Love-at-arms

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

3530

Title

Love-at-arms

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Renaissance Italy, this narrative follows Francesco del Falco, a valiant condottiero, as he navigates political intrigue and romance. With wit and historical flair, Sabatini weaves a tale of treachery, martial prowess, and the high stakes of Italian statecraft, appealing to fans of historical adventure and romantic drama.

Summary up to 500 words

Excerpted from the chronicles of Urbino during the dominion of Guidobaldo da Montefeltro, Rafael Sabatini's *Love-at-Arms* presents a tale of martial prowess, political intrigue, and romantic redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy. The narrative centers on Francesco del Falco, Count of Aquila, a celebrated condottiero summoned to the besieged fortress of Roccaleone. There, he encounters Monna Valentina della Rovere, the Duchess of Babbiano, whom he previously met while escorting her to Urbino. The castle is under siege by her cousin, Gian Maria Sforza, the Duke of Babbiano, a reckless ruler whose indulgence has left his duchy vulnerable to the expansionist ambitions of Cesare Borgia. Upon arrival, Francesco finds the garrison in disarray, led by the insolent Captain Fortemani and the treacherous Gonzaga. Despite initial friction and accusations of espionage, Francesco earns the trust of Valentina and her ladies. He orchestrates a daring escape, leaving the besieged forces trapped without supplies or escape routes. The climax unfolds as Gian Maria, realizing his defeat, attempts to flee but is forced to capitulate. In a moment of rage, he murders his own ally, Gonzaga, before accepting terms dictated by Francesco and Guidobaldo. The terms require Gian Maria to renounce his claim to Valentina and marry Guidobaldo's younger niece. Francesco and Valentina depart together, with the Duke of Urbino proposing their marriage. The excerpt concludes with a tender moment between the lovers, who have overcome political obstacles and personal misunderstandings to find a future together. The story highlights themes of loyalty versus treason, the volatility of power in Italy, and the transformative nature of love, all rendered through Sabatini's rich, historical prose.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3530.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg3530.epub

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2026-06-30 13:03 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Classics
• Romance
• History