# V: The Commune of Milan explained — Bellarion the Fortunate > Chapter companion for Bellarion the Fortunate by Rafael Sabatini. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Loyalty and Betrayal Facino's loyalty to the Duke is tested by court intrigue and suspicion, while della Torre and others scheme against him. ### Ambition and Power Facino's military power and popularity make him a threat to the Duke, and he must navigate the politics of the court. ### War and Strategy The council debates military funding and troop numbers to counter Buonterzo, highlighting the strategic importance of mercenaries. ## Character check-ins ### Facino Cane Returns to Milan and confronts the Duke and Guelph councillors, asserting his loyalty and power. ### Filippo Maria Visconti The Duke of Milan, angry and suspicious of Facino, but ultimately weak and indecisive. ### Gabriello Maria Visconti The Duke's natural brother and titular governor, who mediates and supports Facino's military plans. ### Antonio della Torre Guelph leader and councillor who openly opposes Facino and schemes against him. ### Messer Francesco Lonate A councillor who suggests hiring Boucicault directly to undermine Facino. ### Bellarion Facino's adoptive son who negotiates a favorable rate for Boucicault's troops, saving the Commune money and earning a reward. ### Francesco Busone da Carmagnola Facino's lieutenant commanding his condotta of a thousand mercenaries. ### Marshal Boucicault French marshal who supplies troops to Facino through his lieutenant. ## Key lines > They deafen us with their acclamations of you, those sons of dogs! The Duke angrily complains that the people's cheers for Facino are overwhelming. _The Duke's jealousy and suspicion of Facino's popularity._ > If I had a disloyal thought, all I need is to go down into the streets and unfurl my banner. The banner of the dog. How long do you think would the banner of the snake be seen in Milan after that? Facino warns that he could easily rally the people against the Visconti if he wished, proving his loyalty by not doing so. _Facino asserts his power and loyalty simultaneously._ > In the terms made with Monsieur Boucicault, my adoptive son here has saved the Commune of Milan the sum of fifteen thousand florins a month Facino announces that Bellarion negotiated a lower cost for the French troops, saving the city a significant amount. _Bellarion's shrewd negotiation benefits the Commune._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters/v-the-commune-of-milan - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bellarion_the_fortunate_se/chapters