The Duke, at the head of the long table, with the Duchess on his right and Bellarion on his left, made known the intention to declare war immediately upon the Regent of Montferrat upon two grounds: his occupation of the Milanese stronghold and lands of Vercelli, and his usurpation of the regency beyond the Marquis Gian Giacomo's attainment of full age. Of his captains now he desired an account of the means at their disposal, and afterwards a decision of those to be employed in the undertaking. Carmagnola came prepared with a computation of the probable forces which Theodore could levy; and they were considerable; not less than five thousand men. The necessary force to deal with him was next debated, having regard also to certain other enterprises to which Milan was elsewhere committed. At length this was fixed by Bellarion. It was to consist of the Germans under Koenigshofen, Stoffel's Swiss, Giasone Trotta's Italian mercenaries, and Marsilio's condotta, amounting in all to some seven thousand men. That would leave free for other eventualities the condottas of Valperga and of Carmagnola with whom were Ercole Belluno and Ugolino da Tenda. Against this, and on the plea that the Duke might require the services of the Prince of Valsassina at home, Carmagnola begged that the enterprise against Montferrat should be confided to his leadership, his own condotta taking the place of Bellarion's, but all else remaining as Bellarion disposed. The Duke, showing in his pale face no sign of his surprise at this request, looked from Carmagnola to Bellarion, appearing to ponder, what time the Princess Valeria held her breath. At length the Duke spoke. 'Have you anything to say to that, Valsassina?' 'Nothing if your highness is content. You will remember that Theodore of Montferrat is one of the most skilful captains of the day, and if this business is not to drag on unduly, indeed if it is to be brought to a successful issue, you would do well to send against him of your best.' A sly smile broke upon that sinisterly placid countenance. 'By which you mean yourself.' 'For my part,' said Koenigshofen, 'I do not willingly march under another.' 'And for mine,' said Stoffel, 'whilst Bellarion lives I do not march under another at all.' The Duke looked at Carmagnola. 'You hear, sir?' Carmagnola flushed uncomfortably. 'I had set my heart upon the enterprise, Lord Duke.' The Princess Valeria interposed. 'By your leave, highness; does my vote count for anything in this matter?' 'Assuredly, madonna. Your own and your brother's.' 'Then, Lord Duke, my vote, indeed my prayer, is that my Lord of Carmagnola be given the command.' The Duchess raised her long eyes to look at her in wonder. Bellarion sat inscrutable.