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Chapter 93

As Antonio had requested, Ezio and Rosa met with him later that night in the library of the Palazzo della Seta.

"I suppose I should get straight to the point," he told them as they sat down. "Ezio, I have a letter that I would like you to deliver to your uncle once you are rested and ready to travel again."

"A letter? Isn't this the sort of job for a courier?" Ezio asked him, remembering the two he had seen earlier.

"Normally, yes, but since you are here, it would be much simpler to send you," Antonio chuckled.

Ezio and Rosa looked at each other, and then back at him.

"That's it?" Rosa asked. "Then why am I here?"

"Because," Antonio continued, "I want you to go with him."

"Go with me?" asked Ezio, now even more confused. "I would be happy to travel with her, but I could be there for a very long time, depending on what news we get from Firenze. When would we have to return?"

"It does not matter," Antonio shrugged. "We will manage things around here until you are able to come back. In fact, I hope you stay in Monteriggioni for a while."

"What the hell for?" Rosa demanded.

"I want you to spend some time with Ezio's uncle, Mario. I believe you've met him before, have you not?"

"Sì, quite a few times. Why?"

"I've been in touch with him quite a bit lately. We believe that if you are considering joining the Assassins, it would be good for you to spend time with him."

Rosa stood up and put her hands on her hips. "What do you mean, 'it would be good for me?' I thought you were going to let me make this decision on my own!"

"I am, and you will," Antonio nodded patiently. "But if you want to understand what it truly means to be an Assassin, there is only so much knowledge I can give you. I am a thief, and most of my business with the Assassins is done here in Venezia. Mario has lived by the Creed all his life and travelled to many lands I have never seen. His libraries are full of wisdom and history. He is also an accomplished warrior, as I'm sure you've discovered for yourself."

They stood there to think about Antonio's words for a moment before Ezio broke the silence.

"I think Antonio is right," he said, and was met by an immediate glare from Rosa. "What? You wanted my opinion, so there it is. You should hear the perspectives of some of the other Assassins, not just mine and Antonio's. Besides, you like Uncle Mario."

"It's your decision, of course," Antonio added. "If you wish to stay here instead, you may."

Rosa sighed. "Fine, I suppose I wouldn't mind visiting Monteriggioni again, but I won't guarantee I'll have an answer by the time I return."

"Nor do I expect you to," Antonio smiled

"If nothing else, I'm sure you could benefit from some of Mario's training," Ezio teased. "I don't suppose you've improved much lately?"

"I haven't forgotten the basics," Rosa warned him.

Ezio turned to Antonio. "When should we leave?"

"Take your time," said the thief. "Give yourselves at least a week to rest and prepare. Enjoy the city. She is as beautiful as the day you left her."

"Sì," Ezio agreed, looking at Rosa. "She is."

Rosa rolled her eyes at him. "I'm regretting this already," she said.

The three of them spent another couple of hours catching up with each other before the exhaustion from Ezio's journey caught up with him, at which point they retired for the night.