Despite the excommunication, peace held for the entire rest of 1069 and into 1070 for the House of Orsini. A daughter, Adriana, was born in late November, and appeared to be a most ordinary child. In February, what was fast becoming an annual second-month event, Mayor discovered that she was once more pregnant.
Then on March 14th, a new menace arose, the deadliest the House of Orsini had ever faced.
"Duke Robert de Hauteville, rightful ruler of the County of Capua, and his ally the Emperor of Byzantium, do hereby declare war on the traitor of the Mother Church, Iacopo Orsini, and demands that he be given the title of Count of Capua."
The messenger's face was devoid of emotion as he announced the missive. Privately, pity was in his heart for the outmatched man, and respect bloomed there too, when he was allowed to leave with his life spared and even given more provisions for the journey back home.
It was entirely too bad that so noble a man was due to be crushed, the envoy reflected as he left.
The next day
"We have no choice, husband. If we are to spare our people unwanted bloodshed and pain, then we must surrender Capua immediately to the Lion of Apulia. The Norman forces alone outnumber both yours and Anselm's combined armies, to say nothing of the Empire's regiments."
"He must not surrender to a filthy Norman! It would violate everything he has fought for and dreamed of! And furthermore, it would damage his prestige throughout Italy!"
The Spymistress and the Countess glared at one another before turning to the heavy-browed Count, awaiting his decision.
Iacopo sighed and hung his head, "There is merit in what both of you say. However, I would be remiss in my duties of noblesse oblige if I were to allow the people to suffer. Richard shall have Capua."
Job knew no greater trial than this, reflected the Count.
But it was not to be, for Robert refused to even meet the emissary, and emphasized this by sending back the messenger's head.
The Lion of Apulia was determined to wound the Tiger of Orvieto and show him that the Normans were the rightful rulers of Italy.
Marriage bait for a courtier
The Lion of Apulia