Chapter 18

Ezio began to grow restless, his eyes fastened to the open doorway. The rapidly approaching dawn began to grow across the horizon, crowding the hallway with warm light as the shadows fled in response; it wouldn't be long until the assassins completely lost their covert edge. At last he spied her familiar figure stalk silently from the Patriarch's quarters, her steps somewhat staggering. She swiftly joined his side, ignoring the recently fallen corpse that had begun to wither to room temperature. Her restrained rapid breathing polluted the silence as a soft sheen of sweat molded over her skin. "What kept you?" he eyed her suspiciously. Alcina flashed her blood tarnished dagger proudly before withdrawing her trophy back into her boot. Ezio understood, "Is he..."

"Yes, it's done," her breath slightly short-winded. His eyes narrowed in confusion. He had been certain that the death of Rodolfo Salvatore would have brought her some sort of peace, even joy, but his companion seemed more distraught rather than pleased. The briefest twinkle captured his gaze, turning his eyes to the floor. A faint spray of blood dripped and pooled onto the marble foyer around Alcina's feet. "You're bleeding..." Ezio gestured to a distinct scarlet trickle exuding from her nose and leaking silently over her lips. Her apprehensive fingertips dabbed at the warm sensation, her eyes growing in response to the red stain. She quickly wiped away the unwelcomed fluid, her face troubled. "Are you alright?" Ezio extended a helpful hand.

"I'm fine, let's get out of here while we still can," she smudged away the bloody streaks from her lips, cringing at the harsh taste of her own hot blood in her mouth.

"Agreed," he nodded. His hidden blade unsheathed itself from his wrist, flashing brilliantly. He worked the blade beneath the latch of the closest window, loosening the small metal lock until it released it's hold. He cautiously pushed on the glass as the window swung open beneath his palm. Ezio studied his surroundings as he planned their escape route. He swung out of the window and dropped down onto a stacked tower of cargo crates, still damp and musty from their recent voyage. Alcina nimbly followed, trailing a few steps behind. Ezio raised a halting hand as the faint drawl of voices rose from below their feet. Two guards rounded the nearby corner and patrolled into range, completely oblivious to the killers above. "Let me take care of this," Ezio crouched as the twin knives extracted themselves from their mechanisms, both equally sleek and beautiful. He silently rolled forward from the balls of his feet, surrendering to gravity and to his instincts. The prey beneath him rushed closer toward his talons, closer to his wrath. The gust of his increasing speed breathed all around him, until at last his blades made contact. The narrow daggers plummeted into their skulls as their bodies, all at once, bended under him and were crushed beneath his sudden weight. Bones shattered below his feet, collecting his rapid fall. Ezio had landed masterfully atop the freshly departed souls as his weapons returned noiselessly to his wrists. He dragged the feeble bodies behind piles of unloaded cargo to avoid raising an alarm, all the while avoiding eye contact with the vacant expressions marking the broken corpses. Every action would be crucial from that point on, leaving no more room for mistakes.

Ezio's killer eyes softened beneath his assassin hood as he glanced up to Alcina. "Well?" his brilliant smile illuminating as he raised a gentleman's hand to assist her.

"I must admit that I am truly 'unimpressed'," she smirked.

"ciò che il... truly? In that case, I am open to any suggestions amante assassina."

"Your technique has become rather sloppy I'm afraid," she playfully bantered before descending over the edge.

"Oh?" he chuckled, supporting her fall in his hands. He snatched her by the arm, pulling her into his clutches, as he cautiously grazed the tip of his nose over her own. "That is the first time you have disapproved of my technique," he faintly uttered through his charming grin. He held her tightly in his grip, enjoying her expression of both annoyance and awe.

"Ragazzo stupido," she grinned breathlessly.

"I expected such a response," he laughed to himself before releasing her from his possession. "Come, the bridge is beyond the courtyard. If we move quickly, we can beat the guards across, then find cover within the city." His silent walk increased to a brisk jog in the direction in which the patrolling guards had appeared, but was suddenly aware his footsteps were not followed. A brief glance over his shoulder revealed Alcina lagging behind, haven fallen to one knee. Her shoulders trembled from panting as she was once again crowned in a sheen of sweat. "Merda..." he cursed through closed teeth. He rushed to her aid, concerned by her sudden halt, "Alcina, are you alright? What is the matter?"

"Something... something is wrong," her hands clutched at her temples.

"What is it?"

"I don't... I don't know..." Her eyes fluttered momentarily, the large red stain on her shoulder crept farther down her sleeve.

"Cazzo, you are losing too much blood. Come, we must get you to safety," he gently lifted her to her feet, pulling one of her arms over his shoulders. Ezio once again began to calculate. With Alcina's status worsening, a swift and silent escape would be out of their reach. Swimming the channel would be a feat unto itself, but that act was now entirely out of the question. Ezio's gut confirmed his worst suspicions, they would have to fight their way out to survive.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Alcina's feet fumbled as she struggled to keep in step with Ezio's hasty stride following the outer wall of the forte. Her body began to feel more and more drained with every step, her muscles trembling and faint. "Something's wrong... I feel so weak..." she cringed through clenched teeth.

"Shhhhhh..." he silenced her, quickly pressing their bodies against the stone wall. More voices. He listened carefully to the commotion, trying to count how many guards waited just around the next turn. "We're going to make it," his comforting voice reassured her. He let her lean her weight against him as her knees began to wobble beneath her. "Here... rest a moment..." he gently guided her to the ground as she leaned back against the wall, her head swimming. She gazed up to him, steadying her vision on his now hazy silhouette crouched beside her. She forced herself to focus on his expression, to take in every detail rather than give in to the developing fog darkening her vision. His warm features illustrated hope; his always truthful eyes, however, were severe with doubt. He firmly collected her cheek in his hand, "I have to leave, but I will be back momentarily." He roughly kissed her forehead, as an anxious stab wounded his heart. He hated himself for having to let her out of his sight, especially with her being in such a dangerous and vulnerable state. He pulled her face to his, caressing her, "I promise, I will be return... per l'amore di Dio... keep fighting..." and in an instant was gone from her sight.

Ezio sprinted toward the stone wall, rapidly bounding up the smooth surface, fighting against gravities pull. His muscles sprung upward as his arms flailed for the targeted narrow offset grip above his head. His fingers clasped around the detailed stone as his feet found a small notch to propel himself higher. Upward he climbed, his hands and toes skillfully scaling and gripping whatever inch he could find. His assassin instincts directed his every move, guiding him onward until the top was in reach. He pulled himself onto the rooftop, creeping silently through the remaining shadows that stretched in retreat of the glowing sun. He noiselessly trailed the edge of the wall and crouched over the ledge, scouting the courtyard below. Roughly two dozen soldiers guarded to only exit, standing precisely between him and the bridge. His hardened eyes scanned the area, searching for anything he may use for an advantage. An eager smirk teased at the corners of his lips as he lifted his left arm, firing his pocket-sized pistol. A loud crackle of gunfire boomed in response, halting a nearby rooftop patroller. His body recoiled violently, stunned and in pain, before crumbling and plummeting from the roof into the crashing waters below. A variety of curses bellowed from the stunned mass below, spinning and searching in panic. Ezio's grin widened, pleased with his work, as the troops fled in the direction of the loud splash, clearing the way for his silent escape.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Alcina shook her head periodically to regain control of her senses, fighting for her consciousness, as exhaustion burned every inch of her body. "Stay with me," the familiar voice returned, raising her to her feet. He once again hooked her arm over his shoulders as he gripped his hand around her waist, aiding her every step.

"I can... I can walk..." she protested.

"There's no time for stubbornness, this could be our only chance," he half carried her as he briskly rushed into the shade of the courtyard, the sight of the stone bridge ensuing a breath of relief.

"Forgive me for not admitting that you are right. I'd hate to see it go to your head," she chuckled through wheezing breathes.

"This is only the second time I have rescued you cara, how could that in any way go to my head?" he retorted with a grin.

"Stronzo," she huffed.

"Such a charming young lady." She ignored his last comment, pushing herself to keep up. "You're doing fine, we've almost made it."

But Ezio's hopes had all but dissolved as a loud bark from behind shouted the words he had been dreading, "HAULT! Do not take another step!" Ezio cursed beneath his breath... they had been found. His killer instincts began to erupt once again from within as the rush of danger awakened his adrenaline. His fingers began to twitch in anticipation of the fight as a flicker of rage burned from within. He embraced this all familiar feeling as the sweat on his brow grew strangely cold. His heart quickened rather than steadied as a feeling he had not expected began to weave into the threads of his heart; the slightest and most unmistakable tangle of fear. The rampant emotions surged through his system as the softest tremble revealed the birth of this sudden affliction, as he tighly grasped to the slim, wounded, body pressed to his side. The stirring elation heightened as he imagined anyone harming her, the idea of her pain or the crushing look of grief in her eyes was sheer agony. He was ready to fight, to die... for her.

"Ezio wait... it's him," Alcina whimpered. "That's Donato." A crease forged between Ezio's concerned eyes. "Please Ezio, please don't hurt him..." Ezio gently released Alcina from his hold, stepping in front of her protectively. He softly pushed her behind him and out of harm's way, locking eyes with her lost brother. He hoped their may be even the smallest chance that he could be reasoned with, if not, time was short and very few options remained.

Donato whipped his sword in front of him, his stance perfect and ready to strike. "I do not wish to fight you Donato Gavino," Ezio's tone was clam and rational, anything to keep Donato from raising the alarm.

"Stop calling me that! My name is not Gavino!"

Ezio raised cautious hands, taking slow and vigilant steps toward him, "Donato... you don't want to do this. Look at her," Ezio outstretched his hand to Alcina, watching in panic. "Do you not recognize her? Alcina is your sister... she loves you." Alcina's mouth grew dry and speechless as she searched her brother's harsh expression. Their eyes met briefly, churning an array of forgotten memories buried from within his thoughts. He looked away in disorientation while Ezio calmly took a few more trusting steps, "She's hurt Donato, just let us pass... do it to save her."

Donato's perplexed face twisted and divided in conflict, "My master ordered..."

"Rodolfo Salvatore is dead."

"...Dead? But..." the sword began to quiver in Donato's hands, his gaze darting every which way in alarm. His crimson cape waved gently through the breeze as his face began to match in color.

"You meant nothing to him Donato, only another face within his ranks. Your place is with you family," his words were harsh, but true, evidently striking a nerve in the soldier's heart. "Come with us Donato. Don't let them blind you any longer," Ezio advanced further to the young templar, his eyes searching for a breach in his defenses. The noble lieutenant faded from sight, in his place, a young man with the heartfelt eyes of a confused child. Ezio reached outward, lowering the outstretched sword with his fingers. "Come with us..." he encouraged. Alcina's heart was on the verge of bursting in her chest, the silence excruciating.

Donato's control suddenly snapped, his once weak eyes violent. He slashed his sword toward Ezio grazing the palm of his hand. Ezio recoiled in sudden shock, balling his sliced palm into a defensive fist. "Enough! Get out of my head!" Donato swung his weapon toward his opponent once more. Ezio jumped back, evading the angry swipe as he dodged, rolling underneath the gliding sword. He expertly returned to his feet, unsheathing his own gleaming weapon. Alcina gaped in horror as her worst fears materialized before her eyes, powerless to stop them. Donato stabbed and lunged toward Ezio, missing by inches with every stroke as Ezio agilely fended off the attacks. Their skilled feet matched each other step for step, as their weapons clattered in angst.

Donato's every swipe was fueled by his fury, making his motions sloppy. He wailed in bloodlust, crushing his sword repeatedly toward Ezio's blocking stance, the force pushing him to his knees. Alcina gasped in heartache as her guardian lowered to the courtyard ground, the security of his footing stolen in a flash. Ezio ducked beneath another swing of Donato's blade propelling with enough force to have butchered his head from his shoulders. "I do not have the time for this!" Ezio growled as he sprang to his feet, punching Donato across the jaw, stunning him momentarily. Ezio spun a powerful elbow into his chest, winding him and knocking him back as his arm sprawled outward and into Ezio's grasp. He swift twisted Donato's arm, nearly dislocating his shoulder as he yelped in response. The pained groan was followed by the clatter of his fallen sword being kicked away from his reach. Before Donato could react, an unexpected blow behind his knees swiped his feet from beneath him as he collapsed to the ground, staring icily up at the victor. The assassin's humble eyes returned his cold glare as he extended his sword toward the Templar's throat, pinning him to the earth.

Donato spat a mixture of blood and saliva angrily at the ground beside him as his teeth began to stain red from his bleeding gums. "You have won... let me die with my honor." The sound of Ezio's leather glove wringing tighter around the swords handle sent chills through his body.

"Ezio no!" Alcina dwindled to her knees, gripping her throbbing shoulder, blood leaking between her clenched fingers. Ezio glanced toward her in response to her cries then returned his focus to his fallen prey. Donato closed his eyes to escape the striking stare boring from underneath the mysterious hood, ashamed by his defeat and anxiously awaiting the sudden bite of death. He breathed in his last breath of air, tasting the kiss of the nearby water and feeling the rising sun warm his solemn face.

"Keep your honor," Ezio sheathed his sword and turned away, abandoning Donato at his feet. He rushed to Alcina's side, kneeling beside her trembling body. He tucked a finger beneath her chin and softly raised her eyes to his before collecting her in his arms, her body limply hanging in his embrace. He looked one last time to her brother, staring back in dismay before walking away toward the awaiting bridge. Gentle tears silently leaked from Alcina's eyes, damping Ezio's shirt as she buried her face into his chest, as the sounds of lapping water gushed below her.

"Il tenente!" clumsy footsteps rushed to Donato's side. "You! Fermarsi proprio lì!" the loyal guards gathered their weapons and prepared to charge after the fleeting intruders.

"Lower your weapons!" Donato commanded, "They have earned their right to leave..." Ezio never once looked back as he walked away from the forte, leaving behind the nightmare. Each slow step humbled him with all the more conviction, his mission complete and resting safely in his arms.

...

translations:

ciò che il- what the

amante assassina- mistress assassin

Ragazzo stupido- stupid boy

Merda- shit

Cazzo- fuck

per l'amore di Dio- for the love of God

cara- dear one

Stronzo- asshole

Il tenente- lieutenant

fermarsi proprio lì- stop right there