31 - Protectors of the Earth

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August 25, 1503

Roma, Italy

The start came both sooner and later than they expected.

Whatever had happened in the room in the Castelo that night a week ago, Cesare had become gravely ill. Poisoned, according to the rumors their Thieves had found. Recalling the conversation they'd heard in the lower floors, it was believed to be Cantarella, or at least called that, and it had made the man bedridden. He'd been too heavily guarded and secreted to a place they couldn't find, so they'd bided their time. Bartolomeo stationed men on the streets at all times; Claudia made sure her girls siphoned any whispers they could from their clients; La Volpe ensured his thieves heard and saw everything before silently returning to the fox den. As such, they understood, even sick, the Borgia bastard was doing all he could to gather men, coin, and the Church to his side. He he was also looking for them—the Assassins. He wanted the Apple back, but they were masters at keeping hidden. So, try as he might, his men had no luck, and soon the "master" would have to do the work himself.

It was during such a time they found him. He had popped his head out at the Campidoglio, surrounding himself with guards of all ranks and skills. His little armada allowed him to escape even when Ezio and Catherine had brought a group of Assassins with them, but they had made their blow. Many of the guard were slain and those that lived saw the power the Assassins had. Their enemy would find it more difficult to get people to fight beside him—or that was the hope. After all, even being so ill the man had proven dangerous in this time.

Yet, they did not fear it.

Or rather, they did not worry as much as they had before. It was because of the Apple, of course, and even their trainees felt more confident with the artifact in their hands. The power of it was undeniable after their bout with the Borgia, but so was the danger, although that was kept between the faction leaders and The Mentor. As such, Ezio did well to keep it safely on his person whenever awake, and kept well-hidden when asleep—that, or in the safe hands of a trusted person. In the meantime, they readied themselves.

Catherine doubled the training, doubled the watch, and called any Assassins she could back. The final phase of their War was upon them, and they would need all the help they could get. She lamented none of her Master ranks sent elsewhere could return, but they had their own hands full. Already there was work being done in England under Alessandra and Jacopo's watchful eyes. King Richard had allied with their Order, and there was need of them there. Germany had good ties, and France was slowly being worked on. Even India was allied with the Order, although they contended with Templars everywhere. However, she was at least content to know their forces could prevent possible foreign aid to the Borgia. It would do its part, and so she sent only her thanks, wishes of luck, and orders to continue their damned good work.

So that left her forces in Roma, which would be enough. It had to be, and so she would make sure they were all as prepared as possible. She wouldn't have time to gather more recruits—nor would her husband—so she had to ensure even those wet behind the years might survive any conflict. She let herself doubt it would come to that, but she always prepared for the worst.

As it turned out, she was glad she did when the first attacks came.

To her—and Ezio's—surprise, it was not by Borgia guards or Cesare himself, but rather denizens. Nobles some, lower class others. She had not thought the Borgia would have any supporters after everything that happened, but radicals had begun to sprout up in the city. Catherine suspected it was due to the murder of the Pope—of Rodrigo. His passing had come as a great shock and tragedy to many, and soon there would be motions set in order to elect his replacement. No doubt Cesare would be working to alter it into his favor, and while the majority of the populace were against him now, pockets of supporters sprang up. They were violent and unexpected, but ultimately handled with only a few casualties. It only added to all the chaos, though, and worry began to take hold, although, only for the unknown of what the riots could stir.

"It won't do you good to worry yourself over things," Ezio spoke up, tearing Catherine from her thoughts. He had touched her back gently, warm against her cooler skin. She looked over her shoulder at him, lying prone beside her. His chest was bare—as was the rest of him under the sheets just like herself—and he looked quite handsome in the candlelight. He smiled gently, his scar moving upwards with his lip.

"You know I can't not. Yes, we have the advantage and it's mostly these nobles who have been ousted from positions of power so they're pissed, but good people were hurt—and one was killed. We need to figure out how to stop them, but we need to find Cesare for that, and he's too well hidden and won't show his damn face," she huffed, throwing up an arm in frustration.

Ezio hummed, wrapping his arm around her waist to pull her down next to him, "All important things to worry over, but this is war. We knew chaos would happen, even if we didn't say it. Even the Papacy is in turmoil and now we must play our role and be ready whenever the coward shows himself."

"I wish we could just go and find him, but—blah. Okay. Right. No use worrying. Think of the positives... Alright... Diana is... doing very good in her training and she's only eleven. Mario is speaking better every day at only three, so I know he's going to be very smart. We'll need to think about getting him a tutor soon. I think. Giovanni is doing good as well and fitting in better than I expected. Even Claudia and Maria seem to like him, despite his lineage."

"Mother enjoys another 'grandson' to dote on—even if he's not blood" Ezio chuckled, thumb gently rubbing along her skin, tracing a scar. "And they both know he's innocent. Just a boy, born to a terribly family. He's doing well in his training, too. I think it's sweet how Diana dotes on him. She has a good heart."

"Claudia's going to be furious when she refuses to start courting and being a 'proper' lady," Catherine chuckled, earning one from her husband. She grew quiet, breathing in slowly for a few moments. Her voice was soft as she went on, "We won't have many talks like this for a while... will we?"

He didn't answer at first, "No, I don't think so. Cesare is going to fight hard. We may fight here, we may fight elsewhere. But we'll win it. And then..."

"Then?" she asked, looking to him.

"Then... I don't know. I hadn't thought about it yet, but... we'll think of something. At the very least, we still have lots of Assassins—our children included—to train."

"Mmm maybe we can actually have our own house instead of this place. Don't get me wrong—it's great... but I would mind having some place like the Villa back. I miss our old home."

"...Me, too," Ezio chuckled softly, pulling her a bit closer. He thought for a moment, eyes falling, "Perhaps... when this is done... we could go back—to see what's become of it."

Catherine turned to face him fully, hand reaching up to cup his face, "I'd like that. Hopefully it won't take too long."

Her husband smiled gently, "Yes.... Hopefully, we can end this war soon."

-O-

September 10, 1503

Roma, Italy

"Is Ezio back yet?" Claudia spoke up as she descended the stairs of the entryway into the Assassin sanctuary, pushing her hood back to reveal her face. She wore her newly established Assassin garbs as opposed to her Madame robes, and Catherine again thought they suited her very well.

"Not yet. But don't worry—I sent a group of Assassins with him as back up," the redhead replied, gaze moving back down to the map on her desk, spread about between La Volpe and Machiavelli on either side of the desk. It was a sketch of Roma and all on it were various marks and symbols to represent their troops, allies, and enemies. The red of the Borgia was decidedly less than the white of their Order, but the former was by no means so easily quashed. Another Borgia-loyalist had started trouble, but had thankfully been taken care of quickly enough. Still, that made the third this month, and they hadn't been able to kill the others. It wasn't too serious, but Catherine didn't dare let herself get complacent.

She noted one person missing, "I thought Maria was joining us this time?"

"She was... tired tonight. She has been working hard to ensure the girls' safety. I believe it is finally just wearing her down. She will see us next time. So. What other news do you have?" her sister-in-law inquired, coming to stand on the remaining free side.

The nobleman gestured, "I am still working to find the noble loyalists in the court, but it seems they have grown wise to the situation. Those who side with the Borgia had deemed it more likely they will survive this... 'shift' in power if they remain quiet. My associate Bruno is working to root them out, though. He is very thorough in his work."

"My spies are working hard as well to find those in the countryside, but there is little to find. It seems our efforts to dissuade sympathy for the Borgia has been working," La Volpe smiled with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, it does help that Cesare lost his Papal support," Catherine smirked in kind. When Claudia raised a brow, she went on, "Pope Pius III's death was quite convenient."

"Ah. Clever move."

"Indeed, it was, and I have heard rumor their next choice may not be so inclined to support Cesare. I cannot confirm, but there is less Borgia coin running through their coffers these days," Niccolò chuckled, earning a light laugh from his fox-like companion.

"What of this 'army' of Cesare's we have heard rumor of?" Claudia pressed.

Catherine shrugged, "I'm not sure. It's just gossip at most right now, although Cesare seems sure. Micheletto and the Baron were his main army components, but both are dead, so I'm not sure who is leading this 'army' of his. I suppose some loyalists from his troops in the countryside might have broken off from the main force that's returning, but I can't be sure. I don't like it, but all we can do is prepare for it and keep stripping away at Cesare's power."

"I will press harder for answers where I can," Machiavelli offered, earning a nod.

Her sister sighed, "I am unsure if my girls can glean anything from the nobles, but I will try. Mother has not heard anything from her own 'older' associates, either. Her little 'club' has been useful, though, I must say. We only learned how to lure the Cardinal in to find out about the meeting tonight because of it."

"Ah, even tired, your mother is a wily creature still," La Volpe snickering, though stifled it when he received a reproving glare from the younger Auditore. "I only mean to compliment, I assure you. But, I digress... my thieves will keep their ears open, but otherwise I can merely keep an eye on the horizon for an army."

"Don't worry, we're prepared. We'll be ready for it," the redhead grinned, leaning forward to set her hands on the table. She gazed over at the map, knowing full well they had the advantage. Cesare was strong, yes, but he was getting weaker. He was still recovering from his poisoning, which made him weak in front of his men. He had none of this Generals to help him, and now the Papacy was turning against him. Once Ezio returned, it would cement that blow, and they could move on to their next step.

The door to the Sanctuary open and closed, and all eyes turned. As the redhead expected, her husband appeared a few moments later. He had sweat on his brow, despite the cool air, and she see his weariness. He'd used the Apple. By some miracle, he didn't suffer the terrible effects she had with her Clock or when she combined with the Apple, but it was a taxing endeavor to use it. He carried himself strongly, though, and approached them with a victorious smile on his face.

"It is done. Cesare escaped me, but the damage I inflicted on his guards and any potential allies was more important. I also learned the Cardinals will side with Della Rovere and elect him Pope. Cesare is no longer in control of the Papacy."

"Ah, excellent. We were just speaking of such matters, actually," the thief leader snickered, earning a grin in kind.

Catherine rubbed Ezio's back gently, "We're one step closer. All we should have left to worry about is this 'army' he keeps hoping is coming."

"If he thinks he can win, he truly is deluded," Claudia snorted, head lifted high. Her brother chuckled, clasping her shoulder.

"Indeed, Sister. He is losing his sense in his panic. He holds on to his false hope, but it is slowly fading. We will break him very soon."

"Good. We are with you all the way, Ezio," Niccolò nodded, and La Volpe did the same.

"Now that's settled... time for you to get some rest. I suggest we all do and report back once we have something substantial," Catherine grinned, giving the signal for the meeting to adjourn. Farewells were given and the three leaders left to return to their respective domains. Bartolomeo was the only one already there, having remained at the Barracks with his wife and men to see to the countryside as opposed to the meeting. With them gone, the Sanctuary grew quiet save for the echoes of weapons clanging from the training rooms down below. Catherine ignored them, though, as she took Ezio's hand in hers so as to bring it to her lips to kiss gently. "You used it too much."

He smiled tiredly, "A bit, but it was worth it. I just need rest and some good food."

"Still, I worry. I wish you'd let me carry the burden with you."

"No!" he growled sharply, though she did not wince. Rather, she smiled gently, and he sighed. "I don't dare let you be hurt by it again. Besides, you bore the burden all on your own for years. I can carry it some now. And worry not; I don't feel terrible pain, and my strength returns moments later."

"You know that just means I'm going to worry more, right?" she huffed, folding her arms. He laughed lightly, pulling her to him and kissing her brow.

"I know, and it makes my heart soar knowing I have you here watching over me. Now, come. No more worry. I need your breasts to rest my head on," he snickered, earning a smack on his thigh. "Ow! What? You love it! Especially when I play with them."

"Don't you pillow talk me here. Save it for the bedroom, now hush, and get going up to the bed."

A mischievous twinkle came into his eyes, "Yes, my dear kitty-'Cat."

Catherine only rolled her eyes as she smiled, and even as they ascended the stairs to their room, the twinkle never faded.

-O-

December 15, 1504

Roma, Italy

Cesare wisely waited a great deal longer before he emerged again. It was for good reason, though.

Despite the lack of Papal, foreign, and his generals' support, the Borgia bastard had managed to rally loyalists, from nobles to regular citizens, to his side. Despite all their efforts, the loyalists had emerged and were causing trouble—enough so that it felt like the city was at war all over again, only this time, it wasn't kept to the shadows. Riots sprung up, some with the guards on their side, and others with the guards trying to quell the chaos. Fires sprung up, structures and buildings were damaged, and people were hurt. The Assassins did what they could to help without exposing themselves while Bartolomeo was quick to make his mercenaries known to help keep the peace. In the meantime, Catherine and Ezio had worked hard with La Volpe and Niccolò to find out those working for their enemy. That, of course, proved to be as difficult as finding their quarry. Worse still, Cesare had not been as deluded as Ezio believed.

Only perhaps a month after the encounter with the Cardinals, word came of loyalists trying to amass an army outside the city. It was alarming, to be sure, but the Assassins were quick to work to undo it. Spies told them what they needed to know, and with the new Pope on their side—to an extent, of course; he, at the very least, had the same goal—they were able to warn the Papacy of Cesare's plans. The Pope set his own machinations into order, leaving it out of the Assassin's hands, but Bartolomeo's cousin—Fabio Orsini, now working for the Pope after having been an outlaw under Rodrigo's reign—assured them, it would be alright and to have faith.

Catherine found it hard to do so as she paced inside the sanctuary of Isola Tiberina, awaiting the arrival of their comrades. She and Ezio had traveled to Bartolomeo's Barracks just hours ago, having been nearby and accosted by a mercenary saying their comrade had a message. It was, unfortunately, not good news—but also not bad news. Or rather, Cesare had been spotted by the north gate of Roma, which meant it was a chance to strike him yet again. He had been seen with best guards, and it was believed he was waiting for something.

It didn't take much to figure out what. Had Fabio failed then? Had their warning not been quick enough? Had Cesare succeeded in obtaining an army to come and reclaim Roma? It was not unfounded that he had other foreign allies to draw upon, despite her assurance from her fellow Assassins abroad their leaders held no great interest or would not stick out their necks to help him. If enough loyalists were out there and noble they could pose a threat. As such, she couldn't help worrying as the seconds became minutes. It felt like too long for everyone to come together, and she wondered if the Assassins waiting with her also felt anxious—or was it just her?

"It will be fine," her husband whispered into her ear, coming up beside her with his hand on her lower back. She paused in her movement but folded her arms over her chest. She glanced behind them, noting Bartolomeo polishing his sword and his men doing the same for their weapons, and her Assassins checking and double-checking their gear. They were only bringing a small contingent of men—and women—from their group. They needed to move fast and with all their factions fighting as one, even small numbers from each would make an impact. The idea was to stop Cesare before his "supposed" army came.

"Sorry. I'm... nervous," she frowned, closing her eyes to breathe in deeply.

He chuckled, "Me, too... but we're ready. We have our best Assassins with us, Bartolomeo his best, Our nephew is with us, and the children are safe with mother up above. And to add to that, more Assassins guard them and will be waiting for our call in the city. Claudia will join us soon, along with Machiavelli and La Volpe's thieves. Cesare cannot beat us."

She sighed, "You're right. I'm thinking too much."

"Always useful—when called for," Bartolomeo chuckled, coming to their side, "but your husband is right. Have faith, my dear Lady. My cousin will come through. He is of my blood, and we never fail."

"Really," the redhead mused, earning a sharp huff and glare that only lasted for a moment.

"That is not the point. Fabio will come through."

"See? Nothing to worry. Rather, think of how good we might sleep once Cesare is defeated," Ezio snickered, kissing her brow. She managed to laugh and let her shoulders

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