Luciano was not quite satisfied with the Assassin's words - they confirmed what he had already thought, but did not tell much new. One part still grabbed his attention however: that which told of the Apple apparently being much more than a simple but powerful object. It spoke to him, the Assassin said, almost commanding him to do its bidding. Emerico, who stayed very silent throughout most of the explanation, also nodded decisively when this part was mentioned. There was little doubt of its truth and Luciano was equal parts amazed and terrified.
The Grand Master talked about the artefact as a tool when it was more of a sinister entity of its own. The Templar did not yet think about how to present his failure - was it really one, after everything? - to the Order's leader. The knowledge he had just acquired was seldom enough, and if he wished to retain his elevated position within the organisation, he needed to get something more. He knew it well - and already had a plan.

"Thank you for your eager cooperation. I see no reason why we should not act the same," he said when the Assassin was done with his speech and the woman asked for their help for one last time. "Come. One of Firenze's best doctors works in the district above us. He will no doubt take care of your partner's wounds."
He beckoned the two Assassins to go forward so that he and Emerico could keep eyes on them. They were more cautious however and walked with their blades visibly out. The atmosphere was tense, but silent and bloodless as well. No one made a sudden move.

The exit from the catacombs was a rusty ladder leading to a hidden door in the wall of a church. The ladder was narrow, they had to go up one by one. Luciano was the third one to step on it, Emerico right behind him. This was his opportunity.
Exploiting the few moments when the two Assassins were already up and out and he was not yet expected to appear behind them, he turned and whispered one word to Emerico:
"Reinforce."

He could only hope he was quick and silent enough for his little act to go unnoticed by the Assassins. Once all four of them were on the surface and started heading towards the doctor Luciano mentioned, Emerico suddenly stepped away in the other direction.
"It was a...pleasure. May we never meet again," he said before disappearing into the crowd with haste.
"I gave him permission to leave." Luciano jumped to explain quickly before the Assassins became suspicious. "He is still greatly perturbed by the Apple's effects, but unlike you, he is thankfully mostly unscathed. There is no need for him here anymore - it was best to let him leave to rest at home."
He then ushered the two to keep on going as fast as the injured one could keep up.

Emerico did not head home. Much less to rest. Instead, he hurried to a specific guard patrol post. Since the Medici took control, they have replaced most of Florence's armed forces with men loyal to them. It was only thanks to hefty financial incentives from Rodrigo Borgia and other powerful people that the Templar Order could retain a heavy influence among the ranks, able to use the guards for their own goals.
Emerico went for the closest, knowingly Templar-affiliated guard captain and was most relieved when he found him with his entire squad waltzing around the area in patrol.
"[i]Messer[/i], come quickly! A brother needs your aid."
"With what exactly, eh?" The captain, though loyal, was haughty enough to question.
Emerico quickly looked around himself then leaned closer:
"Hunting Assassins."
That was enough. The captain ordered his men to follow him as he went after Emerico.

Luciano held his promise and the two Assassins could soon hear the inviting words of the doctor who offered his services to any passer-by. He wore the usual black cloak and beak-shaped mask, standing at his small but well-equipped stand. Luciano knew him personally, he had visited him before. He was a fair and impartial doctor, seemingly unaware of the grand war behind the scenes. The Templar did not plan on dragging him into it this time either.
"Here he is. Just ask, and he will treat you properly," he said to the injured Assassin and slowly backed off. "The deal is finished."

He lingered around the area for a couple more minutes, anxiously waiting for Emerico to arrive. And he did - with the reinforcement.
"I hope we are not too late yet," said the apprentice.
"You are right on time." Luciano quickly beckoned him and the guards towards the doctor. "Let us strike."

"You have violated the law of the great city of Firenze. In the name of the one and only [i]Dio[/i], you shall be brought to justice!" The guard captain stepped up to the two Assassins with a harsh voice and a blade drawn, scaring both the hapless doctor and the nearby civilians
"The deal may be done..." Luciano walked besides him, armed and ready. "But this is the true end."