felt his small remaining store of strength ebbing fast. He must
finish this quickly.

"You will leave your own force here to keep him in line, of course. You
will take prominent Orvietans back to Siena with you as hostages. But
you should understand that d'Ucello is not betraying his city. He is
willing to surrender because he knows that is best for Orvieto. Give him
a free hand and strengthen his militia, and he will govern the town well
for you."

Lorenzo said dryly, "This paragon of podestas waits in Cardinal
Ugolini's reception hall to offer you the keys to the city of Orvieto.
Shall we invite him to join us, Your Signory?"

Lapo di Stefano shrugged and waved a greasy hand. "Send for the fellow.
I will make my decision after I have seen him." He picked up another
roasted pigeon and sank his teeth into it.

And life or death for hundreds of people depended on how this ape
happened to choose in the next few moments, Daoud thought, as Lorenzo
went to the door and called a servant. Why did God put such men in
positions of power?

Soon there was a knock at the door, and Lorenzo went to it and admitted
d'Ucello. The podesta's face was hidden by the dark brown hood of his
cloak.

_For all this man knows, I plan to have him killed_, Daoud thought,
admiring d'Ucello's courage in coming here.

"You come recommended to us as a man who can keep order in this city,"
said Lapo as d'Ucello took a seat.

"And we can think of no higher recommendation, since it comes from a man
you have just been torturing," said Lorenzo.

"This man has the strength of the old Romans," said d'Ucello, nodding
toward Daoud. "He knows when to put a personal grievance aside for the
greater good."

Lapo said, "If we were willing to let you remain as podesta of this
city, in return for your oath of allegiance to the Duke of Siena, how
many men would you need to keep the city under control?"

"With two hundred men I could match the Monaldeschi forces," said
d'Ucello. "The Filippeschi have been crushed, and so badly that they may
go over to the Ghibellino party." His dark eyes lit up. He was relishing
the prospect of giving orders, Daoud thought, to the old houses that had
treated him like a servant.

_Can it be that my legacy to Orvieto may be an improved government? I
certainly did not come here for that purpose._

But Daoud felt himself weakening. His overtaxed body would soon betray
him into sleep if he did not go to bed of his own accor