Sessio VII - On A Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Avicellus had just offered refuge to Giuliano, a well-dressed man involved in a tense altercation with two others, and suggested they meet later at the Ponte Vecchio. After letting Giuliano off in Corbignano, Avicellus resumed his journey to Settignano, keeping a vigilant eye out for any potential threats or pursuers.

As he continues along the winding roads leading to Settignano, the sky begins to lighten with the first hints of dawn. The air is still cool, and the path ahead is quiet. Avicellus knows he must reach the safe house soon, but the silence makes him uneasy. The terrain ahead grows more rugged as he approaches the hills surrounding Settignano. The narrow road is flanked by dense trees, their shadows long and dark in the early morning light.

As Avicellus turns a bend, he notices movement in the distance—a group of figures standing on the road ahead. They seem to be blocking the path. His instincts sharpen, and he considers whether to slow down, find another route, or approach cautiously. The coffins in the back of his cart still provide some cover, but he knows the situation could quickly turn dangerous.

Avicellus slows the cart, guiding the animals forward at a measured pace. The figures ahead remain still, their forms gradually becoming clearer as he draws closer. There are three of them, rough-looking men with the air of highwaymen, each armed with swords at their sides. They glance at one another as they see the cart approach, their postures tense but not immediately threatening. Still, expecting trouble, Avicellus cast shield on himself.

As Avicellus gets within earshot, one of the men steps forward, holding up a hand to stop him. The man's eyes narrow as he takes in the sight of the cart and the coffins.

"Morning, doctor," the man says, his voice gruff. "What brings you out this way at such an early hour? Bit dangerous on these roads."

Avicellus can feel their suspicion, but they haven't made a move yet. They seem to be waiting for his response, gauging his intentions before deciding how to act.

When the highwayman speaks, Avicellus maintains his calm demeanor. "It is precisely because of the danger that I travel at this hour," he replies smoothly. He gestures to the coffins in the cart. "These poor souls succumbed to the plague. I move them now to minimize the risk to others. Best if you keep your distance—for your own safety."

The men's eyes shift to the coffins, and they exchange uneasy glances. The mention of the plague has the desired effect: a mix of fear and disgust crosses their faces. One of them takes a step back, clearly reluctant to get any closer.

The leader seems less convinced, but he doesn’t immediately press the issue. “Plague victims, eh? You a doctor, then? I suppose you got papers for that, in case anyone asks?”

The question hangs in the air, a test of his story’s credibility. The men seem hesitant, but they’re clearly looking for any sign that Avicellus might be lying. The tension in the air is palpable, and it’s clear that his next words could determine whether they let him pass or decide to try their luck.

"Why, yes, I have the papers right here," says Avicellus. As he moves his hand to retrieve the "papers," he subtly begins casting web. The air around him thickens, and in an instant, sticky strands of webbing shoot out, enveloping the three men. They barely have time to react before they’re trapped in the dense, clinging webs, struggling futilely to free themselves.

The leader shouts in surprise, and the others grunt as they’re ensnared. Avicellus doesn’t wait to see if they’ll manage to break free—he snaps the reins, urging the cart’s animals into a swift trot. The cart lurches forward, the wheels creaking as it speeds away down the road, leaving the web-bound men behind.

As he drives away, Avicellus hears their muffled curses growing fainter in the distance. He glances back briefly, seeing the men still tangled in the web. His heart races, but he knows he must keep moving to reach Settignano before anyone else tries to stop him. The road ahead is still dark, but he can feel the first hints of dawn approaching. The village of Settignano is not far now, and with any luck, he will make it to the safe house before the sun rises.

The rest of Avicellus’s journey to Settignano passes uneventfully, the tension gradually easing as the village comes into view. The pale light of dawn begins to creep over the hills, casting long shadows across the narrow, cobblestone streets. Settignano, with its quiet charm, is just beginning to stir—the soft sounds of morning chores and distant church bells marking the arrival of a new day.

Avicellus guides the cart through the village with practiced ease, heading toward the outskirts where the safehouse is located. The building, an unassuming stone cottage with ivy creeping up its walls, blends seamlessly into the rural landscape. It’s precisely the kind of place one might overlook, which makes it perfect for his purposes.

He pulls the cart around to the back of the cottage, where a pair of heavy wooden doors lead into a small barn. Lorenzo’s men have made sure the area is clear; no one is around to witness his arrival. Avicellus dismounts, his movements careful and deliberate, and leads the cart into the barn. The familiar scent of hay and old wood greets him as he closes the doors behind him, securing the cart and its precious cargo from prying eyes.

The interior of the barn is dim, but Avicellus can make out the large worktable at the far end, stocked with supplies Lorenzo’s men have left for him. There’s a trapdoor in the floor, likely leading to a cellar where the artifacts can be hidden away more securely.

Avicellus takes a moment to breathe deeply, letting the relief wash over him. He has successfully delivered the artifacts to the safehouse, but he knows the real work is just beginning. There are still enemies to evade, alliances to form, and a city’s future that hangs in the balance.

For the time being, though, the artifacts are safe, and he has earned a few precious hours of rest before the next challenge presents itself.

After resting and recharging his spells, Avicellus feels the weight of his recent encounters lift slightly as he prepares for whatever comes next. The safe house in Settignano, a secluded villa nestled among olive groves, provides a temporary sense of security. The artifacts are secured, and the first part of his mission is complete.

As Avicellus finishes his preparations, he recalls that Lorenzo had mentioned making contact with certain individuals in Florence’s factions. However, the events of the journey and the need to remain inconspicuous have delayed this task.

At noon, Avicellus arrives at the Ponte Vecchio, the bustling heart of Florence, where merchants and traders ply their wares. The stone bridge, lined with shops, bustles with life, but Avicellus’s focus is on spotting Giuliano. He weaves through the crowd, keeping an eye out for the familiar face he had assisted just the day before.

Eventually, Avicellus spots Giuliano leaning against the stone railing, looking out over the Arno River. The man’s demeanor is more composed now, though there's a hint of wariness in his eyes as he scans the crowd. When he notices Avicellus approaching, he straightens up, offering a nod of recognition.

As Avicellus approaches, Giuliano greets him, "You came. I wasn't sure if you'd be here." His tone is cautious, yet there's a trace of relief in his voice. "Florence isn't exactly kind to those who get involved in other people's business."

Avicellus can see that Giuliano is guarded, but there's an opportunity here to probe deeper into the man's connections and intentions...