I don't know how long we stood there, but it was long enough for true night to fall. Federico's grip on my shoulder lossened as he turned to me.
"Come Bella, we should head back. Before my father decides I need another talking to." I laughed lightly. Federico soon got us safely back on the ground safe and sound. We began to walk back quickly.
When we reached the door of the mansion Auditore Federico paused.
"Something's wrong." He said in a steely voice. Looking, he was right. There were no watchmen around and all the lights were out. I got a strange feeling of foreboding. We jogged into the house, it was deserted.
"Amelia, keep behind me." Federico whispered. It was so dark I had to keep a hand on his doublet so I wouldn't get lost. Luckily Federico could find his way around blindfolded. He turned to a door and opened it slowly then... Federico was on the ground. Someone had tackled him. I rushed into the room panicking a little. I heard the attacker cry in pain, I recognized that cry.
"Wait Federico!" I called out, the noise stopped.
"Federico?" Asked Ezio's voice.
"Ezio?" Asked Federico. Someone in the room lit a lantern. I look, it was Annette holding a poker, behind her was Claudia and Maria. Ezio and Federico were on the ground, both a little bruised .
"Ezio what's happened." Federico asked.
"Not sure," Ezio answered holding his eye where Federico had hit him. "I had only just came in when you walking in behind me." Annette came forward shaking a little.
"They came, armed men. They have taken your father and little Pettrucio to prison!"
"What! Why?" I cried out. Annette shook her head.
"They were spouting something about treason. They went looking for Ezio, Federico, and you too signorina." I was baffled, I saw Maria sit down and stare absently into space.
"Madonna?" I asked gently, touching her shoulder lightly. She didn't look or acknowledge me at all. Annette spoke.
"She's in shock. They ripped Pettrucio out of her arms." Tears began welling in my eyes. The three Auditore siblings were chatting in Italian rapidly. Then Ezio disappeared into a different room, and Federico spoke to Annette.
"Amelia." Claudia got my attention. She was holding a dark colored cloak to me. I took it and clasped it around my shoulders. While I did that Claudia wrapped another cloak around Maria. I looked at the boys, Ezio had returned and the both were clasping knifes to their belts. Federico came up to me.
"Ezio and I need to speak to our father. Annette has told us her sister's is a safe place for all of you." I started to shake my head in disbelief, and felt a scowl form.
"No way. I'm coming with you. You may need another set of hands." Federico set his jaw.
"Amelia, think a moment. What do you truly know about fighting. I already know your not a strong climber." I looked away from him shamefaced. Federico grabbed my shoulders and forced me to look at him.
"I'm not doing this because I doubt your courage. Right now the best way you can help us is by taking care of our mother and sister." The tears were still threatening to spill, made worse knowing that he was right.
"Fine." I said in an upset tone. After that Annette, Claudia, Maria, and I took off. Annette leading the way, Claudia and myself propping up Maria. After traveling down the back roads as quietly as possible, Annette paused at a corner. She looked both ways before waving to us.
"Avante." She cried softly. We sprinted across the street into a building. I went last closing the door behind us.
Looking inside the place was lined with couches. It was warm and the place smelled of some husky, sweet perfume. Annette was speaking to a woman, I assumed to be her sister. Looking at her I paused a moment. The woman was gorgeous, dark hair, bright eyes. She was the wearing a low cut gown that showed off her generous figure. This woman was the type of beautiful that made other girls feel bad about themselves. The lady looked at us with soft eyes, she shouted something. Soon a girl came out, and took Maria's elbow and lead her and Claudia to a room upstairs. I stayed behind because I'd seen the way the girl was dressed. Nothing but a corset and short shift. Now I understood what this place was. It was a brothel.
"Miss Amelia, you can relax. Here you are safe. My name is Paola." The lady spoke. Her tone was so warm I instantly believed her.
"Thank you signora." I said politely. She gestured to the stairs.
"Would you like to have a room, you can rest." I shook my head.
"No thank you. I'd prefer to wait for the Auditore brothers to get in." Paola smiled in an understanding way.
"Then at least sit, be comfortable and I'll call for some food." I took her up on her offer, making a meal of bread, meat, and cheese. I don't know how long Paola and I sat talking. But after at least a few hours the door slamed, looking it was the brothers wearing white hoods.
"Boys!" I cried out. I sprang up, and ran to them. Ezio was closer so I threw my arms around him first. Taking him by surprise, he stiffened before returning the hug. I heard Federico clear his throat. Looking at him he had his arms spread in a what about me gesture. I chuckled detaching myself from Ezio and held out my arms.
"You too." With that he came forward and held me gently but firmly. Like he was afraid of breaking me. When we broke apart I saw Paola rise from her seat.
"Guys, this is Annette's sister Paola." I wanted to laugh as both their jaws dropped.
"Hello Fratellio Auditore, Annette and Amelia speak highly of you both, I see why." She roamed her eyes over the two. Federico smirked, and Ezio chuckled uncomfortably. I rolled my eyes at them both.
"So guys, did you get see your father?" I asked quietly. There faces turned serious.
"Yes." Federico answered. He sat down on a sofa. Ezio explained the rest.
"We spoke to Albert, he's an old friend of our father and of legal power. He paused for a breath. "We delivered some documents to him, documents that will prove our family innocent." I nodded my understanding. Ezio looked around a moment.
"Please where is my mother and sister." I directed Ezio toward their room, and turned to Federico. He hadn't moved from his seat, his head was in his hands. I walked up to him and patted his shoulder. His eyes snapped to me like I'd startled him. He looked weary and careworn, like he had aged five years all at once.
"Are you alright Federico." I asked as I sat down next to him. He gave a shuttering sigh.
"I don't know Cara," He looked at me wearily. "my home has been ransacked, my family slandered and imprisoned." I put my arm around his shoulder and spoke softly.
"Federico, I know it seems bad, but it'll be ok. No matter what happens it'll turn out alright. I know because you've got people that care about you and your family, and that's a powerful thing." He let out another sigh and leaned over so his head was leaning on my shoulder.
"Grazie." Federico whispered tiredly.
"Think no of it." I answered back imitating him from the first night we'd met. Federico laughed in his throat at that. He seemed a little like his old self.
"We need to leave first thing in the morning." He said regretfully. I frowned at him.
"Why so early."
"Our father and brother stand trial tomorrow, Ezio and I are going to make sue things go smoothly." I nodded in consent, and stood to go upstairs.
"Just swear that you'll be careful." I asked in a shy voice. Federico stood and gave a small comforting smile.
"Of course Cara. How could I do otherwise?" He leaned forward taking my shoulders in his hands gently. Then pressed his lips to my hairline, soft and warm. When he released me I walked uncertainly to the stairs.
"Um, good night Federico." As I turned I heard him reply.
"Sleep well Bella." I stumbled upstairs to the room Paola had given me, and instantly fell asleep.