The Assassins were trapped. While the woman could have possibly outrun all the guards, Luciano knew she was not going to leave his injured companion behind. The doctor was dutiful but not bold, and so he fled when he had the chance. Curiosity got the better of many citizens however, there was soon an entire circle of spectators around the stand. That was the one circumstance not in the Templars' favour—and the Assassins were quick to voice it.
“What about a public execution right here and right now, eh?!” The guard captain huffed angrily. The accusation of cowardice was the greatest blow to his pride. He reached for his sword, ready to pounce in any moment.

Luciano pulled him back firmly.
“Don't think I couldn't have killed you both down there,” he said confidently to the Assassins. “But us Templars have morals too. We had an agreement. I held it against my better judgement. And I will once again let you live...for now. Take them away.”
The captain signed four of his men to restrain the Assassins, not taking any chances for a sudden breakout.
“Heh, the [i]Signor[/i] is merciful. He must have plans for you. May have been better off executed after all...” one of them murmured at the two pushing them forward to get them moving.

The crowd slowly started to disperse as the group of guards marched away with the captives. Luciano remained at the back with Emerico, talking in hushed tones drowned out by the bustle of the city.
“Excellent work. This mission is not so much of a failure anymore because of you,” Luciano praised his apprentice.
“[i]Ahimé.[/i] All but consolation for the loss of the Apple...” Emerico held his head downwards in visible disappointment. He was unsure if it still was the power of the artefact speaking from him or if he truly regretted not doing everything to save it.
“Until we learn how to handle its massive potential, it is better this way.”
“Perhaps.” He looked up. “But I have to ask...why spare these two [i]ratti?[/i]”
“Their lives are still not safe... The captain thirsts for blood. But they have to survive. They are good warriors. Honest ones. They would make valuable allies.”
Emerico looked at the Templar in disbelief.
“They will not convert.”
“Nothing is certain. The [i]Le Stinche[/i] tends to have a profound effect on its prisoners...” The Florentine prison was one of the first of its kind to be able to keep inmates in for a longer amount of time instead of simply providing a temporary stay for the criminals who awaited their true punishment. “But I'm afraid I won't be able to see it for now. I have to go.”
“Where?”
“To talk with the Maestro. If I'm correct, he is leaving for San Gimignano today. I have to get his approval for the plan.”
“[i]Buona fortuna.[/i]”

Rodrigo Borgia resided in the house of one of his allies when duties called him to Florence, something which happened much more often nowadays. Luciano heard he had a plot to be executed, but never bothered finding out the details. After letting the guards at the door know who he was and who he sought, the Templar was soon allowed inside. The Grand Master stood in the window in his usual red and black clothing.
“I trust you will reveal the Apple of Eden to me now,” he spoke, his voice not bearing opposition.
“We were followed. Your men were not enough to fend off the two Assassins and we were forced to fight them ourselves. The Apple's power was accidentally awoken and the entire place collapsed.” Luciano straightened himself, trying to retain his confidence. He was not used to reporting failure...and he did not dare to think about the consequences. “The Piece...the Piece was lost to the depths with everything else.”

“You lost the Apple of Eden?!” The Grand Master turned around, seething with rage. “You have failed me, de Vicari! You have failed the entire Templar Order! Did you come here expecting anything else than the worst of deaths...?”
“I did not come to beg for forgiveness or make excuses. I came to make the best out of a bad situation.”
“What are you waiting for then? What can you say that could possibly absolve you from your horrendous failure?”
“The two Assassins...we have captured them. And I have reasons to believe their Brotherhood knows the location of another such artefact.” Luciano kept a straight face as he spoke. He had nothing concrete to support his intriguing words, but he feared that without them, his plan would not be approved...or worse.
“Is that so? And how would you acquire the information?” Rodrigo was sceptic, but interested—his thirst for absolute power overshadowed everything else.
“The two are in prison now, with the threat of execution. With your permission, I can intervene and get them to aid our cause.” Luciano knew it was not much for a plan just yet, but he was confident in his success. “Of course, I take responsibility for everything happening. If they lay as much as a finger on a Templar, I will accept death as worthy punishment.”
“If you do not find the location, the same will happen.” Rodrigo threatened, but the real menace from his voice was gone. “[i]Molto bene.[/i] I give you the chance to right the wrongs you have caused. Have your way with our enemies...and find me another Apple.”

Luciano felt very satisfied as he left the house and started heading for the [i]Le Stinche.[/i] Not only did he avoid a harsh sentence himself, he also managed to gain the permission he needed. Yet, he had to realise that the hardest part was only now beginning: [i]turning the two Assassins.[/i]