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Chapter 20

"Zio Mario," Ezio said as he entered his uncle's study. "You wanted to talk?"

"Yes," the latter replied, "I want to hear about your adventures in Venezia. It is a beautiful city, no?"

"Si, have you been there before?"

"On occasion, yes. Your letter mentioned you were looking for someone there, but it was not specific."

"No, I feared the city guards would intercept it."

"A wise precaution, nipote. Perhaps we should encrypt our letters from now on."

"Ah! Speaking of encryptions," he began as he pulled some papers from his robe, "my friend Leonardo has managed to decode a few more of our Codex pages."

"Quite a few, it seems," remarked Mario as Ezio handed over the documents. "It is a wonder he does not barricade his doors when you go to visit him."

"He seems to enjoy the challenge," Ezio shrugged.

"Then by all means, let him enjoy it! We can use all the help we can get," Mario said as he skimmed through Leonardo's writing. "Although these still make little sense. I suppose I will have to study them for a while. Anyway, who are you trying to find in Venezia?

"Emilio Barbarigo, a powerful merchant. Also one of your Templars."

"Yes, we are aware of him," Mario nodded. "A formidable opponent, no doubt."

"I have been working with the Venetian thieves to infiltrate his Palazzo."

"Bene! I am glad to hear you are finding allies so far from home."

At that point one of Mario's servants walked through the doorway and informed Mario that dinner had been prepared for him and his guests.

Ezio, his mother, his sister, his uncle, and his friend ate dinner together. Since all were hungry, conversation was limited to few formalities, as well as Mario's and Claudia's curiosity concerning Rosa, and vice versa.

"Rosa," Mario began, "How long have you lived in Venezia?"

"All my life," Rosa replied. "This is the first time I have really been outside of the city."

"You must let me visit sometime," Claudia chimed in. "I only lived in Firenze before I came here."

"What was it like to live there?" Rosa asked.

"Well, my parents didn't make me keep track of the city's expenses," she glared at her uncle.

"A bit of responsibility is good for you, Claudia," he told her. "You may learn something. Besides, with your brother so often away, it is best you have something to keep your mind off him."

Since Mario was an Assassin and Rosa a thief, their discussions about their work were somewhat limited, although they seemed to get along quite well almost immediately. Rosa knew quite a bit about weapons and combat, which pleased Mario. The thief also enjoyed hearing a few stories (at Ezio's expense) from Claudia, who was happy to have someone other than Mario and Maria listening to her. Ezio's mother was, of course, quiet, but seemed to be content listening to their conversation.

When dinner was over and all were full and tired, they returned to their rooms and quickly fell asleep.