Halt! Stay where you are!
Alright, gentlemen, let's all remain calm.
As you can see, I have you outnumbered.
Thomas Stanswood, I must insist you come with us.
- Insist, Captain? - Very well, request.
We don't want to cross swords with you.
Wait!
Look here, Captain...
You knew very well I was leaving the Duke's employ. So did the Duke...
But the duchess didn't.
Well...
Your Grace!
I believe you forgot to say goodbye!
My humble apologies, Your Grace...
but I couldn't face saying farewell.
Thomas, I thought there was no limit to your courage.
There's a limit to everything, Your Grace.
- And where are you going? - Oh, to another city...
To be employed by the governor.
What has he to offer? A more beautiful wife?
How could that be possible?
No... merely 1,000 ducats more than your husband paid me.
Thomas, I think you're lying.
- Madam... - There's another woman!
There must be!
But you overwhelm me!
I never thought you cared so much.
Ah, gentlemen...
I trust we haven't kept you waiting too long.
I would suggest that you give the Duchess a few more moments alone.
- You understand? - Of course.
You look an enterprising young man.
The duchess may need... consolation.
Alright men, time for it!
Come on I say! After it!
He must have gone the other way! Come on!
Take your hat off when you meet a gentleman!
- Now your coat! - What?
Please.
We're making good speed.
We're turning back!
Angelo, what are you doing?
Father Giacomo, a priest.
Oh, forgive us our trespasses...
- Are you a bandit? - No!
But there are eight of them following us. Very dangerous!
So be very careful, huh?
Stay well covered in the tree, until they pass.
- What tree? - This one!
Now, we are being followed.
Who can they be?
It may be the governor's. Say nothing.
Angelo, why did you turn...?
My apologies, Father. There was no time to consult you earlier.
- Who are you? - Thomas Stanswood, of London.
Where is my coachman?
Up a tree. Unhappy, but unharmed.
I must apologize, Father, for driving you back the way you came...
but I assure you it was a matter of my life or death.
Well, I'm happy my life was spared long enough
to make such an enchanting acquaintance.
You're very flattering, sir.
I am ready to forget the whole incident.
This part of it I shall never forget.
Oh, Father, you've been most generous. Good day...
Good day to you, my lady.
I like him.
Come, my child. Now that our city is occupied...
there are too many dangers here for you. Come...
The bell is tolling.
"Whereas, you have been found guilty of offenses against the state..."
"and sent into exile..."
"it is hereby decreed, that if at any time, hereafter you are found..."
"within ten miles of this city..."
"it will be on penalty of death."
Leonardo!
No one talks to the traitors!
He's my husband, let me go with him.
He's exiled, you are not!
We've already lost too much time.
Get back to your horses! All of you! Get going!
Now see...
- You alright? - Take this man. Kill him!
Looks like I hit the wrong man.
Keep back. All of you!
Drop Bows! Hurry!
Wait!
He's too fine a swordsman to die like this.
There's someone else I'd like him to meet. Sanchez.
He's not a swordsman, my friend. He has another profession.
He seems to like it.
Another turn, Signior Capitano?
No, all in good time!
Never hurry a good thing.
Anything to say my friend?
Yes.
Is it true your mother was a chimpanzee?
Hugo!
This is the man I arrested this morning.
Hello.
Hazel eyes run the family.
Ah, English! Name?
Stanswood.
Sanchez, release him!
About time.
But Carlos, this man is dangerous
I trust so Hugo, I trust so.
But he's already killed two of my men and wounded four others.
Has he now?
Ah, thank you. As you seem to have some influence around here...
will you tell this idiot to take me to the governor?
Hold your tongue! This is the Governor!
What kept you?
Mr. Stanswood, I admire your ability...
but you must learn to distinguish friend from foe.
Captain Hugo happens to be my cousin.
Your cousin?
Well, never mind your Excellency, there's one in every family.
We must all try to understand one other, Stanswood.
I would suggest that you remember that Captain Hugo...
is quite without fear, a brilliant soldier...
and one of the few people I trust implicitly.
Well, I'll try, but should I forget, you'll jog my memory, hmm?
Hugo, I must explain that Mr. Stanswood...
came here to be employed by me.
Shall we talk in more comfortable surroundings?
Will work for me then, for an extra 500 ducats?
No.
But for an extra 1,000, yeah!
Good, you're a realist.
Stanswood, you will appreciate that we Spaniards...
are really foreigners in this city.
We were asked here to protect the people...
and I have always done my utmost to help.
But we are not yet really welcome.
No? Mm, you surprise me.
What is making them restless at the moment...
is the prospect of the race.
- Horses race? - Mmm.
Sounds enjoyable.
Horses take part in it, but there the resemblance ends.
It has a political significance.
But enough of that. My men always win it...
and all the restlessness subsides again.
The task I have for you is concerned with something quite different.
Next week, I shall marry into the most important family of the city...
- The Arconti. - Congratulations.
But how can I help you there?
Your part, Stanswood, is to be responsible for my fiancée's safety.
Bodyguard?
Oh, you could get anybody for that.
Unfortunately, the last two bodyguards met their deaths.
Not at the hands of the young lady, I trust.
She's a most gentle creature.
But there are those in the city who hate her and hate me.
Misguided people, but dangerous.
Who are they?
They work in the dark, Stanswood, like rats.
They've given themselves a name, "the 10".
These Italians can be very melodramatic at times.
"The 10", huh? Well, that shouldn't be too many to handle.
When do I meet the lady?
Yes?
Your pardon, Excellency...
Father Giacomo insists on seeing you.
Insists? Very well, show him in.
Your Excellency, before it is too late...
I must beg you to spare the life of an unfortunate Englishman...
An Englishman?
Yes, an Englishman, who knows nothing about our laws...
and who attacked you...
Too late, Father. I've already spared the gentleman.
After all there was no alternative...
as he came to join my guard.
Your guard?
Well, the Lord be praised!
So Much for your mission of mercy, Father.
But don't go yet. I should like you to...
conduct Mr. Stanswood to the Arconti palace.
Father Giacomo is an old friend of the Arconti family.
Mr. Stanswood is to be responsible to me...
for the safety of the Lady Orietta.
Until our marriage, he will stationed at her palace.
Be good enough to take him there.
Your Excellency...
thank you for lending me your clothes, and I will guard them with my life.
Quite a place.
The Arconti's are the oldest and most noble family in the city.
Where will I find Lady Orietta?
If you wait in the garden, Father, she's trying a new horse.
Mr. Stanswood...
Her father must be a very rich man, eh?
Lady Orietta's father was killed three years ago.
Killed? What, deliberately? You mean he was mistaken for a bodyguard?
He was killed in the race.
This horse race you spoke of...
is that the one where horses play a minor part?
Sounds a vigorous sport.
This race is not a sport...
you might call it a battle.
What was that?
That was Lady Orietta.
Gino, it's magnificent.
Worth far more than we paid for it.
Ah, too much, too much, but then you wanted him.
I'm sure there's no finer horse in Italy.
Father Giacomo!
You're back very soon.
I come from His Excellency.
He asked me to present your new bodyguard.
Thomas Stanswood.
Lady Orietta Arconti.
I have told Don Carlos before, I've no need of a bodyguard.
On the contrary, my lady, Don Carlos is right.
Anyone of such rare beauty, must be protected.
An Englishman.
"A Knight of the Garter" I presume.
I see I am to guard a lady of remarkable wit.
But my function is to be a knight of the, bed chamber.
Your two predecessors failed to survive.
I have so much more experience.
I've no need of a hired swordsman.
I'm well able to defend myself! Lorenzo!
My lady...
Attack me!
But, madam, I'm being paid to defend you.
Attack me!
I hope you meant to do that.
Well apparently, you did!
He said she's a gentle creature, hmm?
I should have stayed in bed.
Did they teach you this one?
- How dare you? - Well...
I've encountered more formidable opponents, Madam, but never one with better form.
Father Giacomo?
Signor Stanswood!
I... I can't believe it!
- I thought you'd been... - No! Not this time.
You look a little disappointed.
Oh, no. Father Giacomo says you were foolish to engage Hugo and his men.
But I thought you were wonderful.
Maybe Father Giacomo knows best.
He Doesn't!
We have to stop being frightened of the Spaniards sometime...
- We have to fight! - Uh...
Those are strong words! You should have been a man!
I've often wished I were, until...
until this morning.
Hey, what are you doing here?
I live here, I am Serenela Arconti.
- Then the Lady Orietta... - My sister.
I can see the likeness. And being as quarrelsome.
My beloved sister. Others endure the Spaniards,
but my sister laughs and drinks with them.
And in a week she'll marry the Spanish governor.
Maybe she loves him.
I'd rather die than love the man who killed my father.
You mean Don Carlos rides in the race?
No, it's Hugo, who does all the riding.
He'll win this year again, you'll see. A Spaniard must always win.
Maybe they're better horsemen. Better horsemen? Of course they're not!
If we have better riders, Don Carlos arrests them.
If we try to buy better horses, we're outbid at the sales.
Why do you think my sister bought her new horse?
Just so that our people can't use it in the race, that's why.
Anything so that Hugo can win.
Then a wager on captain Hugo sounds like a good investment.
It's always been our race.
But the Spaniards made a mockery of it. Here, look...
See beside the Spanish flag?
That's the old battle flag of our city.
In the old days, whoever won the race
could fly it above his house.
Now the Spaniards make sure they win our flag every year...
to humiliate us.
That's the race your father died in, huh?
Died? He was killed!
The Spaniards say his horse threw him!
Imagine, a man who had already won six times.
The finest horseman in Tuscany.
No, they saw to it he was killed.
Serenela!
Father Giacomo!
Here's the gentleman from the gate this morning.
I've been telling how glad we were he escaped from "Black" Hugo's clutches.
You should know that Signor Stanswood...
has been sent here by His Excellency, the governor...
as a bodyguard for your sister.
Remember, she's only a child and impulsive.
If your going to see Don Carlos...
I hope you wouldn't say anything.
Don't worry.
Lady Serenela's room.
Lady Orietta's room.
- What's that one? - It's empty.
Is this my chair? No, thank you!
The other guards found it most comfortable.
Did they? And they're dead, aren't they?
Now you get me something wooden and hard.
Yes Signor.
Thomas Stanswood, reporting for duty, my lady.
There's no need to disturb me when you arrive.
Oh, but there is.
Do you always report for duty without your jacket?
No buttons, my lady, no buttons.
Excuse me.
No.
What do you think you're doing?
Just routine precautions, my lady, routine precautions.
No.
Do you expect me to believe that these precautions are necessary?
No.
You've obviously been subjected to a very inferior brand of bodyguarding.
But I sleep with my windows open.
Very bad for the health. Especially in these precarious times.
What have we here?
Now. There is a color that matches your complexion.
Yellow, mmm...
I think we've had enough of this farce.
I forbid you to come into my room again!
Good night, my lady.
Well, looks nice and uncomfortable.
Good night.
So you have no witness.
What evidence have you...
for this complaint of being molested last night in Captain Hugo's quarters?
None, Signor.
If you'll permit me, Counselor Leoni...
You needn't be afraid.
Didn't you come to my house last night in tears...
and ask for my help?
I, I can't remember clearly.
I was sick with worry for my husband.
Has anyone threatened you this morning?
Counselor Paresi...
we Spaniards, do not threaten defenseless girls.
However I feel we need not detain this poor creature any longer.
Let us allow her to join her husband
wherever he may be.
Thank you.
Your Excellency is most merciful.
Oh yes, most merciful.
The Lady Orietta Arconti.
The Council meeting is almost through.
We've missed you, my dear. Indeed we have.
Forgive me Carlos, but I've been fitting my wedding gown.
The Lady Orietta decorates our Council so magnificently.
She should attend more often.
Thank you, Counselor Paresi.
As the governor's wife, I fully intend to.
And preferably, without somebody standing behind my chair.
Oh, gentlemen, how lax of me.
Mr. Thomas Stanswood, my fiancée's bodyguard.
Now, gentlemen, about next Sunday's race.
I'm deeply concerned, that some troublemakers...
may well use the occasion for a demonstration.
The 10?
A handful of puny terrorists...
can hardly give us much trouble
Carlos, you really shouldn't worry about ten misguided men.
My dear, I do not find them one little bit amusing.
I think these rebels have been tolerated too long.
After all, Excellency, we'd be failing the people
if we ignore the seeds of revolution,
but there should be no trouble with race itself, Excellency.
Your cousin, Hugo, will win without doubt.
Without shadow of a doubt.
Captain Hugo is a most excellent horseman.
He is the best rider. He's won for three years.
You have this expression in England, Stanswood...
"may the best man win", am I right?
Oh, yes, indeed, your Excellency, but...
there is always the chance that there is a better man...
than the best man you have.
- Are you boasting, Stanswood? - Me, my lady?
I wasn't suggesting that I...
One hears in the town, that many people are thinking...
that Your Excellency might do almost anything...
to ensure that Hugo wins.
Indeed.
- Don Carlos... - Yes?
Your cousin Hugo again.
Oh, yes, he's practicing.
- Practicing? What for? - The race.
Oh, the race.
Too barbarous for your English taste?
Oh, by no means.
No, I'd welcome a chance to use the whip on a...
...rival.
Not only whips, almost anything is permitted.
This, as I said is no ordinary race.
Oh, you surprise me.
Well done, Hugo, well done!
Well, my dear, with the wedding we have much to discuss.
I'm sure these gentlemen will excuse us.
Good day, counselor Leoni.
Good day sir.
Counselor Paresi...
Good day sir.
I trust we meet again, Signor Paresi.
And now, my dear, to more pleasant matters.
Will you will be needing me for a while, my lady?
It's only at Don Carlos' insistence that I need you at all.
Come back in an hour, Stanswood.
Faster! Alright...
Faster! Faster!
Faster! Alright!
So that's the little game, huh?
Are you alright?
I imagined I am Hugo in the race...
and every bruise is a delight.
I think I have a good chance
with the aid of my friend here.
Take good care of him, Gino. Don't overwork him.
He's good for miles now.
Hey, Gino, where'd you get such a beautiful horse, huh?
Ah, did you see him run? What an animal.
Is this what you're looking for?
- Good Morning. - What do you want?
Oh, just to surprise you like you surprised me last night.
How's your hand?
You've made your choice then.
I prefer swords by day to daggers at night.
Don't you?
You're getting careless.
Looking for someone?
Well, personally, I've had enough of this little game.
Well, go on!
I will.
But first tell me why did you try and kill me last night?
Why do you work for Carlos?
For money, my friend, for money!
If you care only for money,
then kill me.
I'll make a deal with you, Paresi.
I'll let you go on riding other people's horses, on one condition!
Next time you try and kill me...
wake me up first.
Excuse me for being late, my lady. A small personal matter.
I've no need of your protection.
Go back to your country!
Get out of here.
If you must go amongst your fellow citizens,
May I suggest in future you take me with you.
Mr. Stanswood, I don't like repeating myself.
I've no need of protection. Go away!
Very good.
A little sad though.
- A little lonely and sad. - Please, let me go.
Oh, please...
shout at me, strike me, run a sword through me...
Go away. Leave me alone.
This the Serenela Arconti who spoke is such ringing tones yesterday?
I won't listen to you.
"Stand up and fight" she said, "like a man!"
Go away, you bully!
That's more like it.
Everything you stand for I despise
I know.
I've been up all night thinking of ways to hate you.
- Of course. - But...
I can't.
Please don't.
I can't understand, why do you work for Don Carlos.
- Why not? - You're not like them.
My father taught me how to judge horses and men.
You have no taste for their dirty work.
Why do you do it?
For money.
Oh dear, I seem destined to disillusion you.
Is money that important to you?
What it possibly buy that you want so much?
Buy arms and men...
put a noose around a petty tyrant's neck.
In England?
Well, a small part of England, but one I rather fancy. I was born there!
- Then I was right! - Right?
Yes, that day, at the gate.
You know what it feels like, to be a stranger in your own house.
You know how we Tuscans feel.
Why we must fight.
There are fights everywhere. I have my own.
Come here.
You're a lovely child, Serenela.
Full of hopes, and beliefs, and ideals.
- Stay that way, hmm? - I'm not a child.
I watched my father die...
and my sister smile at the men who killed him.
I've seen the hardships of the people in the streets.
And heard them scream from the torture chamber.
But, Serenela...
You're the only one I...
I've been able to say this things to.
Mr. Stanswood!
I believe I dismissed you.
Your duties here are quite specific.
There's no call to exceed them.
No, my lady.
That was a disgraceful exhibition, Serenela.
You should be ashamed of yourself. Well, I'm not.
Now listen to me.
Tomorrow night there's a ball.
Don Carlos has expressly requested that you be present.
You may tell his Excellency, the governor...
that I expressly decline to be your guest.
Serenela, as your sister, I insist!
And as an Arconti, I refuse.
Find somebody else to help you shame our family.
It was a mistake for Father Giacomo to let you come back to the city.
I know. It must be a great inconvenience to you...
having me about to disturb your peace of mind.
Or do I perhaps awaken your sleeping conscience?
I was thinking of your own safety.
Serenela.
- Once, we were friends. - I...
I find that hard to remember.
When you're older, you'll know that the important thing...
is to stay alive.
Don't fight me.
And for your own good,
stay away from my bodyguard.
Stanswood?
I should think that would please you.
Aren't you always encouraging me to be pleasant to our "protectors"?
He's no good for you.
Maybe I'm becoming like you, Orietta.
Wise enough to enjoy what's no good for me.
You don't know the sort of man he is.
He could only hurt you.
Why I only have to snap my fingers and he...
I don't believe it.
Then, I'll have to make you believe it.
Ah, my benefactor!
Affectionate creature!
You make a pair, you two.
Trouble my lady?
I've been waiting for you.
For me?
Less... precautions.
Oh yes, of course, the precautions.
The bed.
Now, under the bed.
Over there.
You needn't bother, I closed the windows.
- And... - Of course.
Well, I'm happy to report, everything is in order, my lady.
Thank you.
Stanswood!
The flagon of Brandy!
You may pour me some.
Pour another for yourself.
To your being alive!
Yesterday I would have thought you prefer drink to my death.
If I seem cold to you...
it's because I've been testing your devotion to your duty.
I find it most commendable.
You honor me.
You seems to know how to please a lady.
As well as defend her.
That's a real talent...
and bespeaks excellent instruction.
My teachers were most conscientious.
I'm sure. And were there many?
Numbers are immaterial, my lady, it's quality that counts.
Your courage is exceeded only by your arrogance!
But... arrogance can be most attractive.
You really are different tonight, my lady.
Am I?
How? How different?
When we met and crossed swords,
it was difficult to think of you as a woman.
And now?
And now...
And now?
And now, may I return to my post, my lady?
Your post?
Yes, as you reminded me this afternoon...
my duties here are strictly laid down.
Thank you.
I shall be happy to report to Don Carlos another uneventful night.
Come in, Hugo.
Well? So the 10 were arrested last night.
It was false information.
Arrested!
They've been very busy for people in prison.
This morning, their signs are scrawled up everywhere.
There's one outside this very building.
Ah, Leoni lied. There was no no one at the meeting place.
Why?
Why should Leoni lie?
Well...
both he and Paresi will be here soon.
I'll have them face to face.
We'll see who's lying.
Where are you going?
Don Carlos requests the presence of the Lady Orietta.
There's a special meeting of the Council.
I tell her!
My lady, there's a messenger.
Very well, my lady, I will give him your message.
My lady had a sleepless night. She wishes to be excused.
Go on!
GO ON!!
You know, Hugo, you would do better training your soldiers.
Delicate matters like sifting information...
you should leave to me.
On the other hand, I seem to be better informed than you...
of what goes on in your fiancée's house.
Yes, that old servant you pay to spy for you.
The usual gossip, I suppose?
It is usual for body guards...
to examine Orietta's room each night?
Of course.
This procedure took 4 minutes the first night.
18 minutes last night.
We won't know about tonight, of course, until tomorrow.
If you'd like to see the report...
- What is it? - Your Excellency...
a message from Mr. Stanswood.
The Lady Orietta regrets she cannot join you for the council meeting.
She had a restless night, and is slightly indisposed this morning.
We must go now.
The members of the council are waiting.
Where are counselors Leoni and Paresi?
They weren't in their homes, Your Excellency.
They can have no excuse.
But we found the sign of 10 on counselor Leoni's door, it was still wet.
What is that noise?
There's some sort of gathering. Shall I have them dispersed?
No.
I'll speak to them.
It bears the sign of the 10. It says:
"Death to our enemies..."
"And to our false friends."
Here is a lesson for you all.
You have proof before your eyes...
that these despicable 10 will not stop at murder.
Even the murder of one of your leading citizens.
I'm determined to stamp out violence like this.
For your own safety, I order...
there shall be no more public gatherings,
and a curfew shall be put into force.
Any man, woman or child,
found in the streets after sundown,
- will suffer death. - No we won't be!
Paresi, give me that note.
Now my dear cousin, you'll have your way.
Arrest counselor Paresi!
- On what charge? - High treason!
Counselor Leoni named you as leader of the 10.
You have no proof of that...
and my accuser is dead.
Sanchez will have the proof before the day is out.
The names of the 10, Paresi.
Are not you thirsty?
I'll make him talk!
Hugo, no brutality.
Let Sanchez do his work.
He knows better than you our friend's weaknesses.
You could kill him, and that wouldn't do at all.
The names of the 10!
I will never betray them!
I must go and join my guests.
Get the names before the ball.
I would not be surprised if some of the 10 were there.
After all, Paresi, you were on my council.
Tonight, they shall all be my unsuspecting prisoners.
If they try to escape...
my archers have their orders.
Yes?
I come to escort you to the ball, my lady.
Thank you. May I see you alone for a moment?
If it's absolutely necessary.
I trust you're not too upset at that little incident in the square this morning.
It was horrible.
- Then you were back in time to witness it. - Back?
One of the most ridiculous duties I know is to guard an empty bed.
- My bed was not empty! - I looked!
I forbade you to come into my room.
You should be grateful that Don Carlos sent for you...
but I made the appropriate excuses.
You are exceeding your duties.
Have no fear, your affairs are no affair of mine.
Nor of Don Carlos, I imagine.
How dare you?
I'm surprised you dare. Shall we go?
I see you still don't take my advice about colors.
Lady Orietta Arconti!
I'm happy, my dear, that you have recovered from your sleepless night.
You look particularly beautiful.
But then, I'm probably not the first one to have said so this evening.
My sister sends her most earnest regrets,
but she can not attend tonight.
She's not feeling well.
The same "affliction" that robbed us of her presence last year.
And the year before?
It is most persistent.
Perhaps by next year we'll find a cure.
- Where's Paresi? - He's been detained.
- Is he...? - Ill? Yes.
But I should be receiving news about him any moment now.
Let's try the rack.
Don Carlos gave strict orders. More will kill him.
Kill him? No, our friend is strong.
He's one of the 10. Remember?
Aren't you, Paresi?
You killed him!
He died under torture, do you understand me?
It has never happened before.
This one couldn't stand the strain.
Remember that, Sanchez.
A most welcome surprise, Signorina.
We are very gratified at the sudden improvement in your health.
No more than I, Your Excellency.
Perhaps you will honor us by leading the next dance?
You may choose your own partner.
Signor Stanswood?
It seems that your bodyguard might be the remedy...
to Serenela's illness.
That wasn't very tactful of you young lady.
Choosing you as my partner?
My employer didn't look very pleased.
I didn't come to the ball to please him.
It was useless. Paresi died.
Died? I gave an express order.
He would have talked, but his heart gave out.
I was there, you mustn't blame Sanchez.
Well, the 10 are only 9 now.
We shall have the rest in time Hugo.
Mark my words.
Thomas...
you know why I came?
I have no idea.
I want to ask you something, and you mustn't laugh at me.
Now, why would I laugh?
Thomas, take me away with you.
- Away? - To England, when you go.
I won't be any trouble, I promise.
I can ride a horse as well as any man.
I sew beautifully...
and I can play the lute when you're tired... and I...
If you refuse, I'll run to Father Giacomo and tell him to take me to the convent.
Oh no you won't! Not tonight, there's a curfew.
You're laughing.
Oh, Serenela.
What I have to do in England, I must do alone.
But I could help you, I know it.
No, your cause, your family is here.
- This is your home. - I have no home, not anymore.
And no family.
From that first moment at the gate, I knew.
You're what I've been waiting for, all my life.
Am I? Or is just that you needed someone to believe in...
and I happened to come along?
No...
I love you.
Oh, Serenela.
You're a lovely young woman.
Sweet and fresh, and very desirable.
And nobility is hardly my strong point.
If I were ten years younger...
or ten years older...
I'd let you play the lute for me.
But now...
Come on.
I'm afraid you made one small error in your estimate of Stanswood.
His interest is not in the Lady Orietta.
He appears to be more ambitious than amorous.
A marriage with Serenela would give him enough power and prestige...
eventually to challenge my own.
A brilliant stroke of audacity.
I'll give him a blinking stroke.
You will, Hugo, but there's a much better way.
Most gracious and honored guests.
I have invited you here tonight...
because I do not want you to be saddened by the precautions...
I had to take.
Outside the curfew has run...
but in here, there will be rejoicing till dawn.
For I have an announcement to make.
The great houses of Arconti and my own...
will be joined in not one, but two marriage ceremonies.
When the Signorina Serenela Arconti...
becomes the bride of my distinguished cousin...
Captain Hugo.
I will not...
marry him! The man who murdered my father.
I hate you all...
...filthy pigs!
Get out of this city!
Go, before the people rise up and throw you out!
I never want to see any of you again!
Stanswood, bring that girl back!
I demand an apology!
What for?
My lady! The curfew! The orders is that no...
- Let me go! - No one may pass!
You will excuse me!
- Have you seen the Lady Serenela? - Yes, sir, she just went by.
I tried to stop her.
You let her go out? You fool!
Serenela!
Lady Serenela!
Serenela!
Oh my God!
Father Giacomo?
Father Giacomo!
Thomas...
You're gonna be alright.
Was it wrong to defy Don Carlos and Orietta?
No...
you're right to hate tyranny and oppression.
Your people must be very proud of you.
Are you are proud of me, Thomas?
Yes, very proud.
Remember? You wanted me to take you to England.
Yes.
You still want to go?
Oh yes! More than ever.
Alright, then. We'll go...
together.
How wonderful!
Will it be a long journey?
No, you'll be there in no time at all.
I'll ride with you
through the green fields...
and the quiet, peaceful countryside.
And sew for you.
And play the...
Is she very bad?
I must speak to her!
Alright, but I don't think she'll hear you.
No!
Do not be sad, Orietta.
You should be happy for her.
It's better off now than married to that monster you approved of.
But, I didn't...
I didn't!
- You do not understand. - Don't I?
I think I do.
Now she won't be here to remind you what you're doing to this city.
As I said before, you should be very happy, Orietta.
Take me to 10 Gino, and don't waste time lying...
I saw you with Paresi in the forest. Why should I take you?
If Paresi were here, he'd tell you to trust me!
Andrea Paresi is dead.
- Dead? - Murdered this morning.
You have more need friends than ever. Take me.
Take me!
A finer man than me died today rather than betray this cause.
A meaningless death if he left his hopes in the hands of fools like you.
Wait!
Andrea Paresi trusted you. I'll take a chance.
In his memory. But I have to summon them.
Be in the courtyard at midnight.
Stanswood...
we hope you can completely convince us...
that you no longer work for Don Carlos. Otherwise...
Is that Andrea Paresi's chair?
It was!
You have a place to fill, let me fill it.
Have you lost your tongues as well as your leader?
One man dies, you all lose hope?
Paresi was not only our leader...
but people recognized him as theirs.
He died, under torture, so that you should do nothing?
Is no one going to fight? No one going to ride against Hugo?
- There will be another day. - When, in a year?
Ten? Now's the time!
The man who races, has to face many others, armed with whips.
And, afterwards he has to face Don Carlos.
- Can you do that? - What have you got to lose?
Listen! The man who wins this race...
must ride as well as Hugo, well I can.
He's also got to hate him!
Well, gentlemen, that for me is very, very easy.
But above all, he's got to believe in your cause.
Well, now I do!
And what is your price, Mr. Stanswood?
Orietta!
Then, you and Don Carlos...?
What a fool I've been. I should have guessed.
How much, Mr. Stanswood?
I have no price.
It's already been paid.
Well, gentlemen, What's your decision?
Is it our wish...
that Thomas Stanswood should ride tomorrow morning...
wearing the colors of Andrea Paresi.
Break the door!
Quickly!
This way!
Hurry!
Quick!
I think no one's following us.
We should be safe here for a while.
Were you surprised that the fiancée of Don Carlos was a patriot?
Were you, Thomas?
Orietta...
She's dead, Thomas. She is dead.
She'll never know. I can't bear it.
I could put up with the sneers and insults of the people...
and Don Carlos pawing me.
But not to be able and tell my own sister!
She was so young, so honest.
So outspoken!
I couldn't tell her! She wouldn't have understood.
And now she'll never know.
Never.
Orietta.
She guessed the truth.
She despised Don Carlos, but she loved you.
No. I'd like to believe that.
But I played my part too well.
Everyone believed that Orietta Arconti...
was unworthy of her father's name.
No.
Don't say no, Thomas, you too thought the same thing.
Forgive me, I did.
- But now I can't go on. - Orietta, you must!
Just one more day till the race is over.
Otherwise, Serenela would have died for nothing.
But she did die for nothing.
She didn't. Orietta, you know better than that.
You must continue for her sake.
Yes, yes, of course.
I'm alright now.
But sometimes I feel so alone.
You're a man, you couldn't understand.
Couldn't I?
Orietta, I'm alone too.
Remember, you must stay hidden till the race.
Promise me you will.
I promise.
The horse will be ready for you at the stable.
Hurry.
Take care my love.
Leave that sword here.
No weapons in the city ​​today.
You slept well, my dear?
Yes, thank you.
Your bodyguard, of course, was otherwise employed.
- Really? - Foolish fellow.
He deserted your service and mine...
and decided to join forces with the 10.
I never asked for a body guard.
Yesterday, the 10 had their last meeting, Orietta.
I was warned and caught eight of them.
That leaves only one,
since Stanswood was killed this morning.
Stanswood dead?
Yes Signorina, the masquerade is over.
You, he and Paresi...
were all in the plot against me.
Stanswood dead!
Which of you gentlemen is first? I'm very short of time.
Oh, come now, secrecy has no place in marriage.
- Marriage? - Oh, we shall marry!
After all, I can hardly ignore the great house of Arconti.
The people will never accept you.
People?
People are sheep, in a pen.
Shall I have them arrested?
Morning becomes Paresi's colors, don't you think?
To the victor in this race...
goes the ancient banner...
and the homage of this city.
Let the race begin!
Try and stop him now!
He must be stopped! There are tricks to winning a race.
The Englishman, eh?
The horse! Get him back on the horse!
Hold Hugo!
Take him!
Take him to Orietta!
Go back to where you came old men!
Go to your homes. We do not want you here!
I was never partial to Italian food.
Go back to Spain!
Yes.
Oh, Thomas, come and see them.
They all look so happy!
It's years since I've seen...
Why are you dressed like that?
I've come to say goodbye.
I'm leaving.
Leaving?
I am a mercenary.
I've been paid for my work here, now it's finished.
But I thought...
I mean, I hoped you were going to stay.
Oh, I'm sorry, I must earn my money somewhere else.
There's nothing left for me here now.
No. Of course, you're right.
There's nothing for you here.
Very well!
Then I must thank you Thomas Stanswood on behalf of my people,
What you have done for this city.
They'll not forget you.
And I will never forget you.
Goodbye, my lady.
Goodbye!
Halt! Stay where you are!
Oh no! Not again!
Thomas Stanswood, Please come with us.
Well, at least you're more polite in this part of the country.
My lady.
Attack me!
With pleasure.
Did they teach you this one, hmm?