Chiara – Revenge and Triumph

by Gian Bordin

  After lunch, Chiara left the young people alone and went outside to Pepe.

  "How did it go?"

  "If you wanted it to be hard on him, you achieved that. He vomited when he saw the corpses. Animals already had ripped into them. It will be a lesson that he won’t forget."

  "I think that he’s basically a decent young man. Let’s hope that he gets on well with Veronica and Jacomo."

  "Oh, those two are such sweet people, I would be surprised if he didn’t. And what are we going to do with these extra horses? Should I sell them?"

  She pondered this a moment. "No, I want to try to make peace with Lord Baglione, so I would like to return the horses and the weapons."

  Pepe frowned, puzzled. "And how do you plan to go about that? Another one of your hair-raising schemes?"

  "I will ask Contessa d’Appiano to intervene on my behalf. Sooner or later, we will have to let Luigi return to his parents, and I hope that this gesture of goodwill may make them willing at least to listen to my plea."

  "Was this the reason you spared him?"

  "No, I couldn’t kill a boy. He may be eighteen, but in some ways he’s still a boy. No, the idea only came to me last night while I watched over Jacomo."

  "You really love that boy, do you?"

  "Yes, Pepe, I do. I lost one brother, I don’t want to lose a second."

  Later that afternoon, she wrote the letter to Lady Maria. Pepe took it to Monte Pulciano the next day.

  * * *

  Life over the next two weeks turned almost to normal. Jacomo’s fever abated, he regained his strength, his quick wit, ever more devoted to Chiara. His wound healed and his tentative test to move his arm indicated that he was likely to get back its full use. Luigi had recovered by the end of a week. She asked him to write the letter to his father, telling him what happened, but without revealing neither the location where it happened nor his current whereabouts. He also was to tell that he would return home within six to eight weeks. It took him almost a full afternoon to make the final draft.

  "L … Chiara, I would like you to read what I wrote, please."

  He still found it difficult to call her simply by her first name. While he had opened up to both Jacomo and Veronica, particularly to the girl, but also to Alda and Pepe, he seemed to be overawed by her, never addressing her directly, unless asked a question, except when they had their Latin lessons. Then, he often forgot himself and participated animatedly with Veronica and Jacomo in creating pleasing and clever verses.

  Although she was curious to know what he had written write, she also had decided not to insist on reading it. She was therefore all the more pleased that he offered it of his own free will.

  "You really want me to read it? You know I would not insist on it."

  He nodded, blushing. She took the letter. He had observed her request not to give any locations strictly. There was not even a mention of Chiusi. The events could have happened as far away as Orvieto. The account truthfully stated that she and her young companion had tried to avoid any encounter and had only fought when cornered. He said little about the fight, except that all three of his retainers were killed almost instantly, that he himself had been wounded and then diligently attended and cared for by Lady Chiara, that the retainers had been buried, protected from animals by large boulders placed on their common grave, that he was not kept a prisoner, but free to move, that he had given his promise not to leave until Lady Chiara would herself restore him to his family in the near future, that in the meantime he was receiving Latin lessons and to his own surprise was making good progress. The letter ended with a plea to his father not to search for him and an assurance to his mother that he was fine and again in good health.

  "Thank you, Luigi," she said, giving him a warm smile, as she handed back the letter. "Is this what you really feel?"

  He briefly met her gaze and murmured: "Yes, Chiara."

  "Pepe will bring it to Monte Pulciano the next time he goes there."

  * * *

  By the third week, a balmy winter’s day invited them to go bathing again for the first time. Luigi overcame his initial embarrassment. He had difficulties preventing his eyes from constantly straying to Veronica. Chiara guessed that he had fallen in love with her and that the girl was not immune to his youthful charm.

  That night, when Chiara and Veronica were getting ready to go to sleep, Veronica asked her: "Do you like Luigi?"

  "Yes, Veronica. You like him very much, true?"

  Even the subdued light of the candle could not hide her blushing. "He’s so different from what I thought a Baglione would be."

  "Yes, at least those that I know, except maybe for Lady Lucia’s husband. I guess you have noticed that Luigi is quite taken with you."

  "Do you really think so?" Her eyes glowed and a hopeful tone had crept into her voice, and then she looked down, dejectedly. "But he’s a Baglione and I’m an only orphan from poor tenant farmers," she murmured.

  Chiara hugged her. "And I’m of noble birth and dreaming of one of Sanguanero’s slaves."

  Veronica raised her face, trying to smile. "You could buy him."

  "Would that make any difference? There would be still an abyss between us. It would be easier for you to marry a man of noble birth than for me to marry a freed slave. Anyway, we have to take life the way it comes."

  "But you also say that we have to take control of our life."

  "Yes, there’s no contradiction. You take control the way it comes."

  "I wonder whether I’ll see him again once he leaves… Jacomo told him that he was learning Latin because he would like to study law. And do you know what Luigi said? … He said that he also would like to study law, but that Filippo Baglione, you know, Lady Lucia’s husband, wanted him to study commerce and his father had given in to that. If he studied law, then maybe I would see him again."

  "Yes, so you have to convince him to ask his father again. He can always go back into commerce after having studied law."

  Veronica smiled. "Yes, I will."

  * * *

  Pepe rode up to the house, waving a letter. Chiara spied him through the parlor window and rushed to meet him. It bore the seal of Lord d’Appiano. She broke it with trepidation. It read:

  Dear Chiara,

  I have trembled for your safety ever since I had the misfortune of attending Niccolo Sanguanero’s fateful betrothal party. Your revelations in front of so many leading members of Siena’s ruling families and the retribution you exacted from Casa Sanguanero left many in shock and few doubt the truth of what you accused Massimo Sanguanero. Some condemn your actions, many admire you, and all agree that woe to those who dare to cross you. Your latest deed will only serves to reinforce that.

  I thank the Holy Madonna that you spared Luigi Baglione and hope that both he and Jacomo have recovered from their wounds. I am heartened by your willingness to seek peace between you and the noble branch of the Baglione, but I am sure you realize that there can never be peace between you and Casa Sanguanero.

  I have asked Lord d’Appiano for advice and, although he did not hide his utmost displeasure with what you had done, he relented to my pleas to write to Lord Grifonetto Baglione, asking him to let you put your case to him. That is what I understand you begged me to do.

  However, he also agreed that it would be foolish of you to put yourself into his hands without a guarantee that on that mission no attempts will be made to harm you or any of your troupe, no matter what the outcome of your meeting with him will be. Therefore, he has requested that they grant such assurance. I want to accompany you when you meet Lord Baglione as an added assurance for your safety.

  As soon as we hear from Lord Baglione, I shall write to you again. Until then, may God protect you.

  Your faithful friend, Lady Maria d’Appiano

  She had rushed over the letter, her face lighting up, and started again, when Pepe interrupted: "And what does it say? Is she willing to help?"

  Alda, standing just beside Chiara, e
xclaimed: "Oh, Pepe, just look at her face and you know the answer."

  "Yes, Pepe, she’s willing to help. I’ll read it to you."

  Later that day, after the Latin lesson, while Chiara put the final touches on the verses they had translated over the last few days, Luigi approached her, cap in hand. He was the only one of them still wearing a cap most of the time. When he did not say anything, she looked up and asked: "Yes, Luigi, say what’s on your tongue."

  "L … Chiara, the letter, does it have to do with my going home?"

  "Yes, in a way. I want to talk to Lord Baglione and plead for peace between him and what’s left of the da Narni family. Lord d’Appiano is asking your father for my safe passage to such a meeting. As soon as I get that guarantee, you and I will go to Perugia."

  "Ah, I would like to help. I would like to write another letter to my mother that she helps convince my father to grant you this guarantee."

  "Luigi, I would be very much in your debt if you did this. Thank you. You know where paper and quills are."

  He blushed deeply, nodded, and then went over to the cupboard to fetch the things he needed.

  Jacomo and Veronica also wanted to know about the letter, and she let them read it.

  It took another two weeks before Lady Maria’s next message arrived, advising Chiara that Lord Baglione promised to offer her safe passage, that she would travel to Monte Pulciano within three days and expected to see her in Palazzo Benincasa upon her arrival there.

  * * *

  Two days later, Chiara and Luigi, took leave from Castello Gianbucca. Luigi had a hard time tearing himself away from the four people who had taken him in, cared for him, and treated him like one of their own. He hugged Alda spontaneously, but was more bashful when it came to say goodbye to Veronica. It was she who hugged him briefly. He promised Jacomo that he would do his best to convince his father to let him study law so that they could attend the same university.

  He was quiet while they rode along, with three horses in tow, loaded with the weapons of the retainers and a change of clothing for Chiara.

  "And Luigi, are you looking forward to seeing your parents again?" she tried to break the silence.

  He hesitated for a moment and then replied: "Yes, particularly my mother and my little sister."

  "But not so much your father? … Tell me a bit about him, so that I know how to approach him."

  "I don’t know what to tell you… He is very stern with most people, but especially us children; he does not tolerate dissent from me."

  "Is he a proud man? Proud of being a Baglione?"

  "Yes, extremely so."

  That does not sound good, she thought. "Does he listen to your mother?"

  "I’m not sure… I don’t really know."

  "Is there anybody else that he listens to or asks for advice?"

  He pondered this a while. "Yes, he is very respectful toward my grandmother. I have seen him ask for her advice."

  "And what is she like? Is she proud too? Proud of the Baglione?"

  "She is proud, but she is also fair and kind, at least to us grandchildren."

  "Did you see her before you went in search of me?"

  He blushed and lowered his gaze. "Yes, and I think she was not pleased that I went. She said Casa Sanguanero should settle their own scores." He raised his head and his voice became bitter. "But my father had ordered me to go. I had no choice." And then a smile lit up his face. "But if I had not gone, then I would not have got to know you, and Jacomo and Veronica."

  "They are beautiful people, both in body and mind. I’m glad you liked them. It made your voluntary captivity easier."

  "Oh, I did not feel that I was a prisoner. I do not want to leave. I would rather have stayed longer."

  "Good," she replied, underlining it with a smile.

  "Do you always ride out armed with a bow and arrows?"

  "It’s funny that you of all people should ask me that, Luigi."

  "I guess it was a stupid question. I could have answered it myself."

  They continued riding along in silence.

  * * *

  At Palazzo Benincasa they were told that Lady Maria had not arrived yet but was expected later that afternoon. So Chiara decided to leave the extra horses in the care of the stable master and ride out to meet the countess, taking Luigi along. They had hardly made a league toward Pienza when Lady Maria’s party with an escort of more than a dozen armed riders came into view in the distance.

  "I’ll race you," shouted Chiara, leaned forward, and shot off. It took Luigi a second, before he caught on and raced after her.

  "And who is chasing you this time, Lady Chiara," cried Lady Maria, as she brought up her horse to a sudden stop, pebbles flying.

  "My prisoner," she replied laughing. "My most humble greetings to you, Lady Maria." She turned to Luigi who had just reined his horse, looking all excited, a big smile on his face. "And this is Master Luigi, the youngest son of Lord Baglione of Perugia, my Lady."

  The countess’ trilling laughter filled the air. "A funny kind of prisoner who chases his captor. Greetings, Master Luigi. I see that you are in good health and good spirits."

  He bowed in the saddle. "Lady Maria, thank you for receiving me."

  Chiara was surprised by the sudden assurance he displayed, such a contrast to his initial behavior toward her and the players. He is back in his own element, I guess.

  "Let’s hurry to get to Monte Pulciano. I must have a serious talk to this young lady."

  Chiara nodded to Heloïse, who rode beside Lady Maria, and then fell in with Mercurio, while Luigi rode alongside the countess.

  "And how’s my protector, Messer Mercurio," Chiara greeted him.

  "Lady Chiara, ah, I suddenly feel a lot safer, now that you’re next to me," he replied laughing.

  Lady Maria looked over her shoulder. "What is going on behind my back? Chiara, are you again seducing my trusted Mercurio?"

  "Oh, my Lady, I wish I were so blessed, honestly," he replied, grinning. He leaned over to Chiara and murmured: "I was so proud of you, you know, back in Siena."

  "Thank you, but I would have preferred if it hadn’t happened."

  She could almost physically feel all eyes of the entourage burn into her back, even Heloïse turned her head several times to look at her

  21

  Monte Pulciano, early January 1350

  When I was granted a private audience with Lady Maria upon her arrival at Palazzo Benincasa in Monte Pulciano, she first chided me severely for my actions, that I was recklessly putting my life at risk and the life of people who trusted and depended on me. I humbly accepted her reproaches. I could not but agree. The encounter with the Baglione retainers proved her right. I was though surprised that, against all my expectations, at no point did she refer to the ten thousand florins or request that I return this money.

  We were to meet Lord Baglione in Cortona, rather than Perugia — a welcome surprise, since, as the countess pointed out, we should be able to make it there from Monte Pulciano in one day — admittedly a long day for her, but hardly for me, she remarked, smiling. Would I succeed, with her help, to convince Lord Baglione to let peace be between us? It was on my mind during the entire day as we crossed the wide expanse of Val di Chiana.

  Face-to-face with Lord Baglione, I sensed instantly that I needed both my wits as an adroit opponent who could not be dismissed easily, as well as my acting skills and charms of a courtly lady. Only then would my plea for peace succeed. But if I had expected that gaining Lord Baglione to my side would keep me safe, I was again sadly mistaken. The curse of vendetta was still stalking the dark corridors of his palazzo in the guise of a misguided young man, and it almost cost me my life.

  * * *

  And then the countess smiled and said: "You know, Chiara, in spite of all I just said, I am also very proud of you. You have proved to the world that women are not helpless creatures and have made them reckon with you. Casa Sanguanero is destroyed as a merchant house, not only
by how you damaged them, but also by the subsequent actions of Casa Medici. You had your revenge, and I am glad that you now seek peace, at least with those who might be willing to share it with you."

  "I cannot adequately express my gratitude to you, Lady Maria, for what you have done for me and for giving me moral support in this difficult quest of mine," replied Chiara.

  "I think you have done the wise thing to plead for my Lord to intervene. Mind you, he only asked that you be heard, nothing more. You still will have to make your own case. But having spared Lord Baglione’s son, and I have talked to him — he is full of praise for your treatment of him — should count for you and be proof of your sincerity." An amused smile crossed her face. "Not to mention the high cost you inflict if somebody challenges you. At first, Lord d’Appiano doubted that Ser Piero, one of the most valiant and skilled retainers of Lord Baglione, was one of your victims. He only believed it after talking to dear Mercurio."

  "Signor di Bicci told me that Mercurio had been singing my praises. And talking of this distinguished gentleman, I also would like to thank you for asking him to look after me."

  The countess laughed. "I don’t know why I even bother to do that anymore. You look after yourself with great skill. I presume you have already given serious thought of how to put your case."

  "I have, but I also hoped for your advice. Lord Baglione, I am told, is a very proud man, therefore I intend to appeal to his pride in Baglione honor as a —"

  "— but honor is exactly what perpetuates revenge."

  "False honor, my lady. I intend to appeal to his pride that the Baglione of Perugia are seen as honorable pillars of that town, who have nothing to do with road bandits, cutthroats, and child rapists, except unfortunately sharing the name."