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

Though it is UNLIKELY, there is a possibility that I may have trouble posting during the next two weeks (I usually post on Wednesday nights). I will try my best, but if problems arise (they shouldn't), I'll post chapters as soon as possible.

Chapter 27

"Do not be afraid."

"I feel no fear, Assassin," the bleeding Emilio told Ezio. "Only regret. I sought unity. Stability. Order."

"At too great a cost."

"Progress demands sacrifice."

As his target drew his final breath, Ezio gently laid him to rest on the ground, placing his hands on his chest and closing his eyes.

Ezio took a moment to consider the man's words. His mind was thus occupied when an arrow struck the ground a few feet away from him. His hand immediately flew to his belt of throwing knives and he prepared to throw one in the direction of his attacker. He lowered the knife when his eyes found one of Antonio's thieves on the opposite rooftop, with Rosa walking up behind him in a guard's armor.

"Sorry," she called unapologetically to Ezio. "We couldn't resist."

With a quick drop, she made her way down into the courtyard with Ezio. "Come," she instructed, "let's open the gate for Antonio."

Ezio followed her to a large pair of doors behind them, and they found Antonio and a few other thieves waiting on the other side.

After some congratulations and a few orders to his men, Antonio asked Ezio to name a reward for his efforts. In addition to a few florins for the job (a request simple enough to please Antonio) Ezio asked the thief if he was familiar with the man who was speaking with Emilio. Antonio told him what little he knew, and Ezio excused himself after thanking him.

He found Rosa sitting on a chest in Emilio's study. She had opened a few books that she had found on the shelves.

"Have you found anything of interest?"

"Not really," she shrugged. "I cannot read a lot of it anyway."

Ezio was confused. "I've seen you read before," he pointed out.

"I know only what I have learned from Antonio," she told him. "I can read many things for him, like intercepted letters and shipping manifests. I've never had a formal education, but he tries to teach me things here and there. Many of the words in these books are unfamiliar."

"What of that chest?" Ezio pointed where she was sitting.

"This chest is full of money Emilio's men have stolen from citizens," Rosa informed him. "This city will not miss him."

"It is a relief to see him gone. I am looking for another man now," he told her as he sat down with her. "His name is Carlo Grimaldi. He is a member of the Council of Ten, according to Antonio."

"Yes, he is," Rosa confirmed. "I know nothing of him beyond that."

"He was in the Palazzo speaking with Emilio. Perhaps you would know more if you had paid attention instead of using me to hone your archery skills."

"That wasn't me," was her excuse. "It was Paolo. Don't worry, I told him to aim for your leg."

"How comforting," Ezio rolled his eyes as he got up to leave.

"Uno momento," she pulled him back down. "There is something we need to discuss."

"Oh? What is that?"

She leaned close to him. "I want you to be careful next time," she said. "I was worried about you."

"No you weren't."

"No, I wasn't," she admitted, "but you've ruined a perfectly good moment. You were supposed to kiss me and tell me not to worry."

"Well, if you insist, I can-"

"No you can't," she told him as she put her fingers on his lips. "Didn't you hear what I said? The moment is gone."

"Give me another chance," Ezio pleaded playfully.

She got up and began walking to the door of the room. "Antonio is going to be here any minute to inspect the chest," she informed him. "Your second chance will have to wait. That will give you plenty of time to learn from your mistake, stronzo."

He sighed with a chuckle. She was quickly out the door, so he began to gather his belongings to leave as well. After all, he had a meeting to attend.