# II: The Battle of Novi explained — Bellarion the Fortunate

> Chapter companion for Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Bellarion plays the role of a greedy mercenary to deceive Theodore, while Theodore himself is exposed as a treacherous usurper.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Bellarion's loyalty to Facino contrasts with Theodore's betrayal of his trust; Theodore accuses Bellarion of being a Judas, but Bellarion remains true to his adoptive father.

### Ambition and Power

Theodore's ambition to conquer lands and usurp power drives the plot, while Bellarion's actions are motivated by a desire to restore the rightful heir.

## Character check-ins

### Bellarion

Feigns interest in Theodore's offer while secretly loyal to Facino; orchestrates the exposure of Theodore's plot.

### Theodore of Montferrat

Attempts to bribe Bellarion with lands and title; revealed as a treacherous usurper when Facino appears.

### Facino Cane

Brought by Bellarion as a hidden witness; confronts Theodore and denounces his betrayal.

### Werner von Stoffel

Accompanies Bellarion as his lieutenant during the contract signing.

### Giovanni Pusterla

Mentioned as one of the gentlemen present in the Regent's closet.

## Key lines

> You miserable trickster! You lowborn, swaggering Judas! I should have known better than to trust you! I should have known that you'd be true to your false, shifty nature. You dirty fox!

Theodore furiously calls Bellarion a deceitful traitor, regretting his trust.

_Theodore's outburst reveals his rage at being outmaneuvered._

> Could I in loyalty to my adoptive father put my signature to this contract until it had received his approval?

Bellarion justifies his actions by claiming loyalty to Facino, his adoptive father.

_Bellarion's rhetorical question exposes his true allegiance._

> I have been labouring for him for longer than you think, highness.

Bellarion reveals he has been working for Gian Giacomo's interests all along.

_Bellarion's statement underscores his secret mission to protect the rightful heir._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/ii-the-battle-of-novi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters