Ezio stretched in the weak morning sunlight that filtered through the windows of the train. Jacob was following along; both men shirtless as they limbered up for a day of work. Evie and Mr Green were in a nearby carriage, speaking about the work they would do today when Claudia woke up. Which Ezio was going to have to do before he set out with Jacob.

It still shocked him that Claudia had bothered to learn English while in Monteriggioni. She certainly did not have a good opinion of them.

The man gave a small shrug, relishing the feeling of how well his muscles responded to his slightest demand. He was at the height of his strength and skill and knew it. Amber eyes flickered to Jacob besides him. The man was about half his age and it was hard not to see his younger self in the boy. Or young man, Ezio reminded himself. A grin broke out on his face as he realised that these two were making him feel old.

"What?" Jacob asked, noticing the smile.

"Solo che sono vecchio e sei giovane." Ezio told him.

"I still don't speak Italian."

Ezio shook his head slightly. He had figured out the questioning 'what' but other than that his English was limited. Jacob probably said he didn't understand Italian or something to that ilk. But there was no way for him to find out.

"Andrò a svegliare Claudia." Ezio sighed. He pulled his robes back over his head and moved through to a carriage with the curtains still drawn. His sister rested there, her chest slightly glowing in the darkness as she slept. He watched the gentle pulse of the apple which rose and fell with her breathing. Not for the first time he marvelled at the beings who had made it and had left that message for the mysterious Desmond.

Reluctant to wake her but with little choice, Ezio took her hand.

"Claudia, it's time to wake up." He said softly. She gave a small groan and twisted away from him as the glow faded away.

"I know you're awake." Ezio pointed out.

"No I'm not."

"I need to go out with Jacob today and you are meant to work with Evie."

"Can't you do that later."

"We've been waiting for you for an hour."

She grumbled but got up, opening the curtains and squinting at the light. She was borrowing one of Evie's nightdresses that covered her considerably more than the Italian silk she usually wore, Ezio noted. Wool as well.

"Get dressed then go for some breakfast. I'll be back this evening." Ezio advised.

"Try not to get killed." Claudia muttered sleepily.

"I will, don't worry." Ezio said cheerfully.

"It's too early." Moaned Claudia but she was getting up and pulling out lent clothes.

"I'll let you get dressed." Ezio offered and got a pillow thrown at him as he left the room, chuckling.

"So she's awake?" Jacob asked as Ezio came in. He gave a nod.

"Not happy about it but she'll manage."

"Evie will have to deal with her." Jacob declared.

"She's not too bad a morning person." Ezio shrugged. "So what have you got planned today?"

"Liberating a factory." Jacob said, his voice becoming serious suddenly. Ezio had never seen the other man like this before. The frown on his face, his lips tugged down and thinned into a line.

"What's the catch?" He asked.

"What catch?" Jacob asked, features smoothing out in surprise.

"You looked serious."

"Ah." The look came back as Jacob considered the factories he had visited. "It's the children."

"Children?"

"They work them in the factory. They're only tots. A lot don't make it."

Jacob didn't know if Evie knew about his softer side with the little 'uns. It wasn't exactly a thing that he wanted others to know. But he made sure to go after those factories.

"Today we shall free them, my brother." Ezio said, putting a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Next stop." Jacob muttered, eyes flickering out the window. Ezio removed his hand and went to stand by the window.

"This city is so full of smoke." He commented as it flashed by. "I had thought Rome was polluted."

"You can blame the factories for that."

"So many… and they all use child labour?"

"For the most part."

"The price one must pay for wonders." Ezio commented sadly. Jacob gave a mute nod. This was a tender subject for him and he didn't wish to discuss it with a stranger from Evie's books. Even if the man seemed to be fun.

They stood in silence, watching the city. Claudia wandered out as the train began to slow down and gave them a good luck before heading off to chat with Evie. As soon as the train slid to a halt, Jacob and Ezio left their carriage and hurried up a nearby building. Jacob lead the way, a strange determination driving him. Ezio appreciated the focus and took time to prepare himself for what was to come. The older man was not sure what to expect with these factories.

The building itself was huge. Several stories tall and could have competed with the skyline of the religious buildings back home. There were many windows though and he could see the children working away, hunched over strange machines. The two assassins circled around, taking in the red clad men who patrolled the building, forcing kids to remain focused on their work.

Jacob slipped in through an open window and Ezio followed, moving to take out one of the Blighters. He turned to see that Jacob was talking in hushed tones to the kids.

"When we've killed everyone, I'll give a whistle, then get out. Run back home. Tell your family that there's good honest work with the Rooks. We'll take able hands to fight and young ones as messengers."

Ezio raised his eyebrows as the children left.

"Honest work?"

"Wouldn't you say we fight for an honest cause?"

"An honest cause but our work is far from that. Although it cannot be helped."

"We fight against oppression."

"We kill and murder our way to free the world." Ezio said pointedly. "The means may outweigh the method but it's no honest method."

"I don't know whether you're inspiring me or putting me off." Jacob whispered. Ezio smiled ruefully.

"I have had a lot of time to think." He sighed. "Philosophy. It would be easier if it were not part of my life."

Philosophy had lead to Rodrigo Borgia's life being spared by him. An action that had allowed Cesare to kill his Uncle and destroy Monteriggioni. Perhaps also if he had killed the Spaniard then, the Borgia fanatics would not have captured his sister… Ah, philosophy. It brought as much pain as relief.

"Well, let's see you inspire this next load of tykes." Jacob said, nodding to a group on the next level. Five men oversaw that level. Two paced half the length of the factory. The other three each stood behind rows. Ezio knew at the top level rested the man who ran this place. Silently he rose up and took out the men who moved, dragging the bodies to hide them. A quick dash allowed him to be seen by those standing over their charged and lured them to his hiding spots were they were quickly dispatched. He moved over to the children.

"You are free now. Return to your families with pride for today you have struck at the men who would harm you and force you into slavery. This was brought to you by the Rooks and while we may not walk within the law of those who would seek to oppress you, we walk a true path. And one that will pay for those who follow." He told them. Blank stared were exchanged.

"You understand me?" He questioned.

"I think your language is a bit too strange." Jacob said, stepping forwards.

"Mind you go quietly now. Don't let the bad fellahs see you escaping. We've got another floor to free. And let your family know that the Rooks are giving good money for those who'll join them." Jacob said, receiving a much better reception than the Master Assassin.

They watched the children stream out, struggling to keep silent as they made their way back home. Their exhausted bodies to rest.

"You don't spend time with kids much, do you?" Jacob asked Ezio.

"No. I never had any. Claudia did but I missed their growing."

"You're an uncle?"

"Yes."

"You're so old."

Ezio smirked at this comment and gave a nod.