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Scarcely was Cesare gone from Perugia when into the hands of his people fell the person of the Lady Panthasilea Baglioni d'Alviano the wife of the famous Venetian condottiero Bartolomeo d'Alviano and they, aware of the feelings prevailing between their lord and the Government of Venice, bethought them that here was a valuable hostage.
The unrest, spreading and growing sullenly a while, burst suddenly forth in Arezzo on June 4, when the cries of "Medici!" and "Marzocco!" rang in its streets, to announce that the city was in arms against the government of Florence. Arezzo followed this up by summoning Vitelli, and the waiting, watchful condottiero was quick to answer the desired call.
The condottiero took it and placed his finger upon the four letters P L A C the abbreviation of "Placentia" in the inscription. "P L A C," he spelled. "That contains your fate, magnificent, and you may read it for yourself." And he returned the coin to the Duke, who stared at the letters foolishly and then at this reader of omens.
To Galeotto this proud, stern baron seemed most oddly dispirited. "I see that we must talk," he said. "Things are speeding well and swiftly now," he added, dropping his voice. "But more of that presently. I have much to tell you." When they had reached the chamber that was Galeotto's, and the doors were closed and Falcone was unbuckling his master's spurs "Now for my news," said the condottiero.
The Pope had taken into his pay that distinguished condottiero, Duke Guidobaldo of Urbino, who later was to feel the relentless might of Cesare.
The blood that had earlier surged to my face had now all receded again, and my pulses throbbed like hammers. Then Galeotto spoke, his voice very calm and level. "Will your excellency first permit me to see the papal brief upon which you acted in summoning hither the accused?" Silently Gonzaga delivered a parchment into Galeotto's hands. The condottiero studied it, frowning.
And he had never suspected it! Dull-witted did he now account himself. Enough descriptions had he heard of that famous condottiero, that mirror of Italian chivalry. He might have known that there did not live two men of such commanding ways as he had seen instanced at Roccaleone. What was his object there?
"And this other niece of yours ?" quoth Gian Maria lamely. "I have already passed my word," answered Guidobaldo. "And Monna Valentina?" the other almost whined. "May wed this headstrong condottiero of hers. I'll not withstand them. Come; I am your friend in this. I am even sacrificing Valentina to your interests. For if you persist, he will ruin you. The game is his, my lord.
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