Amelia adjusted her cloak, letting the hood fall over her face as she and Ezio strolled through the bustling streets of Tuscany. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of merchants hawking their wares. They moved through the crowd like shadows, blending in seamlessly as they made their way to the town square. Amelia's arm had healed over the past few weeks, but she still felt a dull ache whenever she moved it too quickly. It was a constant reminder of the battle they had faced and the ones yet to come.
"Looks like we have our pick of missions," Amelia remarked, her gaze sweeping over the small clusters of townspeople. "Which one do you want to tackle first?"
Ezio glanced around, a smirk playing on his lips. "I say we start with something that gets us a good view of the city. What do you think, Lia?"
She rolled her eyes playfully, nudging him with her elbow. "You just want to show off your climbing skills, don't you?"
"You know me too well." Ezio's grin widened, but it faded as they approached a man standing near the center of the square, his face shadowed beneath a wide-brimmed hat.
The man, one of Mario's mercenaries, recognized them immediately and stepped forward. "Salute, Ezio! (Hail!) Antonio Maffei has sought refuge atop the city's tallest structure—spouting scripture and arrows in equal measure. The man has clearly lost his mind. Making matters worse, he's posted archers all around him. You'd do well to clear them out before approaching."
Ezio nodded, his expression sharpening with focus. "Grazie for the information. Leave it to us."
Amelia adjusted the straps on her gauntlets, her eyes drifting toward the tower in the distance, where the faint echo of a voice carried on the wind. She could make out Antonio's fevered shouts, his words twisted with zealotry. A scowl tugged at her lips.
"I've never been fond of religious fanatics," she muttered, crossing her arms as they began walking toward the tower. "And it sounds like this one has a lot to say."
Ezio shot her a sideways glance, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Then let's make sure he doesn't have the chance to say much more."
They navigated through the winding streets, keeping to the shadows as they approached the base of the tower. As they neared, Antonio's voice grew louder, echoing off the stone walls of the nearby buildings.
"Citizens of San Gimignano, heed well my words! You must repent! REPENT and seek FORGIVENESS!" His voice was shrill, filled with a desperate fervor. Amelia's hands tightened into fists at her sides, a flare of irritation sparking in her chest.
"Does he ever stop?" she whispered to Ezio as they slipped into a narrow alleyway, keeping out of sight of the guards posted around the tower. "It's like he's trying to convince himself more than anyone else."
Ezio smirked, his hand resting on the hilt of his hidden blade. "Let's make sure he doesn't have much longer to preach."
Amelia nodded, watching as Ezio began his ascent. He moved with the grace of a cat, finding footholds in the cracks and crevices of the stone. She stayed below, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of patrolling guards. Her heart quickened as she heard the soft shuffle of boots against cobblestone, and she pressed herself into the shadows, holding her breath.
A pair of guards passed by, their torches casting flickering light over the alleyway. Amelia remained perfectly still, her grip tightening on her dagger, ready to strike if they got too close. But they continued on, oblivious to her presence. She exhaled slowly, relief washing over her.
Above her, Ezio reached the midpoint of the tower, pausing to glance down at her. "Stay out of trouble, Lia," he called down with a wink.
She smirked up at him, crossing her arms. "Just focus on not falling, Ezio."
Ezio rolled his eyes good-naturedly and continued his climb, his form disappearing into the shadows of the tower. Amelia remained on the ground, her eyes flicking between the guards and the distant crowd gathered outside the Palazzo. She could hear the faint chants of "Liberata!" echoing through the air, the mob's cries of freedom mixing with Antonio's delusional ramblings.
From her vantage point, she could just make out Jacopo de' Pazzi, seated on a horse at the edge of the square, leading the mob with a satisfied sneer. The sight of him sent a wave of anger through her, but she forced herself to stay focused. This wasn't the time to strike at Jacopo—Ezio had his target, and she had to ensure he wasn't interrupted.
She glanced back up at the tower just in time to see Ezio reaching the top platform. He moved like a shadow, clinging to the side of the structure as he approached the uppermost platform where Antonio stood, still shouting his twisted sermon into the night.
"Because you have STRAYED and sacrificed your liberty to that wretch LORENZO DE MEDICI!" Antonio's voice was frenzied, his words cutting through the night air. "You have lost your virtue. You have lost your dignity. You have lost your FAITH!"
Amelia watched as Ezio reached the platform, slipping past the guards unnoticed. Her heart pounded in her chest, her grip tightening on her dagger as she willed him to move quickly.
Antonio continued to rant, oblivious to the shadow creeping up behind him. "By the light of the LORD, be cleansed! No grazie! (No thanks!) I will put you on your knees, sinner!—"
The words died in Antonio's throat as Ezio struck, his hidden blade flashing in the moonlight. Antonio gasped, staggering forward as Ezio whispered a prayer over him. "Che tu possa alfine trovare riposo nel corpo e nella mente. (May your body and mind at last be still.) Requiescat in Pace. (Rest in peace.)"
Amelia let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her shoulders relaxing as Antonio crumpled to the ground. She watched as Ezio draped Antonio's body over the side of the platform, a final, unspoken warning to anyone who dared to follow in his footsteps.
When he descended the tower, landing lightly beside her, she reached out and clapped him on the back with a small smile. "You made that look easy."
Ezio's lips quirked into a half-smile as he brushed the dust from his cloak. "I had good motivation."
Amelia's smile softened as they turned to leave, slipping back into the shadows of the city. As they made their way through the narrow streets, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction bloom in her chest.
Amelia adjusted her cloak as she and Ezio moved through the winding streets of San Gimignano. The morning air was cool, carrying the scent of baked bread and market spices, mingling with the low hum of vendors setting up their stalls. Despite the tranquil scene, there was a current of tension in the air—one that matched the coiled energy she felt inside.
"Remind me again why we have to meet with this guy?" Amelia asked, glancing over at Ezio, who walked beside her, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his hidden blade. "Can't we just find the target ourselves and get this over with?"
Ezio chuckled softly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Patience, Lia. Besides, sometimes it's easier to let others do the legwork for us."
She rolled her eyes, nudging him with her elbow. "Easy for you to say. You like talking to these informants. I'd rather be up on the rooftops."
"Always the restless one," he teased, casting a quick grin her way.
They reached the southern part of the city, where Mario's mercenary waited for them near a secluded alleyway. He leaned against a wall, his arms crossed, looking relieved as they approached.
"Ezio! About time you got here. We've found Bernardo Baroncelli," the mercenary said, pushing off the wall to greet them.
Ezio's expression shifted, his posture straightening with newfound focus. "Ottima notizia! (This is good news!) Tell me where he is, and I'll see that he's dealt with."
The mercenary frowned, scratching at the stubble on his chin. "That's the trouble. Lorenzo actually had him arrested days ago, after being returned to us from Constantinople. But he escaped! We believe him to be somewhere inside San Gimignano."
Ezio's jaw tightened, and he glanced over at Amelia, who arched an eyebrow, the hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Va bene. (Okay.) I'll see if I can't pin him down."
The mercenary looked doubtful, his brow furrowing. "How do you expect to succeed where the rest of us have failed?"
Ezio's smile grew more confident, almost smug. "I have my ways..."
Amelia smirked at Ezio's theatrics, folding her arms. "Come on, let's see these 'ways' of yours, Ezio. I'll even try not to outshine you this time."
Ezio gave her a playful nudge. "I'd like to see you try, Lia."
They left the mercenary behind, making their way through the crowded market square. Amelia scanned the rooftops with a keen eye, taking in the layout of the city and mentally noting the best points to get a good view of their surroundings. Ezio, meanwhile, had his gaze fixed on the streets below, his expression thoughtful.
"Climb up there," Amelia suggested, pointing to a nearby building that offered a clear view of the market. "From up top, you can keep an eye out while I circle around below. If he's here, we'll find him."
Ezio nodded, following her lead as they split up. He scaled the building quickly, his movements as smooth as ever, while she slipped into the crowd below, keeping her hood low as she moved between the bustling stalls. Her heart quickened, a familiar rush settling into her veins as they began the hunt.
As she moved through the market, the loud, jittery murmur of a man reached her ears. She followed the sound, weaving through the crowd until she caught sight of Bernardo Baroncelli pacing back and forth, his eyes darting nervously.
"...I just need to take things one day at a time... He'll get bored... Lost... Confused... Distracted... Killed... It'll be okay... And if he does come... If it happens... I keep moving... Never in one place for long..."
Amelia pressed herself against a nearby stall, watching as Bernardo made his way toward the well at the center of the market, two guards trailing closely behind him. She looked up, spotting Ezio perched on the edge of the building, his form blending into the shadows.
She caught his eye and gave a subtle nod, signaling that the moment was right. Ezio flashed a quick smile, then began his descent toward the well.
Amelia made her way through the market, positioning herself near the edge of the square, ready to intervene if needed. She could see Bernardo's path as he paced around the market, mumbling to himself. When he drew close to the well, Ezio moved with deadly precision, dropping from above to take him by surprise.
The sound of a blade slicing through the air reached her ears, followed by the heavy thud of Bernardo's body hitting the ground. She watched as Ezio leaned down, speaking in a low voice, barely audible over the clamor of the market.
"I knew you would come..." Bernardo's voice was weak, filled with a strange acceptance.
Ezio's expression was cold, but there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes. "Where is Jacopo?"
Bernardo's breath hitched, his eyes clouding with pain. "So you can do to him what you've done to me?"
"There's still time for you to clear your conscience," Ezio urged, his voice tense, but it was clear that he didn't hold out much hope.
Bernardo hesitated, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "We gather at the church when a meeting is called..."
Ezio nodded, his expression somber as he whispered a final prayer. "Mi duole dover giungere a tanto. (I am sorry that it came to this.) Requiescat in Pace. (Rest in peace.)"
As soon as the words left his lips, the guards sprang into action, drawing their swords and rushing toward Ezio. Amelia moved quickly, intercepting the nearest guard with a well-aimed throw of her dagger, the blade striking true. The guard crumpled to the ground, clutching at his throat.
Ezio leapt into the fray, his movements fluid as he blocked an incoming strike and retaliated with a swift counter. Amelia joined him, her own blade flashing as she parried a blow and drove her knee into a guard's gut, sending him stumbling backward.
"Nice timing, Lia," Ezio called out, a grin flashing across his face as he blocked another attack.
"Just trying to keep you on your toes," she shot back, a playful edge in her voice as she twisted to avoid a swing aimed at her side. Her arm still ached from her earlier injury, but she pushed through the pain, focusing on the rhythm of the fight.
Together, they made short work of the remaining guards, their movements coordinated and efficient. When the last guard fell, Amelia bent to retrieve her dagger, wiping the blood from the blade with a cloth from her belt. Her breath came in quick bursts, but she felt a thrill of satisfaction at their victory.
Ezio stepped closer, offering her a small, crooked smile. "You always know how to make an entrance."
Amelia smirked, slipping her dagger back into its sheath. "Well, someone has to keep things interesting. Besides, I couldn't let you have all the fun."
He chuckled softly, a warmth in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat. For a moment, she thought she saw something unspoken in his eyes, a deeper connection that had grown between them over the years. But he quickly turned away, glancing toward the direction of the church.
"We should go. Jacopo won't wait for long," Ezio said, his tone shifting back to business.
She nodded, falling into step beside him as they made their way through the now-emptying market. But as they walked, she couldn't shake the sense that something had changed between them—that their partnership was no longer just about the mission. And even though she couldn't quite put it into words, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, there was more waiting for them at the end of this road.
Amelia adjusted her cloak against the biting wind as she and Ezio walked along the dusty road, the rolling hills of Tuscany stretching out before them. The sun was dipping low, casting long shadows that danced over the vineyards and olive groves. Despite the beauty of the landscape, there was a tension in the air—one that she felt deep in her bones.
She glanced at Ezio, who walked a few paces ahead, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He had that look of focus again, the one he always wore when a mission was looming close. Amelia quickened her pace to walk beside him, nudging his shoulder playfully. "You know, you could at least pretend to enjoy the scenery. Not every mission has to be all brooding and business, you know."
Ezio cast her a sidelong glance, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I'll appreciate it more when we're not on our way to kill a man hiding in an abbey. And when you stop trying to push me off the road."
She rolled her eyes, a laugh slipping out despite the seriousness of their task. "One of these days, you're going to trip, and I'm going to pretend I didn't see anything."
"Ah, but then you'd miss the chance to save me, Lia. And you'd never forgive yourself for that." His tone was teasing, but there was a warmth in his eyes that sent a flutter through her chest.
They arrived at the villa on the outskirts of town, where one of Mario's mercenaries waited for them. He waved them over, a serious expression on his face as they approached. "Ah! There you are! Listen, we've found Stefano da Bagnone. Just follow this road, and it'll bring you to the abbey where he's taken refuge."
Amelia crossed her arms, eyeing the mercenary. "That's it? Just head into the abbey and hope for the best?"
The mercenary chuckled, shaking his head. "Not quite, signorina. Here, take these." He handed Ezio a small pouch. "Smoke bombs. Use them to create a distraction if things get too heated. It might give you the edge you need to get out safely."
Ezio took the pouch, examining its contents with a nod. "My thanks, friend. We'll make good use of them."
Amelia glanced at Ezio, her brow arching. "You're just going to take those without any questions? Since when do you trust anyone handing us explosives?"
He shot her a wry smile. "Since it's our best option. Besides, I know how much you enjoy a bit of chaos."
She smirked, shaking her head as they turned toward the path that led to the abbey. "Lead the way, then. I'll be right behind you—enjoying the view."
The abbey loomed in the distance, its stone walls rising above the surrounding countryside. As they approached, Amelia's heart quickened with the familiar anticipation of a mission. The area around the abbey was heavily guarded, with robed figures patrolling the grounds and the occasional clink of armor breaking the stillness.
Ezio crouched low as they neared the building, gesturing for her to stay close. "We'll need to find a way up that western wall. It's furthest from the main entrance, and it should keep us out of sight."
She nodded, her eyes scanning the structure for any signs of movement. "Just don't fall off. I won't be carrying you back to the villa if you break a leg."
"Always the optimist," he muttered, a grin flashing across his face before he started his climb.
They scaled the rough stone, their hands and feet finding purchase on the weathered edges. When they reached the top, they crouched low, peering down into the courtyard below. Amelia caught sight of Stefano da Bagnone, pacing along the southern edge of the abbey's inner courtyard, a sneer twisting his lips as he exchanged words with one of the monks.
She could hear the monk's voice, low and uncertain, pleading for Stefano to join him in prayer. Stefano's reply was sharp, dismissive. "If you think the LORD has any interest in our affairs, you've another thing coming. But please, by all means, continue to delude yourself if it helps to pass the time."
Amelia's hands clenched into fists at her sides, a rush of anger burning through her. There was something infuriating about the smugness in Stefano's voice, the way he spoke as if he believed himself untouchable. She glanced at Ezio, catching the same determination in his expression.
"You take the rooftops, I'll head down to that carriage of leaves. When he's in position, I'll strike," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the wind.
Ezio nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Be careful, Lia. If things get too dangerous—"
"I know what I'm doing, Ezio," she cut in, offering him a small, reassuring smile. "Just make sure you don't miss the show."
She slipped over the edge of the roof, landing silently in the pile of leaves below. From her hiding place, she watched as Stefano continued his arrogant tirade, pacing back and forth along the southern edge of the courtyard. The moments dragged by, her muscles tensing with every step he took, but she kept her focus, her breath steady.
Finally, he moved into position, pausing near the corner of the abbey. Amelia took a deep breath, her pulse quickening as she prepared to strike. In a fluid motion, she rose from the leaves and darted forward, her hidden blade flashing in the dim light.
Stefano turned at the last second, his eyes widening in shock as she reached him. He barely had time to gasp before the blade found its mark, plunging into his back. His body jerked, a low, pained sound escaping his lips before he crumpled to the ground.
Now, she thought, there's no smugness left in him.
As Stefano lay dying, Ezio dropped down beside her, his gaze fixed on the fallen man. He knelt, his voice cold as he demanded, "Where is Jacopo?"
Stefano's breaths came in ragged gasps, his face twisted with pain. "They meet... in the shadow of the Roman Gods..."
Ezio's expression softened slightly, a note of regret slipping into his voice. "Ora sei libero dalla paura (Be free of your fear now.) Requiescat in Pace. (Rest in peace.)"
Amelia's focus snapped back to their surroundings as she heard the heavy footsteps of approaching guards. She looked at Ezio, their eyes meeting in silent understanding. "Time for those smoke bombs."
He nodded, pulling one from his belt and tossing it toward the oncoming guards. A thick cloud of smoke billowed out, filling the courtyard with a choking haze. Amelia seized the moment, grabbing Ezio's arm and pulling him toward the shadows.
They sprinted through the abbey grounds, their footsteps muffled by the smoke. As they reached the edge of the restricted zone, she glanced back, the sight of Stefano's lifeless body blending into the shadows behind them. She couldn't quite shake the weight in her chest, the lingering feeling that no matter how many targets they eliminated, the shadow of the Templars would remain.
Once they were safely out of sight, they slowed their pace, catching their breath in a secluded grove of olive trees. Ezio turned to her, offering a small, weary smile. "You handled that well, Lia."
She managed a smirk, though her heart still pounded in her chest. "Not bad for a demon, huh?"
He laughed softly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than usual. "Not bad at all."
She felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, and for just a moment, the weight of their mission felt a little lighter. But as she looked back toward the distant abbey, she knew that there was still a long road ahead of them. And even though she tried to keep her focus on the task, she couldn't deny the hope that flickered inside her—a hope that maybe, just maybe, there was more to this partnership than the war they fought together.
Amelia adjusted her hood as she and Ezio approached the small village northeast of the main city. The air was thick with the anticipation of the task ahead, and she could feel her heart beat just a little faster with each step. It wasn't the first time they had taken on a mission like this, but there was something about targeting a man who wielded faith as a weapon that stirred a particular fire in her chest.
As they neared the village, they spotted one of Mario's mercenaries waving them over. The man's expression was serious, his eyes darting to the south, where the compound loomed against the dusky sky. He gestured toward the fortified structure with urgency.
"Over here, Ezio. We've found Archbishop Salviati! He's barricaded himself inside that villa... Take some of my men. Use them to clear the fields. Then find a way over the walls so you can open the gates."
Ezio grinned, a cocky edge to his smile as he glanced at Amelia. "Hmmm... Command over my own army? A nice change of pace from the usual sneaking and stabbing. I like it."
Amelia rolled her eyes, unable to keep the smirk from her face. "Try not to let it go to your head, Ezio. You still have to climb the walls like the rest of us."
He chuckled, nudging her playfully. "Don't worry, I won't make you call me 'General' just yet."
They approached the compound, and Amelia immediately spotted the guards patrolling outside the gates, as well as a few archers perched on top of the walls. The mercenaries gathered behind them, ready to follow Ezio's lead.
"Take care of those archers, Ezio," she suggested, handing him a few of her throwing knives. "You've got better aim than I do."
Ezio accepted the knives with a flourish, giving her a mock bow. "As you wish, Lia. But I expect full credit for my work."
She snorted softly, taking up a position behind a stack of crates as he lined up his shots. One by one, the archers fell silently from their perches, the knives finding their marks with deadly precision. When the final archer slumped forward, Amelia gave Ezio an approving nod.
"Well, at least you're good for something," she teased, but there was warmth in her voice that she couldn't quite hide.
"Happy to impress," he shot back, flashing a grin. He turned to the mercenaries, his tone shifting to command. "Alright, go! Engage the guards at the gate!"
The mercenaries rushed forward, clashing with the guards in a flurry of steel. Ezio and Amelia moved swiftly alongside them, Amelia's blade flashing as she cut down any enemies that broke from the chaos. She moved with fluid grace, her instincts guiding her through the melee as she fought to keep their path clear.
When the guards at the gate were subdued, Ezio turned his attention to the wall. "I'll get the gate open," he said, glancing over his shoulder at Amelia. "Keep an eye on the rest of them, will you?"
She gave him a mock salute. "Go on, then. Try not to get yourself killed before you've opened the gate."
With a smirk, Ezio began climbing the wall, using the rough stone and ledges to pull himself up. Amelia kept watch below, cutting down any guards who approached too close. She glanced up occasionally, catching glimpses of Ezio's progress as he scaled the side of the villa. He moved with the ease of someone who had spent years honing his skills, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of pride for him.
But there was more than just pride. Watching him work, she felt a warmth spread through her chest—a warmth that had grown harder to ignore in recent weeks. It made her heart ache in a way she wasn't quite ready to admit, even to herself.
"Focus, Amelia," she muttered under her breath, forcing her thoughts back to the battle at hand.
Ezio reached the top of the wall, quickly locating the mechanism to open the gate. He gave her a quick nod before pulling the lever, and the heavy wooden doors creaked open. The mercenaries surged through, clashing with the remaining guards inside the compound.
From above, a voice rang out, dripping with disdain. "These walls have stood for a hundred years and will stand for a hundred more! Stop wasting the lives of your men! Vattene! Vattene via! (Go away!) All that awaits you here is death! Turn back!"
Amelia's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Francesco Salviati on the balcony, his robes fluttering in the wind like some twisted mockery of a holy man. She turned to Ezio as he landed beside her, his expression mirroring her own grim determination.
"He's all yours," she said, her voice low but fierce. "Show him what happens to those who hide behind false faith."
Ezio nodded, a steely resolve in his eyes as he slipped into the shadows, working his way toward the Archbishop. Amelia followed at a distance, her blade ready should any more guards cross their path. But her focus remained on Ezio, watching his every move with a mixture of admiration and something else—something deeper that she couldn't quite put into words.
As they closed in on Salviati's position, the man continued his ranting, his voice filled with vitriol. "I warned you to stay away, Assassin! You should have listened! Men, prepare yourselves! The Assassin has arrived!"
Amelia's grip tightened on her blade, her jaw clenching at the sound of his voice. The arrogance, the disdain—it reminded her too much of the other Templars they had faced, men who thought they were untouchable until the moment their lives were taken from them.
Ezio moved like a shadow, slipping past the distracted guards and climbing up to the Archbishop's position. Salviati turned just as Ezio reached him, his eyes widening in surprise. Before he could react, Ezio's hidden blade drove into his chest, silencing him with a swift, precise strike.
As the life faded from Salviati's eyes, he managed to rasp out a few last words. "He knows you come for him... emerging only in darkness to meet with the others..."
Ezio's expression softened, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ora sei libero dalla paura (Be free of your fear now.) Requiescat in Pace. (Rest in peace.)"
Amelia stepped forward as Ezio wiped his blade clean, her gaze sweeping over the fallen Archbishop. "He wasn't worth all the effort, was he?" she said, her tone edged with bitterness. "Just another coward hiding behind the walls of a sanctuary."
Ezio gave a small, grim nod. "One less to stand in our way. But the others still remain."
She met his gaze, something unspoken passing between them. The weight of their mission pressed down on her, but as she looked at Ezio, she found a strange comfort in knowing that they faced this together. She offered him a small, determined smile, trying to keep her voice light. "Let's hope the next one gives us less trouble, eh?"
Ezio chuckled softly, the tension easing from his shoulders for just a moment. "If we're lucky. But I'm starting to think luck is never on our side."
Amelia shook her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Then we'll just have to make our own luck."
With Salviati's last words still lingering in the air, they turned and made their way back through the compound, their steps quick and sure as they prepared for the next stage of their mission. And even as they moved forward, Amelia couldn't help but steal a glance at Ezio, feeling the weight of her unspoken feelings settle into her chest like a secret she wasn't quite ready to share.