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Updated: June 20, 2025
The situation in Famagosta had been briefly indicated in the despatch which the courier of Bernardini had urged his spent and panting steed to deliver in Nikosia; there were also certain dark hints of rumors current among the outraged populace, that Rizzo, Chief-of-the-Council appointed to help the Queen, might soon be master of all the strongholds of the island, having forced letters from the Queen commanding their surrender to the envoys of the Chief-of-Council.
For they of Nikosia were desperately loyal and somewhat sore, withal, that King Janus had seen fit to remove the capital from their splendid city of Nikosia, which from the beginning of the Lusignan dynasty, had held this supremacy.
He, Rizzo, would take the governorship of this city of Nikosia or, perhaps, the command of the fleets he knew not which that was a trifle to decide since all would be in his power: and of course he should instantly re-man the galleys.
So it was not long before the Court of Nikosia was gladdened with a festival of old-time splendor, lasting for many days with tournaments of knights and jousts of song, and recitals of quaint Cyprian legends and classic story, and all that their most punctilious custom might decree for a noble's marriage feast in the days of the cinque cento.
When they closed their conference they had contrived a sheaf of pretty documents which did more honor to their astuteness than to their loyalty, and which, with the signature of the Queen, would put them in possession of all the strongholds on the coast and many positions of vantage throughout the island, including the splendid city of Nikosia which had shown much dangerous friendliness for Queen Caterina.
But Stefano was one who spoke when it pleased him: he deigned no reply, but fixed an intent gaze on the balcony of the palace, while the crowd fell to talk among themselves, still waiting eagerly for news. Stefano Caduna, this man of the people, was, in truth an idol in Nikosia: rugged, commanding, with an air and tone of authority, the people looked to him for leadership.
It was a vision that pleased him even better than that of the noble Lord Mutio di Costanzo, surrounded by his escort of cavaliers, golden-spurred, delivering the keys of the city of Nikosia. But he forgot to confide this last tantalizing, supremest vision to His Grace the Archbishop.
The Admiral spoke low for secrecy might be the very discretion of valor: but fearlessly, for the words were a signal, and every knight stood ready. "Who challengeth? Speak low." Was it the word of caution, or a ruse de guerre? "One of Nikosia."
"And more a friend I have heard it whispered in Nikosia to Naples than to Cyprus." "Hast evidence for thy speech?" the other questioned eagerly in a lower tone. "It is for that we must watch; the time is threatening."
Stefano commanded the guard at the gates of Nikosia as also the force of the entire city, during the absence of the Vice-Roy: and he could be swerved nor fooled by no entreaties nor orders from any noble in the land. "No man entereth," he explained in that terrible cold iron voice of his, "save only he who sweareth to live and die in defense of Her Majesty."
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