Chapter 21

"You wished to see me?"

"Sit Lieutenant."

Donato settled beside the fireplace, pushing away the image of the chairs previous occupant. He scowled at the floor around him, streaked and pooled with bloodstains from the victims slaughtered by the assassins. The crimson splatters gleamed in the heat of the fire as it's dismal burning fingers licked every corner it's stone cage. His pale colored eyes hardened at the blaze making the bare skin of his face sting in the heat. He had never liked fire; something about it always sickened his stomach and made him feel uncomfortable, like a foul memory from a dream. He suppressed a yawn so not to show weakness in the presence of his superior. He had not slept well that night, never mind the fact that he had been called into Rodolfo Salvatore's office, which he now considered nothing more than a tomb.

A broad hooded figure paced across the room before leaning against the lone work desk, hiding himself in the shadows. "Am I to understand that you let the assassins go?"

"I did Gran Maestro."

"Fool! What gives you the right to give such a command!"

"The man spared my life, it was the honorable move to return the kindness."

"Kindness? There is no room in the order for such kindness! My orders were, and have always been, to kill the assassins. They are a threat to the entire operation. Do you have any idea how many strings have been pulled and trails have been covered to see to it that the assassins and their families are dealt with?" Donato did not respond. "No, I suppose you don't," the thick voice patronized. "Boy the only reason I have not killed you myself is because you have yet to play your purpose in my plan. I need you ragazzo." His tone exuded a hiss of wickedness.

"What if I cannot do it?"

"You will."

Donato glared at the shimmering blood painted on the floor as the flickering light gave the illusion that the foreboding splatters were breathing. He cracked his knuckles anxiously as the blood below his feet bubbled in the heat of the fire.

"That man, who is he?"

There was a faint pause before the darkness answered, "His name is Ezio Auditore and he has been a nuisance to the order for the past ten years."

"The same assassin responsible for the death of the Pazzi?"

"And many more."

Donato hummed pensively as he gently bit the swollen break in his lip, again tasting the metallic flavor of his own blood. "And the woman… who is she?"

"I do not know, but if she is an assassin then she is the enemy," the dark voice snapped.

"Of course."

"You seem to be persuaded otherwise Lieutenant." The thick accent muttered through the shadows. Donato snapped to attention having recognized the words as a threat.

"Never my Lord. I simply wish to understand."

"There is nothing more to understand Lieutenant. Do I make myself clear?"

Donato stubbornly swallowed his words having tasted worse than his own blood. The outstretched hand of his enemy picked at his thoughts as the pleading screams of the tortured woman rang in his ears.

"You are not convinced?" the voice hissed again.

"I have only one question… If I may inquire my Lord?"

"I'm listening."

"If they are our enemies, why then Maestro did this Ezio spare my life? He showed me pity, and even compassion. Why would they do this?"

"The assassins seek to steal our divine right and stop us from finding the vault. You are a powerful weapon in this war, it is not hard to see why they would seek to steal you from our order for their own evil intentions." Donato continued to chew on the break in his lip. "Any more doubts lieutenant, or are my words no longer good enough for your admission?"

"I doubt nothing Maestro, I will not trouble you again."

"Remember this conversation Lieutenant, for I will not repeat my warning."

"Capisco signore."

"Good," the shadows growled. "Repeat to me the plans."

Donato relayed the information flawlessly, "The treasure is to be moved tomorrow morning, then delivered to the prophet in Venezia."

"Excellent. All is moving as it should." Although the face was shrouded in darkness, Donato could hear the grin stretch across the speaker's face. "You are dismissed Lieutenant. May the Father of understanding guide you."

Donato raised to his feet and brought a hand to his heart, bowing respectfully, "and you." He muttered before leaving the quarters, swallowing another bitter taste of blood.

...

translations:

Gran Maestro- Grand Master

Ragazzo- Boy

Capisco signore- Understood Sir