Bellarion the Fortunate · Chapter
XVII: The Return explained
Bellarion returns to Casale as a celebrated knight and envoy of Facino Cane, contrasting his humble departure a year prior.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Bellarion's return as a celebrated knight contrasts with his past as a fugitive; he uses wit and shameless truth-telling to deflect Valeria's accusations, embodying the theme of layered identity and strategic deception.
Ambition and Power
The alliance proposal between Facino Cane and Theodore of Montferrat is driven by mutual ambition to recover territories and challenge Milan's power. Bellarion's own rise reflects personal ambition.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Valeria's scorn for Bellarion stems from his past treachery, which she believes ruined her hopes. The negotiation for an alliance hinges on trust and guarantees, highlighting the fragile nature of loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Bellarion
Returns to Casale as a celebrated knight and envoy of Facino Cane, commanding a troop of arbalesters. He contrasts his current status with his departure a year ago and engages in a tense dinner with the court, deflecting Valeria's scorn with wit.
- Theodore of Montferrat
The Regent receives Bellarion with a blend of condescension and deference, tactfully ignoring past events. He listens to Facino's proposal and, masking his eagerness, agrees to consider it.
- Valeria of Montferrat
The Princess is initially pallid and listless, but her eyes blaze with scorn upon seeing Bellarion. She sarcastically challenges him about his tactics and wealth, but is defeated by his shameless retorts.
- Werner von Stoffel
Rides at Bellarion's side ahead of the troop of arbalesters during the return to Casale.
- Castruccio da Fenestrella
Present at the dinner, he jocosely recalls Bellarion's past as a prisoner but is headed off by the Regent.
- Messer Corsario
The tutor of the young Marquis, present at the dinner, and described as absurdly dignified.
- Giovanni Pusterla
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; omitted.
Key passages
“The Knight Bellarion contrasted the manner of his departure from Casale a year ago with the manner of his return, and took satisfaction in it.”
Bellarion felt pleased as he compared his humble exit from Casale a year earlier with his triumphant return now.
Highlights Bellarion's personal growth and changed status.
“By no word or sign did he betray recollection of the young man’s activities in Casale a year ago. A tactful gentleman this Regent of Montferrat.”
The Regent showed no hint of remembering Bellarion's past deeds in Casale, demonstrating his diplomatic tact.
Illustrates Theodore's political shrewdness and the theme of deception.
“It was an uncomfortable meal.”
The dinner was tense and awkward.
Sets the tone for the strained interactions at the court.
“I always shiver at the thought of a personal encounter.”
Bellarion claims he is afraid of physical combat.
Bellarion uses self-deprecating humor to deflect Valeria's attacks.
