She heard voices, and her determination returned. She could just jump, taking the shutter-bar with her. Whatever else, at least she'd be outside and with a weapon.
Taking a deep breath, she struggled up onto the sill and jumped.
Moments later, she realized she should have thought about swimming in leg-irons first.
It took all her strength to haul herself out of the canal on the far side, and onto the walkway. Then spotting a nearby alley, she crawled toward it, too exhausted to walk. She could only hope that all their attention was distracted by the riot going on in the building. She could only bless whatever had caused the commotion in the first place.
Maria crawled on, into the alley and then down it, keeping to the shadows. If somebody found her now, in this part of town, she'd be dead meat. Or--worse--returned to the Casa Dandelo. At length the alley ended next to a canal.
She was so tired and turned around. This could be Canale di Cannaregio. Oh, God. She was such a long, long way from home. If only she could spot a boatman she could trust. But the barge moving slowly along the water was not familiar.
Then a gondola came into view . . . a bit scruffy . . . It was that Kat! A moment of indecision, mostly due to sheer exhaustion, and Maria called out.
By the startled look on her face, Kat was not used to being greeted or summoned. But she peered; and as soon as she saw who it was she came in, pulled up and hauled the manacled Maria into her boat. Maria was so exhausted she simply tumbled onto the duck boards. Kat pushed off hastily. 'Marco, Benito, and your Caesare have been looking for you. Let's get away from here, before someone else finds you.'
Maria groaned. 'Ow. Yes. The farther from the Dandelos the better.'
Kat looked down at her. 'I told them that's where you'd be. You're in a bad way. Do you know if the Dandelos are looking for you?'
Maria shook her head. 'Dunno. Probably. But they may not have figured out that I got out of the building already.'
Kat exhaled. 'I think . . . I'd better take you to my home. We are close. Get you off the water and out of that slave-smock. But you must promise me you won't tell anyone where I live.'
'Promise,' said Maria tiredly. 'Swear to God. Just keep me away from those Dandelo bastardos.'
Kat took a deep breath. 'You'll be safe enough. I swear. Just pull that canvas over yourself.' And she bent to the oar. 'I think we'll try for speed rather than being unobtrusive right now. They could take me for you, and then we'd both be for it.'
She concentrated on her sculling. Then, panting a little, glanced over her shoulder. 'There are a few boats in the distance. They're too far off to see us in the moonlight but when we get to the Casa, you must move as fast as you can. Please.'
Maria tensed her tired body. 'Won't they just follow us?'
Kat snorted. 'Not . . . huh . . . likely.' They bumped against a tiny landing. Kat leaped forward and dropped a painter over a pole. She turned and helped Maria up and they staggered up the stairs. Kat rapped a hasty pattern on the water-door.
Maria heard the bolts slide. She and Kat half-fell and were half-dragged within by a white-haired old man with 'family retainer' written all over his wrinkles.
The bolts sliding home were a wonderfully secure sound. But as Maria slumped against the wall and felt the suspicious angry gaze of the old man wash over her, she wondered whether this was security or worse trouble. The old man had a wheel-lock pistol in his belt and looked ready to use it. 'And now, Signorina Katerina! What's this?' He pointed at Maria as if she were a long-dead alley-cat. 'Milord won't be pleased. Trouble.' His tone would have rimed boiling minestrone with ice.
Kat wasn't pleased either. 'Oh, Giuseppe! Stop behaving like an old woman. As if I didn't learn half my troublemaking from you in the first place! See if you can find something to cut this chain with. And if you see Madelena, ask her for some food, some wine, and some hot water. We'll be in my room. Please.'
The old man shook his head doubtfully, as Kat helped Maria to her feet. 'Ai, signorina. You are like your father all over again. Still, the master won't be pleased.'
'Then we won't tell him,' responded Kat quietly, but firmly. 'He has enough worries already. Now get Madelena for me, Giuseppe, do. Please.'
He nodded and turned away. His rolling gait as he left--still muttering--said that this family retainer was an old seaman. Kat led Maria down a succession of corridors, up a staircase, down another corridor and into a
