ognized by the cities of the north as
king of a united Italy."

"That must be between my father and him," said Lapo, and his breath
wheezed through his nostrils as he bit into the pigeon's breast. "After
all, no such title exists. There has never been a king of Italy."

And yet there easily could be, thought Daoud, seeing the shape of the
peninsula in his mind. And if that single ruler were a man like Manfred,
what a strong barrier Italy could be between the Abode of Islam and the
barbaric kingdoms of Christian Europe.

But in fact, thought Daoud, for all that Lapo di Stefano wore the
Ghibellino symbol, the black, two-headed Hohenstaufen eagle, on the
breast of his red silk surcoat, he and his father might still prefer
that Manfred stay where he was. As long as Manfred remained cut off
from the northern cities like Siena by the band of the Papal States
running across the center of Italy, the Ghibellini of the north could do
as they pleased.

"When the French invade," said Daoud, "a united Italy can keep them out.
If the cities of the north are divided, the French will take them over
one by one."

"How do you know the French will invade?" Lapo asked. "We have heard
that King Louis has no desire to wage war in Italy."

Daoud was beginning to feel a strong dislike for this coarse young
nobleman who seemed both very sure of himself and very ignorant. He was
about to reply when a man-at-arms entered and whispered to Ugolini.

"D'Ucello is here," Ugolini said.

"Have him wait below until we send for him," said Daoud quickly. He
turned back to Lapo.

"I do not wish d'Ucello harmed."

Lapo stared coldly at Daoud. "Who are you to give orders?"

Lorenzo answered before Daoud could speak. "Let me remind you, Signore,
that it was David of Trebizond whose gold made possible your capture of
Orvieto."

There was too much conflict building up here, Daoud thought. "No,
Lorenzo. Siena had the will, the fighting spirit. That was what made
this victory possible. I contributed only money."

He turned to Lapo. "I do not give orders, I make recommendations based
on my knowledge of this town. I recommend that d'Ucello continue as
podesta. If you leave enough men under his command, he will keep the
feuding families under control. Orvieto will prosper and pay you tribute
that will make this expedition worth your while."

"The army of Siena has marched against Orvieto because Orvieto is a
Guelfo stronghold," said Lapo. "We inten