<b><i>Chapter 29</i></b> -- Shamrocks & Stones

[ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, [3], 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 17:19:05 10/02/11 Sun
Author:

celtgirl
Subject: Chapter 29

-Gregorio leaves Bruges and heads toward Dijon and and Italy, on the same mission as Marian left on ten weeks ahead of him- to discover the fate of Catherine, and of Nicholas.

-When Tobie and Godscalc return to the fondaco in Trebizond, it is to find that John Le Grant discovered papers Nicholas had left behind for them, in the event of his death. He detailed everything they should do with the buying and selling for the Charetty company. He has also left them his power of attorney.

-Violante come to visit the men of the Charetty company, with a warning about Doria and forces beyond him. She warns them that Paraskeuas, their man in Doria's household, should only be told that which they wish Doria to hear, as he playing both ends against the middle.

-She has also come to ask them to take the Empress to Georgia, in secret, so that she might raise an army to help in the coming battle against the Sultan.

-John le Grant shows them all the simulacrum that Nicholas was making as a gift for the Emperor.

- they have a strong reaction to seeing this last piece of Nicholas' genius.

'The chaplain had begun to look, smiling, and then ceased to see, although his eyes remained on the clock. The doctor laughed once; then his smile fixed like the grin on a terrier and he turned aside, jabbing his fist like a man lost for words; or for a reason for something. Then, without taking leave, he let his arm drop and left.'

-the final two sentences of the chapter are: 'Caterino Zeno my husband, you have a wife beyond price. Everything, everything is as you wanted it.'

Q1. What meaning do you take from those last two sentences? Is Venice happy to participate in Genoa's downfall? Is that why they are so eager to have Nicholas in their power and on their side?

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

Q1) It seems the case to me. Violante is in the midst of everything and can see first hand the benefit of Nicholas. I think the time she was on board their ship she was evaluating him on behalf of her husband. And really hasn't Genoa been the primary supplier to Trebizond, so this chance to undermine them and use Nicholas to do it makes sense from their point of view. (NT) -- Lil, 18:25:38 10/02/11 Sun
I agree with Lil. I think they have bigger plans for Nicholas, though, than merely taking over as chief traders with Trebizond. (NT) -- Carla, 19:20:39 10/02/11 Sun
The clock being described reminds me of the peacock clock in the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg. >>>>> -- Denise, 19:21:50 10/02/11 Sun
- Isn't that amazing. We visited the Hermitage but can't honestly say I remember seeing this. Sleep deprivation I guess. (NT) -- Elaine, 03:51:08 10/03/11 Mon
  - The Hermitage is enormous and I know we only saw a small percentage of the exhibits. You probably didn't view that gallery. (NT) -- Denise, 20:45:11 10/03/11 Mon
Your theory sounds good. Nicholas is too valuable an asset to have outside one's sphere of control. I think Violante is congratulating herself for catching a juicy bit of prey in her spider's web. (NT) -- Denise, 19:27:56 10/02/11 Sun
Violante is certainly doing her job. Her marriage to Zeno was meant to be a diplomatic arrangement to unite two parts of the world for trade. Absolutely - the Venetians are there to prevent or destroy any participation from Genoa. It will serve the Venetians well to have access to that enormous trade route that circumnavigates the Black Sea, to have ample access to the Silk Road, and to have guaranteed safe passage in the eastern Mediterranean. Violante, much like TGWTWL, is able to detect all of Nicholas' capabilities; if he's on her side, she benefits greatly on more than one level. (NT) -- Elaine, 03:59:25 10/03/11 Mon
- OK, what's TGWTWL?? I'm coming up with 'the good witch that weighs less'! Honestly, can't think what that acronym means. (NT) -- Denise, 09:24:29 10/03/11 Mon
  - The Greek With the Wooden Leg. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:00:20 10/03/11 Mon
    - Oh crap, of course! (NT) -- Denise, 11:11:04 10/03/11 Mon
      - Oops, sorry. (NT) -- Elaine, 12:09:33 10/03/11 Mon

[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-8
VF Version: 2.94, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums^(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2012 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.