d kill it!"

"Wait!" said Tilia. "That is Giancarlo's hound, Scipio. We put him down
in our room to guard our belongings."

"Just what I thought," said Sordello. "That is why I wish him killed."

"But he is a thoroughbred boarhound," Tilia went on, "and since it
appears Giancarlo has lost him, let him be part of our ransom. He is
easily worth several hundred florins."

"I have always loathed that dog," said Sordello. "I would gladly kill it
just to avenge myself on Giancarlo for killing the Tartars."

In the midst of her terror Sophia felt a stab of surprise. "The Tartars?
Dead? Giancarlo killed them?" Did that mean Rachel was free?

"Yes," growled Sordello. "And if I find him, I will personally repay him
by cutting him to bits, starting at his toes. For that and for the many
other injuries he has done me. But Madama Tilia is right. The hound is
doubtless worth too much money to kill. I will take it, then." He
gestured to his two men. "Have these two display their possessions for
you. Do not harm the dog. Or them, for that matter. I want them back
here intact when you are done, so I know I am getting an honest
inventory."

"I do not know whether we can satisfy you," said Tilia. "We did not
bring everything we own with us. If you would help us get to Lucera, we
could make you princely rich."

Sordello leaned back and crossed his legs. "But Lucera is far from here,
and there may not be time for us to collect what you have there. In a
few days King Charles will unleash his locusts and scorpions far and
wide throughout this land--his bailiffs and judges and clerks and tax
collectors and men-at-arms--to lay hold of every speck of gold and chip
of precious stone. For now, please help my men collect what you have
with you. I am sure you have plenty. That cross on your handsome bosom,
for instance. I suspect a man might buy himself a small castle with
that." He reached out, and Tilia stepped back, but into the grip of one
of the archers.

Tears sprang from her eyes and trickled down her painted cheeks. "Please
let me keep it just a little longer. If I must part with it, in the end
I will, but it is very dear to me."

Sordello waved grandly. "For now, then. Go now with these fellows. And
mind you, hold nothing back. They are Venetians. You can't hide anything
valuable from a Venetian."

Indeed, thought Sophia, remembering tales of how the Venetians had
looted her beloved Constantinople years ago. As she watched the