[A/N]: I'm posting this chapter a bit early since I'm super busy this week. Hope you (whoever you may be) are enjoying!

Chapter 5

"Avanti!" came Antonio's voice, once again before Ezio had the chance to knock.

"Ezio!" Antonio greeted when his guest walked in. "How is Rosa this morning? I've not had the chance to check on her yet."

"She is doing well," Ezio said as he looked at the model of Venice. "Although I believe she wishes to be out of her bed."

It had been about two weeks since Rosa's injury.

Antonio chuckled. "That does not surprise me."

"I was told you wanted to see me," Ezio continued.

"Ah, si! I have news!" the thief almost shouted in his excitement. "Ugo did some reconnaissance work last night. I need you to speak with him soon."

"Reconnaissance work? What did he find?"

"I do not know," the thief said, "His note came by carrier pigeon, so it was a bit vague, but I'm certain it concerns our attack on the Palazzo. I would investigate myself, but I don't have the time."

"Why not send your thieves?"

"My men are stretched thin as it is!" exclaimed Antonio, "As I said before, our defeat at the Palazzo was devastating.

"Va bene. I'll speak to Ugo. Do you know where I might find him?"

"I have a general idea, si. But we thieves do not stay in one place for too long, so you may need to search a bit."

"Nessun problema," Ezio assured him.

"Excellent. I'll send word you're ready to go when he sends confirmation."

"Confirmation?"

Antonio paused and thought for a moment. Ezio could tell he was anxious and not thinking clearly. Mending the guild after the thieves' recent setback must have scattered his mind.

"Ah, si," the thief realized, "Mi dispiace. Ugo is not ready quite yet. It is likely he will need to investigate for a couple more days. His note merely requested that I assign someone to help him."

"I am honored," Ezio bowed.

Antonio chuckled. "He'll let me know when he needs you, then I'll pass the word along to you, either in person or through one of my men. We'll let you know where you can find him."

"Perfetto. There is someone in the city I should talk to while I have free time."

Antonio looked worried. "I cannot help you locate anyone right now, Ezio. As I said, my men are…"

"No, you misunderstand," Ezio cut him off, laughing. "He is a friend. I know where to find him."

"Oh," sighed the relieved Antonio, "then by all means! Just be careful around the city guards."

"Grazie for the information. Buona fortuna."

"Si," the thief sighed. "I'll need it."

Ezio walked out and closed the door behind him, then found his way back to Rosa's room.

"Rosa," he called as he opened her door, "I will return this evening. I am off to…"

His voice trailed off when he saw her bed without her to complete it. He wondered where she could have gone in so short a time.

His question was answered when a hand appeared from behind the other side of the bed and waved at him.

"Over here, Ezio." The voice was tinted with more than a little shame.

He quickly maneuvered to the other side of the bed to see what the damage was.

"Did you hurt youself?" was his first question.

"No, I'm perfectly fine," she pouted as he helped her back up onto the bed.

Ezio frowned once she was settled. "I would tell Antonio about this," he scolded, "but he seems to have enough to worry about for the moment."

"Antonio knows better than to expect me to stay put," she scoffed.

"What were you doing out of bed?"

"I was trying to reach the crutches on that table," she pointed.

Ezio sighed. "You're going to be a problem, aren't you?"

Rosa jolted up and glared at him, indignant. "What is THAT supposed to mean, stronzo?

"It means you haven't learned your lesson." She rolled her eyes as he turned to leave. "Antonio doesn't need me for a while. I'm a bit busy today, but tomorrow I'll be free to play chess again. Can you wait until then before getting into more trouble?"

"Fine," she conceded, "perhaps I'll ask for a book or something."

Ezio left the thieves' den and ascended to the rooftops. A quick glance over the city told him where he was and in which direction he could find his destination. In ten minutes he made his way to Maestro da Vinci's workshop.