Again, I want to thank you all for your comments 3 I'm so glad you like it!

... I'm still damaged after watching the finale so the part is weird.

Anyway, enjoy!

"You are joking, right?" Paolo was looking at me as I had lost my mind. I had just told him what I wanted to do and his eagerness to work with me vanished. Typical. It was a pity Zo wasn't there, he would complain a little but listen anyway.

"Sure I don't. You just do what I tell you, when I tell you," I mocked him with his own words.

He stood still for awhile, probably trying to find a good way to get out and run away from me. Poor thing.

"... All right." He suprised me again. His patience was really big or he was just desperate enough. "I can do it."

I nodded to him to get to work. After all it wasn't a picnic and we were supposed to hide without announcing ourselves with noisy behaviour. Well, he wasn't. I was a diffrent story.

I watched as he hid in some bushes and couldn't help a smile. He was really good at it. I knew where he was yet I didn't see him. Now I had to provide distraction so he could move freely and help

I stepped a little further in the forest and sighed. Then I shouted like I wanted to throw out my lungs.

There are different kinds of yelling. You can do it when you are angry or scared. Sometimes their role is to make your enemies shiver with fear but more often they are just sensless.

I was rather proud of mine. It was loud- probably the whole forest could hear it- filled with suprise and pain. The kind that could say that you had just broken your leg or had done something as nasty and unpleasent. I knew it was very convincing, I had tried that years ago and Nico had almost died by a heart attack.

"Oh fuck!" I added like a truly suffering person. Then I jumped in the nearest hiding spot but kept howling now and then.

Yes, I was a really good actor!

I was almost completly sure that Riario would recognize my voice straight away and couldn't be able to ignore the shouts. It didn't matter if he though my throat just got slashed or I stumbled over something. Hell, it would still be good even if he didn't believe in that little act of mine. He would have to check it up anyway because if I was screaming that meant I was there. And when he would go near, I would... Find a way to pass him?

Well, the plan wasn't finished. Yet.

I had to lie without a single move for some time. The ground was cold and I felt like jumping up. But I only held my breath, especially because I finally heard the rustle of leaves. Somebody was going in my direction. Judging by the sounds one single person.

I made my decision quickly- I stood a chance only when I wasn't outnumbered. So I waited few seconds and then dashed out like a madman, looking around for my target.

He was not the Count, that for sure. Just an ordinary soldier. Should be easy.

I forgot about that my body was still exhausted and didn't take into consideration some other important fact. Like that I was making a lot of noise and he didn't have to be completly useless.

I planned to swiftly hit him on the back of his head so he would lose conscious. But he managed to turn to face me just in time. It was impossible to stop myself anymore so I just ran faster- and I practically crashed into him. We both fallen, me on top, so I quickly reached to pin him down to the wet ground. He hit my chest few times, preventing it from happening.

"He is here!" he yelled and I winced. Perfect. In that moment I could just lie down and give up. Of course I didn't though. It wasn't my style.

I got distracted for a second and regretted it almost at the same time- I cursed aloud after he punched my jaw. I groaned when I heard a nasty sound of my teeth gnashing. He took the chance to roll over with me and suddenly I was on the bottom. I hit my head hard on something and yelped.

I was suffering by this point but didn't let the pain took control. I didn't have time for complaining since the time was running out.

He laughed aloud like an idiot and tried to bind me with a piece of rope which was kind of funny because I didn't even register the time when he had actually taken it out. I kicked his stomach hard and sent him flying backwards. He landed on his ass, cursing mine. I quickly stood up, stealing his sword. He tried to move but I touched his neck with the blade and he wasn't so brave anymore. Instead of leaving him there I just hit him hard on his head so he blacked out.

I won. But it was already too late.

"Artista. It would be wise if you let him go."

I admit- I really jumped in suprise, almost stabbing the man lying in front of me. I even got gooseflesh and my hair stood on its end. Amazing, he was getting better at scaring me!

"Count." I tried to hide my feelings behind a mocking tone but to no avail. I didn't exactly sound brave. I was breathing hard after the fight and could barely keep myself on feet. I tried to ease my pounding heart so I focused my gaze directly on him. "You look great today."

That was a fact. He stood not very far away from me, he was all alone and I could see a triumph forming in his dark eyes. He was staring at me like owned the whole world, sadly including me. I stopped myself from snarling at him. He hadn't won yet. Probably he was close but it could still change. I could make it diffrent.

"And you look quite... Miserable." He smiled at me just a little bit, like always. His face reminded me of a predator who was getting ready to attack its defenseless victim. It was a picture worth drawing.

"Well, don't you know that life is tough? But enough about me. Where is Zo?"

I didn't give a second thought about what I was saying. I was more focused on his actions. He wasn't moving, not at all. I feared he might have been waiting for his companions so it would be easier to catch me. Maybe I would attack him if he wasn't so well rested.

"He is fine. And delighted."

Also I hadn't had a clue about his fighting skills. After all I hadn't seen him in action yet, he always had his men to do dirty work. Of course I wasn't a fool and knew he was good at combat. I could see his muscles even under the black clothes and the way he walked was telling me everything.

"Yes, I can imagine."

And he wasn't the Captain General of the Holy Roman Church without a reason. The world was corrupted and all that mattered was having relatives in good positions. But still nobody would hand him a position that high just because he had nice face. So, the question was, could I escape?

"You shouted. And yet, you are fine." He attacked me, not physically, but with words. Really? Trying to beat me with just a brain? He was really full of himself! I grinned at him.

"Brilliant observation!" I forced myself not to clap. I was still holding the sword in my hands so it could be quite painfull. "Keep it up and you might become half as good as me."

He smirked, closing his eyes for a moment. Like he was already tired with my nonsense. "Always so confident... Too confident, if you ask me. Overestimating your skills will be your downfall one day."

I felt just a little bit offended. Of course it was stupid because his opinion didn't really matter. And he had some right. And I knew it. But still, saying it out loud wasn't the nicest thing he could do.

I was getting a little bit worried to. He was acting too casually, like he had all the time in the world. He didn't jump at me, trying to capture me at spot. No, he just talked to me. It was his mistake and my chance. And he was talking to me about falling.

"I haven't asked. Nobody has." I took a few steps back, just to check his reaction. He raised his eyebrows.

"Leaving me already?" He shook his head. "Your friend will be dissapointed. And also something may happen to him if you are not with him..."

I almost gritted my teeth. They still hurt so I stopped myself.

"Trying the same trick again? You are getting old, Count," I said teasingly eventhough all I wanted was to curse him a little bit.

Oh, that litlle game of ours felt so great it was almost crazy. But an opponent that could actually prove to be a difficult one was something I hadn't experience for a while. He was a challenge and talking to him was really interesting.

"It works every time." He really believed that. According to gossip blackmail was one of his biggest weapons, he was good at it, he knew where to hit and never stopped himself from fulfilling his threats. It probably would affect me aswell. But by that time Paolo had probably helped Zo to get out and they both fled away. Or so I hoped.

"Do you really think it's enough to scare me?" I puffed up my chest. "You think that what, you will say some nasty words and I will give you everything you ask me for?"

"I will destroy all you love if you continue refusing me. Even the strongest one breaks at some point." He kept smiling, staring straight in my eyes. I found myself unable to look away. I didn't know what I felt anymore. Was it anger, fear or maybe excitment?

"You will destroy it anyway, won't you?"

Because there was no way he would leave Florence alone. Even if he stopped for a moment while I would be working with him he would continue his quest some day. Probably when I gave him all he wanted and I wouldn't be usefull anymore. He would kill me then.

"I won't." I laughed as soon as these words came out of his mouth. Really, who he thought I was? He really expected me to believe a lie that obvious? "Oh, I have almost forgotten. I know it is only a distraction, artista."

I kept my face neutral since he could be lying but my guts were already screaming in anxiety.

"What?" I asked dumbly. The level of stupidity I had shown in that moment probably gave me away. Playing an idiot was really hard.

"But a help from a bandit? Really?"

I had enough of that. I turned on my heel and started running. It was an impulse which I probably should had ignored because it was just ridiculous. I could gain nothing from getting deeper in the forest but I couldn't turn neither left or right- I would help him catch me.

And he was following, wasn't he?

He wasn't shouting, ordering me to stop. He knew I wouldn't cooperate. I did not dare to look back and see how far - or maybe close- he was, but he was undoubtedly near I could hear his footsteps, sense his breath on the back of neck or maybe I was just imagine things?

I turned around just in time to block his fist. Heck, he was fast! He took another swing and this time it collided with the left side of my head. I made a few uneasy steps aside and only then did I gain my balance back. I managed to protect myself from another attack and even tried to kick him- but he jumped back. He get closer to hit me again and this time I had almost fallen down. I even dropped my sword. Exhausted as I was I didn't stand a chance against him. I wasn't sure if I could do it if I was rested. And that was annoying. I was an excelent fighter!

I began to circle him, trying to get pass him and towards the road.

"Not going to happen, artista," he said, not letting me go. I tried to push him but he dodged it with ease. But I tried again and this time hit him directly in his chest and then in the stomach.

He gasped and I jumped toward my weapon. I managed to pick it up and I faced him.

"Tired?" I asked. Of course it was me who was exhausted but no way in hell I would cry about it.

He had a weapon too and he probably could use it. So instead of starting a fight that I could not win I actually thought about a plan. That was something I should have done from the very beggining. Not letting my tiredness beat me.

"Swords, now?" he began to reach for his and that's when I struck.

I gathered all my strength and I took a powerfull swing. I threw my weapon as it was a spear and almost laughed as Riario yelped just a little bit. He couldn't just parry it nor could he jump away. But he tried anyway. And sadly- or maybe not- it didn't hurt him at all.

I didn't stay and watched. I tried to distract him and succeed but there was no time to lose. I could freely pass him and run towards the road where Zo was. I was forcing myself to sprint eventhough my legs were already giving up. Ha! That was easy!

Just a few seconds before somebody had told me I shouldn't be so overconfident. Of course listening to a good advise was too much for me.

This time the attack was swift and quiet. I landed square on my face, the breath knocked out of my lungs. My hands were in pain too, I probably had bruised my palms. I tried to get up but suddenly there was some extra weight, pinning me down to ground. The moron had sat on me! I growled, struggled but he didn't want to disappear.

He was so nice that he even made sure I couldn't kick him or anything. That was just great!

"Why are you so heavy?" I complained aloud, trying to hide the embarrassment. How could he beat me that easily? Could I still blame the weather and my lack of rest?

He didn't say anything. He just twisted my already aching shoulders and bound them with something that felt like a rope. I bit my lips to prevent myself from squealing like some stupid squirrel chased by a dog. He forced me up on my legs.

I attacked immediately. I really didn't care about anything really. I wanted to hit him with my head and then run. Hah, that really was getting so stupid.

Not only he stepped aside, but he also couldn't stop himself from sending me back on the ground with rude kick. This time I groaned a little bit because I really started to hate the grass and all that litter.

"Please, don't trip over. You will hurt yourself," he said with fake concern as he crouched next to me. I looked at him with a smile behind which I had hidden my anger.

"Fuck you."

"Sure you're more creative than this." He helped me up and this time I didn't do anything. I just stood still, glaring at him. If I couldn't defeat him just now I had to wait for better moment. The road back to Vatican was a long one so I really had lot of time. "Shall we?"

He forced me to walk with him, heading to the track. There was that kind of uneasy silence when you wanted to say something but couldn't find the right topic. This wasn't something typical in my case. I always knew what to talk about. Riario wouldn't make me speechless! After my dead body!

"I don't have the key with me," I admitted aloud. That was the big positive in that situation. I just couldn't bring it with me to mountains, it was to easy to lose it here so I had left it back in Florence, safely hidden. Nobody would be able to find it, not even Zo or Nico. Probably the fucking Turk was an only exception.

But that didn't matter. What mattered was that it was polite to start conversation about something that concerned both sides of the talk. And the Key was something we shared.

Ugh, and everybody kept telling me that I was impolite! They should just listen how Riario cutted my attempt to have a civilized chat.

"Don't worry about it. You will give it to me one day." And then he was silent. Was he real? Just how many times I had to say 'no, thank you' before he would finally understand? Was he dumb? No, he really looked like an intelligent fellow so that wasn't the case. Maybe deafness?

We spent the rest of our walk in silence. He wasn't smiling anymore nor was he making stupid comments about me. At least that.

Suddenly we were back on the trail. I blinked few times, adjusting to the light and then looked around. I cursed just a little bit (one 'Holy shit!' and Riario was looking at me like I had killed his mother or something). Zoro was still bounded to the fucking tree, keeping his eyes closed. I hoped he was just sleeping. If not, I would make their life miserable.

But I guessed they did try to make their guest comfortable. Since they didn't want him to feel all alone and sad, they got him a companion. Paolo joined him, also tied. He even sent me an offended glare. But it was him who fucked up my plan and got caught, not my fault.

I spotted eight soldiers and their small camp. Some of them had light armours. They were watching me, ready to react in case the artist did something funny. Perfect conditions to sit together, drink something and play.

"So, what now, Count?" I almost shouted to gain his attention. If I couldn't run away at that moment, I could at least examine him a little bit. It wasn't anything personal. Testing others patience was just a thrilling thing to do. He seemed to be controlling his emotions pretty well but for how long?

"Now we're heading to Vatican," Riario looked at me at me with a small smile back on his lips. "You, there. Prepare our horses. And somebody should collect Michel, he is resting in the forest."

The man he pointed at practically jumped to complete his orders. I watched this with amusement but then looked back at the prison made of a tree. Paolo was still gazing at me like he was expecting me to, I don't know, cast a spell and summon a big fireball.

... Maybe I should had been more serious.

"I'm sorry but I still have some business to finish here."

He nodded his head and that was a bad sign. Somebody grabbed my arms from behind, keeping me in place. And gods, whoever he was, he was strong like an ox! It would be even harded to break free. I raised me eyebrows. He was probably planning something that I wouldn't like.

"Right. You haven't said what are you doing here," he crossed his arms and looked straight at me," yet."

"Free them and I will talk," I promised and I really meant it. Because he wouldn't gain anything from the information about my mother or so I hoped. And Zo was my main worry in that moment. I didn't want anything bad to happen to him because of me.

"Talk or I will harm Zoroaster."

Oh, he was so nice! Like a perfect host. I almost wished he would invite us for a dinner or something so we could enjoy ourselves more. Maybe I could also move in and spend whole lifetime with him?

"So it's impasse again?" I couldn't help but think about our second meeting when I fooled him. Maybe I should do it again?

"Not this time artista," he took out his knife. It wasn't really big or anything but sharp enough to kill. Was he going to throw it at me or just make me cry in fear? "I really won't hesitate. Do you really want a prove so much?"

I was thinking intensely. If I said the truth, the whole journey would go to waste. I would be forced to go back empty-handed. So I had to make up a lie. A lie that would make him want to stay there and even aid me in the adventure. He would make a good ally if only I managed to manipulate him a little bit. Oh, that was easy.

"The map leads here. I think there will be clues," I lied, grinning with excitement.

For more than a second he was silent. Of course if he would use his head he would came to conclusion that it was, without a doubt, not true. I had told him that the key wasn't there just some time before. But he wanted the Book so much, as much as I did. I would go everywhere if there was at least small possibility that I would find it there. And so did he. He couldn't help it.

"How come?" he was almost frustrated. He wanted to believe me so much that he threw away logic. So I had won already.

"I don't know," was the easiest thing to say. If I tried to explain further, I wouldn't be as convincing. "But it's close so..."

I still could reach me goal. Still could find something about my mother. He would help me get to her and then I would find a way to get rid of him. Thinking about losing him was surprisingly pleasant. Another game had started and I was going to win that.

"Where?"

I told him. Of course not everything so he would still need my help. Being useless was the last time we needed. In the corner of my eye I could see that Zo had woken up. I blinked with one eye. He sighed soundlessly but grinned a little, relieved.

"Alright, we are heading there," he ordered his people. They exchanged glances, not very enthusiastic about it but they did not dare to say anything. "You and you will stay here. Inform the others. Attack as we planned."

They moved to prepare themselves. I focused back at Riario. Because I didn't care about the bandits. Well, maybe a little bit because being assholes didn't mean not being human.

"And I?" But truely all I really wanted was to get Zo out of here. Maybe Paolo too, but he was useless already.

"You, artista, will come with me. But," he pointed the knife at my friend and started walking towards him. "First, I have to warn you not to make anything stupid, don't I?"

For a moment I felt like the world had stopped moving. I couldn't move or do anything. He was going to hurt Zo? Even though I started to cooperate...? Such a fucker! I roared, trying to break free but the man was holding me tight. He didn't even care that he was getting kicked and punched.

I didn't shout or ordered him to stop. I didn't have to. My friend did it. "Don't you fucking touch me, you asshole!"

Zo was more angry than scared, really. His eyes shined with fury and he was looking at Riario with hate so intense that I immediately wished I had something to draw at. Paolo was watching everything silently with blank expression. Suddenly he whistle. If I hadn't been looking at him, I wouldn't have guessed it was him who did that, really. He just sounded exactly like a bird.

Girolamo stopped in front of Zo and sent me a warning look. He reached to cut him but when he almost touched my friend's cheek with the blade, a real hell started.

What in the world? Where did the group of kids come from?

Suddenly they dashed out of the trees, roaring as they were completely mad. And they looked like that, too- group of young boys, fourteen or fifteen years old, with wild eyes and some weapons. I almost wanted to get back to the bandits and ask them why would they keep so many kids in their band. Two of them attacked the Count, pushing him away from the tree. Some made a mess from the camp. One had already fallen down, slashed by sword.

I couldn't stand and watch, shocked. I bit the hand that the stupid man was holding me with and then I stepped hard on his foot. To make him more aching I also jumped up, cracking his haw with the top of my head.

It hurted as hell as I started to run towards Zo.

It was a total mess but I managed to find a way through the battle. If it could be called that way. It was so noisy! But Paolo managed to shout so loud that I heard him fine.

"Don't!" He was already helping my friend. Surprisingly he freed himself even before Zo. Last time I checked, Zoroaster was undoubtedly the king of those kind of things- stealing, breaking free from any bound- and now he had a competition. "Run, run!"

One look toward Riario was enough to see that the young, dirty boys weren't enought to keep him for too long. And that he wouldn't hesitate to kill a child. And that he was already heading in my direction, anger in his eyes. He focused only on me, chosing to ignore my companions completly but he was already between us. I growled to myself, frustrated- did he have some obsession or what? I turned and leaped forward to grab one of the horses.

But of course that would be to easy. Somebody knocked me over again and I tumbled down, hurting myself even further. That was flattering that the ground loved me so much but couldn't it leave me alone?

Something fell down on me, splashing the blood all over my face. I blinked and yelped a little bit. It was a corpse of some young boy. A need to vomit was suddenly back but I didn't have anything in my stomach.

"Get up!" It was Zo who pushed the body aside and helped me to stand. I looked at him and laughed with relief. I leaned on him, breathing hard. He was safe.

But wait, how in world did he make it faster than Riario?

I looked back at the tree and blinked few times. Paolo was preventing Riario from passing and getting me with a simple, short knife in his hand. Oh, he was hiding it from them all those time? The Count wasn't amused. His sword was much sharper and longer. I was positive there was no way the young bandit could win that.

But why would he want to? He could just flee away!

"Come on, Leo," Zo tried to dragged me away but I didn't let him.

"But-"

Really, leaving Paolo like that would be a bastard move. And I could be one of them but I didn't like it.

Riario attacked and the boy managed to block it. But it was close and everybody could probably see that. There could be only one winner and that would be undoubtedly Girolamo.

Suddenly Paolo looked back at us, checking where we were. And that was one the stupidest move he could make, taking his eyes of his opponent. Of course Riario used the chance. I didn't see where exactly he had cutted him, but it was something nasty. And somewhere on his head. The blow sent the boy right on the ground and I was almost sure that killed him. It looked like that.

But Paolo didn't die like he was supposed to. He suddenly jumped back on his feet, threw the knife at Riario- that was just too good not to use it for inventing a game: weapon throwing at the Count- and he missed. But he turned around and ran toward the trees on the other side of the track.

We followed him because we waited for too much and that was almost strange that we were still standing.

It had started snowing again.

"Alright?" Zo was running next to me, safe and sound. It was like we went back in time those few days. The trees were similar, the sky was the same, the forest was the same. Paolo in front of us was the only difference. Oh, and my level of tiredness was way higher but that was something I could ignore.

"Yes! You?" I would gladly chat with him a little bit but there was not time. Somebody was following us already, of that I was sure.

"I'm still angry!" he didn't sound like he was, not anymore. He probably thought it over and came to conclusion that it was for the best. But admitting this aloud wasn't something he was going to do.

I laughed a little bit.

Suddenly Paolo, who was doing such a great job before, stumbled down and fell down. Zo was the first to come next to him and helped him up. I looked back to see if somebody was behind already but it was safe for now. I heard a gasp and I turned over quickly.

There was a big, nasty cut at the left side of the boy's face. It went through his eye and I immediately knew he had lost it already. The blood was everywhere, streaming down his cheek and he was so pale.

"I don't think I'll make it." He started shaking and for a second I though he was going to cry. But he didn't. He just kept his gaze fixed at Zo like the sight kept him at ease or something. Then I spotted a stain of blood on his trousers. Was he hurt there too?

"Where can we hide?" I demanded. We couldn't stay there, in the middle of the forest. They could see us there and I wouldn't even be able to dress these wounds. For now Paolo was the only one who knew the forest. He sighed loudly, trying to calm down and pointed in some direction.

"There is a river down there... And some caves. Also, please." He took my bag out - I really didn't know where did he keep it, under his clothes?- and gave it to Zo. "There is everywhere inside."

We started walking. We couldn't run but we marched fast. Paolo was still leaning on Zo, using his strength to keep going. Zoroaster rolled his eyes at me but helped anyway.

"How far is the fucking river?" he asked after some time.

"An hour of walk," answered the boy and I cursed under my breath. Really?

"Any place closer? You're barely walking."

"No..." But then he looked around and furrowed his brow. "Maybe. I don't know. Where are we going?"

Zo stared at him like he wanted to shout at him. But he didn't. I would tell them to halt but we couldn't stop yet. Riario still could be behind us and it was getting colder and colder so sitting wouldn't be a good idea.

"You are pointing the direction," I reminded him calmly but all I wanted was to slap myself. The boy looked like fainting any moment, he might had a fever and probably didn't really know what was going on anymore. And I didn't think of that!

"Am I?"

Zo growled something that sounded like 'worse than Nico" and shouted right after that.

He tripped over and the snow did the rest of the work. He slipped and fell forward, dragging Paolo behind him. And they actually disappeared from my sight, ground swallowing them both.

I ran forward and almost didn't stop in time. There was a huge precipice there. The ground was visible but far, far away. I saw a river on the bottom and it would be good if not for the fact that falling into it in that part of the year would mean dead.

Zo was dangling on the edge, screaming, trying to find something to grab with his free hand. The other was holding on the Paolo, who was the only reason why he didn't fell yet. The boy was holding on the tree, yelling even louder, practically crying.

I wanted to jump and rescue them both but I wouldn't help by killing myself. So I had to be careful. I slowly moved toward them, towards the tree to held Zo as well. Once I gained a good position, I reached to grab his hand.

That's when the branch Paolo was holding broke with a loud crack.