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Chapter 78

"While we wait for our thief to consider her decision, I propose we discuss what to do about Rodrigo Borgia and the item he was kind enough to leave for us," Machiavelli announced.

"Niccolò is right," Mario said. "We have little time to lose. No doubt Borgia has regrouped with his allies and is discussing his next steps as well. Care to join us, Ezio?"

Ezio did not, but there was no sense in immediately running after Rosa and further upsetting her. Besides, if a thief didn't want to be found, she wasn't going to be found. "Va bene," he agreed halfheartedly.

They followed Antonio to the palazzo's library, where they sat around a large table, presumably the former property of the late Emilio Barbarigo. Ezio wondered to himself what nefarious discussions had taken place here between Emilio and his allies. Now it was a safe haven for the Assassins, and sitting in the center of the table was an item Barbarigo could only have dreamed of having in his possession.

Ezio drew a breath. "You've been keeping it here?"

"Yes," Antonio confirmed. "The Palazzo is well fortified, and I have my thieves patrolling it. It would take an Assassin of remarkable talent to get inside." He gave Ezio a slight smile. "With the Templars in retreat at the moment, I doubt they have the resources for an attack like the one we used. Still, it is only a matter of time. The box isn't safe here."

"We may have more time than you know," Machiavelli said. "My sources in Roma tell me Rodrigo is there often. He may be returning there as we speak."

"This is good news for us," said Teodora.

Machiavelli frowned. "Not exactly. He is quickly becoming one of the most powerful Cardinals in the city. Innocent remains in good health, but how much longer this will last, I cannot say. With the Templar order behind him, Borgia may attempt to ascend to the papacy upon Innocent's death."

"That is if he even waits that long," Antonio added. Machiavelli nodded at the possibility Antonio was suggesting.

"You're the expert in these matters, Niccolò. In any case, we should send word to our brothers and sisters in Roma," Mario suggested.

"We already have," said La Volpe. "I sent one of my best couriers. He should reach the city within a week."

"That's it?" Ezio asked, a little frustrated with the direction of the conversation. "We're just going to keep an eye on him and wait for his next move? Why not go to Roma and finish him once and for all?"

"Patience, Ezio," said his uncle. "You may not feel it, but last night was a victory for us. If Borgia had escaped with his treasure, with would be a much more desperate conversation."

"And what exactly IS this treasure?" Ezio asked. "and where is this vault that it's supposed to open?"

"We don't know, Ezio," Paola said. "We have not looked inside the box. Whatever is inside is very powerful. If it is not used correctly, it may cause as much damage as it would in Rodrigo's hands."

"Until we know what it does, it's best to keep it hidden," Bartolomeo agreed.

Ezio understood their position on the matter, but the answer didn't satisfy him. In addition to his own curiosity, he was also fixated on the possibility that the Spaniard could find another way into the vault before they acted.

The Assassins spent the afternoon and evening arranging for their spies to report on everything that happened in Venezia and for their couriers to send word of the Spaniard's escape to their allies throughout Italy and other lands (as far as they could).

When they were satisfied for the night, Ezio bade them farewell and walked back to the thieves' den. He wasn't sure if he should hurry or take his time, as he didn't know if Rosa would want to see him that night or not. He considered avoiding her altogether until morning, but he could see through her window that a candle was still burning in her room. She would have normally been asleep at this hour and she didn't need candlelight to be alone with her own thoughts, Ezio reasoned. She had therefore been waiting for him to come back, whether she would admit it or not. He took a deep breath and knocked on her door.

[A/N]: Sorry for the delay on this one...yesterday was unexpectedly busy so I didn't get a chance to log on and submit this chapter until today. Next week's chapter 79 should be normal (possibly even a day early).

HOWEVER, I will not be able to submit chapters for the TWO weeks after that, as I will be away on vacation. I'll resume as normal when I get back (so chapter 80 should be out on January 18th or 19th, depending on where in the world you live).

Happy holidays to those who celebrate them (and happy regular days to those who don't)!