Chapter 7

Sharing & Training

Ezio's POV

She wanted to sleep on the floor but I wouldn't hear it. However, she did not want me on the floor either. We decided we would sleep in my bed together. It would be the first time I truly slept with a woman. She was already in the bed by the time I came back up. I took a deep breath and then walked forward. I took off my boots and coat and slid in next to her. I laid there looking at the ceiling.

"Ezio?"

"Hm?"

She turned onto her side and looked at me.

"Do you think the Pazzi are behind all this?"

"Si. I just don't know why."

"This may be nothing but, that day, I saw a man in black robes. He was just standing there. He had a sort of smile on his face."

I turned so I could look at her.

"Do you know who he is?"

"No. But I think he was a friend of Uberto. Or at least someone working with him. This may run deeper than you thought."

I held myself up on my elbow.

"This may change a few things. Did you see his face?"

She shook her head and I fell back.

"I'm sorry."

I turned to her and put my hand on her arm.

"Don't be. I didn't notice any such man before. Your skills of observation are a gift."

She smiled at me and I smiled at her. I had a lot of feelings for her, deep feelings. I stared into her eyes and moved my hand down her arm. She took my hand in hers and squeezed. I'd never felt this way about anyone. Isabel was different, she was special.

"Isabel I need to tell you something."

She nodded and I took a deep breath.

"I…Isabel I…"

I didn't know how to say it. I needed to tell her but I didn't know how. She held our hands against her chest and I looked at her. She smiled gently and nodded.

"It's alright."

I sighed.

"No it's not."

"When you're ready you can tell me whatever it is you need to."

I knew she was right but I wanted to tell her now. She closed her eyes and let go of my hand.

There is a chance that I'm falling in love with you.

Isabel's POV

The next morning we met with Mario outside. During our training, he told Ezio that his father was an Assassin.

"I told you, my father was a paper pusher!"

"No. He was born and bred to kill."

Through all the training, Mario told Ezio more and more about Assassins and these Templars. I immediately thought of the man in black robes.

After nearly two months, he told us he'd taught us all he knew.

"Thank you uncle, for everything you have taught Isabel and I."

"You're family, and Isabel is important to you. Such is my duty and desire."

"I'm glad you had us stay."

"Good! You've reconsidered leaving!"

Mario seemed very excited. Ezio shook his head and walked back to me.

"We sail for Spain in three days…"

"But nipote, I have given you and Isabel the skills that you may be better prepared to strike against our enemies…"

"And if they find me I will."

"You want to leave, Ezio? To throw away everything your father fought and died for? To deny your heritage? Fine! Come vuoi. Arrivederci e buona fortuna!(So be it. Goodbye and good luck!)

He walked away.

"Uncle wait-" he turned to the trainer. "Why is he so upset?"

"How can he not be? Vieri's been harassing us ever since you first arrived. To be expected I suppose. Given his heritage…"

Ezio looked to me and I nodded towards the door. He ran off and I walked after him. He called for his uncle but he did not answer.

"They ride for San Gimigano to slay that snake, Vieri."

"I wish to join them."

He nodded.

"You'll find what you need at the stables."

I leaned against the wall. I heard Ezio walk upstairs and I followed. Maria was still on her knees in front of the bed. She still had not spoken a word.

"I don't know what to do." Claudia said.

"Don't worry. She will come back to us."

Ezio turned and looked at me. He came over and put his hands on my arms.

"Will you ride with me?"

I smiled at him.

"I told you, I will follow you."

He smiled at me and leaned closer. He quickly stepped back and we ran to the stables. We rode the horses as fast as we could until we found Mario.

Ezio's POV

Uncle looked very surprised to see me.

"Ezio? Isabel? What are you doing here?"

"Taking responsibility. Vieri troubles you because of me."

He just chuckled.

"Vieri troubles us because he is a Templar and we are Assassins."

"Either way, we wish to help." Isabel said.

He looked at Isabel and smiled a bit.

"You're lucky Ezio. Now listen close. First we must find a way inside the city. Though it seems Vieri expects us…He has sealed the gates and sent his men to guard them. Fortunately for us the city is larger than its host. The southern gate suffers for it. So this is where we'll strike."

"I can get in there."

We both looked at Isabel.

"I've gotten into heavily guarded places before. I noticed a crack in the wall on the way here. There was a guard in front of it but I can handle him. I can find where Vieri is." she said.

I smiled even though I didn't like it.

"It is true. She is very talented when it comes to getting into places she shouldn't. And taking people's pants."

Isabel laughed and uncle seemed very confused.

"It's a long story. But she can get in."

"Very well." uncle said.

She nodded.

As night fell, I went to Isabel.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes of course. Why do you sound so worried?"

I sighed. I knew she would never want me.

"Because you're my…my friend. I don't want you to get hurt."

I almost missed the disappointment in her eyes. She smiled and took my hands.

"I'll be fine. I once did things like this all the time. And that changed when you and I became closer. I never did properly thank you for that."

She slowly leaned forward and kissed my cheek. She pulled back and pulled up her hood.

"I will find Vieri for you."

She turned.

"Isabel!"

She stopped and looked at me. I wanted to tell her the truth but instead I said,

"Be careful."

She winked and left.