And when he returns, I think Ghibellini everywhere in Italy
will have reason to tremble. Because the might of France will follow
him. I am only sorry he will not come in time to save Orvieto from the
Sienese. One of my sergentes just reported that the Sienese army is but
a day or two away from here."

_And Lorenzo with it_, thought Sophia. _If only he would hurry._

"What will you do, Contessa?" Ugolini asked. "As a Guelfo family, do the
Monaldeschi intend to leave Orvieto before the Sienese arrive?"

He was straying from the subject, thought Sophia impatiently.

_Never mind the damned Sienese army. They cannot do us any good._

The old lady tossed her head, her hooked nose jutting defiantly. She
laid her hand on Vittorio's.

"We will stand fast. This family has lived in this city since the days
of the Etruscans. I expect our militia to put up a good fight. After our
honor has been satisfied, we will ask, with dignity, for terms."

"Very brave," said Ugolini.

The militia of Orvieto, thought Sophia, was under the command of the
podesta. If d'Ucello was involved in fighting the Sienese, what might
that mean for Daoud?

Dona Elvira looked at the cardinal slyly. "Are you also staying in
Orvieto, Your Eminence?"

"For the moment," said Ugolini.

Sophia was surprised that Ugolini did not say more, but the conversation
seemed to be going the way he wanted it to.

"You may be able to help us, Your Eminence."

Sophia felt more elated than ever. If she wanted help from Ugolini, then
surely she would be willing to help him.

"Nothing would please me more, Contessa."

"You are from the south, from Manfred's kingdom. You might have some
influence with these Ghibellini. Perhaps a word from you would help to
keep our house and our property intact."

Ugolini threw out his arms. "Dear Contessa, anything. Of course, as a
loyal supporter of the pope I do not ordinarily have dealings with
Ghibellini."

"Of course not," the contessa agreed. Vittorio smiled. He had a small,
chiseled mouth, such as Sophia had seen on the men in ancient Roman
sculptures.

"But whatever little I might be able to do, I am entirely at your
service," Ugolini said.

"I have always considered you my very good friend, Your Eminence. Even
though you opposed the alliance of Christians and Tartars and they were
my houseguests."

That startled Sophia. The contessa made it sound as if the Tartars had
left her home.

"_Were_ your houseguests,