Assassins creed - Understanding

Chapter 1 - Failed Mission

*3 years later* 

. I opened the door to the inn. There were cold stares instead of any greeting. I flicked my hair over my shoulder, I wasn’t here for them. My eyes adjusted to the dim light of the inn. I found the staircase to the left. Walking past the small groups of drunken men and woman I found my way to the top of the stairs. There was a corridor, long and narrow, with doors on either side. Making my way along, I found room 32. It was written in clear, gold writing that swirled around each other. I fixed my grey mask over my face, making sure to hide my features. I wore my mask wherever I went and kept it with me at all times.

I expected the door to be locked, so I had gotten my lock pick tools out. It surprised me when to door was open. Slipping inside, I saw the room was bright with the light pouring in from its three windows. Naturally, there was a desk in the center of the room. To the right there were two other doors, locked, leading elsewhere. I walked over to the desk and took out a yellow envelope with a seal of a red cross. I knew what its contents held, and knew better than to read the letter myself, being in this business for a long time just tells you what was right and wrong. I placed the envelope on the table, cautious of movement behind me.

Cazzo, now was not the time to get into a fight! Years ago, my first instinct would be to turn around and face my pursuer immediately.  Now, however, I stayed were I was, being normal as possible as to not show any emotion. I remembered even breathing and to keep blinking. I listened carefully; there was another being in the room. The faint sound of breathing could be heard. To a normal person who was not listening would not hear anything. Now that it was in my attention, I couldn’t exactly block it out.

If the person was the man I needed to see, that would be okay. He wouldn’t be expecting me; my mission was to not get caught. The man, or woman, was lurking in the shadows of the room. No, I don’t think this was who I was intended to surprise, but someone to stop me.

Without making any sudden movements, I walked over the window, making as through I was admiring the view. I was expecting the mystery behind the shadows to creep up behind me and attack, for which I had my blade ready. However, all that was done was said in a deep, husky voice of a man. ‘One should not walk into an unlocked room.’

Pah, he thought he could get me by the element of surprise? I remained as I was, and without turning back, said

‘And one should control ones breathing.’

With that, I jumped out the window and into a haystack below. I fell with a thump, disgusted but the smell of rotten hay. I crept out and turned the corner. I jumped onto my horse and rode through the streets of Venezia.

I arrived at the farm just before dinner. I parked my horse, Codac, and knocked thrice on the door. I was greeted warmly by Rodero, the owner of the farm. Rodero walked along side me, leading us to the kitchen. He took a swing of ginger beer from his bottle and asked ‘Is it done?’

I replied with a curt nod, which seemed to satisfy him as he took another swing of beer. In the kitchen, there was to be a meeting going on. There were ten chairs, which only 3 were occupied. In two sat Flavia and Osten, the children of Rodero. Me and Rodero took our seats on the wooden chairs.

The leader of the meeting, his name Duccio, sat at the center chair. On either side of him sat Claudio and Maria. Petricco appeared out from the shadows, which reminded me of earlier events and sat next to me, to my distaste. His presence annoyed me. I could feel his eyes blazing on my face. Luckily I still had my mask on, so he couldn’t see my burning face. There were 2 chairs remaining, one for where Poalo would have sat, and one..

‘Where is Gustav?’ I asked. I was not going to go out looking for him. Again.

Duccio replied ‘Out getting drunk with his puttana.’ I smirked, how ironic for him, since he was the one with a different woman every night. 

I nodded and started playing with my hair. I felt eight pair of eyes trained on me. I knew they wanted answers, but I wasn’t going to speak without being asked. Besides, I loved making them impatient, the looks on their faces! I wanted to laugh at them. I usually never laugh, but I am always happy after a successful mission.

Just to spoil my fun, Duccio, ‘the leader’, sighs loudly, ending my amusement. ‘Valentina..’ He says, laughter in his tone.  He knew I was messing about. Of course he did.

‘Yes?’ I replied innocently. Gosh, I loved teasing Duccio.

‘Was your mission well?’

Now I sighed. I adjusted my mask over my face, and then placed my hands on my lap. Now for the boring part of every mission, Analysis.

‘All was well.’ I started.” There was no suspicion on the way to the inn, and no suspicion elsewhere. The letter to that traitor Poalo has been delivered. There was no one else there-‘ I stopped mid sentence. In actual fact, there WAS someone there.

Beside me, Petricco snarled. ‘Well?’

I glared back at him before saying ‘Poalo’s room was unlocked. It surprised me, but I went in. Of course, Poalo was not there, but someone else was. I saw no face, just voice. He spoke out of the shadows. I know not if he was Assassin or Templar. I placed the letter and left through the window.’ I said smugly. I left out the information about our two sentenced conversation, it was irrelevant. Right now, all I wanted was food and sleep.

‘So.’ Came Gustav’s slurred voice. Duccio was right, he was drunk. ‘You decided to leave the letter in the hands of your friend? I am assuming you took the letter back, judging by the look on your face.’

That smacked the grin right off my lips. Horror and despair clouded my mind. This was not meant to happen. At that moment, I could only think of one thing- what have I done?

Merda.

My eyes bulged through my mask. I felt colour being drained from my skin. I was in such big trouble.

I had never failed a mission, even if it were a theft, or an eavesdropping, or interrogation- I have never failed. What the hell Valentina? What happened? How could you just leave the envelope? Why didn’t you THINK?

Rodero slammed his beer on the table. Petricco moaned. Gustav barred his teeth. The worst, by far the worst, was Duccio. His handsome face was twisted into a fierce snarl in my direction, all playfulness gone. His pale face now burned red with fury. His dark eyes burned into mine, making me feel so small under his glare. His ears were practically fuming. I could feel the heat radiating off him. His hands were clenched in fists on the table, tight as so his veins could be seen. I could practically hear the murderous thoughts reeling in his head.

I wanted to explain, I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t. There was nothing to say. There was nothing to explain. I was lost for words.

‘Valentina.’ Duccio’s voice vibrated through the air. His deep voice penetrated my brain. He sounded so disappointed, sad, and even scared. ‘That letter contained information on each and every one of us. It explains what makes us who we are. It has out names on it, including yours. It was signed by us. It has information on where we are! On what we do! Why we do it! Poalo was not worthy, he was unfaithful and a traitor. What if your pursuer was an Assassin? What would come of that? What would become of us? What would become of this, our, your Templar order?’

Maybe I should have listened to the stranger and not walk into an unlocked room.

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Not so happy with this chapter. I was not feeling well, SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT. 

I wont tell you to vote, or comment, or fan or whatever, do so if you wish. 

Arrivederci! Until next time!