And then another picture rose before his eyes.

What would he do in times of peace?
His was a soul that pined in palaces.

He was born to the camp, and not to the vapid air of courts.

In exchange for this power that was offered him what must he give?
His glorious liberty.

Become their lord in many things, to be their slave in more.
Nominally to rule, but actually to be ruled, until, should he fail to do his rulers' will, there would be some night another meeting such as this, in which men would plot to encompass his downfall and to supplant him as he was invited to supplant Gian Maria.