'What were those instructions?'
'I was taken to the ramparts by a knight, to join some other knights and soldiers. They pointed to the lines straight ahead. I was to go in that direction with the letter. If taken I was to ask for the Lord Bellarion.'
'Were you bidden to go cautiously? To conceal yourself?'
'No, madonna. On the contrary. My orders were to let myself be seen. I am answering truthfully, madonna.'
'When you were told to go straight ahead into the lines that were pointed out to you, on which side of the ramparts were you standing?'
'On the south side, madonna. By the southern gate. That is truth, as God hears me.'
The Princess leaned forward, and she was not the only one to move.
'Were you told or did you know what soldiers occupied the section of the lines to which you were bidden?'
'I just knew that they were soldiers of the besieging army, or the Lord Bellarion's army. I am telling you the truth, madonna. I was told to be careful to go straight, and not to wander into any other part of the line but that.'
Ugolino da Tenda made a sharp forward movement. 'What are you saying?'