Turning up now, when Simon had problem
enough trying to find a way to get to France. Simon momentarily saw
himself running Sordello through with his scimitar and kicking the body
into the harbor.

_And that story about Ana betraying him is almost surely a lie. She is
not at all the sort who would do such a thing. Probably he himself did
something stupid that gave him away._

Sordello broke in on his thoughts. "Thierry tells me you want to sail to
Marseilles, Your Signory." He pointed to the high-sided, round-hulled
ship that Simon had just left. "That buss you were on out there, is that
not the _Constanza_? I think I know the master--his name is Guibert. Did
you arrange passage with him?"

Grudgingly Simon told Sordello of his failure with the captain of the
big ship. Sordello grunted.

"It is not right that a man of your distinction and wealth and gentle
birth should have to go up and down the dockside begging for a ship."
Simon despised the flattery but could not help agreeing with it. His
situation was indeed embarrassing.

"It is past midday, Your Signory," Sordello continued. "Thierry tells me
you are staying at the Hare. A good inn, I know it well. You can get a
decent noonday meal there for a denier or two. Meanwhile, let me try my
luck. I warrant I will find a ship for you before you finish your last
cup of wine."

Tired, hungry, and discouraged, Simon thought: _At least it will give me
an excuse to rest._

And Sordello had not yet asked him for money or employment. That was a
relief, but Simon told himself to be ready; the begging would start soon
enough.

* * * * *

Feeling more relaxed, Simon was draining his third cup of red wine when
Sordello reappeared. Bread, cheese, and a stew of goose, onions, and
cabbage for Simon and Thierry had cost twelve denari. Simon suspected
the price had gone up when the host saw the scarlet silk cape and
gold-embroidered purple surcoat he had worn in the vain hope of
impressing the ships' captains.

"Being cheated and lied to is a normal part of traveling," he told
Thierry. "If you wish to avoid it, stay home. One must be philosophical
about it."

"Your Signory!" Simon saw Sordello's burly figure silhouetted against
the blue sky in the open doorway of the inn. He waved him in.

"Success!" Sordello sat down at their table without asking permission.
"We have passage on a large ship sailing north and west along the coast,
and stoppi