Severance explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Bellarion's departure is framed as both a sacrifice for Facino's peace and a strategic move, blurring the lines between loyalty and self-interest.

• Ambition and Power

  Bellarion's plan to raise his own condotta and negotiate alliances reflects his growing ambition and political acumen.

• Deception and Identity

  Bellarion conceals his true motives behind a facade of ambition, using duplicity to serve both Facino's immediate goals and his own secret aims.

Characters to notice

• Bellarion

  Decides to leave Facino's service, plans to raise his own condotta of Swiss infantry, and proposes an alliance with Theodore of Montferrat.

• Countess of Biandrate

  Demands Bellarion's departure to avoid humiliation, manipulates him with pleading and threats.

• Facino Cane

  Subtly encourages Bellarion to leave, agrees to lend Stoffel and Swiss cavalry, and listens to Bellarion's alliance proposal.

• Francesco Busone da Carmagnola

  Mentions the arrival of Ghibelline refugees from Milan at supper.

• Werner von Stoffel

  Agrees to join Bellarion's new condotta, bringing fifty Swiss cavalry.

• Theodore of Montferrat

  Proposed as an ally for Facino; Bellarion offers to negotiate the alliance.

Key passages

• “I go, too.” “You ask me to take my dismissal from his service?” He was incredulous. “I beg it⁠ ⁠… a favour, Bellarion. It is yourself have brought things to the pass where I may not meet you without humiliation. And continue daily to meet you I will not.””

  The Countess demands that Bellarion leave Facino's service, claiming his presence humiliates her.

  The Countess manipulates Bellarion by framing his departure as a favor to salvage her pride.

• “I am considering.” He was very grave, swayed between anger and a curious pity, and weighing other things besides.”

  Bellarion hesitates, torn between anger and sympathy, while evaluating his options.

  Bellarion's internal conflict reflects his strategic mind and emotional restraint.

• “Why, sir,” he said slowly, smiling a little as if in deprecation, “this matter of levies has been lately in my thoughts. To be frank, I have been thinking of raising a condotta of my own.””

  Bellarion announces his intention to raise his own mercenary company.

  Bellarion uses the pretext of ambition to orchestrate a graceful exit from Facino's service.

• “There is a service I can perhaps do you as I go,” said Bellarion at parting. “You are levying men, my lord, which is a heavy drain upon your own resources.” “Prisoners like Vignate don't fall into the hands of each of us.” “Have you thought, instead, of seeking alliances?””

  Bellarion suggests Facino seek alliances rather than rely solely on mercenaries, offering to negotiate with Theodore of Montferrat.

  Bellarion's proposal demonstrates his political foresight and desire to leave Facino in a stronger position.