Leo's Lion

By Robert Bresloff

To be the nephew of the great artist, anatomist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci might have been very exciting, particularly when young Leo, at the age of just thirteen, was sent to study as his uncle’s apprentice in Florence, Italy. Leo, however, was not altogether happy at having to leave his home and his friends in Venice.

But Leo was heading for more excitement than he could have possibly imagined. His uncle’s latest invention, not yet working properly, was due to be presented to the King of France as part of negotiations to ensure peace. Unfortunately for Leo and his uncle, not everyone wanted peace, and there were those who will go to any lengths to stop them. Leo and his uncle were in danger, and failure could have disastrous consequences for both of them and for Italy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Strict Publishing International
• Release date: Aug 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9780857793584

Robert Bresloff

Robert Bresloff is an established author of adventure novels mainly for children and young adults.

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Leo’s Lion

by Robert Bresloff

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Robert Bresloff

Published by Strict Publishing International

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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PREFACE

I am truly uncertain how history will remember my dear uncle. Most certainly he will be remembered for his achievements in art, anatomy and odd inventions, but I will always remember him for one singular invention and how the very thought of it burned brightly within the man’s keen eyes.

It was my thirteenth year, and my parents decided that it was time for me to learn of art and sciences. Who better to learn from than my uncle? Therefore, I was sent off to Florence to serve as my uncle’s new apprentice. Of course I, being a normal young lad, wanted nothing of it whatsoever. However, it would seem that I had no choice. So, with a heavy heart I entered the service as the apprentice of my Uncle Leonardo – Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo Banetti

CHAPTER ONE

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."

- Leonardo da Vinci

The trip from Venice to Florence was long and rough, and young Leonardo shifted uncomfortably in the padded coach seat, trying to get comfortable during the hot ride. Moving from window to window gazing at the sights of central Italy, occasionally fiddling with the latch to the carriage door, Leonardo was thoroughly bored. He pulled hard at his sweaty collar.

Stop fidgeting! snapped his uncle, who sat opposite the boy in the coach. You are making me nervous.

The boy slumped noticeably. Sorry, he replied softly, but I’m really bored, Uncle Leonardo.

His uncle tugged at his thick beard. First of all, he replied sternly, the fact that you and I have the same name is going to be quite confusing.

But I am named after you, Uncle…

I know, I know, but half the time that I speak to you, I think I’m talking to myself. Uncle Leonardo settled back into the cushioned seat. Let me think!

Neither he nor the boy spoke for some minutes, the only the sounds being the horses’ hooves pounding against the travel-hardened road and clatter made by the carriage’s weak suspension. Suddenly, the elder Leonardo shot up straight.

I’ve got it! he exclaimed. I will call you Leo!

Young Leonardo perked up.

Yes, that’s it, continued his uncle. I shall call you Leo!

The boy frowned. I’m not sure that I like that name, Uncle Leonardo.

It matters not! snapped da Vinci. "As long as you are staying with me, you shall be Leo." Leonardo da Vinci sat back, a satisfied smile splitting his white bearded face.

Why do I have to stay with you, Uncle? Leo inquired.

Your dear mother and father wish you to learn art and the sciences, replied da Vinci. You do not want to learn these things?

But I will so miss Venice and my friends, said the boy.

Bah! replied his uncle. Forget about your friends. They will be there when you return and all will be as it was before – except you will be all the wiser to the ways of the arts. Think of it, he continued, becoming quite animated, arms waving, his bony fingers drawing invisible shapes as he spoke. I will teach you anatomy, physiology, how to study the human and non-human form. You will learn how bridges and buildings come to be, even the art of painting. Does not any of this excite you?

Leo frowned again, replying, Maybe a little. Then with a quick smile he said brightly, Father said that you design war machines, is that true?

Da Vinci nodded, but held up a finger asking for silence. He could sense the boy’s interest in machines of war, for what thirteen-year-old boy does not like to speak of battles and valor? These I will teach you, but I am a man of peace. Now may I have some quiet so I may think?

The youngster nodded and turned to gaze through the window at the passing towns and farms.

Leonardo da Vinci sat back, staring at the boy. It was obvious to his namesake, and the boy fidgeted more. Leo’s uncle seemed unfazed, and continued his studious gaze at the boy’s face. After some very long moments, Leo rolled his eyes and huffed, but that also left his uncle unfazed. Da Vinci’s narrowed eyes studied the boy’s features, the smooth contours of youth, the distinctly Roman nose, and Leo’s dark, round eyes. Finally, the boy had had enough.

Uncle Leonardo! he snapped, with great exasperation.

Da Vinci’s eyes fluttered as if he were coming out of a trance, and he replied, I am sorry, my boy, he said softly. I was studying your face. You have a very handsome young face and I believe I would like to sketch it.

Oh, replied Leo. Will I have to sit a long time while you do it?

Leonardo laughed aloud, a hand covering his parted lips. No, no, lad, he said, finally removing his hand, revealing a pleasant smile. There is no need for that. I have memorized everything about your features and that is all I will need.

Really? asked the boy.

Without a doubt, replied da Vinci. "I do it all the time.’

I do not believe you, Uncle.

You doubt me?

Yes, said Leo.

You will learn, my dear nephew, that… Leonardo was interrupted by the sound of gunfire.

What was that? inquired Leo, staring blankly at his uncle. Another shot rang out.

Da Vinci thrust his head through the window opening. Quickly pulling away, he gasped for breath.

Robbers! he cried. Leo lunged for the window, but his uncle reached out and grabbed him before he could reach it. On the floor! he shouted. Quickly!

How many are there?

Three, I think, replied his uncle. Stay down!

What about you? asked Leo before sinking to the floor.

Do not worry about me, replied Leonardo with confidence. I’ll show those rascals… Another shot fired, ripping a chunk of wood from the coach’s door. With that, da Vinci wheeled in his seat and threw open the small hatch that separated the driver from the coach. Do not stop this carriage! he exclaimed. Leo was unsure as to whether the driver even heard his uncle, but the coach continued to speed, bumpily, down the road.

Grabbing his well-worn bag, Leonardo pulled an old Wheelock pistol from somewhere deep within and began loading it.

Surprised to see that his uncle was armed, Leo asked, What will you do with that?

Leonardo looked from the pistol to his nephew and replied, Why, shoot back at the robbers, Nephew.

Leo giggled, in spite of the situation. I thought you said that you were a man of peace?

When pushed, Leo, all men will turn to war. This is war. With that, his uncle set to work on loading the smooth, metallic barrel of the Wheelock pistol.

On rushed the three highwaymen, their mounts’ hoofs thundering telling of their fast approach. Leo had pulled himself up from the floor in attempt to see what was happening, when a shot rang out, its missile whistling just over the boy and imbedding itself into the soft cushion where his head had been resting for most of the trip.

Get down! shouted da Vinci. Quickly tamping a ball and wad down the gun’s muzzle, Leo’s uncle leaned against the carriage’s side and took aim at the assailants. The coach rocked by the speed and bumpy road, but da Vinci still held a steady aim and fired. The smoke from the Wheelock rapidly cleared the cabin, revealing Leonardo’s blackened face and beard. Got him! roared da Vinci in triumph.

Indeed, one highwayman had fallen, but the others continued, quickly gaining on the carriage.

Re-load, Uncle! cried Leo, who had it not been for the seriousness of their situation would