Bellarion the Fortunate · Chapters
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Chapter companions for Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini.
Chapter 1
Book I
Bellarion, a young man raised in a convent, leaves to seek his fortune. He is robbed and meets Fra Sulpizio, who guides him to a garden sanctuary where he encounters a conspiracy against the Regent of Montferrat. Bellarion joins the conspiracy and is brought before the Marquis Theodore, who tasks him with a mission to the court of Filippo Maria Visconti.
Chapter 2
I: The Threshold
The chapter introduces Bellarion, a young man raised in a convent, who is about to enter the secular world. It discusses his prodigious learning, his heretical belief that sin does not exist, and his departure from the convent to seek deeper knowledge. On his journey, he meets a Franciscan friar who offers companionship, but after sharing a meal, Bellarion discovers his money and a letter have been stolen, leading to a tense exchange with the friar.
Chapter 3
The Grey Friar
Bellarion and Fra Sulpizio travel through the forest and across the plains toward Casale. The friar questions Bellarion about his stolen letter, which Bellarion recites from memory. Bellarion recounts his early life, including his vague memories of a poor family and his renaming by an abbot. They stop at a homestead for a meal, where Bellarion grows uneasy with the friar's behavior. After a siesta, they resume their journey, eventually hitching a ride on a mule train.
Chapter 4
The Door Ajar
Bellarion and Fra Sulpizio are confronted by a peasant who accuses the friar of theft. During the ensuing chaos, Bellarion escapes and flees through the streets of Casale, eventually finding an unlocked door that leads into a hidden garden sanctuary.
Chapter 5
IV: Sanctuary
Bellarion escapes into a garden sanctuary and is discovered by the Princess Valeria, who hides him from pursuing soldiers. The chapter reveals the political tensions at the court of Montferrat, introduces the young Marquis Giacomo and his companions, and showcases Valeria's quick wit and courage as she deceives the captain of the guard.
Chapter 6
V: The Princess
Bellarion, having hidden in the garden's water for hours, emerges cold and humiliated, reflecting on his disastrous day. He is discovered by Princess Valeria, who initially mistakes him for a messenger from Lord Barbaresco. After explaining his true circumstances, she decides to trust him, provides dry clothes, and reveals her involvement in secret political intrigues. Bellarion offers to serve as her messenger, and she accepts, setting the stage for his deeper entanglement in the conspiracy against the Regent.
Chapter 7
VI: The Winds of Fate
Bellarion, having left the convent, infiltrates Casale by posing as a drunken reveller and gains entry to the house of Lord Barbaresco by claiming kinship. Through skillful questioning, he extracts from Barbaresco the details of a conspiracy led by Princess Valeria to overthrow the Regent Theodore of Montferrat during the minority of Gian Giacomo. Bellarion learns of Theodore's cunning and ruthless methods, influenced by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and perceives the perilous nature of Valeria's noble but ill-founded enterprise.
Chapter 8
Service
Bellarion meets with Barbaresco and the conspirators, exposing their plot to assassinate the Marquis Theodore. He reports to Valeria, who initially rebukes him but eventually accepts his service.
Chapter 9
IX: The Marquis Theodore
Bellarion gains an audience with the Marquis Theodore, Regent of Montferrat, under the guise of a petitioner. He presents himself as the adoptive son of Facino Cane and offers to betray a conspiracy against the Regent. However, Theodore reveals he already knows of the plot and manipulates Bellarion into continuing as his spy, leaving Bellarion troubled by the dangerous game he has entered.
Chapter 10
X: The Warning
At a court ball, Bellarion is presented to Princess Valeria as Facino Cane's son. He privately warns her that the conspirators have betrayed her and that the Regent already knows of the plot, using him to gather evidence against her and her brother.
Chapter 11
XI: Under Suspicion
Bellarion returns to Barbaresco's house to find the conspirators suspicious of his recent visit to court. They accuse him of betrayal, but he defends himself with clever arguments, explaining that he went openly to deliver their message to Princess Valeria, using his identity as Facino Cane's adoptive son and the sponsorship of Messer Aliprandi. Despite his explanations, Barbaresco, Casella, and others remain unconvinced. Bellarion suggests they verify his story by sending someone to the Abbot of the Grazie. The conspirators debate his fate, and ultimately they disarm him and lock him in a windowless chamber under the roof. Later, Count Spigno secretly enters the room, and Bellarion claims he was expecting him.
Chapter 12
XII: Count Spigno
Bellarion is freed by Count Spigno, who has come to help him escape. However, Bellarion realizes that Spigno is a key tool in the Marquis Theodore's plot against his nephew, and in a cold-blooded act of calculated murder, he stabs Spigno to death. He then prays for the man's soul before attempting his own escape. He is confronted by Barbaresco and others, but manages to barricade himself in a room and escape through a window, only to be captured by the watch officer Messer Bernabò, who recognizes him.
Chapter 13
The Trial
Bellarion is brought before the court of the Podestà of Casale, accused of theft and murder. The Regent and Princess Valeria attend the trial. Bellarion claims to be Facino Cane's adoptive son, but the Podestà is skeptical. Messer Aliprandi intervenes, suggesting that Bellarion's identity be verified by contacting the Convent of the Grazie of Cigliano. The court suspends proceedings pending verification. Meanwhile, Princess Valeria, convinced of Bellarion's guilt as a spy and murderer, vents her anger to Dionara, though Dionara questions the logic of her conclusions.
Chapter 14
XIV: Evasion
Bellarion is moved to a stone chamber in the prison, where the Marquis Theodore visits him. Bellarion spins a revised tale that implicates Count Spigno and the fleeing conspirators, but Theodore is furious that the evidence is lost. Fearing Bellarion has become inconvenient, Theodore provides him with a rope and files to escape, warning him never to return to Montferrat. Bellarion escapes, crosses into Milanese territory, and reflects on his experiences and the Princess Valeria, questioning his earlier philosophical beliefs.
Chapter 15
Book II
Bellarion, now under the tutelage of Facino Cane, begins his training in the arts of war and statecraft. He is introduced to the complexities of Italian politics, including the ambitions of Filippo Maria Visconti and the fragile alliances among the city-states. Bellarion's quick wit and adaptability earn him Facino's favor, setting the stage for his rise as a cunning strategist.
Chapter 16
I: The Miracle of the Dogs
Bellarion, a young man claiming to be Facino Cane's son, is captured by Duke Gian Maria Visconti and his men after being hunted with dogs. When the Duke orders his bloodhounds to attack Bellarion, the dogs inexplicably become submissive and friendly, leading to cries of 'miracle' or 'witchcraft' among the onlookers. Bellarion exploits their superstition, using wordplay on his assumed name 'Cane' to maintain an air of mystery. The Duke, both furious and unsettled, orders Bellarion bound and taken to Milan, while Squarcia secretly promises to inform the Count of Biandrate of Bellarion's presence.
Chapter 17
II: Facino Cane
Bellarion is brought before Facino Cane after being captured by the Duke of Milan. Facino, intrigued by Bellarion's audacity and his claim of being Facino's son by adoption, interrogates him. Bellarion recounts his true story, including his attempt to save Pusterla and his escape from the Duke's dogs. Facino, amused and impressed by Bellarion's resourcefulness and courage, decides to protect him, ordering that he be washed and fed. The chapter also includes Bellarion's first impressions of Milan, its architecture, and the oppressive rule of Gian Maria Visconti.
Chapter 18
III: The Countess of Biandrate
Facino Cane, impressed by Bellarion's wit and learning, delays his journey to Pavia and ultimately adopts him. Bellarion receives training in arms and courtly arts, while the Countess Beatrice grows increasingly possessive and jealous of his loyalty to Facino.
Chapter 19
IV: The Champion
Facino Cane enjoys a rare period of rest at Abbiategrasso, training Bellarion, but rumors of trouble in Milan and a letter from Gabriello Maria Visconti compel him to return. After a tense exchange with his countess, Facino sends Bellarion on a mission to Genoa to hire French lances from Boucicault, then rides to Milan where he is acclaimed by the people as their champion.
Chapter 20
V: The Commune of Milan
Facino Cane returns to Milan to find the court dominated by Guelphs and the Duke Gian Maria Visconti hostile and suspicious. In a tense council, Facino clashes with della Torre and others over military strategy and funding to counter Ottone Buonterzo. He secures a thousand troops from Boucicault through his adoptive son Bellarion, who negotiates a favorable rate, earning the gratitude and a reward from the Commune.
Chapter 21
VI: The Fruitless Wooing
Bellarion gains fame and favor at the Milanese court after his public recognition, but faces persistent romantic advances from the Countess Beatrice, Facino Cane's wife. Despite her efforts to seduce him, Bellarion remains loyal to Facino. The chapter ends with Facino announcing an imminent campaign against Buonterzo, and Bellarion eagerly prepares to join the war.
Chapter 22
Manoeuvres
Facino Cane departs Milan with Bellarion and a small company, encountering Duke Filippo Maria Visconti on a nocturnal hunt. They join the army at the Castle of Porta Giovia and march south. Facino divides his forces, sending Carmagnola ahead while he camps at Travo. Bellarion warns of a potential counterattack by Buonterzo but is dismissed. Later, Bellarion and Stoffel scout the heights and discover Buonterzo's army poised to strike. They alert Facino, who realizes his peril and plans a retreat across the river, with Bellarion proposing a counter-strategy.
Chapter 23
VIII: The Battle of Travo
Facino Cane's army, initially in retreat, executes a strategic plan devised by Bellarion to trap Buonterzo's forces at the ford of Travo. Bellarion and his hundred Swiss crossbowmen hold the ford against Buonterzo's attacks, buying time for Facino to complete a flanking maneuver. Facino's cavalry, led by de Cadillac, charges through the enemy, and the battle ends in a decisive victory for Facino, with thousands of prisoners and rich booty. However, Bellarion is believed killed in the wood, and Facino mourns him as the architect of the victory.
Chapter 24
IX: De Mortuis
Facino Cane returns to Milan victorious over Buonterzo, but is met with censure from Duke Gian Maria Visconti. Facino credits the fallen Bellarion with the victory, leading to public mourning and a Requiem Mass. Meanwhile, Facino's wife accuses him of sending Bellarion to his death, sparking jealousy. The Montferrat delegation arrives for a political alliance, and the Princess Valeria learns of Bellarion's heroism and death.
Chapter 25
X: The Knight Bellarion
Bellarion returns to Milan alive after being presumed dead, leading survivors of his band. He is celebrated by the city, receives a reward of ten thousand gold florins, and is knighted by Facino Cane. The Countess of Biandrate buckles his spurs. He adopts a variant of Facino's device. Carmagnola challenges him to a joust, but Bellarion feigns illness to avoid it. He has a tense encounter with Valeria, who reproaches him for his coldness after she mourned him.
Chapter 26
XI: The Siege of Alessandria
Gabriello Maria Visconti's plans for Ghibelline restoration fail due to Guelph opposition led by Antonio della Torre, who rejects the Marquis Theodore's alliance. Della Torre's strategy is vindicated when Filippo Maria, Count of Pavia, appeals for help against Girolamo Vignate, who has seized Alessandria. Duke Gian Maria Visconti reluctantly authorizes Facino Cane to lead a campaign. Facino's army marches to Pavia, where Bellarion proposes an indirect strategy of attacking Lodi, but Facino overrules him and proceeds to besiege Alessandria. The siege drags on, and a mysterious event—the garrison appears well-fed despite the blockade—prompts a tense council. A rider arrives at night, bringing portentous news.
Chapter 27
XII: Visconti Faith
Facino Cane is astonished when his wife Beatrice arrives unexpectedly, escorted by Giovanni Pusterla of Venegono, a member of the Pusterla family persecuted by Duke Gian Maria Visconti. They reveal that the Duke has married Antonia Malatesta and appointed her father Pandolfo Malatesta as Governor of Milan, effectively betraying Facino. The city is in turmoil, with Gabriello Visconti besieged in the Castle of Porta Giovia and Ghibellines under threat. Facino, realizing the treachery, vows to make the Visconti pay once his leg heals.
Chapter 28
XIII: The Victuallers
Bellarion discovers evidence of a mule train supplying Alessandria with food, revealing that the besieged city is not as starved as Facino's council believed. He captures Lorenzaccio da Trino, a former brigand who now works for Cardinal Vignate, and extracts crucial intelligence about the supply operation. Bellarion then proposes a plan to intercept the victuallers, challenging Carmagnola's push for an immediate assault.
Chapter 29
XIV: The Muleteer
Bellarion, disguised as the muleteer Beppo, delivers a final supply train to the besieged Alessandria and gains an audience with Girolamo Vignate. He delivers a message from the Cardinal of Desana that no more provisions will follow, and boldly proposes a night attack on Facino Cane's quarters at Pavone, convincing Vignate to adopt the plan.
Chapter 30
XV: The Camisade
Bellarion orchestrates a cunning military deception to capture Alessandria. After capturing Vignate in an ambush at Pavone, he reveals his true plan: using Vignate's own camisade (a night attack with soldiers wearing shirts over armor) as a ruse to infiltrate the city. Carmagnola leads the disguised force into Alessandria, where they seize the gates and allow Facino's main army to enter. The city falls with minimal resistance, and Facino breakfasts in the citadel as promised.
Chapter 31
Severance
Bellarion decides to leave Facino Cane's service after the Countess of Biandrate demands his departure to protect her pride. Facino, sensing tension, subtly encourages Bellarion to go. Bellarion announces his plan to raise his own condotta of Swiss infantry, requesting Stoffel's aid. Before leaving, he proposes negotiating an alliance with Theodore of Montferrat, offering to secure the Marquis's support for Facino's campaign.
Chapter 32
XVII: The Return
Bellarion returns to Casale as a celebrated knight and envoy of Facino Cane, contrasting his humble departure a year prior. He is received by the Regent Theodore, who tactfully ignores their past conflict. At an uncomfortable family dinner with the Princess Valeria, the young Marquis, and others, Bellarion faces Valeria's scorn for his past treachery but deflects with wit. After the meal, he presents Facino's proposal for an alliance against Milan, offering Vercelli as advance payment. Theodore, masking his eagerness, agrees to consider it.
Chapter 33
XVIII: The Hostage
Bellarion maneuvers to secure the young Marquis Gian Giacomo as a hostage to Facino Cane, ostensibly as a guarantee for an alliance with Montferrat but actually to protect the boy from the Regent Theodore. He reveals his plan to Princess Valeria, who struggles to trust him given his deceitful past. Bellarion then skillfully navigates the Council of Five, forcing Theodore to accept the hostage term against his will, and writes to Facino detailing the arrangement and warning about the boy's corrupt attendants.
Chapter 34
Book III
Bellarion, now a seasoned soldier under Facino Cane, navigates the treacherous political landscape of Northern Italy. He is drawn into the intrigues of the Visconti court, where his wit and fortune are tested by the manipulative Filippo Maria Visconti and the beautiful but dangerous Valeria of Montferrat. The chapter explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the pursuit of power as Bellarion must choose between his own ambitions and the bonds he has formed.
Chapter 35
I: The Lord Bellarion
In September 1409, Bellarion, now a renowned condottiero leading the Company of the White Dog, receives a letter from Facino Cane summoning him to Alessandria to counter the French threat under Boucicault in Milan. Bellarion joins a council including Facino, Carmagnola, Koenigshofen, Giasone Trotta, and the young Marquis Theodore of Montferrat. He proposes an alternative strategy: instead of marching directly on Milan, they should seize Genoa to draw Boucicault out into the open. Facino initially hesitates but eventually agrees, though he later questions Bellarion's motives regarding Theodore.
Chapter 36
II: The Battle of Novi
The Marquis Theodore attempts to recruit Bellarion by offering him the title of Count of Asti and a lucrative contract, intending to use him against Facino Cane. Bellarion feigns greed and hesitation, but secretly brings Facino as a witness to the signing, exposing Theodore's treachery. Facino confronts Theodore, revealing his plans to usurp power, and Bellarion declares his true loyalty to Facino and the rightful heir, Gian Giacomo.
Chapter 37
III: Facino's Return
Facino Cane returns to Milan after recovering from illness, negotiating with Duke Gian Maria Visconti for the restoration of his governorship. Bellarion boldly rebukes the Duke, earning his enmity. Facino ultimately re-enters Milan, suppresses rebellions, sacks Pavia, and establishes Bellarion as Count of Gavi.
Chapter 38
IV: The Count of Pavia
Bellarion, recovering from his injury, navigates the political and personal tensions at the court of Pavia. Princess Valeria remains bitterly prejudiced against him, believing him a schemer, while her brother Gian Giacomo defends his reputation. Bellarion observes the growing lechery of Filippo Maria Visconti toward the Countess Beatrice and confronts her, warning her to withdraw to Melegnano to preserve her honor and her position as Facino Cane's wife. He uses subtle manipulation to secure her compliance, all while awaiting the reckoning with the Marquis Theodore.
Chapter 39
V: Justice
Bellarion receives a warning from Giovanni Pusterla of Venegono about the return of Antonio della Torre to Milan and a conspiracy against Facino Cane. Despite Venegono's pleas, Bellarion initially dismisses the threat, but later uncovers a plot by Duke Gian Maria Visconti and della Torre to poison Facino through the coerced physician Mombelli. Bellarion extracts a confession from Mombelli and resolves to ride to Milan to confront the Duke, even as Facino's health deteriorates.
Chapter 40
VI: The Inheritance
Following Facino Cane's death, his will is read, bequeathing vast territories and fortune to his widow Beatrice and the fief of Valsassina to Bellarion. Bellarion maneuvers politically, proposing to Filippo Maria Visconti that he marry Beatrice to secure her wealth and army for his claim to Milan, while Beatrice tests Bellarion's loyalty.
Chapter 41
VII: Prince of Valsassina
Bellarion's calculated plans come to fruition as Filippo Maria Visconti marries the widowed Countess of Biandrate, consolidating power. Bellarion leads military campaigns to secure Milan, negotiates the surrender of Bergamo, and orchestrates the entry of Filippo Maria into Milan. He is rewarded with the principality of Valsassina. Bellarion then goads the Duke into a campaign against Theodore of Montferrat, arguing for the recovery of Vercelli. In a council, Carmagnola surprisingly supports Bellarion, and Bellarion secretly urges Carmagnola to summon Princess Valeria and her brother to petition for Gian Giacomo's rightful rule.
Chapter 42
VIII: Carmagnola's Bridges
Dissensions between Carmagnola and Bellarion delay the army's departure, allowing Theodore to fortify Vercelli. Carmagnola insists on building bridges over the Sesia and Cerva, while Bellarion advocates crossing at Carpignano. Bellarion secretly sends Stoffel to secure the Carpignano bridge. After the bridges are destroyed by Theodore's forces, Bellarion's foresight is vindicated, though tensions remain high.
Chapter 43
IX: Vercelli
Bellarion's siege of Vercelli is revealed as a strategic demonstration rather than a genuine attempt to take the city. Despite Carmagnola's insistence on direct assaults, all three are repulsed, leading to suspicions of a traitor. Carmagnola proposes a feint attack, and Bellarion reluctantly agrees. However, Bellarion's fear of Theodore's craft proves justified when a loyalist slips out to warn that Theodore is forewarned. Bellarion rushes to withdraw Carmagnola, but the attack is already underway.
Chapter 44
X: The Arrest
In the aftermath of a failed night attack, Carmagnola accuses Bellarion of treachery based on a forged letter from Theodore of Montferrat. Bellarion defends himself with logical arguments, but the captains, swayed by Carmagnola, arrest him. Stoffel alone protests, and Bellarion is taken away, his fate to be sealed.
Chapter 45
XI: The Pledge
The captains vote unanimously for Bellarion's death, with only the Marquis Theodore and his sister Valeria dissenting. Valeria pleads for a trial before the Duke, but Carmagnola insists that the army demands Bellarion's execution. Theodore declares his belief in Bellarion's innocence, but Carmagnola dismisses this as a trick. Valeria, tormented by doubt, ultimately pledges herself to Carmagnola if he drives Theodore from Montferrat. Meanwhile, Bellarion, awaiting execution, tricks a friar into helping him escape by overpowering the guard and fleeing in disguise.
Chapter 46
XII: Carmagnola's Duty
Carmagnola struggles to write a letter while Valeria and Gian Giacomo learn from Barbaresco and Casella that Spigno was a spy for Theodore, not Bellarion. A messenger's testimony confirms the letter incriminating Bellarion was a trick. Ugolino da Tenda defects, and Valeria begins to trust Bellarion again, devastating Carmagnola.
Chapter 47
XIII: The Occupation of Casale
Bellarion occupies Casale without resistance, proclaiming himself captain-general of the army of the young Marquis Gian Giacomo. He forces the Council of Ancients to swear fealty to the rightful prince, issues strict orders to his troops to maintain order, and writes a letter to Princess Valeria explaining that all his actions over five years have been in her service. Valeria and Gian Giacomo arrive to popular acclaim; Valeria apologizes for her past mistrust. News arrives that Marquis Theodore has broken through Carmagnola's siege and is marching on Casale with 4,000–5,000 men. Bellarion orders the army to march out to meet him beyond the Po.
Chapter 48
XIV: The Vanquished
Theodore of Montferrat sallies from Vercelli at dawn, routing Carmagnola, then marches on Casale to confront Bellarion. Bellarion, having drawn Theodore out, coordinates a pincer movement: while Theodore advances, Carmagnola reoccupies Vercelli and sacks it. Theodore's march is slowed by his siege train; near Villanova, Bellarion attacks his flank and rear. Theodore attempts a tactical retreat toward the causeway between Corno and Popolo, but Ugolino da Tenda's cavalry strikes his rear from Balzola, collapsing his formation. Within three hours, Theodore's army is destroyed; he is captured and brought to Casale, where he is mocked by the populace. Bellarion, exhausted, collapses after ordering Theodore held for judgment.
Chapter 49
XV: The Last Fight
Bellarion recovers from his wounds under the care of Princess Valeria, who confesses her past misjudgment of him and her hidden love. He declares his intention to renounce worldly titles and retire to a monastery, but Valeria reveals she has been wearing his colors, leading to a mutual confession of love.
