Templar's Creed

Chapter 18

Giovanni's house was a silent tomb, the shadows playing tricks on their grief-stricken minds. The door hung open, a gaping maw that promised no comfort. The siblings stepped inside, their footsteps echoing through the hallways like the ghosts of their former lives. The library was a grim reminder of what they had lost, the bloodstains on the floor a silent accusation against the men who had brought such horror into their lives.

They searched the house with a grim determination, their eyes peeled for any sign of Federico. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, the walls whispering of the carnage that had taken place. But Federico's body was nowhere to be found. In its place, a single Templar letter lay on the floor, taunting them with its pristine white surface.

Giovanni's hand trembled as he picked it up, his heart racing as he unfolded the parchment. The words, written in a neat, precise hand, seared themselves into his mind: "Your children, Claudia and Petruccio have been sold to the Ottoman Sultan, so do not waste your time trying to get them back. Your wife, Maria, will face the noose at dawn. Federico's body has been buried in a cemetery, so he might find peace on the other side. Consider this a mercy for your actions" The paper felt as if it burned his skin, his eyes blurring with a mix of rage and despair.

Maria, his beloved, his partner in all things, was alive. The thought was both a sliver of hope and a crushing weight. "We need to save her," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Mario nodded, his eyes steely with resolve. "We will," he promised. "But we need a plan."

Giovanni's thoughts raced as he stared at the letter, the words of the message burning in his mind. Uberto Alberti, the man who had been orchestrating the executions across the city, was the one holding Maria's life in his cruel grasp. If they could eliminate him, perhaps they could save her. "We must find Uberto," he murmured. "And we must do it quickly."

Mario agreed, his jaw set in a firm line. "We'll need to be cautious," he warned. "The city is swarming with Templars."

Giovanni nodded, his mind racing. The courtesans had always been a reliable source of information, often knowing more about the city's secrets than the most seasoned guards. He knew of a particular courtyard where they often gathered, sharing whispers and gossip beneath the guise of flirtation. "Come," he said, leading the way. "We'll find out where Uberto is."

The courtyard was a whirlwind of color and sound, the laughter and music a stark contrast to the grief that weighed on the siblings' hearts. They moved through the crowd, their eyes searching for any familiar faces. A young courtesan named Paola caught their gaze, her sharp eyes assessing the situation. She was known for her cunning and her loyalty to the Auditores.

Giovanni approached her, his voice low and urgent. "Paola, we need your help."

Her smile was brittle, but her eyes shone with a fierce determination that matched his own. "What can I do for you, my love?"

Giovanni's voice was a low rumble, filled with urgency. "We need information. Have you heard anything about Uberto Alberti's whereabouts?"

Paola's gaze searched the crowd, her expression unreadable. "He's been seen at the Palazzo Medici," she whispered. "But beware, the place is swarming with his men."

Giovanni's eyes narrowed. The Palazzo Medici was a fortress, a bastion of Templar power in the heart of Florence. It was where his father had been killed, and where his mother had been taken. The thought of returning to that place filled him with a cold dread, but he knew it was where they had to go.

Moving through the city streets, they stuck to the shadows, the echoes of their footsteps a haunting melody of vengeance. The siblings were a silent specter, their faces masks of determination as they approached the palazzo. The courtyard was bustling with activity, guards patrolling the perimeter with an air of vigilance that spoke of their anticipation of an attack.

Giovanni's eyes scanned the area, assessing the best way to breach the fortress. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft touch on his arm. "Giovanni," Mario whispered, pointing to an unguarded balcony overlooking the courtyard. "We can use the grappling hook."

Without a word, they moved swiftly, using the shadows as cover. The grappling hook bit into the stone, and they climbed the wall with the ease of seasoned Assassins. At the top, they found themselves in a richly decorated chamber. The opulence of the Templars' quarters only fueled their anger. They moved through the corridors with silent steps, the scent of candle wax and incense a stark contrast to the stench of fear and sweat that lingered in their own home.

Giovanni's instincts led them to a chamber where the murmur of voices grew louder. Peering through a crack in the heavy oak door, they saw Uberto Alberti, surrounded by his lieutenants. The sight of Maria bound and gagged in the corner, brought a new wave of fury. Her eyes, filled with a mix of terror and hope, met theirs, and she struggled against her restraints.

Giovanni's grip on his sword tightened, his knuckles white. "We'll get her," he mouthed, his gaze never leaving hers. They waited, biding their time, listening to the Templars' plans. Uberto spoke of a meeting with the Sultan's envoy, an exchange of power that would seal the fate of Florence and the world.

The tension grew with every passing second. The siblings knew they had to act swiftly. As the room grew quiet, they burst through the door, their blades a silent promise of retribution. The Templars were caught off guard, their eyes widening in surprise and fear as the Auditores descended upon them.