Hawkwood's Sword

by Frank Payton

  “Ah yes, our Messer Varazzo. I am sure he and his men will acquit themselves with honour. Now, Signore, my master cook has prepared a simple repast for all, and I should be pleased if you would accompany me at the table. Also there is with us this day an English merchant, new come to Genoa, and I am sure he and Messer Ashurst will find much to discuss.”

  At that the whole company moved in the wake of the Doge to take their places at the horseshoe of tables which had been arranged in the shaded part of the garden. I had time only for a hurried word with Giles before we separated, and told him to discover as much as he could of what was passing in England, which might be of interest and use.

  The “simple repast" proved to be a rich collation of savoury lasagnes, raviolis and pastries, the latter wonderful in their shapes and presentation, as were the sweetmeats which followed them. Pastry and sugar had been moulded into the forms of birds, small beasts and flowers, all coloured with culinary dyes and glazed with honey. Placed about the table were wondrous arrangements of many types of fruit, most of which we English had never seen before. One caught my eye: a yellow, tough-skinned fruit in the shape of a strung bow, which was joined to its fellows in the form of a hand. I ate one, and found its interior rich and creamy, like new butter. I never learned its name, and have seen few others since. All this food was accompanied by the finest wines, both red and white, the latter chilled in silver pails filled with iced water.

  The meal also reminded me that Huw was standing obediently, and foodless, behind my chair, also that I had forgotten the presence of Alain Mawe and his men. Concerned, I spoke of this matter to the Doge. He laughed and assured me that food and drink had been taken to them. I sent Huw off to take his own meal in their company forthwith.

  I was anxious to raise the matter of Proserpina’s abduction, but was prevented by the company at the table. Furthermore, I wondered if Marco had been found. Eventually, to my great relief, a servant approached the Doge and, leaning down, whispered some message which I did not hear. The Doge’s reply however, was heartening.

  “Bring them in, and find places at the table for Signore Giovanni’s squire and Messer Niccolo della Sera.” Boccanera turned to me with a smile. “Your squire Bandini is here, accompanied by Niccolo, Count Savignone’s nephew. Perhaps we will be able, shortly, to turn our attention to the matter which has brought you here."

  “I am relieved to see them, Your Excellency. Messer Bandini is a most valuable aide to me, and before my departure from Romagnano he was despatched on an errand of great importance. I eagerly await his news.”

  “And am I right in thinking that young Niccolo is now also a member of your Company?”

  It was my turn to laugh at such a suggestion. “He has proved to be very useful to me at times, but I fear that his youth and inexperience do not fit him for the sterner work of campaigning. Perhaps in time he may make a soldier, but now...”

  I left the rest unsaid. I did not say also that it was in my mind for the future to make more use of Niccolo’s eagerness to serve, but in the role of a secret agent. Privately, I had long seen it as essential for future success to build up a web of such people. Niccolo had useful connections, and entry through many doors closed to me at the time, and by using these advantages I sought to make gains denied to others.

  The meal proceeded with much talk on many matters of mutual interest to the Doge and his intimate circle, and of course myself. I looked down the length of the table to see Marco and Niccolo talking animatedly as they ate and drank with great relish, as young men will when bound up with great enterprises. They were good companions for each other, and I could see that Marco’s seniority of experience was a great attraction for the younger lad. My instructions to Marco, to clean himself up and array himself as befitted my squire, had been carefully carried out. All traces of the dusty traveller I had seen, only days before, had vanished. In their place was a sturdy young man of somewhat serious mien in red and black velvet, with some small show of heavy gold here and there. His sword would have been left with Alain Mawe, but I had seen a plain serviceable dagger at his right hip when he entered the garden. Niccolo’s youth, bright clothes of the latest fashion, jewelled dagger, and general air of scarcely subdued excitement was in complete contrast. I could see however, that beneath this exterior show he was beginning to acquire a little of the manner of his companion, and this pleased me greatly.

  The meal concluded, the guests began to depart, and at last the Doge summoned me and the others to his private rooms, where we could talk without fear of interruption. Of the Doge’s staff, only Messer Certaldo was present. As we followed Boccanera, Marco plucked at my sleeve.

  “A moment, Sir John. There is something I must tell you, one thing only; the rest can be told later. Von Felsingen and Harzmann are in the pay of Milan! They will sell you and Sterz as prisoners to Bernabo, and take as many of the Company as will go with them into his service!”

  I was not surprised at this news, but at the confirmation of my suspicions my mind whirled in furious confusion, and I had but little time to compose myself before we were ushered into the Doge’s withdrawing room. Boccanera seated himself upon a carved wooden chair and waved me to another. Certaldo stood by his master, and my people ranged themselves beside and behind me.

  “How can I help you, Signore Giovanni?” Boccanera asked.

  “By giving me the name of the person who caused the uproar in your Council Chamber, when I first visited Genoa. As I recall, he quarrelled with Messer Grimani, who had been present at Crecy Field. He was against me hiring Genoese crossbowmen for the White Company, and made his feelings towards me, personally, very plain.”

  “And what will this avail you? Do you suspect this man of some wrong doing?”

  “I do. I believe him to be the person behind the abduction of the Lady Proserpina di Lucanti, but what he intends now, I know not. I have had no approaches from him, nor anyone on his behalf. My Lady has simply disappeared."

  “I understand your reasoning, Signore, but I cannot agree with it. There would be no point to an abduction by that man. His life is bound up with trade and commerce. It is extremely unlikely that he would venture into such an activity, even to spite you. No, I think we must look elsewhere for the culprit. Is the man Orlando Scacci known to you?”

  “Yes he is, and I know that he was involved from information given me by the di Lucanti servants who were present. On my first visit he appeared to be very close to the Count, but for some reason has turned against him.”

  The Doge laughed. “You are quite right in this, but you seem not to realise that you are the reason. He is a member of the minor nobility, a landowner in his own right, and had high hopes of taking Proserpina to wife himself. Until your arrival this was almost an accomplished fact, though Proserpina herself was not in favour. If nothing else she saw in you an escape from, to her, an unsuitable marriage. You will know her feelings for yourself better then anyone.”

  “You are right, we are resolved to be man and wife, and I should tell you we have the blessing of the Count, her brother. Now, where does Scacci’s land lie? I do not intend to delay further before freeing my Lady from her prison.”

  “I understand your concern, but I council you not to rush into action before taking advice. I believe you to be acquainted with a person known only as the Innkeeper. Is that correct?”

  I nodded my head, and wondered where all this was leading. I chafed to be told where Proserpina was being held. At the same time I realised that I needed as much information as could be gathered to give me the advantage over my enemies in this affair. Patience had to be my watchword.

  “Yes, though I have met him but once only. He offered his help—at a price.”

  The Doge gave me a thin smile. “I can imagine. Do you trust him?”

  “I trust none who deal in secret matters for money, not when a young woman’s honour and life are at stake.”

  “Then I should tell you that he came to me after your visit in the c
ompany of Father Pietro, and told me of your search for the Lady Proserpina. I have dealt with him before, and I am familiar with his methods. It was he who told me that Scacci is the villain you seek. He had discovered that Lady Proserpina was taken to Scacci’s estate, which is to the north of Savignone. In addition, he now tells me that she was moved from there two weeks ago. He does not know where, and has tried but failed to discover her present whereabouts. What he asked of me is my support in his acquisition of Scacci’s property when he is brought to justice. I said that I would seek your opinion on the matter. A criminal forfeits property when found guilty. It could be yours, if you desired it, or the Lady Proserpina’s.”

  “I care not for Scacci’s property; my sole concern is to recover my Lady and restore her to her family. With your permission, or without it, I shall take my men and attack the estate village. Once having prevailed, I shall extract from Scacci, or whoever remained behind, the whereabouts of Proserpina. Then I shall march on that place.”

  As I spoke these words, the door to the chamber swung open to admit a servant, who bowed to us all. The Doge’s Secretary hurried over to him and there followed a short whispered exchange. The servant left and Certaldo returned to stand by his master, leaning down to deliver a message sotto voce.

  Boccanera looked startled, then frowned, and spoke to Certaldo behind his hand. Finally, he turned to me.

  “It seems we are to hear more from your mysterious friend, Signore Haccuud. He has arrived at the Palazzo, and is now being brought to us here. We may hope perhaps that he has heard something more of the whereabouts of Lady Proserpina.”

  At this the door reopened, and through it stepped the man I had met at the tavern. He was neatly dressed in black, wore a costly gold chain about his neck, and there was a sparkle of jewelled rings upon his hands. He gave no sign of awe or emotion at the imposing surroundings, and merely advanced to a point before us all, and bowed.

  “Good day, Your Excellency, Signore Haccuud, gentles. I see that I am in most distinguished company.”

  “You are, Innkeeper,” said Boccanera, “And your arrival is most timely. I am discussing the unfortunate affair of the Lady Proserpina di Lucanti with Signore Haccuud, who will no doubt be eager to hear what further knowledge you have been able glean, if any.”

  The Innkeeper bowed once more. “I have discovered that the unfortunate lady has been moved yet again, only yesterday. I was not able to ascertain the destination, but there was some rumour that it may have been to a convent. More I cannot say. As you are well aware, Excellency, there are several in this area. It would be a task beyond my resources to discover which is the right one.”

  I rose to my feet. “Innkeeper, I thank you for your efforts on my behalf. Now it seems that I shall have to follow my own instincts in the matter. The direct course of action is sometimes the best. I bid you good day, Your Excellency, and thank you for your help and hospitality. To you, Innkeeper, again my thanks. I shall ensure that you are amply rewarded when this affair is over.”

  Boccanera stood and extended his hand to me. “Good fortune attend you, Signore. I hope that you will find your lady unharmed.” And in a lower voice, “It would be advisable to have the blessing of Mother Church on this venture, since a house of religion is involved, however innocently, in this sorry affair.”

  We clasped hands in farewell, and I resolved to seek the good offices of Father Pietro on my behalf. With that we left the Doge’s Palace and took horse for the Savignone estate. Before we left, however, I spoke to Alain Mawe, leaning down from Boy’s saddle.

  “Alain, there is with the Doge a man known as the Innkeeper. Stay here, and when he leaves, as he doubtless will in a short time, follow him with two of your men. At a suitable point and time, I want you to accost him and say that he is to come to the Count’s estate, and that you will be his escort. Make sure that he does not escape you, but do not harm him. Say only that I wish to speak to him further.”

  Alain nodded. “How shall I know this man, Sir John?”

  “He is small of stature, dressed in black. His hair is black and curling, and presently he wears a gold chain about his neck.”

  “It shall be done, even as you say,” said Alain, stepping back and raising his hand in as salute.

  As we rode away, I told Giles what I had asked Alain to do.

  “Then the Innkeeper is as good as at Savignone already. Alain is a good man. There are not many better.”

  We rode on, my mind awhirl with plans.

  *****

  On arrival at the estate, I hastened to my quarters to exchange my finery for more sober dress. Apart from other matters, I needed to hear from Marco what had happened, both on his journey to Milan and thence south to Genoa.

  As a consequence of his news, it would now be necessary to send a rider to Romagnano to warn John Brise and Albrecht of the coming storm, for a storm it would be if von Felsingen caused actual strife within the Company. I was assailed on two fronts, and great care was needed if I was not to fail on either, or both.

  I sent Huw to fetch Marco, and he alone, to me. I wanted to hear his news and keep to myself what I deemed needful for only me to know, and broadcast only what others needed to know in order to carry out their part in these affairs.

  When Marco entered the chamber I noted that, like myself, he had resumed his usual attire. We clasped hands, and I embraced him as a father does his son.

  “It is good to see you again, Marco. I have had fears for your safety ever since we parted on your road to Milan.”

  “It is good to be back, Sir John. Even I had doubts at times. However, once at da Lucca’s house, I knew I was safe. The old man sends you his good wishes in all that you do.”

  “Sit down with me, my lad, and tell me of your adventures. But first, what of Genevra?”

  “She appears to me more beautiful than before, even more so than I remember. She also sends you her warmest greetings.”

  “And...?” I asked with raised eyebrows.

  “She… she seemed pleased to see me again, and I her. But I am still only a humble soldier, Sir John, whereas she has a rich father, and lives in a fine house, with servants to attend her.”

  “Know, Marco, that you are now squire to a belted knight of England. It also lies within my power to raise you to knighthood at the proper and appropriate time, according to the laws of chivalry. Even now you may hold up your head in any fine company.”

  “Is this true?” he cried, leaping to his feet. “Is this really so? Then I owe you an even greater debt than I thought. If I can attain high rank, then I may aspire to Genevra’s hand in marriage. Sir John, you would make me very happy, and eternally grateful.”

  “We must hope that nothing happens to spoil this dream. Now sit, and take some wine, which Huw has brought for us, and let me hear of the time after we parted in the north, until you arrived in Genoa today."

  *****

  We passed through the night-silent forest and reformed on its northern edge, dividing into two main groups, one commanded by Jack and the other by Giles. I kept Marco, Huw, Father Pietro, three men-at-arms and two archers with me. Ludovico rode by my side. He was scarcely recovered from his woulds, but he insisted upon riding, for he said, finding his sister would do more than any medicine to restore him. I had spoken with Father Pietro at length, telling him all that the Innkeeper had told us. It was in Pietro’s mind that the convent of the Holy Mother would be where Orlando Scacci might have taken Lady Proserpina; it was secluded, and dark rumours were told of it. But I needed confirmation and hoped to find it from Scacci’s men, for I could not go about blindly raiding convents.

  Jack’s group set off to the left, Giles’ to the right, to encircle the hamlet. They rode off at a canter and were swallowed up in the gloom. I intended to ride for Scacci’s manor house straight across the open meadows. There would be little noise from the horses’ hooves, as we would be on grass.

  “When shall we go, Giovanni?” Ludovico was anxious to be off.


  “Calm yourself. We will wait for a little longer,” I replied. “The others must be in place before us, and they have a longer ride. Don’t be too concerned, my friend. I am as anxious as you to begin this action.”

  We waited for what seemed an age. Marco was the first to speak. “Sir John, there is a faint lightening of the sky in the east.”

  I looked away to my right. “So I see. Good, we will leave now,” I said, and shook Boy’s reins, urging the horse forward. Ludovico was on my right, Marco to my left. Huw followed, carrying my pennon on a light lance in his stirrup. The men-at-arms and archers brought up the rear.

  I rode with a mind full of anxiety, and an eye to the east. The faint but growing light of dawn was spreading up the sky, putting out the stars as if unseen fingers poked them out of being, one by one. How long until the sunrise, I wondered. How far to the hamlet? Who or what would we find there? We cantered on over the thick grass sodden with the dew of morning. Its fresh smell brought memories of English fields.

  Of a sudden the golden rays of the sun struck across the meadows, and at last we had a clear view of the hamlet and the tower, not two hundred paces away. Even as I looked, a figure appeared on the parapet. Placing his hands on the stonework, he looked towards the sun—and then slowly his gaze turned towards us. He leaned forward and stared. For a moment too long, he stared at our approach. As he began to turn away, a solitary archer on horseback near the foot of the tower raised his bow, drew, and loosed.

  The arrow struck the watcher under the jaw and passed on into his brain. I knew he would be dead before his body slid to the ground. By this time we had reined in at the foot of the tower, to be greeted by a grinning Giles.

  “A good shot,” I told him. “Is all well?”

  “Aye, Sir John. We are all around the house, and there are others guarding the village. I’ve seen Jack. He’s over by the main door, at the other side.”