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Chapter 89
Ezio remembered the route to Venezia well, but he found himself wishing he was accompanied by his usual travelling companion on such trips rather than making the voyage alone as he had, as of late, become so accustomed to doing.
The more pressing issue in his mind, however, was his imminent arrival in Venezia. He had not sent word ahead of his arrival, as he had wanted to keep it a surprise for Rosa. He was beginning to rethink that choice as he got closer and closer to the coast, as he had not worked out the details of how he would greet her after being away for so many years, so his "surprise" plan had a decent chance of making him look like a fool, and he had a good mind to just scrap it altogether in favor of something simpler.
The largest factor he had not considered until now was the presence of Antonio's thieves throughout the city. There was no way he could walk around without being spotted by one of them, and being spotted likely meant being reported and ruining his chance to catch Rosa by surprise.
He chartered a ship from the mainland into the city, and when it pulled into the docks near the Piazza San Marco and he stepped off, he scanned the crowds in the square for any signs of the Venetian thieves. He didn't see any of them, which, he could only assume, meant he wasn't looking hard enough. He began to give the square a second look-over when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Ezio turned around to find someone he didn't completely recognize until after a few moments.
"Ugo?" Ezio asked once he was able to put the correct name to the face he had once been so used to seeing around the city.
"I was not expecting to see you here," Ugo greeted him with the closest thing Ezio had ever seen to a smile on his face. It was not a warm greeting by any means, but he would have expected nothing different from Ugo. Some things never change.
"How are things around here?" Ezio asked. "I've heard very little since I left for Forlì."
"Life goes on, I suppose," Ugo informed him. "Things have been a bit more stable since your departure. Doge Barbarigo is still alive and well, as are we. We've had very little trouble from the Venetian government or mercenary groups since your conflict with the other members of the Barbarigo family, but we're always prepared for the worst."
"I am glad to hear this," Ezio smiled. "Do not worry, I am not here to cause more trouble in the city. I was only hoping to visit Rosa while I have some time to spare."
"I will take you to the thieves' den, then. My business in San Marco is finished for today anyway."
Ezio nodded in appreciation, and walked with Ugo out of the square in the direction of the San Polo district.
"Do you suppose word of my arrival will reach Rosa before we do?" Ezio asked Ugo along the way.
Ugo shrugged. "I doubt it. Most of the thieves don't report back to the den until the evening unless it is an urgent matter. Your arrival is certainly news worth spreading, but perhaps not dire."
"I suppose I should take that as a compliment," Ezio laughed as they neared the den. The other thieves were busy going about their business, and despite some new faces, the familiar scene brought back many memories in Ezio's mind until Ugo spoke again.
"You'll find Rosa in her room, I suspect. I'm sure you remember where it is."
"Thank you for your help, Ugo," Ezio bowed.
"Don't thank me yet," the thief replied. "Rosa is still as feisty as the day you saved her life. I'm sure she'll give you a mouthful."
Ezio smiled at the thought.