The city of Verona, the capital of the Duchy of Verona, is located on the banks of the Adige River in northern Italy, 65 miles west of Venice, is an ancient city integrating ancient culture and modern civilization, with a long history, beautiful scenery and beautiful legends, it is the hometown of Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's plays, and has always been a famous destination in Italy.

In ancient times, it was a Roman colony and has many monuments of Roman history, including the 1st century A.D. Arena of Alena, second only to the Colosseo and Capua in Rome, which is now used as an opera venue; There is also a Roman theater built at the same time, more than 50 churches of different eras and styles, 24 palaces of princes and nobles, 3 Gothic bell towers, 10 castles, and princely tombs of different sizes.

At the same time, Verona also had an important military position, being a strategic defensive fortress at every important stage in the history of European development.

Verona is bordered by the Alps in the north, Milan in the west, Venice in the east, and Rome in the south.

For this reason, Verona is also known as the "Porte de Italy", and its symbol is the famous stone sculpture "Lion's Gate", a Romanesque arch about 20 meters high and 8 meters wide, towering over the ancient streets of Capello, whose lions are still alive despite centuries.

Maurice Welf and his party arrived in Verona, where they met his uncle, Duke of Guelph Welf.

The Duke of Verona was only forty years old, dressed in a gorgeous silk robe, handsome and resolute, and his gestures between walks had a rather attractive charm, which made people yearn for it.

However, when the Duke of Verona came to everyone's side, his somewhat pale face was really worrying.

"Maurice, you finally came back to the Duchy of Verona, before you left the Duchy of Verona, it took half a year to go, but I am so worried." The Duke of Verona, Guelph Welf, and Maurice hugged each other and cared:

"You know, since your mother died, you have been the closest person to me, and I will not let you leave Verona now."

"Uncle Guelph, I'm sorry, but I'm already the head of the mercenary regiment to which the Duke of Normandy belongs. I have come to the Duchy of Verona to recruit mercenaries in Verona and Lombard, and then I will go to war with the Duke of Apulia.

I hope for your help, Uncle Guelph. Maurice Welf shook his head and refused.

"Isn't it good to stay here, I can give you my noble title and domain to inherit, do you still need to engage in such a dangerous profession as a mercenary?

You must know that we are the last two members of Welf, and you are the hope of the Welf family, and nothing can happen. Guelph Welf, Duke of Verona, asked, puzzled.

Despite the Duke of Verona's patience, Maurice Welf had made up his mind, and it was not something that could be changed in a few words, and he patiently explained:

"Uncle Guelph, you know the identity of my illegitimate son, and with the attitude of the nobles towards me, it is impossible for me to inherit the title of Duke of Verona, and even if I inherit the Duchy of Verona by chance, His Majesty Henry III will not allow an illegitimate son to become the Duke of Verona.

William, Duke of Normandy, whom I now serve, was as bastard as I am, but who had done great things, and I would emulate him and gain glory in the war to wash away my bastard vig.

Then I gathered my strength, cleared the obstacles, succeeded the Duke of Verona, and regained the Duchy of Lombardy from my father. ”

"Damn, that thief, despicable thief, who not only abandoned your mother, but also killed her, married someone else, and took away the inheritance of the Duchy of Lombard from you, I am absolutely incompatible with the Duke of Lombard." The Duke of Guelph gritted his teeth when he heard Morris mention his ruthless father, the Duke of Lombard.

In the Apennines, betrayal by friends and family was very commonplace, especially among the aristocracy, in whom there were only permanent interests and no permanent friends, and betrayals and intrigues were commonplace.

When the Duke of Lombard deceived Maurice's mother, after she gave birth to Maurice Welf, he cruelly abandoned the mother and son, and then married the daughter of another great noble family, and gave birth to an orthodox heir, such a cold approach is really sad.

"Uncle Guelph, a man like my father is not worthy of anger, but it is better to take care of your health, for our strength alone cannot resist the mighty Principality of Lombard, and we must be patient and do our best to maintain peace with Lombard.

Believe me, Uncle Guelph, I can gain glory and wealth in this war, and I will strengthen myself, and then the time will be for us to succeed. Morris clasped Guelph with both hands and persuaded.

"Okay, I promise you, and then I will do my best to help you recruit soldiers, provide you with supplies and all kinds of help." Guelph was silent for a moment before nodding in response.

"Thank you, Uncle Guelph." Maurice Welf bowed in thanks.

"By the way, Morris, who are the warriors behind you, can you introduce me to them?" The Duke of Guelph regained his composure, and only then did he pay attention to the mercenary generals who were following behind Morris.

"Uncle Guelph, these two are my right-hand men. He is Theowulf the Boneless, a famous hero of England and the leader of the English mercenaries who came with me.

This is Igino de la Marque, an Italian, an admirable warrior, not only brave and good at war, but also quite strategic, calm and composed, and the leader of the Italian mercenaries. Maurice Welf introduced Guelph, Duke of Verona.

The Duke of Guelph had a good image of the two men, and he was very satisfied that his nephew could bring two warriors to help, and he had a little more confidence in him.

"Theowulf, Ijino Delamarck, I entrust this unsuccessful nephew to you, I hope you can help him well, and our Welf family will remember your kindness." The Duke of Guelph said sincerely.

"Please don't say that, we are brothers and sisters with Maurice, and we should help our brothers, and we will not covet anything in return." Igino Delamarck said, shaking his head.

"Yes, Duke of Verona, we will never leave Maurice, please rest assured." Theowulf patted his chest and reassured.