Guido

By JAFK

Guido is the authors first novel he is a retired General and Electrical Contractor and lives with his wife in the wine country of Napa Valley California. He was born in Brooklyn New York and left at age thirty then traveled the country and eventually landed in San Francisco in the 1970. By amazing coincidence he met my wife with in the first month in San Francisco and she was also an expatriate from Brooklyn. His first job was in carpentry then buying and selling refurbished houses then started an Electrical contracting business in San Francisco. He moved on to hard wiring computer systems for telecommunications company in northern and central California until his retirement. He and his wife have two children a boy and a girl and two grandchildren.

Guido was born in Florence in Tuscany but under the worst circumstances he was abandoned to the street as an urchin who has a telltale six fingers on his left hand. This will dog him the rest of his life. He is rescued by the Sisters of Clare and is taken to a doctor and his wife. He was home schooled by the doctors wife who was a linguist. He quickly accelerated his studies and was considered a genius at a very young age. Consequently he was fluent in reading and writing in all the romance languages. He was accepted into the University of Bologna the age of sixteen where he excelled in translating the ancient languages of Greek Latin and Hebrew. He finished his studies before his eighteenth birthday and returned to Florence. He was duped into following a man to Spain that he has unintentionally offended this starts his trek through Spain being pursued by the inquisition which eventually leads him the London where he begins his startling career.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477104354

JAFK

Guido Redi is the author’s second novel he is a retired General Contractor and lives with his wife in the wine country of Napa Valley California. He was born in Brooklyn New York and left at age thirty and eventually landed in San Francisco in the 1970. He and his wife have two children a boy and a girl and two grandchildren.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Guido Redi

The halls of the Franciscan Monastery were dark with the evening approaching. While robe-hooded monks are chanting vespers, a lone figure slips in hopefully un-noticed; it’s the young novice Guido Redi. Guido was average height, but appeared to be short from a distance and his slight built helped this impression. He had unusual physical toughness’. He was able to work long hours and enjoyed it. At first impression, he looked sad, his brown eyes were almost too big for his face, and his chin was too close to his mouth, his nose was slightly wide. His soft brown hair ringed his head above the ears and the lower portion was shaved clean, but minus a tonsure. When he smiles, he beams an infectious glow, but what made Guido unique was he had six fingers on his left hand, which would have some believe him to be demonic.

The monastery was San Vivaldo. It was a Franciscan Minor Friars settlement near Montaione in Florence, Tuscany. It was built with local stone and red tile roof. A fifty-foot tower built of brick stood to the front and side of main building. One side of the main building had a covered walkway supported by brick Roman arches. It was started in fourteenth century and eventually built into a complex of twenty-five churches and chapels depicting holy places in Jerusalem. It served as a substitute for those who could not afford the trip to Jerusalem. At the end of the service Guido is summoned to the Office of the Abbot, where Brother Guillermo, Prefect of Discipline, confronts him in the presence of the Abbot. He is questioned about his frequent tardiness at evening Prayers. His answer is similar to all the other times he’s been late, he was helping someone and lost track of time. At this point the Abbot excuses Guido to the objection of the Brother Guillermo and informs the Monk they have pressing business. When Guido leaves, the Monk is told of an impending visit of a cadre of Dominicans returning from Jerusalem on their way to their Monastery in Madrid Spain and to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

Brother Guillermo is stimulated by the thought of conversing with foreign intellectuals. He is a rather tall man, a little more than six feet, his head is ringed with grayish brown hair and the pate and crown were hairless, his facial features were long and took the contours of his face with an equine nose, thin lips and a pointed chin. His eyes were the most prominent feature, deep brown and piercing. He locates their scribe and informs him of the stay of the Spanish Clergy and wants him to keep a record of their meeting. He wants to presents them with a written text of their meeting in their native tongue of Spanish. The scribe is not fluent in Spanish but says nothing and leaves. The Abbot was in his office when he heard a knock on his door. It was the Brother Guillermo. He was in an exasperated state. He informed the Abbot that Guido Redi was among the missing. The Abbot told him that the Grand Duke’s kitchen had asked for his help in baking the bread for the feast. At this, the Monk complained, his Scribe needed Guido to help in copying letters in his text. The Abbot sarcastically suggested, Go to the Grand Duke and tell him that Guido was needed at the Monastery, so could not bake the bread. The Senior Monk frowned and left.

At the Palazzo Pitti, The Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo 3rd de Medici is hosting a lavish banquet. The separation and departure of his wife shocked no one. Since she left, his reputation for avarice and gluttony was taking its toll on the Tuscan Economy fueled by his endless banquets. He, Cosimo, consumed gargantuan amounts of rich delicacies causing him to get fatter and fatter and the economy to shrink. His personal appearance became the talk of the Court with his complexion not so much ruddy as inflamed. The cook in charge of the feast was Serafina Guggliomanitti, a woman of great size and strength, and a temper to match. Because of the size of the feast, every one in the household was conscripted to help in the kitchen. Marco Vano was an apprentice chocolatier that was one of the chosen many. Marco was under the tutelage of Francesco Redi, court physician, scientist and Master Chocolatier he was also foster father of Guido Redi.

To enter the kitchen from the tradesmen’s door, they would pass through a hall of about ten feet long with shelves on opposing walls stocked with baskets and pottery. The stone floor continued into the kitchen with wood beams running perpendicular to the walls supporting the ceiling. The staff was cleaning chickens, ducks and rabbits, while butchers dressed out whole pigs and popular Tuscan Beef. The vegetables were being prepared on a long wooden table down the center of the kitchen. They included artichokes, asparagus, spinach, cardoons, beans, and peas, all being prepared by efficient staff. One could smell the spices of sage, rosemary, basil and fennel. Along with his job of making chocolate, Marco was to help in the preparation and cooking of the fowl. While scalding the fowl to remove the feathers, the fire went out under the cauldron. No one noticed for hours. When he finally realized what had happened he removed the fowl from the now warm water to find the feathers and skin easily separated from the meat. The benefit of this mistake was the meat was left moist and succulent. It appeared the fowl continued to cook under this slow heat, which kept it from being dry, and tough. He told Serifina of his mistake and their results. She was impressed and told him to continue with his new recipe even though boiled meat was considered peasant food.

The kitchen in the castle was now at a fever pitch; Serifina Guggliomanitti, a very able chef, was orchestrating this organized confusion with her permanent and conscripted staff. Within this conscripted staff was Guido Redi and Marco Vano, who were childhood friends, and no strangers to the Kitchen of the Duke. Helping each other was more fun than work. The main kitchen revealed three storage rooms to the left, now open, but normally bolted and locked. The first contained sugar, salt, and flour, the second, herbs, spices, cheeses, dried meats and chocolate, the third the wine cellar. While kneading bread dough, with help of others, Guido remarks, this work is time consuming. Marco said, That the fastest way to knead bread was with many hands and keeps kneading. Guido replies, If wind can grind flour why couldn’t it knead dough.

Time is passing and we have bread to bake. Marco said.

With that said, all hands went back to making the dough.

Marco is a bright young man with an engaging smile and a handsomely defined adolescent face, which doesn’t match this mature athletic body. He is of average height with brown hair and eyes to match. While getting chocolate from the second room, the Duke’s property and vineyard manager arrives with his wine steward, followed by the manager’s daughter. Marco was dumb struck by her beauty, tall and slender with classic Tuscan features, black hair, almond shaped yellow brown eyes, inherited from her Neapolitan mother. Set just above high slender cheekbones, framed a straight nose and skin the color of the rising sun. Their eyes meet, but only momentarily, and she leaves after her father has selected the wine for the feast. He is smitten; he can’t stop thinking about her. He returns to the task at hand. He now begins his chocolate recipes working by rote. He can’t stop thinking about the beautiful young lady. While lost in reverie, he awakes to these small treats that he created while daydreaming. His thoughts still on this vision of beauty he wraps them in jasmine scented paper. Than he later leaves them at her residence with a note my kiss.

Chapter 1.1

A document from the Holy Land

Guido returns to the Monastery when his work in the kitchen is finished. He is met by Brother Gerrodo, the scribe, and taken to the office of the Abbot. One of the Spanish clergy is going on about the replicas of the Jerusalem holy places and how accurate they are. When he is finished Guido is introduced to the Spanish Clergy in the company of brother Guillermo, the Scribe and the Abbot. They are all in a semi-circle examining a document, which appears to be quite old. Guido is left standing just inside the door, either ignored or forgotten, when the Abbot looks up and asks him to join them. The Abbot brings him into the circle and asks him to inspect the papers. The documents are written in ancient Greek and Hebrew. At this point one of the Spanish Clergy named Plasico asked, Why this odd-looking young man the scribe’s assistance is here at all. The Abbot hesitates, than answers as politely as his hesitation. Friar Plasico, Guido is our most learned novice. He has attended The University of Bologna as a pre teen. He reads and writes Spanish, German, and French and translates ancient languages of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. His major subject was pontifical law. Do you object to his inspecting these documents? The Dominican is silent and gestures with a shoulder shrug. As Guido reads the text, the others begin to discuss the content and ecclesiastical value of these papers. Apparently this letter, from St. Paul to the Corinthians, was written in Greek with some Hebrew phrases. After no more than ten minutes, Guido gives the documents back to the visiting clergy. When asked his opinion and expecting awe and excitement instead Guido shrugs shoulders in a negative way. The Spaniard presses Guido in an extremely arrogant manner to explain him-self. Guido again reviews the papers, and then points out a number of problems with the antiquity of some of the phrases.

Again the Spaniard asked, in a hesitant tone, to clarify his statement.

At this point every ones eyes are riveted on Guido. He points out that the papers seem to be an adjunct to the first letter to the Corinthians elaborating on the difficulties of maintaining a Christian community in a cosmopolitan city. Most documents of his contained a passage in his hand more or less to authenticate the paper and I see none. Of cause he could have had an amanuensis scribe at this time.

Plasico stops Guido with a rude gesture of his hand and emphatically states, St. Paul would never have a slave and looks for support from the other Clergy.

Guido is surprised by the statement and hesitantly informs Plasico, amanuensis could be a freed slave or a scribe that is not a Roman Citizen.

The room becomes silent. The head of the Dominican Clergy, who asks a question, breaks the tension; If Guido can see any other flaws in the pages of the document.

Yes, in one of the Hebrew passages the consul of Corinth, Gallio is said to ignore the complaints of Jewish elders about the sermons of Paul. Gallio was Consul from 51 AD to 52 AD. The first letter to the Corinthians was written in 57 AD. That’s an obvious conflict. Plasico now standing, points out that this adjunct by Guido’s admission, could have been written after the consul’s term. Guido admits this is possible, but the contents of the adjunct adds nothing of substance to the first letter, which makes it, suspect.

The Abbot interrupts and suggests they all freshen up and get ready for evening prayer and dinner to follow. They all agree and leave the meeting. When they are all on there way out the Abbot takes Guido by the arm to hold him back. He closes the door and turns to Guido and asks, What else was in the papers that you held back.

I am sorry I did not think that I was that transparent. Well, in my opinion the document is a fraud. I did not want to embarrass Plasico or the other Clergy. The Abbot asked him, Please explain. The paper material is old but not ancient, my father could verify this. The deception was a reference to Saint Stephen agreeing with certain statements in the papers. He was martyred at least ten years before the first papers to the Corinthians were written".

Chapter 1.2

A question of taxes

Julia, the daughter of the Duke’s property manager, finds Marco’s chocolate treats. She can’t imagine who would send such a romantic and interesting tasting chocolate. She begins her fantasies about the sender and tells her friends, who tell their parents who tell her father. He starts a public investigation, which quickly comes to the attention of the Duke. The Duke starts his own investigation, not about a would-be love affair, but some one stealing his chocolate. The only two people that had access to his chocolate was the physician Redi or his assistant Marco. Francesco Redi is not only the Duke’s Physician but also one of his trusted advisers. He tells the Duke he is unaware of any chocolate missing and that Marco is away on an information-gathering quest for new herbs for Redi’s alchemy. He hopes if he stalls long enough the Duke will forget about the chocolate and save Marco. Redi knows the Duke is vengeful and unpredictable. He might even hang Marco.

Redi sends Marco to a Lord and Knight named Clarmaneau. He owns a large section of land in northern Tuscany where he could be hidden amongst his many subjects. Clarmaneau’s family were direct descendants of Franks, who participated in Council of Clermont, the first crusade and deeded this land by Pope Urban 2nd for their faithful and loyal service. He also considered Cosimo to be a bigot, weak, vain and a hypocrite and the financial ruin of Tuscany. Clarmaneau and Redi were very similar in physical appearance. Both were taller than average, with rangy bodies and well proportioned. They had similar hair texture, but Redi had dark brown hair and eyes with a ruddy complexion. Clarmaneau was fair skinned and blue green eyes with light brown to blonde hair. Clarmaneau admired Redi, the man and his scientific achievements, especially disproving spontaneous generations with such a simple experiment and likewise Redi’s view of Clarmaneau’s treatment of his land and respect for his subjects.

Redi is summoned to a meeting with a number of advisers; among them the Captain of the Duke’s Guard and the tax collector. He tries to be as inconspicuous as possible, so he mingles amongst the other advisers. It is apparent the Duke is in a tirade about the short fall of taxes. The brunt of his anger is directed at the tax collector, a spineless man, named Tutti. He is known to have no qualms about being merciless to those who cannot fight back, but would not correct a misinformed superior. The Captain comes to the aid of the tax collector by pointing out that Lord Clarmaneau pays substantially low taxes. The Duke asks the tax collector if this is so. He answers yes, and he starts to explain how the taxes are levied when the Duke cuts him short. The Captain again comes to the aid of the tax man by pointing out, Francesco Redi has business dealing with Lord Clarmaneau and could give his assessment of the correct taxes that should be paid. Redi, knowing this a malicious would be trap by the Captain, steps forward and collects himself. He addresses the Duke while turning and gesturing toward the other advisers. As you all know the Vatican deeded this land to the House of Clarmaneau and the reasons why, the Vatican has a long memory.

The Captain interrupts Redi with a statement that, A rumor has come to my attention that the lord dislikes the Duke and his financial stewardship of his realm.

The Duke is obviously uncomfortable and tells Redi to explain these rumors.

Again he addresses the Duke and turning to the advisers, He assures the Duke that if he ever needs military aid of any kind the lord would be the first to respond. His steel armaments are the finest in all of Italy. His knights are business managers and warriors; his guild supplies the best craftsmen in Italy. They not only make these superior weapons, but also are trained to use them. I believe the Duke should have the comfort of mind to know that he has such an ally. The Duke mutters a comment, Rightly so and calls the tax collector forward. The man immediately approaches with groveling gestures, his hands palms up in a pleading manner. The Duke orders him, Go to Lord Clarmaneau and inform him of the new taxes that are to be levied against his lands and businesses. You are to start collecting immediately, of cause, be polite and cordial. Tutti stands silent for a second, than his left hand starts to shake and vibrates, his skin turns ash he swoons and falls to floor. Everyone is in shock when the Captain comes to his aid. He lifts Tutti from the floor to an up right position. The Captain is looking for help when the Duke tells him to accompany Tutti. The Captain, while gesticulating with his hands in protest, drops Tutti. While Tutti lies on the floor, the Captain is imploring the Duke to reconsider because of all his responsibilities at the Court. The Duke does not reconsider and orders, Both to precede post haste. With no one responding to the dazed and stupefied Tutti, Redi summons the guards. They take him to a room to revive him where Redi cannot help but laugh at the spectacle.

Chapter 1.3

Planning their trip to Spain

The senior clergy from Spain asked the Abbot for some time for a private conversation. When alone in his office he explains their situation. While in route to Jerusalem their Prior took ill and died, Plasico took on more leadership than they all felt comfortable with, but no one could dampen his enthusiasm. He was contacted by a local historian with this ancient document that was recently discovered along with other articles of the same time period. I am sure you have noticed the forcefulness of Plasico. He badgered and cajoled every one until we agreed to buy the document. The same historian who sold us the document authenticated it. To the man we all knew that your novice Guido was right, but Plasico’s ego was shredded and how could we tell him we are not going to the Vatican with his document and returning home to Spain. The answer came to us from your own Brother Angelo. Plasico told him of a monk in a monastery in Saragossa Spain who has perfected a chocolate and herbal ingredient that can cure some illnesses and alleviate pain and discomfort in others. Talking to Plasico he believes Guido would be the right person to examine this remedy. If you would agree to have Guido accompany us it would serve a twofold purpose. The first reason, already stated, the second a guide we need to get us expeditiously to Genoa. The guide we had to come here took us a circuitous route over land and rivers, the help would be much appreciated.

The Abbot agrees to help, but he must advise the other brethren in the monastery and ask Guido if he has any objections. Guido not only does not have any objections but also is energized by the idea of traveling to Spain. After the Abbot informs his brethren of the trip he pulls Guillermo aside and asks him to accompany Guido and the Spanish Clergy to Spain. He reluctantly agrees, but believes both the trip and Guido will be laborious. The route and the finances were being discussed and it was apparent that the cost of the document had drained their money reserve. Guido left the meeting and approached his father, who graciously pledged the short—fall as Guido and Guiellermo’s fare. This further embarrasses an infuriated Plasico. They all agreed to take a barge down the Arno River to Pisa. Then to travel the coastal road to La Spezia and on to Genoa. The journey should take four days. The meeting ended and everyone was leaving to prepare for his journey. The Abbot approached Dr. Redi in the hall and asked if they could meet in his office. Both were getting comfortable when the Abbot sighed, looked at Redi in a confidential manner and began to explain his decision to send Guillermo with a group and not some other monk. Guillermo has an almost brilliant mind. He reads and retains copious amounts of information, and his organizational traits are far better than any one in this priory. However he has a flaw. He forms his opinions before he has all the necessary information on a person or a subject. He rejects everyone else’s opinion but his own. He understands precisely the letter of the law but not the spirit.

After a slight pause Redi says, What you’re trying to say is that he is arrogant. The Abbot replies, Yes. You’re hoping this trip will help give him more insight in to humanity. The Abbot replies, Yes. You know him better than I, and I’m sure you gave this a great deal of thought. So let’s hope it succeeds. Another situation has come up; the Duke is sending the tax collector and the Captain of his guard to collect new taxes form Lord Clarmaneau. You may not know this, but I have hidden Marco Vano with Clarmaneau, so I must get there before they do. This could cause a very dangerous confrontation. My sources tell me that the two of them are dragging their feet in trepidation, so I’ll be there before them if I leave now. Marco and I will travel overland to Genoa and meet up with Guillermo and Guido. Marco could than meet up with a shipment of Clarmaneau’s farm implements going to France. Guido and Guillermo would give me an excuse to be away from the Court of the Grand Duke.

Chapter 1.4

The solution

The Grand Duke’s Captain of the guard is in the barracks of the Palazzo Pitti mapping out strategy with his second in command, Lieutenant Cortona. His initial plan was to marshal one hundred men under the command of Lieutenant Cortona and force-march to Clarmaneau’s compound. This, he said, Would surprise and shock them and neutralize their forces. This will give you the best bargaining position.

Cortona quickly reviews the plan and asks, Wouldn’t be better if the Captain did the bargaining because he could present the Duke’s position more forcefully.

The Captain reminds his Lieutenant, He is behind him and has all the confidence in his bargaining expertise. Cortona points out that, This could be misconstrued as overt aggression and to remind the Captain that Lord Clarmaneau has more than a thousand armed warriors at the ready. Well you could do this with courtesy and respect and I’m sure this would put the Lord at ease. In frustration the Lieutenant tells the Captain, The men will mutiny when they find out that they are going up against battle—proven warriors out numbered ten to one. The Duke will definitely hear about this and every one’s position will be in great danger. There is a long silence. The Lieutenant breaks the silence with a suggestion that, The Captain and the Taxman go together as non-combatants to Clarmaneau and offer their services to solve these tax problems.

The Captain said, He will give it some thought and dismisses the Lieutenant.

Above the Ponte Vecchio not far from Palazzo Pitti was the Uffizi, the office of Tutti the tax collector. He was reviewing taxes along with his seven staff members. They were coming up with a new formula for levying taxes on land and wealth produced by that land. The more they worked on this new system the more confusing it became. In frustration, Tutti threw his hands in the air and proclaimed that Clarmaneau will have to pay more taxes whether he wants to or not. One of his staff, a ferret like man named Ammanati, leads in the agreement of the staff that the taxes for the Lord are too low. Now everyone is whole-heartedly agreeing that Clarmaneau’s taxes are too low. Then Ammanati mentions the coal dispute with that province in Bologna whose name he couldn’t remember. Tutti asks, What dispute?

Ammanati tells a gory story of the slaughter of the Bolognians and the relentless hunt for all that was involved. The dispute was over a mining pit that both claim to own. The people from the province of Bologna believed that after they sold the mine to the Lord they were due a yearly payment to be negotiated because when they sold it they didn’t know it was worth as much as it was.

Tutti’s reply was quick to condemn the Bolognas for changing the deal out of greed. Ammanati commented, Exactly.

There were a few moments of nerves paper shuffling than dead silence as Tutti just starred at a ledger.

The silence was broken when the Captain entered the office and offered every one a jovial, Good morning. He invites Tutti to have chocolate with him at a cafe in the Palazzo Vecchio and tells him, He has a plan. While at the coffee house he tells Tutti, They should go as non-combatants and offer to mediate the tax discrepancies. This way they would be servicing both the Duke and the Lord.

Tutti’s spirits are immediately raised and congratulate each other on this brilliant solution.

Chapter 1.5

Guido deje vu

During the journey from La Spezia to Genoa, Guillermo fell ill. When they got to Genoa they put him in a hospital run by a doctor and his wife. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and confined to bed for the near future. The building was four steps from the piazza. The entrance was average size with a single door that leads directly into the infirmary. A hall leads from the infirmary to the hospital proper that contains thirty beds. The staff consisted of two doctors and ten nuns that rotated from the convent of the Poor Sisters of Clare. Guillermo was placed in a corner for a little privacy because all the beds were in one room. Guido was questioning the doctor about the prognoses, which was vague when he noticed what looked like a classroom. His curiosity got the best of him and he had to investigate. He was pleasantly surprised to find four young people being taught to read and write basic Italian by the doctor’s wife. He stood at the door facing the students and the teachers back and waved his six fingers in an undulating movement while bobbing his head. The clown like display caused a loud burst of laughter. The teacher turned to see Guido sheepishly looking innocent. Guido apologized and introduced himself. The teacher saw the humor in it and asked, If he would like to come in and be seated.

He thoroughly enjoyed the class because he was in his element. The teacher introduced the students each by their name and than herself. The Doctor’s wife is a short plumb woman with light brown eyes, beautifully clear skin and extraordinary red hair her name was Leona. She explained, The children were orphans with physical problems and little to look forward to. She was training them to work in the hospital.

Guido had to control his emotions for this was a replay of his own young life. He was found abandoned and wondering the streets at the age of four. The Doctor and his wife took him into their life and raised him as their own child. Mrs. Redi attended a convent school in France and mastered all the romance languages and went on to study general linguistics. Her knowledge and teaching skills were the bases for the home schooling Guido would receive. He proved to be a gifted student by age ten he was fluent in all the romance languages. He now became interested in linguistics and ancient languages. The University would not accept him until his sixteenth birthday. When he was accepted they deem him brilliant. He finished his higher education in two years and returned home to Florence. He was assisting his father, who was a philologist, in producing the definitive dictionary of the Tuscan dialect, now the national tongue. Then his mother died. He come to gripes with this tragedy through his religious training and later informed his father his intention to enter the monastery. His father thought maybe his decision was reactionary, but did not stand in his way.

Chapter 1.6

Land for taxes

Redi aware of the planned visit of the Captain and the Tax collector and their mission forewarned Clarmaneau. He called his managers together to discuss a strategy to mitigate these new taxes. They decided to welcome them in a friendly manner and give them a tour of their industries. They sent an honor guard and escorted them like dignitaries through the most prosperous district than on to a castle like fortress of Clarnaneau. When they arrived they were treated to an excellent late afternoon lunch of a truffle frittata with copious amounts of Malvasia white wine. They suggested to their quests that they might rest up after their long journey they both coyly agreed and were taken to their rooms. When they were safely in their rooms the managers plotted their next move. The new visitors awoke in early evening to a noisy and festive square below them. They refreshed themselves and joined the festivities. Clarmaneau and the officer who was in command of his warriors welcomed them. They all sat at a table in an out door café ordered wine and proceeded to people watch, the people being the young ladies. The conversation got around to the Court of the Grand Duke, this gave both the Captain and the Tax collector the opportunity to tell the Lord what a difficult and responsible positions they had, so they could appreciate the financial burdens of his lands and industries.

It was suggested they walk through the square and see what if any theater was being performed. To their delight a very adult punch and Judy was in progress. The husband was chasing the wife’s lover around with a stick that clacked when he hit the rogue, much to the delight of the crowd. They moved onto a serious drama that they all found boring and decided to have dinner. Clarmaneau guided them to the restaurant above the square. The owner by prearrangement orchestrated the entire dinner from the menu, to the table and sitting. From their vantage point on the balcony they could see the puppeteers manipulate the puppets. The Captain watched the audience facing him and thought how ease it is to fool people. Clarmaneau asked him, What was amusing below.

He replied, Nothing. At that point the owner recited the menu. Dinner will begin with marinated sardines than a Tuscan tripe soup, followed by famous saddle of beef in a lemon and anchovy sauce, of course, the wine flowed freely. When the goat cheese and fruit arrived for dessert, the guests pleaded, please no more. The evening was a great success everyone said good night and the guests retired to their rooms.

The Lord Clarmaneau and his manager began to plot the movements for the following day. The next morning they split up the Captain and the Tax collector. The tax collector was taken to the industrial area and the Captain the parade grounds. The parade grounds were actually the training fields for their Cavalry and at the closest point to the boarder of the Grand Duke’s realm. When the Captain arrived with the General he was treated to a parade of hundreds of full battle dress horsemen in military review. What the Captain didn’t know was the lead horsemen after passing in review would drop down into a shallow canyon and double back to the end of the parade and pass in review again. The Captain’s ego was inflated with self-importance to the point of euphoria and was convinced he had seen over a thousand cavalrymen pass in review.

When the parade was finished the General took the Captain to a ridge over looking a small valley belonging to the Duke. The land was rocky and treeless it was defined by a large creek that ran in an arch and reconnected to the land belonging to Clarmaneau. The General noted the land was really worthless because it couldn’t be farmed, but it could be a place he could train his troops. If the Grand Duke or his nominee would deed the property to Lord Clarmaneau the benefit would be to have a trained army ready for any eventuality. The seed now planted they headed for the castle. The Captain was resting and thinking the Grand Duke wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity. He would not have the financial burden of feeding, housing and equipping an army when there was a knock at his door. When he opened it, it was Tutti all excited, He told the Captain about a proposal that was made to him that would bring in taxes far greater than they thought possible. He explained he was taken to large section of land that was almost arid it belonged to the Duke and stands now useless. If we get the Duke to deed it to the Lord Clarmaneau he will irrigate, plant and manager the land for an overseers fee and the bulk of the crops will go to the Duke.

Chapter 1.7

Guido’s medical assistance of sorts

Guido was staying at the hospital to help take care of Friar Giullermo. He was earning his keep by helping the Sisters of Clare in the wards and of course helping in the education of the young students. Early one morning he was urgently summed to the infirmary. He was told there was a Black Muslim being treated and that he only spoke French. They needed a translator. While weaving his way through beds and trays he sees one of his students, a young boy with a pronounced cleft palate, cleaning the hall. He tells the young man to follow him. They arrive at the infirmary to find an angry patient and a frustrated Nun. The patient is a seaman, who broke his arm aboard his ship that is now in port. The problem when translated is apparently neither his religion nor his culture will allow physical contact with women other than his family. This resolved, Guido replaced the nurse, and the doctor began setting the broken arm. While the seaman was being treated he kept staring at Guido’s left hand and the boys face. When the procedure was finished the seaman went into a cold, but yet passionate dialogue with Guido. After Guido’s reply he ended with a few words in Arabic.

On the way back to the hospital proper the boy asked Guido, what did the seaman say and also why was he starring at them both. They walked a few steps when Guido stopped and said to the boy, Why, because you stared at him. Guido went on to explain, the seaman was convinced god sent us and our physical appearance convinced him.

They walked a few more steps and the boy said, Why do people say that my face has the mark of the devil. You just came from the infirmary where a man said you were sent by god to help him. Who is right the seaman or the people who said you have the mark of the devil. They were now stopped in the hall between the hospital and the infirmary, the boy was very perplexed and Guido let the moment linger than said to the boy. "Keep thinking about it and you will come to your own conclusion’.

The boy continued his chores and Guido went to see how Giullermo was progressing. While on his way his thoughts were the most satisfying and pleasant feeling he had ever felt. He thought this must be happiness he was secretly enjoying these feelings when the doctor who set the seaman’s arm approached him. He said, He under stood drips and drabs of what Guido and the seaman had said and wanted to know what the seaman meant then he said the devil’s mask drove away the Nun.

Guido’s answer was uncharacteristically terse. He told the Doctor, He totally misunderstood the conversation and he should just forget it.

There conversation was interrupted by the Wife of the Director she was every excited. She told Guido, His father was in Genoa and on his way to the hospital. She went on about such a famous physician coming to visit their hospital.

He thought that a little exaggerated, but one always thinks of one’s father in a different light. It had the effect of ending the conversation with that attending physician. When his father arrived the Director of hospital and his wife greeted him. They take him for a tour of the hospital. He tells them how impressed he is with their work and how it is well organized. They exchange pleasantries than the Doctor asks to see his son and Friar Guillermo. He is taken to the garden where the Friar and Guido are planning their trip. They all take turns telling of incidents good, bad and humorous that happened since they have been there. When this ran its course Redi excused himself with regret and thanked the Director and his wife for their kindness. Before leaving tells Guido that Marco is in Genoa, but he must leave tonight for France.

Chapter 1.8

Hatching a conspiracy

Lieutenant Cortona and two of his men were sitting in an out door café enjoying the sea breeze and a glass of wine. They were playing the part of the tourist across the street from the hospital. When Dr. Redi came out the front door he told his two men to take up their positions. He put the two spare glasses on a vacant table than called to the doctor to join him. The Doctor hid his surprise and reluctantly crossed the piazza and accepted an offer of a class of wine. They sat across from one and other, the lieutenant cross-legged slightly forward with his hands joined together in a cup over his knee, without his uniform he looked very ordinary. Just average height and build with a pronounced nose and dark hair and eyes. The doctor began leaning back in a comfortable position. After some pleasantries the Doctor inquired, What the lieutenant was doing in Genoa.

He replied, Family business. He told the Doctor that his Grand Father was born in Genoa and he was here to visit relatives. The Doctor thought he was telling the truth about his family, but was convinced that was not the reason he was here. They continued to parry over their reasons for being in Genoa until they both tired of it finished their wine and said good by.

As the Doctor left and was heading for the Inn a shadow in a doorway alerted him he was being followed. The sun was setting when he got to the Inn. He inquired about dinner and informed the Innkeeper he would have his meal in his room. He could watch the man who was following him from his window. When it was totally dark he slipped out the back of the Inn while the man that was following him watched out front. By now it was dinnertime and restaurants were crowded along with the streets so his escape was unnoticed, but the going was slower. Almost an hour later he reached this destination a small Inn on the road to France where Marco was awaiting the caravan. He found him with some new friends sharing a bottle of wine. He made eye contact and coaxes him away from his friends with slight hand signals. They go to a corner table and as Redi is about to tell Marco the bad news a shadow appears on their table.

They look up into the face of Lieutenant Cortona and behind him his two men. Cortona tells one of his men to take Marco over to his friends and the other to make sure no one bothers them. Redi breaks the silence. You had this all calculated and planned and I played right into your hands. Cortona shrugs with a modest smile and adds, I totally miscalculated on the caravan they will be here in a matter of minutes.

Redi realizes that the raucous wine laughter from Marco’s friends has stopped. The man who was watching Marco approaches the table with the news that Marco has escaped. Cortona with a blasé gesture says. Well he must be a long time gone so why don’t you two have some dinner, because we have a long trip home. When two men leave, Cartona said to Redi in a conspiracy tone, I have a proposition for you. Redi replies, Please continue. The Captain of the Court Guard and the tax collect are going to be out witted by Clarmaneau. I’m sure you agree with me, so I’m building my political base so when they fall I’ll be the natural choice to replace the Captain. The Duke, if not held in check, will destroy Florence and Tuscany. His decisions are selfish and emotional the case in point, the ridiculous prosecution of Marco for the petty chocolate theft when his motive was so obvious. The cost of his pursuit is a loss in money and time. To depose him would bring in the other heads of other states or provinces using the excuse of saving the realm to control or rule Tuscany. My opinion is you are the adviser he listens to more than any other and more importantly you are dedicated to the welfare of Tuscany. I know this will take some thought and especially to trust a man you know little about.

They now hear the caravan out side the Inn. Cartona stands to go and said; He hopes to hear from the Doctor soon.

All is quiet in the Inn. Redi just sits their thunder struck.

Chapter 1.9

Ships—love at first sight

Now that Guillermo was well enough to travel Guido went to the shipping office to schedule their trip to Spain. When he gets to the quay, an impressive array of ships in port fascinates him. He realizes he is gawking when he runs into some one coming the other way. He apologizes and asks the man where the shipping office is? The man doesn’t know, but directs him to the office of the Harbor Master. Guido continues along the wharf looking in wonderment at the size of these ships. The quay is a series of piers all perpendicular to the main wharf. Four of these piers have large ships and two others with smaller ships. Two of these piers are a beehive of activity one ship appearing to be loading supplies and cargo and the other unloading cargo. Men pushing or pulling two wheeled wagons with handles filled with thick ropes or trunks of clothes in organized chaos. They all seem to meet at the middle of their respective ships where a boom with a fall and tackle is loading or unloading the ship. Guido is mesmerized by all the activity and to avoid running into someone he stops to take in this synchronized mercantile ballet. People trying to pass him bump him back to the present. He starts walking to keep pace with every one else and arrives at the office of the Harbor Master. The building is large with many different agencies. A few steps from the front door stood a very big man with a large face and very prominent nose. His clothing looks expensive, but with the workman’s cut. He seems to be surveying the landscape and in particular the wharf area. He sees the confusion on Guido’s face and asks, if he can be of some help.

Guido gushed a breath of relieve and in the same breathe asks, If he knows there to contact the harbormaster.

The gentleman replies, Yes. Guido starts to ask the obvious next question when the gentleman cuts him short and tells him, He is the harbormaster.

Guido asks, Where and when the ship to Barcelona leaves Genoa.

He explains, That the ship will arrive the day after tomorrow, but the agent will be at pier number 7 tomorrow at his kiosk to arrange passage.

Guido asks, Where is pier number 7.

I’m heading in that direction follow me. The harbormaster starts walking toward the wharf with a purpose Guido trailing behind. The big man in the lead had long strides and seems to plow though the crowded promenade. Guido had to skip every other step to keep up. His knotted rope that cinched his robe had come undone and was trailing behind threatening to trip me. He gamely grabs the rope with one hand and gathers the excess robe with the other and starts to run to catch up. The part of the crowd that first notices Guido start to laugh which gets the attention of others and quickly he’s the center of attention. The harbormaster turns to see what the commotion is and beholds Guido disheveled and embarrassed bringing up the rear. He is trying not to laugh, but can’t so he stops and waits for Guido. When he catches up to his leader he takes the time to readjust his rope and robe with a flare, which pleases the crowd than bows like the end of a performance. The crowd is so taken with him that they begin to applaud. As he turns the harbormaster says, You missed your calling young man you should be in the theater.

Invitation And Escape

Chapter 2

Ships and the sea

The following morning Guido goes to the pier number seven and secures passage to Barcelona for himself and Guillermo. He is standing off of the walkways admiring the ship in front of him when he hears a familiar voice address him. He knows without looking it’s the Harbormaster. They warmly greet each other than Guido asks, is there any thing wrong with the ship.

Why you think so.

Well there is no activity it’s just tied up at the pier.

The reason is they are waiting for the leeward tide some time this afternoon. He further explains to Guido that the leeward wind and the tide go in the same direction that is the best possible conditions to set sails and leave port.

Guido thinks about that and asks, how do you know what time all this will occur.

That’s one of my jobs, tides are calculated over twelve hour period the last low tide was eight hours ago so they should be on their way after it ebbs in about four hours. The Captain of the ship is well aware of the tide, but the winds speed and direction is not a constant. There is a history of winds and its direction this time of year. Also time of day winds are generally stronger in the afternoon so we follow this recipe it usually works out fine. Have you noticed any difference between the ship you’re looking at and the ship next to it?

They are both facing out to sea, so is all I can see well is there backs; one seems to have a higher cabin on the back and a different body shape.

You’re absolutely right the one closest to us is a Galleon the other is much older and is called a Carrack. The Galleon is really an improved Carrack. You’ve noticed the difference in the back that’s called the aftcastle the Galleon cut theirs down for better handling in high winds. The body as you call it is referred to as the hull it to was also redesigned. The hull frame was built wider at the water line and tapered inward up the sides of the ship to give it more stability. Are you bored or would you like to hear more.

Guido’s silence came to life with an animated, Yes all this is greatly informative.

The rigging or sails were changed, a recutting of the large billowing sails into flatter ones to improve the sailing capabilities and make the ship sail better into the wind. There were other improvements, but generally to the rigging and the addition of another mast, which lent to its speed or stability. All in all she’s a wonderful ship. She made commerce what it is today and with out commerce it would be a very dreary world. The harbormaster left Guido with the comment, ‘He had to attend to business."

Guido waved good buy and started walking back to the hospital captivated by thought of sailing on the sea to Barcelona.

Chapter 2.1

Travesty or tragedy

The Captain of the Guard and Tutti the tax collector are congratulating each other while entering the Palazzo. They are heading for the meeting of the Grand Duke’s advisers to be held in the Tribuna Room of the Uffizi Gallery. The Tribuna had excellent acoustics with polished stone floors, a dome ceiling and beautiful tapestries covering the walls. Large comfortable chairs and a long table were placed in the center of the room to accommodate several scribes who would take notes of the meeting. Some of the most treasured paintings were hung on the walls with Greek, Roman and Florentine sculptures positioned for viewing in convenient locations, all in all, a pleasant and sophisticated room to hold meetings. When they entered the room it seems the normal din of politics ends abruptly and they become the center of attention. An adviser to the Duke, who they can’t recall his name, begins yelling and accusing Tutti of giving away his property. The din returns louder and more uncontrolled when the Grand Duke, who is perched on a throne above the floor of the Tribuna, calls everyone to order by banging his staff on the floor. He stands and summons the court lawyer to come forward to explain these agreements that Tutti has drawn up with Clarmaneau. The attorney named Villani motions with his hand pompously to the others that he has the floor. He begins to recite law when the groans begin to drown him out. Cosimo again thumps the floor with his staff. The Duke implores Villani, to get to the problem at hand and give an explanation as short as possible. He informs the Duke and his Court, that the agreements are not so much a legal problem as a political one. The din returns and Cosimo, now standing, Demands quiet.

He acknowledges his manservant at the foot of his throne who in turn informs him, The kitchen does not know the recipe for the chicken that was served at the last banquet. He demands, why and is told, the recipe was Marco Vano’s, the boy who disappeared after he stole your chocolate. The Chancellor leans toward the Duke and agrees the chicken was superb and some one should retrieve the recipe. A murmur of agreement begins to spread when the lawyer Villani appeals for decorum. The Duke agrees and than asks the Captain of the Guard, why he hasn’t apprehended Marco.

The Captain is tongue-tied and the murmur gives way to the din, with some reliving the chicken dish, and others the land agreement with Clarmaneau. The lawyer again pleads for quiet when the Duke yells at the Captain. He calls him, an incompetent lout and should be in jail. One of the courtiers claims this meeting as a travesty! The Duke hears this and explodes. He yells at the courtier named Boschi, to explain what travesty.

Boschi claims he never said travesty he said tapestry he was admiring its beautiful texture and color. The Duke is now in a state of hysterics. He bellows, my wife, now back in France, picked that incipit color. If I could collect enough taxes to redecorate it would be done tomorrow. Besides, you have the taste of a France courtesan. He shouts, everyone get out now, he repeats out and collapses on his throne. The lawyer Villani hesitates at the foot of the throne to further explain the agreements. He is told under the penalty of death to leave now. The Duke suddenly stands and points a finger at the Captain and Tutti and bellows Put them under arrest.

The remainder of the court leaves silently and quickly the meeting is over. Redi who had observed the entire meeting from an inconspicuous niche behind and to the side of a sculpture of Greek wrestlers approaches the Duke. With out a word he helps the Duke to his feet and down from his pedestal. They walk silently through the Uffizi above the Ponte Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti the family residence. Two menservants meet them. Redi tells them, to help the Duke to his chambers and to get him hot chocolate.

When they leave he heads back to the Uffizi to find Lieutenant Cartona.

He locates the Lieutenant at the barracks of the palazzo guard. He has the Captain and Tutti in the guardroom because he’s not sure what to do. He wants to put them under house arrest, but the Duke was yelling jail. He confides in Redi, he never thought things would get this crazy. Redi agrees, "in this atmosphere the Duke may accuse them of treason and that would warrant an extreme penalty. The Duke had been told of the legal and political consequences of these agreements before the meeting started. The French and the Spanish had long ago divided Italy.