The Flame and the Arrow Page #4

like everyone else.

-And why shouldn't you?

-Because I'm not like everyone else.

You're a very important man here,

marchese.

And that is why I can't allow you to set

a bad example for the rest of the valley.

I've been setting a bad example

for years.

And I have come back

to change all that.

That, my dear Ulrich, is your quandary.

This is mine.

If I should pay

your outrageous taxes...

...I would be left

without property or position.

Little more than anyone else

in this wretched valley.

I would scarcely be worse off

if you confiscated me entirely.

So at the risk of setting

a bad example...

...I am not going to pay you.

You set your example, marchese...

...and I'll set mine.

My uncle has already sent

several score to the pillory...

...and jailed a hundred more...

...for the same attitude

as yours, marchese.

As your uncle

may have heard, milady...

...during the Crusade I was imprisoned

briefly in several Saracen jails...

...but only briefly.

-And now, if milady will excuse me....

-Until we meet again.

You have just lost a husband.

-Send the march of the guard to me.

-I understand why you brought me here.

We can't afford

a military occupation indefinitely.

The emperor feels a marriage

between Lombardy and Hesse...

...would serve the empire.

You can tell the emperor--

I thought the marchese

would be an ideal husband for you.

We probably won't find another

as presentable.

Take a company of men to the castle

of the Marchese di Granezia.

Collect his taxes.

-And if he resists, my lord?

-If he resists, take him.

But I want him taken alive.

One step, two step.

Left foot, right foot.

Lightly, lightly, gay and sprightly.

Arch your back and curtsy slightly.

One, two, three, please.

Flex the knees.

Stop and bow and straight and now...

...it's one and two

and follow through.

And three and four

and bow once more and--

No, no, no.

It cannot be done.

Dancing must flow gracefully

and naturally from the spirit...

...as milk from a cow.

I cannot draw milk from a bull.

Rudi, really, try to pay attention.

Not many peasant boys

have the chance as you do...

...to grow up like a little prince

with servants to train you...

-...and take care of your every wish.

-I can take care of myself.

But then what would the servants do?

You sound like your father.

Don't you understand?

With Ulrich's influence,

you can be almost anything you want.

Oh, Rudi. I have a message for you.

Your father said to tell you

he'll see you soon.

The Marchese Alessandro of Granezia.

We're honored.

You are the sultan

of these tartar brigands?

Outlaws, marchese, outlaws.

I will take my possessions

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