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Chapter 25

"What is this?"

Leonardo was evidently delighted to receive a visit from his friends upon their return to Venezia. He had, however, opened the door to find them hand in hand, which prompted his question.

They had left Monteriggioni by Antonio's request in late August. The leader of the thieves had dispatched a letter notifying them of the thieves' intention to make another attempt on the Palazzo della Seta in the coming weeks. Ezio assumed that Antonio was once again underestimating the time it would take to set things in motion, but Rosa seemed certain from the letter that his request was urgent, so the two began making preparations for their return to Venezia.

The farewell was difficult, especially between Ezio and his mother and sister, who often feared for his safety when he was away. Mario, who was more optimistic, said with certainty that he would see Ezio again soon, and expressed his hope that Rosa would visit as well. Claudia agreed and Maria nodded with a small smile.

"I have no idea what you mean, Leonardo," Rosa dodged his question. "You were expecting us, no?"

"I was expecting Ezio and Rosa, not this old married couple," the painter laughed nervously.

"Married?" Ezio asked him, startled by the word. "Leonardo, I am insulted."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" Rosa turned to him.

"Ah, so something IS different! You two are…doing what, exactly?"

"We are exploring some options," Rosa tried to explain.

"Exploring some options? You have such a way with words, mia cara," Ezio remarked.

"Leonardo," Rosa began, "do you have any old rags for cleaning a bloody nose? Ezio is going to need one very soon."

"Va bene!" the painter chuckled. "I am glad not everything has changed since I last saw you both." Then, after a pause, he exclaimed, "Aspettate! I forgot! For me, things have changed here quite a bit. Come see!"

He led them into another room, which held his flying machine and a few other inventions. The flying machine looked to be more complete than it had been the previous time they had seen it.

"I have had quite a bit of time to work on it lately," Leonardo explained, "but of course, it's still all theoretical, at least until I get it in the air."

He invited them to drink with him and stay for dinner. They had every intention of doing so until a thief knocked at the door and insisted that they meet with Antonio immediately.

Much to Leonardo's disappointment, they said their farewells and, with haste, ran across the rooftops as the sun fell over Venezia. Both were out of breath by the time they arrived at the thieves' den, but another thief directed them to Antonio's office. Ezio went to knock on Antonio's door, but the thief stopped him.

"Messer Antonio has asked me to tell you to put on your robes," he told Ezio. "You may need them soon."

Ezio left Rosa to retrieve his robes, armor, and gear. By the time he knocked on Antonio's door, their meeting was already underway.

The door opened, and he was greeted by Ugo, who offered a cold but somehow pleasant invitation to enter, as anyone would expect of him.

Antonio looked up at Ezio as he entered. The thief's face was grave, indicating to Ezio that the matter at hand was indeed urgent.

"Your good work has restored us to our former strength, Ezio," he said. "We are ready to strike."

To strike? It took a moment for Ezio to understand Antonio's meaning.

"To strike…the Palazzo? To kill Emilio?"

"Sì," Antonio replied. "We move in an hour."

Although the plan had been formed over four years, everything seemed to happen suddenly. Many other thieves began to congregate outside the office after receiving word of the plan. Antonio had small figures posted around his small model of the city. The plans were drawn and their small army was ready.

"I don't like it," said Ugo. "Are we absolutely sure this will work?"

"No," Antonio admitted, "but we've waited long enough already. This time we have an extra man. From what I have heard, Ezio is a talented killer and a master of discretion. I will be leaving Emilio's death to him."

"Just tell me what needs to be done and I'll see that it is," Ezio replied.

"You'll approach from above under the cover of night." Antonio instructed. "Emilio has posted archers around the Palazzo."

"That may present a problem from above," Ezio noted.

"Not for long," Antonio continued. "Kill them, but do so quietly. As they fall, my men shall replace them."

"What about the guards?" asked Ezio

"When you've finished with the archers, we'll regroup in front of this building here and discuss next steps," Antonio pointed to a spot in his model.

With everything settled and understood, all that remained was to carry out the plan. After Antonio wished them success, they dispersed to carry out their respective duties.