Mercury felt very satisfied when he reached the ship, docked in the Giudecca Canal. He had his papers, as promised from the Sbirri, and they had even given him another bag of coins to cover his expenses on the journey, which he thought was only fair. He was after all, technically working for them. This had proved very useful when he tried to dismiss his footman and found that he had to pay him, before he would leave. There was, however plenty left, so things were beginning to look hopeful once more.

Dawn was just breaking as he boarded the ship. He had expected to find Achille waiting for him, but saw only Devi staring wistfully across the water. As he approached her she stiffened and turned towards him.

Devi stared across the Giudecca canal and thought of Achille. How she wished he was here, but he had things to take care off and had given her the unpleasant job of escorting Sior Gandt safely to Ravenna, where he could begin his journey across the Papal states to Rome and with some luck be attacked by Bandits. How she disliked him! His arrogant smugness, his disrespectful familiarity, treating her like some scullery maid. How she longed to set him straight! But she had promised Achille that she would deliver him safely to Ravenna, and that is what she would do, although it would mean putting up with his repulsive presence for a while longer.

She heard someone behind her and turned to see Mercury walking towards her, his usual smug smile playing on his lips.

Good morning Sior Gandt Devi forces herself to say through gritted teeth.

Noticing her discomfort Mercury chuckles to himself and returns her greeting No Achille? I thought you two were joined at the hip.

I am to give you the following message, Sior Gandt. Achille had some business to complete and will join us later at Ravenna. He has asked me to give you this Devi hands Mercury a piece of paper. It gives you the address where you can find your next contact when you reach Rome.

Oh so its just you and me, traveling to Ravenna on this ship? How very pleasant. Mercury tries to pinch her cheek, she angrily brushes his hand away.

That should be plenty of time for you and I to get to know each other better Mercury continues with a grin. So where is Elena?

Somewhere quite safe from the likes of you

Mercury tries to grab her by the waist and Devi loses control and slaps him.

Don't touch me you barbarian!! You traitor!

The passion in your voice as you say that, makes me think you wouldn't mind.

Try that again and you will singing with the Castratti! Devi gets her stiletto out.

Okay, another time, when you are less exited Mercury steps away but still smiles.

You canal scum!

Give my warmest regards to your Mistress and tell her I shall never forget her betrayal.

What betrayal?

She lied to me when she said she was going to the convent to visit a friend, you silly girl.

She never betrayed you, used you a little perhaps, but it was necessary.

Oh off course Merury waves sarcastically.

I still think it would be far simpler to push you into the canal, but Achille has his orders. In my opinion they are all making a mistake placing their faith in you. I think you are a treacherous worm, but for some reason Don Aldo and the Conte are interested in you. God only knows why!

You are wrong, I am a fair gambler and I keep my word Mercury responds, his smile dissolving from his face.

Oh like when you sell those who have helped you to the Sbirri because of your hurt pride.

Mercury says nothing, knowing this to be true.

So Elena and I played a trick on you, how were we to know that you would be attacked? Elena is distraught about it.... Devi realizes that she has said too much and changes tact. But up till then she paid your passage on the ship from Sorrentina, then she housed and fed you while you found your way around Venice, and all you could think about was what was in it for you if you managed to seduce her, and don't try to deny it, I saw it in your eyes even if she didn't. I know your kind!

I don't deny anything says Mercury smiling once more

Being honest for once? Devi spits with contempt.

I am always honest. I never pretend to be better than I am. So...she thinks about me, huh? Mercury grins.

I never said that. Why would she?

Oh but you just did, a small hint.

I am sure she has forgotten all about you. She was just a bit concerned when she heard you had been attacked.

No I don' believe you, I can see it in your eyes, she thinks about me, Mercury grins She dreams of me....I still have hopes to seduce her....and now I shall go and have a nap. Don't forget to wake me when we arrive in Ravenna. Mercury strolls away laughing.