The nightwalker was old enough that he had attained the power to fly where he chose with me clasped close to his chest. It was our preferred way of travel, while our bags and trunks took a more tedious route via ships and carriages. Flying gave us a chance to quickly arrive at a place and still have plenty of time to search for appropriate daytime shelter. Of course, we still traveled on ships and on carriages from time to time for the sheer pleasure of it. Unfortunately, a summons from the coven meant that we were to appear in Italy by the fastest means necessary. It would be expected by the Elders of the coven that Valerio would fly to Venice with me in tow. With some reluctance, Valerio settled us on the sidewalk across from the Piazzo San Marco. Torch and candlelight flickered all around me, reflecting off the black waters of the canals. It was shortly after midnight and there were few people wandering the sidewalks while the canals were empty of boats except for those tied to poles.
