[A/N]: I may add another chapter shortly (still deciding).
Please feel free to refer to Chapter 1 for some clarification on the story and a general author's note.
Chapter 3
The night had completely claimed the sky. Ezio stumbled, even in the light of his candle, to find the room Antonio had mentioned.
"Avanti!" Antonio shouted as Ezio found the door.
Ezio opened it to find a large room. A model of Venezia topped the table that occupied most of the space.
"Can I offer you something? Biscotti? Caffé?" the thief asked.
"What's caffé?
Antonio poured some into a cup and handed it to Ezio.
Ezio took his first and last sip of the substance. He attempted to be polite about it, but Antonio could see through his courtesy.
"I suppose it's something of an acquired taste," Antonio said.
"If it is ever acquired at all," thought Ezio.
"Enough about that!" continued Antonio. "Now where were we?"
He moved over to the model of Venezia and picked up a small figure. He played with it in his hand as he sighed.
"Our failure at the Palazzo cost us dearly," he told Ezio.
Failure at what? Why were the thieves trying to scale the Palazzo in the first place? What exactly were Antonio's plans, and why did he need Ezio?
"No doubt Emilio will use this pause to strengthen his defenses," Antonio continued, "and continue his oppression of the district."
Aha! There it was. The thieves needed to get to Emilio, and so did Ezio. Somehow, Antonio knew this.
He looked at Ezio. "You may not share our motive," he admitted, "but I know you share our goal."
Ezio finally understood. The thieves, too, were not fond of Emilio Barbarigo. Ezio had rescued Rosa from a failed attempt to infiltrate the Palazzo della Seta. The thieves needed his help to make their next one a success.
Their goals were indeed aligned, so the two men began to talk strategy. Antonio advised that another attempt would be risky unless the thieves were to rebuild their forces, so Ezio agreed to help them however he could.
"It is the right decision," Antonio smiled.
"One question, if I may," Ezio requested.
"Yes?"
"Rosa told me that you had thieves looking for me when I arrived in Venezia. How much do you know about me?"
Antonio frowned. "My thieves know how to get relevant information. I know of the men you've eliminated and the people you've liberated," he responded. "Your motives are questionable, but you do good work. And you benefit those who need help."
"Emilio is partially responsible for the death of half my family," Ezio explained. "It is a desire for retribution that drives me, but I am happy to help the citizens of this city reclaim what is theirs."
Antonio nodded and put his hand on Ezio's shoulder. "Do not be consumed by your desire for vengeance, my friend," he advised. "You are capable of far nobler feats."
"Grazie," replied Ezio. "Now I must get some rest if I am to be of any use to you."
"Of course. We have prepared a room for you should you wish to use it."
One of the thieves led Ezio to a small room near Rosa's. It was dark except for a couple of candles and a bed. A trunk rested at the foot of the bed for Ezio to store his things. He undressed and got into the bed. After a long day, sleep found him quickly. He imagined that Rosa had found sleep just as easily, given her injury. Perhaps he would check on her in the morning.