They had ridden into the courtyard of Mario’s fortified residence, and, as they dismounted, Ezio’s sister, Claudia, appeared at the top of the marble staircase that led up to the main entrance and flew down it and into her brother’s arms.

‘Brother!’ she cried, hugging him. ‘Your return home is the best birthday present I could have wished for.’

‘Claudia, my dearest,’ said Ezio, holding her close. ‘It is good to be back. How is our mother?’

‘Well, thanks be to God. She’s dying to see you - we’ve been on tenterhooks ever since the news reached us that you were returning. And your fame goes before you.’

‘Let’s go in,’ said Mario.

‘There’s someone else who’ll be glad to see you,’ continued Claudia, taking his arm and escorting him up the staircase. ‘The Countess of Forli.’

‘Caterina? Here?’ Ezio tried to keep the excitement out of his voice.

‘We did not know when exactly you would arrive. She and Mother are with the Abbess, but they will be here by sunset.’

‘Business first,’ said Mario knowingly. ‘I am calling a meeting of the Council of the Brotherhood here tonight. Machiavelli, I know, is especially keen to talk to you.’

‘Is it finished, then?’ asked Claudia intently. ‘Is the Spaniard truly dead?’

Ezio’s grey eyes hardened. ‘I will explain everything at the meeting this evening,’ he told her.

‘Very well,’ replied Claudia, but her eyes were troubled as she took her leave.

‘And please give my greetings to the Countess when she returns,’ Ezio called after her. ‘I will see her, and Mother, this evening. First I have business to attend to with Mario which will not wait.’

Once alone, Mario’s tone became serious. ‘You must prepare well for tonight, Ezio. Machiavelli will be here by sunset and I know he has many questions for you. We will discuss matters now, and then I advise you to take some time off - it won’t hurt you to get to know the town a little again.’