They had turned a corner and Gherardus had gone as far as he could go prolonging the inevitable. His railings ceased. Held at bay by his own chain of sins, the Lord Commander became mute.
Excerpt – Betrayal
I think it’s interesting to note that when it came time to accuse Pero de Alava of being a traitor, of being a troublesome foreigner, Gherardus could not say it.
Gherardus managed his emotions although he was uncomfortable hearing Pero’s good name dragged through the mud, derogated by all these defamatory terms. He held the Spaniard in the highest esteem and was nearly envious of the brilliant administration he had initiated in Capua. The loss of such devotion and talent seemed almost immoral. Almost.
Excerpt – Betrayal
Gherardus knows what they are doing to Pero is wrong. But Gherardus has been sinning for a long time and has forsaken many people who trusted him. He can’t save Pero. It’s just not in him anymore, if it ever was.
All Gherardus’ ranting and raving about Italy and the Church in Chapter 3, can’t prevent what is decided in Chapter 4.
They are going to agree to kill Pero and all the people in Capua in order to send a strong message to anyone who might want to support Philip of Swabia as the next Holy Roman Emperor.
“Behold that awful fig which has withered on the vine, the swine undulating back and forth in the sludge. I have no strength or conviction to offer anyone… And to think, I admire Pero more than any other bastard in my court. Awful surely does not do me justice.”
Excerpt – Betrayal
We see a bit earlier in Chapter 4, that when Gherardus falters, his son, Talento, emerges from the shadows behind the throne to highlight the allegations against Pero.
This is a precursor for what will be coming although Talento isn’t even mentioned again in this first book, Betrayal. This event is laying the groundwork.
Talento is merely biding his time and maneuvering himself.
On the surfaces, he’s a weak and immoral creature, a snake. But he’s also, intelligent, dangerous and opportunistic. He’s not going to grasp for leadership unless the path to seize it is truly clear. He’s not a risk taker. He’s very calculated.
Just felt an urge to focus on this peculiar nuance that readers might not have noticed.
Gherardus still entertains a spirit of righteousness, but he’s weighed down by too much evil to act on it. It’s too difficult to resist doing more evil.
Talento, on the other hand, is young and ambitious and seeks openings and cracks to slip through. He’s anxious for power but he realizes he can’t just take it or claim it like his older brother, Rugerius can.
The stars are going to have to align just right for him to stand up and be who he really wants to be.
Stay inspired and keep reading!
Author Allen M Werner 
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