[A/N]: Thanks for reading! Feedback is always welcome!

Chapter 26

The unsuspecting archers proved to be little challenge for Ezio as he made his way along the rooftops that surrounded the Palazzo. He watched as the thieves who trailed behind him moved the bodies and filled the empty posts. They were quiet and efficient, as Antonio had been training them for this task for months.

With the rooftops along the perimeter of the Palazzo secured, Ezio made his way down to the ground to meet with the other thieves and prepare for the next phase of the plan.

He found Rosa, Antonio, and Ugo huddled against a wall trying to avoid the attention of passing guards. Antonio beckoned him to join them.

"Well done, Ezio," Antonio complimented. "Everything is going according to plan."

"A nice change of pace," added Ugo.

"Indeed," the first thief agreed. "As we speak, my men are replacing the archers you've removed. The way to the Palazzo is clear now."

"But not the building itself," Ezio reported. "Emilio's guards still patrol its border."

This had concerned Ezio as was dispatching the archers, but he assumed Antonio had anticipated this possibility.

"Are you telling us you suddenly can't handle a couple of guards?" Rosa teased.

"Not if I want to get in quietly, no," Ezio reminded her. "Perhaps you can scare them off instead, Rosa."

She clenched her fist, making Ezio grateful for the interruption that followed.

"Use my men!" Ugo chimed in suddenly. They all gave him a quizzical look at the thought of Emilio's guards being eliminated by a group of thieves with no combat experience.

Ugo could tell he was not making himself clear. "They can distract the guards," he explained, "and save you from having to fight."

Ugo's plan seemed risky to all of them, but with limited time, it was their best option. Antonio and Rosa wished Ezio luck while Ugo quickly ran off to find some thieves to accompany him.

As Ezio neared an entrance to the Palazzo, he found Ugo, who handed the thieves off to him without a word. Discretion was paramount, but he would not have expected much talk from Ugo anyway. He was surprised enough by the fact that the thief had faith in him to entrust him with these men.

Ezio directed them toward the Palazzo entrance, where some guards were standing watch. The thieves brushed past the guards, swiping a personal item or two from each as they went. As the thieves intended, the guards immediately noticed their missing belongings and gave chase to those responsible.

With a limited window of opportunity, Ezio made his way through the gate and immediately started climbing the Palazzo. Although he had not practiced it in a while, he immediately remembered the advice Rosa had given him (and that Franco had demonstrated, much to her chagrin). He was on the roof within a minute, which was fortunate since the guards he had avoided earlier had given up their chase and retuned to their posts in foul moods.

From the roof of the Palazzo, Ezio could hear a voice below.

"Your little house of cards is crumbling, Emilio."

Ezio was not expecting another voice. He could make out two figures in the courtyard below him. The first he recognized as Emilio. The second was the source of the new voice.

"A minor setback. It will be dealt with," Emilio responded. "This povero scemo Antonio and his thieves-"

"Never mind them," the second man interrupted. "It's the Assassin you should be worried about."

Ezio found himself clenching his fists and jaw. Despite his desire for revenge, he had learned not to kill in anger.

"Show some respect," his uncle had told him once.

It took some time for Ezio to understand the meaning behind his uncle's advice. To kill in anger was not only selfish, but it clouded his judgment. He had learned how to kill with a clear head.

This time was different. Before him stood a man who had not only taken people away from him, but would do it again, given the chance. The Venetian thieves were merely an obstacle in whatever he was plotting.

These men were wrong. Despite the attire he had inherited from his father and his choice of targets, Ezio was not an Assassin and he wanted no part in their fight. He had been wronged, and he was going to make these men answer for it. As he collected himself, his thoughts became more rational. He would not give Emilio the privilege of his anger.

As his target moved under him, he prepared his blade.