"Bribed by the Pontiff the Frangipani have delivered Conradino into the hands of Anjou. Behold yonder—the fleet of Charles' Admiral, Robert of Lavenna, carrying the captive king and his companions to their doom!"—
Wide-eyed, pale as death, Francesco and Ilaria stared at each other, neither trusting themselves to speak. Then a half-smothered sob broke from the woman's lips, as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
A strange calm had settled over Francesco as he gazed from Ilaria towards the ramparts of Astura.
There was a moment's silence between them, then he raised himself to his full height as he turned to her.
"Hitherto I have served God! Now I will serve my own soul!"
End of Book the Fourth.
Book the Fifth
THE APOSTACY