'Prisoners like Vignate don't fall into the hands of each of us.'
'Have you thought, instead, of seeking alliances?'
Facino was disposed to be hilarious. 'With whom? With the dogs that are baying and snarling round Milan? With Estorre and Gian Carlo and the like?'
'There's Theodore of Montferrat,' said Bellarion quietly.
'So there is, the crafty fox, and the price he'll want for his alliance.'
'You might find it convenient to pay it. Like myself, the Marquis Theodore has ambitions. He covets Vercelli and the lordship of Genoa. Vercelli would be in the day's work in a war on Milan.'
'So it would. We might begin hostilities by occupying it. But Genoa, now ...'
'Genoa can wait until your own work is done. On those terms Montferrat comes in with you.'
'Ha! God's life! You're omniscient.'
'Not quite. But I know a great deal. I know, for instance, that Theodore went to Milan at Gabriello's invitation to offer alliance to Gian Maria on those terms. He left in dudgeon, affronted by Gian Maria's refusal. He's as vindictive as he's ambitious. Your proposal now might tickle both emotions.'