The Peoples' Guardian

Under a hood and cloak was a man ready to kill, a natural leader and a presence that you would tremble in or commend to. His eyes, sharp like an animal’s and bright in a soulful shade of brown. On his eyebrow and lip, he wielded scars from deep cuts suffered from former battles. And even escapes. Over the years he’s developed an ability to hone his senses. He was no ordinary person. He could scale walls, leap from remarkable heights, had lightning reflexes. But most of all his sight and hearing was impeccable. He was trained since childhood, selected by an secreted guild. He is Ezio Auditore, an Assassin. Pledged to serve Rome keep its balance.

Now having been one of the last Assassins alive. They were what trained Ezio to be what he was. But now, hunted down and wanted, they are on the run. Separated and alone they were a once powerful, influential but secretive guild have been overpowered by corrupted administrative powers in the early 15th century.

Ezio observed the Roman courtyard as he perched from his vantage point on a ledge overhanging from a towering house. His black cloak shrouded him from peoples’ vision down below as the dark clouds in the night sky obscured any moonlight that may have disrupted his camouflage. He was perfectly concealed.

Suddenly, Ezio heard a scream. It wasn’t far. He drew himself upwards. He felt his pulse rose, his senses sharpened, reflexes sharpened and muscles tensed. Ezio bolted from the rooftop on to another in sensational bounds, dived onto a rope hanging from a house without a single moment of apprehension then veered towards an aqueduct. But the rope wasn’t long enough. Sure enough, he let go of it and plunged onto an aqueduct’s second level. In those split seconds he had little time to think. He collided onto the structure almost shattering his head against one of the granite pillars and splashing water over his battle attire. He suffered some mild bruises but didn’t have time to dry off.

The scream wasn’t far now. Although freezing wet he endeavored. He strived to run quickly whisking around the pillars as leather and silk he wore weighed heavy with water. There, he spots it. Backed up against the aqueduct and a gang of armed thugs was a small boy. He must have been exploring in the ruins nearby when he lost his way. It was easy money for the thugs, as well as a lucky break. Although, they weren’t as luck as they though.

“Ey you, scum, leave the boy alone. You may leave now. Or die.” Ezio wasn’t willing to give a second chance.

“What are you going to do from up there? Ha! You can’t even get down!.” The thug leader shouted in assurance.

“Don’t worry bambino, I will get you back to your parents”

Strapped yet concealed under his metal wrist guards were mechanized hidden blades. A remnant weapon that Assassins would always carry. Ezio took aim, his concentration heightened then he took a deep breath and as the thugs closed in on the boy, they saw a dark figure descend upon them. Like an eagle diving headfirst to snatch its prey. Ezio leaped from the aqueduct and triggered his hidden blade. It was superhuman. He pounced onto one of them from an unbelievable height landing on his back. Pinning him down from where he was standing, breaking several bones and delivered a final blow. A jab to the neck with the lethaly sharp blades.

“Assassin…” whispered one of them in trepidation. “You are all gone!...” Without uttering another sound they flee into the distance.

The boy approached Ezio and resides near him for safety.

“Where do you live boy?”

“Past the ruins down the hill. I got lost there.” He said, struggling to talk as he sniveled.

Ezio took the boy’s hands and guided him through the ruins. He knew every part of Rome. Especially the dangerous ones. They crept along the sides of the run down walls, trying not to be spotted. The area was known for disappearances. Guided by the yellow glowing light of the moon the route was easily visible.

“There it is! There it is! My house!” The boy runs to a small brick house. Flickering candle lights were seen through the window. Especially this late at night the whole city should have been asleep. All but one. In the orange backdrop were two silhouettes of a man and woman that moved in an aggressive, jerky manner. Pointing neurotically and thoughtlessly, posturing aggressive stances, making hasty and prompt speech. But, as the boy entered it all stopped. They turned. And the murmuring from the house was replaced by a tranquil silence. A family was reunited.

Moments later the boy prepared for bed. As he laid down he pondered about his mysterious hooded savior. He heard the night time breeze. The window was open. Noises of agile footsteps became louder and louder. Then the boy saw a hooded figure.

“Sleep well bambino, you are safe now.”