Valenzia Candiano: Racconto

In a dimly lit chamber of the Venetian ducal palace, seventeen of the Republic’s most powerful men gather around a heavy table. The air hums with the rustle of ledgers and low murmurs as senators debate the costly victory over Genoa and the looming threats to the fleet. Central to their conversation is the celebrated admiral Candiano, a septuagenarian hero whose reputation hangs in the balance. The council’s solemn deliberations are suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a cryptic slip of paper discovered in the so‑called “Lion’s Throat,” hinting at hidden accusations against the admiral.

The mysterious note sparks a tense exchange among the seasoned politicians, especially the sharp‑tongued Senator Barbarigo, who claims a personal connection to Candiano’s past. As they grapple with the possibility of a secret vendetta, they summon the enigmatic Apostolo Malumbra to illuminate the truth. The scene sets the stage for a careful unraveling of political intrigue, loyalty, and the shadowy forces that may be at work within the Republic’s highest council.