Part 20 (1/2)

-What happens? He asked.

”We're not alone,” said Ezio-. Could have archetypalros enemies stationed on top of the gorge.

But then he heard a clatter of hooves, several caballos, approaching them from behind.

Ezio wheeled his horse and saw that half a dozen riders approached the banner of the red cross on a yellow field.

- Borgia! ”He muttered, drew his sword in the same instant that a crossbow bolt dug into the side of the wagon.

The road ran along the road, and even goodyes they were frightened and began dragging his cargo forward voluntarily.

”Take the reins and shouted pulling sees Leonardo Ezio-. Van behind me, not you. You go ahead no matter what happens!

Leonardo hastened to obey while retracing the path Ezio horse to meet the riders. His sword, propertyDad of Mario, was well balanced and handle his horse was lighter and handier than their opponents. But they were well armed and had no chance to use weapons of Codex. Ezio spurred the horse's flanks to moving into the thick of the enemy. Crouched on his chair, lunged Ezio group, the strength of its load forcing two horses to retroceder violence. Then began a real fencing match. Wearing protective plate attached to the forearm izquierdo served to divert many hits and took advantage of the surprise of one of his enemies to see that his aim failed to deal the turn a good shot.

He soon dismounted four of his enemies, leaving two survivors turning around and running away at full gallop they had come. This time, however, knew better than to givethem the opportunity to convey the news to Rodrigo. Gaulpo after them, slas.h.i.+ng first one and then another, and decentralizedgave the horse when he was done with both.

Quickly inspected the bodies, but none had any note, dragged to the ditch and hid the bodies ofunder stones and rocks. Again mounted his horse and made his way back, stopping only to clear the way for the other bodies and give them a rudimentary burial, at least enough to hide them with rocks and bushes found at hand. At that point, the horses of his enemiesrisks had already fled.

Ezio had once again escape the vengeance of Rodrigo, but I knew that Cardinal Borgia would not cease its efforts to kill him. Spurred his horse and rode to get back to Leonardo. When we reached, they began to look for the road, shouting their names several times in vain.

”I paid a huge amount as a deposit for the cart and oxen,” grumbled Leonardo-. I guess not ever see her again.

”Sell it all in Venice.

”But there used gondolas?

”On land there has to be farms.

Leonardo looked at him.

- By G.o.d, Ezio, practical men like me!

His long cross country trip continued. Pa.s.sed through the ancient city of Forli, now converted into a small town-state in its own right, and continued on to Ravenna, with its coastal port a few miles from the town. They boarded a boat, a galwas that coast from Ancona to Venice, and as Ezio was sure there was no one on board who represent a danger for him, he managed to relax a little. However, it was concient, even in a s.h.i.+p relatively small one, it would be very difficult to either cut his throat at night and throw the body blue-black water, so ifguided carefully controlling the comings and goings around small port where they landed.

Several days later they arrived without incident at the docks of Venice. Ezio was where he found his next setback, this time from unexpected source.

Had just landed and were waiting for the ferry that would lead them to the island city. Arrived on time, and marineLeonardo ros helped to raise the cart to the boat, which rocked at an alarming rate under its weight. The ferry captain Leonardo explained to the staff of the Earl of Pexaro would be waiting at the docks to go with their new accommodations, and with a bow and a smile helped him aboard.

”You'll pa.s.s your course signore. signore.

”Naturally,” Leonardo said, handing him a paper man.

- And you, sir? Politely asked the captain, volseeing to Ezio.

Ezio was taken aback. He was there without any invitation, completely ignorant of this local law.

”But ... I have no pa.s.s, ”he said.

”Everything is in order,” said Leonardo, please contact the captain-. Come with me. Answer for him and I am sure that the count ...

But the captain raised his hand.

”Sorry, signore. signore. Council rules are explicit. Nadie can enter the city of Venice without the appropriate pa.s.s. Council rules are explicit. Nadie can enter the city of Venice without the appropriate pa.s.s.

Leonardo was about to protest, but Ezio stopped him.

”Do not worry, Leonardo. Find an alternative.

”I would like to help, sir,” said Capt.-. But I have orders. ”And with a higher tone, he went to the multhe att.i.tudes of pa.s.sengers in general, advertising-: Attention, please!Attention, please! The shuttle will depart in ten den!

Ezio knew it gave him very little time.

He was struck by an extremely well-dressed couple seen up to the galley at the same time that they, who had settled in the best cabin and had been very reserved. Now they were alone at the end of one of the docks, where they were tied several private shelves, and apparently engaged in a bitter argument.

”My dear, please ... ”Said the man.

It was sort of looking weak and twenty years older than his accompanyingpanante, an energetic redhead with fiery eyes.

-Girolamo ..., you fool! G.o.d knows why I married contigo, but he also knows how much I've suffered as a result! You keep finding fault with everything, you got me caged like a chicken on your horrible country town and now ... ahora! You're not even able to apanarte with a gondolier to take us to Venice! And when you think your guy is the f.u.c.king Pope, no less! You could have a little your influence. But merate ... Have less character than a slug!

-Caterina ...

- I come now to ”Caterina” nasty bug! Limit yourself to get these men take care of luggage and for the love of G.o.d, take me to Venice. I need a bath and a gla.s.s of wine!

Jerome looked at her with disgust.

”It would be a good idea to leave you here andcontinued until Pordenone without you.

”In any case, should have gone by land.

”Travelling by road is too dangerous.

- Yes! For a creature like you weakling!

Girolamo was silent while still ob Ezioserved the scene. And then said shrewdly: - Why not get on the gondola ... ”I said a-... and I find then a couple of gondoliers?

- Hmmm! Finally you say something meaningful! She growled, and allowed him to help her back into the boat.

But once it was installed, Girolamo quickly dropped the ropes and pushed hard on the bow, sending the gondola into the center of the lagoon.

”Buon viaggio! Shouted a voice unpleasant. Shouted a voice unpleasant.

- b.a.s.t.a.r.d! She cried. And then, realizing what apuRado of their situation, began to scream-: Aiuto! Aiuto! Aiuto! Aiuto!

But Jerome was already heading toward the place where a group of servants wandered helplessly around the mountain of luggage and started giving orders. In fact, afterside with them and the luggage to the other end of the pier, where he began to organize it in obtaining a private shuttle.