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Chapter 57

"What the hell did they want in Cyprus?" asked Antonio.

He and Ezio were seated at the same table where they had discussed their plans with Doge Agostino Barbarigo. This time they were joined by Rosa and Ugo instead. About a month had passed since Silvio's death. The conversation had been delayed by a sudden errand that had called Antonio away.

"I was hoping you might know," Ezio replied. "I thought they wanted the Doge's throne."

"As did I," Antonio agreed. "They've always sought to control the city. Have they given up and decided to leave?"

"They have not given up. That much I know. When I spoke to Silvio, he believed he had beaten me" Ezio recalled.

"Beaten you at what?"

"Obtaining something…something important."

Antonio scratched his chin. "If they are dead, then what does it matter? Silvio thought he could escape, but he didn't. You foiled his plan."

"No. The boat left without him, and I know of at least one other man who conspired with him. Silvio would not answer my questions, even in the end. Only Dante told me their destination. Whatever they are planning is still happening, but without them."

"Then time is once again of the essence," Antonio frowned, "but we don't know how much time we have and we don't know what to expect."

"We've been searching the city for information," Ugo offered. Rosa nodded in agreement.

"I doubt you will find much," Ezio said. "These men hide their tracks well."

"Want to put your florins on that?" Rosa challenged.

Ezio shook his head. "I may need to do some searching as well," he told them. "My Uncle Mario has been fighting them for a long time. He may know something we are missing."

"Then you should visit him," Antonio advised. "No doubt he also wishes to speak to you and hear about your adventures. We will keep an eye on the docks until you return."

"I'll come with you," Rosa volunteered.

"You're not going to complain like you did last time, are you?" Ezio asked.

"I won't make promises I can't keep."

Ezio rolled his eyes, which Antonio interpreted as an approval of Rosa's request. "Then it's settled!" he exclaimed, patting Ezio's shoulder.

It took another month to prepare for the journey to Monteriggioni, but with supplies gathered and a letter from Mario informing them that preparations had been made, they set off.

Both of them were quiet for most of the trip. Rosa grudgingly tried to enjoy the scenery, and Ezio was lost in thoughts of his own.

As they came close to their destination, Rosa nudged him a bit, which startled him.

"Are you worried about what they're doing in Cyprus?" she asked.

He could tell her concern was genuine.

"Only a little," he lied.

In truth, he wasn't sure what he was feeling. He was certainly worried. The Spaniard was still alive, and he knew Ezio's face.

More than that, he was disappointed, even angry. Killing Silvio was supposed to be a victory. It was supposed to help avenge the deaths of his father and brothers, but Silvio had made it clear that Ezio's family was merely an annoying obstacle to him and the rest of the Templars. What purpose was Ezio's retaliation really serving, especially if the Templars were still succeeding?

Rosa touched his hand, but his mind was still wandering. They both sighed. He could tell she wanted a better answer, but there wasn't one he could give. He hoped Mario could put all of this into some context.

As they rode up to the gates of Monteriggioni, he tried to convince himself that his questions would soon find answers, but he knew such confidence would likely be misplaced.