Storello.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 24, 11 December 1912, Page 50

Storello.

By

W. HENRY MORGAN.

ft'RI’LE-BRONZE were tire hills above Montepulciano when, amid the glow of sunset, Storello . • strode down from the heights, winter in hi<s heart and a sword in his band. The twitter of birds beginning .their nesting fell on his ears unheeded; spring whispered in vain. . Jbord of Montepulciano, Gino Storello ,Wa» a glorious figure—a marble god come /to life. His hair was raven; his eyes like feapphires seen at night; his shoulders pitch as cleave a way amidst the crush of battle. Fortt deemed him mad, brrt pien feared him and loved him; for Btorello read much and thought more, "fought seldom, but mightily. Florence •was more to his liking than his rugged .hillside home, and, therefore, while he (frittered time away in feeding on that city's store of learning, good ijien fret ted in Montepulciano for lack of a leader. But Storello got a rude awakening, and learnt how life may shatter dreams. 'Across the valley lay Pienza, the toy of imcrezia Versola, who had so far forgotten she was a woman that men scarce remembered it. Vrged on by kindred souls, she had sent forth her scarlet liveried crew to ravage the hills, till, icbwed and scarred, at sight of the Bpoilers men tied like mice to find a burrow. But of Montepulciano Lucrezia kept clear, for though Storello dallied tijar, he left good blades behind him. »ow, however, Lucrezia hid ventured Soo far. Home for a time, Storello had »een troubled by the brawling of some jot Luerezia’s soldiers, who, were wont to Sneak into Montepulciano to guzzle the wine no other place in all the realm of Tiiseany could boast. Storello had sent i|o |>id Lucrezia keep her tippling marauders at her side. By way of a reply. She vixen <?f Pienza had the messenger beaten until his doublet hung in rags, anil when he crawled to Storello's feet a yvhimpering bruise, the lord of Montepulciano awoke from his.dreaming.

“By Virgil!” he snarled, "I’ll teach this Lucrezia her manners,” and, grasping a iiake<i sword, he sped forth, daring any to follow-. •

Bareheaded, Storello raged an his way to ’Pienza; and so well had he been fed oil flattery that Lucrezia’- slight stung a’l the deeper by reason of its surprise, -p.bus, fuming over one surprise, he met another. As lie neared the foot of the he came on a youth sitting' on a stone by the way. Slight and slender, rthe boy was clad in dove-coloured doublet and hose, while his hair escaped in russet profusion from under a feathered cap. " ’Tis time thou wert seeking a bed, frowned Storello, reaching his * Dord, I lack a bed to seek,” said the youth, raising a pair of eyes Raphael Would have loved to paint. • Since when?” asked Storello, ■ “Since Lucrezia Versola sent her band of devils to spoil I'ontalcino.” ‘\resu!” swore Storello. “Luerezia's Score grows bigger. ‘•She fattens on evil,” said tjie boy Badly. "Didst ever hear of Storello?" asked the lord of Montepulciano, not heeding. ‘1 peek him,” was the reply. ‘ Alas, poor lord, he’s mad!" I 'then thy search is o'er," said Storello; "I am that madman." “I-ord, dost remember Beatrice Rocot ta ?” •Storello swept a lock of hair from out of |iis eyes, paused a moment, then: ■Little Beatrice of Montaieino, with whom I played as a child! Could I ever forget?" he cried. ‘•Beatrice thinks so. lord. For years she has not scon thee, and now sends me to tell thee that her father is wallowing in Luerezia's dungeons, while she hath fle\l into hiding." Lucrezia A ersola had increased her debt in stirring up another emotion in Storello's breast. Memory brought back |hc sweet child face of Beatrice Roeotta, and anger stained Storelloa cheek and colour of Montepulciaiio's reddest wine. “I by name, baby’” he demanded. ' J ho Lady Beatrice call, me Beppino.” "Then follow mo, Beppino. I go to talk with this harpy who rules iu Pienza.” “flaat forgotten thy men, lord!" naked Bappiuo, amazed.

‘’Storello alone is a march for Lucrezia Versola,” was the reply. — - Then, shutting hw ears to the boy's fears, Storello swung on his way, and the patter of feet behind him told that Beppino followed. As he journeyed a smile crept round Storello’s lipa which boded ill for Lucrezia if aught had befallen his little playmate. On he went with angry strides, and. when darkness had almost fallen, he stood before the postern of Luerezia’s stronghold. “I Would speak with Lucrezia Versola,” he rasped to the sentry lolling against the door. "Wouldst be rojasted alive?" jibed the soldier.

"Fool!" hissed Storello. peering into the sentry’s eyes; "out of the -way!’’ "Madonna! 'tis a lordliug gone mad.” exclaimed the man. Grinning, he stood aside. Across the deserted courtyard strode Storello, and, hearing sounds that told of revelry, into Luerezia’s great hall he passed. Here was a motley company feasting, and. blinking at the sudden glare of light, Storello spied a woman seated at the end of a table raised above the rest. One glance at her redgqld hair and eyes the colour of a sullen sea told him that she was the woman he sought. Straight to the table he went, and many a bright eye followed his going; the lord of Montepulciano was a splendid figure in his black and gold. Before Lucrezia, Storelllci halted, resting on the hilt otihia sword, while Beppino stood at his side wondering if this mad lord should see the light of day. once more.

“What have we here’" asked Lucrezia in dulcet tones. "Were he not ever a-gadding, I should name thee Storello the mad,” she laughed. "Mad, perchance, but still Storello am I,” answered the object of her mirth.

’“Thy wish’" demanded Lucrezia, mocking. "My will." said Sforello with ominous gentleness, "is that thou shalt crave pardon for beating my servant.” Laughter shook the hall; Luerezia’s cronies enjoyed mightily what they held to be the height of Storello's folly. As for Lucrezia,. she laughed not at all.

“Lord, you fright me,” .she said, feigning humility'. “ 'Tis with Gecco there thou must deal."

At this a lump of flesh heaved up from the table—Gecco Laneredi, a rogue from Genoa who captained Luerezia’s forces. When Lucrezia lacked amusement, this Gecco was wont to weave fresh devilry to please her.

‘’Peacock!” he bawled at Storello; "get you gone, or maybe I shall do more than beat.”

‘That i.s plain, for always thou wilt grunt like a hog,” sneered Storello. Lucrezia clapped her hands for joy as Gecco grabbed an axe and made ■for Storello, squealing rage. Motionless, the lord of Montepulciano awaited him, and a gasp went up from those about when they beheld him drop his sword. Gecco's axe sang in the air as he aimed a sweeping blow at Storello's head. Like lighting, Storello stooped beneath the stroke, and the next instant his hand closed on Gecco’s wrist. Luerezia’s captain squealed anew, but for pain. The axe dropped ringing on the floor as Storello nigh twisted the captain’s arm from its socket; then lie grasped him by the girdle, and Lucrezia saw a sight such as none in Pienza had ever beheld. Slowly the bulk of Gecco swung upward until he bung in air. Breathing became a pain when, bowed by the weight, Storello’s shoulders bent backward: sweat broke over his pallid brow in a torrent as, for ■what seemed eternity, he poised rigid—a sculptured gladiator. Then his back stiffened like the recoil of a bow, and. wingless, Gecco flew through space until he crashed on his back on the stone step leading to Luerezia's table. Breathing was ushered by a longdrawn, sobbing sigh, and nun rushed to Hie fallen captain; but though he lived he had been better dead, for from that hour he never walked again. As for Storello. he stood bent over the hilt of his sword; his shoulders rose and fell quickly, but naught more did he show of the struggle. Lucrezia stood gazing on him from under lowered lids while Geoeo was borne away moaning.

Then low laughter poured from her throat, and she held out her hand, q

“Lord,” she rippled. "I ask pardon for that beating. What else can »a weak woman do with such a man as thee?”

Storello bent over Luerezia's ■ outstretched hand, and many smiled to behold him; they knew the meaning of the harpy’s lowered lids. “Lord, thou wilt sit at my poor table,” Lucrezia nigh begged, leading him to a seat.

"In Montepulciano we never scorn Bacchus,” said Storello, handing his sword to the boy Beppino. A\ ith her own fair hands Lucrezia handed Storello a briinmiug-cup, and ■with a laugh he drained it at a gulp. More and more did men smile as Storello drank deeper, and many a hand that waited for grimmer work released a dagger s-hilt; for, clearly. Lucrezia meant to fight her own duel. Heedless. Storello drank on. flashing dazzling wit at the woman who was scheming his fall, while, guarding a naked sword, the boy Beppino struggled with an aching heart; for truly, he vowed, this Storello was mad! •Swaying a little, the madman rose to Ills feet. Some wanton had flung a chain of roses qver his shoulders — gorgeous splashes of red against his sombre black. "Lady,” he leered at Lucrezia, "how old art thou?" "As old as Eve,” she smiled.

“Nay, A’enus," objected Storello. Not all the wine in Tuscany would let his wits muddle this woman of beautiful form and harpy’s soul with the mother of mankind.

“That l )a g e °f thine hath a pretty face, said Lucrezia, her eye falling on Beppino. "Henceforth he serves thee." said Storello. "I should say—serves Venus!” Luerezia's vanity fed on this flattery until her pride soared high as Lucifer’s. Inspired, she loosed all her power to fool Storello to the top of his bent. At a motion of her jewelled hand a bevy o! voluptuous beauties began to dance in the space before her table. Riot and mirth ran high, and master of the revels was Storello. At his side, Beppino shook like an aspen for fear, while bitter fury raged in his heart against this mad lord who had delivered him into the hands of the tyrant of Pienza.

While her dancers pelted Storello with roses,-Lucrezia begat fresh devilment. "Bring hither Racotta!” she cried.

Dazed by the glare of light, his arms bound to his sides, Racotta was brought forth from hij dungeon to be the jest of the revellers. Grim as an old hawk, he stood before Lucrezia. “By Virgil. cried Storello, “here’s one that’s sober!” "Storello!” cried Racotta, "Art thou fallen so low?’’ he sorrowed. . . 1 Lucrezia nigh sang for joy, but, white to the lips, Beppino shrank out of sight. "Thou hast a palsy, man." said Storello, wagging a shaking finger. “I'll banish thy trouble. Dance!” he comnvuided to the waiting women, then lurched towards Racojtta, spilling wine as he went. Sternly Racotta awaited, and. midst a whirl of limbs and yells of laughter, Storello fell on the prisoner’s breast, while the wine he held to Racotta’s lips flew into his face, and poured over his doublet. For a moment Storello hung helpless op Racotta’s shoulder, then reeled back to his place at Luerezia’s side. "Take that sour face away,” he entreated; “a churchman would treat wine better.” Lucrezia was minded to bait Racotta more, but, bent on blinding Storello to his own danger, she humoured him. and Racotta was led back to his darkness, but he hid a smile in his beard. Not so easily, however, was the drunken mood of the lord of Montepulciano to be satisfied. Discontent on h's face, he turned to Lucrezia. and: “My A’enus,” said he, “I grow weary of so much company.” "Get you all to bed!” shrilled Lucrezia. “I would talk with Storello awhile. My new page stays to attend me," she simpered. A\ ith drunken stagger and vacant laugh, the company did her bidding, and many a meaning glance was cast on Lucrezia as she sat amid the glittering lights. As for Storello, he strove to keep awake. ‘‘Thou hast been overlong in coming to Pienza," murmured Lucrezia. The answer was a snore! Exultant, I.uerezia bent over the .snoring Storello, who had collapsed ou the fable. Craft had triumphed, and the slayer of Gecco should awake in a duugeon.

“Sot !” she scorned, trembling with excitement, “did’st think to defy Lucrezia

A’ersola In her hall? In drops of blood shalt thou-, pay!" she hissed in the sleeper’s ear.

- The next instant fingers -like steel gripped.her throat, and the low, laughing sneer of Storello mocked her struggles. “Jade!” he whispered, “didst, think thyself a match for Storello? Hast yet to learn mad wits are best for scheming?”

•Scarce able to breathe, Lucrezia glared back in bitter spite; to know her woman’s wit outdone by this man of iron strength was for her Gethsemane. Storello laughed in her face.

“Quickly!" he commanded Beppino, who gazed with open mouth; "cut the cord from yonder curtain and bind her feet.”

Nigh senseless, Lucrezia was bound hand and foot, then gagged with a napkin from her own table. Sober as the Pope, Storello stood over her, grinning ■triumph. Bent on his fall, Lucrezia had not seen how he had spilt more wine ■than he drank. AA’ith a look past- contempt, he rolled her beneath the table, then took his gleaming sword from Beppino’s hand. “AA ouldst still follow Storello?" he smiled.

"While life lasts." replied the youth, his soul in his eves.

1 hou hast time to spare,” laughed the lord of Montepulciano softly. Noiselessly Storello crossed the hall, pausing before a curtained doorway through which they had led Racotta. Moving the hanging a little, lie peeped •through and beheld a long passage at the end of which glimmered a faint light. This; he guessed, was the path of pain leading to Luerezia’s dungeons. Catlike he went forward. Beppino at his heels. Reaching the turn at the end of the passage, Storello looked round the corner and beheld a guard leaning against the wall. Above his head was a lanthorn hanging from a bracket. The man's eyelids were drooping, but opened wide in fright as Storello’s sword nigh pierced, his throat. “Silent, or you die!".came the hoarse whisper of Storello, five snapping from his sapphire eyes. No second bidding did the sentry need when he saw how Death sat grinning on ■the point of a sword. Like one rooted to the ground lie stood while Beppino relieved him of his weapons. "Lead to where Racotta lies!” ordered Storello.

Shaking, the man led the w v ay past a number of bolted doors, Storello’s sw-ord at his back, while Beppino carried the lanthorn. The sentry drew back a bolt, and at a gesture from Storello entered the dungeon beyond. SpraSrted on a heap of rags was Racotta, chuckling as though he were free from care. ‘■Thou hast a fool's luck, Storello,” he gurgled. "Never did I hope to know thee live to keep the promise of hauling me lienee which thou didst make lolling on my shoulder.”

But- Storello was too busy with Luerezia’s sentinel to heed, and, thrusting the lanthorn into his empty hand, Beppino bent over Racotta and cut his bonds, talking softly the while. Then Racotta sprang forward and bound the soldier with the rope he had just cast off. After stuffing the fellow’s mouth full of rags to still his tongue, Storello viewed their work with content.

"Now to lose or win all,” said he. “Our coming hath been easy, but our going may spell danger.” “Fear not,” said Racotta, "men shall die before I am bound again." (Back to the hall they went, Storello leading, and Racotta nigh had a fit of mirth when he beheld Luerezia’s plight. Bending, he raised her and flung ’her over his shoulder like a sack of corn. ‘"Now let us get hence,” he whispered. Though he thoiigbt this more easily said than done. Storello led the way into the loggia which skirted the side of Luerezia's hall. Down its length tliet Crept, and came to the courtyard. Faintly in the gloom they beheld the form of the guard at the postern which led to the road. For the rest of those who should have watched o’er Luerezia’s slumber, this night of riot had glutted them past all action, and bitterness filled the vixen's heart as she heard their drunken snoring wafted from the guardhouse. Truly, in scheming. Storello had forgotten naught. AVlien they were as close as the shadows would allow, •Storello prepared to make a way. “This work is mine,” said Racotta. baring his teeth; “yonder swine may have ravaged in Montaieino.” Snatching Storello’s dagger from its sheath, Racotta swung back his arm.

Through the air the blade sang and caught the man who barred their path full between the shoulders. He fell without knowing what had brought him death. ; ...

“What now?” asked Racotta,. when they were clear of Pienza. "On to Montepuleiano,” replied sstoreilo.

Away strode Racotta, chuckling, without waiting for his companions to keep pace. That he bore Lucrezia was enough for him. On the morrow they stripped her of her rich raiment, and attiring her as a beggar, drove her forth amid jeers to find her way back to Pienza. Thus was Storello's contempt made plain, and hill and valley rang with mirth -when it was told how the harpy’s pride was drowned in shame.

“Jesu!” swore Storello, “Racotta gives not a thought to his daughter.” "I have quieted -his fear, lord,” informed Beppino, stumbling as he walked. "Tired, baby?” asked Storello, flinging his arm round the boy’s waist, and getting his third surprise. Tire waist his arm encircled was a woman's! "The devil!” jerked the lord of. Monte-pnl-ciano, staring into her eyes; then, “Beatrice!” he gasped. “Wouldet rather the devil?” asked Beatrice Racotta sleepily. For reply. Storelip kissed her on the lips, and learnt still more. “Lord!” gasped Beatrice, breathing hard and wide awake.

"Baby!” he mimicked. “Do you remember -how we were wont to piny at wedding?” - “ 'Tis thou who hast forgot, lord,” sighed Beatrice. “Tlrou Shalt teach me to remember, my life,” smiled Storello. ibr eyes flickered upward, met his for a moment, and finding more than play therein, she crept to his arms. Storello picked her up and carried her like a child. And then he learnt how very little is to be gained from books ami dreaming: learnt how life contains all wisdom.

Up the hill before Montepuleiano he climbed, seeing much he had not seen before. And the dark mantle of the sky became streaked with grey; the rose of dawn touched the hillside, the note of a bird rang out—it was dSy.