478
San Gimignano, Toscana, Italy
Catherine yawned as she held onto the reigns of their horses in one hand, a lamp in the other, glancing around at the house Mario had directed them to—one of his many safe houses. It was a smallish farm home, with a barn and another house all close by. There was a pen for the horses that she'd take their rides to soon enough, and the small house looked accommodating. It wasn't the most pleasant place, and certainly it was nothing like home, but it was holding up and provide them the shelter they needed. If they were lucky, they wouldn't need long to find the monk and end his life. For now, though, she was letting Ezio handle the negotiations—in other words, explaining who they were and their connection to Mario.
That, and she was a little tired. They had decided to leave right at nightfall so no one would really notice them come in, and they'd taken the longer route through the woods to help further. There was always the danger of the wildlife or rouges, but they weren't worried; they were well armed and the steeds of Monteriggioni were war horses. They knew how to fight. Of course, they ended up not needing it as the hours passed and they finally came into view of the city—visible thanks to the many fires lit in the night. From there, they just followed the main road while keeping an eye out for guards and made their way to the safe house. Mario had said an older couple lived there, and it proved true. Now all that remained was getting a spot to sleep.
The redhead yawned again as Ezio shook hands with the husband and turned around to walk back towards her. He had an easy smile that she made out once he lifted his lantern to take his horse's reigns from her and gestured towards the smaller house.
"They said it's ours to use as long as we need," he told her as they headed to the horse pen.
She rolled her shoulders, "Sounds good…. Wait, what's the catch?"
"Well… there is… one," he chuckled, much to her chagrin. She sighed, knowing he wouldn't say it right away, and so went about freeing their rides of their burden and letting them roam free in the pen. From there, they headed to the small building where Ezio was "gentleman" enough to open the door for her, revealing the catch: there was only one bed. And it was kind of small.
Catherine paused, giving Ezio a look, and he kept on grinning. She raised a brow, deposited her saddle and pack on a chair, the lantern on a nightstand, and then folded her arms over her chest.
"You're sleeping on the floor."
He laughed, setting his things down, too, "Oh, come on. We've slept in the same bed before, and the floor is very hard. Surely you can allow one night? I promise I won't be a bother."
"Uh-huh . As I recall, I woke up that one time with you using my boobs as a pillow," she mused sharply, giving him a harsh glare. Of course, he just grinned like the cheeky little monkey he was and held up his hands in surrender.
"In my defense I was drunk that night and barely remember a thing!"
"You weren't drunk when you woke up."
"I was drunk on your womanly wiles?" he tried, and her deadpan "are-you-fucking-joking" expression only served to make him grin more. "It will only be for a night or two—that's not so bad! We shared Leonardo's spare bed, too."
"Also, different."
"Catherine, come ooon," he groaned, shoulders slumping and trying to give her his best pouty, "please-forgive-me" look. She narrowed her eyes, and tried to stay strong. Normally, she could, but this was Ezio, and he looked so freaking ridiculous when he made that face. She had to bite her lip to keep from smiling and just tell herself it was just for a night or two. That, and she could just shove him off if he decided to be a jerk. He wouldn't do anything purposefully unless to mess with her, anyways. He was a good guy, and she knew she could trust him, which briefly served to make a sense of weirdness, but also something nice, too. She wasn't used to being able to trust someone so much.
She sighed with exasperation, throwing her hands up, "Fine, fine. You can stay in the bed. But—if you so much as poke me you are sleeping outside."
"Of course," he winked, and she gave him one final look before removing her weapons and armor. He, like-wise, started to do the same. She honestly wanted to sleep now, but once she saw Ezio's expression change—become more somber as he got into his thinking mood—she knew some more talk was involved. They had already strategized some earlier, but the old couple might have said something to change things. As such, she set herself down on the bed to start tugging her boots off.
"So. Same game plan then, or what? Meet with the Thieves, Courtesans, and Mercenaries to get the information, then go from there while avoiding guards?" she inquired, leaning back on her arms as she got the last boot off and let it slump onto the stone floor.
Ezio hummed as he worked his own off, "Just about. Although the old couple mentioned the priest as apparently been doing… odd things. He preaches more than usual and in a frenzied state. They said the guards have been more active, too, but they also mentioned they aren't sure who to look for. The preacher just mentioned assassins but not what they looked like."
"Well, that's good for us then. We can move more easily… do you want to split up, though? Or stick together?"
"Mmm… split up—for now. If we learn anything, we'll meet in the city's marketplace—near the tailor," he replied before poking through his weapons and finding his throwing knives. He took out a towel from his pack and started to tinker with them, making sure they were in good shape. Catherine decided to do the same, though inspected her sword and hidden blade first.
"Hopefully the others know his schedule and route now—then maybe we can surprise him and do this quick and easy. The less commotion the better," she mused as she touched at a small chip in the metal. She frowned, but would have to have it fixed some other time.
"I would certainly like that, but if he's in a crazed state it could be more difficult. And then the bit about the increased guard…"
She glanced up at him, then exchanged her blade for a dagger, "We can handle guards—pick them off. That's probably what will take the longest…. Uuugh, I just realized we might have to deal with stupid archers. I hate dealing with archers."
"Oh, come on—they're not that bad," Ezio laughed as he switched weapons, too. "We'll just tread carefully and once we find Antonio we'll make a plan to get to him."
"We should spend tomorrow scouting the city then, too; get tips from the Thieves on which alleyways to use and the best ways to get to the brothel, and then check with the Mercenaries to make sure they have the choke points and can help with things."
"Good idea. Although, if we get to the monk first…"
She shrugged, "We'll wing it as we go—as usual. Anyways, all good on your weapons? I'm tempted to almost not take all of them to seem less conspicuous… I do have my cloak, which, unfortunately, I still have to use…"
"Oh, don't pout," he chuckled, pausing to look at her. "You know Monteriggioni is the only place no one looks twice at you waltzing around in your armory. Don't worry about it too much, though; the cloak will be fine, and it doesn't look all that bad on you."
"Oh, thanks. Knowing I am fashionable just helps so much," she snorted, giving him a look, but he just laughed again. She rolled her eyes, but then sighed as she got her last dagger inspected and put it back into place. "I'm just glad Annetta got it fitted it better. Right, well, I'm good on my gear. Need help with yours?"
"No, I've got it—just the special dagger left," Ezio smiled, pulling out the birthday gift she'd given him. She flushed a little. He'd never let it be away from his side since the moment he'd had it, and he'd maybe used it once or twice in battle as needed. It was a good weapon, after all, but to know it was called his "special" one tugged at her heart some. Such a damned tease.
"Is it holding up alright?" she asked as she began to loosen the strings of her shirt and slipped the top vest off. She noted he watched, but quickly returned to the dagger when he realized she was watching him right back.
"Greatly so. You never did tell me how much you spent on it," he grinned, glancing up again as she went to grab her lantern, and then moved to the far side of the bed, putting it on the stand there.
"And I never will. That's the point of a gift. Now stop asking, or I'll throw something at you like Claudia did when you kept asking her about what she was doing for your birthday party," she replied sharply, jabbing a finger at him. He laughed, raising his hands in surrender and put his things away. He slipped off his own gear then, leaving himself in a shirt and pants. She made a point not to look and to ignore how scandalous this technically was—in both this time and hers, sort of. She was okay with it in the end, although it did feel awkward, but it was just how it was. Best just to suck it up and get used to it. For the most part. It did make her a little embarrassed knowing Ezio was probably enjoying it.
"Right, well, let's do our best tomorrow shall we?" she hummed, blowing out her lantern and getting under the blankets. "And remember: any funny business and I'm kicking you to the floor."
"Yes, yes," Ezio chuckled, blowing out his own. "Just try not to want me too badly tonight."
"Ugh, try not to hit the headboard with your fat head," she grunted in return.
"Ah, I do love your denial," he purred right back.
"Oh my Gooood, just go to sleep, you weirdo."
She could feel him smirking.
"As you command, kitty-Cat."
She refrained from smacking him and groaned instead, earning one last chuckle before they settled down. Briefly, she wondered if he might actually mess with her, but as the minutes went by she could hear him relaxing. Pushing her awkwardness aside, she let herself get the sleep she needed. They had a busy day—or days—to come, after all.
-O-
August 18, 1478
San Gimignano, Toscana, Italy
"Well, there's definitely more guards out," Catherine mused, peering from under her hood at the rooftops. Sure enough, there were figures in red on the higher roofs, bows and arrows strapped to their backs. On the ground were also more guards, although she was relieved to find it wasn't as many as there had been when Vieri was here. That wasn't to say it was safe enough for them to take the force on their own. Oh no; if they made a show of killing the guards they would be swarmed in an instant and killed. They had to tread carefully. Thankfully, there were no wanted posters and no one save their allies seemed to recognize them.
"We can handle it. We just need to find Antonio first. Our informant should be around here somewhere—a mercenary according to the message this morning," Ezio replied, munching on the last bit of his jerky as he, too, glanced around. Occasionally his eyes flashed, using his Vision to get a different look.
"Yeah, and everyone should be good to go. The Thieves gave us a map, so that'll be nice to have. Wish we could have come back before the Pazzi and learned everything better, but between Lorenzo's missions and training…"
The young man shrugged, "We'll be fine. If not the streets, we can take to the roofs, and the country side will make it hard to find us if we go that way."
"Also depends on how long it takes for Maffei to show. If it's late, it'll be better to stay at a safe house and leave after we get some sleep," the redhead replied, glancing to their right where a group of mercenaries stood brandishing their weapons as they always did. She nodded discretely, and they did the same. As it stood, they had about ten groups in the city itself, maybe five outside. The Pazzi had forced some out beforehand, so there wasn't as many as she would like, but it was enough to handle the enemy here.
The Thieves, like-wise, were all in place. Guiseppe had told them to find a Daniele to get the map, and from there the thief had mentioned they had eyes watching and ears listening. Messengers were constantly moving and everyone was on page. They would do the usual calls to let them know when danger was around or the target was in sight, and all were ready to lure guards when they could. The two of them, in turn, would do what they could to protect any thieves potentially in trouble should that come to be.
Lastly were the courtesans, but the only thing required for that was ensuring the ladies were doing alright and that the brothel was secure. It was, and Catherine had to make a point to ensure Ezio didn't linger too long despite the ladies' beckoning. Of course, he found it hilarious, but then they kept on their patrols and scouting; learning the city as they could. They were slowly getting it, but they would need all the help they could get. A day of searching and traveling wasn't enough—not when the city was huge. Not quite as huge as Firenze, but at least twice the size of Monteriggioni. With more time they might know it better, but they would just have to make do for now.
"Ah, there. I see him," Ezio spoke up suddenly, pointing. Catherine followed his line of sight to a lone mercenary standing by a railing. It was near the church with the large courtyard in front of it—the place they'd met up with Mario during the Vieri attack. The same place they'd met Emilio again for the last time. It was very different without bodies, blood, and chaos going on. In fact, there was a wide array of people walking about, having a good time as they made their way to wherever they were going or standing around, relaxing in the afternoon sun. The Mercenary looked very similar with how he lounged, but once he saw them approaching he perked up, rolling his shoulders.
"Greetings Ezio, Catherine. I've got news for you," he explained, looking between them both. The two nodded, so he continued, motioning towards the rooftops. "Antonio Maffei has sought refuge atop the city's tallest structure—spouting scripture and arrows in equal measure. The man has clearly lost his mind."
"Just as the others suspected… Damn. He won't be easy to get to," Catherine frowned, and the mercenary winced slightly.
"I'm afraid it's worse than that. He's posted archers all around him. Neither of you will get anywhere near him so long as they are there."
While Catherine groaned, Ezio nodded, "Understood. Do you know when Maffei goes there?"
"Well, he's there all the time now—only guards or servants go in and out and the entrance is too well guarded. You will only be able to catch him when he is at the rooftops which happens at daybreak or in the evening—just before supper. You'll know he's there when you hear the preaching."
"So not much longer then. How long does he stay up there preaching?"
"Well into the night. You will have plenty of time to get at him. You just have to get rid of the archers," the mercenary pointed out, motioning to the rooftops.
"Thank-you for the information. Now, return to your men. When we are in need of your aid, we'll give the signal," Ezio replied, clapping the man's shoulder. The mercenary returned it and then headed off leaving the two of them alone. The young man looked to Catherine, whom slumped and huffed rather pathetically, and grinned. "It's just archers. We can handle them."
"Yeah, yeah. Well, it's almost supper so not much longer like you said. We just need to head to the tallest tower," she hummed, rubbing the back of her neck as she looked at the towers just beyond the courtyard. One had a line of wood—a balcony of sorts—around it, so she pointed. "That the one?"
Ezio hummed, "Yes, I think so… the others aren't as tall."
"…Well, shit… Yeah, you can handle this one. There is no way in hell I am climbing that. Are there even places to hold on to?" she guffawed as they walked towards it.
"What? Are you scared to climb something?" the young man laughed as he glanced around the roofs, eyes flashing.
She snorted, "Please. Not scared. I just know my limits. You're the better climber, too, and you have more endurance for it. I'll handle the archer guards lower down and keep them off your back as you climb—how's that sound?"
"Hmm… I suppose that will do. I'm going to hold you to your word, you know. I get one scratch and you owe me," he smirked with a wink.
"Just go," she grunted, giving him a look. She took the lead, however, finding a small alleyway and scaling the side of the building. He was right behind her, and she paused at the edge, scanning things. She saw about five archer on the nearby surrounding buildings, and when she showed Ezio via fingers, he nodded. No more words passed as she pulled out a throwing knife. The first archer wasn't far, so she would need to act fast. In the meantime, Ezio hunkered down close to the leap between him and the highest tower where he would wait until she gave another signal. Now, it was up to her.
Coiling her legs, she leaped up the side of the wall, pulling over the edge, and striking. The guard had his back turned, so she shoved her hidden blade into the back of his neck so he wouldn't make a sound. The other guard not far away would have heard the small sounds, though, and, sure enough, he started to turn, so she threw her knife—catching him right in the eye. The shock made his shout garbled and cut off as he fell backward, banging his head. She sped towards him, kicking his face hard with her heel before wrenching the knife out. He was silent, so she went on.
The next one was higher up, so she quickly wiped the blood off the knife, stuck the hilt into her mouth, and found a good spot to climb. She paused when she heard footsteps just above and went stock still. She didn't even breathe as the seconds passed and then there was more scuffle of boots on tile. Thankfully, the other bodies were out of sight some so it wouldn't raise alarm—not yet, anyways. The fewer guards, the better.
Catherine glanced over the edge and saw the guard with his back turn. She climbed over carefully, waiting until the last moment to sprint and shove her hidden blade into the man's shoulder—right where the heart should be. She had pulled her dagger free from her teeth, too, and shoved it into his throat, ensuring his silence. She set him down gently as she retracted her weapons and then kept low as she looked for more, or at least ways to get to them. She looked to where Ezio was and he pointed upwards, signaling he was heading up. He evidently didn't consider the other archers an issue, so she nodded. She scanned the rooftops quickly, looking for a good jumping point. There was one higher up, so she climbed. As she did, there was a distinct shouting from above that made her pause.
"Citizens of San Gimignano, heed well my words! You must repent! Repent and seek forgiveness! For your wicked ways have incurred the wrath of a demon! Summoned by your sins, he now walks our world, cloaked in shadow and darkness! And everywhere he treads, death follows!" the voice howled out from far above. She rolled her eyes. Yeah—that was the monk alright, and he definitely sounded crazy. Now she was really glad Ezio was handling him. She wasn't sure she wouldn't throw herself off the roof before she got to him just from listening to his lunacy.
Unfortunately, it just droned on and on. The monk did not cease in his ranting, spouting about how the people were essentially going to hell and that she and Ezio—or rather just Ezio since they, thankfully, didn't seem to know she was around—were going to ruin them and other stupid, crazy nonsense. She ignored it as best as she could as she leaped from roof to roof, rolling once and up beneath an archer's bow and arrow to stab him in the gut. He gasped in agony and grasped her hair, pulling harsh enough she yelped. She used her dagger to stab his arm, freeing her red locks and then shoved her hidden blade into him again, this time in the chest. She wagered she missed the heart, but the wound to his gut and potentially lungs made him fall, and he would die soon enough. She hissed at her stinging scalp, her make-shift bun loose and a mess now. A shout kept her from worrying over it long, though—the last guard had noticed her. He was getting ready to fire an arrow at her, too.
Scowling, she quickly grabbed the quiver and bow from the guard she just killed and scurried behind cover. She glanced up to the main tower where Ezio was climbing and saw him near the top. There were guards up there, looking down where the shouting had come from, which was thankfully away from him. Bad for her, but she would deal—first with the guard who was in good firing range.
Catherine readied the arrow as best she could, lamenting she still hadn't practiced with it as much as she should have. She made a mental note to tell Mario to include archery in their training as she looked around the corner to see where the guard was, retreated to avoid an arrow that missed not by too much, and then spun back around. She aimed as best as she could, pulled as far as she was able, and fired. It missed, clinking off the edge of the building the man was at. He laughed, and readied his bow again. She rolled her eyes with frustration, and then heard two arrow bang off the other side of her cover. She looked upwards to find the guards above had decided to take a go at killing her, much to her annoyance. However, Ezio was about to pull himself over the edge so she let herself smirk.
Sure enough, the two guards were caught unawares as the young man pounced, stabbing one from behind in the neck, and kicking the other off the edge. He fell screaming, which put a stop to the mind-numbing preaching. Catherine was glad for it, and for the distraction as the guard she had fired at before was no longer occupied with her. It gave her the opportunity to shoot once more, and this time she managed to hit, but only just barely in the shoulder. The man yelped, though, and staggered slightly, but that was all she really needed. Ezio would make his kill soon—in fact, there was a distinct shriek of despair and screams about the demon being here—and then that was it. Nothing else. No preaching, no screaming; just silence. The deed was done.
Sighing with relief, Catherine tossed the bow and arrow, looked up briefly just in time to see her crazy partner do a damned Leap of Faith off the tower. Of course he would do that, and so she rolled her eyes as she quickly redid her hair, although it was still tangled thanks to the jackass guard. Briefly, she considered how she shouldn't think so carelessly or callously about it. She had just taken a life—thankfully without the use of the Clock—but she supposed she was used to it now; it was just a part of her duty and way of life. Perhaps that wasn't a good thing, but there wasn't much time to think on it.
Alarms began to ring out. The monk's silenced rants had caught someone's attention, and apparently the dead guards, too. Not that she was surprised, and so she ran. She had seen where Ezio fell and so leaped her way over, noting down below guards were calling for reinforcements and to find who did the deed. She saw some fingers pointing at mercenaries, and hoped they wouldn't be forced into an unnecessary fight. She knew that's what they were trained for, but still. Hopefully if she and Ezio got into hiding or left soon nothing too bad would happen. First, she needed to find her partner in crime.
Catherine found a haystack near the tower soon enough and figured that was where he was at. She watched carefully for any guards before she climbed down, crouching low beside it. Briefly, she wondered why the hell someone left hay right there in such a big amount, but let it be as she poked into it. Sure enough, she felt a body inside. Before she could speak, a hand suddenly lashed out, grabbing hers, and pulled her in—only halfway, too—and she found a grinning face hidden amongst hay and a hood.
She rolled her eyes, "Very cute, now come on. There aren't guards here yet so let's get going. I think we can get out before they close the exits."
"Aww, but it's so comfy in here," he smirked, but let her pull away and came out himself soon enough, brushing off his cloak.
"Yeah, no, hay is not comfy and you know it. Now, let's get going," she hummed, helping him some, though paused as she found a feather caught in his gear. She pulled it free, grinning some. "We have news—and a gift—to bring home, after all."
He grinned back, "Indeed we do."
They took off then, hoods down and limbs moving quickly to race to the nearest exit. The alarm was getting around, but so far no mass search had been formed. It proved their benefit; before anyone knew it the two had escaped through the gates unnoticed. By the time anyone really started a search both assassins had a horse and were riding back to Monteriggioni, successful and one step closer to defeating the enemy.
-O-
"Oh my Goooood—so glad to be home," Catherine half-sighed with relief and half-groaned with exasperation. Not only did she feel a bit sore, she was tired. It was well into the night by the time they finally reached home, so she was hungry, too. Of course, it had all been worth it, but still. She was desperate to get up the last steps to the Villa and find their way inside. She could still smell the remnants of whatever Annetta had cooked, and so salivated at once. Her stomach growled for good measure, which got a happily-ignored laugh from Ezio.
"I know what you mean. I am also starving. I wonder if Mario is even awake right now," he rumbled as they ventured through to the kitchen. As she would with his father, the head maid had left them food in a covered pot. It was still warm, thankfully, so they were able to enjoy a decent soup with meats and bread. It was greatly relished and little talk was made as they ate—too busy enjoying the food. Although, the unexpected arrival of Annetta did waylay their eating for a few moments as she welcomed them home and then fussed over their tattered clothes. She would mend them for them, she assured, and bade them to continue eating while she fetched Mario. The rest of the family was still asleep, but she would be sure to give them the good news when she woke them in the morning. As such, the two continued to eat until they were done and then headed for Mario's study. There, Catherine slumped into the seat and leaned lazily on the desk.
Ezio gave her an odd look, "You're not that tired, are you?"
"Hey, I killed like… six… guards, I think. More than four, anyways. You killed two and then Maffei. One of those jerks yanked my hair, too," she huffed, rubbing at the back of her head as she recalled the pain. Ezio chuckled as he leaned down on his elbows, head close.
"Shall I kiss it better?" he winked, but she only rolled her eyes and turned his face away.
"I don't need your slobber all over my hair, too," she snorted, though grinned as she sat back up. "But, I mean… I'm a little tired. We rode the horses for hours after all that, and then we were up early scoping the city, sooo yeah. I'm a little tired. Aren't you?"
He yawned deeply, "Of course not."
"Uh-huh. Ever cheeky—as always… oh! You still have the feather, right?" she asked, and he nodded before he pulled it out, holding it to her. She took it, gingerly adjusted the plumage to make sure it was fluffed right. It was just a small, white feather, but it would do just fine. "Good. It's just right—right?"
"Yes. I guess I didn't mention, but I've mostly been looking for small white ones—like the ones Petruccio had me find. I still wonder why he did it… and sometimes I think I know it, but then it escapes me…"
"Well, how do you mean?"
"Hmmm… it's… well, sometimes I remember—back when I was younger. When Federico first had me climb the Duomo… I remember bringing feathers for Petruccio that night. I did it for a reason, and I think it was because of our free-running, but… I can't remember exactly why. He said something for it, but for the life of me…" Ezio sighed, throwing up his arms in defeat. Catherine smiled as she reached out and grasped his arm, squeezing gently.
"Whatever the reason, it's a good one, so don't worry. You're doing him justice and making him proud—and helping your mom, too. Here. This one is for you to take this time," she told him softly, putting the feather into his hand and closing his fingers over it. He smiled back after a moment and placed his other hand over hers, squeezing right back.
His touch lingered for a while—perhaps even longer than it should—and it seemed as though he might speak, but whatever words had begun to form were pushed back as the sound of footsteps reached them. They released one another and looked to the entryway where Mario appeared, dressed more casually than she had ever seen him and free of his armor and weapons. He was still full of jubilance, though, and embraced them both warmly.
"Good to have you back—and so soon! I take it the mission went well enough—Maffei was given a proper death?" he inquired, looking between them seriously.
Ezio nodded, "I did. I swear it."
"I believe you," his Uncle nodded, grasping his shoulder and the looked to the redhead.
"I took care of guards, but I didn't have time to give them more than a thought later. I'm sorry," she winced, but he waved it off.
"It cannot be helped sometimes, but when we can give it we must," he hummed, clapping her shoulder, too, and then stepped back. "So… did Maffei confess to anything before his passing?"
"No. He had lost his mind by the time we reached him. We only gave him a means of peace," Ezio bowed his head, and although Mario sighed he nodded him with him yet again.
"And may he find it in the other life. It is a shame we could learn no more of things to come, but it is no matter. We will prepare all the same, although I warn you: it will not get any easier form here."
Catherine sighed, "Figured that one. There weren't quite as many guards as when Vieri was there, but there were still a lot. We were lucky to get out when we did. I take it more are coming?"
"Unfortunately. Scouts have gotten word that more will come as more of the conspirators return. It will still be some time—months, I imagine, but now they know you are still here, and you are still a threat. They will be more prepared; they will not be so easy to reach," Mario explained, his voice grave. They knew the risk, though, and were not swayed.
"We will not be stopped. The others—Bagnone, Salviati, Baroncelli, and the last Pazzi, Jacopo—they will all die by our blade to pay for their sins."
"Even if it takes us years we'll make sure of it. No more will suffer because of their schemes," Catherine added, glaring at the thought of them.
"Indeed, they will not. But first we must retreat and wait; let them think they can be safe. You must bide your time for now; rest, train, and do what missions you can. Return there every so often to learn the land, being that you will be going there more and more with your targets making it their home. You will need to know it better than even them."
"Sounds like a plan then. We go between here and San Gimignano. Use the safe houses to scout and makes our own maps; learn the city like the back of our hand. Keep track of movements and use our allies to keep an ear to the ground," the redhead hummed, sending a grin Ezio's ways.
He returned it, "Indeed it does. It is only a shame we will have to wait—but patience is a virtue, is it not?"
"Of which you know nothing about," Catherine mused quickly, earning a laugh from their commander, whom grasped their shoulders warmly.
"Then it is settled! Tonight rest. Tomorrow we will celebrate your victory. After that, that our waiting begins, and the end of the rest of the conspirators will follow."
And so, just as Mario said, the long wait began.
37 – End
TMWolf: And that's a wrap! Antonio Maffeii is dead! One conspirator is done, still a good many to go. Our assassins are slowly getting on their way. A good bit of sass, but fun fights this chapter, and if that's your thing then expect more to come!
Don't have much to say this one, so that's pretty much all for now. Hope you all get to enjoy the holiday! :)