A Story of the Beginning (Revised Edition) (ePub)

(This is a prequel to "No Tears: Northern Company")

By 30 years old in 1527, Giovanni Salzano had fought his way across Europe for the better part of 13 years and countless wars. He had gained a reputation as a rugged, bullish fighter, loyal to the coin, and loyal to his employer if paid on time. He did the job that needed to be done.

But it was not always that way. Before 1514, Giovanni enjoyed a privileged life with his uncle Bonaventure, nephew Deangelo, and best friend Romano Tantillo in the Italian countryside near the Town of Salzano, the town of their namesake. With his uncle watching over them, Deangelo, Romano, and Giovanni formed friendships that would seem to last forever. Archery and swordsmanship competitions and romantic interests such as Felicia Vitali consumed Giovanni's free time outside of his vested education in the capital city of the Republic itself.

Giovanni's inheritance of the uniquely accumulated wealth and business interests of the gentry family of Salzano had been entrusted to his uncle after Giovanni's father, Corradeo, died in 1509 and his mother shortly after. Known as the "Two Salzanos", Giovanni and his cousin Deangelo are set to control the family's good name and riches in several months' time, Giovanni his father's wealth, estate, and part of the boutique wine business, while Deangelo his father Bonaventure's business interests in the boutique wine, sword-making, and ranching in Venice. This is set to happen upon Giovanni turning eighteen years old and Bonaventure assuming the rightful position of mayor to the namesake of the same town of their last name, a position that has been void of a Salzano for three generations and which lawlessness has overtaken the countryside and the town itself in recent years.

However, when Bonaventure's mercenary past catches up with the now retired mercenary in 1514, the 17 year old Giovanni Salzano learns what "family business" means...

(This book contains several references to alcohol and alcohol abuse, adult language, and violent wartime scenes.)