Chapter 41: Things Have Come to This—Let’s Eat First

Faced with this army, the citizens of Lucca could not help but panic.

They had no idea why this army had appeared, and many were wholly unprepared. The army’s sudden arrival had left them at a loss, scrambling in confusion. Those living outside the city walls gathered their families, abandoned their homes, and fled toward the city.

For a time, the city gates became unbearably crowded.

The guards stationed at the gates were tense as well. They did their best to guide the throng and stood ready to close the gates at a moment’s notice.

“What a bunch of fools,” Leo said, shaking his head as he looked at the townspeople from horseback. “If we don’t teach them a lesson, they’ll never take us seriously.”

Behind him, a vast army was advancing slowly toward the walls of Lucca.

The troops from Pisa were highly disciplined. Under Giovanni’s command, they refrained from launching an immediate assault on the walls. Instead, they unloaded all their baggage and began to set up camp.

A protracted siege required a solid base of operations.

“All those houses are ready-made resources. We mustn’t let them go to waste,” Giovanni said with calm assurance, utterly composed. To him, siege warfare was second nature. He turned to the officers at his side.

Pisans had become experts in siegecraft after decades of capturing towns and territories.

“Begin constructing the siege camp,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir,” the officers replied, nodding in succession. The banners of the Republic of Pisa unfurled, heavy bronze horns blared, and the soldiers seemed poised to attack at any moment.

Messengers on horseback relayed orders through the ranks.

“Set up camp! Set up camp!”

The cry echoed throughout the Pisan army.

Watching these troops, composed of citizens and wealthy landowners, Leo felt as if he had stepped back into Ancient Rome.

These soldiers, well-versed in engineering, began deploying the camp as soon as they had unloaded their supplies. They raised pre-prepared barriers and started dismantling nearby houses, using the timber for construction.

The knights from Tuscany, by contrast, lacked such discipline. They rushed into the abandoned houses, rummaging for provisions.

Such was the medieval tradition.

Unlike the centralized logistics of the East, medieval soldiers typically carried only a few days’ supplies on campaign. The rest had to be purchased from camp followers or seized on the spot.

Fortunately, a river called the Serchio flowed to the north of Lucca. Merchants from Pisa could sail upriver to supply the troops with all manner of goods.

Moreover, the fertile Italian countryside ensured that plundering could keep the army well fed.

At this moment, the city’s defenders began to return fire. Archers appeared atop the walls, loosing arrows at the knights below. The knights, who had been looting, quickly withdrew. While they were eager for spoils, none wished to risk injury. What good was gaining wealth if you lost your life and could not enjoy it?

Thus, the cavalrymen began returning to the main force.

Amid the chaotic construction site, Giovanni, accompanied by two officers, made his way through the crowd and stopped before Leo.

“We are merely laying siege, correct?” Giovanni asked.

Leo nodded. “Just besiege them—there’s no need for needless bloodshed. But it would be best to cut off their communications.”

“Understood,” Giovanni replied at once.

With that, Leo rode his horse, Grape, back to his tent.

As Bishop of Pisa, Leo now had servants as well. Sergio’s daughter, Stefana, was already preparing supper.

At the sight of Leo, Stefana trotted over.

“My lord,” she said, “tonight’s supper is fried pork chops with bread. Will that be to your liking?”

“It sounds wonderful. Thank you,” Leo replied.

Stefana flashed a sweet, mischievous smile, revealing her tiny tiger teeth.

Since this young girl had begun serving him, Leo felt his happiness had risen by more than a degree. Good food lifted the spirits.

“Let it cool a little before bringing it to me,” Leo added.

He dismounted and handed the reins to Stefana, who nodded and led Grape to the stables. Just then, Alberto arrived at Leo’s side.

“There’s news from the north, Leo,” Alberto said suddenly. “Big-bearded Godfrey announced at Christmas that he was mustering his troops to march south and help the Papal forces attack Capua. If the reports are true, he may have already set out.”

“At Christmas?” Leo was surprised.

“Yes—no one expected him to act so soon,” Alberto said, sounding anxious. “Many of our men haven’t even been gathered yet.”

Of course Leo was well aware of this.

Knights from southern Tuscany, places like Grosseto, likely would not have time to assemble.

That is, if the Lorrainers marched straight toward Lucca.

“Don’t be hasty yet,” Leo told Alberto. “Wait a little longer, and do not spread this news.”

“I understand,” Alberto replied.

Such information had to be kept secret. If the soldiers learned of it, morale might suffer. Until the situation became clear, it was best not to act rashly.

“Oh, one more thing.”

Leo called after Alberto, who was about to leave.

The old knight turned, awaiting new orders.

“If big-bearded Godfrey moves south, will he take the mountain roads?” Leo asked. “I think we’ll need some guides familiar with the terrain, in case we have to fight them—”

“We’re all familiar,” Alberto said, first pointing to himself, then to Corrado.

That was true enough, Leo thought. All these knights were locals, accustomed to wandering these mountains with Matilda. They must know these hills inside and out.

“Then you may go,” Leo said, waving him off.

Alberto did not hesitate. After leaving Leo’s tent, he quickly vanished into the crowd. Leo sat on his cot, lost in thought.

Someday, he would have to lead his army on distant campaigns. Could such a backward military organization truly succeed? With such a haphazard supply system, would the soldiers starve before even fighting?

“My lord bishop, your supper.”

At some point, Stefana appeared, carrying in his meal.

As Leo’s eyes fell upon the girl, he felt his mood instantly brighten.

“Thank you.”

Taking the meal from her hands, Leo began to eat.

There was nothing for it now but to have supper first.